Interim superintendent appointed at Avon Grove School District
Nicole Harvey, the district’s assistant superintendent for elementary education, has been selected as interim superintendent following the resignation of M. Christopher Marchese
By Colleen Cochran Contributing Writer
2025. Dr. Marchese has held the superintendent position since 2013.
At the meeting held Nov. 21, the board voted to approve Nicole Harvey, Ed.D., as the interim superintendent. She will hold this position for a term commencing on Jan. 4, 2025,
and ending June 30, 2025. Dr. Harvey presently serves as assistant superintendent, elementary education, and she will continue to perform this role as well.
Harvey’s appointment roused a round of applause, after which many meeting attendees, including board
members, students, administrators, and community members, directed words of thanks and praise toward Marchese.
School board vice president Dorothy Linn, Ed.D., called Marchese a visionary who has brought the Avon Grove School District
well into the 21st century and she said she appreciates his efforts on behalf of students, whose numbers include her grandchildren.
Board member Ken Roark said “I’ve already had two students graduate and still have three more to go. Avon Grove School District has come a long way since my first one started. I thank you for all the effort you have put into the district.”
One of the board’s student representatives commented, “The culture at the high school is so incredible; we have so many amazing
Lawrence and Sappey: Heading back to Harrisburg
Republican John Lawrence of the 13th District and Democrat Christina Sappey of the 158th District were both reelected as State Representatives in November. As they prepare for their upcoming terms – Lawrence will begin his eighth and Sappey her fourth – the Chester County Press spoke with them about the key issues that face their respective constituencies, the major initiatives they are working on and how they see Chester County moving forward in the years ahead
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
John Lawrence: ‘I will continue to hound Governor Shapiro’s administration on this issue’
Chester County Press:
In your estimation, what statement did Presidentelect Trump’s win in Pennsylvania – and across the nation -- make?
Lawrence: A far as the national and statewide results in Pennsylvania, I think they show that a
The Avon Grove School Board voted at its Oct. 24 meeting to accept the resignation of Superintendent of Schools M. Christopher Marchese, Ed. D., which will be effective Jan. 3, The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) is inviting community members to join the final Community Conversation regarding the recently completed Middle School Feasibility Study. The event is set to take place Monday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Charles F. Patton Middle School.
lot of people are beyond frustrated with a government that is not working. They are not happy with the direction things are going on a national level. When I speak to people, many tell me that they see folks in power held to one standard while regular peo-
ple are struggling to pay the bills. Hunter Biden’s pardon – the most sweeping pardon given since President Nixon after being convicted in a court of law by a jury of his peers –exemplifies the anger and frustration people see with government.
As far as the presidential race is concerned, the people spoke, and the results speak clearly that people are frustrated. Prices are too high. Government spending is out of control and very few people in Washington seem to care.
Continued on Page 2A
Unionville-Chadds Ford community will discuss middle school study findings on Dec. 9
Guests will be invited to review architectural firm Marotta/Main’s report and, based on the findings, share their feedback on whether to maintain, renovate or replace the district’s current middle school.
All are welcome, including staff, students, families, partners and residents. Registration
is encouraged, but not required.
“For years, members of our community have called attention to chronic concerns about the Middle School building and campus, ” said UCFSD Superintendent John Sanville. “Given those concerns, we are reviewing all relevant possibilities
Continued on Page 3A
ACT Players present A Christmas Carol
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
Get in the Christmas spirit with a holiday classic when the Act Players present performances of Charles Dickens’ ever-popular A Christmas Carol Barbara Miriello, the director of the shows, explained the appeal of the holiday classic. “It has stood the test of time,” Miriello said. “It’s a story of redemption. It also looks at relationships, family dynamics, how hurts from the past can impact the future—things that are so
relevant now, even though it was written in 1843.”
For anyone unfamiliar with A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ story follows miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the spirit of his late business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Looking at his own past, the trials of others today and the possibilities for the future, he comes to see the meaning of Christmas and learns how to celebrate the season with love and generosity.
Over the years, the story has been made into movies,
television shows, musicals and even cartoons. This production by ACT Players holds true to the original version in most respects as it was adapted to the stage.
“I adapted the script from Dickens primarily, not a musical, but we brought in a musical element. We have four carolers bridge some of our scenes with carols of the time,” Miriello said. Miriello explained that the carolers are also a device to keep the audience’s attention during scene changes. The play is using a Greek stage structure known as a
Photo Courtesy Steve Whitney
The Spirit of Christmas Past (Maggie Elliott) transports Ebenezer Scrooge (Chris Murray) to his boyhood boarding school in ACT Players’ A Christmas Carol. Tickets are available at actplayers.org.
One of President-elect
Trump’s immediate initiatives is likely to have a major impact on the economic and workforce future of Chester County – the plan to undergo a mass deportation effort that may remove thousands of undocumented citizens from the county, beginning as early as this winter. What is your stance on this issue and how – and to whom –will your office provide assistance?
My position is that people need to obey the law. We cannot have open borders. We cannot have people coming into the country without any verification. Both parties in Congress over the last several years have failed the American people by failing to address this issue. What we saw in this past election are that illegal immigration and securing the border were major factors in this race. Vice President Harris has been in charge of this for the past four years, and President Trump made it a focus of his first term, so the American people had a very clear picture on how each candidate would address this issue and spoke very clearly against Harris’s inaction and in favor of Trump’s approach in enforcing the law.
As I look back over the last few years, where this issue started to come to the forefront for me was when I had a group speak to me about advocating to pass a law to give illegal immigrants driver’s licenses in Pennsylvania, and a bill has been proposed to do that. I am not supportive of that. The state should not be handing out licenses to those who are here illegally.
There is potentially another side of the issue of mass deportation that may
happen as a result: the loss of jobs in the agricultural, landscape, equine and hospitality sectors, in your district and throughout Chester County. How do you make up for what could potentially be the loss of thousands of workers?
There are those locally and nationally who have been advocating work visas for many years and Congress in its discretion has chosen to largely ignore those efforts. There is a perception that everyone who works in the mushroom industry is here in the U.S. illegally, and that is not a correct assumption to make. Regardless, one of the issues that we face is that mushrooms are a year-round crop and the agricultural visas issued by the federal government are for seasonal crops. This is an issue that’s been before Congress for years, and an issue that they must address.
From the start, you have expressed your opposition to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ plan to develop Big Elk Creek State Park. You have hosted public meetings, written letters of opposition and met with countless stakeholders. As you head into your next term, what will you continue do to protect the Park from planned development?
Christina Sappey: ‘I know that it is important for me to keep my head down and focus on the job right in front of me…’
Chester County Press: Take me back to the early morning of Nov. 6. What was your immediate reaction to the presidential election, and what are your key concerns about a Trump presidency that could have an impact on your constituents heading into the next presidential term?
Sappey: I was watching the news and had my laptop open watching my own race at the same time, and at about 11 p.m., I saw that my race was going to be okay but that the HarrisWalz race was not looking good. When I woke up the next morning, I knew what I was going to see on my phone, and while I was
dreading it, I know that it is important for me to keep my head down and focus on the job right in front of me every single day, which are the people in my district. It becomes more manageable when I have that lens on.
Having said that, I have major concerns. The tariffs [proposed by Trump] could really drive the cost of goods even higher; and that the draconian immigration measures [proposed by Trump] will separate children from families is a humanitarian concern. I also have concern for the issue of women’s rights. The list is long, but those are at the top of what concerns me.
DCNR needs to uphold the commitments they made when what is now Big Elk Creek State Park was purchased from George Strawbridge. Conservationists and elected officials were all on the same page that this resource would be part of the White Cay Creek Preserve and for years it was. But someone in DCNR has gotten the desire to develop this property, and the community push-back has been very strong, so the pressure campaign that I and others have led against DCNR will continue. We will continue to press them to preserve the Park through legislation or other means. I will be working with some local stakeholders to develop other strategies that we will be prepared to implement – if need be – in the days ahead.
I would prefer to see DCNR simply uphold the commitments they made originally to the community and the stakeholders who brought the Strawbridge property into the Preserve.
Your voice has become one of the loudest in opposition to the sale of the Chester Water Authority. To that end, you have introduced bills and amendments to support your opinion. Where has your voice most resounded; specifically, the audience where it is reaching the most,
and what can we expect to see from you heading into 2025 related to this issue?
I have heard from many constituents on this issue as well as national media outlets, about who is going to provide water for the next generation. It’s a discussion not just going on in Chester County but around the country. It was not my initial intent to attract that much attention, but it is elevating the issue and importance in preventing a sale of the Chester Water Authority. I will reintroduce my legislation in the next session. I will continue to hound Governor Shapiro’s administration on this issue, because he directly oversees the state-appointed receiver for the City of Chester, who has czar-like authority over the city’s operations.
You are a strong proponent of parents overseeing their children’s educational journey, not the government. You have expanded efforts on school choice and co-authored bipartisan legislation that gives parents the freedom to opt out of the Keystone Exams for their children. What is the government doing wrong when it comes to providing an educational platform for young people?
Parents have the greatest interest in their own children’s education. We are very blessed in southern Chester County to have
Let’s discuss potentially the largest impact the Trump election will have on Chester County – his pledge to implement a mass deportation strategy in the U.S. that will likely affect thousands of undocumented citizens in the county. If enacted, it will have a ripple effect on our local economy, particularly in the agricultural industry. What measures is your office undertaking to address this issue?
Immigration is handled at the federal level, but as a state representative, one of
the things I need to make sure I am doing is to be on the ground, speaking to members in the community, particularly those in the Latino and Hispanic communities, law enforcement, elected officials, faith leaders and healthcare providers. What is everyone seeing? What is everyone doing? After a raid several years ago on a farm, many went underground. When I was campaigning for office in 2018 in our Hispanic communities, I was a white woman with a clipboard, and I saw doors locked,
very good school districts, dedicated teachers and other strong school choice options as well. Last week, the Governor’s secretary of education resigned just as results came out that showed test scores in the state four years after COVID-19 have not recovered to where they were prior to that. As you look across the state, unfortunately not every area is as advanced as Chester County, and there are entire districts and schools whose students are performing at a level where there is not one student proficient at their grade level, and this has gotten worse since I have been in office.
At some point we must have a hard look as a society and say, “This school system needs to be held to some sort of account.” One of the answers is to give parents the opportunity to say, “I would like to send my kid to the Catholic school down the street.”
You are about to head into what will be your eighth term in the Pa. House of Representatives. Among the many issues expected to reach your desk and in your periph-
ery in your coming term, what rises to the top in terms of importance?
My number one priority heading into my next term is reopening Jennersville Hospital and its emergency room and working in concert with ChristianaCare to ensure that emergency room care is brought back to the community.
On the state level, I am very concerned about where we are heading from a budgetary perspective. The state’s last two budgets each spent $2 billion more than anticipated revenues, the first time we have seen that in the state’s history. Four years ago, the state was sitting on a sizable surplus, and at the end of this budget cycle four years later, that surplus is going to be gone. Some very difficult decisions will need to be made. The next two budgetary cycles will be very crucial in determining the fiscal solvency of the Commonwealth.
I strongly believe that we need to live by our fiscal means as we move forward.
To learn more about John Lawrence, visit https//:replawrence.com.
window shades pulled and everyone rushing back into their homes. There was fear back then and this will reignite those fears, and I think that our employers need to be concerned.
This will not just affect the agricultural industry, but the entire equine industry, the entire landscape industry and the entire hospitality industry. That’s our workforce. I have made this clear in Harrisburg that this is not just a minor slice of the pie, but a major chunk of the pie. When you consider that southeastern Pennsylvania is the economic engine of the state, people should be very concerned about this.
The argument coming from the other side of the political aisle is that these are undocumented citizens, and because they are
here illegally, they do not have the right to be here in the U.S. I want people to be here legally, but they – those on the other side of the aisle – have the authority to make that process work. We have people who have been in the pipeline to become U.S. citizens who have been waiting for years to do so. If you are a senator or are in Congress, you have the authority to get this done. To make people sit for a decade and then complain about illegal immigration doesn’t make any sense to me.
The Democratic party – your party – has been soundly criticized for its failure to reach the working-class sector of the population. In your
Over the course of his many terms, Rep. Lawrence has regularly convened with other key lawmakers, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and former State Sen. Andrew Dinniman. John Lawrence...
Courtesy photo
John Lawrene is about to begin his eighth term as State Rep. for the 13th District.
Rep. Sappey attends several events honoring military veterans every year.
Rep. Sappey takes the Oath of Office during her 2021 swearing-in ceremony in Harrisburg.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Rep. Lawrence spoke at a candidates’ event sponsored by the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce event in 2022.
Chester County
Local News
Harvey...
Continued from Page 1A
teachers and students, and I am sure that is in large part thanks to you.”
Kristen Bishop, CEO/ Head of School for Avon Grove Charter School, gave a special presentation to thank Marchese for his service during the process of authorization of the charter school.
She said, “This task came with its own set of challenges and complexities, and you embraced the collaborative spirit, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Bishop later told the Chester County Press that competition often exists between traditional public schools and public charter schools, but Marchese’s willingness to support the charter school so as to put needs of students and families first ultimately strengthened the community.
“It is what the relationship between a traditional public school and a charter school should look like,” she said. “They should have the same goal, to help kids in the community thrive.”
Avon Grove School Board
President Bonnie Wolff delivered the final commentary. She read off a lengthy list of Dr. Marchese’s accomplishments during his tenure. Included among this list was the building of a new high school, reconfiguration of the grade levels housed at each district school, reinstitution of programs that had been eliminated during the recession, and his remarkable feat of achieving financial
stability for the Avon Grove School District so that tax increases have remained at the Act 1 Index or below. The Act 1 Index is calculated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to determine the maximum amounts school districts can raise real estate property taxes in a given year without seeking approval from the community via a referendum.
Welling with emotion, Wolff stated that Marchese was going to be missed not only because of his accomplishments but because he has become a friend to so many people in the district. She ended by saying, “We are going to move on, we are going to get better, and that is because of you.”
Dr. Marchese responded to meeting participants’ comments saying, “Eleven years is a long time. It is pretty much a third of my career. It has been the best third of my career.”
Board members then presented Dr. Marchese with a plaque that read:
“In gratitude for your transformative years of service to the Avon Grove School District, we extend our deepest appreciation for your exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and inspiring educational vision that will have a profound and lasting impact on generations of Avon Grove students, staff, and families.”
The board also attended to other business that included committee reports.
Rick Dumont delivered the Education Committee report. He said that the Dual Language Immersion Program will be available
to all incoming kindergarten students, including both English-speaking and heritage Spanish-speaking students, with half of the instructional minutes being given in English and half in Spanish. The goal will be for enrolled students to remain in the program through secondary school so they can attain high levels of bilingualism and bi-literacy.
Mike Woodin provided the Operations Committee report. He said that the district received a clean audit for the period ending June 30, 2024. He also announced that the perpupil allocation amount increased by $5 per pupil, bringing the total to $180 per pupil. The per-pupil allocation is a factor that is set annually and establishes a building-based budget allocation for non-personnel operational costs, such as instructional supplies.
In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Marchese announced that the Avon Grove School District enrolls 4,881 students, including brick-and-mortar and cyber charter students. He reported that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has painted an overwhelming positive trajectory for Avon Grove schools since the high school, middle school, and intermediate school had received higher-thanaverage Act 13 scores (a PA educator effectiveness evaluation score). He stated that Penn London received no score due to its atypical grade span. He congratulated teachers, staff, and the children for this achievement.
Unionville...
Continued from Page 1A
for improving them. As a first step, the school board voted in June to approve a Feasibility Study with architectural firm Marotta/Main.”
After providing multiple opportunities for public engagement, including an initial information session, community conversation,
community survey and ondemand FAQ, the UCFSD School Board will vote in February 2025 on a recommendation to maintain, renovate or replace the current middle school.
As of now, no decisions have been made.
The Feasibility Study Report will be presented again along with a recommendation at a special board meeting on Monday, January 6 from 7 to 10
p.m. at Charles F. Patton Middle School. The board will vote on whether to maintain, renovate or replace the current middle school at the February 18 regular board meeting. Additional information about the Middle School Feasibility Study is available on the UCFSD website or by contacting msfeasibilitystudy@ ucfsd.net anytime.
The high school received the fourth-highest Act 13 score among all comprehensive high schools in Chester County. The score was 84.5, while the Chester County average score is 76.5.
The middle school had the fifth-highest Act 13 score among all Chester County middle schools. Its score was 78.1, and the average Chester County middle school Act score is
72.5.
The intermediate school had the 15th-highest score among elementary schools in Chester County with a score of 85.9, which was higher than the Chester County elementary school average score of 80.6.
Marchese also reported that Citadel Credit Union is accepting nominations for the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. Each year, Citadel Credit Union
partners with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to honor teachers across the greater Philadelphia area who have gone above and beyond their duties to contribute to the school and the community. He encouraged caregivers to nominate an Avon Grove teacher on the Citadel Credit Union website. This year’s winners will be awarded a total of $80,000 in grants and prizes.
Courtesy photo
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is inviting community members to join the final Community Conversation regarding the Middle School Feasibility Study on Monday, Dec. 9.
ACT Players...
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periaktoi. These are triangular pillars that have an image painted on each of their three different sides.
“We will have six of these on stage that can be turned to change the set quickly,” she said.
When presenting the ghosts, there will also be a range of special effects.
Miriello said, “It’s not something I’ve done, but I did some research, and we’re hoping to have some interesting effects that will come together over the next few weeks of rehearsals.”
Miriello said that the play is appropriate for schoolage children as well as adults, but parents should be aware that there are
Christina Sappey...
Continued from Page 2A estimation, how will the Democratic party need to redefine its message in order to reach those voters who feel that the party has left them behind?
First and foremost, Democrats have always prioritized the working class and those in need and that message has really gotten lost in the last election cycles, because fringe issues have been highlighted, and not necessarily by our party. I understand that this is not a priority for folks, but we need to do a better job in getting our message out, and better knowing who we are speaking with. People in positions of authority have been in politics for a long
some scary elements and adult themes.
“This was a social commentary that Dickens wrote. There are things that are not necessarily comfortable,” Miriello said.
“People have to decide if their little ones will be scared. That last ghost is pretty scary. There will be fog, there will be lots of sound effects, Marley, he’s pretty scary too – he’s got his chains and he’s a suffering spirit.”
ACT Players was founded in 2004 and is now in the 20th anniversary season. At first, their productions were primarily musicals, but recently dramatic productions have been included as well.
“By providing shows where people who don’t
time. They spend all their time around people who are in politics. It is often the only conversation they have, and they have stopped talking with regular people.
When you [as an elected official] stop asking a person on the street, ‘How are you doing?’ you become tone deaf.
One of the most pressing issues facing the 158th District has been the increasing lack of affordable housing, and while state and federal money has been tossed on the problem, the problem still exists and it’s destroying the fabric of the local working- and middleclass. What have you been doing – and what will you continue to do – to come up with solutions?
Our urban centers are where we should absolutely
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sing can perform, gets a whole different group of people coming out for shows that don’t require singing,” Miriello said.
Chris Murray, who plays the role of scrooge, has been with ACT Players almost from the beginning. The all-volunteer production has 29 cast members between the ages 8 to over 70, filling 68 roles.
“We have two people who have never been with ACT before and we’ve got people that have been with ACT since the very beginning,” Miriello said. “We definitely have a mixture of people. This is the first show for at least two people that I can think of. We have people who do theater because they love it. The same with the people behind the scenes.
have affordable housing. You want your workforce to be living near where they work. You want walkable communities, and you want people to be able to live somewhere that doesn’t cost $700,000. It’s been a growing problem for the past decade in Chester County, and it has been among the loudest of conversations, but it’s not a simple problem to solve in the fastest growing and wealthiest county in the state.
We are having these conversations constantly with realtors, developers, builders and the service sector, and everyone immediately identifies with the problem, but there are very different views on how to tackle it. I look to other states who have been able to tackle this for ideas and solutions. Are they renovating exist-
This is all-volunteer. We do it for the love of it.”
Miriello pointed out that this the group is a family organization, and both of her adult sons are involved in this performance.
“That’s the way it is across this cast,” she said. “There are five families that have children in the show. If someone is onstage, maybe someone else is back stage. It’s just a community that’s lovely.”
Rehearsals for A Christmas Carol have been held at the New London United Methodist Church before final polishing at the production stage at the Avon Grove Middle School.
The fact that the group does not have a permanent home presents challenges and is something Miriello hopes
ing infrastructure? Are they giving tax credits to incentivize affordable housing? I have to get this information to our local government committee and then get it through a Republican House and convince a lot of lawmakers in rural Pennsylvania that helping us do this is worthwhile. We are the economic engine of the state, but it is hard to convince them that when we don’t have affordable housing and we don’t have an economy because we don’t have a workforce, that it is going to hurt them in other parts of Pennsylvania.
One of the biggest challenges we face is defining what “affordable” is. Calculating this is not something that everyone agrees on, so this may take a while.
will change.
“We’d love to have a permanent home,” she said.
“That’s one of the things we strive for. It would make producing shows so much more seamless. That’s something that is a goal, but it’s just been tough. In spite of all that, we produce wonderful shows.”
Miriello encouraged everyone to consider attending the show.
“A Christmas Carol has been done a lot of different ways, each a success. It’s a timeless story,” she said. “I feel like the acting on this is very true, it’s very honest. Some of the things that shaped Scrooge into what he was happened to him as a kid. I just feel like that’s a story for any time. No matter how many times you’ve
While no one in the 158th District can dispute the economic impact the mushroom industry has had on the local economy, there is a growing concern that the industry has not done an effective job of regulating its emission levels of toxic fumes -- particularly Hydrogen Sulfide. What measures are being undertaken by the industry that – to your satisfaction – properly point the needle forward in terms of creating permanent solutions?
When you say “to my satisfaction,” [the mushroom industry] is not doing anything to my satisfaction of their own volition, but they are doing their own point source study. They are trying to establish some data in order to move forward with measures to control [levels
seen it, you’ll learn something new. I think there’s definitely a reason for people to come out and seen it.”
ACT Players will present A Christmas Carol at the Avon Grove Middle School (formerly the Avon Grove High School) at 257 State Road, West Grove. Performances will be held during the first two full weekends of December, Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, visit the website at ACTPlayers.org. Tickets will also be available at the door until the show is sold out.
of Hydrogen Sulfide] and then prove that “This is where it is coming from, and this is how we are handling it.” I do think it is time for the Department of Agriculture
Continued on Page 4B
Courtesy photo Rep. Christina Sappey spoke at a news conference urging that federal funds from the American Rescue Plan be directed to service providers for the Intellectually Disabled and Autism community.
Oxford
Now
& Then
Oxford residents and the “prominent and curious people” in the area who traveled to Oxford had the opportunity to witness some important local history on the morning of December 22, 1860.
In “Oxford Now & Then,” a history of Oxford that was written, edited and published in June of 1976 by Girl Scout Troop 1185, recounted the events of that long ago day like this:
“The very first train arrived in our town on December 22, 1860, with the flags flying and the bands playing. On that day there was fog and drizzle, but the sun came out by 10:00 a.m. The special train that had left West Chester was pulled by the engine, “Rockdale.” It pulled a half dozen cars and was crowded with prominent and curious people who came to Oxford. The train arrived at the squatty station South Third Street where it was met by a reception committee, a company of soldiers, and the Cornet Band. Afterward, a great feast was served at Oxford Hall. A brand new station was built on the East side of the tracks shortly after the first train arrived on Railroad Street. Here it stayed until about 1900.”
The arrival of trains in Oxford changed the town’s future.
Oxford had very humble beginnings, but was destined to be “in the middle of things.”
Oxford’s location is approximately equidistant between Baltimore and Philadelphia and also equidistant between Lancaster, Pa. and Wilmington, Del. That worked in Oxford’s favor from the very beginning of its history, as it was a natural crossroads for commercial activity.
Oxford was once called Oxford Crossing and then Oxford Village during the 1700s.
In 1805, the Oxford Post Office was established. Oxford was officially incorporated as a borough in 1833. You can see the borough’s 200th anniversary of that event now, just on the horizon.
At the time that Oxford was incorporated, the northern half of Oxford was owned by the Dickey family. Reverend John Miller Dickey and his wife Sarah Emlen Cresson founded Ashmun Institute in 1854. The school later became Lincoln University. The Dickey family played a major role in re-routing the new Philadelphia and Baltimore Central Railroad (P&BC) through Oxford. Track was laid in the 1850s. The railroad reached Oxford in 1860 and later connected to Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Within just a few years of the trains arriving in Oxford, the town was a bustling community. The business district on Third Street was entirely re-built at this time, including the Oxford Hotel (1858) and Oxford Hall (1862). Oxford became known for its confectionery and candy businesses and was the location of many manufacturing facilities. A second railroad, the Peach Bottom Railway, was built in the 1870s from Oxford to Peach Bottom. It carried farm products and passengers but was not profitable. It struggled through three bankruptcies and reorganized as the Lancaster, Oxford and Southern Railway, finally closing permanently in 1918.
Passenger train service ended in 1935. Transportation changes ultimately resulted in Interstate 95 in 1963 and in a Route 1 bypass in the late 1960s. This resulted in a shift of much of the Philadelphia-Baltimore traffic away from Oxford.
That was Oxford then.
You can enjoy Oxford now—following extensive revitalization efforts—during some of the holiday events coming up.
The annual First Friday Christmas celebration take place this Friday with Christmas carols and songs by the Christian Life Center, the arrival of Santa on a fire truck, and the annual tree lighting. Stores will be open for you to get a head start on your holiday shopping.
Santa’s Workshop in town will be located at KVIS & Coe Insurance at 123 E. Locust Street in Oxford. There will be plenty of fun activities for children, especially after Santa’s arrival, when children will be able to get their picture taken with Santa.
The Oxford Arts Alliance’s Artisan Gift Shop will be open on Friday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Oxford Feed & Lumber will offer photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Also on Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the Oxford Public Library will present the Santa Extravaganza. Enjoy a special Santa show, including a read-aloud event and magic tricks from Santa. Afterwards enjoy stations with crafts, games and Santa himself.
At the Oxford Presbyterian Church, Ten Thousand Villages is open on Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. Ten Thousand Villages is a global maker-to-market movement that breaks the cycle of generational poverty and ignites social change. Every purchase directly impacts the life and community of its maker in a developing country.
Lola’s, one of Oxford’s distinctive businesses, presents Men’s Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The store will make shopping easy and fun. There will be bourbon and hors d’oeuvres at noon and every purchase enters you in a contest to win a bottle of bourbon. There will also be complimentary gift wrapping, this day only.
On Sunday, Breakfast with Santa takes place at the Octoraro Hotel & Tavern.
These holiday events are a good way to experience Oxford’s small town charm.
Gov. Shapiro’s SEPTA bailout is another failure of leadership
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recently announced a plan to divert federal funds to bail out the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).
At a press conference in Philadelphia, Shapiro said he is taking unilateral executive action in ordering PennDOT to direct $153 million of federal highway capital funds, meant for seven highway projects across the commonwealth, to provide a bailout to SEPTA.
This follows a resolution passed by the Philadelphia City Council, which begged him to take this action.
Commonwealth Foundation senior vice president Nathan Benefield issued the following statement in response:
“Governor Shapiro’s decision to divert federal highway funds from their intended purpose to bail out SEPTA is another failure of leadership. Rather than work with both chambers of the legislature on a com-
promise that would provide accountability for SEPTA mismanagement and address infrastructure issues across Pennsylvania, he’s leading from behind and taking orders from the Philadelphia City Council. Shapiro cannot continue to blame others for his ineffective leadership. Yet again, he’s bypassing the legislature instead of keeping his promise to deliver bipartisan leadership as the governor.
“SEPTA has repeatedly failed to serve customers, residents, and taxpayers, and not because of state funding issues. Even before this new bailout, Pennsylvania taxpayers and drivers were footing the bill for SEPTA’s bureaucracy. Shapiro’s bailout attempts to avoid the deep issues he and SEPTA leaders must address. They have refused to deal with rising crime and quality of life violations, nor have they evaluated routes in decades. SEPTA leadership should focus on streamlining ser-
vice, finding efficiencies, and relying more on fares and local support—like most major metropolitan transportation systems.”
Today’s bailout announcement is just the latest high-profile example of Shapiro failing to lead when the people of Pennsylvania need him the most:
Expressing concerns about the effects of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Shapiro promised to work with the legislature on a solution to higher energy prices. He failed, and energy prices have continued to rise while he fights in court for the ability to keep Pennsylvania in RGGI.
Despite his campaign promise to support Lifeline Scholarships to help students in Pennsylvania’s worst-performing schools get a better education, Shapiro line-item vetoed the program from the state budget, going back on a deal he made with the Senate.
Shapiro also pledged to
accelerate the reduction in the state corporate net income tax, but he hasn’t made any progress. As ridership has declined by 20 percent, SEPTA’s operating budget has increased by 9.3 percent since 2019. State funds account for 49.9 percent of SEPTA’s funding. This is disproportionately high compared to other large mass transit agencies. The state share for New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is 9.2 percent, for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 26.5 percent, for the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) 26 percent, and for Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) 30.5 percent. Only 19 percent of SEPTA’s funding comes from fares, a lower share than MTA’s 38 percent, CTA’s 22 percent, and MBTA’s 22 percent. Local government sources account for a meager 7.4 percent of SEPTA’s revenue.
Statewide assessment scores show need for transformational change in education
Incoming Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/ Fulton) said that the recent statewide assessment results from the Pennsylvania Department of Education show transformational change is needed in Pennsylvania’s system of education to achieve meaningful improvement.
“While the statewide
assessment scores released by the Pennsylvania Department of Education show some areas of improvement, it is clear we are still lagging behind our pre-COVID achievement scores and Pennsylvania students are continuing to learn at a deficit compared to their predecessors,” Topper said. According to the just-released state-
wide assessment scores, Pennsylvania students incrementally improved in math and science proficiency, while continuing to fall behind in English language arts.
“If we are to expect tangible change in outcomes, we must have transformational change in our system of education. It is clear unfocused budgetary and legislative
Chester County Community Foundation awards $45,000 to 15 local nonprofits
The Chester County Community Foundation (CCCF) recently announced that it is distributing $45,505 in capacity building grants to 15 non-profit organizations in the county.
Grants & Scholarship Policy Committee members carefully selected this year’s recipients in a competitive
grant-making process. The missions and programs of the organizations selected reflect CCCF’s mission to connect people who care with causes that matter, so their philanthropy makes a difference now and forever.
Committee members combed through numerous applications, giving prior-
ity to small and mid-size nonprofits located in and serving Chester County, which strengthen the social, cultural, health, education and/or economic character of their communities.
Capacity building includes nonprofit investment in mission, vision and strategy; governance and leadership; partnerships and collaborations; operations and technology and fundraising, development and marketing.
The following organizations received grant funding: 4th Trimester MOMMIE, A Child’s Light, Care Center Foundation, Chester County Community Collaborative, Chester County Library Trust, Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, Community Warehouse Project, Daemion Counseling Center, Kennett Area Park Authority, Kennett Area Senior Center, Main Line Deputy Dog, Oxford Area Senior Center, Seniors and Paws, Volunteer English Program in Chester County, and West Chester Communities That Care.
“Providing nonprofits with capacity building funds allows organizations to
education priorities in state government are not benefitting Pennsylvania’s children in the classroom,” Topper continued. “I look forward to continuing to work across the aisle and with the Shapiro administration to find common ground on shared goals that can advance the kind of transformative change in our education system our students so desperately need.”
improve their effectiveness and reach,” said Elizabeth Zwaan Milne Esq., the chair of the grants and scholarship policy committee.
“Our goal is to strengthen the nonprofit community in Chester County so they can serve our most vulnerable populations and help our communities thrive.” Grant funding is typically distributed by February. The next application process for capacity building grants will take place between July 1 and September 11, 2025. To learn more about CCCF grant awards visit https://chescocf.org/receive/ apply-for-grants/.
Courtesy photo Chester County Community Foundation Staff includes, top row, Emily Dina, Ajene Livingston, Karen Simmons, Jason Arbacheski, and Bob Ferguson, and bottom row Sarah Wagner, Paige Marsden, Beth Krallis, Stephenie Stevens, and Kevin Baffa.
Thousands endure the cold for a delightful light parade in Kennett Square
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
The residents of the Kennett Square area demonstrated again on Saturday night that they love parades—and they are eager to come see them regardless of the weather conditions.
The weather was very cold with temperatures hovering at freezing and perhaps below, but several thousand spectators came out to enjoy the uptown Holiday Light Parade anyway.
And although the parade was advertised widely to begin at 7 p.m., visitors had gathered with folding lawn chairs much earlier, lining the route from South Broad Street to West State Street by 6 p.m.
The large turnout was similar to the community response to the Memorial Day Parade at the end of May, even as that occasion enjoys warmer weather and occurs at late morning under mostly sunlit skies.
The annual Holiday Light Parade featured many decorated vehicles – entered in the parade by businesses, nonprofits or local residents. The vehicles lumber through the streets with numerous lights after dark, making a dramatic show in the borough’s darkness.
The line of participants proceeded from the borough lot in the 600 block of South Broad Street to State Street, where the reviewing stand speakers announced the features.
The procession concluded with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, courtesy of Santa’s faithful helpers, Fran and Andrea Durynski.
Long-time Unionville vehicle restorer Lou Mandich, piloting his 1918 Buick convertible and
accompanied by his wife, Barbara, drove Santa and Mrs. Claus serenely up the street to greet the crowd and to light the borough’s tree.
As for the audience, spectators crowded the parade route, often piling in threedeep along the sidewalks.
One visible difference from the Memorial Day Parade audience was the makeup of the crowd. This crowd was loaded with young children wrapped in blankets, many of them gazing with wonder and delight at the parade.
Entertainment was slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. with the dancers from Longwood Performing Arts (another tradition) slated to appear and kick up their feet. But as the minutes dragged along, they did not perform until close to 7 p.m. and they were dimmed by the lack of light that ironically gave elegant frame to the brightly decorated vehicles.
One difference with the dancers this year from last was that after they gave their first performance at the intersection of Broad and Union streets in front of La Verona restaurant, they moved farther west and performed again near Meredith Street in front of El Ranchero restaurant.
The crowds accommodated the expansion and lined the nearby sidewalks with chairs and blankets.
At 7 p.m., the parade got underway and continued for the better part of an hour-and-a-half, meaning that the youngest viewers were out beyond what was often their bedtimes. This was a concern for many parents.
Many people expressed in online sites that with the darkness falling at 5 p.m., the parade could have commenced by 6 p.m. and left
more time for kids to greet Santa before heading home.
Mrs. Santa Claus herself expressed concerns before the event that, with the tree lighting taking place so late, it meant that some parents would not want to keep their young children out later for the Santa greeting time.
The light parade has for years taken place on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. It was moved recently to Saturday night, coinciding with the “Small Business Saturday” promotion.
The change, however, did not seem to diminish the crowds.
The variety of vehicles and features that traveled the route was impressive.
Following the Kennett High School Marching Band, whose members wore colorful pajama-like leggings as they performed, were a string of local fire
trucks, the return of the Kennett Square’s lighted New Year Mushroom, a trio of horses and several floats full of children who dispersed snow-like confetti. All this showed off the hours of work that had been put in to converting everyday vehicles into sea-
sonal extravaganzas for the parade.
The Light Parade was coordinated by Kennett Collaborative, the organization established to promote the business district and plan community events. It has its roots in the nationwide Main Street program.
The borough continues to present year-end promotions throughout the coming weeks including the Holiday Village Market, the New Year’s Eve Mushroom Drop, the Santa Train and periods of free parking available in the parking garage.
The Longwood Performing Arts dancers perform at two locations along the way.
All photos by Chris Barber
Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to spectators as they are driven by Lou Mandich and accompanied by his wife, Barbara.
The Kennett High School Marching Band, wearing fancy holiday pants, brought music and flags to the parade.
One float featured kids who set off a sprinkle of white confetti, like snow. A trio of horses with their riders makes their way up Broad Street.
The New Year’s Eve lighted Mushroom thrilled the crowd as it lumbers through town.
REV. DR. BENJAMIN T. GOLDBERG-TAYLOR
Rev. Dr. Benjamin T. GoldbergTaylor, 82, of Manheim, passed away on November 18, 2024 at Ephrata Manor.
He was the husband of Rev. Roseann Goldberg Taylor and was preceded in death by his first wife, Rebecca Womer Taylor. They were married for 47-and-a-half years.
Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Kenneth James and Mary Virginia Farver Taylor.
Benjamin received a bachelor’s degree from Temple University. He attended Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, now known as Palmer Theological Seminary. He received his doctorate of ministry at Drew University.
Benjamin was a United Methodist pastor for over 51 years. He loved being a pastor.
He served many churches, including Bridesburg UMC, Lindley UMC, Narberth UMC, First UMC (Roxborough), St. John’s (Paradise) UMC, Oxford UMC, and he later served Mt. Zion UMC (Narvon) and Bird-in-Hand UMC in retirement.
Benjamin had a sense of humor and even though it
was hard for him while in the nursing home, he always made sure to let his caregivers know he loved them as well as family and friends who visited.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, B. Theodore Taylor, Jr (Tamara Patterson-Taylor) and Russel W. Taylor (Marion Sturm Taylor); five grandchildren, Allison (Taylor) Dorman, Caitlyn Taylor, Devi Sturm, Ali Sturm and Russel M W Taylor; and great-grandson, August Mclarity. He is also survived by one brother, Jack W Howard Taylor (Barbara).
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Virginia Melvin and Alice Vespa.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14 at Christ United Methodist Church, 935 E. Walnut St., in Lancaster, where friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the service starting at 11 a.m.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Christ United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ROBERT EDWARDS
Robert “Mitch” Edwards, of Oxford, passed away unexpectedly at home on November 6, 2024. He was 78. He was the husband of the love of his life, Sara Bicknell Edwards. Born in Marion, Va., he was the son of the late John Robert and Anna Rebecca Michell Edwards.
Mitch graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1964.
In 1969, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the University of Delaware and a masters of education degree in 1971. He continued his post-graduate work at the University of Delaware and Drexel University.
He taught school for 36 years in the Wilmington, Del. area and finished his career as coordinator of the cooperative education work experience program for seniors. He also spent 46 years in the insurance field.
Mitch was a member of several organizations in the Oxford community, including the Oxford Athletic Assoc., Oxford Lions Club, Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Ocklokonee Tribe #212 Red Men, Oxford Lodge #353 Free and Accepted Masons and the American Legion Post #194 of Rising Sun, Md.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing and rock and roll. He enjoyed spending time at the beach with his family.
The greatest joy of his life came from witnessing the accomplishments of his beloved children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Jan Bomhardt (Eric) of Dagsboro, Del. and Tamara Rotz (Eric) of Lancaster; four grandchildren, Eliza Bomhardt, Garrett Bomhardt, Grayson Rotz and Azhalie Rotz; two greatgrandchildren, Jonie and Gus; and one sister, Wanda Nuckolls of Fries, Va.
Funeral services were held on November 9 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Interment was 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.
Oxford Trio’s performance, a holiday tradition for many, returns on Dec. 6
The community is cordially invited to attend Christmas with the Oxford Trio, a performance also featuring Brett Spotts.
This concert and community sing-along will be presented on Dec. 6, the first Friday of December. Since 2007, this concert has become one of the area’s most beloved holiday traditions. This local chamber ensemble fea-
tures Katie Slauch-Boozer, violin, Julia Farber, horn, and Nancy Pedrick, piano, and is delighted to again welcome special guest, guitarist/ singer-songwriter Spotts for the performance. Included in the concert will be choral and instrumental offerings, carol singing, and lots of holiday cheer.
The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford United Methodist Church,
Market and Addison Streets, in Oxford. There is plenty of free parking.
This year, as in the past, a free-will offering will be gratefully accepted and donated in its entirety to the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center. Please be as generous as possible to help provide support for this essential community nonprofit agency.
MARVELLA GREER PERKINS
Marvella Greer Perkins, 84, entered into rest on November 30, 2024. She passed at her home while surrounded by her family.
Born in Nine Points, she was the daughter of Martin Greer and Mary Cook Greer Ward and the stepdaughter of James Ward.
She was the beloved wife of Herman Perkins, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage.
She graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1959. In her younger years, she worked at various mushroom canneries ending up at Nottingham Canning where she worked with her mother.
In 1959, she married Herman and they lived in Tennessee and Indiana before settling in Kirkwood where they raised their only child.
Marvella enjoyed reading, going to yard sales and thrift shops. She loved cats and just enjoyed the simple things in life with her family.
The most important thing she ever did was place her faith in Jesus Christ in 1975.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Sandra; a stepdaughter, Mary Jane and her children David and Lori; a sister, Jean Cline and a brother, Jesse Ward and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by an infant son, Ronald, and three brothers, John (Bud) Greer, Jerry Ward and Charles (Sonny) Ward and two sisters, Phyllis (Pat) Burnette and Janice Ward.
Thank you to Hospice For All Seasons (Lindsay and Becky) for your kindness and compassion.
Services and interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marvella’s memory to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Dewald Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Quarryville.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.dewalds.com.
DIANE MARIE WOOD
Diane Marie Wood, age 69, of Cape May Court House, N.J., and formerly of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2024 while surrounded by family at the Atlanicare Regional Medical Center. Diane fought a long medical battle since the age of 17, overcoming all odds and living a fulfilling life until her passing. Diane was the daughter of the late Olivio Avello and the late Mary DiPlacido Avello. A 1973 graduate of Kennett High School, where she was voted most studious by her fellow classmates, Diane was very spiritual and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Church where she spent many years teaching CCD. Diane’s faith in the Lord was remarkable and clearly reflected in her attitude and actions. In 1979 and 1981 she traveled to Lima, Peru where she adopted two children through Catholic Social Services.
Diane had an infectious smile. As a child, she loved helping her father in the family mushroom business and spending time with her cousins and sister. Later in life, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family, especially her partner, Jose.
Diane loved to take boat rides with Jose and look for dolphins. She also loved to shop and could spend hours shopping with her family.
She is survived by her loving partner, Jose Mojica; a daughter, Olivia M. Wood of Avondale; one son, Christopher Wood of Frederick, Md.; one sister, Donna Antonelli (John) of Hockessin, Del.; four grandchildren, Brittany Gonsalves (Shawn), Olivio Simpkins, Jacob Burkey and Austin Bacot; and one nephew, Ricky Angelucci (Liza). You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Friday morning, December 6 at the Kuzo Funeral Home at 250 West State Street, Kennett Square. A memorial mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church: 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Obituaries
Courtesy photo
The Oxford Trio will be joined by singer and songwriter Brett Spotts at the popular annual holiday performance on Dec. 6. Donations will be collected at the event to support the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center.
Christina Sappey...
Continued from Page 4A
– with the support of legislators – to look at how we regulate and monitor what is going on in these areas. People have been complaining about the Hydrogen Sulfide levels for several years. Something is not working. The problem is that a lot of the statutes that are in existence to govern the environmental aspects of agriculture also govern agriculture in other parts of the state that are very different than the mushroom industry. We take an oath of office ensuring the health, safety and welfare of our constituents, and that means all of them. I take that seriously, and when something is taking
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Donald Arthur Vassallo aka Donald A Vassallo, Late of Kennett Square, Kennett Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to John G. Vassallo, 5 Beauport Court, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, Executor, Or Attorney: Michael F. Dingerdissen, Esquire, Morris James LLP,
too long, it’s only logical that steps need to be taken.
Let’s turn our attention to another ecological problem: the proliferation of phorid flies in Chester County. You recently met with area stakeholders about what possible solutions can be incorporated to help reduce the population of the phorid fly. Bring the readers of the Press up to date on what is happening and who is involved.
Kennett Square Borough has had an influx of phorid flies, and a lot of the surrounding areas have been impacted for a long time. We have been making progress with research initiatives from Penn State, which have created measures to reduce the populations at the source
P.O. Box 2306, Wilmington, DE 19899-2306
11p-20-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF MARIA D. FILOROMO (a/k/a Maria J. Filoromo), deceased; late of East Brandywine Township, Pennsylvania, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make prompt payment and those having claims to present the same, without delay to: Joseph G. Filoromo, Executor. C/O Attorney: Charise D. Chait, Peckman Chait LLP, 29 Mainland Road,
– mushroom farms. They have developed a product that they use for operational use that has been approved by the FDA but not for residential use, but hopefully in 2025 the product will be approved for residential use.
The eventual goal is to eliminate the phorid flies at the farms before they reach residential areas.
In 2023, you introduced a bill to create an Office of Child Advocate (OCA) in Pennsylvania in order to help protect children from abuse and exploitation. Currently, 34 other states have such an agency. How close is the commonwealth to seeing the start of that independent agency?
The issue for Pennsylvania is that we currently have an
Harleysville, PA 19438
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ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Shirley Ann Carr, Late of Cochranville Pa, Highland Twp, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Kelley Boyer, 441 Highspire Rd. Glenmoore Pa 19343, Executor
11p-27-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Margaret Ann Platt, Late of Penn Township and Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to John Francis Platt, 193 Glendale Road, Oxford, PA. 19363 , Executor.
11p-27-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice Is Hereby Given The Elk Township 2025 Proposed Annual Budget will be available for Review by appointment at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Rd. Lewisville, PA 19352 The Budget will be Adopted at the December 21st Budget Meeting at 6PM. To make an appointment or if you are a person with a dis-
office but it’s not permanent and it’s by executive order only, so a future governor can eliminate this with the stroke of a pen. One of the things that this legislation is aiming for is to make this a permanent office to be housed in the Department of Human Services, who will work closely with areas like education, health and judiciary and create an umbrella approach to the issue of child protection and safety, so that we don’t see children and youth fall through the cracks.
We have seen horrific cases here in Chester County that should never have happened. This office would very clearly streamline the responsibilities so that everyone is crystal clear about what happens when a call comes in, and what happens next. There
ability and require special accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Township Secretary at 610255-0634.
11p-27-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Charlotte C. Wrigley, late of Londonderry Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the abovenamed Charlotte C. Wrigley, having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Thomas W. Wrigley, CoExecutor, Richard C. Wrigley, Co-Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838
Classifieds
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 12/23/2024 at 10:00AM. Matthew Higgins unit #B048;
is misunderstanding in this legislation in thinking that we are trying to create a giant bureaucracy, when it’s frankly taking departments that currently exist and making sure that they are working more collaboratively.
Among the legislation that you will continue to support heading into your next term, what, among it, is expected to be at the top of your priorities?
We were able to get several bills passed into law this past term and I am very proud of that. We got the telemedicine legislation passed. We got bipartisan legislation to better protect victims’ pets in domestic violence situations signed into law. Now that I can cross those off my list, I can focus on some other
Brandon Ginter unit #F025. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.12-4-1t
HELP WANTED
Part time Truck Driver with CDL, needed immediately, to move trucks locally within 30 miles of the Oxford Area. Please, contact Chris at 610517-1422 for more details. 11p-20-4t
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The earned income tax credit for our workforce is one that came really close to passing last term, and it will be one that I will continue to push for in my next term. I am thinking about all of our young people who go off to college or tech school and come back and can’t afford to live here, or they are living here but are one car repair or healthcare payment away from falling behind. We want to keep them working and not in social safety net programs, but when they are faced with these crises, they are forced to make crucial decisions, and that’s not good for the economy and it’s not good for the family.
To learn more about Christina Sappey, visit www.pahouse.com/Sappey
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Studio di Rosci celebrates its grand opening in Kennett Square
Kim Rosci, the owner of Rosci Salon Da’ Spa in West Grove, is partnering with her daughter, Kathleen, on a new location in Kennett Square that specializes in skin care and beauty care
services. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the second location at 210 South Mill Road Suite 105 took place on Nov. 7, with the team of stylists joining their family, friends, and Southern
Chester County Chamber members.
“We are proud to welcome Studio Di Rosci to the Chamber and the greater Southern Chester County business community. We
Fay and Spano named Oxford Rotary Students of the Month
By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Logan Spano and Ryan Fay were chosen as the Oxford Rotary Students of the Month from Oxford Area High School. Fay is a member of the FBLA, the treasurer for the National Honor Society and a member of the National English Honor Society. He also participates in Helping Hands, the Academic Competition Team, cross country and track and field.
Fay, a National Merit Semifinalist, plans to major in actuarial science statistics when he goes to college. Penn State University, Clemson or the University of North Carolina are the schools
he is looking at. Spano is a member of Statistics, the FBLA, the Academic Competition Team, and the National Honor Society. He is a
Student Representative for the Oxford Educational Foundation, and is a member of the school’s cross country and track team.
look forward to working together to support their growth and success,” said Cheryl B. Kuhn, IOM, the Southern Chester County Chamber president & CEO.
Studio Di Rosci is a salon that specializes in a variety of spa and beauty services,
including but not limited to hair, nails, skincare, head spa treatments, makeup, facials, waxing and more.
The recently built space exhibits a fresh, new look with floor-to-ceiling windows located on the second floor, and a variety of pri-
vate rooms for all your beauty treatments.
“Beauty is a gift from nature, and elegance is a gift of art. We invite you to experience our serene setting where beauty and wellness meet,” Kathleen Rosci said.
Courtesy photo
Studio Di Rosci owners Kathleen Rosci and Kimberly Rosci are pictured with the Southern Chester County Chamber members, family and friends at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new business.
Courtesy photo Logan Spano and Ryan Fay are the Oxford Rotary Students of the Month from Oxford Area High School. Pictured, from left, are Connie Winchester, Nicholas Spano, Kristy Spano, and Logan Spano, and Ryan Fay, Emmie Fay, Jason Fay and Jahan Sheikholeslami, President of the Oxford Rotary Club.
Chester County Economic Development Council outlines its successes during 2024
Achievements include 130 projects and $98,138,481 in total funding
The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) is releasing key milestones for fiscal year 2024, after a year of remarkable growth for the 64-year-old organization.
More than 200 local business and community leaders, spanning every major regional industry, were in attendance as CCEDC showcased the end-of-year milestones at its 14th Annual Stakeholders’ Breakfast held at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern on Nov. 22.
“The CCEDC team is now the largest and most experienced in our history, delivering more programs and services across Chester County and frequently extending beyond our borders to deliver economic development activities across the region,” said CCEDC President and COO Michael Grigalonis. “All of this was made possible by the investors, sponsors, partners and volunteers who have gone beyond their traditional support for our organization.”
CCEDC’s 2023-24 highlights in the areas of location services, financing solutions, workforce development and innovation and entrepreneurship are summarized in the digital edition of CCEDC’s Annual Report 2023-24 found at https://ccedcpa. com/2023-24-annual-report.
There are 130 key regional development projects under-
way after $98,138,481 in total funding was facilitated by CCEDC for projects for area businesses.
During fiscal year 2024, CCEDC’s lending affiliate, Seedcopa, continued to be a leading SBA 504 lender in Pennsylvania while adding loan volume in Delaware as expansion continued in the First State. A total of 27 business owners received loans facilitated by Seedcopa and 14 lending partners, with $58,652,791 in total project funding. Eleven counties were served: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Luzerne, Mongomery, New Castle, Northampton and Philadelphia.
Nearly two years after the Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund was created with $20 million in ARPA funds, CCEDC continued to administer the program to nontraditional borrowers in nine counties across southeastern and central Pennsylvania: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Lebanon, Montgomery and Perry. Of the 42 loans closed in fiscal year 2024, 88 percent went to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, and 70 percent went to very small businesses.
The past year’s location services provided by CCEDC were characterized
by strategic investments in education and health care, including Chester County’s first inpatient psychiatric unit in nearly two years at Haven Behavioral Hospital in West Chester. Funding for the $20 million renovation project included a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant facilitated by CCEDC. The organization also assisted with the 81,500-square-foot expansion of Avon Grove Charter School made possible with a USDA grant and financing from a taxexempt loan through the Chester County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA).
Workforce programs continued to be a cornerstone of CCEDC’s operations, with 3,640 youth exploring careers, 393 employees trained, 349 dislocated workers served
and 1,219 employers participating in our program during fiscal year 2024. In addition, CCEDC launched Project RECONNECT with a $2 million grant from the PA Department of Labor & Industry grant to help 111 individuals re-engage in post-secondary education in order to earn a degree or credential. 94 percent report being employed after having completed the program.
Over the past year, CCEDC’s Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n) has increased visibility and investor engagement by assisting entrepreneurs, innovators and startups. Collectively, i2n entrepreneurs filed 18 patents, secured $512,109 in KIZ tax credits and invested $7,907,775 in R&D.
AgConnect became a public/private partnership between CCEDC and
the County of Chester. This change allows the program to broaden its scope, including implementing the Chester County Agricultural Economic Development Strategic Plan aimed at fostering growth and sustainability in the county’s agricultural sector.
Sponsors of CCEDC’s 14th Annual Stakeholders Breakfast included platinum sponsors Bentley, CTDI,
For more information, visit www.ccedcpa.com.
Howell Engineering, Lockton and PA American Water; gold sponsors Fischer Cunnane, Fulton Bank and Key Financial, Inc.; silver sponsors CCRES Educational & Behavioral Health Services, Chester County Intermediate Unit, Comcast, JGM, Inc., M&T Bank, Saul Ewing LLP and Warfel Construction Company.
Courtesy photos
More than 200 local business and community leaders, spanning every major regional industry, were in attendance at the Chester County Economic Development Council’s 14th Annual Stakeholders’ Breakfast.
A panel of entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the Chester County Economic Development Council’s support programs were showcased at CCEDC’s 14th Annual Stakeholders’ Breakfast on Nov. 22.
Chester County Economic Development Council CEO Gary Smith, CCEDC President and COO Michael Grigalonis and CCEDC board Chair Bill Stedman.
