Chester County Press 12-01-2021 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 155, No. 48

INSIDE

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Grant will be used for beautification of Birch Street and construction of Magnolia Underpass

Kennett Greenway receives $1.47 million in grant funding

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The Magnolia Underpass and Birch Street in Kennett Square – two major connectors of the 14-mile Kennett Greenville & Hockessin Greenway -- will be develLife oped, thanks to a $1.471 million grant received by the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) on Nov. 19.

Scheduled to begin design, engineering and permitting in 2022 and construction in 2023 and 2024, these projects will form two significant and complementary segments of the Kennett Greenway through the creation of a Students interview three “complete street” along Birch Street in the Borough former mayors...6A of Kennett Square, and the construction of a railroad underpass in Kennett Township.

These projects will be the latest steps in an initiative to connect Kennett Township, Kennett Square Borough, East Marlborough Township, New Garden Township and parts of the northwestern portion of Delaware by way of pedestrian and bicycle trails. The trail network that links Kennett’s Enjoy some holiday preserved open spaces, magic...1B recreational facilities, and other community assets has been advanced through a phased approach, with strong community support,

INDEX

Opinion.......................7A Obituaries.............2B-3B Classifieds..................6B

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

local government coopera- – will require additional Square Roots Collective is contrary to what makes tion and county and state parking. Instead, he called operations lead Luke a town “delightful” and elected advocacy. upon the community to cre- Zubrod said that incorporat- walkable.

Continued on page 2A ate a communal solution. ing space for more vehicles Creating beauty, connection and experience The Birch Street Streetscape portion of the project will address stormwater issues along Birch Street, including the implementation of stormwater best management practices and roadway reconstruction, and will promote alternatives to traditional vehicular travel through the installation of new sidewalks, ADA curbs and ramps, crosswalks and appropriate signage.

“There is of course the issue of repairing the roads, but in a larger sense, it is asking, ‘How do we make the streetscape not just engineered properly, but actually a place of beauty?’” said Mike Bontrager of Square Roots Collective, which helped spearhead the community collaboration behind the grant. “It will not just be a case of making the road work, but of creating the experience of being able to walk on the Kennett Greenway on Birch Street, in order to access these community assets.”

Bontrager doesn’t believe that the revamped street – that may very likely draw more businesses and subsequently larger attendance

Holiday Light Parade shines brightly in Kennett Square

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer The chilly wind and falling temperatures might have given rise to doubts about the anticipated size of the audience for Kennett Square’s Holiday Light Parade last Friday, but those doubts didn’t bear fruit. In fact, the crowd was so large that people lined the State Street sidewalks three-deep all the way from the parade’s Photos by Chris Barber starting point at Lafayette A carriage moved through town pulled by a car Street all the way to Broad rather than a horse.

Street.

The electronics entertainment crew beckoned the visitors beforehand with loud, vintage Christmas music from decades-past—including crooners Andy Williams and Perry Como. Several souvenir vendors pushed their carts through town. Longwood Performing Arts dancers perform their Continued on page 3A

pre-parade show.

East Nottingham plans to keep millage rate at zero for 2022

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

© 2007 The Chester County Press

$1.00

The East Nottingham Township supervisors indicated at their Nov. 9 meeting that the millage rate will remain at zero for another year.

The budget for 2022 hasn’t been adopted yet, but at this point in the year it appears as if next year’s spending plan can be finalized with-

out a tax increase. In East Nottingham Township’s case, that means a millage rate that will remain at zero for another year.

Suzanne Hamlin, the township’s treasurer, noted during the discussion that the township has operated with the millage rate set at zero since 2005.

Supervisor Sam Goodley pointed out that the township does have an open

space tax, and all the revenues generated from that tax are utilized for open space purposes. This allows the township to pursue efforts to preserve open space— which township residents have steadfastly supported through the years—while not utilizing money from the township’s general fund.

In other business at the meeting, Goodley offered an update about the Oxford

Part-time police officer Shakira Greer:

Making A difference in Oxford

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer Shakira Greer grew up wanting to make a positive difference in the world.

People saw a strength in her, even when she was young, and that continues to grow to this day. People in her hometown weren’t surprised to see her wrestling on the boys’ wrestling team. There wasn’t a girls’ wrestling team and Greer wanted to wrestle and so she did. Greer was so successful at it that she moved up to the Foxcatcher’s Junior National Team. She did that for three years and then joined the Navy.

“I did that for four years and when I got out, I went to college. I have an undergrad degree in criminal justice and a minor in Arabic,” she said.

Greer then earned a mas-

Area Sewer Authority. Two years ago, it appeared as if the sewer authority, which is owned by four member municipalities of East Nottingham Township, West Nottingham Township, Oxford Borough, and Lower Oxford Township, was close to being sold to a for-profit entity as a way to address long-standing financial issues. Instead, a consultant was brought in to

Officer Shakira Greer enjoying some dog time.

ter’s degree in homeland security and management, but that wasn’t enough. She was still looking to make a difference in the world, so in April 2016 she joined the Oxford Police Department as a part-time officer.

“I don’t know why, but I always wanted to make a positive difference in this world,” Greer said. “I want to make people know they

are worth something. I want to do anything I can do to make a positive difference.

As a police officer, I’m not here to arrest people, I’m here to serve and protect them. I hope people don’t judge me by the media or the uniform. I hope they know I am here to help them. We have feelings, too. We are more than the uniform.”

Continued on page 4A

Continued on page 2A

Lax to the max: Women’s 35+ lacrosse league forms in Kennett Square

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Courtesy photo

lead the sewer authority and make the necessary changes that would right the financial ship. Goodley, who represents East Nottingham on the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board, said, “Things are running pretty smoothly” with the sewer authority’s operations.

He added that his term as one of the township’s representatives on the Oxford

On Sunday afternoons throughout the month of October, as many as 20 women over the age of 35 gathered together on the artificial turf of Legends Field in Kennett Square, equipped with lacrosse sticks and the belief that they could turn back time.

To each player – whether they came once, twice or to each practice or scrimmage -- those 90-minute sessions became both a physical challenge and a love letter

to the sport they grew up playing. With each clamping, clearing and cradling, they allowed themselves the freedom to tuck into a safe cocoon, away from the stressors of their professions and their roles as the CEO of their families. They enjoyed dizzy stick contests and played in Halloween costumes and laughed uproariously over the fact that the muscles that moved so fluidly when they were 18 don’t work as well anymore.

They gave themselves permission to fling open the Continued on page 5A

2A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Kennett Greenway...

Continued from Page 1A

“The Kennett Greenway’s position has been to create this community as a place for people to walk, and I think the parking aspect is integral to that,” Zubrod said. “American towns were built around the automobile, and The Greenway is focused on turning that dial to say, ‘How do we build a town that is walkable and built around the person?’

The more parking requirements we have, the farther away the buildings are and the more you need cars to get to places.”

The proposed construction of the Magnolia Underpass will cross beneath the East Penn Railway and provide a long-awaited bike and pedestrian “gateway” connection between the township and borough trails.

The underpass will be constructed from a prefabricated tube that will be installed beneath the railroad and extend from Pennock Park to a property currently owned by Kennett Business Park, LP. It will have sufficient lighting and safety measures in place.

“The Magnolia Underpass will be critical to connecting Kennett Borough and Kennett Township,” said Christina Norland, executive director of the Kennett Trails Alliance. “East Penn Railroad runs east to west and divides the borough north and south, and right now, there is no easy way for the residents of either the borough or the township to access the amenities of the borough or the open space in

the township.

“Between the creation of the underpass and a new trail portion, residents will be able to get from the borough all the way down to Chandler Mill Preserve once it is completed – a distance of about three miles.”

The MTF grant will complement $400,000 in previous MTF grant funding awarded to the project earlier this year, as well as a $500,000 grant awarded to the project by the county’s Department of Community Development. In addition, Square Roots Collective will contribute up to $250,000 to the development of these projects.

Earlier this month, Kennett Township, in collaboration with Kennett Square Borough, East Marlborough Township and Longwood Gardens received grant funding through the Chester County Vision Partnerships Program to advance a trail feasibility study to further regional connectivity. The study will determine the viability of several bicycle and pedestrian connections from the Kennett Square area to Longwood Gardens, laying the additional groundwork necessary for implementation and construction of new multimodal infrastructure that will support active transportation in the greater Kennett region.

Project receives support from elected officials During its application process, the grant was helped along with advocacy and letters of support from Sen. John Kane, Rep. Craig Williams, Rep. Christina Sappey and

Millage rate...

Continued from Page 1A

Area Sewer Authority Board is coming to an end at the conclusion of 2021, and he would like to have someone else take over.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he joked.

The supervisors adopted a resolution approving the transferable development rights as part of the Wicklow development.

The supervisors also voted to express their support for Douglas E. Weaver with regard to the issue that he is bringing to the township’s Zoning Hearing Board. He is seeking some relief from some very specific zoning regulations. The Zoning Hearing Board members can consider the position taken by the board of supervisors as they make their own decisions about whether to approve the request at the conclusion of the hearing.

In another matter that

the Chester County Board of Commissioners.

“The proposed project will enhance multimodal transportation infrastructure by providing an inclusive network, connecting Kennett residents to the area’s natural beauty while providing access to everyday destinations,” Kane wrote in his July 7 letter of appeal to state Democratic leader Jay Costa and Vincent Hughes, Senate appropriations chairman. “It will also further promote ongoing economic

Paoli!

Our newest branch is r ight in your backyard!

will be in front of the Zoning Hearing Board, this one concerning the expansion of John Fisher’s dog kennel on West Locust Street, the board of supervisors opted to take no position.

The board approved the advertising to appoint the firm of Barbacane Thornton, CPA to conduct the 2021 audit.

Judge Scott Massey, who presides over the District Court in Oxford, was on hand to officially administer the oath of office to Katherine Hanna and Samantha Dunlap, the two seniors from Oxford Area High School who were selected to serve as junior supervisors for this year.

Both students reside in the township, making them eligible to serve in the role. The township typically has just one junior supervisor each year, but for this year there are two because Dunlap and Hanna were so qualified based on their school work and extracurricular activities that East Nottingham officials did not want to

and community revitalization efforts throughout the region.” “[Kennett] Borough and [Kennett] Township are currently divided by the East Penn Railway, which effectively separates pedestrians from community destinations,” Williams wrote in his July 6 letter to State Reps. Bryan Cutler, Kerry Benninghoff and Stan Saylor. “The Magnolia Underpass will cross beneath the East Penn Railway, along the west branch of the Red Clay Creek, to provide a long-awaited bike and pedestrian connection between the township and the borough’s trail systems. The 750-linear-foot underpass will eliminate the physical barrier that prevents community members from easily and safely accessing both sides of the rail tracks – connecting people to neighborhoods, community restaurants, parks, businesses, workplac-

Photos by Steven Hoffman

Judge Scott Massey administered the oath of office to Samantha Dunlap and Katherine Hanna. Dunlap and Hanna are serving as junior supervisors in East Nottingham for the current school year.

choose between the two of To contact Staff Writer them. Hanna and Dunlap Steven Hoffman, email are taking turns attending editor@chestercounty. the township meetings. com.

es and recreation.”

“I’m thrilled that this funding has been approved to support outstanding local projects,” Sappey said.

“These grants increase safety and traffic flow, connect communities by trail, conserve open space and provide recreation opportunities. I was pleased to support these applications for funding and look forward to seeing the results.”

Additional supporters In addition, letters in support of grant funding came from over one dozen local businesses and agencies that included the Kennett Consolidated School District, the Kennett Area Park and Recreation Board, the Kennett Township Trails and Sidewalks Committee, the Kennett Trails Alliance, New Garden Township, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, Friends of the

%GNGDTCVKPI [GCTU

2TQRCPG )CU 5GTXKEG #0;9*'4' *GCVKPI *QV 9CVGT )CU .QIU )GPGTCVQTU CPF OQTG

Paoli Shopping Center Of f Lancaster Avenue

Stop by for a FREE gift!

Open a membership, get TWO!* fmfcu.org/hellopaoli

*Free gif t of fers available only in person at Paoli Branch while supplies last through 12/31/21. Membership eligibilit y applies.

Federally insured by NCUA

(TGG 'UVKOCVGU ^ #NN (WGNU

New Garden Trails, Historic Kennett Square (now Kennett Collaborative), Bike Kennett, The Commonwealth Group, West Branch Distilling Co., Kennett Square Realty, Kennett Business Park, Square Roots Collective, The Creamery of Kennett Square, The worKS, The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, South Mill Champs, Braeloch Brewing, and Montchanin Builders.

“Connectivity actually starts with all of us talking with each other and being collaborative,” Norland said.

“Square Roots Collective is so grateful for the public and private partnerships that have been forged to secure additional funding needed to advance multimodal transportation in our community.

“The Kennett Greenway is a transformational project that promotes inclusivity, health, safety, and environmental stewardship and contributes to the thriving of all members of our community.”

“This is an important win for the community and it took collaboration to get this done,” Bontrager added.

“We are always looking for local partners to make Kennett Square a better place to live and work.”

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3A

Chester County Press

Local News Holiday light parade...

Continued from Page 1A

Matt Fetick, the borough’s mayor and Master of Ceremonies, announced at the opening that this 2021 parade was the largest Christmas parade that Kennett Square had ever had with more than 70 participants and events.

A testament to the toughness of the parade, spectators bundled themselves and their children in coats and blankets to ensure that they would witness the arrival of Santa Claus. In fact, some kids were wrapped so cozily that it was hard to determine whether there were more children or blankets.

Preliminary to the march

eastward through town was the annual dance performance by the students of Longwood Performing Arts. This year, they were decked out in perky, white waitress outfits and tapdanced to an “I’ve Got It” tune, carrying makeshift trays and glasses. They performed their show twice and both times received roars of appreciation as they concluded with Rocketteslike high kicking.

The parade started on time at 6:15 p.m., and one after another the floats arrived. Most of them were covered from top to bot-

tom – stem to stern – with bright Christmas lights.

Some participants walked in groups. Some represented local businesses.

Some were parts of local non-profits. All had staged beforehand at the west end of the show at Lafayette Street and made certain that their trucks and floats were all set to shine through the trip.

The high point of the evening was the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus – aka Fran and Andrea Durynski – who brought up the rear of the parade in a 1918 Buick driven by

All photos by Chris Barber

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus sit ready to drive into town to light the tree.

antique vehicle aficionado Lou Mandich. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus stopped at the town tree next to Genesis Health Ventures, counted down from five and turned it on, eliciting cheers from the crowd.

Mrs. Santa said she thor-

oughly enjoyed the evening.

“I felt like a celebrity,” she said.

She added that while she was unable to hug the children in consideration of the past year’s COVID-19 cautions, she and her husband Continued on page 4A

Members of Casa Guanajuato march through town as another version of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Members of Casa Guanajuato performed a Three Kings The Blittersdorf truck is traditionally adorned with march. thousands of lights.

An appearance by the mushroom that will be dropped Parade performers included walkers, riders and a on New Year’s Eve reminded folks that there will be a Members of a group gather to ride in a lighted float. motorcycle. mushroom drop this year.

JENNERSVILLE HOSPITAL

CLOSURE

Effective Friday, December 31, the Emergency Department and all services of Jennersville Hospital located at 1015 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove, will be closed as of 11:59 p.m.

Effective Friday, December 31, inpatient admissions will stop.

Medical records can be requested by phone at 610-869-1020, or by email: Correspondence.Jennersville@towerhealth.org For additional dates of outpatient service closures, alternative service providers, general information, or questions about medical records, please visit the website below.

For all medical emergencies, do not wait for care, call 911.

TowerHealth.org/Jennersville

4A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Greer...

Continued from Page 1A

Recently, officer Greer was called on to handle two serious crimes in one evening in the Borough of Oxford.

A stabbing incident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 30, and she arrested a juvenile, Giovanni Furniss, who has since been charged as an adult, in connection with the stabbing of two juvenile victims.

“The suspect has been charged with two counts of attempted murder. He knew the victims. All of them are juveniles; however, the suspect is being charged as an adult,” Police Chief Sam Iacono explained.

Furniss is currently being held on $1 million bail. At his preliminary hearing, on Nov. 9 at Oxford District Court, the hearing was continued to Jan. 4, 2022.

“It all comes down to your training,” Greer explained.

“On both incidents you need to take control of the scene.

You assess the situation and make sure everyone is safe. You check on the victims and calm them. You make sure onlookers aren’t going to contaminate the crime scene. You wait for the EMS, gather facts, and establish who you are looking for. You basically say to yourself, what do I need to do to find out the facts of this story?”

Greer added, “You keep yourself calm. You have a job to do and you block out the shocking part and take care of the victim, secure the scene, protect the EMS crew, and just make sure everything is okay. When I arrived on the scene, I was trying to locate the suspect. I have to keep in mind the victims and suspect are juveniles.

“It certainly helps that we have an EMS team with a fantastic response time. I can’t stress it enough — our

EMS is on top of it and may get there before we do, within mere minutes.”

While still working on the stabbing case, Greer got dispatched to a domestic call that occurred along the 100 block of N. Third Street.

Greer observed injuries to the victim. The female victim reported she was choked around the neck, head butted, and spat on.

Greer arrested 35-year-old John R. Logan of Oxford for a domestic assault. Logan was charged with one count of strangulation and two additional charges. Logan’s preliminary hearing was held on Nov. 9, at at Oxford District Court. At that time, only the simple assault and disorderly conduct chargers were held over to the Court of Common Pleas. All other charges were dismissed.

Greer was quick to point out that although she may have been the arresting officer in both situations, she was backed up by a ter-

Holiday light parade...

Continued from Page 3A

were happy to have their pictures taken with their fans. She said she was impressed how orderly and polite the people were. She announced to the crowd that she and her husband were pleased to be invited to the event by Mayor Fetick.

“Kennett Square is one of our favorite towns to visit,” she said.

In retrospect of the evening, she said it went so well that they are considering not having the drawn

Photo by Chris Barber

The children were so well bundled that it almost looked as if there were more blankets than kids watching.

out “meet and greet” after the lighting anymore because the picture-taking worked out so well and efficiently.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus are scheduled to arrive in

West Grove via fire truck this Thursday at 7 p.m. and at Ace Hardware in Pocopson for pet pictures on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

rific team. And she is not the only one who makes multiple arrests in a day.

“Officer Taco was also on that night, and other officers helped me with reports, and continue to investigate and move the cases through the courts,” she said. “It takes a team and I have a great team in the OPD.” This was not her first stabbing or domestic disturbance. But going from one situation to another does require a different skill set. Greer said what most officers will tell you, “Domestics are one of the most dangerous calls you can go on.”

She explained, “I had to immediately prepare for the next scene. Once you arrive on the scene it’s not unusual for the person that calls in for help to turn on you. You have to go with your training and your gut instinct. You have to watch your back.

“At a domestic, you have to keep in mind that the victim has a connection and relationship with the suspect. If you walk into a fight, you have to calm them down. Tempers are flaring and you don’t want to anger them further. They have had a negative experience, and you don’t know how they will react when you show up in uniform.”

Greer said, “You really have to look for signs. You want to help. Often times the victims are scared to speak, for fear of reprisal. So you assess the situation quickly and try to keep everyone calm. You cannot take anything personally. You can’t make assumptions and you can’t be partial.

“You look at the facts.

You tell the court what you witnessed and explain how you came to the conclusion regarding the charges that were ultimately issued.”

Greer is quick to point out that a criminal investigation is not done when a suspect is arrested.

“While you are going through the court system you are continuously gathering information,” she said. “Witnesses can come forth at any time.

You never stop investigating till it is settled in court.

And, of course, cases can be reopened or more information can surface at a later time. Ultimately you want both parties to be heard and justice served.”

Greer said that she believes in justice, in the rights of people and making the world a better place, but she also wants people to know she does have a life beyond being a police officer.

Although her full-time job still requires a uniform, she does perform security for Herr Foods, but she also gets to enjoy another love—dogs.

She does pet-sitting on the side and has a dog of her own.

“I do have one spoiled-rotten fur baby at home named Cieli Mae, (pronounced Seely Mae) a chubby Boston Terrier,” Greer said. “I hope people don’t see me as just a serious police officer. I have another side to me. I want to do good in this world.”

She does befriend a lot of pups when she is out patrolling and some of the regulars may be waiting for a biscuit from her.

Some people do occasionally hear music coming from

Courtesy photo

Officer Shakira Greer on patrol.

the patrol car when she and other officers try to lighten the mood by playing seasonal music over car speakers.

“It does happen during Trick-or-Treat patrol and our annual Christmas Eve morning Toy Giveaway for borough children who come outside their homes,” she said. “There’s just something mood lifting about an officer swaying to “Ghostbuster’s” or “Here Comes Santa Claus” to get a giggle from the little ones! I also have the honor and privilege to be the department speaker/ presenter for our schools’ ‘Anti Bully’ and ‘Anti-Drug’ assemblies and Career Day. These are events close to my heart because those children are going to be our future soon and I love to help instill positivity and encouragement. Events like that can only benefit our community.

“As you can tell, my job keeps me very busy, but I have a great group of coworkers/mentors alongside me who constantly encourage and make me only want to continually do better for myself and my community, just like they do.”

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5A

Chester County Press

Local News Lacrosse...

Continued from Page 1A

back pages of their lives in the company of those who were doing the same.

Together, they formed the first season of Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse, and they simply had too much fun to stop now.

“I got to meet 20 new friends who share something we are passionate about and love,” said Nadine Durham of Havertown, who played lacrosse at the University of Maryland. “It was a gift to have been given the opportunity to rekindle that competitiveness and do it on a Sunday afternoon, as a gift to ourselves.

“The last time I played in a lacrosse game was 25 years ago, so being able to run up and down the field and finding a teammate and high-fiving brought back a lot of what I truly enjoy about the sport. It was fun to be back in our element, and to enjoy the commonality and shared passion.”

The idea to launch the league was conceived earlier this year by Kennett Square resident Catherine “Cat” Stenta, who played lacrosse at Wilmington Friends School and at Gettysburg College. For the past several years, she has stood on the sidelines of her children’s games and tournaments and practices, as well as seen her husband join a men’s lacrosse league.

“Playing lacrosse in high school was a go-to place for me,” Stenta said. “It became that thing that connected with me in my life and I wanted to get back to that feeling again. I saw that

there weren’t any opportunities for women over 35 to play lacrosse in the area, so one day I went on Facebook and asked, ‘Is anyone interested in playing lacrosse?’

The response was almost immediate.”

Stenta then met with Susan Gaughan of the newly formed Brandywine Valley Sports and Recreation (BVSR) and in keeping with the organization’s mission of providing athletic opportunities for people of all ages in southern Chester County, Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse was formed.

‘Like a breath of fresh air’ Lauren Jones, who last played competitive lacrosse when she was a student at Virginia Tech, arrived at her first practice filled with apprehension.

“I had a wooden stick from 1992 and I hadn’t played lacrosse in over 20 years, and I wondered how competitive the other players were, yet the idea of playing lacrosse again was exhilarating,” she said. “Every single practice was like a breath of fresh air that I hadn’t had in a very long time. That competitive feeling that I had been missing in my life had returned after so long.

“It felt so great to be a part of a team again, and despite the fact that it took me nearly a week for my body to recover, it was worth every ache and pain.”

For Meg Ryan, a high school lacrosse teammate of Stenta’s who had last played lacrosse when she was a student at Williams College, joining Kennett

Area Women’s Lacrosse required her to leave her Lower Merion home at 2 p.m. and not return until past 6:30 p.m.

“I would tell my children, ‘See you, kids. Mom is going to play lacrosse,’” Ryan said. “Being a part of this allowed me to be in the camaraderie of other women working for the same goal.

We’ve spent much of the past decade and more managing the demands of our families and putting other’s needs ahead of our own, so to be able to do something just for us was thrilling, with no ulterior motive and no overarching benefit for anyone but our enjoyment and well-being.”

‘Baby Steps’ While Stenta’s goal is to form teams within Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse within two years, she said that the formation of the group served as the needed “baby steps” for both the organization and its members.

“The fact that we are having so much playing with each other now – in fiveon-five or seven-on-seven scrimmages and sometimes using only half of the field – lends a certain informality and has been a great draw for those who haven’t played in many years,” she said.

While the inaugural season of Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse did not have the usual pomp and glory of organized play, it did include some of the typical components of the game. At the second practice, Stenta accidentally gave another player

Courtesy photos

Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse began play in October, as part of Brandywine Valley Sports and Recreation’s commitment to promote and provide recreation, sports and activities in southern Chester County.

a black eye. The woman, however, did not leave the field, climb in her car and drive home.

“She went right back in,” Stenta said. “While we all enjoyed the competition, the energy of the practices and the scrimmages brought belly laughter, and we also got to develop in ways we haven’t seen in ourselves in years.

“I don’t ‘play’ that much in my life right now, and I found that by being with these other women, that it is important for our mental and physical health, and in general, it fulfills the need for human beings to connect with one another.”

To learn more about Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse, visit them on Facebook, or email Kawlax35@gmail.com.

Founded this past February as a non-profit organization,

Kennett Area Women’s Lacrosse was founded this year by Kennett Square resident Catherine “Cat” Stenta, second row on left.

Brandywine Valley Sports and Recreation (BVSR) provides and promotes recreation, sports and activities for children of all ages in southern Chester County.

The organization’s goal is to promote the development of leadership, character, teamwork, integrity, athletic ability, artistic ability

and to nurture youth and family fitness, volunteerism, and a lifelong love of an active lifestyle. To learn more about BVSR, visit https://www.brandywinevalleysportsandrecreation.org To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Ă

Ă T #=IEHU ,SJA@ =J@ ,LAN=PA@ $AJAN=PEKJO #/"" "01&* 1"0

/"0&!"+1& ) ,**"/ & ) -=REJC =J@ $N=@EJC

=HPEIKNA -EGA ,TBKN@ - SSS 0MQENAO-=REJC ?KI 4A =??ALP =HH I=FKN ?NA@EP ?=N@O

6A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Avon Grove’s CFO receives DVASBO Advocacy Award On October 27, Avon Grove School District’s (AGSD) director of business administration and Chief Financial Officer Daniel Carsley was awarded the Delaware Valley Association of School Business Officials (DVASBO) Advocacy Award.

The DVASBO award, sponsored by retirement and investment firm KadesMargolis, recognized one school business professional from each of the four surrounding counties (Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery) for outstanding advocacy, guidance and service during the 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic.

In Chester County, Joseph P. Lubitsky, director of administrative services

for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), nominated Carsley for his outstanding work in Avon Grove.

“In addition to leading a high-performing business office staff during the pandemic, Dan has also been a key contributor in all aspects of the major capital projects underway in AGSD, including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art high school and the renovation of an existing building for a future middle school,” said Lubitsky.

“Projects of this magnitude involve complex and time-consuming work to complete designs, obtain approvals and align financing strategies. The current projects are on schedule to be completed on time and under budget. Much of this

success can be attributed to Dan Carsley’s commitment and tireless efforts to serve the school district and the community.”

This year, in addition to the recipients nominated by each county’s correlating intermediate unit, KadesMargolis recognized the business manager from each intermediate unit for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic and, as a result, Lubitsky was the award recipient for the CCIU. On October 27, Kimberly J. Keel, the Kades-Margolis vice president of employer plans, and Daniel Otto, certified financial planner, visited Avon Grove to present the awards to Carsley and Lubitsky.

As the two DVASBO award recipients for

Courtesy photo

Kimberly J. Keel (Kades-Margolis), Daniel Carsley (AGSD), Joseph P. Lubitsky (CCIU) and Daniel Otto (Kades-Margolis) display the glass plaques received for the DVASBO Advocacy Awards.

Chester County, Carsley and Lubitsky each received a glass plaque and a Certificate of Donation from

Kades-Margolis, acknowledging $250 endowments to the Avon Grove Education Foundation

in honor of Carsley and to the Children’s Fund of Chester County in honor of Lubitsky.

Students interview three former Chester County mayors Each year, students from across the country have the opportunity to participate in Kids Voting USA, which teaches the importance of democracy, how elections work and the concept of voting. To kick off Kids Voting in Chester County, Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), organized a live question-and-answer session with former Chester County mayors and students

of all ages.

On Oct. 18, past Chester County mayors Caroyln Comitta, Josh Maxwell and Leon Spencer attended a Zoom session to answer questions that were submitted from students across the county. Three local students, Abi Elanchezhiyan, Sophia Song and Wendy Barry participated in the live recording to interview the mayoral panel.

“A big part of Kids Voting is helping both children and

adults realize the importance of voting in every election, and that elections happen not once, but twice every year, primaries happen every April or May and general or presidential elections happen every November,” stated Gurnee.

“Parents were encouraged to spend time with their children discussing the offices and candidates on the ballot, as well as gathering information from media outlets and online resources

Courtesy photo

Twistback Center for the Arts 301 Muddy Run Rd., Oxford, PA 19363 PRESENTS

Charles Dickens’

LIVE ON STAGE in the

TWISTBACK GALLERY THEATER

Saturdays, December 4 & 11 Doors open at 6, curtain 7 Sundays, December 5 & 12 Doors open at 4, curtain 5 TICKETS - RSVP REQUESTED

484-410-4200

717-529-2909

$15 Individual / $25 Couple

H’orderves served one hour prior to curtain

A screenshot from the three-part Q & A series with former Chester County mayors.

Pictured (left to right) are State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Leon Spencer, Abi Elanchezhiyan, Sophia Song, Wendy Barry and Kathy Gurnee.

such as Votes PA or Chester County Voter Services,” said Gurnee. “After the research portion of the project, students took part in a voting experience using a ballot that mirrors the actual ballot with the same candidates and issues.”

Each of the participating school districts had the opportunity to integrate the Kids Voting project into their programs. With over a dozen mayoral races occurring in the 2021 election, this year’s Kids Voting program centered on mayors.

Activities such as researching services that mayors implemented during their tenure or evaluating the qualities of past leaders with the current candidates were provided to students, which highlighted the role that local mayors play in our communities.

Kids Voting for Chester County students was open from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2. The purpose of this “practice” voting is to enable students to learn about the voting process, replicate a real-life voting experience

for students and reinforce the knowledge and skills gained through Kids Voting classroom activities.

According to its website, “Kids Voting USA is a nonpartisan, grassroots-driven voter education program committed to creating lifelong voting habits in children, increasing family communication about citizenship and encouraging greater adult voter turnout.”

To learn more about Kids Voting or to watch the threepart Q & A series, visit www.cciu.org/kids-voting.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7A

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

Letter to the Editor

Southern Chester County will be stronger, healthier with hospital remaining open

Encourage lawmakers to support the repeal of AUMF

Southern Chester County will be stronger and healthier in the years ahead now that the Jennersville Hospital will continue to serve residents in the community.

The possibility of losing the only emergency room in the area was a worrisome one, and local officials and residents were right to be concerned about the potential impact that the hospital’s closing could have. Southern Chester County is a growing community, and it has a large elderly population, and in the years ahead more health care services will be needed—not fewer services.

Now that Jennersville Hospital has been sold to a new owner and saved from closure, it’s a good time to thank those involved who helped keep the hospital open.

Start with Canyon Atlantic Partners, LLC, the new owners that will take over the operations of the Jennersville Hospital and Brandywine Hospital facilities effective January 1, 2022. Canyon Atlantic Partners is a Texasbased hospital ownership and management organization with extensive experience and expertise in healthcare operations, healthcare finance, and the strategic integration of hospitals and healthcare resources.

At a press conference to announce the sale of the hospitals on Nov. 22, state and local officials expressed their thankfulness and relief that the two Chester County hospitals now have more secure futures following the acquisition. State Rep. John Lawrence joined State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, Penn Township supervisor Victor Mantegna, and other local officials to announce the continued operation of Jennersville Hospital, and they all mentioned how important the outpouring of support from the community was to helping keep Jennersville Hospital open.

As State Sen. Carolyn Comitta explained, “This is a win for the community that was driven by the community – the residents, patients, staff, doctors, nurses, and medical personnel served by and employed by Jennersville Hospital. They spoke up and stood up. Together, we worked with various stakeholders to amplify their voices and ensure that this vital community asset and center for medical and emergency care in southern Chester County is preserved.”

In a statement announcing the sale, Sue Perrotty, the president and CEO of Tower Health, referenced the concerns that were raised by local officials and residents.

“We listened to the community and redoubled our efforts to keep Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals open,” Perrotty said.

So thank you to all the residents and elected officials who expressed their concerns about the hospital’s closing.

It helped keep the hospital open.

This includes Penn Township officials, who were the first to make it clear that they wanted to find a way to keep the hospital open and to keep Medic 94 serving the community.

A thank you also to the Chester County Commissioners— Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, who have been very hand’s on when it comes to responding to needs in the community.

A thank you also to State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and State Rep. John Lawrence. Comitta noted how it was a very bipartisan effort to work on finding a solution. Kudos to the lawmakers for that effort. Elected officials should set aside partisan politics to address important issues, but we all know that it doesn’t always work that way.

Lawrence said that elected officials worked night and day to find a solution ever since the announcement of a potential closure of the hospital was made in late September. After more than a decade of serving the 13th Legislative District, no one should be surprised that Lawrence would work tirelessly to address an issue like this that is so important to the community. When a tornado left a narrow path of destruction earlier this year, the state representative was out there the next day helping to clear up the damage that was left behind. Lawrence has also been working tirelessly on behalf of rate payers who are concerned about the potential sale of the Chester Water Authority to a for-profit entity. We all owe Lawrence a debt of gratitude for advocating on behalf of residents who would have been affected so greatly by the closing of Jennersville Hospital.

&KHVWHU &RXQW\ 3UHVV 3XEOLVKHU 5DQGDOO 6 /LHEHUPDQ

6WHYH +RIIPDQ 0DQDJLQJ (GLWRU 5LFKDUG / *DZ $VVRFLDWH (GLWRU %UHQGD %XWW 2IILFH 0DQDJHU 7ULFLD +RDGOH\ $UW 'LUHFWRU $ODQ ( 7XUQV $GYHUWLVLQJ 'LUHFWRU 7HUL 7XUQV $GYHUWLVLQJ ([HFXWLYH +HOHQ ( :DUUHQ $GYHUWLVLQJ ([HFXWLYH $P\ /LHEHUPDQ 0DUNHWLQJ 3XEOLF 5HODWLRQV

12 5()81'6 $)7(5 5(&(,37 2) 68%6&5,37,21 3$<0(17 2daaT]c P]S _aTeX^db fTTZ b XbbdTb PaT TPRW >[STa XbbdTb PaT $ TPRW ?TaX^SXRP[b _^bcPVT _PXS Pc >gU^aS ?0 ("%" ?>BC<0BC4A) BT]S PSSaTbb RWP]VTb c^ 2WTbcTa 2^d]ch ?aTbb ? > 1^g $ :T[c^] ?0 ("#%

Letter to the Editor: As a veteran who served my country during the Berlin Wall crisis, I think of all the sacrifices that men and women have made on behalf of our country and its Constitution.

Our Constitution clearly states that it is Congress’s duty to declare war, but Authorizations for Military Force (AUMF) have shifted this sacred duty from Congress to the Executive branch. Rather than a robust national debate about the

merits and implications of any given war, AUMFs give the President a blank check to wage war as he/she sees fit.

I believe we owe our veterans and future service men and women the assurance that Congress will do its mandated duty to examine calls to war with thorough discussion, investigation and oversight.

In 2002, Congress passed the Iraqi AUMF which gave the President unlimited authority to engage in war with Iraq. This autho-

rization gave no clear geographic parameters, had no ending date and has been used since then to justify anti-ISIS operations in Iraq, Syria, and even Afghanistan.

It is no longer relevant, it’s not needed for existing operations, and its presence creates the potential for abuse by this and future administrations.

Currently forty-two U.S. Senators, including ten Republicans, have co-sponsored a bill, S. J. 10, to repeal the 2002 AUMF. This bill, if passed into law, would be

an important step in ensuring that Congress resumes its mandated responsibility.

But S.J. 10 must get to the floor of the Senate in order to be voted on and passed.

Please call or email your Senator and Sen. Charles Schumer of New York to ensure this happens.

We owe this to our past and future veterans.

Gilbert Robinson Professor Emeritus San Francisco State University Kennett Square

Former state senators Andrew Dinniman and John Eichelberger tapped as Pennsylvania State Co-Chairs for U.S. Term Limits U.S. Term Limits announced last week that former State Senators Andrew Dinniman and John Eichelberger, Jr., have agreed to be the Pennsylvania State Co-Chairs for U.S. Term Limits. Dinniman, a Democrat and Eichelberger, a Republican bring a bipartisan approach to an issue that over 80 percent of Pennsylvanians regardless of political affiliation support – term limits for Congress. They have both seen first-hand the need for term limits at the federal level and will work tirelessly in their role as Pennsylvania State Co-Chairs to see that Pennsylvania adopts a resolution for term limits.

“I am very honored to be serving with John as the Pennsylvania State Co-Chair for U.S. Term Limits,” said Dinniman. “In this polarized political atmosphere, it is refreshing to see Democrats and Republicans working together. Term limits for Congress is one issue that all Americans agree on. I look forward

to working with John to see that Pennsylvania adopts a resolution calling for congressional term limits.”

“I am glad to be working with Andy again on an issue that is of paramount concern for all Americans,” said Eichelberger. “Term limits is truly a bipartisan idea. We have members of Congress who were first elected when the Ford Pinto was the bestselling car in America and the 8-track tape was the next big thing.

“I can think of no better argument for term limits than that. Serving in Congress has become for many, a lucrative lifelong job rather than a public service. Term limits will help end career politicians and make Congress work better for all Americans.”

“We are honored to have Andy and John leading our efforts in Pennsylvania to pass term limits on Congress,” said Philip Blumel, President of U.S. Term Limits. “They are strong leaders who understand the problems within

Congress and the need for term limits. Under their guidance, I am confident we will get our term limits resolution passed in Pennsylvania.”

Dinniman served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 2006-2020, where he was Democratic Chair of the Education Committee.

In addition, Dinniman, as Senator, was a member of the State Board of Education, the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, the Historical and Museum Commission, State Public School Building Authority, the Higher Education Facilities Authority, Lincoln University Board of Trustees, as well as numerous other boards.

Before being elected to the Senate Dinniman served for over 14 years as Chester County Commissioner. He has been a long-time faculty member at West Chester University where he is currently Professor Emeritus.

Dinniman served as Chair of the Chester County Democratic Committee as

well as a member of the Pennsylvania and National Democratic Committees.

Eichelberger served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 2007 to 2018. While in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Education Committee and was vice chairman of the Banking and Insurance committee. He also served as the Subcommittee Chair on the Appropriations Committee, and served on the Senate Judiciary, Game and Fisheries, Transportation, and Agriculture Committees.

Eichelberger chaired the Pro-Life Caucus.

Prior to serving in the State Senate, Eichelberger served as Blair County Commissioner from 1995 to 2006. He owns Complete Insurance Services.

U.S. Term Limits is the largest grassroots term limits advocacy group in the country. We connect term limits supporters with their legislators and work to pass term limits at all levels of government, particularly on the U.S. Congress. Find out more at termlimits.org.

For better and worse, we’re all connected

By Lee H. Hamilton It’s a cliché to say that everything’s connected. But we live in a world where this is clearly true. Ideas, goods, services, workers, tourists, commerce, communications, drugs, crime, migrants, refugees, weapons, climate impacts… and, of course, viruses: They all cross borders constantly.

This is one reason I’ve come to believe that drawing a distinction between “foreign” and “domestic” policy, while often helpful, is also misleading. Globalization essentially means that we can’t escape the impact of what’s happening in other countries and regions around the globe, either at the policy level in Washington or on the street where you live.

This is often beneficial. The free movement of goods and services from this country to others builds our economy and creates jobs. Likewise, goods and services produced elsewhere and imported or used here have provided many American consumers with a quality of life that would have been unthink-

able a generation ago. The relatively free flow of ideas, cultural life, and people with talent, skill, ambition, or all three, have enriched this country and many others.

Yet managing globalization is also a clear challenge, because it’s not only the good stuff that goes along with it.

The work of government— not just at the federal level, but in our states, counties, and cities and towns—is to find ways of promoting what’s good and mitigating what’s bad.

Sometimes, this takes global coordination. The UN Climate Conference taking place in Scotland is one clear example. Climate change affects everything, from the kinds of plants and animals you might see in your backyard to the behavior of the oceans and global wind currents. The Glasgow meeting is aimed at accelerating governments’ action on ratcheting back the humanmade causes of climate change and at finding ways for nations and communities to adapt to the changes that we’re too late to prevent.

Sometimes, this demands

clear-headed national strategies. All countries need goods and services from other countries: food, cars, entertainment, manufacturing parts.

And economists would argue that our inter-connectedness on these fronts has, on the whole, served both the U.S. and the world well, raising standards of living, lowering costs, and expanding the array of choices available.

Yet when factory workers are thrown out of work, farmers are disrupted by competition from overseas, or over-dependence on the global supply chain proves to be a vulnerability, as during the pandemic, these demand thoughtful policy change from the federal government, whether it’s pursuing trade talks, developing support for re-training programs, or buttressing small-scale agriculture and local supply chains.

And at the local level, the forces of globalization clearly require a community response. Maybe it’s finding ways of assimilating and educating migrant workers or refugees. Maybe it’s help-

ing small farms connect with local markets that will boost their chances of success and help feed surrounding communities. And maybe it’s promoting home weatherization and other energy-related policies that help reduce carbon emissions.

The point is that the forces of globalization are with us whether we like it or not, and we can’t ignore them. We’re affected by what takes place everywhere else, and both at home and in the halls of power we have to understand and manage it. It’s inevitable that we’ll face challenges and disruption. Our task is to recognize the opportunities and spread the benefits.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

8A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Stay Strong.

Fight the Flu. Get your flu shot today.

This flu season, let’s all do our part.

Be a #FluFighter.

The flu shot is safe, effective and helps protect you, your family and our community. Even if you’ve had your full (4:.) Ȧȟ ZEGGMRI MXƶW WXMPP MQTSVXERX XS get your flu shot.

Get your flu shot at a ChristianaCare primary care office, urgent care or most pharmacies.

Visit ChristianaCare.org/FluShot today.

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Oxford’s Country Christmas returns this Friday There are a lot of events and activities to enjoy in the area this holiday season. This Friday night, Dec. 3, in downtown Oxford, the annual Country Christmas celebration will be taking place from 5 to 8 p.m.

There will be many family-friendly festivities to enjoy, including the lighting of the town Christmas tree, live musical performances, hayrides, food trucks, and visits with Santa.

Another event to get in the holiday spirit is the popular Herr’s Annual Holiday Lights Display.

Herr Foods has been offering this light display during the holidays for more than 30 years. There are dozens of lighted displays for visitors to enjoy as they drive through the Herr Foods campus in Nottingham. It requires a team of five people approximately six weeks to create the annual lights display, using more than 600,000 lights. Now, approximately 90 percent of the lights that are part of the display are LED lights. These LED lights

use 80 to 90 percent less energy than incandescent lights. It takes almost 220 sets of lights to cover “Big Blue,” the largest tree display. It is 90 feet high.

There is no charge to enjoy the light display, and it will be open each day from dusk to dawn through Jan. 2, 2022.

A Longwood Christmas

For the quintessential holiday experience, make your reservation to enjoy A Longwood Christmas, which is on view at Longwood Gardens through Jan. 9.

From towering trees in fiery reds, to the frosty cool tones of a frozen alpine stream, opposites attract this holiday season as Longwood Gardens celebrates the beautiful contrast of fire and ice during A Longwood Christmas, on view now through Jan. 9. Tickets are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

From inviting, warm firepits to gather around, to thousands of colorful poinsettias, cyclamen,

and other horticultural splendor that wows, to an invigorating stroll through half-a-million outdoor lights that dazzle A Longwood Christmas is the quintessential holiday experience.

Inside Longwood’s grand Conservatory, a whimsical wonderland awaits. The Exhibition Hall is transformed into a clear blue alpine stream with delicately flocked trees, a cascading waterfall, and suspended icicles gleaming above. A 21-foot flocked Fraser Fir, complete with an icy garland and silver bay laurel, beautifully reflect the festive scene.

Enjoy the Music Room where an inviting mountain retreat adorned for a holiday celebration awaits.

The East Conservatory boasts the largest indoor tree in the display, a 22-foot tall Fraser Fir outfitted with flickering flame lanterns and red, gold, and amber ornaments. The Silver Garden is full of chilly cheer with a frozen succulent fountain, while the Acacia passage is a

magical walkway of sparkling icicles.

Making its new-location debut in the Ballroom are the beloved children’s Christmas trees. These 12-foot trees showcase hundreds of ice-inspired creations made by local schools, playfully offset with an assortment of fireinspired ornaments.

Take in the brilliance of half-a-million lights as you stroll down a bluehued Flower Garden Drive, walk through a 200foot tunnel of light in the Meadow Garden, and cozy up to three Longwood crafted fire pits with a warm seasonal beverage.

The Main Fountain Garden shimmers and flows as light effects mimicking water dance along to holiday music.

Meanwhile, in the Open Air Theatre, fountains dance to holiday classics during five-minute shows that run throughout the day and evening. Young and old will delight in the holiday Garden Railway as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks illuminated for the holiday

season.

A Longwood Christmas runs through Jan. 9, 2022. Admission to the Christmas display is by Timed Admission Ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific

date and time. Members require free, timed reservations every day. Gardens Premium Members do not require reservations.

Tickets and reservations are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

Feel the holiday magic with a visit to Winterthur’s annual Yuletide Tour Celebrate the season with a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. The Yuletide Tour at Winterthur showcases rooms in Henry Francis du Pont’s former home decorated in full holiday splendor, including specially decorated trees that celebrate the garden.

On view through January 2, 2022, the displays are inspired by the traditions and festivities of the season as enjoyed by H. F. du Pont and his family.

Special holiday programs throughout the season include Wonderful Wednesdays in December and evening events featuring live jazz performances, caroling, and workshops. In addition to the Wednesday evening festivities, visitors can enjoy live one-man performances of A Christmas Carol by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-greatgrandson of Charles Dickens; wine and chocolate tastings; and family

events with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Winterthur founder H. F. du Pont (1880–1969) was born and spent his life on the estate, so the holidays were always a memorable time to celebrate with family and entertain friends.

Rooms on the tour will recreate the parlor where the du Pont family and their guests opened gifts on Christmas Day and the dining room where they enjoyed Christmas dinner.

Two vignettes depict New Year’s calling, a custom still practiced by the du Ponts. Every January 1, the women of the extended family gathered in hostess groups at various houses while the men traveled in groups to call upon them, bearing small gifts. One display represents a calling from the 1890s while a second recreates one from the 1940s.

The decorated trees on view include the renowned 14-foot dried-flower tree,

Celebrate the season with a one-of-a-kind holiday experience.

an evergreen decorated with hydrangeas, yarrow,

statice, globe amaranth, and other flowers, and new to the tour this year, a second breathtaking tree designed with dried flowers. Other trees are inspired by areas of the garden such as the March Bank and Azalea Woods.

In celebration of the upcoming exhibition

The decorated trees on view include the renowned 14-foot driedflower tree, an evergreen decorated with hydrangeas, yarrow, statice, globe amaranth, and other flowers, and a second breathtaking tree designed with dried flowers. Other trees are inspired by areas of the garden such as the March Bank and Azalea Woods.

Courtesy photos

On view through January 2, 2022, the displays are inspired by the traditions and festivities of the season as enjoyed by H. F. du Pont and his family.

Jacqueline Kennedy and H. F. du Pont: From Winterthur to the White House, opening May 7, 2022, a decorated tree recreates the one displayed at the White House in 1962, created by the first lady. With the theme of a “Children’s Christmas,” it featured candles, birds, snowflakes, angels, tiny twig stars, small wrapped gifts, reindeer, candy canes, stuffed animals, and a model PT-109 boat commemorating the president’s heroic deed during World War II.

The trees on the Yuletide Tour also complement the exhibition Outside In: Nature-inspired Design at Winterthur, on view through January 2.

The visually eclectic and immersive exhibition explores the connection to nature that is evident everywhere at Winterthur and which greatly influenced H. F. du Pont’s design aesthetic, one that has inspired other designers ever since.

Information about the Yuletide Tour is online at www.winterthur.org/ holidays.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries PATRICIA B. RICE Patricia B. Rice, a resident of Dagsboro, Del., passed away on Nov. 22 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md. She was 74.

She was the life partner of Joseph C. McComas.

Born in Delaware County, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Ann Windsor Boblasky.

Patricia was a registered nurse and retired from Coatesville VA Medical Center as a night supervisor after 18 years of service.

She enjoyed traveling, especially to bluegrass music concerts with Joe. She is survived by her life partner; two sons, David Rice of Narvon and Daniel Rice of Honey Brook; and three grandchildren, Natalie, Nicholas and David.

She was preceded in death by one son, Brian Rice.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 29 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

RALPH RAYMOND KUHN Ralph Raymond Kuhn, Jr., a resident of Landenberg, passed away on Nov. 21 with his family by his side. He was 94.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, Del., where a funeral service will begin at 11 a.m.

Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will follow in New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1986 Newark Road, Lincoln University, Pa. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to West Grove Fire Company Station 22, 101 Walnut Street, West Grove, Pa. 19390 or to Bayada Hospice of Chester County, 390 Waterloo Boulevard, Suite 220, Exton, Pa. 19341.

To leave online condolences and to read the full obituary, visit: spicermullikin.com.

Alleluia

HOWARD I. SHEEHAN, JR. Howard I. Sheehan, Jr., of Cochranville, passed away on Nov. 22 at his residence. He was 84.

He is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Princessita (Dancel) Sheehan.

Born on Nov. 10, 1937 in West Chester, he was the son of the late Howard, Sr. and Elsie (Snyder) Sheehan.

Howard served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church in Parkesburg. He worked as a farmer and at other odd jobs.

In his free time, he loved to travel.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his twin sister, Mary Ann King and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Max Dancel, a sister-inlaw, Corazon Murallos (and husband, Marcelo Murallos); a niece, Monica M. Capiral (and husband Joe Capiral), grandnieces, Kathlene, Kathreen and Kristen Capiral and lots of cousins from his wife’s side of the family.

Friends will be received on Dec. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. Malachi Church, 76 Saint Malachi Road, Cochranville, Pa. 19330 where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 a.m.

Interment will follow in the adjacent cemetery.

Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant.

Psalm 86:16

The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

We are offering a special discount of 25% off each and every help wanted/ classified advertisement to any business that advertises on the PRESS church page.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

Compliments of

Lions Club of Oxford HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA

932-9330 ENCOURAGES YOU TO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

Our Family Serving Your Family

Landenberg Church United Methodist All Are Welcome

P.O. Box 270 Oxford, PA 19363

205 Penn Green Rd. In Historic Downtown Landenberg Landenberg, PA 19350

Meets First and Third Thursday at 6:30p.m.

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday • 9:00 am

Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.

Matthew J. Grieco, Supervisor, Funeral Director / Certified Celebrant

We own and operate our own crematory Cremation, Burial, Pre-Planning

Specializing in Personalized Life Celebration Events at Venues of all kinds 1-800-FUNERAL & 1-800-CREMATE

ABOUT OUR STAFF Our funeral professionals offer a combination of ingenuity and have over 100 years of combined experience. As we guide you through the decision making process, we will explain options while ensuring your family's needs are being met. We feel our service to the families of Southern Chester County is more than a business. It’s a tradition of comfort and trust.

KUZO FUNERAL HOME, INC.

FOULK FUNERAL HOME

Keely W. Griffin, Supervisor

Curtis S. Greer, Supervisor

610.444.4116

610.869.2685

KENNETT SQUARE, PA

OF

www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

WEST GROVE, INC.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries WARNER JACKSON HAMILTON, JR. Warner Jackson Hamilton, Jr., who was also known as Jack or Jackie, passed away peacefully at Chester County Hospital on Nov. 23 due to complications from COVID-19. He lost his battle to the illness after 19 days of fighting.

He was a 61-year-old resident of Kennett Square.

He was the loving husband to Maria Louise Dibartolomeo Hamilton, with whom he shared over 36 years of marriage. They were together almost 39 years.

He was the loving father to Jacalyn Marie Hamilton and her boyfriend Daniel Christopher Eller of Oxford.

He is survived by his wife, Maria; his daughter Jacalyn; a brother, Walter James Hamilton of Pawleys Island SC; a sister, Joyce Ann Browne (and husband David) of Elkton, Md.; a sister, Julie Lynn Dulski (and husband Jay) of Elkton, Md.; a brother, Willard Jonathan Hamilton (and wife Sharon) of North East, Md; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Louis F. DiBartolomeo (and girlfriend Jody Rampolla), James P. Taylor Sr. , and Lewis Taylor Jr., all of Landenberg; an uncle, Robert Brown (and wife Dottie) of Bear, Del.; an aunt, Betty Brown of Elkton, Md., an aunt, Joan Martin of Elkton, Md., and many loving cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents, Warner Jackson

Hamilton Sr. and Martha Louise Brown Hamilton of Elkton, Md.; his grandparents; a sister, Judy Lee Hamilton; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and four sisters-in-law, Nancy Louise Taylor and Elvera Ann Tayor of Landenberg, and Denise Frances Miller of Lincoln University, and Delores Ann DiBartolomeo of Kennett Square.

Jack loved his family and friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved spending time at the beach with his family and friends. He also loved playing horseshoes, cormhole and bocce ball. He was a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan as well. He liked to work on Mopar cars when he was younger. He enjoyed swimming, gardening, and taking care of the pools. He was willing to help anyone with anything. His daughter and wife were his world.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1 and again from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 2 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square.

His Funeral Mass will then be held at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street in Kennett Square.

Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Patrick Church, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

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

MELISSA COMBS MICHAEL Melissa Combs Michael, 85, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 22 at Bay Health/Kent General in Dover, Del. She was the wife of Wilson Hamilton Michael, who passed away in 2010, and with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.

Born in Mountain City, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Manuel Combs and the late Maclora Parsons Combs.

She worked in the housekeeping department of Kendal at Longwood before her retirement.

Melissa enjoyed watching TV, being with her cat, “Baby,” and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Jeff Michael of North

East, Md.; three sisters, Irene Mosier of Landenberg, Emogene Swift of Mountain City, Tenn. and Josephine Davis of Swansea, S.C.; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and was cared for by her grandson Joshua Michael and his wife Christine of Smyrna, Del. Melissa was predeceased by one son, John Michael and one daughter, Debra Michael.

Services were held on Nov. 29 at the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Heart Association, 1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 700, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.

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

Additional Obituaries on Page 4B

DAVID CHARLES PETERSON David Charles Peterson, age 74, went to be with Jesus on Nov. 19.

He was the husband of Virginia (Ginny) Needham Peterson, with whom he shared almost 53 years of marriage.

Born on Dec. 1, 1946 in Kenosha, WI, he was the son of Grace Roberts Peterson of Elkton, Md. and the late Charles J. Peterson.

Dave was a graduate of Oxford High School, class of 1964. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked most of his life in the trucking industry, diesel mechanics with Mushroom Transportation, Cappelli Excavating, Infleet Trucking and Mushroom Canning Co. Later he had his own business as an owner-operator of Peterson Trucking.

During his life, he enjoyed the outdoors: camping, hunting and also all motor sports. When he was younger, he worked on several farms in the area, including one belonging to the Liz Cheek Miller family, and they became his second family.

He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Rising Sun, Md., where he occasionally sang with the choir since he had a nice voice.

He immensely enjoyed his volunteer work at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

In addition to his wife and mother, Dave is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Peterson (Glenda) of Oxford, Michael Peterson (Tammy) of Oxford; grandchildren, Dustin, Brandon, Jesse and Jacqueline Peterson; brothers, Gary Peterson (Joyce) of Nottingham, Dennis Peterson (Linda) of Oxford, Charles Peterson (Susan) of Wilmington, Del. and several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, 3815 Newark Road in Oxford. A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m.

Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to: Children’s Fellowship of India, Inc., 151 Plum Creek Rd., North East, Md. 21901.

Arrangements are being handled by Founds-Feryo Cremation and Burial Services, LLC in West Chester.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.foundsfuneralhome.com.

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Shusterman introduces Pa. Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/ Montgomery, is introducing legislation that would help families returning to work after the pandemic maintain their childcare.

A member of the Pa. Workforce Development Board, Shusterman said the legislation would offer

a Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help Pennsylvanians get back to work without being overburdened by the cost of childcare.

Under the proposed legislation, taxpayers who qualify for the federal child and dependent care tax credit would be eligible for

the Pennsylvania tax credit.

Taxpayers with one qualifying dependent would receive a $350 tax credit, while two or more dependents would result in a $700 tax credit.

Although there is the federal child and dependent care tax credit, Pennsylvania is one of 19 states that does not offer tax credits for child

and dependent care.

Shusterman’s legislation would change this and offer Pennsylvania families a much-needed financial break, as childcare costs the average family $11,842 per year, or 8 percent more than the average renter pays.

“Americans suffered tremendously during the

pandemic, not only physically but mentally and especially financially,” Shusterman said. “As a member of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board, it is important to me that families have what they need to succeed in their employment − this legislation would remove one more

barrier between employment and quality childcare.”

Shusterman said that much like $1.2 million in tax credits awarded to Phoenixville in October for construction of over 1,000 affordable senior living homes, this legislation too would increase the quality of life for thousands of Pennsylvania families.

Obituaries Additional Obituaries on Page 3B

DEAN RICHARD DUNGAN

DR. EDWARD I. WEITZMAN Dr. Edward I. Weitzman, a resident of Avondale, passed away on Nov. 19 at the age of 80.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Phyllis Osborne.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Debbie Weitzman and Sharon Fraley (Keith); two sisters, Sue Conway and Jo Gee of Atlanta; three stepsons, Jeff, Clint and Kevin; two nephews, Ted and Matt, and six grandchildren, Jeffery, Nick, Alex ,Mimi, Lily and Elayna.

He was a member of TSS, the Brandywine Polo Club, and he also held a license for a private plane and a helicopter.

Services will be held at a later date.

JOSEPH ANTHONY LAMMERT, SR. Joseph A. Lammert, Sr. has passed away.

He was born on March 23, 1934 in St. Louis, Mo. to Charles and Florence Amelia (Daulby) Lammert.

Joe lived in Richboro, Pa. for many years before moving to Chester County.

He was the husband to Shirley (Kellems) Lammert, and father to Mary Ann, Joe Jr. (deceased), and Jennifer (Michael) Waite.

In addition to his immediate family, Joe is survived by his grandchildren, Matthew (Lisa) Lammert, Luke Page, Michael Page, Cody Lammert, Ryan Waite and Alex Waite. Joe also has five great-grandchildren, Andrew, Abigail, and Aidan Lammert and Ike and Theo Page.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Nov. 30 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in West Grove.

A private interment will occur at a later date.

In lieu of floral arrangements, the family requests donations in Joe’s memory to either St. Jude Hospital (ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital), 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105 or National MS Society, P. O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090.

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

Dean Richard Dungan, of Lincoln University, passed away on Nov. 16. He was 77.

He was the beloved and devoted husband of Barbara Ann Dungan (nee Rose), with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Born in Denver, Col., he was the son of the late Dean Aubrey Dungan and the late Mary Dungan.

After retiring from New Castle County Airport in New Castle, Del. as an air traffic controller and supervisor, Dean continued to work for Flight Safety International in Wilmington, Del. as director of training and teaching meteorology at Wilmington University.

His many interests included music, traveling, ham radio and most of all participating in anything and everything having to do with flying. As he was a pilot and flight instructor for most of his adult life, Dean was happiest when flying any time, anywhere. He was the organizer of the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame “Flight of Honor” and East Coast Experimental Aircraft Association fly-ins at the New Garden Flying Field in New Garden Township.

Dean was a proud U.S. Army veteran, reaching the rank of sergeant while serving in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion in Newark, Del.,

The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL), Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Quiet Birdmen, (QBs) Delaware. He was a graduate of Wilmington University in Delaware.

In retirement, Dean and his wife Barbara and son, Christopher, embarked on a new adventure by buying an 18-acre horse farm in New London Township. He enjoyed the peace and quiet and the beautiful nature of the surrounding area which he was excited to share with family and friends. “Happy Tails Doggy Day Camp” was established in keeping with Dean’s love of animals, especially dogs. He took great satisfaction in growing this new endeavor.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Brooke S. Silver (Bradley) of Oxford; one son, Christopher R. Dungan of Lincoln University; one brother, Dale Dungan of Denver, CO and three grandchildren, Leven, Grace and Lane. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dana Dungan.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Vietnam Veterans of America, 8719 Colesville Road, Suite 100, Silver Spring, Md. 20910 or you may visit vva. org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

BRANDYWINE VALLEY EXCLUSIVE

2022

HEALTH

AND MEDICAL GUIDE Ad Pro Inc, publishers of the Chester County Press and the Life Magazines will be publishing its popular guide to health, fitness and medicine.

This extremely comprehensive annual directory will feature advertising information from local hospitals, doctors and various health and wellness organizations. The booklet is skillfully designed to display the colorful magazine style pages and make your advertisement stand out. This contemporary 8" x 8.5" magazine promises to be a ready reference and keepsake for the entire year.

PROMOTE YOUR PRACTICE OR BUSINESS TO OVER 20,000 READERS

The comprehensive circulation of the Health and Medical Guide will be launched on January 26, 2022 when 11,000 copies will be the featured insert in the Chester County Press, the oldest and largest weekly newspaper in the county. In addition, 4,500 copies will be displayed at over 100 different newsstands, public areas, and select locations all over Southern Chester County and New Castle County, Delaware. The circulation coverage will blanket Chadds Ford, Longwood, Pocopson, Unionville, Kennett Square, Avondale, West Grove, Landenberg, Kemblesville, Lincoln University, Jennersville, Oxford, and Nottingham and also with increased coverage in Newark, Greenville, Hockessin, and Wilmington, Delaware. Thereafter, additional copies will be refreshed seasonally in the spring, summer and fall.

In addition, the 2022 Health & Medical Guide will contain a special section of services for the senior homeowners and aging population in Chester County and New Castle County.

PRICES INCLUDE FREE SPACE for your NEWS RELEASE & PHOTOGRAPHY PLUS FREE FULL COLOR AD COPY & NEWS RELEASE DEADLINE: JAN 7, 2022 • PUBLISHING DATE: JAN 26, 2022

Call 610-869-5553 for more information

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

HIRING ALL POSITIONS WITH INCENTIVES HEALTH CARE IS 50% PAID FOR BY EMPLOYER

School Bus Drivers Van Drivers | Aides

FAMILY-OWNED

610-869-2881 DUVALLBUSSERVICE.COM

5B

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Delaware County Community College president named Pacesetter of the Year Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black was named Pacesetter of the Year by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations District 1 (NCMPR D1) on Oct. 26 during an in-person and virtual ceremony held at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch, New Jersey, site of this year’s NCMPR D1 conference.

The Pacesetter of the Year Award recognizes a community college president or CEO who has demonstrated special leadership and support in college communications and marketing.

It is awarded annually in each of NCMPR’s seven districts.

“Through marketing and

communications that speak to students of all cultures and backgrounds, we tell the story of the College; that story is that you are welcome here. We want you to be a part of the College family,” said Dr. Gates Black in her virtual acceptance speech. “If ever there was a time in the history of higher education to be a pacesetter, it is now.

The pandemic has shown us that we must change. We must be forward-focused, and we must find new ways to engage and communicate with our students.”

The College’s Marketing & Communications office also won one gold and four silver Medallion Awards for the 2021 inaugural issue of its Ignite maga-

zine; the printed 2020 President’s Office holiday card; the animated 2020 holiday e-card; the College’s “Stay Local. Stay on Track. Stay Safe” summer 2020 mailer; and the College’s diversity, equity and inclusion digital marketing campaign for career training for nontraditional by gender occupations.

Dan Kanak, the College’s Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, stated, “The recognition by NCMPR not only for our President, but for the work our team has done over the past year is greatly appreciated. We had to pivot like everyone else due to the pandemic and to know that we are still produc-

ing award-winning work amid so many challenges is a feather in the cap of my incredible team and the College community we support.”

NCMPR represents marketing and public relations professionals at community and technical colleges. An affiliate of the American Association of Community Colleges, NCMPR has more than 1,500 members from nearly 550 colleges across the United States and Canada. NCMPR District 1 includes: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont,

Courtesy photo

Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black was named Pacesetter of the Year.

the Canadian provinc- Scotia, Prince Edward es of New Brunswick, Island and Quebec, as well Newfoundland, Nova as the United Kingdom.

The Grand announces the completion of an extensive renovation of The Playhouse The Playhouse on Rodney Square has undergone a complete renovation during its extended closure of indoor performances, thanks to the immense generosity of Tatiana and Gerret Copeland.

The 108-year-old, Broadway-style touring house is famously known for having been built by 100 men in 150 working days, and at one point held the distinction as having one of the largest singular steel beams ever made to top off the proscenium arch.

The Playhouse also holds the distinction of being the country’s longest continuously operating Broadway touring house (pre-COVID). Famous names such as Julie Andrews, Bette Davis, Fred Astaire, Carol Channing, Christopher

Plummer, Abby Wambach, and Sutton Foster have all graced its stage.

“We are honored to have stewarded the restoration of such a historic cultural asset in Wilmington,” said Executive Director Mark Fields. “As The Grand’s sister theater, these treasured community gathering spaces are important for the artistic soul of the city. The extended closure caused by the pandemic provided us a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to completely renovate and redesign portions of the theater.”

The changes include new, wider audience seats; new paint, carpets, lighting, and drapery; and a new loading dock door, which will allow The Grand to attract larger Broadway touring shows.

In tandem with these

improvements, the Buccini/ Pollin Group has also been hard at work reimagining the Dupont Building with more amenities to enhance visits to the building.

Ongoing improvements will include new corridor lighting and signage package that will guide building visitors to its many attractions, most notably The Playhouse. Recently completed phasing includes a new bar and seating lounge adjacent to The Playhouse entry, which will now be used for theater concessions, and the new Currie Salon, Le Cavalier at The Green Room, and DECO food hall as options to expand the theatre going experience with some pampering or dining.

“For more than a century, The Playhouse on

Rodney Square has entertained Delaware with a parade of Hollywood stars, illustrious Broadway musicals, and famous speakers.

But in recent years, the physical appearance of the theater didn’t complement the magic happening on its stage,” said Tatiana Copeland. “Gerret and I are pleased to have provided the gift for The Grand to refresh and brighten the Playhouse during this period of extended closure.

This gift not only benefits The Grand, but also the audiences that enjoy performances there. We invite the community to come join us at the newly restored and beautiful Playhouse when it reopens in the fall of 2021.”

“The Grand’s renovation of the historic Playhouse on Rodney Square coin-

cides with BPG’s ongoing renovation of the Dupont Building,” said Chris Buccini, co-president of The Buccini/Pollin Group.

“It is another visual representation of our partnership with The Grand and both organizations’ commitment to Wilmington’s ongoing renaissance. The Playhouse’s re-opening times perfectly with the ground floor renovations of the Hotel Du Pont lobby, Le Cavalier at the Green Room, the office lobby for the Chemours headquarters and the M&T Bank Branch, as well as the opening of Currie Salon and Spa, the apartments at 101 dupont place, and DECO food hall.

In all, nearly 50,000 SF and $15 million of renovations were completed during COVID alone to welcome

back the community to heart of downtown Wilmington.”

The Playhouse on Rodney Square will be welcoming four Broadway musicals during its 2021-2022 season. The season opens with Sara Bareilles’ “Waitress,” followed by the jukebox musical “Summer,” featuring the music of disco’s favorite Donna Summer, in December, followed by the 25th Anniversary Tour of “Reiverdance” in April, and closing with “Fiddler on the Roof” next June.

Shows may continue to be added throughout the year. Subscriptions can be purchased by calling 302652-5577.

Subscribers enjoy dedicated seats, 20 percent off single ticket pricing, free parking, discounted dining, and exchange privileges.

activities to be conducted; prohibited uses; off-street parking requirements; minimum building distance requirements; building construction requirements; vehicle storage standards; Borough police and fire officials review of security and fire protection; fencing requirements; screening requirements; driveway requirements; and prohibition against storage of certain hazardous chemicals or materials.

SECTION 7. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 8. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 9. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.

If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough secretary

at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 12p-1-2t

Legals PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of New Garden Township will hold a public hearing at 6:00 P.M., on December 20, 2021, at the New Garden Township Municipal Building located at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, Pennsylvania, to consider the following application for conditional use: Application Number CU-2021-02: Application of Rouse/Chamberlin, Ltd., for conditional use approval pursuant to §200-22.C(1) of the New Garden Township Zoning Ordinance in order to construct 98 single-family attached dwellings on the property located at 156 & 162 Bancroft Road, New Garden Township, Chester County, PA. The property is owned by Modern Mushroom Farms, Inc., consists of approximately 26.08 acres, contains an existing pump house for a retention pond and a soil composting area for a neighboring farm site, is located within the R-2 High Density Residential District, and is also known as tax parcels

60-1-87 & 60-1-88. A full copy of the conditional use application is available for public examination without charge or may be obtained for a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Municipal Building. For further information, please contact Ramsey Reiner, Township Manager (610-268-2915). William R. Christman III, Township Solicitor 12p-1-1-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxford Borough Council, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, December 20, 2021, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending Chapter 27, Zoning, of the existing Code of the Borough of Oxford, a caption and summary of which follows.

The ordinance can be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsyl-

vania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 27, ZONING, PART 2, DEFINITIONS; PART 10, I GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT; PART 11, PC/LI PLANNED COMMERCIAL/ LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT; ATTACHMENTS 7 AND 8; AND PART 13, SUPPLEMENTAL LAND USE REGULATIONS, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD REGARDING SELF-SERVICE STORAGE WAREHOUSES. SECTION 1. Amends §27-202, Definitions of Terms, to add the following term and its definition: “Self-service storage warehouse.”

SECTIONS 2 and 3. Amends §27-1005 (by adding new Subsection F) and §271105 (by adding new Subsection C) to

add self-service storage warehouses as a permitted use by conditional use approval in the I General Industrial and PC/LI Planned Commerical/Light Industrial Districts, in accordance with the terms of §27-1332.

SECTIONS 4 and 5. Amend Attachment 7, I Zoning District Area and Bulk Regulations, and Attachment 8, PC/LI Zoning District Area and Bulk Regulations, to add use and area and bulk regulations for self-service storage warehouses within the I General Industrial and PC/ LI Planned Commerical/Light Industrial Districts.

SECTION 6. Amends Part 13, Supplemental Land Use Regulations, to add new §27-1332, Self-Service Storage Warehouse, which sets forth guidelines for self-service storage warehouses as a permitted use in the I General Industrial District and the PC/LI Planned Commercial/Limited Industrial District when approved as a conditional use, which include the following: limits on type of storage and permitted business

Classifieds Auctions 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 12/15/2021 at 10:00AM. Kristi V Timmons unit #D007; Maryann Floyd unit #E009. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Andy's Lawn Care Lawn & Field Mowing Aerating & Overseeding Lawn Renovation Seasonal Cleanups Mulching Landscaping Tree & Stump Removal Lot & Land Clearing Grading & Drainage Snow Removal

(610) 274-2273 Office or (610) 721-3119 cell

Trailer Repair Welding

Truck Acces.

Spray Liners

BASHER & SON 610-268-0007 • basherandson.com

Over 40 Years Experience UHAUL

Hitches

See these local businesses and many more on our website Click Directory

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County Commissioners present agriculture awards and introduce draft strategic plan for thriving agriculture economy Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, along with members of the Chester County Agricultural Development Council (Ag Council), presented two agriculture awards at a public meeting and also revealed a draft of Chester County’s first agricultural economic development strategy.

The 2021 Chester County Farmer of the Year award was presented to Darryl King, owner-operator of Manor Hill Farms in West Grove, where he and his wife Pam grow row crops on 220 acres. King also owns Manor Hill Hay and Grain in Cochranville, a self-serve store selling pine shavings, hay, and straw.

King was nominated for the award by the Chester County Ag Land Preservation Board for his work championing farmland preservation and encouraging his peers to consider environmentally-friendly practices like no-till farming and the use of cover crops to retain and build soil health.

“I dream of leaving the land in much better shape than how I got it during my turn to care for it,” said King. “My goal for my farm is to bridge the gap between farmer and consumer. I want people to understand

how much effort I put into the farm and the crops.”

In addition to King’s devotion to natural resource management, he is being honored for his community spirit and willingness to help others in need, especially new farmers.

Whether it’s helping with a broken piece of machinery, giving planting advice or even helping to rebuild after a natural disaster, he is often one of the first to volunteer.

“It’s important to be there when tragedy strikes,” he said. “The world would be such a cold and lonely place if we farmers only viewed one another as competitors and threats to our own operations.”

In presenting the award, Chester County Commissioner’s chair Marian Moskowitz said, “When you meet Darryl, you see that his inclination to work with and mentor other young farmers isn’t just a part of his business model, it’s his philosophy and way of life.

“It’s inspiring to hear of young entrepreneurs like Darryl who take the time to build up their communities and share the knowledge with their peers.”

The Duncan Allison Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture was presented to Betsy MacCauley of Atglen for

30-plus years of service to the agriculture industry through her work as a 4-H Club livestock leader.

4-H is an informal education program for youth ages 8-18, designed to teach youth life skills, built on subject matter projects developed by Penn State Extension and National 4-H Council.

An accomplished farmer in her own right, MacCauley has impacted the lives of hundreds if not thousands of aspiring young farmers through her ongoing volunteerism, leading Chester County’s Golden Fleece Sheep Club, judging competitions, mentoring youth, and welcoming visitors from all over the country to her family’s award-winning sheep farm.

“Betsy is a fabulous volunteer and worthy of recognition,” said Toni Stuetz, Penn State Extension Educator. “She is an asset to our 4-H program and the Chester County ag community.”

Following the award announcements, consultants from agriculture-specialists ACDS, LLC unveiled a draft of Chester County’s ag economic development strategic plan, and discussed opportunities to create technological advancement, strategic partnerships and industry resilience.

“Chester County has a tre-

Courtesy photos

From left, Chester County Ag Council coordinator Ann Lane, County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, Pam King and Farmer of the Year Darryl King of West Grove, Pa., Chester County Agricultural Programs coordinator Geoff Shellington, and County Commissioner Michelle Kichline.

mendous history of being one of the largest and most productive agricultural counties, not just in the Commonwealth, but in the nation, and we want to make sure it stays that way,” said County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Our world class soils, access to strong consumer markets and excellent farm entrepreneurs position us for industry growth.

County Commissioner Michelle Kichline said, “We know farmers across all sectors have been facing challenges, and more so because of the pandemic.

There are real needs to connect the public to the local agriculture industry, and help farmers with access

to land, business resources and succession planning.

“We want agriculture to thrive in Chester County and be able to adapt to whatever comes our way, which is why the success of this economic development strategy is crucial.

Chester County Ag Council Board chairperson and mushroom grower Chris Alonzo said, “The mushroom industry depends on the success of many other ag industry sectors like crop farming, equine, specialty HVAC, processing, and trucking.

Together Chester County agriculture is stronger than any one individual farm or farmer.”

Duncan Allison Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award recipient Betsy MacCauley of Atglen, Pa.

Learn more at the Chester County Ag Council’s website, www.chescofarming. org.

PUBLIC AUCTION • Thursday, December 9, 2021, 5 PM Personal Property, Antiques, Local Memorabilia, Milk Bottle Collection 200+ Lots of Currency & Coins For The Estate of Charles Hannum Location: Red Men Hall/Pavilion – 114 Brick Road, Oxford PA 19363 Preview - Doors Open at 3:00 PM

1874 $3 Gold coin (front & back)

Redware plate

1923 Masonic Pocket Watch mfg by Dudley Watch Co. Lancaster PA (frt and inside views)

5:00 PM – Auction Block #1 with antique & local memorabilia, advertising plates, large collection early photographs, collection including local Milk Bottles (see PDF on AuctionZip site), Red ware plates, collectable Christmas items, vintage toys, glassware, large collection early books & Bibles, stop watches, early advertising tins, flatware, cast iron items, assorted clocks, vintage cameras, bronzes, 1939 New York World’s Fair folding chair, assorted vintage ice cream scoops & accessories, and early general store items.

NOTE: This is a preliminary listing.

6:00 PM – Auction Block #2 – Graded and cataloged, 200+ lots of Currency and Coins includes large 1, 5 & 10 notes, Black Eagle, Woodchopper, Indian, Bison, Gold notes, bank notes to include local - West Grove, Oxford, Kennett Square, Avondale, silver dollars, Morgan Dollars including 1891CC, 1903-S, 1904-s and Peace

Oxford $10 Bank Note

Dollars including 1921, Indian head cents, Gold 1, 2, 3 & 5 coins. PDF listing of all coins available on AuctionZip site, #1891.

Terms by Estate of Charles L. Hannum, Executor Lawrence C. Reese 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 advertising.

Martin Auctioneers, Inc. and sellers are not responsible for any accidents.

Check AuctionZip #1891 for pictures. No reserves on any items.

Payment Terms: All items to be paid for on day of auction by Cash, Credit Cards, Pre-approved good PA Checks, Certified funds for all out of state buyers. Buyer’s Premium on all items: 13% - 3% discount for cash or approved checks. All items must be removed day of auction!

Please visit our website at www.martinauctioneers.com

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2021

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

Project time:

2 weeks

2 DAYS.

Why settle for shower walls that look like plastic?

Home Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone shower wall system made of 70% real crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED. All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts plus financing so a shower remodel is affordable on any budget. Don’t cover your problem up with a tub or shower liner. Design your bathtub or shower replacement with our trained and certified Specialists at a price you can afford.

“Great experience with Home Smart. I collected a couple quotes for a bathtub/surround replacement. Home Smart offered the most aesthetically pleasing option at a competitive price. They also beat the installation lead time estimate by ~4 weeks. Ken and Tony came and efficiently completed the install. My house is old and there were challenges to work with, but they worked through them and in the end, product looks really great. Thanks!”

Read more reviews from our satisfied customers!

4.9 Stars, 374 reviews

INDUSTRIES Bathtubs | Showers | Kohler Walk-In Baths

Authorized Dealer

1,000 OFF

$

plus

0 APR %

Low monthly payment plans

and

FREE ESTIMATES ON BATH

& SHOWER REPLACEMENTS

Call Home Smart today to schedule your free in-home estimate.

Home Smart Industries, Family Owned & Operated

888-670-3731 >Must call this number<

Bathtubs | Walk-In Baths | Showers | Shower Doors | Fixtures | Faucets | Accessories

www.HomeSmartind.com

*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Previous sales excluded. Good at initial presentation only. $1,000 discount is only available to be used towards purchasing Luxstone walls. Additional work is extra and optional. Financing available for qualified buyers. Exp. 09/01/2021 PA:PA013302 * NJ: 13VH 04301900 MD: MD129485 * DE: 2008206060 NO PRICE QUOTES GIVEN VIA PHONE.