Chester County Press 03-20-2019 Edition

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Art returns to Chadds Ford Elementary for 70th annual show...1B

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 153, No. 12

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

U-CF School District rated highly; Sage, Dupuis not running for re-election

By JP Phillips Correspondent There had been intense community participation in Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board meetings lately, when the first phase of the Long-Term Facilities Plan (LTFP) was finalized.

In contrast, the March 11 and 18 board meetings were uncharacteristically brief, and largely covered routine business.

Director of Business and Operations Bob Cochran

was pleased to inform the board that the district just received a AA1 rating from Moody’s, which will be helpful in obtaining favorable rates on the recently approved $9.1 million LTFP borrowing issue.

At the work session, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds James Whitesel said he received the results of the middle/high school campus traffic study (approved in November at a cost just shy of $9,000). The district

used Traffic Planning and Design (TP&D), the same consultant who is working with East Marlborough Township on traffic calming and sidewalk design work along Route 82. Based on the report, Whitesel sees an opportunity to make some short-term improvements utilizing in-house staff this summer. These fixes include widening access points, removing some islands that restrict bus turning radiuses, and widening sidewalks for

pedestrians.

He emphasized that there are no current safety concerns. “We have staff out there managing the day-today flow,” Whitesel said. “I know if they weren’t there -- if they weren’t in place -- it would be a disaster trying to get in and out of the facilities here.”

He said that “in a year or two,” they would publicly discuss larger reconfigurations to eliminate these problem areas. That would

Continued on Page 6A

Continued on Page 3A

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Partnership with HACC Lancaster campus expands Oxford’s Early College Academy offerings

The Oxford Area School District and the Lancaster campus of the Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) are launching an Early College Academy partnership that will offer State agriculture secretary new and affordable oppormeets farm bureau...8A tunities to high school

Opioid epidemic best addressed through partnerships and education, task force says Burnett gets Heart of Learning Award in Oxford...10A

INDEX Opinion.......................7A Obituaries...................2B Calendar of Events.....3B Classifieds.................8B

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Michael Noone of the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force co-partnered a presentation on March 13 at the Kennett Township Building, that addressed the impact the opioid epidemic is having on Chester County.

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

is to engage the medical profession and Big Pharma with hard questions, partner The way to defeat the esca- with community organizalating rise of opioid abuse in tions, and do the hard work Chester County and beyond Continued on Page 3A

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building on March 14.

“It is very important to our school system to create innovative pathways to make college more accessible and affordable for our students,” said Oxford Area School District superintendent David Woods. “We are very excited to be partnering with the Harrisburg Area Community College

Lancaster campus.”

The Early College Academy provides high school students with the opportunity to build college coursework into their regular schedules as early as the ninth grade.

Students simultaneously enroll in courses that fulfill high school graduation Continued on Page 2A

Toughkenamon streetscape and transportation plan underway

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Last December, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors approved a $79,000 contract with McMahon Associates to develop a transportation and streetscape design plan for the Village of Toughkenamon.

The 15-month plan began in January, and at the board's March 18 meeting, it received its unveiling.

The presentation, given

by Natasha Manbeck, senior project manager with McMahon Associates and Jennifer Reitz, a municipal planner with Thomas Comitta & Associates, identified the key goals of the plan: To reenergize Toughkenamon into a

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

village with a variety of restaurants and shops that serve the local community; create a diversity of housing options for all ages; and develop attractive open spaces and streetscapes that welcome visitors and residents to the heart of New Garden Township.

Specific target points of the plan will be to increase walkability; reduce speeding and cut-through traffic; provide new road connections; create a consistent streetscape that will include sidewalks, lighting and signage; increase parking accommodations; improve aesthetics; increase the availability of housing; establish a park that’s near the village; and explore investment and

Continued on Page 3A

Former long-time Chester County Press editor and columnist Irvin Lieberman was the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award, given to him posthumously by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department on March 14. Accepting the award for Mr. Lieberman from Chief of Police Gerald Simpson was his wife Judy, and sons Andy and Randy, the publisher of the Chester County Press. The award was part of the department’s annual awards and recognition ceremony. For the complete story, turn to Page 6B.

students. Oxford students can start enrolling in the Early College Academy in time for the 2019-2020 school year that begins in August.

Oxford and HACC officials signed the agreement establishing the Early College Academy after a press conference at Oxford’s administration

Candidates file for Primary Election The Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, May 21, and some of the local races are starting to take shape.

While the list of candidates is still unofficial, here is a look at some of the people who have filed to run in a few of the local races in the 2019 Election: In the Chester County Commissioners race, all three incumbents— Republicans Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline and Democrat Kathi Cozzone—are seeking reelection. On the Republican side, Farrell and Kichline are the only candidates thus far who have filed.

On the Democratic side, Josh Maxwell, Ginny Kerslake, and Marian Moskowitz have filed. In the Primary Election, two Democrats and two Republicans will earn a spot on the November general election ballot.

In the Avon Grove School Board races, incumbent Republican Charles Beatty is being challenged in Region I by Dorothy Linn, who has crossfiled. In Region II, school board president Tracy Lisi and school board member Jeffrey Billig have both crossfiled, while Carmela Ciliberti and Mark Stewart Jr. have filed as Republicans in the race for two seats.

In Region III, incumbents Herman Engel and Bonnie Wolff have both crossfiled.

Christina Fanning, a Republican, has also filed for the Region III race.

In Kennett Consolidated School District’s Region A, Steven Ciprani, Aline Frank, Maribel Garcia, Ann Parry, and Dominic Perigo, Jr. have all filed. Ryan Bowers has filed for an unexpired term in Region A. In Region B, David Kronenberg has filed, while incumbent Michael Finnegan has filed in Region C. The Oxford School Board race has incumbents Eric Owens and Howard Robinson both seeking reelection in Region I. In Region II, Mary-Laura Buchner-Hulse and Jen Harrison have filed for one seat that is up for election. In Region III, incumbent school board president Joseph Tighe has filed for reelection. Four people have filed for the two

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Chester County Press

Local News HACC partnership...

Continued from Page 1A

requirements and associate’s degree requirements.

Woods has prioritized increasing opportunities for students since he became Oxford’s superintendent in 2013. The school district began offering Early College Academy options in 2014, and they have been very beneficial for students.

Dr. Margaret BillingsJones, the assistant superintendent for Oxford, said that 17 Oxford Area High School students are graduating from the Cecil College Early College Academy this year. As demand for these Early College Academy programs has grown, the school district has increased the number of partnerships so that students have choices regarding their academic pathways.

The Harrisburg Area Community College has a strong presence in Central Pennsylvania, with approximately 17,000 students enrolled at schools on its five campuses—Harrisburg, Gettysburg, York, Lebanon and Lancaster. At the Lancaster campus, there are approximately 4,300 students enrolled in a broad range of programs.

Oxford students who enroll in the Early College Academy with HACC can complete college coursework, starting in the ninth grade, while simultaneously completing the requirements for high school graduation. All the work is completed during the regular school day. During their

freshman and sophomore years, students complete college courses onsite at their high school. When students reach their junior and senior years, they then take courses on the Lancaster campus of the Harrisburg Area Community College.

The Oxford Area School District will provide transportation to and from the campus. The scheduling of the courses allows students to participate in co-curricular activities, such as sports, band, choir, or theater, while they are in high school.

Stephen Ampersand, Harrisburg Area Community College’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said that he wanted HACC to establish a partnership with a Pennsylvania school district so that more students would have access to affordable

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Oxford Area School District superintendent David Woods and Harrisburg Area Community College provost Dr. Cynthia Doherty officially signed the agreement for the Early College Academy at a press conference on March 14. They were joined by a number of officials from each school.

young age,� Ampersand said. “HACC is committed to making sure that students not only receive

deadline is June 15 for the 2019-2020 school year.

Students are required to have a 3.0 grade-point aver-

“It is very important to our school system to create innovative pathways to make college more accessible and affordable for our students.� ~ Oxford Area School District Superintendent David Woods opportunities when it comes to their education. Oxford and HACC officials worked on the agreement for about a year to ensure that there was a strong plan in place for students to succeed. “We recognize that these students are starting their college studies at a

a quality education, but also receive the tools and support they need to be successful throughout their enrollment.�

Applications for students to enroll in this Early College Academy will be available in the school guidance office. The application

age or above to be eligible.

They are also required to have completed Algebra 1 prior to the start of the ninth grade. Prior to the freshman year, Academy students will participate in a summer orientation program to introduce them to college life, academic expectations,

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and the resources available to them during the four years in the Early College Academy. High school and college advisors will work with students throughout their enrollment in the Early College Academy. Students will enroll in the general studies program, which maximizes the transferability of the credits that they earn.

It is anticipated that, each year, between 25 and 30 students from Oxford will be selected for admission to the Early College Academy with HACC. Woods said that Oxford students and parents have been very pleased with the Early College Academy offerings that are already in place, and the agreement with HACC is set up so that the program will be very similar. He expects similar, good results. “This is a proven method,� Woods said. “It’s another tool in the toolbox for the school district.�

One of the major advantages of the Early College Academy is that it gives high school students the chance to earn college credits while they are still in high school, reducing the number of credits that they will need to complete when they transition to their college careers. Students can complete up to 60 college credits while they are still in high school, and may earn an associate’s degree at the same time that they graduate from high school. “This is an exciting partnership for the students in our school district,� Woods said. “The Harrisburg Area Community College is making it possible for Oxford students who want to jump-start college to do so.�

Victor Ramos, the HACC Lancaster campus vice

president, talked about another major advantage to the Early College Academy—students will be able to complete college credits that are extremely affordable when compared to the costs of taking credits at a four-year university.

Over four years, the total cost of tuition is discounted for participants in the HACC Early College Academy. Families will pay approximately $7,500 for a total of 60 credits. Payment is made in eight installments over the four years that students are enrolled in high school. Eligible students may be able to secure scholarships in addition to receiving tuition discounts.

Families can also utilize Pennsylvania’s 529 Plan to help reduce out-of-pocket payments for education.

HACC officials also noted that the college has transfer agreements with many public and private colleges in Pennsylvania, as well as some out-of-state universities, so Oxford students will be able to transfer their credits when the time comes.

Billings-Jones said that a good working relationship has already been established between Oxford and HACC. “It’s a wonderful group of people to work with,�

Billings-Jones said.

Woods said that the additional opportunity for Oxford students, the affordability of the college credits, and the ability to earn those college credits while still in high school will all prove beneficial to students who choose the Early College Academy. “For our students,� Woods said, “it’s a win, win, win.�

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

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Local News U-CF School District...

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be likely be included in the next borrowing phase of the LTFP. The board approved Chadds Ford Elementary School’s roof repairs, new carpets for Chadds Ford Elementary and Unionville

Opioid Epidemic...

Continued from Page 1A

of educating the public, one presentation at a time.

These talking points steered the course of “Opioid Epidemic: Past, Present and Future,” a 90-minute presentation held on March 13 that illuminated a severe and sweeping scourge and also shone small rays of hope for the future.

Conducted by the Chester County Overdose Presentation Task Force in partnership with the Kennett Township Police Department, the presentation was broken down into the history of what led to the epidemic; possible solutions that may lead the county away from the problem; treatment services and resources that are provided to those who are struggling with addiction; and the effectiveness and availability of Naloxone, which is administered to accidental opioid overdose victims as a means to reverse the effects of the overdose.

The statistics, both in Chester County and across the nation, are startling, but behind each one of them is an individual's story, said task force member Michael Noone, who also serves as the first assistant in the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

Prescription opioids like Vicodin, Percoset and Oxycodone cause more deaths than illegal drugs, and accidental opioid overdose deaths have overtaken motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. There were 72,000 deaths in 2017, alone.

“To put that into perspective, that's a sell-out crowd at an Eagles game [at Lincoln Financial Field],” said Noone. “I've never met anyone who said, 'I hear that drug use is a good thing.

Today's the day I'm going to start.' They fall into patterns for several reasons.

They may have had a sports injury or been in a car crash or had a fall or surgery, and they were given pills to help

Primary Election...

Continued from Page 1A

district-wide at-large seats: incumbents Robert Tenga and Mark Patterson and Sherri Matis-Mitchell and Denita Wright Watson.

In the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, Rashi Akki has filed for Region A. Scott Bosch and Victoria Baratta have filed for a Region B seat. In Region C, where three seats are up for grabs, five candidates—Jen Brown, Steve Jones, John P. Murphy, Erin Talbert, and Jon Trigg have filed.

In the Kennett Square Borough Council race, three seats are up for election. So far, five candidates, all Democrats, have filed: council president Doug Doerfler, Lorenzo Merino, Rosa Garza Moore, Stephanie Oyler, and Mayra Zavala.

Elementary, and the refinishing of the Patton Middle School main gym. They also approved $100,000 for phase two of the network technology update.

Assistant Superintendent John Nolen gave a preliminary review of 2019-2020 high school course selections. Since the introductory-level “Computer

Applications” class is no longer mandatory, students have the opportunity to take a different one-semester class that may be of more value to them. Nolen noted enrollment is way up in personal finance, computer, and business application classes.

Board member Vic Dupuis reported that initial

responses to a new middle school computer-based math program called “Get More Math” (designed to replace “Study Island”) has been favorable. A budgetneutral switch could be recommended for the next school year.

Board member Gregg Lindner used his comments to praise fellow member

them with their pain, and it spiraled into addiction.

“These are our fellow Chester County citizens, who have hopes and dreams and want to live meaningful lives, so what do we want to do to educate ourselves and move forward as a society with this?”

The opioid epidemic is right on top of us, Noone said. Pennsylvania ranks fourth highest nationally in drug-related deaths – about 40 people per 100,000 – and from 1999 to 2017, there were 5,434 state citizens who died as a result of accidental overdose.

“This is something that hits wealthy suburban counties, like ours,” he said.

“We live in a county that's the wealthiest, healthiest and happiest county in Pennsylvania, but we are not immune to this. We may be doing better than many of our regional partners, but this is something that is very real and very serious, as well.”

The economics of this epidemic have their roots in supply and demand. In 1998, there were 11.5 tons of Oxycodone produced worldwide. By 2013, that number had grown to 138 tons, and 90 percent of its consumption that year was

by Americans.

In 1992, there were 112 million legal opioid prescriptions in the U.S., but by 2012, that number had risen to 282 million. In the past few years, there has been a concerted effort on behalf of physicians to help reduce those numbers, which were reflected in 2016, when the number of legal opioid prescriptions dropped slightly to 236 million in the U.S. So how did a problem become an epidemic?

Noone said that the pharmaceutical industry must accept some of the blame.

“Pharmaceutical companies are critical in analyzing ‘How did we get here?’ and are ultimately responsible for getting us into this epidemic we’re dealing with,” Noone said. “This county has expressed an intent to do that.

“Leading up to this, doctors didn't quite realize that

what they were being sold was a magic bullet. [They were told] these pills were not going to be addictive and were going to help heal everyone's pain. Well, that wasn't true, and led in large part, to the epidemic we're dealing with.”

The widening swath of the opioid epidemic may have begun in doctors' offices, but it's now in the streets and in the back alleys of our towns, Noone said, due largely to cost. Once an opioid addict's prescription runs out, he or she has an option to purchase the same drug on the street, but because the per-pill value is often astronomical, the addict seeks other, less expensive options.

“Where do you go?” he said. “You still have this addiction. You're popping multiple pills per day, but you're starting to run out of money because you can't afford that kind of a habit.

Where do you go? Heroin.”

Often, it comes down to simple economics, Noone said; while the cost of an Oxycodone pill on the street is $30 per dose, a bag of heroin can be purchased on the street for between $5 and $10. For local heroin addicts, supply is meeting demand; Philadelphia has become one of the largest import cities for heroin in the U.S., because of its easy access to other major cities, an international airport, and the I-95 corridor.

“All of those things are great for legitimate businesses, but they're also great for international drug organizations who want to

get their product to the end consumer.”

Noone said that the newest opioid on the market– and the least expensive – is Fentanyl, a synthetic drug that is 50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl was present in 72 percent of people in Chester County who died of an accidental drug overdose in 2017, a rise from 43 percent in 2016.

“The insidious thing about addiction to heroin and opioids is that the more you use it, the more you need it,” Noone said. “The end user is seeking the thing that will produce the effective high, because they're really chasing that first high. They seek Fentanyl because they think that's going to be the powerful high.”

Overall, accidental drug overdose deaths in Chester County rose to its highest level in 2017 with 144 deaths, but in 2018, that number decreased to 111.

“That's still too many – one is too many – but we are making progress,” said Noone, who pointed to the work of the task force, which was formed five years ago and now works with over 50 community partners to bring experience, knowledge and perspective to helping to solve the problem of drug abuse in Chester County.

It’s more than merely handing out pamphlets, Noone said. These partnerships are engaged with the District Attorney’s office in a full-scale battle of prevention and education, and the presentation at Kennett

In Oxford Borough, there are three council seats up for election and eight candidates who have filed so far. The Democrats include incumbent Peggy Ann Russell, Kathryn Goodley Cloyd, and Marybeth Rizzo Moore, while the Republicans are Mary Lou Baily, Joseph B. Emhof III, Philip Harris, Joseph Martinelli, and

Michele Rich-Ianieri.

West Grove Borough Council candidates include Democrats Karen Beltran, Fred Boyce, Elizabeth Garduno, and Kristin Proto, and Republicans Charles J. Donovan, Clyde R. Jacobs II, Mark Johnson, and Michael Ranieri.

The purpose of the Primary Election is to determine the nominees who will be on

Bob Sage, who is not running for re-election. Sage has represented Region B (Newlin, Pocopson, and Birmingham townships) since 2014. “Mr. Sage, I think, has made us all better board members,” Lindner said. “You have done a lot of hard work going through the details.

There are many times you

have said things that I get mad at myself, because I didn’t see them first. And so I truly appreciate what you’ve done, and I’m sorry you are not running again.”

Though not announced at the meeting, board member Vic Dupuis (region A: East and West Marlborough townships) also does not plan to run for re-election.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Project Naloxone Director Ethan Healey said that the application of the procedure is helping to reverse the amount of accidental deaths caused by drug overdoses in Chester County.

Township is just one of several hundred events the task force has conducted around the county. They’re about raising awareness.

“We have any aspect of society that you can think of that might be able to contribute to our efforts to turn the tide,” Noone said. “We’re here to share information that perhaps you didn’t have before, so hopefully you learn something from the presentation, and talk to your friends and family and your neighbors.

Because that awareness is going to be critically important to save lives.”

Task force member Kate Genthart discussed several outpatient and residential forms of treatment for opioid addiction that are available in the county. For those without insurance plans, she said that there is access

to funding for drug treatment through the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services. (See sidebar.)

Project Naloxone Director Ethan Healey said that the use of the medication – which can reverse an opioid overdose when applied – continues to save lives in Chester County. Of the 310 applications performed from 2015 to 2017, 292 were successful, he said. In addition, he said that the medication is now readily accessible to the public. (See sidebar.)

To learn more about the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force, visit www.stopodchesco.org.

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

How to get naloxone

Get Help

• You can get naloxone at most pharmacies. Although naloxone may not be available for same-day pick up, it can often be ordered and available within a day or two.

• Use Pennsylvania’s standing order (a prescription written for the general public) issued by the Pennsylvania Physician General.

• Ask your doctor for a prescription.

• Chester County residents can request naloxone at no charge from two of the community partners, Kacie’s Cause and PRO-ACT (while supplies last).

- Kacie’s Cause: Residents can submit a request by visiting www.kaciescause.com.

- PRO-ACT: Residents can submit a request by calling the PRO-ACT Malvern Office at 484-325-5990.

For those seeking drug treatment who do not have insurance, the locations below can help you. Funding assistance is available from the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.

In Coatesville: Gaudenzia Coatesville- 610-383-9600 In Exton: Mirmont Outpatient- 484-565-1130 In Kennett Square: Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems- 610-388-9225 In Phoenixville: Creative Health Services- 610-933-1223 In West Chester: Gaudenzia West Chester- 610-429-1414

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Oxford Area High School FBLA sends 12 members to state competition Twelve members of the Oxford Area High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America will attend the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference and Competition to be held from April 8 to 10 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

The students qualified for the conference after participating in several business-related categories at the FBLA Region 9 conference in December, when over 600 members from 14 area high schools competed in online events as well as live presentations.

Oxford students advancing to the state level based on their performances

at the regional competition are junior Elizabeth Estes, first place, Future Business Leader; sophomore Chris Goodrich, first place, Introduction to Business Procedures; junior Gabbie Burton, second place, Political Science; the team of freshmen Dan Nowland and Cade Pearson, second place; Introduction to Business Presentation; freshman Kenna Mullins, second place; Introduction to Business Communication; seniors Ashley Dively, third place, Computer Problem Solving; and Noah Hewes, third place, Future Business Leader; sophomore Cassidy Tower, fourth place, Introduction to

Business Communication; senior Colin Lilly, fifth place, Business Law; and freshman Abby Oliver, fifth place, Introduction to FBLA. The following chapter members were elected 2019-2020 FBLA Region 9 officers: Elizabeth Estes, president; and sophomores Chloe Campbell, secretary, who will attend the State Leadership Conference; and Lauren Neskie, treasurer. Any community member, business or organization interested in making a donation to the FBLA chapter to offset the cost of attending the state competition may contact adviser Kimberly Webber at kwebber@oxfordasd.org.

Courtesy photo

Members of the Oxford Area High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America qualified to attend the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference to be held from April 8 to 10 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center are, front from left, Chloe Campbell, Kenna Mullins, Cade Pearson, Daniel Nowland, Noah Hewes and Colin Lilly; rear from left, Abby Oliver, Gabrielle Burton, Cassidy Tower, Ashley Dively, Christopher Goodrich, Liz Estes and faculty advisor Kimberly Webber.

Work continues on Kennett Consolidated School District budget for 2019-2020

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer In his Finance Committee report at the March 11 Kennett School Board meeting, school board member Michael Finnegan offered an update about the progress that has been made on developing a budget for the 2019-2020 school year.

Finnegan explained that an early version of the preliminary 2019-2020 budget had expenditures totaling more than $88.2 million. If the budget were approved with those figures, a 2.27 percent tax increase

would be necessary to balance the spending plan.

That’s slightly less than Kennett’s Act 1 Index limit of 2.3 percent. However, there is still a considerable amount of work to be done, and a lot of unknowns about the spending plan that exist now will be clarified in the coming weeks.

For example, the state budget is not yet finalized. Finnegan explained that the proposed state budget includes an increase in the state subsidy for public schools. If that additional funding is included in the final state budget, it would help reduce the tax

increase that would be necessary for the Kennett Consolidated School District to balance its own budget.

Finnegan estimated that the tax increase in Kennett would be about 1.87 percent if the school district receives funding from the state at the level that has been proposed.

A presentation about the preliminary budget had been scheduled at the school board meeting in February, Finnegan noted, but that meeting was postponed because of inclement weather.

There have been considerable discussions about the budget

during Finance Committee meetings, which are also open to the public. Details about the spending plan are also available on the school district’s website.

Overall, projected expenditures for 2019-2020 total $88,253,792, which is approximately $2 million more than the current school year—an increase of about 2.38 percent. Salaries are increasing by about 2.50 percent. That figure will likely change as some staff members will decide to retire or leave at the end of the current school year.

Most of the increases in the 2019-2020 budget, when compared to the spending plan for the current plan, can be attributed to fixed costs like salaries and the contributions to the Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). PSERS costs are increasing by about 2.57 percent for the next fiscal year.

New items impacting the 2019-2020 budget include $310,000 for new English Language Arts textbooks, $253,000 for CCRES aides, $50,000 for technology and equipment, and an additional

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Finnegan said that work on the budget will continue in the coming months, as more accurate information about revenues and expenditures become available. The school board must adopt a final budget by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. Finance Committee meetings take place on the first Monday, while school board meetings take place on the second Monday of each month.

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

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revitalization opportunities in the town.

The Toughkenamon improvement plan also dovetails with several other plans that have been done in the village, including a study by the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) that explored methods of providing better bicycle, pedestrian and transit accommodations along the Baltimore Pike corridor.

The CCPC also conducted a housing and transportation study for the village, and a similar study was done

by New Garden Township in 2011. In addition, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission is at work to develop a KennettArea Freight Transportation Framework Plan, which includes the Village of Toughkenamon.

“Our project scope is to build off of the previous plans, to collect and analyze data, and enlist best practices that will all be used to shape and refine a vision for the village, that will then translate to specific transportation and land use recommendations,” Manbeck said. “We'll be looking how to improve how people walk and move through Toughkenamon, and develop concept plans and cost estimates for recommended improvements.”

Manbeck said that the plan will also coincide with PennDOT's scheduled work to improve the troublesome Baltimore Pike-Newark Road intersection, which

is currently in the design phase.

“The design aspects of that intersection will be the starting point to the conceptual design that we'll be doing,” Manbeck said. “We'll be taking the preliminary engineering [plans] for the intersection improvement, and building off of that to show additional improvements south on Newark, and east and west along Baltimore Pike.”

While the early stages of the plan are piggy-backing off of similar projects, it’s unfortunately running into a nasty roadblock – literally. This week, PennDOT began a project to improve the intersection of Newark and Hillendale roads, just to the south of the Village of Toughkenamon. The construction will likely include long stretches of the intersection being closed for extended periods of time.

The project is scheduled to be completed in October.

McMahon Associates and Thomas Comitta & Associates aren't the only players in the project.

They've created a committee of volunteers, elected officials and township staff who will connect community partners, businesses and residents to potential investors and developers.

The local community will be invited to submit their opinions and ideas at a community workshop for the Toughkenamon Streetscape & Transportation Improvement Plan on May 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Harvest Ridge Winery in Toughkenamon.

In other township news, the supervisors voted 3-1

in favor of advertising for adoption of a proposed Historic Preservation ordinance, which if passed will provide guidelines on what owners of the 110 structures listed on a proposed historic properties map can do when choosing to renovate, rehabilitate or alter their homes.

“It provides that if you're going to enlarge, alter or rehabilitate a historic resource, that the owner must have a review of these plans with the [township's] Historical Commission, which could lead to a delay in obtaining necessary permits to do the work – as many as 60 days,” township solicitor Vince Pompo said.

Pompo said that the proposed ordinance also includes provisions that would regulate demolition of historic structures by giving the township more enforcement powers in order to avoid losing these historic resources.

While the supervisors generally agreed with the principle of the ordinance, they wrestled with its intent, which some felt was too restrictive to home owners.

“The intent is perfect, the document isn't,” said supervisor Richard Ayotte. “I would not want somebody telling me what I should do on my property. It would bother me a lot.”

Members of the audience also criticized the content of the proposed ordinance. Business owner Tom Lafferty said that if it's passed, the ordinance would make it more cumbersome – and expensive – for homeowners to address what the Historical

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Natasha Manbeck of McMahon Associates co-chaired a presentation before the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors on March 18 that introduced the goals of a project to develop a transportation and streetscape plan for the Village of Toughkenamon.

Commission may dictate during the renovation of a historic home.

“We need to be careful in how we address this,” Lafferty said. “If we're going to retain these old homes, we want to make it easy to retain these old homes. We want to make sure that if [a homeowner] loves that old home, they can feel comfortable doing what they want to do with it, while also realizing the same values as our township.”

Township Manager Tony Scheivert made a recommendation that two supervisors and Pompo meet with the Historical Commission to review the content of the proposed ordinance, in order to come up with an edited document. Before it is passed, the public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed ordinance,

as will the owners of all historic properties in the township.

What we're starting here is a dialogue,” said supervisor Pat Little. “This is a negotiating process to get something that's going to pretty much fit for everybody.”

No active members of the Historical Commission were present at the meeting to comment on the proposed ordinance.

The township purchased two properties for the purpose of placing conservation easements on them.

The 43.1-acre Sproat property, located on Van Croft Road, was purchased at a cost of $308,000. It will include a public trail corridor, and connects with the 2008 greenways plan of conservation that is included in the township's comprehensive plan.

The township also

acquired an additional 4.2 acres of the Christie property in Landenberg for $40,000, which joins 12.2 acres of the Christie property that the township had earlier purchased for conservation easement.

The township's annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place in New Garden Township Park on April 13, beginning at 1 p.m.

The township will hold a shredding event on March 30 at the township building, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The board also approved a request from the Kennett Area Community Service to again hold their 66th annual gift-giving event at the township's public works building his year. The event will be held from Dec. 11-14.

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

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

The 152-second primer for who we are

Church leaders must follow and teach Biblical doctrine

Every year for the past nine years, Police Chief Gerald Simpson of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department – and before that, the New Garden Township Police Department – begins the department’s annual awards and recognition ceremony with a video that he feels neatly frames the key words of the department’s core values.

In years past, those in attendance at this event have seen the transference of those values onto short films, news stories and documents that capture the essence of Integrity, Justice, Duty and Human Life. On March 14, when the department bestowed its annual honors for stellar service in 2018, Simpson chose to showcase another word that is not found in the department’s core values, but is worn in theory and in practice like a lapel on a police officer’s uniform.

He then stood away from the podium, and with no introduction, a two-minute, thirty-two second video called “Courage” began to play.

Showing only the beautiful ethnicity of faces young and old, the video was narrated by its filmmaker, the image consultant David Brier: When did we start getting so scared so easily, forgetting what it was like to stand up for what was simply the decent thing to do?

When did a punchline replace the ability and strength to stand up for what was right...what was right, and not the kind of right that blindly attacks anything different than us, but the kind of right that adds meaning and virtue to life, and adds truth to facts, and adds beauty to motion, and wisdom to knowledge?

When did recoiling back into ourselves replace the inclination to step forward, to challenge compromise, and to shoot down empty one liners?

There was a time when brilliance didn’t frighten us but instead, invigorated us; when innovation wasn’t intimidating, but instead, filled us with awe.

Courage isn’t stupid or blind, or impetuous.

No. Courage? It’s bold. It’s uncompromising. It’s alive. It’s who we were before we forgot.

It’s telling those who say different to take a hike, without an ounce of care...or a molecule of hate.

Courage.

While Mr. Brier’s words and images reflect the work done that is being performed selflessly – and courageously – by our law enforcement members every day, its intended reach knows no limitations, and who it reaches is not confined to a carefully-selected few. Of this, we are certain; this newspaper enjoys its envious position as the town crier of those who demonstrate courage, every day.

They come out of our law offices, where case loads are filled with the pleas of the undocumented, in the hopes that these attorneys can achieve miracles.

They come out of our schools, whose classrooms reach not only the student majority, but those who look up from the depths of their wilderness and see a teacher’s extended hand, waiting for them.

They come out of our congregations, who are so entrenched in their ideals of decency and humanity that they stand up against the teachings of their own church.

They come out of our local mushroom farms, where industry leaders have empowered a once-undervalued and under-appreciated sector of their workforce.

They come out of our neighborhoods and homes and youth sports leagues and community centers, and out of our township meetings and borough halls.

Together, they have chosen boldness over safety, and with their actions, they are alive with brilliance and innovation.

Courage, they tell us, is an action verb, achieved daily, without compromise, without an ounce of care for what others may say of them, and without a molecule of hate.

For these actions, they fill us with awe.

Letter to the Editor: The Chester County Press attacked the Methodist Church because they voted against allowing LGBTQ to be clergy and refuse to perform same-sex marriage.

The Press stated: “It was an appalling declaration of ugliness that echoed the sound of what happens when discrimination is brought to a vote.”

The Press further stated that churches should be “... the truest expression of God, through prayer and protest to have the courage to call out oppression and bigotry and hatred and the blindness of myopic thinking...”

How insulting! Biblical doctrine is not negotiable just because some in society decide to ignore it. The Bible is what it is.

Christian churches welcome LGBTQ and same-sex couples to worship with them. However, clergy and church leaders must follow and teach Biblical doctrine.

To be fair, let’s hear your opinions on other religions.

Will the Press speak out next week on the Roman Catholic Church, which does not allow women to be priests? Or will the Press

weigh in on their pro-life stance?

Maybe the following week the Press editorial can focus on a fast-growing ideology - Muslims and their Quran. I am curious to hear the Press’s opinion on their treatment of women and Sharia Law. B. Keene Cochranville

Halt the assault on Medicare

By Thair Phillips At his campaign rallies, President Trump promised to protect Medicare. But now, his administration is quietly embracing drastic changes that could choke off seniors’ access to lifesaving treatments.

Consider the administration’s new guidance for Medicare Advantage, which enables about 20 million Medicare beneficiaries to obtain subsidized health plans from private insurers.

The guidance, which took effect this January, allows insurers to force beneficiaries to try older, low-cost medications before they can access more advanced, expensive drugs.

This callous practice, known as “step therapy,” was previously prohibited in Medicare Advantage because it prevents doctors from prescribing the medicines they feel will work best for each individual. During the months that patients are forced to try older, less

effective treatments, their ailments can worsen, causing immense suffering and even premature death.

Administration officials have also proposed weakening key patient protections in Medicare Part D, the popular prescription drug benefit used by 44 million Americans. Right now, all Part D plans must cover all medications in six “protected classes” of therapies -- anticonvulsants (epilepsy), antidepressants (mental health), antineoplastics (cancer), antipsychotics (mental health), antiretrovirals (HIV/ AIDS), and immunosuppressants (transplants).

When it created the Part D program more than a decade ago, Congress specifically protected these classes to ensure that seniors who battle cancer, HIV/AIDS, depression, and other serious diseases would have a full range of treatment options.

It also leveled the playing field by ensuring that all the insurance companies that participated in Part D

included medicines associated with expensive diseases in their formulary.

But the administration wants to allow Part D plans to stop covering some of the most critical medications in these classes. It’s no surprise, then, that many of the top medical organizations in the country, including the National Kidney Foundation, the AIDS Institute, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, have lined up against this proposal.

The administration is also pursuing misguided reforms to Medicare Part B, which covers sophisticated treatments, such as gene therapies and advanced biologics, which must be administered by medical professionals in a healthcare facility. One change could slash reimbursements for some doctors who administer these treatments.

Cutting payments to doctor’s offices and clinics could force many of them to stop treating Medicare

patients. The last time authorities substantially cut Part B payments, fully half of community oncologists “reported sending their Medicare patients elsewhere for chemotherapy, primarily to more expensive hospital outpatient infusion centers,” according to a survey conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

For more than half a century, Medicare has helped seniors access the care they need and deserve. Our government promised us that the Medicare taxes, which were deducted from our pay checks every payday, would be used to ensure we had acceptable health care when we retired. Up to this point, especially in Medicare Part B and Part D, that promise has been kept. RetireSafe believes the proposed changes described above break that promise our government made to each of us.

Thair Phillips is President of RetireSafe.

When is it proper to kneel?

To the Editor: There has been much talk and news coverage concerning athletes who kneel in protest before a sports game.

Many people consider such athletes heroes for protesting what they believe is social injustice, but it is our nation’s police officers who can better teach us when it is proper to kneel.

Police officers kneel when they hold the hand of a child who takes his last breath after being struck by a car while riding his bike.

Police officers kneel as they perform CPR on an elderly woman who was out shopping with her daughter.

Police officers kneel as they comfort a lost child who is crying for his/her parent.

Police officers kneel as they reach into a sewer grate to rescue a frightened kitten that fell inside it.

Police officers kneel from exhaustion after jumping into a lake to rescue someone who fell in.

Police officers kneel in the back of a car on the side of a highway to deliver a baby that couldn’t wait to reach the hospital.

Police officers kneel for cover behind a small dumpster as they are fired upon after responding to a burglar alarm.

Police officers kneel when

they provide first aid to a battered person after responding to a domestic violence call.

Police officers kneel in the doorway of a burning house as they move under the smoke trying to rescue a small child left behind by their panic-stricken parents.

Police officers kneel as they help a stranded motorist change a tire on a dark, lonely road.

Police officers kneel when they administer narcan to yet another teenager who has overdosed on heroin, or some other deadly drug.

Police officers kneel as they weep at the casket of a fellow fallen officer who was shot and killed on a “routine”

traffic stop because he/she was a cop.

These are just a few examples of police officers who know and demonstrate when it is proper to kneel.

Police officers across the nation deserve our support and respect. We are only in the month of March and already several police officers nationwide have been killed in the line of duty.

Our country’s police officers are truly the “Thin Blue Line” between a civilized society or one controlled by mob rule, lawlessness and total chaos.

Lt. Allan Andrade (Retired) - NYC Police Department

Chester County awarded highest amount of farm preservation funds from the state At its recent meeting, the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board awarded Chester County the highest level of funding,

$3.74 million, to preserve farmland in Chester County farms. The state board announced an overall spending threshold of $38

million for the purchase of development rights from farm owners state-wide – the highest spending total in over a decade.

Chester County’s award of state funds, added to certified county funds of $5 million for farmland preservation in 2019, positions Chester County as the state leader in funding for agricultural land preservation.

“Preservation of farms is truly best practice for the future benefit of everyone and we must do what we can to make sure Chester County’s tradition of farming continues,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline.

Since the start of Chester County’s agricultural land preservation program 30

years ago, more than 40,100 acres of farmland have been preserved. Factoring in current agreements of sale, the number exceeds 41,200 acres. Last December, Chester County preserved its 500th farm.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone noted: “The variety of preserved farms in Chester County reflects the diversity of our agriculture.

It is a vital industry, creating more than $600 million in revenue a year.”

Commissioner Terence Farrell added: “Chester County has invested $106 million in farmland preservation over 30 years, and that investment ensures that the county’s agriculture industry continues to contribute over $3 billion to

our local economy through sales, employment, taxes and services.

“We thank the members of our Agriculture Land Preservation Board for their valuable contribution, making our program the best in the state.”

The nine-member Chester County Agriculture Land Preservation Board (ALPB) guides the county on farmland preservation and reviews applications from farm owners. Board chairwoman Melba Matthews said, “We are so proud of the accomplishments of our volunteer board that has worked in partnership with county staff and the Chester County Commissioners for the past 30 years to preserve farmland.

“It is a great accomplishment to be state leader for farmland preservation, while leveraging federal, state, county, and township funds to support the local farming industry and preserve open space.”

The ALPB is now accepting applications for farmland preservation.

Farms 10 acres or more are eligible if they are adjacent to permanently preserved land. Farms not adjacent to permanently preserved land need to be a minimum of 50 acres in size for the Commonwealth program and 25 acres in size for the Challenge Grant Program. The deadline for Chester County’s Farmland Preservation application is August 1.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau Annual Spring Banquet Promoting and protecting agriculture in Pennsylvania

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Russell Redding, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, was the featured speaker at the annual spring banquet of the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau at Octorara High School on March 14.

The audience at the spring banquet included many hardworking farmers from an area that has a long and rich agricultural history, as well as local, county, and state officials who play a part in shaping agricultural policy.

Also in attendance were numerous 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) members who will be the next generation to carry on Pennsylvania’s farming traditions. So this audience was invested and engaged in what the state’s Secretary of Agriculture might have to say. But, while Redding said that he always appreciates the opportunity to share updates about the efforts to promote and protect agriculture, he viewed the event not as an opportunity to deliver a speech to an audience, but an opportunity to listen. He wanted to hear about some of the issues that local farmers are facing, whether it was the workforce challenges of the mushroom industry or the pricing concerns of the dairy industry. He wanted to learn about the impact that state and federal policies are having on farming operations.

He wanted to benefit from

spending time among the people who make farming their life’s work because the state’s agricultural community is as varied as it is vast, and there are plenty of lessons to be learned at the grass-roots level represented by the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau. After all, the grass-roots level is where seeds of success must be planted.

Daniel Miller, the president of the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau, said that the spring banquet offered a good opportunity to discuss issues impacting the agriculture industry, such as commodity prices being low for products like milk and grains. The challenges and changes that the agriculture industry faces makes collaboration and communication essential.

Howard Robinson is a retired teacher and Oxford School Board member. He and his wife, Janet, own a farm and they have, for years, been tireless advocates for both the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Robinson said that it’s always good to have the state’s Secretary of Agriculture at an event. Indeed, the turnout for the event was strong even though the spring banquet was held a little earlier than is typical.

“This is the largest crowd that we’ve had in years,” explained Robinson.

The banquet was held at

Photo by Steven Hoffman

State Rep. Christina Sappey, who represents the 158th Legislative District, is pictured with Russell Redding, the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture at the annual spring banquet of the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau.

Octorara High School. The setting was very appropriate considering the emphasis that is being placed right now on educating the next generation of rural farmers in this area.

Numerous FFA students were in attendance, collecting food items and monetary gifts for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s “Farmers Care Program.” Contributions were to be distributed to local food banks.

Redding pointed out that the Farmers Care Program is another illustration of the importance of agriculture and farming to the state and the local communities.

He also addressed the complexities and challenges of shaping policies that ensure the future success of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry are illustrated by a Pennsylvania Farm Bill that was included as part of the proposed 2019-2020 state budget.

Redding explained that when people think of farm bills, they typically think of federal farm bills aimed at promoting and protecting agriculture across the entire country. But this year, Pennsylvania has its own farm bill aimed at creating new opportunities as the industry grows and changes at the state and local level.

The farm bill covers everything from investing in research and protecting agriculture infrastructure to preparing for disasters and reducing regulatory burdens.

A Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program, funded at $5 million in the proposed budget, would fund research and development, organic transition assistance, and marketing grants in support of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.

The Agriculture and Rural Youth Organization Grant Program, funded at

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Lisa McNamara, the Octorara Area School District’s director of career & technical education, Daniel Miller, the president of the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau, and Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone were among those in attendance at the annual spring banquet of the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau.

$500,000, will reestablish this program to fund agricultural and rural youth organizations to help increase knowledge and awareness of agricultural issues within the commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Farm to School Grant Program, funded at $500,000, will be utilized to improve childhood nutrition while increasing exposure to agriculture.

A State-level Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, funded at $500,000, is targeted to invest in and encourage farming of high-priority horticultural crops like hemp, hops, and hardwoods.

While the Pennsylvania Farm Bill won’t be finalized until a state budget is adopted, most likely before the deadline of June 30, Redding said that there is

bipartisan support for the farm bill. While it is certainly a challenge to establish policies and address issues in such a diverse state, Redding said that, “Diversity is our strength.”

Redding, the state’s 26th Secretary of Agriculture, has served in that role since 2015, making him one of the leading advocates for the agriculture industry. It’s an industry that he knows well. While he was growing up in Pennsylvania, Redding learned the basics of agricultural production on his family’s dairy farm. He was later a dairy farm operator.

Redding studied at Penn State University, earning a bachelor of sciences degree in agriculture education and a master’s degree in agriculture and extension education. He was also a graduate of the Continuted on page 9A

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County celebrates National Ag Day

Courtesy photo

The Chester County Commissioners recognized the county’s agricultural economic strength and abundance at their recent Sunshine Meeting with a proclamation in support of National Ag Day. Pictured are Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, Richard Hostetter (The Farm at Doe Run), County Commissioner Terence Farrell, Kyle MacCauley (MacCauley Suffolks), David Bell (B&R Angus), Ag Council Director Hillary Krummrich, Kaitlin Bell (B&R Angus), and County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.

The Chester County Commissioners recognized the county’s agricultural economic strength and abundance at their recent Sunshine Meeting with a proclamation in support of National Ag Day (March 14).

“Even though we are celebrating a little early, with agriculture’s contribution to our daily lives, I don’t think there is a wrong day to honor our

county’s top industry,” said Agricultural Development Council Director Hillary Krummrich, when accepting the proclamation from the Commissioners.

As part of the Commissioners’ recognition of National Ag Day, Krummrich introduced Chester County agricultural community representatives who won top awards at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm

Show. The winners, who represent the quality and diversity of farming in the Chester County, are David and Kaitlin Bell (B&R Angus, beef cattle) of West Nottingham Township; Kyle MacCauley (MacCauley Suffolks, sheep) of Atglen; and Richard Hostetter (The Farm at Doe Run, cheese) of Unionville.

Krummrich also recognized and thanked

the Chester County Ag Task Force members in attendance at the Commissioners’ meeting who typify the support network in place to help the industry thrive in the region. These organizations included agricultural service providers, government agencies, educational institutions, open space and agricultural advocacy groups.

Chester County

continued its celebration of agriculture at a children’s reading event at the Chester County Library on March 13. Chester County Little Miss Agriculture USA Queen Ellie Harrop and her mom Melissa, along with the Chester County Ag Council, hosted a special reading and discussion of “Right This Very Minute,” a book about the connection between farmers and the food we eat.

Continued from 8A

Agribusiness Executive program. His professional career has included more than 20 years serving Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and Washington D.C. He worked on Capitol Hill as an agriculture policy advisor to U.S. Senator Harris Wofford and worked for 16 years in the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, serving as secretary from 2009 to 2011 under Governor Ed Rendell. He currently serves as Chair of the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture.

In other business at the spring banquet, Robinson reported that the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau was able to meet every goal that the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau had set for it during the last year. The Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau maintained a membership of nearly 7,000 members, making it number one in the state for membership once again.

It was also noted that members of the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau will be among the group heading to Harrisburg on March 27 to talk with state legislators about issues affecting agriculture.

The Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau is a volunteer organization that works to advance the interests of agriculture and rural communities by collaborating with policymakers at the state and federal levels. It offers numerous benefits and services to its members. More information about the Chester Delaware County Farm Bureau is available on its Facebook page.

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

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point slated April 7 When the warm breezes of spring waft their way into Chester County, the local fox hunting horses and folks who love them know it’s time for the annual point-to-point races.

The 2019 Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point -scheduled for Sunday, April 7 -- is one of the early ones. It offers a wide variety of activities at the Myrick Center in Pocopson Township, including child-friendly events and refreshments for sale.

This is the oldest point-to-point in the Delaware Valley, and its proceeds benefit the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance environmental education and watershed conservation programs.

The gates open at 11 a.m. on Route 842, with preferred parking ($50) near the finish line and general admission parking for $20 per car.

Beginning at noon, there are six adult races over a 318-acre property that looks out over the stunning scenery of rural southern Chester County. The horses and riders vault as many as 17 jumps on the course.

Competition for young riders is plentiful as well, with races ranging from three sizes of pony races to stick pony races for kids as young as 3.

Included in these youth races are the riders from Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park “Work to Ride”

The hounds of the Radnor Hunt pay a visit to the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point.

program.

Visitors are also invited to purchase $10 raffle tickets for chances on prizes that range from artwork and restaurant meals to tickets for other horse events, including Devon Horse Show box seats.

The Brandywine Hills Point to Point races are sponsored by the Radnor Hunt, and with that sponsorship comes a parade by the club’s

foxhounds shortly after 1 p.m.

The H.E. Myrick Conservation Center is the headquarters of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (BRC).

A private property open to the public during daylight hours, the 318acre property is located in Pocopson Township along Route 842, six miles west of West Chester and three miles east of Unionville.

Oxford Area High School teacher receives Heart of Learning Award Oxford Area High School English teacher Carynne Burnett is the Oxford Area School District’s recipient of the 2019 Citadel Heart of Learning Award sponsored

by Citadel Federal Credit Union and the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

The annual award recognizes the outstanding job Chester County’s teachers perform in educating and caring for our young people. Burnett has been teaching at the high school since 2004, and currently teaches ninth and 12th grade Honors English and 12th grade AP literature and composition.

She is the faculty advisor to the National English Honor Society and the Class of 2021.

Burnett earned a bachelor’s degree in English from West Chester University in 2002, and received a master’s degree in Professional and Secondary Education from West Chester University in 2012. She and her husband Joe live in Oxford

Courtesy photo

Pictured from left are Oxford Area High School Principal James Canaday; Carynne Burnett, the Oxford Area School District’s winner of the 2019 Citadel Heart of Learning Award; Abigail Brooks, corporate communication manager for Citadel Federal Credit Union; and Ashley Boyd, Chester County Intermediate Unit communications specialist.

and have two daughters, Belle, a sophomore at OAHS; and Jaycie, a third grader at Nottingham Elementary School.

In addition to the award, Burnett received $500 for classroom use. She is one of 15 finalists for the county Heart of Learning Award, which will be announced at the annual awards banquet in May. She was nominated for the Heart of Learning

Award by 20 students.

“I love it here,” said Burnett of teaching in Oxford. “I think we have the best community of students and supportive parents and I’ve always been really happy at Oxford.”

She added, “Receiving this award makes me very emotional. Everything I do is for the students, and to hear what they wrote about me in their nominations really means a lot.”

Horses vault the stone wall at last year’s Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

11A

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15 MINUTES FROM LONGWOOD GARDENS

12A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Headliners announced for second Country Spirit USA Countr y music superstars Little Big Town and Billy Currington will headline Citadel Country Spirit USA, a three-day country music festival coming to Chester County Aug. 23 to 25.

The March 13 announcement also includes Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice and Lauren Alaina joining the lineup. The second annual festival, being held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, will feature 20 artists on two stages. More performers, including the third headliner, will

be announced soon.

Early Bird Three-Day Passes, priced from $219 (not including fees), are on sale now.

Little Big Town has earned more than 40 award show nominations and won 20 in the past five years, including Grammy, American Music Awards, People’s Choice, Countr y Music Association and Academy of Country Music top honors, plus an Emmy.

While music is Citadel Country Spirit USA’s main attraction, there will be an array of activities, a wide

selection of food vendors and restaurants.

Hosted by the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, 22,000 fans from 28 states and two Canadian provinces attended the f irst festival, held in August 2018.

Purchase tickets and preferred parking online at CountrySpiritUSA. com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849.

A portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. A total of $100,000 was raised for the nonprofit organization in 2018.

From top left: Headliners Little Big Town, Billy Currington. Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, and Lauren Alaina.

History and art meet in Chadds Ford on March 22 and 23 The Chadds Ford Elementary School Art Show marks 70 years

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Photo by John Chambless

Landenberg artist Kathy Ruck and Wilmington artist Rick Phillips will be spotlighted at the Chadds Ford Art Show on March 22 and 23.

Any art show that has lasted for 70 years has certainly proved its appeal, and the annual Chadds Ford Elementary School Art Show and Sale has earned its place as a highlight of the year.

The show, started in 1949

by Betsy and Andrew Wyeth when their son, Jamie, went to Chadds Ford Elementary, raises much-needed funds for the school through art sales.

Last year, about $80,000 in total sales netted $20,000 for the PTA. The money is spread over a wide range of needs –

everything from specialized seating to a new piano and other classroom supplies not covered in the regular budget.

For a two-day sale, the total is impressive, said Nichole Scull, the show’s chairwoman.

“We set it up in the school gym on Thursday afternoon after school, and that takes three to four hours,” she said. “The artists check in, there’s an adults-only preview on Friday, and then general admission on Saturday. We break it all down on Saturday, and that takes another two hours or so.”

While the mechanics of the show have been streamlined

Longwood’s summer series tickets on sale Tickets are on sale for the summer lineup at Longwood Gardens, a season that includes a Broadway superstar, jazz legends, a country classic artist and more. Visit www. longwoodgardens.org for reservations and more information. The summer lineup includes: Wine & Jazz All Stars (Friday only) Friday, May 31, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $49 Start your fun early with a special nighttime Wine & Jazz All Stars Performance.

We bring together our powerhouse Wine & Jazz performers to create a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Hear Delfeayo Marsalis (trombone), Stefon Harris (vibraphone), Anat Cohen (clarinet), and Bria Skonberg (trumpet, vocals) as they join for the first time.

This concert that won’t be available during Saturday’s Wine & Jazz offerings. After the performance, enjoy a jazz-inspired illuminated fountain show in the Main Fountain Garden. Chairs and blankets can be set up beginning at 5 p.m. in the Main Fountain Garden.

Wine & Jazz Festival (Saturday only) Saturday, June 1, 2019 2 p.m. Throughout Longwood Gardens Enjoy the sights and sounds of live music while savoring wines from around the world. Sip along to jazz selections and, after the sun goes down, catch a jazz-inspired evening fountain show to round out your day. Tickets include gardens admission from 1 to 10 p.m. Each 21 years and older ticket includes

10 wine tastings and a souvenir stemless wine glass. Tastings end at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $39 for ages 5 to 20 or designated driver, and $59 for 21 and older.

BalletX Wednesday, June 12, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $27 to $47 As Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, BalletX unites distinguished choreographers with a company of world-class dancers to forge new works of athleticism, emotion, and grace. Since the company’s founding in 2005, BalletX has encouraged formal experimentation while preserving rigorous technique. The resident dance company of The Wilma Theater, BalletX has performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide.

“Seven Things I Learned”: An Evening With Ira Glass Sunday, June 16, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $42 to $72 The host and creator of the public radio program “This American Life,” Ira Glass shares lessons

learned from his life and career in storytelling with “Seven Things I Learned.”

Beginning his career as an intern at National Public Radio’s network headquarters in Washington DC in 1978, Glass put “This American Life” (now with a following of more than 2.2 million listeners on more than 500 public radio stations, with another 2.5 million downloading each podcast on the air) in 1995.

Glass has championed the style of narrative journalism found in a new generation of podcasts and radio shows.

Leslie Odom, Jr. Sunday, June 23, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $63 to $93 Best known for his role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway musical hit “Hamilton,” Grammy and Tony Award-winning singer and actor Leslie Odom, Jr., showcases his talent in his Longwood debut. With a career spanning Broadway, television, film, and music, Odom, Jr, made his Broadway debut in “Rent” and has sent two albums to the top of the Billboard jazz chart. He recently added the title of author to his resume with the release of his book “Failing Up: How to Take

Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning.”

Rosanne Cash and Band – “She Remembers Everything” Sunday, June 30, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $38 to $58 Rosanne Cash is on tour with “She Remembers Everything,” a poetic, lush, and soulful collection of songs that reckon with a flawed and fragile world. “She Remembers Everything” follows Cash’s triple-Grammy winning album “The River & the Thread” (2014) and marks a return to more personal songwriting after a trio of albums that explored her southern roots and family heritage. In the wake of the latest tsunami of survivor stories, Cash has embraced women’s narratives in this powerful material.

The Philadelphia Orchestra Tuesday, July 2, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $55 to $85 Led by assistant conductor Kensho Watanabe, The Philadelphia Orchestra celebrates its legacy of excellence with an evening of music by American

composers and Beethoven.

Beginning with Michael Daugherty’s “Flamingo,” a wild and fun concerto for two tambourines, the orchestra relaxes with George Gershwin’s charming “Lullaby for String Quartet” before racing to intermission with Morton Gould’s “American Symphonette No. 2.”

Concluding the program is Beethoven’s masterpiece “Symphony No. 1.”

Jesse & Joy Tuesday, September 3, 2019 7:30 p.m. Open Air Theatre Tickets are $37 to $57 With off-the-scale success in Latin America, Mexican brother and sister singer-songwriter pop duo Jesse & Joy continues to grow across North and Latin America, as well as Europe. In the 10 years since the Huerta-Uecke siblings started recording together they’ve released four albums, sold out tours throughout the Americas, and won six Latin Grammy Awards and a U.S. Grammy Award.

Longwood Gardens hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 610-388-1000 or visit www. longwoodgardens.org.

in all these years, the roster of artists is constantly changing.

“We have 65 artists this year, and three of them are new,” Scull said. “Thirty percent of the sales go to the school.”

For the artists, many of whom are friends, the Chadds Ford show is a chance to catch up with each other’s lives and work. The show also serves as a showcase where area gallery dealers can scout out new talent, so being part of the event can lead to bigger things.

Jamie Wyeth has been known to stop by in past years, Scull said, “and you never know who will turn up.

For buyers, we try to get a variety of things – different styles, mediums, wood crafts, jewelry, photography.

Something for everyone.”

This year, Landenberg artist Kathy Ruck will be the featured artist, getting a prime space to show her paintings on the stage in the gymnasium. Delaware artist Rick Phillips will be the donating artist, meaning he is donating a painting, “Vintage Americana,” that will be raffled off during the show.

Phillips has been an exhibitor at the show since 2011, “but to be the donating artist has always been on my bucket list,” he said on March 13 during an interview at the school. A longtime admirer of the Wyeth family of artists, he is struck by the history of the show. He also enjoys seeing what everyone else is up to.

“This whole area just speaks to me,” he said of Chester County.

The show opens with a reception with live music and cocktails on March 22 from 7 to 10 p.m. Many of the artists will be in attendance to meet visitors. The show is open to everyone on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Special events include a talk by Mary Cronin, the dean of education and public programs at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, who will be discussing “The Wyeths in Chadds Ford” on Saturday from 1 to 1:30 p.m. in the school library, which has original works by the Wyeths. A “Paint Party” offered by artists Christine Burke and Diane Micklin will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (registration required).

And artist Karl J. Kuerner will have a gallery of his own and will be at the show to meet guests.

For more information, visit https://cfes.ucfsd.org/artshow.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercount. com.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

KENNETH W. THOMAS

KYLE W. BARKER

DAVID A. GRAHAM, SR.

Kenneth W. Thomas, 77 of Chestertown, Md., passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 7 after an extended illness.

He and his wife, Marie, were married for 51 years and have four children and nine grandchildren. Ken cherished his family and was a devoted and much beloved husband, father and Pop Pop. He was born in 1941, son of the late Joseph D. and Margaret McCue Thomas. He was raised in Landenberg, and was a graduate of Kennett High and the Pennsylvania State University College of Agriculture. He was also a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.

Ken was a tractor enthusiast and history buff and his love of tractors turned into a life-long career. He was employed by S.G. Lewis & Son, Jennersville, and J. Norman Pusey Hardware, Avondale. In 1969, he opened Thomas Power Equipment in Avondale, and later worked for John Deere in Syracuse, N.Y. In 1980, he and his family moved to Kent County, Md., where he worked as the lawn and garden sales manager for Hoober Equipment, Inc., in Middletown, Del., for over 25 years. He enjoyed collecting tractors and farm equipment, telling a good joke and spending time with family. Ken was a proud charter member of the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Ann Gooding Thomas; children, Amy Tasman of Glenside, Steven Thomas of Colorado Springs, Colo., Carrie Nuse (Jeff) of Chestertown, Md., and Scott Thomas (Anna) of East Greenville, Pa..; a sister Mary Ann Armstrong (Jim) of Lancaster, Pa.; and nine grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on March 21 at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown (905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown Md.). Friends may call after 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, 905 Gateway Dr. Chestertown, MD 21620; Kent & Queen Anne’s Rescue Squad, 140 Morgnec Rd., Chestertown, MD 21620; or Tuckahoe Steam & Gas Association, PO Box 636, Easton, MD 21601.

Kyle William Barker, 84, of Oxford, passed away on March 11 at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Doris Kennedy Barker, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in Sullivan, W.Va., he was the son of the late Wiley J. and Gladys Howell Barker.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Kyle was employed with Chester Water Authority and retired in 2000, and was formerly employed with Jackson Marina, North East, Md. He was hard working and attended all of his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was known as Pop Pop to his grandchildren, friends and coaches. Kyle enjoyed his family and working in his garage. He loved his best four-legged buddy, Fluffy.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters, Cindy (Mark) Moore of Vero Beach, Fla., Denise (Larry) Prewitt of Cochranville, Brenda (Rick) Walker of Lake Worth, Fla., and Lisa (Scott) Moran of Oxford; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and eight siblings, Paul Barker, Sandy Ham, Owen Barker, Jo Monroe, Shirley Campbell, Pat McCoury, Alvin Barker, and Becky Miner. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Eugene Barker, Jim Barker and David Barker.

A funeral was held March 16. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Dr., PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

David Allen Graham, Sr., 58, of Oxford, passed away on March 11 at home.

He was the husband of Mary Lyster Graham, with whom he shared 14 years of marriage and who knew him for 35 years. Born in Charlotte, N.C., he was the son of the late Samuel Bain and Helen Smith Graham. David was employed with Allied Security in Oxford, and formerly employed with NAPA. He was well known as NapaDave and CarQuestDave.

He enjoyed collecting clocks, watching “Orange County Chopper” and his Mitsubishi Eclipse car.

He is survived by his wife; five sons, David Allen Graham, Jr., of California, Jason Graham of Oxford, Stephen Graham of Oxford, Charles Bruce of West Grove and Cyle Johnson, USMC of Oxford; four daughters, NaToshia Graham of Elkton, Md., Christina Graham of Folsom, Courtney Graham of Oxford and Zoey Graham of Oxford; seven grandchildren; four brothers, Stephen Graham of Barnsville, N.C., Michael Graham of Port Deposit, Md., Daniel Graham of Oxford and Brian Graham of Christiana; and one sister, Sheryl DiPilla of Oxford. He was preceded in death by a brother, James Graham; and two grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 15. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the funeral home to help offset funeral costs. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RUTH M. HICKS

ETHEL J. ORCUTT

Ruth M. Hicks, 79, of West Grove, passed away on March 15 at the Twin Pines Health Care Center.

She was the wife of Dale B. Hicks, who passed away in 2001, and with whom she shared over 39 years of marriage. Born in Landenberg, she was the daughter of the late Paul Hatton and the late Margaret Mark Hatton. She was a bookkeeper, retiring from the Pocopson Home in West Chester. She was a member of the West Grove United Methodist Church for over 60 years and also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Octoraro Chapter No. 463, where she had served as a past Worthy Matron. She enjoyed gardening, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by three sons, Gary Hicks of West Grove, Lary Hicks and his wife Geri of West Grove, and Bary Hicks and his wife Barbara of Wilmington, Del.; one brother, Earl R. Hatton of West Grove; one grandson; two step-grandchildren; five great-step-grandchildren; and one great-great-step-granddaughter.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. March 25 at the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). Her funeral and Eastern Star service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery. In memory of Mrs. Hicks, a contribution may be made to the West Grove Fire Company, P.O. Box 201, West Grove, PA 19390; or to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N. Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA. 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Ethel J. (Trudy) Orcutt, 93, of Oxford, passed away on March 16, 2019 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md. She was the wife of the late John W. Orcutt, Jr. Born in Dillwyn, Va., she was the daughter of the late L.B. and Evie Jamerson. Trudy was a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Nancy wife of Robert McCummings of Rising Sun, Md.; one son, John W. Orcutt, III of Oxford; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

A funeral will be held March 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oxford Library, 48 S. Second St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Obituary submissions

March 24 Concert and dinner West Grove United Methodist Church will host a concert by the church’s PraiseWorks Band on March 24 at 6:30 p.m., beginning with a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. The whole community is invited. Bring a covered dish to share. Desserts

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County.

Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting.

They also are posted on

Alleluia Give all your worries to Him, because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

We are offering a special discount of 25% off each and every help wanted/ classified advertisement to any business that advertises on the PRESS church page.

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

Compliments of

Lions Club of Oxford

Landenberg Church United Methodist All Are Welcome

HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA

932-9330 ENCOURAGES YOU TO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

P.O. Box 270 Oxford, PA 19363 Meets First and Third Thursday at 6:30p.m.

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

205 Penn Green Rd. In Historic Downtown Landenberg Landenberg, PA 19350

610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday • 9:00 am

w w w. c h e s t e r c o u n t y. com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press, email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

will follow the concert. An offering will be taken to support the band. Call 610869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.

March 29-20 Rummage sale West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) holds its spring rummage sale on March 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and March 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The sale offers gently used clothing and household items to the community at low prices. On Saturday, shoppers can fill a brown paper grocery sack for $2.

Leftover items are donated to missions. Donations of gently used household goods, adult clothing, books, craft items, and more will be accepted at the church from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March 25 to 28. The sale is held inside, rain or shine. For more information, call 610869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.

April 6 Pancake breakfast West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd. West Grove) will hold a pancake breakfast on April 6 from 8 to 10 a.m. Tickets are $7 in advance (ages 3 and younger are free). The menu includes pancakes, sausage, fruit cup, juice coffee or tea. Proceeds benefit the church’s missions. Call 610-8699334 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Through March 24 Orchid Extravaganza Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) hosts its annual Orchid Extravaganza daily through March 24. The exhibition features thousands of rare and exotic orchids displayed throughout the Conservatory. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Timed admission tickets are required. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors age 60 and older, $20 for college students (ID required), $12 for ages 5 to 18, free for children under 5. Tickets and more information are available at www.longwoodgardens.org.

Through March 28 Peony Festival Styer’s Nursery (4364 S. Creek Rd., Chadds Ford) presents the first Festival of the Peony through March 28, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. each day. Visitors can tour the nursery and see 55,000 peony plants in 100 varieties on 25 acres.

Ticket sales are limited. Cut flowers will be sold, and root orders will be taken for fall shipment. For more information, visit www. styerspeonies.com, or call 610-616-3839.

March 30 ‘Art of Caring’ auction The Hickman Friends Senior Community will host a live and silent auction during its “Art of Caring – Passport to Art” event on March 30 from 6: to 9 p.m. at Oakbourne Mansion (1014 S. Concord Rd., West Chester). Guests will be able to bid on a trip, “The Napa Valley Backroads & Railways,” including a three-night stay for two people at the

Meritage Resort and Spa, six hours of chauffeured luxury sedan service, threehour gourmet dinner for two on the Napa Valley wine train, and more. Bids are also being accepted chef Sylvie Ashby of Cuisine de Sylvie preparing a fivecourse French dinner for six in your home, as well as two tickets for the Philadelphia premiere of the Broadway musical, “Hamilton,” fine art and more. Funds raised will support The Hickman’s Resident Assistance Fund.

There is no online bidding, but The Hickman does accept proxy bids. Call Jen Harris at 484-760-6306.

Admission tickets are $75 at www.thehickman.org, or by calling 484-760-6300.

April 5 to 13 ‘Naughty Marietta’ The Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra will present the operetta “Naughty Marietta,” a fully staged show with a full orchestra, at 8 p.m. April 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13, and at 2 p.m. April 6 and 13. All performances are held in the theater of the Strath Haven Middle School (200 S. Providence Rd., Wallingford). Tickets at the door are $20 for adults, $17 for seniors (60 and older) and students, and $7 for ages 12 and younger. Wednesday night tickets are halfprice. Advance tickets are discounted and group rates for 10 or more attending the same performance are $12. For more information and directions to the theater, call 610-565-5010, or visit www.rvco.org.

April 27 Friends Folk Club The Friends Folk Club kicks off its 33rd season with The Ronstadt Brothers

on April 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The band presents a fresh take on the traditional Southwestern and Mexican songs of their family’s heritage while offering innovative original material to millennials discovering the treasure of roots music.

The concert will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). Doors open at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. Bring nonperishable food items which will be given to the local food cupboards.

Tickets are $15 (children 12 and younger free). A food truck will be serving beginning at 5:30 p.m.

For more information and reservations, call 610-869-8076.

Kennett Flash schedule The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www.kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: Outside the Wall – Pink Floyd tribute (March 23, 8 p.m., $25 and $30); Jimmy Vivino and Bob Margolin (March 27, 8 p.m., $20 and $25); Broadway Sing-Along Night hosted by Calabrese Performing Arts (March 29, 8 p.m., $15); Dukes of Destiny (March 30, 8 p.m., $18 and $22); Iron Butterfly (April 4, 8 p.m., $50); Dead Flowers – Rolling Stones tribute (April 5, 8 p.m., $18 and $22); Conjunto (April 6, 8 p.m., $14 and $22); Kim Richey (April 7, 7 p.m., $27 and $32); Soften the Glare (April 12, 8 p.m., $16 and

$20); John Eddie and His Dirty Ol Band (April 13, 7 and 9:30 p.m., $26 and $30); Jane Lee Hooker (April 20, 8 p.m., $20 and $25); Allen Roth Band (April 24, 8 p.m., $26 and $30); Pat McGee (April 26 and 27, 8 p.m., $25 and $30); Brian Auger (April 30, 8 p.m., $40); Terry Reid and the Cosmic American Derelicts (May 4, 8 p.m., $30 and $35); Sin City 45th anniversary (May 11, 7 p.m., sold out, May

12, 3 p.m., $15 and $20); Brand X (May 18 and 19, 8 p.m., $53 and $58).

Reactors Comedy Club Reactors Comedy Club, The Clarion Hotel (1110 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills) hosts live comedy acts.

Admission is $20. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. The schedule includes: Derrisk Eason, Paul Spratt, Alan Massenberg (March 30); Paul Lyons, Grover Silcox,

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Dan Clark (April 6); Chris Coccia, Tyler Roth Rock, Langdon James (April 13 at Timothy’s in West Chester, 929 S. High St). Visit www. reactorscomedyclub.com.

To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge.

Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

Unionville High School hosts Chanticleer in concert

Unionville High School presents Chanticleer in concert on April 3 at 7:30 p.m. Hailed as “the world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, the San Francisco-based Grammy Award-winning ensemble is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Chanticleer is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its seamless blend of 12 male voices ranging from soprano to bass, and its original interpretations of vocal literature, from Renaissance to jazz and popular genres, as well as

contemporary composition.

“It is an honor to host one of the world’s greatest choral ensembles,” said Jason Throne, music director at Unionville High School. “Chanticleer concerts are known for world-class musicianship and audience members will have an amazing experience they will cherish for years to come.”

Since Chanticleer began releasing recordings in 1981, the group has sold over 1 million albums and won two Grammys. The a capella ensemble was founded in 1978 by tenor

Louis A. Botto, who sang with the ensemble until 1989 and served as artistic director until his death in 1997. The group takes its name from the “clearsinging” rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales.” Chanticleer was named Ensemble of the Year by Musical America in 2008 and inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame the same year.

Tickets are $25 for preferred seating or $35 for premiere seating. Purchase online at www.showtix4u. com.

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RN, PCA and MA Meet & Greets

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4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Carlson’s long career showcased at Oxford Arts Alliance

By John Chambless Staff Writer C.X. Carlson, a longtime fixture of this region’s art community who lived in nearby Lancaster County, is saluted with a retrospective this month at the Oxford Arts Alliance.

You can learn details of the prolific artist’s life -born in 1902, he worked as an illustrator, cartoonist, poster artist and something of a goodwill ambassador -- and his paintings reflect that good-natured, inventive spirit.

“1948 Kirks Mill,” showing art students painting outside Carlson’s home, has a quick, splashy style that captures the shadows in the scene very nicely. “Houses By the Sea” (1942) has a fine winter chill, and “Lake Scene” (1979) is one of the watercolors that

A South landscape.

American

incorporate spider webs.

Carlson was known to spray the webs to preserve them, then transfer them to the surface of his paintings. In “Lake Scene,” it could be seen as a hanging fishing net, but elsewhere -- as in “Mexico,” for instance -the web’s purpose is less clear, but still interesting.

“The Sea” is a dynamic composition of mythical

creatures and sea life that looks like it may have been a design for a mural.

Elsewhere, Carlson’s South American series captures some intriguing details. The sketchy brush work in a market scene conveys the jumble of activity and people, and his small, lush green cityscape has a lovely sense of distance.

“Art Class at the Octoraro Art Association” shows Carlson’s deft touch with caricature, capturing the faces of the art students with a cartoonist’s skill.

There are two paintings Carlson did for the Borden Company, working out some forerunners of Elsie the Cow, which became the company’s mascot and logo. Who knew she had any relatives? Carlson’s notes are on the bottom of one, asking if the likeness

‘Houses by the Sea’ (1942).

‘Art Class at the Octoraro Art Association.’

was satisfactory.

There’s a display case of Carlson’s published art books and instructional publications as well, further showing his versatility and his eagerness to share tips and techniques with budding artists.

With 20 artworks on view, the show serves to remind those who know Carlson about his work and his local contributions, while others will be introduced to him here. The result is a show that touches several decades of work with warm, nostalgic affection.

“Watercolors by C.X. Carlson” continues at the Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) through April 12. Visit www.oxfordart.org.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

Carlson worked for the Borden Company on predecessors of Elsie the Cow. His notes appear at the bottom.

FAIRY TALES TO NURSERY RHYMES The Droller Collection of Picture Book Art

March 2 – May 12, 2019

Climb into the magical world of children’s literature through this stunning collection of more than 100 original and imaginative illustrations.

Fairy Tales to Nursery Rhymes: The Droller Collection of Picture Book Art is organized by The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, Massachusetts. This exhibition is made possible in Delaware by the Edgar A. Thronson Foundation Illustration Exhibition Fund and the Hallie Tybout Exhibition Fund. Additional support was provided, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com. Image: “‘Who are you?’ said the caterpillar,” 1983, Illustration for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Victor Gollancz Ltd, 1984).

Justin Todd (born 1932). Gouache on illustration board, 11 3/8 x 8 1/2 inches. Collection of Michael and Esther Droller. © 1984 Justin Todd.

2301 Kentmere Pkwy Wilmington, DE 19806 302.571.9590 delart.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Expressive creatures and distinctive places by Dan Miller

By John Chambless Staff Writer Dan Miller’s prints are so well done, so confident and so richly colored that it’s easy to overlook how laborintensive each one is.

With backgrounds that capture the natural wood grain of the plank he’s working from, Miller painstakingly produces each large image with sometimes seven or eight different passes through his press, aligning each color until the works resemble watercolors, not woodcuts.

Miller’s new exhibit at Bookplace in Oxford is a great overview of his distinctive work. It continues through April 14.

He nods to the ancient roots of the technique in several portraits of Japanese masters, such as “Hokusai Pointing Toward Fuji,” and he delights in stretching to boundaries of printmaking while incorporating all the natural textures of his materials.

His birds – as in

“Uncommon Bird,” “Burning Bright” and “Full Moon Under” -- have a sly, sideways glance that expresses whimsical character.

In “Seeking Fish,” the predator has the same cartoonish expression as the prey.

His series of Maine coastline scenes – such as “Summer Shore,” “Western Island Above Dunes” and “Sally Island Through Trees” – are instantly likeable, deftly capturing the hues of green and gray against the gray-blue water. His “At the Sands” captures a splendidly gnarled old apple tree, and it’s one of the show’s highlights.

In terms of detail, it’s hard to beat “Wasp,” a vertical composition of the insect on a stalk, with every detail of its wings and body meticulously rendered.

Miller’s colors give a remarkable tone to the gallery space -- gray and green and bursts of vivid hues that are both cohesive and distinctive. You’ll want to spend time admiring the places and creatures

‘Hokusai Pointing Toward Fuji.’

‘At the Sands’

he captures – and then pondering just how he accomplishes this magic.

“Creatures and Features,” by Dan Miller, will be on view at Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) through April 14. Hours are Friday from 1 to

4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Call 717-7154775 or visit www. bookplaceoxford.com.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

‘Seeking Fish’

‘Corea Dunes’

‘Uncommon Bird’

‘Wasp’ (detail)

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Sullivan named Officer of the Year at regional police awards ceremony

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Gerald Simpson (right), Police Chief for the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, honored Police Officer Raymond Sullivan with the 2018 Commissioners Officer of the Year Award at ceremonies held on March 14.

Steve Allaband, chairman of the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors, welcomed the audience to the ceremony.

At its second annual ceremony, held on March 14 at the New Garden Township Building, the Southern Chester County Regional Police gave its 2018 Commissioners Officer of the Year Award to Officer Raymond Sullivan.

Before bestowing the award to Sullivan, Police Chief Gerald Simpson shared with the audience an incident involving Sullivan that led to his award. On April 10, 2018, Sullivan responded to a report of “suspicious condition.”

Upon arriving at the scene, which was a location bordering a jurisdiction not covered by the regional police department, Sullivan quickly assessed that a residential burglary was in progress.

“His quick and decisive actions resulted in the capture of multiple actors which were later turned over to the law enforcement jurisdictional authority,” Simpson said. “From being a leader in traffic and DUI enforcement to the many supervisory notations, Officer Sullivan stood above and beyond his peers in 2018 – conspicuous and exceptional, indeed.

“Police officers are

required to act and process events quickly with sparse information, use their training, observations and instincts to make decisions on how to act, while keeping themselves and others safe,” Simpson added. “This courageous conduct is guided by our first core value: human life.”

The department also awarded six of its officers with DUI enforcement awards, a nine-year tradition originally influenced by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving advocacy group.

Police Officer Gregory Blue received a 1st-year award; officers Stephen Syska and Raymond Sullivan received 2nd-year awards; officers Benjamin Brown and Jeremy O’Neill received 3rd-year awards; and PFC Ryan Kushner received a lifetime award.

“There is no debate [that] their hard work has made the communities of New Garden Township and West Grove Borough a safer place to live and travel,” Simpson said. “In 2018, the police department experienced a 65 percent increase in DUI arrests, of which 29 percent of the incidents involved a controlled substance, such as marijuana or opioids.”

For only the second time, the department also gave its Meritorious Service Award – posthumously – to Irvin Lieberman, the longtime publisher and columnist for the Chester County Press, who died in late December 2018.

Simpson told the audience that the award is normally reserved for law enforcement personnel who have performed acts that have safeguarded the community, but Lieberman was being honored as a civilian, “whose voice resonated with a heartfelt care and concern across southern Chester County.

“Our assertion is that the Meritorious Award, by its definition, fits our recipient, whose voice framed and influenced many decisions impacting

our communities, to include his adamant support of regional policing,” Simpson said, referring to Lieberman’s columns that championed the idea of starting a regional police department in southern Chester County, then a novel concept when he introduced it more than a decade ago.

In 2009, Lieberman’s “Uncle Irv” column in the Chester County Press began with the headline, “The time has come for regional police forces,” and read, in part, “This would be a perfect time to explore a regional force.

The [Kennett] borough is being financially squeezed to support their force and the others are too small to cover the rising crime and population. A strong regional police force would offer the opportunity to provide first-class police protection.”

“Whether you agreed or disagreed with his opinions, which were published weekly in the Chester County Press until his death, his was a voice distinguishable, conspicuous and courageous among a crowd, and by his lifetime of acts, served to make our communities a safer place to live,” Simpson said.

“Unfiltered and raw local journalism was his passion,” said his son, Randy, who is now the publisher of the Chester County Press. “After I bought the newspaper from him about 26 years ago, he never gave up his passion of scrutinizing local government. He went by the handle Uncle Irv, and put his opinions and comments right on the front page of the Press every week.

“In his mind, it was his constitutional right to do this. It was all about the First Amendment – everyone’s freedom of speech.”

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

Former daycare owner charged with sexual assault of children

A man charged with sexually assaulting children at his in-home day care has been arrested, and police are looking for other children who may have been victims.

Pennsylvania State Police Avondale got a report in June 2018 that James Anthony Battista had allegedly sexually assaulted a child who attended his in-home day care, Little Friends Daycare, when the child was 3. Little Friends Daycare was at 2761 Newark Road, Penn Township.

During the investigation, three other children were identified as victims, and others have been identified in the past week. The children were from 3 to 7 years old at the time of the assaults.

The sexual assault accusations span 2006 to 2009, police say. The daycare was subsequently closed, and Battista moved to Delaware County in 2010.

Pennsylvania State Police arrested and took Battista into custody Battista last

James Anthony Battista

week and he has been charged with rape of a child, unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, and endangering the welfare of children. He was taken to Chester County Prison on $500,000 bail, pending a preliminary hearing that was scheduled for March 19.

Police believe that there may be more victims. The public is being asked to contact the Trooper Stefano Gallina of the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale Barracks at 610-268-2022 with any information related to other victims and other incidents.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

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8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Chester County Press Legals ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

ESTATE OF Christopher Michael Bailey, DECEASED. Late of LATE OF East Nottingham Township. 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 ADMINISTRATOR: Elysia Schaefer, C/O Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 3p-13-3t

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The Zoning Hearing Board of Elk Township will meet on Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, Pennsylvania, to conduct a hearing on the Application of Kaolin RE Holdings Corporation for the property located at 703 Chrome Road, Oxford, Pennsylvania. The applicant is seeking clarification and/or amendments to the approval set forth in Zoning Hearing Board’s Decision dated January 21, 2010 as follows: 1) Condition No. 1 – Impervious Coverage Limitation; Restriction Against Development in the C-2 Zoning District; 2) Condition No. 4 – Daily Removal of SMS; 3) Condition No. 7 - Outdoor Raw Material Storage; 4) Condition No. 19 – Hours of Operation; 5) Parking Facilities; 6) Cafeteria The applicant is also seeking a variance of the following Sections of the Elk Township Zoning Ordinance of 2002, as amended: 1) Section 1707.A.1 stating that a special exception or variance shall expire within twelve (12) months from the authorization date; 2) Section 1304.B.1 stating that parking spaces shall be at least ten (10) feet by twenty (20) feet in size. The public may attend and participate in the hearing. If you would like to review the application, or are a person with a disability and require accommodations to attend or participate in the hearing, please contact the Township secretary at 610-255-0634.

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OAHS honors Students of the Month Oxford Area High School recently held a breakfast to recognize the school’s Students of the Month for March. Each month teachers in selected departments nominate underclassmen for this honor, with the final selections made by the school administration. Students of the Month are chosen based on criteria including demonstrating an effort and desire to learn; involvement in school and classroom activities; respect for all school policies and personnel; concern for the school community and friendliness and support for other students.

The following Students of the Month for March were named after being nominated by members of the social studies and life skills support departments. Carlos Tapia Espinosa, freshman: Nominating teacher Justin Hostetter said, “Carlos works very hard in class and is extremely dependable. He has a great sense of humor and overall personality. “Carlos is also active outside the classroom. He plays on the soccer team and is a well-rounded young man.” Osvaldo Perez, freshman: Nominating teacher Joshua Shock said, “Osvaldo has worked hard in class all year, and is always willing to answer questions and participate in class. He is a courteous and thoughtful student who has demonstrated that he cares about his classwork.”

Thomas Hanna, sophomore:

Nominating teacher Justin Wyatt said, “Thomas is a hardworking student who displays a commitment to completing his task in an excellent manner.

In Honors Civics he displays passion in understanding, analyzing and expressing his opinions on civics and government topics of the day. “Thomas is a driving force in class discussions and always views things through a lens of critical analysis and open-mindedness.

He is at the top of the class for Honors Civics this year.” Hailie Scott, sophomore: Nominating teacher Kimberly Towers said, “Hailie is consistently hardworking. She is always focused and shows a dedication to her studies. She always has a book on hand, and when she completes assignments, quietly reads. “Hailie is respectful of both myself and her peers. She is generous to those in need and contributed many toys and clothing items for the children in our Christmas Angel project.”

Blake Kinsey, sophomore: Nominating teacher Jay Ciotola said, “Blake has, from day one, been among the hardest working students in any of my classes. He constantly strives to be the best student he can, and takes pride in his work.

“Blake never settles for anything being simply ‘good enough’ and will be sure to have both a peer and me look over this work to ensure he’s on

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Courtesy photo

Oxford Area High School recently named its Students of the Month for March. Seated from left are junior Isabel MoralesCruz, sophomore Hailie Scott and junior Aaliyah Olvera-Renteria; standing from left are sophomores Justin Ward, Blake Kinsey and Thomas Hanna. Freshmen Carlos Tapia Espinosa and Osvaldo Perez are not pictured. the right track. He is never concerned about how being a good student may be perceived, as some of those in his class seem to be. Blake understands that he needs to work towards success and is not afraid to do so.

“Blake is consistently one of the highest scorers in his class and would easily be likewise in any of my other classes.

Additionally, he is always respectful and carries himself well in the classroom.”

Justin Ward, sophomore: Nominating teacher Rebecca Daull said, “Justin has made improvements in his classwork this past quarter and has made conscious efforts to stay on task in class. However, I am particularly impressed with his dedication to Future Farmers of America.

“Justin recently worked after school to decorate the high school rotunda and to advertise for FFA Week. I know that he also works outside of school, and his dedication to these activities is a fantastic quality.”

Isabel Morales-Cruz, junior: Life Skills Support teacher

Karen Powers said, “Isabel has made vast improvements with her academic performance, social interactions, vocational skills, and transitions since attending OAHS. She demonstrates how to be a good student and participant in the vocational lab.

“Isabel is highly motivated to do well each day and presents exemplary models for her classmates. When she is scheduled to attend the Transition to Work program in the community, she is prepared and puts her best work ethics and habits forward.

“Isabel offers to attend the work program when there is a need outside of her normal schedule. She consistently displays determination and leadership, and tries her best with all things presented to her within class and in the community.”

Aaliyah Olvera-Renteria, junior: Nominating teacher Michael Means said, “Aaliyah is one of the hardest working students I have. She brings a great attitude and work ethic to class every day.”

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

9B

Willowdale Steeplechase to be live-streamed this year The 27th Running of The Willowdale Steeplechase will take place on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12. This Chester County tradition is a rite of spring and a traditional Mother’s Day event for people throughout the Brandywine Valley and beyond. This year, horses will compete in six races for more than $100,000 in prize money.

The first big change for Willowdale 2019 is that, thanks to a National Steeplechase Association partnership with TPH Productions to livestream all 28 steeplechase race meets, people all over the world will now be able to watch the Willowdale races.

Willowdale will have professionally produced programing of the race meet

by TPH Productions. The live stream will include a network quality TV show featuring highlights of the horses, as well as interviews with jockeys, trainers and sponsors. The live stream of the Willowdale races will be broadcast over broadband and is expected to be viewed by approximately 75,000 people around the world, introducing new fans to the sport of jump racing and enhancing the experience of existing fans.

The second change is that this year there will be an amateur race over hurdles which are National Fences (man-made fences standing 52 inches high and consisting of a take-off roll and a steel frame stuffed with plastic “brush”).

Hurdles create a different challenge for the horse and rider than the post and rail obstacles.

“The Liam Magee SOTA Apprentice Rider race was formerly run on the flat,” said race chairman W. B. Dixon Stroud, Jr. “This change will allow amateurs hurdle race experience. There are more races for amateurs over post and rail fences in the United States, so the hurdle race at Willowdale presents a new opportunity.”

The Willowdale Steeplechase will feature horse racing over jumps, elegant

tailgating, high fashion and most importantly, a community coming together to support the Stroud Water Research Center, Quest Therapeutic Services and The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center.

Willowdale features a world-class steeplechase course in a community known for the sport’s top jockeys, trainers and owners. Created by race chairman Stroud in 1993 out of a former 160 acre-dairy farm, the broad turf course is situated in a natural amphitheater which allows for viewing from all of the spectating areas. The course is styled after a combination of European and American race courses, and features a water jump, hedges, and post-andrail jumps.

The horses’ safety was a prime factor in the development of the race course. It features an uphill approach to the fences, which encourages less speed and more jumping. This means less wear and tear on the horses.

The natural amphitheater of Willowdale’s spectator viewing area is unique to this part of the country and allows guests to watch the races exactly as they would in the British Isles. General admission ticket holders can visit friends and watch the races from a variety of vantage points.

Each reserved tailgate parking space offers panoramic views of the course, whether from high on the hill or right on the rail. Tailgaters can vie for the grand prize in a competition sponsored by the Whip Tavern. The theme is “Game of Thrones.”

Throughout the day, there are also pony races produced

by US Pony Racing, Jack Russell Terrier races and an antique car display. The popular Miss Nancy Nicholas Memorial Side Saddle Field Master’s Chase over fences returns again, and there are local food vendors, activities for children, and upscale boutique shopping.

Visit www.willowdale.org.

Dunkin’ presents donation to Chester County Food Bank

On March 13, the Chester County Food Bank in Exton received a $15,000 donation from Dunkin’ of greater Philadelphia to help hunger relief efforts throughout the region. The Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation powered by Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, presented the check, after which local Dunkin’ franchisees also performed a volunteer session at the Food Bank.

The Chester County Food Bank, a member of

Feeding America, has been delivering food, help and hope across the state for more than 40 years. They distribute more than 2.7 million pounds of food to those with limited or uncertain access to proper meals.

Food banks nationwide receive funding from the Joy in Childhood Foundation as part of a $1.5 million commitment over three years to support child hunger relief efforts nationwide.

The water jump is a highlight of the Willowdale Steeplechase each year.

Horses come down the final stretch at Willowdale.

10B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

Sheriff’s Wild Game Dinner serves up success in new venue On March 2, more than 300 people experienced the culinary thrills long associated with the Wild Game Dinner.

The event, sponsored by the Friends of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, supports a variety of unfunded initiatives that ensure the safety of both two-legged and four-legged deputies. The dinner was held for the first time this year at the Mendenhall Inn, a larger venue than the previous location in West Chester. The event sold out months ago, and has already generated a lengthy waiting list for next year.

Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh applauded the approximately 35 volunteers who prepared for the event and then ensured that it ran smoothly.

Lt. Harry McKinney, who heads the K-9 Unit, said the fundraiser relies on community support and sponsors. Ingredients for the meal came from local hunters, Wegman’s. Phillips Mushroom, Produce Junction and Cakes and Candies by Maryellen.

Diners sampled a feast that included Italian wedding soup, salmon tartlets, alligator bites, deer braciole, stuffed quail, crawfish casserole and an assortment of wild game sausages.

In addition to the culinary contributions, numerous businesses donated items that ended up as prizes or raffle items “It’s a great event,” said Andrew White, a Kennett Square resident who has attended in the past. “It benefits the K-9s, it benefits the community. And the

food is always great, too.”

White also praised the switch to the Mendenhall Inn. Its spaciousness enabled guests to navigate the different activities more easily, he said.

Dave Baugh, the superintendent of the Centennial School District in Bucks County, said he had been contemplating the addition of a therapy dog to the district’s resources. So the opportunity to acquire a yellow Labrador retriever from Cedar Creek Farm seemed to represent destiny, he said.

Tim Dumont had plenty of positive reinforcement for Baugh. Last year, Dumont and his wife, Cindy, took home a chocolate Lab, also from Cedar Creek Farm.

The dog, named Nellie by the Dumonts, excelled in school. At 10 months old, she became the youngest graduate of a therapy dog training program and now has a new assignment: The Dumonts’ daughter, Morgan, is doing graduate work at James Madison University and plans to use Nellie in her studies.

Dumont added that Nellie has been used by the West Chester Area School District, and he predicted that Baugh would experience similar success with his new acquisition, who was quickly dubbed Jake.

Over the years, the dinner has funded a number of purchases that would not have been possible otherwise, such as motorcycles used for police escorts to training and equipment for the K-9 Unit, which currently has 11 dogs.

Chester County Sheriff Carolyn Bunny Welsh poses with Centennial School District Superintendent Dave Baugh and his new Labrador puppy, Jake.

County sues opioid drug manufacturers

On March 11, The Chester County Board of Commissioners announced that the county has filed an action to combat the devastating effects of the opioid crisis on its residents.

The county has retained the law firm Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP to file a civil lawsuit in the Federal Eastern District of Pennsylvania against drug manufacturers and distributors for their role in the opioid epidemic.

In January, the Commissioners announced their intention to file the lawsuit, and since that time, the county’s solicitors and staff from the Department of Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Services, Health Department, Department of Emergency Services, court-

related departments and other relevant departments have been working with Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP in preparation of the filing.

The county’s lawsuit is focused on securing funding to aid with educational and addiction recovery assistance, social service needs, as well as compensation for law enforcement and courtrelated costs, education and prevention measures. It will seek restitution for the harm incurred as a result of marketing practices of several pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, and the failure to report suspicious purchases by certain wholesalers, which is a violation of federal and state laws.

Chester County has named seven manufacturing groups as defendants: Purdue Pharma

and members of Sackler family (the creators of OxyContin and Purdue’s owners), Endo Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals (including Cephalon), Allergan, Insys, and Mallinckrodt. The county also has named the three largest distributors of opioids in the country, Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen for their role in the epidemic.

Chester County recorded 112 accidental fatal drug overdoses for 2018.

Through the actions of the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force – which encompasses leaders in health, drug addiction and law enforcement – the county can claim one of the most comprehensive anti-opioid initiatives in the state. Actions

related to the task force include distribution of Naloxone to every municipal police department in the county, and other first responders, as well as individuals and community organizations; the creation of a program that provides support and direct links to treatment in emergency rooms to victims of an overdose; widespread medication drop box sites; and continuing opioid education events for health care providers, other professionals and community organizations and the general public.

Chester County and the surrounding area is known as a key pharmaceutical corridor on the east coast, with a number of “big pharma” companies headquartered here. Many other companies linked to the pharmaceutical industry call Chester County home.

Chesco Pops presents program of movie themes Under the direction of Joseph Gehring, the Chesco Pops will perform familiar symphonic scores on May 18 at 7 p.m. at Fugett Middle School (500 Ellis Lane, West Chester). The concert will be repeated on May 19 at 3 p.m. at Phoenixville Area Middle School (1330 Main St., Phoenixville).

The program will be “Pops Goes to the Movies,” with the themes from “Forrest Gump,” “Chariots of Fire,” “Somewhere

in Time” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” as well as more recent hits like “The Greatest Showman” and more.

Visit www.chescopops.org to purchase tickets online. Adult tickets are $20 online and $25 at the door. Senior tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.

Children are free.

Sixty-five of Chester County’s finest instrumentalists are brought together for every Chesco Pops concert.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

11B

Tractor Supply Company locations host ‘Chick Days’ Where does our food come from? How was it grown or raised? Many people have decided to answer those questions themselves by taking the leap and producing their own food, even on a small scale.

As a result, the popularity of backyard poultry ownership has exploded.

Raising poultry is the perfect way for anyone to take an active role in producing food. From caring for chickens to collecting their eggs, raising poultry is an enriching experience that helps people feel more connected to the food they consume. It is not only satisfying, but also creates responsibility, enhances lawn and soil quality, and

perhaps most appealing, produces homegrown food that you control.

“People may be surprised by what they can do at home if they want to cultivate their own gardens or feel connected to where their food comes from,” said Tiffany Denter, poultry supplies buyer for Tractor Supply. “By keeping backyard chickens, people can embrace this lifestyle no matter where they live, reaping many physical and mental benefits. And when it comes down to it, nothing beats a fresh egg, right from your backyard.”

For those new to owning chickens, Tractor Supply is hosting its Spring Chick Days Event at stores

nationwide through the end of April. The event features live baby chicks and ducklings, along with the supplies needed to begin or grow a backyard flock.

In addition to providing the tools and equipment to those ready to raise their own birds, Tractor Supply serves as a great poultry resource, offering guidance ranging from proper handling to the importance of hygiene to ensure the safety of yourself and your flock.

In select states, customers can purchase a minimum of four chicks with the flexibility to mix and match with ducklings. Tractor Supply offers a variety of breeds, from Rhode Island

Reds and Sapphire Gems to Easter Eggers and Silkie Chickens. In addition to purchasing chicks and ducks in-store, Tractor’s Chick Days features a one-stop shop for all the items needed to begin the process, including feed ranging from conventional to organic, bedding, feeders and drinkers, heat bulbs and lamps, coops, and more, along with the guidance of Tractor Supply team members.

Visit TractorSupply.com/ Poultry to shop an expanded selection and year-round availability of poultry products and live birds. Find your local store by visiting www.TractorSupply.com/ StoreLocator.

Raising chickens is easy to do, and provides truly local eggs.

Commissioners welcome SEPTA’s return to City of Coatesville On March 8, the Chester County Commissioners, joined

by SEPTA general manager Jeff Knueppel, announced details of major investments that will boost public transportation, economic development and community services in the City of Coatesville.

At a briefing held at the location of Coatesville’s proposed new train station, Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell noted the many city, county and state initiatives and efforts that have been coming together to strengthen Coatesville’s neighborhoods and its downtown.

“Partnerships are paramount for the growth and development of Coatesville, and we are pleased to be part of that,” said Chester County

Commissioners’ chair Michelle Kichline. “What I see is a movement where we are all working together in a direction that is revitalizing Coatesville, and that importantly, is enabling the residents and businesses of the city to take advantage of the revitalization.”

Headlining the list of the Commissioners’ announcements is Chester County’s agreement with SEPTA to bring back the regional rail service to the City of Coatesville that ceased operation in 1996. The proposed new service will extend SEPTA train operations beyond the current terminus in Thorndale to a new station in Coatesville. Service will begin when construction of the new train station is completed by PennDOT.

“Coatesville’s population has grown 20 percent since just 2000, and Chester County’s as a whole has nearly doubled since 1970,” SEPTA general manager Jeffrey D. Knueppel said. “Given this growth, we believe the time is right to take a fresh look at SEPTA service here.”

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone said, “We cannot stress enough how important the SEPTA regional train service will be to the people of Coatesville. Each train coming into the new station will bring with it developments and businesses offering more jobs and more opportunities.

And each train leaving the new station will give access to regional jobs and greater economic opportunities for those living in Coatesville. A

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restored regional rail service will go a long way in restoring Coatesville’s strength.”

The design for the new Coatesville Train Station is well under way and PennDOT is anticipating that the station project will be completed within three years of the start of construction.

As a major gesture of confidence in the return on investment in Coatesville, the County Commissioners also announced funding of $1 million in community revitalization funds for the city, to be used to kick-start the parking garage project that is part of the train station development.

“SEPTA’s commitment to restore the regional train service is exciting, but hinges on the completion of the

new train station complex,” said County Commissioner Terence Farrell. “This check for $1 million shows that we are very serious about getting this project started, and we now turn to other partners, including PennDOT, for a firm date for completion of the train station.

It’s what the Coatesville community deserves.”

The County Commissioners also noted further commitments, including funding for infrastructure improvements, affordable housing projects, education, training and job creation opportunities, and access to community programs and services.

Work on the 1st Avenue and Lincoln Highway intersection is just beginning through $1.7

million in Chester County Community Revitalization Program funds, and $750,000 was provided late last year by the County to purchase the new Chester County OIC offices and to make major renovations to the Coatesville Library.

Beginning this month, a Coatesville Community Connections service will set up shop in the Coatesville Library with a “community connector” who can help all individuals and families to find crucial services such as food, rental and utility assistance; housing; childcare; jobs; transportation; health and dental programs; and CHIP information. The service is administered by the Maternal & Child Health Consortium and funded by the Chester County Department of Human Services.

12B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019