Chester County Press 06-22-2022 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 156, No. 25

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

$1.00

A new life for hospital in Jennersville Local officials announce ChristianaCare to acquire Jennersville Hospital State Rep. John Lawrence, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline and Penn Township supervisor Victor Mantegna announced last week that ChristianaCare has entered into an agreement to acquire Jennersville Hospital in West Grove. The transaction is anticipated to close in the third quarter.

“Today’s announcement

INSIDE

comes after a great deal of hard work by many people, and is a true game-changer for high-quality medical care in our community,” said Lawrence. “It has been a pleasure working with ChristianaCare over the past few months, and I look forward to building on this foundation in the days ahead to meet the growing health care needs of southern Chester County.”

“ChristianaCare’s acquisition of Jennersville Hospital

is great news for southern Chester County and the surrounding region, but it’s important to note that this positive development did not occur by chance.

I want to thank the bipartisan group of leaders and stakeholders who worked diligently to make it happen,” said Comitta. “We always prioritized finding a trusted partner that was committed to the community, our values of diversity and inclusion, and provid-

KCSD adopts $94 million budget

ing affordable, accessible care to all residents. While there is still much work ahead, I look forward to the reopening of the facility.”

The Chester County Commissioners said in a statement, “There is one word we have in response to the purchase of Jennersville Hospital, and that word is ‘fantastic.’

The Commissioners thanked the elected officials and ChristianaCare for working to address such

a significant community need.

“We thank the ChristianaCare leadership for their commitment to bringing much-needed services back to the southern Chester County region, and we recognize the efforts of Representative Lawrence, Senator Comitta, and all who worked together to help facilitate this purchase.

Reopening will not happen overnight, but we are moving in the right direction,”

they said.

“Jennersville Hospital faithfully provided for the health, safety and welfare of southern Chester County residents for decades,” Mantegna said. “News of its imminent closure was both devastating and constituted a substantial threat to our community. Today’s news answers more than a few prayers. We look forward to supporting our new community partner, ChristianaCare, Continued on page 2A

In This Issue

The school district also honors longtime solicitor Jack Merrick on his retirement

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer The Kennett Consolidated School District Board approved the operating budget for 2022-2023 and honJuneteenth celebrated in ored its retiring solicitor during the June 13 meeting at the Kennett Square...1B Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center.

Chief Financial Officer Mark Tracy presented a budget of $94 million and added that the original estimate in February of a 2.02 percent real estate tax increase has been brought down to 1.78 percent.

The tax rate for property owners is 32.4358 mills. A mill is a tax of $1 on ever $1,000 of assessed property value.

At that rate, the average taxpayer whose property is assessed at $182,000 would owe $103 more than last year.

However, Pennsylvania has a relief act that reduces the tax fee on homeowners called the “homestead exemption.”

When applied to the tax bill for Kennett Consolidated School District residents this year, it reduces the average amount owed to an increase of about $49, Tracy said.

Continued on page 2A

Town Tours & Village Walks...4B

OMI BID renewal discussed at council meeting

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer The first order of business at the Oxford Borough Council meeting on June 6 was the promotion of officer Joseph Devlin to the position of corporal in the Oxford Police Department.

Devlin has been with the

police department since 2004.

The next order of business was a discussion about the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) Business Improvement District renewal.

Brian Dix, the executive director of OMI, informed council that it will soon be time for the renewal of

the Business Improvement District (BID) which ends this year. The new BID will begin in January of 2023.

Correspondence will be going out to business properties within the BID area explaining the process of BID renewal. A formal BID plan will be delivered to Oxford Borough Council and business properties in

New Garden adopts new unified development zoning ordinance

ed to increase foot traffic throughout the downtown.

Numerous First Fridays have also proven a benefit to the businesses in town.

The annual Car Show has been a highly successful event for the borough as well.

New businesses continue to come to the borough, Continued on page 2A

New Kennett Township coat of arms beginning to appear

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

mously voted to adopt a new Unified Development (UD) Zoning Ordinance that will place guidelines

During the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors’ June 15 meeting, township Manager Eden Ratliff said that the township’s new coat of arms will soon begin to appear on all township correspondence, including letterhead, envelopes, email signatures, business cards, and a variety of memos and documents.

“We will be rolling that out in a cost-effective way, not expending any unnecessary funds,” Ratliff said.

“We are not looking to paint the town red so to speak with the new seal, but you will start to see it appear as things go on, and I hope that the community will take great pride in everything that it symbolizes.”

Continued on page 2A

Continued on page 4A

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

© 2007 The Chester County Press

the coming months.

There was a brief discussion of the addition of one property to the BID area at the request of the business.

Those properties within the BID have had the opportunities to reap the benefits of grants through the years such as façade and sign grants. The recent theatre grant is also expect-

The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors signed off on June 20 to a new ordinance that will provide zoning guidelines for development along the Route 41 and Route 7 corridors in the township.

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

that heard from a township planner, elected officials and residents, the New Following an hour-long Garden Township Board public hearing on June 20 of Supervisors unani-

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

Chester County Press

Local News Jennersville Hospital...

Continued from Page 1A

as they reopen the facility.

Our community will reap the benefits of this purchase for years to come.”

The roots of modern medical care in the community go back to the early 1900s, when Dr. Robert Ewing established a five-bed clinic on Evergreen Street in West Grove.

In the 1950s, realizing the need for improved medical facilities, community leaders came together to finance a replacement for the old West Grove Hospital that could serve the area for generations to come. Their vision and determination led to the construction of Jennersville Hospital, which opened in 1959 and underwent several expansions through the decades.

ChristianaCare’s acquisition of the facility will establish a new chapter in the history of health care in the southern end of Chester County.

Lawrence, Comitta, the Chester County Commissioners, Penn Township supervisors and officials from the Wolf administration met for months with a goal of finding a path forward for Jennersville Hospital after Tower Health’s closure announcement in the latter part of last year.

New Garden...

Continued from Page 1A

for commercial and residential development along the eastern portion of the Route 41 corridor and parts of Route 7.

The hearing, conducted by township Solicitor William Christman, brought back township planner Tom Comitta to further provide additional vision and steerage for the ordinance, a plan that he developed that spells out the long-term vision for the district that begins at its western point at Newark Road, is bordered on the south at Reynolds Road and Southwood Road, includes property just to the north of Route 41 and extends east to Limestone Road (Route 7) to the Delaware state line.

As detailed in the wording used to officially adopt the ordinance, the guidelines are part of an effort by the township to revitalize Route 41 and Route

A particular focus developed around emergency medicine, with the closest alternate facilities over 45 minutes away.

“Over the last few months, our local EMS providers, including Medic 94 and our local volunteer ambulance services, have done remarkable work in the face of tremendous challenges,” said Lawrence.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news and will greatly improve response times and patient outcomes for those facing medical emergencies.”

Based in Wilmington, ChristianaCare is Delaware’s largest health care provider, operating three hospitals with 1,299 beds, a freestanding emergency department, a Level I trauma center, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, a comprehensive stroke center, and regional centers of excellence in heart and vascular care, cancer care, and women’s health. ChristianaCare includes an extensive network of primary care and outpatient services, home health care, and urgent care centers.

The announcement builds on ChristianaCare’s recent acquisition of several primary care practices in Chester County. The Jennersville facility is anticipated to reopen under the name ChristianaCare West Grove Campus.

7; create a more functional and attractive environment in which to work, shop, dine, live, and play; promote useful non-residential uses in the district; promote mixed-use development to better enable non-residential and residential uses to be mutually supportive of one another; enable a variety of housing choices in the district; enhance the streetscape design along the corridors; and promote sustainable development.

The final plan was reviewed – and approved with minor changes – by the Chester County Planning Commission.

“It’s the best of the best of what we have been working on for the last year and a half,” Comitta told the supervisors. “Here in New Garden, we don’t have this rich architectural heritage along Route 41, so we’re not going to be upsetting anyone with new buildings.

“We just aspire to a higher standard, but we didn’t

KCSD budget...

The board unanimously approved the appointment of Fox Rothschild LLP as its new solicitor firm.

Fox Rothschild replaces retiring solicitor Jack Merrick, who has served in that position for the past 50 years.

Tracy said he could not proceed with the board action without words of thanks and praise for Merrick, a 1958 graduate of Kennett High School.

Tracy characterized Merrick, 81, as “one of a kind,” and said that while he has had several daytime discussions with him, Merrick is essentially “nocturnal.”

Merrick’s family is strongly rooted in the Kennett Consolidated School District, as his mother was a student and then a teacher there for many years. His daughter is a graduate of the high school as well.

As he sat recently recalling his years as a student, Merrick pointed to the formerly segregated first floor windows of the school behind him that housed the black students. “I remember the Union rooms,” he said.

Merrick went on to his undergraduate education at Yale University and earned his law degree at the University of Pennsylvania.

Forever a student, he is currently taking an online course from Harvard University.

A lifelong resident of Kennett Square, he served as a Chester County public defender for 48 years.

In addition to serving as the district's solicitor for a half century, he served in the same capacity for the

say that [developers] have to design the Taj Mahal.

We came up with what we thought were reasonable principles for streetlights and street trees that follow form and composition.”

Township residents commented on the ordinance during the hearing. While praising the design standards of the plan, Richard Zimny said he was concerned about what impact possible development along Route 7 would have on traffic patterns.

“On that road, that is primary traffic for weekend commute,” he said. “To allow that to be used for the development of convenience stores, for the centers we are talking about, is going to make this a congested mess. It’s a two-lane road. I do not understand your logic in including those parcels along Route 7.”

Board chairman Steve Allaband told Zimny that some of the parcels

along the Route 7 corridor are zoned Highway Commercial (HC), and are not affected by the UD district ordinance.

Somerset Lake resident Heather Horton recommended that one-half of the UD district be given over to the township and converted into protected open space. She also said that the ordinance should contain limitations on the square footage of planned townhomes along the Route corridor – about 1,000 square feet in size, she suggested.

“There is no need for gigantic townhomes,” she wrote on a document she provided to the board.

“Families are smaller than ever. We need attractive housing units with small footage for singles, couples, retirees and single parent families.”

Horton also made a recommendation that the historical structures throughout the UD district

be rehabbed into housing the ordinance will pay off.

“Absent these standards, units. if anyone [will be] driving ‘Harnessing the along the Route 41 corrienthusiasm of the dor and sees something that development’ gives them pause, they may ask the question, ‘Why does Allaband addressed the this look so bad?’” Comitta concern of some residents said. “We are not inducin the township who feel ing development with the that the establishment of changes. We are harnessthese zoning guidelines may ing the enthusiasm of the lead to over development development. that will ultimately – and “We’re poised for a better dramatically – change the outcome,” he added. “We character of a still semi- are poised for a more reasonable way to think about rural township.

“What this ordinance does development, and what’s for New Garden Township not to like about design is that it gives us more con- standards that [New Garden trol of the design standards, Township hasn’t] had in 35 more control of the types years?” of development that we In other township business, are looking for,” Allaband. the supervisors accepted “This is an improvement a request to extend a land over what we have on the development plant for the books.” proposed White Clay Point Comitta said that while it subdivision along Route 41 may take at least five years until July 30, 2022. before the effect of these guidelines will begin to take To contact Staff Writer root along Route 41, the Richard L. Gaw, email township’s decision to adopt rgaw@chestercounty.com.

OMI bid...

cil approved a motion to pay Eagle Contracting Inc. Application #4 in the amount of $162,230.65 for the 2021 water main replacement project.

Council also approved the acceptance of the $2,140,166 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant award for the Historic Oxford Theater Redevelopment proj-

Continued from Page 1A

The newly approved budget will apply the anticipated additional state subsidies of $411,000 for basic education and special education, thus reducing the originally anticipated 2.02 percent increase, according to a report by Finance Committee chairman Mike Finnegan.

The major expenditure increases include the escalation of existing salaries, an uptick in medical insurance premiums, and the PSERS contribution increase.

The budget includes five new positions, a capital reserve transfer of $500,000, a contracted certified behavioral analyst, and a continued investment in technology and facilities.

The general operating budget for the 2022-2023 school year held state and federal revenue at the same level with this current year, pending the completion of those budgets.

Local real estate revenue shows an increase of $1,313,356 from last year and an additional $1,530,257 from assessment growth.

Other local sources include an increase of $150,000 in interim taxes, and $315,000 in earned income tax.

Merrick retirement

Continued from Page 1A

the most recent being Neff Physical Therapy. Other new businesses are expected to open this year as well.

More information will be forthcoming on the BID renewal. For more information, contact Dix at 610-998-9494.

In other business, coun-

Photo by Chris Barber

Jack Merrick, who has served as the solicitor of the Kennett Consolidated School District for the past 50 years, recently announced his retirement from the post.

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District from 1985 to 2021.

He has known all of Kennett’s superintendents from Millman Prettyman through Dusty Blakey. He was serving as solicitor and dealt with the conflict over the school expansion plans in the early 1970s when it was proposed unsuccessfully to expand the auditorium and tear down the front steps.

Professionally, in his capacity as public defender, he has dealt with many memorable cases, but probably none was so well known as the defense of members of the Johnston

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Gang.

He also recalled the slaying of two Kennett Square policemen 50 years ago, when the funeral procession which included police from all over the nation passed by his house.

In conclusion to an hourlong discussion, he said he is happy to have spent a lifetime in Kennett Square.

“I never regretted coming back,” he said.

He added, “A friend told me, ‘You’ll always be a student even when you’re collecting Social Security.’

Well, I’m collecting Social Security, and I’m still taking courses from Harvard.”

ect on behalf of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Council approved a sidewalk waiver for 247 West Locust Street and approved a sidewalk and curb waiver for 132 Lancaster Pike.

Council also approved Flyway Construction pay application #3 in the amount of $161,708.89 and Change Order #1 in the amount of $6,613 for the Transit Center Access Improvement Project/ Streetscapes IV. Topics for discussion in upcoming meetings include a presentation of the draft G3 green infrastructure implementation plan and the naming of pedestrian portion of Octoraro Alley.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

Chester County Press

Local News Kennett Township...

Continued from Page 1A

The coat of arms was given final approval at the board’s May 18 meeting.

The concept of developing a new unified graphic identity for the township was introduced and developed by supervisor Geoffrey Gamble with design assistance from township residents. The final image was unveiled at the meeting and is now mounted on the back wall of the township’s meeting room, and contains various elements of the township’s history, heritage and culture.

Ratliff said that in addition, the township’s Police Department will also update its seal to reflect the new identity and will eventually incorporate it into their documents and on police vehicles and uniforms.

In other township business, Ratliff said that as a result of the board approving a proposal by Mondo Media Solutions on Nov. 3, 2021, the township recently began working with the company to upgrade its video and audio technology in its public meeting room, in order to better accommodate visitors who attend public meetings via Zoom.

The upgrade includes the installation of a new camera that will provide better video quality. While acknowledging that a few glitches had occurred in recent public meetings, Ratliff said that the township is resolving to iron out remaining kinks in the system.

Once the system is fully in place, the township will

train township committee and commission members about the upgrade, and identify any other components that could further enhance the hybrid quality of the meetings.

The township’s contract with Mondo Media Solutions was originally in the amount of $20,385.46 plus a monthly maintenance plan fee of $285.

Last December, the board approved to pay the first half of the payment to the media company. The balance of the project will be due after the technology is completely installed and functioning to the township’s standards.

Township to file appeal with Court of Common Pleas The board also voted 3-0 to ratify the authorization given to township Solicitor David Sander to file an appeal to the Chester County Court of Common Pleas regarding a final determination of the Office of Open Records.

The appeal stems from a right-to-know request filed by a township resident to obtain copies of legal bills from the law firm of Blank Rome to the township that were generated beginning at the end of 2021 and the start of 2022.

In turn, the township filed an appeal with the Office of Open Records because they did not believe that the document being asked for was, in Ratliff’s words, “discoverable.”

The Office of Open Records issued a final determination that did not

agree with the position of the township, and the recommendation from Sander was to appeal the decision to the Court of Common Pleas. Sander said that during discussions, the township has determined that the requester may agree to certain redactions of privileged information, but that the township will not redact other information that the requester is looking for.

“I can say with a degree of confidence that we will be entering amicable settlement discussions with the requester, which should be resolved in short order,” Ratliff said.

Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway plans Township resident John Haedrich of the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway Commission (BVSBC) provided a corridor management plan update on the Byway, part of which flows through the township along Kennett Pike. In addition to Kennett Township, the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway includes Birmingham, Chadds Ford, East Bradford, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships in Chester and Delaware counties.

Haedrich informed the board that while there has been no funding for byways in recent years, he said that in 2021 the organization submitted an application for national byway status, and received a federal designation.

Based on a recommendation by the organization that each member municipality

submit a budget, Haedrich submitted a request for the board to approve the township’s portion of the BVSBC’s 2022-23 budget (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023) to the board, which included an increase in the township’s annual yearly fee from $500 to $600. The funds from the participating municipalities would be rolled into the BVSBC’s $3,000 overall budget for the year, some of which would pay for website development.

Potential conflict of interest Haedrich also said that Kennett, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships are developing a corridor management plan that is estimated at $256,000 that will be used to honor the respective legacies of both the Underground Railroad and Harriet Tubman, whose crusade to free enslaved African Americans went through Kennett Township – at a cost estimate of 128,000; and the development of the Underground Railroad Heritage Center at Barnard Station in Pocopson Township – also at a cost estimated at $128,000. Barnard Station was once the home of abolitionists Eusebius and Sarah

Barnard in the 1800s and used to house freedom seekers along the Underground Railroad.

According to the Friends of Barnard Station website, the center will focus on “fostering greater appreciation for the role Pocopson Township played in American history.”

The BVSBC is submitting a federal grant for $200,000 for these projects, which if granted, will rely on matching funds totaling $56,000 -- $4,000 of which is requested to come from Kennett Township.

Supervisor Scudder Stevens expressed his concern with Haedrich that the development of a proposed heritage center for the Underground Railroad in Pocopson Township may conflict with a similar heritage center now in place in Kennett Square Borough, as well as with efforts by local organizations and municipalities like Kennett Township that already recognize the importance of Tubman and the Underground Railroad in Chester County.

Haedrich said that key advantages of the proposed Barnard Station Heritage Center are that once it is built, it will be directly along the Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway, adja-

cent to a 60-acre park and near the construction of a new township building. “[The BVSBC] intends to call a meeting quite soon as we continue to work on this project, even with no grant,” Haedrich said, “and call in interested parties, because there are so many interested parties.

“We want to bring them all together and try to resolve all of these different interests and positions – [and determine the role] that these various groups might play.”

Haedrich did not hold the board to approve or disapprove of any BVSBC initiative at the meeting, but he said it was important that the supervisors be aware that these initiatives are being pursued.

“If it turns out that Kennett Township is not feeling the need to support [these projects], we will find other ways to go forward,” he said.

The board approved the motion to designate the township as a Shiitakelevel sponsor of the 2022 Mushroom Festival in the amount of $2,500, reflective of its inclusion in the township’s 2022 budget.

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

The Shop & Dine Raffle supports Kennett Library and local businesses

Courtesy photo

Friends of Kennett Library board members Carolyn Mostyn, Carol Yetter and Annette Bowers are ready to sell Shop & Dine Raffle tickets at the Kennett Library.

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The 2nd annual community Shop & Dine Raffle, sponsored by the Friends of Kennett Library, is in full swing.

With each ticket purchased, there are 31 chances to win $100 (two $50 gift certificates) to local shops and restaurants.

Raffle tickets are available for purchase through the end of July at the Kennett Library at 216 E. State Street in Kennett Square. One ticket is $10, four tickets are $30, eight tickets are $50, and 20 tickets are $100. The Friends will also have stands set up at events around the Kennett community, including the Kennett Farmers Market, Third Thursdays in Kennett, and a few other pop-up locations.

Every day in July, a

raffle ticket will be drawn to win $100 in local gift certificates. So, with 31 days in July, you will have 31 chances to win.

“The beauty of this raffle is that the gift certificates are being purchased with funds donated by our generous sponsors,” explained Annette Bowers, the Friends of Kennett Library board chairperson. Instead of asking for donations, the organization purchases the gift certificates from the local restaurants and businesses. It’s a great way to support both the merchants in town and the library, making the raffle a true win-win for everyone.

For a complete list of sponsors and participating businesses, visit www.kennettlibrary.org/raffle.

All proceeds from the Friends Shop & Dine Raffle support adult literacy and children’s programs

at the Library. The Adult Literacy Program offers English as a Second Language (ESL), General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and preparation for American Citizenship classes as well as oneon- one tutoring. Kennett Library offers hundreds of Children’s programs each year, including English and Spanish story times. For a complete listing of programs please visit the library website at www.kennettlibrary.org.

The Friends of Kennett Library is a growing group of library lovers.

The mission is to support the library through fundraising, volunteer services and advocacy.

Please call the Library at (610-444-2702 with any questions about the Shop & Dine Raffle or the Friends group.

r

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

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

Into the old tree It is irrefutably against the practice of this newspaper to devote the entirety of this editorial space to anything but commentary on that which is led by, influenced and impacted by people. So allow us to be forgiven here for one reporter’s momentary slip from the subjective into the ethereal.

The London Grove Oak Penn Charter Tree – identified as a Quercus Alba White Oak – stands voluminous at the rear of the parking lot at the London Grove Friends Meeting House. It is 82 and a-half-feet tall, has a girth breast of 22 feet, two inches at its widest, and spans 117 feet. According to a plaque secured to its base, the tree was alive when William Penn arrived in Pennsylvania in 1682, and is estimated to be between 350 and 375 years old.

Approximately one week after George Floyd was brutally and deliberately murdered at the knee of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin in 2020, and as the United States began a divided but necessary conversation about police violence and race, a prominent area therapist quietly invited anyone who wished to come to the Meeting House and sit in silence beneath the shade of Quercus Alba. Fifty people answered the invitation, and for the next hour, not one voice raised itself over a whisper. Given that no one there knew the proper words to describe their emotions of the past week, the tremendous limbs of the tree swaying in the breeze of that June night gave space for everyone’s fear and anger and sadness to rest.

Just as they arrived, they then left the same way, individual by individual and family by family, in quiet reverence.

Last Friday, as temperatures rose above 90 degrees in the late after- Quercus Alba noon, the reporter returned to the old tree for the first time since he sat beside it on that June evening in 2020. He stood beside it and remembered the twist of its spine and the various journeys of its branches from the time before and was reassured that its strength could withstand the weight of the country again.

By his very nature and the bylines of his profession, the reporter is not anointed by the power of healing through the natural world, and any flights of spiritual fancy beyond reliable facts and figures seems to him entered into not in the search for an awakening but as developmental sport.

Yet like millions of others in this nation, the gravity of what he has read about and seen over the past two years has become unbearable, and he has found himself no longer able to carry these indecencies on his own.

He began the act of firing mental fastballs at Quercus Alba.

He threw the gross negligence of police violence at the old tree. He threw the lingering cesspool of a lie sold to the American people that nearly toppled a Democracy and threatens to again. He threw the cold-blooded killing of more than one million Americans by a pandemic that continues to empty dining room chairs and rip at the fabric of families. He threw the shocking and volatile murders of American lives from the barrels of AR-15 rifles that blatantly and without legal accountability find their way into the hands of teenagers. He threw the egregious excuses made by lawmakers in the wake of these shootings.

Without exception, the Quercus Alba took everything into the burrow of its permanence and held them, safe in the green leaves that waved like human hands in the occasional breeze.

Chester County Press Randall S. Lieberman Publisher

Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Chris Barber................................Contributing Writer Betsy Brewer Brantner...............Contributing Writer Marcella Peyre-Ferry.................Contributing Writer Gene Pisasale...............................Contributing Writer Monica Thompson Fragale........Contributing Writer Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Sherry Hutchinson..............................Graphic Design Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations

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Commentary

The Supreme Court’s evolution

By Lee H. Hamilton In the wake of the leaked draft opinion by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito overturning Roe v. Wade and holding that there is no constitutional right to an abortion, there’s been a tidal wave of commentary on the Court’s politicization. Much of it recently has come from the left or from abortionrights advocates, arguing that the Court has fallen prey to the same partisanship and polarization that have marked American politics in recent decades.

It's entirely possible that this alarm over the Court’s drift is simply a measure of the level of scrutiny its decisions have come in for.

Certainly, over the course of my career I’ve seen rising public interest in what the Court does and how it affects American social and political life as the justices have rendered controversial decisions that touch on the most intimate aspects of Americans’ lives, from contraception and abortion to gay marriage, and on the workings of American politics in a divided age—I’m thinking particularly of the Citizens United decision and Bush v. Gore, though a

series of redistricting decisions also come to mind.

At the same time, this is hardly the first time that the Court’s politicization has become a hot topic. It came up repeatedly during the hearings on President Trump’s nominations of Amy Coney Barrett and, before her, Brett Kavanaugh, with their supporters on the right deploring the extent to which critics on the left were doing their best to undercut support for the nominees. It came up during George W. Bush’s administration, when the appointments of Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts created a bloc of four conservatives who voted consistently with one another, creating an obvious ideological divide on the Court. In fact, it’s come up repeatedly during our history—all the way back to 1801, when John Adams and the Federalists passed a law shrinking the Court from six members to five upon the next vacancy so as to keep Thomas Jefferson, who succeeded Adams, from getting the chance to name a new justice.

To be sure, it seems inarguable that the Court is more polarized than it was a few decades ago. This is, in the end, largely a reflec-

tion of the polarization of the Senate. In the past, presidents often sought to nominate justices who could command the broad center of that institution: people like John Paul Stevens, who was a liberal Republican, or Lewis Powell, a conservative Democrat. But those days are over, at least for now. When President Obama sought to nominate Merrick Garland—a judge who enjoyed support on both sides of the aisle—Senate leader Mitch McConnell blocked the move in a bid to ensure a justice purely to Republicans’ liking, a gamble that culminated in President Trump’s success naming three reliably conservative justices.

I’ve never bought into the idea that the Court is above and beyond politics. Justices can’t help but have their political biases.

I think that, at least in the past, they worked hard to put them aside, but doing so completely is an impossible task. They do not check their politics at the front door, although most justices do try to be impartial and to decide a case as the law requires— at least, as they see it.

In this day, can the Court regain some of the respect

it’s lost among Americans at large? A lot, I believe, will depend on the justices’ behavior. They have to be good listeners. They have to be prepared to learn from one another and to possess enough humility to recognize that they don’t have the answer to every question.

They need to pay attention to experts in the field they’re considering. Obviously, they should have a deep respect, if not reverence, for the law and for precedence. They should pay attention to what the Congress says in its legislation and its legislative history. And, I would suggest, they need to balance the framers’ points of view with the experiences of the ordinary Americans whose lives will inevitably be affected by every decision they make.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s Inspirational Breakfast highlights veterans’ services The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce held its 7th annual Inspirational Breakfast on May 24 at The Mendenhall Inn. Brigadier General Maureen Weigl was the keynote speaker, with more than 100 chamber members in attendance.

As deputy adjutant general for veterans affairs, General Weigl’s passion for connecting veterans to services has become her purpose, after retiring from her 25-year career in the Army. Her commitment to “serve something bigger than herself” is evident, and her list of accomplishments and involvement is inspiring.

Weigl supervises the administration of state veterans’ programs, reintegration and outreach, and veteran initiatives for nearly 800,000 veterans and their dependents. She also oversees the operation of the Commonwealth’s six veteran homes to provide long term care homes free of charge (to those who qualify) and combat homelessness. Her heart is clearly inspired by “not forgetting the moments & the people,” as this was intricately woven throughout her presentation titled “Together We Serve.”

Weigl spoke about behavioral mental health needs, reassuring resources are available and it’s a matter of linking up nonprofits and people to care.

Services range from peer support with other veterans to counseling, therapy, medication, or a combination of these options. The goal is to help veterans take charge of their treatment and live a full and meaningful life.

Weigl launched her own woman-owned/service-disabled, veteran owned small business, ProRec Resource Solutions, LLC where she provides government consulting, talent management and recruiting services. Her vision is to ensure ProRec Resource Solutions, LLC continues to serve clients exceptionally but also to ensure veterans find meaningful careers. General Weigl also serves on boards for nonprofit agencies, like Vets2Set, where she helps Veterans and their beneficiaries determine their needs, find resources that meets those needs and connect Veterans with those resources. For more information about Vet Resources visit: www.dmva.pa.gov.

The event included a coffee reception with reception sponsor, Qnectus,

followed by a sit-down breakfast and program with presenting sponsor, Constellation Energy. Special guests included Leon R. Spencer, the Chamber’s 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year, who performed The National Anthem, and the American Legion Color Guard of Kennett Square Color Guard Post 00491, led by John DiMatteo, Corporal, United States Marine Corps and local business owner and Chamber member, Bill Johnson of Grieco Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. who performed “Taps.” State Representative Christina Sappey offered recognition of service branches of the U.S. Military during the event.

Pam Hesler and Associates Photography

Melissa Canoni (Longwood Gardens), Brigadier General Maureen Weigl; SCCCC Chairman of the Board, Tim Moore (Constellation Energy), and Melissa Dietrich (Longwood Gardens).

Pam Hesler and Associates Photography

Gordon Harding (Qnectus), Luke Wozniak (Qnectus), Brigadier General Maureen Weigl, Greg Lambert (Qnectus), and Collin Martin (Qnectus).

Pam Hesler and Associates Photography

American Legion Color Guard of Kennett Square Color Guard Post 00491 with Brigadier General Maureen Weigl and SCCCC Chairman of the Board Tim Moore (Constellation Energy).

6A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

AROUND THE REGION

by Gene Pisasale

Juneteenth celebrated at The Creamery of Kennett Square on June 18

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer On June 20, 1862, six members of the Longwood Progressive Friends from Kennett Square met at the White House with President Abraham Lincoln. Their plea: free the slaves—because it would be indispensable to Lincoln’s success in the war effort.

The Friends (Quakers) were among many who felt it absolutely essential to abolish slavery, an abominable practice which had put a stain on the American nation for centuries. They got their wish when Lincoln made a formal announcement of what he called the Emancipation Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862 that went into effect the following January.

Around the nation on New Year’s Eve, “Watch Night” services were held as both free and enslaved blacks awaited news that the Proclamation would become law.

When the Civil War formally ended with the surrender of Robert E. Lee to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, some of the people whose cause spurred the conflict had no idea their fortunes had just changed.

As rebel forces continued to operate throughout areas of the South, many slaves were unsure exactly what was happening.

In the westernmost rebel state Texas, it was not until June 19 of that year when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay to announce that the more than 250,000 enslaved blacks were free by executive decree. Union Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order Number 3, informing Texas residents that slavery had ended. That day, celebrated ever afterwards as “Juneteenth” has become a noted part of our cultural calendar.

Also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day and Freedom Day, the date has been celebrated for more than 150 years, starting in Texas in 1866 and spreading across the coun-

Charlotte Blake Alston and Diane Munro fiddling and storytelling at the Juneteenth event, held at The Creamery of Kennett Square on June 18.

A celebration of Juneteenth in 1900.

try. Considered by some to be America’s “Second Independence Day,” the event is typically celebrated on the third Saturday in June. Some groups read the Emancipation Proclamation out loud, sing traditional spiritual songs and celebrate works by African American authors including Ralph Ellison and others.

In 1979, Texas State Representative Al Edwards successfully sponsored legislation to make Juneteenth a paid holiday. In subsequent years, several states moved to observe the event. In 1996, the first piece of Federal legislation to make Juneteenth a national holiday was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. On June 15, 2021 the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. It became the eleventh federal holiday, and the first since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was recognized in 1983.

Being a hotbed of abolitionist activity, Chester County has special ties to Juneteenth. On June 18, The Creamery of Kennett Square held an all-day event celebrating the holiday, starting with Charlotte Blake Alston and Diane Munroe’s fiddling and storytelling.

Re-enactors showcasing the 54th Massachusetts were also there, representing the all black Regiment who famously fought at the Battle of Fort Wagner, portrayed movingly in the film “Glory.” The re-enac-

assassinated on April 15, 1865, eight months before it was ratified on December 6, 1865.

Slavery was a harshly bitter episode in our nation’s history, yet we were strong enough to eradicate it and move forward. Despite the horrific bloodshed and destruction, we achieved something truly enduring: a nation where all people are now free to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

Photo courtesy of the Austin History Center

Linda Harris singing at The Creamery.

tors discussed the impact of the Civil War on the black community, singing “Give Us a Flag” along with the audience. Members of the regiment stated emphatically that Juneteenth should not be considered an African American holiday.

It is an American holiday celebrating throwing off the albatross of slavery and moving forward as a new nation. The West Powelton Steppers and Drum Squad thrilled the attendees. Linda Harris gave a wonderful performance singing her soulful ballads. Selected African American-owned breweries were featured at The Creamery for guests to enjoy.

Juneteenth is an important part of our heritage and should be celebrated by all Americans. Nearly ten percent of those who fought for the Union in the Civil War were black soldiers, the United States Colored Troops (USCT).

These men put their lives on the line defending our nation—even though most

Re-enactors representing the 54th Massachusetts regiment during the Civil War.

The West Powelton Steppers & Drum Squad.

of them had no rights as citizens and were looked down upon as a “lower class of human being.”

They helped save the Union in the most devastating conflict America had ever experienced. Following the war, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution came into effect. Slavery was officially banished from the land, but President Lincoln would not live to enjoy the moment. Lincoln was

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His ten books focus on the history of the Chester County/midAtlantic region. His latest book is “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution.” His books are available on his website at www.GenePisasale.com and on www.Amazon.com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

Avon Grove High School Aerial Drones Team earns award at 2022 RADC World Championship On May 12, the Avon Grove High School (AGHS) aerial drones team received the Modeling and 3D Printing Award at the 2022 Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation Aerial Drones Competition (RADC) World Championship in Dallas, Tex. The Modeling and 3D Printing award is presented to the team that demonstrates excellent use of 3D modeling of an original design as a replacement part or additional parts for the RADC drones. AGHS students

worked together to develop a 3D model and prototype supported by an engineering notebook. Their work included evidence of original mechanical design goals with annotated dimensional renderings, engineering constraints, calculations and iterations that generated a physical prototype of the finished design.

“Many of the team members plan to go on to college and major in computer science, technology, engineering or related fields,” said AGHS drones team advisor Stephanie Shrake,

who helped 31 students join the RADC aerial drones program for the 2021-2022 season.

Through the creative process of designing, building and programming robotic aerial drones, students gained extensive technical knowledge and leveraged real-world engineering with hands-on, project-based learning.

Courtesy photo

Avon Grove High School students received the Modeling and 3D Printing Award at the 2022 RADC World Championship.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

Chester County Press

Obituaries JUDDIE MCKINNEY Juddie “Darrell” McKinney passed peacefully at Union Hospital on Thursday June 9, 2022 in the company of his family.

Surviving him is his wife of 62 years, Patricia McKinney. They had four children: Sandra (John) Tilghman and former spouse (Ferlin Roop); Susan (Patrick) Curran; Christina (Parke) Davis and Edward (Alexis) McKinney.

Darrell is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Nick, Megan, Steven, Zack, Ryan, Kelley, Robert, Jeremy, Ashley, Luke and Laurel; his 10 great-grandchildren, Gabe, Dominick, Kimmy, Brandon, Miranda, Molly, Max, Emma and Landon; and his four siblings, Lorraine, Marvin, Mary and Brenda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Howard and Eula McKinney, his daughter Susan Curran and great-granddaughter Miranda Curran.

Many would say Darrell was the hardest working man they’ve ever known. Born in West Virginia, he spent his early years in the hills hunting and fishing with his

brother Marvin, developing a passion for the outdoors at a young age. He was a man of many talents. In his young life he worked on a local farm developed a love for farm animals and the land. He later worked with custom steel, drove a truck and eventually made a career in plumbing and heating. Darrell knew the value of hard work, but his true passion was to go hunting and fishing with family and friends. Everyone who met him loved him and appreciated his exceptional ability to tell stories. The memory of Darrell will live long and joyfully in the hearts of those who knew him.

Funeral services were held on June 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Little Elk Friends Meeting Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities, 26345 Network Place, Chicago, Ill. 60673-1263, RMHC.org, in loving memory of Miranda Curran.

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

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Alleluia Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.

BENJI AMIR GRAY Our precious baby boy, Benji Amir, passed away unexpectedly in his Mommy’s arms on June 14, 2022 at his home in Oxford.

Baby Benji was born April 2, 2022 in Newark Del. to Alexis Bond of Oxford and DeQuan Gray of Wilmington, Del. He loved cuddling his mommy, swinging on the porch in his swing and going for walks in his stroller with the family dog, Axel. He was the sweetest, happiest baby that anybody could ask for, with a smile that could light up a room.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Nala Amira Gray; two brothers, Kyree Leon Gray and Syrus Ali Gray; maternal grandmother, Amy Crosson; paternal grandmother, Tia Diallo; paternal grandfather Donald Gray and wife Mateenma; maternal great-grandmother, Marietta Crosson; paternal great-grandmother, Frances Moses; paternal uncles, Samuel Ongwae Jr, Savir Spicer, Saboor Gray, Shafiq Gray and Maxwell Diallo; paternal aunts, Alexandria Johnson, AnNiss Gray and Siani Sellers; and lots of uncles, aunts and cousins.

Benji is preceded in death by maternal grandfather, Raymond Bond III and maternal great-grandfather, John “Monk” Crosson.

Funeral services were held on June 20 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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

Psalm 86:16 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.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Local News Needham honored for 60 years of service to the Avon Grove Lions Courtesy photo

Avon Grove Lions President Dave Graham presented a plaque to Lion Buster Needham, left, in recognition of his 60 years of service with the Avon Grove Lions. Graham is pictured with Needham during the presentation.

Obituaries

DOROTHY LEONARD JOHNSON CHERYL A. PARSONS Cheryl A. “Grammy” Parsons, 71, of West Grove, passed away on June 15, 2022, at her residence.

Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Gomer Harris Ward and the late Mary Jane (Peters) Ward.

Cheryl retired from Genesis Health Ventures in Kennett Square, where she was a retirement coordinator.

She enjoyed sewing, doing crafts, shopping, and being with her family—especially her grandchildren.

Cheryl is survived by one son, Christopher M. H. Ward of Bear, Del.; two daughters, Melissa L. Barrett (and her husband Jerome) of Oxford and Penelope H. Parsons of West Grove; one brother, Allen Ward of Kennett Square; one sister, Kimberly Clendenin of Kennett Square; and five grandchildren, Chloe, Quin, Evan, Spencer and Nate.

Her graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday morning, June 27 at the Longwood Cemetery, 945 East Baltimore Pike in Kennett Square.

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

Dorothy Leonard Johnson died peacefully of natural causes on June 9, 2022 at The Willow Valley Retirement Community in Lancaster.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and educator. She was a former resident of Springfield, Delaware County and a kindergarten teacher for the Springfield School District.

Dotty was born on Dec. 12, 1925 to the late Thompson B. Leonard, and Mary Boone Leonard.

Dotty loved her family. She is finally reunited with Edward A. Johnson, her husband of 72 years, who died in 2020.

She is survived by her son, Edward L. Johnson (Jane); her daughter, Sandra Mast (Eric); four grandchildren, Timothy Johnson, Amy Ober (Kyle), Nate Mast (Ashley), and Laura Seeley (Jonathan). She has three great-grandchildren, Macy Ober, Cooper Mast, and Quinn Mast. She is survived by her loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Alberta Moody.

After graduating from Oxford High School, Dotty attended West Chester State Teachers College, now West Chester University, where she met the love of her life, Edward A. Johnson. They were married 72 years.

After graduating from college, Dotty taught from 1946

to 1952 for the Springfield School District. She stayed home to raise her family, then returned to the classroom.

She first taught half-day kindergarten in First Baptist Church of Springfield before she was hired to be a fulltime kindergarten teacher for the Springfield School District. She taught from 1971 to 1987 at Scenic Hills as a kindergarten teacher. She loved teaching, and spent countless hours preparing to greet her students each day.

She retired after 22 years of teaching.

Becoming a grandmother gave her more time to develop and nurture the minds of little ones again. She loved her new role, and followed her grandchildren’s events as they all grew up.

In her free time, she loved growing tomatoes in her garden and tending to her plants and flowers.

Dorothy and Ed decided to move to Willow Valley in 2005 to be closer to family in their final years. They resided there for 17 years.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Willow Valley, especially the caring nurses at The Glen for all their love and support.

Graveside services are at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Benevolent Fund at Willow Valley Communities.

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

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County announces 2022 season of Town Tours & Village Walks Return of in-person tours explores Chester County’s ‘Founding Mothers and Fathers’ For its 28th season, the 2022 Town Tours & Village Walks program offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to learn about the “Founding Mothers and Fathers” who played a significant role in Chester County’s history.

Town Tours & Village Walks is a series of summer strolls through historic neighborhoods, hamlets, villages and sites, and this year, the “strolls” are back to in-person, instead of virtual. This summer, the series will explore Chester County’s heritage on Thursday evenings through Aug. 18.

The 2022 Town Tours and Village Walks program kicked off with a celebration and Humphry Marshall Birthday Bash at the Chester County History Center (225 N. High Street, West Chester) on June 9.

Each tour is designed to inform, entertain, and educate about Chester County’s rich heritage and historic

landscape. The tours are free to attend and begin at 5:30 p.m., lasting approximately 50 minutes, with the last tour leaving at 7 p.m.

Additional tours for the 2022 season include the following: • Eagle Village (June 23); • Willistown Township – Acres of Quakers, Native Americans, and Conservationists (July 7 – pre-registration required for this tour); • Rebecca Lukens (July 21); • Jones Log Barn, Tredyffrin Township (July 28); • Celebrating 300 Years of the Springs at Historic Yellow Springs (August 4); • Malvern Borough c.

1889 – From Crossroads to Powerhouse (August 11); and • Humphry Marshall and the Village of Marshallton (August 18).

Many of the 2022 Town Tours & Village Walks locations also offer a generous

selection of restaurants and shops to enjoy after the tour.

The Town Tours & Village Walks program is made possible through a partnership between the Chester County Board of Commissioners, the Chester County Planning Commission, the Chester County History Center, the Chester County Historic Preservation Network, the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau, and many dedicated volunteers.

For more information about the 2022 Town Tours and Village Walks program, including a flyer and brochure with details of each event, visit https://www.chescoplanning.org/historic/ towntours/.

Courtesy photos

(top) The July 21 Town Tour & Village Walk event, Rebecca Lukens: Founding mother of Iron and Steel in Coatesville, takes place at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum. (bottom) The newly opened Living History Center in the Jones Long Barn in Tredyffrin Township is the meeting location for the July 28 Town Tour & Village Walk event.

Legals

Classifieds

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Notice is hereby given that Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, Letters of Administration on the PA 19363.

6p-22-3t ESTATE OF JOHN FRANKLIN EVANS ESTATE NOTICE L ATE OF NOT TINGHAM, Notice is hereby given that LetCHESTER COUNTY, have ters Testamentary have been been granted to granted to Theodore Moran, ExADMINISTRATORS: BOBBI ecutor for the Estate of Carolyn SUE TOWNSEND and DANIEL L. Moran, a/k/a Carolyn Louise EVANS, Any person having a Moran, whose last address was claim to this Estate and any Oxford, Chester County, Pennperson whom is indebted to this sylvania. Any person having a estate is asked to make known claim to this Estate is asked the same and forward payment to make same c/o R. Samuel to BOBBI SUE TOWNSEND McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box and DANIEL EVANS, C/O At296, Oxford, PA 19363. torney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen 6p-22-3t Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 6p-15-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of John Lee Thomas , Deceased, Late of London Britain Township , Chester County.

LETTERS of Administration on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to John R. Thomas 74 Marie Lane Elkton, MD 21921 6p-15-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Due to the July 4th holiday, the Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold its July Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, July 11, 2022, 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 at 610-255-0634 or elktwpchester@gmail.com to discuss how Elk Township may best accommodate your needs.

6p-22-1t

Notice is hereby given that LetPUBLIC NOTICE ters of Administration have been AT&T proposes to modify an granted to Harold Timothy Gray for the Estate of Harold Gray, existing facility (new tip heights whose last address was Oxford, 64’) on the building at 2400

Continental Blvd, Malvern, PA (20220638). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

6p-22-1t

Estate Notice

Notice is hereby given that the Register of Wills of Chester County has granted letters testamentary for William John Saganich, late of Elk Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, to Christine A. Miller, 240 South Fifth St., Oxford, Pennsylvania 19363.

All persons having claims or demands against said estate are requested to present the same without delay and all persons indebted to said estate are requested to make immediate payment to the executor or her attorney named below.

Thomas E. Martin, Jr., 201 S. Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 6p-22-3t

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Oxford Borough Council continues to move forward with policing initiatives

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer Police Chief Sam Iacono reported to Oxford Borough Council that there were eight criminal arrests for the month of April, during a recent borough meeting.

“That’s a lot for a small town,” Iacono said. “We are reminded that a lot of people are going through mental stress and substance abuse.”

Iacono was also quick to point out that the recent promotion of Officer Joseph Devlin to Corporal finally completes the proper ranking structure of the department.

“Devlin has worked for the Oxford Police Department for more than 16 years,” Iacono said. “Now that we have the structure we need—myself, Sgt. Coverly and now two Corporals, Scott Brown and Joseph Devlin, it strengthens the efficiency of our officers.”

Sgt. Chris Coverly also

expressed concerns about the mental health issues that are impacting communities.

“There is actually a mental health court set up just to handle the growing issues of mental health,” he said.

Coverly also invited council members to do a ride-along with an officer to get a better understanding of policing.

The police department will be applying for a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Hiring Program Grant Opportunity.

“The Crime Watch has been a success, but we have to be aware of our future needs,” Coverly said.

“We are a 1.9-square-mile island, with 11 full-time and six part-time officers. We are constantly doing a cost analysis and watching the crime numbers.”

A few members of the public stressed the importance of having 24/7 police presence in the borough and cited that as the reason they continue to live in the borough.

Council also received an update on how a borough budget works from borough manager Pauline GarciaAllen and treasurer/assistant borough manager Arlene Harrison.

Both Garcia-Allen and Harrison are focused on improving how they communicate with the community on how fiscal budgeting works.

“We put a lot of effort into creating a document that educates and communicates the public. As we update our website we will include that information there,” GarciaAllen said.

The goal is to have a budget document that is accessible to all on the website.

Solicitor Stacey Fuller advised council that she continues to work with the developer of Sycamore Crossing, including on the issue of the streetlights.

She added that the Moran Development is heading back to the Planning Commission a condi-

tional-use hearing will be scheduled.

In other business, council approved the following: • The HARB (Historic Architecture Review Board) recommendations for 426 Market Street and 14 S. Third Street; • Regarding the Blank Subdivision Plan, council approved a motion to grant waivers from 22-402.1 (A) (1)(d) (No further subdivision) 22-503.1(A)(2) (plan scale).22-502.1 (B) (2)(1) Contour lines), and 22-502.1 (B)(2)(m) – Datum for contours) and, a motion to grant final subdivision approval on the application of Amos G. and Rebecca R. Blank, subject to applicant’s satisfaction of Comments 6, 7, and 8 in the SSM Review Letter dated April 12, 2022; • The allocation of the Borough Council Endowment Funds to pay for Jeff Dillard’s salary while he is on medical leave, contingent on the conditions specified by council. This was the second

motion which is required for the allocation on Borough Council Endowment Funds; • The Extended Leave Agreement with employee Jeff Dillard; • The adoption of Resolution No. 1336-2022 to apply for $300,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Watershed Restoration and Protection Program to support stormwater improvements that are part of the borough’s Pollutant Reduction Program; • A Blanket Easement Agreement for Storm Water Management Facilities and Public Roadway Improvements as part of the Streetscapes IV improvements; and • A letter to Presbyterian Homes, Inc. in relation to a tree removal as part of the Streetscapes IV improvements.

Council also opened a hearing to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter

13, Licenses, Permits and General Business Regulations, False Alarms and then approved the adoption of the ordinance.

Council also opened a hearing to adopt an ordinance accepting dedication of additional right-of-way

by Presbyterian Homes, Inc.. Council then approved the dedication.

Council approved an extension request which will run through and include the date of Sept. 13, 2022 for Sycamore Crossing Phases 6 & 7 Final Subdivision Plan.

Council approved a 90-day extension request for Damico & Sons Land Development Plan to Sept.

18, 2022.

Lastly, council approved the submission of letters of support to Chester County for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant applications submitted by the Oxford Area Historical Association and Oxford SILO – Serving, Inspiring and Loving Others.

Girl Scouts make a donation to Kennett Area Community Service Brownie Girl Scout Troop 41293 from New Garden, Greenwood and Bancroft Elementary schools completed their community service project this spring.

The girls created 15 “birthday in a box” kits to donate to Kennett Area Community Service (KACS).

The birthday in a box contained all the supplies a parent would need to have a birthday party for a child—cake mix, frosting, cake pans, candles, plates, napkins, balloons, a banner, and more. The girls shopped for the items at Walmart and each packed a box.

For boxes, the troop recycled Girl Scout Cookie

cases. It was a fun way to will be carried into next Evans explained that the scouts to learn about bud- improving cookie-selling celebrate the 110th birthday year when they plan to do plan is to provide more geting, setting goals for skills, and deepening the of Girl Scouts. the activity again.” opportunities for the girl donations, in addition to, connection to KACS. The troop donated 149 pounds of other food items Classifieds that were purchased by the troop and graciously donated from the girls’ families.

KACS was very excited about receiving the birthday in a box and food donations.

They were confident the parents they serve would be delighted to receive one for each of their children.

Christa Evans, the Girl Scout leader of the troop said, “The girls in the troop enjoyed shopping for the items and packing the boxes. Many wanted to do more than one box each. Their enthusiasm

Courtesy photo

Brownie Girl Scout Troop 41293 from New Garden, Greenwood and Bancroft Elementary schools, completed their community service project this spring, creating 15 birthday in a box kits that were donated to Kennett Area Community Service.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2022