destined for nations as far away as Kyrgyzstan, Latvia and Ukraine, and as close as Kentucky and New Jersey. Kraft, 89, is dedicated to the continued operation of the Orphan Grain Train, and has been so for the past 20 years. He said the operations of the Mid-Atlantic Branch are inspired by the faith of its volunteers who act on the teachings of Christ and the Gospels. He told the story of his founding of the MidAtlantic branch. According to Kraft, he had a friend who was interested in becoming a missionary. When the missionary returned to the U.S., this friend spoke of his experiences, including with Orphan Grain Train, to Kraft and to the church group of which Kraft is a part. So impressed was Kraft that he moved on the suggestion to develop a local Orphan Grain Train project that he proceeded. His decision to proceed, he said, was divinely inspired.
OURFROMLENS Sky mentors
First begun in 1921 by George Hansel as the “Fiddlers Contest,” what is known today as the Old Fiddlers Picnic has been enjoyed by tens of thousands of people over the decades.According to Chuck Ulmann, curator of the Christian Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford, the musical event now in its 93rd year was first staged at Chrystal Springs Park in Parkesburg.Lastweekend, the tradition continued at Hibernia Park with huge crowds enjoying the sounds of fiddles, banjos and other
Within the collective consortium of townships in southern Chester County, New Garden Township may be the municipality with the most on its plate, and of its hefty agenda, the item with the most at stake may be the township’s decision to convert the 137acre Saint Anthony’s in the Hills property to a municipalPurchasedpark. in 2018 from Saint Padua in Wilmington, the township has spent the last few years collaboratBoard chairman recommends hiring construction management firm to oversee entire project New Garden votes to have hazardous structures demolished at Saint Anthony's ing with YSM, a York, Pa.-based engineering firm and township residents to develop a master plan that envisions the park as both a paradise of nature trails and open space and a bustling home for recreational activities.Getting there, however, first requires the township to do extensive work to put the safety of its residents first, and on Aug. 15, the Board of Supervisors gave approval for the township to elicit bids to demolish several unsafe and outdated structures in the park that date back to the era when Father Roberto Balducci oversaw the property as a refuge for inner-city youth.
A cavernous warehouse in Jennersville houses donated living supplies destined for people in need all over the world.Manager and branch founder Cliff Kraft, of West Brandywine, oversees the operation of this faithbased mission known as the Middle Atlantic Branch Orphan Grain Train. The parent organization has more than 25 branches all over the United States, of which the Middle Atlantic Branch is one. The warehouse itself is impressively large. Owned by Dansko founder Peter Kjellerup, the facility is stacked shoulder-high with huge quantities of donated clothing, food, medical supplies, household items and refurbished bicycles. Orphan Grain Train receives its donations from all over Pennsylvania area and beyond. The goods are musical instruments along with fine singing to country and folk tunes. The Old Fiddlers Picnic may seem an anachronism; it is meant to be just that. In this age of Whilesystemsthem,playingorindividualsinofing)thetronicwithtifullynotesmunicationeverything—media,electroniccom-andmusic—theemergingfrombeau-playedinstrumentsunderstatedelec-input(asidefrommicrophonesforsing-giveslistenersasensewhatitwaslikebackthedayswhentalentedgrabbedafiddleabanjoandjuststartedwhateverinspiredwithoutfancysoundorspecialeffects.seeingabunchof
A great day for fiddlin’ around
Demolition of hazardous structures is part of Phase 1 of the entire Saint Anthony’s in the Hills Structuresproject.thatare slated for demolition include a caretaker home at the park’s Route 7 entrance; a gazebo and fencing; a shed at the park’s northern area near Route 41; several structures at the miniature golf course and adjacent playground that include a small log cabin tower, a scary gazebo, haunted bird house, a water wheel ride and compound play rides and slides; a paddle boat rental shack; all buildings, fencing, gateways and light posts throughout the park’s aviary; a creekside mosquito oasis structure north of the park’s Greek amphitheater; a day camp building and a puppet theater.
By Gene ContributingPisasaleWriter
“The Lord kept working on me,” he said. The parent Orphan Grain Train mission was founded by a minister, Rev. Ray Wilke after he visited Latvia in 1992 and saw the need for spiritual and humanitarian need. According to the ministry’s newsletter, “This vision blossomed into a ministry and movement that has sent more than 3,489 semi-loads of supplies to needy people here and home and around the world.” Kraft said the name, Several musicians getting together spontaneously to play at the 93rd Old Fiddlers Picnic. By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
AROUND THE REGION by PisasaleGeneAROUND THE REGION
Supervisors call for “phased” approach to park plans At the start of their presentation, township Park & Open Space Superintendent Mike Buck and township Photo courtesy of New Garden Township A former caretaker’s house in Saint Anthony’s in the Hills is just one of several structures that will be demolished, as part of New Garden Township’s longterm plans to develop the 137-acre property it owns to a community park.on
$1.00Wednesday, August 17, 2022 www.chestercounty.com ChesterCountyPRESSOxford,KennettChaddsAvonCoveringGrove,Ford,Square,&Unionville Areas SubscribeTo 610.869.5553Call © 2007 The Chester County Press Volume 156, No. 33 Popular comedian to perform at West ChesterBrandywineUniversity...4AFestival of the Arts returns for 61styear...1BINSIDE
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Photo by Richard L. Gaw Counselors for the third and final Future Aviators Summer Camp at New Garden Flying Field of 2022 enjoyed a refreshment break on Aug. 11. Begun 13 years ago, the camp has given over 2,000 introductory flight lessons to young aviators, some of whom have gone on to pursue careers as commercial, military and corporate pilots as well as work in many aspects of aircraft maintenance and aviation. This summer, the camp drew close to 250 campers from as close as Chester County to as far away as Paris, France. To learn more about the Future Aviators Summer Camp at New Garden Flying Field, visit www.newgardenflyingfield.com.
Additional Saint Anthony’s projects Buck also provided an update of the Phase 1 rehabilitation of the park, which includes the development of a picnic area in the northeast quadrant of the property near Route 41. He said that Cedarville Engineering has completed a site survey and a wetland delineation study, and will follow up with the completion of a concept design plan for the area that will likely reach the board in late September or early October for approval. Buck said that the expected timeline for the completion of the picnic area will be early inThat2024.section of the park will include the removal of existing playground equipment, the creation of a small trail that will have ADA compliance, as well as the restoration of riparianBuckbuffers.said that Cedarville Engineering provided the township with a construction plan and cost estimate for the repair a failing electrical culvert that provides electricity to the park. He said that for now, the plan will be to shut down the culvert for a period of time and request that Cedarville Engineering finalize a development plan for a new and permanent power source for the park. Another recent project in the park has been the upgrade of the historical “white house” which will include the installation of a new HVAC system, the replacement of the house’s windows and continued work on the repair of the house’s roof. Buck also said that a local arborist reassessed a recent project that cut down hazardous trees throughout the park and found additional trees that are recommended to be removed for safety concerns. The cost of the second phase of tree removal will be $4,500 and will be completed by Mitsdorfer Brothers Tree Service. Township resident and volunteer Stan Lukoff announced that a planned riparian buffer planting project in the area near the former soccer fields at Saint Anthony’s recently received a grant in the amount of $33,007.35 from the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) that will cover the full amount of the estimated cost to complete the project. A request for estimate has been sent to six potential vendors to determine which company will oversee the plantings. The planting is scheduled to take place in early November and will include the planting of 400 trees, 125 shrubs, as well as the installation of 65 live stake plants that will create a nursery and be used to fight against possible streambank erosion in the three-acre project area. Lukoff said that in addition to planting, the project will include signage that will be used to help educate the public about the importance of riparian buffer planting. In townshipotherbusiness Public Works Director Ken Reed told the board that the steel plates that will be used to repair the sinkhole on Buttonwood Road are now on site, as well as other machinery that will be used. He said that DEP requested that the department hold off on beginning the repair until they issue an emergency permit. Lieutenant Joseph Greenwalt of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SSCRPD) updated the supervisors about upcoming active threat response training sessions the department will participate in. The first event will take place on Aug. 27 at Kennett Middle School, and any residents who wish to participate in the training may call the department at 610-268-2907. Greenwalt said the department will be hosting two training events for civilians in October at the SSCRPD. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, rgaw@chestercounty.com.email
“This is the tip of the iceberg, but we have to start somewhere.”“I’mdoing all of these little things in a silo as needed, or as I feel am being told to place one priority over another,” Buck said. “But we don’t have the big picture of how we get from here to here. What phases do we focus on versus what phases we may not be interested in?” “We still need a vision,” said Kristie Brodowski. “I would feel better about spending the money if I saw where we are going, and I am struggling with that.”During the discussion, Board Chairman Steve Allaband recommended that the township hire a thirdparty construction firm to manage the entirety of the Saint Anthony’s in the Hills park project. The concern, Allaband said, was whether or not the township currently has the proper resources to fully implement YSM’s master plan for the project, which was approved by the township board on July 19, 2021. “How do we get this done internally? I am struggling with that,” Allaband said. “What I am saying is that we need help, and [a project of this size] may be beyond the daily function of the township staff and the board of supervisors, all of whom still work full time.” “I think it makes sense, and I think it’s something that we need to consider,” Wildrick said of
Manager Ramsey Reiner said the overall purpose for the demolition will be to clear the decayed and dangerous structures throughout the park in order to open the way for the implementation of the park’s master plan, provide better public access and improve safety conditions. Nearly from the start of the presentation, the board called for Buck and Reiner to introduce the park’s plan in a more “phased” approach.“When we’re evaluating this, it’s important to know where we want to arrive at, and not just look at these projects in isolation,” supervisor Troy Wildrick said. “If it could be presented in order to achieve Goal A …and then go to Goal B and likewise, we [will better] understand why we’re making decisions, not just indiscriminately looking at a building here and there.” Reiner recalled an earlier meeting with the board, when it was emphasized that removing the property of hazardous structures was a top “Wepriority.had talked about cleaning up the property and working on the infrastructure, and the understanding that I got was that there was a real want to get into this park sooner,” she said. “We’ve tried to modify that plan and find a way to make it accessible sooner. This is what we have come up with, because originally, we were told to clear it and get the safety [aspects] done.
anmanagement[outsourcinghaverecommendation.Allaband’s“Weonlysomuchbandwith,soaconstructionfirm]couldbealternative.”
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Several items currently standing in the property’s former playground area will come down eventually to make way for the construction of a new children’s playground. Photos courtesy of New Garden Township These hazardous gazebos and fencing will also be torn down.
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer During their Aug. 3 township meeting, the Penn Township Board of Supervisors voted to table a MS4 project proposal pending additional information.MS4stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The state’s EPA program requires municipalities to undertake projects to reduce the amount of sediment going into the watershed.
The Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, for example, is holding a community-wide donation day on Oct. 15. The public is invited to donate goods to a variety of organizations that will be there that provide help for people in need.Kraft grew up in Ohio and is a graduate of The Ohio State University. He served in the U.S. Army and was in the horticulture business. He later founded the Kraft business consulting firm in Exton. When he retired, he said he could not have anticipated where his faith would take him. Kraft said this about his commitment and current life’s work: “Jesus has supplied all this to us. How do we get it to people in need? It’s just helping people in need. That’s what we’re all about.”
Local News County people playing country tunes may not seem interesting to some, this event has proven its importance in local culture as a mode of entertainment unlike any other here in Chester County.Perhaps the bestknown fiddle player in Chester County was Chris Sanderson, whose band the Pocopson Valley Boys played throughout the area from the 1920s through the 1950s. Chris and his band were enthusiastic fans of old-time music. Ulmann states that Chris first attended the picnic in 1924. He was invited to play the event in 1926 in a note from founder Hensel addressing Chris as “Esteemed Old Fiddler.” A photograph of Chris at the picnic hangs on the wall of the Sanderson Museum in the second floor Music Room. Chris played at many of the picnics over the years. The event became so popular, two fiddlers picnics were being held in Chester County, beginning in 1928 when the Annual Contest of Lancaster and Chester County Old Fiddler’s Association began shows at Lenape Park near West Chester. For many years, both venues attracted large crowds. The event moved to Hibernia Park in 1980.This year’s event, the 93rd Old Fiddlers Picnic, was again a success. Saturday, Aug. 13 was a glorious day for an outdoor concert: sunshine, blue skies, not a cloud in sight, and a perfect The 93rd Old Fiddlers Picnic ribbon, courtesy of the Chester County Parks and Preservation. temperature at around 75 degrees with a light breeze. Could any old fiddler ask for much better? Dave Armstrong was the master of Ceremonies and posed for a photograph with the opening act, his band the Remington Riders. They played a wonderful set of old-time music with banjo adding color to every song. The list of performers ranged from one-person players to entire ensembles with guitars, banjos, fiddles and more playing country, bluegrass and folk tunes, many from years gone by. Performers included Night Birds Callin’, the Cosmic Pennsylvania Band, Slim Pickins and Rented Mule. Some fine entertainment could be found just strolling around the park: small groups got together and started playing spontaneously for people who were walking by. The allure of the Old Fiddlers Picnic is in its simplicity. There were no mega-stacks of speakers and no screaming guitars you often find at rock concerts—just gifted musicians Fiddlin'...
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One of the many vendors at this year’s picnic. playing their instruments at low decibels, peacefully without stage antics. Anyone who has enjoyed country and bluegrass music at the event will tell you that the picnic is a wonderful way to kick back, relax and just… listen. Old-time country music brings you back to the days of Hank Williams, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Ernest Tubb and other bands who your grandparents knew and appreciated for their straightforward lyrics and enjoyable melodies, songs sometimes linked with old Bible tales or legends which told a story all could enjoy. One thing you do at the Old Fiddlers Picnic which is maybe somewhat rare at rock concerts: you actually listen to the lyrics and understand the message they’re trying to convey. That difference is just one of the things that make the picnic so much fun. Its simplicity is one of its best features. Anyone can just sit back, close their eyes… and drift off to a place away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, back to the days when entertainers often mingled with the crowd, gave autographs and connected with people in a very special way. That is what the Old Fiddler’s Picnic is all about—and next year’s event will thankfully be more of the same. Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His ten books focus on the Chester County/midAtlantic region. His latest book is Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution. Gene’s books can be found on his website at www.GenePisasale. com and on www.Amazon. com. He can be reached via e-mail at Gene@ GenePisasale.com.
The Orphan Grain Train warehouse is on Federal Road in the complex that includes Dansko and the Southern Chester Chamber of Commerce off Baltimore Pike in Jennersville. The mission’s office is in Malvern and can be reached at 610-644-4508. The website is www.ogt. org.
Chris Sanderson at the Fiddlers Picnic, circa the 1960s, courtesy of the Christian Sanderson Museum. Dave Armstrong and his Remington Riders on stage at the 93rd Old Fiddlers Picnic.
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Orphan Grain Train, came from the actual functions of how the mission began: It was to help children in orphanages; it provided grain (as a metaphor for living necessities); and it was originally brought by train. The name endures, but today the goods go to more than orphans; the substance of what is provided is much wider than food; and the transportation is primarily container trucks and Containersships.-in the industrial sense - are huge bins that travel on the backs of trucks and then are transferred intact onto ships for transferEveryoneabroad.who participates in Orphan Grain Train, including Kraft, is a volunteer.Theoperations at the Jennersville warehouse are complex but, according to Kraft, run rather smoothly. Photo by Chris Barber Manager Cliff Kraft stands among the thousands of boxes of goods being prepared for transport to people in need around the world.
Continued from Page 1A On Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and second and fourth Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Kraft’s team of volunteers comes in to receive donations, sort and tag them by categories and inventory them.Special arrangements for groups who need alternate times for donations or other activities can be arranged. So detailed is the sorting that it goes as far as identifying objects by gender, type and size. They are packed by category in apple boxes donated by food stores, stacked up and later picked by container trucks for transport to ships. Apple boxes, Kraft said, work well because they are sturdy, uniform in size and stack well in the containers.Thisyear, for example, the Mid-Atlantic Orphan Grain Train exported two truck shipments: one in March and the other in May. A crew from Lincoln University helped load 1,230 boxes and 31 bicycles in ManyMarch.churches, schools, individuals and businesses are committed to Orphan Grain Train and its mission, and this includes providing financial support.
There are two watersheds in Penn Township – the Elk Creek watershed and the White Clay Creek watershed.Under MS4 mandates, the township will be required to remove 351,000 pounds. of sediment from the Elk Creek Watershed side of the municipality and 478,000 pounds from the White Clay side. No project sites within the township are immediately available, however the township could be credited for participation in a project in a nearbyTownshiparea. engineers have suggested joining with a PennDOT stream restoration project in East Nottingham Township. An advantage to this method would be lower costs by joining an existing project instead of creating a new project. Original estimates were $7.50 to $12 per pound for sediment removal. The cost of joining the PennDOT project would be $1.95 per pound. There were some questions raised about details of the project, its real value to the environment and why the price is so low. The board voted to table a motion to join with PennDOT to give time to find more information. In other business, the board appointed Art Sagnor to be the Zoning Hearing Board conflict solicitor. The board went through a list of upcoming zoning hearings. The Zoning Hearing Board is an independent body but the township planning commission and board of supervisors may recommend approval or denial of an application if they have an opinion on an issue. Both the planning commission and the supervisors are recommending not supporting an application for a swimming pool on an Alsmere Drive lot that is already in violation for too much impervious surface. They also do not support an application for a garage at 121 Corby Road that was built without a permit and does not meet the required setback from the property line. A larger plan that the board also chose not to support is an application to erect a pole building on the footprint where three mushroom houses once stood. Two of those buildings are already gone, and the remaining one would be removed to make room for a welding company office and storage garage. The 1.6 acre-site on Pennock’s Bridge Road also includes rental residences, a barn and a shed.
Penn Township supervisors table MS4 project proposal
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer Many post offices are now having difficulty hiring employees. The United States Postal Service, also known at the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service, is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States, including its insular areas and associatedApplyingstates. for a job at the post office has changed considerably since the good old days when being employed at the post office was a great career move. One thing that has changed about finding any job now is the application process. Gone are the days when you talked face-to-face with the employer, or at least an employer’s human resourcesNow,person.you can apply for the job online. That in itself poses a problem for some individuals. Hard as it is to believe, not everyone has a computer or is able to access one. And having access is just the beginning. You also must have access to the Internet. Not everyone can afford an Internet connection, and in some areas of the U.S., Internet access is not available. If you are applying at the post office you must go through a system called eCareers. That is the only place where you can apply for USPS jobs. You begin by creating a profile. To apply in the eCaJob openings at Oxford Post Office reers system, you will create a candidate profile which will save your progress and provide your application status. Once you apply, expect a confirmation email from USPS.Note that jobs are posted daily, so it is necessary to constantly check If required, you will also need to take an assessment test. Only some positions require an assessment. These details will be noted in the job description. USPS will conduct an employment pre-screen and then reach out to you via email with next steps. Any email received
Chester County Press). That letter read in part: “The Oxford Post Office is in serious trouble! Today, again, there is a sign stating a late opening due to staff shortages. Today it will open at 10 Thisa.m.is an insult to the residents of this community. Many senior citizens are out and about on the first of the month. I was one of many attempting to do business thisThemorning.poormanagement and planning by the administration is certainly part of the problem. Residents of our community are left standing. Russell is not the only one to express concerns. U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) released the following quote: “Problems of inconsistent mail delivery and sporadic hours of operation due to staffing shortages extend further than the post office in Oxford. These are issues that impact our entire region. Recently, I joined with other members of the Southeastern PA and Delaware delegation and called on the USPS District Manager of our region to address and resolve their workforce issues. I’m incredibly frustrated by the insufficient response of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and I look forward to continuing to work bipartisanly and bicamerally to increase the dependability of theForUSPS.”moreinformation click on: U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (house. gov)Mark Lawrence, USPS strategic communications specialist had this to say about the benefits of working at the Post Office. “Ive worked at the USPS for 22 years. It has been a great place to work. As far as benefits, we have health, dental, vision, and pensions. Most people start in as a fillin at the postal service. You don’t have your own route in the beginning. You are a fill in carrier, due to a carrier absence. Some people can get into a regular position or work behind the retail counter quickly. Sometimes it takes years,” Lawrence explained. “In some locations we have adequate staffing. When employees take vacation we may borrow employees from other locations to fill in. We certainly had problems, like other businesses during the height of the pandemic. Like anyone else we would lose employees when they had COVID. During that time, we also lost employees to retirement. Some people like to work in a rural setting, others prefer working in an urban center or city location. We constantly hold job fairs to try to bring people on board. Interested persons can go to: Usps.com and click on “newsroom” at the bottom of the page. Click on the state you are interested in working in and you can find postings of job fairs. The starting pay for a carrier walking around in city is $18.92 per hour, rural carriers that drive a postal vehicle will start at $19.30 per hour,” he explained. “We do make every effort to open our doors on time, but sometimes it just isn’t possible. We need people to sort, to deliver, to work the counter, and sometimes trucks delivering mail to us are delayed. Weather can be a factor and if there is a severe weather event like the recent flooding in Kentucky, we will have to send employees from other locations to help. We still have people getting COVID and they still quarantine or sometimes they can’t return to work. Right now we would like to find more employees, so please tell people to go to a job fair or check us out on line at Usps. com,” he stressed. If you are applying at the post office you must go through a system called eCareers. That is the only place where you can apply for USPS Lawrencejobs.emphasized that people at the post office do take pride in their work and do their best to get your mail to you. Visit usps.com for more information.
contributingsamePeggyfromLawrenceemployees.experiencingthatortiontimelyyouuspis.govcomUSPSeServices@geninfo.fromorNoReplyNACI@islegitimateandshouldrespondinamanner.Whetherthejobapplica-ispartoftheproblemnot,therealproblemismostpostofficesareashortageofRecently,StateRep.Johnreceivedaletteroneofhisconstituents,AnnRussell(Theletterwascopiedtoawriterfromthe
Courtesy photo Preacher Lawson, the star comedian of NBC’s hit television series, “America’s Got Talent,” will take the stage at West Chester University for one performance only on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. Tickets are now on sale to the public at www. wcupatix.com or 610-436-2266. The performance will take place in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. Lawson will serve as an entertainment outlet for students, families, as well as members of the surrounding community during the University’s planned Family Weekend, and tickets are expected to sell out.
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toPreacherComedianLawsonperformatWestChesterUniversity
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors.
Pa. Chamber, business leaders applaud state lawmakers and Wolf Administration for improving state’s competitiveness
A Summertime Tribute In a Difficult Time while the ghosts of the Pandemic still haunt us which has stolen the lives of so changedmany, others forever, and yet I go on doing my thing even though the algae of the Pond clings, but when the going gets tough, I still keep going to find relief in the creek where the moving water is cool and clean, and the dots of my life connect into a whole network.
Editorial Chester County
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 CHESTER COUNTY PRESS 5A Chester County OpinionPress
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I see the blackberries across the way and fill my dry mouth with refreshment, my lips purple and black, when those Summer time memories come stealing backinan attack mode almost as I taste the full bodied flavor of the first tomato exploding in the sensory glands of my mouth while I staunch the flow on a simple open-faced slice of spreadbreadwith mayonnaise, my face all aglow, and everything at once seems A Okay. I try hard not to splurge on airweconditioning,neverhad central till we moved here, but when it comes on it dries the tears still shed for the Ukrainian people, the Kentucky dead, the scorching heat can’t compare with flames not yet contained out West threatening majestic trees but making way for other sprouting seeds. While we all dream of uncharted waters, and “miles to go before wewesleep,”are held hostage by prices at the gas pump and indifferent people who may not be receptive to visitors who come when we are all still so numbed by the events of the last threeWhileyears.the fears escalate, rest-assured things will get better,maybe not at once, but still little by little beyond ourtheyimaginings,willform into a more receptivechangingbondour ways of reckoningwhenone by one we make theimprovementsinourownenvironmentnotpreachingbutteachingyoungwithahands-on-attitude.
A bipartisan tax reform package was recently approved the Commonwealth more competitive, encouraging our businesses to expand, and bringing more investment and opportunity to the state,” said Heather Valudes, president and CEO of the Lancaster Chamber. “We know Lancaster County is a wonderful place to live – with a more competitive tax code, our region will also be an even better place to start a business. We are pleased to have worked with the Lancaster County legislative delegation, the governor’s office and state business leaders to make these much needed reforms a Thereality.”tax reform package – which was enacted as part of the 2022-23 budget agreement – includes a long overdue reduction to the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax rate from 9.99 percent to 4.99 percent –cutting it in half over the course of nine years. Based on current state corporate tax rates, once the law is fully implemented, Pennsylvania will go from imposing one of the nation’s highest CNIT tax rates, to the 8th lowest in theStatecountry.Rep. Bryan Cutler, the Speaker of the House (R-100), said, “It is more important than ever to make sure our job creators have an environment to thrive and push back on the impacts of inflation. As we heard from leaders in Lancaster County today, the steps this budget takes are just the beginning, and I look forward to continuing to work to turn the tide of inflation to help Pennsylvanians in all corners of the backbonegrowth.whichbuyit179.providesties,personalequipmentnesseslawTaxtheadditionalthiscountrywasPreviously,esjob-creatingemployerserty.exchanges”liabilitiestobusinessesforChamberbusinessesincludesnewjobscreatehomehigherleadsthatclimate.ingcodecompetitiveRyanicandtoingupwardencePennsylvaniansjobs,creatingcommunityainture“ImprovingCommonwealth.”ourtaxstruc-andbusinessclimatePennsylvaniawillhaverippleeffectacrosseveryandjobsectorbymorehigh-payingenablingworkingclasstoexperi-earnedsuccessandmobility,andallow-ourCommonwealthcompetenationallygloballyforeconom-opportunity,”saidSen.Aument(R-36).Thebenefitsofamorebusinesstaxgofarbeyondimprov-thestate’sbusinessStudieshaveshowndecreasingtheCNITtoincreasedGDP,wagesandincreasedvalues,allofwhichfamilysustainingandattractandretaintalent.ThetaxpackagealsoreliefforsmallthatthePAhaslongsoughtitsmembers,affordingtheopportunitydeferpersonalincometaxthrough“like-kindofcertainprop-Thisprovisionallowstoinvestintheassetsbusiness-needtostaycompetitive.Pennsylvaniatheonlystateinthethatdidnotoffertypeofdeferral.AncomponentofpackagealignsthestateCodewithfederaltaxbyallowingsmallbusi-todeductqualifyingpurchasesfromincometaxliabili-justasfederaltaxlawforunderSectionThischangemakeseasierforemployerstoequipmentandinvest,inturnpromotesjob“Smallbusinessesaretheofoureconomy and we’re pleased that this tax reform package includes significant measures to incentivize investment by small businesses in the state,” said Lisa Riggs, president of the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County. “Our team works hard every day to expand opportunity in our region, and these reforms give us a greater ability to make that happen. By putting Pennsylvania on track to be more competitive than other states in the region on tax policy, Lancaster County’s small businesses and entrepreneurs can focus on investing in their people, operations and communities.”Theseimportant updates to the state’s tax structure will improve andleadersentrepreneurstoness,OurterPennsylvaniamentaltoonChamberhaveTeam.forVernon,ininvestmentpionDevelopmentCommunityandGovernor’sbusinesspreneurstheeralwiththecompetitivenessPennsylvania’sbybringingCommonwealthinlineotherstatesandfed-taxlawandlevelingplayingfieldforentre-lookingtostartahere.“OurgoalwiththeActionTeamtheDepartmentofandEconomicistocham-newandexpandedandopportunitythisstate,”saidBrentexecutivedirectortheGovernor’sAction“WeareproudtoworkedwiththePAandlegislatorsbothsidesoftheaisleaccomplishthesemonu-changesandmakeanevenbet-placetodobusiness.stateisopenforbusi-andwelookforwardtakingthismessagetoandbusinessacrossthecountryaroundtheworld.”
By Marie-Louise Meyers Summertime and the living is easy, fish are jumping and the cotton is high! How we drift into nostalgiawhenthen we hear strains of thattilllullabyweare rudely interrupted by snatches of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” when Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman were grousing about everything in the heat of resentment till slowly the reality of our present predicament comes into view. We try to come up for air, but it is charred beyond repairinthe forests out West, flooded with tears from Kentucky rain,
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. Once confined to the smoldering catacombs of the state’s secret hiding places, the silent fringe dwellers are no longer silent in our commonwealth. In its recent “Year in Hate and Extremism” report, the Southern Poverty Law Center said that as many as 40 separate hate groups are active in Pennsylvania, carrying names like the American Defense Skinheads; the National Justice Party; the Shoebat Foundation; the National Justice Center; and of course, the Proud Boys, whose Pennsylvania headquarters are in Harrisburg. According to data from the Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Reporting System, hate crimes have increased exponentially in Pennsylvania over the past two years. From 2016 through 2019, the state saw an average of 88 hate crimes annually, and in 2020, incidents of hate crimes rose by 33 percent to 111. In 2021, there was a 97 percent increase to 219 crimes and in the first quarter of 2022, an additional 64 hate crimes have been reported. There have likely been more, but out of fear of possible retaliation, many victims are reluctant to report the crimes to the police. Further, several of these crimes are not designated as hate crimes by law enforcement, and information from the state’s courts and its hate crime database shows that very few of these cases result in a conviction. While anti-government extremism, racist conspiracy theories and white nationalist ideology have simmered in both Pennsylvania and in the U.S. over the past century, they now have a seat at both the state and national table. Their presence and their propaganda is now everywhere – at rallies, in social media and almost glorified in the mainstream press, where their names and their actions are sensationalized to the point where they are perceived by an ever-increasing population who believe that they are our nation’s new anti-heroes. And what has our state government done to combat this surging army of hatred? They threw nearly $10 million at it in an effort to make it go away. In January, the State of Pennsylvania awarded $4.5 million in new funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) Non-Profit Security Grant Program that provides funding to churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and other non-profit organizations who face hate crimes. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf followed up in April by announcing the state was providing an additional $5.23 million in funding awards to 120 churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other nonprofit organizations who serve diverse communities throughout the state. The doling out of this money, while exemplary, does not alone hold back the forces that have given birth to a dystopian nightmare, one that manipulates the power of the First Amendment as a protective fortress. Add to this the fact that many law enforcement agencies are not fully trained to recognize, investigate or penalize hate crimes, and many simply do not collect or report hate crime data to the FBI. While our judicial systems and law enforcement agencies continue to fumble with finding unified and firm recourse to shut down the number of hate groups and the crimes they commit, there is one saving grace that will never be legislated. It is the power of communities to galvanize. At rallies and at meeting tables and coffee shops and living rooms all over Chester County, citizen brigades have joined hands with local organizations to confront both hatred and apathy. They have knocked on doors, made phone calls, pounded keyboards and met with churches, schools, clubs, civic groups and members of law enforcement. They have constructed walls of protective voices around victims, gathered ideas and created diverse coalitions. In the struggle for unity, every action of hatred deserves a reaction. By their actions, those in our community and beyond who confront organized bias have demonstrated that decency is also protected by the First Amendment. Learn Chestermore.County Community Foundation www.chescocf.org/socialjustice Southern Poverty Law Center www.splcenter.org. Hate Crimes Prevention Center http://civilrights.org/lcef/hate/toc.html matters
The Pennsylvania Chamber welcomed members of the Lancaster state legislative delegation, representatives from the Wolf administration and state and local business leaders for a business roundtable and press conference at the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce that focused on how Pennsylvania’s recently enacted state tax reform package will improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness and chart a new course for the Commonwealth’s economy.“We’re here as proof that with bipartisan collaboration and a strong partnership between the public and private sector, we can accomplish great things for the arePennsylvania’seconomicPennsylvaniaonlookerstructure.changesoritizingGeneraladministrationness.thatandnessPennsylvania’stantreformBernsteinPresidentPennsylvaniaCommonwealth,”ChamberandCEOLukesaid.“Thistaxpackageisanimpor-firststepindrivingcompetitive-inaforwarddirectionshowingtheworldwe’reopenforbusi-WethanktheWolfandtheAssemblyforpri-thesemuch-neededtothestate’staxWorkingtogeth-forPennsylvania,weforwardtobuildingthismomentumtohelprealizeitstruepotential.”“Thesereformstotaxcodeamajorstepinmaking
6A CHESTER COUNTY PRESS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 COME AND JOIN OUR GREAT FAMILY-OWNED AND OPERATED TEAM! START TRAINING TODAY We’re hiring immediately! Enjoy profitable, part-time morning and afternoon employment with nights, weekends, and holidays off. Start the application process and training today and it is possible to be ready to start driving for the school year!
• Hunger Walk Oxford • Leader Dogs
• Oxford Youth Cabin • Oxford Area Recreation Authority • Vision Corp.
The organization has served the Oxford community for 70 years
Four new members were added to the ranks of the Oxford Lions Club. From left to right are District Governor Chrissy Smaltz, Alice Tackett and Billy Tackett, Beata Baker, Ruth Devine, and president Mike Baker. There are currently 25 members and the number will continue to grow.
Photo by Betsy Brantner
The Brandywine Festival of the Arts returns to Brandywine Park on Sept. 10 and 11.
The Oxford Lions Club has been operating for 70 years, and while COVID-19 and other medical issues have robbed them of several familiar faces over the last few years, the remaining group is dedicated to rebuild ing their Currentranks.President Mike Baker has been actively seek ing new members to carry on the numerous good works the Lions Club has done for the Oxford community. According to Baker, the Lions Club has no administra tive costs so 100 percent of the donations they receive go directly to the charity they are supporting. The Lions Club is the largest service organization in the entire world with 46,000 clubs. Lions Club International has more than 1.5 million members. The main goal of the club has always been to help vision-impaired persons. They provide eye exams, fre quently doing testing for those who might not otherwise be able to get exams. Of course, they also collect glasses and regrind the lenses so others can use them. Collection boxes are set up throughout the community. Donate your used glasses and feel good knowing they will help others.They have long been a positive force in the com munity. This year they stepped up to take over the job long-held by the late Oxford mayor Harold Gray, and will be inheriting Gray's Salvation Army bell this holi dayBakerseason.isencouraging others to volunteer for the Lions Club and to be a part of one of the longest running organizations. For more information, contact Baker at 484-643-0943 or email him at:bruder_10@hotmail.com
Brandywine Festival of the Arts returns for 61st year
• Oxford Senior Center
• Canine Partners for Life • Eye Foundation of Delaware Co.
• Oxford Little League- Team Sponsor
• Light House Youth Center
• Girl Scout Troops in Oxford
Oxford Lions Club welcomes new members
• LCIF -Lions International Foundation –Melvin Jones Award – given to a deserving Lion Member. The latest recipient is Wendy Smith in 2022.
Courtesy photo The festival features 240 artisans displaying and selling their works, food, music, children's activities and pet-adoption opportunities. The festival attracts up to 15,000 visitors over the weekend.
Courtesy photo
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
• Nottingham Presbyterian Back Pack Event
The Lion’s Club contributes, among other things, to the following: The Brandywine Festival of the Arts, a Wilmington tradi tion since 1961, returns to Brandywine Park on Sept. 10 and 11 with 240 artisans displaying and selling their works, plus food, music, children's activities and pet-adop tion photographers,time,the40Theopportunities.vendors,includingwhoareexhibitingatfestivalforthefirstincludepainters,jewelrymakers,ceramicists,woodcraftersandfabricartists.Onemust-seeexhibitoriswatercoloristBethPalserofChesterCounty,whohasbeennamedthefeaturedartistforthe2022festival.Palser,whohasreceivedmorethan50awards,includingsomefromnationalorganizations,duringhercareer,describesherwork,char acterized by hard-edged brush strokes, as “graphic realism.”Thefestival is popu lar with both artists and patrons, said Barry Schlecker, whose Barry’s Events has produced the festival since 2010. All booth spaces for art ists were filled by July, the earliest ever, Schlecker said. Artists enjoy the venue, on the banks of the Brandywine, as well as the event’s camaraderie and the knowledgeable patrons who visit each year.The festival attracts up to 15,000 visitors over the weekend, with some reconnecting with favored artists and others seeking out new vendors, Schlecker said. Its tim ing, the weekend after Labor Day, signals the end of summer and, for many, the start of a sea son devoted to refreshing their homes and purchas ing holiday gifts. More than a dozen food vendors will be offering delectable edibles includ ing chicken, BBQ, soul food, cinnamon buns, kettle corn, ice cream and water ice.
Chester County Press WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, Section2022BIn the Spotlight
Singers from OperaDelaware will perform. Face-painting and other activities will be offered in the Kids Korner.Three animal res cue organizations – the Brandywine Valley SPCA, Delaware Humane Association and Angel's Retreat – will describe pet adoption procedures. Each organization will award a cost-free adop tion of an adult rescue dog to a qualifying family at the end of the festival. Brandywine Park is located at 1001 N. Park Drive, opposite the Brandywine Zoo. Free parking and shuttle bus service will be available at Incyte, 1801 Augustine Cutoff.Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11. Admission is $5 per day, with children 12 and under accompanied by an adult admitted free. Friendly pets on leashes are welcome at the fes tival and on the shuttle buses.For more information, visit brandywinearts.com.
• Beacon Lodge, Lion’s Camp for children with disabilities
• Boy Scout Troop 44 – Sponsor
• Two Oxford Area High School scholarships in 2022 ($1000 each)
• Oxford Neighborhood Services
Members of the Oxford Lions Club gathered at the Post House for a meet ing with the regional governor. Pictured (at table left to right) are Alice Tackett, Jean Bender and Carol Day and (middle row) Frank McFadden, John Day, Chrissy Smaltz, (District Governor), Wendy Smith, and Ruth Devine, and (top row) Billy Tackett, Beata Baker, Mike Baker, Jim Roach, Dudley Cummins, and Lee Devine.
The two-day event will feature 240 artisans, food vendors, music, and more
Sophie Pearl Butler, a resident of Laurel, Del. and formerly of southern Chester County, passed away at home on Aug. 6, 2022. She was 101. She was the wife of the late Russell M. Butler, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Rising Sun, Md., she was the daughter of the late Barclay and Ethel Dempsey Pierce. She was a former member of Union United Methodist Church in Nottingham. Sophie enjoyed sewing, gardening and reading. She is survived by one son, Richard L. Butler of Laurel, Del. and one daughter, Joyce Marie Lovelace of Ohio. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 26 great-great-grandchildren.Shewasprecededindeath by a son, Clement B. Butler.Services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
SOPHIE PEARL BUTLER
JOHN D. BIONDI, JR John D. Biondi, Jr. passed away on Aug. 9, 2022 at the home he built in Toughkenamon. He was 99. He was the husband of Antonette DiMarco Biondi, with whom he shared 75 years of marriage. Born in Devon, Pa., he was a son of the late John Biondi, Sr. and the late Marie Bucci Biondi. John enlisted in the Air Force and was later transferred to the Army where he served in France and Germany during World War II. He was co-founder and co-owner with his brothers, of Biondi Brothers Mushroom Farms before retiring in 1986. He was an avid NASCAR fan, coached Kaolin Little League, enjoyed bowling and loved tinkering with anything at his home. He was a longtime member of the VFW Post 5467 in Kennett Square. In addition to his wife, John is survived by one daughter, Barbara Sedlak (and her husband Jim) of West Chester and three sons, Fred Biondi (and his wife Rosemary) of Kennett Square, Paul Biondi of Eugene, Ore., and Michael Biondi (and his wife Adrienne) of Newport, Del. He is also survived by one sister, Edith Losito of Toughkenamon, five grandchildren, Christine, Stephen, Stephanie, Matt, and Nicole, and one great-grandson, Jon Jon.He was predeceased by three brothers, Joe, Paul, and Fred, and three sisters, Dolly Mastrippolito, Margaret Malchione, and Theresa Caligiuri. His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Aug. 15. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kennett Area Senior Center online at https://kennettseniorcenter.org/donate.
php.Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view the online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
is with you wherever you go.
2B CHESTER COUNTY PRESS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 Chester County ObituariesPress 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 Alleluia Meets First and Third Thursday at 6:30p.m. Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA Compliments of ClubLionsofOxford P.O. Box 270 Oxford, PA19363 HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA ENCOURAGES932-9330YOUTO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE UnitedLandenbergChurchMethodist AllAre Welcome 205 Penn Green InHistoricDowntownLandenbergRd.Landenberg,PA19350 610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday9:00 am CALL TO ADVERTISE 610-869-5553 484-734-8100 | www.griecofunerals.com 405 W. State St. Kennett Square, PA 19348 Matthew J. Grieco, Supervisor, Funeral Director / Certified Celebrant Cremation, Burial, Pre-Planning Our Family Serving Your Family Specializing in Personalized Life Celebration Events at Venues of all kinds ABOUT OUR STAFF Our funeral professionals offer a combination of ingenuity and have over 100 years of combined experience. As we guide you through the decision making process, we will explain options while ensuring your family's needs are being met. We feel our service to the families of Southern Chester County is more than a business. It’s a tradition of comfort and trust. KUZO FUNERAL HOME, INC KENNETT SQUARE, PA Keely W. Griffin, Supervisor 610.444.4116 FOULK FUNERAL HOME OF WEST GROVE, INC Curtis S. Greer, Supervisor 610.869.2685 www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories. Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God Joshua 1:9 J. FRED SCHOCH J. Fred Schoch, 86, of Cochranville, passed away on Aug. 9, 2022 at Penn Medicine Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. He was the husband of Ruth Boyd Schoch, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, he was the son of the late Richard and Catherine Kelly Schoch. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Fred was an insurance agent for Prudential Insurance Co. until he retired in 2000. He was a member of Assumption BVM Church, West Grove. Fred enjoyed sprint car racing and snowmobiling. He is survived by his wife; two sons, John Schoch (Sue) and Michael Schoch (Mary) all of Wilmington; three grandchildren, Summer, Samantha and Molly; and two great-grandchildren, Maeve and Layne. He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Schoch. Services and interment are private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
With the outdoor activity season in full swing and as children get ready to return to school, Chester County has launched a safety awareness campaign to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe - and drivers aware to walk or bike, but it also means all of us have to take extra care.”
The county identified the need for a safety awareness campaign even before the pandemic. In a fiveyear period between 2015 and 2020, Chester County reported 521 traffic accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, including 25 deaths, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.“Tohelpreduce both the number and severity of accidents, we joined with regional partners to provide simple – but impactful –safety guidance for everyone who uses the county’s roads and trails – whether walking, cycling, or driving,” said County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Everyone sharing the road is responsible to be careful, but pedestrians are the most vulnerable. It’s important for walkers, cyclists, and drivers to work together to make the road safe for everyone.”
Judith (Babe) Ann Bonifacino Parry, of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2022 at her home while surrounded by her family. She wasShe69.was the loving wife of William O. Parry, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Ernest F. and Julia Perrone Bonifacino. Judy was employed with Concord Land Planners and Surveyors in Oxford for 35 years. Judy enjoyed gardening, her annual family Wildwood beach trip, spending time at the pool and traveling with her husband. Most of all, she liked being with her family at the family farm and enjoying her grandkids. She was a lifelong member of the Sacred Heart Church inJudithOxford.is survived by her husband and three children, Tiffany Parry, Ernest Parry (Rachel) and Benjamin Parry (Tanya), all of Oxford. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, one brother, James Bonifacino (Peggy) and four sisters, Joan Bird (Mike), Rita Wooten, Ruth Whitehead (Neil) and Carol Chandler (Bill). She was preceded in death by one sister, Grace Davis (Kenny) and two brothers, Ernest Bonifacino, Jr. (Judy) and Thomas Bonifacino (Marie). Services and interment will be private. It is the family’s wish that you remember her for the wonderful person she was. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
The Walk. Ride. Drive. Safe campaign offers tips and rules for drivers, bicyclists and walkers when sharing lanes. The county’s more congested urban and suburban areas make safety awareness very important. “We have seen a major increase in the number of people walking and biking since the pandemic started, not to the extent we saw early on when trails were packed, but we see more people out now than we did before COVID19,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz. “It is a very positive development to see more people taking advantage of opportunities
In addition to the Planning Commission, partners involved in the Walk. Ride. Drive. Safe program include the Chester County Health Department, Department of Emergency Services, Parks + Preservation, plus PennDOT, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, SEPTA, TMACC, Greater Valley Forge TMA, DVRPC and West Chester University. For information on Chester County’s bicycle and pedestrian safety campaign, please visit chesco. org/sharetheride.
Courtesy photo
REBECCA CLEMENT Rebecca Clement, most often known as Becky, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 6, 2022 while surrounded by her family after a short battle with brain cancer. She is survived by her mother, Carol Clement, stepfather David Harrison, a brother, Josh Clement (and his wife Dawn), and a sister, Anne Deffenderfer (and her husband Alan). She is also survived by four beloved nieces, Emma Hutchison, Margaret Hutchison, Caroline Clement and Charlotte Clement. All services are private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Susan MorrisseyArrangementsFoundation.arebeing handled by Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 CHESTER COUNTY PRESS 3B Chester County Press Local News
Obituaries
Chester County launches Walk. Ride. Drive. Safe Campaign
JUDITH ANN BONIFACINO PARRY
Social media posts will remind pedestrians to keep their phone down and head up when walking along the side of a road, to walk facing traffic, and to stay to the left. The messages will remind cyclists to stay off their phones and make themselves highly visible with lights and reflectors. The postings will remind drivers to slow down and move over to safely pass walkers and joggers. “The safest way to develop transportation choices is to create and maintain separate networks like bike lanes, sidewalks, and automobile lanes. But when separate lanes are not possible, then sharing lanes while walking, cycling or driving is necessary,” added Commissioner Michelle Kichline. “It is in these instances that safety awareness is crucial. These social media posts depict road situations in an engaging way that we think will capture the public’s attention and drive home the point.”Local governments in addition to the riding and walking public now have to cope with these safety issues. Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary noted that safety concerns have prompted construction of many more sidewalks in Chester County than just a couple of decades ago.“In growth areas, we have seen a shift where most municipalities and communities require sidewalks to be built to keep people from walking on the road,” he said. “The Planning Commission is beginning a trail study to see how municipal and other potential trail pieces connect to the established circuit of trails and where missing segments could be filled in. We want to continue to expand transportation choices.”
PUBLIC NOTICE PENN TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Penn Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at 7:00 PM at which time the Board will hear the following matter: In Re: Application of Douglas Taylor for the real estate located at 204 Pennocks Bridge Road, West Grove, PA 19390 as located in the RS – Residential Suburban Zoning District for relief from the Penn Township Zoning Ordinance as follows: a. A variance for Applicant to use the to be constructed pole barn at the Property as a business office and storage for Applicant’s welding business; and b. A variance from Zoning Ordinance section 501.A to permit inside storage of materials and supplies (inside the pole barn) that are associated with Applicant’s business; and c. A variance from Zoning Ordinance section 501.A to permit multiple uses on the Subject Property, namely the three (3) existing manufactured homes, the existing single family dwelling (used for residential apartments), the proposed business office use and inside storage of materials and supplies (for Applicant’s business), in addition to existing accessory uses, accessory to the existing residential and proposed business uses, at the Property; and d. Applicant seeks any other zoning relief necessary or appropriate to permit all of the foregoing. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact the Township Secretary at (610) 869-9620 to discuss how Penn Township may be accommodate your needs. Arthur L. Sagnor, III, Solicitor Lachall, Cohen & Sagnor, LLP 144 West Market Street West Chester, PA8p-10-2t19382
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PUBLIC NOTICE At its regularly scheduled meeting on August 15, 2022, the Oxford Borough Council accepted the resignation of Mary Higgins from Council. Any registered electors in the Borough of Oxford interested in being considered to fill the vacancy until January 2024 created by this resignation should submit a letter of interest to the Borough via email or mail at: CouncilOxford,1manager@oxfordboro.org,Email:Mail:OctoraroAlley,POBox380,PA19363willconsidertheapplications of those interested and expects to appoint the new member of Council at its public meeting on September 12, 2022. 8p-17-1t ESTATE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Karen F. Cramer and Steven E. Reynolds, CoExecutors for the Estate of Alma Mae Reynolds whose last address was Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA8p-17-3t19363.
NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Penn Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following Applicationmatter: of Jason Haldeman, equitable owner, seeking a variance from the 100 foot and 75 foot Riparian Buffer Zone 1 and Zone 2 setbacks under zoning ordinance section 1304 so as to permit the construction of a manufactured home on property located at 181 Kelton Road, West Grove, PA (UPI #58-4-126) in the Township’s RS – Residential Suburban zoning district. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact the Township Secretary at (610) 869-9620 to discuss how Penn Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor, Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 8p-17-2t Legals Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is partnering with the PreventionmentTransportationDepartmentPennsylvaniaoftoimple-theCigaretteLitterProgram(CLPP) Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to work with PennDOT to reduce cigarette litter at State welcome centers
Courtesy photo at 14 state welcome centers. A grant of $20,000 for the program was awarded to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful from the national organization, Keep America Beautiful. The CLPP program began with a scan or physical count of cigarette butts and other tobacco products of each participating visitor center. Ash receptacles will be installed at each of the building’s points of entry. Two other scans will be performed, one midway through the year and a final count at the end of the program.According to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s 2019 Pennsylvania Litter Research Study, over 500 million pieces of litter were found on Pennsylvania’s roadways. Of the total estimated litter, 186.2 million, or 37.1 percent, were cigaretteCigarettebutts. butts that are thrown on the ground can contaminate soil and ground water with chemicals and heavy metals; fatally impact birds, animals and marine life who often mistake them for food; and the filters, made of cellulose acetate, never fully disappear from the environment. Classifieds
PUBLIC NOTICE PENN TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD
ESTATE NOTICE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LOIS M. WEAGLEY, deceased, late of West Goshen Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, have been granted to the undersigned. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make prompt payment and those having claims to present the same, without delay to: Mark W. Weagley, Executor, care of Attorney: Charice D. Chait, Peckman Chait LLP, 29 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438 8p-17-3t ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF MAXIMINO HERNANDEZ SOTELO a/k/a MAX HERNANDEZ and MAXIMINO HERNANDEZ, DECEASED. Late of New Garden 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 LIZZETTE HERNANDEZ, ADMINISTRATRIX, c/o Carolina R. Heinle, Esq., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707, Or to her Attorney: CAROLINA R. HEINLE, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707 8p-17-3t
The Arsht-Cannon Fund supports Latino arts education outreach
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 CHESTER COUNTY PRESS 5B
Libre’s Law, the anticruelty law (Act 10) that strengthened the protection of animals, went into effect in late August of 2017. Since then, over 35,000 animal abuse
The Delaware Art Museum is celebrating a $30,000 grant from the Arsht-Cannon Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation (DCF) to expand the reach of its Healing through the Arts program. The program delivers free art experiences through eight partners in greater Wilmington, with a focus on Latinoserving and expressing,Latinoeffortsthelevelsconfrontingtheaccessnershipsgrowthgrantingart-makingpartnersthosevideMuseum’sBychildhoodsocialincludingingalsoexperiencingtohavecompany,Artcancercommunitypaintingseedphysically,mentally,thating.roleOrtizVanesacommunitysparkedthroughorganizations.cancer-servingTheideaforHealingtheArtswasin2017,whenmembersSimonandLuisasharedideasabouttheofcreativityinheal-TheMuseumagreedarthelpspeoplehealemotionally,andandofferedmoneytopilotthreeworkshopsandacelebrationforpatients.Sincethen,theDelawareMuseumandSimon’sMariposaArts,expandedtheprogramservenotonlypeoplecancer,butpeopleexperienc-environmentaltrauma,gunviolence,conflict,andadverseexperiences.reachingbeyondthewallstopro-experienceswitharttowhoneeditmost,theusethepracticeoftocatalyzeheal-andbuildcommunity.TheArsht-CannonFundistargetedtowardtheofcommunitypart-thatwillincreasetoartexperiencesformanyLatinoswhoareoverwhelmingofstress.“WeareexcitedtosupportDelawareArtMuseum’stoengageourfamiliesinlearning,anddeveloping
Delaware Art Museum helps healthethrougharts
Local News Chester County Press
creative ways to manage feelings associated with mounting life challenges,” stated Christine Cannon, the executive director of the Arsht-Cannon Fund. “With linguistically- and culturally-designed experiences, many will feel welcomed, and their participation can open many opportunities.” “I find that looking at art, and talking about art, provides a different vehicle to reflect on your experiences,” said Vanesa Simon. “Participants come to the Museum, a place that doesn’t have anything to do with cancer. They look at beautiful art, or even challenging art, and see things in it they’ve never noticed before. They talk about their observations with a group of people that know what they are experiencing. Sometimes it isn’t about cancer, but they have space to talk about their lives through a different lens.” Healing through the Arts workshop content changes to reflect the needs of each new audience. The program has added grief drumming, watercolor, clay workshops, gallery tours, and holds workshops in the Museum’s labyrinth. In addition to the ArshtCannon Fund at DCF, this program is made possible by Incyte and Museum Council. This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on com.www.DelawareScene.
offenses have been filed statewide – 57 percent of which were for neglect of anAmonganimal. some of the changes to Pennsylvania’s previous animal cruelty laws include stricter tethering regulations, harsher penalties for certain animal abuse offenses and the requirement that anyone convicted of an animal abuse offense forfeit their animal(s).Thisinfographic highlights key data about animal abuse cases and offenses committed statewide since the law took effect.
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A food truck festival will be on site for refreshments. Ben Franklin will demonstrate his great inventions. Chris Reardon will display his black power firearm collection. Information will be available on the Battle of Paoli and why it was named the “Paoli Massacre” by patriots. Those attending can visit the second oldest War Memorial in the United States, atop the grave of 52 of the 53 Continental soldiers killed at the Battle ofToPaoli.close out the day, a veterans’ recognition ceremony will be held. Re-enactors will march out of camp and lay wreaths at the mass grave site of the patriots who perished during the Battle of Paoli on September 20-21, 1777. After remarks about the history and sacrifice of our fighting men and women, a bugler will play “Taps,” which will then be followed by a firing Admissionsalute.isa donation of $10 per person. The family rate, a maximum for four people, is $20. Children under 5 years old are allowed free admission. A 20 percent discount on tickets will be given to those purchasing before Aug. 31. For ticket information, see Remember Paoli’s Heritage Page on ProceedsFacebook.benefitthe Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. The non-profit fund is dedicated to protecting, preserving and promoting the historical significance of the Paoli Battlefield through the funding and development of educational programs and conservation activities including historical tours, reenactments, research, itstorationlectures/workshopspublications,andres-ofthepropertytoindigenousstate.
How prevalent is animal abuse in Pennsylvania?
Volunteers and sponsors needed for Military Timeline event at Paoli Battlefield Heritage Day playing the dress and items they carried into battle. The public is invited to interact with the soldiers, see the weapons they used and learn about the clothing and other gear that these soldiers needed to outfit themselves on the battlefield. Many other programs will be taking place through the day.
Volunteers and sponsors are needed for the upcoming Military Timeline event at the Paoli Battlefield on Saturday, Sept. 17. “We’re expecting to have a grand event for everyone. The military timeline includes representative depictions of our military from the beginning of the nation,” said Jim Christ, president of the Paoli Battlefield Preservation Fund. “We are looking for volunteers and sponsors to help us present this wonderful community event.” For those interested in volunteering, contact Jim Christ at willpresentation.GuardPennsylvaniaImpressionsWaynePark,4placegmail.com.PaoliBattlefield@Theeventtakesfrom11a.m.untilp.m.atPaoliBattlefieldMonumentandavenuesinMalvern.HistoricalMilitaryandtheNationalareassistingintheRe-enactorsbeincampsanddis-
6B CHESTER COUNTY PRESS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022 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. Why settle for shower walls that look like plastic? Project time: 2 weeks 2 DAYS. Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart *Cannot be combined with any other offer. Previous sales excluded. Good at initial presentation only. $1,000 discount is only available to be used towards purchasing Luxstone walls. Additional work is extra and optional. Financing available for qualified buyers. Exp. 09/01/2021 PA:PA013302 * NJ: 13VH 04301900 MD: MD129485 * DE: 2008206060 NO PRICE QUOTES GIVEN VIA PHONE.www.HomeSmartind.com 0% APR Low monthly payment plans ONBATH & ONBATHSHOWERREPLACEMENTS SHOWERREPLACEMENTS $1,000 OFF plus FREE ESTIMATES and INDUSTRIES Bathtubs Showers Kohler Walk-In Baths Authorized Dealer 888-670-3731 Call Home Smart today to schedule your free in-home estimate. >Must call this number< Bathtubs | Walk-In Baths | Showers | Shower Doors | Fixtures | Faucets | Accessories Home Smart Industries, Family Owned & Operated “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
