Chester County Press 08-09-2023 Edition

Chester County preparing to replace highway signage

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Chester County forms a generous chunk of southeastern Pennsylvania, whose infrastructure –extending from its grandest tourist attractions to its historic towns and districts – is a blueprint both of acknowledgement, achievement, preservation, adaptability and constant change.

Now, for the first time in decades, the well-placed signage that helps people get to these places is about to get in step with the places

they promote.

In a presentation to the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors on Aug. 2, Chester County Tourism Executive Director Susan Hamley provided an overview of the county’s plans to begin a wayfinding signage initiative that will introduce newly-designed signage throughout major corridors and transportation corridors.

The impetus to develop new signage, Hamley said, stems from the fact that all current signage is out of compliance with PennDOT

regulations.

“They were first created in the 1980s, and there is nothing about them that works anymore,” she said. “They are fading, they are falling down and there is no reflective lettering. They have too many characters. They are on the wrong side of the road, and too many are covered by bushes and trees and too close to the ground.”

Hamley said that there are also many intersections in the county where several of the signs appear, which

Penn Township supervisors discuss Roseview subdivision escrow release

Board also addresses proposed new design for McDonald’s

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Contributing Writer

The Penn Township Board of Supervisors rejected a request for an escrow release on the Roseview subdivision at the township meeting on Aug. 1.

Multiple Roseview residents and representatives of the Homeowners Association were present at the meeting to oppose the request to release $64,000 of the $121,000 total escrow, leaving about $57,000 remaining in the account. Typically, money is peri-

odically released to a developer from an escrow account as completion of infrastructure in the development is documented. The amount remaining in the escrow account should be enough to cover the cost of any remaining construction in case developer should fail to complete the project.

This release of escrow request for Roseview included completion of curbing, split rail fence with wire, lighting, lot pins and monuments and as-built plans. At this point, the township has not received the as-built

plans, and it is not clear that the fencing and monuments have been installed or not. There have been curbing repairs done many months ago, and lighting was installed recently.

The residents told the board that they believe the total remaining in escrow at this time is close to the cost to address longtime storm water management issues and other problems. They fear that if the $64,000 was released, there would not be enough to money left to complete the project.

The board indicated they

drive-thru

would like to see a list of items remaining to be done at Roseview and physically check to see that they have been completed before any other escrow monies are released.

The board gave conditional preliminary plan approval for modifications to the drive-in design at the McDonald’s restaurant in the Jenners Commons Shopping Center.

The new plan creates two side by side drive-thru lanes, each with its own ordering station. The new lane placement will eliminate five

parking spaces and relocate the handicapped parking spaces. This is part of a nationwide improvement plan for McDonald’s and is expected to reduce backups and waiting times.

The board had questions about deliveries, and pedestrian traffic through the drive-thru lanes. Board member Laura Sperratore asked that markings be included to create a pedestrian crossing point. The board gave conditional preliminary plan approval. Final plan approval is still required.

Kennett Square Borough, township police share National Night Out event

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On a crisp Aug. 1 evening in the Kennett Square Borough parking lot on South Broad Street in Kennett Square, the uniformed men and women of local police and fire departments stood side by side with hundreds of area residents in celebration of an annual event that has become permanently etched on our nation’s calendar.

National Night Out, sponsored by Belfor Property Restoration and Wawa, served not only as an annual connector between protectors and their public, but as a collaboration between the Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township

police departments, the first since they last partnered on National Night Out before the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020. The two departments and their officers were joined by the

Longwood and Kennett fire companies and representatives from the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, State Police Avondale, Bittersdorf’s, Inc Towing and Recovery, the

By Gabbie Burton

Contributing Writer

During my senior year at Oxford Area High School, I took photographs of school staff holding copies of their favorite books that have historically faced bans.

Those photographs were later turned into westernstyle “Wanted” posters that the teachers hung in their classrooms to cele-

brate Banned Books Week.

Nearly four years later, while researching this story as a contributing writer for the Chester County Press, I heard a current Oxford student reference those same posters while speaking against proposed book banning measures in the district at the April 25 school board meeting. At the time, I never thought those posters would hold

any greater significance beyond a celebration of great literature, and I certainly never thought I’d be working to find out why.

First, it should be noted that the school board does not agree with the sentiment that they are “banning books.” The board is reviewing Policy 6300, which is the material selections policy for the district’s libraries. Policy 6300 was

readopted at the Feb. 21, 2023 school board meeting in a unanimous vote before being listed as under review for policy revisions at the March 21 meeting.

While revisions are normal and part of routine, it is what has occurred since that has community members, students and staff concerned.

At the board’s work session meeting on April 11,

a member of the public brought a list of books that they deemed inappropriate. Some of the titles on that list were available at the district’s libraries but others were not. The titles on that list will not be shared here in an effort to deter any further actions against them, but content of the books included LGBTQ+ and gender issues, trauma,

‘The banning of books is an issue that can fundamentally change a school district’

Photos by Richard L. Gaw Goodie packages provided by the Kennett Township Police Department was just one of many highlights at the National Night Out event held on Aug. 1 in Kennett Square.

Image courtesy of Chester County Tourism

A design concept for upgrading wayfinding signage throughout the county is currently being developed by Chester County Tourism.

This youngster enjoyed a new gift of headwear, courtesy of the Longwood Fire Company.

Highway signage...

Continued from Page 1A

leads to motorist/tourist confusion.

“This does not reflect who we are,” she said. “Our goal is to de-clutter, not to add more signs.”

The project’s objective will be to create as many as 100 signs, and is being done in consultation with West Chester-based Merje Design, an environmental graphic design firm, and in collaboration with the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors

Book banning...

Continued from Page 1A

violence, abuse and sexual situations.

Additional community members began to pick up on the issue and address their concerns, both for and against, on Facebook and to the school board themselves through April and May. This eventually led to a board member filing a challenge this summer against several other books including The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Lucky by Alice Sebold in an effort to reevaluate their inclusion on library shelves. To those who are not familiar with the school district’s policy, filing a challenge requires an advisory committee to be formed to review said challenge and determine if the book or books in question should be removed. The complainant can then issue an appeal to the school board if they so choose.

The committee is meant to be made up of all school librarians, a building principal, a teacher from each building, a member of the board of education, a member of the parent teacher organization and a student “when appropriate.” Forming this committee in the summer months requires faculty and

Bureau, who is also seeking to upgrade its signage throughout northern Delaware.

The new signs will be constructed in various shapes and sizes based on where they will be placed on county roads, and will be consistent in design and color. (Cobalt blue is an initial option, but is subject to PennDOT requirements.)

They will direct drivers to downtowns and historic districts; arboretums and gardens; corporate tours; parks and nature conservatories; information, sports and entertainment centers;

teachers to commit a considerable amount of time to the issue over their welldeserved breaks and be paid out of taxpayer dollars to complete the additional work that is occurring outside of their regular work schedule.

This most recent challenge presents a massive conflict of interest. While some board members are parents of students in the district, that does not mean they should have the power to suggest sweeping decisions that restrict other students from gaining access to these books -especially considering that they are elected to serve those students.

The members of the advisory committee who reviewed the challenge brought forth by the board member ultimately voted in favor of keeping the books.

The second main issue to focus on here is the content of the policy revisions. It is still not clear the extent to which Policy 6300 will be revised, as any edits to the policy have not been made public at the time of writing. Due to one board member’s challenge to the policy and additional suggestions made by other board members -- including statements made during the policy committee meetings -- the current fear is that any changes made to the policy will be in an effort

museums; and agri-tourism locations, such as wineries and breweries. Hamley said that while the new signs are not intended to replace modern-day GPS technology, their purpose will be to serve as a highway marker to promote each destination.

“Everyone has a GPS in their vehicles that enables them to get from Point A to Point B, but while they’re driving past these signs, they notice that there is a winery, a history museum, and places to come back to,” she said. “That’s what we’re trying to do -- to get

to make challenges easier and, subsequently, lead to the removal of more and more books from library bookshelves; thus, banning books.

Most disappointing of all is how little information the Oxford School Board is sharing with the community it serves. Some events referenced in this editorial seem to have occurred without the board providing any explicit public awareness and, again, over the summer which further hinders any outside checks on developments.

In research for a full report I have been working on for the Press, one board member I contacted was initially cooperative with my request for an interview, yet the scheduled meeting never occurred. Just prior to the publication of this editorial, another possible date for an interview was offered by the board member, suggesting that I follow up on the policy committee meeting on Aug. 8. Other school officials I contacted did not reply to my request, and a teacher declined my request to speak after expressing concerns some of the staff have on speaking on the issue.

Board members may believe that what they are doing is in the best interest of the students and for their protection, but it is putting undue stress on teachers and staff and is opening the door to potential changes that would limit student

people to come to our county, enjoy it, spend the night and come back again.”

Hamley estimated that the cost of the wayfinding project is estimated at $800,000, which will be partially offset by a $204,000 grant the county expects to receive from PennDOT, providing that the contribution is matched by next March. She is scheduled to present similar presentations to several other area municipalities, who are all required to be classified as a signing district, but will not have any fiscal responsibility for the project.

contact

access to information. The board must take accountability for the challenge filed and the oversights made in the dealing of it. The board must also recognize that Policy 6300 is strong as is and does not require additional changes, and it is my recommendation as a former student in the school district that any suggested changes should be voted down. No matter the school district, the banning of books is an issue that can fundamentally change a school district, and any proposal that aims to effect this change needs to be seriously considered as such. I never expected events like this to unfold at Oxford because I always had com-

plete faith in the faculty I interacted with. Those faculty members are why I am even capable of writing this piece today, and I am forever grateful to them for all their work. I recognize now, however, that they have just as much power in this situation as all of you in the community who are reading this editorial. I trust the district’s faculty in choosing reading materials for their students and the board should too. While some books may be graphic and talk about things you’d rather not have your child see, that does not mean that they have no greater value or meaning. These books can make a student feel less alone, offer them comfort,

support, or even provide an escape. These books are selected by professionals who are educated and trained especially for this and the books are there for a reason. Remember that just because a book is in the library does not mean that it has to be read.

In the research for this piece I was told a quote: “Not every book in the library is for everyone, but is for someone.” We should all want that someone to have that book.

A native of Oxford, Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton is a 2020 graduate of Oxford Area High School and is a rising senior at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Susan Hamley, executive director of Chester County Tourism, met with the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors on Aug. 2 to present the county’s plans to upgrade its highway signage.

To

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

Courtesy images

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas are two books that are being reviewed by the Oxford School District in an effort to reevaluate their inclusion on library shelves in the district.

National Night Out...

Continued from Page 1A

Chester County Sherriff’s Department, Justice Works Youth Care, Kennett Area Community Service, the Kennett Consolidated School District, the Kennett Library, the Krapf School Bus Company, LCH and the Pennsylvania State Animal Response Team, as well as a canine demonstration, and various food trucks and entertainment vendors.

Together, they carried on what has become perhaps law enforcement’s most celebrated annual event. First introduced by the National Association of Town Watch in 1984, the inaugural National Night Out drew 2.5 area residents in 400 communities to celebrations that took place in 23 states. Over the past 40 years, the event has spread to every state in the nation and serves as a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie in an effort to break down real and imaged barriers between law enforcement and the residents they serve and protect.

“This is an incredible opportunity to get everyone together, remove any of the fears and insecurities about policing and get our communities to see the officers for who they are: people – mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers – people who are doing a difficult job at times but a very valued job, and keep having those con-

versations,” said Kennett Borough Police Chief William T. Holdsworth.

For several years prior to COVID-19, the two departments collaborated on National Night Out events at the East Linden neighborhood in the borough, and when the pandemic began to dissipate last year and public events began again, it became evident that it was time for another partnership.

“[The Kennett Borough Police and the Kennett Township Police] may be representing two completely separate municipalities, just like we do with the East Marlborough Township Police and the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, but we all work collaboratively, together,” Holdsworth said.

“The Kennett Borough Police and our department are both like-minded in the belief that we are both community policing-based, and for all of us to be able to be here in a non-911 or crisis response and be able to connect better prepares everyone for when we might

be protecting them in a crisis situation response,” said Kennett Township Police Department Chief Matthew Gordon. “Should that crisis arise, a community member may have previously met an officer at National Night Out and is able to know the officer not just as another cop, but know that the officer’s name is ‘Amanda.’

“Later on down the road, if they come into issues of crisis, they can find someone whom they trust. It goes just the same with fire and EMS units. Normally, the only time they are visible is during an emergency amid smoke and gas and people in pain, but here, it gives them a chance to interact with these officers.”

For both police departments, participation with the communities they serve does not end with National Night Out. Throughout the year, the departments regularly visit schools, community centers, participate in local events and are aligned with several well-established initiatives such as Kacie’s Cause, Safe Kids Online,

Protecting Kids Online, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and anti-bullying campaigns.

“When we hold our coffee-with-a-cop or conduct public safety days, those kinds of events are important to building trust in our community,” Gordon

said. “Over the last five or so years, the public’s response to law enforcement has not always been positive, so this is why it’s important to build these relationships now.

“What the general public normally doesn’t see is that all of us – fire, EMS and

police units – interact with each other all the time. Events like this one allow the people we protect to see that close bond that we have.”

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

With the support of a crane supplied by the Kennett Fire Company, the American flag flew over the event.

Representatives from three local police agencies – the Kennett Square Borough, Kennett Township and State Police – were on hand to meet with local residents.

Olivia Kloss of Oxford posed for a face painting by Paintings in People.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

This youngster was anxious to steer a Kennett Fire Company vehicle.

Kennett Square Borough Police Officer Nick Matty challenged a few residents to a game of cornhole.

Chester County Sheriff’s Office changes certification requirements for new deputy sheriff hires

Act 120 or Act 2 Law Enforcement Certification no longer required to start as deputy sheriff tification training from the hiring start date.

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced a change in qualification requirements for its Deputy Sheriff I positions. Effective immediately, Act 120 or Act 2 certification is not required in advance of a career as a Chester County Deputy Sheriff. The county will now offer paid-for cer-

Those seeking to be hired at the entry-level Deputy Sheriff position with Chester County government will receive a Deputy Sheriff I salary and benefits and must complete the Act 120 or Act 2 certification within one year of employ-

ment. The county will cover the cost of training alongside the salary.

The move to offer paid-for training as a Chester County Deputy Sheriff follows the recent extensive review of salaries for all positions in the CCSO. Combined with valuable county benefits, the paid-for training offers

good career opportunities for those seeking to work in law enforcement.

Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox said, “For applicants desiring a career in law enforcement, the out-of-pocket expense of Act 120 training can be cost-prohibitive. With the county offering to pay for

training, along with a full compensation package in exchange for a commitment to serve with the Sheriff’s Office, I see that as a gamechanger that should increase our ability to attract and recruit new deputies.”

Law enforcement recruits must complete 919 hours of coursework and training,

typically over nine months, to become Act 120 certified. Act 2 certification requires recruits to complete 760 hours in a six-month residential program. Find out more about the Chester County Deputy Sheriff I job requirement and apply at https://chesco. org/ccsojobs.

Sunshine Act abuse should not be tolerated

By William M. Cotter President and CEO Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

Citizens should know

what issues their school boards, borough councils and other government agencies plan to deliberate and/or vote on at public meetings.

Call this commonsense requirement what it is: the law in Pennsylvania.

Since 2021 the Sunshine Act, or state open-meetings law, requires that a government agency make its meeting agenda available at least 24 hours in advance of a public meeting. The agency must post the agenda on its publicly accessible internet website, if it has one, as well as at the agency office and at the location of the meeting. In addition, copies of the agenda must be made

available to individuals in attendance at the meeting.

The public must get a heads-up from government on road repairs, contract agreements, tax hikes, budget proceedings, environmental matters affecting health and safety, and other pending issues so individuals can be fully informed, attend meetings on topics that concern them, and participate in the decisionmaking process.

Once the agenda has been finalized and posted for the public, according to Act 65, the agency may not take official action on any item that is not listed on the agenda ‒ except in emergency situations or on insignificant matters that create neither a contract nor involve expending funds.

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is concerned that agencies

have begun to rely on the exceptions provision to address significant and controversial issues, which does not allow for meaningful public comment. Examples where local government has improperly moved forward include:

• Upper Mount Bethel Township in Northampton County, which approved an indemnity agreement with a developer seeking to build a 5.8-million-square-foot industrial park for manufacturers that opponents believe would harm the rural character of the township.

• Bucks County, where the water and sewer authority voted to enter exclusive talks to sell its wastewater system for $1.1 billion before formally soliciting public feedback on the proposal.

The exceptions provision is the subject of an appeal

before the Commonwealth Court.

A school board director for Lehigh Valley’s Parkland School District initially filed a suit after the board voted in 2021 to approve a collective bargaining agreement with the teachers’ union that was not listed on the agenda in advance of the meeting.

As a result of the vote, the agreement, in part, provided teachers with 2.9 percent annual raises as part of a three-year contract.

Former board member Jarrett Coleman said at a subsequent board meeting that he did not object to teachers getting higher pay, but rather to the lack of transparency by the board. He argued in Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas that because the board did not put the contract on its agenda in advance of the meeting it violated the Sunshine Act. The court dismissed the suit; Coleman, who is a freshman state senator serving parts of Lehigh and Bucks counties, is appealing.

Because the outcome of the case has statewide implications for the news

media industry and public access to information, PNA has filed an amicus brief in support of Coleman’s position. We make the argument that Parkland’s eleventh-hour move to act on a big contract with wide-ranging implications for teachers and taxpayers ventured far from both the intent and spirit of the law. Furthermore, the lower court’s holding would make the advanceagenda requirement utterly ineffectual, which decries the public policy behind its passage.

Government agencies must be limited in taking action on issues added to an agenda at the last moment or risk abuse to government transparency and accountability.

State Sen. Patrick Stefano of Fayette County sponsored the legislation after he learned that a school board in his district added an unexpected vote on a new superintendent to a board agenda. “A lot of people were interested in the superintendent issue, and the board voted on it at a meeting where no one was there,’’ he said. “That

should never happen.”

PNA and its members agree. That is why our organization supported and advocated for Stefano’s efforts, which won unanimous approval in both legislative chambers. It is also why we call out those who threaten to limit or withhold the information essential to robust public participation.

The health of our democracy depends upon it.

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is the official trade organization for print, digital and news media-related members statewide. Founded almost a century ago, PNA has advocated for legislation that improves public access laws in the commonwealth.

Former prosecutor appointed chair of criminal defense practice group

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees announced that Daniel J. Yarnall, a criminal litigator and former Chester County prosecutor, has been appointed chair of its criminal defense practice group.

Dan previously worked as a trial prosecutor at the Chester County District Attorney’s Office where he tried numerous felony trials to verdict and investigated all matters of criminal cases, including, but not limited to: robberies, burglaries, child and elder abuse, white collar offenses, sex offenses and domestic violence.

Prior to leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Yarnall supervised the legal intern program and helped law students develop into potential future prosecutors.

At Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, Yarnall advises clients throughout the entire criminal justice process, from arrest through trial. His knowledge of the Chester County justice system provides a valuable insight to his clients. While Yarnall’s criminal practice is based

Courtesy photo

Daniel J. Yarnall, a criminal litigator and former Chester County prosecutor, has been appointed chair of the criminal defense practice group for Unruh Turner Burke & Frees. in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, he focuses his practice on Chester County, given his deep roots within the Chester County justice system. Yarnall had a reputation as a tenacious prosecutor and brings that tenacity to bear as a criminal defense attorney.

He received his law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law where he graduated cum laude. While at Temple, Yarnall was awarded the Barrister Award of Oral Advocacy as well as being

named an Outstanding Oral Advocate. Prior to law school, Yarnall graduated from West Chester University summa cum laude.

He is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and is a member of the Chester County Bar Association. He is also a member of the Delaware County Community College Paralegal Studies Advisory Board, where he provides insight and assistance to students seeking to enter the legal field as paralegals.

Courtesy photo William M. Cotter

Pa. senior citizens finally get a break

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered on another one of his campaign promises when he signed HB 1100 into law on Aug. 4, expanding the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. This is the first time that this program has been expanded since 2006.

The bill raises the maximum rebate for seniors from $650 to $1,000, increases the income cap for renters and homeowners to $45,000 a year, and ties the cap to increases in the cost of living so no seniors lose out just because their Social Security payment went up.

State officials said that the bill will expand the program’s benefits to an additional 175,000 Pennsylvania seniors, and will also double the rebates for many of the 400,000 residents who already qualify.

Rising costs always hit senior citizens, especially those with fixed incomes, the hardest.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program expansion passed the State House and State Senate with nearunanimous bipartisan support, and state lawmakers should be lauded for supporting the bill.

During a stop in Scranton promoting the benefits of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program and other highlights of the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget, Shapiro said, “When I traveled across the Commonwealth on my campaign last year, I heard firsthand from seniors who told me that we need to do more to help them keep up with rising prices. Whether I was here in Scranton or out in Erie, an overwhelming number of older Pennsylvanians told me they were struggling under the burden of rising costs—and I promised that my Administration would lead the way by tackling rising costs and putting money back in your pockets. That’s why I am proud to be here in Scranton to sign HB1100.”

There are approximately 3.4 million senior citizens living in Pennsylvania according to the most recent statistics available, which places it fifth among the 50 states for the number of older adults. Senior citizens account for approximately 17.8 percent of Pennsylvania’s total population, which places the state seventh overall in the U.S.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging Services is currently working on developing a 10-year Master Plan for Older Adults. This strategic plan will be designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The master plan will also reflect the needs and preferences of this population to live where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place.

The Chester County Department of Aging Services will be hosting three different listening sessions on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults in the coming weeks—in Kennett Square, West Chester, and Coatesville.

Stakeholders, older adults, people living with disabilities, families, caregivers, and community leaders are invited to hear an overview of the plan and its core principles, and why such a plan is needed for Pennsylvania, as well as to offer their input.

The listening sessions will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. at the Brandywine Valley Active Aging in Coatesville, Monday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. at the Government Services Center in West Chester, and Thursday, September 14 at 10 a.m. at the Kennett Area Senior Center.

To register for a listening session, go to https:// chesco.org/ccareg. Those unable to attend can review the Master Plan at www.aging.pa.gov/publications/ MasterPlan.

A lot has been made about how divided we are as a country, but one thing that we all have in common is this—we’re all getting older, day by day, and most of us would also agree that we should do what we can to offer help to senior citizens through initiatives like the expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Hopefully, the work that goes into the state’s Master Plan for Older Adults helps provide other ideas that will improve the quality of life for Pennsylvania’s older residents.

Young people can’t sit on the sidelines on Social Security

Young workers struggling to save amid high rents and student debt will pay the biggest price for cuts. Here’s how to prevent them

By Bella DeVaan

“The most important advice about saving for retirement is this,” the New York Times’ retirement savings guide begins: “Start now.”

If young Americans had a nickel for every time they got that advice, well… they wouldn’t have to worry about retirement, but many young workers are finding it impossible to put aside even a fraction of their paychecks.

Why? Skyrocketing apartment costs are one factor. With a down payment for a home increasingly out of reach, most young people rent — and rents have never been higher than in recent years.

Americans aged 18 to 29 are also twice as likely as any other adults to shoulder student debt, according to the Education Data Initiative. The end of the pandemic moratorium on student debt payments this fall will be crushing, leaving young people with even less disposable income to set aside for their retirement.

Younger workers are also heavily represented in low-

wage jobs. In 2020, those under age 25 made up less than 20 percent of hourly paid workers but 48 percent of those earning the federal minimum wage or less.

Even if low-wage workers have a 401(k)-retirement plan, they often cannot afford to take advantage of this benefit.

A joint report by the Institute for Policy Studies and Jobs with Justice examined the retirement divide within some of the country’s leading low-wage employers. At Walmart, for example, 46 percent of employees in the retailer’s 401(k) plan have zero balances. By contrast, the CEO has $169 million in a special retirement account set up just for top executives.

The report found similar divides at Chipotle, Hyatt, Home Depot, McDonald’s, Tyson Foods, Target, Petco, and other companies. These firms’ CEOs are all set to receive more in monthly retirement checks than their typical workers make in a year. Meanwhile, at least a third of their employees haven’t been able to put any money in their 401(k) plans.

Young Americans also appear to be less likely to save for their “golden years” because more and more of them are having a hard time envisioning a livable future.

According to Intuit, almost three in four young people say the current economic climate makes them hesitant to set up long-term goals and climate change, of course, has contributed to the pessimism.

To give young Americans a chance of living to see dignified retirements, we need to tackle the short and long-term obstacles to saving: Let’s raise the minimum wage, strengthen labor rights, guarantee housing and health care, and fight climate change.

We also need to strengthen Social Security. Protecting and expanding this public pillar of our national retirement system will be critical for those unable to build big enough nest eggs on their own.

How can we pay for that? Right now, CEOs and other rich Americans stop contributing to the Social Security fund early in the year after they hit the wage cap on payroll taxes

— which is just $160,200. Even if they make billions, they pay nothing into Social Security on income past that amount.

Most working people, on the other hand, pay into this fund all year — on every penny they earn.

We could shore up Social Security simply by requiring high earners to pay the same share of their total income into the system as ordinary workers. We should also end those special tax privileges for CEO retirement accounts to support a secure retirement system for everyone.

Several organizations are lobbying to expand Social Security and pushing back against Republican efforts to shrink these vital benefits; yet, they are mostly groups representing older Americans — not the young people with the biggest long-term stake in a retirement security system for all. That should change.

Bella DeVaan is a Program Associate at the Institute for Policy Studies and a co-editor of Inequality.org. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

What Does it Mean to be Human? (Bones Personified)

By Marie-Louise Meyers

We have a formula when it comes to naming our ancestors, some seem quite clear and others difficult to pin-point, since apes capture many we think only reserved for humans.

Still every Human Society has some funerary ritual, and a Cave of Bones was recently discovered to be 2,500 years old.

With a missionary zeal they come, Anthropologists bar none looking for crumbs leading to the oversight of bones spread throughout the African Plains, engaging in explorations which will take them to the recesses where early “Humanoids” roamed.

A Pit Burial an example of the latest where bodies were dropped into a narrow chute, as if salvaged for burial sites below, with remnants of fires found as if sacred rites were held.

Yielding ever older and older specimens, dated since Leakey initiated and reported his findings

to the world. We seem to be of two mind-sets when separating factors disappear, yet their appearance almost repugnant to our refined tastes, jaw sticking out, browridge over eyes, small orange-sized brain, what cognitive capacity attained?

An arsenal of sounds may be tongue-worthy, but were they able to enunciate into an understandable speech pattern? Limbs long but better made for climbing, small canine teeth.

When they epitomize so much of the “ape” yet seemly gape at each other, find solace in numbers, and most noteworthy of all, perform silent rituals over an open fire and a grave made to order. Are there priests who come to bury the dead, even place a tool-shaped stone in the hands of a young one posed in a fetal position, transferring from life to defend in an After-Life?

Are the scratchings on the cave walls early pictographs? Each new discovery pro-

vides new links but no real answers.

Why dwell in the past if not to find the critical building blocks of the Human experience when so many remains fail the test, why ask why scientists have a vested interest in establishing the time line when apes lost their prehensile tail and stood upright, and rallied around each other as if there was more to life than the next meal, carved from memory in a cave with details, and last

but not least revered their fallen comrades preparing for the unknown?

Do we still insist on pigeonholing this characteristic or that as if there are broad enough implications when the lines between fade when an ape mother with her little one encased in her arms, points to the human mother right outside the glass cage doing the same as if to say my love is just as profound and allencompassing as yours.

Kennett Symphony announces an exhilarating 2023-2024 season

The Kennett Symphony, Chester County’s only professional symphony orchestra, and its music director Michael Hall announced its 83rd season – one that will feature six diverse concert offerings that promise to be exhilarating.

Hall said, “Together with the passionate and committed musicians of the Kennett Symphony, I am excited about presenting our upcoming season. We will be performing some of the great masterpieces of the past, uncovering lesser-known gems, and collaborating with exciting, young guest soloists.

“Supporting your local orchestra attracts diversity, empathy for our neighbors, and intellectual curiosity. Your unwavering belief in the power of music is what drives us to create transformative experiences.”

The season, which will be Hall’s 10th as the music director, will appeal to classical music enthusiasts, nature lovers, children and families, xenophiles, and movie fans too. Those who attend will hear works from Mozart, Mendelssohn, Sibelius, Beethoven, Florence

B. Price, Dvorak, Dan Brown, the Harry Potter movies, and more.

The season kicks off on Oct. 15 with Masterworks 1 - Stories of Love and Nature in the Exhibition Hall at Longwood Gardens.

Enjoy an exploration of themes of love and nature in the beautiful surroundings of Longwood Gardens. Taking inspiration from Hindu poetry, Canadian composer Glenn Buhr wrote a lighter-than-air piece titled “Akasha; Sanskrit for Sky.” The concert features Risa Hokamura

performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Violin Concerto No.4.

Mendelssohn was inspired by the rugged islands off Scotland’s coast to write the Hebrides, whereas Sibelius captured in music the tragic love story of Pelleas and Melisande.

The season continues with the Symphony’s beloved Reimagined Concert Experience on Nov. 5 at Mendenhall Inn. Immerse yourself in the world of classical music like never before. Seated in the round, with options for food and drink, this casual setting encourages an open and friendly atmosphere. The event is hosted by Hall. Enjoy the perfect marriage of music and visuals as multimedia projections bring the music to life with informative, captivating imagery.

Masterworks 2Cultural Resonance will be presented on March 17, 2024 in Adler Theatre at West Chester University.

Living in the early 20th century, the music of African American composer Florence B. Price is an important rediscovery in classical music today. The piece will be performed by guest artist Maxim Lando. This is paired with another distinctive American voice, Charles Ives and his enigmatic “Unanswered Question.”

Travel through the trees and across the seas with Maestro Mouse and his musical friends at the annual Family Concert on April 14 at Rustin High School. Meet a big blue whale and speedy cheetahs, tiny beetles, and graceful swans, each has a special secret to share.

Written by Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, this is an ideal concert for the entire family and a fun, engaging way to learn about the instruments of the orchestra and the animal kingdom.

Mother’s Day wouldn’t be complete without Chamber Music at Winterthur by musicians of the Kennett Symphony. Attendees may add on tickets to Winthur’s Museum, Garden, Library and Exhibitions—including 90,000 objects in the 175-room mansion Henry Francis du Pont called home, 1,000 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests, as well as a research center dedicated to America’s artistic, cultural, social, and intellectual history from colonial times into the twentieth century. The 2023-2024 sea-

son culminates with Masterworks 3: Symphony Under the Stars - Halls of Magic, on June 23 in the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens.

The popular music from the eight Harry Potter movies is paired with the imaginatively colorful pictures at an Exhibition.

Both classical and film music are represented on this program, making it a

concert that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to ensure the best seat selection. Season subscriptions with discounted tickets and individual performance seats now available. Please visit https://kennettsymphony. org or call 610-444-6363 to reserve your seats for the 2023-2024 season.

Pennsylvania State Police offer Cadet Camp and Sunny Day Camp to make a positive impact

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry

Contributing Writer

Chester County Cadet

Camp and Sunny Day Camp are fun opportunities to make a positive connection with the Pennsylvania State Police.

Cadet Camp is a weeklong overnight camp for children ages 11 to 13, while Sunny Day Camp is a one-day event for individuals of all ages with disabilities.

Chester County Camp

Cadet will be held this year from Aug 13 to 18 at Camp Saginaw. Established in 1971, this is a free overnight camp run by Pennsylvania State Police Troopers and other local police officers. The program provides children with an understanding of law enforcement activities, plus it helps them

feel comfortable with the law enforcement professionals who serve their communities. Cadets will learn about teamwork, making good decisions, self-discipline and, most importantly, have fun.

The Sunny Day Camp, scheduled for Sept. 23, is also a free event for children and adults with special needs, or disabilities and Special Olympics participants, and their families. This is an all-day event that has a police and community interaction.

Both camps are run by the Pennsylvania State Police and are held at various locations throughout the state.

Camp Cadet is a co-ed camp with a wide assortment of activities. Children experience team-building exercises, games, swimming, archery and zip

lining. They learn CPR, take a tree adventure course, and practice mock traffic stops where they get to play the role of the police officer. There will be visits from the K-9 Unit, Bomb Squad, Helicopter Unit, visits from district court judges and classroom activities with safety tips and anti-bullying education programs.

“It’s a summer camp for kids to be able to have fun and interact with police on a positive note,” said Trooper Michael Carter from the Avondale station, where he also serves as the unit's Community Service Officer (CSO). While serv-

ing in the role as CSO, he takes the responsibility of doing various events with the public.

“I love the programs so much that I am also a board member for the programs as well,” he said.

Camp Cadet receives positive feedback each year, and has even inspired some young people to pursue careers in law enforcement.

“A lot of them talk about it for years. We have troopers who went through Cadet Camp. It got them motivated to be a police officer,” Trooper Carter said.

This year, there are 80

campers registered for Camp Cadet, which will be conducted by 14 State Police Troopers and two local police officers, all of whom are volunteers. The camp’s director is Trooper Kelly MacIntyre.

Registration for this year is already closed, but there is still time to sign up for the Sunny Day Camp. Sunny Day Camp is a one-day, free camp for both children and adults with special needs or disabilities. It is also open to Special Olympics participants and their families.

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 23 at the Penn Township Park.

The Sunny Day Camp was originally set up by Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. Samantha Minnucci, who was inspired by her own experiences with her brother who had a disability.

Participants will enjoy face painting, games, and show-and-tell with police cars. The local Fire Department will also be on hand and there will be police and fire vehicle displays. After lunch, at the end of day, participants will get graduation certificates.

Both camps are non-profit organizations, supported by donations and run by a volunteer board. More information on the camps and on becoming a board member as well as registration for Sunny Day Camp is available on the website at ww.cccampcadet.org.

“It’s a summer camp for kids to be able to have fun and interact with police on a positive note.”

~ Pa. State Police Trooper Michael Carter

Michael Hall

ERIC NANSON CAMPBELL

Eric Nanson Campbell, a resident of Oxford who formerly lived in Aston, Pa. and Camden, Del., passed away on July 30, 2023. He was 79.

Born in Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late William J. and Thelma Blackstead Campbell.

He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Roseanne R. Pigeon Campbell; four children, Cathy Brady (Michael), Eric Campbell (Deborah), Deborah Heilman (John) and Sandra Battista (Nino).

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud: Morgan, Gemma, and Noah Brady; Abigail and Hannah Campbell; and Aydan and Carsyn Heilman. He started his career at Reynolds Metals, then moved to British Petroleum Refinery where he worked for 20 years before retiring from ConocoPhillips in 2005.

He enjoyed coaching Special Olympics with his wife for many years and target shooting at his gun club. He was an avid woodworker and a “Mr. Fix It.” He was known for his jokes and sarcastic wit.

He was well loved and will be deeply missed. Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or Special Olympics. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOHN A. ARRELL, III

John A. Arrell, III of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 1, 2023. He was 39 years old.

Born in Wilmington, Del., John was the beloved son of John A. Arrell, Jr. and Tracey Travis Lee.

In addition to his parents, John is survived by his daughter, Victoria Page Arrell and his siblings, Sean P. Arrell, Taylor N. Arrell, Ryan M. Arrell, Erik R. Lee, Sabrina E. Lee, Melissa Thompson and Chelsea R. Lee. Visitation with the family will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10 at Avondale Presbyterian Church, 420 Pennsylvania Ave. in Avondale. A reception with the family will follow the funeral service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Avondale Presbyterian Church, 420 Pennsylvania Ave., Avondale, Pa. 19311 OR Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, https://give2. chop.edu/give.

Services are being handled by Longwood Funeral Home and Cremation of Matthew Genereux.

REBA JANE SANTOS

Reba “Bunny” Santos passed away on August 5, 2023 at Twin Pines in West Grove.

Born Sept. 25, 1944, in Lancaster, Pa., she was the daughter of George and Sarah Tedder and sister to Rosa, Ethel, Georgia, Ann, and Bill. She had four children: Vicki, Sharon, Scottie, and Anthony (Kathy).

Bunny was a strong woman, and a loving mother. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her son Scottie, and her daughter Sharon. In addition to her children, she had six grandchildren: Courtney (Justin), Jennifer (Richie), Donald, Christian, Tyler, and Sophie and five great grandchildren, Bryana, Khloe, Kali, Josephine, and Oliver.

Bunny grew up in Oxford and lived in the town most of her life. She was active in the community and spent many years as a member of the Ocklokonee Council #212, Degree of Pocahontas. She was also a member of the ladies’ auxiliary for Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford. She enjoyed celebrating birthdays and holidays with family and friends. She also enjoyed preparing holiday dinners for her family and making Christmas cookies. She was an avid crafter, an amazing speed reader, and she enjoyed crocheting. Bunny was a good friend to many.

On any given day, she would often say, “I love my family.” She saw goodness in everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

A Pocahontas service will be held at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace.

Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

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

Chester County’s Hibernia Park welcomes

94th annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic

On Saturday, Aug. 12, Chester County Parks + Preservation welcomes all musicians and music lovers to celebrate traditional music at the 94th annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hibernia County Park. At 9 a.m., groups and individuals may register to play on the main stage on a firstcome, first-served basis. Solo acts are allotted 10 minutes and up to 20 minutes for groups.

Beginning at 10 a.m., visitors can enjoy the stage shows and can stroll through the Fiddler’s Cove to watch and listen to musicians play bluegrass, old-time and gospel tunes using a variety of instruments, including guitars, banjos, mandolins and, of course, fiddles. Children and those new to string instruments are encouraged to learn by observing, and talking to the musicians in the relaxed, music-filled atmosphere.

At 2 p.m., a fiddle-off con-

‘A Celebration of Music and a reunion of friends’ takes place this Saturday test will take place on the stage, with prizes for the top three winners. The first 10 entrants that register for the contest will take part, and registration begins at 9 a.m.

The Old Fiddlers’ Picnic also features craft and novelty vendors and food trucks. Tours of the 19th century Hibernia Mansion are offered throughout the afternoon beginning at 1 p.m. A $3 donation per person is requested for the Mansion tour.

Lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Canopies, tents, and alcohol are not permitted. Pets are welcome but must be on a six-foot lead.

Parking and admission for the Old Fiddler’s Picnic are free, and the rain date for the event is Sunday, Aug. 13.

Camping at Hibernia Park during the Old Fiddler’s Picnic weekend is available on a first-come, first-served basis by registering online at www.chesco.org/parks.

Hibernia County Park is located in Wagontown, four

CARL CAMPBELL

Carl Campbell, a resident of Oxford and formerly of Shippensburg, Pa., passed away peacefully at Ware Presbyterian Village on July 26, 2023. He was 98.

Born May 3, 1925 in Casper, Wyoming, Carl was the son of the late Frank S. and Iona (McKeeman) Campbell.

The family moved to Aruba when Carl was three years old, after Frank accepted a management position in the new oil refinery. Carl’s childhood was idyllic, and he later wrote a memoir about his adventures growing up on the island.

Carl graduated from Lago Community High School in 1942. During his senior year, Aruba was attacked by German submarines, prompting his return to the United States in 1943, when he joined the Navy. He served aboard a landing ship in the Pacific, the USS Osage, during World War II, and earned a battle star for the Okinawa campaign. His service to his country was a source of great pride for the rest of his life.

After the war, he used the GI Bill to attend Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, Va. He graduated in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. During his time at Lynchburg, Carl met the love of his life, Rebecca (Campbell) Campbell. They were married on June 7, 1949 and shared 69 years together before her passing in March 2019.

He started his career as an educator in Virginia. In the fall of 1949, he began teaching high school chemistry and general science. Carl later served as the principal of two elementary schools. He continued his education at the University of Virginia, where he earned both his master of education and doctor of education degrees.

In 1958, Carl and his family moved to Shippensburg, where he was appointed professor of educational administration at Shippensburg University. He was a well-respected professor for 26 years, until his retirement in 1984.

He loved history and he read extensively about the Civil War, World War II, and early maritime history. In addition to reading, he was an avid puzzle solver and he completed numerous word puzzles daily. Carl also thoroughly enjoyed golfing, fishing, playing games, painting, art history, museums, Civil War battlefields, and searching for arrowheads. One of his favorite pastimes was traveling the world with his wife, Becky.

Above all else, his greatest love was his family, and nothing gave him more pleasure than spending time with them. Carl will be remembered fondly for his humor, quick wit, clever poems, silly character drawings, making Popeye faces, and storytelling.

Carl is survived by his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Geoff Henry; three granddaughters, Allison (Mike), Meredith, and Ashley (Tim); eight great-grandchildren, Ian and Kendall Longenberger; Kenzie, Kade, and Keeley Musselman; Mason, Hayden, and Colten Whiteman; and one sister, Dorothy Hackney, of Houston, Tex. In addition to his wife and parents, Carl was preceded in death by four brothers.

In accordance with Carl’s wishes, interment will be private.

Carl’s family would like to thank Ware Presbyterian Village and Willow Tree Hospice for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carl’s name to a charity of your choice.

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

Obituaries

FERDINAND THUN

Ferdinand Thun died on July 30, 2023 at his home in Crosslands Community in Kennett Square after bravely facing a threemonth illness. He was 89.

Born in Reading, Pa., Ferd was the son of Ferdinand K. Thun and Marion Greene Thun. He pursued his education graduating from Wyomissing High School, Lehigh University, and Harvard Business School, laying the groundwork for an impactful career.

With over 20 years of dedicated service, Ferd made significant contributions to Lehigh University as the Director of Planned Giving in the Office of Development. His commitment to education and philanthropy knew no bounds, as evidenced by his establishment of The Ferdinand and Elizabeth M. Thun Scholarship and the Thun and Janssen Memorial Scholarship at Lehigh, providing invaluable support to first-generation U.S. citizens from immigrant families, regardless of their country of origin. Additionally, he created the Ferdinand Thun ’56 Chair in Family Business, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of students.

Beyond his academic achievements, Ferd played a pivotal role as the president of the extended Thun family business, effectively overseeing the liquidation of the Thun Investment Company, a family enterprise specializing in real estate and investment management.

Ferd’s impact extended to the community, where he generously served on the boards of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, the Wildlands Conservancy, and held the title of Emeritus Director of the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Kempton, Pa. at the time of his death. His passion for preserving nature and wildlife was important.

An ardent lover of the outdoors, Ferd found solace and joy in the waters. He was enthusiastic about canoeing and fly fishing, and his heart was never happier than when he sailed on his cherished sailboat, Great Eagle.

Ferd’s love of his family were evident throughout his life. He leaves behind his wife, Elizabeth, his brother Peter, a niece, Kirsten Dunn, and two nephews, Eric Thun and Christopher Thun, along with seven grandnieces and a grandnephew. In his final years, Ella, his loyal and beloved dog, remained his constant companion and soulmate. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Katrina Thun.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. at Crosslands, 1660 E. Street Road in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to honor Ferdinand’s memory to the Ferdinand Thun ’56 Chair in Family Business at Lehigh University (306 S. New St., Suite 500, Bethlehem, PA 18015) or The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (1700 Hawk Mountain Rd., Kempton, Pa. 19529), reflecting his dedication to education and environmental conservation.

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

KENNETH BUNKER

Kenneth “Darryl” Bunker, 75, of New London, Pa., passed away on Aug. 3, 2023 while surrounded by his loving family at home. Darryl’s strength and resilience was an inspiration to all who knew him as he fought a courageous 12-year battle with multiple myeloma.

Born in Cheyenne, Wy., he is the son of Jeannine Phipps and the late Kenneth Bunker. He adored his wife, Sandi (Rector) Bunker, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. Darryl and Sandi began their love story in New London, where they raised their five daughters. He enjoyed coaching softball and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Nothing gave him more joy than spending time with those that called him Pop-Pop. He was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. Darryl was a trucking owner and operator for more than 40 years and was proud to have traveled to 48 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. He earned the distinction of driving 3 million safe miles during his trucking career. He loved sharing stories about the places he would travel to and the people he met along the way. He had a love for roses and took pride in his rose garden. Working around his yard gave him immense joy and you could always see him with a pair of nippers and a shovel planting numerous prize trees. Darryl loved classic cars and John Deere tractors.

In addition to his wife, Sandi, he is survived by his five daughters, Heather Ledezma (Joshua), Rachael Lawrence (Travis), Allison Elicier (Marc), Autumn Bunker and Natalie Trait (Jim), as well as nine grandchildren, Trevor Lawrence (Tiffani), Adrienne Sperratore (Jonah), Riley Lawrence, Jada Elicier, Cam Elicier, Rhys Trait, Ridley Trait, Ryder Trait and Juan Cruz Ledezma, and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Greyson Lawrence. He is also survived by his siblings, Dee Jenkins (Cliff), Renee McGonigle (John), Scott Reed (Rhonda), Joan Rector (Tim), Dawn McClanahan and Florence Zambino. He will be missed dearly by all who loved and knew him.

Friends and family may visit from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., in Oxford. This will be immediately followed by his service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Arrangements are being handled by Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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

Obituary submissions

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

miles north of Coatesville off the Route 82 exit of the Route 30 Bypass. The park address is 1 Park Road in Coatesville. For more information, go to www. chesco.org/parks, or email presparks@chesco.org.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF MARIA CARMELA BLOODGOOD a/k/a MARIA BEVIVINO-BLOODGOOD, DECEASED.

Late of New London Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to WAYNE

T. BLOODGOOD, AMDINISTRATOR, 142 Red Oak Dr., Lincoln University, PA 19352, Or to his Attorney: SCUDDER

G. STEVENS, M. LYONS LAW

GROUP LLC, 6 Ponds Edge Dr., Ste. 1, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 7p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Michael Ferrari, Late of Kennett Square, 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 Karen-Marie Ferrari, Executrix, 111 Twin Creek Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348 7p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the ESTATE OF WALTER R. WARREN

a/k/a WALTER ROBERT WARREN, late of the Township of Westtown, Pennsylvania, (died January 6, 2023) to Brenda W. Gibbore and Robert B. Warren, Executors. All persons indebted to the said estate are required to make payment, and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to Brenda W. Gibbore and Robert B. Warren or to Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP, attorneys for the estate, 450 Plaza Drive, Vestal, NY 13850. 7p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Ida Jane Horton late of New London Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Ida Jane Horton having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Daniel Scott Horton, Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838 7p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Mary E. Baily, aka Mary Elizabeth Baily late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters

Testamentary on the estate of the above named Mary E. Baily having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Richard S. Maxwell, Jr., Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610932-3838 7p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Coates, Ruth S., dec’d., Late of Honey Brook Borough. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Mary E. Baily having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Executors: Robert I. Girvin, Jr. & Pamela N. Girvin, c/o Good & Harris, LLP, 132 West Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557 7p-26-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

T-Mobile proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 98’ and 105’) on the catenary pole at Old Lincoln Highway & Route 30, Frazer, PA (20230469). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

8p-9-1t

NOTICE OF INCORPORATION

ADJ MASONRY INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988.

8p-9-1t

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

The Board of Supervisors of Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 4:00 P.M. to consider the vacation of Hood Lane and any other matters that come before the Board of Supervisors. The special meeting will be held in the Township Building located at 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania 19390 in the Finnen Community Room.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the meeting identified above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Penn Township at 610 869-9620, to discuss how Penn Township may best accommodate your needs. By order of the Penn Supervisors.

8p-9-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

Due to unforeseen circumstances the Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold its August Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, PA 19351. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aide, service, or other accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact Elk Township at 610255-0634 or elktwpchester@ gmail.com to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.

8p-9-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-230

Writ of Execution No. 2022-01644 DEBT $328,599.44

PROPERTY SITUATE IN TOWNSHIP OF LONDON BRITAIN

TAX PARCEL #73-4.17.1

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. c/o CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS DEFENDANT: GLENN C. PHILLIPS

SALE ADDRESS: 184 Good Hope Road, Landenberg, PA 19352

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff

Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-235

Writ of Execution No. 2017-01576 DEBT $258,719.65

PROPERTY SITUATE IN NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP

TAX PARCEL # 71-030024.03G

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS

DEFENDANT: BARRY BOLT

SALE ADDRESS: 479 Kirks Mill Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML

LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Writ of Execution No. 2202-09743 DEBT $118,516.74

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA;

Parcel Number: 440700080100

PLAINTIFF: SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC VS DEFENDANT: RONALD S. POOLE

SALE ADDRESS: 650 Center Hall Road, Cochranville, PA 19330

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHULTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHULTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Classifieds

Travel:

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of full/partial week rentals. FREE Color Brochure. Holiday Real Estate, Inc: 1-800-6382102 Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com. $75 discount - new rentals. Code: “ReachTheBeach2023” (Expires 09-01-2023)

Miscellaneous:

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-616-1622 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/pasn

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844290-9042

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855569-3087

Sheriff

Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-249

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-255

Writ of Execution No. 2022-06479

DEBT $344,889.47

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BEING PARCEL NUMBER: 63-03-0063.120

PLAINTIFF: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC. VS

DEFENDANT: BENNIE PETTWAY

SALE ADDRESS: 140 Schoolview Lane, Oxford, PA 19363

Dish Network: Only from Dish3 year TV Price Guarantee! 99% Signal Reliability, backed by guarantee. Includes MultiSport with NFL Redzone. Switch and Get a FREE $100 Gift Card. Call today!

1-855-3356094

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-888605-4028

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-670-0236 or visit dorranceinfo.com/pasn

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce plans golf outing fundraiser

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a golf outing on Monday, Aug. 14 to raise funds for the chamber’s High School Scholarship Fund. It will

also be an excellent opportunity for participants to network with professionals and business leaders in the community. The 28th annual fundraiser will be held at

Hartefeld National in Avondale, which features a spectacular 18-hole course designed by Tom Fazio.

Golfer registration includes 18 holes of golf

(shotgun/scramble format), lunch, beverages on the course, followed by social time and banquet dinner. There is a putting, longest drive, and closest to

Natural Lands adds three acres of land to its Sadsbury Woods Preserve

Natural Lands announced that it has added three acres of land to its Sadsbury Woods Preserve in Sadsbury Township.

Many of Natural Lands 43 properties have grown to their present sizes through small additions like this one over many years. The property, once an in-holding

on the western boundary of the nature preserve, will be reforested to provide additional habitat for wildlife, particularly migratory songbirds.

Sadsbury Woods Preserve began in 1996 when Natural Lands purchased 177 acres of forested land along the Route 30 corridor, situ-

Historian and preservationist appointed to Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

Randell Spackman is the owner of Thornbury Farm and a member of Chesco 250 Committee

Chester County resident Randell Spackman, who has a passion for education, history, land preservation, and sustainable agriculture, has been appointed a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

“The appointment is a great honor for me,” Spackman said. “I’ll be able to pursue my interest in promoting the history of my local area, the battle of Brandywine, the American Revolution and the whole Commonwealth.”

The appointment was signed on July 5 by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt.

The PHMC is responsible for the collection, conservation, and interpretation of Pennsylvania’s heritage. The commission cares for historical manuscripts, public records, and objects of historical interest; museums; archeology; publications; historic sites and properties; historic preservation; geographic names; and the promotion of public interest in Pennsylvania history.

Spackman’s Thornbury Farm is located on the American Revolution’s Brandywine battlefield. He is active in many re-enacting and history groups and was chair of the successful Brandywine re-enactment held in September 2022.

Spackman is president of the board and interim director of the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

A member of the Chester County 250th committee, Spackman is chair of the program and events committee. Spackman informed the county committee of the PHMC appointment by writing, “I was nominat-

ated squarely in the path of expanding development around Exton. An additional 20+ parcels acquired in succeeding years expanded the preserve to its present size of 511 acres. Like all of Natural Lands’ properties, it is open to the public free of charge, year-round.

The forested land of Sadsbury Woods provides critical habitat for songbirds like Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, and several species of warblers that spend winters in warmer climes but use large, connected forests in our region as their breeding grounds. Many of these migrant species have declined in number because the woods they rely on are disappearing or being subdivided. Forests that are fragmented into smaller plots by roads and developments favor predators that thrive along the edge of the woods, such as raccoons, snakes, Blue Jays, domestic cats, and Brown-headed Cowbirds.

Located at the headwaters of Buck Run, a major tributary to Brandywine Creek, the preserve also helps to keep the stream clean and clear.

“Just before we purchased this three-acre property, the owners cleared it of all trees and shrubs in to build a house there,” said Sadsbury Woods Preserve Manager Erin Smith. “We will work to reforest the land so that it can provide better ecological services like storing carbon to help cool the climate, absorb rainwater to ease flooding, clean and filter drinking water, and give wildlife food and shelter.”

Since its beginning, Chester County Government has partnered with Natural Lands to create and subsequently expand Sadsbury Woods Preserve, including support for its trail network and the addition of a parking lot. Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline said

the pin contests, and more.

The Tri-M Ball Drop includes the annual gift basket giveaway.

Golfer registration/ check-in and luncheon will begin at 10 a.m. with

the shotgun start taking place at noon.

For complete details about the golf outing and other upcoming Chamber events, visit the website at www.scccc.com.

in a statement, “The preservation of any amount of land is meaningful, but what makes this three-acre parcel especially significant is that it becomes part of the larger Sadsbury Woods Preserve, and it encourages ecological benefits that come from replenishing the interior forest, including a critical habitat that attracts many species of birds.”

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities

for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone.

As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported— has preserved more than 125,000 acres, including 42 nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres. Nearly five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. To learn more, visit www.natlands.org.

PUBLIC REAL ESTATE AUCTION

Thursday, August 17, 2023 @ 6:00 PM 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Story Home, Horse Barn & Fenced Pasture Upper Oxford Township, Chester County 2.512+/- Acres

379 Old Limestone Road, Oxford, PA 19363

ed by so many wonderful Senators and Senate leader Kim Ward to Governor Josh Shapiro, who agreed and my nomination went on to the Senate Floor. I was then voted onto the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission. I believe my background will help guide the State of Pennsylvania for the 250th and beyond with Chester County, to be a great success.”

A former member of the West Chester Area School Board, Spackman has developed and implemented numerous educational programs, managed major events, and built successful, mutually beneficial partnerships among businesses, schools, and community organizations. Because of his expertise Spackman has been invited to give numerous seminars to numerous organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the Sierra Club, garden clubs, and the Rotary Club. He also serves as guest onair host for QVC, and he has done numerous interviews on broadcast media.

Directions:

Property Description: Large 2-story colonial home featuring (4) Bedrooms, (2) Baths, (2) car attached garage, Horse Barn, fenced pasture, storage shed, spacious yards and mature shade trees and shrubs.

Open Houses: Thursdays July 13th & 20th 5-8PM, and Saturdays July 15th & 22nd, 1-4PM.

Terms: $35,000 deposit day of auction. Buyer pays 2% transfer tax. Settlement by October31, 2023,or before.

Annual Taxes: $7,869 +/Auctioneer notes: Sellerisvery motivated to sell! Come prepared to buy. Bring the animals, lots of possibilities and opportunity with this 2.512+/- acre Farmette. All information is deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

For additional pictures go to www.beiler-campbellauctions.com or www.GoToAuction.com or www.auctionzip.com

Courtesy photo Randell Spackman has been appointed as a member of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Courtesy photo

The forested land of Sadsbury Woods provides critical habitat for songbirds like Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, and several species of warblers that spend winters in warmer climes but use large, connected forests in our region as their breeding grounds.

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

Why settle for shower walls that look like plastic?

Home Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone shower wall system made of 70% real crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED.

All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts plus financing so a shower remodel is affordable on any budget.Don’t cover your problem up with a tub or shower liner. Design your bathtub or shower replacement with our trained and certified Specialists at a price you can afford.

“Great experience with Home Smart. I collected a couple quotes for a bathtub/surround replacement. Home Smart offered the most aesthetically pleasing option at a competitive price. They also beat the installation lead time estimate by ~4 weeks. Ken and Tony came and efficiently completed the install. My house is old and there were challenges to work with, but they worked through them and in the end, product looks really great. Thanks!”

Read more reviews from our satisfied customers!

4.9 Stars, 374 reviews

OFF