Chester County Press 12-07-2022 Edition

New Garden: Tempers reach fever pitch in Aqua rate hike debate

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The public comment portion of the New Garden Board of Supervisors Dec. 6 meeting escalated into a shouting match between a supervisor and a member of Keep Water Affordable (KWA), as tensions continue to rise in the aftermath of the sale of the township’s wastewater system to Aqua, a transaction that has led to the soaring sewer costs for Aqua ratepayers in the township.

In his comments, KWA spokesman Pete Mrozinksi lashed out at the board for what he called a show of “hypocrisy” and altering the format of the Nov. 21 meeting that invited Aqua executives, township officials and ratepayers in order to “play right into Aqua’s hands.”

“We’ve heard a lot from our neighbors and others who have taught us of their absolute disappointment with the board, and I am sure that you must have heard some of that direct-

ly yourselves,” he began. Looking up from his notes, Mrozinski asked supervisor Ted Gallivan to pay attention to his comments, rather than look at his phone.

“Keep going, Pete, keep going,” said Gallivan, who said he was setting his phone to the allotted threeminute time limit allowed for public comment. “I have heard all of this before.”

When township solicitor William Christman informed Mrozinski of the time limit, he questioned whether or not the township

Crosslands resident celebrates 95th birthday

Joe Harkins: The memoirs of a life well lived

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Upon arriving at the Firbank Central residence of Joseph Aloysius Cornelius “Joe” Harkins at the Crosslands Senior Living Community in Kennett Square, it is immediately apparent that its walls and shelves serve as a tour guide of accomplishments, family and history.

There are framed photographs of his time in the U.S. Army prior to the start of the Korean Conflict and mounted medals from his service. There are two framed mementos of his two hole-in-ones, the last from 2005, when he was 78 years old. There are the captured moments of his 65-year marriage to his wife Jeanne, photos of his family, and more knick-knacks related to the University of Notre Dame – where he earned a degree – than one can count. (To this day, his children Jeannie, Judy, Pat and Kathleen and their children know all of the words to the school’s famous fight song.)

Together, and on the

occasion of Harkins’ 95th birthday on December 5, they form the memoirs of a life well lived.

Born and raised in Rochester, N.Y. to a strict Roman Catholic family, Harkins moved to Westchester County as a teenager where he became the class valedictorian in his only year at Iona Prep.

In the Harkins’ family, three things were stressed above all else: church, education and country. They followed him to Notre Dame in 1945 but after only one year in South Bend, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as part of the United States’ War of Occupation in Korea.

After 18 months of service, Harkins returned to Notre Dame, where he received a degree in chemical engineering in 1950, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

After college, Harkins took a job in the research lab at General Foods in New Jersey, while also attending law school at St. John’s University.

“At that time, I decided I wanted to become a patent lawyer that came out my experience at General

has ever enforced the time limit. Making reference to the Nov. 21 meeting, Mrozinski called the supervisors “hypocritical” for rearranging the meeting’s format that limited public comment to three-minute slots at the end of the meeting and cut back on the time to pose more questions to Aqua and the township.

“Second, you chose to follow Aqua’s bidding,” Mrozinski continued. “You claimed to be opposed to Aqua’s proposed takeover of the Chester Water

Authority. Yet, you did the bidding of Aqua. You set up that meeting purposely to play right into Aqua’s hands so that there was no real information shared. You told us that we had your agreement that we would have part of the agenda. On the day of the meeting, we were told that the board had decided against it.”

Mrozinski went on to accuse the meeting’s moderator – Ryan Jennings from the firm of Unrush, Turner, Burke & Frees – of treating the ratepayers “like

misbehaved children.”

“Not one of you said anything about that,” he said. “You sat there. Did you really enjoy watching your constituents being humiliated by that guy?”

As the buzzer sounded off to end Mrozinski’s time, he continued his comments.

“Your constituents now are questioning your allegiance. Do you intend to continue supporting Aqua in its cover-up of the sale, or are your actions just because you don’t know

Foods,” he said. “I became involved in patent litigation for the company, and I thought, ‘The field of patent litigation looks like a nice career.’”

During his time at General Foods, he met Jeanne Rohel, who was secretary to the head of the research center.

“Jeanne’s desk was right outside of my office, so

every time I walked in or walked out, I saw her,” he said. “I talked to her. I asked her out, and married her.”

“I was born in a log cabin in Lake Erskine, New Jersey,” said firstborn daughter Jeannie, who would be followed by her sisters Judy, Pat and Kathy. “Dad took my mother from Union City to this summer retreat in the middle of

nowhere.”

After the Harkins family left the log cabin, they settled in Wayne, N.J., where Harkins’ career blossomed. After leaving General Foods, he joined Congoleum-Nairn – an internationally-known leader in the flooring industry -- as its patent lawyer, where he was responsible

Kennett Collaborative appoints new executive director

Kennett Collaborative will start the new year with a new executive director.

The organization announced this week that Daniel Embree has been selected as the new executive director. He will begin his post on January 3, 2023.

Embree joins Kennett Collaborative as an experienced executive with more than a decade of proven successes in nonprofit management, strategic planning, programmatic expansion, community engagement, and capacity building through fundraising and advancement activities.

“I’m deeply honored to be named the next execu-

tive director of Kennett Collaborative,” Embree said. “I look forward to continuing the important work Kennett Collaborative does to make our community the welcoming and thriving place it is. As a Kennett area resident, I am excited to work with our staff, board, partners, merchants, and the entire community to elevate the programs, events, businesses, and one-of-a-kind experiences that give Kennett its unique character and make it such a great place to live, work, and visit.”

Since 2018, Embree has served as director of national programs for the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers

in New York City. In that role, he managed a large network of regional partners to provide recognition for creative teens, planned and implemented a series of annual events attracting 3,000-plus attendees, and supervised staff and day-to-day operations for programs benefiting more than 100,000 students annually.

Prior to joining the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in 2016, Embree managed youth programs for the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where he designed curriculum, created successful marketing campaigns to grow engagement

and income, and coordinated

“Our

of

said Kennett Collaborative

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Angelique Thibaudeau displayed a terrarium she had just purchased from Megan Steimer of Orchard Hill Dry Plant Company in Elkton, Md. at the 30th annual Country Christmas Craft Fair, held on Dec. 3 at the Avon Grove Intermediate School. The event, which drew hundreds of gift buyers to the work of 124 vendors this year, raises funds for the Avon Grove Intermediate School and Penn London Elementary School PTAs, which then provides funding for student enrichment programs.

cultural exhibitions featuring diverse artists.

executive director search yielded a field

stellar candidates,”

Board President Mary Kay Gaver. “Daniel’s passion for connecting communities through cultural experiences, his savvy business acumen, and his love

Photo courtesy Dylan Francis

Daniel Embree has been selected as Kennett Collaborative’s new executive director.

Aqua rate hike...

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what’s going on? In either case, you are unfit to represent us.”

Gallivan asked Mrozinski to sit down, but Mrozinski refused.

“You have no idea what is going on,” he said. “You should all resign today.”

“Sit down!” Gallivan said. “You are being disruptive! Sit down!”

“Why are you not listening?” Mrozinski said.

“Sit down!” Gallivan repeated.

‘Help us fight them’

After Mrozinski returned to his seat, ratepayer Michael Picarella told the board that the township and the Aqua ratepayers have developed “an adversarial relationship,” one that became apparent at the Nov. 21 meeting.

“We’re all in the same boat,” he said. “You all live in the same township that we live in. I think we have a common enemy, which in this case is Aqua. The deal is done. We understand

that. However, there were a lot of issues that we uncovered that I would have liked to have presented to Aqua to put them on the defensive – to have them answer questions. We didn’t have that opportunity, and I was disappointed. I was thankful that you put that meeting together, and I was looking forward to it, but what it ended up being was something different.

“Help us fight them. We don’t want to fight you.”

KWA member Bill Hoffman told the board that the Nov. 21 meeting was the latest in a long trail of cover-ups, distortions and deceptions perpetuated in part by the township.

“You had an opportunity to serve New Garden residents by exploring what really happened and what went on, but you went down the cover-up road instead,” Hoffman said.

“The question is, ‘Why?’ It certainly appears that the whole board was in on it. I suspect that you were hoping to bury the issue, but the reality is that you poured gasoline on the fire.”

Ratepayer Claire Aiello

Local News

then read the remainder of Mrozinski’s statement.

“KWA has spent long hours digging into the records of the sewer sale and we have uncovered many instances of deception, misinformation and conflicting information,” she read. “The decision to sell had obviously been made before the issue was brought in front of the public, and all of the information presented to us was designed to support that decision.”

Calling for fair solutions, ratepayer Paul Skopowski called on the supervisors “to fix the problem and make things better.” He suggested a possible solution that has already been on the discussion table before: a tax credit or rebate for all Aqua ratepayers, in order to offset some of the rising wastewater costs they are absorbing.

“Can we partner with the Board of Supervisors on looking at how the Public Utilities Commission and the Office of Consumer Advocacy have handled this?” he added. “I don’t think they handled it right. I don’t know on what

planet a utilities commission advocates for higher prices than [were originally submitted].”

‘There was no cover-up’

In response to several ratepayers’ comments implying that the board has not properly vetted their questions and concerns regarding their soaring sewer bills – and that the agenda for the Nov. 21 was unfairly changed -board chairwoman Kristie Brodowski said that on Nov. 11, the board responded to KWA’s questions, and that the questions were woven within the township’s Nov. 21 presentation.

“To say that the agenda was changed the day of the meeting is completely unfair,” she said. “There was no cover-up. We were attempting to get this information out to the public. We were there until 11:15 at night. We would still be there if we didn’t limit the questions to three minutes, and I’m really, really sorry. That stunk, but we tried to format the meeting in a way that we could have an information ses-

sion in the beginning, so that questions could hopefully be answered by people along the way, and anyone who still had remaining questions would have the opportunity to continue asking those questions.”

Brodowski then addressed the reams of information that have been circulated around the township by groups like KWA.

“Some of the nonsense that is going around is really unfair,” she said. “We have tried to fight for you guys, we really have. I know that that doesn’t feel good enough, but I cannot unsell the sewer system. None of us can. It’s done. It’s a contract.”

Board member David Unger urged those ratepayers who are entrenched in the word battle of getting their message known throughout the township to “consider who your messages are.”

“Your messenger is just as important as your message,” he said. “I would ask KWA to think about who they are putting up as the faces of their organization. Is it someone that is going

to grandstand, be dramatic and accuse us of corruption, or is it people who are going to want an honest answer?

“When you come off as adversarial, it’s going to be reciprocated.”

“KWA has been inciting people to come after the board,” Gallivan added.

“The emails we have received as a board have been incredibly obnoxious.

I am embarrassed to say that I am a resident of New Garden, given the emails we have gotten. I have been accused of bribery. I am a CPA, and to be accused of bribery is way beyond my professional certification.”

Board Chairman Steve Allaband referred to the establishment of an Aqua Sewer Advisory Committee, a consortium made up of Aqua employees and township ratepayers that is scheduled to be formed in 2023. He said that in the coming weeks, the township will be looking to recruit township representatives for the committee.

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

Jurassic Quest, the biggest dinosaur experience, migrates to the Delaware Valley

Walk among the dinosaurs as North America’s most popular dinosaur adventure stomps into the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Dec. 17 and 18

The largest and most realistic dinosaur event in North America is bigger and better than ever—and Philadelphia and Delaware Valley families can walk among the nation’s biggest herd of photorealistic dinosaurs when Jurassic Quest® opens at the Pennsylvania Convention

Center for a limited run on Dec. 17 and 18.

The exhibit opens its doors with its most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including life-like dinosaurs, some of the largest rideable dinosaurs in North America, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art

activities including a fossil dig and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions, photo opportunities, and more.

Walk through 165 mil-

lion years of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods to learn about the creatures that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-footlong megalodon. Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of the star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty.

The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos, from the largest predators to playful baby dinos, are displayed in realistic scenes

with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago.

Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.

Tickets are timed entry and start at $19. Reserve online to ensure desired date and time at www.

jurassicquest.com. Tickets are available on-site, and include a 100 percent ticket guarantee that, in the event of a show cancella-

tion or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use, but please contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.

General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Entry is free for children under age 2.

Courtesy photo

Walk among the dinosaurs as North America’s most popular dinosaur adventure stomps into the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Dec. 17 and 18

Courtesy photo

The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos, from the largest predators to playful baby dinos, are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar.

Harkins...

Continued from Page 1A

for facilitating nearly 100 company patents. Harkins was also instrumental in the invention and development of Congoleum Cushion Flooring.

“At one point, the president of the company asked me if I would change course and provide some assistance to others in the company at our Marcus Hook plant,” he said. “At that time, the flooring industry was in trouble. The popularity of linoleum was dying and vinyl was coming in. The Marcus Hook plant made a product that didn’t sell very well, so we conceived the idea of making threedimensional flooring, with a layer of cushion.

“With the help of our chemist, I figured out a way to develop it and lo and behold, the concept worked.

The process is still used throughout the industry and throughout the world.”

‘Who can’t fall in love with a leprechaun?’

The mementos on his walls and shelves may tell the story of a 95-year-old life, but for Joe Harkins, his life is still filled with reflection, devotion – and surprises.

As his birthday neared, his daughter Pat, a physician in developmental pediatrics, made a surprise visit to him from San Antonio, Texas.

She recalled how her father inspired his children to pursue their own direction and individual curiosities.

“He would take us to the zoo a lot, as well as the Museum of Natural History in New York,” she said.

“During one of the early Mercury space missions, he pulled me near the television and said, ‘That’s the United States and they’re going into space.’

“He always supported me, and never told me to do anything different than what I set out to do. He told us not only to follow our dreams, but to learn along the way.”

Jeannie, a longtime elementary school teacher who lives with her husband Bill Astifan and family in Chadds Ford, said her father gave her a strong religious foundation.

“While it wasn’t always apparent in me, I am very grateful to him for that aspect of how we were all raised,” she said.

When Astifan first met his future father-in-law, his nerves nearly overtook him, but he quickly came to find the kindness in him.

“Who can’t fall in love with a leprechaun?” he said. “I had total respect for him from day one, and it has stayed with me.”

It is largely agreed by those who subscribe to college traditions that Notre Dame’s slogan “God, Country and Notre Dame” is one of the most famous and frequently quoted of its kind. In order to best define what has been the

most important components of her father’s life, Jeannie offered one additional word.

“I always think it should be – at least for my father – God, family, country and Notre Dame,” she said. “That says everything about who my father has been.”

In the quiet moments he has at Crosslands, particularly when he’s not entertaining family and friends, Harkins said that he reflects often on those whose lives have inter-

Final American Cancer Society HEALED webinar features Don McCown discussing mindfulness

“There is evidence that practicing mindfulness can help people with cancer –and help their caregivers. It impacts their quality of life,” said mindfulness educator and practitioner Don McCown, West Chester University health professor. He’ll address that topic on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in a conversation with Pat Croce as the final webinar in a free series faculty in WCU’s College of Health Sciences developed for the American Cancer Society (ACS) HEALED Community. The topic will be “The Importance of Daily Contemplative Practice and Mindfulness.” The program begins at 5:30 p.m.

According to the National Center for Complementary

and Integrative Health (NCCIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mindfulness-based practices may improve the mental health of people with cancer: A 2019 analysis of 29 studies (3,274 total participants) of mindfulness-based practices showed that the use of mindfulness practices among people with cancer significantly reduced psychological distress, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

An acronym for Health and Energy through Active Living Every Day, HEALED is an ACS community movement to educate and

encourage people to live healthier lives in the present moment. The HEALED Community Movement’s goals are to reduce suffering and death due to cancer and to create a supportive community for cancer survivors, caregivers, and loved ones.

McCown is the founder and director for the University’s Contemplative Studies Center. He teaches in the undergraduate public health and health promotion programs as well as the master of public health program and is the director of the minor in contemplative studies.

WCU alumnus and cancer survivor Pat Croce hosts these online gatherings to

After much deliberation, we at the Chester County Press have deemed it necessary to adjust our subscription and single copy costs in order to keep pace with the manufacturing, shipping, mailing and operating costs. Beginning in the new year January 1, 2023, the cost will be:

discuss physical, mental, and spiritual health with expert guests and cancer survivors.

McCown hopes to have time during the webinar to lead a brief mindful meditation practice.

Attendees are able to contribute to the ACS HEALED movement through donations at www.acshealed.org.

The WCU Contemplative Studies Center offers recordings of mindfulness practices as well as live and in-person programs.

sected his – Jeanne (who died one day before the couple’s 65th wedding anniversary), his children and eight grandchildren, the many working associates he developed, and the moments they made.

“Live this life to prepare yourself for the next life,” he offered. “There is a next life, there is a church, and Jesus Christ was born, lived and taught. We are responsible to react to that throughout all of our lives, which I’ve tried to do and

Kennett Collaborative...

Continued from Page 1A

and appreciation for our region made him the perfect choice. As an artist, Daniel makes beautiful things—and he also has a track record of building beautiful programs and relationships. He has the leadership skills, vision, and creativity to continue our trajectory of growth and lead us through our next exciting chapter.”

Kennett Collaborative works to make the community thrive through placemaking, events, and community development initiatives. The organization’s placemak-

then pass that onto my children and their children in the hopes that they do the same all of their lives.

“As you get older, you get nearer to the end of this life, and then you die, but I don’t mind dying. So during this period, I think a lot about what I have done in my life, say the Rosary and be thankful for my many blessings.”

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

ing programs, including Christmas in Kennett and Kennett Blooms and Floral Flash, reimagine and reinvent public spaces through seasonal initiatives that make Kennett a fun and beautiful place to live, work, and visit.

“Our events and programs bring people together and celebrate and support local businesses,” said Gaver.

Other popular Kennett Collaborative programs and events include the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market, Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest, the KSQ Farmer’s Market, Summerfest, and Third Thursdays on State Street.

Courtesy photo

Harkins was a 1950 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and has remained faithful to the Fightin’ Irish ever since.

Courtesy photo

As a patent lawyer at Congoleum-Nairn – an internationally-known leader in the flooring industry -Harkins was instrumental in the invention and development of Congoleum Cushion Flooring.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Joe Harkins of Crosslands celebrated his 95th birthday on Dec. 5 with his daughters Jeannie and Pat, his grandson John Prisco and several other family members.

Oxford Borough Council approves advertising BID renewal ordinance

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Council approved a motion to authorize advertising an ordinance approving the adoption of the Business Improvement District (BID) final plan. This was the final stage of renewing the five-year plan for the BID. Council will hold the final hearing to adopt the ordinance at their next meeting on Dec. 19.

Council also approved a motion to authorize advertising an ordinance amending Chapter 27-2003, Certificates of Use and Occupancy, and Section 27-202, Definitions related to establishment of a Non-Residential Use of Occupancy Requirement.

Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen explained this is step one of many steps to manage the commercial properties downtown. The second step will be updating forms and processes, and the final step will be a code amendment to implement safety inspection for commercial properties. The ordinance has already received an Act 247 review with no noted errors.

In other business, Council heard an update on the Subdivision and Land Development and Zoning Ordinances Revision. They are currently waiting for Bergman to execute their contract to move forward on the project.

The Water Resource Protection Fee Committee met on Dec. 5. An update

will be given to council at the next meeting. The purpose of this committee is to explore implementation of a fee to support implementation of the Borough’s Stormwater Management Program as part of the regulations associated with the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA) administered under the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. The fee would support implementation of the borough’s Pollutant Reduction Plan, implementation of the MS4 required Minimum Control Measures, and the ongoing repair and maintenance of the borough’s green and gray stormwater infrastructure. These measures are intended to reduce the amount of polluted stormwater that enters area streams and threatens local water quality. The Committee is continuing

to explore the process and structure of a potential fee and how other municipalities have implemented a fee.

Council was updated on the Active Transportation Plan Committee. GarciaAllen said a Request For Proposal has been sent and they expect to have input regarding that by the Jan. 9, 2023 meeting. The formation of the group continues.

Borough council also approved a motion to authorize advertising an ordinance regarding the Business Improvement District boundaries and designating Oxford Mainstreet, Incorporated as the management association with the authority to implement and administer the provisions of the Business Improvement District Final Plan.

Council received a letter regarding a PennDOT Bicycle Friendly

Resurfacing Program Opportunity on Route 10 (Third Street), north of Market Street. Council was asked to respond within 10 days.

After the discussion, council felt they had many questions regarding safety and how this would tie in with other municipalities. They also agreed they would need more time for discussion and to answer all of their questions. GarciaAllen will send a letter to PennDOT asking for more time and coordination with other municipalities.

During council comments, council member Peggy Ann Russell thanked businesses and residents in town for the holiday lights they have displayed. The Historical Association was also thanked for their tree in the Oxford Memorial Park.

Public Works employees were also acknowledged for

their participation as well. Council member Robert Ketcham spoke about an article he had read about Narcan regarding a free prescription. A standing order prescription allows pharmacists in Pennsylvania to dispense naloxone/Narcan without requiring an individual prescription. Anyone can access naloxone from their pharmacy by getting a prescription from their doctor or using the standing order written for the general public.

Police Chief Sam Iacono confirmed that the police department has been trained and they do use it when appropriate.

Council discussed following up with the Chester County Health Department regarding training and securing more information.

The next borough council meeting will be held on Dec. 19.

Holiday celebration in Landenberg

The Landenberg United Methodist Church will be hosting a craft fair and Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event’s activities will include several

local craft vendors, a sweet bar and free hot chocolate, children’s activities, Christmas carols and an opportunity for visitors to make a donation to the Toys for Tots campaign. A Christmas tree lighting will

take place at 5:45 p.m.

The Landenberg United Methodist Church is located at 205 Penn Green Road in Landenberg. For more information, call 610-274-8384.

The catastrophic consequences of Lawrence Krasner

When he first became Philadelphia’s Attorney General in 2018, Lawrence Krasner quickly became the most prominent spokesperson among a new wave of prosecutors who were setting out to repair the city’s ruptured criminal justice system. Once implemented, the new system would measure its success not by the number of convictions made or the length of prison sentences, but rather by the way it would dramatically reverse law enforcement practices that would hold police more accountable. Doing so, Krasner said, would restore the public’s trust in the law, restore the city’s violenceplagued neighborhoods, and dramatically reduce gun crime.

It was a philosophy steeped in the belief that if you empower people with positivity, they will respond positively. “What conservatives have said forever is you can have safety, or you can have freedom,” Krasner said in an interview soon after he took office. “But people’s freedom makes us safer.”

Included as part of his progressive approach to fighting violence, Krasner has slashed probation sentences, aggressively pursued cases against police officers accused of misconduct, and exonerated two dozen people who were previously convicted by his predecessors.

Krasner denies that Philadelphia has experienced “a crisis of lawlessness,” and in a recent interview, he told a Philadelphia television reporter that his crime policies are working. They are not, and to publicly assert otherwise is delusional.

According to statistics compiled by Open Data Philly, there were 249 fatal and 1,074 non-fatal shootings in Philadelphia in 2016. By 2020, those figures had risen to 414 and 1,831, and in 2021, 486 people were killed by guns and 1,846 were injured. Over the last five years, Philadelphia gun violence has reached unprecedented levels and perpetuated a daily epidemic of violence. Last weekend alone, 20 people were shot in Philadelphia and four of them were killed.

In the five years of Krasner’s tenure, the City of Philadelphia has been on trial for its failure to chase down and apprehend these runaway statistics. Soon, the individual who has helped to orchestrate these abysmal figures will also be on trial.

In October, the Pennsylvania House Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order – chaired by State Rep. John Lawrence – issued a 63-page report that pointed to Krasner’s record, one that has seen a declining conviction rate and a meteoric rise in the number of firearms cases being withdrawn or dismissed --- all of which form a direct link to the rise in gun violence, the report said.

“In light of what is happening it would be a dereliction of duty if we did not take action,” Lawrence said.

In November, the Pennsylvania State House voted 107-85 in favor of impeachment of Krasner, for what they called “misbehavior in office” and the “catastrophic consequences of progressive philosophies.” When the impeachment trial begins in January, State Rep. Craig Williams will be one of three Pennsylvania lawmakers to deliver articles of impeachment against Krasner and manage the trial on behalf of the House. Removing Krasner from his office would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate, where Republicans hold a slight majority of the 50 seats.

Krasner has fought back, claiming that the impeachment was done in an effort for Republican lawmakers to “seek political points” during the time of elections, and he has filed a lawsuit against the impeachment effort, questioning whether it is legal to remove a public official.

While Krasner continues to lob accusations, what he fails to understand is that these impeachment hearings are not being entered into merely as a tactic to supplant the district attorney and his progressive policies – and certainly do not have anything to do with politics. Ultimately, the task for legislators like Lawrence and Williams is to undertake these proceedings with the goal of saving one city, and in doing so, preserve the memory of those Philadelphians whose lives have been reduced to statistics, and whose last breaths on Earth came before the barrel of a gun.

By Marie-Louise Meyers

We may wonder how we can come together as a Nation as the holiday season commences. What can we be thankful for when the sub-variant strains of COVID-19 are still rampant interlaced with the flu and other respiratory ailments? We are “one” with the Ukrainians fighting a valiant war against Putin, but its a costly battle in

Financial Focus

Advice can help when making charitable gifts

Now that it’s the holiday season, gifts are probably on your mind – and you might intend for some of those gifts to go to charities.

Although your intentions are good, you could be shortchanging both your recipients and yourself with your method of giving. But with some guidance, you can make choices that work well for you and those charitable groups you support.

Of course, you could simply give money to these groups. However, by donating other types of assets, can you increase the value of your gift and gain greater tax benefits, too?

It’s certainly possible, but your ability to gain any tax advantages depends somewhat on whether or not you can itemize deductions on your tax return. Due to legislation passed a few years ago that significantly increased the standard deduction, many people may no longer be itemizing. But if you still itemize, you can generally deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income for cash donations to IRS-qualified charities.

Another contribution strategy involves donating other assets, such as stocks. You could donate stocks directly to a charitable

group, but you might gain more benefits by making an irrevocable contribution to a donor-advised fund (DAF). Again, assuming you can itemize, you can deduct the full fair-market value of the asset, up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income, and your contributions can be invested in mutual funds or similar vehicles. The contributions have the opportunity for growth, and distributions to the charity are tax-free. You can then decide, on your own timetable, which IRSqualified charitable groups you would like to receive the money. Furthermore, if you donate stocks that have risen in value, you won’t incur potential capital gains taxes that you would have when you eventually sold the stocks. These taxes can be considerable, especially if you’ve held the stocks for a long time. (You’ll want to consult with your tax advisor on how charitable gifts can affect your taxes, especially if you’re thinking of using a donor-advised fund.)

These charitable donation methods are not secrets, and they are available to many people – you don’t have to be wealthy to employ them. Yet, here’s an interesting statistic:

Those who work with a financial advisor on charitable strategies are more than three times as likely to donate non-cash assets such as stocks than those who contribute to charities but don’t work with an advisor, according to an August 2022 survey from financial services firm Edward Jones and Morning Consult, a global data intelligence company. These findings suggest that many more people could be taking advantage of tax-smart charitable giving moves –if only they had some help or guidance.

Also, by getting some professional financial assistance, you may find it easier to implement your charitable giving decisions within your overall financial strategy, which is designed to help you meet all your important long-term goals, such as achieving a comfortable retirement.

Your instinct to help support charitable groups is a worthy one – and by getting some help, you can turn this impulse into actions that may work to everyone’s benefit.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Joe Oliver, Financial

Advisor for Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Joe Oliver is a life-long Oxfordian, husband, father, and financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments.

Joe serves business owners and individual investors in helping them accomplish their financial goals. Connect with him at Joe. Oliver@Edwardjones.com.

Joe Oliver, Financial Advisor 16 South 3rd St. Oxford, Pa. 19363 610-998-9046 www.edwardjones.com/ joe-oliver

Pa. Chamber celebrates tax reform bill that received bipartisan support

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Luke Bernstein issued the following statement regarding the ceremonial bill signing of Act 53 of 2022 – the monumental, bipartisan tax reform legislation that was enacted with the 2022-23 Commonwealth budget in July and reduced Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income Tax rate in half, among other key reforms to Pennsylvania’s Tax Code:

“It’s a great pleasure for Pennsylvania’s business community to join Republican and Democratic members of the General Assembly and Gov. Tom Wolf to celebrate this bipartisan victory for Pennsylvania.

“Our shared achievement in lowering Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income tax rate – and removing what had long been a major red flag to private sector investment – was a goal three decades in the making, and one that instantly makes Pennsylvania a

more attractive place to do business. In addition to the CNI reduction, Act 53 includes small business tax reforms, ensuring the law will help businesses of all sizes grow and invest.

“I’d like to thank my predecessor Gene Barr and our dedicated Government Affairs team who helped lay the groundwork for this victory; leadership in the state House and Senate on both sides of the political aisle; the strong bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who voted for this pro-growth legislation; and, Gov. Wolf, who signed it into law and helped to champion the effort. These collective efforts have paid dividends, as several studies have shown that, in the months since Act 53 became law, Pennsylvania has climbed several spots in rankings against other states in business competitiveness.

“As we look toward the future, the Pennsylvania Chamber is excited to continue this spirit of collaboration. We are committed to seeing through

the scheduled phase-down of the CNI; achieving additional tax reforms, such as improving the treatment of Net Operating Losses; permitting reform; strengthening workforce development; criminal justice reform measures; and

more.

“Compromise can be elusive in a divided political climate, but our success achieving tax reform is proof that when we put politics aside and do what’s best for Pennsylvania, we can achieve great things.”

What can we be thankful for?

lives and destruction in a free thinking democracy. Peace seems to be so far removed from the Global Picture with envy and competition abounding. The spiraling inflation constricts us as we start to think about surviving, not thriving.

In suffering, there can be unity, and a time to celebrate the simple joys.

Instead of trying to superimpose the gloss and

glitter of previous years, take a leaf from your children and grandchildren, who give us a new lease on life given paper, crayons, and scissors literally making something out of nothing; take up the needle or the pen with indelible wishes to come true. Given your limited resources, communing with nature is still a prescriptive choice in our own backyard or a myriad of open spac-

es and parks, some with playgrounds, surrounding us for the countryside is literally right outside our backdoor. Like fire in the sky striations of orange ripening into red appeared in the night sky like a flaming staircase, one building upon the other lives in unison, as if the gates of Heaven were heralded and opened for us to peer into viewed right from my window sill.

Turn back to the simple pleasures which once made life worth while. They truly give as much joy as the toys we once bought in abundance and threw away when they were out-dated. Thanksgiving and Christmas is as much about giving as receiving, so make someone destitute, hungry, and homeless have something to remember you by while you receive as much of a blessing in

return from their smiling faces interlaced with holiday cheer. I know because I help support the Homeless Women’s Shelters in Oxford with proceeds from my books, the latest being Billy and the Cougar for older children and teens. The artistic and skillfully executed cover page donated by Dawn Stuckey, a local resident, literally captures the whole of it, the soul of it.

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.

Joe Oliver

Chester County Futures welcomes new executive director

Chester County Futures (CCF) has named Katie Breslin Duffus as the organization’s new executive director.

Duffus has served as an executive director and has 25 years of experience working with nonprofits in areas of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. That experience, combined with her passion for promoting access to all, will help to advance the mission of the Chester County Futures organization.

“I am excited to join the

CCF organization to help enrich the lives for the students and families of Chester County,” Duffus said.

The CCF board of directors and staff welcomed Duffus as they continue their work to bring career development and postsecondary resources to the students of Chester County.

“We believe Katie’s experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to progress with our strategic plan. On behalf of the Board and staff, we look forward to seeing what’s

next for the future of CCF with her at the helm,” said Matthew Rovi, chairman of the Chester County Futures Board of Directors.

Duffus will manage the day-to-day operations for the organization that is known for providing services to prepare Chester County high school students for post-secondary education and life beyond high school. With the announcement of Duffus’ succession comes a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come, as well as the positive impact it will have for Chester County Futures and its students.

Duffus succeeds interim executive director Ryan Walter, who in addition to fulfilling the interim role, has been working with

the organization over the past several months on its strategic planning process. Throughout the transition, he will continue to collaborate with CCF on the process as it progresses into its final stages.

Chester County Futures is an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that was formed in 1996 as a poverty prevention program providing academic, mentoring and scholarship support for motivated, economically disadvantaged youth in Chester County. The organization’s goal is to help youth succeed in school, higher education and life.

For more information about CCF’s impact and programs, visit www.ccfutures.org.

Chester County appoints an acting Recorder of Deeds

The County of Chester has appointed Diane O’Dwyer as acting Recorder of Deeds while State Representative-elect Chris Pielli (D-156) transitions to his new office.

O’Dwyer, the Recorder of Deeds’ former first deputy, became the head of the department on Dec. 1.

O’Dwyer has served as one of two appointed depu-

ties since Pielli’s swearing in as Recorder in January of 2020. She began working for Chester County Government in 2018 as an employee of Voter Services and transferred to the Commissioners’ Office a year later as assistant to then-Commissioner Kathi Cozzone, prior to joining the Recorder of Deeds. Former second deputy Erin

VanRyn will now serve as first deputy. O’Dwyer and VanRyn were sworn into their respective roles by the Honorable Analisa Sondergaard on the morning of Dec. 1.

Pielli (D) was elected to serve the 156th district last month, winning the majority vote by nearly 20 percent, and will officially take office come January.

The new district office will be located at the corner of East Market Street and Westtown Road. The Recorder of Deeds is the county-elected official responsible for managing the repository for real estate records, military discharges and other official documents in Chester County. The office recorded its first deed in 1688.

Courtesy photo

Katie Breslin Duffus has been named as the new executive director of Chester County Futures.

&

WEST GROVE

SQUARE

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

The Kennett Square American Legion Post 491 marked Veterans Day with the rededication of the William Fahey WWI Memorial Post at the Mary D Lang Kindergarten Center.

On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 12, the day after the formal Veterans Day holiday, the members gathered at the corner where that white, granite post has sat for years. It was bitter cold, and the guests numbered about 20.

Post Commander Cindy Abbondi presided and told the audience seated in front of her on Center Street, “We are here to rededicate our World War I memorial and honor memory and bravery of our local heroes.”

In the Spotlight

American Legion rededicates World War I monument

She called upon former Kennett Square Mayor Leon Spencer to sing “God Bless America,” and then introduced speaker Ed Fahey.

Fahey, 94, of Jenner’s Pond, and formerly of Kennett Square, grew up in the borough, having attended St. Patrick School and Kennett High School Class of 1946. He went on to graduate from University of Delaware with a degree in engineering. Among other milestones in his life, he served as the president of the Kennett School Board.

Post Vice Commander Bill Taylor said – and Ed Fahey himself admitted –that Ed had been chosen to speak not because he was a documented descendent of William Fahey, but because he had the same last name. It was unclear

Ed Fahey said, however, that William Fahey had been a friend of his father.

“My dad called him ‘Billy.’ They were friends and he spoke highly of him. … When William went off to fight in World War I in 1918, he said, ‘Good bye Kennett Square. You’ll never see this Irish man again,’” Ed

Taylor recited a history of the memorial, saying that white pillar was originally erected yards away from the current spot on that same Mary D. Lang property in 1940.

When the original Mary D. Lang school was demolished to be replaced by the current high school down Union Street, the memorial remained until it was moved to the corner where the current Mary D. Lang school was built in 1970.

Following the recently concluded refurbishing of the kindergarten, Taylor said the members of the post decided it would be appropriate to rededicate this year.

On hand for the ceremony was a small U.S. Marine unit for the flag ceremony and a ban d of veterans from all the branches of the military for the 21-gun salute.

Rev. Jim Mundell, associate pastor of West Grove United Methodist Church, was on hand to deliver the opening prayer, benediction and history of World War I.

Trumpeter Matt Grieco played “Taps.”

West Grove welcomes the holiday season with a visit from Santa

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

West Grove lit up its tree and greeted Santa Claus in a town square ceremony on Friday evening. Shortly after the announced 6 p.m. starting time, the fire whistles blared and the yellow fire truck carrying Mr. and Mrs. Claus drove in, circled the roundabout and

came to a stop.

The children in the modest crowd that had assembled expressed excitement. When the truck stopped, they rushed to greet and hug the Christmas couple.

With the help of West Grove firefighters, Mrs. Claus descended first, then held out her arms to welcome her husband down the truck steps.

In a slight reversal of events from previous years, Mr. and Mrs. Santa strolled immediately toward the library community room, where they greeted the children, oneby-one, and listened to their holiday wishes.

In previous years Mr. and Mrs. Claus (aka Fran and Andrea Durynski) arrived after the count down to the lighting and spent time schmoozing with the crowd. Historically, they had proceeded to the nearby Garage Youth Center down the street for the party. The youth center has moved to Avondale however, so the party was moved to the library.

There was plenty for the children to partake in during their visit including a table full of candy and juices and a take-home worksheet for coloring provided by the library.

The line for Santa was orderly, with parents taking turns photographing their children on the lap of Santa or Mrs. Claus.

Mrs. Claus, ever the welcoming hostess, had compliments for each child. “I love your red coat,” and “What would you like” and “What a

great idea” to the family that came with all their kids dressed in Santa Claus-themed pajamas.

Sprinkled among the young children who announced their wishes on the laps of the Clauses were a few high school groups who appeared to have come mostly to pose for Santa Claus pictures.

Returning to their cars

after the Santa visit, the families were greeted by the town tree lit up.

The town Christmas tree that looks out over the parking lot has grown fatter and taller from previous years when it was called upon to replace its predecessor which had been damaged by fire. It stood sturdy, covered with lights and glowing

bright when the switch was clicked.

Accommodating the blistering cold, visitors with their children in wraps showed up no sooner than the announced 6 p.m. starting time. Still, they were welcomed by popular Christmas music and a greeting by West Grove Borough Council President David Prosser.

Photos by Chris Barber

A U.S. Marine unit stands by after having presented the colors.

to the speaker himself whether he was related to the veteran named on the memorial.

Ed Fahey speaks of his knowledge of William Fahey, whom his father knew.

Fahey said. William Fahey died of injuries suffered in the war, but after his body was returned to Kennett Square it was carried to his grave at St. Pat’s Cemetery in a coach drawn by four white horses.

Photos by Chris Barber

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus pose for pictures with children on their laps. Here, Mrs. Santa holds Lizzy for a picture by her parents.

Arriving by fire truck, Santa descends the steps greeted by Mrs. Santa, who proceeded him from the vehicle.

DIANA C. HOOPES

Diana C. Hoopes, a resident of Landenberg, passed away on Nov. 27 at Christiana Hospital. She was 74.

She was the wife of C. Barclay Hoopes, Jr., with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in 1948 in West Chester, Diana was the daughter of the late Mark B. Crossan, Jr., and the late Catherine Emerson Crossan. Diana was proud to be born a farmer’s daughter and would later become a farmer’s wife, yet she also had an entrepreneurial spirit that led her to great professional success.

After graduating from high school, Diana attended Goldey-Beacom College where she earned her secretarial degree. She began her career working for a prestigious physician as a medical secretary at the University of Delaware. Later, she worked for a time in the banking industry. Diana found her professional passion when she began working as coordinator for the Agricultural Land Preservation Program. She took great pride in her work and enjoyed working closely with resident farmers to ensure the continued preservation of local agriculture.

Additionally, Diana was a member of New Garden Friends Meeting, the Chester-Delaware County Farm

Bureau Women’s Committee and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Diana was a social butterfly and enjoyed talking to friends, new and old. Music brought a great deal of happiness to Diana’s life. She played the piano and absolutely loved to dance. If Diana was offering up advice, it was often presented in paraphrased song lyrics.

Diana found joy in the simple things. She loved her life, her family and her community. Diana will be missed terribly by all who had the pleasure to know her.

In addition to her husband, Barclay, Diana is survived by two sons, Mark C. Hoopes (Rebecca) and Jeffery E. Hoopes; two daughters, Jennifer H. Eckert (Michael) and Marsha A. Rosanelli (William); grandchildren, Sarah (Johnny), Emma (Joey), Bradley, Todd, Danielle, Gwendolynne, Carolynne, Annie and Billy; and great grandchildren, Joey and Lane.

Services were held on Dec. 3 at the New Garden Friends Meeting in Toughkenamon. Interment will be held at New Garden Friends Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Diana’s family requests memorial contributions be made to New Garden Friends Monthly Meeting, 415 Cedar Spring Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

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

PHILOMENA “MAMIE” FREZZO

Philomena “Mamie” Frezzo passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 28, 2022 at the age of 91. Mamie was a member of St. John the Beloved Church and was deeply devoted to her family. Growing up on her family’s farm instilled in Mamie a lifelong love of nature, gardening, and the mushroom industry. She loved to cook and entertain and was happiest when she was feeding her friends and family. Her greatest joy was being with her family and teaching her grandchildren how to make her favorite traditional foods with love.

Mamie was born in Landenberg on Feb. 3, 1931, the daughter of Benvenuta and Michele Toto. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her son-in-law, Richard Swayne; her sisters, Livia Toto, and Yolanda (Helen) Falini; and brothers, Anthony Toto, Joseph Toto and Louis Toto.

She is survived by daughters, Kathleen Frezzo of West Chester, Coni Frezzo (Ed Sannini) of Summit, N.J., and Anita Swayne of Kennett Square; her grandchildren, Emily Sannini of Chicago, Ill., Claire Sannini of West Hartford, Conn., and Michael Swayne of Philadelphia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Dec. 6 at St. John the Beloved Church in Wilmington, Del.

Interment will be held in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bridges Outreach PO Box 1444 Summit, N.J. 07901.

Arrangements are being handled by Doherty Funeral Home. To offer condolences, visit www.dohertyfh. com.

Shakespearean classic to be performed Dec. 9 and 10

Kennett High School to stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

This weekend, a few of the best-drawn characters in the history of theater will take the Kennett High School stage for three performances of one of William Shakespeare’s most wellknown plays.

Under the direction of Chris Skopowski, the school will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Dec. 9 and two shows on Dec. 10.

As the show begins, Theseus, the Duke of Athens, is planning his marriage with Hippolyta, and as a result he is a plan-

ning a four-day festival of pomp and entertainment.

He commissions his Master of the Revels, Philostrate, to find suitable amusements for the occasion. As the play unravels, Egeus, an Athenian nobleman, marches into Theseus’s court with his daughter, Hermia, and two young men, Demetrius and Lysander. Egeus wishes Hermia to marry Demetrius (who loves Hermia), but Hermia is in love with Lysander and refuses to comply. By play’s end, audiences are swept up in a dramedy of errors, mistaken identity, mischief and hilarious outcomes.

“I think this show appeals to audiences because many of its themes are a commentary on the magical quality and illusion of the theater and reality, with Puck talking to the audience and saying, ‘If everything you perceive to be true with your senses might be just a dream, maybe we are sharing the same dream,’” Skopowski said. “Since the theater was in a dormant state during COVID-19, I wanted a theater-centric performance that had to do with that.

“The play really shows love in its many forms, as well as the comedic aspect

and ugly aspects about love – about how we don’t think through love, but rather sort it out as we go through the comedic motions of it.”

The cast includes Blake Ciresa, Lydia Duckworth, Alec Salameda and Luke Sandusky four young Athenians; Paul Mullin as Nick Bottom; Marco King as Theseus; Aria duPontAndrew as Hippolyta; Thomas Linderman as Fairy King Oberon; Mia Jeffrey as Puck; and Amelie Bram as Queen Titania. Other cast members include Zula Ali, Luca Castellano, Marley Lengel, Clara Morrison, Maria Victoria Reyes, June

Sabo and Todd Taylor.

Two of the play’s leading roles said they look at tackling Shakespeare as a theatrical and verbal challenge.

“Because the language in the play is more heightened than in a prose piece, it allows me to pay more attention to what Shakespeare is trying to get at,” Bram said. “It causes me to pay more attention to themes and what the author’s intent is.”

“This is my first Shakespeare production, and I’ve learned that the dialogue forces you to dive deeper into the intent of the words, which provides much

more of a challenge for the actors,” Linderman said. “You have to know what you’re saying when you’re conveying it out to the audience, and the play’s iambic pentameter and its rhythms helps the language flow.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed at the Kennett High School Auditorium on December 9 at 7 p.m. and on December 10 for shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and senior and can be purchased with cash at the door. Refreshments will be available in the cafeteria.

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Photos by Richard L. Gaw Aria duPont-Andrew, seen beside Alec Salameda and Luke Sandusky, will play Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kennett High School on Dec. 9 and 10.

Thomas Linderman (Fairy King Oberon) and Blake Ciresa (Helena).

Amelie Bram (Titiana) and Todd Taylor (Peter Quince).

NOTICE OF SERVICE

OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, ASHE COUNTY

In the General Court of Justice, District Court Division [In The Matter Of S.R.M.D.] To: Brandy Nicole Martin, Edwin James Devore and Unknown Biological Father. Take Notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the aboveentitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Termination of Parental Rights. Further, please be advised that if you fail to respond to this notice by publication in the time frame indicated hereinbelow, that you may lose your parental rights regarding the minor child S.R.M.D. Finally, take note, in proceedings regarding termination of parental rights, that you are afforded to right to legal representation provided by the State. You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 7, 2023 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This the 16th day of November 2022. Tamara C. DiVenere, Attorney for Petitioners 202 East Main Street; West Jefferson, NC 28694 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF ARLENE C. DONEY, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, 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 MICHAEL F. GILLIN, EXECUTOR, 318 Heather Hills Dr., Landenberg, PA 19350, Or to his Attorney: STEPHEN V. BOTTIGLIERI, TOSCANI, STATHES & ZOELLER, LLC, 899 Cassatt Rd., Ste. 320, Berwyn, PA 19312 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Ori E. Steinberg, Deceased. Late of Uwchlan Twp., 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 Veronique LaBeille, Administratrix, c/o Marjorie Scharpf, Esq., The Tannenbaum Law Group, 600 West Germantown Pike, Suite 400, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Joseph F. Mulligan, Deceased. Late of East Bradford Twp., PA. Letters Testamentary 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 Terrence Mulligan, Executor, c/o Hope Bosniak, Esq., Dessen Moses & Rossitto, 600 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090. 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Rose M. Saverioni aka Rose Marie Saverioni, Late of the Borough of Kennett Square, 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 Richard Arnold Saverioni, Janet Marie Saverioni O’Neill and Deborah Ann Saverioni Walls, Executors, Or Attorney: David B. Myers, 148 W. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Victoria C. Peirson,

Late of Penn Township, 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 Christopher J. Schult, Executor, Or Attorney: David B. Myers, 148 W. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Martin, Mary Ann dec’d. Late of Late of Londonderry 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 Suzanne E. Martin, Executrix, c/o Good & Harris, LLP, 132 West Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557 11p-23-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF JOHN P. DIBIASE, DECEASED. Late of Kennett Square 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 RAY W. FOY, EXECUTOR, 428 Hatteras Road, Coatesville, PA 19320 or Attorney Elle Van Dahlgren, 20 Montchanin Road, Ste. 1000, Greenville, DE 19807. 11-30-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF DONALD C. POWERS, DECEASED. Late of East 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 JENNIFER L. POWERS, EXECUTRIX, 60 W. 57th St., No. 11D, New York, NY 10019, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 12p-7-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LANCASTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ORPHANS’ COURT DIVISION No. 2022-1601

IN RE: ADOPTION OF FREYA MICHELLE BENYO PUBLICATION NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition has been filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, seeking to Terminate the Parental Rights of Moira Adams. A hearing on the Petition will be held on December 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in Courtroom No. 11 at the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at which time any persons interested may attend and show cause, if any, why the Petition should not be granted.

Lancaster Law Group, LLC 12p-7-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxford Borough Council, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on December 19, 2022 commencing at 7:00 p.m. to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and enact an ordinance regarding approval of the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Business Improvement District Plan – The Next 5 Years: 20232017. A caption and a summary of the proposed ordinance are noted below. The complete text of the said ordinance may be examined at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania and at the Chester County Law Library, Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance can be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Borough Building during normal business hours.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FINAL PLAN, APPROVING THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND DESIGNATING OXFORD MAINSTREET, INCORPORATED AS THE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FINAL PLAN.

PREAMBLE: Provides background, history and authority for the Oxford Borough Business Improvement District as provided by the Neighborhood Improvement District Act.

SECTION 1. Establishes the name of the business improvement district as the “Oxford Borough Business Improvement District.”

SECTION 2. Adopts the map and boundaries of the Oxford Borough Business Improvement District for the purpose of providing business improvement and administrative services to benefit the Borough, which is defined on the map and boundary description attached to the Ordinance as Exhibit A”.”

SECTION 3. Adopts and approves the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Business Improvement District – The Next 5 Years: 2023-2027 Final Plan in the form attached to the Ordinance as Exhibit “B.”

SECTION 4. Appoints Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. as the Neighborhood Improvement District Management Association to implement the Final Plan of the Business Improvement District.

SECTION 5. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 6. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 7. Provides that the amendment shall be affective 5 days after date of final passage. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough (610-932-2500) to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, Kathryn Cloyd, President, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, P.C., Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 12p-7-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, December 19, 2022, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance accepting dedication of additional public right-of-way by Amos G. Blank, Rebecca R. Blank, and Daniel L. Blank, a summary of which follows. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, ACCEPTING DEDICATION OF ADDITIONAL PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY BY AMOS G. BLANK, REBECCA R. BLANK, AND DANIEL L. BLANK.

AMOS G. BLANK, REBECCA R. BLANK, AND DANIEL L. BLANK, by deed dated October 26, 2022, did dedicate and convey unto OXFORD BOROUGH all that certain legal right-of-way, situate in the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as depicted according to a Final 2 Lot Subdivision Plan (1 Sheet), being the Title Plan for “216 Brick Street – Minor Subdivision Plan,” dated January 28, 2022, last revised September 20, 2022, prepared by Concord Land Planners & Surveyors, Inc., Oxford, Pennsylvania (“Plan”), recorded as Document #11952320 at Book 21068 and Page 1 in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds, attached to and incor-

Local News

O’Neill receives Award of Achievement from the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators

Dr. Noreen O’Neill, director of Innovative Educational Services at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), was awarded the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ (PASA) Award of Achievement in Service to the Profession. This award honors commitment to excellence as demonstrated through notable service to education.

Some examples of the service to the profession award for which Dr. O’Neill is recognized include developing an effective professional development program for school district educators; demonstrating leadership in administrator prepara-

tion programs, school study councils or other professional development efforts; and promoting the education profession through research, writing and organizational service.

PASA’s special recognition awards are presented annually to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of public education in Pennsylvania. Individuals are nominated for awards by their peers or staff members. The PASA Service to the Profession Award was sponsored by Horace Mann.

“Dr. O’Neill is so deserving of the PASA Service to the Profession award,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, CCIU executive director and pres-

ident-elect of PASA. “Her dedication to public education as well as staff and student success is second to none. Noreen is the definition of a servant leader and I am fortunate to have the chance to work alongside her.”

Dr. O’Neill expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am grateful for the opportunity to support current and future educational leaders who will have a lasting impact on the students, schools and communities that they serve. I share PASA’s commitment to develop, support and serve successful school leadership, and I am honored to be recognized by such an esteemed organization.”

Army-Navy game returns to Philadelphia for the 90th time in the game’s 123-year history

On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Army-Navy Game will return to Philadelphia for the 90th time in the rivalry’s 123-year history. The game kicks off at Lincoln Financial Field as the United States Military Academy (USMA) and the United States Naval Academy (USNA) face-off in America’s Game.

The city anticipates a large influx of more than 50,000 visitors, who will consume more than 31,000 hotel room nights. The weekend also serves as a platform for promoting Philadelphia to millions on national television and the sellout crowd of nearly 70,000 fans that attend the game.

“Army-Navy weekend is all about celebrating America’s armed forces and their service to our country,” said Gregg Caren, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We are honored to welcome military families to Philadelphia for the game weekend and to recognize the sacrifices they have made for our nation.”

“The entire city will be electric all weekend as we welcome fans from around the country,” said Larry Needle, executive director of PHL Sports.

Legals

porated by reference as Exhibit “A,” and as more fully described in the legal description “50’ Wide Right-Of-Way – Lot 1,” attached to and incorporated by reference as Exhibit “B,” and as more fully described in the legal description “50’ Wide Right-OfWay – Lot 2,” and attached to and incorporated by reference as Exhibit “C.”

The proposed ordinance provides for the acceptance of the dedicated additional right-ofway by the Borough of Oxford. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough (610-932-2500) to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor

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“This is the 90th year we have had the privilege to host the Academies, and we’re incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve created together.”

In addition to the Academies, the weekend is produced by a number of local partners, including PHL Sports, a business development division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), the City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Eagles.

While the Army-Navy Game is the weekend’s focal point, there are events and activities throughout the city leading up to kickoff:

Friday, Dec. 9

Patriot Games: A twoday, five-event competition between teams of Cadets and Midshipmen - with a series of events at various Philadelphia-area landmarks. The Patriot Games are comprised of:

• The Rocky Relay (Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m., Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art)

• Leadership Reaction Course (Dec. 9, 10 a.m., Independence Visitor Center)

• Pull-Up Challenge (Dec. 9, 12:00 p.m., The Shops at

lasting

Liberty Place)

• Tug of War (Dec. 9, 1:30 p.m., USS New Jersey Battleship)

Army-Navy Pep Rally: Serving as the official kickoff, The Shops at Liberty Place will play host to the Army-Navy Pep Rally at 12 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, where spectators will get fired up with performances by the Academies’ cheerleader squads and pep bands.

Assembly Day with Operation Gratitude: At the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday, Dec. 9 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 p.m., volunteers will assemble 2,000 care packages to be sent to U.S. troops. The public can sign up to volunteer in Assembly Day here.

Gala: At the Pennsylvania Convention Center Grand Hall from 6:30 – 10 p.m., Philadelphia welcomes the Academies, and all of the game partners to celebrate ahead of game day with a sit-down dinner and gala. Mayor Jim Kenney and the Academy Superintendents will offer remarks. This event is closed to the public, but open to media.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Red, White & You: The PHLCVB Foundation’s

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Red, White & You Community Outreach Program supports legacy projects surrounding the Army-Navy Game, impacting young people and the men and women of our military. The program will welcome 350 JROTC members from the Philadelphia and Camden School Districts to the Army-Navy Game, as well as partner with the Travis Manion Foundation in hosting Wounded Warriors

and Gold Star families.

Exclusive Fan Tailgate: On game day, Saturday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. –1 p.m., fans can beat the cold by getting fired up at the Army-Navy Tailgate, located inside Citizens Bank Park’s Hall of Fame Club, across the street from Lincoln Financial Field.

March-On: Time-honored tradition in which the entire Corps of Cadets and Brigade of Midshipmen “march-on” to the field

ahead of kickoff to honor their respective teams, starting at 12:15 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field.

Stadium Obstacle Relay: The final leg of the Patriot Games takes place at 1:15 p.m. on the field.

123rd Army-Navy Game: America’s Game kicks off at 3:10 p.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. For more information on all Army-Navy Weekend activities, visit DiscoverPHL.com.

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Courtesy photo

Pictured are Scott Lucas of Horace Mann, Dr. George F. Fiore, president-elect of PASA and CCIU executive director; PASA Award of Achievement in Service to the Profession Recipient, Dr. Noreen O’Neill; and Dr. John Sanville, PASA President and Superintendent of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District.

Dr. O’Neill was recognized for her achievements at the PASA recognition luncheon and annual meeting on Nov. 10 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel.

The Giant Company kicks off annual holiday community giving

Celebrating Giving Tuesday, The Giant Company kicked off its annual holiday giving, donating $57,500 to 11 community organizations combatting food insecurity and supporting families in need across its footprint. These efforts launch The Giant Company’s season of holiday giving, which aims to fulfill its purpose of connecting families for a better future.

The Giant Company supported the following nonprofit organizations:

• Caring for Friends – The Philadelphia-based organization will use the donation to help fill 2,000 snack bags to benefit homebound and homeless individuals and families in need.

• Church World Services

– Church World Services in Harrisburg will use the donation to support its efforts to welcome and resettle refugees.

• Downtown Daily Bread

– Serving Harrisburg, Downtown Daily Bread will utilize the donation to fulfill snack bags to distribute to individuals facing homelessness.

• Garden of Health –Located in North Wales, Pa., Garden of Health will deliver holiday meals to 250 families.

• JEVS Human Services

– The donation will help Philadelphia kids stay warm this winter by pur-

chasing coats for JEVS Human Services’ youth programs.

• Keystone Opportunity Center – Keystone Opportunity Center, Chester, Pa., manages Fresh For All, a food distribution program, which The Giant Company’s donation will support.

• Lancaster County Project for the Needy –The Lancaster County Project for the Needy will use the donation to provide food boxes to nearly 3,000 families.

• Phoenixville Area Community Services – The Phoenixville, Pa., organization will use the donation to help restock its emergency distribution food pantry.

• Salvation Army Lancaster – The organization will distribute Giant gift cards to area families facing food insecurity.

• Team Thompson Family Foundation – The Philadelphia-based foundation will use its funds to donate coats and gifts to local families.

• Warren County Coalition Program – With its donation, the Warren County Coalition in Front Royal, Va. will help combat hunger through its backpack and food distribution programs.

“Caring for Friends is giving thanks to The Giant Company for its donation

to help feed our Greater Philadelphia neighbors in need, many of whom are having a challenging year trying to meet their budgets in the face of inflation, supply chain issues, and utility prices,” said Vince Schiavone, CEO, Caring for Friends. “In addition to their donation, we are also grateful for their volunteer time to pack these muchneeded food staples for our clients.”

In addition to Giving Tuesday, The Giant Company is helping to facilitate family meals and moments through:

• Eat A Red Apple Day – Partnering with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, The Giant Company will celebrate Eat A Red Apple Day Dec. 1 by hosting a caramel apple decorating contest. Giant vendor partner, Stemilt, will donate 18,000 red apples to the food bank.

• Meal donations – A total of 3,000 hams and 1,150 chickens will be donated to 18 community food banks and food pantries. This builds on the company’s hunger efforts earlier this month, donating over 13,000 Thanksgiving turkeys and chickens to community partners combatting food insecurity.

• Volunteering –Throughout November and December, Giant and Martin’s team members

will volunteer more than 500 hours to support community organizations.

“The donation of turkeys and hams couldn’t come at a better time, heading into the holiday season,” said Michael McKee, CEO, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “We are grateful The Giant Company has put solving food insecurity so high on their priority list. We’re so appreciative

of the donations, and of the volunteer hours that the team members have contributed to the food bank throughout the years.”

Customers can join The Giant Company to make a difference this holiday season. In all stores, customers can round up their purchase at checkout to benefit their local food bank or pantry or purchase reusable bags to benefit

Feeding America. Thanks to the generosity of its customers rounding up at the register this year, $6.5 million has been donated to support organizations making a difference in their local communities.

To learn more about The Giant Company’s purpose of connecting families to a better future, visit Giantfoodstores.com/ pages/purpose.

Avon Grove Lions support Oxford Neighborhood Services Center

Courtesy photo

The Avon Grove Lions donated 150 large Christmas gift bags to Oxford Neighborhood Services Center on Giving Tuesday. The bags will be used by the children’s parents to take the toys the parents have selected home from the Oxford Neighborhood Service’s Christmas Toy Room. Pictured are Lions Brian Coe,

Ben Keller, and Dave Graham, Oxford Neighborhood Services director Rachel Lebus, and Lion Barry Marteny.

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