Chester County Press 12-13-2023 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 157, No. 50

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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Board adopts Kennett Township’s 2024 budget

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Over the course of a 15-minute Dec. 6 meeting whose primary purpose was to officially adopt Kennett Township’s 2024 budget, the only dangling decision left hanging was whether or not supervisor Scudder Stevens was going to rescind his position as the lone dissenter of the advertised budget, a position he took a month ago when

INSIDE

he opposed the township’s rejection of a proposal to bolster its police department by hiring additional staff.

Following his comments, Stevens joined his colleagues Geoffrey Gamble and Richard Leff in approving next year’s township budget, which is estimated to be $8.9 million in revenue and $7.7 million in expenses.

“I was concerned after our last budget review and

voted against it because I was concerned with the motion we took regarding the number of police officers that we should be hiring, in the face of documentation that I consider to be strong, if not overwhelming, for why it was necessary and appropriate,” Stevens said.

“I feel very strongly that the position I took several weeks ago voting against the budget was an appropriate one. The needs of the

police have been well documented, but have not been embraced by the board, in my opinion. The question remains, ‘How will I vote tonight for a budget that accepts those numbers that were previously presented?’

Stevens said that he considered whether to abstain on casting his vote or even vote against next year’s budget, “but I am concerned that if I vote against it, that in the face of the needs of the township and

Kennett Square Borough approves 2024 budget with tax increase

the acceptance of the police department’s sense of working with the township in the future – and having heard my fellow supervisors talk about the longer goals -I believe a negative vote would be detrimental to the overall well-being of the township in this regard,” he said. “With all of this pre-

amble, I reluctantly vote in favor of the budget.”

Stevens’ comments stemmed from a Nov. 1 meeting -- designed to authorize the advertisement of the 2024 budget – when he objected to Manager Eden Ratliff’s recommendation that the township Continued on Page 2A

FROM OUR LENS Lights up, Landenberg

By Haleigh Abbott Contributing Writer

Borough Council meeting Police Chief William of the year set the stage for Holdsworth, who will be new wins and some new retiring this year after 25 The last Kennett Square challenges for 2024. years of service in the Kennett Square Police Enjoy movie screenings Department, announced that at the Kennett Library...2A the Blue Beards for Charity, Kennett Square Police Department, raised over $1,800 in donations. The charity fundraiser is held annually across all Chester County police departments.

The donations from these proceeds are divided between Unite for Her, The Sambuco Children’s Education Fund, A Child’s Light, and Chester County Courtesy photo Crime Victims Center. Blue Kennett Square Borough Council President Doug Doerfler Beards for Charity raised Carly Simmons reaches and Vice President Mayra Zavala were commended by over $60,000 this year.

Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick for their service to the Holdsworth also updated for the big time...1B borough council during their last public meeting.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The Rector family joined with nearly 200 other friends and neighbors at the annual tree lighting ceremony at the Landenberg United Methodist Church on Dec. 9. The event also included a visit from Santa Claus, live music, an artisan craft fair at the church and holiday festivities next door at the Landenberg Store.

Continued on Page 3A

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Wreaths Across America to place 2.7 million wreaths the year

© 2007 The Chester County Press

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 3,700 additional locations—including some locally

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer Wreaths Across America will visit the town of Oxford and surrounding areas on Dec. 16 to remember veterans with the laying of wreaths.

For the last few years,

Clarissa Sherrow’s name has become synonymous with Wreaths Across America effort in Oxford, as she has worked diligently as a fundraiser and organizer for this initiative since 2019.

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 3,700 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.

One added bonus of the ceremony is that many

Santa will ride the local rails this weekend

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer The East Penn Railroad, which ordinarily carries freight between the towns in southern Chester County, will have a special passenger this weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 16, Santa Claus will be riding the locomotive and making stops in Kennett Square, Tougkenamon, Avondale and West Grove to greet his fans.

Don Craumer, vice president of East Regional Rails, the parent company of East

Penn Railroad, said Santa will sit high in the cab, climb out, then greet folks for stops of 20 minutes each along the way.

This is the schedule: Kennett Square, at the Broad Street Station, noon to 12:20 p.m.

Toughkenamon, at Newark Road, 12:30 to 12:50 p.m.

Avondale, at the borough hall, 1 to 1:20 p.m.

West Grove, 1:45 to 2 05 p.m. beside the library.

The train will move westward along the track in the early afternoon. After the West Grove visit, it will

return home to Kennett Square with no stops.

Avondale Mayor Susan Rzucidlo organized the event. She said the idea was presented to her by West Grove Mayor Stephen Black.

The procedure is simple.

Santa will ride, get off, greet folks and then get back on.

Continued on Page 3A

Photo by Chris Barber

Avondale Mayor Susan Rzucidlo stands beside the tracks in anticipation of the Santa Train on Saturday.

small cemeteries, once forgotten or neglected, have been brought back into the spotlight, rescued and renewed as a result of this effort.

The event began at Oxford with 50 wreaths. This year they will be laying 1350 wreaths though-out the Oxford area.

“Sadly, the number has increased because we are losing so many veterans,” Sherrow said.

The ceremony will begin at noon on Dec. 16 at the Oxford Cemetery.

“Each year I try to add a little more education. This year’s addition will be very Continued on Page 2A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News township should hire at needs are for the community of the 2024 budget on Oct. The operating expenses ects additional expenses Kennett Township the least one additional officer and begin to untangle that,” 4, Finance and Human for next year -- projected in its Finance and Human budget... in 2024 and one additional Ratliff said at the Nov. 1 Resources Director Amy to be $1.2 million high- Resources, Planning and Continued from Page 1A

maintain its current staffing level for the Kennett Township police in 2024, which came in the wake of an Oct. 18 presentation by township Police Chief Matthew Gordon requesting that the township consider increasing the size of the township’s police department with the addition of two more officers beginning in January and two more officers in January 2025.

Stevens said at a minimum,

Wreaths Across America...

Continued from Page 1A

interesting and one the public will not want to miss,” she said.

Sherrow said that she would like to keep the educational aspect of the event a secret and instead, surprise the community.

They will also be laying wreaths at Lincoln University, a small cemetery on Mt. Olive Road, at the Mennonite Church on Media Road, at the cemetery on Cemetery Road in Nottingham, another in Russellville, one at Little Elk Creek Road and one at the Fremont Cemetery.

Like many communities nationwide, Oxford is only too happy to assist with this event.

Typically, the truck with the wreaths arrives at the Union Fire Company’s Oxford location. In the past, the Chester County Sheriff’s Department, the Oxford Police Department, and the local Boy Scouts assist with

officer a year for the next several years in “step-bystep” increments that he said will allow the township to effectively manage the cost of these increases.

Ratliff recommended that the township begin looking at options to determine what the township can realistically provide with its current roster of police.

“We will look at academic research, we will figure out what the community needs are and what the police the effort, and sometimes they receive a motorcycle escort as well.

“All of this would not be possible without the generous support of the community,” Sherrow said. “This year, we had a cornhole tournament to raise money, and we have numerous major corporate donors, along with many individuals,” she explained.

Sherrow said people should always prepare for possible cold or inclement weather.

“They need to show up at the Oxford Cemetery where we have an event that usually includes our local representatives, and numerous veterans and their families. We sing the National Anthem and then let the community loose to lay wreaths,” she said.

The 2.7 million wreaths are handmade in Maine.

Wreaths are also placed on veterans’ graves at Arlington National Cemetery on the same day.

For more information about the Wreaths Across America effort in Oxford, contact Clarissa Sherrow at 484-645-4513.

meeting. “It will be a series looking at alternatives and figuring out what direction the board wants to go and begin pulling those levers, as part of a data-based decision process.”

Gamble and Leff backed Ratliff, calling for the township to explore further evaluation and engagement with township residents before any decision is made regarding increasing the number of township police.

In her first introduction

Heinrich said that the township’s anticipated revenue for next year will mostly come from $6.54 million in earned income, local service, real estate and real estate transfer taxes, and an additional $2.4 million in fees, fines, grants and interest. She said that the township is expected to see a surplus this year in the amount of $1.2 million, which she recommended be transferred into next year’s capital budget.

er than 2023 – are due to increases in the township’s membership to the Fire & EMS Commission, which will see a 41-percent increase in 2024; a $260,000 one-time cost for the construction of the Magnolia Crossing project; and $143,000 that will be needed to hire two additional staff and appointing a part-time staffer to fulltime status in the Public Works Department. In addition, the township proj-

Zoning departments.

On the expense side, the township’s police department is projected to account for 32 percent of operating costs for 2024 – about $2.4 million, Heinrich estimated -- with Fire & EMS accounting for 20 percent and Public Works anticipated to account for 13 percent of expenses.

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

Roll film: Kennett Library offering movie screenings this winter

By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer In an effort to both showcase the magic of cinema and stave off cabin fever, Kennett Library is breaking in its brand-new auditorium with a Monday Night Movie Night series.

Library assistant and film series generator Catherine “Cat” Stenta, who joined the library in September, floated the concept after hosting a screening of her father’s favorite movie, Casablanca, for his 80th birthday. Since then, she has used social media to generate a list of films for Courtesy images The holiday classic Love Actually will be the screening series.

The Alfred Hitchcock thriller Rear screened on Dec. 18 as part of the new “I’ve been crowd sourcWindow will be shown on Jan. 22.

Monday Night Movie Nights film series at ing classic film ideas the Kennett Library. on Facebook and have been receiving a ton of said. “So many of these Jan. 22 - Rear Window responses from Amelie, classic films really bring us Jan. 29 - Citizen Kane to Cinema Paradiso, The together through nostalgia.”

Feb. 5 - The Shining Royal Tenenbaums, Lost As a film lover myself, I Feb. 12 - To Kill A in Translation, Field of couldn’t help but drool over Mockingbird Dreams, and so on,” she the introduction of a curated Feb. 26 - Sixteen Candles said. “We are trying to stick movie series in the heart to classic films which we of the Kennett Borough. At Monday Night Movie define as 25 years or older. a time when most main- Nights at the Kennett However, our programs stream movie houses are Library is a free series evolve to what the commu- laser-focused on showing ($10 suggested donation) nity wants and desires and the next Marvel roll out, and guests are welcome to what brings people joy.” the opportunity to watch a BYOB and popcorn will be While the series is still foreign film, a classic film available. The screenings developing its cadence, and a beloved Christmas start at 6:30 p.m., unless the appetite is there. Last classic in a community set- otherwise noted. To regismonth, the Kennett Library ting appeals to the film geek ter for movie nights, visit screened the John Hughes in me. There’s an intangible https://ccls.libcal.com/ film, The Breakfast Club. magic to watching films in event/11474555 and check With aspirations to expand a group setting that makes the Kennett Library’s events into foreign film, as well the viewing experience calendar at www.kennetas a potential film sympo- so much more satisfying. tlibrary.org as registration sium (with a Q&A portion), Kennett Library is tapping opens for upcoming films.

Stenta said that Monday into that, and I look forward If you have an idea for a Night Movie Nights has to embracing it. film you’d like to be fearoom to grow.

Upcoming films include: tured or are interested in “The series is about bringvolunteering for the event, ing ourselves together to Dec. 18 - Love Actually contact Cat Stenta at cstenshare a connection,” she Jan. 8 - Good Will Hunting ta@ccls.org.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Tax increase...

Continued from Page 1A

the public about an officerinvolved incident on Nov. 17 in which an officer was injured in a collision by a vehicle that pulled out in front of him. The officer is currently on medical leave with a hand injury, and the police vehicle is most likely totaled. The department is currently down two full-time officers as a result of work-related injuries. Both officers should return to work in January and February, respectively.

The borough’s 2024 budget was approved and residents will see a tax increase in 2024 of 1.20 mills from the current year.

This tax increase comes, in part, from the library tax that was approved by residents in a referendum during the November election. The library tax will help fund the library’s various programs.

The cost is about $24 annually per resident.

The remainder of the tax increase is for the new fire and EMS contract with

Santa...

Continued from Page 1A

“This is a beginning,” Rzucidlo said of the event.

She added that the stopping points have been planned so they don’t interfere with the normal flow of automobile traffic.

Although the stop is at Newark Road in Toughkenamon, she said there are several streets

Longwood Fire Company, which will be providing services for 2024. This agreement replaces the Fire & EMS Commission contract with surrounding municipalities that was expected to double in cost in 2024, and continue increasing year over year.

Kennett Square Borough Council and Longwood Fire Company created a new contract for 2024 at the cost of $751,738.02, plus a required $13,204 fee for the insurance and compensation for volunteer firefighters.

The cost of the new contract is comparable to the Commission’s expected cost, but is expected to be a more cost-effective solution long term than the Commission, and can be reevaluated before the 2025 budget is approved a year from now.

The general services contract agreement protects the borough from additional liability for any fire company’s service, and will create immunity for the borough as provided by the municipality under the law.

A new proposal for the Kennett Square Borough Community Pool, maintained by the Brandywine Valley YMCA, was approved with plans to create a firm contract in the new year. Last year, the YMCA shut the pool down to outside residents, citing maintenance costs and low employment rates. The pool was open to YMCA members and their summer camp program, stirring disappointment through the community, as many people felt the membership costs and camp fees were too high for borough residents.

The proposal would offer community memberships outside of a YMCA membership. The costs for these community memberships would be $175 for individual membership, $275 for a family membership (2 or 3 adults and up to 4 children in the same household), or $335 for a family membership (with 3 or more adults, plus children in the same household). There will also be $10 guest passes per person, per day, for ages 2

parallel to Newark Road in the village that drivers will be able to take.

At the other stops, the main street crossings have been avoided.

Craumer said there is a wide variety of Santa Trains nationwide. Some even have the children riding along for a meal with Santa. That is not the case for this East Penn Santa. There will be no children riding in the train.

Santa’s East Penn vehicle will be the lone locomotive,

and it will be decorated.

There are no agendas planned for the towns, Rzucidlo said. Instead, the residents of the respective stops are welcome to celebrate with their own creativity.

Given the relatively short notice for this first year of the Santa Train on East Penn, Rzucidlo said she can imagine that it will continue and even expand in coming years.

Courtesy photo

Kennett Square Police Chief William Holdsworth, who will be retiring this year after 25 years of service, was recognized at the Borough Council meeting.

and up. The proposal also requests income-based reductions for memberships upon provided documentation, a minimum of two free community events, and up to 6 free daily passes that can be checked out by residents from the Kennett Library. The YMCA is also offering a promotion for free outdoor pool memberships for members who join the Y before March 31 of 2024.

The borough's new contract with the SPCA was reluctantly approved by the board. The five-year contract was presented to each Chester County municipality in late fall with a short approval window and exponential cost increases for services provided by the SPCA. The baseline contract is

for $2,000 per year with a $300 per month service fee paid up front in January, with a total expected minimum obligation for 2024 at $5,600 and a 4-percent increase each year. The fee for each dog turned in, captured or confined by resident or municipality is $400, and $200 per cat. An activity fee of $65 is also included for every animal.

Chief Holdsworth explained this is about a 350-percent increase on current service costs, with $11,600 expected to be spent, compared to about $4,000 in previous years. To get any discount, the borough has to agree to the contract before the first of the year. A team of area managers met with the SPCA in the fall and determined there are no other

options for animal control. The only time funds are recovered is when an owner is charged with animal cruelty, and it’s a small recovery. Chief Holdsworth explained that if a litter of six feral kittens is turned into the SPCA within the municipality, then the borough is charged $1,200 plus the additional fees like an activity fee for that each animal in that litter.

Council President Doug Doerfler asked if there is anything that can be done on the front end to educate people of the costs associated with these situations to help prevent loose animals, so the borough is considering putting the cost information on the website.

In the contract, the borough cannot use any other services outside of the SPCA.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News Comitta announces re-election campaign for Pa. Senate Surrounded by dozens of friends and supporters, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta recently announced her re-election campaign to represent the people of Chester County in Pennsylvania’s 19th Senatorial District.

“From our world-class schools to our thriving downtown centers to our majestic natural landscapes, Chester County is the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Comitta said. “I am running to continue our work to build safe, healthy, vibrant, and prosperous communities for our children and grandchildren

to call home.”

Comitta, who serves as the minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, also emphasized the need to create a more sustainable Pennsylvania by cutting emissions, transitioning to renewables, and building a climate-resilient infrastructure.

“While we are already making strides to be cleaner and greener in Pennsylvania, there is still a lot of work ahead, especially in addressing the climate crisis,” Comitta added.

“We need to invest in our

clean energy economy, find innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions, and empower the people and communities most impacted by a clean energy transition.”

Comitta also emphasized that one of her priorities is protecting and safeguarding access to abortion and reproductive healthcare for all Pennsylvanians.

“In the wake of the Dobbs decision, we have witnessed a nationwide effort to restrict access to reproductive care and prevent women from making their own healthcare choices,”

Comitta said. “As state Senator, I am fighting to keep abortion safe and legal in Pennsylvania and maintain reproductive freedom for all.”

A former educator in the Octorara Area School District, Comitta is dedicated to building a strong public education system for every student.

“Chester County is home to some of the best public schools not only in Pennsylvania but in the entire country,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “Our local

schools show the strength and potential of a fullyfunded public education system, and we must continue to make those investments to support our economic growth and the future.”

Prior to her election to the Senate in 2020, Comitta served two terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She was also elected to two terms as Mayor of West Chester, where she was the first woman and bipartisan candidate elected to the role.

Comitta was joined in making her announcement

by nearly 100 supporters, friends, and respected public officials, including State Sen. Vincent Hughes, State Sen. and Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Sharif Street, State Sen. Tim Kearney, State Sen. Katie Muth, State Sen. John Kane, State Rep. Kristine Howard, State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, and State Rep. Chris Pielli.

Serving as Comitta’s honorary campaign chair is former West Chester Mayor Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste.

For more information on Senator Comitta, visit ComitttaForSenate.com.

Mowday to pen book on Cavalcante prison escape Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday has signed a deal with Schiffer Publishing to write a book on the escape of convicted murderer Danilo Souza Cavalcante from Chester County Prison in August 2023. Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.. is an independent publisher with more than 5,000 titles.

“My book will encom-

pass more than just a prison escape of a murderer,” Mowday said. “The book will capture the terror felt by those living in the community around the prison. The capture of Cavalcante didn’t end the nightmare for many residents. Some are still traumatized.”

Schiffer wrote in the Nov. 16 contract offer, “I

ACE Annual Gift Collection on Dec. 16 The ACE Annual Holiday Gift Collection will be held on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 9 a.m. at the monthly meeting of ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford.

Items needed for vulnerable women and children are gloves, socks, personal hygiene items, paper towels and napkins, paper plates, toilette & facial tissue, antibacterial wipes, individually packaged snacks, gift cards, journals, pens, pencils, and hand warmers (all items must be new). Collected gifts will be distributed to youth centers, transitional homes and shelters.

Refreshments will be served at 9 AM at the Oxford Senior Center, 12 East Locust Street. Questions may be directed to 610-932-0337.

am pleased to be sending the contracts for Escaped Murderers in the Neighborhood. We’re pleased to be working with you on this new project.”

Mowday’s previous truecrime book is Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs: The 1972 Sniper Slayings of Policemen William Davis and Richard Posey, published by Schiffer Publishing. Schiffer published two other Mowday books, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Six Walking Tours of West Chester.

“Schiffer is an exceptional publisher,” Mowday said. “I’m looking forward to another excellent experience with Schiffer.”

The new book has many fascinating aspects, according to Mowday.

Cavalcante viciously murdered Deborah Brandao by stabbing her 38 times in front of her children at her Schuylkill Township home.

Cavalcante is also wanted in his native Brazil.

“Cavalcante is an international criminal,” Mowday said.

A number of local and federal law enforcement agencies took part in the search for Cavalcante and

utilized advanced search techniques.

“Cavalcante hid in some of the same country that murderer Norman Johnston roamed when he escaped from a state prison in 1999,” Mowday said. “My book will examine the similarities and the differences in the two escapes.”

The use of search dogs will be documented, including K-9 Yoda’s apprehension of Cavalcante.

An essential part of the book will be the condition of the county prison at the time of the escape.

Cavalcante’s escape took place on the first day on the job for acting warden Howard Holland.

The facility was understaffed and was using out-dated procedures, as one county official voiced at a public meeting, Chester County officials held multiple public meetings after Cavalcante’s capture to answer questions from local residents.

“Escaped Murderers in the Neighborhood is an exciting project,” Mowday said. “I’ve conducted interviews with principals and their experiences are fascinating.”

Courtesy photo

Bruce Mowday

Mowday authored three other true crime books based on his time as a reporter for the Daily Local. Besides Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs published by Schiffer, Mowday wrote Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice and Stealing Wyeth for Barricade Books of

New York.

Mowday has written more than 20 books on topics ranging from history and sports to business titles.

Visit www.mowday.com for information about all of Mowday’s works.

For more information on Schiffer Publishing, see www.schifferbooks.com.

Roundtable discussion looks to provide domestic violence solutions for the Latinx community Eleven leaders of law enforcement, domestic violence services, and the faith community met last month for a roundtable discussion led by the Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

It was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as Faith and Blue weekend—when faith-based organizations, law enforcement, and other community groups strengthen connections. The group addressed an important question: How can we help Latinx community members feel more comfortable reporting domestic violence?

The discussion involved representatives from the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC), YoungMoms, West Chester (WCPD) and Coatesville police departments, Church of the Loving Shepherd, Unionville Presbyterian Church, and the CCSO— which serves Protection from Abuse orders.

Major new initiatives have included equipping

DVCCC advocates and police liaisons with the right language skills to support victims maneuvering justice and recovery systems and having video capability throughout multi-step processes to help survivors without transportation.

Those at the discussion called for more advocates and video solutions, additional education about domestic violence and the diversity of the Latinx community, speakers of Spanish, funding, community conversation, and additional representatives at the roundtable.

A follow-up meeting took place on Nov. 30 with additional representatives from the Oxford Police Department and Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families. They discussed solutions in progress resulting from the earlier gathering. One example of change is that after hearing about the WCPD’s program of video arraignment

for Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders—the first of its kind in Pennsylvania— the Coatesville Police Department is setting up a similar program. Such video capabilities help domestic violence survivors who don’t have transportation, may feel overwhelmed in a courthouse, or appreciate the protection of remaining at the police station during the process of obtaining a PFA. Video capabilities also eliminate travel time for officers, translators, and other justice personnel.

“Graziella,” a survivor of domestic violence who now helps other survivors, told her story at the roundtable. She educated the group about her fear of speaking out, wishes for more helpers who spoke her original language, and appreciation of police officers who projected a gentle demeanor when asking her questions and connected her with the DVCCC. Her story highlighted the impact of choosing to report

Courtesy photo

Roundtable leaders generate solutions to help community members report domestic violence.

domestic violence despite cultural taboos and receiving the right support. It also underscored the need for more community members

to receive education about what healthy, respectful relationships look like and red flags for domestic violence.

To learn more about

domestic violence prevention and how you can help, visit the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s website, www.dvcccpa.org.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Opinion

Kudos to Comitta

Families need the state to reevaluate policies and standards for school absences

Carolyn Comitta recently announced her re-election campaign for the Pennsylvania State Senate.

The truth is, Comitta has been earning another term representing the residents of Chester County in Pennsylvania’s 19th Senatorial District from the first day she took office.

Comitta has delivered—and delivered again—for her constituents.

Comitta has worked to ensure that Chester County gets its fair share of state funding for a wide variety of projects and initiatives since she was elected to the State Senate in 2020. One recent example of this is the $50,000 in state grant funding that Comitta secured for the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center for facility improvements, repairs, and upgrades.

This funding comes during the critical holiday season. The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center provides food, clothing and other basic needs to families in the area.

Comitta has also helped secure significant funding for revitalization efforts in Oxford Borough.

Before Comitta was elected to the State Senate, she served two terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and her familiarity with how Harrisburg works enabled her to be an effective legislator from day one. Before serving as a state lawmaker, Comitta served two terms as a mayor of West Chester Borough so she understands the challenges that small municipalities in Pennsylvania face.

Kudos to Comitta for the work she has accomplished to improve the lives of residents in the 19th Senatorial District.

Remember, honor and teach Wreaths Across America is aiming to place 2.7 million wreaths this year. Thousands of those wreaths will be placed right here in southern Chester County.

Thanks to the work of local organizers like Clarissa Sherrow, who leads the Wreaths Across America effort in the Oxford area, veterans will once again be remembered this holiday season.

Many wreath-laying ceremonies are taking place this Saturday, Dec. 16.

We encourage everyone who can to help out with Wreaths Across America’s mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.

Santa Train On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 16, Santa Claus will be riding on a locomotive and making stops in Kennett Square, Tougkenamon, Avondale and West Grove as part of a first-ever “Santa Train” in southern Chester County.

Avondale Mayor Susan Rzucidlo organized this new event, and we applaud her and West Grove Mayor Stephen Black for their roles in bringing something new to local residents. We’re of the opinion that there simply can’t be too many of these events that help build community spirit and increase the joy of the Christmas season. We hope for good weather this Saturday and for this event to be a success so it can grow in the future.

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By HaLeigh Abbott Sick day number three has been logged for my 5th grader before we’re a quarter of the way through the school year, leaving us considering how to ration our remaining 7 days through June.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires 180 school days for public and private schools, with 10 total allotted absences—that’s a 5.5 percent absence rate for kids grade K-12, mirroring the common two-weeks of time off scheduled for working adults (5.6 percent absence rate). While the statistics are comparable, is it fair to expect children to try to “tough it out” on days they’re not feeling well to meet these standards?

In a post-COVID world, the rules for school absences have not changed.

According to the PA School Code, 24 P.S. §§ 13-1326 – 1354, after 10 absences, lawful (via written excused) or unlawful (without written excuse), a letter is sent home stating that all future absences will be considered unlawful unless an official note from a physician or court official is provided.

After that point, the school may file a citation against the guardians, where they must prove the child was subject to the truancy law and a judge may rule the convicted to pay a fine for the benefit of the school, complete community service, or complete a course to improve school attendance.

The first fine may total no more than $300, with additional offenses increasing to $500 and $750.

This section of the PA

School code was introduced in 2008, with reviews in 2016, 2018, and February of 2020, just before COVID19 shut down in-person learning for the remainder of the school year and into the next. It’s fair to think the code would be re-evaluated for the post-COVID world, but research has not found any news of review, and reaching out to the PA Department of Education as well as my local representative shows no current plans for re-evaluation.

Current COVID quarantine guidelines require a five-day quarantine period from the onset of symptoms, meaning a child could lose up to half of their 10 allotted absences for one sickness alone. Of course COVID isn’t the only menace requiring a sick day—the flu, sinus and respiratory infections, GI bugs and the rest of the bacterial/viral infection gang bring their own chaos to schools.

This fall, my 10-yearold has racked up three colds that tested negative for COVID, missing three school days as a result and sending us well on our way

to that 10-day maximum.

On the second consecutive sick day of cold number two, I checked the wait times at our local urgent care trying to snag a coveted doctor’s note, only to see the wait times at the 200-minute mark for every location within a 30-mile radius. We opted to skip the note this time around, saving the $30 copay for medical advice to take overthe-counter medicine and rest.

Last year it wasn’t just sickness that spurred our absences—we had one mental health day when we lost our daughter’s godmother to cancer, and a long weekend trip that was cleared for educational purposes. Still, I was stunned to receive a letter in April stating criminal actions could be taken against us for exceeding the allowed number of absences. We spent the rest of the school year playing a game called “can we make it through a school day feeling this way?” We lost that game a few times with a call from the school nurse and an early pick up.

I’m lucky in that my worklife balance allows me to

work from home and support my family when that dreaded call from the nurse pops up or a sick day is needed, but many workingparents and guardians lose crucial income on sick days.

And in a “damned-if-youdo, damned-if-you-don’t conundrum, sending a kid to school with a dose of cold medicine and crossed fingers can spur harsh criticism.

Ultimately, we need to remember that guardians are just trying to do what’s best for their family, and when sickness throws off the routine we all need to have methods of adapting that work best.

We also need the PA Department of Education to review the standards of absences to support families. COVID-19 provided valuable research in the spreading, incubation and effectiveness of combatting illnesses, so why are we not using that data to reevaluate our expectations in attendance?

HaLeigh Abbott is a digital marketing specialist and contributing writer for the Chester County Press.

Legislators must end funding delay for community colleges

By Marta Yera Cronin, Ed.D. Nearly six months into the fiscal year, Delaware County Community College and Pennsylvania’s 14 other community colleges have yet to receive operating funds authorized in July as part of the state’s FY 202324 budget. Community colleges are the only public higher education institutions in Pennsylvania still awaiting state payments.

Although the state budget included a two-percent increase in operating funding, the General Assembly has yet to pass legislation to release the funds. As a result, the community colleges are scrambling to prevent students and employees from being negatively impacted by the funding delay.

Delaware County Community College will soon have to withdraw from cash reserves, cut back on student support services, and curtail important planned expansions of skilled trades and workforce training programs that provide much-needed, skilled workers for business and industry in high priority occupations such as nursing, electrical, carpentry, welding and manufacturing.

Pennsylvania’s community colleges are the largest provider of public postsecondary education and workforce training in the Commonwealth. Online and at more than 80 locations and sites across the state, Pennsylvania community colleges educate more than 230,000 students across all 67 coun-

ties. Delaware County Community College serves more than 16,000 credit and non-credit students annually, primarily in Delaware and Chester Counties. More than 17,600 hardworking individuals employed by Pennsylvania’s community colleges make this essential postsecondary education and workforce training possible.

Most Pennsylvania community college programs align with high priority occupations in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, public safety and cybersecurity. In fact, the colleges award 3 out of every 4 associate degrees in nursing in the state. The community colleges also partner with more than 2,000 Pennsylvania employers to address workforce

needs and provide contracted training to more than 87,000 workers annually.

Across the state, nearly half of community college students are from minority or other underrepresented populations, and the colleges serve more first-generation students and low-income students than any other sector of higher education.

It is critical the General Assembly pass legislation authorizing release of state funds to Delaware County Community College and the other state-funded community colleges. Our students, employer partners and employees are counting on the state to act to end this unnecessary funding delay.

Marta Yera Cronin is the president of the Delaware County Community College.

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Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

‘Strong Woman,’ strong sound: Carly Simmons reaches for the big time

By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer

I feel like it can get really exhausting.

Carly Simmons, a Chester County-based singer armed with the musical artillery of live performances, an unmistakable stage presence and a handful of songs and videos that are making the rounds of the country music industry, was on the bill at the Whiskey Jam in Nashville on Dec. 4.

It’s a gig that has become a rite of passage for anyone looking to crack the scene, and for Simmons, it gave her a chance to show her skills and fine tune her songs among her peers.

I caught up with Carly by phone last week, in between her many obligations in Music City.

Where do you record when you’re in town?

I’ve gone to multiple different places, from the big recording studios on Music Row to the makeshift studio in somebody’s house or apartment. I went to a studio yesterday that was like a professional studio in Berry Hill. I was visiting to potentially record there.

Caroline Roosevelt: So when did you head down to Nashville?

Carly Simmons: I’ve been here since last Tuesday and then I go back to Chester County on Dec. 8.

I am assuming your schedule is jam-packed while you’re in Nashville.

Yes, definitely. Like today, I went with my friend to try on wedding gowns for her wedding. So I’m fitting in some wholesome activities besides the typical Nashville thing because it’s a lot of…well, the famous saying is it’s a drinking town with a music problem, which is hilarious because that’s what all networking is. Everyone’s just always out drinking.

There is certainly no shortage of country music studio musicians in Nashville.

A person I’m playing with runs the studio and they had the rhythm section from Taylor Swift’s first six albums. The guy who was drumming is the drummer that’s about to go on tour with Kenny Chesney. It’s just insane! When you go to the studios, the session players have done some amazing stuff and they’re on and off tour all the time with different artists. Even though it’s a massively growing big city, there is such a small town feel to it, especially when you’re in the industry.

I haven’t been in Nashville in a year, and I walked into multiple different bars while I’ve been here for writers rounds and bumped into people I know. It’s just such a tight-knit community.

Everyone wants to build each other up.

You’re getting married soon and putting down roots in Chadds Ford, right? In addition to trav-

eling to Nashville, will you also be cultivating more of a musical arrangement here in Chester County?

Definitely! I plan to continue to play more shows at The Creamery and on the Main Line. I’m booking another show at The Queen in Wilmington. It’s so cool now that I am playing at the Whiskey Jam because this will be the biggest show that I’ve played and I’m playing alongside other established artists in Nashville who already have a great following.

Name names.

I went two nights ago to see my friend Clayton Johnson perform. There is also a musician named Dalton Dover, and Whiskey Jam just celebrated their 900th show and they have people coming through like Bailey Zimmerman, Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, Tyler Childers and Jelly Roll. Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther has a podcast and a playlist on Apple Music where he’ll interview upcoming country musicians and so my goal is to basically impress him at my show and try to land one of those interviews.

I’m interested to hear how you developed your country personality because you weren’t initially wanting to be a country artist, right?

Right, but I did grow up listening to a lot of country music, like Shania Twain and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, but I just never thought of myself as country. I grew up in Wilmington and went to a really small Catholic school and there was no real music program.

I never took any instrumental lessons and I didn’t have anyone or anywhere in the community, like a mentor to learn from. I grew up listening to Motown Records and R&B and I always considered myself to be more Pop/R&B/Soul so I think I was stuck on that. Then, when I was in college and my early twenties, I started getting into house music and dance music, but it just took one writing session in

Photo courtesy of Carly Simmons

Chester County-based country singer Carly Simmons.

California where I wrote my song “Whiskey Kisses” with my old band members for things to click for me.

I realized how much soul there is in country music and what the roots of country really are. It’s rock, it’s Motown, it’s soul and it’s blues -- it’s all those things that I always imagined myself to be. Plus, the stories in country music are so real and authentic and I feel like that’s what drew me to it - the authenticity, the truth, the lyrics. It’s about telling a personal story.

It’s really cool that you found your home with “Whiskey Kisses.” I listened to it this morning and I also listened to your latest, “Strong Woman,” and I loved the lyrics to that. Is it a personal story?

Yes. My mom had cancer three times -- a super rare type of sarcoma. She first discovered she had it when I was living out in L.A. and she made it seem like it was going to be benign, like nothing’s wrong, and she wasn’t really giving me a lot of details. Then she got a laparoscopy and was at Johns Hopkins, and then a year later she found out

she had it again. Then she did another laparoscopy at Johns Hopskins and when it came back a third time, she went to Sloan Kettering, where she underwent major surgery.

I moved home for the summer to be with her during her recovery because she couldn’t get out of bed.

My stepdad was working, so I did the grocery shopping and helped with dinner and driving and running errands.

That song was inspired by her because she acted like her illness was no big deal.

Now that I’m getting married, she tells me, “This is why I beat cancer. I’m not leaving this earth without going to your wedding.”

She’s just so strong-willed, and an inspiration. This past May, she was officially deemed a survivor as she hit her five-year mark cancer free.

this song about you,’ and we listened to the song on the way to the show. She began crying in the back seat and I told her that I didn’t want to tell her because I knew she would cry when she heard it, but I knew that if I were to sing it in front of her for the first time on stage in front of people, I wouldn’t be able to get through the song, so I felt that I had to get this over with on the car ride.

Was she aware that you had written “Strong Woman” with her in mind?

She didn’t know I had written it. I was playing a show in Philly for Hello Sound Room. My mom was visiting and on the way to the show, I told her, ‘Oh mom, by the way, I wrote

To learn more about Carly Simmons’ music, visit www. instagram.com/carlysimmonsmusic, or visit her on Facebook.

To see the video for her song, “Whiskey Kisses,” visit “Carly SimmonsWhiskey Kisses” on YouTube.

That’s the best gift you can give a mother.

Yeah, but it’s not just for her. The way that we wrote the song, we wanted it to relate to all women. We women, we have so much strength - we give life, we raise babies, we still work, we deserve equal pay, we deserve respect, and we don’t deserve having all of these pressures put on us.

Courtesy images

Simmons has already performed live at venues in Chester County, Delaware and Cecil County.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Chester County Press

Obituaries ROBERT H. PUGH Robert H. Pugh, of Oxford, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 3, 2023 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was 80.

He was the husband of Marie Hardy Pugh, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Upper Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Carver and Anna Claire Dengel Pugh.

Robert was employed with Chrysler Corp. in Newark, Del. He retired in 1997 after 35 years of service.

He was a member of Wesley Church in Quarryville.

Robert loved music and played the piano and drums. His nickname was Bongo Bob. He also sang and traveled in a Gospel Quartet. Robert enjoyed playing golf.

He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Terri Herr and her husband Gene Herr of Kirkwood; Kimberly Lawrie and her husband, Doug of Nottingham and Lisa Butler and her husband, Shawn of Quarryville; and nine grandchildren, Janna Vaughn (Edward), Lauren Foley (Ben), Bryan Herr (Melissa), Michael Herr, Stephanie Pizzulli (Michael), Robert Lawrie (Amanda), Sara Lawrie Ranck (Brent), Abigal Boyd (Brandon) and Joshua Butler (Taylor). Also surviving are 15 great-grandchildren, one brother, Darryl Pugh of Cochranville, and one sister, Jane Briscoe of Chesapeake City, Md. Funeral services were held on Dec. 9 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Nottingham Cemetery.

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

GLENDA C. KOPF Glenda C. Kopf, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 1, 2023 at Pocopson Home in West Chester.

She was 83.

She was the wife of the late James N. Kopf, J. Dean Cheek and Wayne O. Charlton.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Geter and Dora Schierholt Griffith.

Glenda was retired from the Southern Chester County Medical Center Pharmacy in West Grove.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Oxford.

Glenda enjoyed gardening, cross-stitching, jigsaw puzzles, the outdoors and crafts.

She is survived by one son, Rob Charlton and his wife, Kellie, of Nottingham, one daughter, Donna Burchett and her husband, Jim of Oxford, seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Mark Charlton and two grandchildren, Rachel and Gary Charlton.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 7 at the First Baptist Church of Oxford.

Interment will be in Elk Creek Friends Meeting Cemetery in Oxford.

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

Alleluia

ANTHONY PALITA Anthony Palita, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 6, 2023 at Sunrise in Media, Pa. He was 94.

He was the husband of the late Mary Dolores Hefton Palita, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Marcus Hook, Pa., he was the son of the late Francesco and Lucia Gaudino Palita.

Anthony was employed with Sun Oil in Marcus Hook, Pa. as a lab technician. He retired in 1983 after 35 years of service.

He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Anthony was also a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford and the Oxford Senior Center.

He enjoyed woodworking, guns and collecting antique guns and the many trips he and his wife took after his retirement.

Anthony is survived by his children, Anne Marie (John) Smith, Francis (Kathleen) Palita, Michael Palita, Anthony Palita, Vincent Palita, James (Jensine) Palita, Annette Palita, Lorraine Palita (Nicholas Cifelli), 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Road in Oxford, where friends may visit from 10 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org/donate.

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

Our Family Serving Your Family

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.

Psalm 34:17 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.

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

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

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Our funeral professionals offer a combination of ingenuity and have over 100 years of combined experience. As we guide you through the decision making process, we will explain options while ensuring your family’s needs are being met.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries FLORENCE EUNICE PEPI Florence (Florrie) Eunice Pepi, of West Grove, passed away while surrounded by family on Dec. 3, 2023 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester. She was 79.

Born on June 18, 1944, in Dorchester, Mass., she was the daughter of Irving and Mildred Brem.

Florrie attended Quincy schools and graduated in 1962. She went on to study business at Chandler School for Women in Boston, Mass.

She met Paul, the love of her life, and they shared 59 years of marriage together.

Florrie worked as an insurance agent for Suburban Insurance Company in Holbrook, Mass. for 16 years.

She volunteered with the Boy Scouts and served as their treasurer for years. In Chattanooga, Tenn., she volunteered with Siskin Hospital for 9 years. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, an organization providing meals to those less fortunate, for 9 years.

Florrie enjoyed traveling with Paul across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Later, they spent many years at their summer residence in Brewster, Cape Cod, with family and friends, where one of the many things they enjoyed was cycling on the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Florrie’s hobbies included crochet, quilt making, needlepoint, and ceramics. Many of the items she meticulously and beautifully created are held by family members. She loved gardening and spent many days at her son’s home working in the garden plots. She also enjoyed playing Mahjong with friends. Watching Phillies baseball on TV was one of her favorite pastimes.

Florrie is predeceased by her parents, Irving and Mildred Brem, her sister, Marcia, her granddaughter Hannah Pepi, and her sister-in-law Linda Brem.

She is survived by husband Paul, her son Marc Pepi and his wife Julie, her daughter Cheryl Stiehl and her husband Brian, and a brother, Jerry Brem.

Also surviving are nieces Rachael Paldino and husband Paul, Laura Brem, brother-in-law Ted Ambroszewski, nephew Michael Ambroszewski and his wife Kate, grandsons Cameron (oorah!) Pepi and Paul (PJ) Pepi, wife Sammie and great-granddaughter Hannah, granddaughters Briana Marino, her husband Greg, and great-granddaughters Blake and Hayden (Hay, Hay) Marino, and Victoria VanZutphen and her husband Nick.

You may visit with her family from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Dec. 13 at the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove at 200 Rose Hill Road in West Grove.

A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Autoimmune Association (www.autoimmune.org).

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

WAYNE JAMES ROWE Jim (Wayne) Rowe passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2023 while surrounded by his family and loved ones.

He was a beacon of kindness whose warm smile and generous heart touched so many lives.

Born in 1940 in Reading, Pa., he brought joy to all who knew him. A devoted family man, his unwavering love for his spouse, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was his greatest treasure. His generosity and compassion toward others, young and old, resonates beyond measure. Jim’s legacy of love and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Patrick’s Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.

PEGGY MARIE HELEN MORRISON Peggy Marie Helen Morrison, of Cochranville, Pa., passed on Nov. 18, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She was the wife of the late Arthur Morrison.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Frances Shermetta Congemi.

Peggy was employed with Bell Telephone after graduating high school, and then retired as a bank teller from Provident Bank in Coatesville.

She was a member of Safe Harbor Baptist Church in Cochranville.

Peggy enjoyed roller skating, singing, playing the piano and walking.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Carr (David) of Cochranville, four grandchildren, Shannon Burgos (Joe), David Carr, Jr. (Danielle), Jason Morrison and Holly Stevenson (Matt), seven great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and one sister, Barbara Evanson of Lancaster. She will also be missed by her lifelong friend, Marlene Hamilton.

She was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Morrison and brother, Thomas Congemi.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Dec. 8 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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

NATALIE M. D’ANGELO Natalie M. D’Angelo, 89, of Philadelphia, passed away at her home while surrounded by her loving family on Dec. 4, 2023. She was the wife of the late Adriano B. D’Angelo, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage prior to his passing in 2018.

Born in 1934 in Lucerne Mines, Pa., Natalie was the daughter of the late Domenico Mucci and the late Laura Renzetti Mucci.

She was the first woman in her town to attend college with a full scholarship. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana State Teachers College (later, Indiana University of Pennsylvania) and became a teacher. Her passion for teaching would only grow as the years continued. She began her 35-year-long teaching career in western Pennsylvania, teaching elementary school students. She found her greatest joy teaching kindergarten in Bucks County, Pa. It was not uncommon for former students to run into her outside of school years later and for her to recognize them even though they had grown.

Natalie was a devout Catholic and a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square, where she also served as president for the Ladies of St. Patrick.

She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She had a large collection of bells, an interest that began after receiving many as gifts from her students. Natalie enjoyed puzzles, especially word puzzles, including completing the daily Wordle with an assist from her daughter. She was also a voracious reader, who enjoyed literary classics and nonfiction equally. She had a creative side and enjoyed arts and crafts, especially around the holidays. Her favorite time of year was Christmas, and she loved decorating the Christmas tree, setting up the nativity, and watching Hallmark movies.

Natalie loved her extended family, and many of those family members considered her their favorite relative. She was sweet and intelligent, coupled with playful sass and a great sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know her.

Natalie is survived by her son, Adrian J. D’Angelo of Downingtown, her daughter, Marina D’Angelo (Peter) of Philadelphia, two grandchildren, Ryan and Giancarlo; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Adriano, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Carl Mucci, Leanore Mucci, Alda Voyten and John Mucci.

A mass of Christian burial was held on Dec. 11 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square and interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

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

Schedule an appointment today.

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4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Chester County Press

Local News Inaugural Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts to be held Dec. 16-17 About 150 of the region’s finest artists and artisans will ring in the season on Dec. 16 and 17 at the inaugural Brandywine Holiday Festival of the Arts at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Riverfront.

The event will bring indoors many of the painters, jewelry makers, potters, photographers and fabric artists who have made the Brandywine Festival of the Arts the must-go September show for the area’s art lovers for more than 60 years.

The festival is an opportunity to complete holiday

gift shopping while interacting with popular artists and fellow art lovers.

Barry Schlecker of Barry’s Events, the festival’s producer, said the idea for the event came from the artists themselves, many of whom have been holding holiday sales in their homes or studios for years.

“They told me that they’d participate in an event that would bring many artists together, so they could draw a larger audience and give shoppers a wider selection of great works,” Schlecker said.

Within a week of announcing the event to regional artists in midJuly, more than 75 signed up, and registrations have already hit 120, with about 30 more spaces available, he said.

Heading an impressive lineup of exhibitors will be noted Wilmington painter and folk artist Eunice LaFate, a native of Jamaica who settled in the city 40 years ago and now operates her own gallery on Market Street. LaFate will be the festival’s featured artist.

Also exhibiting will be Oksana Pivush, the refu-

gee jewelry maker from Ukraine, who enjoyed a successful U.S. debut in September at the Brandywine Festival of the Arts.

Other exhibitors include jewelry maker Olga Ganoudis, well-known for her licensed works for the Game of Thrones television series; painter Rick Phillips; photographer and visual artist Eric Zippe; Jimmy Thompson of the City Painting Group, known for paintings of Wilmington buildings; Sue Ann Cox, “The Fairy Potter”; Sandy Askey-Adams, who focuses

on inspirational paintings of natural scenes; and jewelry maker Cheryl Titcher, who specializes in animal themes.

In addition to artists, the festival will feature food vendors, live music and entertainment, face painting and other children’s activities.

Children and Families First, a Delaware nonprofit focused on helping children, youth and families thrive to their full potential, will be a co-sponsor of the event and share in the proceeds from festival admissions.

The two-day festival will

be a highlight of the season on the Wilmington Riverfront, which will also host an array of holidaythemed events.

Festival admission on Dec. 16 and 17 will be $5, with children 12 and under accompanied by an adult admitted free. Parking at the Riverfront is always free.

Barry’s Events is a family-owned business, with Barry Schlecker as producer, his partner Ginger Weiss as marketing and sponsorship coordinator and his son Rob Schlecker as director of operations.

Notice of Self Storage Sale

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Legals ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Adam E. DeShong, Deceased. Late of Devon, 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 Vicky Pyeatte DeShong, Administratrix, c/o John W. Richey, Esq., The Tannenbaum Law Group, 600 West Germantown Pike, Suite 400, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

11p-29-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr., Deceased. Late of Tredyffrin 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 Robert Louis Pfaltzgraff, III, Executor, c/o John R. Lundy, Esq., Lundy Beldecos & Milby, PC, 450 N. Narberth Ave., Suite 200, Narberth, PA 19072.

12p-6-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

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

the Penn Township Supervisors 19363 will be held on Tuesday, 12p-13-3t January 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Penn Township Municipal Classifieds Building, Finnen Community Room, 260 Lewis Road, West Auto Auction Grove, PA. The regular Board 2012 Ford Transit Vin# of Supervisors meeting will be NMOLS6BN9CT112248. To held immediately following the reorganizational meeting. The be sold December 13 2023 agenda for this meeting will @ 9:00 am, Chews Towing, close on Thursday, Dec. 28, Inc. 722 Market St Oxford 2023 at 12 p.m. Caitlin A. Ianni, PA 19363 Township Secretary 12p-13-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF YVONNE L. MAPP a/k/a YVONNE RENVERSE MAPP, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above 12p-6-3t Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request NOTICE The reorganization meeting of 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 LAURA ANDERSON, EXECUTRIX, 305 Hudson Dr., Newark, DE 19711, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice US Storage Centers - Exton located at 371 Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures. com on 12/20/2023 at 10:00AM. Kimberly Y Griffith unit #C127. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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

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

Miscellaneous: Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-616-1622 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow. com/pasn Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - Steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Dinner theatre to present Holly Jolly Christmas The Pines Dinner Theatre will be presenting “Holly Jolly Christmas” through Dec. 23.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for Rob (Kent Benwell) and Laura (Amber Blatt), as they celebrate the season in grand style with their longtime friends Maggie (Eileen Deisemann), and Kristopher (Maxwell Gorman). But when they find out Christmas

won’t be so joyous after all, will the spirit of the holidays prevail?

Complete with such familiar Christmas classics like “Jingle Bells,” as well as brand new holiday songs such as “Holly-est Jollyest Christmas,” this show is not to be missed. This heart-warming show will have even the most determined Scrooge believing in the magic of the season.

Holly Jolly Christmas plays at the Pines Dinner

Theatre through Dec. 23. Matinee Show Times are select Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 12:30 p.m. dinner and 1:30 p.m. show. Evening Show Times are Fridays and Saturdays: 6:30 p.m. dinner and 7:30 p.m. show. Prices for show admission for all ages is $32.00, which includes a seat for the show, all taxes and ticket box-office fees.

While food is not included

in your ticket price, dinner is available for all performances. All appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages are available for purchase ala carte throughout your evening of entertainment.

The Pines Dinner Theatre is located at 448 N 17th Street in Allentown, Pa. For ticket information, call the box-office at 610433-2333 or visit the Pines Dinner Theatre on the web at Pinesdinnertheatre.com.

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union honored with award Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union was named one of the 2023 “Best Credit Unions to Work For” by American Banker. This national survey and awards program identifies, recognizes, and honors those

credit unions that have excelled in creating quality workplaces for employees.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition four years in a row,” said president and CEO Michael B. Magnavita, CPA. “FMFCU strives to

create a collaborative, teamfocused work environment that directly ties strong levels of employee engagement with a high level of member satisfaction.”

Determining the “Best Credit Unions to Work For”

involved a two-step process.

The first survey examined employee satisfaction and covered eight areas, including leadership and planning, corporate culture and communication, and overall engagement. A credit union

needed at least a 40 percent participation rate in the survey and average at least 80 percent of respondents answering “agree strongly” or “agree somewhat” across different topics.

The second survey evalu-

ated the benefits and policies of each credit union, including deciding factors such as cost-free tele-health visits, volunteer days with nonprofit organizations, and employee appreciation events.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

Project time:

2 weeks

2 DAYS.

Why settle for shower walls that look like plastic?

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

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

Read more reviews from our satisfied customers!

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888-670-3731 >Must call this number<

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

www.HomeSmartind.com

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Last Minute Shoppers' Guide

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

And, as always, thank you for your business and referrals.

I am truly grateful! — Rosina

Rosina Woolston 610-812-1379

610-345-5000 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

West Grove, PA 19390

www.RosinaWoolston.com “Your Key to Quality Service”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

YOUR HOME, YOUR WAY, INSIDE & OUT It can be quite daunting to get started tackling “dream home” projects. Is it time to redo that old favorite couch in the living room? Maybe it’s time to finally find the right sheer or texture for draperies in the great room.

If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that being comfortable in your own home should never be taken for granted. With free in-store design services to brighten your home and bring your vision to life, a one-stop-shop with over 35 years experience is continuing to inspire delaware residents with the tools needed to reinvent their homes. With an endless array of design elements, walking into the interior alternative is like being a kid in a candy store. You’ll find thousands of indoor and outdoor fabric selections broken into categories such as ultra-high performance, classic velvet, bold boucle, caterpilar-like chenille, faux-suede, natural cotton, linen and more. All these amazing choices to go along with designer-direct prices.

Prefer to shop from home? The staff can bring their expertise right to you. You can redesign your entire home without ever leaving. A design professional will come out to your home with gorgeous, high-performance fabric swatches and help you select just the right color and pattern for your projects.

We offer customized creations for drapery/window treatments, sofas/ sectionals, bedding, headboards, cushions and pillows for the home. You can call us anytime (302-454-3232) and we will help make your dream home a reality. We do home appointments, in-store appointments, and walk-ins. Whether you are an experienced interior designer or looking to redesign your home for the first time, the interior alternative is a must-stop-shop before tackling any home decor project. Our staff are trained and excited to help you redesign the home of your dreams without breaking the bank.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

MERRY CHRISTMAS Pub style restaurant & bar with deck Gift Certificates Available They make great gifts!

Need to Hire 1 More Line Cook with 1+ years of experience Live Music every week, Karaoke every other Wednesday, Wing Night every Monday!

The BEST hot wings & burgers in town!

FREE parking & hometown atmosphere.

Hours: Monday: 4pm-mid (kitchen: 10pm), Tuesday: 4pm-mid (kitchen: 9pm), Wednesday: 4pm-mid (kitchen: 9pm-Karaoke kitchen: 10pm), Thursday: 4pm-mid (kitchen: 9pm), Friday & Saturday: 4pm-2am (kitchen: 10pm), Sunday: 11am-mid (kitchen: 9pm)

562 Lincoln Street, Oxford | 610-998-9000 Follow Us On Facebook For Upcoming Events

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

JAN 4 - FEB 10

football frenzy and 20 (( )) 24 NEW FLOORS UP TO

8C

20 SALE %

SAVE STOREWIDE ON HARDWOOD CARPET

OFF

LUXURY VINYL TILE WINDOW TREATMENTS*

OR ZERO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL WITHIN

FORMERLY G&F CARPET 322 South St Oxford, PA 19363

36 MONTHS**

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

SALE!

DECEMBER 12TH-23RD

www.designerconsignerde.com DAY 1

DEC 12

25% OFF SHOES & BOOTS DAY 5

DEC 13

25% OFF PANTS & TOPS

DEC 16

DAY 6

DEC 17

25% OFF OUTERWEAR

25% OFF SKIRTS & TOPS DAY 9

DAY 2

DEC 20

GIFT CARDS BUY 1, GET 1 50% OFF

DAY 10

DEC 21

25% OFF JEWELRY

DAY 3

DEC 14

25% OFF DRESSES DAY 7

DEC 18

25% OFF EVENING WEAR DAY 11

DEC 22

25% OFF ALL FURS

DAY 4

25% OFF SWEATERS DAY 8

DEC 19

25% OFF HANDBAGS DAY 12 DEC 23

ENTIRE STORE 25% OFF

302-239-4034 | Hockessin | 7185 Lancaster Pike Mon,Tues,Thurs,Fri 10am-6pm, Wed 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 12-4pm

DEC 15

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

Gourmet Grocery Store featuring

Fresh Meats & Seafood Italian Specialties & Desserts 2 S Main St, North East, MD 21901

(410) 656-7969 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am - 6 pm | Sun. 11 am - 2 pm

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

FROM ALL OF US AT AD PRO

WE WISH YOU

HAPPY

HOLIDAYS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

1

12

1 Minute

Last M e d i u G ’ s r e p p o h S

2

Steven Hoffman • Managing Editor Richard Gaw • Associate Editor Brenda Butt • Office Manager Tricia Hoadley • Art Director Sherry Hutchinson • Graphic Designer Alan E. Turns • Advertising Director Teri Turns • Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren • Advertising Executive

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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PUBLISHED BY AD PRO., INC. | RANDALL S. LIEBERMAN PUBLISHER DISPLAY ADVERTISING 610.869.5553 EXT. 22 | P.O. BOX 150 | KELTON, PA 19346

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023