Chester County Press 09-28-2022 Edition

ChesterCountyPRESS

KCSD officer decries shortage of bus drivers in school district

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

Kennett Consolidated School District Chief Financial Officer Mark Tracy shared his frustrations about the bus driver shortage during the district’s Sept. 12 school board meeting.

After the business agenda had concluded, Board President Vicki Gehrt called

INSIDE

upon Tracy to discuss what was going on with transportation. Tracy said there are just not enough bus drivers for all the runs that the school district needs.

Explaining the situation several days later in greater detail, he said the district has 70 runs each day, but only 65 drivers.

“There’s no typical day. Depending on who calls out, it is problem-solving

every day,” he said.

Tracy cited three situations that contribute to the problem:

·. The unemployment rate in Chester County is low so there are fewer individuals applying for the job. And even for those who apply, it takes 60 to 90 days to receive the necessary training and credentials.

·. The bus driver job is two part-time shifts – morn-

ing and afternoon – of two hours each that leaves drivers with a gap of no income production in between.

·. In recent months, the availability of full-time work for holders of commercial drivers’ licenses has expanded so drivers take jobs elsewhere.

Additionally, Tracy added, a number of long-term drivers have retired, and the COVID-19 pandemic took

its toll on availability of individuals for work, especially last year.

“It’s easy to identify but

not to rectify. At least it’s better than last year,” Tracy said.

Pageant kicks off Unionville Community Fair

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

The Unionville Community Fair arrived in town last Thursday, as it has with harvest season for the last 98 years.

The kickoff event for this year’s Fair was the crowning of fair royalty at a ceremony in the auditorium of Unionville Elementary School on Thursday, Sept. 22. Three girls competed for the queen’s crown, and five younger girls sought the princess title.

Seventeen-year-old Unionville student Ella Troiano was crowned Queen, and 15-year-old Ellie Gallo was named Princess.

All contestants appeared in evening gowns, and those vying for queen presented short speeches titled, “Why You Should Go to the Fair.”

Last year’s Queen Claire Rawlins was on hand to present Troiano’s crown as was last year’s Princess Lily Barsamian to bestow the princess crown.

The onsite Unionville Community Fair activi-

ties at the Willowdale Steeplechase property at 101 E Street Road in East Marlborough get underway on Friday and continue through Sunday.

2 022 Unionville Community fair President Ed Schultz invited the audience during the pageant to come and bring their friends for the traditional craft, agricultural and food competitions that have excited visitors for years. Schultz also mentioned the car show, food

Continued on page 2A

Autumn, now on sale

Ribbon cutting for outdoor classroom in Penn Township

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

A dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting was held for the new E. Kneale Dockstader Environmental Education Area and Outdoor Classroom on Sept. 13, at the Penn Township Sports Park.

and the promotion of it for the purposes of environmental and scientific education.

The ceremony was held after several postponements for inclement weather, with officials from the township, the E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation and the Avon Grove Library on hand. All were involved in the creation of the outdoor classroom, as were the Eagle Scouts who helped with the physical

construction.

The Outdoor Classroom has seating, a lectern and black board where classes can be held in the wooded area. Students and visitors can also walk the trail in the surrounding woods to get a look at the local habitat including a previously unnamed tributary of the Big Elk Creek. The creek is now called the Kneale’s Creek after the Dockstader

Foundation namesake, E. Kneale Dockstader.

The Foundation was created by South East Chester County Refuse Authority in honor of volunteer E. Kneale Dockstader. The Foundation provides grants to support environmental projects in the community.

The four-acre parcel is dedicated to the preservation of the natural habitat FROM OUR LENS

“The Dockstader Foundation we appreciate very much,” said Herb MacCombie, chairman of

the Penn Township Parks Recreation and Trails Committee. “The pandemic put everything back a bit, but we are here through the dedication of the resources by the supervisors and (the Foundation’s) funding. They say it takes a village. The people here are all active—they’re actually putting their hands and feet to work.”

Emerging leaders program highlighted at Kennett Square forum

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The entrance to the fortress that provides leadership opportunities in the Kennett Square community, once ominous and intimidating to underserved populations, continues to be flung wide open by way of inclusion, initiatives and individual voices.

Three of those voices were shared at the “How We Build Matters” speakers series event at the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church on South Broad Street before a 100-member audience on Sept. 22.

Sponsored by Kennett Collaborative, the event invited three local residents to share their experiences at one such initiative -- the

Kennett Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program -- an eight-week fellowship to cultivate and support new community leaders in the Kennett area.

Designed by PennPraxis, the non-profit arm of the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania in partnership with Square Roots

Unionville High School celebrates

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

As seen on a recent visit there, SIW Vegetables in Chadds Ford is now bright with the colors and flavors of the fall. The popular farm stand is located at 4317 S. Creek Road (Route 100) in Chadds Ford, and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. For more information, call 610-388-7491 or visit SIWvegetables.blogspot.com.

Photo by Chris Barber

A Krapf bus arrives at school to pick up students for the afternoon trip home.

Photo by Chris Barber Retiring Queen Claire Rawlins, right, presents the crown and flowers to the new Queen Ella Troiano.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Christina Norland, Community Engagement Lead for Square Roots Collective, far right, moderated a “How We Build Matters” forum on Sept. 22 that introduced panelists who attended the Kennett Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program, an eight-week fellowship to cultivate and support new community leaders in the Kennett area. The panelists included, from left, Elideth Navarro, Mayra Castillo and Lee Sausen.

Bus drivers...

Continued from Page 1A

One response, he said, was to raise the rate of pay by $1 an hour for drivers through the bus company the district contracts with, Krapf School Bus of West Chester. That did not have a significant increase in drivers, he said.

Other suggestions he said, are well intended but limited in their results.

One solution is to double up the runs – in other words, put one bus on the routes of two.

Tracy said that student safety is the top priority. They cannot permit the dangers that overcrowding would potentially cause.

Timing is another issue; many of the bus stops would be arrived at later than usual, and while the district responds to calls about pickup times, it is not required to inform those who will be affected by later bus arrivals caused by an unexpected driver call out.

Another suggestion is to

work out arrangements with nearby schools.

Tracy said he is in touch with the transportation administrators of all the nearby schools. They all have the same problem and are sympathetic with each other.

The various schools, however, have different arrangements and contracts for busing students. Some, like Unionville, provide their own buses, while others have companies other than Kennett’s contract with Krapf.

Additionally, with a service area of 33 square miles, KCSD alone has the responsibility to deliver students to three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, one Kennett kindergarten center, private schools and kindergartens within 10 miles, the Technical College High School, Avon Grove Charter School and various other special needs schools. They start and let out at different hours. Other school districts are similarly strained.

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One board member asked if it would be possible to have individual student drivers or parents commit to their own transportation.

Tracy said even if some early high school pickups were changed, it would not affect the fact that elementary school starting times (which are the second runs) would remain in place and be part of the second round.

On a positive note, Tracy said even though every morning presents a new challenge to the driver shortage puzzle, the staff and Transportation Director Tom Jenkins and assistant Susan Griffith have stepped up to handle the problems.

“They come in an hour early to determine what has caused the problems and how to handle them,” Tracy said. He added that the response of the veteran bus drivers has also been heartening.

Will the situation get better?

Tracy said eventually it will, but solutions are not going to come soon.

Unionville Fair...

1A

from

trucks, haunted house and beer garden as some of the highlights for this year’s event.

He reminded them of

new events this year, including Barnyard Olympics, a Sunday visit by Mr. Stewart’s fox hounds and an Olympic class BMX

biking exhibit.

The fair opens at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. on Sunday. Parking is $10.

Unionville High School celebrates 15 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced that 15 Unionville High School students have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

“We are so proud of the 15 students who have been recognized as National Merit Semifinalists,” said Dr. Amy Jenkins,

Unionville High School Principal. “Through their efforts and hard work, these students have distinguished themselves as exceptional academic leaders at Unionville High School. Their families and the entire community should be proud of their accomplishments and for representing the Unionville-Chadds Ford

School District so well.”

Approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were named in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,050 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $35 million

that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship® award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and about half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships in which students are entered by taking the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT) , which serves as an initial screen of approxi-

mately 1.5 million entrants each year from about 21,000 high schools.

Finalists typically represent 1 percent of the total

initial entrants and are chosen based on their test scores, academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and honors and awards received.

Unionville High School’s National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists include: Elias Bomberger; Thomaz Bonato; David Chai; Clifford Han; Aydan Heilman; Maggie Liu; Madelyn Lowe; Suhan Neema; Ryan O’Leary; Akash Patel; Ria Saxena; Pranavh Vallabhaneni; Jyostna Venkatesh; Daniel Zhu; and Aria Zutshi.

Photo by Chris Barber Contestants for the Unionville Community Fair beauty pageant recently gathered for a photograph. They include, front row from left, Fair Queen Ella Troiano, Fair Queen Alternate April Chou, and Congeniality Faith Mousaw. Back row from left are Katrina Wallace, Gina Gallo, Princess Alternate Lilliana Yates, Ace Jackson, and Princess and Congeniality Ellie Gallo.

Courtesy photo

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced that 15 Unionville High School students have been named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

Chester County Press

Local News

Outdoor classroom...

The Foundation provided a $10,000 grant in 2020 for construction of the trail, outdoor classroom, and pedestrian bridge over the creek. A 2021 grant in the amount of $7,500 provided funding for the Story Walk and children’s activities at the outdoor classroom.

“This is exactly the kind of thing at Dockstader that we saw that our foundation can do,” said Darla DiSabatino, the Dockstader Foundation past president and interim Foundation manager.

Four Eagle Scout projects contributed to the area with oversight and support from Penn Township and Star

Roses. Working with teams of other scouts and adults, Gage Walker built three concrete pads for benches along the trail, Daniel Giacoio built benches and the outdoor chalkboard, Bradley Gerwig built the timber lectern and accessible workstations, and Aiden Graham built raised beds with native plants.

Avon Grove Library, with the help of Penn Township staff, has been involved with the area by installing a “Story Walk” along the trail. Pages from a colorful children’s book are posted along the trail, so that youngsters can combine walking, reading, and learning in the outdoors.

The first book to be offered will be We Don’t Eat

Our Classmates by Ryan

Higgins. The library will periodically change the book stations so that the Story Walk will have something new and engaging for young readers.

Although the pandemic delayed development of the park, it also pointed

out the park’s value to the community.

“Everything in the world stopped. Our community at large needed something more,” township Director of Operations Karen Versuk said. “The one thing we learned from the pandemic

was that our community relied so heavily on our trails and playgrounds and parks.

You (the Foundation) all provided us with the ability to put this in and fast track the project so that we could give our community something in the past two years.

Now we’re uniquely suited to continue into the next few years.”

The area is one of the first features to be installed at the Penn Township Sports Park. Future plans call for a variety of ball fields and active play areas.

New genres, new audiences: Hahn named executive director of The Kennett Flash

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In his former role as the program manager at the Darlington Fine Arts Center in Garnet Valley, Michael Hahn spent the last fiveand-a-half years helping to transform the venue into a garden of opportunity – one that asked the entire community to take part.

Partnering with teachers and staff, he developed classes, workshops and community events that featured nearly the full spectrum of the performing arts – music, dance and drama – as well as cultivated an open door of afterschool programming, summer camps and adult lessons. Over time, Darlington became an incubator of involvement and commitment that connected teachers to students and performances to audiences, and during a time when the pandemic quieted art centers all over the country, Darlington grew stronger.

It is the same commitment to community that Hahn said he wants to bring to The Kennett Flash in his role as the venue’s new executive director.

“I don’t want The Kennett Flash to be just a place people come to because they saw a poster promoting an upcoming concert,” said Hahn, a Landenberg resident who was appointed to his new role in early September, replacing Andrew Miller, who resigned in the spring to join Longwood Gardens as a performing arts production manager. “Rather, I want this community to think of The Kennett Flash as an incredible place to be, not just as a destination for performances.

“Building those programs and creating relationships with teaching artists, students and their families I began to see the impact Darlington was having on the community. I want to bring that same experience to The Flash – to enable us to be thought of as a partner and part of the community conversation.”

Kennett Flash Board

President Dave Mattock said that Hahn’s breadth of experience as an artistic program director, production manager, composer, sound designer and singer-songwriter (he won The Flash’s first New Summer Sounds Competition Series in 2018) will help lead The Kennett Flash into the future.

‘Energy, creativity and the new mindset’

“We’re a non-profit organization dedicated to helping

our community and we were looking for someone who would be able to tap into the energy of this community,” Mattock said. “The Board of Directors is ecstatic about the energy, creativity and the new mindset that Michael brings to The Kennett Flash as its new executive director.

“It feels like we have had a rebirth – not just coming out of the pandemic – but because Michael brings all of these elements to our present and our future.”

While The Kennett Flash’s musical calendar will remain full, vibrant and diversified, Hahn wants to work in collaboration with community-based organizations to bring theater, visual arts and dance to the stage that will broaden the venue’s definition to include new educational and experiential components. Hahn said that he imagines the stage being used in partnership with the annual Mushroom Festival, or as the site of a future Kennett High School’s Battle of the Bands concert.

“We’re also looking to create programs that take children through eight- and ten-week courses in how a play is developed, and then at the end, they get the chance to see the fruits of their labor and work on our stage,” he said. “The Kennett Flash wants to become entrenched as a collaborator and use the performing arts to help bring the community together and help develop interest in the arts.

“The arts have always been known for how they enhance the quality of life for a community or how it helps people see other points of view and thus opens up their own world view. I want The Flash to be a part of that and lead when necessary.”

New genres, new audiences

Since its beginning more than a decade ago, The Kennett Flash’s original architects conceived of the venue as a listening room to showcase both up-and-coming musical performers and established musicians seeking a quiet change from large and often impersonal theaters and arenas. The concept continues to work, as audiences have packed into the 110-seat space to see performances from a wide variety or recording artists, predominantly singer-songwriters and folkbased musicians. Over the next several years, one of the key initiatives of The Kennett

Flash will be to expand its definition to include not only new musical genres but new audiences – including Kennett Square’s historically underserved populations.

“We have absolutely nailed it with attracting a certain musical demographic, but The Flash has always been narrowly defined and we want to change that,” Mattock said. “I see it as a place that can welcome other genres such as jazz, bluegrass, Latin and even classical, in order to attract members of our community that don’t have access to music in the same way that an urban community provides.”

While it is likely that the monthly calendar of events at The Kennett Flash will soon reflect the venue’s commitment to diversity and new programming, it will continue to maintain the stature of its atmosphere, Mattock said.

“The Flash has always been a conceptual idea, but it is important to us to protect its vibe and its personality,” he said. “It is also important to promote our ability to educate an audience about what a concert-going experience can be. For instance, in the case of an 18-year-old who has never seen a live concert, and exposing that person to how different it is to hear music here, and perhaps it will pave the way to explore music at other venues.”

Hahn said that he welcomes the opportunity to position The Kennett Flash as not just as a popular musical venue, but as a cultural game-changer in the southern Chester County community.

“When you are given diversity and a huge group of people, there really isn’t anything that you can’t do, so why not be a hub for cultural influences, for exploration, for education and providing as many opportunities as you can?” he said. “My goal will always be to honor that which people have come to know and love about The Kennett Flash, but take it to new and exciting places and genres.”

Upcoming shows at The Kennett Flash include Lauren Calve on Oct. 8, District 97 on Oct. 12, Lucky Brown on Oct. 14 and Winslow – An Evening of The Eagles on Oct. 15.

For a complete calendar of shows and events and to become a member, visit www. kennettflash.org.

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

Photos by Marcella Peyre-Ferry

A dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting was held for the new E. Kneale Dockstader Environmental Education Area and Outdoor Classroom on Sept. 13, at the Penn Township Sports Park.

Officials from Penn Township, the E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation and the Avon Grove Library were on hand as the E. Kneale Dockstader Environmental Education Area and Outdoor Classroom was unveiled.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Kennett Square resident Michael Hahn was recently named the new executive director of The Kennett Flash.

Courtesy photo Singer-songwriter Lauren Calve will be performing on Oct. 8 with special guests Strays & Misfits.

Emerging Leaders...

Collective, the program intends to serve as a blueprint for building a more inclusive future for the Kennett area through community engagement and coalition building.

The panel discussion, moderated by Square Roots Collective Community Engagement Lead Christina Norland, introduced panelists Elideth Navarro, Mayra Castillo and Lee Sausen, who were among the nine local residents who attended the Emerging Leaders program. Over the course of several sessions, area leaders were asked to facilitate discussions with those in the program. Among those local stakeholders who participated in the program included Norland, former Kennett Square Mayor Leon Spencer, Sara DickensTrillo of Mighty Writers and Kristin Proto, executive director of The Garage Community & Youth Center.

The Emerging Leaders Program coincided with the release of the findings of the two-year Kennett Square Engagement & Evaluation Project, highlighted by the results of a 2022 survey that measured the degree to which local residents felt engaged in their community.

Among its principal findings, the survey revealed “relatively low feelings of empowerment in community decision-making” across all segments of Kennett’s population who participated in the poll.

The survey revealed major disparities across demo-

graphic lines; more than 75 percent of white respondents say they feel included, while less than 40 percent of Latinx or Spanish-speaking respondents felt the same way.

The Emerging Leaders program, the panelists said, began to puncture the longheld belief that the Kennett Square area is, in fact, two separate communities – one that is included, and one that has remained marginalized.

Navarro, the vice president and assistant director of Kennett Multimedia, arrived in the United States from Mexico when she was 14. She said her arrival in the U.S. was “shocking and traumatizing,” largely due to her not being able to speak English. After 20 years in the U.S., she called her participation in the Emerging Leaders Program her first official “welcoming” experience to the U.S. that provided her with a safe environment.

Navarro urged the community to “listen to our stories, our backgrounds and break the barriers,” she said. “On the first day of our sessions, many barriers were broken. It didn’t matter about our job titles, or what we did in life, or the color of our skin.

“We recognized ourselves as human beings.”

‘I belong here’

Castillo, the vice president of Casa Guanajuato in Kennett Square, has been in the U.S. for nearly 30 years after arriving from Mexico when she was 12. Over the past three decades, she has had to adjust to her life in the U.S. while in the process

Chester County

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she has lost much of her cultural lineage to her native country. Consequently, “I’ve felt that I didn’t belong here or there,” she told the audience.

During her first exercise with Emerging Leaders facilitator Daniel Egusquiza from Barrio Alegria in Reading, Pa. however, Castillo said that a theatertype exercise gave her the power to recognize who she was and where she was.

“Daniel gathered all of us together in a circle and he said, ‘You have to say it and you really have to believe it,’” Castillo said. “’I belong. I belong here.’ To me, that was the moment when I realized that I do belong here.”

Castillo said that over the past 30 years, she has begun to see progress toward inclusiveness in the community.

“I see growth and I see potential because I do feel that we are being included a bit more each time,” she said, “and every time that we are given the opportunity to have a seat at the table like we were given at this program, we do get to meet new people and people get to hear us and give us opportunity.”

In all of these small steps, however, Castillo said she still sees large discrepancies, mainly in the growing lack of housing affordability in the community that continues to price out much of the Hispanic population. She said she discussed the topic at a meeting about the issue of attainable housing earlier that day.

“I feel that there is progress, there is change,” she said. “I know it will take time, but 30 years have

flown by, and I finally have gotten to a point where I say that I belong and I can create changes. Hopefully, those changes will affect my children and my grandchildren one day.”

Sausen, public accountant and associate director of investment and taxation at Longwood Gardens, said that the Emerging Leaders program was “motivating” for him.

“I am surrounded by my peers who care about where they live, who are just as busy as me, even more so,” he said. “I admit that I was nervous in the beginning, not knowing exactly what to expect and being in a room with strangers and asked to open up. As someone who leans toward being an introvert, it was tough in the beginning but I surprised myself at how quickly we all got comfortable with each other.”

Sausen said that there are many ways a local resident can get involved with helping to affect positive change.

“Volunteering for a nonprofit is a way of getting involved but I think it can also mean something less formal that joining a board or a committee,” he said. “It could be showing up to events like this, talking to or introducing yourself to someone you’ve never met before, and sharing an idea about a way to make Kennett better and preserve what’s great in Kennett now.

“Knowing what forward progress and preservation looks like for everyone means talking about it, with people you know and are comfortable with, and also with strangers, who

also happen to be passionate about where they live but may have a different perspective.”

‘Our places shape us, but we shape our places’

Discussing PennPraxis’ collaboration with Square Roots Collective, Katie Levesque, research associate and project manager for PennPraxis, said that the initial mission of the Kennett Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program is to strengthen the social infrastructure of the Kennett Square community. It will be about shifting the status quo, she said.

“We understand the power that our environment holds on every one of us, and we truly believe that the everyday people who live, work and play in any space should have the agency to shape those environments, because they do have an impact on each other and themselves,” Levesque said.

“They should have a say in what happens and should be able to advocate for their

own needs and desires.”

The forum was in keeping with the overall theme of the “How We Build Matters” series, said Bo Wright, executive director of Kennett Collaborative, the sponsor of the event.

“Together, these activities underscore the importance of recognizing that how we build Kennett’s future really matters – not just what we build, but how we do it and perhaps most importantly, whether all segments of our community are invested in the process and the results,” he said. “Our places shape us, but we shape our places, so the question is, ‘What kind of places do we collectively want?’”

To learn more about Square Roots Collective, visit www.ksqroots.com.

To learn more about PennPraxis at the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, visit www.design.upenn.edu/ pennpraxis.

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

Photo courtesy of Katie Levesque

PennPraxis Design Fellow Sara Sterchak spoke with community members at the 2022 Juneteenth Festival in Kennett Square. Its Kennett Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program was done in collaboration with Square Roots Collective.

Chester

Opinion

Editorial

Against the current of Big Water

On June 29, 2017, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the application of Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc. (Aqua) to purchase New Garden Township’s wastewater system for $29.5 million.

In Oct. 2018, the PUC’s Office of Consumer Advocate sued the PUC in Commonwealth Court, claiming that the sale of the township sewer system would lead to a severe escalation of rates among Aqua customers not only in New Garden but across Pennsylvania. In 2020, however, the deal was finalized, and the township, now flush with millions, bid its outdated system farewell, while the likely threat of jacked up rates for its customers tied to public water loomed.

New Garden Township is by no means the only municipality to be lured by Aqua in its “We’ll pay you to go away” quest to gobble up public utilities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. The news is commonly known in this region: In its mission provide its 1.5 million customers with a modernized

system of wastewater management, Aqua Pennsylvania has become a monopoly. In the last few years alone, the Bryn Mawr-based utility company has also reached purchase agreements with East Norrington Township in Montgomery County for $21 million in 2018; with Willistown Township in Chester County for $17.5 million in 2021; and this January, it received state approval to purchase the Lower Makefield Township sewer system in Bucks County for $53 million.

For certain, Aqua Pennsylvania is making good on its promise to provide massive infrastructure improvements to these systems (more than $1 billion) in an effort to support a safe environment and protect public health, and is currently investing additional millions to do so, including a $500,000 dredging project that will take place this week at the New Garden Township wastewater treatment plant.

However, what the PUC’s Office of Consumer Advocate and dozens of grassroots efforts from Bucks to Chester County have been warning about for the past several years has now become a stark, cold

reality for customers tied to those public utilities.

Big Water is out to recoup its investment.

According to documents filed with and approved by the PUC this May, the monthly bill for an Aqua residential water customer in its main rate zone has risen 12 percent from $69.35 to $77.51, an $8.16 increase.

An average Aqua residential wastewater bill will go up 59 percent, from $55.51 to $88.18, a monthly increase of $32.67. When added up, these rate hikes translate to a $69.3 million increase in annual revenue for Aqua Pennsylvania.

Earlier this month, Chester Water Authority (CWA) appealed to Gov. Wolf’s newly-formed Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) to hold statewide public hearings about water affordability that would enlist the testimony of water experts and environmental groups. CWA’s eight-page letter addresses this concern over the PUC’s failure to establish a water affordability threshold as a safeguard against companies like Aqua Pennsylvania.

“Water is a right not a privilege. It is essential to survive. It is essential for life. No for-profit company should make water unattainable for ratepayers due to a lack of affordability,” said Cynthia F. Leitzell, CWA Board chairperson.

One of these residents Leitzell is referring to is Peter Mrozinski, a resident of New Garden Township, who lives in the Harrogate community in Landenberg. In his quarterly bill from Aqua for the months of March, April and May, he was charged $173.59 for the use of 9,000 gallons. For the months of June, July and August, Mrozinski was charged $297.41, even though his gallon usage dropped from 9,000 gallons to 7,000 gallons over that time. If he had maintained his household’s 9,000 gallon usage, Mrozinski’s bill would have been $343.93 – a 98 percent increase over his last bill.

For anyone living on a fixed income, these increases are unconscionable.

Over the past year, as part of a local group of Harrogate residents known under the name Keep Water Affordable, Mrozinski has taken this reality before

the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors four times. At his most recent visit on Sept. 19, Mrozinski stood before the board and told them that he would not sit back down until he had a firm commitment that the supervisors would finally address water affordability for those residents who are now bound to Aqua Pennsylvania’s rate hikes.

On Mrozinski’s fourth attempt – after nearly a full year of data compilations, presentations and pleas -the board and the township finally scheduled a public meeting in November that will bring possible solutions to the forefront, including the potential establishment of a rate stabilization fund that if enacted would reimburse existing users for future rate hikes by Aqua.

* * * *

It is a ludicrous notion for any Aqua Pennsylvania ratepayer to believe that a for-profit water utility company will suddenly bend to the concerns of its customers and magically put an end to rate increases, but township by township, municipalities all over southeastern Pennsylvania who are now

cash happy from the sale of their wastewater systems should well be listening to these concerns, not kicking them further down the road. It is the responsibility of every supervisor to be willing to invest himself or herself into the muck and mire of every legal loophole and legislation to safeguard its residents against severe rate hikes, no matter how challenging the endeavor. If they are to be of true service to the residents who vote them into office, they must heed Leitzell’s words:

“Local governments, who are either cash strapped or do not want to raise taxes on their residents take the ‘too good to be true’ deal,” she said. “They don’t realize the fact that they are crippling their residents with higher water and sewer bills not just now, but forever in the future. What happens as a result? These deals make their communities less desirable for people to move there, shop there, and spend their lives there. People want to save money and enjoy their lives, not spend their life savings on the water bill.”

Williams’ bill to update child custody laws for deployed military parents passes House

The Pennsylvania State House unanimously passed legislation offered by Rep. Craig Williams (R-Chester/ Delaware) to update the state’s custody and visitation laws on behalf of deployed military parents.

“As a Marine Colonel who retired after 28 years of service, I’ve witnessed the trauma military families face during deployment, which

often includes struggles with divorce and child custody,” Williams said. “When I was a Marine Major, I was the director of the largest legal assistance center in the Marine Corps. Family-law issues dominated our caseloads, and in too many instances the fact of deployment was used against servicemembers in court to make adverse child custody and visitation

determinations.”

Compounding the situation, should a former spouse change states of residence in the middle of a military deployment, another court battle begins over child-custody jurisdiction.

“For the deployed parent, regaining fair custody or even visitation while deployed or when they return home can be a nightmare,” Williams said.

Williams’ legislation, House Bill 2287, would prevent any permanent custody changes while a service member is deployed for longer than 30 days. It will also ensure visitation rights are protected during the deployment.

House Bill 2287 also allows video and phone calls to be part of any temporary custody order, so children of deployed military parents can

see and hear their parents while they are away serving our country.

This legislation was developed in cooperation with the United States Department of Defense and the Uniform Law Commission and is supported by the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Family Law Section. While many states have passed laws that address some aspects

of deployed military members fighting for custody of their children, 16 states have adopted the specific language in Williams’ bill.

“My legislation will safeguard the parental rights of mothers and fathers serving in uniform while they are keeping us safe,” said Williams.

The bill now goes to the State Senate for consideration.

Chester County Drug & Alcohol Services outlines opioid settlement implementation plan

As the Chester County Commissioners recognize National Recovery Month throughout September, the county is also preparing to receive the first two payments in a $19.7 million, 18-year opioid settlement agreement.

In anticipation of those payments, Vince Brown, executive director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services

Chester County’s portion of the nationwide settlement will be disbursed over 18 years with the first two payments coming in 2022.

The remaining payments will be received annually

through 2039.

The presentation made at the Commissioners’ meeting provided an overview of the allocation process and a draft strategy that outlines different tactics for using the opioid settlement funds, including treatment, prevention, abatement, and research. As Vince Brown explained, “The opioid epidemic has had a significant impact across the county, and on individuals, families, and communities. These funds will help maintain and enhance established programs and activities, and address gaps in services and other identified needs.”

Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz said, “Today’s presentation lays the groundwork for the County’s multi-pronged approach to addressing the opioid epidemic that has led to death and devastation for families across our region.

“For the sake of all in our county who have lost their lives, or are still battling substance use disorder, we vow to use these funds to help us continue – and expand – services and supports, addressing the current crisis while implementing

important mitigation and prevention strategies for the future.”

County assessing treatment and prevention strategies, engaging stakeholders outlined his department’s .long-term strategy at a recent Commissioners’ meeting, to implement plans for the prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder, using the opioid settlement funds.

The draft strategy includes approaches to maximize the settlement funds, while reaching the county’s diverse population through a set of programs, supports and services intended to:

• Treat opioid use disorder

• Support people in treatment and recovery

• Connect people who need help to appropriate services

• Address the needs of individuals involved within the criminal justice system

• Address the needs of pregnant or parenting women and babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome

• Prevent misuse of opioids

• Prevent overdose deaths and other harms

• Safely manage medication

• Collaborate with local emergency service providers and county or communitybased organizations

• Provide training opportunities and encourage workforce development strategies.

“This crisis knows no bounds, but with the funds from the opioid lawsuit we can provide even greater

opportunities for substance use intervention, treatment, and recovery services – made possible by developing a plan that responds to our community needs,” said County Commissioner Josh Maxwell.

“Vince Brown and his team have worked with our Overdose Prevention Task Force and other stakeholders to develop the different strategies that will effectively use the opioid settlement funds, and we thank them for their diligence, dedication and desire to fight this epidemic with every weapon they can.”

The money Chester County will receive is part of Pennsylvania’s $1 billion settlement, which is part of a national $26 billion agreement to resolve about 4,000 lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and three pharmaceutical distributors. Seventy percent of the funds will go to local governments, 15 percent to a Commonwealth account and 15 percent to other litigating governmental entities.

“This epidemic has left an indelible mark on individuals and families in our county, and no amount of money compensates for the loss of life caused by opi-

oid addiction” said Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline. “While we are already working hard to combat the opioid epidemic in many ways, we can use the settlement funds to significantly reduce the devastation. The Opioid Settlement Strategy will drive our long-term approach to providing access to treatment services, supporting people in treatment and recovery, connecting people who need help to appropriate services, and increasing awareness, education, and resources.”

Through the effective actions of the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force, the County can claim one of the most comprehensive anti-opioid initiatives in the state.

Two initiatives to emerge from the task force’s efforts are the County’s COPE program, a 24/7 warm handoff service that helps individuals who have suffered an overdose transition from the emergency room to treatment; and the Chester County Color 5K, an annual that event raises awareness of the crisis and has contributed more than $200,000 towards the COPE program.

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.

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In the Spotlight

LIVING HISTORY

Elk Township: A rural community with an interesting heritage

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

Among the 57 Townships in Chester County, Elk Township gets less attention than most of the others due to its rural setting.

It is somewhat distant from bustling towns like West Chester. While Elk Township is small and rural, there are several things dot ting the landscape which do attract the attention of visitors. Two of them are beautiful Big Elk Creek and Little Elk Creek; the others are historic wooden struc tures which span the two waterways. Together they make a lovely combination of rustic countryside and human innovation which add to the appeal of this sparsely populated area.

Elk Township saw its first European settlers in the early 18th century. The deed for the land was granted by William Penn in 1701.

The area experienced more than 150 years of settle ment before the Township was officially formed from a part of East Nottingham Township in 1857. Its 10.4 square miles make it one of the smallest in Chester County. With a population density of only 168 persons per square mile, it has plenty of open space, much of it near an historic line.

Elk Township’s southern boundary was influenced by

a visit from two surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, who, starting in 1763, worked diligently to resolve the long-standing border dispute between the descen dants of William Penn and Lord Baltimore.

Elk Township has seven stone markers along the historic Mason-Dixon Line, more than any other Township. A visit to the farm of local resident Mary Gruber allowed photographs of one of the markers, the “P” and “M” carvings on the stone indicating the Pennsylvania and Maryland sides of the border. The Old Stone Graveyard nearby displays the gravestones of Revolutionary War patriots.

There, a brass plaque stands honoring Dr. John Maffitt, who was the ship’s doctor on the USS Reprisal that took Benjamin Franklin to France to serve as represen tative for the 13 colonies.

Gruber and her husband own three local farms as well as the popular Old Stone Cider establishment.

The area once featured numerous mills, situated on both Big Elk Creek and Little Elk Creek. One of the villag es got its name from them. In “Around the Oak” by the Oxford Area Tricentennial Publications Committee, Elk Mills is described as a thriv ing village around which numerous mills were locat ed. Legend has it that Henry

Hollingsworth had a mill on Little Elk Creek in 1724. A saw and gristmill was owned and operated by Jesse Woolens and later by James Brown, who was appoint ed Postmaster when a Post Office was opened there in 1869. The mill was subse quently purchased by Lewis Sharpless in 1880. Mill own ers must have been popular Postmasters. Sharpless was appointed Postmaster in 1882 and served in that posi tion until 1909, when the Post Office closed.

According to “Around the Oak,” the Little Elk Friends Meeting was established in 1824 in Nottinghamdale, which later got its own Post Office when the town changed its name to Hickory Hill in 1850. Small towns are the norm here. Lewisville is one of them, benefiting from the intersection of Route 841 and Route 472 nearby.

Something you do not see in most townships today is a lot of covered bridges. Elk Township had three of them. Noted in “Covered Bridges of Chester County, Pennsylvania” by Arthur E. James, the Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge was built over Big Elk Creek by Meanander Wood and Richard Meredith in 1880 for $2,334. There was a dam nearby on the creek which powered a paper mill, where members of the Rudolph and Arthur families worked.

The bridge span was 80 feet with a Burr truss structure passing over the creek. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Sadly, the bridge was destroyed by the rem nants of Hurricane Ida in September of 2021.

The Linton Stevens Bridge was named in honor of the Postmaster at Hickory Hill, just southwest of the bridge. In his book, James mentions that Stevens oper ated the Post Office in his general store. Not far from this bridge is the intersection with two other townships East Nottingham and New

London. There was a foot bridge at this site as shown on an 1874 map of New London Township, with a later iron structure replacing it. Subsequently the Linton Stevens wooden covered bridge with a 102-foot span was constructed there. It is one of the scenic wonders of rural Chester County

The Glen Hope Bridge was built over Little Elk Creek in 1889 a half-mile north of the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line. This bridge has a 65-foot span with a 26-foot roadway. Meanander Wood was busy- he also built this one. James notes that Wood was paid $994 for the woodwork; George E. Jones did the stone work for $773, for a total cost of $1,767. The bridge was seriously damaged in 1962 when a careless truck driver took his vehicle exceeding the bridge’s weight limit onto the structure. It was out of commission for sev eral months, but later repairs brought it back to good working condition.

If you’re looking for a drive away from the bustle of daily life, consider a visit to Elk Township. Rural vis tas, peaceful countryside and covered bridges will bring you a sense of yesteryear, when the pace of things was just a bit slower. Stop in at Old Stone Cider and enjoy some draught beer or cider

with live music on Saturdays through the fall. You can get a sense of the topog raphy which two surveyors trekked more than 250 years ago when they helped the Keystone State get its offi cial southern boundary.

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

Bronze historical marker at gravestone of Dr John Maffitt.

Graveyard displaying headstones and markers for Revolutionary War patriot soldiers on Gruber property.

Photo courtesy of John Loxton

Mason-Dixon Line stone marker showing P for Pennsylvania on Gruber Farm.

by Gene Pisasale

The Linton Stevens Covered Bridge.

Old Stone Cider in Lewisville, Elk Township.

Courtesy photo

Mason-Dixon Line pole marker.

Obituary submissions

JOSE DEL CARMEN HERRERA

Jose Del Carmen Herrera, of Cochranville, passed away on Sept. 19, 2022 at Twin Pines Healthcare Center. He was 83. He was the husband of Ma Luz Gonzalez B., with whom he shared 64 years of marriage.

Born in Yuriria, GTO, Mexico, he was the son of the late Fidel Herrera and the late Maria Mora.

com.

Jose was a self-employed farmer.

He was a member of St. Rocco Catholic Church.

Jose enjoyed reading, politics, playing cards and Dominos, and watching soccer and baseball on TV. He was a food lover and he enjoyed being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Carlos Herrera (Rosa) of Lincoln University, Jose Luis Herrera (Maria) of Cochranville, Fidel Herrera (Imelda) of Lincoln University and Adolfo Herrera (Wendy) of Grand Rapids, MI; three daughters, Maria L. Perez (Rafael) of Atglen, Isabel Juarez (Mauricio) of Parkesburg, and Ma Jesus Barajas (Ricardo) of Parkesburg; 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Antonio Herrera and Miguel Herrera.

You are invited to visit with Jose’s family and friends from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Sept. 28 at St. Rocco Catholic Church, 313 Sunny Dell Road in Avondale. His funeral mass will follow at 6:30. His burial be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday morning, Sept. 29 at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

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

chester.com county

DORIS RAE SUMNER FETTERMAN

Doris Rae Sumner Fetterman, a resident of Downingtown and formerly of West Grove, passed away on Sept. 17, 2022 at Chester County Hospital. She was 87.

She was the wife of William Fetterman and was preceded in death by her first husband, Guy T. Sumner.

Born in Bedford, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Andrew Rollo and Bertha Mae Weaverling Dodson.

Doris was previously employed by Kendal-Crossland in Kennett Square, but spent most of her time and energy as a homemaker raising her family.

She thoroughly enjoyed arts and crafts, including painting, making flower arrangements, sewing and preparing for Christmas. Doris was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking her husbands’ favorite meals, especially chili and chocolate cake with peanut butter icing.

Doris was a woman of great faith and loved God and Jesus Christ and was very passionate in sharing this with others.

She is survived by two sons, Andrew David Sumner of Kennett Square and Eric Guy Sumner of St. Louis, Missouri; two daughters, Cynthia Kerns (Eric) of Martinsburg, W.Va. and Andrea Bove (Daniel) of Oxford; two step-children, Kim Shoffner (Joe) of Dillsburg and Michael Fetterman of Downingtown; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two step-greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 22 at the Christian Life Center.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Andrew Wommack Ministries, P.O. Box 3333, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80934 or awmi.net.

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

Local News

The Barnard family’s ties to local history— and the Unionville Community Fair

The annual event that would become the Unionville Community Fair was first held in 1924. The fair quickly grew to be a highlight of the fall season by many of the farm families of the community as a place to socialize as well as engage in friendly competition. Fast forward almost 100 years and the descendants of one family still

A railroad with no schedules: Barnard Station

“According to one legend, two slave catchers tracking a fugitive through Kentucky lost all trace of the runaway when they crossed the Ohio River. In their bewilderment, they allegedly exclaimed ‘There must be an underground railroad somewhere!’”

-William Kashatus, Just Over the Line: Chester County and the Underground Railroad

From the 1820s through the 1860s, the southeastern Pennsylvania region was a hotbed of abolitionist activity. Due to its location just over the Mason-Dixon Line from both Delaware and Maryland, this area became a haven for freedom-seeking slaves traveling from the southern states to safety in the north.

Because they had a large population of Quakers, most of whom abhorred slavery, Kennett, Pocopson and other nearby Townships had dozens of residents who opened their arms –and their homes – to those hoping for a better life.

Eusebius and Sarah Bernard were two of those people, supporting escaped slaves on their journey, making their house a “Station Stop” on the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad never published a train schedule; no flyers were printed for public distribution. They were clandestine pathways taken

in the middle of the night. The couple’s story is now unfolding, with a museum planned in Pocopson Township to be named Barnard Station highlighting these efforts.

According to the Barnard Station website, Eusebius Barnard was born on July 13, 1802 near Marlborough Village and attended the Westtown School. Noted Chester County historian Gilbert Cope said of him: “He was widely and favorably known as a strong abolitionist…”

Eusebius married Sarah Painter in 1829 and through her parents, the couple was given some of her family’s acreage in Pocopson Township with a house which became their home.

In his landmark “History of the Underground Railroad in Chester and the Neighboring Counties of Pennsylvania” (1883), R.C. Smedley stated: “When the number of slaves that were forwarded by… Thomas

actively participate in the fair each fall. Barnard Baily (of Baily’s Dairy of Pocopson Meadow Farm) and Lewis Barnard (of Barnard’s Orchard) share a four-times great-grandfather, Richard Barnard.

Several of Richard Barnard’s grandchildren were active in the abolitionist movement in Chester

Garrett to Philadelphia and other places became so great… Eusebius and Sarah P. Barnard, of Pocopsin (sic), were among the first to make their residence an established station…”

Many of those seeking refuge in the Barnard home came through Wilmington, Del. The Barnards gave them food, clothing and shelter before moving them toward the next safe house in the region. Often done under cover of darkness, their young son Enos one time led a group of 17 men safely to his uncle William’s home nearby.

The Barnard house is estimated to have been built sometime between 1803 and 1823. Part of a 124-acre property, it was a two- and one-half story stone structure with a gable roof and Federal period detailing.

Eusebius and his family were among those local citizens who had petitioned the Court of Quarter Sessions in 1848 for the founding of Pocopson Township. He was also one of the original members of the Pennsylvania Yearly Meeting of Progressive Friends, which split off from the Kennett Meeting and later built their own meetinghouse in 1855.

Many of the Barnards

were active “station masters” and “conductors” on the Underground Railroad in Chester County. Eusebius’ brother William was one of a group from the Progressive Friends who met at the White House in June 1862 with President Lincoln, urging him to abolish slavery. The Friends strongly believed the move would assist him in the conflict engulfing the nation. Their urgent pleas appear to have had a positive impact. Just a few weeks later, Lincoln mentioned an idea to his Cabinet which would help him free thousands of slaves and eventually win the war- the Emancipation Proclamation.

Eusebius and Sarah Barnard on occasion met with some of the most prominent players in the abolitionist movement. Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Beecher Stowe and others spoke at the Longwood Progressive Friends Meetinghouse on a variety of issues, from abolition of slavery to prison reform, women’s rights and other topics. Harriet Tubman even stopped in the area. Noted abolitionist Thomas Garrett knew the Barnards and was also actively engaged in the

County in the 19th century. A new project is underway in Pocopson Township to tell the story of that part of the local history. The following article details Barnard Station, a new historical interpretive resource located within the historic Barnard house, once the home of Eusebius and Sarah Barnard.

freedom movement.

In 2018, a group of concerned residents came forward, dedicated to preserving the Barnard house for use as a museum and Heritage Center. The Friends of Barnard Station was formally recognized in November 2020 as a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt organization. The group members donated their time, money and efforts over several years with the intent to refurbish the Barnard home in hopes of opening it to the public as a showcase for the incredibly rich story of the abolitionist movement which was a critical part of southern Chester County history.

Two of their Board members—Richard Chalfant and Alta Hoffman—are direct descendants of Eusebius and Sarah Barnard. The home is now called Barnard Station and upon final completion of restorations, will allow visitors to tour the site along with nearby hiking trails featuring historical markers so as to learn about the heritage of the region.

Barnard Station is at 715 South Wawaset Road across from the Pocopson Home. There is public parking in the rear of the building. The Friends welcome

inquiries about the plans for the structure, as well as donations to help fund ongoing work there. For more information, please visit their website at www. BarnardStation.org. If you have questions, you can e-mail the team at barnardstation@gmail.com.

Editor’s note: The information at the beginning of this story was provided by Don McKay, who serves on the Pocopson Township Historical Committee. The long section about Barnard Station was written by Gene Pisasale and previously appeared in the Chester County Press. Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His books can be found on his website at www.GenePisasale. com and on www. Amazon.com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@ GenePisasale.com.

Calvert Grange seeking local crafters

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Calvert Grange is now seeking crafters for their fall craft shows. This year’s craft shows are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1, Saturday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Calvert Grange is located about 7 miles south of Oxford at 2357 Telegraph Road in Rising Sun, Md.

Craft fair events will be held

inside and outside during October and November. In December, they will be held inside the Grange. Baked goods, food items, and beverages will be for sale by the Calvert Grange so vendors are not permitted to sell food or beverages.

The 2022 Craft Fair application is located on their website at: www.calvertgrange.org and interested applicants are reminded to include all the information requested on the form. For

more information you can call them at 443-406-8505.

The Calvert Grange Craft Fair does not accept direct sales businesses with commercially made products at the event. All artisans must produce their own goods.

The Grange is asking that you provide information about your products in order to have a variety of items. If you do not have a website or social media accounts, please e-mail three photos (.jpg, .jpeg, .png files only)

KENNETH QUEPPET

to info@calvertgrange.com.

If you are selected as a craft fair vendor, the Grange will publish the following information you provide on the form: business name, contact information, website, and social media to promote your business and the event.

Your submission form will be reviewed within seven business days and you will be sent an e-mail to confirm your requested space. In addition to the confirma-

Obituaries

Kenneth (Ken) Queppet, age 64, of Lincoln University, leaves behind a legacy of warm generosity and compassion for his friends and family.

He passed away on Sept. 18 after health complications.

Although Ken left all-too-soon, the people in his life have been changed by his loyalty and true friendship.

He was a dedicated father and pop-pop who always made sure that his kids and grandkids were taken care of. If you asked Ken what the number-one thing in his life that gave him joy, without hesitation he would say his two kids and the grandchildren.

His hobbies included fishing, playing guitar, learning history and listening to an array of music, especially lots of Bob Dylan and classic folk. You could probably find Ken on any given evening or day meeting up with a friend for a meal and deep conversation or enjoying time listening to his brother’s band play music at a local restaurant.

He was well liked and a hard worker in his occupation of being in the energy business. Ken was a dedicated son and loyal brother. Friends describe him as loyal, honest, funny, and forgiving. His family would describe him as extremely selfless, a best friend, and loving.

Ken’s generous spirit and listening ear will be missed by many.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Elizabeth Dougherty Queppet of Oxford and the late Robert J. Queppet.

Ken is survived by one son, Michael A. Queppet and his wife Vasilisa of Orlando, Fla.; one daughter, Caitlin E. Beiler and her husband Colburn of Reading, Pa.; three brothers, Robert Queppet of West Grove, David Queppet of Philadelphia, and Timothy Queppet of West Grove; two sisters, Rebecca Queppet of York, Pa. and Mary St. George of Shillington, Pa.; two grandchildren, and his former wife, Sylvia Queppet.

You are invited to visit with Ken’s family and friends from 10:00 to 11:30 on Wednesday morning, Sept. 28 at the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene, 240 State Road in West Grove.

His funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m.

Burial will be in the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1986 Newark Road (Route 896), in New London.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to LCH Health and Community Services, 731 West Cypress Street in Kennett Square, sent to the Attention of Kate Wickersham.

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

tion email, you will receive two other emails: an invoice for your requested spaces and an e-contract to sign. To make your reservation process easy, they accept debit and credit cards. Once you pay the invoice by the due date and you sign the e-contract, your space will be reserved. Please pay promptly. They may refuse your request for space if you delay payment.

The Calvert Grange’s mission is to support agriculture

education, the agricultural industry, and rural community initiatives. They are a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization.

Since 1953, Calvert Grange has been an integral part of the agricultural community of Cecil County. The members of Calvert Grange #424 work to uphold the ideals and philosophy of The National Grange, the oldest agricultural fraternal organization in the United States.

BARBARA JEAN CHAMBERLAIN

Barbara Jean Chamberlain, 71, of Landenberg passed away on Sept. 25, 2022 at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

She was the wife of Pedro Villalobos, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Paul David and Anna Jean Gill Pierce.

Barbara was employed with Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove as a cook for many years.

She enjoyed cooking and especially enjoyed making potato salad and bread pudding. She loved her dog, Princess.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Joseph (Andrea) Chamberlain and Paul (Alana) Chamberlain; one daughter, Michele (Mike) Chamberlain; seven grandchildren, Samantha and Kendall Chamberlain, Robert and Cheyenne Chamberlain, Kelsey and Brandi Walton and Jay Smyth; three great-grandchildren, Maya and Macy Woods and Parker Knecht; three sisters, Velma, Linda and Nancy; and four brothers, Mike, Tommy, Dennis and Charlie.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Theresa and a great-granddaughter, Kasey Renee Beady.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., in Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 1 to 2 p.m.

Interment will be private. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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

Legals

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Fred D. Main Late of Oxford , East NottinghamTownship, 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 Michael D. Main, Executor, 968 Hopewell Road, Oxford, PA, 19363 9p-14-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Barbara J. Miller, Miller, Barbara J. late of West Nantmeal Twp., 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 B. Miller, Jr., c/o Sandra M. Liberatori, Esq., Rick Stock Law, 933 N. Charlotte St., Suite 3-B, Pottstown, PA 19464, Executor. Rick Stock Law, 933 N. Charlotte St., Suite 3-B, Pottstown, PA 19464 9p-28-3t

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 October 18, 2022 at 7:00

p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

Application of NVR, Inc., equitable owner, seeking variances from the 30-foot minimum rear yard requirement under the Township’s former zoning ordinance section 1302.H.3 so as to allow reduced rear yards of 24 feet on nine (9) lots (Lots #145-153) located within the previously-approved residential development of 204 homes known as “Big Elk” on property located at 1015 West Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA (UPI #583-17.3) in the Township’s former C I – Community Institutional 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 9p-28-2t

NOTICE

Sealed proposals will be received by the Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania at 372 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove, PA 19390. Bids will be opened on October 20, 2022 for the purpose of the following: ROCK SALT FOR THE WINTER OF 2022-2023- Approximately 4,000 tons SOLAR SALT FOR THE WIN-

TER OF 2022-2023- Approximately 200 tons

Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Municipal Cooperative and may be obtained by calling 601-3450100, or by emailing Skinsey@ Londongrove.org. All bids must meet Bulletin 15 requirements. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “2022-2023 Salt”. The Supplier will provide the awarding municipality with a performance bond in the amount of 50% of the contract, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the contract. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Board Members at 11:00 a.m. on October 20, 2022 at the London Grove Township public works meeting room. Bids may be delivered to the London Grove Township Building at 372 Rose Hill Rd. West Grove, PA 19390. Shane Kinsey, Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County 9p-28-2t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 20th, 2022 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, November 21st , 2022. 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. 22-10-288 Writ of Execution No. 2012-09163 DEBT $271,103.35

Situate in the Township of West Nottingham, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, The Real Property. Or its address commonly known as 213 Veterans Drive, Nottingham, Pa.19362.

Recorded October 9, 2003 in Chester County in Deed Book 5928 Page 2344.

UPI # 68-6-2.3N 19362

PLAINTIFF: SMS Financial

Recovery Services, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Woody Jackson

SALE ADDRESS: 213 Veterans Drive, Nottingham, PA

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: DOLCHIN, SLOTKIN & TODD, P.C. 215-665-3506

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 20th, 2022 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, November 21st , 2022. 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. 22-10-290

Writ of Execution No. 2020-02567

DEBT $146,019.43

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of Sadsbury, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated May 31, 1994 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on September 7, 1994, in Deed Book Volume 3805 at Page 1786

Tax Parcel No 28-07-0005

PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee for the Lodge Series IV Trust VS DEFENDANT: Carol A. Deatrick

SALE ADDRESS: 100 Summit Ridge Road, Parkesburg, PA 16365 f/k/a 104 Summit Ridge, Gap, PA 17527 and 102 Summit Ridge Road, Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HLADIK, ONORATO & FEDERMAN, LLP 215-855-9521

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 20th, 2022 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, November 21st , 2022. 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. 22-10-294 Writ of Execution No. 2021-01950 DEBT $107,697.27

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Borough of Avondale, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated March 22, 1990 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on March 26, 1990, in Deed Book Volume 1932 at Page 83.

Tax Parcel No. 04-020012.050

PLAINTIFF: Hoffy Unlimited, LLC VS DEFENDANT: James H. Norman & Detra A. Brison a/k/a Detra A. Brison-Norman

SALE ADDRESS: 403 Thompson Street, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HLADIK, ONORATO & FEDERMAN, LLP 215-855-9521

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 20th, 2022 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, November 21st , 2022. 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. 22-10-299 Writ of Execution No. 2021-05252 DEBT $136,285.62

All that certain tract or piece of land situate in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania and described according to a plan of land of Marshall Barnett, said plan made by T.G. Colesworthy, County Surveyor, dated September 12, 1963 and revised May 27, 1965.

Tax Parcel # 59-4-16.3

PLAINTIFF: Ajax Mortgage Loan Trust 2020-A, MortgageBacked Securities, Series 2020A, by U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee VS DEFENDANT: Kenneth Blaisdell Purinton & Lisa Michelle Purinton

SALE ADDRESS: 685 North Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: JACQUELINE F. McNALLY, ESQ. 850-422-2520

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-28-3t

THANK YOU, ST. JUDE for answering my prayers SHS. May the Sacred Hear of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved, and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Dear Sacred heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude help of hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times per day, by the 8th day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.

Dear Saint Jude, Thank you for prayers answered. O Holy Saint Jude apostle and martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor of all who invoke your special patronage in time of need, to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg to who God has given such great power to come to my assistance. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary’s, and three Glorias. Saint Jude pray for us, and all who invoke your aid. Amen.

Classifieds

Local

Six athletes set to join Oxford Area High School’s Sports Wall of Fame on Oct. 10

Plans have been finalized for the 20th Annual Oxford Area High School Sports Wall of Fame induction ceremony. After two years of postponements due to COVID-19, this popular event will again take place at the High School on Monday, Oct. 10 with six outstanding sports athletes to be honored.

The evening will commence in the High School cafeteria at 6:30 p.m. to give the public a chance to renew memories and congratulate the award winners. Light refreshments will be served in the cafeteria.

Among the candidates receiving the honors this year will be Robert “Puff” Moore (class of 1949), Bill Hostetter (1976), John Rozich (1995), Rebecca Ruggear (2009), Laura Beimfohr (2010), and Ryan Hubley (2015).

Ruggear ran cross country and played soccer and basketball at OAHS. The sport

that she enjoyed the most was basketball, earning varsity letters all four years.

Playing center at 5’10”, she was usually lined up against taller girls at that position.

Ruggear was a tough competitor and averaged ten points and ten rebounds per game during her senior year. She was named the MVP at the Hempfield Tournament in 2009 and made the All-Area Team.

She received a scholarship to play Division 2 at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, where at 5’11” she was once again shorter than her competition at center. During her junior year at USciences, Ruggear averaged eleven points and seven rebounds and was nominated to the CACC All-Tournament Team. In a game against Georgian Court, she set a personal record by scoring 31 points.

Rozich has an excellent baseball career at Oxford and beyond, making the

Southern Chester County League First Team as a catcher during his junior and senior years. He was an American Legion Team All-Star for Pennsylvania in 1994 and 1995. Rozich made All-Area and played in the Carpenter Cup in 1995. He earned a baseball scholarship to Kutztown University, where he was the starting catcher for four years.

Some of his many honors at Kutztown include Rookie of the Year and First Team selection for PSAC as a freshman. Rozich continued to be named to the PSAC Team during each of his years at Kutztown and, in 1999, he was named Athlete of the Year. In 2007, he was inducted into the Kutztown University Hall of Fame.

In 1999, Rozich was drafted in the 18th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the June amateur draft.

Following his playing

career, he turned to coaching and for the past 22 years has coached regional teams throughout Chester County, including at Oxford Area High School.

Hubley was an accomplished football and basketball athlete at Oxford. As a sophomore in football, he was named the Outstanding Player of the Year in the Ches-Mont Division and received Second Team All Ches-Mont in basketball.

Continuing into his junior year, he was named First Team Ches-Mont in both offense and defense in football and also made Second Team All Ches-Mont in basketball. Hubley had an even more outstanding year as a senior at Oxford, once again receiving First Team honors for offense and defense in football in the Ches-Mont League. During his senior year, Hubley set a PIAA record, scoring seven touchdowns in one game.

Following high school, Hubley entered Kutztown University and in his first year on the football team he was named Freshman of the Year. He was captain of the football team and earned Special Team Player of the Year in 2018. Ryan Hubley earned Dean’s List honors his entire four years at Kutztown University.

The public is invited to attend the induction ceremony and there is no charge for admission.

Two students named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars

Steven Feeney of Toughkenamon and Amber Riley of Exton are two of 207 students nationally who were recently named 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Each of the two Chester County students will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.

Feeney and Riley are members of Beta Psi Pi, Delaware County Community College’s Chester County Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society of associate degree-granting colleges. Feeney is a communication arts major studying for an Associates degree in arts. Riley is a science for health professions major studying for an Associates degree in science.

The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program helps scholars defray educational expenses while enrolled in associate degree programs. This year’s scholars were selected from more than 1,300 applicants by a panel of independent judges. Scholars are encouraged to assume leadership roles by participating in society programs and are selected based on outstanding scholastic achievement, community service and leadership potential.

“We are proud to have had not one but two stu-

dents, Steven and Amber, named Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars this year. It is an outstanding accomplishment and we look forward to the impact their leadership and service will have on the College and on the communities in which they live,” said Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black.

A total of $207,000 is awarded through the Leaders of Promise Scholarship Program.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides $200,000 in funding for the scholarships, with $25,000 set aside for members who are veterans or active members of the United States military. The remaining amount is supported by donations to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation and provides seven Global Leaders of Promise Scholarships, earmarked for international students.

“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa to make it possible for more deserving students to achieve their educational goals and support tomorrow’s leaders of the global

community.” The funds provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation not only aid college completion, but also give students the opportunity to engage in society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.

“Research shows that Phi Theta Kappa members are four times more likely to complete a college degree than their peers,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.

“The Leaders of Promise Scholarships recognize students for what they have achieved already and assure that financial need isn’t an obstacle to achieving their academic goals.”

For more than 50 years, Delaware County Community College has served as the center of educational opportunity for residents of Delaware and Chester Counties.

Send resume to: T. Brown 1833 Flint Hill Road, Landenberg PA 19350

Help Wanted

John Rozich

Ryan Hubley

Rebecca Ruggear

Paradocx Vineyard, LLC in Landenberg, PA seeks Logistics Coordinator to perform inventory controls and keep quality standards high for audits. Maintain company inventory, production control and processing in-bound and out-bound products.

REQ: Bachelor of Science in Transport and Logistics or foreign equivalent.

Courtesy photos

Steven Feeney of Toughkenamon and Amber Riley of Exton are two of 207 students nationally who were recently named 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars.