Chester County Press 12-09-2020 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 154, No. 48

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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INSIDE Kennett Township votes to delay decision

on single-service EMS provider

Board calls for collaborative proposal by Longwood and Kennett fire companies by Jan. 20, 2021. If it’s not acceptable, they’ll award exclusive ambulance and EMS provider rights to Longwood, beginning on March 1, 2021 By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Greenville & Hockessin Life

Santa Claus is coming to town...1B

At the conclusion of an often heated four-hour discussion between them, the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 at their Dec. 2 online meeting to delay a proposal that would enter the township into exclusively using the Longwood Fire Company as its single-source emergency medical services (EMS) provider next year. By a vote of 2-1, the board back-stepped on an original proposal that would make Longwood the exclusive EMS provider to the township beginning on Jan. 1,

2021, and eliminate the EMS services of the Kennett Fire Company to the township. At 11:10 p.m., board chairman Richard Leff and supervisor Whitney Hoffman voted in favor of extending all EMS services for the township to Longwood beginning on March 1, 2021, and in the interim allow both Longwood and Kennett to submit a collaborative proposal for proving ambulance service to the township by Jan. 20, 2021. The board would then consider the proposal and reach Photo by Richard L. Gaw a decision by Feb. 3, 2021, Kennett Township is proposing to streamline its future EMS and ambulance service and if it does not accept the to its residents by using the exclusive services of the Longwood Fire Company Continued on Page 4A

Pandemic won’t stop Wreaths Across America

beginning in 2021.

Avondale Fire Company supporters press London Grove supervisors on onesource provider decision By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Updates for Chester Program...7A

Restore County

INDEX Opinion.......................7A Obituaries...................2B Classifieds..................4B

Courtesy photo

Left to right holding flags are veterans John Mosley, Jim May, Spence Andress and Robert Stuart.

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford is proud of and dedicated to its veterans. That is obvious by the banners honoring veterans hanging along the borough’s streets. So during this pandemic, the community will continue to honor veterans through the annual tradition of Wreaths Across America. Clarissa Sherrow, the Wreaths Across America coordinator for the Oxford Cemetery said, “Things are very different

this year, but we will still be honoring the veterans by laying wreaths in the Oxford Cemetery. We had everything mapped out and the program set, but rising COVID-19 numbers changed all that. There will be no public ceremony this year in an effort to keep everyone safe.” Instead, Sherrow invited everyone to follow them on Facebook and the website. Last year, Sherrow was interviewed for an article in AARP. This year, they Continued on Page 2A

Supporters and members of the Avondale Fire Company spoke up at the Dec. 2 London Grove Township Board of Supervisors meeting, some of them asking questions about and voicing their frustration with the Nov. 17 decision by the board to contract with West Grove Fire Company as its ambulance and fire provider. Speakers at the meeting took advantage of the public comment period to delve into the reasons for the change. The decision was made, according to minutes of the Nov. 17 budget meeting, as a cost-cutting measure which would save about $75,000. According to the document, the recommendation was made by Fire Marshal Robert Weer. At that meeting, the supervisors approved the motion with the dissent of supervisor Steve Zurl. At the onset of the Dec. 2 meeting, former Avondale Fire Chief and current West Grove Fire Company mem-

ber Glenn Hallman spoke up with a list of questions for the supervisors. He said he was representing neither the Avondale or West Grove fire company, but rather was seeking information about the decision moving to one provider. He asked if the decision to exclude Avondale was the best one for taxpayers who live close to the Avondale station. “Is it best for families if they live closer to Avondale? Can you defend [the decision] if you have to wait?” he asked. He also asked if the supervisors could defend the possible increased response time and referred to the West Grove’s more distant New London station, which would respond even if the emergency were much closer geographically to the Avondale station Additionally, he asked if the supervisors realized if a result of their decision to contract with one provider resulted in litigation, that each of them would be responsible and the financial costs would be a burden to London Grove taxpayers.

London Grove resident Zach Knox said he was concerned that even the most minute delay in response time caused by single source could be devastating to people whose family members are in life-threatening situations or whose houses are burning down. He added that the issue had not been widely publicized and needed more public input. Reminding his audience that there would be more time for comment later in the meeting, David Connors, the chairman of the board of supervisors, said the board had been discussing the matter since July. Addressing the safety issue, he said West Grove has proposed placing an ambulance in Avondale and having a roving unit. He reiterated that he and the supervisors would not make a change to one provider for cost alone, and they would not have made the decision if they thought it would jeopardize their citizens. During the public comment time at the end of Continued on Page 4A

United Way of Southern Chester County celebrates 75 years and over $20 million given to local nonprofits A newly opened grocery store in Dublin, Ireland recently made headlines for its section of glass flooring which allows shoppers to see the eleventh-century Irish-Viking home on which the present structure is built. People tend not to give much thought to foundations—whether they’re made of brick and mortar or of the leaders, wise decisions, and generosity that build a strong community. Times of crisis and significant anniversaries, however, have a way of calling us to pause and

take stock. As a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the globe, United Way of Southern Chester County (UWSCC) is celebrating its 75th anniversary by doing exactly what it has always done—raising funds to help those in need in the community. Today, that means supporting local nonprofit agencies responding to ongoing needs in addition to the unprecedented and ever-shifting needs brought on by the pandemic. Over the past few months, CEO Carrie Freeman has been digging into the

UWSCC annals to find 75 facts about the organization’s history. She hasn’t been surprised to find lots of information about community leaders who made forward-looking decisions to lay a solid foundation for UWSCC. Their model of local support has been shaping the character and caring ethos of the community it has served for three-quarters of a century. “Over the last 30 years alone,” Freeman said, “we have given out over $20 million to help those in need in our community. It’s hard to imagine what Southern

Chester County would look like today had it not been for UWSCC.” In addition to giving significant ongoing support to existing agencies like Tick Tock Early Learning Center and Kennett Area Senior Center, UWSCC has

also provided critical initial support, or “seed money,” over the years to help start nonprofits to fill particular needs in the community. These include the Kennett Food Cupboard, then a satellite of KACS (1998); the Continued on Page 3A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Wreaths Across America... Continued from Page 1A

will have 200 volunteers, half of last year’s volunteers. But they received the donations they needed to carry on this very important event, as 1,300 wreaths were purchased with donations from the community. They raised $15,000 and every dollar raised goes toward the purchase of wreaths. Sherrow applauded all those that donate financially, or provide assistance or other in-kind donations. She is amazed at the giving of this small community. “For a community of this size, 5,000- plus (residents), we have many big volunteers we depend on. Businesses such as C.W. Boyd Trucking, Landhope Farms, Wawa, Herr’s, and

American Legion Post 194 in Rising Sun and Comfort Zone Mechanical. Landhope does a giving jar every year and their customers and Landhope are very generous. We didn’t even send out letters this year soliciting donations,” Sherrow explained. “The Oxford Chamber of Commerce holds a run in memory of Jerome Rodio every year and this year those funds raised were donated to us.” Sherrow also pointed out that they get many in-kind donations from businesses such as SECCRA, which receives the wreaths after they have been used and also Trash Tech, which provides a dumpster for the used wreaths. And in years past, Corporal Scott Brown and the Oxford Police Department have always assisted, too.

A note that participants can remove and save as a memento comes with each wreath.

A. Duie Pyle in West Chester lends a helping hand. Wreaths Across America sends the wreaths from Maine in a big truck to A Duie Pyle. They transfer the wreaths to their own truck and transport them to Oxford. Sherrow’s love for the community has grown even

Contactless Amish Farmland Tour offers safe, distanced excursion The Amish Experience, the original guided bus tour company in Lancaster County and founded in 1959, has developed various tours over the last 61 years, but the original guided bus tour remains as popular as ever. However, with the 2020 pandemic came a disruption unlike anything anyone in the local tourism community had ever seen. Suddenly, “curbside pickup, home delivery, and contactless service” were on the tip of everyone’s tongue. In order to serve those visitors who were con-

cerned about getting on a bus with strangers, the Amish Experience developed a completely contactless option for the traditional 90-minute guided Amish farmland tour. A small FM radio transmitter was installed in the Amish Experience bus, so that everything the guide said into their hands-free microphone in the bus was broadcast over a vacant frequency on the FM dial, thus allowing a customer to drive in the safety and comfort of their own vehicle, following the bus down the

scenic back roads, with the live, in-the-moment narration of the guide coming through their car’s speakers. The only thing a customer must have in their vehicle to enjoy the contactless option is an FM radio. One $50 flat fee covers the whole car load, so it can be a very affordable option for a family desiring to see the Amish countryside. From making the reservation (online) and checking in upon arrival (on the phone) no actual tickets are exchanged, and the guest Continued on Page 6A

e r o M

For All the Right Reasons and

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A S S I S T E D

L I V I N G

Courtesy photos

The crowd shares a moment of silence during last year’s Wreaths Across America Ceremony.

more this year. At a time when the pandemic has given the country one of the biggest challenges most of us will ever see, Sherrow can see the light at the end of the tunnel because of all of those that reach out to donate and help to preserve something as iconic as Wreaths Across America. All sponsored wreaths in 2020 will be placed on gravesites by Dec. 19, which is National Wreaths Across America Day. Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad. The local effort coordinated by Sherrow, brings volunteers from Delaware,

A lone figure stands behind ceremonial wreaths at the World War Memorial for veterans. Each branch of the service is given a wreath, plus an additional one for a Gold Star Family.

Maryland and Pennsylvania and includes Boy and Girl Scouts and countless others. To join the group, Sherrow asks all those interested to please sign up for a specific section by going on the website at: www. wreathsacrossamerica.org and clicking the volunteer button. Type in Oxford Cemetery (PAOXCE).

Masks will be required for volunteers who help out at the cemetery.. If you have questions, please contact volunteer location coordinator, Clarissa Sherrow at csherrow@zoominternet.net or call 484-645-4513. And visit the Oxford Cemetery to remember, honor and teach.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Local News United Way... Continued from Page 1A

Adult Literacy Program at the Kennett Library (1995); After-the-Bell (1999); and Family Promise of Southern Chester County (2015). â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we see a need in the community that no one is meeting, we collaborate, facilitate conversations, make connections, and provide resources to help fill that gap,â&#x20AC;? Freeman said. The Garage Community & Youth Center in West Grove is another such example. UWSCC encouraged the Garage in Kennett Square to expand their impactful teen program for Kennett students to the Avon Grove School Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students. In 2009, with a plan to expand, the Garage needed someone to donate the $30,000 necessary to get the project off the ground. UWSCC was there with those funds. And in 1974, when a new community center on South Broad Street was â&#x20AC;&#x153;serving as the permanent headquarters for a Spanish-speaking citizens organization,â&#x20AC;? UWSCC was there to fund that organization known today as La Comunidad Hispana (LCH). In the last 30 years, UWSCC has given LCH over $2.5 million dollars in funding. UWSCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots can be traced back to an organizational meeting in Kennett Squareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American Legion Hall in August 1944â&#x20AC;&#x201D;as the Allied forces were nearing the end of their march from Normandy to Paris. Nine days after the end of World War II, at a meeting held on September 11, 1945, various charitable organizations in the Kennett area joined forces to form a cooperative association called the Community Chest. Seventy-five years later, after a few name changes and after incorporating several area organizations including the Avon Grove and Oxford United Ways, what began as the Community Chest is now UWSCC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, UWSCC funds crisis intervention, health, and education programs from Chadds Ford south to Nottingham,â&#x20AC;? Freeman explained. The core concept has always been that local businesses and citizens can best help neighbors in need by donating to a single organization that knows the community, its nonprofits, and its needs so well that it can allocate those funds most effectively where and

when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re needed. The theme of the Community Chestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first fundraising campaign, in 1945, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most you can give is the least you can do.â&#x20AC;? Although todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live Here, Give Here, Stays Here,â&#x20AC;? Freeman said the original tag line still resonates with the mission and goals of UWSCC to inspire community generosity to meet local needs. That first campaign raised $29,789.73 in pledges. In 2001, the traditional kickoff event for the annual campaign on September 11th was delayed. In the midst of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heartache and turmoil that year, UWSCC raised $1,000,000 for the first timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a â&#x20AC;&#x153;million-dollar millennium.â&#x20AC;? Today, UWSCC raises and gives away more than a million dollars annually. Part of the secret of UWSCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resilience has been its ability to change and evolve with the community it serves. After a nationwide name change to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Community Chest Red Featherâ&#x20AC;? in 1947, red feather thermometers could be seen in over a thousand town squares, tracking incoming donations with red paint. Over the years, workplace giving replaced door-todoor canvassing, and major direct-mail campaigns and UWSCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature and perennially popular Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival replaced road rallies and pasta dinner fundraisers. The roster of hundreds of board and committee leaders over the years also reads like a whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s who of men and women who have had a huge impact on the community, from Genesis HealthCare founder Michael Walker to Monroe Nute, Leonard Kanofsky, Charlie Kramer, A. Duer Pierce, Larry Bosley, Leon Spencer, Jamie Blaine, Eva Verplanck, David Woods, Sharon Parker, and Judge Daniel Maisano. All of these hundreds of volunteers have served and shaped the strategy of UWSCC to respond to changing circumstances without losing sight of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fundamental vision. While the citizens of Southern Chester County donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a glass floor through which to view the foundations of the UWSCC, neither does the organization have a glass ceiling. UWSCC was making strides towards shattering that glass ceiling even in 1952, when Mrs. Lyle T. Johnston was

Courtesy photos

UWSCC CEO Carrie Freeman received a citation from Gov. Tom Wolf. The Pennsylvania governor commended the organization on its service to the community for 75 years.

In the 1950s, Red Feather thermometers were in over 1,000 town squares, tracking the incoming donations with red paint.

elected as the first woman president of the Community Chest. She was an electrical engineer and very involved in Girl Scouts, but her first name is unknown because married women in the 1950s were publicly known only by their married names. In 1977, Freeman explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Women took control!â&#x20AC;? Sybil S. Curtin was elected board president and Luci M. Shoemaker became administrator (working for $5 an hour at a time when minimum wage was $2.30). At the national level, former Peace Corps director Elaine Chao became CEO in 1993 and helped to rebuild the national United Way after a period of scandal following the conviction of former United Way of America CEO William Aramony on charges of fraud. In 1997, Cecy Glenn was named executive director of what was then called United Way of the Kennett Area. She proved, Freeman said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to be a fundraising marvel,â&#x20AC;? and Freeman stepped into her shoes to become the third CEO in UWSCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history when Glenn retired in 2003.

The history of UWSCC and its partner agencies is an integral part of the history of the community, and it tells a story of resilience, forward thinking, and sacrificial generosity. As they prepare for the uncertainties ahead in 2021, Freeman, her staff, and board build on this firm foundation. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re focused on reaching their most ambitious fundraising goal yet in order to fully fund and support agencies as they continue to serve those most in need right here in our community. Follow @unitedwayscc on Facebook or @ uwscc on Instagram to read Freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ongoing series of 75 facts and historic photos highlighting the role of UWSCC in our community. Go to https:// www.unitedwayscc.org/ give to donate. In honor of their 75th Anniversary, they are offering a raffle to win a year of free groceries and a $75,000 Board Challenge Match for new leadership donors. To learn more about these giving incentives, go to https:// www.unitedwayscc.org/ giving-incentives.

In 1978, the Southern Chester County Medical Center (now Jennersville Hospital) asked for funds to purchase a respirator. Their request was granted and a donation of $2,000 was made. One day in the 1970s, newspaper publisher Irvin Lieberman, who lived in Kennett Square, drove to the emergency room on his way home from the Chester County Press, and he waited for a couple of hours to have his appendix removed by a team of surgeons who had just removed a bullet from a state policeman. In 2013, the United Way of Southern Chester County finally settled on the signature fundraiser created by board member Jeff Yetter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bringing hundreds of homemade chocolate baked goods together with over a thousand hungry attendees each year. Yetter is pictured with CEO Carrie Freeman.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Avondale Fire Company... Continued from Page 1A

meeting, after the decision to adopt the single-source provider had been made Avondale Fire Company deputy Chief Shawn Carroll spoke at length to defend his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualifications. He pressed Connors on the reasons for dropping Avondale Fire Company. He also asked why the townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emergency Services Committee had not been part of the decision. Both Connors and board member Lee Irwin told Carroll that they had concerns about communication

Kennett Township votes... Continued from Page 1A

proposal, Longwood would receive the EMS contract. If the board does accept the new proposal, it would then consider a revised motion to authorize an EMS partnership between Longwood and Kennett next year. Supervisor Scudder Stevens voted against the decision. Depending on how it is ultimately decided, the way EMS and ambulance services operate in the Kennett community is likely to change dramatically for its residents. The current ambulance and EMS system for the township and Kennett Square Borough provides its residents with one 24/7 Advanced Life Support ambulance (ALS) from Longwood; one 24/7 Basic Life Support ambulance (BLS) from Kennett; and one Advanced Life Support ambulance (ALS) from Longwood that operates 16 hours a day. Generally defined, ALS responses are for patients with serious symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe trauma or seizures; BLS responses treat patients with less serious issues such as slip and fall injuries, abdominal pain and cuts and lacerations. At 7:10 p.m., township manager Eden Ratliff introduced a proposal that stemmed from an Oct. 29 presentation he gave to the board that addressed a 2016 study that called for the township to explore the possibility of moving to a one-source provider of EMS and ambulance services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; east and west of Bayard Road. The study, created by experts that were hired by the Regional Fire and EMS Commission, did not rec-

with Avondale. Irwin said it bothered him that the Avondale audit revealed the failure to have three people sign each check that went out could leave the fire company vulnerable to â&#x20AC;&#x153;fraud or error.â&#x20AC;? Township board member Christina Fanning said she was â&#x20AC;&#x153;uncomfortableâ&#x20AC;? that she was not getting the information that her board had asked for from the Avondale Fire Company. Carroll responded that the detailed reports in the fire companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audit were there to present the leaders with ways they could improve service not to denigrate their performance. ommend that the township choose Longwood as their sole EMS and ambulance provider. In his presentation, Ratliff reviewed the pros and cons of the proposal. On the positive side, he said, moving to a single-source EMS provider would consolidate the twin services of unit-hour utilization transport (UHU) and mobile intensive care units (MICU), and eliminate a duplication of services. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;consâ&#x20AC;? of the decision, he said, would very likely cut the number of EMT staff at the Kennett Fire Company, reduce overall EMS coverage [by about 6,000 hours a year] and increase the number of missed calls for service. Missed calls Currently, Ratliff said, about 4.5 percent of calls to both EMS units are routinely missed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which included 148 missed calls in 2019. By moving to a single provider, he estimated that the percentage would rise about two percent, but would still fall below the 10 percent danger zone for missed calls. Ratliff said that the proposal would also stipulate that a Longwood MICU and a chase car - a non-transport vehicle that is staffed with paramedics that follows an ambulance - would be stationed at the Kennett Fire Company, which he said would reduce response times for ALS and BLS calls. The topic of short- and long-term savings to the township was frequently raised during the meeting. Ratliff predicted that while there will be a cost savings of about $250,000 to the Fire and EMS Commission, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The challenge is that we are trying to model for the

Photos by Chris Barber

West Grove Fire Company will become the the singlesource provider of fire and EMS for London Grove Township in 2021.

The Avondale Fire Company is projected to lose substantial income from London Grove Township's decision to use a single-source provider of fire and EMS.

He said that the Avondale Fire Company is diligent in responding to information requests, but that the COVID-19 pandemic had put them â&#x20AC;&#x153;in a bubble.â&#x20AC;? Toward the end of the discussion, Connors returned

to the financial aspect of the issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was time for a tough discussion. Like any community that shares services, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re paying more than we would if we had one source,â&#x20AC;? he said, adding,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wave a magic wand and ask you two to merge.â&#x20AC;? In other business, the supervisors agreed to move the meeting dates to the second Wednesday of each month, rather than the first

Wednesday of the month, starting in 2021. They agreed it would give staff and board members more time to get documents and other information together for meeting presentations and action.

future, which is really difficult because we are using somewhat old data to try to guess whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen in the future,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to provide immediate savings to Kennett Township in 2021, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adopted tonight or effective in three or four months.â&#x20AC;? At the conclusion of his presentation, Ratliff said that the single-source proposal is â&#x20AC;&#x153;an emotional conversation.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is not fun for anybody, and I can certainly appreciate that,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the spirit of regionalism and collectivism and working together, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just about what works in Kennett Township, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s working in other municipalities who are impacted by this.â&#x20AC;? Commenting in favor of the proposal, Leff said that the current two-source provider system is â&#x20AC;&#x153;inefficient,â&#x20AC;? and is scheduled to result in a 30-percent increase in EMS and ambulance costs to the township beginning next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Given the lack of change over the decades, including an EMS commission of six municipalities not resulting in any meaningful change over three years, I felt the need for Kennett Township to step forward to help make changes to this long-standing system,â&#x20AC;? Leff said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is it the perfect solution? I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an improvement over what we currently have, and if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start moving to one provider â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including one that we know â&#x20AC;&#x201C; then we will never be able to make any other improvements in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do we want to continue to have two ambulances responding to the western part of the township with related inefficiencies, increased costs and

subsequent double bill- not talking about how fracing of people in Kennett tured the relationship will Township?â&#x20AC;? be between the borough and the township if you choose Voices of opposition this horrible option?â&#x20AC;? The supervisors were Public comments dur- asked why the township is ing the meeting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whose considering the possibility attendance was just north of moving to a one-source of 100 -- ranged from gen- EMS provider in a year eral support of the proposal when more than 300 Chester to scorched-earth opposi- County residents have tion. Several of those who already died from COVIDrejected the proposal called 19, and early indicators for the township to â&#x20AC;&#x153;stay point to a continuing surge putâ&#x20AC;? with its current two- of COVID-19 cases during source EMS and ambulance the winter months ahead. service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the first questions â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see this as an I asked when I sat down improvement,â&#x20AC;? said one with the fire departments township resident. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I is, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What is happening think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting a steal with COVID? Are calls for what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re paying as increasing or decreasing?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Kennett Township residents Hoffman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Calls are to have this extra coverage. actually decreasing. They In terms of [ALS response actually have less call voltime], our township looks ume this year than they have pretty great overall. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s before. what drives people here and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to hammer thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what helps our prop- out what we want to do erty values. In no way do here, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to I think cutting 6,000 hours figure out whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most effiof ambulance coverage -- to cient and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best for the save our residents [between] services.â&#x20AC;? $20,000 to $40,000 optimistically -- is a good idea.â&#x20AC;? Supervisor fires back at Another resident expressed proposal concern that streamlining ambulance and EMS The largest â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and longest service would have an enor- -- voice of opposition to mous financial impact on the proposal belonged to the Kennett Fire Company, Stevens, who delivered a confine coverage to only 90-minute, nine-page rebuttwo ambulances and lead to tal to the single-source delayed response times. EMS proposal. He called â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am willing to absorb it an â&#x20AC;&#x153;ill-conceived actionâ&#x20AC;? the cost in order to keep that would have a severe Kennett in the mix,â&#x20AC;? she impact on the Kennett Fire said. Company, the Regional â&#x20AC;&#x153;How many times in the Fire and EMS Commission, last month has Kennett cov- and the safety of township ered Longwood?â&#x20AC;? another residents. resident asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As someâ&#x20AC;&#x153;The question we here one who has listened to debate is about more than these calls go out, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way theoretical dollars and more than you are putting cents. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the lives out to the public. People will and worth of our neighdie if you go to two MICUs. bors,â&#x20AC;? Stevens said. He said Should we pick which of the decision to choose a sinyour family members itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gle-source EMS provider okay to kill off? Why are we would lead to three full-

time and 12 part-time EMTs being laid off â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the middle of a pandemic, the worst health crisis in the last 100 years. There are human and ethical values and questions here that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easily be ignored,â&#x20AC;? he said. Referring to the 148 emergency service calls to both EMS units that were not received in 2019, Stevens predicted that the consolidation of service would increase the number of dropped calls to an unhealthy ten percent in as early as two years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is no guarantee that [Ratliffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s] assurance of no degradation of coverage is credible,â&#x20AC;? Stevens said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, it is more probable that the increased strain will have dire consequences for the individual and family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of that person waiting for that crucial service.â&#x20AC;? Stevens also rejected the proposalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea to place a Longwood ambulance and chase car at the Kennett Fire Company, calling it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;slim to noneâ&#x20AC;? chance of it happening and will dig a rift into any possible cooperation between the two departments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a partnership that dates back 150 years. He then disputed Ratliffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suggestion that changing to one provider would save the Regional Fire and EMS Commission $250,000 and thus trickle down into savings for the township and its residents. Calling Ratliffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calculations a â&#x20AC;&#x153;red herring,â&#x20AC;? Stevens said that costs can also remain controlled â&#x20AC;&#x153;in any number of ways, including by keeping a bifurcated service arrangement, and expanding it to give [the Kennett Fire Company] all of the townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BLS calls,â&#x20AC;? he said. While the proposal is being put forth by the governance of the township, Continued on Page 6A

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News [which would be] a very sad and problematic event for fire and EMS services in the Continued from Page 4A region.â&#x20AC;? Stevens continued to hamStevens suggested that mer away at the township the township administer a manager. request for proposal in order â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to observe that to see what other EMS pro[Ratliff] has given us a sim- viders in the county may be ple, binary, black and white able to offer the township choice, [saying that] â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;we can -- a decision, he said, that either do this with these con- would generate a significant sequences, or we can do that cost savings when compared with these consequences,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? to choosing a single-source Stevens said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, as with provider. all of life, there are mulHe also suggested that the tiple ways to view and solve decision be allowed more problems.â&#x20AC;? time, in order to seek other At one point in Stevensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; potential solutions and prepresentation, Hoffman serve the integrity of the accused her fellow super- relationship between the two visor of conducting â&#x20AC;&#x153;a fire companies. character assassinationâ&#x20AC;? of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since the time frame for Ratliff. Commission funding has Undaunted, Stevens already been extended until continued his opposi- June 30, 2021, and that is the tion, forecasting that if the only entity whose financial township moves to a sin- circumstances are directly gle-service provider, that affected, that is the only Kennett Square Borough deadline that makes sense,â&#x20AC;? would withdraw their mem- he said. bership in the Regional Fire â&#x20AC;&#x153;This whole discussion is and EMS Commission. built upon an unnecessary â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is an equally strong bet and fomented time conthat the Commission would straint. We should take the not be able to function with- time to find a more realisout a significantly increased tic solution without burning financial demand on the down the bridges that have remaining municipalities in been built over 150 years of the Commission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; of which good and valuable service.â&#x20AC;? Kennett Township is the Stevens is not the only largest contributor,â&#x20AC;? he said. key stakeholder opposed to â&#x20AC;&#x153;My very large fear is that a possible consolidation of the Commission will fold, EMS services for the town-

Kennett Township votes...

ship. In a Dec. 2 letter to the Kennett Square community, Mayor Matt Fetick and Borough Council member Ethan Cramer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both of whom serve on the Regional Fire and EMS Commission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wrote that â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the midst of a pandemic we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the value in terminating three full-time and 12-part time EMTs in order to reallocate those funds to either a different provider or a different level of service.â&#x20AC;? In their letter, Fetick and Cramer assured borough residents that there have been no discussions by borough council to eliminate EMS service to the borough from Kennett EMS, which provides the borough with 24/7 Basic Life Support Ambulance service. They support a long-term, comprehensive fire and EMS solution for the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until there is a long-term, comprehensive solution, we do not support changing our current delivery methods for fire and EMS,â&#x20AC;? the letter stated. In their letter, Fetick and Cramer wrote that if the township ultimately chooses a single-source EMS provider, â&#x20AC;&#x153;we will need to consider if remaining in the Regional Fire and EMS Commission makes sense. And, we will need to evaluate the delivery of Advanced Life Support (ALS) to the borough.â&#x20AC;?

Amish farmland tour... Continued from Page 2A

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to enter any buildings in order to take the tour. They are isolated from people they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know, yet they can have a fully guided, narrated tour of the beautiful Lancaster Country farmland. A stop along the way is made at an Amish roadside stand and a farm-based shop for people to shop for locally made crafts, baked goods, treats, if they so choose. The Contactless Amish Farmland Tour is available for a noon departure on Dec. 12, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26,

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The Contactless Amish Farmland Tour is available for select dates this month.

and 27. The Amish Experience Reservations must be is located at 3121 Old made online at www. Philadelphia Pike in BirdAmishExperience.com. in-Hand, Pa.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Supervisors voted to continue discussions between Longwood and the Kennett Fire Company, in determining how EMS services will look in the near future.

Continued discussions, and future discussions After Stevensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; presentation, the supervisors spent the following hour engaged in a back-and-forth discussion that explored options and ratcheted up their differing opinions. Stevens told Leff that the decision to go with a one-source provider would potentially â&#x20AC;&#x153;put the Kennett Fire Company out of business, and then we say in two years that we need to have them back, .and they're not there. The bones are gone. The making of this decision becomes a very important and crucial thing. I am suggesting that you take this a little more slowly.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We're not putting the Kennett Fire Company out of business,â&#x20AC;? Leff replied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing is centralizing our central EMS service under one provider.â&#x20AC;? Later in the meeting, the two waged another disagreement about the possible increase in missed EMS calls that may occur by using a single EMS provider. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will leave a trail behind us or rack and ruin. Lives and property,â&#x20AC;? Stevens said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And why do you say that?â&#x20AC;? Leff asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do not wish to repeat my speech,â&#x20AC;? Stevens replied. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still missing calls now, and yes, we may miss

more, but maybe with one provider we can figure out ways to miss fewer,â&#x20AC;? Leff responded. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now, with separate providers, who do we turn to in order to make it better? We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. We just bleed the system as it is, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my problem.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The only way you solve that problem is by putting more vehicles and people on the road, so that you have enough to cover it,â&#x20AC;? Stevens said. Leff referred again to the findings of the 2016 study. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll turn back again to this expertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to designate a single provider for emergency medical services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and for decades, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done that,â&#x20AC;? Leff said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was another recommendation a couple of years ago, and we stopped it. We made that decision, not the Commission.â&#x20AC;? Kennett Fire Company Chief Steve Melton recommended that a representative from both fire companies and one from the township and the borough meet in order to come up with a universal response â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and possibly, a compromised solution. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe both organizations at this time want an answer,â&#x20AC;? Melton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems like every three years this is something that we

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have to deal with, so if we can sit down one last time with the EMS and chiefs from both companies and a representative from the township and the borough, maybe we can find an answer.â&#x20AC;? Longwood Fire Company Chief A.J. McCarthy said that he would be agreeable to further discussions, as long as it is not clouded with incorrect data that has complicated the thorny issue of determining how EMS services will be disseminated to the township. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The one thing I liked about this conversation the most was that it was factual,â&#x20AC;? McCarthy said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was no emotion in it. So if there is any hope for us to sit down and hash this out, a lot of this misinformation and smear campaigns on social media have to stop. If you truly want to come to something, which is what we have been trying to do, it has to be on a professional level, and to date, it has not been that way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m optimistic that we can try to talk again, but the big thing is that the data that was requested was for a single-service management system. That was the goal of the Commission â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to get to a single source that is going to be able to analyze and get the most efficient use of this dollar. When you have two separate individual non-profit entities that have totally different internal governments, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anybody is going to mutually say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do that.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like merging the borough and the township. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a feasible thing.â&#x20AC;? Hoffman agreed to the proposal, providing there are solid deadlines. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have patience to work this out, but if everybody is not going to work together and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not doing anything productive, then on midnight on whatever date we agree to, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re taking a vote on something, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m done. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we can agree to work it out, I am willing to do that, but I want a hard deadline.â&#x20AC;? At 11:10 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after two attempts to finalize the wording of the revised proposal â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Leff and Hoffman voted in favor of withdrawing the original motion and passing a new motion that will soon bring Kennett and Longwood to the negotiating table and holds them to a Jan. 20 deadline to submit a new â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and potentially mutual -- proposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At least this gives us another month to talk about it among different groups, to try to hash out something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better,â&#x20AC;? Leff said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe we can. Maybe we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. This at least puts a stake in the ground.â&#x20AC;? To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Opinion Editorial

Our faces of reassurance In order to craft our most appropriate response to the stoking fires of a local news issue, we have just created a fictional man. Any work to round the corners of who he is and what he looks like is entirely unimportant, but what is important to know is that he lives in southern Chester County – is that he lives in the western portion of Kennett Township near the Kennett Borough, to be exact – and every night before he falls asleep, he leans over and kisses his wife of many years. For the past several decades, he has acknowledged her place in his life and in the life of the family they have raised. The children

have all grown, attended college and moved away from home, and for what seems like the first time since they were first married, the man has been given the time and the freedom to confine the light of his love to his bride. He knows the truth that tells him nearly every day that the only noticeable scar in the outline of his wife’s strong and healthy life is that she was born with a weak heart. He treats the condition as one would handle a porcelain statue, and he has lost count of how many times the flashing red lights of EMS and ambulance units from the Longwood and Kennett fire companies have pulled into his driveway. Yet, instead of sending him into panic, the lights made

him feel assured that everything would be all right. It has always been that way, with every emergency: the quiet efficiency and the calm voices, all delivered by EMTs from both companies who are at the very top of their professions. Then came this morning, Dec. 9. The fictional man reads the front page of this week’s Chester County Press to find that the municipality he has lived in since his children were small is considering a proposal that if passed, would streamline its EMS and ambulance service to township residents to a single-service provider. If passed, the consolidation would rely exclusively on the Longwood Fire Company’s

EMS and ambulance units, thus wiping away a twounit dispatch system that had blanketed the township with unmatched service for several years. It would eliminate thousands of hours of EMS and ambulance service that otherwise would be available to him and his township neighbors, and has been estimated to result in an increase in the number of missed calls for both Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). It would likely lead to the layoffs of several part-time and full-time EMTs at the Kennett Fire Company, and weaken the six-member Regional Fire and EMS Commission due to Kennett Borough’s consideration to

leave in protest of the township’s proposal. And all of this in the middle of a pandemic that has shown no signs of slowing down, the fictional man thinks. Where exactly is the benefit, and for whom? How do you reconcile “finding a more efficient method of doing things” with the price of a human life? Suddenly, all of those late night evenings and early weekend mornings come back to the fictional man as slowed-down single frames from a silent film: the frantic phone calls, the helplessness of seeing his wife in pain, the precious value of seconds ticking by, and the feeling of pure graciousness and relief when the flashing lights first appeared in his

driveway. The people in those vehicles – the men and women of the Longwood and Kennett Fire companies – have been our county’s quietest heroes, he thinks. It would be a tragedy if we should lose some of them. It is then, when all of the faces in the film slowly fade away, that it occurs to the fictional man: Not once in all of those emergency calls did he ever stop to read the fire company’s name on the side of the vehicles, or the words on their lapels when they entered his home. All he remembers are the faces of reassurance, telling him that everything will be all right.

Opinion

Chester County announces important updates to its Restore Chester County Program Updates cover specific economic action steps for businesses and organizations The Chester County Commissioners and members of the Chester County COVID-19 Business Task Force announced important updates to the Restore Chester County website, introduced earlier this year to support businesses, organizations and residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its launch in May, R e s t o r e C h e s t e r C o u n t y. org has provided COVID19 public health and safety guidance for Chester County’s 15,000-plus businesses and 525,000-plus residents, including a checklist for 21 industry sectors on how to reopen and remain open. The website has also provided resources for businesses and organizations to obtain Personal Protective Equipment. Now, seven months later and nine months into the pandemic, Restore Chester County’s updates will include carefully curated strategic actions, once again broken down into 21 industry sectors. “In the early months of

this pandemic, we brought together Chester County business, economic, education and government leaders to form a business task force that focused on how we start the recovery process resulting from COVID-19. The creation of Restore Chester County was one of the key decisions made by the group,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz. “Since that time we have conducted research into best practices for recovery, completed a Restore Chester County survey and interviewed local business stakeholders, which has resulted in the updates now included on the website.” Visitors to RestoreChester County.org will be presented with overall “Action Steps,” with links to Chester County’s current economic conditions, business practices, and industry support. From there, visitors can select one of the 21 categories to learn more about the specific industry’s action steps, as well as actions that

have worked for other similar businesses. The 21 industry sectors identified on the Restore Chester County website range from agriculture, office settings, restaurants, personal care, and retail, to schools, nonprofits, religious organizations, childcare, and sports and recreation. “Updating the Restore Chester County website follows a full program of actions that Chester County has taken to help our businesses and organizations during this extremely difficult time,” said Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Since the launch of the website in May, we have hosted free webinars, Q&A sessions, and importantly, provided much needed grant assistance for businesses, nonprofits, schools, childcare and first responders. And we will continue to provide practical support for as long as it takes.” Chester County Commissioner Michelle

Kichline noted, “The survey and focus group work that we undertook to provide updates on Restore Chester County revealed some very innovative ways that our businesses have safely offered services during the pandemic. These business stories are shared throughout RestoreChesterCounty. org, and really highlight the ingenuity and resiliency of our business owners, our nonprofits and our whole community.” Businesses and organizations that would also like to share innovative ways that they have navigated COVID19 are invited to submit their stories by emailing business@chesco.org. Chester County businesses and residents are also encouraged to share their successful experiences, tips and insights on social media using the hashtag #RestoreChesCo. In addition to the ongoing review and update of Restore Chester County, Chester County’s COVID19 Business Task Force is

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focusing on the long-term development of Chester County’s economic recovery strategy. “Chester County has always had a diverse and robust economy, and even after a spike in unemployment at the beginning of the pandemic, we have shown a resiliency through the sum-

mer, leading to a current unemployment rate that is the lowest in the region,” added Commissioner Moskowitz. “So alongside more immediate Restore Chester County plans, we are beginning the development of an economic recovery strategy to help reshape our economy in a post-COVID-19 world.”

How we know who wins elections, and why it matters By Jonathan Goldstein By now, we know the story of the 2020 Presidential election, the one with heroes and villains, laudatory tales and vile conspiracies and, most importantly, a fog that obscured the winner for days. In a normal year, we tune into the news on election night to learn who won and who lost. Only, as 2020 has taught us, nothing about this year is normal. Sometimes determining winners and losers is not that simple. Clarity in election results based on trust in the process is paramount. Not only do we need to know who the winner is, but both victor and loser must know the results were delivered fairly and transparently. This year our trust and faith were tested. The reason is that Pennsylvania’s system is broken, but not necessarily because of widespread fraud. More than 80 years after enactment, our Election Code is showing its age. Today, the code is immensely complex with decades of barnacles clinging to it in the

form of modifications to our statutes and years of often conflicting interpretations by our courts. Making matters worse, the Election Code imposes complicated requirements on voters, who often submit provisional or absentee ballots with defects that threaten to invalidate their votes. With the pandemic-induced popularity of mail-in ballots, these problems metastasized. And as the process of counting these ballots extended for days and even weeks, candidates had to decide whether to challenge mail-in and provisional ballots based upon deficiencies under the Election Code requirements. As many are now aware, the Election Code requires that mail-in ballots be placed in a sealed secrecy envelope then in an outer envelope that’s filled out, signed, and dated by the voter. If voters request a mail-in ballot but opt instead to vote in person, they must vote via provisional ballot. On one hand, to ignore requirements surrounding these ballots disregards the clear language of our statutes and risks delegitimizing the

final vote tally. On the other, disregarding voters’ intent due to minor defects risks delegitimizing the election by disenfranchising eligible voters. Moving forward, lawmakers must fix systemic deficiencies that this election cycle revealed. First, they must implement a simple, clear, and absolute method of validating votes. Ballots must be redesigned to ensure ease of access for all Pennsylvanians, regardless of literacy levels. Lawmakers must amend the Election Code to unambiguously outline the validation requirements that, if missing, will remove ballots from consideration. These requirements should be few – the minimum required to confirm the prospective voter is eligible, properly registered, and who he or she purports to be. Second, lawmakers must legislatively remove from election officials the discretion to change rules close to Election Day. Perhaps, any discretion granted should only be exercised no closer than 90 days before the election. Or, any changes made during a calendar year

cannot take effect until the following year. Such clarity will guarantee voters confidence that as Election Day approaches, the rules won’t suddenly change in a way that undermines voter confidence. Third, counties should utilize uniform equipment, receive uniform training, and have a uniform system for challenging questionable ballots, including well enforced deadlines. Currently, each county can use different machines, methods, and systems. This makes it difficult to efficiently and uniformly supervise counting from county to county. For example, if a ballot is challenged, county election officials may count it. Only later is that ballot removed from the count if a court disqualifies it. This breeds distrust and wastes valuable time and resources. Finally, to uphold uniformity, lawmakers should prohibit local and municipal government entities from settling election-related lawsuits on terms that would change state-level rules and should prevent counties from receiving outside grants of money, personnel, or equip-

ment to support election infrastructure. Only the General Assembly should allocate funds – adequate funds – to run Pennsylvania’s elections. Such reforms are expansive but critical. Our Election Code requires a muscular rebuild, not merely patchwork changes. Lawmakers must include a statement of purpose explaining they intend to redesign the body of law to ensure equal access and guarantee clarity, consistency, and transparency. This must involve statutory language to clarify when ‘shall’

means ‘shall’ and when ‘may ‘means ‘may’ so courts do not have to guess at what the General Assembly wants. What’s not an option is a repeat of this year, where last minute switch and reversals bred angst among elections officials, uncertainty among voters, and distrust among many in the integrity of our elections. Jonathan Goldstein is a founding partner of Goldstein Law Partners and also owns a number of small manufacturing companies across Pennsylvania.

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Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations The Chester County Press (USPS 416-500) is published every Wednesday by: AD PRO, Inc., 144 South Jennersville Rd, West Grove, PA 19390 Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 Phone: 610-869-5553 FAX 610-869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8am - 4pm, no weekend hours

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

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In the Spotlight

Section

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Santa arrives on Longwood Fire Company truck

Making the holidays brighter

Visits scheduled for Pocopson, Pennsbury, Kennett, East Marlborough townships Santa has scheduled his yearly arrival trips on a Longwood Fire Company truck. “It’s that time of you year again for Longwood Fire Company to escort our buddy, Santa, throughout our area,” said Longwood Fire Chief A. J. McCarthy. Because of COVID-19 concerns, no candy canes will be distributed. All of the trips begin at 8:30 a.m. Santa will visit areas served by Longwood’s fire and rescue service. Santa’s schedule: Saturday, December 12 – East Marlborough Township Sunday, December 13 – Pocopson Township

Saturday, December 19Kennett Township Saturday, December 20 – Pennsbury Township Longwood Fire Company has served the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships since 1921. Longwood Fire Company provides fire and rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.longwoodfireco.com.

Courtesy photo

Oxford resident Harold Gray has been volunteering with the Salvation Army since 1965. This holiday season, despite the pandemic, he is once again ringing a bell to collect money for the Salvation Army. Gray served his country in the military and then he served his community—first as an Oxford Borough police officer for 27 years, and then as the town’s mayor for 12 years. Gray’s volunteer efforts have helped make the holidays brighter for many people in need.

Courtesy photo

Santa is pictured with Gianna Winters. Santa has scheduled his yearly arrival trips on a Longwood Fire Company truck.

‘Chit-Chat with Santa’ brings Santa to your living room with virtual visits Santa and Mrs. Claus are working from home to keep families safe this holiday season

Courtesy photos

Santa and Mrs. Claus are now booking live, virtual visits for the holiday season.

‘Chit-Chat with Santa’ is a platform that allows families to schedule a personalized live video call with Santa or Mrs. Claus at their convenience to share their holiday cheer and wishes.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are now booking live, virtual visits for the holiday season. “Chit-Chat with Santa” is a platform that allows families to schedule a personalized live video call with Santa or Mrs. Claus at their convenience to share their holiday cheer and wishes. “Chit-Chat with Santa” provides families with a safe alternative to face-toface meetings with Santa

three classic Christmas stories in this 15-minute story time experience for $35, and Claus Clip, a personalized 60-second to 90-second video greeting from either Santa or Mrs. Claus, which is perfect for busy families or families with toddlers. This is available for $20. For each live call with Santa and Mrs. Claus, “Chit-Chat with Santa” is donating $1 to one of four pre- selected charities of

– which may not be an option for many families this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing. Virtual Santa visits are also a convenient alternative for families living in rural areas. Calls with Santa are $35 for an up to 10-minute video call that can be made on a mobile device, tablet or computer, without downloading an app. The “Chit-Chat with Santa”

‘A Garland of Carols’

experience includes a visit with unlimited family members in the same room. By answering a short questionnaire during booking, parents can include information so Santa can make their call more personalized. In addition to the visit with Santa, other experiences available include Story Time with Mrs. Claus, where families can spend time with Mrs. Claus and choose from

recommends that families schedule their visit at least one week in advance, if possible. Whoever books the visit will receive a reminder text message the day before and the link for the call one hour before it is scheduled to begin. To book a call with Santa or Mrs. Claus, visit ChitChatwithSanta.com. Follow “Chit-Chat with Santa” on Facebook and Instagram for the latest Santa sightings.

YMCA of Greater Brandywine to host virtual holiday event Courtesy photo

The Wilmington Handbell Ensemble presents “A Garland of Carols” Virtual Concert, live-streamed from Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Del. Beginning Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 at 4 pm., the concert will be available to watch. Access the concert via the website at www. wilmingtonhandbellensemble.org or wpc.org. A $10 donation is appreciated. The concert will be available for viewing through Jan. 6, 2021.

the family’s choice – St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities, ASPCA and Shepherd’s Hope. Families can choose which charity their donation will go to during booking. In addition, “Chit-Chat with Santa” is donating Santa visits to select charities and children’s hospitals throughout the holiday season. Calls can be booked through Dec. 24. Santa

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), a nonprofit organization of eight YMCAs serving Chester County, is hosting its first ever Season of Giving virtual event on Thursday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free event, which is a family friendly kick-off to the holiday season for all ages, will be a live streaming event and feature familiar faces from eight YMCA locations, performances, and the chance to win some great prizes. In addition to the onehour live stream taking place, YGBW is holding a virtual auction. Individuals can bid electronically on items, purchase raffle tickets and even donate from the comfort of their own homes. To learn more about the “Season of Giving” event, visit https:// ymcagbw.org/seasonofgiving.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Chester County Press

Obituaries

additional obituaries on page 6B

PASSMORE JOHNSTON, JR.

MARY ANNA JACKSON

DOROTHY TAYLOR

Passmore “Pete” Johnston, Jr., a resident of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 3 at Seasons Hospice in Newark, Del. He was 78. He was the husband of Beulah Marie Gentry Johnston, whom he married on April 9, 1962. Born in West Chester, Pa., he was the son of the late Passmore, Sr. and Louise Price Johnston. Pete was a dedicated farmer and rose grower with Yeatman’s & Sons, and a heavy equipment operator with Technivate, Inc. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and Sunday drives with his wife. He was a loving husband, devoted father, and ornery grandfather. He is survived by his wife; one son, David Johnston (Nancy) of West Chester; three daughters, Shawn Johnston (Vanessa) of Oxford, Darlene Johnston (Jack) of Landenberg and Cheryl Ruoss (Michael) of Oxford; four grandchildren, Christina Johnston of Landenberg, Angela Reyes of Kennett Square, Dakoto Ruoss of Oxford and Michael Ruoss, Jr. of Oxford; and by seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by seven siblings, William Moore, Mary Payne, James Johnston, Norman Johnston, Joe Rivera, Manuel Johnston, and Sandra Rivera. He was preceded in death by three brothers, John Moore, Bruce Johnston and David Johnston. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11 at Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Rd., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348, where friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Russellville Grange #91, 245 Old Limestone Rd., Oxford, Pa. 19363. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Mary Anna Jackson, a resident of Elkton, Md., passed away on Nov. 27 at Laurelwood Nursing Home. She was 84. She was the wife of the late Samuel H. Jackson, Sr. Born in Lester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph Leo and Anna Grace Bilbrow Anderson. She is survived by five children, Alice Martin (Doug) of Elkton, Md., Frank Creshine (Tracy) of Quarryville, Samuel H. Jackson, Jr. (Judy) of Cochranville, Helen McGinnis (Andy Kauffman) of Bart and Vonnie Creshine; 12 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Cochranville United Methodist Cemetery at 147 Cochran St., in Cochranville, Pa. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Amedisys Hospice Care, 107 Chesapeake Blvd., Suite 134, Elkton, MD 21921, or Laurelwood Healthcare Center, 100 Laurel Dr., Elkton, MD 21921. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Elizabeth Potts Taylor, passed away on Nov. 29 at the Crosslands. Retirement Community in Kennett Square. She was the wife of Wallace G. Taylor, whom she married on June 29, 1946. He passed away in 2010. Born on Jan. 31, 1923 in West Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Jesse F. Potts and the late Leona Temple Potts. She graduated from Kennett Consolidated School District and Mary Washington College with a bachelor of sciences degree. Dorothy was a member and past president of the Four Seasons Garden Club, and a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. She was active in church work serving as president of the Woman’s Association, a circle leader, and an elder. She attended an Ecumentical Bible study beginning in 1978. Some of her favorite hymns were “My Tribute,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Morning is Breaking,” “He Lifted Me,” and “Here I am, Lord.” She enjoyed reading, golf, bridge, music, travel, and her friends and family. Dorothy is survived by one daughter Barbara Shrewsbury (and her husband Brian) of Mount Dora, Fla.; 11 grandchildren: Amy Gibbs, Jenny Lebel, Meredith Adomanis, Lauren Washington, Derek Tichenor, Adam Tichenor, Kellen Tichenor, Abby Makle, Hayley Verdecanna, Drake Shrewsbury and Jibril Shrewsbury; 17 great-grandchildren: Aiden Lebel, Madison Lebel, Leia Adomanis, Kade Adomanis, Jase Adomanis, Alaina Washington, Shea Washington, Fiona Washington, Lowan Tichenor, Grayson Tichenor, Noah Tichenor, Eden Tichenor, Levi Tichenor, Jazelle Ramos, Noah Ramos, Malachi Tichenor, and Ivy Verdecanna, with two more on the way and also one greatgreat granddaughter on the way. She was predeceased by one daughter, Nancy Hawkins. The service and burial will be held privately. 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.

RANDY LEE RADER

Randy Lee Rader, a 61-year-old resident of Nottingham, passed away on Nov. 27 at his home. He was the husband of the late Cheryl McColl Rader. Born in Watkins Glen, N.Y., he was the son of the late Nelson and Arlene Lamb Rader. Randy was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a special electronic device repairer and held the sharpshooter badge. Randy was a self-employed drywall contractor. He was an active member of the Pagan’s Oxford chapter. He enjoyed music, playing guitar, riding his bike and spending time with his brothers and family. He is survived by his fiancé, Myrl R. Ward; one daughMexie “Esther” Perry, 95, a resident ter, Amber Dawn Rader of SC; two brothers, Ricky N. of Rising Sun, Md., passed away on Rader of Kirkwood, Pa., and Roger A. Rader of West Dec. 2. She was born on January 31, Grove; one sister, Debra A. Rader of West Grove; nieces 1925 in Swords Creek, Va. to the late and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews. Elbert T. Miller and Virginia Pearl He was preceded in death by a brother, Rodney Rader. (Herndon) Miller. Services and interment will be private. Esther was a graduate of Rising Sun The family requests memorial tributes be directed to High School and lifetime member of Collins Funeral Home for Randy’s funeral fund to assist Conowingo Baptist Church. with expenses. A person that always kept busy, she was an avid reader, Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. enjoyed spending time in her vegetable garden, and canCollins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. ning. Esther was gifted at craft work and could make Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuanything. She also had a passion for genealogy, having neralhome.com. researched and written books with the family trees as well as interesting stories for both the Miller and Perry sides of the family. Esther’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She loved going to annual family reunions in addition to singing for the weekly family nights. She will be dearly missed. Esther is survived by her four children, Ronald B. Perry (and his wife Sherry), Norris S. Perry (and his wife Minnie), Basil S. Perry (and his wife Joan), and Vivian Martin; seven grandsons; two granddaughters; 16 greatgrandchildren; two great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family members. In addition to her parents, Esther was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Branham Perry, grandson, Scott Perry and her ten brothers and two sisters. Services for Esther will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit, www.rtfoard.com.

MEXIE “ESTHER” PERRY

Alleluia The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space. We are offering a special discount of 25% off each and every help wanted/ classified advertisement to any business that advertises on the PRESS church page.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News London Grove 2021 Meeting Schedule

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Diane L. Sammelwitz. Late of Penn Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION 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 Ellen S. Casey (1300 Sunny Ayr Way, Lansdale, PA 19446), Personal Representative, or Elle Van Dahglren, Esq. (Elle Van Dahlgren Law, LLC, 20 Montchanin Rd., Ste 1000, Greenville, DE 19807). 11p-25-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Edward Brian McMillan, Late of East Fallowfield 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: Christopher Brian McMillan, Executor, C/O Pappano & Breslin, 3305 Edgemont Avenue, Brookhaven, , PA 19015 11p-25-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Lynda A. Barr, Barr, Lynda A., Deceased, late of Kennett Twp., PA. Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent, the Register of Wills has granted letters of administration to the person named. All persons having claims against said estate to make known the same to them and all persons indebted to the said decedent are requested to make payment without delay to: Ronald Ciarmello, c/o John R.

NOTICE Notice of Public Meeting JENNERSVILLE HOSPITAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES will hold an Annual Open Board Meeting Online Live Stream Session Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 5:00 PM. In accordance to CDC guidelines for COVID-19 and to maintain social distancing, this meeting will be live streamed online. Information will be provided upon request to Rose Abbott, 610-869-1019. No in-person attendance at Jennersville Hospital will be permitted.

Lundy, Esq., Lundy Beldecos & Milby, PC, 450 N. Narberth Ave., Suite 200, Narberth, PA 19072, Administrator. Lundy Beldecos & Milby, PC, 450 N. Narberth Ave., Suite 200, Narberth, PA 19072 11p-25-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Supervisors of New Garden Township will hold a public hearing to consider passage of the following ordinance at 7:30 PM on December 21, 2020, virtually using the Zoom conference software. Following the public hearing, the Board will consider the enactment of the proposed ordinance during its regular meeting of December 21, 2020. The preamble and summary follow: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF NEW GARDEN, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING ARTICLE VI OF THE NEW GARDEN TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE, BEING THE R-3 TOUGHKENAMON RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT, TO AMEND USE REGULATIONS, AREA AND BULK REGULATIONS, DESIGN STANDARDS, AND TOWN DEVELOPMENT OPTION REGULATIONS IN THE R-3 ZONING DISTRICT. EFFECTIVE FIVE (5) DAYS FROM ENACTMENT. A summary of the proposed ordinance follows: Section 1. Amends and restates § 200-28, Use Regulations, to permit single-family attached dwellings in the R-3 District by conditional use as part of the town development option. Section 2. Amends and restates § 200-29, Area and Bulk Regulations, by changing the minimum lot size for single-family detached dwellings with public water and sewer facilities to 10,000 square feet, adding new area and bulk regulations for single-family semi-detached dwellings, and setting a maximum height of 42 inches for ornamental fences and walls located in a front yard. Section 3. Amend, retitles, and restates § 200-31, Design Standards, Guidelines and Bonus Provisions, to amend regulations relating to storage and signs and to add new design guidelines and bonus provisions. Section 4. Amends and restates § 200-32, Town Development Option, to reduce the required tract size for the town development option to threequarters of an acre and to reduce the minimum lot size for single-family attached dwellings to 2,000 square feet Section 5. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court

of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and such holding shall not render this Ordinance invalid. Section 6. All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances inconsistent herewith are hereby superseded to the extent of any inconsistency with any provision contained herein. Section 7. This Ordinance shall be effective five (5) days after its enactment Information on how to join the meeting will be available on Friday, December 18, 2020 on the Township website and will be posted at the Township Building, located at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. The general public is welcome to join the meeting via computer, laptop, tablet, cell phone, or land line phone. William R. Christman III, Township Solicitor 12p-2-2t

NOTICE

The reorganization meeting of the Penn Township Supervisors will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Building, Finnen Community Room, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA. The regular Board of Supervisors meeting will be held immediately following the reorganizational meeting. The agenda for this meeting will close on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020 at 12 p.m. The reorganization meeting of the Penn Township Planning Commission will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Penn Township Building, Finnen Community Room, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA. The regular January Planning Commission meeting will be held immediately following the reorganizational meeting. Caitlin A. Ianni, Township Secretary 12p-09-1t

NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION NOTICE

Vision Academy Charter School of Innovation has been incorporated under the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. MacMain, Connell & Leinhauser, 433 West Market Street, Suite 200, West Chester, PA 19382 12p-09-1t

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Century 21 Pierce & Bair recognizes Bigler and Turner for six years of real estate service For more than six years, Suzanne Bigler and Gary Turner, sales associates with Century 21 Pierce & Bair, have provided homebuyers and sellers in Chester County and the surrounding communities with professional services that have helped them to make informed real estate decisions. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Suzanne Bigler and Gary Turner joined Century 21 Pierce & Bair in December of 2014 and December of 2015, respectively, and have established a success-

ful and reputable real estate career built on the many business relationships they have nurtured over the years,â&#x20AC;? said Jayne Bair, the broker/owner of Century 21 Pierce & Bair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both Suzanne and Gary understand the notion of being an ongoing real estate advisor to our customers and truly embraces the idea of making clients for life.â&#x20AC;? Suzanne has assisted many clients either find their first home or move up to their dream home. Many of her clients call

Suzanne directly when they or a friend or relative are ready to make another move. A personal referral is the ultimate compliment for a realtor. Gary has been successful finding investment properties for many of his clients as well as first time buyers and relocating clients. He is very knowledgeable and eager to help people find the perfect home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On behalf of the entire Century 21 Pierce & Bair family, I congratulate each of you and thank you for

years of exemplary service and tireless dedication and commitment to our community,â&#x20AC;? said Bair. Century 21 is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, which is comprised of approximately 12,600 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 83 countries and territories worldwide with more than 147,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous web-

Gary Turner

Suzanne Bigler

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Brandywine Hospital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tower Health encourages anyone experiencing chest pain to call 9-1-1 Brandywine Hospital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tower Health reminds community members to call 9-1-1 if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. EMS can begin the immediate life-saving care needed while the patient is being transported to the hospital. Earlier this year, Tower Health announced that cardiac catheterization services at Brandywine Hospital will close permanently on Friday, Dec. 11. This action will allow the hospital to focus resources on other areas of clinical strength and community need. After the closure of the cardiac catheterization services, if a patient arrives at the emergency department with heart attack symptoms they will be stabilized and TowerDIRECT will coordinate transfer to either Phoenixville Hospital

or Reading Hospital, both of which have much larger cardiac catheterization programs. Both Phoenixville and Reading have been recognized by the American Heart Association and the Joint Commission for their outstanding quality and timely care of patients with heart attacks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms it is critical to call 9-1-1 immediately,â&#x20AC;? said Claire Mooney, Brandywine Hospital president and CEO. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our EMT and paramedic partners provide life-saving treatment of heart attack en route to the nearest hospital. They also perform an electrocardiogram and send it to emergency department physicians for evaluation. If a heart attack is suspected the emergency team can mobilize and prepare for the arrival of the patient.â&#x20AC;?

Courtesy photos

Claire Mooney, Brandywine Hospital president and CEO.

A heart attack happens when a blood vessel supporting the heart is blocked. When the heart doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t receive blood, it causes the muscle to die. Immediate treatment is needed to prevent death or prevent permanent damage to the heart. Symptoms of a heart attack include pain or discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than

Brandywine Hospital â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tower Health reminds community members to call 9-1-1 if they are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. EMS can begin the immediate life-saving care needed while the patient is being transported to the hospital.

a few minutes, or it goes away and comes back; pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; difficulty breathing, which can happen with or without chest pain or pressure; and lightheadedness, nausea, and sweating.

Obituaries

PAULINE H. JAMES Pauline H. James, a longtime Oxford resident and retired elementary school teacher, passed away on Dec. 3 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She died peacefully in her sleep, just days away from her 90th birthday. Known to friends and family as Polly, she was a devoted member of the Oxford United Methodist Church, following in the footsteps of her parents, William and Charlsie Harold. She was also an active supporter of the Oxford Public Library. In recent years, she had overseen a scholarship program established in the name of her late husband Edward James, a retired elementary school principal. The fund supported college costs for graduates of Oxford Area High School intending to go into teaching. She was a longtime, avid reader and a dedicated bridge player, and she enjoyed cooking for and hosting

more likely than men to experience anxiety, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, jaw or back pain, shortness of breath, sleep disturbances, and weakness, fatigue, body aches, or an overall feeling of illness without chest pain.

additional obituaries on page 2B

family gatherings. She loved gardening around her house on Locust Street in Oxford. She and Ed were adventurous and wide-ranging travelers, visiting far-flung family members, favorite destinations abroad and in the U.S., and learning expeditions with Elderhostel. Pauline Peterson Harold was born in Rising Sun, Md. on Dec. 6, 1930. Her father was an executive in a manufacturing firm and her mother was a homemaker, well-known for family recipes in the Southern cooking tradition. She grew up in a household with one brother, Richard, and three sisters, Nancy, Peggy and Joanne. She attended Oxford Area High School and then received a teaching degree from West Chester State Teachers College (now West Chester University). Her first job was as an elementary school teacher at Gilpin Manor School and then, later, she was a reading teacher in the Oxford schools. She met her husband-to-be when he took a teaching position in Oxford and was a boarder in her parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house in Oxford. They married in 1952 and soon had two children: a son, Jeff, and a daughter Judy, whom they brought up in Oxford.

741 W. Cypress St. Kennett Square, PA 19348

Although chest pain is a common symptom, some people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t experience it during a heart attack. Heart attack symptoms may also vary for women. The most common heart attack symptom for women is chest pain or pressure, but women are

Her husband passed away in 2007. She is survived by her sister, Joanne DiNicola, her children and grandchildren and their families: Jeff (and husband Paul Travers); Judy Davis (and partner Jimmy Raimato); Derek Davis (and wife Tara); Niki Davis (and wife Brandie); and â&#x20AC;&#x153;adoptedâ&#x20AC;? family Deb Prewitt (and husband Rod). As the oldest surviving member of the Harold clan, she was immensely proud of the many accomplishments of her extended family, including many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Oxford Public Library, 48 S. Second St., Oxford, Pa. 19363 or the United Methodist Women of the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St., Oxford, Pa. 19363. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

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Home ome S Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone S % shower wall system made of 70 Alabama crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. Design your bathtub or shower TGRNCEGOGPV YKVJ QWT VTCKPGF CPF EGTVKſGF 5RGEKCNKUVU CV C RTKEG [QW ECP CHHQTF

1,000 OFF

ANY SHOWER REMODEL

0 DOWN, 0% APR FINANCING $

NEW! COLORS, FAUCETS, DOORS & ACCESSORIES

When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED. All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts RNWU ſPCPEKPI UQ C UJQYGT TGOQFGN KU affordable on any budget.

CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE

DESIGN CONSULTATION

484-209-6082 INDUSTRIES Bathtubs | Showers | Kohler Walk-In Baths

Authorized Dealer

Bathtubs | Walk-In Baths | Showers | Safety Showers

www.HomeSmartind.com

Must call this number for discounts ^^^

*Cannotbecombinedwithanyotheroffer.Previoussalesexcluded.Goodatinitialpresentationonly.Discountscannotbecombinedwithanyotheroffer.Additionalworkisextraandoptional.Financingavailableforqualifiedbuyers.

NO PRICE QUOTES WILL BE GIVEN VIA PHONE. 13 Mount Pleasant Drive Aston, Pennsylvania 19014.