Chester County Press 06-12-2024 Edition

East Marlborough Township seeking new supervisor

By Monica Fragale Contributing Writer

After one of its members resigned on June 3, the East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors will be accepting applications until June 14 to fill the empty seat.

The board, at its monthly public meeting, approved the resignation of supervisor Eric Matuszak and voted to advertise the vacancy. A notice appeared on the township’s website June 4, and was advertised

elsewhere starting June 5.

To apply, candidates must be registered to vote in East Marlborough Township and meet residency requirements, according to the township website. They should submit a resume and letter of interest.

The job description can be found at eastmarlborough. org.

“Interested candidates should have the ability to attend monthly evening meetings, and special meetings as deemed necessary,” according to the website.

“The appointed candidate shall serve through the reorganization meeting in January of 2025, but would have to run and win in the 2025 municipal election to retain the seat for a six-year term.”

Matuszak was one of five supervisors on the board.

Supervisors said interviews of potential candidates would be on June 25, with a goal of appointing someone at the July 1 supervisors meeting.

In other business, the township received a clean audit for 2023, which

showed the township in good financial shape.

Carl Hogan of BBD, the independent auditing firm that has performed the township’s audits for the last serval years, said there were “no findings to report on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance.”

“Overall we’re very happy with the township,” Hogan said. “The township has a nice position to be in financially going forward.”

Appearing at the June 3 supervisors meeting, Hogan

pointed out that revenues continue to be strong, not just in East Marlborough, but in the county.

exceeding expenditures.”

He suggested the township should continue to budget the expenditures conservatively.

“Prior to 2021, the costs to the township were always running ahead of the revenue,” he said. “Now the revenues are kind of

A copy of the audit has been filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

ELO tribute band kicks off rooftop concert series in Kennett Square

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

To the familiar iconic strains of music that made The Electric Light Orchestra one of the most popular bands of the 1970s, the Atomic Light Orchestra kicked off The Kennett Flash’s 2024 Rooftop Concert Series before an appreciative crowd gathered on the top level of the Kennett Square Parking Garage on June 8.

The ELO tribute band –which is currently in the middle of an 18-date tour throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia – tore through a set that included such classics as “Can’t Get it Out of My Head,” “Telephone Line,” “Strange Magic” and “Evil

The Atomic Light Orchestra

2024

Woman,” setting the stage for what will be a nineact concert series that will extend through September and feature performances by six other tribute bands. On July 13, Yesterday’s Gone will perform the songs of Fleetwood Mac;

Clapton America will pay tribute to Eric Clapton on July 27; Winslow will take on the Eagles’ catalog on Aug. 3; the songs of Billy Joel will be performed by Angry Young Band on Aug. 17; Rust will pay tribute

Oxford Borough plans June 13 Open House

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

The Borough of Oxford will hold an open house on June 13 to discuss proposed changes to the Subdivision Land Development and Zoning Ordinances.

allows. The event will not be the final opportunity for review of the proposed ordinance revisions, as they will continue to be refined and developed based on the feedback that is received.

It will take place at the Oxford Borough Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The purpose of the open

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Kennett Collaborative hosted their third annual Kennett Summerfest Wine & Food Festival on June 9 in Kennett Square, drawing over 700 attendees who filled South Broad Street for a five-hour festival that introduced them to the tastes and textures of Chester County. The event showcased 13 winery and cider vendors and several food vendors. Each guest was greeted with a tasting glass for try-

ing samples offered by the wineries.

Kennett Collaborative

Executive Director Daniel Embree said that the festival is a fundraiser for the non-profit, whose mission is to make Kennett Square a more “beautiful and welcoming place.” A

Continued on Page 3A

Oxford Borough received a $100,000 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) program for the purpose of completing the update. The borough worked with Colliers and FHI Studio Between February of 2023 and June of 2024 to prepare new land development and zoning regulations and a zoning map that accomplishes the following:

• Encourages infill development and a mix of density and land use;

• Considers historic preservation and promotes development and redevelopment in accordance with the borough’s historic character;

• Helps achieve the goals, objectives, and action items of the borough’s new Comprehensive Plan;

• Ensures new development is compatible with the borough’s traditional development pattern;

It’s an opportunity for the public to learn about proposed changes to the Subdivision Land Development and Zoning Ordinances house is to provide the public with the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed regulations before they are finalized for consideration by Oxford Borough Council. The Open House will provide an informal setting to discuss the regulations and for residents to be able to ask questions of the project team. Attendees may come and go as their schedule

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Eden Veneema was one of 444 graduating seniors at Avon Grove High School’s 96th commencement, held June 4 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark. For complete coverage of the Avon Grove, Unionville and Kennett high school graduation ceremonies, see Page 1B.

Photos by Gabbie Burton

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

began The Kennett Flash’s

Rooftop Concert Series on June 8 on the top level of the Kennett Square Garage on East Linden Street.

Rooftop concert series...

Continued from Page 1A

to Neil Young on Aug. 24 and the series will conclude with a tribute to the Meters by Metered on Sept. 14.

The Kennett Flash’s rooftop concert series began in 2021 as a method of drawing live audiences to outdoor shows during COVID-19, and after the 2022 series was cancelled, the series came roaring back in 2023 with seven shows that were held at the outdoor garage and at the Kennett Flash due to inclement weather.

“The Flash began producing tribute shows a few years ago, and we have discovered that they really become great community events that attract audiences to hear well-known music without having to pay the huge ticket prices to see performers like The

Eagles and Billy Joel,” said Kennett Flash Director Michael Hahn. “Last year, between Solar Federation – a Rush tribute band –Angry Young Band and Winslow, we drew more than 100 music fans to each concert.

“The fact that people can bring their own chairs and food creates a comfortable and unique experience for audiences to listen to some high-quality musicians perform great music with incredible sound reinforcement. Overall, it becomes a no brainer for a great night.”

In addition to the tribute bands, The Flash will also reintroduce Delaware and Philadelphia-based recording artist Sug Daniels, who will perform with her band on June 29, and a performance by Captain Dawg, a Philadelphia-based cover band on July 20. The concert series will

take place on the top floor of the Kennett Square Parking Garage, located at 100198 East Linden Street in Kennett Square. Seating for each performance begins at 6 p.m., and concerts begin at 7 p.m. Concessions will be available, and guests are

encouraged to bring chairs. For more information and to obtain tickets, visit The Kennett Flash at www.kennettflash.org.

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

Upland Country Day School celebrates its 75th anniversary

Upland Country Day School celebrated its 75th anniversary on June 8 with a memorable event that highlighted its rich history and promising future. The Black & Gold Gala and Auction, the culmination of a year-long series of commemorative activities, was a vivid representation of the school’s legacy and impact in Chester County. The celebration was hosted by Head of School

Dr. Dan Hickey, and was attended by a mix of alumni, family, friends, and both former and current faculty members. Every decade of the school’s 75-year history was represented under the gala tent, showcasing the enduring bonds and shared experiences that define the Upland way. A highlight of the evening was the premiere of the Upland Country Day

School 75-year retrospective film. Running just under 10 minutes, the film connected attendees to the school’s common mission and experiences. The film, created by local filmmaking brothers Henry and Ben Roosevelt, was met with admiration.

The Roosevelt brothers credited longtime Upland educator and coach, Court Dunn, as a producer for his invaluable contributions in providing historical context, planning interviews, and creative feedback.

For those who were unable to attend, the fulllength film will soon be available for viewing on the Upland Country Day

School website at www. uplandcds.org and across their various social media platforms @uplandcds.

The Black & Gold Gala and Auction not only cel-

ebrated the past 75 years but also set the stage for the future of Upland Country Day School, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in education and community building. For admission inquiries, please visit www. uplandcds.org/admissions. Now enrolling for select grades, space is limited.

Kennett Square off-duty officer pleads guilty to 2022 road rage case

David Levy, a resident of Kennett Square, recently pled guilty to charges related to a road rage incident that occurred on Dec. 28, 2022. He was a State

Trooper, but off duty at the time of the incident. Levy was convicted of recklessly endangering another person and possessing an instrument of

crime.

Judge Allison Bell Royer accepted the plea and sentenced Levy to two years of probation. During that time, the defendant is required to complete an anger management class and to ensure that he does

not have contact with the victims. It is anticipated that Levy will no longer be a member of law enforcement because Pennsylvania law prevents people convicted of serious misdemeanor offenses from serving as police

officers.

Levy admitted that he encountered the victim while driving southbound on Route 1 near Longwood Gardens. Apparently upset with how the victim was driving, the defendant interacted aggressively with the other driver, braking abruptly in front of the victim and at one point forcing the victim’s vehicle off the roadway. The victim eventually stopped on the grass section of an exitramp leading to Longwood Gardens. At that point, Levy attempted to retrieve his gun and angrily exited his vehicle. While doing so, he acci-

dentally discharged his gun and fired a bullet into the dashboard of his personal car. He then approached the victim’s car with his gun drawn, shouting commands, and referencing that he was “state police.”

When one of the passengers in the victim’s vehicle shouted that they were calling the police and that there was a dash camera in their vehicle, Levy immediately got into his car and left the scene. The Chester County Detectives investigated the case. Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Cardamone prosecuted

case.

Courtesy image Sug Daniels will take the stage on June 29.

Courtesy image Captain Dawg will perform on July 20.

the

Courtesy photos

Upland Country Day School celebrated its 75th anniversary on June 8 with a wellattended Black & Gold Gala and Auction, the culmination of a year-long series of commemorative activities.

Chester County Press

Summerfest...

Continued from Page 1A

portion of all bottle sales from the event went to support this mission and other community programs the organization runs. While this is only the third year of the wine-centric Summerfest, Embree said that its sister event, Brewfest, is in its 27th year.

“We’ve had craft beer in Kennett Square for a long time, but the wine scene is beginning to emerge,” Embree said. “The wineries in Pennsylvania are really starting to mature and take off. It’s an exciting time for the wine industry.”

Chaddsford Winery was one of 13 wineries and cideries in attendance at this year’s Summerfest.

Oxford...

Continued from Page 1A

• Maintains and improves walkability in the borough;

• Accommodates a variety of housing types with a focus on attainable housing for people at all income levels; and

• Prioritizes transportation alternatives and provides for the integration of a multi-modal transportation network into the fabric of the

borough’s traditional settlement pattern.

Borough Council also recently heard a presentation from Steve Krug from Krug Architects on the subject of solar power. He described the pros and cons of using solar power with the goal of reducing the carbon footprint and saving the borough money on electricity.

The borough has the possibility of saving energy in all the buildings they currently own, so the discussion will be continue in

Gabe Evans-Siegell of Nottingham-based winery Wayvine credited Kennett Collaborative with doing a great job on the event and recognized the supportive community the festival fosters. Other wineries with stations at the event included 1723 Vineyards, Acadian Wine Company, Casa Carmen Wines, Chaddsford Winery, Dressler Estate, Grace Winery, Harvest Ridge Winery, Honey Lane Winery, Old Stone Cider, Paradocx Vineyard, R Five Wines and Stargazers

future council meetings.

In other business, borough council approved a motion to accept the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Special Event Permit Application for the Sounds of Summer event on July 5, conditional upon payment of $694 for this event, which is the 50 percent deposit for onethird of the cost to provide police services.

Borough council also approved the notice of intent to award a contract for the Water Meter Replacement

Vineyard. Food was provided by the Country Butcher, Sweet Amelia’s, Talula’s Table, The Farm at Doe Run, Hangry Bear Creamery and LC Farms. In addition to the wine and food, the lively atmosphere was assisted by local bands Cicco and Tuk and the Big Brass Ones. Other vendors included

Project to Rio Supply Inc. of Pennsylvania, the lowest bidder on the project, in the amount of $825,922.12. The contract agreement is contingent upon receipt and review of contractor references and a financial statement, performance and payment bonds, and the required insurance.

The next Oxford Borough Council meeting will be held on June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.

Ariana Vasquez enjoyed a sip of white wine along South Broad Street.

Photos by Gabbie Burton Cicco, above, joined Tuk and the Big Brass Ones as the musical entertainment for the festival.

Angelique Giorgianni, left, joined with Kate Chicoli and Gabrielle Miester to enjoy food and wine samples.

local

County volunteer fire and EMS agency members to receive real estate tax rebate

Six months after tax rebate ordinance is approved by County Commissioners, 355 volunteer first responders successfully apply for rebate

Six months after the Chester County Commissioners enacted a county real estate tax rebate ordinance for volunteer fire company and EMS agency members, 355 qualified volunteer first responders and administrative members have successfully applied to recoup some or all of their county property taxes.

This number represents 60 percent of the total number of individuals who are eligible for a 2024 county tax rebate, as identified by their respective first responder agencies. The combined estimated Chester County property tax rebate for all 355 applicants is more than $167,000.

The Active Volunteer Real Estate Tax Rebate

Ordinance, approved by the County Commissioners last October, provides a financial incentive, in the form of a rebate, on Chester County real estate tax imposed by the County of Chester for first responder volunteers. Volunteers can be an emergency responder, an administrative member of a fire company or EMS agency, or both.

Chester County treasurer Patricia Maisano, who is responsible for the issue and collection of county property taxes, commented on the ini-

tial success of the tax rebate program, saying, “Chester County was the first in Southeastern Pennsylvania to enact this county property tax rebate, and it is encouraging that a significant number of individuals and families will be able to recoup some or all of their county tax as a direct result of their incredible service to our community.”

Maisano added, “The responsibility they assume –keeping their family, friends, and neighbors safe – takes extensive training and time. Rewarding that dedication is the right thing to do, not just for current volunteer first responders, but for future generations. While the remaining volunteer first responders who qualify have until January 2025 to submit the paperwork needed for the rebate, we encourage them to apply long before then.”

Chester County’s Active Volunteer Real Estate Tax Rebate program is based on a point system earned through emergency response calls, training, meeting attendance, public education activities, leadership roles and other activities such as fundraising events. Attainment of the maximum number of points available results in a 100 percent rebate on the

county property tax, with lower points levels resulting in a lesser percentage tax rebate. Volunteers must be residents of Chester County who volunteer with an eligible agency.

Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe noted the county’s increase in population as another key reason for this incentive.

“Chester County is one of the fastest growing counties in Pennsylvania, and an increase in people means an increased need for first responder services,” the Commissioners said in a statement. “One of the reasons we enacted this real estate tax rebate is to show our current volunteer fire-

fighters and EMTs that we value them, and another reason is to motivate more people to volunteer.”

Gerald DiNunzio, president of the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, said, “This incentive is an important step our county takes to help recruit and retain the volunteer first responders. Our volunteers play a vital role in protecting all who live in and visit Chester County. Volunteering first responders invest a significant part of their free time in training, responding to emergencies,

and administrative tasks. They expect no financial gain in return for their dedicated service; this incentive is a well-earned thank you for taking on such an essential, and at times, thankless role.”

Matthew Eick, president of the Chester County EMS Council, said, “There has been a steady decline in volunteers to support EMS and fire companies nationwide. A program such as this tax rebate is a way to thank our volunteers and show appreciation for their years of

dedication. I am thankful that the County Commissioners found a way to think outside the box and provide a benefit to our volunteers.

Eick added, “This is a step forward and paves the way for other unique programs to follow suit, to attract new volunteers and retain the volunteer responders who are already providing the service in our county.” Information about the Active Volunteer Real Estate Tax Rebate can be found at www.chesco.org/ responder-rebate.

Chester County Department of Workforce Development manager wins State Workforce Phoenix Award

Stephanie Smith honored by Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association

The Chester County Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced that one of its team members, Workforce Development manager Stephanie Smith, was recently honored with the Workforce Phoenix Award presented by the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) at their annual conference. Smith was recognized for championing and shaping workforce development initiatives in Chester County.

Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe said in a joint statement, “Our Department of Workforce Development provides services that support both individuals seeking work and career opportunities, and employers looking for skilled, professional employees. Stephanie has spearheaded many projects that bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, helping to keep Chester County’s business community successful and economy robust.”

The Commissioners added, “Stephanie’s dedication and enthusiasm is appreciated here in Chester County, and we are especially proud that her work has been recognized at the state level. The Workforce Phoenix Award recognizes a Pennsylvania workforce development professional who demonstrates innovation and leadership, acts as a change-maker, and provides excellent service to others.”

Jeannette Roman, the direc-

tor of the Chester County Department of Workforce Development, said, “Stephanie’s ‘people-first’ approach fosters partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and community organizations across the region. She empowers employers and individuals by providing the skills and support they need because she understands both the challenges and opportunities they face.

“Most importantly, Stephanie leads by example with positivity, good humor, and grace.”

The statewide call by PWDA for award nominations led the Workforce Development Team from the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) to submit an application highlighting Stephanie’s qualifications.

Gary Smith, CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, said,

“Chester County government and the CCEDC have created the national model for a true public-private partnership when it comes to workforce development. For more than 30 years, we’ve said economic development is workforce development. It’s what our employers have demanded, and we provide it, working as a team. So this really felt like a win for the team because Stephanie and her colleagues with the county are critical members of the public sector who unite with CCEDC, as we bring private sector employers to the table to match with employees.” Smith started her career in workforce development in 2009 and joined the county in 2014, first as a program coordinator at PA CareerLink Chester County, before moving to the Chester County Department of Community Development as a workforce coordinator and finally moving to DWD as a workforce manager.

Gerry DiNunzio, President, Chester County Fire Chiefs Association;

Courtesy photos

Matt Eick, the president of the Chester County EMS Council.

Courtesy photo

Workforce Phoenix Award recipient Stephanie Smith (left) is pictured with Chester County Department of Workforce Development Director Jeannette Roman.

‘Dance, baby, dance’

In our annual coverage of four commencement exercises – at Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford and Unionville high schools – it never fails to truly amaze us that the wisdom and vision shared by 18-year-old speakers standing before hundreds of their classmates and hundreds more in packed arenas and school campuses is regularly profound.

This year’s Class of 2024 speakers are certainly no exception to the words shared by those who have come before them, and as part of our annual tribute to these young people and their fellow graduates at high schools and colleges, we offer a few sage words spoken this year by some notable people at college commencement ceremonies. To those, we say may they serve to soothe you, humor you and guide you as you make your way in life.

“I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. I think it is also wonderful that you care so much about not hurting other people’s feelings in the million and one ways we all do that in every second of every day. It’s lovely to want to fix those things, but what I need to tell you as a comedian is do not lose your sense of humor. You can have no idea at this point in your life how much you are going to need it to get through. Not enough of life makes sense for you to be able to survive it without humor.”

Jerry Seinfeld, at Duke University

“When we pass away ... we don’t take with us our Teslas or our Xboxes. At the very end of our lives, if, in fact, we are all spiritual beings having a human experience, we take with us only one thing: that bouquet of internal character qualities we’ve nurtured, gathered, and exercised over the course of our lives.”

Rainn Wilson, actor, at Weber State University

“Choose honor over hypocrisy, virtue over vulgarity, discipline over dissipation, character over cleverness, sacrifice over self-indulgence. Do not lose your enthusiasm; in its Greek etymology the word ‘enthusiasm’ means simply, ‘god in us.’ Serve your country. Insist that we fight the right wars. Denounce oppression everywhere. Convince your government, as Lincoln understood, that the real threat always and still comes from within this favored land. Insist that we support science and the arts, especially the arts. They have nothing to do with the actual defense of our country; they just make our country worth defending. Remember what Louis Brandeis said, ‘The most important political office is that of the private citizen.’ Vote. Please, vote.”

Ken Burns, documentarian, at Brandeis University

“We might start with the assumption that, for the most part, most of the time, most people are operating in good faith. So we can extend grace to them—and the benefit of the doubt. We might acknowledge that we each are bringing our own histories and experiences and biases to our perceptions—our own legitimate fears and anxieties.

“And then we might—each of us—try to see the world through one another’s eyes: To do the really hard thing—to genuinely honor one another’s humanity, even when we disagree—because we all are someone’s child, or sibling, or friend.” John Legend, musician, at Loyola Marymount University

“You don’t have to leave here today and ... have it all figured out. I didn’t, and ... maybe the delays sort of helped me in some way. Maybe I’m actually truer to myself because I had so many things that were disappointing. And enduring them somehow ... is sort of like you’re invisibly training for something really cool…I stand before you as a weird person. Get to know yourself, accept who you are, and love that person because this is the moment. You already are everything you need to be.”

Jennifer Coolidge, actress, at Washington University in St. Louis

“So when people doubt you, graduates, get up and dance. When people laugh at you, graduates, get up and dance. When people don’t believe in you, graduates, get up and dance. When people think they got over on you, dance. Ain’t no telling what you going to be. When ain’t no money on your debit card, dance. When you got to collect money to buy a little gas, dance. When you got to wash your draws by hand, get up and dance. When it looks like all hope is gone, dance, baby dance.”

Dr. Daniel Black, at Clark Atlanta University

Only PBM reform can save Pa. pharmacies from closure crisis

By Chris Antypas

We haven’t even crossed the midway point of 2024, and more than 140 pharmacies have closed in Pennsylvania since we began the year, and countless local jobs have been lost.

Sadly, there aren’t any signs this trend will slow down anytime soon until Pennsylvania enacts comprehensive pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. The good news is there’s plenty of bipartisan support in Harrisburg to get this done.

PBMs were supposed to be the middleman who drove down costs from drug companies to provide savings for pharmacies. Because of their bulk negotiating power, PBMs negotiated millions in savings, but they gutted reimbursements and kept the money that should’ve been passed on to pharmacists in the form of higher drug reimbursements. It may shock you to learn that just three PBMs control over 80 percent of all prescriptions, while offering non-negotiable, take-it-or-leave-it contracts. This forces pharmacists to accept contract rates at a loss just to be able to serve their patients.

That should worry every Pennsylvanian who relies on their community pharmacy for prescriptions and healthcare needs. It doesn’t matter if they’re independent or chain pharmacies or whether they’re located in a rural, small-town, suburban or inner-city setting. Pharmacies are closing rapidly because of PBMs, and the numbers remaining are shocking in 21st-century

Pennsylvania. It’s so bad Gov. Josh Shapiro called for PBM reform legislation in his February budget address. No less than 21 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties already have fewer than 10 pharmacies. Two counties (Forest and Fulton) only have two each, while Cameron and Sullivan counties have a single pharmacy serving their entire population. In Erie County, Albion residents will have to drive 10 miles or more to the closest pharmacy after one closed in January.

Seemingly every day, there are new headlines about pharmacy closures in places like Johnstown, Punxsutawney, Coudersport, Hempfield Township, State College, Allentown, Bethlehem, Carlisle and so many more.

Predictably, most of the remaining pharmacies can be found in high-density population areas like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

But Philadelphia’s innercity neighborhoods are dealing with closures that leave citizens without access to medicine in places like Kensington when Friendly Pharmacy closed or North Philadelphia when it lost East Lehigh Pharmacy.

Pharmacists in Pittsburgh were losing up to $113 for every prescription of a COVID-19 drug, Paxlovid. Such setbacks in payment for the drug purchases and less for their overhead result in many pharmacies deciding to no longer carry brand name drugs, forcing patients to get their prescriptions filled elsewhere.

Fortunately, the

Pennsylvania General Assembly is considering two bills with strong bipartisan support, Senate Bill 1000 and House Bill 1993, that would provide the reform measures long sought by pharmacists.

At the top of the list is stopping price gouging by making sure pharmacists are reimbursed for the actual cost of buying and dispensing drugs, and not by some secret formula determined by PBMs. Secrecy is a big problem, and the legislation includes a number of critical transparency measures. It empowers the Department of Insurance to audit PBM and pharmacy contracts. The legislation also would develop a complaint resolution process for pharmacies and set reasonable fixed amounts for PBM claims process and fees.

Other important reforms include the elimination of spread pricing, which occurs when PBMs charge a health plan a higher price for medicine than what they reimburse pharmacies and then keep the difference or “spread.” It also would end “patient steering” to pharmacies owned by PBMs. A reprehensible practice, PBMs force patients to use their pharmacies or pay more for drugs at independent or chain pharmacies not considered to be “in-network.”

Looking at the whole picture, it’s easy to see why the Shapiro administration and large numbers of legislators from both parties support PBM reform. The situation is dire: A recent survey by the National Community Pharmacists Association found that 42 percent of

pharmacists across America took out a line of credit to help pay their bills, and 70 percent had to use their personal savings. Unfortunately, PBMs aren’t held accountable for their use of misinformation to protect their financial interests and pricing practices that often lack transparency. They challenge the necessity to pay pharmacies a fair rate, alleging that this would be a financial burden for the state. Fortunately, there are many other states, including Ohio, that have held PBMs accountable and are now reaping significant savings. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has lost more than 140 pharmacies in less than six months. That number is going to continue to climb because of the reckless profiteering of PBMs at the expense of pharmacists, their employees and communities. The timing couldn’t be more critical as more and more Pennsylvania families lose access to their pharmacists.

Chris Antypas is board president of the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association and owner of Asti’s South Hills Pharmacy in Pittsburgh.

The Art of Pipe-Smoking

By Marie-Louise Meyers

How deliberate the act, tamping the pipe bowl with raw or refined tobacco. How designed the outcome.

How sensitive Dad’s lip with each sucking sound on the mouth piece, he nursed the pipe’s aromatic blending, stirring the fires within which glowed, provoking thought waves like puffs of smoke.

Periodically, he tapped the pipe to rid it of debris. At night star-light fell from its bowl divining more than just memories.

Sometimes we got caught between the arc of a thought and the pipe stem pointing at us, culprits of some prank.

Why did it seem so much worse reversing the bowl of our smoldering universe?

After the pipe grew cold, he put it in his chest pocket to remind him of its com-

fort. The pipe, the fuse, igniting his Muse, his conscience which grew, made him choose words carefully, hesitate, harsh words he might have said to others forgotten, stinging words others said to him forgiven.

Over the years, his pipe rack was filled: a Meerschaum, a corncob, and a Sherlock Holmes” look-a-like. But it was the calumet, the Indian peace pipe, we understood, freedom to move along New Jersey’s waterfront as a union leader, remain unscathed by the sanctimonious and the treacherous.

Dad gave it up after morning coughs turned into congestion, the clearing of his threat instead of clear vocalization. We always assumed dad at a loss without it, the drawnout breaths, our young souls mired in confusion, renewed with

the conquest of its blanketing wisdom. Soon his fingers long tuned to filling the pipe, with a flourish drummed reminiscent of the Fife and Drum corps he belonged to as a boy. A delaying tactic, but the beat soon took shape where thoughts congregated until his imaginary pipe filled. His life’s work now done, he feeds off the sun, it soothes old wounds like a kindness done.

Our joy to sort words which fall short of the gap between his soundless lips.

Courtesy photo Chris Antypas

Kennett graduates look forward to ‘a new game plan’

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

For 92 years, the hallowed stairs that paves the way up to Kennett High School’s front doors have received the footsteps of thousands of students, faculty and visitors – both ascending and descending.

On Friday evening, June 7, the feet of 346 students in the class of 2024 trod those steps, celebrating their outdoor commencement in front of friends and family.

The weather was kind to this year’s class, with a sunlit evening and slight breezes that graced the steps, the podium and the audience gathered for the occasion.

In the course of the ceremony, several honor speakers from the senior class took to the stage and addressed their thoughts on specific topics. This year

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

At the risk of invoking metaphorical reference, high school graduation ceremonies often take on the grandness and luminosity of a NASA launching, when its most celebrated contributors, tutored and taught and trained for years

the theme was close to the hearts of many: the familiar streets of Kennett Square— State, Union, South and Cypress streets.

Class President Claire Pruitt, who had led the seniors’ procession down the steps, introduced her four classmate speakers: Victoria Garcia, Laila Poe, Gerasimos Gerovasiliou and Bryan Calderon.

Pruitt also spoke of place and time, reminding her audience that they often put hurry and “I can’t wait” ahead of savoring events and meanings of the present more thoroughly.

Referring to the 2024 Kennett speech theme, she said, “Someday you will be in a town and say to yourself, ‘This reminds me of Kennett Square.’”

Garcia said her parents are Mexican, and she was born in Costa Rica. She added, “I consider Kennett

my home.”

The theme of her speech was State [Street] – the business district. She said her parents always told her, “America is the land of opportunity. Work hard.”

Poe, whose theme was Union [Street] – the street that runs north and south -- said her family goes back at least three generations in the town and has a legacy on Union.

“My grandparents are buried in Union Hill Cemetery,” she said.

Gerovasiliou’s theme was South [Street]. South Street runs past the school tennis courts and the former pond that was a destination for ice skating.

He likened his experience through the grades to an athletic event.

“The beginning at the high school was like the kickoff. …Covid was a delay of game. …Graduating to

career or college was a new game plan.”

Calderon’s theme was

Avon Grove graduates 444 at June 4 commencement

leading up to the event, prepare to finally take flight.

At the 96th annual Avon Grove High School commencement, held June 4 at the Bob Carpenter Center, 444 young pilots took off with their diplomas in hand and their engines running, ready to soar into their next adventures. They are headed every-

where. In her opening address, Principal Dr. Christie Snead said that 82 percent of the class will be continuing their education at 102 colleges and universities in the fall.

Referring to the resilience of the Class of 2024, Snead said that they entered Avon Grove in the fall of 2020 as first-year students, when COVID-19 was becoming a world-wide pandemic.

“You adapted and you persevered through challenging times, and I want to remind you of this because whatever happens in your future, you have the knowledge and skills and the resources to rise above whatever comes in your path,” she said.

“Instead of throwing in the towel, you accept challenges.”

Ushered in to the

sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” performed by the school’s Graduation Band under the direction

Graduates recognized for their resilience, perseverance

Unionville High School celebrates 2024 commencement at Bob

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

The Unionville High School class of 2024 celebrated their commencement ceremony on June 5 at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, as 313 students were supported by friends, family, faculty and staff during the school’s 101st commencement address.

The ceremony featured speeches from three honors student speakers: Sofia Cvijanovic, Lilly Zhang and Morgan Chapman, as well as three faculty members, Principal Amy Jenkins, Superintendent Dr. John Sanville and Unionville high school educator of the year recipient, Matt Borger. Principal Jenkins began the ceremony by welcoming

the students and guests and reflected on the tumultuous four years of high school the class experienced.

As stated in the welcome address, the class was “reminded of how fragile life can be,” when two classmates and friends passed away in the class’s sophomore and junior year of high school, respectively. The students were honored during the ceremony and friends of both accepted diplomas on their behalf. The students’ memories were honored by speakers and the class was recognized for their continued resilience and perseverance.

“The road ahead may not always be smooth, but it is in overcoming obstacles that we discover our true

strength and potential,” Jenkins stated.

The class of 2024 endured several obstacles, including beginning their high school career online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their freshman year also saw the change in their school mascot from the American Indian to the Longhorn, a decision that was made, “to better honor the Lenape in respectful ways, and in ways that we, as a community, can all be proud of.” Additionally, their junior year brought in a new administrative team, while the beginning of their senior year saw school closures for the police search of escaped prisoner Danilo Cavalcante, who was in the area. Though there were chal-

Carpenter Center

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The Bob Carpenter Center played host to the 96th annual Avon Grove High School Commencement, that saw 444 graduates receive their diplomas.

lenges and changes, Senior class secretary Campbell Bunch told the audience

family and that

grew up together. She

Cypress [Street]. It runs eastward from the agricultural areas west of town

through to the suburbs on the Chadds Ford side.

Moses Ti-Toe receives cap-and-gown assistance from several school administrators.

of Michael Daviano, the graduates took their seats at the center of the 5,000-seat arena and for the next hour,

they and a near-capacity audience heard the prepared speeches of five of

Photo by Gabbie Burton

Unionville High School’s Class of 2024 toss their caps during commencement ceremonies on June 5 at the Bob Carpenter Center.

Photo by Chris Barber

Class President Claire Pruitt leads her classmates down the front steps of the high school at the beginning of the commencement ceremony.

VIRGINIA CHRIST MELRATH

Virginia Christ Melrath was an energetic, caring mother, Yia Yia (grandmother), wife, sister, aunt and friend. She left this world on June 5, 2024 at age 100. She was the wife of the late Ross H. Melrath, with whom she shared a life-long marriage, and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Socrates Christ. Virginia grew up in Oxford, working and playing in her parents’ sandwich shop and candy kitchen along with her brother, Charlie Christ and sister, Irene DeWitt who both preceded her in death. She graduated from Oxford Area High School with the class of 1942. While her primary focus in life was her family and raising her children, she also loved flowers and gardening, and worked for many years at LK Phillips Florist designing bouquets. She was a longtime member of the Green Thumb Garden Club as well. Virginia enjoyed a good card game and took part in three local bridge clubs. She also loved dancing to the big band music of the 1940s. When her husband Ross (her favorite jitterbug partner) passed, she went on to dance with the Golden Slippers Dance Club of Oxford. Her free time was spent playing bridge, saving little animals, gardening, exercising at the YMCA, and spending time with

her children and grandson Nick, who she cherished the most.

Virginia’s smile could light up a room, and everyone who met her loved her. Her memory will be eternal, because as long as we remember someone, they will always be with us. Virginia is survived by her two sons, Joseph and Gary Melrath and her daughter, Susan Melrath as well as her one and only grandson, Nicholas Landgren.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. at 86 Pine St. in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

After the service, a celebration of her life will be held at Wyncote Golf Club at 50 Wyncote Dr. in Oxford.

The family offers its heartfelt thanks go to her care team who brought comfort and love to Virginia in the final days, including Jodi Clifton, Elaine Tice Keen, Lynn Combs, and Kate Hartsoe, and Jenel King. A special thanks to the caring staff of Brandywine Hospice, including Jenn, Lisa, Tiffany, Joanna, Michelle, Kathy, Justine, Mike, Brianna and Haley. Thank you all for allowing yourselves to love her even while knowing she would be gone one day.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

DIANNA LOUISE JOHNSON

Dianna (Diane) Louise Johnson passed away unexpectedly on May 29, 2024 after a lengthy battle with several illnesses. She was 75. Dianna was born to Branson and Nora Doss on April 16, 1949, and she was raised in Chatham for most of her early years. She attended Avon Grove schools and had a passion for being a nurse.

She worked hard on getting her certified nursing assistant degree (CNA) and made that her career. She worked with home health care and also in a few nursing facilities. She loved working at Chatham Acres, now known as Twin Pines, where her mother, Nora Doss, had worked most of her life. She attended a few churches through the years and had become a member of the Church of God in Oxford. She married Everett Ray Johnson (Butch), on July 25, 1965. He was the love of her life and together they raised three children, Gail (Tim) Nugent, Sherry (Matt) Wilson, and Jolene Dianna Johnson. The were blessed with nine grandchildren, Nathan (Tiffany) Nugent, Justin (Kim) Nugent, Chad (Christine) Wilson, Branson (Hanna) Wilson, Amber Wilson, Dianna Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Curtis Johnson, and Grace Johnson and 11 great-grandchildren. She also had her dog and companion, “Peanutter,” who was always by her side.

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She enjoyed country music, southern gospel, a good ole southern meal with eclairs for dessert, Conway Twitty, Dolly Parton, and vacations to Branson, Mo. and Pigeon Forge and visits to her relatives in Nashville and Glade Springs, Va. with her family.

She was predeceased by her parents, Branson and Nora Doss, her daughter, Sherry Wilson, two sisters, Irene Gilbert, and Shirley Ward, and her brother, Kermit Doss.

Her loving memory will live on through surviving children, grandchildren along with her siblings, Virginia Thomas, Irma Munday, Earl (Ella) Doss, Phyllis (Donald) Porter, and Conley (Barb) Doss and many nieces, nephews, cousins and her friends. The family’s hearts are broken, but they will see her light shine forever. Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

ROBERT PETER KANE

Bob Kane, of West Grove, passed comfortably into eternal rest on June 2, 2024 while he was surrounded by his family. He was 73. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota to John and Agnes (Pfeiffer) Kane, he spent his childhood in Whitesboro, N.Y. where he excelled in school and sports. His strong work ethic started early as a paperboy. Bob attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Utica, N.Y. and graduated from Whitesboro High School in 1968.

Upon graduation, Bob followed his brother Bill’s footsteps and entered the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served for four years. His service brought him to the front lines of Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. He was a rifleman and sharpshooter and earned the rank of sergeant. He then served as a game warden at Camp Pendleton in California, where he once assisted President Nixon with “what’s biting” in the fishing pond. Though he rarely spoke of the experiences of war, it was evident throughout his life that he was “once a Marine, always a Marine,” and a proud one at that.

He continued his education at Herkimer County Community College and finished it at Clarkson University, where he earned his B.S., M.S. and eventually Ph.D. in chemical engineering. Bob excelled in everything and it was no different once he joined the workforce. He worked in research & development and later process excellence/ Six Sigma for Allied Signal (later Honeywell) for 21 years until retiring and moving on to Johnson & Johnson. He became a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma and started his own consulting business to train others in pharmaceuticals on the processes to improve productivity.

While on leave from the Marines, Bob met Sue, the love of his life. It was love at first sight and her letters helped him through the rest of his time away. They were married on June 9, 1973. It was a loving union that lasted almost 51 years. They built a life together and welcomed two daughters along the way. Amanda and Elizabeth were Bob’s pride and joy and he did everything that he could to make sure that they had the best childhood they could have. He would coach their sports teams, go on fatherdaughter camping trips, create holiday traditions, organize fundraisers and be the master of the grill. His love of puzzles and games was something that he shared with his family and an activity they cherished doing together. His girls were his life and that didn’t end when they got older. Family vacations to the Outer Banks became normal until it turned into visits to more tropical locations. He was always a phone call away for help around the house, to give financial advice, discuss a problem or keep them company during a car ride.

Throughout their life, Amanda and Elizabeth looked at their parents’ love as the epitome of what a marriage should be. Bob would look at Sue with a twinkle in his eye and up until the end she was still the one that would make him open his eyes and smile.

Bob was always a proud Marine and joined the American Legion and Marine Corps League to stay involved. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was active with the Ovations HOA, serving as the chair of the Finance Committee for several years.

Guillain Barre robbed Bob of the last years of his life—he was diagnosed in October of 2022 and he was paralyzed from the neck down. It took 11 months and determination and advocacy to get Bob off the ventilator so that his family could bring him home. He was home with his wife for seven months before being called to his heavenly home. He is now no longer in pain, running free and having a beer with his fellow Marines.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Susan (Dorozynski) and their two daughters, Amanda (Glenn Walston) Baxter of York, Pa. And Elizabeth (Benjamin) McGarry of Dover, Pa. Also surviving are his sisters, Mary Kane and Kathy Kane of Whitesboro, N.Y., Suzanne (Henry) Ng of Fairfield, Calif., Aggie (Bill) Barry of New York Mills, N.Y., a brother, John Kane of Calif., sisters-in-law Mary Currie of Marcy, N.Y., Janet (Don) Wroblicki and Juliann (Surender Panchel) Dorozynski-Essafi of Yorkville, N.Y. and brothers-in-law Thomas (Patricia) Dorozynski of Pine Plains, N.Y. and John (Wendy Balcom) Dorozynski of Leesburg, Va. In addition, he is survived by countless nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother and sister-inlaw William and Joan (Zwijacz) Kane, his parents-in-law Julian and Madeline (Cirasuolo) Dorozynski, brothers-inlaw Stephen Currie and Melvin Bearden, nephew Michael Dorozynski and nephew-in-law Steven Smith. The family will welcome visitors at Sacred Heart Church at 203 Church Road in Oxford on Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. Mass will follow. Interment will be private at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to be made to the GBS Foundation (https://tinyurl.com/5n6kbbh3). Please research Guillain Barre and spread the word so no other family experiences this loss.

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.

GILDO DAVID GUIZZETTI, SR.

Gildo David Guizzetti, Sr., age 92, a husband, father, Pop-Pop and friend, and proud mushroom farmer in Landenberg, entered his eternal reward on June 2, 2024.

Gildo, who was known to many as “Truck Three” and “Mr. G,” spent his entire life, except for the last five months, living at his home and farm along Penn Green Road in New Garden Township.

His ability to make friends and solve problems was legendary, as illustrated by his many accomplishments and recognitions.

He was particularly proud of serving as class president throughout high school at Kennett. He received so many nominations in senior year that an election was not even needed.

During high school, he participated in World War II civil defense activities.

In 1954, Gildo was among the founding members of Saint Pius X Council 3858 K of C at Assumption BVM Parish in West Grove.

He was a founding member, in 1988, of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Parish in Avondale. In 1989, Gildo was inducted into the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Association Hall of Fame.

Gildo served on the board of directors of Mushroom Cooperative Canning for many years.

In 2002, Gildo received a Mushroom Industry Conference Award of Merit for over 40 years of inspiration and support of the mushroom industry, and mushroom programs at Penn State.

In 2007, Gildo was recognized for dedication and commitment as honorary co-chairman to the Avondale Fire Company’s capital campaign.

In 2008, and 2017, he was named Volunteer of the Year in New Garden Township, in appreciation and recognition for dedicated service to the Sewer Authority.

Gildo Guizzetti and his mother, Louise Guizzetti, began L. Guizzetti and Son, which grew into the current Guizzetti Farms, Inc.

Gildo enjoyed playing baseball, and he played first base with skill.

His favorite topics of conversation included mushroom growing, Phillies baseball, and Penn State football. Penn State ice cream was among his favorite treats.

Gildo was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Sylvia; and his sister, Olympia (“Sissi”) Manfredini.

He is survived by four children, Victor (Sue) Guizzetti, Michael (Faith) Guizzetti, Linda (Jim) DiLuzio, and Gildo (Michele) Guizzetti, and 13 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.

His funeral mass was held on June 7 at Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale.

Burial took place at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

The family thanks you for your kindness in considering donations in Gildo Guizzetti’s memory to Meals on Wheels Chester County, 404 Willowbrook Lane, West Chester, Pa. 19382 and/or the Avondale Ambulance Association, 23 Firehouse Way, Avondale, Pa. 19311.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

KATHRYN T. BISHOP

Katherine (Kathy) Theresa Bishop, born on September 13, 1953 in Chester, Pa., sadly passed away on May 27, 2024 at her home in Lincoln University, Pa. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony Aiello and Kathryn Albertson and a sibling, Marie Aiello.

She is survived by her loving husband, John Bishop, her son, Michael Callahan, niece, Cynthia Vernon and grandchildren, Lina, Dylan and Kylee. Kathy was the heart and soul of this family and will be dearly missed.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

PAUL MURPHY

Paul Murphy, known to friends as Murph, died suddenly on May 31, 2024 while enjoying a walk in the woods near his farm in Coatesville. He is survived by his beloved wife and partner, Colleen Mooney, daughter, Cait Murphy, son, Jack Murphy, brother, Andrew Murphy, M.D. (Karen Murphy) and nephews Ian, Aaron and Jared. He will also be dearly missed by Colleen’s children. He was born on February 20, 1959 to Thomas P. and Josephine (nee Smith) Murphy in Darby, Pa. Paul graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1977 and graduated from Villanova University School of Business in 1981 with a degree in accountancy.

After graduation, Paul worked briefly as an accountant at Alco before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1984. He served his country as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and as a fighter pilot for the Pennsylvania National Guard based at Willow Grove Air Force Base. “Cheeks” as he was known, logged over 1,000 hours of flight time across the United States and Central America before being honorably discharged after nearly a decade of service.

With over 30 years of experience in the financial industry, he was a seasoned leader, strategist, and innovator in the asset management and wealth advisory spaces. He was chief marketing officer of Econometrics Capital. Prior to joining EC, he was the senior vice president and wealth management officer of Ephrata National Bank where he was responsible for trust company acquisitions and initiated an innovative 401k partnership. Before joining Ephrata, he was the founder and principal of Percheron Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm that provided hands-on advice and guidance to a broad range of firms in the financial sector. He served as managing director of Spire Investment Partners, where he was instrumental in growing its assets under management. He began his career at Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley.

With the five children grown, he and Colleen had been rehabbing their farm in Cheshire Hunt Country and working to be good stewards of the Brandywine River which runs through the property. He enjoyed his horses and dogs and who loved being part of the community. He was a frequent volunteer at Cheshire Hunt events and served on the Board of Plantation Field Equestrian Events. He loved his fly-fishing trips to the Wind River Valley, Wyoming, and his time spent in Jost Van Dyke in the BVI.

A service to celebrate his life was held on June 8 with an Irish Wake at Fox Moon Farm in the field he loved to mow on his tractor.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF MARGUERITE S. BARE, DECEASED. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to STEPHEN J. BARE & KIMRA G. SNYDER, CO-EXECUTORS Or to their Attorney: TIMOTHY E. SHAWARYN, ESQUIRE, C/O LEGACY LAW, PLLC, 147 AIRPORT ROAD, LITITZ, PA 17543 5p-29-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Betty Lou Spotts, late of Upper Oxford Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above-named Betty Lou Spotts having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Kelvin L. Spotts, Co-Executor, Ronald E.

Spotts, Co-Executor, Melanie S. Murray, Co-Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838 5p-29-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF DAVID HENRY SMITH, DECEASED. Late of West 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 JANET L. SCARUZZI, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Joseph A. Bellinghieri, Esq., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382, Or to her Attorney: JOSEPH A. BELLINGHIERI, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382 6p-5-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

2024 HYDRANT FLUSHING LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY WATER CUSTOMERS: FIRE HYDRANTS WILL BE FLUSHED AND FLOW TESTED FROM THE BEGINNING OF JUNE 2024 THROUGH AUGUST 2024. FLUSHING MAY BRIEFLY CAUSE LOW WATER PRESSURE. THE FLUSHING PROCESS MAY ALSO CAUSE TEMPORARY CLOUDINESS IN YOUR WATER AND/OR AIR POCKETS WHICH GIVE THE WATER A MILKY APPEARANCE. ALLOW THE WATER TO RUN UNTIL IT CLEARS. THE WATER IS POTABLE AND STILL SAFE TO DRINK. KEN BATTIN, TOWNSHIP MANAGER

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Municipal Authority Board meeting scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. The public is invited.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice hereby given that the London Grove Township Historical Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 2024 has been rescheduled for Monday, July 1, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. The public is invited.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Monday, July 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 916 Walter Road- To hear the appeal of Mu Chong for a variance from, section 27-403.F (set back regulations) of the AR (Agricultural Residential) District. Mr. Chong is seeking a variance from the setback minimums, to allow for the continued use of a deck with greenhouse to continue growing bonsai trees and smaller plants without the potential harmful effects of weather. Greenhouses provided several benefits that are particularly important for smaller plants and trees, key reasons for the improvement, Temperature Regulations, Barrier Against Insects and Animals, Wind and Storm Protection. This property is in the Agricultural Residential (AR) District.

William Grandizio, Chairman, Zoning Hearing Board 6p-12-2t

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED

Public Meeting

The Penn Township Regular Public Meeting scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 has been cancelled and is rescheduled for Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Building, Finnen Community Room, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA. The meeting agenda will close on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at noon Eastern time. Please refer any questions or requests for special accommodation to Caitlin Ianni, Township Secretary at 610-869-9620. Respectfully submitted, Caitlin A. Ianni, Penn Township Secretary 6p-12-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Elk Township Board of Supervisors will reschedule its July Board of Supervisors Meeting to Monday, July 8th, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, PA 19351. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aide, service, or other accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact Elk Township at 610-255-0634 to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.

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ADMINISTRATORS

NOTICE

ESTATE OF THERESA E. HANLEY LATE OF COATESVILLE, CHESTER COUNTY NO. 1524-0363 Berks County, Penn-

sylvania, Deceased Letters of Administration on the above estate having been granted to Edward Hanley, Administrator, all persons indebted to the estate are requested to make payment and those having claims present the same, without delay, to the undersigned. Scott G. Hoh, Esquire Resolution Law Group, LLC 606 North 5th Street Reading, PA 19601 6p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF JAMES E. SPEARS a/k/a JAMES EDWARD SPEARS, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to REBEKAH MARSHALL, EXECUTRIX, 142 Tweed Rd., Oxford, PA 19363, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 6p-12-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, June 20th, 2024 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 22nd, 2024. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 24-6-166 Writ of Execution No. 2023-07403 DEBT $216,330.95

THE LAND REFERRED TO IN THIS COMMITMENT IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: ALL THAT CERTAIN TRACT OF GROUND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE IN LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, COUNTY OF CHESTER AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED IN ACCORDANCE WITH A TWO-LOT SUBDIVISION PLAN PREPARED FOR ROBERT WAGONER BY CONCORD LAND PLANNERS AND SURVEYORS, OXFORD, PA, DATED OCTOBER 12, 2000 AS LAST REVISED MARCH 7, 2002 AND WHICH PLAN IS RECORDED AS PLAN NO. 16183, TO WIT:

BEGINNING AT A POINT OF CURVE ON THE TITLE LINE IN THE BED OF CONNER ROAD (T-329) WHICH POINT MAKES

A COMMON CORNER OF THIS PREMISES AND LAND NOW OR LATE OF UNITED MOBILE HOMES OF PA., INC.; THENCE EXTENDING FROM SAID

BEGINNING POINT ALONG THE SAID TITLE LINE IN THE BED OF CONNER ROAD THE TWO NEXT FOLLOWING COURSES AND DISTANCES, VIZ: (1) ALONG THE ARC OF A CIRCLE CURVING TO THE LEFT HAVING A RADIUS OF 1117.61 FEET THE ARC DISTANCE OF 145.50 FEET TO A POINT OF TANGENT AND (2) NORTH 63 DEGREES 40 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 44.33 FEET TO A POINT, A CORNER OF THIS PREMISES AND LOT NO. 3 A; THENCE EXTENDING ALONG THE SAME SOUTH 22 DEGREES 11 MINUTES 04 SECONDS EAST 280.73 TO A POINT, A CORNER OF THIS PREMISES ON LINE OF LAND NOW OR LATE OF UNITED MOBILE HOMES OF PA., INC. AFORESAID; THENCE EXTENDING ALONG THE SAME

THE TWO NEXT FOLLOWING COURSES AND DISTANCES, VIZ: (1) SOUTH 74 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 29 SECONDS WEST 206.60 FEET TO A POINT, A CORNER OF THIS PREMISES AND (2) NORTH 18 DEGREES 52 MINUTES 25 SECONDS WEST 253.21 FEET TO THE FIRST MENTIONED POINT AND PLACE OF BEGINNING.

BEING LOT NO. 3B ON THE ABOVE MENTIONED PLAN

BEING the same premises which WILLIAM DONALD ROBINSON AND JEANETTE R. ROBINSON, HUSBAND AND WIFE, WAGONER CUSTOM CONTRACTING, INC by Deed dated 09/22/2003 and recorded in the Office of Recorder of Deeds of Chester County on 10/02/2003 at Book 5919, Page 350 granted and conveyed unto RICHARD A. MAITRE, A SINGLE MAN.

Tax Parcel # 56-4-51.5A

PLAINTIFF: LSF9 Master Participation Trust VS DEFENDANT: Richard A Maitre

SALE ADDRESS: 370 Conner Road, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG, PC 215-572-8111

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-29-3t

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Chester County Commissioners adopt new heritage tourism plan

Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe recently adopted a new Heritage Tourism Plan that encourages all communities in the county to share stories that highlight their identity and history – which will support local and regional preservation, conservation, tourism, and quality of life.

The resolution to adopt the Heritage Tourism Plan, signed by all three

Commissioners, notes the importance of the tourism industry to the local economy, and that “Chester County is a place where residents and visitors appreciate the natural, historic, and cultural attributes that give the county its distinctive character.”

In his presentation at the Commissioners’ Meeting, Chester County Heritage Preservation Coordinator David Blackburn noted the purpose of the plan is

to increase heritage tourism in the county as an economic factor; encourage preservation of and investment in heritage sites and resources; and raise public awareness of the significance of historic communities and landscapes.

“This plan will help to engage residents, create community pride, encourage investment in preserving our historic resources, and importantly, serves as an anchor for our

county’s America250 commemoration in 2026,” said Blackburn. “It will be the source to help our communities highlight their own heritage through exhibits, public art and storytelling, and support heritage tourism in Chester County well into the future.”

The heritage tourism plan identifies Chester County’s historic framework through six primary themes: The Natural Landscape; The Cultural Landscape; Evolving

Comitta: Free local produce available to eligible seniors through the Pa. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

To ensure seniors have affordable access to nutritious and local produce, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta is encouraging Chester County residents age 60 and older to apply for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

The program provides eligible seniors with five $10 vouchers that can be redeemed at participating farms and farmers markets to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

“As the weather warms

and local produce comes into season, many of our residents will be turning to our local farms and farmers markets to purchase their fruits and vegetables,” Comitta said. “The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program helps ensure that seniors can have access to local and nutritious food options for free. I encourage all eligible residents to apply for this great program that supports our local farms while expanding access to healthy produce for our older neighbors.

To qualify you must be aged 60 years or older (or turn 60 by Dec. 31, 2024) and meet household income eligibility guidelines. For a one-person household, total income cannot exceed $27,861. For a two-person household, total income cannot exceed $37,814. Checks can be redeemed at participating farms and markets between June 1, 2024, and November 30, 2024. A list of approved vendors is available online at www. pafmnp.pa.gov Applications for the pro-

Values; The Philadelphia Campaign; Iron and Steel; and Creative Expression.

To prepare the plan, the Chester County Planning Commission partnered with consultants from Heritage Strategies, LLC, SWELL, ConsultEcon, and Heritage Consulting, Inc., and coordinated with the America250PA Chester County Commission,

gram are available online at the Chester County Department of Aging Services website or by calling Senator Comitta’s district office at (610) 692-2112. Completed applications must be received by the Chester County Department of Aging Services by September 15, 2024, and are accepted by emailing mwebb@chesco.org or by mailing to Chester County Department of Aging Services 601 Westtown Road, Suite 320, West Chester, Pa. 19380. Avon Grove Lions celebrate 74 years of serving

Courtesy image

Courtesy photo

The Avon Grove Lions held their Charter Night at the Wyncote Golf Club on May 14. The Lions celebrated 74 years of serving the local community during the event.

Avon Grove Charter graduates praised for resilience and strength

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Avon Grove Charter School moved its senior class off campus to Lincoln University’s International Cultural Center to mark the school’s commencement on June 4.

The school is short on facilities large enough to handle the families and cars of all 100 graduates so, in what has become tradition, they celebrate in the elegant environment a few miles away.

Prior to the ceremony, the stage featured a video of senior class member portraits that displayed them when they were infants, in middle childhood and in their senior year.

Following the procession of the students to their seats, Principal Matthew Messick greeted the class members, saying he admired them for their resilience and strength, especially in the face of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

“You played catch-up with your academics and you are stronger because of it,” he said.

He cited the example of the situation in Yellowstone Park in 1995 when the wolves were removed for supposed improvements.

He said with that act, the elks took over and the quality of the park went down. It was not until the wolves came back that the ecology was restored and greatly improved.

Again, with the resilience of the return of the wolves, the park flourished.

He told the class, “Have confidence in your abilities and be kind. Kindness makes strong communities. … I can’t wait to see the many things you will accomplish.”

Staff speaker and biology teacher Mariell Veilleux urged the graduates to resist fear by transferring their thinking to their frontal cortex – their mental

reasoning center.

“Understand more and fear less. Choose to act,” she said.

Building on a theme of taking chances, student speaker Dominique Harris said, “If we don’t change, we don’t grow.”

Even if their choices and chances lead to failure, she said, individuals learn from their unexpected outcomes.

Chemical engineer/business owner and charter school parent Jonathan Purifoy praised the charter school faculty for caring deeply for their students.

“They helped raise your children,” he said.

His advice to graduates was to share your talent, avoid toxic people and don’t address difficult things alone.

Also honored in the commencement ceremony was history teacher Megan Caiola, whom the students voted as Teacher of the Year.

The charter school shares a strong theme of environmentalism and agricultural and has, for years, included

Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarships totaling $114,000 awarded to local students

The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County announced the awarding of Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarships to talented local students residing in the five local school districts of Avon Grove, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford, and Unionville-Chadds Ford. The scholarships, totaling $114,000 this year alone, are designed to assist students in preparing for careers in the health care field. Award values this year were $2,000 to $15,000.

This year’s awardees plan to study for a variety of careers including nursing, medicine, health sciences, physician assistant, physical therapy, dentistry, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, occupational and physical therapy.

All recipients must have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be human health care education-bound students either in undergraduate studies or pursuing advanced degrees.

Each applicant is eligible for one undergraduate and/

or one post-graduate award at this time.

The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a bequest from Mrs. Alma Newlin, who lived in Kennett Square. The Fund is administered by the Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County. Applications for next year’s scholarships may be obtained on our website at www.HWFSCC. org under the funding link.

The Foundation asks that you please use only cur-

rent applications for your submission printable after October 1 of each year.

The recipients this year include the following:

MacDonald

Huver

Perso

Kennett Consolidated

Sarah LeGault

Octorara School District

Lily Rising

Oxford School District

Sydney Dunlap

Talha Farooq

Erin Mazur

Shenandoah

CCIU honors exceptional educators and staff at annual awards celebration

The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) hosted its annual awards celebration, recognizing the outstanding contributions of educators, staff, and community members.

Over 200 attendees, including CCIU staff and their families, gathered to honor the dedication and hard work of the award recipients and extend congratulations to those recognized. The event was catered by students from the Culinary Arts program at the Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine Campus.

“Our awards banquet is a special honor, and a joint effort between the staff and our CCIU Board to shine a light on those who give something extra,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, CCIU executive director. “On behalf of the CCIU Board, administrative staff, teachers, students, and the entire Chester County community, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. The evening’s award recipients’ dedication and excellence serve as a shining example for us all.”

The highlight of the eve-

ning was the induction of two esteemed individuals into the CCIU Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed by the CCIU Board of Directors. This year's inductees – Dr. Eileen Weaver and Dr. Danielle Schoeninger – were recognized for their lifetime of exemplary service to education in Chester County.

Dr. Weaver started with the CCIU as a reading specialist serving St. Simon and Jude in 1980, which launched a decades-long career of dedication to providing high quality services to students in non-public schools across Chester County. Upon her ascension to supervisor and eventual director, Dr. Weaver was known for her exceptional work ethic and an impressive team player approach, punctuated by an unwavering commitment to her staff, which empowered her team to excel in their efforts.

Dr. Schoeninger began her service with the CCIU as a special education supervisor in 2012 and eventually became the director of human resources before her retirement in 2022.

During those years, she embodied the concept servant leadership, applying her passion for lifelong learning to fostering the elevation of the staff she supervised. She was the catalyst for the growth of many programs and individuals with the CCIU community.

In addition, 13 CCIU staff members were presented with Outstanding Service Awards, acknowledging their exceptional contributions to the organization and the local community. Honorees included Rhonda Bertoncini, Vanessa Christman, Laura Davis, Gretchen Englund, Jason Lichtfus, Mia McMillan, Alvin Miller, Judi O’Neill, Colleen O’Brien, Heather Panik, Taylor Reeder, Melissa Salach, and David Tschlachler.

The Annie Sullivan Award, named after Helen Keller’s devoted teacher and mentor, was presented to Alisha Treadwell, an instructional assistant whose unwavering commitment to her students and the pursuit of excellence embodies the very best

David Tschachler,

and Laura Davis.

qualities of an educator.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our dedicated staff and community partners,” said Maureen Linahan, director of human resources of CCIU. “Their passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to education

inspire us all and make a profound difference in the lives of our students.”

The evening also honored “Years of Service” recipients and CCIU retirees, recognizing their years of service and wishing them well in their future endeavors.

The CCIU Annual Awards Celebration highlights the exceptional work being done by educators and staff throughout the region, reaffirming the vital role educators play in shaping young minds and building a brighter future for Chester County.

Photo by Chris Barber

Avon Grove Charter School’s new graduates emerge from the auditorium into the lobby following the commencement ceremony.

farm animals onsite. The school recently received an $84 million grant through the Department of Agriculture to build a new educational center.

Courtesy photo

Pictured from left to right are CCIU Board President Bonnie Wolff, Alvin Miller, Taylor Reeder, Melissa Salach, Dr. Danielle Schoeninger, Dr. Eileen Weaver, Mia McMillan, Colleen O’Brien, CCIU Executive Director Dr. George F. Fiore, Jason Lichtfus,

Judi O’Neill, Alisha Treadwell, Heather Panik, Vanessa Christman,

Kennett...

Continued from Page 1B

“All of us are in the driver’s seat. I have been very inspired by my MexicanAmerican classmates in this one square mile,” he said. After a musical interlude composed by two members of the class, the students were called to receive their diplomas. They proceeded across the stage erected in the parking lot in view of the large audience seated in the front lawn.

The ceremony was hosted by Kennett Consolidated School District Board of

Directors President David Kronenberg.

He greeted the audience and said he was grateful for all the volunteering he has seen. He also suggested that some who were there might someday consider running for public office.

The Kennett High School Symphonic Band was there to provide live music. This year they played the overture from “Les Miserables” as the faculty and administration preceded the graduating seniors down the steps.

In addition to the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar, they accompanied the graduate recession by Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” as well.

Principal Lorenzo DeAngelis announced the two honorary awards: The Advisor’s Cup went to Class President Pruitt, and the Earle Rupert Memorial

Cup, the school’s highest honor, went to Gerovasiliou. DeAngelis closed the commencement by expressing his affection for the members of the class. He called them the first class of graduates from the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center and a group that had endured several instances of change in their high school career, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also referred to his appointment as high school principal following his position as Kennett Middle School Principal in 2022. Inasmuch as he oversaw their education in the past, he already knew most of them, he said.

He asked the graduates to

Avon Grove...

Continued from Page 1B

their fellow graduates.

In his commencement address, “Always Try,” valedictorian Tyler Dalton thanked the families of the graduates.

“Whether or not you realize it, your family has done a lot of things right in order for you to be here today,” Dalton said. “Whether it was for after-school practices or the lunch they made for you every morning, your parents have obligated

time and effort in molding you into becoming the person you have become.”

Dalton also thanked the school’s teachers, administrators and staff, and encouraged his fellow students to “never be afraid to try.”

“If there is anything that I have learned, it is that if you try, you might fail, but if you don’t try, you will never know, so always try,” he said.

In his speech, “Gift of Today, Promise of Tomorrow,” class

Unionville...

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community, she feels prepared to make the leap, crediting the teachers and faculty for encouraging her and her classmates through their high school experience.

Bunch also appreciated her class for their consistent involvement and participation, a sentiment echoed by Pat Clark, assistant principal for the twelfth grade. Clark expressed confidence in the class, describing the class as well rounded and talented citing their “outstanding” capabilities in athletics, academics, clubs and activities.

“Whether it’s sports, whether it’s performance, whether it’s college acceptance, whether it’s heading into the workforce or trade school, we’ve got kids who

maintain the high standards of the Kennett Consolidated School District reputation, noting it is so fine that the grandchildren of two previous superintendents had just received their diplomas that evening. He also said, “Work hard and be kind. If you do, everything else will fall into place.”

Salutatorian Avinas Thakur spoke about the importance of entering into community service.

“You remember where you are from, the things you conquered and most importantly, the people that helped you on your journey,” he said. “If you asked me at the end of the day, it doesn’t really mat-

ter where you are in life or what you have achieved unless you pay it forward.

We, the Class of 2024, are our country’s future leaders: scientists, engineers, innovators, you name it, and we ought to give back to our communities.

“What I have learned and what I can share with all of you is that it is always

are going to excel in all those areas,” Clark said. In her address, student speaker Morgan Chapman, described the “portrait of a graduate.”

“These are the people wo have painted the canvas of

your life,” Chapman said. “We are connected. We are uniquely a part of each other’s lives, so I urge you to find something to admire in every person here.” Chapman shared in her speech that, “this is where

worth it to make a positive change in someone’s life. In the words of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, ‘Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.’”

Additional speeches were presented by Senior Class President Zaida Caulder and Senior speakers Sindhuja Kanamarlapudi and Alexandra SeguraNunez. The school’s Senior Chorale Ensemble performed “Omnia Sol,” under the direction of Amanda Wilcox, and the Graduation Band closed out the ceremony with “Sine Nomine.”

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

we learned to be young,” and encouraged her classmates to hold onto that youthful spirit moving forward.

Student speaker Sofia Cvijanovic said in her

After the ceremony students and families met outside to mingle, celebrate and take countless pictures to mark the occasion. Students hugged friends and family and even smoked celebratory cigars to mark the special occasion.

address, “So here’s to the class of 2024, like sunlight dispersing across the horizon, may your impact be felt far and wide, bringing warmth, inspiration and a positive change to the world.”

Director Michael Daviano leads the school’s Graduation Band.

Graduate Chelsea Masenge was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at Avon Grove High School.

Valedictorian Tayler Dalton was the first of five student speakers.

Rupert Cup recipient Gerasimos Gerovasiliou steps up to the stage to receive the Rupert Cup, the school’s highest honor.

Seniors processed across the stage in front of the audience to receive their diplomas. From left are Superintendent Dusty Blakey, School Board President David Kronenberg and Principal Lorenzo DeAngelis and student diploma recipients.

Photos by Chris Barber

Vice Principal Chanel August Ruffin hugs students as they receive their diplomas.

Principal Lorenzo DeAngelis congratulates a student as he issues that student’s diploma.

Sofia Cvijanovic, left, Rachel Capper, center and Ava Baichi celebrate their graduation after the ceremony.

Photos by Gabbie Burton

Anusha Mumuru, left, and Gisele Tang.

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