Chester CountyPRESS
www.chestercounty.com
Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas
Volume 155, No. 42
INSIDE
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Kennett School Board selects Kohler to fill unexpired position By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
Chadds Ford Life
The Kennett School Board selected Don Kohler to fill the Region B (New Garden) unexpired term of Joe Meola, who resigned in September. At their Oct. 11 meeting, the board voted 5-3 in favor of selecting Kohler to fill
the vacancy. Another candidate, Lynn Golden-Mirarchi, received the three other votes. Kohler is an attorney whose practice is in West Chester. Two of his children are currently students in the school district, and one is a graduate of Kennett High School. All his children, he said, have had positive
experiences there. Kohler, 54, grew up in Philadelphia and attended Archbishop Ryan High School for Boys. That high school later merged with Archbishop Ryan High School for Girls in 1989 to become one, according to its website. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State
Blue Demons roll to big Homecoming win Help for seniors who have Medicare questions...3A
Photo by Chris Barber
Kennett High School celebrates Homecoming...1B
INDEX Opinion.......................5A
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Kennett High School celebrated its 2021 Homecoming last Friday night with a parade through town and then a win on the football field. Kennett quarterback Kalen Frazier ran the ball in for a touchdown as his team defeated Great Valley, 27-0. Please see Page 1B for the story and photos.
Photo by Chris Barber
Kennett School Board president Vicki Gehrt, right, swears in Don Kohler to fill the unexpired term created by the resignation of former board president Joe Meola.
University with a major in liberal arts and political science. He earned his law degree at Widener University School of Law. Kohler said he applied for the school board position because “I want to make a difference.” His term on the school board will expire in December of 2023. In total, there were six applicants for the unexpired board position, and several board members said they were impressed with the qualifications and passion of all who expressed an interest in the post. Kohler has lived in New Garden for 18 years, and prior to that he lived in Delaware. He said he enjoys outdoor activities.
In other business at the meeting, the board selected Breslin Architects to provide the designs for the coming renovations of New Garden and Greenwood elementary schools. Superintendent Dusty Blakey announced that the incidence of COVID-19 is up slightly in Chester County and the district. At last count were eight students and three staff in the district schools who had tested positive. Blakey added that he has no plans to ‘go backward” with precautions or closings of schools. He said he was encouraged to see that several outdoor activities had been scheduled for the Homecoming celebrations that took place on Oct. 15 and 16.
Aqua’s proposed rate increase for New Garden customers suspended for 7 months
Obituaries..............2B-3B
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By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer On Aug. 20, Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc. (Aqua) released a statement proclaiming that they had filed an application with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) requesting to increase water and sewer bills for their
customers that if approved would jack up monthly rates for its customers in New Garden Township well into the double figures, beginning in 2022. By the next day, the offices of New Garden Township were flooded with questions and opposition about the proposed rate hike, but township officials told resi-
dents that the proposal is just that – a request for increase, one that first needed to be reviewed and approved by the PUC before it would go into effect. In a letter posted by the township on its website on Sept. 17, officials assured residents that “typically, the PUC does not grant the full amount of an increase
sought by a public utility.” True to form – and by a vote of 3-0 – the PUC recently voted to suspend Aqua’s proposed water and wastewater rate increases for a period of seven months, in order to first investigate the utility company’s annual revenue and rate increase requests. The project will be assigned to the Office of
Administrative Law Judge for evidentiary hearings and the issuance of recommended decisions or settlements. Translated, those township residents who tap into the wastewater systems now owned by Aqua will not see any rate increase at least until May 2022. From the time the PUC Continued on page 2A
Police to study Avondale Firehouse to Willowdale Lane become new home for Garage traffic again Community & Youth Center By Monica Fragale Contributing Writer East Marlborough Township will ask its police department to conduct a second traffic study on Willowdale Lane to see if additional traffic calming measures could address residents’ speeding concerns. There are two speed humps on the road, but a number of Willowdale Lane residents are asking the township to install a third one near the intersection with Route 926. “Delivery trucks and non-Willowdale/Hickory residents routinely use Willowdale as a ‘cutthrough’ at speeds past our house that are simply too high for the children and pets that live here,” Casey Sclar wrote in an email to the township, saying at the meeting that it represented a safety issue. “We see a high volume of trucks and trailers using this as a cut-through.
We have no sidewalks, and the lighting is poor. It’s a dangerous situation.” The posted speed limit is 25 mph. Police surveyed traffic between Sept. 15 and 21 and analyzed more than 2,600 vehicles, according to a speed data analysis. Six percent of those vehicles, or 147, would qualify for enforceable violations. That means that cars would need to be going more than 10 mph for it to be considered enforceable, said township manager Neil Lovekin. Three percent of vehicles were speeding south on Willowdale Lane during the traffic study, with the highest numbers of speeders being clocked on Sept. 17. Five vehicles were going more than 15 mph during the study period. Eight percent of vehicles were speeding north on Willowdale Lane during Continued on page 2A
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
The historic Avondale Fire House is soon to become the newest home for the Garage Community & Youth Center, replacing its current location in West Grove and joining the Garage’s original home in Kennett Square.
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Since its’ founding 20 years ago, The Garage Community & Youth Center has served as an after-school and youth development center for
thousands of middle school and high school students in Kennett Square and West Grove. Early on the morning of Oct. 2, a group of nearly one dozen hearty souls volunteering for The Garage entered the former Avondale
Firehouse intending to tear down a few of its interior walls and begin the next chapter of the organization’s history. For the next several hours, Garage Executive Director Kristin Proto Continued on page 3A
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
Chester County Press
Local News Cutler, Lawrence ask PA Supreme Court to intercede in Chester Water Authority case In response to a recent Commonwealth Court decision on the future of Chester Water Authority (CWA), House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester/Lancaster) called on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to review the matter. The case, Chester Water Authority v. Aqua Pennsylvania Inc., dealt a blow to the continued independence of the water authority. “The CWA board has steadfastly and responsibly served the hundreds of thousands of customers who rely on this municipally provided service,” Cutler said. “The Commonwealth Court’s ruling undermines the board’s rightful position to continue to recognize the best interest
of its customers and sets a dangerous precedent for all water consumers in the Commonwealth. We strongly urge the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to take a closer look at this case.” The Chester Water Authority Board rejected an unsolicited $320 million takeover offer in 2017. Subsequent lawsuits focused on whether the CWA Board or the city of Chester have ultimate authority to approve a sale of the CWA. After a Delaware County court decided in favor of the CWA, an appeal to the Commonwealth Court reversed the lower court’s ruling. Last Friday, Cutler and Lawrence filed an Amici Curiae, or Friend of the Court brief, asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to review the case.
They contend a 2012 law eliminated any ability of the city to order a unilateral sale of CWA. “The law is clear,” said Lawrence. “Act 73 of 2012 abolished Chester city’s control over the CWA board. It is outrageous to suggest that years later, the city can override the clear intent of the Legislature, take control of CWA and sell it to the highest bidder.” Founded in 1939, Chester Water Authority serves over 200,000 customers in Chester and Delaware counties. In addition to water treatment facilities, the authority owns and operates the Octoraro Reservoir, and water pipelines connecting the reservoir with the Susquehanna River Courtesy photo and facilities in the city of State Rep. John Lawrence has been a champion of maintaining Chester Water Chester. Authority’s independence since this became an issue more than four years ago.
Aqua...
$86.1 million – a revenue growth of nearly 17 percent, and is seeking another increase in its annual operating revenues for wastewater services by $11.5 million – or 31.2 percent. If rates are approved by the PUC, that would tack an additional $97.6 million – an increase of 17.8 percent – onto the utility company’s revenue. Under the proposals, the average monthly bill for a residential water customer using 4,000 gallons per month would increase by $11.97 (17.3 percent), from $69.35 to $81.32, and the average monthly bill for
a residential wastewater customer would increase $18.44 (33.2 percent) from $55.51 to $73.95.
Continued from Page 1A
approved New Garden Township’s sale of its wastewater system to Aqua on Dec. 20, 2020 for $29.5 million, the threat of a rate increase for New Garden customers using what is now Aqua systems has been on the front burner of discussion and anticipation, but it has been the size of the proposed increase that has angered residents. Aqua is proposing to increase its annual operating revenues for water services by approximately
Traffic... Continued from Page 1A
the initial study, with the highest numbers of vehicles speeding on Sept. 16. Sixteen vehicles were driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit, and two were clocked doing more than 20 mph over the limit. Township staff will ask the traffic engineer to work up where a third speed hump could be located. In other business, there were three executive sessions on Sept. 13 for real estate and personnel, and one each on Sept. 29 (for legal advice) and Oct. 4 (for personnel and real estate matters). The supervisors voted
4-1, with Kathryn Monahan voting no, to send out a request for proposal for professional engineering services beginning Jan. 3, 2022. Engineering companies will have until 4 p.m. Nov. 19 to submit proposals to the township. The board gave the Farmer & Co. restaurant a green light to sell “locally produced, small-batch beer, wine, and spirits,” according to Resolution 2021-37. The restaurant can sell anything brewed or distilled within 35 miles daily between noon and 9 p.m. The supervisors approved a $216,408.40 escrow release for Longwood Preserve.
Aqua seeking to recover $1.1 billion in improvements In their statement explaining their reasons for the proposed rate hikes, Aqua said the company is seeking to recover the $1.1 billion it spent to upgrade its “distribution and wastewater systems, improving drinking water quality and service reliability throughout its water and wastewater operations.” Currently, the company provides water service to approximately 434,264 customers in portions of more than 200 municipalities throughout 32 Pennsylvania counties, and wastewater service to approximately 40,284 customers in portions of more than 40 municipalities throughout
15 Pennsylvania counties. Collectively, the two companies serve nearly 1.5 million people throughout the Commonwealth. The statement also stated that a significant portion of Aqua’s capital program has been dedicated to upgrading and rehabilitating treatment plants and wells, including the installation of equipment to meet new, more stringent water quality requirements for increased sustained disinfection. Improvements to wastewater operations include collection system replacement and renewal, treatment plant rehabilitation to ensure reliable operation and that high-quality treated water is returned to the environment, upgrades to electrical systems, and the installation of generators to ensure continued service during power outages. Beginning in 2016, the company has spent $295 million to purchase eight public utilities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, which in addition to New Garden include Cheltenham, East Bradford, East Norriton, East Whiteland, Limerick, Lower Makefield and Willistown, and is currently in negotiations to purchase the DELCORA wastewater system in Delaware and Chester counties for $277 million – as well as a proposal to purchase the Chester Water Authority for $410 million.
The township is undergoing measures to let PUC officials know the degree of disapproval coming from its residents. At their Sept. 20 meeting, the supervisors voted 5-0 to agree to submit a letter to the PUC stating their opposition to Aqua’s proposed rate increase, and to the Chester Water Authority offering its support against Aqua’s proposed purchase of the utility company. The township’s letter to the PUC, signed by township solicitor Vince Pompo, requests a public meeting at the Township Building between PUC officials and New Garden residents who are opposed to these proposed rate hikes. Attorney William Christman said at the board’s Oct. 18 meeting that the PUC has not responded to the request. Other township news
ity at the intersection of Mercer Mill and Penn Green roads in the Village of Landenberg, an area that has experienced serious flooding during heavy rains. The board also authorized the use of the township’s open space funds to purchase an eight-acre property along Penn Green Road in Landenberg for $575,000, and extend the date of its closing to Dec. 31, 2021. The board also gave their approval for the township to spend $17,460 to make repairs to the roof, plumbing and oil tank of an historic home located in the Saint Anthony’s in the Hills property, that the township now owns. The cost of these repairs will come from a fund created by the township early in 2020 in the amount of $150,000 that will be used to pay for expenditures related to the township’s long-term plans to develop the site as a center of preservation, recreation and community activity. The township’s annual resident satisfaction survey is now available on its website and is available for comments through the end of November. In addition, the township’s quarterly online newsletter is available at www.newgarden. org.
In related news, the supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance that amended several components applicable to the sale of its wastewater system to Aqua that provide regulations for sewer sludge; the installation, use and maintenance of private sewage pump stations; tapping fees; subdivision and land development; and zoning. The board gave approval to a proposal by Page Excavating Company in the To contact Staff Writer amount of $6,835 that will Richard L. Gaw, email improve drainage capabil- rgaw@chestercounty.com.
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Local News Garage... Continued from Page 1A
and volunteer project manager Alex Kotler placed tools into the hands of volunteers – including Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell – with the intention of transforming the historic building from a former firehouse to what will soon become the newest home for The Garage, following the organization’s purchase of the building on Sept. 17. The building, which has a projected opening date of this coming winter, will replace The Garage’s current Avondale-West Grove center on Rosehill Avenue in West Grove. Negotiations to purchase the building began this past winter, during discussions between members of The Garage and Christine Trumbull, the wife of the late David Hughes, who was the long-time owner of a local Servpro franchise, and whose company occupied the location for several years. “Christine reached out to us and told us that the building was for sale, and that David loved this building – that it was his pride and joy that he got to work in this space,” Proto said. “Christine then told us that she really wanted the future of this space to serve the community, and go to those who would take great care of it. “She told us many times that every time she would drive by the building it
Garage Executive Director Kristin Proto is joined by volunteers Yasdamy Bautista, left, and Naomi Vilchis Llaguno.
looked to her like it would be a perfect home for The Garage.” A recent tour of the twostory, 11,000 square-foot building provides clear evidence that the first phase of its extensive renovations will better serve the needs of young people in the West Grove-Avondale community. One room will be repurposed as a performance space and stage, with portable audience seating that can be adjusted to serve other purposes. The first floor’s projects will also include upgrades to bathrooms and the conversion of space that will be used as a creative area and a small café. The second floor will be retrofitted to include The Garage’s administrative offices, as well as provide possible office space for local non-profit and legal
aid organizations and agencies who partner with the agency to use. Phase two of renovations will see the building’s kitchen enlarged and its laundry room converted into a meal preparation area. Several advantages The advantages of moving the West Grove-Avondale branch of The Garage from its current location in the West Grove Borough to its new location are many, Proto said. “Once we took that first tour, we realized that there is so much potential here,” she said. “It is the location to so many families that we serve in Avondale and so many more young people that could utilize our services. Because of the square footage of this new space, we knew that we could
grow in services, either by ourselves, or by partnering with other organizations we already have collaborations with.” Although Kotler now serves as the principal contractor for the renovation of the former firehouse, he is by no means a stranger to The Garage. When he was a student at the Willowdale Chapel, he would often participate in Garage programs, and later volunteered as a mentor to students. His wife Kristin is also a former staff member at The Garage. The Garage is about to kick off a $900,000 capital campaign that will be spearheaded by Proto, development director Kate Martin and The Garage’s board. The funds raised during the campaign will help pay for the purchase of the building, as well as renovations. Once the campaign has reached
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Garage board member Daniel Cordova, left, works with contractor Alex Kotler during the building’s first interior demolition project on Oct. 2.
its goal, Proto said that The Garage will then be able to devote more funding to student programming, hire additional staff and lower the cost of expenses. She called the capital campaign “a long-term investment in the Avondale community.” “We feel confident that we have such a great foundation of funders who are so generous and so invested in the work that we do, that we feel very confident that we will reach our goal,” she said. “The Garage has been in Avon Grove for the last
ten years, and the investment that will be made in our capital campaign, that will translate to the next 30 to 40 years of The Garage and its commitment to thousands and thousands of youth in this area, for generations to come.” For additional information about The Garage’s new Avondale home, visit www.garageyouthcenter. org/avondale. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
For Medicare or insurance questions, call the Oxford Senior Center By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer We’ve all seen the commercials or mailings that say, “It appears you may be eligible for the new Medicare benefits. There are new options available for 2021 that can offer improved coverage and significantly reduce your premium costs.” But beware who you call. “Always call the people you trust when you have questions on Medicare or insurance,” Sally Arter said. Arter knows what she is talking about. She has helped thousands of people during the twenty years that she has worked at the Oxford Senior Center. The fact that her help is free, and that she is a Pennsylvania MEDI Counselor, is also a winwin for anyone on a fixed income. She is not trying to sell you insurance, like the many television commercials that come out this time of the year. Arter probably knows more about Social Security and Medicare than anyone in Chester County. She is the first person anyone should see when signing up for Social Security. Arter saves not just time and money when navigating through Social Security, but she also saves people costly mistakes. She is convenient to reach, working out of the Oxford Senior Center at 12 E. Locust Street, and appointments can be easily set up by calling 610-932-5244. She can sign up an individual for the services they need in the comfort of her
office and is always available if questions arise. Many seniors have saved hundreds of dollars by visiting her before and after getting on Social Security and signing up for Medicare. Arter advises each individual she meets with about the benefits they are entitled to. Arter began making appointments on Oct. 18 to help those with questions or changes that arise this time of the year. “Medicare Advantage Plans have their own drug plan and they can be changed every year,” she explained. “If you have a supplement or medi-gap insurance, you don’t want to mess with those plans, but you do need to check the stand-alone drug plan.” There are a lot of enticing commercials out there, but most people don’t qualify. Most of the special deals are only available to lowincome seniors. Health concerns such as diabetes need to be addressed and individuals may be able to get free testing supplies. All of that can be addressed with Arter. “I save many people a lot of money by finding them the best drug plan for all the medications that they take. It does pay to visit and go over any changes you may have had in your health during the year. Even minor changes in your health can necessitate a change in insurance or medication. Unfortunately, our health needs change more often than not,” she said. “I’ve done this job for many years, and the one constant is how much things change. Being aware
of that is helping you be proactive with your health, when possible.” Arter reminds seniors that there is no charge for her services and you don’t have to be a regular participant of the Senior Center. She also keeps seniors apprised of special programs at the center like the fresh produce available at the center on Mondays or the fact that the rent and tax rebates have been extended until Dec. 31. She is still taking appointments for those. The help available also includes: • Explaining all options of Medicare coverage; • Medicare appeals and billing discrepancies; • Medicare coordination of benefits with other insurance plans; • Identifying help for Medicare prescription drug premium assistance through Social Security • Identifying help for Part B premium with the Medicare Savings Program for income eligible beneficiaries; Working for Social Security for individuals new to Medicare and those on Social Security Disability; Pace/Pacenet applications and how the program works with Medicare; • Health insurance plan applications for Medi-gap (Medicare Supplement), Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage • Pennsylvania State Insurance Department information; • Monthly Medicare 101 Presentations County, State and Federal Assistance Programs;
• Property Tax/Rent rebate, LIHEAP and energy assistance/home weatherization; • Department of Public Welfare programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicare Savings Program and Medicaid/Medicare assistance; • Medicare Part D “Extra Help” for income eligible Medicare beneficiaries Department of Aging Referral Services; • Waiver Program; • Options Program; • Family Caregiver Support Program; • Protective Services referral; • Referral to the Chester County Long Term Care Ombudsman; • Reduced fee legal services; • Housing options, including subsidized, independent, personal care, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities; • Adult day care and mental health services; • Location on support groups for individuals, families and caregivers; • In-home services and home improvements; • Help for older adults to get the training they need to find jobs in the community; • Location of homeless shelters, transitional housing and food cupboards; • Commodity supplemental food program for low-income seniors; • Reduced fees for motor vehicle registration and transportation services such as Rover bus service, SCCOOT bus service and SEPTA Senior Citizen Transit ID; • VA benefits, Medicaid,
Sally Arter
reduced fee medical help and community volunteer medical help; and • Non-driver ID. The Oxford Area Senior Center does not discriminate on the basis of age,
race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, handicap or disability. Call them for assistance at 610-932-5244 for more information or to make an appointment.
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
Chester County Press
Local News Avon Grove Charter School’s The Collaboratory earns honor for outstanding design The Collaboratory, Avon Grove Charter School’s new 21st Century flexible instructional space, has been named one of American School & University’s 2021 Outstanding Designs as part of their Educational Interiors Showcase. Since its original 1928 construction, Avon Grove Charter School’s State Road Campus has experienced ongoing space constraints resulting in no dedicated library or common space to serve its high school’s needs. The Collaboratory design, by Heckendorn Shiles Architects of Wayne, Pa., envisioned a large, functional, dynamic space—part library, part media center, part presentation zone, part group work pods, and part bistro—to address these existing limitations for current and future enrollment. Existing site and building
constraints were addressed with a roof extension, clerestory windows, and communicating stairway, creating one long contiguous expanse. The amphitheatre was conceived as a versatile design solution to marry the existing structure and new bistro to the flexible instructional area. The existing outdoor courtyard was upgraded and incorporated into the flexible space by means of an operable exterior glass partition. The Collaboratory is showcased off the main entry to the school, demonstrating to visitors the priority of collaboration and exploration over instruction. Students learn and work together utilizing ample whiteboard surfaces, flexible furniture arrangements, accessible library resources, and varying spaces and acoustics. The space also includes a central
administrative conference room and IT workroom. Construction of the 3,800-square-foot new space began in spring 2019 and opened fully in October 2019. Heckendorn Shiles Architects served as the project manager and architect, BSS Contractors of West Grove served as general contractor, while Cooks Services Company of Avondale, Schiller and Hersh Associates of Blue Bell, Pa., and Orndorf and Associates of Upper Darby, Pa., were also part of the project team. Heckendorn Shiles Architects is an awardwinning, open-studio architecture/interior design/ planning firm. Since the firm’s founding in 1989, they have purposefully diversified the portfolio and skills, offering design solutions for workplace, schools, adaptive re-use, cam-
The amphitheatre was conceived as a versatile design solution to marry the existing structure and new bistro to the flexible instructional area.
Courtesy photos
The exterior of the Avon Grove Charter School’s Collaboratory.
pus and master planning, therapeutic/healthcare, athletic/recreational, community/municipal, public
art, residential, and more. The studio of 15 architects and interior designers collaborate on each proj-
ect, forming dynamic and functional solutions while learning and growing as a team.
The bistro was part of the designs.
Rep. Williams emphasizes importance of preventative care and early detection for breast cancer In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/ Chester) is bringing attention to the importance of preventative care and early detection. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important time of year for my family,”
Williams stated. “Both my mother and my grandmother passed away from breast cancer. Early detection is key to beating breast cancer. When it is detected early, it is easier to treat.” Williams previously served as a board member for the American Cancer Society
and as chairman for the Real Men Wear Pink campaign of Greater Philadelphia. The Real Men Wear Pink campaign raises awareness and money to fund breast cancer research and provide services. More than 280,000 women will be diagnosed in the United States with breast cancer in 2021. More than 13,000 of those women are Pennsylvanians. About one in eight women will experience an invasive form of breast cancer in their lifetime. Even though women are more susceptible to breast cancer, men are still affected by it. About one in five men with breast cancer also have a close relative (i.e., mother, sister, grandmother) with the disease. Early detection and prevention can lessen these numbers and lessen the number of Pennsylvanians affected by the disease. “Thousands of women missed their mammograms during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Williams stated. “We need to reach those women and urge them to reschedule screenings that could save their lives. According to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, when detected early, the five-year survival rate from breast cancer is 99 percent.” As per the American Cancer Society, women over the age of 45 should get an annual mammogram. Identifying high-risk factors
Courtesy photos
Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester), center, is bringing attention to the importance of preventative care and early detection.
is also important in preventing breast cancer. Through the PA Dept. of Health – Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP), women without insurance may qualify for a free screening. To find out more information, please visit https://www.health.pa.gov/ topics/programs/Pages/ PA B r e a s t a n d C e r v i c a l CancerEarlyDetection Program.aspx. The PA Breast Cancer Coalition has helped women across the Commonwealth since 1993. Some of the resources they provide include scheduling mammo-
The Capitol Fountain in Harrisburg has been dyed pink throughout October.
grams, obtaining insurance coverage, prescription costs, legal assistance and much more. For more information, please visit www.pabreast-
c a n c e r. o r g / f i n d - h e l p / patient-resources. The Capitol Fountain in Harrisburg has been dyed pink for all of October.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
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Chester County Press
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.
Opinion
Editorial
Commentary
A rosy outlook
Halloween memories from 70 years ago
In a tip of the hat to the return of Red Rose Rent Day, which took place at the township-owned Red Rose Inn property in Penn Township three weeks ago, here are a few things that we have a rosy outlook about right now: Oxford’s new borough manager The hiring of Pauline D. Garcia-Allen is a great decision by Oxford Borough Council. Garcia-Allen has already been an asset to the borough—she has served for the last several years as a consultant to the borough, and she has assisted with efforts to secure grant funding for several major projects. She also has an extensive background in community and economic development, coalition building, program management, grant funding, and communications. As council president Peggy Ann Russell explained when the appointment was announced, “Pauline brings 20 years of professional experience, a diverse background, and existing relationships with various Oxford area stakeholder groups, all of which will serve the Borough well.” The history-rich Unionville Community Fair This month began with the glorious return of the Unionville Community Fair. Over three, fun-filled days, the Unionville Community Fair offered something for everyone—food and games, entertainment, showcases for local agriculture, numerous contests, and even STEM demonstrations. Bonnie Musser, the president and long-time supporter of the Unionville Community Fair and Farm Show, and the team of organizers who planned this year’s event pulled out all the stops for the return of this 97-year tradition. Kudos on a job well done. Camp Dreamcatcher Kennett Square-based Camp Dreamcatcher continues to inspire with its dedication to providing therapeutic and educational programs to children whose lives have been impacted by HIV or AIDS. Camp Dreamcatcher’s 2021 camp session presented some unanticipated challenges because of the pandemic, but all the work was worth it when everyone came together again for a productive—and enjoyable—camp experience. Haunted Park and Hayride The Oxford Area Recreation Authority planned its Haunted Park and Hayride for the second weekend in October. There was a really good turnout for the popular event, which takes place at the Oxford Area Regional Park at 900 W. Locust St. in Oxford. For the weekend, the park was transformed into a haunted park with scares and frights that made for a perfect start to the Halloween season. Penn Township’s rosy event Penn Township revived Red Rose Rent Day—an interesting piece of local lore that can trace its origins back 290 years—and also unveiled the renovated Red Rose Inn during an event a few weeks ago. The township-owned Red Rose Inn is now a showcase for local history, and it will be open to the community regularly in the future. It’s important to preserve our local traditions and history. The Penn Township supervisors and the township’s Historical Commission did a great job of preparing the Red Rose Inn for the next big chapter, and the Red Rose Rent Day was a nice event. One more thing… One thing that is not making us feel rosy right now is the potential closing of Jennersville Hospital, which for decades has served a southern Chester County community that does not have a lot of good, convenient options when it comes to hospital care— especially during emergency situations when every second could make a difference. It’s too bad that Jennersville Hospital is on life support, and that a potential buyer has not stepped forward during the time that Tower Health has been looking to sell the facility. We are heartened, though, that people like State Rep. John Lawrence and the Penn Township Board of Supervisors are actively working on the best possible outcome for the hospital. For now, we’ll maintain a rosy outlook and hope for the best that a viable solution can be found.
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By Mike Heron When I was a youngster in Oxford in the early 1950s, autumn in general, and Halloween in particular, was a special time. After all, we lived in a village surrounded by farms, and the time after harvest has always been a celebration. There was a festive fall atmosphere in our small town that included a nip in the air, the taste of fresh apple cider, a whiff of woodsmoke, and most of all for the children, a chance to put on an unusual costume and go Trick or Treating. Our town relished Halloween. Perhaps it was seen as a last gasp of mild weather before the next holiday, Thanksgiving, with the snow and ice that was soon to follow. The era following World War II and the end of sugar rationing saw Halloween really take off in the U.S. Candy manufacturers geared up with special sweets for all holidays, and none more so than Halloween. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, the holiday was extremely popular. Back in the early 1950s the Oxford city fathers would dress up the downtown area with autumn and Halloween décor. There were dried corn stalk bundles tied around the light poles, scarecrows and pumpkins abounded, and jack o’lanterns were everywhere, to say nothing of ghosts and black cats. Larger store windows were claimed by Oxford Area High School art students for Halloween murals. The bigger windows went fast: the A&P, JayDee’s, Ringler’s, the 5 and 10, Gibbs Jewelry and many others. The artist would outline their image first in chalk, then paint on
the outside glass with water soluble paint. Almost every store on Third Street featured stunning autumn scenes. Some stores played creepy music to go with a cemetery or haunted house theme. Judges from the Lions Club, who organized most of the town’s Halloween activities, would award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for the best murals After the holiday the student-artists would dutifully come by and clean the murals off. Gillespie’s, a popular drugstore in those days, would have “false faces” and Halloween masks strung from the ceiling. For most kids, a 10 cent false face and some old clothes were all you needed for efficient Trick or Treating. But you didn’t always need a mask - one year it was popular to dress as a hobo, with your face all smudgy from burned cork, charcoal, etc. Of course, you had to have a stick with a clothes bundle slung over your shoulder. One year my brother Jimmy and cousin JoAnne McIntyre went as Mr and Mrs Bum. But first, there was Mischief Night, the night before Halloween, a chance to dress in dark clothes and play commando, running through people’s back yards and upsetting trash cans. In addition to soaping windows and using Barbasol shave cream to write on car windshields, the newest fad was toilet papering someone’s front yard tree, usually a popular teacher. This would be a particular mess if it rained! We would also ring doorbells and then run away. The Oxford police were on full alert, patrolling in their Studebaker Lark. If we saw them coming we’d hide in the shrubs, avoiding their
spotlight just like in a prison break movie. Neighbors seen as mean or grouchy usually received the heaviest dose of mischief. Many a porch pumpkin/jack o’lantern was smashed to even the score. One year around Halloween the Oak Theatre – the larger of Oxford’s two movie houses – put on a special showing, a Frankenstein movie, and packed the house with screaming kids. At a key point in the movie, the lights suddenly came on after a clap of thunder, and a local giant came out from behind the screen dressed as the monster. The younger kids ran hysterically for the exits and older ones just laughed. All in good fun. Without a doubt the main autumn event in the early 1950s was the annual Halloween parade, which immediately preceded Trick or Treating. This event has grown wonderfully up to the present and now involves thousands of spectators, hundreds of costumed walkers, many floats and some marching bands. The first parade was modest, but nevertheless exciting. The inaugural effort attracted about 100 kids in their Halloween outfits. It stepped off in late afternoon, preceded by a police car. It started at the center of town and proceeded down South Third, across the tracks at Broad, left on Hodgson, left again on Market, and ended up in front of the Oxford Hotel, where judges from the Lions Club were assembled on the low roof and would vote on best outfits. Two winners that left a lasting impression: Jimmy Coyle, about 8 years old, dressed as an infant in a ‘stroller’ that was actually an A&P shopping cart, pushed by older sister Linda, about
11 years old, and dressed as a mommy. Then there was the winning outfits of my cousins, Dottie and Jeannie Watterson, dressed as the Old Gold dancing cigarette packs and even did a dance. Before announcing winners the judges would throw hard candies from their rooftop perch and the kids would scramble. After the top prizes were given out, the Lions Club gave every child who marched in the parade a shiny quarter, which was a lot of money back then. After the parade and the judging, the Trick or Treating began in earnest. The more savvy kids had shopping bags or pillow cases for their treats, and the contest was to see who come home with the most loot. With the town about half the size it is today (about 2,500 souls then) it was remotely possible to do most of Oxford, with just about every house putting on porch lights as encouragement. We grumbled at the folks who gave us healthy food like apples or dried fruit. Word spread fast about which houses were giving away the good stuff. We wanted Milky Ways, Bazooka gum, Necco Wafers and Tootsie Rolls, all of which made the two or three town dentists smile from ear to ear. In our big family, there was always a contest afterward to see who returned with the most treats. We traded eagerly; I especially coveted Hershey’s Grade A chocolates. Oh, to return to those days of innocence in a charming small town. Mike Heron, the author, grew up in Oxford and his parents owned Heron’s Soda Shoppe on Hodgson Street. He lives in Atlanta.
With health care at stake, our voices should count By Tammy Rojas I know what going without care is like. With hospitals closing and insurance still hard to get, we need to organize for something better. My life has been hard, but I’ve always worked even harder. I want to share a bit about where it’s gotten me — and what it might mean for you if you struggle like I have. I grew up in a family without much money. When I dropped out of high school, my options were limited to minimum wage jobs. That wasn’t enough to pay the bills to begin with, but things got worse when a dishonest employer shorted me on hours and wages. When I took $9 that was owed to me — just so I could eat — I ended up with a criminal record. That killed my dream of going to nursing school. These things happen all the time when you’re poor. But growing up struggling can also instill a fighting spirit. I became a home health aide, the closest thing to nursing I could get. I liked the work, but the wages were very low. I worked 60 hour weeks just to scrape by, which took a toll on my body. Eventually my mobility was
compromised and I needed surgery that I couldn’t afford. As more health challenges piled on, I was forced to quit my health care job and try to get by on odd jobs. Fortunately, in 2015, Pennsylvania finally expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. The promise of much-needed foot surgery was so close. But Pennsylvania’s complex, partially privatized system created more barriers. Complicating matters, I was married to an undocumented person, so I was scared to access services. Eventually I realized that the system wasn’t just failing me and my family — it was rigged against everyone like us: poor people working low-wage jobs, regardless of where we came from. That’s when I got involved in Put People First PA, which organizes struggling people across the state. Through my work there, I got to be involved in health care again, this time as a community organizer and advocate. Around the same time, I got involved with the Poor People’s Campaign, a national moral movement that links the issues I was living with to many others. I learned more about the disenfranchisement of poor people like me, of
people of Mexican origin like my family members, of people in rural Pennsylvania, and beyond. Getting involved with other people was so empowering. It also opened my eyes to all the ways our education, health, legal, and voting systems functioned to favor those with money and political clout — and leave the rest of us out. For example, we had two hospitals serving us in our city, Lancaster. One of them, St. Joseph’s, closed, leaving residents reliant on the other hospital — which was badly over capacity, especially during the pandemic. In St. Joseph’s place, developers want to build townhouses and boutiques. County officials say we have to choose between health care and housing, but what kind of choice is that? My partner and I were among the many affected by the resulting lack of access to testing and COVID-19 care. We survived, but many others didn’t. There are more than 800 hospitals that are set to close this year because they aren’t making enough money, even though the people in those communities need them. It’s not right. It’s not what this country is supposed to be.
Tammy Rojas
Poor people work hard. We have ideas for quality health care, housing, and justice. But our voices are often silenced by the corporate interests that have undue influence over lawmakers. If you’re as fed up as I was, you can join your state chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign. Get involved in fights over health care and voting rights. Show up at planning board meetings, city council meetings, and school boards. Be active with us. Let’s raise our voices together and transform the systems that don’t serve us into those that will. Tammy Rojas is a coordinator with Put People First! PA, a board member of the National Union of the Homeless, and a member of the Poor People’s Campaign. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.
6A
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
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Chester County Press
In the Spotlight
Section
B
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
Homecoming returns to Kennett with a parade and a football win By Chris Barber Contributing Writer Kennett High School’s Homecoming celebration last Friday was like a soft breath of spring after a long, cold winter. Having missed the festivities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students appeared eager to jump right back in to mark the season of football, student royalty and school spirit. There was a lot of enthusiasm along the parade route as the marching band kicked off the procession, followed by homecoming court students in convertibles and then the class floats. The line proceeded out the high school parking lot, along South Street to Broad Street, north on Broad, left on Mulberry to Union Street, and then re-entered
the school after crossing the railroad bridge. A brief ceremony in the school parking lot followed. The junior class – the class of 2023 – was announced at halftime in the football game as the float contest winner. In preparation for the parade, given the existing time constraints, the class members worked until the last few minutes to get their floats ready. Up on the football field, the visiting Great Valley Band performed prior to the game. At halftime, the Kennett Marching Band presented its field show and then the homecoming court was welcomed to the field for the announcement of the Homecoming king and queen. Elected queen was Maddie Brooks, and the king was
Photos by Chris Barber
The Kennett High School Homecoming Court prepares to be introduced to the fans at halftime.
Jesse Comando. The court, presented couple-by-couple, was large this year with 20 members. Licking their wounds from the preceding week’s 42-7 defeat by Unionville, the Kennett football team came on strong with an unrelenting defense and consistent offense to beat the Great
Kennett’s Julian Sparacino runs the ball down the field.
Valley Patriots, 27-0. Kennett was barking at the door throughout the first quarter but did not get on the scoreboard until the second quarter. In the first minute of the second quarter, quarterback Kalen Frazier took the ball in after a 45-yard run. Ten minutes later, he carried it in for
another touchdown. It was 13-0 after the missed extra point. In the third quarter, Julian Sparacino, who was having a successful night running the ball, scored another touchdown on an 18-yard run. Kennett went into the fourth quarter leading Great
Valley, 20-0. With five minutes left, they pushed in another touchdown, making it 27-0. Kennett’s record stands at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play for the season so far. They have two games remaining with Sun Valley and West Chester East.
The marching band leads the parade along South Street.
After four tries at it, Kennett brings the ball in for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Seniors worked up to the last few minutes before the parade to decorate their float.
The cheerleaders kept up the spirit in the victory against Great Valley.
The Kennett Blue Demons arrive on the field before the game.
The Kennett Marching Band performed music throughout the game.
Kennett’s Kalen Frazier avoids the crowd in his carry down the field.
Homecoming Queen Maddie Brooks and King Jesse Comando greet the crowd during the football game’s halftime activities.
The band front flag team performs at halftime.
2B
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
Chester County Press
Obituaries JOYCE ELAINE GARDNER Joyce Elaine Gardner of West Grove passed away on Oct. 14 at Penn Medicine Rittenhouse. She was 65. She was the wife of Gerald C. Gardner, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Carl Chapman and the late Doris Nickle Chapman. Joyce worked for the past 19 years at Giant Foods in Jennersville, where she was an assistant manager in the deli department. She attended the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Kemblesville. She enjoyed playing Bingo and being with her family and friends. In addition to her husband Gerald, she is survived by three sons, Keith A. Gardner (and his girlfriend Julia) of Blackwood, N.J., Daniel J. Gardner (and his girlfriend Mariah) of Orbisonia, Pa. and Matthew J. Gardner (and his wife Jennifer) of West Grove; one brother, Joseph Chapman of Oxford and one sister, Shirley Worrell of Cochranville. Her services and burial will be held privately. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
DAVID CLYDE HUBLEY David Clyde Hubley, 60, of Magnolia, Del., passed away on Oct. 10. Dave was born on April 9, 1961 to Clyde Hubley and Shirley Hathorn. He was raised in Oxford. Dave later attended Penn State University, where he received his bachelor of science degree. He was employed by Agilent Technologies, where he worked for over 30 years. Dave was a loving son, brother, husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather. He was passionate about his family, Penn State football, and the outdoors. Dave will be survived by his parents, Shirley and Clyde Hubley; his brother, Steven Hubley; his wife, Amanda Hubley; his children, Caitlin, Melissa, Daniel, and Samantha along with their mother Christine; his stepdaughters, Persephane and Gabriella; and two grandsons, Carter and Laureano. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. A memorial service was held at noon on Friday, Oct. 15 at the Edward L. Collins Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, donations to Penn State THON (https://donate.THON.org), a charity that raises money for childhood cancer, are appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
BERNICE H. KEELINS Bernice H. Keelins passed away at her Landenberg residence on Oct. 9. She was 85. She was the wife of Francis R. Keelins, with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Murton Hartsell and the late Violet Booker Hartsell. She was a graduate of Alfred State College, Alfred, N.Y. Bernice retired from the DuPont May plant, after more than a decade, when she remarried and relocated, along with her son, to the Wilmington area. She was truly a world traveler. She and her husband visited 54 countries and 42 states. Bernice and her husband were members of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, Avondale. In addition her husband Francis, she is survived by one son, Robert Underwood and his wife Renee of Wilmington, Del.; three grandchildren, Sara and Matthew Underwood and Sean McMullan all of Wilmington, Del., and one sister, Shirley Kirby of Florida. Her Memorial Mass and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Bernice’s memory may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, Pa. 19311. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
Alleluia But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
3B
Chester County Press
Local News Abernethy joins Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly law firm The law firm of Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly announced that Robert M. Abernethy III, Esq. has joined the firm as an associate attorney. A Kennett Square native, Abernethy is a 2014 graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and a 2018 graduate of the Thomas R. Kline School of Law at Drexel University in Philadelphia. During his time at Drexel, Abernethy
focused on trial advocacy: competing with Drexel Law’s nationally ranked trial team, working for the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office as a certified legal intern, volunteering service for the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, and working in a co-op position assisting with the representation of victims of sexual assault and child abuse in civil litigation. Since beginning his career as an attorney in 2019, Abernethy has focused his
practice on representing the citizens of Montgomery County in personal injury and criminal defense matters. Since joining the firm of law firm of Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, he plans to expand his areas of practice to include personal injury, criminal defense, trusts and estates, family law, worker’s compensation, and zoning/land use. He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Montgomery County Bar Association, and he will be joining the Chester County Bar Association. Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP will continue to practice at its office located at 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, where it has served clients since 1950.
Obituaries
ROBERT C. D’ASCENZO Robert C. D’Ascenzo, age 79, of Glen Mills, Pa., passed away on Oct. 12 at Riddle Memorial Hospital. Born in Philadelphia in 1941, Bob was the son of the late Albert D’Ascenzo and the late Blanche Braca D’Ascenzo. Bob was a pattern maker and worked in the engineering industry. He retired from Boeing after 40 years of service. When it came to anything with an engine, Bob was an enthusiast. He enjoyed fixing up old cars and bringing them new life. Bob had the mind of an engineer and was a fantastic problem solver. If something needed to be fixed, not only would Bob insist on fixing it himself, he already had any parts needed in his garage. Bob’s garage put even a Pep Boys to shame. Bob’s vast knowledge on a variety of topics made him a reliable resource for lending a helping hand but also offering sound advice. Though he was feisty at times,
Bob was generous and his thoughtfulness made him a wonderful gift giver. Bob had a big heart. He adored animals and had a great fondness for dogs. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved to get everyone together to take them out for a meal. Bob was the rock of his family and they will truly miss his gentle spirit. Bob is survived by his son, Michael R. D’Ascenzo; his daughter, Christine Genovese (Larry); and his seven grandchildren whom he loved very much. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Judith Lee D’Ascenzo, who passed in July of 2009. He was also proceeded in death by his sister, Anna and his brother, Albert. Services were held on Oct. 18 at Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove. Interment will be held at Union Hill Cemetery immediately following Bob’s service. Arrangements are being handled by Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove. To view Bob’s online tribute, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Dermatology Partners welcomes new physician to Exton Office Dermatology Partners has welcomed Lisa A. Carroll M.D., FAAD to their team of talented board-certified dermatologists. Dr. Carroll is a boardcertified dermatologist who dedicates her time to the pursuit of clinical excellence in the practice of medical and surgical dermatology. Dr. Carroll graduated from the Stanford University School of Medicine. After a preliminary internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, Calif., she completed a dermatology residency at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Dr. Carroll moved a lot as a child, including living in Japan in her teens. She mainly grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and now has been back home for over 15 years. Dr. Carroll is known to be extremely thorough in searching for skin cancers and in determining the causes and solutions for various patient concerns. She also excels in surgical procedures, focusing most importantly on clearing the cancers but also on minimizing scarring by using a “plastics” closure (subcuticular suture) whenever possible. She enjoys the practice of cosmetic dermatology, focusing on using
fillers and neuromodulators to refresh the appearance of her patients. “I feel that it is very important to establish personal relationships with my patients to aide in relieving any anxieties by ensuring all concerns are thoroughly addressed,” she said. Dermatology Partners is the region’s fastest growing dermatology practice with offices in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Since 2012, Dermatology Partners has been dedicated to providing exceptional and leadingedge dermatology services to patients with its growing and talented team of medical practitioners. Dermatology Partners specializes in the detection and treatment of skin cancers and treats a full spectrum of diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. Dr. Carroll practices in Dermatology Partners Exton location at 662 Wharton Blvd. and is currently accepting new patient appointments. She sees patients of all ages for medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Next day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Carroll in the Exton office, please call 888-895-3376 or visit www.DermPartners.com to schedule online.
4B
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
Chester County Press
Local News Soup sale The Oxford United Methodist Church is holding its soup sale on Saturday, Oct. 30. The sale features homemade
vegetable beef and chicken corn soup. The cost is $8 per quart. Call Linda Hersh at 610-932-0513 to order before the deadline of Oct.
Breakfast buffet
23. The pickup will be from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church’s Fellowship Hall (18 Addison Street in Oxford).
The Oxford United Methodist Church will hold a buffet breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23.
The buffet includes pancakes, French toast, and scrambled eggs. There will also be fresh fruit, homemade specialty breads, bacon
and sausage, oven-roasted potatoes, and chipped beef or sausage gravy. The church is located at 18 Addison Street in Oxford.
Sun East FCU honors students and teachers Sun East’s “Best Teacher Under the Sun” Award Honorees Sun East Federal Credit Union recognizes and awards students in the community for their volunteer efforts that support the credit union’s philosophy of People Helping Sun East values the importance of educators as role models for young people and the People. Created as a benefit for schools that have a charter membership with Sun East Federal Credit Union, the awards are for students who have performed community ser- part they play in guiding students towards a successful future. As such, we pay tribute vice within the last year and have positively influenced others. This year, 13 students to teachers who demonstrate excellence in creating a motivating and engaging learning environment for their students. The “Best Teacher Under the Sun” Award recognizes received financial awards for their community service efforts. The winners are: outstanding achievements of teachers through daily classroom activities, special projects or programs, or exemplary efforts to inspire students to aspire for greatness. The award application is open to all educators who teach in schools that are part of the credit union’s SEGs. Teachers can be nominated by school administrators, faculty, parents and students. The awards committee selects one teacher from each category of elementary, middle, and high school levels. Each recipient receives $500, and his/her school also receives $500. Congratulations to the 2021 award winners:
“Our staff at Sun East is passionate about community involvement and since our employees’ children, who attend any of our Select Employee Group (“SEG”) schools are not eligible to participate in the Sun East Awards through the schools’ scholarship program, we created a separate award for our employees’ families,” said Terri Lannon, Senior Director Community Outreach.
Sun East’s student and teacher awards were designed to include area schools and universities who are credit union members. To date Sun East has awarded approximately $270,000 in student and teacher recognition over the past 18 years. For more information or to apply for future Sun East awards, Courtesy photo visit www.suneast.org/site/ Sun East FCU student award recipients included Rebekah about_scholarship.php. Anderson, Jackson Eckhardt, and Taylor House.
Legals HELP WANTED
Administrative Assistant PT (22 hrs/wk) at Oxford United Methodist Church. Proficiency in Publisher, Excel, Word required. Desire candidate with excellent people/ communication skills. Submit resume to oumcsecretary@gmail.com
TO ADVERTISE CALL 610-869-5553
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF HELEN JANE KEELEY a/k/a HELEN J. KEELEY, DECEASED. Late of London Britain Township, 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 LORA A. KEELEY, EXECUTRIX, c/o Catherine T. Duffy, Esq., 300 W. State St., Ste. 300, Media, PA 19063, Or to her Attorney: CATHERINE T. DUFFY, ECKELL, SPARKS, LEVY, AUERBACH, MONTE, SLOANE, MATTHEWS & AUSLANDER, PC, 300 W. State St., Ste. 300, Media, PA 19063 10p-6-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Norman G. Laffey, Sr., late of West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above-named Norman G. Laffey, Sr. having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Karen L. Kauffman and Andrew I. Laffey – Successor Co-Executors c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street Address: P.O. Box 381 Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610-932-3838 10p-6-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. Application for Individual Permit to Discharge Industrial Stormwater. Pursuant to Section 307 of the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, International Paper Company (IP) hereby notifies the community of Atglen, PA of its intention to submit a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Application for Individual Permit to Discharge Industrial Stormwater (Application) to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). IP proposes to modify the existing facility located at 4581 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, Chester County, PA (Facility) for potential future operations. IP is publishing this notice of intent to apply for an NPDES Individual Permit to Discharge Industrial Stormwater in accordance with PADEP’s application requirements. Copies of the Application will be available for public review at PADEP’s Southeast Regional Office located at 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401. An appointment to review the documents may be scheduled by contacting the Records Management Section of PADEP at 484-250-5910 between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Interested persons may submit written comments, suggestions, or objections to the PADEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401 or via email at RAEPNPDES_ SERO@pa.gov. within 30 days from the date this Application was submitted to PADEP and published for public comment. A comment submittal should include the name, address, telephone number of the person(s) submitting the comments, and the reference number of the Application. 10p-13-4t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of SUSANNA E. VINCIGUERRA, dec’d. a.k.a Christina Louise Wakeling, , Late of Chester County, PA , LETTERS of Administration on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to : Kyle A. Burch, Esquire, Administrator, 22
State Road Media, PA 19063-1442
10p-20-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Charles L. Hannum late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Charles L. Hannum having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Lawrence Reese, Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610-932-3838 10p-20-3t
NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION
The Board of Supervisors of Elk Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania will consider the adoption of the” ORDINANCE FOR THE REGULATION OF “SMALL WIRELESS FACILITIES” WITHIN TOWNSHIP’S PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF- WAY” at a special meeting to be held on October 28, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Building located at 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville PA. A summary of the Ordinance follows: SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE: The Board of Supervisors will enact Small Wireless Facilities Ordinance, establishing policies and procedures consistent with all applicable federal and state laws for the placement of Small Wireless Facilities and associated utility poles in the public rights-of-way of streets and roads consistent with the preservation of the integrity, safe usage, and visual qualities of the Township’s rights of way and the Township which shall apply to activities of a wireless provider within the right-of-way to deploy small wireless facilities and
associates new utility poles with small wireless facilities attached, including but not limited to the following issues or subjects: zoning status, conflicts of law, definitions, uses, procedures for applications, permits and review, design criteria, facilities removal, restoration of rights-of way, indemnification, and severability. A complete copy of the Ordinance is available for examination at no charge and copies may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Township Building located at the above address. A complete copy is also on file with this newspaper. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public hearing scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service, or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Township Secretary at 610-255-0634. R Samuel McMichael, Esquire, Solicitor, Elk Township 10p-20-1t
AUCTION NOTICE:
DEStorage.com Newgarden Located at 710 Newark Rd Landenberg, PA 19350 Will be holding a Public ONLINE Auction at www.ibid4storage.com, Closing on October 27th ,at 10 AM. The following units will be sold because of nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Pennsylvania Self Service Storage Facilities Act. Auction bidding and additional information about the contents, including photographs, is available on www. ibid4storage.com. Sale and payment will take place at the storage facility. Containing: Furniture, household items, totes, clothing, and boxes, Marion Funk Unit # 3012. DEStorage.com Newgarden reserves the right to withdraw any storage unit from sale or cancel the sale without prior notice. 10p-13-2t
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
5B
Chester County Press
Local News The Grand announces New Year’s Eve concert with Delaware Symphony Orchestra and OperaDelaware Collaborative concert brings Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell to Wilmington The Grand, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and OperaDelaware announced a New Year’s Eve Concert featuring the talents of their respective musicians and performers alongside Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell. “We are thrilled to be a part of this collaboration, which we see as a hopeful message to the entire community that the arts are back and ready to entertain our community again,” said Grand executive director Mark Fields. “The past year and a half has been such a challenging time for all who love, support, create, and perform live music,” said Brendan Cooke, OperaDelaware’s general director. “We’re so excited to pool the collective talents of these three organizations and celebrate a return to live musical events.” “We are elated to partner with our colleagues at The Grand Opera House and OperaDelaware to once again bring a glittering New Year’s Eve gala to Wilmington,” said J.C. Barker, executive director of the Delaware Symphony Orchestra. “After a long break, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate— not only our musicians’
Courtesy photo
Brian Stokes Mitchell
return to the stage, but also The Grand’s 150th Anniversary.” The evening will consist of a two-act program beginning with a program of traditional New Year’s concert music, including your favorite Viennese waltzes and polkas. The second act will feature the talents of Brian Stokes Mitchell and will be a celebration of Broadway standards throughout the years. Dubbed “the last leading man,” by The New York Times, two-time Tony
Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed a career that spans Broadway, television, film, and concert appearances with the country’s finest conductors and orchestras. He received Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for his star turn in Kiss Me, Kate. He also gave Tonynominated performances in Man of La Mancha, August Wilson’s King Hedley II, and Ragtime. In addition to the talents of Brian Stokes Mitchell, four stellar soloists (all
OperaDelaware audience favorites) will enchant audiences with opera and operetta highlights, as guests of the Delaware Symphony, led by Maestro Amado. Soprano Vanessa Becerra, mezzo-soprano Chrystal E. Williams, tenor William Davenport, and baritone Eric McKeever all
return to OperaDelaware for this distinctive celebration at The Grand. Tickets to the concert are $150 per person and are now on sale to the general public. All proceeds benefit the three organizations equally. The concert begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. “By scheduling this event
at 7:30 p.m., we hope that our audiences will share in the communal joy of this moment, and be able to get home safely to their families to ring in the New Year from the comfort of their own homes,” said Fields. Tickets can be purchased at www. TheGrandWilmington.org/ NYE.
SHORT-NOTICE PUBLIC AUCTION Valuable Real Estate and Personal Property Excellent Location - 749 Market St., Oxford Boro, Chester Co, PA 19363 Real Estate: 2 separate lots | #1 1.3 acre w/ 2 story house, & barn | #2 .63 acre adjoining vacant lot Saturday, October 30, 2021, 9AM – Real Estate at 12:00 Noon
2 Story (2,232 sq. ft.) Home w/ 10 rooms, 2 full baths on 2 Deeded tracts (1.3 & .63 acres) Features: First floor: Mud Rm, Kitchen, Dining Rm, Living Rm, Parlor, Full Bath, Large Hallway Second Floor: 2 Bedrooms, Living Rm, Dining Rm, Kitchenette, Full Bath, Hardwood Flrs. Attic & Basement Storage Gas Central Air and Heat (new 2018), Gas Water Heater (2017), Public Utilities Additional amenities include: Garden Walkway thru Grape Arbor to Garden Tool/Potting Shed 2 Story Frame Barn (32x36) with Metal Siding, Concrete Floor, w/ 2 overhead automatic garage doors, outside stone fireplace with Gazebo and Picnic Area. Beautiful yards with mature trees, paved blacktop drive and parking area, Vintage iron fence bordering front of property. Beautiful property being sold to settle the Estate of Charles L. Hannum. Come prepared to Buy. Terms of Real Estate, 10% down day of sale, balance and settlement within 45 days of sale. Real Estate inspection by appointment only – contact Auctioneer to arrange. Attorney: Winnie Sebastian Office # 610-932-3550 Terms by Estate of Charles L. Hannum, Executor Lawrence C. Reese Personal Property includes: Grandfather Clock (John Eberman, Lancaster, PA); Large quatity of books incl. After School Library volumes; wrought iron ice cream set w/4 chairs; large grouping of framed hunting scenes; local memorabilia; assorted local advertising plates (James R. Garvin, Oxford, PA; Pitts Bazaar, Oxford, PA) early restored dry sink; marble top tables; numerous silver items; glassware; china; mustache cup; copper lusterware; carriage clocks; vintage washboards, advertising yardsticks; framed series Map of East Nottingham Twp.; vintage tin containers; copper kettles w/ lids; horse figurines; early & primitive tools; hardware/grocery store racks; assorted coffee
grinders; horse collar mirror; Christmas ornaments; brass cash register; restored butcher block; roll-top desk with glass bookcase; several early corner cupboards & mantle clocks; Vintage wooden stools and benches; flip-top writing desk; agateware; souvenir 1907 Oxford Fair flashed glass (J.E. Elliot), large safe, barn & agricultural items. For Brochure updates, information, photos, terms and conditions, please contact Auction Company or check website at martinauctioneers.com. ALL ITEMS SOLD, “AS-IS, WHERE IS”, Statements made day of sale take precedence over all printed material. AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Starting at 9:00 am, Lifetime Collection of personal property, antiques, furniture, local memorabilia, & barn finds. Brochures and listing available. Large Auction w/ possibly 2 auctioneers selling part of the day. Check Auction Zip #27759 for additional photos and information. All items to be paid for on day of auction by Cash, Credit Cards with 3% Fee, Pre-approved good PA Checks; Certified funds for all out of state buyers. No Buyer’s Premium
6B
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
+ʑʒʇ +ʇʃʎʋʐʉ 5ʇʕʖʑʔʃʖʋʑʐ FOR WOMEN IN NEED in a CHRIST-CENTERED TRANSITIONAL HOME
Please join us for a
BLUEGRASS BENEFIT CONCERT by 2-time winner IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year
'$11< 3$,6/(< THE SOUTHERN GRASS www.dannypaisley.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2021 at
WATERWAY CHURCH 550 Waterway Rd., Oxford, PA 19363 /ʑʄʄʛ 2ʒʇʐ ʒʏ ʙʋʖʊ ʔʇʈʔʇʕʊʏʇʐʖʕ 'ʑʑʔʕ 2ʒʇʐ ʒʏ 12 ʔʇʕʇʔʘʇʆ ʕʇʃʖʕ 8ʐʃʄʎʇ ʖʑ ʃʖʖʇʐʆ ʄʗʖ ʙʑʗʎʆ ʎʋʍʇ ʖʑ ʆʑʐʃʖʇ"* Visit our website www.OxfordOaksMinistry.com or mail to: 290 Bethel Rd., Oxford, PA 19363 *Include your contact information with your donation by October 31 to be entered in a drawing for post-event door prizes.
For information about applying for our program, volunteering, scheduling a speaker for your church or organization, and financial support contact us at:
290 Bethel Road, Oxford, PA 19363
(484) 368-7268 www.oxfordoaksministry.com Follow us on....... .......
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