The Mushroom Festival: Food, fun, and entertainment in Kennett Square this weekend
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
Kennett Square’s signature event, the Mushroom Festival, will return for the 39th time on Sept. 7 and 8. This celebration of Pennsylvania’s number-one agricultural crop routinely attracts upwards of 100,000 people over its two days –many of them from beyond the Pennsylvania state line and some even reported from
international locations.
At the helm of the event this year and in recent years are longtime leaders Gina Puoci and Gale Ferranto.
Puoci is a Kennett Square native who is the administrator of the Kennett Fire Company.
Ferranto grew up in a mushroom-growing family and is the president of Buona Foods, which processes and packages canned mushrooms in Oxford.
The co-chairpersons said they can both look back at more mushroom festivals and they remember special features that came and went through the years.
Almost 40 years ago, the Mushroom Festival began as a simple celebration that consisted of a brief parade for non-profit organizations along State Street and a coronation of the “Mushroom Queen” the night before. For many years, Kathi
Lafferty and others oversaw the festival and initiated attractions like a Ferris Wheel, the Friday night parade, a wine festival, a mushroom-picking contest and an art show.
Remaining popular and continuing to please the visitors are the mushroomcooking contests, the vendors, a “Cute as a Button” contest, a mushroom-eating contest, growing demonstrations,
By JP Phillips Contributing Writer
When convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante’s twoweek escape from Chester County Prison ended on Sept 13, 2023, area residents were still traumatized
A look at Chester County Prison security and infrastructure improvements by the knowledge that many deficiencies that allowed the escape to happen in the first place continued to exist. Chester County was supposed to be a safe place to live, but now many residents in the area weren’t so sure. Many were unaware
that individuals charged with serious crimes were housed there until their trial date and then, if convicted, waited there for transport to a state facility.
“Our residents were living in fear because one of the worst prisoners we’ve had, in terms of the crimes they’ve committed, managed to get out of our facility,” County Commissioner and Prison Board Chair Josh Maxwell said to a large crowd on Sept. 23, 2023, the first board meeting after the capture. “Soon after the escape, we tasked the acting warden with putting together a plan once that situation was resolved that we can use to start earning the public trust back. It’s going to take more than a day, more than the meeting today. It’s
Garden Flying Field’s Jon Martin, a photo essay celebrating the Flying Field’s spectacular air show this past June, and several other stories.
going to take weeks. And then months, and then years without any incidents to earn the community’s trust.”
Improvements started with a change of leadership at the top. Acting Warden Howard Holland took over from the
Kennett Library dedicates mural as part of first-year celebration
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
There is a mural, 87 feet wide by 17 feet in height, that is clearly visible to anyone who passes by the Kennett Library on South Willow Street. It is a snapshot history lesson of Kennett Square in full and resplendent color.
Created by community mural artist Al Moretti over the past year, the mural was one of the artistic cornerstones in the development of the new, 33,425-squarefoot library, which officially opened on Aug. 27, 2023. On the one-year anniversary of that beginning, more than 100 patrons and library officials gathered on Aug.
27 to celebrate the library’s milestone and acknowledge Moretti’s work as a symbol of history and progress.
Library Board President Brad Peiper told the audience that the creation of the mural was a creative response to the removal of a former mural that stood for several years on the side of a vacant building on South Willow Street
that depicted Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad movement through Kennett Square. The building was taken down during the construction of the new library, but through a proposal by library trustee Dr. Brenda Mercomes and assistance from the library’s arts committee, an effort was made to hire Moretti to rei-
Saving the whole life at LaMancha Animal Rescue
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Fate may seem like an unreliable thing, but when it comes to the animal companions in our lives it is easy to feel as if they are destined to be with us, even if just for a short time. For example, just one day after visiting LaMancha Animal Rescue in Coatesville, my family happened to rescue a kitten found wandering at a golf
course who is now wandering over my keyboard as I write.
This leads me to wonder that if it often feels like fate the timing of when a rescue animal enters our life, imagine how perfect it must feel for the animal? At LaMancha, the serendipity found in saving animals is seen and felt in not only the humans caring for them, but in the animals as well.
LaMancha Animal Rescue
began in 2001 with saving horses and expanded its operations to include providing care for dogs, cats, goats, chickens and seemingly any other animal who may need it, who include the two cows and emu that are on site. In their 23 years of operations, LaMancha has saved over 10,000 animals.
LaMancha Team Player Geoff Player said that many of their dog rescues come
magine a new mural that would commemorate not only Tubman but other key figures and attractions in the area: the mushroom industry, Longwood Gardens, the Lenape Indian legacy, equestrian life, the Latino culture and author Bayard Taylor.
“The mural is an impressive and beautiful piece of
previous warden the day before the escape, and was appointed as the permanent warden during the April 29, 2024 board meeting. Brian Sheller was approved for the position of Deputy Warden Continued on Page 4A Continued on Page 2A
The Fall-Winter edition of Landenberg Life will be publishing on September 11 and will include profiles of Reiki Medium Julie Garey, New
Continued on Page 3A
Photo by Gabbie Burton
A litter of puppies recently arrived at LaMancha.
Courtesy photo
Additional razor wire on the perimeter of the Chester County Prison has been added. Soon, there will be a system in place to detect any contact with the fence.
Photos by Chris Barber
The streets fill with music for the two days of the festival.
Mushroom growers come to the festival to explain to visitors how the crops are grown.
for Security during a meeting in February of 2024.
Of the many plans that were put forth during that September 2023 board meeting, much of the focus was on fully enclosing the outdoor yards. It appeared that the proposal was approved by the Board, but Maxwell said during a telephone interview with the Chester County Press on August 23, 2024 that due to the constitutional need for prisoners to be exposed to natural sunlight, that design was scrapped. The prison is working with a new vendor to encase the yards with security mesh, a concept that remains in the design phase.
When prisoners Cavalcante and, a few months earlier, Igor Bolte “crab-walked” to the top of the alley entrance of the exercise yard, they encountered a sunlit triangular opening leading to the roof. Those openings (there are eight yards) have been completely closed off with security metal mesh and additional upgraded razor. Had this relatively simple fix been in place, the breach as it occurred would have been impossible.
Cavalcante’s run to freedom was not noticed by the single guard in the observation tower. In a response to written questions submitted by the Chester County Press, the county’s Communications Office stated that there is now an additional officer patrolling the inside perimeter of the exercise yards whenever they are in use.
Cavalcante escaped wearing non-descript clothing that allowed him to blend into the area. Prison uniforms are now brightly colored based on the prisoner’s level of crime and/or flight risk assessment, and are
clearly marked CHESTER COUNTY PRISON. ReadyChesco, the county’s emergency communication system, was woefully inadequate during the Cavalcante escape. According to Pocopson resident Stephanie Hoopman, who lives less than a mile from the prison, the first ReadyChesco alert was sent out at noon—two hours after the siren sounded.
Cavalcante escaped at 8:51 a.m., but was not identified as missing for an hour.
Maxwell said that they no longer wait for complete information before notifying the community of an emergency. They will err on the side of an early warning versus having complete accuracy.
Another major issue was staff shortages. At the time of the escape, there were 76 vacancies out of 301 prison positions, including 55 correctional officers. The Communications Office stated that as of July 24, 2024, there were 73 vacancies, including 59 correctional officers.
Holland spoke about the staffing challenges at the Pocopson Township building on August 26, 2024, just before the start of their monthly Board of Supervisors meeting. He has been attending many of these meetings to provide updates and continue to listen to the concerns expressed by the local community.
“This is a tough one for me because, you know, we brought in probably about 45 to 50 people since I’ve been there, and we have lost about the same amount,” Holland said, citing retirements, some terminations and several resignations.
“A lot of people don’t really do well with change, and we’re doing a lot of change,” he said. “We’re moving forward. And, you know, some of them stepped up, while
some of them are really struggling. But you’re starting to see the culture change.”
During public comments at the August 28, 2024 Prison Board meeting, a current prison employee spoke about the burden that chronic understaffing puts on the other employees. In his view, mandatory overtime is unfair, not adequately compensated for, and not appreciated. He also questioned if race played a part in how employees were disciplined. As per protocol, there was no discussion, but Maxwell requested a copy of his statement.
Holland said the prison has put in place new professional development and careerbuilding programs designed to increase skills, motivation, morale, and professionalism among employees. In time, he feels that these programs, along with competitive pay and significant infrastructure improvements, will allow the prison to attract top-notch personnel and gain a reputation as a good place to work.
In April of 2024, additional upgraded razor wire was installed on the roof and by the perimeter fence. In June of 2024, new fiber-optic cable was laid to enable the installation of new cameras, some of which are on the roof and are motion-activated.
A body scanner and X-ray machine will scan people and their bags upon entrance to the prison to detect objects and contraband.
New ballistic vests were delivered in July of 2024 for officers on perimeter guard and transport duty. New air handlers were completed in August of 2024 in both the Work Release Center and parts of the main prison. Air scrubbers were added in both facilities to remove pollutants.
Programmable Logic Controllers that open and close all doors and gates in the prison replaced an unreliable system dating from 2007.
“The system we have was antiquated,” Holland said. “When you pressed buttons, there would be no response, and we would have to run around with all of the keys. We have upgraded that.” The work started in 2023, and will finish shortly.
The indoor gym that was closed years ago due to ventilation problems is now back in service. Employee locker rooms, meeting spaces, and work station countertops have been updated.
The prison will soon start work on a Perimeter Intrusion Detection System to protect the outer perimeter fencing.
“If someone tries to cut it, if someone tries to climb it, it leaves you with this notification,” Holland said. “It’ll send an alert.”
Card readers are planned for employees that will better protect authorized and unauthorized spaces. They are bringing back two K9 dogs. A
functioning intercom system, a relocated camera monitoring room, a mail scanner, new laundry machines for prisoner uniforms and hot water heaters are also in the works. Holland said that parts of the roof leaks, and it will be replaced in sections over the next three years.
The county’s chesco.org website states that the current prison was opened in 1959, and underwent renovations and expansions in 1983. With the exception of the PreRelease / Work Release Center built in 1993, there is no mention of major renovations for the past 41 years. Holland said that it will take three to five years to complete all of the planned infrastructure and security improvements to his satisfaction.
Elaine DiMonte, chair of the Pocopson Board of Supervisors, is quite pleased with the level of prison leadership engagement and the sharing of information. She has a better appreciation
of the challenges the prison faces with any kind of a building project. Because of the high level of security, tools and supplies need to be counted going in and out of the facility. If work is being done on one area, there needs to be room to shift the prisoners living in that area to another space. Projects need to be staged based on priority, and DiMonte has full confidence in Holland to do the job.
“I have every confidence in his ability to lead the prison,” she said, “provided that the Prison Board gives him what he needs.”
Maxwell had some thoughts about the progress made at the Chester County Prison.
“It's a very large boat,” he said. “I think it is starting to move in the right direction and gaining some momentum. We realize it’s going to take years of investment into personnel and the facility to get it up to the standards that the residents deserve.”
Courtesy photo
The triangular area Cavalcante climbed through is now enclosed with metal security mesh and upgraded razor wire. This is the rooftop view.
Pocopson resident Stephanie Hoopman is pictured in her yard. The prison is just over the back tree line, less than a mile from her house. Hoopman has attended most Prison Board meetings, mostly via Zoom, and always advocates for the security improvements.
Photo by JP Phillips
Warden Howard Holland has been providing regular updates at Pocopson Township meetings.
Mushroom Festival...
Continued from Page 1A
painted ceramic mushrooms, mushroom soup, the annual designed T-shirt contest, the Saturday car show, numerous vendors, music and the children’s entertainment stations.
The festival has also been visited through the years by numerous celebrities, including stars from cooking shows, competitive eaters, a former state Secretary of Agriculture, and Ed Rendell, the very popular former Pennsylvania governor who also served as the Mayor of Philadelphia.
Ferranto and Puoci are especially excited this year about the cooking contest called “Chopped.”
This contest involves presenting the contestants with a bag of various foods (including and especially mushrooms), and they are challenged to produce the best dish within a limited time.
Up to now, the contest was a one-time event, usually on Saturday. This year the popularity has been so high, Ferranto said, that they are having two semi-final events producing four finalists on Saturday, and those finalists will compete for the championship on Sunday.
Food celebrity guest and judge will be Carla Hall, the popular TV cook and food program hostess. She will be one of three judges for the Amateur Cook-Off Competitions and will also give a cooking demonstration during the festival.
Perhaps the event that attracts the most excitement and raucous reaction is the fried mushroom eating con-
test. This attraction brings enthusiastic cheering and applause from the spectators.
Growers from mushroom companies throughout the region also set up actual compost beds of developing mushrooms that show how the fungi are planted, grown and then picked.
Scores of vendors line State Street and some of the side streets, offering attendees a wide variety of crafts, gifts, toys, specialty foods and promotions – especially mushroom items to eat on the spot.
Puoci said applications for a spot along the way are so popular that they fill up by mid-summer.
“We have more applications than spaces,” she said.
Organizing and running the annual Mushroom Festival is no easy task, nor is it something that the leaders and other volunteers can throw together in a short time, Puoci said. In fact, they apply with the borough the preceding January or February to hold the event.
The Mushroom Festival is overseen by a 13-member board and operated by scores of volunteers.
The board meets twice a month for the entire year ahead of the festival to organize all the festivities.
Puoci said they are responsible not only for being present in September for the event, but they also must ensure that the festival conforms to all codes. They have to manage the finances, assure safety for everyone and develop a plan for providing parking.
Just a few days before the opening, Puoci arrives on State Street with spray paint and lays out the locations of
Chester County Press
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all the vendors.
She also assures that the fire company reviews each vendor and location for safety codes ahead of time.
The theme of the festival this year is “Spawning the Future.” Spawning is a mushroom term that is the equivalent in vegetables of planting seeds.
Ferranto said she likes the theme because the Mushroom Festival contributes thousands of dollars each year to worthy local non-profit organizations.
Over time, the Mushroom Festival has raised and distributed more than $1 million to local non-profits.
She said the average gift is about $3,000 to each organization, but that is enough to make a difference in a small company or agency to grow in some way.
The Mushroom Festival takes place on State Street in Kennett Square from Church Alley to Garfield Street. Branches run south on Broad Street to Cypress for the mushroom promotions and growing tent (and further down on Saturday for the car show), on Union Street to Cypress for culinary events, and the Liberty Place Market
area for children’s activities.
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. An information booth will be set up at the intersection of State and Union.
Parking is at the Chatham Financial lot on McFarlan Road (with a sign guiding drivers from Baltimore Pike). There is also space at the Kennett High School parking lot. Shuttle buses will carry visitors to the festival.
Entry to the Mushroom Festival is $5 per person, which is cash only.
Festival-goers will receive a wristband for entry. For more information, follow the
Mushroom Festival on social media or visit the website at mushroomfestival.org.
Photos by Chris Barber
Participants in the cook-off line up behind all the food contributed by the Giant food store.
The streets of Kennett Square fill up with visitors as soon as the gates open on Saturday.
Many out-of-towners line up for a taste of real fried mushrooms in the Mushroom Capital of the World, Kennett Square.
The painted mushroom sale and auction demonstrates the talent of local artists.
Gina Puoci, left, and Gale Ferranto oversee the Mushroom Festival, which arrives again on Sept. 7 in Kennett Square.
Mural...
Continued from Page 1A
artwork, but it really is so much more than that,” Peiper said. “It is a reflection of who we are as a community, it tells a story, honors our history and celebrates our diversity. It is a visual reminder of our shared values and our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.”
Moretti said that it took six months to put together a plan for the mural, which led to his extensive research on the subjects included in it.
“The arts committee outlined exactly what they wanted,” he said. “They wanted to tell the story of Kennett and the surrounding area. They wanted to
LaMancha...
Continued from Page 1A
from southern states.
“We partner with rescues in the south,” he said. “They’re vastly understaffed and vastly overcrowded.”
Some of those shelters in the south are kill shelters. LaMancha will rescue animals at risk of euthanasia from those shelters so they can find a second chance, no matter how long it may take.
Taking care of all the animals for as long as they may need is no small feat. The organization gets its main funding from the horses boarded on site but equally depends on donations and volunteers for its daily operations. Player – who has been associated as a volunteer with LaMancha for the past 13 years -- said that the agency currently has 270 volunteers.
Despite the number of dogs Player has seen and cared for over the years, he seems
highlight the individuals, the events, the places and the things that are most meaningful for us.”
Moretti thanked his sons Aaron and Rueben, Rob DiTeodoro, Sean Nieder and library art consultant John Baker for their assistance with the project.
Kennett Library executive director Christopher Manna listed several achievements the library has made during its first year, including the goal to expand its hours of operation from 63 hours a week in 2024 to 72 hours a week by August of 2025. In addition, the library now offers 110 programs per month that will by year’s end be attended by 30,000 people.
“Since opening, we’re up
to know each of their names as they all walk by. Beyond just the names he calls out, “Reggie,” “Ralph,” “Hattie,” he and the other volunteers acknowledge each animal’s personality and backstory as well.
For example, Hattie, a Mastiff, looks intimidating with her large stance and sassy attitude. However, for Player, she takes on the agility course with ease and gingerly rolls over for belly rubs, when to eyes of a stranger just minutes earlier she looked completely uninterested.
One of Player’s favorite rescues over the years was four Great Pyrenees they saved from Louisiana. LaMancha has a reputation for saving Great Pyrenees and have several who live on site.
“There were four Great Pyrenees who were basically living at a truck stop and fed scraps,” Player said. “They were feral, wild, so
25 percent in book circulation versus the old library,” he said. “The investment in this library by the community has been rewarded by seeing the increase in checked-out items, and also by the number of people reading. Questions asked of library staff are up 500 percent. People see this library as the community resource, and when you have a question, we can point you in a direction and serve you. We serve all populations and all people.
“Foot traffic is up 300 percent. In the old library, we saw 5,000 people a month. We’re now regularly exceeding 17,000 people per month in this building.”
“We’ve been on quite a journey with this library,”
we invested a huge amount of time and energy and actually after eight months we had them domesticated. We are expert in domesticating feral dogs and rehabilitating dogs from abuse, starvation. You see some terrible things, but also the joy is that we see them get better and go home.”
LaMancha’s process with each animal is unique to the animal’s individual needs but includes socialization, enrichment, medical care and physical activity among other things. Two sister puppies currently on site, Heather and Ashley, went out for some physical activity while volunteers Whitney Minner and Krys Kirschner shared their volunteer stories. Minner said that she started volunteering at LaMancha because of her love of dogs and that simple love is still her favorite part of the experience.
“We call it our church,” said Minner, who has been
Al Moretti told an audi-
ence of more than 100 that determining the content of the mural took six months to plan, which he developed in partnership with the library’s arts committee.
Peiper said. “It’s almost like reading a good book. The early chapters were all about the planning and construction stages, working with the County Commissioners and our local representatives and most importantly, all of
volunteering for five years.
“Some of these dogs are just so beaten down and shy and petrified when they arrive here, but then we give what we call ‘LaMancha loving.’”
For Kirschner, who started at LaMancha in January, volunteering was a selfcare initiative led by past volunteer experience and close proximity to the rescue.
“I lasted three whole weeks before I took one dog home,” Kirschner said.
Minner was reminded of the organization's starfish logo and the story behind it during the conversation. The story goes that a young boy on the beach was tossing starfish back into the water when a businessman made the argument that the boy was wasting his time when there are still starfish suffering on every other beach. The man asked, “Do you really think that what you are doing is going to make a difference?”
To which the boy replies, “It
you who worked together through the groundbreaking, the topping off ceremony and the grand opening just one year ago.”
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell thanked the staff of the library for their dedication to “one of the best public spaces in Pennsylvania and definitely in Chester County.”
makes a difference to that one.”
“That one” at LaMancha just so happens to have a name. It’s Heather and Ashley, Rhett, Hattie, Sabrina, Delilah and countless other animals that have been rescued and adopted by the organization. “That one” in your home has a name as well, but beyond that they have a story, a personality and fate on their side. Even if it may not be possible
to save every animal, each one matters for the crew at LaMancha and each animal’s fate is saved because of it.
“There are people out there for you,” one volunteer reminded a dog.
La Mancha Animal Rescue is located at 855 Doe Run Road, Coatesville, Pa. 19320.
To learn more about its services and to possibly adopt a dog, visit their website at www.lamanchaanimalrescue. org., or call 610-384-7976.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw Kennett Library executive director Christopher Manna, far right, stands beside community muralist Al Moretti and other library officials at the dedication of Moretti’s mural on Aug. 27.
Photo by Gabbie Burton LaMancha Animal Rescue Team volunteer Geoff Player with Hattie.
A fistful of dollars
Approximately one-half mile north of Kennett High School, The Garage Community & Youth Center is housed on a former mechanic’s garage on South Union Street in Kennett Square Borough. Since its inception, The Garage has been the comforting embrace, the eternally glowing light and the constantly opening door for thousands of southern Chester County’s Hispanic youth. The Garage is the true embodiment of civic action, fueled by the selflessness of its staff and its volunteers, who mentor and empower young people to leap every hurdle in front of them and leave no dream untouched.
The Garage is not a lone entity of hope for these young people and their families; indeed, far from it. The Kennett Consolidated School District’s After-the-Bell program provides similar guidance to these students; LCH Health & Community Services administers guidance about health care and other services to the Hispanic community; and Casa Guanajuato honors the rich Hispanic culture in our region.
On the other end of South Union Street, less than a one-minute walk to the grand and historic steps that lead to the entrance to Kennett High School, sits a small grocery store that caters to the Hispanic community. It provides foods and necessary staples as well as fresh vegetables and a small assortment of headwear. From the rear of the store, however, a whirling chorus of bells and whistles attracts the visitor to a dimly lit back room that offers just enough space for six gambling machines and six stools.
That these machines exist in the store is entirely the decision of the store’s ownership and were likely placed side by side as a way of making a quick buck off the backs of its users. That these machines are within a short walk of high school classrooms – the incubator spaces for a new generation of minds, including those of the patrons who shop at the store – is abhorrent.
While the programs being offered by The Garage and Casa Guanajuato and After-the-Bell and LCH serve as the venerable hand up to our Hispanic families, this store and its gambling operation – however small – continues to keep the walls standing and the biases alive.
Business decisions like this one do not move the conversation forward but kick it back several rungs, conjuring ugly stereotypes about the Hispanic culture that have long been burnished in our American ignorance, that of shifty grifters portrayed in dusty old sitcoms and in the Spaghetti Western films of Italian director Sergio Leone.
These buzzing machines are meant for no other purpose than to convince the impressionable to perpetuate the fables – to pull consumers down into the trap and thus, capsize human potential in order to lure new hostages to a mythological and destructive folklore.
A newspaper does not have the right to tell a merchant how to operate his or her business, but it is, however, emboldened with the freedom to hold them accountable for their decisions. We believe that this store’s decision to place these six gambling machines at the back of its establishment are a small but dangerous imprint on a culture that through the support of others and the courage of their own conviction aspires to achieve something greater in life.
Guest Column
State Rep. Lawrence blasts Chester City plan to terminate CWA board, stick water ratepayers with city’s bailout bill
State Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester) issued the following statement regarding the filing in federal bankruptcy court by Michael Doweary, the state-appointed receiver for the City of Chester:
“Yesterday, the stateappointed receiver for the City of Chester filed a plan in federal court that would terminate the Chester Water Authority’s (CWA’s) board of directors. I am completely opposed to this plan.
“As recently as yesterday, the state-appointed receiver claimed, and I quote, ‘Chester has ownership and control of the Chester Water Authority.’ That is
Chester
an outrageous and false statement, and the receiver’s motion filed in federal court admits as much. The receiver uses these words on the bottom of page 32 of his filing in federal court. Under his plan, ‘Water assets shall revert to the city by force.’ Think about it – where are the water assets going to revert from?
One minute the receiver claims the city already owns the water system, the next minute he asks a federal judge to order the assets ‘revert’ back to the city, which has to mean that the water authority is not owned by the city.
“The receiver also asks the federal judge to dis-
solve the authority’s board, which was established by an unanimously passed state law that has been on the books for more than a decade. The receiver is asking a federal judge to completely disregard the law. It’s outrageous.
“When they talk about monetizing the authority, what they mean is asking the authority’s ratepayers to bail out the city for decades of financial mismanagement. It is irresponsible and outrageous to suggest that folks who pay their water bills and receive quality water from a well-run water authority should be asked to pony up and pay higher bills for the financial mis-
management of the city.
“The receiver was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf and is employed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. His actions directly reflect on the governor’s administration.
“Gov. Josh Shapiro needs to take the sale, the monetization, whatever euphemism you want to use…the sale of the Chester Water Authority needs to be taken off the table. He should make an announcement today, stating the Chester Water Authority is not for sale, not for monetization and not for takeover.”
County legislators meet with non-profits and residents to discuss housing experiences in Chester County
Discussions included actions for affordable, equitable and accessible housing
The Allies for Housing in Chester County, in partnership with the Chester County Commissioners hosted the third annual Affordable Housing Summit at Milestone Events in West Chester. The gathering focused on open conversation between elected officials, non-profits, and people who have lived through experiences of housing insecurity and homelessness.
County Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Eric Roe represented the Board of Commissioners at the legislative gathering, which followed similar gatherings in August 2022 and August 2023. This year’s event featured a comparison of fair market rents to housing support funds, conversations about access to housing in areas of personal choice, personal examples of challenges faced by Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE) families, and discussions on maintaining dignity for all members of the process – including those who experience housing insecurity and agency staff.
In her opening remarks, Cheryl Miles, community housing director for Kennett Area Community Services, said, “We live in a very progressive county. The population is growing, and the number of businesses is increasing. New houses and apartments are being built every day. Yet, there’s another type of growth in Chester County. Many of our residents are not able to benefit from the projects happening here in Chester County.
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, joined by Commissioner Eric Roe, makes opening remarks to a group of legislators, non-profits, and housing partners.
eting mortgage and rental rates, are huge barriers to many families’ ability to secure and maintain a place to live in Chester County.” West Chester Mayor Lillien DeBaptiste then added additional remarks.
“We have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” she said.
“When we listen to the stories and think about how we can make a difference, sometimes we have to reach outside of our comfort zone. We have to have the uncomfortable conversations and look inward and outward to make a difference.” Attendees then heard
from several individuals who spoke of their experiences finding affordable housing in Chester County.
Shared stories included “Thomas” and his search for affordable senior housing, “Susan” and the need for affordable units for disabled veterans, “Ernest” and the struggle with rising rental rates, and “Elizabeth” and the need for affordable units for larger families.
The event concluded with a brief presentation from Kris Keller highlighting three legislative asks. Allies for Housing in Chester County requested legislators work to provide funding to identify
and secure physical spaces that can be used to increase housing for families with earned income at 60 percent AMI or less, include a line item in the budget that stipulates distribution of any State, County, and/ or Local government funds must adhere to Federal Fair Housing regulations, and to revisit zoning laws so that every municipality is incentivized to provide affordable housing. The legislative gathering was attended by a Chester County’s legislative delegation, county officials, legislative staff, and a wide variety of community representatives.
Courtesy photos
The Chester County Commissioners hosted a legislative delegation to hear residents’ lived experiences and discuss housing in Chester County.
QB McGinnis tosses two 65-yard touchdowns in Longhorns' victory Overtime TD leads Unionville to 32-26 win
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
At 9:54 p.m. last Friday night, nearly three hours after the game began, Unionville running back Owen Simcox took the hand-off from Longhorns’ quarterback Tommy McGinnis and plunged head-long into the scrum – and the goal line – that awaited him.
Simcox’s overtime touchdown was a fitting end to the marathon saga that preceded his score, one that gave Unionville a 32-26 victory over visiting Academy Park, but the magnificence of his moment was overshadowed by what transpired on the game’s previous set of downs, when his teammates saved the game. With the game deadlocked at 26-26 after regulation, the Longhorns and the Knights were each awarded the ball at their opponent’s 10-yard line that would determine a winner. Academy Park quarterback KJ Moore immediately fired a threeyard strike to Jason Acquoi, but on the next snap, lineman Nolan Holt tackled Acquoi for a two-yard loss
and on third down, lineman Demetrius Getsos recovered a fumble to kill Academy Park’s rally and set up Simcox’s game-winning score.
It was a fitting climax to a topsy-turvy non-league victory for Unionville – its first of the season after a 44-6 loss to Rustin on Aug. 23 – and one that saw the Longhorns gain 336 total yards on offense that was highlighted by two long touchdown passes from McGinnis, who racked up 264 passing yards.
After a scoreless first quarter, Unionville mounted its first scoring drive that began with a 13-yard pass from McGinnis to wide receiver Hayden Wenturine that moved the ball to the 1-yard line. With 1:25 remaining in the half, Simcox rushed for the first of his two touchdowns, and after a successful point-after by Ryan Keaveney, Unionville took a 7-0 lead.
Moore then engineered a 79-yard drive that ended on a perfect, 23-yard TD pass to wide receiver Daniel Gbeaday as time expired in the first half and after a successful two-point con-
version, the Knights entered the locker room with an 8-7 halftime lead.
On Unionville’s first snap of the third quarter, McGinnis found wide receiver Drew Puleo downfield for a 65-yard touchdown with 8:26 remaining in the quarter that gave the Longhorns a 13-8 lead. With 3:09 left in the quarter, Unionville jumped out to a 20-8 lead when McGinnis fired a bullet to Holt who dove his way into the end zone. After a huge kick-off return by Amir Thomas gave Academy Park good field position, Gbeaday took a pass from Moore and sprinted up the sidelines for his second touchdown, and after a failed two-point conversion, Unionville clung to a 20-14 lead at the start of the fourth quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, Gbeaday gave Academy Park good field position after a punt return gave the Knights the ball on Unionville’s 25-yard line and set up Acquoi’s 11-yard touchdown run that knotted the score at 20-20 with 8:34 left in the game. On Unionville’s next possession, however, McGinnis, on fourth-and-five from his own 35-yard line, launched his second 65-yard touchdown pass of the game, this time to running back Brody McLaughlin that gave the Longhorns a 26-20 lead with 6:53 left in regulation. With time dwindling, both teams traded interceptions on their next two possessions that saw Unionville’s Jack Law nab a Moore pass that killed an Academy Park rally with 5:05 left.
Inheriting possession at their own 36-yard line, the Knights moved the chains on carries by Thomas, Ron Hunter and Marquise Spross that led to a pass to Thomas that put the ball on the 1-yard line with 1:02 left and set up a touchdown run by Spross that tied the game at 26-26. With the opportunity to go ahead, however, Academy Park’s extra-point attempt was blocked.
Unionville’s last possession of regulation was snuffed out when on fourth down, a snap sailed over the head of punter Nic DiMatteo and forced DiMatteo to hurriedly get off a punt that gave the Knights the ball at the 14-yard line with 9 seconds left in regulation.
Desperate to find a receiver, Moore was then sacked twice by Getsos and lineman Lyle Smith.
“We made great defensive plays when we really needed them,” said Unionville Head
Coach Tim Murphy. “They got stops when we needed them. It was different guys: Holt, Smith, Getsos and (Sam) Pickar and the list goes on and on. They buckled down. Our defense knew what their job was, and they accomplished it.”
Murphy praised his team for their resilience.
“They didn’t quit,” he said. “They always knew that there was a possibility of winning and not once did
we put our heads down, and we came together as a team. Whether it was offense, defense or special teams, we made the big plays when we needed to.”
Now 1-1 overall, the Longhorns travel to Pottstown on Sept. 6, while the 0-2 Knights host Kensington on Sept. 7.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Total of 336,946 high school athletes in Pennsylvania competed in 2023-24, fourth-highest state in U.S.
High school sports participation reaches a new peak
More than eight million participants competed in high school sports in the 2023-24 school year – an all-time record and the first time ever that total participation has exceeded the eight-million mark.
The NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey indicated that 8,062,302 participants were involved in high school sports in 202324, which is up 210,469 from the previous year and tops the previous record of 7,980,886 set in 2017-18. The total includes 4,638,785 boys and 3,423,517 girls – both record highs – according to figures obtained from the 51 NFHS member state associations, which includes the District of Columbia.
The 2023-24 total marked the second consecutive increase after numbers tumbled during the pandemic. Since the initial survey after the pandemic, participation in high school sports has increased 444,248 in two years and represents a turnaround from the decline that started the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thrilled to learn that participation in high
school sports has exceeded eight million for the first time,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, CEO of the NFHS.
“The comeback from the pause of school sports during the pandemic has been so gratifying and certainly indicates the staying power of education-based sports in our nation’s schools. We salute coaches, athletic directors and other school administrators for making these experiences happen for student-athletes.”
Two of the biggest storylines are the increases in all forms of high school football – boys and girls – and the continued rise in both girls and boys wrestling. Eleven-player football remained the most popular boys sport and registered an increase for the second consecutive year from 1,028,761 to 1,031,508. There also was an increase in 8-player football participation from 23,812 to 26,420.
The biggest gains in football, however, came on the girls side, particularly with the emerging sport of flag football. The number of participants in girls flag football more than doubled from 2022-23 to 2023-24. A total of 42,955 girls par-
ticipated in flag football in 2023-24 compared to 20,875 the previous year – a 105 percent increase. And from the 15,716 participants in 2021-22, there has been an increase of 173 percent. There also was an increase in the number of girls competing on 11-player football teams from 3,654 to 4,094. Including boys and girls competitors in 6-, 8-, 9and 11-player football, and girls and boys participants in flag football, the overall football total for 2023-24 was 1,118,705 – an increase of 28,825 from 2022-23. Another highlight is the sizable jump in wrestling – boys and girls – for the second consecutive year. An additional 32,443 boys were involved in wrestling last year, jumping from 259,431 to 291,874. Since the 2021-22 season,
there has been a gain of 60,000 in boys wrestling – an amazing 25 percent increase. And participation on girls teams has continued its historic rise as well with 64,257 participants last year – an increase of 102 percent from the 31,654 in 2021-22. Outdoor track and field, volleyball and soccer all registered increases and remained the top three participatory sports for girls. Track and field increased four percent to 506,015, followed by volleyball at 479,125 and soccer at 383,895. Although the number of participants was down about 6,000, basketball (367,284) remained in the No. 4 spot followed by fast-pitch softball (345,451), tennis (195,766), cross country (192,989), competitive spirit (181,023 – up 20 percent), swim-
ming and diving (138,174) and lacrosse (101,204).
Outdoor track and field, and soccer had significant gains on the boys side as well. After 11-player football and outdoor track and field (625,333), the rest of the boys top 10 includes basketball (536,668), baseball (471,701), soccer (467,483), wrestling (291,874), cross country (239,381), tennis (157,835), golf (155,174) and swimming and diving (116,799).
The number of participants in Esports and Unified Sports also registered increases in 2023-24. A total of 27,051 students participated in Esports last year, which included 23,041 boys and 4,010 girls – an increase of 3,129 participants from the previous year. The survey indicated a total of 51,502 participants in the 15 Unified Sports, up from 42,010 in 2022-23. Texas (859,301) and California (834,103) remained atop the list of state participation. New York (341,454) remained in third, followed by Pennsylvania (336,946), Ohio (323,117), Illinois (320,603), Florida (299,398), Michigan (289,740), New Jersey (280,798) and Minnesota (224,179).
The NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey was started in 1971 and was compiled in its current form through the 2018-19 school year, resuming annually with the 2021-22 survey. The complete 2023-24 NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey will be available soon on the NFHS website at www. nfhs.org.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Unionville defeated visiting Academy Park 32-26 on an overtime touchdown by running back Owen Simcox on Aug. 30 that gave the Longhorns their first victory of the 2024 season.
Unionville quarterback Tommy McGinnis tossed two 65-yard touchdown passes on his way to totaling 264 passing yards.
Academy Park quarterback KJ Moore takes a snap in the third quarter.
MARGERY E. PEFFER
Margery Elaine (Dickey) Peffer, of Glen Mills, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2024. She was 95. She was a longtime resident of Pittsburgh, Pa. and spent her retirement years at Longwood at Oakmont and more recently at the Residence at Chadds Ford. She was born in Pittsburgh on Aug. 19, 1928, the daughter of the late Lloyd Dickey and the late Muriel (Dott) Dickey.
She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, John “Jack” Peffer, her sister, Virginia Baird, and her brother, George “Buddy” Dickey.
Margery earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Allegheny College and a master’s degree in library science from Carnegie Institute of Technology. Her 45-year career at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Science & Technology Department (with a break for kids) was capped by the publication of two widely read editions of The Handy Science Answer Book.
Marge’s life was centered around family and friends at the Christian Church of Wilkinsburg, where she was a lifelong member. She served the congregation and community in many ways: as treasurer and trustee, officer of the Christian Women’s Fellowship, soprano in the choir, and Bethany Class member. After retirement, she helped to create the “New to You Shop” at the church, a com-
munity thrift shop that has served hundreds of people over the decades.
Margery is survived by her children, Linda Powell, Richard Peffer, and Nancy Peffer, and their spouses, Jerry Powell, Patty Peffer, and Jeff Arriza. She cherished spending time with her four grandchildren, Susan Powell and Dana Buchbinder and Emily and Eric Peffer, their spouses, Ben Hansell, Ishai Buchbinder, and Derek Dulaney, and four great-grandchildren, Sam, Morris, Starry, and Fern.
Marge and Jack shared a love of classical music, singing in the church choir, long driving vacations with their children, and playing golf and bridge. Science was a common theme in the Peffer household, and all three children pursued careers in the sciences. Margery had a quick and active mind, a warm smile, and a gift for subtle humor that enriched the lives and brought joy to those who knew her.
A memorial service for the family was held privately on Aug. 17 at the First Baptist Church in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Margery’s memory may be made to Christian Church of Wilkinsburg, 748 Wallace Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15221.
Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-7348100) of Kennett Square. To view Margery’s online obituary and leave condolences, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.
Obituary submissions
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.
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
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Community of Love Lutheran Church opens Share The Love Family Boutique
By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer
Twenty-five years ago, Community of Love Lutheran Church was established as a mission plant by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). In September of 2023, Sarajean Grainson was called to be the Vicar. Commissioned as a Mission developer in March of 2023, Grainson and the congregation are in the process of mission replanting. They are a small congregation with active members who are striving to provide impactful service to the community.
The community they
serve is the greater Oxford area, which has a diverse population including young couples and families, a sizable senior citizen population, and migrant workers and their extended families. Many people in the community relied on local thrift shops. Sadly, this area doesn’t have a thrift shop in the borough anymore.
Following a significant fire in downtown Oxford last September, Community Of Love joined the Oxford community effort to assist those who lost everything. They were determined to continue to do what they can do to provide for the community. It became apparent that there was a great need for warm coats and cloth-
ing, not only for the Oxford population, but also for other local municipalities.
Grainson contacted churches in Oxford and the surrounding communities to help collect enough coats for the Share the Warmth coat distribution. In November of last year, they distributed approximately 375 new and gently used coats along with new hats and gloves. By the end of 2023, they had given out well over 500 coats.
For years, Community of Love has held a biannual clothing ministry event to provide garments to people with clothing insecurity. It became evident that this was insufficient and that they needed to do more. So the congregation is now
announcing their newly formed Mission—the Share the Love Family Boutique at 117 North East 4th Street in Oxford.
The Boutique symbolizes hope and a brighter future for those affected by clothing insecurity, however it is not just a place to provide clothing, but also a beacon of optimism and dignity for the community. The mission is to distribute clothing in a boutique setting, giving the guests a shopping experience.
Gently used clothing is sorted and cleaned. New items are also received. Monetary donations are used to purchase intimate garments such as underwear and socks. All items
are provided free of charge to guests. The shoppers will be referred by nonprofits, churches, schools, and service agencies by appointment only, to insure the privacy and dignity of each of the guests. The hope is that this mission will be sustained by grants, contributions, and the tireless work of many volunteers.
The church is grateful to the ecumenical partners who continue to collect clothing and volunteer their time and talents.
Community Of Love would like to thank the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA for the financial support and confidence in this mission. They would also like to
Read Across Chesco with the new Library Passport Program
thank participating partners, including Church of the Sacred Heart, the Christian Life Center in New London Township, St. Michael Lutheran Church in Unionville, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and Messiah Lutheran Church in Downingtown, the Unionville Presbyterian Church, the Advent Lutheran Church in West Chester, the Nottingham Presbyterian Church, and Thrivent Financial.
If you are someone you know would like to contribute or would like more information, please call Vicar Sarajean Grainson, lead Minister, at 610-998-0282.
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and libraries throughout Chester County hope you’ll come on a journey with “Read Across CHESCO.”
As participants travel from library to library, they will learn about the various services and resources the 18 libraries in the Chester County Library System (CCLS) have to offer. Each library will be spotlighting a different service and resource.
Start your journey by picking up a “Read Across Chesco” passport from your local library and if you are a current library card holder, get your first sticker for the inside cover.
If you don’t have a CCLS library card yet, you can sign up for one right away.
Each library will display information about a specific service that the Chester County Library System provides. Answer the question on the corresponding
library page for the location you are visiting and have library staff check your answer so they can give you a PA adventure critter sticker for your passport page. Each library has its own specific PA critter so try to collect all 18 of them.
Once your quest is complete with all 18 libraries visited, questions answered and stickers collected, stop by Chester County Library in Exton to get your swanky
“Read Across Chesco” tote bag proudly featuring some of the wonderful Chester County landmarks.
“We are thrilled to offer Read Across Chesco,” said Lauren Harshaw, staff development & advocacy coordinator at Chester County Library System.
“We wanted to find a way to encourage people to visit all of our libraries and see all of the different parts of Chester County. Furthermore, it is a great
opportunity to learn about all of the different services and resources we have to offer beyond books.”
Niki Kolb, public relations and graphics specialist at Chester County Library System, said, “We hope you will join us for Read Across Chesco. This quest does not have a specific deadline as we know it may take some time to visit all 18 library locations across the county. However, we are very excited to see who
will have bragging rights as the first patron to finish the entire adventure. See you at the libraries this fall.”
The mission of the Chester County Library System is to ensure that every resident has access to exceptional opportunities to read, learn, create, connect, and contribute to a better quality of life. For hours or more information regarding the 18 library locations, please visit our website at www.ccls.org.
Soring, Brown to head Chester County Intermediate Unit's Learning Center
The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has named Hillary Soring as principal and Victor Brown as assistant principal of the organization’s Learning Center campus in Coatesville. Formerly the school’s assistant principal, Soring takes over for Dr. Don Mangan, who has been named the CCIU’s assistant director of the student services division.
Soring has been with the Learning Center since August 2022. Prior to joining the CCIU, she served as a special education teacher in learning support, life skills support, and autistic support.
Brown comes to the CCIU from Wilson High School in Berks County, where he served as vice principal since June 2023. Prior to his time at Wilson, he served as vice principal of Upper Merion High School in Montgomery County from 2020 to 2023.
“Both Hillary and Victor have vast experience as special education teachers, coaches, and assistant principals,” said Siobhan Leavy, the CCIU’s direc-
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Elinor F. Maier, Late of Honeybrook 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 Clee 3007 Greenes Way Circle PA 19426, Executor.
8p-21-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Martin D. Farmer, Executor for the Estate of Lois H. Farmer, whose last address was East Nottingham Township, 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, PA 19363. 8p-21-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to David May, Executor for the Estate of Louise May, whose last address was West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate
tor of Student Services. “I am confident they have the skills and knowledge base to lead the Learning Center program and continue to provide our students with impactful special education services and create meaningful student outcomes.
“Hillary has led many critical and successful initiatives in the areas of academic achievement and social-emotional outcomes.
We look forward to seeing hermove into the principalship and continue the legacy of supporting our students as they build skills towards postsecondary success. And we’re excited to see Victor bring his expertise and leadership skills to our team.”
Soring earned her bachelor’s degree in early grades education and special education from West Chester University, a master’s degree in education from Wilkes University, and a principal certification from Immaculata University. She’s currently earning her doctorate in educational leadership and her superintendent letter of eligibility from Immaculata University.
is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363. 8p-21-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of JOHN CAVANAGH, Late of Malvern, Malvern Borough and Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to William D. Cavanagh, 107 Balsam Lane, Clayton, NC 27527, Executor.
8p-28-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Alice Cinian Hovsepian aka Alice C. Hovsepian, Late of Paoli, Tredyffrin Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the estate of the above named have been granted to the undersigned, Lynn Lowery. 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: Lynn Lowery, 1400 Continental Circle, Phoenixville, PA 19046
Soring said her passion has always been in special education. She’s proud to have empowered her staff to provide targeted mental health and social-emotional supports and to have contributed to a positive working and learning environment during her time at the Learning Center.
“I am deeply honored and excited to step into the role of principal at The Learning Center,” Soring said. “Over the past two years, I have witnessed the incredible dedication and passion of our staff. Together, we will continue to advance our mission of excellence in special education, providing an individualized and supportive learning environment for students with unique and diverse needs.
“I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and serving our districts with the same dedication that has always driven us. I am grateful to be part of this exceptional team and excited for the impactful journey ahead.”
Brown earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bloomsburg
8p-28-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Debra Cage, DECEASED. Late of Chester County, Pennsylvania. 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 Tiffini Smith, 2055 Bent Tree Way, Greenwood, IN 46143 9p-4-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, September 19 th, 2024 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 21st , 2024.
University, a master’s degree in education from Gratz College, and special education and administration certificates from Alvernia University.
Brown spent more than two decades as a special education teacher before becoming an assistant principal. He also spent more
Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 24-9-250 Writ of Execution No. 2022-09743 DEBT $118,516.74
ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: Tax Parcel # 440700080100
PLAINTIFF: SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC VS DEFENDANT: RONALD S. POOLE
SALE ADDRESS: 650 Center Hall Road, Cochranville, PA 19330
than 20 years as a football coach at the high school and collegiate levels.
“I am excited to join the Chester County Intermediate Unit team and am eager to collaborate with the dedicated staff at the Learning Center,” Brown said. “I look forward to working with the students and their families to help our students reach their fullest potential.”
TRAVEL/ VACATION:
The CCIU Learning Center promotes an individualized and supportive environment for learners who have unique and diverse needs to support their sustained growth. Learn more at cciu. org/learningcenter.
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N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 8p-28-3t
Courtesy photo
Victor Brown (left), assistant principal, and Hillary Soring (right), principal, of the CCIU’s Learning Center in Coatesville.
Local athletes recognized in YMCA swimming, gymnastics, dance and tennis competitions
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is celebrating local athletes in the community – and reminding everyone that big dreams start right here at home.
YGBW athletes recently received honors at the 2024 YMCA Swimming Nationals, the 2024 Pennsylvania State Gymnastics Championship and the 2024 Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival, among others. The honors are not reserved for youth athletes as local adult tennis players competed in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) national championships.
“My family and I enjoyed watching and cheering on the athletes in Paris this summer,” said Terri Edgar, senior vice president of branch operations. “It reminds me of my days attending YMCA Swimming Nationals and cheering on our local athletes. The energy and emotion at Nationals rivals what athletes experienced in Paris this summer. We’re so proud of YGBW athletes and all that they accomplished this year.”
YGBW swimmers quality for USA Jr. Nationals
There were 76 local swimmers from YGBW’s competitive swim teams qualified for long-course YMCA Swimming Nationals, held in Ocala, Florida from Jul 30 to Aug 3. Across all YGBW teams, six swimmers are advancing to the USA Jr. Nationals, seven swimmers earned Academic All-American titles, and 37 team records were broken.
Devyn Sargent from the Upper Main Line team (UMLY) placed first in the 50 and 100 backstroke events, UMLY’s 200 Medley Relay team (Paige Fisher, Hadar Miller, Kenzie Padilla and Sargent) placed first, Ellie McNamara from the West Chester team placed third in the 1500 freestyle and sixth in the 400 freestyle and Kyle Burk from the Kennett/Jennersville team placed fourth in the 200
backstroke.
YGBW swimmers also competed at the shortcourse YMCA Swimming Nationals in Greensboro, North Carolina this spring. Burk broke the YMCA National Record in his age group for the 200 Backstroke and Sargent placed nationally with the 200 backstroke.
“We are so proud of our team – and that includes our swimmers, coaches and families,” said Todd Conrad, coach UMLY’s swim team. “What stood out to me more than the results were the constant display of support our athletes provided to one another. Whether they performed exceptionally, or they had challenges, they did so together, forging bonds and relationships that will be cemented over the course of their lives. Being an athlete at YGBW means being a part of something greater than yourself.”
Members of GYMCATS earn first all-around titles
YGBW’s competitive gymnastics team, The GYMCATS, competed among 3,000 gymnasts this summer at the YMCA Nationals Gymnastics Invitational. Three athletes earned first All-Around titles: Madeline Kruzek, first All-Around (Platinum level), Kendall Mullen, first All-Around (Level 3) and Anya Kraatz, first AllAround (Silver Level).
Earlier this year, the team competed in YMCA State Gymnastics Championships in Meadville and Quakertown, earning four state titles. The Level 3, Level 4, Silver and Platinum teams earned first place awards. In the Silver division, Kraatz received a plaque for earning the highest event score at the Meadville competition with a 9.725 on beam.
“The athletes showed grace, grit and courage throughout this entire season,” said GYMCATS Level 3 coach Paige Tarloski. “They earned
their success by never giving up and encouraging each other. I am honored to be part of this strong team that exhibits love and compassion.”
YGBW dancers earn national honors
YGBW’s Upper Main Line branch (UMLY) boasts two competitive dance teams, Senior and Junior Dance Company, that perform at festivals and events throughout the year. It’s part of a comprehensive catalog of dance programs offered by UMLY School of Dance.
At Nationals, UMLY School of Dance was awarded the studio with technical excellence – and performances by Maira Nunez and Mackenzie Wry earned national honors. Wry’s solo placed third and a duet by Nunez and Wry placed second. This is a fitting end to a remarkable dance season with Wry and Nunez being recognized with accolades throughout the year at competitions including the Elite Dance Challenge, Aspire Performing Arts Challenge and Wild About Dance.
Earlier this year, UMLY’s Junior and Senior Dance companies performed at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival at the Mandell Theater. The festival provides pre-professional dancers a chance to learn through a series of Master Classes. Dancers can also earn one of 70 scholarships to further their dance education. With over 450
dancers performing, earning a scholarship is no easy task.
Hannah Gupta of UMLY’s Senior Dance Company, received a scholarship to study world cultural dance this summer with the Youth Dance Festival. She also auditioned for and was accepted into Drexel University’s Summer Dance Intensive.
YGBW athletes compete at USTA Nationals
The Y is often associated with youth programs, yet there are plenty of ways for adults to shine as well. Adult tennis players from UMLY competed in the US Tennis Association’s (USTA) national championships in Arizona and San Diego last fall – and hope to compete again this October.
UMLY is home to over 20 competitive tennis teams, all of which compete in
the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Middle States region. Last fall, two of UMLY’s standout teams, Some Strings Attached 6.0 18-plus and 40-plus, advanced through a series of rigorous competitions, moving from districts to sectionalsand ultimately earning the honor of competing at the national level.
The 6.0 18-plus team placed 3rd while the 6.0 40-plus team placed 4th. Their placements are especially notable as the two teams were the first YGBW teams to qualify for USTA Nationals in four years.
Youth and adult programs at YGBW
“Members of the community are often surprised to learn how much we contribute to youth development and healthy living in our area,” said YGBW
President and CEO
Bertram L. Lawson II.
“We take our mission very seriously and are proud to be a destination where local athletes and performers can learn, grow and thrive.”
Lawson added, “When I see children in our gyms, studios and our pools, I often imagine where this journey may take them. Some may be here for a few semesters to have a good time, while others may end up competing on the world stage someday. No matter which path they choose, we’re proud to be a step in their journey.” Registration is now open for hundreds of programs at YGBW. Programs include swim, gymnastics, dance, tennis, soccer, NFL Flag Football, dodgeball, Esports and more. Register by visiting a YGBW branch or on our website at https://ymcagbw.org/ ymca-activity-finder.
Hamm and Kunda named chair and vice-chair to Cecil College Board of Trustees
Raymond W. “Chick” Hamm, Jr. has been named as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Cecil College and Kathleen Kunda has been named as Vice-Chair of the board.
“I am most proud of the students and having the opportunity to serve them,” Hamm said. “My trustee experience has provided a front-row view of many students from all walks of life working very hard to improve their education and preparedness for the workforce.”
This fall, Hamm is entering his fifth year of a six-year appointment as a trustee, while Kunda is entering the third year of her six-year appointment.
“I am excited to have this phenomenal opportunity to serve our students and the
community,” Kunda said. “Cecil College fulfills the hopes and dreams of Cecil County’s youth and returning students. To be a part of changing someone’s life is amazing.”
Hamm brings 48 years of financial experience to the board, having worked in the banking industry in Maryland. He is currently an executive vice president and market leader at PNC Bank. He has used his experience and knowledge to ensure Cecil College remains on solid financial ground.
“Cecil College is the key provider of workforce readiness training for our region, and as the county continues to experience growth in jobs and career opportunities, Cecil’s open access and
affordability will help our friends, families, and neighbors achieve their goals,” said Hamm. “It is also a hub of activity for athletics and the arts, providing an important social fabric for us to all enjoy together. In my lifetime, these opportunities to be united have never been more important.”
Kunda is active with the Cecil College Foundation, student clubs, and committees to ensure she fully understands students’ needs. This commitment, devotion, and passion have made her a prominent figure within the College community, and she has dedicated her professional career to ensuring Cecil County’s youth have every opportunity to own their future.
“I
Mackenzie Wry of UMLY Senior Dance Company performs at a local dance festival.
YGBW’s Level 3 GYMCATS team is awarded first place at the State Championship in Meadville, Pa.
Local swimmers from YGBW’s Team UMLY cheer on teammates at the YMCA Swim Nationals in North Carolina.
at Cecil College,” said Kunda.
Raymond W. “Chick” Hamm, Jr.
Courtesy photos Kathleen Kunda
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