Chester County Press 11-01-2023 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

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Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas

Volume 157, No. 44

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

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Lucas, Muller vie for seat on Kennett Township board By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer With the election or appointment of every new supervisor or staffer, Kennett Township continues to distance itself from the horrific chaos surrounding the investigation of former manager Lisa Moore for embezzling more than $3.2 million from township funds – and her conviction in 2021. Dotted among its new policies and its revamped checks and balance system of accounting are new faces that have tightened the once

INSIDE

dangling chord of a municipality, and in early January of next year, yet another new face will join the fold. Republican Steve Lucas and Democrat Pat Muller are campaigning for the right to serve a six-year term on the Board of Supervisors as a replacement for Scudder Stevens, who announced earlier this year that he would not pursue a possible third term on the board. While Muller campaigns for the board with experience on township commissions, Lucas is a newcomer to township government.

Recently, the Chester County Press conducted separate interviews with the two candidates to hear their opinions on three key issues: why they wish to serve on the board; pressing issues facing the township; and how they will continue to restore residents’ faith and confidence in their local government. (Note: Responses have been edited for space.) Why do you want to serve on the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors? Lucas: I have never been in politics before and never

run for an office, but what’s happening is that my wife and I love living in Kennett Township, and I want to help with whatever I can with my finance and engineering background so that the township can use my expertise on the board. I’ve been in finance for 18 years, and I work with individuals all the time balancing budgets – making sure the costs are justified in spending. As an owner of a company, I am responsible for everything, and I need to make sure that what I do is profitable and makes sense for my clients,

Medic 94 celebrate 40 years of saving lives By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Southern Chester County EMS Medic 94 celebrated 40 years of saving lives at The Bookhouse Hotel a picnic on Saturday afteropens in Kennett noon. Scores of alumni Square...1B from the service joined at Penn Township Park for reminiscing, reuniting and honoring the founders. Medic 94 is the advanced life support system on wheels that responds to life-threatening injuries and sudden illnesses in the 17 southwestern townships of the county. Medic 94 CEO Bob Hotchkiss, who joined the organization in 1991 and became executive director Clocks fall back at 2 a.m. in 1998, orchestrated the celebratory event and was on Sunday, Nov. 5. master of ceremonies in the park’s pavilion. There was

abundant refreshment and a food truck. The atmosphere was casual and upbeat. Hotchkiss said proudly that of the original staff members who worked for Medic 94 at the beginning, all of them came to the picnic with the exception of Don Neff, who died in the intervening years. Included in his accolades were honors for founder Larry Spaid, 40-year member Donnie Keith and Emergency Room Director Jim Goss. Hotchkiss said Spaid deserves much of the credit for establishing a strong and effective organization. Spaid, the former CEO of Southern Chester County Medical Center (the hospital), said that in the 1980s the idea of bringing an

and I can do that for the township, as well. Numbers make sense to me and if they don’t make sense, I am going to ask questions until they do. Muller: I’ve done a lot of work for the township and in the area for a long time, and I have gotten to know this area on a deep level and know the people who have been instrumental. I think that I am uniquely qualified for the place on the board and that my breadth of experience gives me a point of view that my opponent doesn’t have. As an outside

consultant with the township while Lisa Moore was manager, I saw that whole debacle unfold and have seen it rebuild itself like a phoenix from the ashes. I believe in the township’s overriding message of creating livable communities of neighbors, and I think we’re losing some of that in our harsher political discourse. I would like to keep that focus and that collegiality, and hopefully expand upon it to help when we can, to keep Continued on Page 2A

FROM OUR LENS Beneath the autumn leaves

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Members of the Kennett Middle School field hockey team enjoyed a beautiful fall afternoon on Oct. 26 in their game against visiting Stetson.

Continued on Page 3A

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Chandler Mill Greenway Project receives groundbreaking

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer The Kennett Greenway is about to add another valuable link to its 14-mile-long vision of creating a multipurpose trail loop throughout Kennett Borough, Kennett Township, New Garden Township and northern Delaware. On Oct. 23, representatives from the project held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Chandler Mill

Trail, which will be constructed by JVI Group, Inc., a York, Pa.-based construction company, and will include paved pathways, a scenic overlook and streambank remediation. The project received final approval on Oct. 4, when the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors awarded the construction contract to JVI Group, Inc. at a price of $2,774,385. The company will soon begin work Continued on Page 4A

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Pictured at the Oct. 23 Chandler Mill Trail groundbreaking are, from left to right: Christina Norland of the Kennett Trail Alliance; Kennett Township Supervisor Richard Leff; Kennett Township Manager Eden Ratliff; State Rep. Christina Sappey; Kennett Township Supervisor Scudder Stevens; Natalia Santiago of the Kennett Trail Alliance; and Steve Grabicki, director of operations for Sen. John Kane.

In Oxford, the fight against human trafficking continues By Betsy Brewer Brantner hall. It was sponsored by Contributing Writer a group of associates and sisters of the School Sisters In 2012, a group known of Notre Dame, a member as ACE, Advocating, of the Maryland Task Force Collaborating, Educating, came to educate the comAnti-Human Trafficking munity about the horrific Alliance of Oxford was crimes that were just beginformed. At that time, most ning to be spoken about in people in Oxford simply public. At the end of the didn’t believe human traf- very informative morning, ficking happened here in the audience asked what this idyllic small town. they could do next. The first gathering of ACE All these years later, was held in September 2012 the group is still meeting at the Union Fire Company regularly. They try to meet

the third Saturday of the month at the Oxford Senior Center. The recent meeting on Oct. 14 featured Carol Hart Metzker, who has been an anti-human trafficking activist for years, working in the states and globally. The battle against human trafficking continues, and fortunately the efforts to educate everyone about the horrific crimes involved with human trafficking have paid off. Metzker explained that

major hotel chains have been sued in the U.S. for enabling and profiting from sex trafficking. Hotels such as Red Roof, Best Western, and Intercontinental were among the 12 chains named in a suit filed in 2019. Twelve hotel chains were named and accused of knowing and ignoring warning signs that women and children were sold as sex slaves on their premises, according to the filing, a consolidation of 13 existing

cases, in U.S. federal court in Columbus, Ohio. That filing marked the first time the hotel industry — which has long been accused of serving as a breeding ground for sexual exploitation of women and children — faced action as a group. Most recently, the owners of a Days Inn on Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia were ordered to pay millions of dollars Continued on Page 4A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News experience in knowing the community, and trying to find some economies of Continued from Page 1A scale where we can work control of township expens- with other municipalities to es and continue to foster a help share costs. sense of community in a livable place for everybody Over the last several – not just the ultra-wealthy years, Kennett Township and bedroom commuters, was rocked by a scandal but for the people who own that threatened its finansmall businesses and work cial stability and severely in the community. damaged residents’ faith In my work with the in their local government. Planning Commission, I was In spite of the townable to help rewrite zon- ship’s improvement to its ing and create a Traditional accounting systems and Neighborhood Design code transparency, it’s a sento encourage affordable timent that still lingers. housing and livable commu- If you are elected to the nities in Kennett Township. board, how will you conI believe that was a very tinue to restore residents’ important and positive step confidence in their local toward creating a more liv- government? able community. Lucas: This issue is another reason why I am running. As you continue to cam- My wife and I moved here paign, what are leading four years ago, and our first topics of concern from the introduction to the townresidents you have met, ship was the theft of $3.2 and if elected, how will you million by Lisa Moore. We address those concerns? were flabbergasted that it Lucas: One of the major happened. ‘How could this points that comes up when happen and why?’ we asked. I speak with voters is the You could say that I don’t expenses that just seem to have any direct experience continue to increase at the managing a government, but township. The big expense I would counter by saying that is hitting us now is look- that it is my strongest offering at what we want to do ing. I am objective, I have with our police department. finance experience behind Several years ago, we didn’t me, and I also have the have a police department, then we added an officer and then two and now we have 9 officers and are making plans to expand the department to 14, perhaps 16 people. I am a strong supporter of the police, and I want to have a safe community, but I think that we need On Nov. 7, Chester to take this to the voters and County voters will decide let them decide the future of on majority control of our police department. the three-person Board of A few years ago, they had Commissioners on Election a referendum on open space. Day, as Democratic incumI think we need to do the bents Marian Moskowitz same thing now. Let’s take and Josh Maxwell are it to the voters of Kennett seeking re-election, while Township and let them the Republican Party has decide whether we want to turned to Eric Roe and maintain a full-time police David C. Sommers in the force, or explore other bid to win back the majoroptions. ity on this board. Roe, a I’m here to listen; what- former state representative ever the voters want to do, for Pennsylvania’s 158th I’ll do it, but let’s ask the House District, is a familiar voters first. Having a ref- face for many in the county. erendum would be a good Republicans held an iron way to get that input from grip on county governvoters. We need to invite ment for generations until experts involved with police Democrats successfully operations, in order to make flipped all the county execuan informed choice about it. tive and row offices over the Muller: I have knocked course of the last two elecon a lot of doors and many tion cycles in which those people have told me that seats were contested. The they love the open space results of the Tuesday, Nov. and that everything is fine, 7 election will determine if but the people who have Democrats retain the majorexpressed their concerns ity for four more years, to me are those on a fixed or if the Republicans can income. The fact that what quickly reclaim majority comes in from social securi- control. Michelle Kichline, ty and other pension income the incumbent Republican is a fixed number that will County Commissioner, never change is concerning. decided not to seek another There are some who have term. expressed concerns about Chester County will have township spending, and I a new District Attorney in have told them that it’s a 2024. Incumbent District balancing act, because we Attorney Deb Ryan is are who we are: We need seeking to be a Chester fire and EMS coverage. We County Court of Common need police coverage. What Pleas judge. In the District I hope to bring to the board Attorney’s race, Ryan L. is my experience in banking Hyde is the Republican and finance to help rein in nominee, while Christopher spending and my creative de Barrena‐Sarobe is the

Kennett Township...

accountability that my military background gives me. The role I had in the military was that of a company commander, and I was held accountable for everything in that unit – to review and hold others accountable. I want the voters to know that I am an expert at budgets, income statements and expenses and that I have the experience to hold the township accountable for what’s happening here. Muller: Marketing and messaging are my strong suits, and one of the unwritten jobs of being a supervisor is serving as a cheerleader and advocate. As a supervisor, I will continue to be vocal and supportive of the amazing work that people like [Finance and Human Resource Director] Amy Heinrich and [township Manager] Eden Ratliff and their staff are doing to build a better system of checks and balances. Now that the new financial infrastructure is in place, the township is in a position of being able to try to pare back spending, find economies of scale and find smarter and better ways of working. There are challenges facing the township, but I think as a supervisor, it’s important to celebrate the

Steve Lucas township and its accomplishments, the smartness of the decision-makers and the staff and respect the people who want to come to the table to express their concerns. Determining the financial path for a township is complicated, and the role of a supervisor is to take the vote, make the hard choices, be a true leader and celebrate the many things that Kennett Township does well, and there are who lot of things that this township does well. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Pat Muller

Steve Lucas Years in township: 4 Professional experience: Financial advisor, Engineer, Captain U.S. Army Township experience: None Media: None

Pat Muller Years in township: 6 Professional experience: Digital media marketing, economic development, commercial banking, non-profits Township experience: Planning Commission, Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (LCAC) Previous township experience: Past member of Kennett Township’s Environmental Advisory Commission (EAC) Media: www.patmullerforsupervisor

Dozens of local, county, and statewide races will be decided on Election Day

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Democratic nominee. Debbie Bookman is seeking another term as prothonotary, and she is being challenged by Republican nominee Michael Taylor. The register of wills contest is between the incumbent Democrat Michele Vaughn and challenger Republican Terri Clark. The Recorder of Deeds race is between Republican Brian Yanoviak and the Democratic incumbent Diane O’ Dwyer. With Chester County sheriff Fredda Maddox seeking to be a Chester County Court of Common Pleas judge, voters will elect a new sheriff. Kevin Dykes, currently the chief deputy sheriff, and a resident of East Marlborough Township, is the nominated Democrat for Sheriff. On the Republican side, Roy Kofroth is seeking become the new sheriff. He lives in West Bradford Township. The candidates who are seeking to become a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas are Dave Black, Andy Rongaus, Deb Ryan, BJ Redmond, Don Kohler, Nicole Forzato, Fredda Maddox, Thomas McCabe, Lou Mincarelli, and Sarah Black. Voters will select no more than five of these candidates on the ballot to fill the available positions that are up for election this year. There are a number of district magistrate positions up for election this year. Scott Massey is unopposed in his bid to win re-election as the district magistrate for Court

15-3-05. District judge Albert Iacocca is being challenged by Peter George Mylonas in the race to preside over District Court 15-3-04. There are a number of borough council races that will be decided on Election Day. In Oxford Borough, there are three candidates seeking four-year terms—Kathryn Cloyd, Raul Juarez-Lara, Jr., and Bill Fitzpatrick. Cloyd is the incumbent council president. JuarezLara, Jr., and Fitzpatrick were both appointed to fill vacancies on council so they already have experience on council. There is also a two-year unexpired term up for election this year, and incumbent Peggy Ann Russell is seeking to fill that term. The Avondale Borough Council candidates for two seats up for election are Paul Morgan and Lucas Ortiz, Jr. Eric King, Julie Hamilton, Joel Sprick, and James Miller are candidates vying for three seats on Kennett Square Borough Council. In West Grove Borough, there are four seats up for election. The candidates are Dan Knabb, Kristin Proto, Shelley Mix, William Temme, Jr., Andrew Martin Toolan, and Michael Ranieri.

Supervisor candidates

East Marlborough Township (Vote for two) Ellen Sosangelis Burling Vannote Jake Elks Danielle Chamberlain East Nottingham Township (Vote for two) Sam Goodley, Jr. John Wallace Elk Township (Vote for one) Albert Jezyk Franklin Township (Vote for one) Dawn Dowling Lynn Weber 2-year unexpired term (Vote for one) James German Betsy Odgers Kennett Township (Vote for one) Pat Muller Steven Lucas London Britain Township (Vote for one) Aileen Parrish Russell McKinnon London Grove Township (Vote for two) Michael Summerfield John Irwin David Connors Two-year unexpired term (Vote for one) Megan Mraz

Lower Oxford Township Many townships will be Kevin Martin electing supervisors in this election cycle. Here’s a list New Garden Township of many of the candidates (Vote for one) who will be on the ballot: Stephen Allaband New London Township (Vote for one) James Annett Dale Yates Penn Township (Vote for one) Carlton Snow Dwayne Degler

(TGG 'UVKOCVGU ^ #NN (WGNU Upper Oxford Township (Vote for one) Charles Fleischmann

West Nottingham Township (Vote for one) Ryan Sanders Candace Miller

School board races Here’s a list of the candidates who are on the ballot for the various school boards in southern Chester County: Avon Grove School District Region I (Vote for one) Dorothy Linn Greg Morgan Region II (Vote for two) Nick Taylor Jacquelene Smiro Kenneth Roark Region III (Vote for two) Bonnie Wolff Herman Engel Joseph Lake Oxford Area School District At-large (Vote for two) Jenifer Warren Lou Robinson Regina Hughes Mark Patterson Region I (Vote for one) Tenile Dewees Georgeanna Singley Region II (Vote for one) Brian Washburn Kaitlin Bell Region III (Vote for one) Debbie Vendrick Dee Wiker Kennett Consolidated School District Region A (Vote for two) Lenda Carillo Christopher Lafferty LaToya Myers Region B (Vote for two) Jay Snoke David Kronenberg Lynn Golden-Mirarchi Bryan Shrouds Region C (Vote for one) Michael Finnegan Michael Keane

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Local News Medic 94... Continued from Page 1A

emergency room to patients on the scene saved time with treatment that would otherwise be spent just transferring them to the hospital in an ambulance. Spaid said that the other hospitals in Chester County had established medic units at the time, but he wanted SCCMC to be especially effective and strong. Having established business, professional and political links through his position at the hospital in the southern part of the county, Spaid enlisted their help in the planning and support of Medic 94. One effort that proved particularly effective in the initiative, he said, was enlisting the input of the fire company ambulances, local government officials and potential beneficiaries. Spaid said it was important to him to form a service that had wide support. Getting input from the fire companies, whose ambulances picked up patients for transportation, would take them to the hospitals while the Medic 94 crews gave advanced first aid at the scene. Sometimes, in caring for a patient, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Region A (Vote for one) Rashi Akki Isabelle Romine Region B (Vote for one) Victoria Baratta Bob Sage

advanced life support medic would accompany the fire company ambulance to the hospital. Hotchkiss said Spaid finessed municipal leadership for support, provided expansion of the hospital for the facility and assured that the staff he hired was highly trained and skilled. Donnie Keith, an original member of the 20-member crew is still on the job. He was honored for putting in the full 40 years and maintaining the condition of the vehicles. He was presented with a small model of a Medic 94 ambulance. Hotchkiss said Medic 94 had 1,000 calls in its first year, and has had 3,400 this year. The service continues to grow and thrive in spite of challenges. He stays current in methods and materials and welcomes suggestions from his staff. “If you have a good product, it sells itself,” he said. When COVID-19 struck and increased precautions were necessary to prevent spread of the virus during medical contact, he and his crew were consistently coming up with new systems of protection, some of them even unusual and homespun.

Hotchkiss said many of his crew are in their 20s and 30s. “They’re a tech generation,” he said. That has served him well, however, because the younger members are insistent on finding quick and effective solutions to challenges. That has moved Medic 94 into the future. Currently, he and his staff are exploring the innovation of being able to give blood transfusions on the scene. Medic 94, which has always had its headquarters at the hospital in Penn Township, had to navigate the problems created when the hospital closed down. At first Hotchkiss and his board negotiated with the owners, Tower Health, to let them stay for 90 days, and then another 90 days. He knew that remaining in the empty facility was only a stop-gap measure, and he went ahead to plan for Medic 94 to have its own building. Plans have been approved for a new Medic 94 building to be constructed on the lot at Baltimore Pike and Jenner’s Pond Road. Blueprints are underway, but the exact timeline for building has not been

2-year unexpired term Lori Peters Mary Kate Loomis

Pennsylvania voters are also going to decide races for the Justice of the state Supreme Court, Judge of the state Superior Court, Judge of the Commonwealth Court, and several judicial retention questions. Polling locations are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 7. If you are in line by

Region C (Vote for three) Jody Allen Erin Talbert Brian Lamb Brian Schartz Madeline Werner Britain Hammell

CEO Bob Hotchkiss plans for a new Medic 94 building to be constructed in the near future.

Donnie Keith holds the model ambulance given to him in honor of serving for 40 years.

Larry Spaid, the former Southern Chester County Medical Center CEO, is credited with establishing a strong advanced life support system.

All photos by Chris Barber

All the alumni of Medic 94 from the beginning join for a group picture at the picnic on Saturday.

established. It will be soon, Hotchkiss said, and the public has been asking. “What I need a a jacket with the writing on the back 8 p.m., you will be able to cast your ballot. More information about the upcoming general election, including the location of polling places as well as specimen ballots, can be found on the Voter Services page on the county website at www.chesco.org.

that says, ‘I can’t tell you when the new building will open,’” he said. Medic 94 operates on a budget of $1.4 million a

year. It has a board with representatives from all the municipalities in southern Chester County. It has a staff of 20.

Library tax referendum Kennett Square Borough residents will vote yes or no on the following referendum that will appear on the ballot: Do you favor increasing the Borough of Kennett Square’s real estate tax by .2000 mills, the revenue from such tax to be used exclusively to fund the operation of the Kennett Library within the borough?

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF CHESTER COUNTY

VOTING INFORMATION FOR PA VOTERS

Go to www.vote.pa.gov (This site has translate button top right corner)

• Register to vote and/or make any changes • Check your registration • Find your polling place • Mail-In ballot application • Track status of Mail-In ballot • Access more voting information

Personalized Voting Information www.vote411.org Chester County Voter Services www.chesco.org/election 610-344-6410 Find My PA Legislator www.legis.state.pa.us

League of Women Voters of Chester County PO Box 62, Exton, PA 19341 610-644-5960 | www.lwvccpa.org

YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE. MAKE IT COUNT!

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Chester County Press

Local News Chandler Mill... Continued from Page 1A

on building two asphalt trails from Hillendale Road to Oriole Road, and from Round Hill Road to a new, accessible overlook on the Chandler Mill Nature Preserve, with views of the historical ruins of the Chandler Mill the parking lot across the road from the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance. The trail will include comprehensive streambank and roadway stabilization along several sections of the West Branch of the Red Clay Creek, portions of which are adjacent to Chandler Mill Road. State Rep. Christina Sappey told the audience gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony that she recently spent a weekend hiking with her husband, their son and their new dog.

Human trafficking... Continued from Page 1A

to underage victims of sex trafficking after a court found the hotel knew about the crimes and did nothing. According to Metzker, this is big news. “Educating the public about human trafficking has worked,” she said. “It is too easy to be a victim to trafficking. When the rest of the world rejects you, the street welcomes you with open arms. “Anything that gives you less opportunities makes you vulnerable.” Events such as the recent large fire in downtown Oxford that displaced 90

“It was amazing to see how communities connect to each other through trails, and what it does for a community to have access to outdoor space,” she said. “Right now, we have a significant mental health issue in Pennsylvania and across the country. What we’ve learned is that pet ownership has increased tremendously in the last several years, and outdoor space usage has also increased in the last few years. These two things are connecting us to each other but also to the natural world, and they will ultimately heal us.” “It’s not just a trail but it’s also creating habitat and putting nature in our lives and also connecting us to that, not only here but all the way up to the Kennett Borough,” said Kennett Township supervisor Richard Leff at the groundbreaking ceremony. “As we started this project, many people said people can be the opportunity that a trafficker needs. Wars, extreme weather conditions, or the impact of the pandemic can contribute to making people vulnerable. Peggy Russell explained, “The involved agencies moved quickly to put the fire victims in a safe location. Eventually, they were taken to an unidentified hotel. Many volunteers helped the victims navigate through the process. “The hotel verified that their staff had received training on the signs of human trafficking. This training is something every hotel should require.” Metzker said the education of law enforcement personnel has been instru-

Images courtesy of Unknown Studio

Images of the new Chandler Mill Trail, which is expected to be open to the public by the end of 2024.

that it couldn’t get done. We are starting now and the pieces are starting to fall into place, because we have the right people here.” Paving of the trail will be completed before June 30, 2024, plantings will be installed in the fall of 2024 and the completed trail will be open to the public by the end of 2024. When completed, it will create new walkable and bikeable connections for area residents and its northern-most seg-

ment will connect the Falcon’s Lair community to the Parrish Trail, Pennock Park and the Kennett Bike Park, which is also currently under construction. Future phases of Greenway construction will also connect Kennett Township residents into the Borough of Kennett Square. The township will apply a $1.174 million grant to pay for the development of the trail. Of the $2.7 million price

mental in shutting down illegal massage parlors, and in rescuing persons from trafficking. “We have worked with

hostage to control the victim. Survivors have a long road ahead of them before they can re-claim their life. Many have no jobs,

“Education is the key to fighting human trafficking.” ~ Peggy Russell many law enforcement agencies teaching them how to see the signs of human trafficking,” Metzker said. Where once the trafficked victims were thrown in jails, now those involved in trafficking are arrested. Counseling and help is available for the victims. “Many victims have children, who traffickers hold

or skills. They are starting over from scratch,” she said. Thistle Hills, located in Chester County, has created a program to help trafficked victims. The cost of treatment, providing a safe place and programs is not cheap, so donations are always welcome. Those interested in

tag, $1.3 million will be dedicated toward the cost of the repair and stabilization of the streambank at two locations along the western branch of the Red Clay Creek, which

will preserve the long-term stability of the trail.

Thistle Hills can attend ACE's November meeting, or call (610) 384-4721 for more information and to donate. You can email them and info@thistlehills.or or check out their website at thistlehills.org. It takes a community to keep ACE moving forward. ACE advertises the toll free number, (888) 373-7888, to report suspicious activity, provide opportunities to purchase Fair Trade coffee, tea, and chocolate, and collaborate with agencies to assist human trafficking survivors through the FBI, and Dawn’s Place in Philadelphia, among others. ACE is shining a light on this dark subject and welcomes volunteers and

donations. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. at the Oxford Senior Center, and more information about Thistle Hills will be available. On Dec. 16, a gift collection will be held at the Oxford Senior Center at 9 a.m. where items can be dropped off for trafficked survivors. On Jan. 2, 2024, a sound therapy session using crystal bowl will be presented by ACE at the Oxford Senior Center at 9 a.m. All are welcome. “Education is the key to fighting human trafficking, so we are always looking for more volunteers and persons interested in helping the cause,” Russell said.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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.

Editorial

A few thoughts ahead of Election Day…. Curtis Mason won’t be on the ballot next week and his considerable contributions to Penn Township will certainly be missed when his term as a township supervisor concludes at the end of the year. On this page, you’ll find a farewell to Curtis Mason that was included in the most recent Penn Township newsletter. This newspaper has long admired Mason for his focus on keeping local government small and efficient. Taxpayers throughout the Avon Grove School District benefitted from Penn Township’s smart approach to growth. Penn Township, under Mason’s leadership, grew its commercial tax base and added 55-and-over housing projects. Every community needs a balance between commercial and residential growth. The Penn Township farewell highlights some of the other ways that Mason made a positive impact on the community. Now, on to a few names that will be on the ballot on Nov. 7. Avon Grove benefitted from Mason’s work in Penn Township, and the district has also been fortunate to have some strong school board members through the years. Dorothy Linn, a retired educator with 30 years of professional experience, joined the board four years ago and has been an effective leader. We hope she is re-elected from Avon Grove’s Region 1. A pair of longtime Avon Grove School Board members, Bonnie Wolff and Herman Engel, are certainly worthy of reelection in Region III. The Oxford Area School District would benefit if candidates like Jenifer Warren, Tenile Dewees, and Debbie Vendrick join the board. We would also like to see Michael Finnegan, a longtime Kennett School Board member, get re-elected to the district’s Region C.

The terrible, horrible, no good, very bad… The popular children’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day was published in 1972. The most recent movie adaptation came out in 2014. Locally, we’ve been watching Chester County Prison’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day play out not over the course of one day, but many months. One prisoner escaped in the spring. He was quickly recaptured, but still—not good. Then came the escape of killer Danelo Cavalcante. For two weeks, the local community was gripped by fear as the manhunt played out with the whole country watching. Cavalcante was thankfully recaptured before anyone could be hurt, but it came at a great cost. More recently, charges were filed against a Chester County Prison corrections officer, Antoine Williams, who was arrested for smuggling and distributing illegal substances into the prison. Clearly, there are a lot of issues that need to be addressed at the Chester County Prison.

Real-life Horror in Maine When news broke about the mass shooting in Maine last week, this editorialist thought of Stephen King right away. The only reason that I even knew that Lewiston, Maine even existed, before the real-life horror perpetrated by Robert Card on Oct. 25, was that King mentioned the town in several of his bestselling novels, including his first book, Carrie. King, one of the most popular and prolific writers of all time, sets many of his fictional horror stories in places like Derry or Castle Rock—haunted places that are populated by vampires and ghosts and killer clowns. Robert Card’s act of terror as he killed 18 people and injured 13 others with a high-powered rifle is more terrifying than anything King’s imagination has ever conjured up. Those who were killed ranged in age from 14 to 76. Four of the victims were deaf. There were plenty of warning signs that Card was a danger. King has often spoken out against gun violence and he did so again in the hours after the mass shooting in his home state. The author noted that Lewiston is less than 50 miles from where he lives. There were numerous other mass shootings in the U.S. leading up to the Maine mass shooting, but we’ve reached the point where three or four people being shot by assault-style rifles doesn’t even make the news. King made these observations after watching reallife horror unfold in his part of the world: “It’s the rapid-fire killing machines, people. This is madness in the name of freedom. Stop electing apologists for murder.” In a follow-up tweet that he wrote in all caps, King said, “THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN IN OTHER COUNTRIES.”

Opinion The end of an era... Penn Township says ‘Goodbye’ to Curtis Mason, Sr. Curtis Mason inspires many feelings from fierce loyalty to intense dislike, but one thing cannot be denied. The presence of the long-time supervisor and local businessman has had a dramatic and positive impact on the Penn Township of today. His 26 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of Penn Township will come to an end. During that tenure, he served as Township Supervisor and Board of Supervisors Chairman from January of 1998 to December of 2020. Mason, an Avon Grove High School graduate, grew up in West Grove Borough and Penn Township. His parents, Charles and Louise Mason, were the original owners of Mason’s Market which is now the Gulf Station across from the former Jennersville Hospital. Later, Mason and his brother, Richard, took over that business and the rest is history as they, over time, developed or purchased the Crack-n-Crab, Hilltop Bar and Restaurant, Oxford Beverage, and Penn Brew Station. Mason’s official tenure in Penn Township began on January 1, 1997, when he was appointed to fill an open seat on the Penn Township Planning Commission. He joined current supervisor Victor Mantegna, who was also on the Penn Planning Commission at that time.

Just two months later, Mason would be appointed to fill an unexpired supervisor term. He earned re-election six times despite numerous challenges. Mason’s influence can be seen most dramatically in the expansion of the 55-and-over communities into a dedicated zone served by public water and sewer and the hospital. The purpose of the attraction of these developments was to support the Avon Grove School District without adding students to it. This move was soon to be copied all over southern Chester County. Today, Penn Township is home to six such developments, including Jenner’s Pond, Luther House, Jennersville Farm/Roseview, Ovations, Big Elk, and Penn Ridge. Mason spearheaded the saving of the Red Rose Inn and its transformation into a local museum. Another major accomplishment was the application of his entrepreneurial skills to help the township in building up its coffers, which were quite depleted when he was brought on board. For example, while other townships were experiencing private homeowners erecting cell towers in their yards for personal financial benefit, he led the Board to adopt an ordinance requiring that cell towers could only be on public land for public benefit. This ordinance provides

ongoing revenue for the maintenance of Penn’s parks. Another effort was the development of the unique and very environmentally responsible secondary use sewer system which provided highly treated effluent as irrigation for Conard-Pyle’s rose stock thus keeping the business here in Penn. Mason originated the Community Picnic with the free chicken barbeque and Elvis in the house providing entertainment. For years, until the COVID-19 pandemic brought it to a halt, the Community Picnic was anxiously awaited. Since the pandemic, the Community Picnic has morphed into the Fall Fest. When asked what his most proud accomplishments are, Mason will tell you the development of the township parks, the development of Luther House, and the Technical College High School. Other notable efforts include the

Red Rose Intersection improvements and the LEED-certified Dansko building. “My theory from the beginning was to run it like a business and not a government – low overhead and and subcontract everything out that you can,” Mason said. “No one can compare with us because we have kept things lean while still serving our community optimally. I have been blessed with great boards and staff and we have been able to make all that happen.” While Mason states he will miss serving on the Board, he also realizes the time has come to enjoy life while he can. As 2023 winds down, all we can say is, “Thank you for the memories, and your legacy of service to Penn Township!” This farewell was originally published in the Penn Township newsletter.

Curtis Mason, Sr. has worked on numerous big projects for Penn Township during his tenure as a supervisor.

Letter to the Editor

Support Warren and Dewees for Oxford School Board Letter to the Editor: My name is Howard Robinson. I was born in Upper Oxford Township and attended school at the Oxford Area School District (OASD) all 12 years, graduating in 1959. Then,

for two years, I attended Lincoln University before later graduating from East Tennessee State University. During this time, I married Janet Robinson, another Oxford graduate, and we had five children who also were OAHS graduates.

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Later, each of our children received college degrees. I first met many of you as 7th and 8th grade students in OASD where I taught language arts for 31 years. I was also privileged to teach Upward Bound students at Lincoln University during some summer breaks. A few years ago, after retiring from OASD, I was convinced to run for Director on the Oxford Area School District Board. I served on the OASD Board for 15 years, retiring last year. I also have been privileged to serve on the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Board of Directors for 13 years and I am still a director on the CCIU Authority Board. Thus, I am very concerned when I hear some of the current activities of our OASD Board. On November 7, we, the voters, will have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to vote for some very strong, capable candidates for school board directors. I know Jenifer Warren, who was previously a Director on the OASD

Board. Jenifer is a very committed, educated person who carefully peruses all the options of every decision with research and time to make the very best decisions that will benefit the students (and the taxpayers) in the Oxford area. Jenifer Warren must win on November 7! Also, let me put in a “good word” for Tenille Dewees –who also has all the qualities for a great school board member! Both Jenifer and Tenille know that Oxford is one of the poorest school districts in Chester County and therefore, we cannot afford to turn down any state or federal money that OASD qualifies to receive. If not accepted, the expenses that those millions of dollars would pay for would then be passed on to the taxpayers in the Oxford area. Let’s put these two candidates on our OASD Board of Directors and bring some reason and balance back to our district. Howard Robinson Oxford

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

The Bookhouse Hotel opens with cozy charm and good reads By HaLeigh Abbott Contributing Writer The Bookhouse Hotel celebrated its Grand Opening on October 22nd with a crowd of over 100 people eager to welcome the boutique hotel to the Kennett Square Borough. Owners Stephanie and Matt Olenik have spent the last year renovating the former book store, located at 130 S. Union Street, into a chic-niche hotel for book worms and cozy-cravers alike. Although The Bookhouse Hotel is their first hotel, the Oleniks have made a career out of real estate flipping and AirBNB management. Together with their business partners, Stephen Tallon and Bill Rookstool, the couple has completely renovated the building to welcome guests with 4 rooms. “Matt did all the work,” explained Stephanie. “We had to fix the foundation, level the floors, design and furnish each room.” “And I just do what she says,” said Matt chiming in. Stephanie laughed when asked how their relationship handles new projects, saying “It’s always stressful at the end of the project, but we always make it through.” The inspiration for The Bookhouse was an easy choice. The former bookstore left behind 5,000 books in the basement, many of which are now used to decorate the rooms. Guests can cozy up in their rooms and read their weekends away with most necessities easily at hand. If you’re not able to finish

your book, don’t worry you can scan a QR code to purchase a copy from bookshop.org for home delivery. Each room has a private bathroom and kitchenette, and guests are supplied with teas from Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop and coffee from Horn & Hardart Coffee. Guests booking the entire hotel can also opt for a special Alice in Wonderland themed tea party, in partnership with Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop. A gift basket full of snacks and treats from Taste Local Eats, another Kennett Square business, can be purchased and ready on check in. Longwood Gardens has also partnered with The Bookhouse to offer discounted tickets for guests. The Bookhouse already has weekends booked up from the opening weekend of Nov. 17-19, thanks to the community word and some viral TikToks. The rooms can house 2, 3 or 4 people depending on the suites, and two of those have a bi-level nook on the third floor looking out into town. The rooms are not currently themed by book or genre, but each room has it’s own charm thanks to a mix of antique and handmade pieces. Community support has been positive, and Stephanie feels like Kennett Square has been welcoming to her new venture. Rooms can be booked online or by calling (610) 444-1063. Visit their website at thebookhousehotel. com or their FaceBook page facebook.com/thebookhousehotel for more information.

Landenberg Village hosts Halloween Family Day By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Partners associated with the Fenix Capital Group – the new owners of the Landenberg Village – held an unveiling of a new music garden patio between the Landenberg Store and the Landenberg Hotel on Oct. 28 that attracted a steady audience throughout the day, who enjoyed live music and other activities. Halloween Family Day represented the

first public glimpse into the company’s plans for the historic Landenberg Village, which includes the hotel, the store and the pump house. Soon after purchasing the properties for $1.062 million in July, company owners Matt Feldman and Aaron Jones began work on the conversion of the hotel to a six-room inn, complete with a renovated central living area and a refurbished deck that overlooks the White Clay Creek. Jones and Feldman are

working with a team of restaurateurs to broaden the store’s menu to include sourcing food from regional vendors and farms and giving customers the opportunity for online ordering and catering. The music garden patio includes outdoor seating areas and rope lighting and will serve as an intimate performance space for local singer-songwriters. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com. Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Fenix Capital Group owners Aaron Jones and Matt Feldman, far right and far left, celebrate Halloween Family Day at the Landenberg Village on Oct. 28 with business partners Ryan Robinson, Max Ben-Hamoo and Andrew Skrabak.

Logan Aldridge of West Chester performed at the Village’s new music garden patio.

Trevor Jackson enjoyed his culinary experience at a nearby marshmallow roasting pit.

Taylor Curtis and C.J. Craft with their daughter, Kinsley.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Chester County Press

Obituaries JAMES DAVID DUNCAN

UNA F. TODD

James David Duncan, of Phoenixville, Pa. and formerly of Oxford, passed away at Phoenixville Center for Rehab Nursing on Oct. 23, 2023. He was 73. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late John and Margaret Vaughan Duncan. James owned and operated Jack’s Body Shop in Oxford. He enjoyed car racing, NASCAR and western movies. He is survived by one daughter, Stephanie Warner (Jerry, Jr.) of Frederick, Md. and one grandson, “Jack” Warner. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald Duncan and Dennis Duncan. Services are private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Una F. Todd, a resident of Elkton, Md., passed away at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. on Oct. 26. She was 94. She was the wife of the late Walter L. Todd and was preceded in death by her first husband, James A. Springer. Born in Hicksville, New York, she was the daughter of the late Glenn W. and Pauline Gordon Fraver. Una was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Oxford and a former member of Union Presbyterian Church. She was beneficial and a valuable part of her first husband’s business, Springer’s Arco in Russellville, Pa. She was well known for her gift in sewing and made many bridesmaid dresses for family and a wedding dress for her daughter and granddaughter. She enjoyed planting flowers and had a green thumb. Her greatest legacy was her love for Jesus and her family. She is survived by two daughters, Paula Springer Roland (Walter) of Elkton, Md. and Vicki Springer Criswell of Nottingham, one son, Joseph Springer (Susan) of Elysburg, Pa., and one stepson, Walter Todd, Jr. of Quarryville. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Jessica Roland Price, Zachary Roland, Taylor Roland, Alan Criswell, Jr., Deana Ledford, Jamie Criswell, Stacy Kissinger, Sam Springer, Kathryn Springer Garner, Walter Todd, III and Donald Todd and 16 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Gordon Fraver of Oxford. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wilmer Fraver. Funeral services were held on Oct. 28 at Beulah Baptist Church in Oxford. Interment will be in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Beulah Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

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CARL J. WALTON Carl J. “Spike” Walton, of Drumore, Pa., passed away at Milton S Hershey Medical Center in Hershey on Oct. 23, 2023. He was 52. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Carol Astheimer Patterson of Oxford and the late Issac Walton. Spike was an avid fisherman and he enjoyed boating. He is survived by his mother; his companion of 25 years, Angela Sheets of Drumore; one brother, Jesse Walton of Nottingham; and four sisters, Lorie Walton of Oxford, Paula Willoughby of Allentown, Bobbie Jo Clemens of Quarryville and Wanda Patterson of Oxford. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ike “Junior” Walton. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Oct. 28 at his mother’s home in Oxford. Interment will be private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

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Obituaries STEVEN JOSEPH LADUKE Steven Joseph LaDuke, age 72, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away on Oct. 15, 2023 while at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. He was the spouse of Renate (Hoffmann) LaDuke, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Born in Detroit, Mich., he was the son of the late Robert LaDuke and Matilda (Gossens) LaDuke. Steven met his wife, Renate, while stationed in Germany for the U.S. Army. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life and retired from Cheyney University as a carpenter and foreman for the college. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Steven was a man who enjoyed working with his hands and who always kept busy. Building things was both his hobby and his income. If he wasn’t at his day job, he was often doing side jobs for others or engaged with projects around the home he shared with Renate in Lincoln University. Steven will be most remembered for his good deeds and he was always helping others when and where he could with his generosity of time and capital, and most importantly, his kind heart and thoughtful, caring advice. He will also be remembered for his love of history and his deep, reflective, spiritual awareness. Steven will most be missed for his dad jokes, lively political commentary, and playing his favorite music throughout the house. In addition to his wife, Steven is survived by his children, Leif LaDuke of West Chester, Jessica LaDuke (Luis Cabrera) of Media, Pa., and Tanja LaDuke of Lincoln University, and his grandchildren, Michael, Ismael, Alayna, Tanaya and Rafael. Also surviving are his siblings, Dennis LaDuke, Janet Mooney, Suzanne Salus, and Robert LaDuke, his brothers-in-law, Rainer Hoffmann and Detlef Hoffmann, both of Germany, and his beloved dog, Bella, a basset hound-beagle mix that he and Renate adopted from Greenmore Farm during the pandemic. In addition to his parents, Steven was predeceased by one brother, Michael LaDuke. Services are private. Contributions in his memory may be made to Greenmore Farm Animal Rescue, Clonmell Upland Road, West Grove, Pa. 19390 or at www.greenmorerescue.org/donate. Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Steven’s online tribute please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

ROBERT MARSHALL HARTMAN Robert Marshall Hartman, 84, of Oxford, passed away on Oct. 5, 2023 at Ware Presbyterian Village. “Your husband may be the mailman, but it took me to deliver the male!” the doctor proudly announced on Jan. 7, 1939. And so, Bertha and Robert Lee Hartman welcomed their third child, Robert Marshall, who would join big sisters Diane and Nellie on Peach Street in Philadelphia. “Bobby” would soon be joined by younger brother, Jack, rounding out their happy clan. Bob was always drawn to water, and to life. At age 14, during a camping trip, Bob dove into the water and rescued a drowning man. He received the Boy Scout Certificate of Heroism. Naturally extroverted and social, Bob attended Upper Darby High School. There, he had a wonderful time, and proudly set a record for cutting classes during his senior year. Remarkably, he graduated, and began work as an apprentice draftsman at the Philadelphia Naval Air Engineering Facility, where he excelled and was encouraged to go to college. While serving as a U.S. Army Reservist in the Helicopter Maintenance School, he worked his way through college and graduate school, earning his BS degree in aerospace engineering and master of engineering science degrees. During this time, Bob earned numerous academic awards and scholarships, and was inducted into national engineering honor societies. He worked for many years as a professional engineer, and was part of the teams which designed the Command Module of NASA’s Apollo Spacecraft, enabling U.S. astronauts to land on the moon, the U.S. Navy’s top-secret Polaris Missile Launcher, a movingsubmarine-launched rocket which became the primary means of deterring nuclear war during that time, the U.S. Navy’s Steam Catapult Aircraft Launcher, made famous in Top Gun movies and still used worldwide to propel supersonic fighter jets off of aircraft carriers, the Umbaugh Autogyro aircraft, as well as the Sea Knight, Chinook and Sea Stallion helicopters for the U.S. Marine Corps, Army and Navy. Bob used to joke that the “Heavy Lift Helicopter” (HLH) acronym was the basis for his daughter’s initials. After a successful career working in the aerospace and environmental industries, Bob earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and brought his creativity and ingenuity to academia, becoming a college professor. He conducted countless experiments in his beloved wind tunnel, published groundbreaking research, and designed numerous original inventions, including a novel rudder intended for the U.S. Racing Team in the America’s

Cup. In 1992, Bob ran for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to improve people’s daily lives by devising practical solutions to complex problems. But Bob’s family was his proudest accomplishment. In 1965, he married a hometown girl from Upper Darby, Damaris Frederick, and was her devoted husband for the rest of his life. A wonderful father, Bob spent countless hours at the band recitals and sporting events of son, Glenn, and daughter, Heather. And when each of Bob’s four grandchildren came along—Lauren, Andrew, Justin and Rachel—he was over the moon. Always a hero to his family, Bob lived and loved with all his heart. He loved the warmth of summer, the sunlight glimmering across the white-capped bay, and a strong wind bringing his sailboat to life. He loved lifting his kids “fireman style” upstairs to bed, and hearing them squeal with delight. He loved big bands and jazz and classical music blaring from his old “hi fi.” He loved collecting sea stories, wood carving, golf, and going out for hamburgers with his buddies. He loved his pet dogs, and doted on them. He loved his old, cherry-red Ford convertible. He loved cold Chef Boyardee spaghetti, straight out of the can. He loved the Mummers’ string bands on New Year’s Day. He loved coffee and donuts before church. He loved the smell of a storm approaching, followed by the claps of thunder, and sitting on the porch to watch. The little boy from Peach Street always loved Breyers peach ice cream. And like the doctor who had delivered him, he loved puns and laughter and life. For his family, autumn came early in 2023, when Bob’s beautiful mind came to rest. On Oct. 5, he was welcomed home by his personal lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Bob’s family will sprinkle his ashes on the Chesapeake Bay when the weather warms. Bob is survived by wife Damaris Frederick Hartman, a son, Glenn Marshall Hartman (Linda), a daughter, Heather Lummus Steffl (Scott), his grandchildren Lauren Lummus, Andrew Lummus, Justin Hartman, and Rachel Hartman, and a sister, Diane Huff. He was predeceased by his sister Nellie York, his brother, Jack Hartman, and parents Bertha Marple Hartman and Robert Lee Hartman. Bob’s precious life will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St. in Oxford. Family visitation will be at 10 a.m. and a memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by refreshments. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at (410) 268-8816 or cbf. org. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com).

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News Downingtown resident elected to Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union board Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) announced the election of Kevin Wiggins, CPA to its board of directors. Wiggins recently began a new position as chief financial officer of Power Home Remodeling headquartered in Chester, Pa.,

the nation’s largest, fullservice exterior home remodeler and Fortune’s #13 Best Company to Work For. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer of Wawa, Inc., responsible for financial reporting, taxation, treasury operations, planning and

analysis, enterprise analytics, shareholder services, and corporate strategy. “Kevin is an accomplished executive that possesses a wide range of financial experience and acumen,” said President and CEO Michael B. Magnavita, CPA. “It is an

honor having him join our dedicated, all-volunteer board of directors.” Before joining Wawa, Wiggins was vice president and controller of Ricoh Americas Corporation and IKON Office Solutions, Inc. “It is exciting to join

the board of a financial institution with such a distinguished past and exceptional reputation,” noted Wiggins. “FMFCU is renowned for meeting the needs of its members Kevin Wiggins and I look forward contributing to our bright future.” Widener University and Wiggins is a graduate of resides in Downingtown.

State Sen. Kane secures over $7.1 million in funding for Senate District The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) met to announce the approval of several important funding initiatives for Senate District 9. These funds will support various programs aimed at enhancing public safety and providing crucial services to the community. The approved fund-

ing includes grants for Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole, Defensive Tactics Court Curriculum, Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), State Rights and Services (RASA) and State Juvenile Offenders (VOJO), Federal State Opioid Response (SOR), Federal Project Safe Neighborhood

- Western District, and State Endowment Act Funds. These awards are subject to outstanding fiscal or programmatic concerns, ensuring responsible allocation of resources. “It’s fulfilling to see the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s commitment to supporting our community,” said

Senator Kane. “These funds will enable us to enhance our probation and parole systems, improve victim services, and address the opioid crisis effectively throughout our district.” In addition to the aforementioned grants, the Commission also approved $1,615,102 for the Pennsylvania Coalition to

Advance Respect (PCAR) to bolster their sexual assault services program and support the Rape Survivor Child Custody Act (RSCCA). A funding framework was also adopted to provide additional support through the Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program. This framework will assist local law

enforcement agencies in filling officer vacancies and covering the cost of Act 120 training. “These investments in our community’s safety and well-being will have a lasting impact”, Senator Kane emphasized. “I am proud to work to ensure that SD 9 receives the support it needs.”

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Legals ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Hilda M. Martin, late of West Grove, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named have 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: JacquelineC. Smith, Executrix, 408 Cedar Spring Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348 10p-25-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF BEVERLY J. BENESKI, DECEASED. Late of Lower Oxford 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 NICHOLAS MACHINAS BENESKI, EXECUTOR, c/o William B. Cooper, III, Esq., P.O. Box 673, Exton, PA 19341, Or to his Attorney: WILLIAM B. COOPER, III, FOX ROTHSCHILD, LLP, P.O. Box 673, Exton, PA 19341 10p-25-3t

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name CQ Medical, 440 Church Road, Avondale, PA 19311, filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, on October 26, 2023, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The names and addresses of the persons who

are parties to the registration are: Anholt Technologies, Inc., 440 Church Road, Avondale, PA 19311.

GROUP MADE BY EDWARD B. WALSH & ASSOCIATES, INC., CIVIL ENGINEERS, 760 SPRINGDALE DRIVE, EXTON, 11p-1-1t PA 19341 (610) 363-1360, DATED 2-8-1993 LAST REVISED Sheriff Sale 3-l-1994 AND RECORDED AS of Real Estate PLAN #13027 AS FOLLOWS By virtue of the within men- TO WIT: tioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein- BEGINNING AT A POINT ON described real estate will be THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF sold at public on-line auction WELLSVILLE LANE A CORvia Bid4Assets, by accessing NER OF LOT 59 ON SAID URL www.bid4assets.com/ PLAN, THENCE EXTENDchestercopasheriffsales, on ING ALONG SAID LOT AND Thursday, November 16 th, ALONG LOT 58, NORTH 25 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given DEGREES 46 MINUTES 11 to all parties in interest and SECONDS WEST PARTLY claimants that the Sheriff will CROSSING A 20 FEET WIDE file with the Prothonotary and in STORM WATER EASEMENT the Sheriff’s Office, both located THE DISTANCE OF 180.00 in the Chester County Justice FEET TO A POINT IN THE BED Center, 201 W Market Street, OF SAID EASEMENT AND A West Chester, Pennsylvania, CORNER OF LOT 77, THENCE Schedules of Distribution on EXTENDING ALONG SAID Monday, December 18th, 2023. LOT AND PARTLY CROSSING Distribution will be made in ac- SAID 20 FEET WIDE STORM cordance with the Schedules WATER EASEMENT, NORTH unless exceptions are filed in 55 DEGREES 15 MINUTES 56 the Sheriff’s Office within ten SECONDS EAST 185.67 FEET (10) days thereafter. TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERLY SIDE OF RUSHFORD SALE NO. 23-11-308 PLACE, THENCE EXTENDING Writ of Execution ALONG SAME SOUTH 67 DENo. 2023-00070 GREES 16 MINUTES 25 SECDEBT $452,172.75 ONDS EAST RE-CROSSING SAID 20 FEET WIDE STORM THE LAND REFERRED TO WATER EASEMENT 91.54 HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED FEET TO A POINT OF CURVE, IN THE COUNTY OF CHES- THENCE EXTENDING ON THE TER, STATE OF PENNSYLVA- ARC OF A CIRCLE CURVING NIA, AND IS DESCRIBED AS TO THE RIGHT HAVING A RAFOLLOWS: DIUS OF 25.00 FEET THE ARC DISTANCE OF 39.27 FEET TO ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR A POINT OF TANGENT ON PIECE OF GROUND SITUATE THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF IN LONDON GROVE TOWN- WELLSVILLE LANE, THENCE SHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, EXTENDING ALONG SAME PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED SOUTH 22 DEGREES 43 MINAND DESCRIBED ACCORD- UTES 33 SECONDS WEST ING TO A PLAN OF SUBDIVI- 35.44 FEET TO A POINT OF SION OF THE HILLS OF SUL- CURVE, THENCE EXTENDING LIVAN FOR THE WILKINSON ON THE ARC OF A CIRCLE CURVING TO THE RIGHT HAVING A RADIUS OF 325.00 FEET THE ARC DISTANCE OF 235.42 FEET TO THE FIRST MENTIONED POINT

AND PLACE OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 38,168 SQUARE FEET MORE OR LESS. BEING LOT 76 ON SAID PLAN. TITLE TO SAID PREMISES IS VESTED IN MARTIN HARVITZ AND LISA STRATTONHARVITZ, HUSBAND AND WIFE BY DEED FROM LISA STRATTON-HARVITZ DATED SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 AND RECORDED SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 IN DEED BOOK 5019, PAGE 153 INSTRUMENT NUMBER 11367701. THE SAID MARTIN HARVITZ DIED ON MARCH 29, 2020 THEREBY VESTING TITLE IN HIS SURVIVING SPOUSE LISA STRATTON-HARVITZ BY OPERATION OF LAW. TAX I.D. #: 59-8-191.44 PLAINTIFF: AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Lisa StrattonHarvitz a/k/a Lisa StratonHarvitz and United States of America, c/o United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania SALE ADDRESS: 4 Wellsville Lane, Avondale, PA 19311 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 215-790-1010 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 10p-25-3t

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Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice US Storage Centers - Exton located at 371 Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 11/15/2023 at 10:00AM. Grant Perry unit #A062. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County Commissioners present agriculture awards Awards go to the Miller Family and Dr. Kevin Hicks Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, along with members of the Chester County Agricultural Development Council (Ag Council), presented two annual agriculture awards yesterday at Birchrun Hills Farm in Chester Springs. The 2023 Chester County Farmers of the Year award was presented to the Miller family, Ken and Sue Miller and their sons Randy and Jesse, who own and operate the Chester Springs-based Birchrun Hills Farm, a dairy and cheesemaking business. The Millers were recognized for their dynamic business model, commitment to sustainable farming practices, and local food system advocacy. First generation dairy farmers Ken and Sue Miller started farming in 1980 when Chester County farmland was plentiful to lease and milk prices were strong. After weathering years of volatile milk prices and rising land costs, they took a chance on cheesemaking in 2006 to secure a more stable future for their farm. Sue, the primary cheesemaker, credits support from Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, cheesemaking mentor Peter Dickson of Parish Hill Creamery in Vermont, and Di Bruno Brothers gourmet shops in

Philadelphia for her early successes. “It wasn’t easy for us to start making cheese,” Sue recalled. “Randy and Jesse were so young back then, and it took many special relationships with fellow farmers and a lot of family cooperation to allow us to explore this new venture.” Ken Miller, one of the first no-till farmers in the county, oversees the crop growing side of their business using sustainable farming practices to feed their 80-cow herd on owned and leased land. He is forever mindful of the watershed he and his family are stewards of and how the quality of the land and water is reflected in the flavors of the cheese they produce. Birchrun Hills awardwinning cheeses have a strong following with chefs, food critics and specialty retailers across the region. Cheese fans can find them at the Phoenixville, Bryn Mawr, Kennett Square and Headhouse farmers markets, and at their regular cheese and wine on-farm happy hours. They’ve even branched into hosting virtual cheese tasting events. The Miller family is grateful for the ongoing support from their neighbors, friends, and farmers market customers as they look to eventually transition the farm to their sons Randy and Jesse. The next generation

Courtesy photos

The Miller family of Birchrun Hills Farm is presented with the Farmers of the Year award by the Chester County Commissioners. Pictured (left to right) are Ann Lane, Interim Director of the Chester County Ag Council, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Randy Miller, Commissioner Michelle Kichline, Sue and Ken Miller, and Commissioner Marian Moskowitz.

of the Miller family currently oversees Birchrun Hills’ herd management, farmers market operations and assist Ken with the crops. Together the family compliments each other’s skill sets and challenges one another to strive for excellence in all they do. “We love connecting people with their food and what better way to do that than feeding them really good food on the farm where it’s made,” said Sue Miller. “We encourage people to get to know us and see how we raise the cows, and to truly appreciate the land our food comes from.”

Commissioners and Ag Council presented the Duncan Allison Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture to Dr. Kevin Hicks of Malvern, for his volunteer work shepherding sustainable forestry practices and invasive species removal at Lundale Farm outside of Pottstown. Lundale Farm is a community of regenerative farmers enhancing the ecology, health, and diversity of the land, and serves as a model for local food production and forest stewardship on over 500 acres of preserved land. A retired USDA scientist, Hicks has brought his scientific acumen and The Duncan Allison problem-solving skills to Award for Distinguished help Lundale plan for and Service to Agriculture improve its wooded acres through exploring timberThe Chester County ing, reforestation, managing

Dr. Kevin Hicks is presented with the Duncan Allison Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture by the Chester County Commissioners. Pictured (left to right) are Ann Lane, Interim Director of the Chester County Ag Council, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Dr. Hicks, Pam Hicks, and Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Michelle Kichline.

invasives, planting riparian areas for agroforestry and the sale of carbon credits. As the board chair of the Sustainable Forestry Committee, Hicks is also tasked with leading groups of volunteers to implement his recommendations. Hicks contends that the biggest question a landowner faces is what happens if they choose to do nothing to manage their woodlands. “A hundred or even 50 years ago, nature would have taken its course,” said Hicks. “We didn’t have invasive species like we do today. Now Chester County is at the edge of the storm front, dealing with a huge amount of invasive species coming in on shipping materials from our nearby ports, things like lanternflies, ori-

ental bittersweet, multiflora rose, stilt grass, and emerald ash borers.” Hicks and his wife Pam, also a board member at Lundale, work hand in hand with Lundale’s leadership and tenant farmers to make sure any actions taken are a good fit for the nonprofit’s organic, regenerative focus. “Dr. Hicks is a wonderful ambassador for sustainable forestry in Chester County,” said Ag Council interim director Ann Lane. “He cares deeply for the environment, on both a personal and professional level, and gives so much of his time to show what’s possible for Lundale and other forested lands.” Learn more about Chester County’s agriculture industry at www.chescofarming. org.

Scholarship applications available for local students studying health care The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County announced the search for students who reside in the Avon Grove, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to apply for the Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarship.

This scholarship, previously granted in amounts of $1000 or more, is awarded to students who are seeking higher education in the human health care field. Last year over $100,000 was granted to area students who received this scholarship. Award recipients planned to study fields such as nursing,

medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, sonography and occupational therapy. The Alma Newlin Scholarship grants one-time undergraduate awards to college-bound high school seniors, current college students, and adults pursuing continuing education. Also eligible are students enter-

ing post-graduate studies, including additional onetime awards to previous scholarship recipients seeking post-graduate education in healthcare. Students must have an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher in previous studies and be accepted for study in healthcare-related

professions. The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a bequest from Mrs. Alma Newlin, a longtime resident of Kennett Square. The fund is administered by the Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County.

Applications may be obtained online at HYPERLINK “ h t t p : / / w w w. H W F S C C . org” www.HWFSCC.org under the funding link. All applications and supporting documents must be submitted electronically. All applications must be submitted by the last day of February 2024.

Obituaries Continued from Page 3B

ROBERT L. MCCONNELL God called Robert (Bob) L. McConnell, 72, of Nottingham, home on Oct. 22, 2023 to be reunited with his beloved son, Jeffrey L. McConnell and his twins Michael L. and Melinda A. McConnell. Despite always reporting that he felt “mean and miserable,” Bob could be counted on for a good laugh due to his quick wit and a caring shoulder and his incredible generosity with his time. He lived a quiet life of humble service by helping family, friends and even strangers in need. In his final act, Bob accomplished his lifelong goal of working until the day he died. He was born in Dubois, Pa. and moved to Oxford in 1970. He started working at Cameron’s in Oxford and remained a faithful employee for over 30 years, ultimately serving as the manager of Cameron’s True Value Hardware. He retired from Cameron’s to run a handyman service for 15 years, focusing on helping his friends and others in need. In his later years, he worked at Little Britain Store where he managed the hardware section and thoroughly enjoyed joking with his customers. In addition to working, Bob loved reading books and sharing his joy of reading with friends, gardening and talking about plants to anyone who would listen, mentoring his “grandson,” James E. Taylor Jr on the importance of patience and hard work, teaching his great nephew, Aiden K. Abreu, less conventional uses for conventional tools, and arguing about everything two men could argue about with his good friend, Dominic Amoriello. He also enjoyed joking and conversing with his dear friends from a life well lived. Bob left behind his daughter, Julie A. McConnell of Kirkwood, Pa. and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. He is survived by two brothers, Howard and Roger. Bob’s parents, Marjorie L. Smith and Lawrence R. McConnell, as well as his brother Lawrence (Taylor) T. McConnell preceded him in death. A celebration of Bob’s life was held at Bethany PCA Church in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Bethany Christian School located at 2483 Baltimore Pike, Oxford Pa. 19363 or the James E. Taylor Jr Special Needs Trust to assist with adaptive equipment as James continues his miraculous recovery. Checks for the James E. Taylor Jr. Special Needs Trust can be mailed to Edward L. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. at 86 Pine Street, Oxford, Pa. 19363. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CHRISTOPHER STEVEN CHANDLER Christopher Steven Chandler, of Avondale, passed away on Oct. 19, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. with his family by his side. He was 40. He was the spouse of Laura Chandler, with whom he shared 13 years of marriage, and father to his two beloved twin daughters, Kylie and Madelyn. He is survived by his wife and their daughters; his parents, Michael and Dolores Chandler; his brothers, Scott Chandler and Brian Chandler (Christina); a sister, Heather Kelly (Kevin); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be tremendously missed. Born in West Chester on April 28, 1983 to Michael S. Chandler and Dolores Regester Chandler, Chris spent his childhood surrounded by the things that he loved as an adult: playing the drums, watching and playing sports, fishing, along with spending time with friends and family. He graduated from Kennett High School in 2002, where he was a leading member of the 2002 State Championship basketball team. After high school, he started his apprenticeship with Local 74/plumbers and pipefitters in September of 2005 and completed the five-year program in June of 2010. Affectionately known as “Woogie” (from Something About Mary) to his union brothers, he worked as a journeyman pipe-fitter in Delaware since his graduation. His friends and family had numerous other nicknames, so much so that he rarely went by just “Chris.” Some of those nicknames included “Chandler,” “The Chandler Boy,” “Chee,” “Chicken,” and “Gig,” among countless others. More than anything, Chris loved spending time with his family and this was his favorite place to be. You could see his generosity of spirit through his cooking. For holidays, his specialties were the Thanksgiving turkey, apple pie, brie, and any coordinating appetizer. Any holiday was a reason to celebrate. He held a special place in his heart for carving pumpkins in the fall, hanging decorations for each holiday, taking the girls shopping for Christmas, Easter Egg hunts, and so much more. Just as importantly, he found ways to give back to the community. One of his most important titles was being “Coach Daddy” for the girls in T-ball. During the summers, Chris loved spending time at the beach collecting shells, building sandcastles, and teaching Kylie and Maddy the best fishing techniques. He was the most loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend. The celebration of his life was held at Moore Joy Farm in West Grove on Oct. 28. Contributions may be made to https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/chris-chandler/8666/ which has been established to cover the cost of his funeral and support the education and well-being of his daughters. Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. at (484) 734-8100 of Kennett Square. To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023

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