Chester County Press 05-17-2023 Edition

Kennett School Board approves updated policies for guns and drugs

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

The Kennett School Board has approved upgrades to the school district's weapons and drug policies, but not without extended dialogue about the nature of enforcement applied to student violators.

Policy Committee

Chairman Don Kohler presented the details of the two policies at the May 8 board meeting. The resolutions were then put on the table by Assistant Superintendent

Michael Barber and were approved by the board.

Kohler introduced the topics, saying that they were “not an easy nut to crack.”

The code defines weapons as knives, cutting instrument, firearms and other implements capable of inflicting bodily harm. But it also includes “replicas” of weapons, which could call into question things like water pistols and butter knives.

The policy provides that the board “shall expel,” for not less than a year, any stu-

dent who is in possession of a “weapon.”

Kohler advised further conversations with local law enforcement to determine exactly what replicas of weapons are.

“We don’t want to be accused of arbitrarily treating a sstudent unfairly, because what is a replica?" he said. "What if I put my finger up as if it is a gun? We don't want to go down that rabbit hole.

"The policy includes wording that states, “(T)he superintendent may recom-

mend modifications of such expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis.”

Board member Ethan Cramer took issue with the expression “shall expel” and said it more appropriately should say “may expel.”

Kohler referenced the discretion clause that is given to the superintendent in the wording, but Cramer claimed that he was still uncomfortable with it.

Superintendent Dusty Blakey assured Cramer and the other members of the board that he has

monthly meetings with Kennett Square Police Chief William Holdsworth to discuss any legal matters that come up. He added that the main purpose of the weapons code is to ensure student safety.

A discussion of the drug policy followed.

The drug policy forbids the possession and distribution of mind-altering illegal drugs as well as being under the influence of such in the school.

“Any student who violates this prohibition shall be

subject to discipline, which may include exclusion from school and referral for prosecution,” the policy states.

It adds, however, ”(T)he superintendent may recommend to the board any measures he or she deems reasonable and necessary to control such abuse, even if his or her recommendation exceeds the minimum standards of this policy. The board may require participation in drug counseling.”

The policy also provides that the superintendent

New Garden introduces proposed rental inspection program

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

New Garden Township Manager Christopher Himes unveiled a new initiative at the May 15 Board of Supervisors meeting that if adopted would create a rental inspection program in the township intended to enhance “the quality of life and living conditions within New Garden Township for residents engaged in a landlord-tenant lease.”

The proposal calls for the implementation of a program that utilizes the standards and protocol set by the International Property Maintenance Code (IMPC), as published by the International Code Council. Once adopted in ordinance form, the program would enforce rental inspection regulations, create mandatory rental property registration and inspection timeframes, and enforce penalties for any

violations found.

Under the plan, the township would appoint code officials and code officers to inspect rental properties for safety, and report any violations of adopted cods and initiate remedial action or prosecution of offenders.

“This is a renter protection program to ensure that we are doing as much as we possibly can to assure quality of life for those

Continued on page 4A

KCSD and Borough Council work to bring parking lot lease fees current

By HaLeigh Abbott Contributing Writer

financial recording systems during 2017, and records of any paid lease fees prior to 2017 were lost during the transition. The topic was discussed at the May 3 and May 5 public meetings of Kennett Square Borough Council.

Borough council member

Bob Norris said, “We both in good faith have said, let’s set the back payments to the 2017-2018 school year which is when we both have reliable financial records related to this agreement.” This agreement would bring a total balance of $30,000 due to the borough.

State Rep. Lawrence holds Senior Expo at Barn of Nottingham

By Betsy Brewer Brantner

Writer

entering a barn surrounded by beautiful farmland and a pond. It was quite a welcome to the senior population that benefitted from a wealth of information available during the Senior Expo.

Lawrence addressed what has been a hot topic of late within his district.

“Many of the people, young and old, were anxious about Christiana Hospital coming in to locate where Jennersville Regional Hospital was,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence has been a catalyst in seeking a medical facility to replace Jennersville. With numerous age-restricted (over 55) developments, Jenner’s Pond Nursing Facility and Luther House, an affordable senior housing complex, surrounding the hospital, medical care in this area is critical.

Lawrence and his office can provide help and assistance with many problems, including obtaining long form birth certificates

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Kennett Township held a ceremony on May 13 to officially open the Spar Hill Farm and Preserve. Joining township supervisor Richard Leff in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Rep. Christina Sappey, Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, current supervisors Scudder Stevens and Geoffrey Gamble and former supervisor Whitney Hoffman. For a complete

see Page 3B.

Mickie Mooney, Sherie Rubincan, Kathy Book and State Rep. John Lawrence answered questions and provided information to a packed

at

Expo at the Barn at Nottingham.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

New Garden Township Manager Christopher Himes introduced a new initiative at the May 15 Board of Supervisors meeting that if adopted would create a rental inspection program in the township.

Lincoln University 14-year-old leads mission trip to Dominican Republic

Mother Teresa once said about living a life of service, “I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.”

In the case of Lauren Tyree, a Saint Mark’s freshman who resides in Lincoln University, Pa., God’s love letter is about 30 pages long, front and back.

The 14-year-old Tyree has performed over 1,100 hours of service and founded two non-profits in her young life—and she’s just getting started.

“Service is a calling of mine,” she said. “I love being able to help people in need and seeing the continuing benefit.”

Her most recent service project was a weeklong mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Recognizing that many of her classmates were not exposed to the true challenges of poverty, Tyree sought out a way to enlighten herself and her classmates while helping others. She founded SERV (Students Engaged in Relief Volunteering), an organization that recruits delegations of youth volunteers to travel with doctors and other adult volunteers across the U.S. to provide medical services, construction, and food distribution to impoverished Bateys of the Dominican Republic.

She partnered with a Professor from Quinnipiac University who operates a mission in Connecticut, to run a test trip in January 2023. The trip was so successful, Tyree is now recruiting youth from five local schools and her volleyball clubs to form the first delegation of SERV that will land in the DR in the summer of 2023.

The mission trip was just the latest in a long list of service projects spearheaded by Tyree. During the pandemic, Tyree was troubled by seeing so many in her community suffering from food insecurity.

Wanting to help, she partnered with her family and a family friend to start Culde-sac Concerts, a weekly live-streamed concert series that presented over 100 performers, attracted over 30,000 online viewers and raised over $25,000 for food banks during the pandemic. Tyree co-founded the non-profit, secured 501(c)(3) recognition from the IRS, managed donors and beneficiaries, recruited performers, and co-hosted the weekly three-hour show, including interviewing donors, beneficiaries, and performers live on the air.

Tyree also jumped into

action when the national United Methodist Church decided to discontinue their charter relationship with Scouts BSA. A LifeScout at the time, Tyree recognized that the future of her troop was at risk. To address this problem, Tyree created GLDN (Growth and Leadership Development Network), a non-profit to charter four Scout Units in her area. Her organization is filling in where the national United Methodist Church left off.

GLDN now charters scout troops and cub scout packs, enabling about 100 youth to continue with scouting now

and into the future. Tyree managed the expectations of all the Unit leaders and the former Charter organization during the transition while she founded the company, secured tax exempt status, created DBA names for each of the Units GLDN charters, secured insurance for GLDN and each of the Units, and works with her brother to do the company’s annual taxes.

For the past nine years, Tyree has earned the “Extra Mile” award for volunteering as a DJ for Girls-on-the-Run 5K events with her father, saving the organization

thousands of dollars. She earned the “Streaming for Good” award for her work on a production crew who broadcasted a rappelling event raising over $100,000 for Special Olympics and for her work on another broadcast raising nearly $500,000 for a mental health safe haven in Newark, Del. She continues to volunteer as a counselor at Vacation Bible School, is a counselor for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) in Scouts BSA, and runs an annual dance that she created, raising thousands of dollars for her elementary school each year. Having won top honors at a Pennsylvania State Police Camp two years in a row, Tyree also volunteers with the Pennsylvania State Police as a counselor at Camp Cadet where hundreds of youth build confidence and discipline while building positive relationships with law enforcement. An avid skier, she placed second in the country in USASA Freestyle Skiing, and she volunteers to coach aspiring freestyle skiers on the ski slope.

As a Saint Mark’s student, Tyree is extremely active in service organizations, leads clothing drives, runs tech for the school plays, volunteers for the Muscle Movement Foundation and was captain of her undefeated freshman volleyball team this past season. Her dedication to service has not gone unrecognized. She is a five-time recipient of the gold level President’s Volunteer

Continued on page 4A

By Caroline Contributing

Recent trip is just the latest in a long history of volunteerism for Lauren Tyree

Courtesy photo Lauren Tyree’s dedication to service has not gone unrecognized. She is a fivetime recipient of the gold level President’s Volunteer Service Award bestowed on behalf of the President of the United States for her exceptional commitment to volunteering.

Courtesy photo Tyree's most recent service project was a week-long mission trip to the Dominican Republic.

Styer’s to host fifth annual Peony Festival May 18-28

By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer

As I whack at the long, drooping daffodil remnants in my backyard with a concentrated bloodlust, I think about gardens, the people who tend them, and the reward we all reap when the buds turn to blossoms and the gardeners quiet work displays itself. Unfortunately for my daffodils, I am not that kind of gardener.

Luckily for the Chester County region’s most ardent followers of flowers, Styer’s Farm will hold their fifth annual Peony Festival from May 18 through May 28 as a bountiful and glorious showcase of what truly can be.

If Longwood Gardens is the Versailles of Chester County, Styer’s is its Secret Garden -- a sprawling gem amidst the rolling hills. The farm and its festival, located on Cossart Road in Chadds Ford, promises rows upon rows of fluttering peonies that will delight any crowd, be it peony enthusiasts, families looking for an enjoyable afternoon getaway or just the odd social media savant looking for the perfect selfie opportunity.

This year, organizers have provided the opportunity for viewers to curate their own experience. Tickets are $12.50 per person, or five tickets for $30. You can walk or drive the tour, and there will be wine a grace de Chadds Ford Winery, as

Lawrence Senior Expo..

Continued from Page 1A death certificates and car registrations, solving license issues, securing copies of house and senate legislation, providing state maps and publications, distributing application for higher education grants and various professional grants, and answering questions on the state's income tax, senior citizen property tax rent rebate, and financial assistance.

Lawrence said, “I love seeing my constituents face to face. It is important for me to hear directly from people in Southern Chester County. It is vital that my constituents know I am listening to them and that I care about them. The Senior Expo provides me that opportunity.”

well as various food trucks that will be stationed daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. A few different nights throughout the festival will be designated “Tailgate Nights,” and Styer’s will also set up group tables in the garden from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The tables seat ten and are adorned with a floral centerpiece which can be brought home. Tables are $250 and patrons are welcome to BYOB. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase cooler bags, picnic blankets, peony scented candles, goats milk soap, and tee-shirts.

Lease Agreement...

Continued from Page 1A

An initial proposal by the school district requested half of the total amount ($15,000 to be paid, instead of the $30,000 total. Borough Council did not accept the proposal, and requested the total amount be paid.

taxpayer whose property is assessed at $182,000, would owe $103 more than the previous year for school taxes.

of the community.”

If you haven’t already started curating your experience, here’s your sign to start planning. This year’s blooms should exceed expectations according to festival producer Bruce Mowday, Jr.

“With the warmer weather we have had – it actually did well for the plants,” Mowday said. “The blooms are significant. Late frosts sometimes hinder how the flowers bloom, but since the weather was warmer this year, we did not have a late frost. We expect a beautiful show this year.”

So, if you’re like me, and ruin your garden every year with your black thumb and need a reset, or if you just want to enjoy the curated beauty nature has to offer Chester County in the spring, sign up for a stroll among the peonies during their short but magnificent peak.

For more information and to obtain tickets to this year’s Peony Festival at Styer’s Farm, visit www. styerspeonies.com.

The funds for this agreement are expected to be paid with tax dollars. The approved school district budget for the 2022-2023 school year totals $94 million, and with it came an increase in taxes by 1.78 percent.. The Chester County Press published a story on June 21, 2022 that said that the average

Mark Tracy, Kennett Square Consolidated School district CFO, said, “In 1999, the District and the borough of Kennett Square entered into a good faith agreement for the use and fee structure for the parking lot located on East South Street and we (the district) fully expect to comply with its conditions.

“We have an excellent relationship with the borough’s leadership and all of their respective departments. An oversight in accounting will not distract us from working collaboratively for the best interest

An update provided by borough Council President Doug Doerfler on May 11, said, “In working collaboratively with the school district, the borough will be paid the full amount of the lease dating back to 2017. The borough has a great working relationship with the school district and appreciates their cooperation and assistance in coming to a palatable resolution.”

Courtesy photos

The fifth annual Peony Festival will be held at Styer’s Farm in Chadds Ford from May 18 through May 28.

The farm and its festival, located on Cossart Road in Chadds Ford, will promise rows upon rows of fluttering peonies that will delight any crowd.

New Garden Rental Program...

Continued from Page 1A

who are renting property,” Himes said. “I would not consider this a rental inspection program, but more of a preventive maintenance program. “This would allow the township to step up and do our part to enhance quality of life and protect our residents – at a low cost to the township – and make sure that those who rent properties are doing their part.”

Himes said that the contents of the inspection program would be provided in Spanish, and that in addition to all rental units in the township, it would also be applied to – and enforceable on – agricultural housing units.

Himes said that similar rental inspection programs and ordinances are already in place in several other neighboring municipalities, including the Borough of Kennett Square, the Borough of Avondale, the Borough of West Grove, Kennett Township, London

Kennett School Board...

Continued from Page 1A will contact the parents or guardians of student violators as well as the police.

Cramer said he was more comfortable with the wording of the drug policy than with the weapons policy. “Never take away discretion,” he said.

Grove Township, Penn Township and Franklin Township.

Members of the board overwhelmingly agreed to Himes’ initial proposal, which now paves the way for a public hearing proposed for this June to officially adopt a rental inspection program for the township. If adopted, the township would establish a mandatory filing deadline for the registration of all rental units; share the contents of the program with all landlords who own and maintain rental units in the township; utilize current and new staff to carry out the program; and hire code enforcement officers to perform inspections.

Stormwater study for Toughkenamon

In other township business, Jill Cutler, a project manager with the Cedarville Engineering Group, presented the company’s recent assessment of stormwater concerns in the Village of Toughkenamon.

Using Main Street, Willow Street, Center Street, Union Street as its focus area,

Both documents are lengthy and contain detailed explanations and definitions. Kohler explained that they contain wording concurrent with regulations sourced from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

At the meeting, the board approved a motion declaring its intent to renew the contract of Dusty Blakey as dis-

the company conducted an engineering analysis to address strategies for replacement of aging storm sewers; help mitigate flooding; assess existing conditions; and conduct a topographical analysis of drainage areas.

Referring to an overhead map of the Village, Cutler said that much of the “downtown” portion of Toughkenamon is hampered by aging and absent stormwater systems that no longer adequately contain storm flows and result in frequent flooding.

Cutler then provided the board with five stormwater

trict superintendent and to re-appoint him to that position. The contract will be negotiated between Blakey and the board, with the vote to approve the new contract expected at the board meeting on July 10.

The board also approved the contract renewal of district CFO Mark Tracy, who has been with the district for 22 years.

design options that range from $790,350 for a twoyear option to a 25-year option that is estimated at $4.09 million. Each proposal calls for the removal of existing failing pipes and structures; the installation of new storm drains and structures; pavement restoration; traffic control; and also includes the cost of engineering and design, permitting fees and on-site contractors.

Undergoing a redevelopment of Toughkenamon’s stormwater infrastructure, Cutler said, would maintain current property values, minimize flooding

Lauren Tyree

Continued from Page 2A

Service Award bestowed on behalf of the President of the United States for her exceptional commitment to volunteering. As if all of that wasn’t impressive enough, Tyree earned her Eagle Scout this past December, following in the footsteps of her three older brothers. For her Eagle Scout project,

and compliment the township’s 2018 comprehensive plan, which includes a goal to reenergize the village through an influx of new businesses and a streetscape design that will draw visitors and residents and provide a diverse range of housing projects.

Cutler listed several federal, state and county grant options that the township could pursue to help fund the project.

Open Space Review Board preserves over 500 acres

Chris Robinson and Randy Lieberman of the township’s Open Space Review Board (OSRB) gave an overview of the progress the committee has made since it was first formed in 2005, which has accumulatively helped to preserve over 550 acres of township property -- 300 acres through conservation easements and an additional 250 acres through a fee simple contract.

Since 2008, in partnership with Natural Lands, the OSRB has preserved 12 properties that collec-

Tyree built a gaga pit at her elementary school. Gaga is similar to dodgeball but is played on the ground, in a six-walled pit. Over 400 man hours were invested in planning, fundraising, building and installing the pit.

Future plans for Tyree include more mission trips, continuing her work with Saint Mark’s service organizations and preparing for a future career in

tively have a market value of $9 million, and include the 137 acres of what is now known as New Garden Hills and 105 acres of the Smedley property at the Loch Nairn Golf Course, which the township is converting into a trail system.

“The OSRB’s mission is to identify, review and evaluate the relative desirability of interest in real property and submit recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and/or assist a landowner’s desire to protect their land from development in a fashion that is consistent with the township’s financial and open space objectives,” Robinson said.

The board passed Resolution # 881 that granted permission to Kaolin Mushroom Farms to construct two new compost bunkers at its location at 133 Starr Road in Landenberg. Construction will begin immediately and the structures – estimated to be 6,000 square feet of total space -- are expected to be completed by September.

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

psychology. Saint Mark’s President Tom Fertal commended Tyree for her commitment to service.

“Lauren’s record of service to others is a shining example to all of how one person can make a difference,” he said. “She exemplifies our core values and embraces and lives out our mission, serving as an inspiration to others.”

Shoes that fit

Perhaps the dirtiest and ugliest secret in this county of wealth and prosperity is that for all of its wealth and prosperity, Chester County has buried the vast and deep pockets of its poor so far beneath the rich soil of its landscape that they have become an invisible population.

They exist on the periphery of our county’s brilliantly-designed concepts of progress – beneath all of its plans for the new century and every last blueprint that has been waxed poetic by elected officials, architects, builders and business leaders. They have been afforded little opportunity. They do not have a family that provides for their every need. They often live in the makeshift squalor of inadequate dwellings that are easily susceptible to flooding and neglect.

They have been given no gifts, no jewels, but their hands are forever busy – in our restaurants, in our mushroom farms, in the darkened hallways of schools at night pushing brooms. Yet, for all of their labor, they live life contained in the small hope of merely getting by.

Most of them are not. According to the 2022 Chester County Point in Time Count, 402 individuals experienced sheltered or unsheltered homelessness in Chester County, and of that population, over 20 percent live in southern Chester County. Against that statistic is the fact that according to The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD), there are only 1,408 existing affordable housing units in the county, not enough to serve the agency’s waitlist of over 3,700 applicants.

While our key visionaries continue their progressive rush to transform Chester County into an economic paradise, there are several agencies in our communities who expend their energies and resources in the pursuit of helping this population achieve self-respect, dignity and find a few opened doors. One of those non-profit organizations –Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) – has been championing the journey of this population for nearly 70 years, from food and financial support to crisis and stability management to providing a path forward through adult education to serving as a regional hub for housing assistance for low-income families.

KACS’ new Housing Initiative has become a forward-thinking solution that has taken on the affordable housing dilemma in southern Chester County, in order to find solutions and not just point fingers.

Just recently, KACS Housing Initiative received designation as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) that now empowers KACS with the ability to economically invest in residential properties in its service area that will become permanent, sustainable, affordable rental options for low-income families.

Through CHDO designation – in alignment with our community partners Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness and the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network – KACS will be able to secure funding both for acquisitions, renovations and other capital expenses related to the property intended to become affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households, and for administrative support to oversee KACS Housing Initiative Program efforts.

Equality is the equivalent is giving everyone a shoe, but with their new CHDO accreditation, KACS will have more leverage to be able to provide this invisible population with shoes that fit.

State

Lawmakers focus on growing local businesses and Main Streets across Pa.

House Majority Policy Committee toured downtown Phoenixville

The Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee recently hosted a roundtable discussion with local businesses owners in Chester County before touring Main Street in Phoenixville to hear what members can do to grow downtown areas in Pennsylvania.

“It was a pleasure to host my colleagues today and share with them our ever-growing downtown landscape. This was a great opportunity for our members to see first-hand how successful this region is and how it can be duplicated in communities across Pennsylvania,” said Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester), who hosted the event.

The roundtable discussion and tour began at the Phoenixville Borough Hall where members received an in-depth history lesson on the revitalization of the downtown area. Members then made stops at eight different local businesses along Main and Bridge Streets to talk with store owners about the challenges they face, and what can be done in Harrisburg to better support their businesses and others like them.

“When our locally owned businesses do well, Pennsylvania does well. The valuable insights we gained today into the challenges and successes our downtowns are facing will

help facilitate positive change on Main Streets across the commonwealth for years to come,” said House Majority Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro.

Tour stops included the Phoenixville Borough Hall, Colonial Theater, Bistro on Bridge, Forever Changes, Café com Leite, Bridge Street Chocolates, Phoenix Village and Bluebird Distilling.

Business owners and local officials told members that change, although not easy, is necessary for revitalization efforts. They say all worlds have to collide, meaning inner workings between government and community have to be on the same page to maximize revitalization

and plan for the future.

“There’s an intersection of public policy, public investment and economic growth in our downtowns, and these public investments from Harrisburg, county and local sources are critical to development because they return tenfold the type of investment happening in communities,” Friel said. “So, while there’s millions of dollars invested in Phoenixville from a government standpoint, there’s over a billion dollars overall being invested.”

Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy.

memorial service planned for May 18

Law enforcement

In conjunction with National Police Week, Chester County FOP Lodge #11 will be hosting the annual law enforcement memorial service on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m, in front of Lodge Headquarters, 218 N. Church Street in West Chester. The public is invited.

Nine officers from Chester County who, over the years, were killed in the line of duty, will be honored. Unfortunately, this year, Lodge #11 will be adding a 10th officer to the memorial monument. Officer Joshua Micun from the WesttownEast Goshen Regional Police Department contracted COVID-19 while on duty and died on Oct. 31, 2021.

The ceremony will include an Honor Guard

presentation led by local law enforcement officers, a pipe band performance by the Chester County Emerald Society, guest speakers such as local Lodge president Robert McCarron, Pennsylvania State FOP Lodge president Joe Regan, as well as Chester County District Attorney Deborah Ryan. South Coatesville Police Chief Kevin Pierce will sing the National Anthem, and the playing of “Taps” will be by Matthew Grieco from Grieco Funeral Home in Kennett Square. A solemn reading of the names and “end of watch” dates of the Chester County heroes will round out the tribute with a reception at Lodge #11 afterwards.

Courtesy photos

In conjunction with

National Police Week, Chester County FOP Lodge #11 will be hosting the annual law enforcement memorial service on Thursday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited.

Pocopson Home named regional

test site for nurse aides

Chester County’s Pocopson Home was recently designated as a regional test site for nurse aides by Credentia, and organization that works with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to maintain the PA Nurse Aide Certification Registry. Pocopson Home held its first two regional tests this month and has more scheduled in the coming weeks.

Pocopson Nursing Home administrator Jacqueline Mckenna said, “Becoming a regional test site performs a service to the community, as there are limited local sites where nurse aide candidates may test. It also provides more flexibility for our own candidates when we don’t have enough students to hold an exam, because any nurse aide trainee can now come to our site.

“We also know that becoming a regional test site raises our visibility and awareness that Pocopson is

Shortage of testing sites has hindered nurse aides from being certified a great place for nurse aides to work,” added Mckenna. Pocopson Home has provided nurse aide training to its staff since 1989. The 120-hour program approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education consists of theory, lab, and

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Contributing Writer

The Willowdale

Steeplechases is a perennial sign of spring as families come to enjoy the excitement of race day, revel with friends, and spend a family day together in the countryside. Even clouds and periods of rain could not totally dampen spirits at the Kennett Square area race course this past Saturday.

On the spectators’ side of the fence, there were also competitions with judging and awards for best dressed, best hat, and best tailgate of the day.

Rose Potts of Kennett

In the Spotlight

Action-packed races at Willowdale Steeplechase

Township and her husband Tom have had the same tailgate space at Willowdale for 25 years, but this is only the second time that they have had an entry in the tailgate competition. Parked in their yearly space near the small stream and the water jumps, the Potts’ entry picked up on the theme of the event with frogs, turtles, geese and fish for décor along with wetlands plants and a menu featuring steelhead trout with dill and salmon.

The mission of the Willowdale Steeplechases is to raise funds for clean water and veterinary excellence through donations to

the Stroud Water Research Center and The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center.

For the hat contest, one of the most eye-catching entries was Eileen Kling of Wyoming, Del., who had her straw hat decorated with tiny model horses, a stretch of fence and even a barn. This was Kling’s first time at Willowdale, and she would have hoped for better weather, but she was still enjoying the day of racing.

After racing fans got to warm up watching terrier races and young riders in pony races, the serious racing over fences began. The competition was close and exciting with six races filled with come-frombehind winners and with horses racing side by side over jumps.

The featured race was the Buttonwood/Sycamore

Farms Willowdale Timber Stake for a purse of $35,000. The winner was Renegade River, owned by Kiplin Hall, trained by William Dowling, and ridden by George Daly. This was the second tine Renegade River has won this particular race after taking the victory in 2021.

It was a particularly good day for jockey Conor Tierny, who won three races – The Rose Tree Cup on Ashwell Stable LLC’s Durragh; the Liiam Magee Apprentice Rider Hurdle race on Booby Trap, owned by Thomas Rice and Ashwell Stable LLC; and The Marshall W. Jenney Memorial Foxhunter’s Chase on Awesome Adrian, owned by Nancy Reed and trained by Katherine Neilson.

Both Booby Trap and Durragh are trained by Leslie Young. With two wins, this was the second

For the hat contest, one of the most eye-catching entries was Eileen Kling of Wyoming, Del., who had her straw hat decorated with tiny model horses, a stretch of fence and even a barn. This was Kling’s first time at Willowdale, and she would have hoped for better weather, but she was still enjoying the day of racing.

year in a row that Young earned the Gail and Dixon Thayer Perpetual Trophy for the winning trainer.

Other winners were Thormond Park, owned by Del Rio Racing LLC, trained by Ricky Hendriks and ridden by Virginia

Korrell in The Folly, Maiden Claiming Hurdle Race and To Be Or Not To Be, owned by Irvin Crawford II, trained by Joseph Davies and ridden by Eric Poretz in the Landhope Cup Maiden Timber Race.

St. Pat’s breaks ground on Cornerstone Project

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

St. Patrick Catholic Church broke ground on the Cornerstone Project, the building of a $1.9 million structure to connect the church and the former St. Patrick School, on May

8.

Historically, the two buildings on Meredith Street in Kennett Square have been separated by a small courtyard. Within the several-months construction project, however, they will be linked by a gathering space where the architectural style was inspired by the former nunnery adjacent to the church.

Rev. Christopher Rogers said parishioners have been speculating for years about the need for such a building, and after listening to their ideas, the decision was made to bring the idea to reality.

He said it will include two new bathrooms that will be helpful for those with physical limitations as well as a sheltered, climate-controlled gathering area for social occasions.

The structure will also enable people to walk

from the church to the former school while protected from the elements. At each end will be open gateways where individuals can directly access the church’s backyard.

At the groundbreaking, Rogers quoted Scripture and beseeched God to look after and protect the project. Throughout his benediction he stressed that this coming building is an expression of the faith of the congregation as well as the priesthood.

“A church is the priest and God’s people working together,” he said.

Parishioner Rose Hearn, who formerly served on the parish council, said the plan emerged from the needs of a growing congregation and the desire to provide space for people to get together at weddings, funerals and the conclusion of services.

Currently, when the church services are over, parishioners gather outside to talk, but that socialization is hindered when it is raining.

“I think Father saw that need as were growing and the need for entertaining,” Hearn said. “It's beautiful and reminiscent of the

convent. Father is good for keeping to the church history.”

She added that the addition of the two bathrooms is especially welcome because the ones at the church now are in the cellar and must be reached via steep steps. It’s hard for elderly to access them, she said.

General contractor Peter C. Egan of CH&E Construction said two years of planning have gone into the project, including applications, phone calls and meetings.

Permissions have been issued by the borough, including the go-ahead to cut down two trees in the area of the construction.

The architect is Patrick Mohan.

Rogers also thanked parishioner Mike Miller, known as “Property Mike,” who has given him support throughout the planning process.

The new structure, designed by Patrick Mohan, will include bathrooms, a social gathering space, and two walkthroughs to the backyard.

It will connect St. Patrick Church to the former St. Patrick School.

Rose Potts of Kennett Township and her husband Tom have had the same tailgate space at Willowdale for 25 years, but this is only the second time that they have had an entry in the tailgate competition.

Courtesy photos

The first race of the day at the 2023 Willowdale Steeplechases.

Photos by Chris Barber Rev. Christopher Rogers, right, of Saint Patrick Church in Kennett Square, joins several parishioners to break ground ceremonially on the church’s new Cornerstone Project.

Obituary submissions

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5 p.m. deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

JOHN J. MAZZONI

John J. Mazzoni, of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 26, 2023. He was 96.

Born in Kennett Square on July 26, 1926, he was the son of the late Domenic and Domenica (DiFilippo) Mazzoni.

During World War II, he served with the 13th Air Force at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines.

He belonged to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

After serving, he was employed as a carpenter for H.G. Cooper, G.F. Snyder and was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 456.

He had a great fondness for animals. If a stray needed a home he would happily adopt it with great love. Thus, throughout his life, he had many dogs and cats that were fortunate to be in his care.

John is preceded in death by his siblings, Jean H. Huffman, Mary Tomasovich, James D. Mazzoni, and Elizabeth M. Troyan.

His final resting place will be in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).

To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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GERALD LEON COLE

Gerald Leon Cole, 87, of Oxford, passed away on May 5, 2023 at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital in West Chester. He was surrounded by family when he passed. He met his wife, Carol Keena Cole, at Michigan State University, and they shared nearly 66 years of marriage.

Born in Hastings, Mich., he was the son of the late Leon and Kathryn Tasker Cole.

Gerald was a professor at the University of Delaware and was the head of the Agricultural Department, specializing in agricultural economics, where he retired in 1999. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1957. He received his master’s degree at the University of Delaware and received his doctorate from Michigan State University.

During his career at the University of Delaware, Gerald lived in Denmark, Austria, Slovakia and Vermont, teaching at universities in each of these locations. His last trip was to Campobasso, Italy where he consulted on the best use of land. He traveled extensively and was a skilled jackof-all-trades, doing his own projects around his home. He also enjoyed photography and camping. He started the credit union at the University of Delaware. He worked with the homeless and was an active volunteer for Deep Roots in Elkton, Md.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Gary Alan Cole (Maryann) of Kennett Square; one daughter, Catherine Justine Dombroski (Daniel) of Pike Creek, Del.; six grandchildren, Justine O’Brien (Brady), Jonathan, Thomas and Sarah Dombroski, Gregory and Megan Cole (Paul Slotwinski); one great-grandchild, Shaelyn O’Brien; and one brother, David Cole (Lynda) of Battle Creek, Mich. He was preceded in death by one son, Gregory Gerald Cole.

Services will be private.

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

Kennett Township opens Spar Hill Farm and Preserve

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On the inclement morning of May 13 – as the red winged blackbirds and swallows sang and pirouetted in the vast and open acreage of the old Shutt Farm in the distance – Kennett Township not only officially opened the Spar Hill Farm and Preserve, they saved it for eternity for its residents and the general public.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held before elected officials and local leaders in historical and agricultural preservation, served as the final and victorious climax to a nearly decade-long effort by the township to save the farm from residential development in order to maintain it as a site where history, farming and agriculture converge.

“Before us here are over 100 acres of rolling meadows and woodlands stretching from Burnt Hill Road to the Delaware state line,” said township board Chairman Geoffrey Gamble in his opening remarks. “It is a good feeling to know that this land will never be commercially developed and will forever be a rich patrimony for the benefit of those who will follow us along the corridors of time.”

Gamble thanked the many agencies who helped the township secure, repair and sustain the 103-acre farm, including the Mount Cuba

Center, the township’s Land Conservation Advisory Council, the township’s Historical Commission and the first responders from the Longwood Fire Company.

Stimulated by the recommendations of the township’s Historical Commission, the township purchased the property in the fall of 2018 for $3.2 million ($1 million was received by a grant from the Mount Cuba Center) and spent the next several years conceiving possible ideas that would convert the property as open space that would provide a trail network and redefine it as an educational center to demonstrate what agricultural life in southern Chester County looked like during the 1800s and early 1900s.

As introduced by Historical Commission member Linda Dillow during the ceremony, Spar Hill Farm was eventually named for the feldspar that was once mined there but began as the Way Farm, and was managed by Quakers during the 1800s as a livestock and dairy farm and by the end of the century, became one of the most successful farms in the township.

From 1925 to 1940, the property was known as Shutt Farm and served as a dairy farm, housing as many as 750 heifers at a time.

Beginning in the 1940s, the property was renamed the Spar Hill Turkey Farm,

where as many as 45,000 turkeys were raised there at its height in 1958.

By the 1960s, however, most of the turkey facilities were demolished.

Currently, the farm continues to have limited agricultural use – including the arrival of the Emergent Abundance Farming Collective (EAFC) one-acre vegetable garden in 2021 – but over the last several months, it has drawn fans of the HBO hit series “Mare of Easttown,” which filmed a scene at the farm’s cow barn and stable workshop.

Progress on Spar Hill Farm and Preserve took a huge step forward on Aug. 17, 2022 when the supervisors signed off on a stabilization plan that eventually removed 13 dilapidated and unusable buildings, barns silos and sheds from the property. The demolition of these structures came as a result of a report by Matthew Roberson, president of West Chester-based Restoration Carpentry, Inc. that concluded that several structures were deemed “not worthy of preservation” at the site and should be demolished: a carriage house, a barn, four sheds, a concrete silo, a loafing barn, a turkey slaughter house, two tenant houses, a wood fence and a garage – at a total estimated cost of $335,584.

The board then voted to stabilize several other structures or leave “as is”:

a smoke house, the main residence, a metal silo, a silo base, a stone wall, three small sheds, a pony barn, a metal fence, a spring house, a wood bridge and concrete livestock ramps – at a total estimated cost of $142,626.

“The Board of Supervisors is to commended for their caution in the face of an easy demolition solution and their collaboration with the Historical Commission so that we could save and stabilize some of these buildings,” Dillow said. “We look forward to the future preservation of this site.”

A property clean-up in late April drew nearly two dozen volunteer community members.

Supervisor Scudder Stevens said that the work of the township, partnering agencies and volunteers “led to where we are now, which is to have conservation, passive recreation and an historical area to make available to the community the agricultural history of Kennett Township,” he said. “Those three aspects have risen to the top as being the most important.”

State Rep. Christina Sappey praised Kennett Township, local agencies, volunteers and community members, Chester County and the Shutt family for their commitment to preserving the farm and several of its buildings.

“I have never met a prop-

erty or an old structure that I didn’t fall in love with right away,” she said. “The fact that we have folks that value these old structures and do whatever they can to shore them up, families that are willing to work with municipalities to save their land for conservation, and the fact that we have municipal officials to work long and hard to conserve is something that we should all be very, very grateful for.

“[Chester County] truly values its open space. Life is very hectic, very busy and very mentally challenging as we’re coming out of

the pandemic. I think we all long innately for a simpler time, so when we have an opportunity to come to a place like Spar Hill and walk and see the birds and the gentle rain on a spring day, it becomes such a balm for our hearts and for our souls.

“I am so grateful that we have a community of people that can collaborate and bring this wonderful resource for all of us to use.”

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

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Now that it has been preserved for eternity, the 103acre Spar Hill Farm and Preserve in Kennett Township will be recognized for its conservation, and used as a passive recreation area and a historical site.

State Rep. Christina Sappey praised the township and several agencies for their work in helping to preserve the property.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF NANCY M. MILLER

a/k/a NANCY K. McCLURE, DECEASED. Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to MELISSA M. HAMMOND, ADMINISTRATRIX, 837 State Hill Dr., Oxford, PA 19363, Or to her Attorney: ELIZABETH D. LUBKER, LUBKER OSTIEN LAW, 390 Waterloo Blvd., Ste. 210, Exton, PA 19341 5p-3-3t

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Sealed proposals will be received by Elk Township at the office of Elk Township, 952 Chesterville Road, P.O. Box 153, Lewisville, PA 19351. Bids will be accepted until 3:00 PM, Monday, June 5, 2023. Bids will be opened at 3:30 PM on that day. Action will be taken by the municipality on the awarding of each bid item at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Bidders are asked to bid on the following:

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The following units will be sold because of nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Pennsylvania Self Service Storage Facilities Act. Auction bidding and additional information about the contents, including photographs, is available on www.ibid4storage.com. Sale and payment will take place at the storage facility. Containing: Furniture, household items, totes, clothing, and boxes

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Help Wanted

Ice Removal are required)

All of the above equipment shall meet Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specification standards and the terms/conditions of the Agreement for Snow Plowing/Ice Removal Services. Bidders are not required to bid on all of the above items. The contract period for Roadwork Equipment Rental begins on July 1, 2023 and ends on June 30, 2024. The contract period for Snow Plowing/Ice Removal Services Equipment Rental begins on October 15, 2023 and ends on April 30, 2024. The successful bidder shall, within 14 days of the award of contract, submit the following: Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the Equipment Rental Contract; Certificate of Insurance with minimum limits of $500,000/$1,000,000 aggregate and endorsing Elk Township as Additional Insured; Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage Information for Independent Contractors; Hold Harmless & Indemnification Agreement; and IRS Form W-9. All bidders are to follow the Bidder Information Guidelines. Bidding packets are available by appointment at the Elk Township Office or may be requested by phone 610-255-0634 or by e-mail elktwpchester@gmail. com., Michael Corcoran, Secretary/Treasurer 5p-17-2t

ing 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 Lawrence E. Hilton III (Executor), c/o Attorney is Anita F. O’Meara, The O’Meara Law Firm PC, P.O. Box 209 Unionville, PA 19375, 5p-17-3t

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Delaware County Community College (DCCC), Pennocks Bridge Center in West Grove, PA serves Southern Chester County and is looking for a dynamic Director of Branch Campus Operations to join its team of higher education professionals.

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