Chester County Press 06-16-2021 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 155, No. 24

INSIDE

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

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Public hears plans for Moran Farm Development in Oxford

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

On June 9, the public heard plans for the proposed development of the Moran Farm in Oxford Borough.

The first in-person meeting since the pandemic began Oxford Arts Alliance offers was held in the equipment summer art camps...1B building at the Public Works location on Locust Street.

After a recent walkthrough of the property by

Oxford Borough officials and representatives from Frost Development, council and the planning commission planned a public meeting so residents could hear first-hand the plans for the 95-acre tract on Locust Street and to inform developers of their concerns and questions.

Plans for the Moran Farm had previously been presented to the Borough Continued on page 2A

Longwood Gardens: Re-imagining its future beyond the pandemic

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Paul Redman has been the president and CEO of Local police honored during awards ceremony...4B Longwood Gardens for the past 15 years, and over that time, has served as a primary architect for establishing the institution’s place as a living museum of gardens that is known throughout the world.

On his watch – and accom-

panied by the generosity of private donors and a tireless staff of more than 1,500 – annual attendance has risen to an average of 1.54 million visitors, memberships have increased from 17,000 to more than 73,000 households and earned income has tripled.

As 2020 began, Redman and his staff were anticipating a year of record-breaking attendance that would coin-

cide with a project that will transform a 17-acre portion of Longwood Gardens into a stunning canopy of glasshouses, a new restaurant, a new courtyard and a stateof-the-art education center and administration building.

Then on March 13, Longwood Gardens was forced to shut its doors to COVID-19, and suddenly, the normal streams of revenue – attendance, food

and beverage and retail sales – had all evaporated.

With little warning, Chester County’s showcase to the region and the world was shocked into silence, and its leadership was left scrambling to find ways to remain viable.

“We had to respond very quickly,” said Redman, who was the featured speaker at the Historic Kennett Square Economic Development

Council’s June 11 online meeting. “There was a lot of uncertainty as to what we were supposed to do.

We were even uncertain if we could have staff come to take care of the plants. We had to sort it out over the weekend and the following week. “[Longwood Gardens] was a frightening place to be.”

Continued on page 3A

Penn Township approves a contract for park trail OAHS grad earns R.O.T.C. scholarship...6B

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

The Penn Township Board of Supervisors met on June 9, discussing progress on the new sports park, and updates about the passive park that local residents Opinion.......................7A have enjoyed for years.

The board approved Obituaries.............2B-3B a contract for $21,299 to Classifieds.................6B complete the perimeter trail around the sports park.

Pads have been poured for benches and bridges are in place. Drafts have been

INDEX

prepared for signage at the environmental education center.

“I encourage anyone who hasn’t been over there to go over and take a walk,” Victor Mantegna, the chair of the board of supervisors said.

At the passive park, the old flowers and shrubs at the entrance have been removed. An engineer’s design for the area is being prepared. A design will also be prepared for replacement of the ramps leading to the

restrooms at the park.

The supervisors are not in agreement about the best choice for repair or replacement of the sign outside the township building.

The board seems to agree that the white sign with interchangeable letters to post events should be eliminated. Multiple options were proposed for the larger township sign on an artificial stone background.

One proposal supported by supervisor Curtis Mason is to attempt to have the exist-

ing sign restored. Another option is an LED electronic sign, but Mason argued that the location does not get enough passing traffic for an LED sign. Supervisor William O’Connell countered that there is steady traffic to the township building and passive park.

A compromise option is to move the sign from Old Baltimore Pike to the side road and put a new LED sign in its place. No decision was reached at the meeting.

Supervisor Jay Ennis reported that repair work is complete on damage done to the Red Rose Inn by a truck. A front column has been replaced and bricks repaired, with new rain gutter put in place. The Inn will be the location for the township’s upcoming Red Rose Rent Day festivities this fall. There will be a presentation ceremony, and the Inn will be open to visitors to tour the building and view the displays of local Continued on page 3A

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Celebrating the Class of 2021

Avon Grove, Kennett, and Unionville high schools hold commencement ceremonies

Kennett graduates look beyond Unionville graduates the obstacles of their senior year express optimism about the future

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

No speaker at Kennett High School’s graduation ceremony on June 12 managed to avoid a reference, in one way or another, to the chaos and disappointment that was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequent refrain, however, was that the students were strengthened by what they

the class that missed out on half, if not most, of their senior year was not the type of legacy we imagined we’d leave behind. Despite the world of firsts we faced in a year that should have consisted of many lasts, our reaction to the unprecedented circumstances was more powerful than the circumstances themselves.”

Marlen Cordova-Pedroza Continued on page 4A

‘You, the Class of 2021, are the accomplishment’

Avon Grove graduates 415 at Delaware Stadium

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

© 2007 The Chester County Press

went through.

Introducing her fellow student speakers, Class President Alondra HerreraEsquivel said, “We all sit here today, six feet apart, but closer than we have ever been in the last 455 days. In the midst of heartache, loss, and pain, we have all – individually and collectively -- overcome the obstacles placed before us … I guess being known as

On June 12, the morning after a summer storm had postponed the 93rd annual commencement exercises for the Avon Grove High School Class of 2021 the evening before, the gray clouds above Delaware

Stadium in Newark gave only the slightest hint that they would open up again.

For the 415 graduates who received their diplomas, however, another downfall would be of little hindrance, given that each of them had endured and emerged victorious from a stop-start-stop haunted

house tour through a pandemic that is still leaving Photo by Chris Barber its mark.

The commencement was held under big cumulous The story of this year’s clouds and the rain held off until well after the ceremony. graduating class is, “as you reflected not only the optiBy Chris Barber can imagine, somewhat difmism of the Class of 2021, Contributing Writer ferent,” school Principal but also the elation that the Scott DeShong told gradThe mood at Unionville students felt as they reached uates seated in the south end zone and the more than High School’s gradua- the important milestone.

Continued on page 5A Continued on page 6A tion ceremony on Monday

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Maddie & Tae and Lily Rose added to country music festival Maddie & Tae and Lily Rose have been added as performers at the Citadel Country Spirit USA, Philadelphia’s Country Music Festival. The event will take place from Aug. 27 to 29 at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds in Chester County.

The award-winning duo Maddie & Tae are drawing praise for their latest album release, The Way It Feels. The album debuted at number one. Together as longtime friends and music collaborators, Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr co-wrote 14 of the album’s 15 tracks, including the platinum-certified No. 1 country radio hit, “Die From A Broken Heart.”

Maddie & Tae first broke out in 2013 with their brilliant counter to bro-country, the platinum-selling smash, “Girl In A Country Song,” which took country radio by storm and skyrocketed to the top of the charts.

The duo became only the

third female duo in 70 years to top the country airplay charts, also earning trophies from the Country Music Academy and Radio Disney Music Awards along with multiple ACM, CMA and CMT Award nominations.

Touting a sound described as contemporary, vulnerable and raw, Lily Rose is blasting onto the Nashville music scene with her new single, “Villain.” After releasing on Dec. 15, “Villain” debuted in the number-one spot on the iTunes all-genre and country charts. The singer/songwriter teased the haunting track on TikTok and was immediately met with thousands of new fans clamoring for the song’s full version.

Her musical influences range from Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Bruce Springsteen to Katy Perry, reflecting her innate ability to adopt “futuristic” 21st century country sound.

She currently resides in Nashville where she con-

tinues to write and record new music with a focus on melody and hook-driven songwriting style, which has proven to resonate among country, pop and rock fans alike.

The Citadel Country Spirit USA, Philadelphia’s Country Music Festival headliners this year are Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert and Chris Young.

The three-day festival features 20 country music acts performing live music on two stages – 14 nationally recognized artists on the GMC Sierra Stage and popular up-and-comers on the Citadel Rising Star Stage.

Brantley Gilbert headlines on Friday, Aug. 27. Justin Moore, Rodney Atkins, RaeLynn and Muscadine Bloodline also perform.

Miranda Lambert headlines on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The revised lineup includes Brett Young, Maddie & Tae, Jon Langston and Lily Rose.

Chris Young, headlines on Sunday, Aug. 29. Josh

Turner, Scotty McCreery and Lindsay Ell will also perform.

Hosted by Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, the festival is held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, located in the countryside of Philadelphia just minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Downingtown West Chester exit.

Citadel Credit Union, a member-owned, notfor-profit financial institution serving the Greater Philadelphia area, is the title sponsor for the third year.

Purchase Reserved, Pit and General Admission three-day passes and single-day tickets online at www.countryspiritusa.com.

To charge by phone, call (800) 514-3849. Again in 2021, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Maddie & Tae and Lily Rose have been added as performers at the Citadel Country Spirit USA, Philadelphia’s Country Music Festival. The event will take place from Aug. 27 to 29 at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds in Chester County.

Moran Farm Development...

The discussion continued at the June 9 meeting.

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller explained that this meeting was not a required meeting, but it was requested by council and the planning commission.

“It was very important to council to pull together a joint borough council and planning commission meeting. Specifically, they wanted to notify property owners impacted by the proposed development,” Fuller said.

Fuller also explained this development will go through a lengthy review which could take up to two years. Not only will the review process include the borough planning commission, but also the regional planning commission. There will also be reviews by the borough engineers, zoning officer and borough solicitor.

Studies required in this planning process will include but are not limited to a traffic impact study and a fiscal impact analysis. The developers will also need to get approval from the Oxford Area Sewer Authority and will have to address the provision of water through the Borough Water Department and or Chester Water Authority.

A review and approval

by DEP and the Chester County Conservation District is also required.

Fuller added, “Because this density or specific use is not permitted by current zoning ordinances, the developers are seeking a zoning amendment to be approved by borough council. The Borough is not legally required to nor can we provide individual notice of meetings where this issue will be discussed.

“Anyone interested is this can and should attend planning commission and Borough Council meetings and monitor the Oxford Borough website to stay on top of this process.”

Currently, 101 units are proposed for the 95-acre tract and the development is an age- restricted development for 55-andover residents, which would mean no impact on the school system. As the Frost Development group explained, the age restriction should also mean less traffic impact. There are five models of houses available, all of them with a ranch-style design. They will all have one- or twobedroom designs and will have two-car garages.

However, a number of the residents disagreed with

the statement regarding the impact on the traffic.

“You definitely need to do a traffic impact study,” said Chauncey Boyd, a borough resident who lives near the intersection of Wedgewood Road and Locust Street. He said that he has seen firsthand the significant issues of the Locust Street traffic.

“I’ve seen 65 miles-perhour traffic here,” he said.

“I’ve been in the transportation business for years.

This is a major artery. It is also going to put a major impact on the fire company, emergency services and the police department.”

Boyd, like many others, also expressed concerns about Tweed Creek and the impact the development would have environmentally. Questions regarding the environment would be reviewed by borough engineers, the Chester County Conservation District and DEP. John Jaros, an attorney, told those in attendance, “We have to address Tweed Creek and the traffic. We feel the other plan would have had more of an impact on the traffic.”

Another resident said he thought stop signs would help with traffic safety issues in the area.

Other residents were con-

cerned about losing the views behind their properties and the buffer area between them and the new development.

“My grandchildren love to play out back and now will be restricted,” one resident said.

Residents expressed issues with “just hearing” about this plan. Council President Peggy Russell informed residents that Mr. Frost and his group were at the December Zoom meeting, which also covered the 2021 budget.

Frost told the public, “We walked the area planned for our development and that is why we are here. Your concern is our concern.

We can look at buffering with berms or trees. We will address this as we go through the planning process, and we will.”

Other residents expressed concerns about the potential of losing the very thing they moved to the area for: the ability to see wildlife and the stars.

There were questions about whether there is enough capacity for this development and what developers would be paying for hook-ups to the public sewer system.

David Busch, the executive director of the Oxford

Continued from Page 1A

in 2003. Due to a number of issues, including the depressed housing market and lack of sewage availability, the project was put on hold.

Then, in December of last year, the Frost Group brought new development plans to council during a budget hearing.

The timing of that presentation was ironic because council had just announced a budget for 2021 that would include no new taxes, despite the impact of the pandemic. Council did express some concerns about potential future expenditures.

The Frost Group explained to council at that time they felt the development had a potential to improve the borough’s financial situation.

Anthony McGuire from Ryan Homes, the proposed builder for the development, said in December, “According to my research, since it is an age-restricted development, it would have no impact on the school district and would also have lower impact on the traffic, while increasing property tax revenues.”

Courtesy photo

Area Sewer Authority, said, “There is capacity available for the development.”

The developer group said at this point they would be paying $4,915 per EDU and hook-up.

The development would be maintained by a Homeowners Association and what that entails would also be reviewed by the Planning Commission, solicitor and would involve a contract.

Sidewalks are planned throughout the development, but residents also questioned if sidewalks would be required by Locust Street’s current property owners because of the proposed development.

Residents expressed great concern over the cost of installing sidewalks in front of their properties.

The developer’s group reiterated that the agerestricted community would have less of an impact on the traffic and school system. They also stressed it would increase local spending to the businesses and help create jobs.

The planning process will be ongoing. Boyd said he and other residents came to listen and he hoped the developers also listened to each one of the residents who expressed concerns.

SHOPPES AT LO LONGWOOD 610.444.4475 75

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Avon Grove School Board awards contracts for school renovation At its June 3 meeting, the Avon Grove School Board approved contracts for the renovation work necessary to transform the district’s current high school into a middle school.

Contracts were awarded to Bancroft Construction Company, general contractor; Matchline Mechanical, LLC, mechanical contractor; Wescott Electric Company, electrical contractor; and Jay R. Reynolds, Inc., plumbing

contractor.

Bids for the project were opened on May 13 and were lower than expected.

This allowed the district to choose alternate bids for additional renovations, including ceiling and lighting replacement with energy efficient LED fixtures throughout the building. Other finishes include replacing seating, aisle lighting and carpeting in the auditorium, and installing new boilers.

After the alternates were

Longwood Gardens...

through its popular holiday season.

Redman said that the annual operating budget is anticipated to rise back to its earlier levels.

“If you look at that operating budget, you can see that the ancillary spending that occurs as a result of our activities here, and that it supports about 2,600 jobs in Pennsylvania and Delaware,” he said. “That’s about $165 million being regenerated into the local economy.”

At the aesthetic and economic center of Longwood’s post-pandemic future is its Longwood Reimagined project, a $240 million investment that Redman said will have residual impact on the local economy by generating as many as 4,000 jobs between now and 2024 when the project is anticipated to be completed.

As the Longwood Reimagined project continues to take root, Longwood’s thread of priorities will also expand its admission policies to help provide opportunities for a wider audience of learners and visitors.

It’s all part of what Redman calls “Stewarding the Global Garden.”

“The best way to encapsulate our engagement and learning programs is that they are all about the promotion of horticultural careers, workforce development and workforce promotion for anything having to do with public gardens,” Redman said. “From K-12 through post-high school and postcollege, we are all about giving people the skills to become successful business owners or to work at Longwood or other pub-

Continued from Page 1A

On March 13, Longwood Gardens employed 1,521 staff and 780 volunteers. By May 1, the paid staff was reduced to 244, and all part-time employees, students and seasonal employees were furloughed. The COVID19 impact was also seen on its grounds: because of staff layoffs, over 300,000 flowering bulbs had to be sent to the compost.

Quickly, the Longwood leadership established institutional objectives to provide for internal communications, stabilize revenue, elevate the Longwood brand name and increase engagement throughout the pandemic.

It would become, for Redman and his staff, reinventing, reframing and reimagining, all against the backdrop of uncertainty.

“There were so many different pieces of information coming out and so much ambiguity, and the staff was looking to us for clarity and confidence,” Redman said. “We had to take on the role of establishing the facts as quickly as possible and responding as quickly as possible.”

Stewarding the Global Garden As Longwood Gardens begins to resurface from the ashes left by a 15-month pandemic and strategically returns to its normal operating procedure, it does so with the news that it now employs over 800 staff, and is in a hiring mode to coincide with the anticipated increase in attendance

Penn Township...

Continued from Page 1A

artifacts.

The board voted to make a sponsorship contribution to the Mushroom Festival in the amount of $500.

O’Connell reported on the continuing conflict over the fate of Chester Water Authority and the Octoraro reservoir. Hearings are going on in Harrisburg, with local State Representative

John Lawrence testifying against the efforts to sell the water system to private firm Aqua.

“I think John Lawrence has stuck his neck out a lot to keep this. He’s really fought it since day one.

The residents need to thank him,” O’Connell said.

On June 17, a Kids’ Summer Fun Day Treasure Hunt will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the township park. There will also

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decided, the contractor insurance, bonds and qualifications were all thoroughly reviewed to ensure compliance with the project’s requirements.

A recommendation to approve the contracts was subsequently forwarded to the board.

The total award for all contracts, including base bids and alternates, is Courtesy photo $16,048,601.

Architectural rendering of the exterior main entrance to the new middle school.

The total project is $1,377,267 under the pro- $22 million. transform the high school expected to begin in the jected budgeted amount of The renovation work to into a middle school is summer of 2022.

Photos courtesy of Longwood Gardens

As it emerges from the economic impact of COVID-19, Longwood Gardens is ambitiously pursuing the development of Longwood Reimagined, a $240 million project that will transform its northwest corner.

lic gardens throughout the world.”

In addition, Longwood has introduced Longwood Shines, a year-round program that offers communities and families a reduced admission fee to the gardens. In the past year, Longwood also became the first public garden in the world to offer virtual live learning opportunities for children, and provided free horticultural education for 23,000 K-12 students around the world.

As he begins to peer into the crystal ball future of Longwood Gardens, Redman said that a top priority will be to examine the institution’s place within the local community and subsequently, its economy.

It starts, he said, with the continued beautification of nearby Kennett Square Borough, which Redman said should eventually “become recognized as the most beautiful village in America” and serve as a

resource in the future for those who visit Longwood Gardens.

Establishing Kennett Square with that designation, Redman said, “begins with conversation. It’s about focusing on that North Star and setting aside your own personal motives and what you’re trying to accomplish for your own business and doing it for the betterment of all.

“There has been movement forward in other projects in the county, so it’s about how we come together as a community, as business leaders, as philanthropists and as concerned citizens to make it work.

“None of us at Longwood ever want Longwood to become an island onto itself,” Redman added. “It’s about us being an integrated part of the community and playing a role in the continued advancement and improvement of the quality of life for everyone in our region – and that includes

be a movie night at the passive park on Sat. July 17 at 7 p.m. featuring the movie “Sing.” All township events are subject to change and tickets or advance registration may be required. The supervisors recommend checking the township website at www.

penntownship.us for the latest information.

The township’s discounted ticket program is back after a year off due to the pandemic. Discount tickets are available for Adventure Aquarium; Busch Gardens; DelBrosso’s Amusement Park; Knoebels Amusement

Longwood Gardens president and CEO Paul Redman served as the featured speaker at the Historic Kennett Square Economic Development Council’s June 11 meeting.

the economy.

When To contact Staff Writer everyone is prospering… Richard L. Gaw, email Longwood is winning, too.” rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Park; Morey’s Piers; Sesame Place; Splash Zone and Water Country USA. Information is available on the township website.

Purchases may be made at

the township offices during normal business hours.

The supervisors will not meet in July. The next board meeting will be held on Aug. 4.

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Chester County Press

Local News Kennett graduation...

Continued from Page 1A

spoke of the distances they had come.

“This past September, instead of sharing schedules and our fears of getting lost, we had to face a new reality,” she said.

“For many, this year has included lots of firsts. The first time learning how to connect virtually with our peers and teachers. The first time starting school from our own bedrooms, living rooms, or even basements.

And for some, even the first time being able to wake up five minutes before class and still make it.”

Ryan Myers reflected on the meaning of time.

“Friends, it has been 455 days,” he said. “Two weeks turned into two months, which turned into too many Zoom meetings, and at times, it felt like too much to handle. As positive cases climbed worldwide, time seemed to slow to a crawl.

Each day felt like the last.

We all asked ourselves, ‘How much time is left?’

How long until we can see our friends, play the songs and the sports we love, share handshakes, hugs, or even see the smiles on each other’s faces?”

Sydney Williams compared their current lives to her imperfect car.

“Our senior year was disrupted in every possible way,” Williams said.

“Virtual. Rumors of hybrid.

But wait… we are still virtual. Finally hybrid. Then full time, but really only

Sam Forte makes an emotional point as he presents his speech.

half time, because half of us were missing from the halls.

We’ve learned to develop and strengthen relationships based on laggy Zoom calls, masked smiles, and elbow handshakes.”

Samuel Forte spoke of accelerating into the future.

“We’ve gone from preschool to kindergarten, through grade school and middle school, and now we’ve finally conquered high school,” he said. “It wasn’t easy. No, we had a lot of turbulence. We had to struggle through assignments, midterms, finals, grueling practices, long days at school, long shifts at work, and plenty of meaningless drama.”

He finished with an emotional, “So dream big, even if that dream seems too big, and fight for your dreams.”

This drew enthusiastic cheers from his classmates.

Plans for the commencement ceremony for the class of 2021 presented a range of stumbling blocks to be

overcome ahead of time.

The first was the obvious limitations for reopening in the face of COVID-19.

When the students arrived for graduation, they were asked to put on their masks as they assembled inside, but they were invited to remove them as they went outside and proceeded to their seats on the high school front lawn.

The second was the condition of the front steps.

Walking down the widely venerated front staircase of the high school is a tradition that has been treasured for decades among the graduating students.

This year the steps were under construction and were walled off at the lateral edges. Still, there was room to accommodate the class, albeit those who walked appeared to be keeping their distance.

The third stumbling block was an on-and-off weather forecast that forced the postponement of the cer-

Photos by Chris Barber

Graduates march back to the school for photos following graduation.

Seniors make their way up the steps to the stage to receive their diplomas.

emony from Friday night to Saturday morning.

Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey said is was difficult at midday Friday to make the decisions for a delay because the forecast for rain kept changing. Shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday, the word went out that they would try for the evening show. But, just a few minutes later, they gave in to the prospect of showers arriving as a spoiler.

Prior to the ceremony on Saturday, both Blakey and School Board President Joe Meola said they agreed to withhold their turns at the podium comment periods in the name of brevity.

“The ceremony is really for the kids,” Blakey said.

As in the past, the graduates sat in rows on the common – girls in white, boys in blue. When it came time to receive their diplomas, they walked up the parking lot steps by rows and proceeded through the makeshift stage on the upper level.

Given that the ceremony was outside on a lawn, there Newly minted graduates toss their mortarboards in celebration at the close of the was plenty of room for audicommencement ceremony.

Administrators congratulate a diploma recipient with a Mexican flag.

ence and family members who sat in chairs, bleachers or just stood -- many with congratulatory balloons.

High School Assistant Principal Jeffrey Thomas announced that the 312-member class had accumulated $9.2 million in post-high school scholarships.

He also directed the audience as well to peruse the program’s generously filled four pages of awards members of the class had received courtesy of local businesses and families.

The two most prestigious awards, the Rupert Cup and the Advisor’s Cup were announced following the presenting of diplomas.

The Rupert Cup is the school’s highest honor given in recognition of scholarship, school spirit and service. It was given this year to Gavin Maxwell, and his name will be inscribed on a permanent trophy in the school.

The Advisor’s Cup is given to the student who has given time and service and has served as class president. It was awarded to Herrera-Esquivel.

At the close of the ceremony, Class of 2017 member DJ Augustine welcomed the class to the alumni association.

Finally, in his understated closing remarks, high school Principal Jeremy Hritz said it was not the kind of year people want to repeat. However, he bade the graduates well, and told them to go into the world and demonstrate what a Kennett graduate is.

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Sara Sabo gives a highfive to her accompanist following her flute solo.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Unionville graduation...

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The administrators and student speakers talked about the relief at being back together, in person, even including treading the turf of the football field they love for the ceremony.

Principal James Conley talked about what the great thinkers have learned in their lifetimes about coming through hard times, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

He began by saying he was delighted to look out over the senior class.

“It brings me great joy to see your smiling faces this evening, and that I don’t have to give this year’s welcome address to a sea of masks,” he said.

He told the graduating class that they are monuments of history to their generation. “Maybe someday you will share your stories and snapshots of history with your own children and grandchildren,” he said.

“What will you tell them about the final 459 days of your high school years?”

Conley then recounted the accomplishments of the Class of 2021 over the past four years, including retiring the 67-year-old mascot and emerging as Longhorns; dealing with altered lunchtime schedules; holding an unusual prom and, most importantly, carrying themselves with grace and humility.

He reflected back to them the advice the class members had given to the incoming freshman class: Build relationships with your teachers, they will always be there for you; get involved and get out of your comfort zone; don’t be afraid that people will judge you; try new things and challenge yourself, but find your passion; find what you love and do as much of it as you can; and cherish the time that you have with your friends.

He also spoke of the late President John Kennedy, whom his father told him about after Kennedy had paid a visit to Philadelphia.

Conley said his father referenced lessons Kennedy learned in his campaign for President, especially in addressing and overcoming challenges to become the first Catholic to win the presidency.

Conley concluded, “I have a mighty challenge for you as you forge ahead into unknown communities which you will call your

Nikhila Kumar said failure is nothing when compared to regret.

Photos by Chris Barber

The faculty and the school board led the academic procession onto the field.

Noelle Porco, an advanced art teacher, was chosen by the class as Educator of the Year.

new home. Share the special gifts of your grace and humility with the world beyond the walls of our community. Counting on your humility will always light your path forward and provide those around you with an example of living a life filled with grace.”

Superintendent John Sanville told the students that they were at this time in their lives blank slates ready to be filled with wisdom. He suggested they grab experiences that offer new perspectives and be ready for new challenges.

“Be brave, be mindful when assessing risk, be thoughtful of those around you and be grateful for new opportunities.” Most of all, he said, “Be relentless in your pursuit of happiness.”

Three student speakers shared their thoughts with their classmates.

Nikhila Kumar said that she did not know how to answer when, on the first day at UHS, she was asked by a teacher, “What do you think of high school so far?”

“Perhaps I’m still not sure,” she said.

But in the time at school she said she has learned some important lessons.

Kumar said, “Take chances. Failure is nothing compared to regret. Be patient. Many of us (me included!) had been counting down the days until school ended, but the truth is we can neither rush time

Seniors came into the stadium from the back gate and took seats on the field.

Rebecca Boorse said the meaning of ‘unprecedented’ came into focus for her during the pandemic.

nor go back in it. Things happen when they’re meant to.”

That being said, she added, “Remember lesson number three: Fight for your dreams. Fight even if you don’t know why you want something, but you know you want it. And when that doesn’t work, because it likely won’t the first time, fight harder because nothing truly worth having comes easy.”

Rebecca Boorse talked about events and lessons that had arrived in her life that were “unprecedented.”

She defined it this way: “Breaking news: Entering unprecedented times.” [pause] “Unprecedented.

Adjective meaning without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled. Before March 2020, I had no idea what this word meant.”

But in time, she not only learned that the events

Principal James Conley was host of the Jack Regenye stressed kindness, perseceremony and told graduates to share verance and patience. their gifts of grace and humility.

brought about by COVID19 fit that description, but also her class’s response to the circumstances.

“Our class’s admirable ability to not only achieve success, but to thrive, even in times of despair and surprise, has definitely been unparalleled,” she said.

Jack Regenye said his advice was threefold: perseverance; kindness and delayed gratification.

“We are all going to find ourselves struggling at some point in life and it is how you handle that

adversity that defines who you are as a person,” he said. “We have overcome obstacles over this past year and a half that no one could have predicted. Look where we are -- what we have accomplished.”

Regenye added that through perseverance and practice he achieved goals in athletics that earlier in his life he had been told he did not have the ability for.

Noelle Porco, who teaches advanced art, was chosen by the class as their guest speaker and UHS Educator

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of the Year. She said she felt shy about giving her speech and would rather have done a painting. “But I couldn’t.”

She said the quality of art she has seen this year has been sensational.

Additionally, she said, art has gotten many people through tough times.

Her advice to the class: “Do what makes you smile.”

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of diplomas, closing remarks and the recessional “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Avon Grove...

Continued from Page 1A

5,000 who were seated on the home side of the 18,880seat football stadium.

Following a stirring a cappella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by graduating senior Julianna Rose Brescia and recognition of those graduates pursuing careers in the U.S. military, DeShong recalled the events of last March that led to the school and its students being forced to navigate through the 15-month duration of COVID-19.

“If you were in school, even for just part of the year, your experience was masked and distanced, always one step away from a COVID outbreak sending you home to your bedroom, kitchen or living room,” DeShong said. “In other words, school certainly did not look like school.

You were either images on a screen, or masks and plexiglas.

“Look what you’ve done,” he said. “In the face of uncertainty, you pressed on. You adapted.

You finished. You supported one another. You gutted it out, even when the end seemed beyond reach. You, the Class of 2021, are the accomplishment.

“Honestly, if this is what you are able to overcome, I am really, really struggling to figure out what you cannot.”

In her address “Wishing the World Was Still Small,” Class President Amber Heyward summed up her emotions when she quoted the last two lines of a song

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Avon Grove High School Class of 2021 Valedictorian Joseph Daghir delivers his commencement address before his fellow graduates and more than 5,000 guests at Delaware Stadium on June 12.

Eight-five percent of the 415-member Class of 2021 have chosen to pursue higher education.

that had touched her: “I just miss how it felt standing next to you wearing matching dresses/before the world was big.”

“Now that I am here, I find myself wishing the world was still small,” she said. “I am scared that it is going to swallow me whole the moment I step into it.

But the more that I thought about it, the more I realized that the world was never really that small or simple.

“It’s okay to not be 100 percent sure – to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. You’re not alone.

Everyone around you is just guessing as they go. We’re all just kids navigating a big, scary world.

“As you step into that big, scary world, remember you’re not taking that step alone.”

In his address “I Never Thought,” Valedictorian Joseph Daghir called his last year in high school “a blindfolded roller coaster, with no shortage of twists, turns, ups, downs and loops.”

“Although our senior year may not have unfolded exactly how we envisioned it as freshmen, I am incredibly appreciative of the tireless effort that our teachers, faculty and families have devoted to our success throughout high school – both before the pandemic and during it,” he said.

“As the rollercoaster of high school pulls back into the station, we are bubbling up for an entirely new, even more exciting ride,” he added. “The next few years will fly by even quicker than the last, so make every moment count.”

The commencement stage was positioned near midfield at Delaware Stadium.

In his amusing speech entitled “From Food Fights to Philosophical Discussions,” Salutatorian Benjamin Nelson looked back on how the world has changed in the four years since he and his fellow graduates entered the school as freshmen.

“TikTok has delighted the senses and killed the brain cells of millions,” he said. “A small, wrinkled and green alien, known only by the name of Baby Yoda, has become immortalized in rap songs, memes and plush toys. We let a cylindrical speaker called ‘Alexa’ hear and record all of our conversations, and Blake Shelton is supposed to marry Gwen Stefani. I don’t know if we should laugh or cry.

“All of our experiences in between have brought us here to today, to this moment, and as you look forward to what your lives will look like beyond high school I hope you remember this moment,” Nelson

added. “Because even if you didn’t appreciate every moment of high school, it was your time here that made you into the person you are today.”

Senior speaker Nancy Castano Flores delivered a powerful address entitled “El sueno Americano,” in which she thanked her parents -- in English and Spanish – for believing in the American Dream.

“While it is said that parents will move mountains for their children, mine actually moved countries for my brothers and I,” said Flores, who arrived in the U.S. 18 years ago. “My parents came to this country with nothing. They suffered and struggled but thanks to them, I stand here today and I can proudly say that I am a Mexican-born female who is also a first-generation high school graduate. Next fall, I will be attending college and pursuing a degree in education, and look-

ing to fulfill my American Dream.”

Senior speaker Raul Lopez then delivered “Omnia Sol,” in which he reflected upon the impact of the last year on his fellow classmates, and the relationships he had with them.

“So many things proved themselves as uncertainties over the course of the last year, to the point where every day, we expected something to go wrong,” he said. “Everyone and everything seemed restless, but as a community we persevered and pushed through.”

Asking his fellow graduates to acknowledge each other, Lopez encouraged them to reach out to each other, and mend relationships.

“If today is about us, we cannot celebrate without being together first,” he said.

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

Nancy Castano Flores, one of two Senior speakers at the commencement event, accepts a fist bump of congratulations from Assistant Principal Gary Benasutti.

Fellow graduates Nick D’Antonio, James Jones and Joseph Smiley.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Are your school taxes too high? Blame Pennsylvania lawmakers

Kudos to lawmakers who supported Educational Improvement Tax Credit

The school districts in southern Chester County just adopted budgets with tax increases. That doesn’t necessarily equate to the hiring of additional teachers, new computers, or much-needed repairs for school buildings.

The school districts’ budgets went up, in part, because the costs of doing business went up over the last year.

At this time a year from now, when school districts are wrapping up their funding plans for the 2022-2023 school year, it’s a safe bet that taxes will go up again.

One big reason that Pennsylvanians see their property tax bills go up year after year after year is because of the state’s failure to pay for the resources needed by students.

Pennsylvania now ranks 45th in the U.S. in state funding for public education. To be clear, Pennsylvania doesn’t rank 45th out of 50 states in how much money is being spent on public education. It’s the state’s contribution to those costs that is lacking—as the ranking suggests. This inadequate state share of revenue to school districts means that local residents will have higher taxes year after year because they are shouldering a greater percentage of the overall burden.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently released the 2019 Public Elementary-Secondary Education Finance Data that shows Pennsylvania falling further behind in meeting the needs of Pennsylvania’s students.

This data tracks, among other things, revenue sources for local school systems and spending on items like support services and overall per-pupil expenditures.

The state’s overall share of total school revenues now stands at 37.9 percent. It wasn’t that long ago that then-governor Ed Rendell was advocating for increasing Pennsylvania's share to a full 50 percent. When Gov. Tom Wolf ran for the post he now holds, he also advocated for boosting Pennsylvania’s share of education funding to that level. Gov. Wolf’s proposed budgets have included educational funding increases, but state lawmakers have only allowed modest yearto-year increases—not nearly enough to keep pace with the rising costs.

Instead of moving toward the 50 percent goal, Pennsylvania has steadily slid backwards. The 37.9 percent overall share compares to the U.S. average, which is 47 percent of revenue coming from the state to local school districts.

School districts of all sizes are impacted by the lack of adequate funding subsidies from the state.

School funding is one of the most important issues that state lawmakers are tasked with. Gov. Wolf and Democratic leaders in the State Senate and State House recently held a press conference highlighting a few of the inadequacies of the school funding system. Wolf noted that school funding in the state is still based on enrollment from 1992, and hasn’t been updated in a generation.

Efforts have been made to develop a fair funding formula for schools in Pennsylvania, but a plan has not been implemented. Until the state boosts its share of the overall education costs, the burden will continue to be shouldered by homeowners and businesses. So if your school taxes are too high, blame the lawmakers who have failed to make sure the state subsidies are adequate to meet the needs of students.

Letter to the Editor: We would like to thank lawmakers in the state House and Senate for their continued support of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).

Education issues are always complex, and state

lawmakers are working hard to improve how we teach children in Pennsylvania.

Issues remain, but it’s our hope legislators and Gov. Wolf can reach a compromise on an EITC escalator, which will ensure the future needs of students and their families are met. Last year,

67,000 students applied for an EITC scholarship.

The state Department of Community and Economic Development estimates that about one-third of those students went unfunded.

We need to do everything we can to help parents choose the school that will

best serve the needs of their children. EITC has been critical in this regard and is a true success story for Pennsylvania.

Eric Failing executive director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference

Pa. county leaders share frustrations with lack of action on critical election priorities Urge swift approval of expanded pre-canvassing, extended mail-in ballot application deadlines County leaders expressed their frustration at the lack of legislative action on two key election priorities, and once again called on the General Assembly to advance a bill to expand pre-canvassing and extend the mail-in ballot application deadline before the summer recess.

“It is time to help counties with what they need, right here and right now, to run the smooth and successful elections that our voters expect,” said CCAP president and Butler County commissioner Kevin Boozel. “We have outlined two very simple solutions that would, as our counties have said, address the majority of challenges we have faced in implementing mail-in ballots, and we need the state and the General Assembly to step up to help counties, and to help our voters.”

However, despite the fact

that counties have been urging these changes as priorities for months, there has been no legislative movement on the issues in the current session. With just a month left before the traditional start of the summer recess, time is running out to achieve these priorities so they can be successfully implemented for the November general election.

“Counties’ experiences have clearly demonstrated that if we could begin the pre-canvassing process up to three weeks in advance, we would be able to use our resources more effectively and efficiently to administer both the mail-in and in-person election,” said Sherene Hess, CCAP Elections Reform Committee chair and Indiana County commissioner. “We would know of any issues with mail-in ballots prior to election day, could focus our attention

on running a successful inperson election on election day, and be more likely to deliver timely results on election night.”

Hess also noted that Pennsylvania can better set voters up for success by moving the mail-in application deadline back.

“When the current law says voters can apply up to seven days prior to an election, we are telling voters that if they follow the law, the process will work as advertised and they can be assured their vote will be able to be counted,” Hess said. “Unfortunately, this is a promise we cannot guarantee we can keep to our voters, instead causing anxiety for voters who often end up coming to the polling place anyway to spoil their mail-in ballot or to vote by provisional ballot.”

Both Boozel and Hess commended counties for the tremendous job they

did honoring their commitment to deliver fair, secure, accurate and accessible elections despite the challenges they have faced in the past year. But counties need the help of their state partners to improve their ability to administer mail-in ballots, and before moving on to other Election Code reforms.

“Counties have heard our state and legislative partners say they want to work with counties and give counties a voice on election reforms,” Boozel concluded. “Right now, nothing would show the sincerity of that sentiment more than to hear what we have been saying for months, and what we say again today – we need the General Assembly to focus on the swift passage of legislation that expands the pre-canvassing period and extends the mail-in ballot application deadline.”

The efforts of AGHS LEO Club results in a new park bench for Luther House

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The Avon Grove High School Leo Club collected over 1,000 pounds of plastic bags as a community service recycling project during the school year.

For their efforts, the Trex Corporation awarded a Trex park bench that the Leo Club donated for the residential gardens at Luther House in West Grove. Pictured here (left to right) are Leos Josh Arencibia (past president), Angelina McGrath (president elect), Jessie Griffith (current president), Sofia Trone, Meghan Obetz, Tanvi Joshi.

Seated are Bonnie McCloskey (Leo Advisor) and Lion Dave Priebe (Leo Coordinator).

8A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

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Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Oxford Arts Alliance offers summer art camps The camps will be outside at the Octoraro Art Association

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer This year, the Oxford Arts Alliance is holding all of its summer art camps at the Octoraro Art Association at 5965 Forge Road in Oxford. Young artists will be following in the footsteps of many famous local artists while enjoying the beautiful countryside.

One of those famous artists is Charles X. Carlson, who formed the Octoraro Art Association with Oxford businessman John Roberts in 1948. They brought together a small group who were interested in painting. The group held many plein air painting events for artists, and one of their favorite subjects was the Old Pine Grove Covered Bridge which was a stone’s throw away from their door.

The Pine Grove Covered Bridge spans the east branch of Octoraro Creek on the border between Lancaster County and Chester County. It is the longest covered bridge in Lancaster County, and was built in 1884 by Elias McMellen.

This year, young students age 7 and up will have an opportunity to embrace the great outdoors and join clay camps or plein air painting camps.

Locally sourced clay is used for all Summer Clay Camp projects. It’s not just an art project, it’s a lesson about the environment as well.

“This is the first year we have been able to hold our plein air camp outside, and we are all so excited about that,” said Caitlin Daugherty, the director of art at the Oxford Arts Alliance. “It is the fifth year we held the clay camp outside at the Octoraro Art Association.”

She thanked Jay Eaton for making that possible.

“Jay is the president of the Octoraro Art Association, and one of the founders of the Oxford Arts Alliance,” she said.

Camps will be for children age 7 and up, with a maximum capacity of 8 campers. Each week will include two half-day camps. The morning session (ages 7-9) will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The afternoon session (ages 10 and over) will run from 1

p.m. to 4 p.m. Drop off for the morning session is from 9 to 9:15 a.m. each day.

Pick up for the morning session is from 11:50 a.m. to noon each day. Drop off for the afternoon session is from 1 to 1:15 p.m. each day. Pick up for the afternoon session is from 3:50 to 4 p.m. each day.

Lunch or snacks will not be provided to lessen the possibility of coronavirus exposure. Campers should bring a water bottle.

Registration is closed a week before each camp begins.

The clay camp will be run by Maggie Creshkoff, who has been teaching at the Arts Alliance since 2014, and is a well-know ceramicist based in Cecil County. The clay used is locally sourced. Students are taught hand-build-

Courtesy photos

Things get messy, but fun, at Oxford Arts Alliance Summer Clay Camp. This year’s camp is held outside at the Octoraro Art Association.

ing techniques, texture, under-glazing and other decorative effects. Clay camp projects will be available for pick up from Saturday, Sept. 4 through Saturday, Sept. 11, and they must be picked up by then because they will not be storing any projects at the arts alliance.

En plein air, or plein air painting, is the act of painting outdoors. Karen Andress is the instructor for ages 7 to 9. This is her third year teaching with the arts alliance. Students will be using acrylic on canvas and instructed in markmaking tools.

Students 10 and over

will be instructed by Sally Wilson. They will be using water color, acrylic and other mediums.

COST Plein Air Camps $90 for members and $110 for non-members

DATES Plein Air Camps: July 12 to 16 Plein Air Camps: July 19 to 23 Clay Camp Advanced: July 26 to Aug. 6 Clay Camp Beginner: July 26 to 30 Clay Camp Beginner: Aug. 2 to 6

Clay Camps Beginner $180 for members and $200 for non-members Advanced $220 for members and $240 for non-members

TIMES Morning Session 9 a.m. to noon Afternoon Session 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information call Caitlin Daugherty at 610-467-0301 or check out their website at www.oxfordart.org.

LOCATION 5965 Forge Road in Oxford

DelNature opens new market, Ag Education Building The Delaware Nature Society (DelNature) was joined by Delaware agriculture secretary Michael T. Scuse and National Wildlife Federation President and Chief Executive officer Collin O’Mara to launch the new Market at Coverdale Farm Preserve and Agriculture Education Building, and celebrate climate-friendly regenerative farm techniques.

Closed for the past year due to COVID-19, Coverdale re-opened this spring offering a new market, family-friendly farm activities and education classes. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the new market is a natural extension of the Coverdale Farm Preserve’s work to grow and offer fresh foods to the local community.

Patrons can select vegetables, eggs, herbs, and flowers fresh from our farm and cheese, bread, honey, meat and much more from local and regional partners.

Coverdale even offers farm grown vegetable, flower, herb, and fruit plants for the home garden.

Visitors can also participate in the new Golden Tomato Program, a flexible card-based community supported agriculture program where patrons can choose their own produce.

“We are so pleased to launch this new Market in our Agriculture Education Building while highlighting how protecting the environment and farm-

ing techniques go hand in hand,” said DelNature Executive Director Anne Harper. “We are grateful for Secretary Scuse joining us today and the chance to shine a light on regenerative agriculture techniques.”

“Through the ability to visit a working farm like Coverdale, the public can connect with where their food is grown. It is a fantastic opportunity for a child to have a hands-on experience to understand how fruits, vegetables, meats, and fiber are produced. That experience can spark a child’s interest in agriculture that can lead to a future career,” Scuse said.

“And it’s the understanding that farmers care about the environment because good stewardship ensures that future generations have locally grown food to feed their families.”

A highlight of Coverdale’s work is its commitment to regenerative agriculture techniques which mimic natural processes to minimize soil disturbance and build soil health above and below ground, maintain living roots year-round, maximize crop diversity and on-farm bio-diversity, integrate lifestock employing intentional grazing, and eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals.

“The Coverdale Farm Preserve is a shining example of how regenerative agriculture can simultaneously produce healthy crops, build resilient soils, provide clean water, restore

essential wildlife habitat, and naturally sequester carbon,” said National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara. “We encourage every Delawarean and Pennsylvanian to visit Coverdale to learn directly from the Delaware Nature Society’s amazing team about how agricultural best practices are critical natural climate solutions.”

Regenerative techniques are more climate-friendly, and focus on helping to protect the soil and water while growing crops and maintaining livestock.

Regenerative agriculture can also help with carbon sequestration by building organic matter back into soil, essentially helping to store more water and draw carbon out of the atmosphere.

“We are proud to be a site that can model the difficult balance between feeding our community and nurturing the environment, said Coverdale Farm Site Director Michele Wales.

“As farmers our environmental literacy is equally important as our livestock and vegetable literacy.

We are learning as we are doing, and our studies will never be complete.

“The important thing to understand for everyone engaged in agriculture is, despite the learning curve, there are very simple and approachable ways to integrate some of the regenerative methodologies today, and there is fund-

Photo courtesy Christi Leeson

Eric Brinsfield (DelNature board president), Michele Wales (Coverdale Farm site director), Secretary Michael T. Scuse (Delaware Department of Agriculture), State Rep. Krista Griffith, Collin O’Mara (NWF President & CEO), State Sen. Laura Sturgeon, Eric Raser-Schramm (New Castle County Exec Office) and Anne Harper (DelNature Executive Director) at the event launching the new Market at Coverdale Farm Preserve and Agriculture Education Building.

ing to help us do it. The support from the local and national agencies to make this a priority are just the lift we need to contribute to tackling the important environmental issues of our time.”

DelNature believes that everyone has a right to healthy food, healthy communities, and a healthy environment.

Regenerative Agriculture upholds these three rights while distinguishing itself as a method of farming that moves beyond simply being sustainable. The farm is an ecosystem working with nature, not against it.

RA diversifies its outcomes beyond economic gains and high yields to include the restoration of high-quality

soil, water, air, and ecosystems, along with healthy animals and people. It is a place-based customized approach where the land leads.

“Coverdale Farm Preserve has long been a destination for the local community and region,” said State Sen. Laura Sturgeon. “Today we celebrate the farm’s evolution over the past few years and shine a light on the importance of biodiversity and protecting our water supply.”

Added State Representative Krista Griffith, “It’s exciting to see how climate-friendly farming is being implemented in northern New Castle County. The farms’ education and outreach programs

are important steps in connecting farming techniques with the general public.”

The 377-acre property in Greenville, Del. includes a 177-acre farm and 200acre nature preserve. The property has been a working farm for nearly 300 years. The new Agriculture Education Building is Phase 1 of DelNature’s multi-year plan to become a leader in the demonstration and education of regenerative agriculture. The farm is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to the Market, Coverdale offers classes, and farm-focused fun activities like egg gathering, plus arts and crafts.

To learn more visit: www.

DelNature.org.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries SUSAN LINDA HANZOOK Susan Linda Hanzook, a resident of Kennett Square, passed away at home on June 7 with the family by her side. She was 63.

She was the wife of Joseph (Rocky) J. Hanzook Jr., with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Baltimore, Md., Susan was the daughter of the late John E. Wilhide and the late Elizabeth Justice Wilhide.

Susan worked for Nationwide Insurance Company in the Annapolis, Md. claims call center into the early 1980s. This is where she and Rocky met and their story began. Most recently, Susan worked parttime for Kennett High School in food services, and as a teachers’ assistant at the Kennett Square YMCA After Care and Montessori Programs.

Susan enjoyed taking walks and had quite the green thumb. She cherished time with family and friends at the beach in Chincoteague, Va., and visits with her granddaughter, whom she dearly loved. Susan was a fan of listening to a good band while eating steamed crabs and was also a dog lover, with an affinity for the boxer breed.

In addition to her husband Rocky, Susan is survived by son Craig A. Moreland; daughter Amy Moreland Krause and her husband Michael L. Krause, of Johnstown, Pa.; two brothers, John C. Wilhide of Denton, Md., and Raymond J. Wilhide and his wife Nancy Haushalter Wilhide, of Annapolis, Md.; and one granddaughter, Addison M. Krause.

Susan was predeceased by two sons, Ryan J. Hanzook and David A. Moreland.

Services were held on June 15 at Willowdale Chapel.

Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Contributions in Susan’s memory may be made to West Chester-Brandywine SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, Pa., 19380; https://bvspca.org/donate/give/.

Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. (1-800-FUNERAL).

Condolences may be expressed through www.griecofunerals.com or mailed to Rocky Hanzook, 126 Davenport Road, Kennett Square, PA, 19348.

Additional obituaries on Page 3B

HAZEL JUNE MILLER Hazel June (Wiles) Miller, 83, of Lincoln University, passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on June 3.

She was the wife of James C. Miller, who passed away in 2018, and with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Ashe County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Lillard Wiles and the late Della Carpenter Wiles.

Hazel was a loving and dedicated homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

She enjoyed traveling, crocheting and collecting porcelain dolls and teapots. She will be fondly remembered by her family and friends for her incredible sense of humor.

She is survived by her six children, Michael Miller (and his wife Monica) of Lancaster County; Dave Miller (and his wife Sandra) of Pulear, N.C.; John Steven Miller (and his wife Alice) of West Jefferson, NC; Jeffrey Miller of Oxford; Joseph Miller of Oxford; and Pamela Blakeslee of Lincoln University, Pa. Hazel is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by one daughter, Patricia Miller Rios; one grandson, John Steven Miller, Jr. and one great-grandson, Patrick Michael Murphy, III. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ashe County Humane Society, P.O. Box 1776, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694.

Funeral services will be private.

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

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

Alleluia Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

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

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Chester County Archives’ 1777 Property Atlas earns national award The Chester County Commissioners recently recognized the Chester County Archives staff following the announcement of a national award for their work.

The National Genealogical Society (NGS) presented one of three national awards to Chester County Archives for the county’s historical 1777 Property Atlas Portal.

Presented as part of the 2021 NGS Family History Conference, the county’s interactive property atlas was featured in a SLAM Showcase (Societies, Libraries, Archives and Museums) as an innovative project that greatly benefits genealogical researchers.

Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz said, “Our Archives & Records Service staff are passionate

about history and they use that passion and energy to create amazing interactive programs that bring history to life. The 1777 Property Atlas is one example, and is certainly worthy of the recognition it has received.”

The 1777 Chester County Property Atlas is an interactive map that allows researchers to easily see who owned properties in 1777, and if those owners or occupants reported any losses caused by British troops during the Philadelphia Campaign of the Revolutionary War. Research on the atlas began as way to support the Planning Commission’s grant-funded interpretation of the Battle of Brandywine, when the Commission needed maps showing what roads existed at the time of the battle. Conor Hepp, presi-

dent of the Chester County History Center, also attended the Commissioners’ meeting to add his congratulations on behalf of the History Center. “We are so proud of the exceptional work our Chester County History Center staff has accomplished to create this project and their managing of the Archive & Record Services department for the county,” Hepp said. “It is their dedication and skills that have made this partnership so successful.”

As part of the award, Chester County Archives receives a $250 cash prize and a one-year library subscription for photo enhancement software.

Laurie Rofini, the director of Chester County Archives, said, “The department will use the award money towards software to

support the project going forward, as it is our plan to eventually map the entire county. It’s been exciting to see the project evolve over the years under Archivist Cliff Parker’s leadership.

What started as static maps has become a many-layered interactive experience, thanks to both Cliff and Assistant Archivist John E. Smith III.” Chester County Archives was established in 1982 to preserve and make available the historic records of Chester County. The archives currently holds over 2,940 volumes and 1,823 cubic feet of original public records of enduring historic and cultural value.

Staff in the department provide support to more than 3,000 researchers a year, and the Archives is a primary destination for genealogists,

Courtesy photo

The Chester County Commissioners recognized the efforts of the County’s Archives staff to earn a National Genealogical Society award for the County’s 1777 Property Atlas Portal. Pictured left to right are Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Marian Moskowitz; Laurie Rofini, director of Chester County Archives & Record Services; Cliff Parker, Chester County Archivist; Conor Hepp, President of the Chester County History Center; and Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

property researchers, local historians and academics researching all facets of Chester County history.

The Chester County Archives is administered by

the Chester County History Center in cooperation with the County of Chester.

To view and search for 1777 property records, go to www.chesco.org/archives.

Obituaries

ETTA E. SCHWENDNER REBECCA IDA GUEST Rebecca Ida Guest passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on June 7. She was 88.

She was the wife of the late Charles Raymond Moses, Sr. Born on Aug. 16, 1932, in Caln, Pa., she was the daughter of the late George S. and Edith Huyard Guest.

Rebecca was a homemaker who loved planting flowers and watching game shows on television.

She is survived by three children, Carol L. Guest of Exton, Beverly McFarland (nee Walton) of Lincoln University and Charles R. Moses, Jr. of Narvon; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and two greatgreat grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by five siblings.

Funeral Services were held on June 10 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home in Oxford.

Interment will be in private.

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

Etta E. Schwendner, a resident of Oxford for over 50 years, peacefully passed away on June 6 at Brandywine Living at Longwood in Kennett Square. She was 88.

She was the wife of the late Robert Frank Schwendner.

Born August 15,1932 in Darby, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Albert C. and Althea R. Fryer Edwards.

Etta was employed with DuPont for almost 50 years before retiring shortly after her grandson was born.

After retirement, she volunteered at Oxford Public Library and the voting polls in Pennsylvania.

Etta was a kind, beautiful, loving soul with a wonderful sense of humor. She always made people smile as Etta’s smile would light up a room. She was a people person and easily made friends wherever she went.

Etta enjoyed reading a good book and especially loved reading the Sunday funnies. Calvin and Hobbs was one of her favorites. She enjoyed going for drives in the country and stopping at little shops and bakeries along the way. Etta also enjoyed having lunch dates with her friends and family and loved a hot cup of coffee or tea. She had a love for animals and often donated to the S.P.C.A. She also donated to many other causes.

Etta also loved all things classic Disney. Her favorite

character was Winnie the Pooh. What Etta loved most was spending time with her family, her son Frank and his wife, Tonia but especially her grandson, Christian, whom she loved dearly.

She always made time for her family and willing to offer her help in any way she could with either words of wisdom or just a kind ear who would listen. Etta loved holidays and never forgot to give a phone call or send a card to her family and friends on all occasions.

Etta treated everyone kindly, as if they were family.

She was a loving wife, mother and nana. Etta will be missed by many, especially her family.

She is survived by her son, Frank V. Schwendner and his wife, Tonia S. Severn Schwendner of Oxford; grandson Christian F. Schwendner; sister-in-law Kathy Edwards; niece, Susan Kennedy; nephew Scott Edwards; and many beloved relatives in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Pittsburgh. Pa. Services are private.

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

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Brown honored with Commissioners Award at Regional Police ceremony

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Cpl. Benjamin Brown of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) was the recipient of the department’s 2020 Commissioners Award at the department’s Annual Award and Recognition Ceremony, held June 10 at the SCCRPD headquarters on Gap Newport Pike.

The Commissioners Award is the department’s most prestigious recognition given to an officer at the SCCRPD, and annually awarded for exceptional service over the past year.

Brown, who had been nominated for the award during the past two years, was recognized by Police Chief Gerald Simpson for his work on July 31, 2020, when he recovered a large quantity of illegal drugs while investigating a suspicious vehicle complaint.

The caller described the suspicious vehicle and that the driver was suspected of selling narcotics in the area.

Brown passed a vehicle fitting the description and turned around on it to make the stop. As a result, the male fled and left the vehicle abandoned in a parking lot. After observing illegal items in plain view in the vehicle – and following a K-9 search -- Brown recovered a large amount of methamphetamine, cocaine and prescription pills. With the help of Officer Riley Miller, Brown identified the driver, who was later placed under arrest, and was in the possession of an additional 12 ounces of methamphetamine.

Brown was just one of several members of the SCCRPD who were recognized for their outstanding service over the past year.

DUI Enforcement awards were given to Officers Brandon Krissinger, Gregory Blue, Stephen Syska, Raymond Sullivan, PFC Jeremy O’Neill and both Miller and Brown.

The department’s continued focus on preventing DUIs from occurring in the community led to a 38 percent decrease in DUI arrests made by the department in 2020.

Lt. Jason L. Ward and Cpl. Ryan D. Kushner received

awards for Command & Leadership for their selection to and completion of the prestigious NJSACOP Command & Leadership Academy at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Department administrator Sandy Lutz and Lt. Joseph Greenwalt received a Meritorious Service Award for their work during an 18-month project that guided the SCCRPD in 2020 to becoming an accredited law enforcement agency recognized by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

Their efforts led to the department joining 131 other police departments in Pennsylvania in holding accredited status.

Magisterial Judge Matthew Seavey administered the oath of office to new officers Stephen Boyer, Vincent Giacobello and Patrick Huver, as well as Cpl. Stephen Madonna and Ward.

The ceremony also honored the life of long-time New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald W. Davis, who died on March 27. Three of Davis’ former officers – Mario Raimato, Joe Cooper and John Gibson – paid tribute to their former chief with brief reflections of their time under Davis’ command.

New Garden Township Board of Supervisors Chairman Steve Allaband read a proclamation that honored Davis for his service to the township.

While the officers who received awards and recognition served as the highlight of the event, they did so against the backdrop of a pandemic that forced the department to re-shift its scheduling and priorities during most of 2020 – as well as a scourge of violent incidents that put the nation’s law enforcement front and center in a national conversation that often reached the boiling point.

During his remarks before the nearly 100 guests who gathered beneath a large tent in the parking lot near the police building, Simpson said that it was the first time the department had gathered as an entire unit since last year’s award ceremony on March 12.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Southern Chester County Regional Police Chief Gerald Simpson awarded Cpl. Benjamin Brown with the 2020 Commissioners Award at the department’s annual Awards and Recognition Ceremony on June 10.

Officer Mario Raimato paid tribute to long-time New Garden Township Police Chief Gerald W. Davis, who was honored in memoriam at the ceremony.

With his wife by his side, Jason Ward took the Oath of Office to become the regional police department’s newest lieutenant.

“So much has happened in the last 15 months, much of it very sad and much of it very tragic,” Simpson said. “Tonight, however, I want to focus on where we go from here. To that point – now repeated by my officers frequently – we do things differently here.

We do have a vision for the future, and while our path may not always be clear, we keep the proverbial Mount Summit in our sights.

“We value the first thing

“Trust is fragile,” he said.

“It must be nurtured. Trust is also reciprocal. It is built one relationship at a time.

The work we do with our communities will serve to build a shared vision together, again and again.

Our path to the Summit, when adversity surrounds us, we must remain relentlessly optimistic – to imagine a better way, a bigger way to accomplish our purpose for ourselves, for our communities, for

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that matters – people. I have often said to my officers, ‘We are in a people business, so you better be a people person.’ It’s also established as our first core value – human life – but we also value our employees.”

Simpson mentioned the creation of the department’s community advisory board as a means of proactively engaging in conversations about race issues between law enforcement and the community.

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our nation and for this world.

“Tonight, we the men and women of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department commit ourselves to do our part towards restoring the faith that may have been broken or injured greatly this past year between law enforcement and the public.”

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

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6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Oxford Area High School graduate awarded R.O.T.C. scholarship Oxford Area High School Class of 2021 graduate Lauren Neskie was recently named a recipient of a U.S. Army R.O.T.C. Scholarship.

The three-year scholarship will cover up to $10,000 in tuition or room and board in each of her sophomore through senior years in college.

Lauren, the daughter of Kimberly and Christian Neskie, will attend the University of South Florida (USF) this fall. She plans to major in business

administration but is also interested in pursuing a degree in psychology.

Although the scholarship will not go into effect until Lauren’s sophomore year, she will participate in R.O.T.C. activities once she arrives on the USF campus in the Tampa Bay area.

“I will have physical training three days a week, and in addition to my regular studies I will have an R.O.T.C. course and lab,” she said.

Lauren became interested in applying for an Army

R.O.T.C. scholarship after a friend had been awarded the scholarship. She said she admired that her grandfather, Ray Bauer, served in Vietnam and had always thought she would like to be a part of the military in some way.

“I’ve always enjoyed having opportunities for service,” said Lauren, who was a member of the Helping Hands and Interact community service clubs at the high school. “I think that played a role in my interest in serving my country.”

Lauren completed an online scholarship application, followed by an hour-long Zoom interview with a professor of military science at University of Delaware.

As part of the application, she listed seven colleges and universities that she would be interested in attending, in order of preference.

“The scholarship committee would then give me a choice of three schools with openings in their R.O.T.C. units, and fortunately my top three schools all had spots

for me,” said Lauren, who also listed the University of Central Florida and Arizona State University among her preferred colleges.

The R.O.T.C. Scholarship requires Lauren to commit to eight years of Army service following graduation from USF. This can take the form of active service, membership in the Army Reserve or membership in the National Guard.

“During the summer before my senior year, I will attend training at Fort Knox, where

Courtesy photo

Lauren Neskie, an Oxford Area High School Class of 2021 graduate, was recently named a recipient of a U.S. Army R.O.T.C. Scholarship.

I will be evaluated as to where I can best serve,” said Lauren. “I am open to all three options for my Army service.”

Kids summer camps at Delaware County Community College offer a safe way for kids to have fun and learn Kids Summer Camps at Delaware County Community College begin on June 21. All camps will be in accordance with Pennsylvania and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) safety guidelines, including classroom size limits, and masks will be required for all indoor activities.

The College has held kids

summer camps for more than 15 years and held youth programs since 1996.

“It is never too early to engage the minds of children through fun, thoughtful, well-organized, safe activities designed to stimulate learning and encourage career exploration,” said Delaware County Community College president L. Joy Gates Black, Ed.D.

The College offers Kids Summer Camps in Acting for the Camera, Arts & Crafts, Cheer Dance, Coding, Dance, Introduction to Film & TV, and Music Video. In addition, the College offers Babysitting with American Heart Association certification in Pediatric and Infant CPR & First Aid. For the Coding camps,

kids (ages 8-14) explore the exciting world of coding, led by top teachers and industry talent. Children enjoy a personal education experience using the latest software from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Microsoft, Apple and more. The camps are run in coordination with Black Rocket, a national leader in tech-education with more

than 200 locations worldwide that feature cutting-edge courses in coding, game design, app development, virtual reality and much more.

Campers are welcome to bring a bagged lunch and join the camp staff for lunch for an additional $25 per week.

Be sure to let the College’s staff know when registering that you are interested in

“Lunch Bunch.”

The College’s Kids Summer Camps will be held Monday through Thursday, June 21 through July 29. To register, contact the College’s Community Education division at (610) 359-5025. To learn more about available camp classes and to register online, visit dccc.edu/ summer-camps.

financial standing with the Township, warranties, references, insurance bonding, compliance record, delivery date, and past and present service of Contractor. Contractors shall be current on all amounts due to the Township prior to the Township entering into any contract agreement.

The Township’s Bid Specifications are available at the Township Office, on the Township website at www. penntownship.us, or by email directed to office@penntownship.us. Bids will not receive consideration unless submitted in accordance with the following instructions: Proposals must be signed, sealed, and plainly marked: Penn Township Snow Removal Bid 2021-2022.

There will not be a mandatory pre-bid meeting; however, written questions should be directed by mail or email to Karen Versuk, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390 or kversuk@ penntownship.us.

Bids will be accepted until and opened at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2021. They will be presented for review and qualification to the Board of Supervisors at their Regular Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., The Township reserves the right to reject any and all bids or any part of the bid or to waive any minor discrepancies in the Bid specifications when deemed to be in the interest of the Township. Specifications may be obtained at the Township Office Monday through Thursday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

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at 610-255-0634 or elktwpchester@ gmail.com to discuss how Elk Township may best accommodate your needs.

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Legals ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Late of RISTINE, SYLVIA J. dec’d, Late of Penn Twp. 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, Donna Palladino and Charles R. Ristine, CoExecutors, c/o their attorney: Kyle A. Burch, Esquire, 22 State Road, Media, PA 19063-1442 6p-2-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of, Late of Estate of Eugene J. Bernat, Bernat, Eugene J. late of Phoenixville, 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 Andrew Bernat, 1231 Harrison Ave., Phoenixville, PA 19460, Executor. or Attorney: Daly & Clemente, P.C., 1288 Valley Forge Road, Suite 72, Phoenixville, PA 19460 6p-9-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF THEODORE BATES OWEN a/k/a TED B. OWEN, DECEASED. Late of the London Grove 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 VICTOR JOSEPH STUBBS, EXECUTOR, c/o Stacey Willits McConnell, Esq., 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19381-0565, Or to his Attorney: STACEY WILLITS McCONNELL, LAMB McERLANE, P.C.,

24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19381-0565 6p-9-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NEW GARDEN TOWNSHIP BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETINGS TO RESUME IN PERSON BEGINNING JULY 1, 2021 Schedule as follows: New Garden Township Board of Supervisors will hold Regular Business meetings on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7PM; Work Sessions on Sept. 7th, and Dec. 6th at 5PM; and Budget Meetings on Oct. 4th, 25th and Nov. 8th at 5PM. The New Garden Township Planning Commission will meet monthly on the 4th Weds. of the month at 7PM. except in the months of Nov. and Dec. when they will meet on the 3rd Weds. at 7PM. The New Garden Township Open Space Review Board will meet monthly on the 2nd Tues. of each month at 7PM. The New Garden Township Historical Commission will meet on the 1st Weds. of each month at 7:30PM. The New Garden Township Parks and Recreation Board will meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5PM. All meetings will be held at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350.

Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in or observe the proceedings should contact the Township Office at 610-932- 2915 to discuss how best to make such accommodation.

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INCORPORATION NOTICE

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In the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, a Petition was filed for Change of Name on January 13, 2021. Pursuant to Rule 206.1. IN RE Arnold Hack, III, Plaintiff, No. CV-2021-000337. A hearing will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 9:00 am in Courtroom/Hearing Room: to be announced, Delaware County Courthouse, Media Pennsylvania. At this hearing you must be prepared to present all testimony and/or argument, and must ensure that your witnesses will be present.

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INVITATION TO BID

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, July 12, 2021. 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, July 12, 2021, at 7:00 PM. Bidders are asked to bid on the following: 1. Roadwork Equipment Rental w/Operator per Specifications (Bidders Qualification Form is required) 2. Snow Plowing/Ice Removal Services Equipment Rental w/Operator per Specifications (Bidders Qualification Form and Agreement for Snow Plowing/Ice Removal are required) 3. Aggregate Materials per Specifications (550 tons more or less) 4. Blacktop Mixes per Specifications (770 tons more or less), 5. Liquid Asphalt per Specifications (20 gallons more or less), All of the above equipment and material specified 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 13, 2021 and ends on

June 30, 2022. The contract period for Snow Plowing/Ice Removal Services Equipment Rental begins on October 15, 2021 and ends on April 30, 2022.

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 and on-line at www. elktownship.org, or may be requested by phone 610-255-0634 or by e-mail elktwpchester@gmail.com.

Terri Kukoda, Secretary/Treasurer 6p-16-2t

BID NOTICE

Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania is accepting sealed bids for Snow Removal in the Township for the 2021-2022 season. Bid packages are available at the Township Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390 or online at the township website at www. penntownship.us.

BID NOTICE/ BID ADVERTISEMENT Penn Township, Chester County is requesting bids from qualified Contractors for Snow Removal. This includes furnishing all labor, equipment and materials required to conduct snow removal satisfactorily and safely. The Township reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informality the Township may determine necessary.

In awarding a bid, the Township may consider, but not be limited to, any of the following factors: qualifications, price, experience, solvency, safety record,

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The Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold its July Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, July 12, 2021, 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 Terri Kukoda

Classifieds Help Wanted Full Time Public Works Position London Grove Township is accepting applications to fill a full time skilled laborer/driver position in the Public Works Department. Position requires ability to perform a variety of duties involving manual labor, semi-skilled trade work, and equipment operation, as assigned by the Director of Public Works. Applicant must be able to lift 70 pounds and work at heights, in confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions. Applicants must process or be able to obtain a PA Class “A” license with Airbrakes and Tanker within 6 months of hire. All applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old, possess a valid driver’s license and have clean criminal and driving records.

Previous municipal, construction and/ or equipment operation experience a plus. Starting salary range $17 to $19 per hour, with benefits. London Grove Township is an equal opportunity employer. Submit applications to London Grove Township, Attn: Director of Public Works, 372 Rose Hill Road, Suite 100, West Grove, Pa 19390. Complete job description along with application is available at https://www.londongrove. org/employment-opportunities/ Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

Chester County Press

Local News Oxford Rotary Club honors Eimer and Miller as Seniors of the Month Oxford Area High School students Ainsley Eimer and Julia Miller were recently honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for May. Ainsley, the daughter of Patricia and Benjamin Eimer, is a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Science Honor Society, and is an officer of the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance. She is a lifelong swimmer and a four-year member of the varsity

swim team in the distance events, serving as captain in her senior year. Ainsley was also a member of the Marching Band Color Guard in her senior year.

Ainsley has taken all honors courses offered at the high school as well as nine Advanced Placement courses. She is currently enrolled in AP Art Studio and AP Calculus BC. Ainsley held an internship in the engineering department of the University of Delaware, and this fall will attend the University of Central

Florida Honors College to major in integrated media with a focus on video game design. She also plans to join the water polo team.

Ainsley will participate in the Aspire program of the Walt Disney Company where she will be trained for a position in the organization as part of her college curriculum. Her career goal is design video games for Disney’s Marvel division.

Julia, the daughter of Richard and Kelly Miller, is a four-year member and president of the Art Club,

and a member of the GayStraight Alliance. She is a four-year member of Chester County Futures, an independent non-profit organization which offers direct program support and services to Chester County high school students through after-school academic enrichment meetings, mentoring and post-secondary scholarship support.

This fall Julia will attend Delaware County Community College, where she will major in psychology.

Oxford Area High School Rotary Senior of the Month Ainsley Eimer (standing left) is pictured with Oxford Rotary Club president Carey Bresler and Ainsley’s parents, Patricia and Benjamin, who are seated.

Courtesy photos

Julia Miller was honored as the Oxford Area High School Rotary Senior of the Month.

Penn’s Grove School honors Students of the Month The Penn’s Grove School honored its most recent Student of the Month selections.

The school’s teachers nominate Students of the Month for each grade level team based on their academic achievements and participation in class and school activities.

Courtesy photos

Pictured with (left, back) principal Tami Motes and assistant Principal Mark DeEmilio and (right) assistant Principal Kristen Chastain, are Penn’s Grove School seventh grade Students of the Month for April: (from left) James Wisneski, Ashley Ochoa, Danica Perloff, Brooke Zulauf, Paige Michael, Samantha Kiernan and Sofia Torres Alcantar. Also named Students of the Month were David Hanna, Savannah Larry, Dagan Profitt, Gael Zavala Zavala and Matthew McElroy.

Penn’s Grove School eighth grade Students of the Month are pictured with (standing left) principal Tami Motes, (standing right) assistant principal Mark DeEmilio and (seated left) assistant principal Kristen Chastain. The Students of the Month are (seated from left) Angel Thaysen, John Williams, Amanda Peterson and Maria Rivera Ibarra; (standing from left) Dakota Summers, Zachary Stapleton, David Wilson, Jesus Ibarra Mora, Niayja Brooks, Alexa Logan and Shyla Kloss. Kate Alleman was also named a Student of the Month.

Avon Grove Charter senior Carter Gassler earns science awards Avon Grove Charter School senior Carter Gassler earned several awards at the Delaware Valley Science Fair.

Carter won second place for his 12th Grade Engineering Project, A Novel Soft Robotic Actuator with Computerized Control

and Integrated Positional The Engineers’ Club of excellence in engineering Sensors.

Philadelphia Special Award continues for generations to He also earned third place honors future leaders in the come. for the Institute of Electrical engineering field to ensure The Delaware Valley and Electronics Engineers Classifieds Special Award for excellence and outstanding effort in the development and construction of projects in the IEEE fields of interest.

Science Fair includes students from 19 counties across Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

Cumberland Truck Equipment Co. (CTE), a heavy-duty truck parts distributor, has an immediate opening for a full-time local Delivery Driver at our Nottingham branch location, 470 West Christine Road, Nottingham, PA 19362. Delivery driver will be delivering truck parts to customers driving a company van or box truck and working 1st shift, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Applicant should have knowledge of local area and a good driving record. Hiring manager is Jim DeGeorge @ 610-932-1152.

Classifieds

Drug-free applicant with a clean driving record may apply at: http://www.cumberlandtruck.com/more/employment.aspx

HELP WANTED

18 years of age or older Able to lift unassisted up to 75 pounds, over 75 pounds assisted Have a valid driver’s license with good driving record Able to read, write and speak English Able to maintain good customer relationships High School Diploma or equivalent preferred

Courtesy photos

Carter Gassler earned several awards at the Delaware Valley Science Fair.

Seeking RN's/LPN's for private duty case in the Chester Co. area.

Send resume to lifelinehh@hotmail.com

REQUIREMENTS

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Load and unload delivery trucks Pull customer orders Deliver parts as required using company vehicle Maintain vehicle (daily check) and maintain vehicle logs

OFFERED BENEFITS • Health • Dental

• Vision • Life

• 401(k) • Vacation • Holiday pay • Others

Cumberland Truck Equipment Co. (CTE) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply.

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Go way back to the basics with Model T Driving School Have you ever wanted to learn how to drive a Model T? You now have a chance.

The Marshall Steam Museum in nearby Yorklyn, Del. is offering lessons with experienced drivers using their 1914 Ford Model T. “If you are an antique car enthusiast, interested in Model T’s or just looking for a unique experience, this program is for you,” said Alli Schell, the director of public programs.

“People who visit are always drawn to our Model T. We decided to offer a unique experience

you can’t get in the area,” explained Susan Randolph, the executive director.

Over the course of four hours, program participants will learn the history of the Model T and early automobiles, get behind the wheel to learn the components of driving and then take the “T” for a ride. Participants can even flex their muscles by trying to crank start the car. Instructors for the program are volunteers with the Marshall Steam Museum, who are also Model T enthusiasts and owners.

The Model T became the first mass-produce

commodity in the world with the introduction of the assembly line in 1913.

The museum’s 1914 Ford Model T was gifted by Gloria Riggleman in memory of James D. Riggleman of Wilmington. Riggleman purchased the car in 2008 from a family who had owned the vehicle since the 1960s.

Those interested in going back to school can visit http://bit.ly/ModelTSchool or call the office Monday to Friday at (302) 239-2385.

Lesson dates will be mutually agreed upon by the instructor and the Photo courtesy of Chase Diem Marshall Steam Museum instructor John Trout with student Sharon Schell. participant.

Five scouts attain Eagle Scout rank Courtesy photo

On May 15, five Boy Scouts of Troop 53 from Chester County Council were recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle at an Eagle Scout ceremony.

The five scouts are Timmy Kratz, Joe Bertz, Daniel Battalora, Riley Bullock, and Spencer Pannhorst.

To achieve the rank of Eagle, a scout must first complete the other ranks of Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and then Life. Next, that scout must earn 21 merit badges, 13 of which are Eagle required. Along with this, they must work on and finish a scout lead Eagle project for the community and complete community service hours. To help them along the path of Eagle, each scout may choose a mentor to help them. Part of the scout uniform includes a neckerchief. All five of these scouts were awarded with a new neckerchief representing the rank of Eagle. Each scout had memorabilia from their time in scouting on display for people to view. Some of them had pictures, unique neckerchiefs from around the world, and some of them had pinewood derby cars from when they were starting their journey as a Cub Scout. There was also a four-layer cake made by Mrs. Pannhorst that included each of the Eagle Scouts’ names.