Lawrence: ‘Governor Shapiro, take the sale of the Chester Water Authority off the table’
‘Save CWA’ group, elected officials hold lobbying day at state capitol in Harrisburg
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Harrisburg for what they billed as an action day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, with supporters arriving in buses from both West Grove and the City of Chester. The lobbying agenda, attended by about 50 supporters from both Chester and Delaware counties, included meetings with legislators and staffers and a press conference in the rotunda of the Capitol Building. The purpose of
the lobby day was to bring increased attention to the potential sale of the CWA
Members of Save Chester Water Authority (CWA) joined with elected officials at the State Capitol in Harrisburg on Oct. 9 to further voice their opposition to the proposed sale of the Chester Water Authority to Aqua by the City of Chester.
Local business owner concerned about political group in front of his store
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
group that set up a table to hand out information in front of his store during the First Friday event planned by Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI).
OMI did not give permission to the group to set up during that event. The group then asked permission from the Borough of Oxford—and received it. Council President Kathryn Cloyd thanked
Sandoval for attending the meeting and explained, “We couldn’t refuse the group because of our ordinance. We checked with our solicitor who advised that the borough could not refuse the request.”
The group set up outside the footprint of the OMI event, which also drew questions from those attending the event. The political group set up directly in front of the El Nayarit store.
Sandoval explained, “The Republican committee had a stand directly in front of my store and I didn’t think that was a good idea. My father has had this store for over 30 years. I didn’t see them setting up until it was done. I called Raul Juarez,
Harris-Walz campaign canvases potential voters at Lincoln University’s homecoming
The Harris-Walz campaign stopped at Lincoln University’s homecoming festivities on Oct. 12 as part of a tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities it is making around the U.S. prior to the presidential election on Nov. 5.
East Marlborough Township considers tax increases in 2025
If a tax increase is approved as a part of the budget, it could represent the first time in 27 years that general real estate taxes have gone up in the township
By Monica Fragale Contributing Writer
East Marlborough Township supervisors will look at raising the township’s general real estate taxes for the first time since approximately 1997.
It is one of three separate tax increases the township is considering in its 2025 budget, and the possible tax increase was a topic of the Oct. 2 budget work session. One possibility is for the supervisors to raise the general fund tax to 1.75
mills. They had discussed in their first budget work session increasing the EMS tax by 2 mills, and will consider an increase in the open space tax, according to East Marlborough Township manager Neil Lovekin.
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Currently dotting the roadsides in the immediate vicinity of Lincoln University, signs supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump for U.S. President outnumber those in favor of Democrat and Vice President Kamala
Harris nearly three to one, but to anyone with even a slim knowledge of Chester County politics knows, the western half of the county still leans heavily red in a crucial voting region that has over the past few election become progressively blue. In support of this changing
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Kennett Square Borough council held a voting session meeting on Oct. 9 that included legislative updates from U.S. House Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s office, approval of the consent agenda and proposed draft of the 2025 budget
presentation. The meeting began with Sue Walker, Rep. Houlahan’s deputy chief of staff, who joined the meeting on Zoom to update the council on legislative initiatives and developments. “The 117th Congress had a lot of really generational investments that
Photo by Gabbie Burton
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
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by the City of Chester to Aqua Pennsylvania and to directly call on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to stop the City of Chester’s sale efforts.
“Governor Shapiro, take the sale of the Chester Water Authority off the table,” said Rep. John Lawrence during the press conference. “You can do it today. Now is the time to stand up on this issue before it is too late.”
In 2020, the City of Chester was placed under receivership from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), a department that reports to the executive branch and the governor’s office. Chester wants to sell CWA to Aqua for the financial assistance it would provide to the city, which declared bankruptcy in 2022 after years of financial struggle, largely due to missed pension payments. CWA supporters feel that it is unfair for them to shoulder the burden of Chester’s financial mismanagement when 80 percent of ratepayers reside outside of the City of Chester.
There is currently a stay on a court case headed to the state Supreme Court to determine if the city has the right to sell CWA.
“The basic proposal by the state of Pennsylvania and the city is to monetize CWA,” said Bill Ferguson, co-founder of Keep Water Affordable, during the press conference. “Translated, the City of Chester wants to sell something they don’t own.”
CWA currently provides water to 37 municipalities across Chester and
Kennett Square Borough...
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were made to our communities overall, and I believe in Kennett in particular, you’re seeing some of those investments from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” Walker said, mentioning PennDOT road and infrastructure
Delaware counties and has about 49,000 customers serving about 200,000 people. Ratepayers worry that if Aqua succeeds in buying CWA, water rates will increase to inaccessible levels, even doubling or tripling in cost. In 2020, when New Garden Township sold their sewer system to Aqua, rates increased substantially and continue to do so for township residents who were once tied into the township’s aging wastewater and water network that is now owned and operated by Aqua – ratepayers that include Ferguson.
‘A band-aid over a gunshot wound’
Other local representation at the event included Oxford Borough Council President Kathryn Cloyd, who spoke on behalf of the ratepayers of the borough who she feels would suffer under the sale.
“Eighteen percent of our residents live at or below the poverty line, and our median per capita income is only about $27,000,” Cloyd said at the press conference.
“Our very low-income residents will have to do without other essentials if their water rates increase. We’re not talking about buying dinner out. We’re talking about not being able to have their prescriptions filled or do home maintenance. It’s not fair to Oxford’s residents that they should have to pay for Chester’s fiscal mismanagement.”
While Aqua’s offer of $410 million would solve the city’s financial struggles, some Chester residents and local leaders are similarly against the sale because of the increased rates they
improvement.
Walker also commented on updates for local hospitals, including the former Jennersville Hospital and Brandywine Hospital in Coatesville, who are using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“We’re really at a deficit right now in southern Chester County for those emergency services,” she
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would pay and the lack of accountability in addressing the root cause of the city’s financial crisis.
“You’re putting a band aid over a gunshot wound, and it doesn’t fix anything,” said CWA employee Ramee Davis. “The City of Chester has been in duress for how many years? But the one thing they say they own is the one thing that’s been run properly. It’s kind of humorous to me.”
CWA employees in attendance voiced their concerns about losing their jobs if the sale is to go through. They shared that although they were told they would keep their jobs, they do not trust Aqua to honor that statement.
While the financial burden is certainly at the forefront for Save CWA and its supporters, stopping the sale isn’t just about keeping water rates low, but about the principle of water being a public utility and fighting corporate privatization.
“Instinctively, selling off a public utility is not something I’m on board with,” attendee David McMahon said. “Privatization of something as fundamental to human life as water is, for me, a nonstarter.”
McMahon has been involved in fighting the privatization of water and sewer systems since 2020 when he and other Norristown residents successfully fought the sale of their municipal wastewater utility. McMahon’s sentiments were not unique amongst the group. The overarching threat of water privatization weighed heavily on many in attendance.
“Quality, affordable water and wastewater services are basic necessities
said. “So hopefully, with both the funding from ARPA to go to what had been the Jennersville Hospital -- which is now owned by Christiana Care -- and what Penn Medicine is doing for the Coatesville property -- what had been the Brandywine Hospital -- we will have those emergency services back in Chester County again.”
Orphan Grain Train packing hygiene kits for Ashville
Local Branch of Orphan Grain Train rolling over 5,000 hygiene kits to be shipped to Ashville. They will be combined with donations from two other east coast branches to fill a 53-foot semi trailer.
Orphan Grain Train is a Christian volunteer network that ships donated food, clothing, medical and other needed items to people in 71 different countries including the USA.
They have been functioning since 1992. The Mid-Atlantic Branch based in our tri-state area has been functioning since 2002. The local branch has sent 28 containers to 13 countries and 21 loads of relief goods domestically, including Hurricanes Sandy (2012) and Michael (2019).
A selection of boxed colder weather clothing sorted by size and gender will be pulled from inventory and supplies have been ordered for making new hygiene kits.
The hygiene kits each have towel, washcloth, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, comb, sanitizer, and adhesive bandages in a mudproof gallon bag.
The 100% volunteer workforce of Mid-Atlantic Branch will be rolling hygiene kits almost daily starting Wednesday, October 9 at 8 Federal Road, Whse Ste 7, West Grove, PA 19390.
Volunteers are welcome and contributions will be matched up to a total of $25,000.
The normal functions of Orphan Grain Train Mid-Atlantic Branch focus on gently used clothing sorted and packed by categories and shipped to fill orders from vetted NGOs around the world. Major efforts are involved to collect the clothing, sort and pack, and to pay for shipping and duties. We also provide shoes, diapers, blankets, bicycles, medical accessories, and selected child care items. Many churches, charities, and individuals support our operations.
Additional information is available at ogt.org/branches/mid-atlantic
for health and wellness, but they are going further and further out of reach for consumers and families as private companies gobble up municipal systems across the Commonwealth,” said Sen. Carolyn Comitta, “Not only is it unfair, but it’s also wrong.”
The press conference also heard comments from CWA Board president, Noel Brandon, Sen. John Kane, Rep. Carol Kazeem, three CWA employees and Kofei Osei, an anti-privatization activist.
After the conference, the group went to Shapiro’s office to deliver their petitions but were met by closed doors despite the doors being open previously in the day, which was described as “very unusual,” by Rep. Lawrence.
It has been reported that Shapiro received campaign funds for his 2022 campaign for governor from Essential Utilities – which Aqua is a subsidiary of.
Save CWA organiz-
Walker stated that moving forward, Houlahan is working for more efficiency in congress, tackling inflation, paid leave, infrastructure and education.
In other borough business, Mayor Matt Fetick gave proclamations to the Mushroom Festival committee, and to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County to mark Domestic
ers were able to secure a meeting with staffers from Shapiro’s office earlier that day despite being previously denied prior to the visit. Save CWA organizer Catherine Miller, employee Mike Greek, Ferguson, Brandon and Osei met with staffers of the governor’s office to voice their concerns and requests from the administration in a private meeting.
Miller and Brandon stated that the impression from the staffers is that Shapiro is going to “watch things play out further,” before stepping in to take any action.
“They want to try to pretend that they are separate from the receiver, even though the receiver is appointed by the governor,” Miller said. “They’re kind of hedging their bets a little bit here because of the court cases.”
‘You’re a human being with a need’
Violence Awareness Month.
The board also approved the consent agenda which includes $367,000 for paving projects on sections of Hornblende, Church Alley, Mulberry, Wilson, W. Linden, Rose Alley and Juniper streets.
The agenda also included the 2025 Capital Improvements Plan, waived garage fees for weekends
“I’m very happy that we’re able to show our faces and put a human body next to a problem so that they’ll remember us,” Brandon said. “I’m hopeful that they are going to talk to Gov. Shapiro.”
Overall, attendees left Harrisburg feeling successful about the productivity of the day and the awareness they were able to spread although their fight is still far from over.
“What I have found most important is to let your voice be heard and let your face be seen when it comes to these kinds of situations,” Brandon said. “You’re not just another legislation, you’re a human being with a need.”
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
While the meeting did not end as confidently as the group had hoped, they were optimistic that their concerns were finally heard.
in December to encourage holiday shopping and gave their approval for the New Year’s Midnight in the Square Mushroom Drop. The council discussed the lease for Kennett Community Grocer potentially moving in the 600 S. Broad Street building at their work session meeting on Oct. 7 and was not approved to be on the consent agenda for the Oct. 9 meeting. Further action for approving the lease failed at the voting session meeting. The Wednesday Workshop section of the meeting included a presentation from Borough Manager Kyle Coleman for the proposed draft of the 2025 budget. Highlights of the draft included the most recent audit for 2023, making it the 13th consecutive clean audit for the borough, low staff turnover rate, 10.7 percent of the budget going toward capital investment and securing a $1 million grant for the sewer treatment plant. The budget draft was made public on the borough’s website at the end of the meeting.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Gabbie Burton
State Rep. John Lawrence, who has firmly expressed his opposition of the proposed sale of the CWA to Aqua, spoke at a news conference at the state capitol in Harrisburg on Oct. 9.
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tide – Chester County –once overwhelmingly a Republican stronghold –has voted in Democrats to its row seats; State Rep. Christina Sappey and U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan are each vying to be reelected for the third time; and in the 2020 election, Joe Biden outpaced Trump by a percentage of nearly 58 percent to nearly 41 percent (182,372 to 128,656).
In a comparison overview, however, the far more rural western portion of the county – an area that stretches from North Coventry Township to West Nottingham Township -- voted convincingly for Trump.
As the 2024 presidential election draws near, prognostications are calling for the same voting divide.
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If approved later this year, total taxes could go from 2.183 mils to 4.883 mills. A mill is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value.
“This is a working budget, and no decisions are being made now,” said Supervisor Jake Elks. “It shows where we need to go.”
The 1.75 mills for real estate would represent a middle-of-the-road
In an effort to attract likely Democratic voters at Lincoln University, the Harris-Walz campaign, headquartered in Wilmington, Del., recently included the Lower Oxford Township school as part of its HBCU Homecoming Tour across important swing states, including Pennsylvania. This tour underscores the campaign’s dedication to engaging directly with Black communities during the highly significant homecoming season at historically Black colleges and universities.
As throngs of alumni and friends gathered for pregame tailgating at parking lots across the Lincoln University campus, the Harris-Walz campaign set up its tent outside of the International Cultural Center an hour prior to the start of the homecoming game against visiting Bluefield State University.
increase, Lovekin said.
Currently the township real estate tax is at 1.05 mills for general purposes, 0.2 mills for open space, 0.183 mills for the library, 0.675 for fire, and 0.075 for EMS. The library tax differs from the capital contribution that East Marlborough and other municipalities pledged to the Kennett Library; the six-year contribution will be in its sixth and final year in 2025, and was used to help build the library, according to Lovekin.
Any surplus funds the general tax would bring in next year could go to the
Campaign staffers handed out campaign and volunteer literature, as well as registered students to vote.
The stumping for additional voters at Lincoln is part of a strategy to gain voters in a county that is likely to figure prominently in determining whether Pennsylvania – a key battleground state in the 2024 presidential election with 19 electoral college votes – will tilt toward Harris or Trump. According to a recent New York Times/ Sienna College poll, Harris currently has a slim fourpercentage point lead over Trump, and a national polling lead that has narrowed to just two percentage points over her Republican opponent.
Kaya Jones, national deputy director of youth engagement for the HarrisWalz campaign, said that the HBCU tour is part of an all-hands-on-deck initiative
capital fund, according to Lovekin, who explained that there are over $1 million in capital expenditures planned over the next several years.
Future budget work sessions are scheduled for Oct. 16 and 30 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A vote to preliminarily authorize the budget is expected at the November monthly meeting, at which time the budget would be available for public review.
A final budget is expected to be approved at the December supervisors’ meeting.
to get out the Harris-Walz vote.
“We are bringing surrogates and elected officials on campuses to stress the importance of young people getting involved in this election, not only through voting but making sure they are door knocking, volunteering and making calls to other voters,” she said. “This is so important because young people truly have the power to shape this election, and especially for a candidate who is a graduate of a HBCU.”
“I have always said that Lincoln is the genesis of Black higher education in the U.S. and the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU, so for the HarrisWalz campaign to be here means that they know how crucial Lincoln has been for the history of the United States and how crucial Lincoln will be in this upcoming presidential election,” said Drake Smith, a Lincoln senior and the community outreach director for the University’s College Democrats. “We have about 1,200 votes on campus, and if all of them come out, we can turn western Chester County blue. Chester County has seen a blue wave over the past few years, but if all of Lincoln votes in favor of HarrisWalz, they can change the game, and the campaign is highly and keenly aware of that.”
“The polling is showing a slim margin in Pennsylvania, which we know could go either way, and we would love to keep Pa. blue,” Jones said. “Lincoln is located in one
of the last remaining red districts in this region of the state, so we’re really encouraging students to get involved, get registered and make sure they’re voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.”
The Harris-Walz tour of HBCUs began at WinstonSalem State University in North Carolina on Sept. 28, made a similar stop at Virginia State University on Oct. 12, and is planning upcoming visits to Harris’s alma mater Howard University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical University, Clark Atlanta
University and Morehouse and Spelman colleges. In all, the tour will make on-site and virtual appearances at 60 HBCUs in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Michigan before Election Day on Nov. 5. Under the Biden-Harris administration, record investments of $17 billion have been directed toward HBCUs, underscoring their importance in higher education.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The Harris-Walz staffers provided literature to students and the Lincoln University community that included voter registration, campaign literature and opportunities to serve as a volunteer.
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.
Honest, truthful and virtuous
“America. It is the only place where miracles not only happen, but where they happen all the time.” Thomas Wolfe, American author and native son of Asheville, North Carolina
On Sunday, Sept. 29, when New Garden Flying Field Manager Jon Martin first saw the images of mass destruction near Asheville, North Carolina flash across his television screen, his immediate and guttural reaction was one of heartbreak and empathy.
On Monday, Sept. 30 – in response to a widespread bulletin that called for donations to the victims of Hurricane Helene that reached them the day before -- dozens of residents of New Garden Township and nearby towns first began to drop off items ranging from kitchen cleaners to diapers to dog food at the airport, with no other intent but to answer the call to respond to an emergency.
On Tuesday, Oct. 1, as the word spread about what was happening at the airport, dozens more began to arrive with items, and by the end of the day, nearly the entire meeting space and conference room at the airport was filled with donated items, neatly stacked by a team of airport staff and volunteers who put their own time on hold in order to prepare for the loading of materials onto the first plane. Their only purpose for being there was to serve others.
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, well before 9 a.m., the first plane took off for Raleigh Executive Airport in North Carolina, followed by another and another, and over the course of three days, 21 pilots and a small but dedicated army of volunteers – including members of the Upland Country Day School boys' hockey team – helped coordinate 21 flights that delivered 22,000 pounds of items to the people of Asheville, North Carolina.
It was a reflex movement of decency and conviction – a supreme act of gentle heroism – but perhaps lost in the action of all of these good deeds was heard in the silencing of judgement. No one who was involved in the four-day relief effort at the New Garden Flying Field stopped to consider whether the recipients of these deliveries were Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, MAGA or woke. They did not undertake this effort for political gain or to make a statement that would reflect the views of one ideology while at the same time denouncing the ideology of others. It did not matter to them whether those on the other end of these deliveries were gay or straight or trans, Catholic or Jewish or Muslim or if they supported Israel or Palestine, or whether they were seventh-generation Americans or illegal immigrants who had arrived in North Carolina seeking freedom.
Frederick Douglass, the social reformer, abolitionist and the most important leader of the movement for civil rights during the 19th century, once wrote, “The life of the nation is secure only while the nation is honest, truthful and virtuous.” Our country, and in a greater sense our country’s consciousness, cannot and will not survive should the rhetoric of hatred and division continue to perpetuate and magnify.
There are many Americans who disagree with the premise, who believe that the cinder block separation of people and ideas and preferences is the right way and the only way for the country to survive. One presidential candidate is staking his entire platform on such a vision for America, and as we quickly approach what will be the most important election in the 21st century to this point, we need to ask ourselves whether the stunning miracle that happened last week at the New Garden Flying Field is an example of our honesty, our truth and our virtuosity, or whether it was a mere exception. The answer will either save or kill the truest definition of who we are as Americans, and who we will become.
Guest Column
Five tips to help reduce health care costs
By Dr. Greg Carnevale, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania
As the annual open enrollment season approaches, a concerning finding sheds light on a health issue that affects millions of people. A staggering 88 percent of U.S. adults lack sufficient health literacy to effectively navigate the health care system. If that’s the case for you, this lack of understanding may not just affect your health – it could also impact your bank account.
The Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University found that not quite getting healthrelated information can cost up to $238 billion annually in higher health care costs.
Empowering yourself with knowledge about your health care options during open enrollment is crucial to optimizing your benefits and managing costs. Better understanding your available plans and their benefits can help you make informed decisions that support your physical, mental, and financial health.
Here are some tips to help bridge the knowledge gap and help you save money on health care.
Make the most of your yearly checkup
Regular preventive vis-
its are generally covered by your health insurance plan and can play a crucial role in early disease detection. That can be a win-win for your health and your pocketbook. That’s because identifying issues as early as possible may lead to more effective treatments and can also help avoid more costly services in the future, but here’s part of where that “understanding” piece is critical. Come to your doctor visit with a list of questions and let him or her know if you have any health concerns. Take notes to make sure you’re getting all the information you need and review them once you return home.
Make sure you understand your plan and health care costs
It’s also important to understand your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses, and other specifics of your health insurance plan. This glossary defines thousands of health care terms to help you make informed decisions. New health plan models are now available to help drive a more affordable and simplified experience. Some eliminate deductibles and provide clear, upfront cost and coverage information before treatment begins. Such clarity in pricing helps make health care more affordable for people
of all ages and with various common conditions and comorbidities.
Shop around for pharmacies
First make sure your pharmacy is in your insurance plan’s network, otherwise you might have to pay more for your prescriptions. Then, do some comparison shopping. You may be surprised at how much variance you’ll find from one pharmacy to another in terms of prices of the medications you may need. Also, investigate generic options for those prescriptions, which are usually less expensive than brand-name versions. And look into online pharmacies, which ship nationally and, because they have less overhead than brick-andmortar stores, may offer better prices.
Take advantage of your employee assistance program
Health literacy and financial literacy are closely linked, as they both play a critical role in our ability to make well-informed decisions about our health and financial well-being. Many employee assistance programs offer financial resources and tools to help narrow financial literacy gaps, such as tax planning,
debt management, and savings guidance. EAPs can also help address behavioral health issues, which can affect cognitive functions and the ability to understand health information.
Use telehealth
Virtual visits have emerged as a go-to option to remotely access medical services, including primary, urgent and specialist care. Not only are these visits typically more convenient than in-person options, but they may also be available through your health plan. Virtual visits can help with the treatment of allergies, urinary tract infections, flu, rashes and more, from the comfort of your home without the hassle of sitting in an urgent care waiting room. Of course, there are times when an in-person visit is necessary, especially for chronic or complex conditions, emergencies or issues requiring hands-on exams, lab tests or X-rays. Check your health plan to determine what kinds of virtual care resources may be available to you. It all boils down to gaining a greater awareness of your options and understanding your own health. Using that knowledge may help improve health outcomes and enable you to save on health care costs, creating a true win-win.
Comitta and Kane secure funding for literacy and reading initiative in Chester County
To help foster a love of reading in children, state Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane secured new funding for Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) to administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Chester County.
The program sends one age-appropriate book each month to children in Chester County from birth through age five, at no cost to families.
“Reading at an early age is important for developing language skills, fostering creativity, and supporting cognitive development.
Having books at home helps engage parents and families in a child’s learning and literacy,” said Comitta, a former public school educator and member of the Senate Education Committee. “I’m thrilled to help secure this funding to support the good work of AHHAH in promoting reading readiness and ensuring the long-term success of children in our community.”
“Books are the keys that unlock a child’s imagination,” said Sen. Kane. “With this grant to Arts Holding Hands and Hearts, we’re not just putting books in kids’ hands – we’re giving them the power to explore new worlds, dream big, and write their own stories. AHHAH and the
County Imagination Library administrator for AHHAH, and Lauren
regional director for The Dollywood Foundation.
Imagination Library are turning the page on literacy and advancing the incredible narrative in our Chester County communities. I’m proud to support AHHAH and thrilled to see these books in our kids’ hands, knowing their potential will soar!”
AHHAH serves Chester County children with a mission to build equity and justice by empowering youth, strengthening families, and mobilizing communities through arts, literacy, and mindfulness.
“Arts Holding Hands and
Hearts (AHHAH) is grateful to Senator Comitta and Senator Kane for their support of the Chester County Imagination Library and for initiating the PA Statewide Expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, said Jan Michener, executive director of AHHAH. “To date, over 9,100 children under age 5 in Chester County are receiving a brand new, age-appropriate book every month in the mail.”
Earlier this year, Comitta, Kane, and state
Senator Maria Collett introduced legislation to expand the Imagination Library program throughout Pennsylvania. Currently, more than 53,000 Pennsylvania children are enrolled in the Imagination Library across 44 counties. However, there are approximately 700,000 eligible children in the Commonwealth. For more information on Arts Holding Hands and Hearts Inc., the Imagination Library, and enrollment information go to ahhah.org.
Courtesy photo
Pictured (from left to right) Lori Cushman, president of the Justamere Foundation, Jan Michener, founder and executive director of Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH), State Sen. John Kane, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Dana Looker, Chester
Wirt,
Oxford optometrist retires after 49 years
Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr. is the third generation of the Kelly family to practice optometry in Oxford. They served the community continuously for more than 100 years…
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr. is the third generation of the Kelly family to practice optometry in Oxford. The Kelly family has provided eye care to the Oxford community continuously for over 100 years. That almost changed when Oxford Borough purchased what was once the Peoples Bank of Oxford parking lot, which surrounds the optometry business. After purchasing the lot, the borough constructed the Multi-Modal Transportation Center and the Borough Hall on the site. The Center also houses two other offices. When the prospect of a year or more of construction came up, Kelly was looking for a location outside the borough to serve as the home for his optometry business. Instead, he stayed put. Construction of the Transportation Center
was completed and Kelly’s optometry office is still located at 49 S. Second Street, and he still retains parking spaces around his building.
Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr.’s grandfather, Dr. Hollis G. Kelly, graduated from the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry in 1916. His aunt, Grace Kelly, graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1927. In 1942, his father, Malcolm H. Kelly, graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry. The current Dr. Kelly graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1975. His great-grandfather, Dr. Samuel Rae, was Oxford’s town physician who made house calls by horse and buggy.
The Kelly family has served the community for over 100 years. Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr. is likely the last family member in this Kelly line to be trained as an optometrist.
“I have two daughters. Katie is a reading specialist and Laura is a nurse. Penny (my wife) was my office manager,” he said.
The town has certainly changed a lot in the 49 years that Dr. Kelly has been practicing. There have been many new businesses, a parking garage, and the town now has Oxford Mainstreet Inc. to plan First Friday events and work to promote the downtown.
When asked what it was like having a business in his hometown, Dr. Kelly said that he has many good memories.
“I have enjoyed having patients and developing relationships from Oxford and the surrounding area,” he said. “It’s been great to carry on the Kelly optometry legacy while practicing in my hometown. There has been tremendous growth in the area. There was a time when you shopped local you would know most people by
name. Now there are many new faces.”
Kelly explained, “When I sold my optometric practice to “My Eye Doctor” three years ago, I wanted to know my values of eye care would continue for my patients. They buy successful practices and manage them under the umbrella of “My Eye Doctor.”
The business continues to thrive and Kelly is still working there, but he will be leaving shortly for a well-deserved retirement.
Kelly readily admits optometry has changed in many ways.
“It used to be mainly about making sure patients had 20/20 vision,” he said. “Now, the profession has evolved more into the overall health of the patient, as well as the health of the eye. As an optometrist I am certified in minor surgery (foreign body removal, corneal abra-
sion treatment) Glaucoma, Cataract and Lasik surgery co-management.”
Generations of families in the Oxford area have relied on him for the health of their eyes. That is why he is still working, even though he sold the business. He is trying to tie up loose ends for the many patients who have become his friends.
“I tell my patients that I have mixed emotions about retirement… joy and happiness,” he said.
“But in all seriousness, I have learned a lot from my patients. They are my second family. I have seen them for many years and have seen their children grow up and marry. I will miss relationships with my patients and staff. It’s been enjoyable to help people see their best.”
And speaking of family, his plan is to spend more time with his family when
he retires. He also intends to pursue his hobbies like macro-photography and riding his electric bike. He and his wife enjoy exploring rails and trails and seeing the countryside.
“Technology has certainly changed,” he said. “Over the years I have invested in high tech equipment that has helped me diagnose and treat different eye conditions. It’s expensive to offer the best in technology, but worth the reward knowing my patients are getting the best care.”
One thing that has not changed is the quality of care that Kelly bestowed upon his patients.
“My Eye Doctor” will continue giving the same quality of care that I did,” Kelly said. “I wanted to make sure of that before I left. I know I’m leaving my patients in very good hands, and that is important to me.”
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
My Eye Doctor is officially taking over for Dr. Malcolm Kelly’s optometry practice in Oxford—promising the same location, and the same quality care.
Courtesy photos
Dr. Malcolm Kelly’s family has provided eye care to the Oxford community and beyond for over 100 years.
GEORGE ROBERT FEATHERS
George Robert “Bob” Feathers, 77, of Unionville passed away on Oct. 4 from a sudden illness.
The beloved husband of Linda McRee Feathers, Bob was the son of the late George and Katherine Scholler Feathers.
He is survived by a daughter, Michelle Feathers of Reading, Pa.; a son and daughter-in-law, Ben and Sarah Feathers of Downingtown, Pa.; his grandchildren, Chelsey Breedy, Jessie Cinelli (Dan), Devon Breedy (Tara), Izabella Feathers, Dahlia Feathers and Edie Feathers; and greatgrandchildren, Shane Breedy, Amelia, Eliza and Teddy Cinelli and Kai and Van Breedy.
Survivors also include his brothers, Stephen Feathers (Patricia) and Lance Feathers (Dorothy Ann), his sisters, Carolyn Miles (Murray) and Kathleen Fells, and many nieces and nephews.
Bob was one-of-a-kind. His genuine spirit, sense of humor, fierce love of his family and friends and ability to make anyone he met feel special will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held later.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
RUTH ANN MAHAFFEY
Ruth Ann Mahaffey, 76, of Conowingo, Md., passed away at home on Oct. 7, 2024.
Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Mary Louise Cooper.
Ruth was employed as a cook at Varsity Grille in Oxford, where she retired after many years.
She enjoyed playing Bingo and watching the “Perry Mason” show on television.
Ruth is survived by one daughter, Lisa Johnson (Robert Wood); one son, Jimmy Mahaffey (Destiny); ten grandchildren, Sam, Sandra (Rick), Gabrielle, Amber (Dave); Shyann, Robert, Jr., Sophia, Lacey, Sky and Nathan, and one brother, Scott Cooper.
She was preceded in death by one grandson, Michael, and two brothers, Michael Brown and Sam Cooper.
Services will be private.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
LINDA S. MINCKLER
Linda S. Minckler, of West Grove, passed away while at her home on Oct. 3, 2024. She was 75. She was the wife of Howard Minckler, who passed away in 2021, and with whom she shared 26 years of marriage.
Born In West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Edward Mains and the late Alma Tester Mains.
Linda was a homemaker and did volunteer work at the New London Baptist Church and the Luther House.
She enjoyed playing Bingo, reading, especially her Bible, watching TV, yard sales and being with her family and friends.
She was a dedicated member of the New London Baptist Church.
Linda was the mother of the late Telford E. Blevins, Jr., and is survived by her son, Rodney A. Blevins, Sr. and his wife Linda of Drumore, Pa., two sisters, Joyce Hilton of Nottingham and Margie Randall of Virginia, two granddaughters, four grandsons, two great-grandsons and one step-granddaughter.
A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the New London Baptist Church at 226 Pennock Bridge Road in West Grove.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the New London Baptist Church, 226 Pennock Bridge Road, West Grove.
To view her online tributes and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
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Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
up. They did move over. I respect everyone’s position. I don’t get involved in politics. They didn’t have to move, but they did. My concern was that, if this was posted on social media, it could ruin my career.
Hopefully this doesn’t happen again.”
Sandoval asked council if they chose the spot where the political group could set up. The council president didn’t have the answer to that at that time.
Council member Peggy Ann Russell said, “Our solicitor will be handling this. We will convey your concerns to her. They are also our concerns. The solicitor is very aware of our feelings.”
Sandoval said, “I did not feel comfortable having to go outside and speak with them.”
Council member Bill Fitzpatrick said, “Hopefully we can find a place that will work for everyone.”
OMI representatives said that they were placed in a difficult position because of the situation.
Catherine Miller, a Democratic Committee person, raised concerns about fairness.
“I applied to OMI but was denied,” she said. “That was disconcerting to hear. I got a lot of angry phone calls. People were asking me why I wasn’t there. I will be at the next First Friday. This is an issue of fairness.” Russell again stressed
that the solicitor would want to hear from more parties about this issue.
Amanda Reynolds from OMI said, “The decision to not let political tables in was an OMI decision.”
Leslie Sleeseman, the interim executive director of OMI, added, “Our attorney advised us not to allow political groups.”
Mike Miele, East Nottingham Republican Committee person, agreed that the current loophole in the borough’s ordinance needed to be closed.
Russell said, “We will let the community know when we are dealing with this ordinance. We want all of you to have input and to make it relevant for our home town.”
Council thanked all who attended the meeting and invited them to continue to attend meetings in the future.
In other business, the topic of the stormwater ordinance was raised by Tim Art, a borough resident.
“Why is council punishing residents by making this ordinance stricter than the state?” Art asked. “If the stormwater management ordinance is adopted, it will make it harder on us. Rumblings in the community are that we will have a tax increase, the water bill is going up, and a resident can’t wash their car in their driveway.”
Terry Dugan, the borough’s Zoning and Codes Enforcement Officer, explained some details about stormwater management.
Cloyd said the fact that
the borough was discussing reducing the stormwater perimeter from the state’s ordinance of 1,000 feet to 500 feet was because of the lot sizes in the borough.
Russell suggested that the state ordinance on stormwater was addressing municipalities.
Dugan said, “Since we are a high density borough, most towns are adopting the 500-square-foot perimeter. There are smaller yards here in the borough. This change is so stormwater doesn’t run into the neighbor’s yard.”
Dugan said if anyone has more questions on stormwater they can come to her.
Dugan confirmed that surrounding boroughs such as Kennett, Parkesburg and Coatesville also adopted the 500-foot perimeter.
Russell invited Art to attend the Finance Committee meeting for more details about impact of the stormwater regulations.
“You have brought up some very good points,” she said.
John Reynolds asked if that ordinance would apply to existing structures.
Dugan confirmed that it would.
In other business, borough council approved a motion to purchase a 2024 Ford F550 public works truck in the amount of $75,898.26, to replace existing model year 2000 vehicle.
Cloyd explained that the public works identified this need in 2022, but deferred the purchase for two years and saved $5,000. She also explained that the retired truck would be sold to
recoup some of the money.
Council also approved the purchase of up-fitting the 2024 Ford F550 in the amount of $23,060.40.
Public Works Director John Schaible explained that it would be up-fitted in order to run the spreader and snow plow.
Council also approved a 3-year contract with Armstrong Business Solutions for telephone services at Borough Hall, the Police Department, the Water Plant, and the Public Works Plant, conditioned upon a solicitor review of the contract.
Borough council also held a public hearing to consider a motion to adopt an ordinance amending the Borough of Oxford Code, Chapter 19 Stormwater Management by repealing and replacing Chapter 19 in its entirety.
Council member Luke Neidigh said, “Downgrading to 500 feet seems punitive, but you did a good job of explaining it. I do drains for a living.”
Council member Amanda Birdwell said, “When I came on council, we were not planning for capital expenses. This has been a mandate for a long time. We are catching up with it a bit, these are not new expenses.
“We have ignored them for a long time. Expenses and mandates don’t go away because you pretend they aren’t there. We will plan more thoughtfully, protect water and provide safe streets.”
Dugan continued to stress that this ordinance would simplify additions. She
explained that anything that adds 2,000 feet or more requires an engineer.
Council member Robert Ketcham asked if someone went beyond 1000 feet, would they have to put in a trench.
Dugan continued to explain how the stormwater ordinance worked and welcomed anyone to visit her for more clarification.
Russell explained that the Water Department would continue to perform hydrant flushing. She
reminded the community to run their water for a while before using it after hydrant flushing.
Resident Danny Graham asked Police Chief Sam Iacono if there was an emergency plan if there were problems after the election.
The police chief confirmed that there is a county-wide plan.
The next borough council meeting will be held on Oct. 21 at the Borough Hall at 7 p.m.
Oxford Area School Board reviews potential $55 million in capital needs renovations
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
The Oxford Area School Board reviewed possible financing scenarios for capital needs and renovations at the district’s schools at the Oct. 1 finance and budget committee and facilities and safety committee meetings.
The first meeting introduced the finance and budget committee, where Zach Williard, an advisor from Public Financial Management, presented three financing scenarios for the district to take on up to $55 million in renovations with as little impact to the budget and current debt as possible.
“We work for about half the schools in Pennsylvania, and we often get asked, ‘We want to borrow this money but we don’t want any impact to the budget,’
ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Estace K. Walters, Executor for the Estate of Donald K. Walters, whose last address was Elk 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.
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ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Kara L. Patti, Executrix for the Estate of Geraldine McGuigan, whose last address was Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania.
All persons having claims or demands against the Estate of said decedent are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Kara Patti, C/O George S. Donze, Esquire, Donze & Donze, 696 Unionville Rd. Suite 6, Kennett Square, pa 19348
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ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Theresa J McCausland, Late of Downingtown, 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 Matthew A. McCausland, Executor,
and that’s a hard thing to do,” Williard said. “In your case, you actually are in a position to be able to do that.”
The financial scenarios presented included one using debt restructuring, one using capitalized interest and one manipulating the timing of borrowings and spacing the projects out.
The financial team worked in conjunction with the engineering and architecture firms in order to aid efficiency and have a clear idea of what exactly is needed in the schools and how much it would cost.
After the finance and budget committee meeting ended, the facilities and safety committee meeting began with the district’s engineering and architecture firms, JPD Architects and McClure Company, who presented findings
ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Charles A. Brown, Executor for the Estate of Linda A. Brown, whose last address was West 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.
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ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Jari L. Loughin, deceased Late of the Township of North Coventry. 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 Executor(s): Ryan K. Loughin c/o Law Office of James Clark 277 Millwood Road Lancaster, PA 17603 Attorney: James R. Clark 10p-16-3t
NOTICE BOROUGH of OXFORD RESIDENTS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS Oxford Borough has scheduled the following public meeting for Novembr 2024: The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm continue discussions about the 2024 budget for the
from their studies done across the schools over the past few years.
Alyssa Wingenfield of McClure Company and Jay Darkey of JPD Architects gave a presentation that reviewed potential projects at Oxford Area High School, Elk Ridge, Jordan Bank, Nottingham and sports fields and stadiums. Findings were categorized as either red, yellow or green, with red being most important, yellow indicating projects nearing the end of their development and green representing new ideas and improvements.
Red findings included several outdated HVAC systems at the high school, Nottingham, Elk Ridge and Jordan Bank, that were categorized as being between 22-34 years old despite having a life expectancy of around 20-25 years. Other red designations across
the district included roofing, flooring, ceilings, fire alarm upgrades, exterior doors and signage, adding restrooms at the high school fields and LED stadium lights.
Yellow findings consisted of classroom upgrades included more ageappropriate casework and cubbies, window treatments and instructional boards.
Green findings included repurposing out-of-use classrooms, adding new rooms and remodeling administration offices. Many green items were for the sports fields and stadiums, including adding turf fields and updating locker rooms, concessions and training areas.
The presentation included a spreadsheet which prioritized all red items and sports and stadium renovations with costs included over a three-year phased
Legals
Borough of Oxford and recommendations. All meetings are open to the public and will be held at the Borough of Oxford Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, PA. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the public meeting and require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, or you have questions please contact the Borough Manager at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated. By: Pauline Garcia-Allen Borough Manager 10p-16-1t
NOTICE OF FILING
AN APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that on October 11th, 2024, Presence Bank, with its principal place of business located at 185 E. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320, Chester County, filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities for a Letter of Authority to establish a full-service branch at 26 S. Third Street, Oxford, PA 19363
All interested persons may file comments regarding this application with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities, Bureau of Bank Supervision and the FDIC, at rabnbnksbmssnsppt@pa.gov or the FDIC Regional Office. In order to be considered, comments regarding this application must be received by the Department of Banking and Securities no later than ten (10) business days after the date of publication of this notice.
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Notice of Exami-
nation Entry level Police Officer
Civil Service Commission
Notice of Examination Entry level Police Officer NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Borough of Oxford Civil Service Commission will administer an entry-level police officer examination for the purpose of establishing an Eligibility List on Saturday, December 7, 2024, beginning at 8 am. The examination will include both a Physical Agility and a Written Test. Applicants are required to pass the Physical Agility test in order to be eligible for the Written Test. APPLICATION
REQUIREMENTS: • Be twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of the test.
• Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate
• Be Act 120 Certified or eligible for Certification before receiving a conditional offer of employment. • Be a citizen of the United States
• Possess a valid driver’s license. • Comply with any other qualifications as set forth in the Civil Service Rules of the Borough of Oxford.
TESTING LOCATIONS: Physical Agility Test: Oxford Area School District Athletic Complex, 736 Garfield Street
• Begins at 8:00 am Written Test: TO BE DETERMINED
approach with as much renovation as possible occurring over the summer months. The total proposed cost came to $51,858,000.
Wingenfield clarified that this was a conservative cost assuming, “middle of the road,” choices and cost escalation.
“We really tried to be conservative here, because what we don’t want to do is get to the end of this and [find out that it] costs a lot more than what we suggested,” she said.
Darkey highlighted the importance of getting the community involved on these renovations as the total costs can seem daunting to the public especially when they do not see the effects themselves.
“Our approach was to do the needs first. We had to get the hot items and sometimes those types of items aren’t the fun items. People
aren’t going to see them,” Darkey said. “We understand that the public is seeing a lot of money being spent and that sometimes they need to get something too so we try to try to mix in some things that can be seen, like in classrooms and corridors.”
The board discussed ways of getting the school community engaged in these projects. The major project mentioned to get the community excited was the stadium and sports fields updates. Surveys and community feedback through meetings with stakeholders were suggested as possible measures to engage public involvement.
No final plans or budget were decided on at the meetings as the presentations were to inform the board members on potential choices and approaches to the large project.
• Begins at the conclusion of the Physical agility Test. Application Packets are available at the Borough of Oxford Police Headquarters located at 57 North Fourth Street between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Completed applications must be received at the Oxford Borough Police Headquarters no later than Friday, November 22, 2024, at 4:00 pm. An application fee of $50.00, payable by cash or check (payable to the Oxford Borough), will be due with the application. The Borough of Oxford is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, marital status, or non-job related physical or mental handicap or disability. Borough of Oxford Civil Service Commission.
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Blue Demons’ ‘D’ shuts down Longhorn offense Kennett stomps on Unionville, 32-15
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Against the grain of Friday Nights normalcy, a Ches-Mont football game was played last Saturday night at a peculiar starting time of 8:30 p.m., but if their solid performance on Oct. 12 was any indication, the Kennett High School varsity squad would have succeeded no matter when the game began.
Behind the rushing of Aiden Ritch, the passing of quarterback Garrett McCracken and the punishing defense of its front line, the Blue Demons defeated their arch-rival Unionville 32-15 on the Longhorns’ home field – a start-to-finish victory that gave the Blue Demons a three-game winning streak, a respectable 4-3 overall record and a 2-1 record atop the ChesMont American conference.
The game was rescheduled after a report of a knife threat postponed its original start date of Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
After a scoreless first quarter, Kennett began the second quarter with the ball on the Unionville 20-yard line, and on the first play from scrimmage, McCracken launched a perfect touchdown pass to wide receiver Conner Schumacher in the corner of the end zone with 11:53 remaining in the first half. The Blue Demons quickly extended their lead to 8-0 on a two-point conversion by Hunter Taylor.
After a tough defense led by Croix Krise, Pierce Duckworth, Sam Oscar and Tyler Biel shut down the Longhorn offense in the first quarter, Unionville engineered a 78-yard touchdown drive midway through the second quarter. Subbing for the injured Tommy McGinnis, backup quarterback Brody McLaughlin tossed a pass to wide receiver Hayden Wenturine that moved the ball to near midfield, which was followed by carries by Owen Simcox and Tristan McIlrath that got the ball to the 32-yard line. With 8:21 remaining in the quarter, McLaughlin maneuvered his way past tacklers for a touchdown that narrowed Kennett’s lead to 8-7.
On Unionville’s next possession, however, McLaughlin’s pass was picked off at the 45-yard line by Taylor and taken back to the Longhorn 19-yard line. On the first snap, Ritch barreled his way to Kennett’s second touchdown with 4:16 left that gave the Blue Demons a 15-7 halftime lead.
After Shay Barker’s 39-yard field goal gave Kennett an 18-7 lead with 6:20 remaining in the third quarter, his teammate
Andrew Clancy picked off a McLaughlin pass that snuffed out another Unionville rally at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Kennett continue to cushion their lead, beginning with a 32-yard touchdown carry by running back Joalex Carabajal that gave the Blue Demons a 25-7 lead with 8:42 remaining in the game. Following a touchdown drive engineered by McLaughlin that ended with a touch-
down strike to McIlrath with 7:20 remaining and a subsequent two-point conversion, Kennett tacked on its final scoring drive late in the fourth quarter, when McCracken’s pass to Ritch moved the ball to Unionville’s 3-yard
line that was followed by McCracken’s TD run with 2:04 left.
The Blue Demons will look to extend their winning streak to four when they host Avon Grove on Oct. 18. Now sporting a 5-3 overall record and a 1-2 record in
the Ches-Mont American conference, Unionville will travel to Sun Valley on Oct. 18 for a conference game against the Vanguards.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 @ 2:00 PM 169 Cemetery Road, Nottingham, PA
Property Description: 12.6+/-Acres of vacant land. Level to gently sloping. 7+/- Acres tillable and 5+/- Acres woods.Good amount of harvestable timber, (timber estimates completed). Great soil scores (higher than county average). Property in Act 319 Clean and Green – Cheap taxes ($236.00). Close proximity to Nottingham Park and Glen Roy Preserve. There is an older existing septic system on the property but cannot guarantee its usage.
Open House Dates: Property can be viewed anytime! Attention Realtors: Broker participation of 1% offered to Realtors with a preregistered buyer, whois thesuccessful high bidder day of the auction. See website for details.
Terms: Down Payment of $25,000 required day of auction. Settled on or before December 27, 2024. Transfer taxes to be paid by the buyer. Real Estate taxes shall be prorated. Annual Yearly Taxes +/-$236.00. Act 319 Clean and Green. Bridge Loans Available: Call auctioneer for details.
Auctioneers Notes: Great opportunity to design your own farm. Many uses – Produce, Tobacco, Equestrian, Livestock, and/or Lay out recreational trails in the woods, etc. Seller is offering a 1st option on neighboring home and 1+/- acre when seller decides to sell in the future. Don’t miss thisproperty! Call auctioneer with any questions.
All information provided is deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
For additional pictures
Directions: Route 272 to west on Cemetery Road, to property on left.
Back-up quarterback Brody McLaughlin moves Unionville forward during the fourth quarter.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Kennett High School varsity head football coach Lance Frazier speaks with his team moments after the Blue Demons defeated their crosstown rival Unionville Longhorns, 32-15, on Oct. 12.
Kennett’s swarming defense wreaked havoc on Unionville’s offense throughout the game.
Kennett quarterback Garrett McCracken prepares to rush for a 3-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Stroud Center honors bestselling author
Stroud Water Research Center bestowed its 2024 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence to Paul Greenberg, the award-winning and bestselling food and environmental writer at the agency’s The Water’s Edge gala held at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library on Sept. 19.
The Water’s Edge is the Center’s annual award presentation that recognizes an individual or organization who is making a lasting impact on freshwater systems.
Greenberg, a lifelong fisherman, is the author of six books, including The New York Times bestseller and notable book Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food, and is creator of the PBS Frontline documentary The Fish on My Plate. He has received a James Beard Award for Writing and Literature, a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation, a National Endowment for the Arts Literature Fellowship, and many other grants and awards. He has also written for National
Photo by Jana Bannan Photography
Stroud Water Research Center Executive Director, President, and Research Scientist David Arscott, Ph.D., left, recently presented the 2024 Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence to Paul Greenberg, New York Times bestselling author of Four Fish, for his impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Geographic Magazine, GQ, The Times (of London), and Vogue and lectures on seafood and the environment around the world.
Since its inception in 2003, The Water’s Edge has honored several individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the world of science, fresh water, and conservation. Previous speakers and Stroud Award for Freshwater Excellence
Chester County Commissioners seek volunteers to help steer Innovate Chester County
Public input will generate ideas for improved County services including affordable housing, public transportation, children’s mental health, veteran services and local agriculture
Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe are calling upon the residents of Chester County to join them in exploring new ways to tackle some of the complex social challenges that face county government today.
that will come from this collaboration will create new perspectives that can result in improved partnerships and services, and that will identify Chester County as an innovation hub.”
recipients have included Jane Goodall; Olivia Newton-John and John Easterling; leading climate scientist and author Michael E. Mann; American Rivers and its president, Bob Irvin; His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; The Redford Center; Alexandra Cousteau; and Melissa D. Ho of the World Wildlife Fund.
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The new initiative, Innovate Chester County, will generate ideas from the public to explore new ways to tackle challenges related to affordable housing, public transportation, children’s mental health, veteran services, and agriculture.
“We want residents in Chester County to have a voice in how to improve the place where they live, work and spend their free time,” said Maxwell. “Engagement with those who live here, and the ideas
Innovate Chester County will be guided by a steering committee headed by Lauren Cristella, President & CEO of Committee of Seventy; Dr. Zebulun Davenport, vice president for university advancement and external affairs at West Chester University and the Honorable Lou Mincarelli, partner at MacElree Harvey Ltd. and former Judge of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. This steering committee will provide advice and direction to the Commissioners, county staff and the five workgroups comprised of county residents.
“There are many services offered by Chester County government, county agencies, and industry partners that focus on keeping residents safe and healthy, and that help our businesses and communities to thrive,” Moskowitz said. “Yet, we can always do more to improve upon and advocate for improvements to these services, especially in a world that is constantly changing.
“Bringing together the experience and guidance of Lauren Cristella, Zeb Davenport and Lou Mincarelli with the ideas and input of residents who volunteer to be part of the Innovate Chester County workgroups will create a fresh perspective on important services,” added Moskowitz.
The Innovate Chester County workgroups will review the five identified community issues –affordable housing, public transport, children’s mental health, veteran services and agriculture – to determine how to best start addressing the need for innovation and change, whether it be through County government, private business or nonprofits, or public-private partnerships.
“The workgroups for Innovate Chester County will be the brainpower behind the entire project and will include around 20 people per group who have a vested interest in Chester County, have a diverse background and expertise, and who are willing to spend 10 to 20 hours reviewing and developing the best ideas,” Roe said.
“We invite everyone over the age of 18 who lives here to take a look at the Innovate Chester County application, share a few ideas, and apply to be part of one of the workgroups.”
Nick Torres of Social Innovations Partners has developed the Innovate Chester County program. He will assist in selection of workgroups, will receive direction and feedback from the Commissioners and the Steering Committee, and contribute to the final Innovate Chester County report. For full information on Innovate Chester County, including details of the five workgroup challenges, and the workgroup application, go to www.chesco.org/ innovatechesco. The deadline to apply is October 18.