Chester County Press 12-06-2023 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 157, No. 49

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

$1.50

Gov. Shapiro signs financial allocation bill at Lincoln University Lincoln University’s Freedom 14 marchers helped force state funding resolution

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer The Lincoln University community reacted with jubilation on Friday as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro put his pen to a bill that gives the school a 21-percent financial allocation increase.

Shapiro paid a visit to the university for a ceremonial signing of House Bill 1461, which raises the

INSIDE

2023-24 allocations to the four state-related universities: Penn State, Temple, Pitt and Lincoln. He was joined by several state legislators who spoke, Lincoln President Brenda Allen, the Lincoln University Orange Crush Band and 13 Lincoln students, plus one graduate assistant who in November marched 66 miles to Harrisburg to advocate for and expedite the passage.

When Shapiro took to

If there is one thing Oxford Borough Council wants, it is for more residents to show up at the public council meetings.

Greenville & Hockessin At the Nov. 20 borough Life council meeting, that wish came true.

It was once again standing-room-only in the borough council room.

Whether it was the budget discussion, or miscommunications about the police department, or just taxpayers wanting to express their opinions, the room was packed. This was in contrast to many meetings where only a handful of residents were in attendance as council discussed imporA sleepy town and a resttant matters. ing place for heroes...1B At the Nov. 20 meeting, the room was filled with Oxford Borough residents and residents from the surrounding townships who wanted to express their support for the Oxford Borough Police Department, Oxford

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Continued on Page 2A

surrounded by marchers and speakers.

Oxford Borough Council and residents work together

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

© 2007 The Chester County Press

the dais, he praised the “Freedom 14” Lincoln marchers. Identifying himself as an advocate for widening accessibility to education, he told them, “Your motto [learn, liberate, lead] is a call to action.”

He added that greater accessibility engendered by more funds for students, programs and faculty “Ensures the legacy here as we send Photo by Chris Barber out graduates who are Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro displays the signed bill following the ceremony,

Area Recreation Authority and the Oxford Library.

To say the meeting was contentious is an understatement. This was one of the longer borough council meetings of the entire year.

When it ended, what happened was an illustration of how government can really work, and Washington, D.C. could learn a thing or two from the public and the council members in the Borough of Oxford.

At the onset of the meeting, council member and finance committee chair Peggy Ann Russell read a statement and said, “Some of this is from me, personally.”

She continued: “We know that the world is in a turmoil with horrifying and complicated news coming from many directions. Much of this makes us angry. We know that the other side of the face of fear is anger.

We know that when we are living in fear—fear of war, fear of change, whatever the fear—that we try to take control of the things that we

can control.

“The fact that you are here tonight, giving voice to your concerns and fears, is a very good thing.

“It allows your elected officials to see, without a doubt, what is important to you.

“In my opinion, it might actually be a good thing that the information about the police was misrepresented on social media, in conversations, etc. It brought us together tonight.

It allows the information to be accurately presented and it allows a dialogue.”

Russell added, “Please come to our meetings, don’t depend on word of mouth, don’t depend on words from individuals. Please depend on the voice of council— speaking as council.

“And finally, remember that it is Council that makes the decisions and directs all work of the borough staff.

So, if you are angry and upset about something, please direct that to us— the council—sitting around

While their five-month-old son Oliver is home with them in West Grove, Greg and Elizabeth Lambert struggle to find required home care for Oliver’s twin brother Tate, who remains at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

With the assistance of a nearby agency, the Lamberts remain hopeful that Tate will be home by Christmas

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Continued on Page 3A

Candyland at the Creamery

Courtesy photo

This group of friends displayed their candy cane balloons made by JLO United Events at the annual Kennett Square Holiday Village Market at the Creamery of Kennett Square this past Sunday afternoon. The popular event – featuring 50 new vendors each day -- continues this Dec. 9 and 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For additional photos, see Page 4B.

Continued on Page 5B

Bringing Tate home: A holiday wish

On June 9, with her husband Greg by her side, Elizabeth Lambert of West Grove gave birth to two boys, Oliver and Tate, at the Chester County Hospital.

The twins were born prematurely at 33 weeks, but after a six-week stay in the NCIU, Oliver was able to come home with his parents. For Tate, however, the complications that he endured from birth were multiplying. He had premature apnea and difficulty breathing, and as the weeks went by, he went through several rounds of testing, yet nothing was being firmly detected. He was then transferred to the Children’s Hospital of

FROM OUR LENS

Courtesy photo

While Oliver Lambert (right) has been home with his parents Elizabeth and Greg since he was six weeks old, his twin brother Tate (left) is awaiting discharge from CHOP, where he is in a NICU step-down unit.

Born with a rare condition, Tate will require full home nursing coverage before he is allowed to come home to West Grove.

Howard Pyle Studio Group exhibit opens at Kennett Library

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer The Kennett Library launched its fourth exhibition in its art gallery space on Nov. 30 that showcases the work of the Howard Pyle Studio Group, a group of women artists who own and maintain the artist’s former studio near Trolley Square in Wilmington, Del. The exhibit will be on display through Dec. 30.

The mission of the group -- who has been in existence for over 80 years -- is to educate, inform, and carry on the legacy of celebrated American illustrator and artist, who during his career was one of America’s most popular illustrators. When Pyle opened the Franklin Street studio in 1900, he attracted a group of young, eagerto-learn artists such as NC Wyeth, Harvey Dunn

and Frank Schoonover, who thrived under Pyle’s teaching and whose collective talent illuminated the “Golden Age of Illustration.” Over time, Pyle, his many successful students and their descendants became known as the Brandywine School that served as a major influence on the work of Andrew Wyeth.

“Arts, culture, education and entertainment all flow together,” said Kennett Library Executive Director Christopher Manna. “We think not just about the printed word, but also about the printed and painted image. Expression and communication and culture are reflected in books and in the visual arts, and this is another platform to connect with the community and show how we are trying to inform them about cultural change.”

Continued on Page 5B

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News Lincoln University...

Continued from Page 1A

ready to liberate and lead.

We have to provide that pathway for all who wish to pursue it.

“In this period of diversity, it is important that we have people from all walks of life in positions of leadership – like the leadership all of you have shown,” Shapiro said.

Frustrated by the State Senate’s delay in approving the bill, student organizers Drake Smith and MaKenzie Hanks got together and organized the 66-mile march from Lincoln to Harrisburg on Nov. 10 through 13.

Smith said he had been haunted by the announced closure of other historically Black colleges and universities and did not want Lincoln to face that danger.

“We need to stave off that fate. …Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave,” he said.

He said as he stepped onto Baltimore Pike for the beginning of the march, he thought about Lincoln University founder John Miller Dickey, who founded the school in 1854. He said he imagined the greater peril Dickey felt as he merely took walks into Oxford, which is only 10 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line, below which slavery was practiced.

Hanks, a junior and coorganizer of the march, said, “This was not about politics or partisanship. …Education can transform communities, and it supported not just Lincoln, but the other universities.”

At the conclusion of his remarks, Shapiro announced

All photos by Chris Barber

The Lincoln University Orange Crush Band steps in to entertain those gathered.

that he has appointed Smith as chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, and said that Hanks “will change the world.”

Allen greeted her audience of about 100 that included students, alumni, board members and friends.

She told them she was a bit caught off guard when Smith approached her and spoke of the intention to walk the almost 70 miles to Harrisburg. However, she said, in her more than 30 years in higher education she has always believed in the independence of students. She added that she met with them ahead of time to make sure they would be safe and not just “camping out.”

As it turned out, they were indeed safe and had motel stays and food along the way.

In fact, one of the marchers, senior Jayson Davis, said they received a lot of public support along the way. Once, when they happened to be resting in a parking lot in Mt. Joy, the owner came out to ask them what they were doing. Davis

said she was so impressed that she made out a check for $500 and gave it to them.

Shapiro and his team were scheduled to arrive at the Lincoln Student Union at 11 a.m., but they were almost an hour late. It was in the 45-minute time gap that State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-19 of West Goshen, stepped in along with the Lincoln Orange Crush Band to fill in.

An enthusiastic Lincoln University booster, Comitta told the Freedom 14 marchers, “We stood here in the rain as you left, and we greeted you in Harrisburg when you arrived.”

She further praised them for their successful efforts: “You marched for all – Penn State, Pitt and Temple. You are the students who made it happen, and we are so proud of you.”

Meanwhile, the Lincoln marching band arrived on the scene at the same time and brought their upbeat music—plus cheerleaders.

When Shapiro arrived, his actual signing of the bill was preceded by words from Smith, Hanks, Allen and several state legislators.

Pennsylvania Sen.

Gov. Shapiro puts his pen to the bill at the ceremony. To his right from left are state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, state Rep. Greg Scott and marcher Jayson Davis.

Vincent Hughes – D-7 of Philadelphia – was passionate. A graduate of Temple University, he nonetheless donned a Lincoln baseball cap and gave an animated endorsement of the role Lincoln plays in the state and the nation.

“What you did is what Lincoln students have done for 179 years: They lead. It’s what we do! Penn State has 90,000 kids; Pitt has 20,000; Temple has 25,000; Lincoln has 1,800. It took the smallest school to have the biggest impact. That’s what we’ve been doing at Lincoln for 170 years,” he said.

State Rep Jordan Harris, D-186 of Philadelphia and Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, was likewise animated. He cited the contributions to society by Lincoln graduates Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and Poet Langston Hughes, among

Members of the Freedom 14 marchers sit in the first rows of the audience during the ceremony.

others.

“What Lincoln does is magical … You are amazing leaders. Lincoln creates not only leaders here but presidents of foreign countries. …That money is an investment not only in books and classrooms. It is an investment in the future of the commonwealth, the county and everywhere,” he said.

Celebrities also present on stage were State Rep. Greg

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Scott, D-54 of Norristown, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Khalid Mumin.

Although the Commonwealth budget is due for completion and passage at the end of June, parts of it including the education funding were held up because the state Senate had not yet passed it. Bill 1461 concluded that action, giving Lincoln the 21-percent increase of about $3 million, raising the total to almost $19 million for the year.

Penn State, Pitt and Temple received 7-percent increases.

In total, the annual allocations for the other three state related universities are Penn State $259 million, Temple $169 million and Pitt $165 million.

When asked about the delays in parts of the budget, Shapiro said they actually only amounted to about 1 percent of the total and he hoped they would be resolved within days.

He also said the schools are responsible for reporting to the state on a regular basis how the money is spent.

Lincoln University is the first degree-awarding HBCU college in the United State, having been founded in 1854. It sits between Jennersville and Oxford along Baltimore Pike in Lower Oxford Township.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Tate Lambert...

Continued from Page 1A

Philadelphia (CHOP) in July, and over the next several weeks, he underwent testing by the hospital’s neurology, pulmonary and genetic departments.

Finally, this past September, genetic testing revealed that the three-month-old was diagnosed with PURA syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, causes moderate to severe developmental delays and learning disabilities and often leads to movement difficulties, epileptic seizures and other health issues.

Because babies born with PURA syndrome often have feeding or breathing difficulties, they require the use of medical support like tracheas and feeding tubes, and for Tate, his trachea and feeding tubes are monitored and cleaned by CHOP nurses, while his heart rate and oxygen levels require around-the-clock attention.

Elizabeth makes the daily, three-hour round trip to CHOP every day – 42 miles each way – to see Tate, often in the company of Greg and Oliver, and on Thanksgiving morning, the Lamberts were all together.

Over the past few months, Elizabeth and Greg have taken training classes with CHOP officials, to the point where they are efficient in tasks such as trachea care and administration and how to monitor respiratory devices that include vents and oxygen tanks.

In short, Greg and Elizabeth now have all of

what is required to bring Tate home, except for one: They cannot find skilled, in-home nurses that are required to join the Lamberts in providing care for Tate.

“In order to bring Tate home, the rule of the thumb is that the hospital wants to see 80 percent of the hours caring for him covered by nursing,” Elizabeth said. “Greg and I are now trained to care for Tate, but he needs 24-hour eyes on him, so if we’re caring for him as his parents and his medical caretakers, we at least need to get sleep.”

The Lamberts are working with BAYADA Home Health Care in Downingtown to find a way to fill in that much-needed gap, but so far, that gap has not been filled. Meanwhile, the Lambert home has been retrofitted for Tate; the family’s living room has been converted into their son’s bedroom.

“The three things the hospital wants to see in order to allow Tate to come home with us are that Tate is ready medically, which he is, that his parents are trained, which we are, and the availability of overnight healthcare,” said Elizabeth, who is on a maternity leave from her job as a first-grade teacher at Starkweather Elementary School in West Chester. “The staff at BAYADA are trying to get that 80 percent coverage for us and finding certified health care professionals in the correct areas that also live close enough to West Grove.

“The difficulty is that everybody in the nursing

field is aware that overnight nurses don’t make as much money as they would in a hospital, so that nurses with the qualifications to do a job like this are not likely to come work in a home where it’s not as lucrative.”

‘Abscess to care’ The struggle to find those qualified health care professionals willing to work in a home is like attempting to find a proverbial needle in a haystack, said BAYADA Director Bradley Needham.

Home care providers are in competition with hospitals and nursing homes when it comes to providing competitive wages for qualified nurses, he said, and for parents like the Lamberts who have children with critical medical needs, it’s even more challenging.

“First and foremost, there are not enough nurses in the area and in the country to take care of everybody in need,” Needham said. “We need to be able to attract people to become nurses, but when you whittle it down to a homecare setting, we can’t compete with local facilities from a wage or supplemental standpoint.

“If you look at Tate’s scenario specifically, you can’t just send any nurse out there. For his level of care, you need specific training to provide those services quickly and safely. Not only are we talking about meeting the acuity level, they need to also meet the location, the times and the shifts, and it also has to be a situation where the family likes the nurse, and the nurse likes the family. It’s

Courtesy photos Greg and Elizabeth Lambert drive from Elizabeth Lambert receives a smile from their West Grove home to the Children’s her son Oliver while visiting Tate at the Hospital of Philadelphia every day to see Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Tate – a nearly three- hour round trip.

a ‘unicorn’ scenario where not only are there not enough matches, there are so many intervals needed to ensure that it will be a good fit.”

Despite BAYADA’s daily front-and-center work with the Lamberts to find that perfect caretaker, Needham said that the search is still on. More funding needs to be devoted to home healthcare, he said.

“This whole scenario is larger than what’s happening with the Tates and with BAYADA, because what we’re really facing is an abscess to care issue in general,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to get legislators to understand.

It’s not about BAYADA getting paid more and getting Tate home, it’s about bringing everybody home that we can. If these individuals remain in our hospitals and legislation continues to drive funding

towards facility and hospi- both have that. It comes tal systems, no one will be from knowing eventually able to come home.” that Tate is going to come home.

‘We get smiles from “We have come to the him sometimes’ realization that our normal is going to look different Less than three weeks than a lot of other people’s before Christmas, the idea of normal,” she added.

Lambert’s dream of bring- “We have been living with ing Tate home to West the realization of when Tate Grove in time for the comes home, we know that holiday remains a hopeful there will be things that aspiration, but one touched he will not be able to do. with the reality that when When he was first diagthat healthcare profession- nosed, we googled facts al is eventually found, it that said that he may never will serve as merely one walk or talk, but we choose solution in a complicated to believe that maybe he reality. will. We get some smiles “When you have twins, from him sometimes. When you have a vision of nor- he comes home, we will be malcy that imagines them able to celebrate what both spending their whole infan- boys can do.” cy together,” Elizabeth To lean about the work of said. “It’s been hard, but BAYADA Home Services, we’re just pushing through visit www.bayada.com. to get them both home.

To contact Staff Writer Even though it’s tough, it’s about having the men- Richard L. Gaw, email tal strength for it, and we rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Do you have what you need to thrive after 65?

No matter your health needs or goals, primary care is the anchor that helps you live your best life.

Neil Patel, MD, Chief Health Oႈcer, Patina The relationship with your primary care provider (PCP) becomes more important as you age and your physical, emotional and social needs change. Your PCP should be your total health and well-being partner, with the skills and experience to help you thrive at every stage of life.

But many primary care approaches fall short. As a family physician and primary care provider who has focused on the needs of older adults for much of my career, I often see the frustrations that patients encounter as they try to navigate healthcare.

For many, it can be diɤcult to get an appointment within a few days. Traveling to the oɤce may be challenging – and then you probably have to sit in a crowded waiting room. All this can culminate in a short appointment where you repeat information and run out of time to explain your needs or ask questions. On top of that, most providers are not specialized in the needs of older adults.

Why settle for primary care that’s inconvenient, impersonal and rushed? You deserve a provider who sees you as a whole person and that takes the time to understand your goals, values and preferences.

Relationships come Àrst.

The right primary care provider can make a big diɣerence in your life after age 65. Today, I’m proud to be a founding member and Chief Health Oɤcer at a practice called Patina. Patina was built from scratch to address the unique needs of older adults.

We created the kind of care experience we would want for our own loved ones. It starts with listening and building trusted relationships with every patient. By taking the time to understand your preferences and needs, we can develop more personalized care plans.

To deliver on our promise of a better experience, we make care easier and more convenient by coming right to you. You can access us on your terms, via video visits,

chat, our mobile and web apps or phone. We also conduct in-person, in-home visits whenever appropriate for your care needs.

A team approach.

When you become a Patina patient, you get a dedicated care team – a primary care practitioner and a Patina health champion – as well as specialized resources for behavioral health, pharmacy, chronic condition management and more. The same team stays with you so we can keep up with you as your needs change – whether you are relatively ¿t and active, or managing one or more complex conditions.

Your Patina health champion is your advocate who will take on whatever is needed to make care navigation easier. Our patients love having this resource to help with making appointments, arranging transportation, coordinating lab work and prescription re¿lls, accessing plan bene¿ts and more.

We also recognize that older adults often have family and loved ones who want to stay informed and involved.

With the patient’s permission, loved ones can easily join a video or at-home visit and stay updated on Patina’s app. Loved ones also really appreciate the support of Patina health champions – who can take legwork oɣ their plate.

Care you deserve.

If you’re trying to understand the diɣerence between Patina and traditional primary care, it might be helpful to understand what we’re not: We’re not reactive sick care. We’re not focused on everyone (only those 65+).

We don’t have a physical oɤce. And we don’t expect you to drive, park, sit in a waiting room, be around sick patients or be rushed through a 10-minute appointment.

We’re a primary care practice that builds a trusted relationship with you, and that’s proactive and always accessible. We’ll typically see you the same day or next day, if needed. We help you navigate all aspects of your

Valerie Voluntad, Patina health champion; Neil Patel, MD, Chief Health Oႈcer, Patina; Michelle Lu, NP, Patina primary care practitioner

care so you can enjoy a healthier life.

Patina serves patients in Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. We’re in-network with most Medicare plans, so there is no extra cost beyond your current PCP copay. Appointments are available now. Visit patinahealth.com or call (800) 476-7992. We’re excited to hear from you!

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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

Opinion

From tranquility Brain Drain of Commonwealth athletic trainers to chaos In last week’s edition of the Chester County Press, a sizable chunk of column inches were devoted to the ongoing story detailing the fervent outcry from several residents of Elk and Franklin townships over the planned development of Big Elk Creek State Park.

Their voices have been heard at public meetings, their comments have been read on social media and their signatures are now on a petition – all of which has been supported by the persistent efforts of their State Representative John Lawrence to oppose the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) and its plans to convert a portion of the state park into an overnight camping facility which, residents fear, will turn a nearly pristine, 1,700-acre sanctuary of nature into a small city of RV vehicles -- from tranquility to chaos.

For nearly four decades, the once named Big Elk Creek Preserve – just like the White Clay Creek Preserve just north of it – has been managed by the Friends of the White Clay Creek with the delicacy of a jeweler cutting diamonds, and its trail systems are traversed by residents as if on a pilgrimage of silence and respect for the whispering language of nature.

Now, a slice of that silence is on the verge of becoming extinct. At a Nov. 6 presentation at Lincoln University, DCNR – who finalized the purchase of the preserve in 2020 and rolled it into its 125-state park network -- unveiled its plans for Big Elk Creek State Park that include the construction of “Great Gathering Sites,” that imagines dozens of small cabins and yurts connected in winding pathways of camping spurs.

In an interview with a DCNR spokesman for the article, he said that less than five percent of the state park’s 1,700 acres would be devoted to “Great Gathering Sites.” While these numbers may send out the illusion that the planned project is not as great as it seems, let’s offer another perspective: four percent of 1,700 acres creates a 68-acre camping park teeming with glampers in rumbling vehicles lighting campfire after campfire in a loud and unwieldy attempt to sojourn with nature.

In retrospect, the big picture mission of the DCNR is the equivalent of a giant, green broadcloth of preservation and conservation spread over Pennsylvania. It has helped to preserve and protect millions of acres throughout the Commonwealth from the predatory hands of developers. It provides educational opportunities. It addresses climate change, and it buys up land like no other agency in the history of Pennsylvania has before or ever will and gives it to the people.

To that end, now is the time for the DCNR to listen to the will of the people who oppose this planned campground. We strongly advocate that this agency not wait until next Spring to schedule a follow-up presentation, but to open lines of communication immediately, from township to township, from stakeholder to stakeholder. Even if it becomes inevitable that a campground be built at Big Elk Creek State Park, we recommend that DCNR return with a revised plan that offers compromise in the form of a smaller footprint.

To the leaders and visionaries of the DCNR, we close with this: Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra was once asked to offer his opinion of a St. Louis restaurant. “Nobody goes there anymore,” he said.

“It’s too crowded.” Does this agency want to run the same risk at Big Elk Creek State Park?

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By Nicky Cattano, Ph.D., needed healthcare, beyond MPH, LAT, ATC just athletes. Athletic trainers demonstrated their Current Pennsylvania knowledge, skills, and law limits athletic versatility by successtrainers to working exclu- fully treating individuals sively with athletes. This from various backgrounds outdated restriction is detri- without any negative outmental to the people of the comes. This experience Commonwealth and also highlighted the crucial role hinders the full potential of athletic trainers can play athletic trainers. It is time in the broader healthcare for a change. system.

Athletic trainers stepped Pennsylvania boasts the up when school buildings highest number of athletic were closed, social dis- training programs in the tancing was happening, country—23. Current edusports participation was cational programs include halted, and the demand standards that address for healthcare was critical working with patients who during the height of the are not traditional athletes COVID-19 pandemic with as well as best practices the Governor’s temporary that include invasive prowaivers - working with cedures. Unfortunately patient populations who Pennsylvania is losing tal-

ented graduates to other states that allow them to work to their fullest capabilities and education.

This brain drain not only hampers the growth and development of our local healthcare workforce but also deprives Pennsylvanians of the expert care they deserve.

It is important to note that some are opposing this necessary modernization for poor reasons. Their opposition stems from a misguided sense of turf protection rather than a genuine concern for patient welfare. Athletic trainers are educated to provide athletic training services to a variety of populations.

By allowing athletic trainers to work with people

other than athletes, we can enhance the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in Pennsylvania.

It is time for Pennsylvania to update its laws and allow athletic trainers to work with people beyond the realm of athletics. This change will align with what other states are already doing across the country, it will allow Pennsylvania to retain more of its quality graduates, and it will also improve the overall healthcare landscape for the people of the Commonwealth.

Let’s embrace progress and provide the necessary support for athletic trainers to fulfill their potential and positively impact the lives of all Pennsylvanians.

Southern Chester County Chamber to hold drawing to benefit victims of Oxford fire The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will hold a $10,000 Golden Ticket raffle that will be drawn on Dec. 13 to benefit the many families who were displaced after a fire on Third Street in Oxford on Sept. 13.

The Chamber is currently selling 300 tickets at $100 each, and $5,000 from the proceeds raised by the raffle will go directly to #OxfordStrong in support of the community’s recovery. The owner of the winning drawing will receive $10,000.

A reception and live drawing will be held at Paradocx Vineyard, LLC, 1833 Flint Hill Road in Landenberg, beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13. The Golden Ticket recipient need not be present to win, but the participant who attends and wins will receive a complimentary reserved seat to the Chamber’s 2024 Annual Gala.

“There exists here a level of camaraderie and caring not seen elsewhere, and we are here for each other whether for business purposes, professional support or to build relationships,”

said SCCCC President and CEO Cheryl Kuhn. “Our business community is strong, focused, and committed to each other and our region.

“The four-alarm fire in beautiful downtown Oxford destroyed businesses and apartments and displaced nearly 100 people. Through tireless efforts of the Union Fire Company, joined by fire companies from Delaware and Cecil County, the Oxford Police, Oxford Borough, Oxford Area Neighborhood Services, American Red Cross, SILO, Oxford Area Chamber of

Commerce and others, the devasted families and individuals were quickly offered shelter, food and provisions.”

Sponsors of the drawing and Dec. 13 event include Comcast, Constellation Energy Corporation, Longwood Gardens, PECO and Perna & Abracht, LLC. To learn more about the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce and their effort to support the displaced individuals and families – and to purchase a Golden Ticket, visit the Chamber’s website at www. scccc.com.

Chester County Sheriff-elect Kevin Dykes appoints Jason Suydam as next chief deputy Sheriff-elect Kevin Dykes announced his selection of Jason Suydam as the chief deputy of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office beginning January 1, 2024.

Suydam will bring more than two decades of distinguished leadership experience to his upcoming Chester County Sheriff’s Office role. With a background in both the government and private sectors, he holds advanced knowledge in public safety and law enforcement operations.

Suydam’s vast experience includes founding and operating Northeast Defense Systems, LLC – a security and training com-

pany serving the private and government sectors; serving as the interim director of the Chester County Department of Emergency Services; and serving as a crucial liaison to law enforcement agencies, as well as federal, state and regional partners as deputy director for Law Enforcement Services.

His expertise extends to public safety training and management as a certified trainer/instructor, employee relations, budget management, fleet and vendor management, and community relations.

He has received recognition from the United States Department of Justice, the Federal

Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service. He is an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police, and Chester County Chiefs of Police Executive Board, and he dedicates time to various executive boards and committees to ensure community and public safety.

“I have full confidence in Jason Suydam as the next Chief Deputy, based on his proven track record in law enforcement and public safety. My selection of Jason is a first step of many to ensure continuity of protection and safety for the courts and people

Courtesy photo

Jason Suydam has been selected as the chief deputy of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office beginning on January 1, 2024.

of Chester County,” said Dykes, who is currently chief deputy. Dykes will be sworn in as Chester County Sheriff on December 29.

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In the Spotlight

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B

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

L IV I N G H I S TORY

by Gene Pisasale

A sleepy town and a resting place for heroes: Unionville and its cemetery

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer Many people drive right by cemeteries without thinking about all the people who were laid to rest there – about their lives and accomplishments, whether they were well known in the community or lived lives of obscurity.

It seems fitting to consider some of the names on the gravestones—whether they were members of your own family, a friend or perhaps simply a local resident who chose the spot as his or her last home. Walking through the Unionville Cemetery in southern Chester County, one comes across names of persons who had an impact on our society through their work and bravery, but who now rest without fanfare in a quiet field near a busy village crossroads.

According to the East Marlborough Township Historical Commission, Unionville’s roots go back to the year 1706, when Henry Hayes purchased an 1,100-acre tract of land from William Penn. John Jackson built a log house on the northeast corner of Doe Run and Wollaston Road, married Henry Hayes’ daughter Mary and built a large brick house on the southeast

corner in 1751. It subsequently became the Cross Keys Tavern in 1808. The Crosson (sometimes spelled Crossan) family had several members living in the area, as did the Jackson family, who became well known.

The village was actually called Jacksonville for many years, but was changed to Unionville after 1820 when the town got a Post Office, which operated in the general store.

The Unionville Cemetery mentions the history of the final resting place for dozens of heroes who served our country from the Civil War up through the SpanishAmerican War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and other conflicts.

The Unionville Cemetery Association was formed in 1846 by six residents “… who invested $50 each to purchase property: Joseph Dowdall, C.S. Seal, Elisha Phipps, John Walton, William R. Chambers and Isaac Smith.” A lovely wrought iron fence rings the property. It was donated

by Anna W. Seal in 1860. A large granite obelisk honors her contribution.

Adjacent to the cemetery is a building which was used as the Indulge Quaker Meeting House.

The Dowdall family was

A stone honoring Mary Ann Dowdall and Thomas Wilson for their efforts.

A GAR marker at Unionville Cemetery.

The gravestone of William Sheward, GAR veteran.

The obelisk honoring Anna Deal, who provided the wrought iron fence for Unionville Cemetery.

The gravestone of Charles W. Crosson, 1911- 2014.

prominent in the area and instrumental in setting up the site. A gravestone reads: “The Cemetery of one acre and the adjoining Meeting House and Grave Yard lot of the Friends were donated

by Mary Ann Dowdall and the other heirs of Thomas Wilson deceased for the purposes for which they are now used.”

One might think with its relatively recent origin the Unionville Cemetery’s roots are firmly in the mid-19th century, but John Walton, one of the founders, was born in 1795 and he passed away in 1874. Walking among the gravestones, one is amazed at how many veterans are buried here.

The letters “G.A.R.” may not be familiar if you’re not a history buff, but the cemetery holds numerous graves of men who fought or served during the Civil War. The Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) was a fraternal organization of veterans who served in the Union Army, Union Navy and U.S. Marines during that conflict. It came to life in 1866 in Decatur, Illinois and eventually had hundreds of chapters all around the nation. It was finally dissolved after the death of its last member, Albert Woolson, in 1956.

GAR markers are ubiquitous at the Unionville Cemetery. One honors William Sheward, who died in the final year of the war, 1865. James Thompson is another GAR veteran; he served in Company A of the 21st Regiment.

The Unionville Cemetery.

Thompson passed away in 1916. One type of marker you rarely see is next to Ira N. Jefferis’s (18591914) grave. He served in the Spanish-American War. His brass plate stands out as unique, stating: “Spanish War Veterans 1898- 1902- United- Army Navy- Cuba- Philippine Islands- Puerto Rico- USA.” Several members of the Crosson family are buried here. E. Webb Crosson was Constable of Unionville and also served as Sheriff of Chester County. At least four generations of Crossons have their final resting place at the cemetery. One of them lived for quite a long time. His gravestone states: “Crosson, Charles W. 1911-2014; CMDR USN Retired- A good man.”

Perhaps historians have a

The Ira N. Jefferis’s gravestone.

different view of sites like the Unionville Cemetery, not simply as an extant memorial, but a testament to the efforts of hundreds of people who helped create, support and defend our society. We can never forget our veterans. They gave their efforts and sometimes their lives to making sure we all appreciate the many blessings of the country we live in.

If you find yourself in Unionville, stop by the cemetery. The gravestones and markers are worth a look—and will likely spark a feeling of gratitude for the selfless devotion of so many to protecting this

place we call… America.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square.

His 11 books focus mostly on the history of the Chester County/mid-Atlantic region.

Gene’s latest book is Heritage of the Brandywine Valley, a beautifully illustrated hardcover book with over 250 images showcasing the fascinating people, places and events of this region over more than 300 years. His books are available on his website at www.

GenePisasale.com and also on www.Amazon.com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

Brass marker honoring Ira N. Jefferis’s service in the Spanish-American War.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

Chester County Press

Obituaries EDWIN PAGE BOYD Edwin Page Boyd, a resident of East Nottingham, passed away on Nov. 24, 2023 at Union Hospital in Elkton, Md., while surrounded by his family. He was 77.

He was born on Nov. 14, 1946 in Uniontown, Pa. Edwin attended school at Sun Valley in Aston, Pa.. After school, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS Enterprise.

In 1966, Edwin married the love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) Jane McCoy, whom he has known since they were 7 years old. This December would make 57 years of marriage. Edwin was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Edwin had many jobs in his life, but trucking was always his passion. He drove for many companies over the years, including DuVall’s, Franciotti, Basciani Foods, and Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO). Eventually, after years of working for others, Edwin purchased his own Peterbilt and trailers and became self-employed. He operated his own trucking company, Boyd’s Trucking.

The close-knit trucking community knows him by his CB handle, EverReady Eddie.

Edwin is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; daughters, Valerie Bye (Dennis) of West Chester, Lisa Adams (Daniel) of East Nottingham, and Melanie Boyd of Kennett Square; son, Patrick Bye of Rising Sun, Md.; grandchildren, Anthony Bye (Jenna) of Kirkwood, Pa. and Casey Bye (Cory) of East Nottingham; and greatgrandchildren, Wyatt, Easton, and Casen.

A public service of remembrance was held on Dec. 4 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home in Oxford.

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

MARY LEE THOMPSON

PATRICIA ANNE DELDUCO

Mary Lee Thompson, 93, of Avondale, passed away on Nov. 26,2023 at Riddle Hospital. She was the wife of Arthur Thompson, who passed away in 1992, and with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in Swords Creek, Va., she was the daughter of the late Willard Hess and the late Elsie Howington Hess.

Mary was a homemaker.

She enjoyed doing needlepoint, gardening, taking care of children, listening to ministers and Judy on TV, cooking, canning, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Leonard, and his wife Gloria of Maryland, one daughter, Mary Heck of West Grove, one brother, Millard Hess of Mountain City, Tenn., two sisters, Ellen Dancy of Boone, N.C. and Shelba Hicks of Mountain City, 12 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by two sons, Arthur Thompson and Randy Thompson; two daughters, Audrey Thompsom and Shirley Thompson; four brothers, Donald Hess, John Hess, Wesley Hess and Willis Hess and one sister, Frances Presnell.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Dec. 6 at the Union Hill Cemetery, Route 82 in Kennett Square.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

Patricia Anne Delduco, of Coatesville, Pa., passed away on Nov. 25, 2023 at the Riddle Hospital. She was 65.

She was the daughter of the late Anthony “Fritz” A. Delduco and the late Alice Rowe Delduco.

Growing up in Kennett Square, Patty was known for her strong hugs, great smile and huge heart. She was a lover of all animals and people, loved her stuffed animals and coloring books and always joined in on the fray when her brothers were wrestling in the living room. She enjoyed trips to the beach at Cape May, weekends at Nana’s house and excursions to Kennett High School to watch her brother’s sporting events.

She had been a resident of Coatesville for the past 30-plus years under the care of Brian’s House, where she made many friends. She also loved her time at Handicrafters, where she worked and enjoyed many activities and friendships.

Patricia is survived by four brothers, Dennis J. Delduco of Oxford, Daniel Delduco of Cochranville, David Delduco of Decatur, Ga. and James Delduco of Huntsville, Ala., one nephew, Jack Delduco and two nieces, Lilly Delduco and Melanie Delduco.

You are invited to invited to visit with her family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday morning, Dec. 7, 2023 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Brian’s House of Exton, Pa. or Handi-Crafters of Thorndale, Pa. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visitwww.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Alleluia My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries WILLIAM GARLAND HARRIS, JR. William Garland Harris, Jr., of Lincoln University, Pa., passed on Nov. 24, 2023 at Twin Pines Nursing Home in West Grove. He was 77.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late William Garland, Sr. and Florence Anderson Harris.

William enjoyed working outdoors, farming and taking care of horses.

He was a good listener and had a hearty laugh. He enjoyed watching western movies and spending time with his family.

He is survived by two daughters, Victoria Thomas (Richard) of North East, Md. and Pamela M. Thompson (Eric) of Newark, Del., and five grandchildren, Maurice Johnson, Cassondra Garcia, Adrian Garcia, Damian Garcia and Sharnise Johnson. Also surviving are six greatgrandchildren, one sister, Lenore L. Williams (Robert) of Aberdeen, Md., three nieces, Letitia, Karen and Lorraine, one great nephew, Jayden Foster, and a host of relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Catherine Brown, one niece, Kimberly Harris and one great nephew, Jordan Foster.

A home going service was celebrated on Dec. 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 1011 W. Baltimore Pike, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

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

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee.

Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5 p.m. deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF GINI BROSIUS Virginia Irene (Newsome) Brosius was born on November 13, 1944 to Harold and Betty Newsome. She passed peacefully in her sleep on November 23, 2023, Thanksgiving Day. Gini was a compassionate force of nature and an unwavering champion and advocate for family and friends. She will be remembered for her deep love of family, theater, horses, cooking, and gardening. Gini will be deeply missed by her loving family, including her college sweetheart-turned-husband Newt Brosius,

sons Jeffrey and Brian Feller, Chris Brosius, Matt and Joe D’Antonio, and sisters Cathy Roberts and Joyce Cocchi, and her later-in-life world-traveling dog Molly.

Gini’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering passion for the things she held dear will continue to inspire all those who loved her and whose lives she touched. A celebration of Gini’s life was held at London Grove Friends Meeting House on Dec. 2.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Vermont Theater Company (https://www. vermonttheatrecompany.org/), The Actors Playhouse (https://atplayhouse.org/), or The Forgotten Dog Foundation (https://theforgottendog.org/) in Gini’s honor.

HENRY HARLAN ROBERTS Henry Harlan Roberts, known as “Rick” and “Coach,” passed away on Nov. 28, 2023.

Rick was born Aug. 30, 1940 in Buenos Aires, Argentina to the late Kenneth Shelley and Grace Chardy Roberts. Rick’s father had been transferred by the DuPont Company from Kennett Square to Argentina and the family was living in Buenos Aires at the time of his birth. He attended a Spanish/English school where his name Henry was translated to Enrique, and thus the family began calling him Rick, or Ricky. When he was 10 years old, the Roberts family moved back to Kennett Square. He was a 1959 graduate of Kennett High School where he and his twin brother Kenny were standout athletes in baseball, basketball and soccer. Rick attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y., where he played the same three sports at the collegiate level and was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Following graduation from Hartwick, Rick began a 34-year teaching career. He taught at Stetson Middle School and East Junior High, and then for 23 years at West Chester East High School where he was a beloved American History and World History teacher. He loved teaching just as much as his students loved his engaging learning style in the classroom. He especially enjoyed coaching the varsity boys basketball team at WC East, leading the team to many winning seasons, and leaving a lasting positive impression of sportsmanship on his players. After retiring from coaching, he used his impressive photography skills to take the pictures for WC East’s athletic teams.

Rick is survived by his daughter, Amy Roberts Patroni (Jonathan), and son, Henry “Rick” Harlan Roberts, Jr. (Tori), granddaughters, Kendal and Cassidy Roberts,

Gracie Patroni, and grandson Brett Patroni.

He was predeceased in death by his twin brother and best friend Ken Roberts in 2022, and his sister Shelley Jones in 2021. He is also predeceased by his wife Anne Bernard Roberts, whom he was married to from 1969 until her death in 1988. He married Roxanne K. Roberts in 1988 and they were together until 2009, at which time they separated, but remained close friends until the time of his death. Rick also enjoyed close relationships with his extended family and loved family holiday gettogethers. He missed his twin brother Ken every day since his death on their 82nd birthday last year, and the family is comforted to think of them together again.

Rick was a member at the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, and it was a very important part of his life. He could quite often be found laughing with his friends in the 19th Hole, or rooting for a Phillies or Eagles game there. “Coach” made many close friends at the Kennett Country Club, and it truly was his favorite place to be. He was proud to have lived in Kennett Square the majority of his life, and kept many lifelong friends from his Kennett High School days.

Interment will be private at the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Friends of “Coach” Rick are invited to a Service of Remembrance at the Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, 100 E. Locust Lane in Kennett Square, on Monday, Dec. 11 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www2.jdrf.org towards finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes for his granddaughter Gracie.

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

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

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4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News Holiday Village Market draws more than 7,000 on opening weekend

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer On Dec. 1, a press release was issued by Kennett Collaborative that predicted “thousands” of holiday shoppers were expected to attend the first weekend of the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market at the Creamery of Kennett Square.

The agency was very accurate.

More than 5,000 visitors jammed the official open-

ing on Dec. 2, at what has become an annual tradition of an al fresco shopping experience among dozens of artisans and vendors, which is sponsored in partnership with Square Roots Collective. Despite the persistent wet weather on Dec. 3, an estimated 2,000 were in attendance.

“We bring fifty vendors each day which, along with our unique merchants throughout Kennett, makes for incredible holiday shopping,” said Daniel Embree,

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Debby Wyatt of Centered Clay Studio displays a possible holiday gift to Chris Hudock and Tiffani Durso.

Sammi McGinnis and Kelsey Gondek of Kennett Square enjoy a shopping experience in their hometown.

the executive director of Kennett Collaborative.

“And there’s so much to do beyond shopping. At the market you can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, go ice skating, and enjoy some hot cocoa or mulled wine next to the fire.”

“Holiday Village Market supports our mission to advance Kennett Square as a thriving community,” said Steph Almanza of Square Roots Collective. “We are This year’s event included a holiday floral arrange- excited by the prospect of ment workshop sponsored by Longwood Gardens. hosting so many friends

and visitors at the Market, and since The Creamery reinvests 100 percent of its profits for the benefit of the community, visitors can enjoy a good drink and know that they’re doing good at the same time.”

This year’s event, which includes visits from Santa, face painting, a live ice sculptor, ice skating, greenery arrangement workshops

by Longwood Gardens, and a rotating lineup of handmade, vintage and artisan vendors, will continue

Katie Yatsko of West Chester peruses through the clothing rack at Short.

Sweet. Saucy.

With two additional shows this coming weekend, the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market will continue to showcase a wide variety of gift ideas for this holiday season.

this coming Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Creamery of Kennett Square is located at 401 Birch Street in Kennett Square. To see To contact Staff Writer daily schedules, visit www. Richard L. Gaw, email kennettholidaymarket.com. rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF JOHN STEEL, DECEASED. Late of West Nottingham 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 E. Steel, Jr. and Connie S. Slauch, CO-EXECUTORS, C/O Attorney Winifred Morgan Sebastian, 208 East Locust St., P.O. Box 381, Oxford , PA 19363

W. Richey, Esq., The Tannenbaum Law Group, 600 West Germantown Pike, Suite 400, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

make claims known or forward payment to Robert Louis Pfaltzgraff, III, Executor, c/o John R. Lundy, Esq., Lundy Beldecos & 11p-29-3t Milby, PC, 450 N. Narberth Ave., Suite 200, Narberth, PA 19072.

NOTICE OF

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

In compliance with the requirements of 54 Pa.C.S. § 311 (relating to registration of fictitious names), notice is hereby given that Frank and Andrews Farm LLC, having their principal place of business at 415 W 7 Stars Rd, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460, intends to register the fictitious name 11p-22-3t “Kimberton CSA” with the PennDepartment of State.

ESTATE NOTICE sylvania The nature of the business to be Estate of Ann G. Reilly aka Ann conducted under the fictitious Gloria Reilly, Deceased. Late name is organic agriculture. of Westtown Twp., PA. Letters 12p-6-1t Testamentary on the above INCORPORATION estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons havNOTICE ing claims against or indebted to Gum Tree Recycling dba Harthe estate should make claims ris Metals, Inc. - 571 Zion Hill known or forward payment to Road Atglen, PA 19310 - has John F. Reilly, Jr., Executor, filed for incorporation with the 350 Kerrwood Drive, Wayne, PA Department of State of the 19087 or to their attorney John Commonwealth of PennsylvaP. McGuire, Esq., 552 Ridge nia under the provisions of the Road, Telford, PA 18969.

Pennsylvania Business Cor11p-22-3t poration Law of 1988, Russell, ESTATE NOTICE Krafft & Gruber LLP. 12p-6-1t Estate of Adam E. DeShong, Deceased. Late of Devon, ESTATE NOTICE PA. Letters of Administration Estate of Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, on the above estate have been Jr., Deceased. Late of Tredyffrin granted to the undersigned. All Twp., PA. Letters Testamentary persons having claims against on the above estate have been or indebted to the estate should granted to the undersigned. All make claims known or forward persons having claims against payment to Vicky Pyeatte De- or indebted to the estate should Shong, Administratrix, c/o John

12p-6-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Clifford Hoyle, Deceased. Late of Phoenixville, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Karen Walsh, Administratrix, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson Richetti & Daigle, LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 301, Allentown, PA 18101.

12p-6-3t

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 12/20/2023 at 10:00AM. Kimberly Y Griffith unit #C127. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice Storage First Downington located at 3925 Hazelwood Ave Downington PA 19335 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions. com on 12/28/2023 at 10:00AM. Paul Tykwinski unit #153; Jeffrey W Hardy Jr unit #158; Haile Ferguson unit #164; Rick L Plank unit #166; Desiree Washington unit #194; Nicole Woodruff unit #301; Jeremiah Mejias unit #302; Erica L Molina unit #311; Alicia Gallagher unit #341. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Art exhibit...

Continued from Page 1A

John Baker, Chairman Emeritus of the art department at West Chester University, served as the co-curator of the exhibit with Kennett Library Development Director Mary Hutchins.

“Wendy Cotton, one of the artists in the exhibition, is also supporter of the Kennett Library along with her husband and knowing that Wendy is part of the Howard Pyle Group, we thought it would be great to bring the group in and exhibit their work,” Baker said. “We also thought it would be wonderful to bring in artists from Wilmington areas across the border to Kennett Square.”

As part of its opening

Oxford Borough...

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this table, not our borough manager and the employees. Again, many thanks for coming out tonight, showing your interest and providing an opportunity to learn more about how and why decisions are made that affect us all.”

In a formal statement following the personal remarks, Russell spoke as the chair of the Finance Committee and presented the following information: There are no proposed changes to the police department in the 2024 budget, Russell explained.

The borough participated in a grant-funded financial assessment through the state’s Strategic Management Planning Program or STMP. That third-party assessment analyzed the borough’s finances—looking five years back and projecting into the future five years.

The assessment found that the borough’s small tax base has put pressure on the operating budget and real estate tax millage rate, which is the third-highest in Chester County.

It also found that the Oxford Borough community is characterized by relatively low-income levels, high poverty rates, and low home-ownership rates.

The plan advised that strengthening the borough’s fiscal position and addressing other key challenges will require a combination of revenue enhancements, strategic investments, and expense reductions.

The plan recommendations included exploring the development of a stormwater fee and ambulance fees. The borough solicitor is advising against implementing these fees in 2024 until more is known about the borough’s legal authority to do so.

The plan also said that if the borough wanted to forgo future tax increases, it could consider changes to how police and public safety services are provided.

The plan includes a list of potential changes to consider, including reducing the amount of officers and regionalization of policing operations.

Russell explained that nobody on council or the borough manager is advocating for any specific change to the police department.

“We are not experts in public safety,” she said.

“We will look to our police chief and other experts in public safety to advise

reception, the library kicked off its first gallery exhibition in late August with a series of photographs that detailed the construction of the building. Its second show featured a collection of Maya-Asian art that displayed paintings, calligraphy and costumes, which was followed by an exhibit that highlighted Hispanic Heritage Month.

Baker said that the library is creating a schedule of art exhibitions for 2024 that he said will present a wide range of mediums and techniques and highlight commemorative events such as Black History Month.

“Now that people know that this an exhibiting space and a wall that will rotate in content, we have already had requests,” he said. “We on how any change may impact public safety. As part of Phase 2 of the Strategic Management Plan, we are pursing a Peer Review of the police department through the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development. The review will assess staffing levels needed based on our community profile and call volume, and the feasibility of regionalization.

In no way does participation in the STMP program and assessing staffing levels in the borough mean that we do not support our police. These assessments are meant to help council make informed, data-driven decisions about how to use limited resources to support the delivery of all municipal services.”

Council President Kathryn Cloyd emphasized, “We are not defunding the police department. We are not cutting services. We have worked with the mayor and chief. The police department is currently working under their old contract. We are in arbitration because both sides could not agree on a contract. When the contract is settled, their pay will be retroactive.”

The timing of the STMP program and recommendations became a concern to the police department. A notice was sent out inviting the public to meetings regarding the STMP Draft Recommendations and the budget. Although Finance Committee meetings are always advertised, few citizens attend. That changed this year.

The borough applied for and received a $52,500 grant through the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program. STMP assists municipalities by supporting the costs associated with hiring an independent financial consultant to complete a financial and management review of their municipality.

Receiving the grant could also enable the borough to apply for another grant.

What the borough and its residents received were draft recommendations, and they caused some concerns for members of the public and also members of the police department.

That concern set the stage for a response from the police department. That response came from Officer Scott Richards. Richards, along with Officer Karlianna Eller, were understandably hailed as heroes during the devastating S. Third Street fire due

Courtesy art

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The latest art exhibition at the Kennett Kennett Library executive director Christopher Manna, third from Library will be on display through Dec. 30. left, joins with co-curator John Baker, library trustee Dr. Corinne Sweeney and members of the Howard Pyle Studio Group at the opening of the group’s art exhibit at the library on Nov. 30.

also want to feature exhibitions that highlight the talented students in our Kennett and Unionville school districts. We want to make sure that we use this

space in the future to speak to the community.”

The art gallery in the library was made possible by a generous gift from the Cabot-Kjellerup

Foundation. A portion of all art sales will benefit the Kennett Library and its arts and culture programming.

To learn more about the Howard Pyle Studio Group,

visit www.howardpylestudio.org.

to their quick evacuation of the burning buildings.

Richards has worked at the Oxford Police Department since 2006 and is the President of the Oxford Police Association.

“I came here tonight on behalf of the dedicated men and women who have the privilege to serve the community,” he said.

He continued, “In a recent notice published by the Borough of Oxford, the borough applied for and received a $52,500 grant.

What was not readily advertised is that the Borough Council voted to approve an additional $10,000 of taxpayer money, not included in the original grant, to expedite the police study.”

It was also noted by Richards that, “The study was prepared in time for a July arbitration hearing” between the two departments.

The Oxford police have been working without a contract since January 1, 2023 and the timing of the STMP program was questioned, since the Borough and Police agreed to go to arbitration.

According to Solicitor Stacey Fuller, “The arbitration is a part of the police agreement, in the event that the two parties are not in agreement.”

Richards also emphasized that his statement was prepared before council member Russell’s comments were made.

Richards said, “We come to work every day not knowing if we are going home. We give this town the protection they deserve.

We have five schools that we cover.”

At one point Richards choked up while talking about working on a child abuse case.

“I’m here talking to you tonight while my family is preparing for Thanksgiving.

I repeatedly ask my family to step aside and let me do my job. I just ask that you (Borough) don’t take our money away from us. Don’t break us up,” Richards said.

Richards thanked all of those in attendance that showed up to support the Oxford Police Department.

It was obvious the Oxford Police Department had support from surrounding municipalities and from borough residents, which in itself could be part of the problem. The Oxford Police Department can be called to other municipalities for assistance when needed.

The department is also utilized for many events held in the borough, such as First Fridays. As such, overtime may be incurred, which up

to this point has been paid for by tax dollars of Oxford Borough. The extra hours come with a cost to borough taxpayers. There is a cost when the borough operates as a hub to all the surrounding townships. There is also increased work for the public works department when preparing for borough events and clean-up after.

Betty Kramer, a West Nottingham resident, said, “You have a great police department. They have no contract and they are not going to get a raise. Why not?”

President Cloyd said, “They are working under their old contract. They were offered a raise.”

East Nottingham resident Laurie Nelson asked if officers would get their back pay.

Cloyd said, “They will get back pay. The borough has to rely on the arbitration process. We gave officers a contract months ago.”

The arbitration has been pending since June.

Fuller said, “The borough has no control over the arbitration board. It is a private proceeding. Arbitration is required by the police contract. They have their own attorney.”

East Nottingham Township resident Scott Blum asked, “Is there no increase for the police?

Why did we spend so much money on the street sweeper?”

After much discussion, Police Chief Sam Iacono spoke.

“We appreciate the support we are getting tonight.

However, we are not anywhere close to regionalization. We may look at the future to see if it is an option. We kick the tires to see what it looks like,” Iacono said. “Right now, we are nowhere near that.”

Mayor Phil Harris concurred. “We are exploring opportunities,” he said. “We are exploring all options.

We appreciate everyone being here and your support. This is all about public safety. I have been here for four years. We and the chief are happy with the budget.

Even the fire department is thinking of regionalization.

Our job is to look at these avenues.”

Council member William Fitzpatrick expressed concern regarding the cost of utilizing police for borough events.

“Other municipalities come to our events, but the Borough has continued to pay for that,” Fitzpatrick said.

The police did get an unexpected funding boost from the Student Representatives

of the Penn’s Grove Middle School Early Act Club. The club raised over $250 for the Oxford Police Department’s toy drive. They did that by selling candy-grams for Halloween. Early Act members gave up lunch for two weeks to sell candy-grams and raise money for what they felt was a great cause.

Mayor Harris announced that there would be a police and public safety meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at the Borough Hall.

Sycamore Crossing residents had a lengthy discussion with Council regarding the dedication of streets and other issues with developer Mike Pia. Although borough council had previously agreed not to waive a number of items the developer requested, council member Bob Ketcham asked to have Sycamore Crossing placed on the agenda again.

Resident Nancy Ortega, expressed concern over higher taxes, saying, “I don’t know how much longer I can keep my home. I hope you can understand how difficult it is for elderly people to continue to pay taxes. I’m almost 83 and it’s getting harder and harder.”

Fitzpatrick said, “We are hamstrung by the state. The state has given us unfunded mandates. Everyone should call Governor Shapiro and Representative Lawrence.”

Council held a hearing on the application for an inter-municipal transfer of a liquor license into the Borough, submitted by Los Juarez, Inc., located at 405 Market Street. After the hearing, council approved a resolution allowing for the transfer of Restaurant Liquor License No. E1642 into the Borough of Oxford from the Borough of West Chester. Raul Juarez, Jr. paid $30,000 to transfer the license from West Chester.

Juarez, Jr. explained that a grocery store and restaurant has operated at the address since 2014. The building is owned by Raul Juarez, Sr..

Juarez confirmed that more employees would be added due to the addition of the liquor license. The number of employees would increase from 16 to 25. All of the current employees live in the borough and walk to work. The hours would continue to be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Employees will be certified to enable them to sell wine and spirits.

Most of the discussion for the evening centered on the proposed 2024 budget.

Council members expressed concern over the county assessment which came in less than they had projected.

It was also noted that

$855,542 of property are tax-exempt.

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said that Oxford would qualify for other grants since they had enrolled in the STMP program.

However, with that in mind, residents continued a lengthy discussion with council. There were raised voices and educational moments, with both sides actually listening to each other.

The residents in attendance clearly wanted an increase in funding for the Oxford Area Recreation Authority and the Oxford Library, even if it meant a tax increase.

Ultimately, council approved the funding request submitted by the Oxford Library to increase the borough’s financial support from $11,000 to $12,434 in 2024, as well as the funding request submitted by the Oxford Area Recreation Authority to increase the borough’s financial support from $1.00 per capita (currently totaling $5,845) to $1.50 in 2024 (totaling $8,767.50), and then increasing the percapita contribution by $0.25 through 2028 (to $2.50 per capita, $14,612).

In other business, the following items were approved: • Advertise the budget notice and schedule adoption of the 2024 budget for Dec. 18; • Authorize advertising of tax levy ordinance of 1.53 mills; • Agreement with Union Fire Company No. 1 for fire protection and services in 2024 in the amount of $101,078; • Agreement with Union Fire Company No. 1 Ambulance Division for ambulance transportation and emergency service in 2024 in the amount of $125,802.00; • 5-Year Animal Protective Services Agreement with the SPCA in the amount of $5,600 annually; • Center for Watershed Protection Proposal in the Amount of $43,205 to provide Pre-construction and Design, Bidding and Construction Management Services for the Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Project on the Property of the Community of Love Lutheran Church at 117 N. 4th Street; • Resolution #1374 -2023 regarding the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Valley Avenue Gravity Main Replacement Project.

The next borough council meeting is scheduled for Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall.

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

6B

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