Chester CountyPRESS
www.chestercounty.com
Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas
Volume 156, No. 11
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
$1.00
INSIDE Kennett graduates will all wear blue gowns By Chris Barber Contributing Writer Starting with Kennett High School’s Class of 2022, all of the graduates will wear blue gowns at commencement. Previously, the girls wore white, and the boys wore blue. Responding to a request by members of the High Author encourages School Gender Sexuality sportsmen to strength- Alliance at the February en friendships and board meeting, the board families...3A enthusiastically voted unanimously at Monday’s meeting to adopt the allblue garb.
Plans unveiled for 2022 Mushroom Festival...1B
At the presentation last month by Dio Gigante Dima, Jenna Oakes and Ash Wardwell during which they asked for the change, the three students cited results of surveys they administered which indicated most members of the senior class agree. In the discussion period preceding Monday’s vote, board member Michael Finnegan said he recalled the issue of graduation gown color had been brought up in a previous year, but at that time it was different. The reason given then was
that girls complained they had to buy a white dress to wear – as it turned out – only on that day. “I highly support this change,” Finnegan said. Board member Ann Parry likewise praised the proposed change. “It was a wonderful presentation that they felt they could come to us to make this decision. I am proud that we will approve this,” she said. Board member Ethan Photo by Chris Barber Cramer said it was vital At last year’s commencement, seniors process down to go forward with a new the school’s front steps with girls in white and boys Continued on page 2A
Officials celebrate the preservation of 162-acre property in Elk Township By Marcella Peyre-Ferry the state of Pennsylvania, Contributing Writer and the Brandywine Conservancy for a March Elk Township officials 9 gathering to celebrate the were joined by representa- preservation of the 162tives from Chester County, acre Martin property in the
township. Beautiful woods and open fields, as well as a vibrant wildlife habitat and headwater tributaries to the Continued on page 2A
Hotchkiss talks at Southern Chester County Chamber event...1B
INDEX Opinion.......................5A Obituaries......2B, 3B & 5B Classifieds..................4B Courtesy photo
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State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, the County Commissioners, representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Elk Township Supervisors, the Elk Township Open Space Board, Brandywine Conservancy, Elk Creek Watershed Association, and others gathered March 9 to mark the purchase of the 162-acre Martin property for permanent open space preservation.
Flooding discussed at Avondale Borough Council meeting Community and nonprofit advocates who formed the Avondale Apartments Advocacy Group reported their progress to the Avondale Borough Council on Feb. 16. The progress report was received very positively. The group, led by Carrie Freeman from United Way of Southern Chester County, Jim Mercante, and Leah Reynolds from Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), is committed to improving the human impact of the repetitive flooding at the Avondale Apartments in Avondale. Intense flooding there over a 20-year span has repeatedly necessitated the removal of families living in the bottom floor of the apartment building, sometimes by boat. Luckily there have been no fatalities during these storm emergencies to
date. “Courageous participation leads to positive results,” said Reynolds. “The Avondale Apartments Advocacy group is happy to work with this Borough Council and Mayor, along with the other organizations and compassionate citizens concerned about the repetitive, extreme flooding in Avondale. Clearly, this is a community that wants to take care of its citizens.” KACS is a lead nonprofit caring for the displaced residents during each flooding event. An apartment site visit was held on Nov. 19, 2021, and attended by concerned citizens, nonprofit leaders, the owner of the Avondale Apartments, ex-Avondale Borough Council President Bill Shore, Continued on page 4A
BHHS Fox & Roach and KACS kick off Don’t Settle for Homelessness initiative By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Several months ago, Jamie Kleman, the Engagement Strategist for Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), was heading to the nonprofit’s office on W. Cedar Street in Kennett Square when she saw a “For Sale” sign protruding from the ground in the front yard of a home. What followed next
created an invaluable collaboration with a local real estate group that is projected to raise thousands of dollars for KACS and provide a wide variety of assistance to those in need throughout Southern Chester County – and quite possibly thousands of other people around the United States. “In my head, I started to connect the dots,” Kleman said. “I started to think
how amazing it would be if every time a family was settling into a new home, that change could help a family or individual who was experiencing, or about to experience, homelessness.” The seeds of a new initiative began to take root. When Kleman arrived at work, she discussed her idea with KACS Communications and Engagement Director Sarah
Golden and Executive Director Leah Reynolds. Within a few days, Kleman met with Peter Waterkotte who, along with his wife Joelle Waterkotte, manages The Waterkotte Group, a real estate team and component of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach of Kennett Square. Within weeks, Kleman and Golden were pitching the idea on Zoom to
dozens of other agents in the BHHS Fox & Roach Kennett office. The concept was a simple one: At every closing, participating agents from the agency would have an opportunity to designate a portion of their commission to KACS, which would then be tracked, distributed, and used to support KACS programs and provide for emergency services. Continued on page 2A
Oxford Borough Council remembers Dr. Russell Doyle By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
© 2007 The Chester County Press
in blue.
Oxford Borough Council members acknowledged the recent passing of Dr. Russell Doyle at the start of their meeting on March 7. Council president Kathryn Cloyd said, “Our condolences go out to his family and friends.” Doyle was not only a well-known doctor in the community, but had also
served on Borough Council and various boards throughout the Oxford community and beyond. He practiced medicine in the community for over 30 years. He and his wife Dr. Fayle Doyle helped start the Southern Chester County Medical Center in Jennersville. Doyle also served in the U.S. Army and the Delaware Air National Guard. He was a Flight Surgeon and the
CO of the Delaware Air National Guard Medical Clinic, eventually becoming the State Air Surgeon. He served in both Operation Desert Shield and in Operation Desert Storm. He retired from the Air National Guard as a Colonel in 1992. He served in many positions in the medical community until his retirement from the family medicine practice in 1988. Funeral arrange-
ments are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Council also took time to briefly discuss the war in Ukraine. Cloyd said, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people in Ukraine.” She also announced the dates for the new rain barrel workshops, which are Saturday, March 26 and Saturday, April 2 at 10 a.m.
Residents may sign up by emailing kcloyd@oxfordboro.org. If a resident has previously signed up for a rain barrel, an email has been sent to them inquiring about their preferred date. During public comment, Marge Laige, an Oxford Hotel resident, posed some questions to council regarding parking at the Oxford Hotel. Council will apprise the borough solicitor of the Continued on page 3A
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Local News Homelessness... Continued from Page 1A
“Closing for KACS,” a program designed to fall under the Don’t Settle for Homelessness umbrella, went live last week, and the invitation to contribute to KACS is open to all agents in the Kennett office and will be offered to multiple BHHS Fox & Roach locations throughout Chester County in the upcoming months. Each agent will be able to designate a percentage or any amount they wish to donate, whether they are on the buying or selling side of their transaction. For Peter Waterkotte, the timing of the proposal was perfect and directly on target with the aspirations of the agency – to align itself with a local non-profit organization. “When Jamie and Sarah first approached us, my initial reaction was that the idea was already laid out and in motion,” said Waterkotte, a former member of the Kennett Borough Council. “It was just a matter of forming this relationship between our group and KACS, which then
Elk Township... Continued from Page 1A
Big Elk Creek are part of the picturesque property that makes an important connection and expansion to the Big Elk section of the White Clay Creek Preserve. The eastern tip of the property connects to the north western side of the
turned into a relationship locations in Jennersville, with Berkshire Hathaway.” Unionville, Chadds Ford and Hockessin, and the 92 Crucial need for other Berkshire Hathaway additional funding offices and their agents in the Mid-Atlantic region. The “Closing for KACS” In addition, Berkshire initiative could not have Hathaway’s Charity begun at a more crucial Services will be matching time. Golden said that 25 percent of every contrithe agency’s Emergency bution that will be made. Assistance Team is cur“While ‘Closing for rently fielding 90 cases in KACS’ may be our spea range of crisis services. cific program, once we “The difference that this are able to show the difprogram will make for us ference and impact it will be unbelievable,” she makes and how easy it is said. “It will go into the to implement, we hope to purchase of food, accounts encourage other states to for hotel stays for our dis- model it and help eradicate placed residents, and will homelessness in their own help pay for utility bills. backyards, using their own While it takes care of so creativity under the Don’t many elements of what Settle for Homelessness KACS is trying to do, it initiative,” Kleman said. also opens up opportunities “Homelessness is an issue for other organizations and that has no boundaries and businesses to embrace a while we’re thrilled that we ‘cause marketing’ approach pioneered the program, our that will allow them to feel goal is to create a national a sense of responsibility impact.” and form a mutual partnership of promotion.” ‘A new awakening’ The long-term impact of the “Closing for KACS” Joelle Waterkotte said initiative won’t just end that ultimately, the initiawith the BHHS Fox & tive will be presented to the Roach Kennett office entire Berkshire Hathaway but will be extended to real estate family at a the agency’s other area future national convention
preserve, which also connects to preserve property in Maryland and Delaware. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn was one of the first speakers. DCNR was a major financial contributor to the purchase of the site, adding $754,300 in grant
funds, with Elk Township adding over $400,000 as well. “White Clay Creek Preserve is integral to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in this community and the region at large, which is why we are pleased to make today’s grant announcement,” Dunn said in an earlier
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Peter and Joelle Waterkotte of The Waterkotte Group, center, recently launched the “Closing for KACS” initiative under the Don’t Settle for Homelessness program in collaboration with Kennett Area Community Service, that will give real estate sales representatives at the agency the option of dedicating a portion of their closing commissions to KACS. Also pictured are, at left, Jamie Kleman and Sarah Golden, at right, of KACS.
– which includes as many as 35,000 agents. “When Jamie and Sarah first introduced this concept to us, all I could think about was, ‘We have to do it,’” she said. “It’s a perfect message and it fits so well with what we already do for a living. It extends the idea that while we are helping people settle into their own homes, we can actu-
ally help someone who is losing – or is about to lose – a home. “Best of all, it happens at the moment when we as agents are being reciprocated for the work that we have done, and what a better time for us to set aside some of that commission in order to help others? It is something that we can do every single day, and
it has become a new passion for all of us – a new awakening.” To learn more about the Don’t Settle for Homelessness initiative at Kennett Area Community Service, visit www.kacsonline.net.
press release. “I am grateful for the positive impact this acquisition, and the incredible work being done locally to help protect and expand public lands, will undoubtedly have in the future.” State Sen. Carolyn Comitta was also in attendance. “Every time we preserve our open spaces and watersheds, we’re supporting the constitutional right of all Pennsylvanians
to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment,” she said before the meeting. “I thank DCNR for this investment in expanding the White Clay Creek Preserve. And I continue to work to ensure that the preserve and this new addition can be accessed and enjoyed by all residents, families, and visitors for generations to
come.” Open space preservation is important to Elk Township which can now proudly state that over 50 percent of the land in the municipality is preserved. Chester County is approaching having 30 percent of the total county land in preservation programs. It is expected that the newly preserved property in Elk Township will soon be open to the public.
Graduation gowns...
der, ethnicity or origin,” he said. Also at the meeting, Robotics Team coach and mentor Ron Sandstrom asked for and received permission to take his team to postseason competition events (beginning in April) should they qualify. The Kennett team traditionally does well and regularly goes on to the
postseason tournaments. During the regular season they have two events: one at Springfield and the other at Seneca High School in New Jersey. He received approval to take his team to Lehigh University for the Mid-Atlantic championships should they qualify, and to Houston, Texas, if they made the world finals. Additionally, in his monthly report, Superintendent Dusty Blakey announced that during the most recent count there had been zero cases of COVID-19 in the district schools. With that news, the district has made wearing masks totally optional, even on school buses He added that even at the county level, the incidence is currently at the “low” level.
Continued from Page 1A
tradition that makes graduation day important for all students in the class. “It’s important that every single student that comes through our district feels special, that we are a community. … that [being at Kennett] isn’t based on gen-
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To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
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Local News Author encourages sportsmen to strengthen friendships and families By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer The Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Landenberg was the scene of long tables of crock pots filled with venison stew and venison chili on March 12, as more than 150 sportsmen and their families attended the Christian Life Center Outdoorsman Ministry Group’s annual dinner that was highlighted by a performance by best-selling author and musician Steve Chapman. During his introductory remarks, Chapman, 71, told the audience that he realizes that “there are fewer days ahead of me than there are behind me,” and in light of that realization, he encouraged the audience to “finish well” by building faithful friendships and faithful relationships with family members. “There are a couple of ways that you can cultivate friendships – through your
Oxford... Continued from Page 1A
ongoing situation. Council approved Resolution 1328-2022 to submit the PA Local Share Account (LSA) program grant application to the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. to support the Oxford theater project. Council also approved Resolution 1329-2022 to the Borough’s 2017 Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Program award to name Kathryn Cloyd, Council President, and Pauline Garcia-Allen, Borough Manager, as authorized to sign grant documents on behalf of the Borough. Public Works Supervisor John Schaible, explained infrastructure management to council and the public. This is the first part of council’s ongoing educational pieces designed to inform them and the public of the inner-workings of the borough. Schaible presented an
Photos by Richard L. Gaw Best-selling author and musician Steve Chapman was the featured speaker at the Christian Life Center Outdoorsman Ministry Group’s Chapman is the author of several books and frequently performs at annual dinner, held March 12 at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church outdoorsmen group events around the country. in Landenberg.
words and what you say to one another,” he said. “There’s a familiar proverb that says, ‘A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold and settings of silver.’” Using a Biblical reference, Chapman encouraged the audience to help one another. “There may be friends
here tonight, and one of you may be paralyzed by life or by some challenge you are going through, and it’s your friend’s faith that you need,” he said. “Two people can accomplish so much more than one.” A popular speaker and performer at outdoorsman events around the U.S.,
overview of the Borough infrastructure which includes, but is not limited to the following: • Borough sidewalks and curbing (1/4 of a mile), repairing, snow removal • Street lighting, fixtures, decorative lights from service tap to light bulbs • Water system, wells, storage, treatment, distribution (waterlines) metering • Traffic Signals, school zones, traffic loops and detection cameras • Streets and roads, potholes and other repairs, snow plowing, street cleaning, etc • Maintenance of stormwater system and grates • Maintenance on borough buildings including parking garage, public works, police station, etc. • Oxford Memorial Park maintenance, including trees, playground area, etc. • Mowing of borough property Schaible emphasized potential problems exist regarding storm water and street maintenance funding. He would like to see a capital budget for such issues. The public is invited to
borough council meetings to ask questions on these issues and all issues regarding the use of tax dollars. Also on the agenda discussing codes was Oxford resident and government specialist Spence Andress. Andress began an overview of the codes, including state, county, and borough codes. He specifically emphasized the importance of fair and competent codes enforcement and which government arm was responsible for enforcement. Andress will continue his discussion on Codes Enforcement at the next borough council meeting. There will also be a discussion on the borough budget at that time. Future topics will include environmental issues, trails, the Anti-Defamation League, and finances. The next borough council meeting will be held on March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall. The public is always encouraged to check out the borough calendar at oxfordboro.org for more information on other meetings.
West Grove Memorial Day Parade set for May 28 The committee that plans the West Grove Memorial Day Parade formally announced this week that the popular annual event will return on Saturday, May 28. Parade participants will start lining up at 8:30 a.m. at the Avon Grove High School. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. Memorial Day is a day where the community comes together to honor those heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. The community is invited to enjoy the Memorial Day Parade.
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Chapman is the author of the best-selling book A Look At Life From A Deer Stand: Hunting For The Meaning of Life – which has sold over 300,000 copies – as well as Another Look At Life From the Deer Stand; A Hunter Sets His Sights; Great Hunting Stories; With God On A Deer Hunt, With Dad on a Deer Stand and Tales Hunters Tell. Chapman, who is also a singer, songwriter and recording artist, complimented his message with songs on guitar that called attention to the importance of friendship and the expression of love between a father and a child. He spoke about the many experiences he has enjoyed hunting, fishing, bicycling and hiking with his son and daughter.
“When you take a kid into the outdoors you take away their excuse for understanding that there is a creator,” he said. “You get to take them into that environment where there are so many spiritual lessons to be learned. The other benefit of taking kids into the outdoors is to [experience] the conversations that can happen. “To help you finish well, keep this in mind when you’re out there with them: Sometimes, things will be said that really need to be said, and sometimes things will be said that really need to be heard.” During his introduction of Chapman, Christian Life Center Outdoorsman Ministry Group leader Steve Shuster described Chapman as a husband, father, a man
of God and a lover of the outdoors. “I guess what I appreciate most about Steve is just how real and authentic he is,” Shuster told the audience. “I am happy that I have had a chance to get to know him and that you will also get a chance to know him tonight.” The Christian Life Center Outdoorsman Ministry Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fun and fellowship for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The event, which also included raffles, display vendors, door prizes and a silent auction, was its first since 2019. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
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Local News Flooding... Continued from Page 1A
and three stream experts— Dr. Melinda Daniels, a research scientist at Stroud Water Research Center, and Seung Ah Byun and Cory Trego from the Chester County Water Resources Authority. The main problem is that the Avondale Apartments sit in a floodway and on a floodplain. Storm waters flow south in the East Branch of the White Clay Creek through Loch Nairn, across Route 1, and end up in the bowl that is Avondale Borough. This flooding affects not only the Avondale Apartments, but also housing located in the vicinity. Flooding also prevents the borough from developing the adjacent parkland for resident use for recreation activities. When flooding occurs, approximately 250 residents need to be housed in temporary shelters until
they are allowed to return to their homes. Currently, southern Chester County social service organizations like KACS, The Garage and others accommodate these displaced individuals until the apartments are deemed livable again. For some families on the first floor, this means four months in a hotel. Daniels explained that the main causes of this flooding are stormwater runoff due to increased development in other municipalities over the decades; increased impervious paving; Route 1 runoff that contributes to stormwater flowing "down hill" to Avondale; and climate intensification. The storms and hurricanes now are much more severe than the prior 20 to 30 years and are coming with twice the frequency of flooding. The “once in a generation” flooding now occurs more routinely. Even twoor three-inch rainfall in
a short time period can cause flooding. At the moment, there are no feasible remedies to address the flooding at or near the apartments. The creek cannot be diverted, flood barrier bridges are not a solution, and debris and silt removal in the stream is not a viable fix. At this time, there is a viable option to better control the stormwater in the area: mitigate the flooding by working upstream. The recent acquisition of Loch Nairn Golf Club by New Garden Township is a positive development. They are willing partners in flood mitigation and will hopefully develop Loch Nairn into a gigantic stormwater mitigation feature, much like the Longwood Meadows, which is a containment “wetland.” Land design like that could provide significant stormwater management capabilities that would
Courtesy photo
The Avondale Apartments Advocacy Group is working with Avondale Borough officials to address the persistent flooding at the apartments and nearby.
address flooding events and consequences in Avondale. The next step for the advocacy group is to help the borough create a specific emergency plan to
use in a flood emergency as it relates to where to shelter displaced victims and who to contact in an emergency phone chain. Temporary shelters need to be identified.
Any volunteers who wish to help work on such an emergency plan should contact Carrie Freeman, CEO of the United Way of Southern Chester County, at ceo@unitedwayscc.org.
CCIU budget, Health and Safety plan top Oxford School Board agendas During public comment, there are more calls for Kehs to resign from school board By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer There were more calls for Jennifer Kehs to resign from the Oxford School Board during the board’s work session at the Hopewell Elementary School on March 8. The board also held a special meeting that night to discuss a Health and Safety Plan that is part of the school district’s effort to secure federal funding through the American Recovery Plan ESSER fund, and there was also a presentation about the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s budget for the 2022-2023 school year. Joseph Lubitsky, the director of administrative
services for the Chester County Intermediate Unit, led the presentation about the budget for the 20222023 school year. Lubitsky explained that the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s spending plan has four separate components to it—a Core Budget, an Occupational Education Budget, a Categorical Budget and the Marketplace Budget. The Chester County Intermediate Unit had already shared detailed information about the proposed spending plan with the superintendents and business managers of the 12 school districts in Chester County, Lubitsky explained. “The budget itself is 300 pages long,” he said.
He outlined the financial impact that the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s budget could have on Oxford Area School District. There will be no increase in costs for the Core Budget, Lubitsky said, and a small increase for the Occupational Education Budget. The Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Core Budget is decreasing slightly because of some savings that will be realized in the coming year. “We’ve been able to retire some debt from our building projects,” Lubitsky explained. For marketplace budget costs, the number of students participating in the program determines a school dis-
trict’s costs. Approximately 200 Oxford students attend the Technical College High School, Lubitsky said. Near the conclusion of the work session, Kehs delivered a brief statement that was immediately dismissed as being “self-serving” and “utterly tone deaf” by the large portion of the audience who had shown up at the meeting to once again demand her resignation from the board. Kehs made controversial statements at a Jan. 18 board meeting that attempted to blame the presence of “illegal immigrants” in Oxford for the school district’s declining test scores, and ever since then there have been calls for her to resign.
Nearly 75,000 people have signed an online petition calling for her to step down from the board. In her statement at the March 8 meeting, Kehs claimed that she is a person who chooses love and forgiveness, and also commented about how happy she was to see large numbers of people at school board meetings—perhaps ignoring the fact that most people are only attending the meetings because they want to demand her resignation. Once again at this meeting, numerous people called for Kehs to resign, while a few others said that they supported Kehs. Sarah Thomas said that she believed that Kehs was bringing radicalized political views to the school board. “She does not speak for me and my family,” she said. “I did not vote for her because I knew what was coming. I feel ashamed that she is on the board.” Marcie Wicks questioned why someone would run for the school board and then speak ill of a group of students. She also took Kehs to task for suggesting that the Oxford Area School District should forego $6.4 million in federal funding based only on concerns about the “strings attached” to the funding. Wicks pointed out that the funding is being made available so that school districts can provide additional supports to students as they attempt to make up for what was lost during the pandemic, and it would be unfortunate for Oxford students to miss out on that funding. Wicks concluded her remarks by saying about Kehs, “What you should do, instead of coming to these meetings, is resign.” Shelley Meadowcroft, a resident of East Nottingham Township, also criticized Kehs for bringing partisan politics to the school board and for not putting the wellbeing of students first. She said that Kehs was willing to deprive the Oxford schools of millions of dollars in funding because of her political views. Meadowcroft referenced
the online petition that called for Kehs to resign from the board, and said that she and other people in the community were going to continue to demand that she step down. “We aren’t going away. We’re here and we’ll be here. We are your neighbors. It’s time for you to go,” Meadowcroft said. During the special meeting that followed the work session, the Oxford School Board inched closer to finalizing a Health and Safety Plan that is part of the school district’s effort to secure about $6.4 million in funding through the American Recovery Plan ESSER fund. The funding will come over the next two years, and 20 percent must be designated to programs that directly address issues related to student education time lost during the COVID19 pandemic. This will include items such as summer school and educational support programs. The rest of the money will be used for other pandemic-related costs such as personal protective equipment, technology, buildings and grounds, services for special needs students and more. The Oxford School Board has been working on and discussing the Health and Safety Plan at numerous meetings up to this point. At the March 8 meeting, the board went through a painstaking process of fine-tuning the language in the Health and Safety Plan, adding numerous qualifiers based on recommendations from the board. When they reached the point where there weren’t any more suggestions for changes, school board president Joseph Tighe said that the Health and Safety Plan could be put on the agenda for board approval. “At this point, if you’re not in favor of it, vote no,” said Tighe. The board was expected to vote on the Health and Safety Plan at the March 15 regular meeting. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
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Opinion Editorial
Women’s Inequality Month “The enormous difference between fighting gender discrimination as opposed to race discrimination is good people immediately perceive race discrimination as evil and intolerable. But when I talked about sex-based discrimination, I got the response, ‘What are you talking about? Women are treated ever so much better than men!’” Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, 1993-2020 In his remarks proclaiming March 2022 as Women’s History Month, President Joe Biden said, “As we reflect on the achievements of women and girls across the centuries and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way, let us recommit to the fight and help realize the deeply American vision of a more equal society where every person has a shot at pursuing the American dream.” Let us introduce the
President to another reality by introducing two fictional examples. Somewhere in West Chester, there is a man who serves as chief cook and bottle washer for a midsized company. Somewhere in West Grove, there is a woman who also serves as the chief cook and bottle washer for a mid-sized company. Their similarities likely end right there. • According to statistics recently compiled in a report by Business.org., men earn 20 percent more than women for performing an identical job. Translated, a woman effectively stops getting paid in late October for a job she performs at the same level – or even higher – than her male counterpart. • The report said that Pennsylvania ranks 34th out of 50 states for the smallest gender pay gap, and that women in the Commonwealth earn an average salary of $47,059 while men earn an average salary of $59,311 – $12,252 more. Added up over the course of a career, that
number can total nearly a half million dollars in lost earnings. • No state in the country pays women more than men, with closing the gap coming to a stalemate over the last decade. Since 2010, the national wage gap has hovered between 18 percent and 19 percent between the salaries of men and women in similar positions, showing little progress across the nation for pay equity. • Even the states with the smallest gender pay gap still face wage gaps ranging from 8.1 percent to 15.3 percent between men and women in similar roles, which translates to thousands of dollars missing for women doing the same work. • In a 2016 report issued by the Joint Economic Women Democratic staff, women of color face even larger gender pay gaps. Compared to white men, African-American women, on average, are paid only 60 cents on the dollar and Latinas are paid only 55 cents on the dollar. • Although the gender pay gap has narrowed over
time, at the current rate of change it will not close until 2059, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, and it is estimated to take 257 years to close worldwide. Welcome to Women’s History Month, one of the most insulting acts of airbrushing currently being masqueraded as appreciation, camouflaging the facts with stories about heroes, and underlying the truth that women do not need a month in which to be celebrated for their accomplishments. Women need to be paid as equally as men. *
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In the U.S. economy and in other civilized countries of the world, the demonstrative gap in pay between women and men is systemic discrimination at its most abusive, the result of the lingering residue of patriarchal standards that believe a man’s value is worth more than a woman’s. Gender inequality has remained the slow burn of
our nation’s neglect toward one-half of its population, a malfeasance of injustice that has robbed generations of women not only of corner offices and management roles, but denied them the chance to imagine themselves without limits – in education, in society, even in the hierarchy of their own families. In recent years, thanks in part to the power of social media, women have become empowered to dramatically even the playing field. Nonprofit organizations and activists like The Institute for Workplace Equality are assisting employers in creating companies that are free from workplace bias. In 2019, 11 members of the U.S. women’s soccer team filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation, claiming that they were being paid less than players on the U.S. men’s team. After filing an appeal in 2021, the Federation agreed to pay $24 million in settlement money. In their 2021 article, “What is the gender pay gap and how do we close it?”
the group Global Citizen wrote that by writing laws that enforce pay equity, companies can help wipe away wage discrepancies in order to achieve greater equality in the workforce; economic recovery plans stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic can be written to support women; leading companies can pledge to voluntarily commit to pay equity, as well as recruit and promote women to leadership roles; and schools can encourage young girls to pursue classes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that can lead to greater representation in higher-paying fields. It was once said of Ginger Rogers that she did everything her dance partner Fred Astaire did, only she did it backwards and in heels. It is well past time to finally see the equal exchange of dissimilar shoes and for women to dance while looking at everything clearly ahead of them, not behind them.
Commentary
Chester County Commissioners call for quick action to quell election uncertainty in Pennsylvania With Pennsylvania’s primary’s election scheduled for May 17, Chester County’s Commissioners are joining their peers across the state in calling for clarity on crucial election issues that remain unresolved. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently selected new maps for the U.S. congressional districts, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to overturn them, but no decision has been
made regarding the future of the state’s legislative maps. Several challenges to the state legislative maps drawn by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission have been filed, and a ruling by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is expected shortly. “We are losing precious time in completing all the tasks needed to prepare for the upcoming primary election,” said Chester
County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, who also serves as Chair of the County’s Election Board. “I am confident that our team in Voter Services can meet obstacles that come their way, but we need resolution urgently to make things easier for our staff and Chester County voters.” As the appeal period on the legislative maps closed March 7, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania filed an
amicus brief with the state Supreme Court to request the Court expedite its decision and offer counties a reasonable amount of time to complete the tasks associated with the Primary. They could even entail adjusting the election calendar for the General Assembly’s seats. “We are not taking sides on the make-up of the state legislative map; we simply need an expeditious decision,” added Chester
County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. “Now that the deadline for challenges has passed, we are calling on the state Supreme Court to act as swiftly as possible.” Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline said the County’s Voter Services Department cannot complete election tasks such as preparing ballots for absentee, mailin, military and overseas voters, or program voting
machines, until a decision is handed down. “It’s impossible to create a ballot when we don’t know which candidates are running in each district,” she said. “Regardless of what happens, we are committed that Chester County will conduct an accurate and successful election,” Kichline added. “But the longer this decision takes, the further our resources will be stretched.”
Reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax is a win for Pennsylvania businesses Business leaders caution against tying a rate reduction to expanded government overreach The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia and The Greater Pittsburgh Chamber
of Commerce, an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference, applauded Gov. Tom Wolf’s call to reduce the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax rate. The business
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community has long advocated for such a reduction to improve the state’s overall competitiveness. Few issues draw as much attention as a state’s tax climate for companies seeking to locate or expand operations. At 9.99 percent, Pennsylvania has the unfortunate distinction of having the country’s second-highest Corporate Net Income tax. The state’s disproportionately high CNI serves as a major red flag to potential investors and puts the Commonwealth at a distinct disadvantage as businesses look to other pro-growth
states to open or expand operations. While a reduction to the CNI rate has been long overdue, the chamber leaders express concern with the proposal’s subjective expansion of the state’s taxing authority, citing the need for clear, predictable standards for employers to follow. “Pennsylvania continues to lose new business prospects and our best and brightest to other states,” said Pennsylvania Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr. “Our excessively high CNI rate puts the
state at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining jobs and impedes investment and economic growth. The governor’s proposal to reduce state’s CNI is a positive step to improving the Commonwealth’s overall business climate and will help to ‘Propel PA Forward.’ As the budget process moves forward, we encourage lawmakers to keep a reduction in the CNI rate that has clear and concise parameters for the state and businesses to follow, at the forefront of negotiations.” Matt Smith, president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, reinforced that “as regions look to recover and thrive in a post-pandemic world, we need, now more than ever, to ensure that the Commonwealth is competitively positioned to retain and recruit the businesses and talent needed to prosper. Through a meaningful reduction of Pennsylvania’s CNI rate, there is an opportunity to harness the
Commonwealth’s fullest potential by making it more attractive to business investment, creating good-paying jobs, and contributing to the community vibrancy and opportunity that are essential to fueling talent attraction and growing our population.” “High corporate net income taxes slows employment growth, reduces wages, and is a barrier to attracting new enterprises,” said Rob Wonderling, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “We applaud Gov. Wolf for recommending a substantive reduction in the CNI and look forward to working with his administration and our legislative leaders in Harrisburg on passing real and meaningful tax reform legislation this session.” As the 2022 budget process begins in earnest, the three chambers urge lawmakers to include this much-needed reduction in the CNI rate and prioritize policies that will promote economic growth.
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
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Chester County Press
In the Spotlight
Section
B
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
Kennett Mushroom Festival returns to State Street in 2022 The 37th Kennett Square Mushroom Festival is heading back to State Street in 2022, the Mushroom Festival Board announced this week. The two-day event is a popular community experience—spanning nearly 40 years—and celebrating everything mushrooms and more, including Kennett Square, the Mushroom Capital of the World, mushroom farms, and the community. The Mushroom Festival will take place on State Street on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We are thrilled to be able to host this popular community event in the center of town,” said Gina Puoci, the Mushroom Festival Board President.
“It’s where the Festival first began, and it’s where we belong.” The Festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, while still facing some logistical challenges and uncertainty, the festival was held, but in a different location in Kennett Square. Gale Ferranto, Mushroom Festival Coordinator said, “Our goal is to celebrate mushrooms and the community that supports the industry. There’s no better place to do that than in the center of the Mushroom Capital of the World.” Fan favorites like the Amateur Mushroom Eating and Mushroom Cooking Contests will be back this year, along with other favorites like Mushroom
Soup, Mushroom Cooking Demonstrations, the Mushroom Growers Tent, Painted Mushrooms, Kiddie Rides, Car Show, and more. With their significant health benefits and variety of uses, mushrooms are topping trend lists from outlets like the New York Times, and have been cited as a go-to ingredient this year from retailers like Whole Foods. From traditional dishes like mushroom soup to powdered in coffees and teas, jerky, dried snacks and more, Mushrooms will be on full display at this year’s festival. Follow the Mushroom Festival on Facebook (@ themushroomfestival) for details as they become available.
Courtesy photo
The Mushroom Festival will take place on State Street in Kennett Square on Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sept. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2021 DAR Essay Contest winners announced The Chester County Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (CCDAR) recently announced the winners of the 2021 American History Essay contest. Each year, students in grades five through eight are given the opportunity to compose an essay and have it presented to the CCDAR for evaluation. In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11, 2021, the essay topic was “Imagine that you had a brother who lost his life on the battlefields of France during World War I. You and your family attended the Nov. 11, 1921, dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. Describe what this meant to you and your family. Why is it important to remember those who gave their lives to serve our nation?” Judging guidelines included historical accuracy, adherence to the topic, organization of material, interest, originality, spelling, grammar, punctuation, neatness, and that the essay is the student’s own work. The 2021 winners are Graham Drummond, a sixth-grader at Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center
in Downingtown and Claire Bushnell, an eighth-grader at E.N. Peirce Middle School in West Chester. All winners have their essays submitted to the state level where Bushnell was selected as the Pennsylvania State DAR eighth grade winner. Christopher Beatty, a Gifted Resource Teacher at E.N. Peirce Middle School said about Claire, “I’ve known Claire for three years and she gets more impressive with each passing year. She has a wide array of interests and abilities. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her in a political office in the future, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if she becomes a roller coaster engineer. Claire will succeed in whatever field and in whatever program that is lucky enough to gain her interest.” In 2021, The National Society of the DAR established a new high school-level essay contest focused on figures of the American Revolution, in preparation for the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The contest is open to students in grades 9 through 12. The topic was “Select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773-1783). Discuss how he or she
Christopher Beatty, a teacher at E.N. Peirce Middle School, with student Claire Bushnell.
influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. Your figure may be any person, whether a well-known figure or an everyday man, woman or child who supported the American Revolution in ways large or small.” The evaluation criteria were the same as the American History Essays contest. The CCDAR winner is Melissa Griswold, a tenth-grader at Unionville High School. During the March 7 CCDAR meeting, winners were given a certificate, medal and monetary award by Dawn Coughlan, CCDAR Regent, and Elberta Clinton, Chair, American History Essay Awards. State Sen. John Kane and Michael Hartman, repre-
senting State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, presented the students with a citation on behalf of the Pennsylvania State Senate. The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), headquartered in Washington D.C., is a nonprofit, non-political service organization that honors both men and women whose sacrifices made our country free. Members are direct descendants of a Patriot who furthered the cause for American independence. They may have fought, swore an oath to the new nation or provided supplies/financial support. The organization promotes patriotism, education and historic preservation within our communities. The Chester County Chapter (founded 1894) supports the Coatesville
Courtesy photos
Elberta Clinton, Melissa Griswold, Graham Drummond and Dawn Coughlan.
State Sen. John Kane stands with Melissa Griswold, Graham Drummond and Michael Hartman.
Veterans Hospital, honors American heroes at the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery, sponsors annual programs in historical
essay writing and good citizenship for Chester County middle school and high school students. Visit www.dar.org to learn more about the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Medic 94 CEO addresses closing of Jennersville Hospital at chamber event Robert Hotchkiss discusses the challenges, including longer wait times and higher expenses Southern Chester County’s favorite mid-day networking event was in full swing at Hartefeld National Golf Club on Thursday, Feb. 24. More than 45 members and guests from a variety of industries across the region enjoyed lunch while connecting and expanding their contacts. Members also enjoyed hearing an important message significantly impacting the community from Robert Hotchkiss, EMS Chief and Chief Executive Officer of
Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services (Medic 94). Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services delivers advanced life support emergency medical services designed to dynamically meet the needs of the citizens and visitors of the communities, through a unified team of caring professionals with an overriding goal of improving patient outcomes. They provide service to an area that includes 24,000 households and a population of
75,000. The service area is comprised of 17 municipalities and 220 square miles. “Our deep concern for the health and well-being of our community is on the forefront of our minds as local legislators, our County Commissioners, and others continue working hard on our behalf to seek out viable alternatives to this devastating loss,” said Cheryl Kuhn, Chamber CEO. Over the past 36 years, SCCEMS has committed to the highest quality patient
care, even with the challenges of our rapidly growing community and changing healthcare environment. With the recent closing of Jennersville Hospital, this is posing one of the biggest challenges, as SSCEMS is faced with longer transport times, loss of manpower, higher expenses and many other obstacles such as wall times of up to one to two hours when transporting to the extended ER at Chester County Hospital and other hospitals. Hotchkiss also had con-
cerns with the lack of mental health services in the area, with the closing of Brandywine Hospital meaning that there are far few beds for in-patient treatment. “Where are we as a community? We are clinically dead, but we are not biologically dead,” Hotchkiss said. While the hub and heart of the community has stopped beating, he is optimistic that the right entity will come along and revive the hospital, making it operational in the future.
Courtesy photo
Robert Hotchkiss, EMS Chief and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services (Medic 94).
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
Chester County Press
Obituaries JOSEPH DONALD MCHOUL Joseph Donald McHoul was called home by the Lord on March 1 while at his home in West Grove. He was born in Philadelphia on July 25, 1939, the son of Andrew Joseph and Josephine (Cieslak) McHoul. He was the older brother of Patricia (McHoul) Dougherty of Philadelphia. Joe attended John Paul Jones Junior High School, and Central High School in Philadelphia, graduating as part of Class 208 in 1957. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, with deployments including Lebanon in 1958. During his time in the military, he reached the rank of corporal, which was also his rank at the time of his honorable discharge. Joe then attended Temple University, earning a degree in metallurgy. Joe married Charlotte Rizzo in 1960. They shared 61 years of marriage and they had four children: Cherylann (Damian) Harding; Jeffrey Andrew McHoul (Sara); Caryn Marie Wallis (Damon); and Heather Jo Smalley (Richard). They also had nine grandchildren: Ian Michael Harding (Jamee), Justin Nicholas Harding
(Erin), Kelsey Lynne Harding, Zachary Joseph McHoul, Joshua Dennis McHoul, Emma Louise McHoul, Aiden Mitchell Wallis, Sophia Angelina Smalley, and Nicholas Mason Smalley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was a long time member of the Delaware County Camera Club, the Clan MacDougall Society, and a dedicated member of the Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Parish in Avondale, where served as head lector. He had the uncanny ability to fix or repair almost anything he put his hands on. He derived the most pleasure from spending time with his family and being “Dado” to his nine grandchildren, with whom he especially enjoyed family vacations at his favorite spot in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Saint Gabriel’s Church on March 8. Interment will be private. As per his request, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, Md. 20871-1950 or by visiting brightfocus.org/stopAD. Please visit Joe McHoul’s online memorial at www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Alleluia Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.
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Daniel E. Gift, a resident of Landenberg, passed away on March 6 at Penn Hospice Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. He was the husband of Sonya Gift, with whom he shared 32 years of marriage. Born in Oceanside Calif., he was a son of the late Charles “Bubby” Gift and the late Charlotte Peirson Gift. Dan was a 1973 graduate of Avon Grove High School and Central Chester County Vo-Tech where he learned the machine shop trade. Dan lived for most of his life in Landenberg, which played a major part in his being passionate about farming, fly fishing, and hunting. For most of his working life, he was an auto mechanic but his interest in mechanics extended far beyond that. Dan would work on anything from cars and trucks to tractors and lawn mowers to practically anything with a motor. Even if it wasn’t running, he would make it work, even if he had to make the parts himself. Dan was a restless spirit, always needing to be doing something. Some of his other interests included wood working (especially lathe turning), fly tying, sketching, and air brush painting. Dan truly enjoyed gathering with family and friends, good conversations, and he was always quick with a laugh and a joke. In addition to his wife Sonya, he is survived by four children, Ruby Brison (and her husband Rj) of Landenberg, Daniel Gift of Tex., Angela Dalton (and her husband Justin) of N.C., and David Gift (and his wife Brittany) of N.C. He is also survived by two brothers, Chris Gift (and his wife Nancy) of New London and Jamie Gift (and his wife Terry) of Virginia, one sister, Cynthia Gift, and four grandchildren. His Life Celebration Service was held on March 11. In lieu of flowers, go outside and appreciate nature, kiss a puppy, and tell someone a joke. Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100). To view his online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
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Chester County Press
Obituaries ABRAHAM RODRIGUEZ LOPEZ Abraham Rodriguez Lopez, 35, of Nottingham passed away on March 7 while at home. He was the husband of Maria Clara N. Hernandez Perez. Born in Leon, Mexico, he was the son of Ismael Rodriguez and Rosa O. Lopez of Oxford. He was a member of St. Rocco Church in Avondale. He is survived by his wife; parents; one son, Angel Rodriguez; two daughters, Gianna Rodriguez and Mia Rodriguez; three brothers, Ismael Rodriguez, Rodrigo Rodriguez and Jose A. Rodriguez; and two sisters, Norma Rodriguez and Irma Rodriguez. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on March 10 at St. Rocco’s Church in Avondale. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.
ROBERT EUGENE WALTON Robert Eugene Walton passed away on March 7 at his home in Oxford. He was 57. Born in Narvon, Pa., he was the son of the late Thomas Earl and Virginia Walton. Robert was a retired truck driver. He enjoyed hunting and watching old western movies. He is survived by his longtime companion, Peggy Patterson; one son, Robert E. Patterson of Oxford; one daughter, Peggy Sue Patterson-Arroyo (Carlos) of Nottingham; one step-son, Samuel Crawford Patterson (Angie) of NJ; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, Tom Walton; and three sisters, Shirley Walton, Virginia Walton and Judy Walton. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Priscilla Patterson; one grandson, Sammy; and two brothers, Michael Walton and Toby Walton Funeral services were held on March 11 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Interment will be private Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Additional Obituaries on Page 5B
NANCY L. HERB
JOHN FRANKLIN EVANS
Nancy L. Herb, of Oxford, passed away on March 5 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. She was 82. Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late Betty Herr Reburn. Nancy retired as a line inspector from Columbia Gas in Oxford. She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Phillips (Brian Hall) of NC; two sons, Robert L. Herb, Jr. (Tracy) of Oxford and Alan Herb (Linda) of Ocean City, Md; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
John Franklin Evans, 67, of Nottingham, died on Feb. 27 while at his home. John was born December 23, 1954 in Havre de Grace, Md., the son of Jennie May McCoury Evans of Nottingham and the late Billy John Evans. He attended Oxford Area High School and continued his education at Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business. His interests included selling cars, attending car shows, spending time at the park, hiking with his dogs, watching old TV shows, enjoying nature and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Oxford Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his mother, Jennie Evans; one brother, Daniel Evans; two sisters, Bobbi Townsend (Andrew) and Judy Evans; several nieces and nephews; and long-life partner, Jane Benditt. He was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Ham. A graveside service was held on March 4 at Oxford Cemetery in Oxford. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
BERTIE UNDERWOOD Bertie Underwood, of Cochranville, passed away on Feb. 28 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. She was 92. She was the wife of the late Luther Underwood, Jr. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Millard Willis and Mamie Johnson Willis Pate. She was employed with Southern Chester County Medical Center in West Grove in sterile processing for 44 years. She retired in 2012. Bertie always had an open door for everyone and was very motherly. She enjoyed feeding everyone and took care of many. She is survived by five children, Norman L. Underwood (Becky) of Bloomfield, N.Y.; Catherine Buzalewski (Robert) of Reinholds, Pa.; Joseph C. Underwood (Marie) of West Grove; Nancy Astheimer of Cochranville; Robert P. Underwood (Catherine) of New Holland, Pa.; thirteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by one son, David F. Underwood, Sr. and five siblings: Elsie Onks, Bessie Barnett, Chester Willis, Richard, Pate and Kenneth Pate. Funeral services were held on March 5 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Kidney Fund at www.kidney.org or West Grove Ambulance, 102 Walnut Ave., West Grove, Pa. 19390. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
Chester County Press
Local News Chester County to consider formation of passenger rail authority with Berks and Montgomery counties Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline have taken the next step toward restoring passenger rail between Reading and Philadelphia in a joint effort with Berks and Montgomery counties. The Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution announcing a public hearing to consider a proposal to create the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority (SRPRA). The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority would replace the current Tri-County Passenger Rail Committee and be supported with representation and funding from all three
counties. The Commissioners will hold the public hearing on the SRPRA proposal during their Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 27. Information about the proposal can be found at www.chesco.org/passengerrail and comments can be submitted to ccplanning@ chesco.org. The Board of Commissioners for Montgomery and Berks Counties will also hold public hearings to consider the proposal during their respective meetings in April. The Tri-County Passenger Rail Committee, a ninemember group made up of one County Commissioner
from each County and other local leaders, is recommending the formation of the SRPRA after a year of exploring the most efficient manner to restore passenger rail service to the region. The SRPRA will have the power to formalize agreements, procure funding and provide for a direct governmental body that can work with AMTRAK, PennDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration and other necessary partners. The Tri-County Passenger Rail Committee gave presentations to local municipal leaders in all three counties last fall and received a groundswell of support for this initiative. The members
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of the Committee are confident that passenger rail service in places like Reading, Pottstown and Phoenixville could potentially generate more than $1 billion in new property development and
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and job opportunities to underserved minority communities and immediately impact some of the largest clusters of low- and moderate-income households in the suburbs of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Volunteers needed for Red Clay Valley Clean Up on March 26 Approximately 700 volunteers are needed for the annual Red Clay Valley Clean Up, which will be held on Saturday, March 26 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Clean Up is co-sponsored by the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (BRC), Delaware Nature Society (DNS), Mt. Cuba Center and Kennett Area Park Authority (KAPA) and will enlist volunteers to collect litter along 98 miles of stream and roadways along the east and west branches of the Red Clay Creek, including Kennett Square Borough going south through Yorklyn and Hockessin, Del. and ending at Kirkwood Highway and Route 52. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the Red
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existing property value increases, which translates to thousands of jobs and the expansion of local and federal tax bases over the next 30 years. Further, passenger rail service would provide transportation
Clay Valley Clean Up. In the more than 30 year history of this effort, volunteers have collected 398 tons of trash from our streams and roadways. “For many in the community, this is considered an annual rite of spring,” said Jim Jordan, chair of the Red Clay Clean Up event. After check-in, volunteers disperse to assigned areas along the clean up route. Necessary materials (gloves, bags, reflective safety vests, etc.) are provided. Volunteers may register by visiting www.brandywineredclay.org Those with questions can call (610-7931090) or email jjordan@ brandywineredclay.org. This community effort would not be possible without the generous support of: Brandywine Red
Clay Alliance, Delaware Nature Society, Wild Birds Unlimited-Hockessin, Phillips Mushroom Farms, Constellation, WSFS Foundation, Flyway Excavating, Mt. Cuba Center, Chandler Funeral Home, Suez Delaware, Draper & Kramer, Kennett Area Park Authority, Champion Specialty Advertising, Marty’s Contracting, and Bike Delaware. Brandywine Red Clay Alliance works to promote the restoration, conservation, and enjoyment of the natural resources of the Brandywine and Red Clay Watersheds through education, scientific activities, environmental stewardship and advocacy.
Legals NOTICE
Notice: Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Route 1 Bypass Interchange Improvements with PennDOT. The meeting will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The public is invited to attend. 3p-16-1t
PUBLIC NOTICE
Oxford Library Company Board of Trustees Meeting is held the fourth Thursday of the month from January through September. There is no meeting in October. The November and December meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:15 pm. All meetings are held at the Oxford Library Company and are open to the public. Any exceptions will be published for public notice. 3p-16-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF ROBERT RAYMOND MISCOVICH a/k/a ROBERT MISCOVICH, 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 dece-
dent to make payment without delay to LISA COLANGELO, EXECUTRIX, c/o Kristen R. Matthews, Esq., 403 W. Lincoln Highway, Ste. 110, Exton, PA 19341, Or to her Attorney: KRISTEN R. MATTHEWS, KRISTEN MATTHEWS LAW, 403 W. Lincoln Highway, Ste. 11, Exton, PA 19341, 3p-16-3t
NOTICE
Baby’s Nice Ice, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. 1Lamb McErlane PC, 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19382 3p-16-1t
NOTICE
WC SANTINO INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. , McCreesh, McCreesh, McCreesh & Cannon, 7053 Terminal Square, Upper Darby, PA 19082 3p-16-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of George P. Mylonas, Late of Birmingham 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 the Executor, Peter George Mylonas c/o Peter
George Mylonas, Esquire, 2725 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. 3p-16-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Elk Township Board of Auditors has approved the final 2021 Municipal Annual Audit & Financial Report of Elk Township. The financial information as approved by the Board of Auditors and consistent with the audited financial statements is as follows: Total Assets 12/31/2021 $2,077,017 Total Liabilities 12/31/2021 $0 Tot al Net Pos it i on 12 /31/ 2020 $1,555,821 Total Revenue 2021 $1,167,482 Total Expenses 2021 $ 646,287 Tot al N et Po s it i on 12 /31/ 20 21 $2,077,017 Total Net Change in Position $521,196 Due to the current public health risk factors, a copy of the 2021 Annual Audit & Financial Report of Elk Township is not available for in-person examination. A copy of the 2021 Annual Audit & Financial Report of Elk Township is available for examination, at no charge, on the Township’s website elktownship. org. A copy of the 2021 Annual Audit & Financial Report of Elk Township is on file at this newspaper and copies may be obtained, for a charge not greater than the cost thereof, by contacting Terri Kukoda at 610-255-0634 or at elktwpchester@gamil.com., Board of Auditors, Elk Township 3p-16-1t
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2022
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
5B
Chester County Press
Obituaries RAFAELLA J. SESTRICH Rafaella “Ella” J. Sestrich, 95, of Kennett Square, died on March 1 at the Friends Home in Kennett Square. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1926, she was the daughter of the late Josephine Marchese and Joseph Castorina. She graduated from Lafayette High School in Brooklyn. Ella and her late husband Francis J. Sestrich owned and operated Sestrich’s Country Market for 25 years in Unionville, where it became a cornerstone of the community and renowned for Ella’s delicious soup recipes. In 2008, she co-wrote a book with her dear friend Mary Larkin Dugan called “East Linden Street, A History, Abolition, Industry, & Diversity in Kennett Square, PA,” a brief work on a street in Kennett Square that has been integrated for over 160 years, with emphasis on its abolitionist background. At the age of 93, she was determined to stay alive in order to finish a book about their store and succeeded in self-publishing with the help of friends & family “The Story of Sestrich’s Country Market – Friendship, Food, Fox-Hunting & ‘Facts’.” Both books are currently outof-print but they are available for lending at the Kennett Library in Kennett Square. Before running the store, Ella was a paraprofessional in the Language and Business Department for three years at Unionville High School passing down her wisdom to the younger generations. Ella and Fran created a beautiful family and had a large group of friends from many diverse ages and backgrounds. Her resilience was unmatched, even when faced with a cancer diagnosis that she ultimately survived. Her motto in life was to “always say yes to the world!” and was constantly willing to try new things. Her only regret was that she wished she had been more “naughty” in her earlier years. That being said, she enjoyed many social
events and almost always ended up becoming the life of any party she was a part of. She had an ever-curious intellect and wonderfully positive attitude that had touched so many. Ella adored riding on her favorite horse Lady Clairol when she was younger. She enjoyed reading, Frank Sinatra, opera music, and cooking selflessly for anyone who needed a meal. She was always willing to fill in to play bridge, her all-time favorite card game. Even at 80 years old, she would roller skate in her basement; articles were even written about her in local and Philadelphia newspapers due to her sprightly dexterity. She formed a local Shakespeare reading club and assisted in compiling numerous histories of houses in the area. Ella was a docent for the Underground Railroad Museum in Chester County. She also assisted with the making of the Unionville community quilt. She regularly attended St. Malachi Chapel which is a part of the “Our Lady of Consolation Parish” in Parkesburg, Pa. Ella was predeceased by her husband Francis, and her older brother Thomas Nestor. She is survived by her younger sister, Elaine Trincone of Valley Stream, N.Y.; by her sons and their wives, Michael and Ann Sestrich of Johns Creek, Ga., Daniel and Liisa Sestrich of Point Pleasant, N.J., Joseph Sestrich and his partner Camille Faust of West Chester, Pa.; grandchildren Brian Sestrich, Lauren Byrne, Matthew Sestrich, Kariina Rand, Timothy Sestrich, Andrew Sestrich, Dave Sestrich, and Kaila Rand; and six great-grandchildren. Services were held on March 11 at St. Malachi Catholic Church in Cochranville. Interment followed at St. Malachi’s adjoining cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in her memory to “The Friends Home in Kennett, Residence Assistance Fund,” 147 State Street, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348. Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
ALICE ROWE DELDUCO
Obituary submissions
Alice Rowe Delduco, a longtime resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Feb. 27 at Crosslands Retirement Community in Kennett Square, where she had lived since 2001. She was 92. Alice was predeceased by her husband, A. Alfred “Fritz” Delduco after 52 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Alice G. and James J. Rowe. Alice was a graduate of Douglass Women’s College, now a part of Rutgers University. She raised five children, four boys, two of whom were twins, and a daughter. She has three grandchildren. She was a lifelong birder and traveled the world for bird watching, visiting places like New Zealand, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Africa and the Caribbean Islands. She loved spending time with her family and friends in Cape May. She especially enjoyed bird watching in Cape May during the annual bird migrations. Alice was also an avid gardener. Alice is survived by four sons, David (and wife Laure’), of Decatur, Ga.; Dennis (and his wife Anecia) of Oxford, Daniel (and wife Michele) of Cochranville and James (and his wife Traci) of Owens Cross Roads, Ala.; her daughter, Patricia Ann Delduco of Coatesville; and three grandchildren, Melanie, Lilliana and Anthony John “Jack” Delduco. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square on March 9. Interment was held at St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Alice’s family requests donations be made to the National Audubon Society, ATTN: Donations, 225 Varick Street, 7th floor, New York, N.Y. 10014 or to the Special Olympics, ATTN: Gifts, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036‐3604. Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.
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.
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 20, 2022 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 Bernadette Cook Unit #’s 3228, 3292, 3293 DEStorage.com Newgarden reserves the right to withdraw any storage unit from sale or cancel the sale without prior notice.
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Additional Obituaries on Page 3B
HELEN NICKLE THOMPSON Helen Nickle Thompson, a resident of Creston, N.C. and formerly of Oxford, passed away on March 2. She was 96. She was the wife of the late Raymond C. Thompson, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. Helen was born in Zion, Md. to the late Ernest J. Nickle and Edna Harris Nickle. She lived in the Oxford and West Grove area until the past 17 years, when she moved to Creston, N.C. to live with her daughter and son-in-law. She was an active member of Chatham United Methodist Church before moving to North Carolina. Helen enjoyed reading, needlework and crossword puzzles. In her younger years, she and Raymond grew a large garden which she canned her vegetables for the following winter. She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy Thompson Lewis (Clyde) of Creston, N.C.; two grandchildren, Chad Anderson and Kristy Anderson Corona both of Creston, N.C.; one step-grandson, Joe Lewis of Elkton, Md.; one great-grandson, Nevon Corona of Creston, N.C.; four step-great-grandchildren, Molly Marchesani and Katie Marchesani both of Lancaster, Col. and Asia Lewis and Anthony Carlette both of Rising Sun, Md.; four brothers, Harold Nickle of Rising Sun, Md., Joe Nickle of Bear, Del., George Nickle (Sally) of Quarryville, Elmer Nickle (Faye) of Newark, Del.; two sisters, Viola Carter (Dave) of Oxford and Monica Naylor (Jack) of Willow Street; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Sam Nickle, Dave Nickle and Howard Nickle; two sisters, Mary Hall and Doris Chapman; and step-granddaughter, Maryann Lewis Marchesani. Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, March 18 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St. in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to noon. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
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