Chester County Press 12-21-2022 Edition

New Garden board says ‘No’ to sewer rate mitigation

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

By a 3-2 vote at their Dec. 19 meeting, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors rejected a motion that would investigate ways to create a rate mitigation payment scenario for those township customers who are tied

into the wastewater system now owned by Aqua Pennsylvania – and seeing their sewer bills skyrocket under the new ownership.

Those supervisors voting in favor of the idea of a motion to explore a rate mitigation package for ratepayers were Troy Wildrick and Ted Gallivan, while board member David

Unger, board vice-chairwoman Kristie Brodowski and board chairman Steve Allaband voted against the motion.

“While I don’t think the ratepayers have a right to the money – the money belongs to the township – I vote ‘Yes’ because I think the township should help out the ratepayers, because

Kohler announces run for Common Pleas Judge

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Kennett School Board member Don Kohler announced his candidacy for Chester County Court of Common Pleas judgeship at a gathering on the steps of the high school on Sunday.

Kohler, 55, of New Garden is the owner of and practices law out of his firm in West Chester.

In front of about 30 supporters on a chilly morning, Kohler, with his family behind him, outlined his credentials for the office and named the members of his election committee.

The Chester County Court of Common Pleas is a general jurisdiction

trial court located in West Chester, There are 14 full-time judges and three senior judges. The judges hear a wide spectrum of cases, including adult and juvenile criminal prosecutions, lawsuits involving money or property, divorce, custody disputes, child support issues, adoptions and estates, according to the court’s website.

Judges are elected to a 10-year term. Following the end of that first 10 years, they are on the ballot for simply “accept” or “reject” continuation of their position

Kohler currently serves the school board as a member and chair of the policy committee. He was

Continued on Page 2A

bills have gone up,” Gallivan said. “I have spent hours and hours thinking about how we could try to [create a mitigation system for Aqua customers in the township], but there is no easy solution. I am not happy I lost the vote stating my case, but I’m pleased that we have had a good dialogue.”

“For me, the best way forward is to secure the financial security of the entire township,” Unger said. “Everyone here was elected by the entirety of the township. We didn’t have a race just in Somerset Lake. We didn’t have a race just in Harrogate. We were elected by everyone, so we have to take care of

everyone.”

For the last several months, the idea of the township creating a rate mitigation package has been generated from those Aqua ratepayers who have shared the alarming increases reflected in the sewer bills they have been receiving from Aqua. Over

FROM OUR LENS

A new name in New Garden

Penn Township awarded $850,000 of American Rescue Plan grant funding from Chester County Commissioners

Money will be used to create a Southern Chester County Emergency Services Center to house SCCEMS - Medic 94

On Thursday, Dec. 15, the Chester County Commissioners awarded Penn Township $850,000 for the purpose of creating a Southern Chester County Emergency Services Center to house SCCEMS - Medic 94.

The award was part of $103 million in American Rescue Plan funds approved by the Commissioners in recent months to assist and improve infrastructure, public health response and disproportionately impacted communities affected so grievously by

the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Following the announcement of the grant award, Penn Township issued a statement saying that, “On behalf of the Penn Township Supervisors, the Board of Directors and the paramed-

ics of SCCEMS-MEDIC 94, the community of southern Chester County, we express our sincere gratitude to the Chester County Commissioners and the ARP Committee for the recommendation for funding of the Penn Township grant

request.” Victor Mantegna, the chair of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, said, “Our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of our residents, businesses and visitors is a part of our

A gift for MJ: Community holds drive-by Christmas parade for five-year-old cancer patient

By Richard L Gaw Staff Writer

When Lincoln University resident Mackenzie Fox, a Lincoln University photographer, first established a social media page for her friend Katyrose Veinot’s five-year-old daughter Maryjane Facer on Nov. 25, she was hoping a few friends and fellow residents would turn out for a Christmas drive-by parade that she was planning for Maryjane on Dec. 16.

The parade would be for a very special reason: Maryjane, known as “MJ,” was diagnosed with cancer of the kidney in June, a

diagnosis that has in recent weeks been elevated to the Stage 5 level and been exacerbated by the growth of rare tumors. Over the past several months, MJ’s world – and the world of her family, which includes two three-year-old twin sisters

Photo by Mackenzie Fox Five-year-old Lincoln University resident Maryjane “MJ” Facer received a 104-vehicle Christmas parade past her home on Dec. 16 that was made up of two fire departments, two police departments, a transportation company, local businesses and community residents.

Courtesy image

The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors recently approved the name change for Saint Anthony’s in the Hills to New Garden Hills, as part of a rebranding effort that will coincide with the development of the 137-acre property the township owns. The rebranding will be seen on street names, at the park’s entrance and on signage throughout the park. The Chester County Press will provide a detailed summary of the rebranding of the park in an upcoming edition.

that time, both in person and through an email campaign to ratepayers, a grass roots organization called Keep Water Affordable (KWA) has magnified its appeal to the township to consider such a proposal.

The most prominent talking point of the ratepayers’ arguments has focused on the $29.5 million the township received for the sale of its wastewater system to Aqua, some of which they argue should be used to create a mitigation package for them. While some board members have expressed empathy for a current rate structure that has left Aqua ratepayers in the township “footing the bill” for a wastewater system that has already undergone more than $12 million in repairs by Aqua, their refrain has been the same: how would the township create a rate mitigation package that is equitable for everyone?

“I have seen this argument from both sides, and that’s why I see that there is no clear way to solve this without litigation,” Allaband said. “The budgetary constraints that the township has are not sustainable [to create a mitigation rate system.] We need to spend money in Toughkenamon. We need to fix the roads. There are investments that we need to make in our infrastructure that will help the township.”

‘The township’s ratepayers were kept informed’

KWA and other ratepayers have also consistently lobbed another criticism at the board – that the township completed its transaction with Aqua behind closed doors, with virtually no

signs of transparency with township residents.

“The entire decision making process from start to finish took place from the latter part of 2013 and concluded in the beginning of 2020 when the asset purchase agreement was completed and the sale was completed,” Allaband said, reading from an opening statement. “During this entire six-year period, the township’s ratepayers were kept informed through public meetings, postings and the township website, as well as inserts in sewer bills, newspaper reports, the township newsletter and notices that were required to be provided to ratepayers by the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) and Commonwealth Court.”

Allaband said that despite the township’s efforts, the township was told by the Office of Consumer Advocacy and the PUC that that since the PUC sets the rates, the concept of rate mitigation was removed from the proposal to sell the wastewater system.

“There is certainly nothing that the township can unilaterally do to revise or reverse the decision made by the PUC with regard to the rate increase,” he added. “The township was simply viewed by the PUC as one of Aqua’s customers who objected to the rate increase.

“This board as it sits here today has made a concerted effort to address concerns expressed by a number of township sewer ratepayers related to the recent rate increase approval by the PUC, as well as the sale of the system.”

Brodowski suggested that moving forward, those opposed to the board’s decision should file a formal complaint with the PUC.

To date, a total of 17 formal complaints have been

selected by the board in October of 2021 to fill an unexpired term from Region 3 (New Garden).

His term on the school board is scheduled to expire in December 2023, and he said he will not seek re-election to that position.

He began his speech on the steps by informing his audience that five judge spots are open for election in 2023 out of the body of 14.

“Twenty-one other attorneys intend to run,” he said.

He said he is a registered Republican, but will cross file in the primary, as judges and school board candidates are permitted to do. The primary election will be held on May 16, 2023.

“My point today is to say why I should be considered for Common Pleas judge,” he told those gathered.

Kohler’s first expression of gratitude was to his wife, Kim, and children Meghan, Shannon and Patrick. He said he put himself through undergraduate education, and Kim worked with him on helping Kohler receive his law school degree.

Kohler is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a major in political science and a minor in liberal arts. He earned his law degree at Widener University

filed with the Commission – seven of which are from New Garden residents, she said. Unger offered that Aqua ratepayers in the township should take their fight to the Chester Water Authority, who has been embroiled in litigation with Aqua Pennsylvania to acquire the system after

School of Law.

His personal history includes growing up in Northeast Philadelphia in a middle class family and accompanying his father as a child on a milk delivery route.

Kohler stressed that his involvement in the community and hard work will enable him to provide a “fair and complete review” of all cases.

Having lived in the community for 19 years, he has

the Chester City Council voted last year to approve the sale of the system to Aqua for $410 million. The sale of the system would not just affect the residents of Chester, but impact over 200,000 customers across 37 municipalities in Chester and Delaware counties, many of whom would see

been heavily involved in the activities of his family, including Boy Scouts, church and sports coaching.

In that connection, Kohler said spending time to support his family prompted his delay in pursuit of a Common Pleas judgeship. Now, he said, the children have achieved some degree of independence, and this is a more appropriate opportunity.

Kohler listed the accolades he has received from

the ramifications of the sale in their sewer bills.

“I would do everything in my power to call the new governor, call the PUC, call the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, call anyone who will listen to you

Penn Township...

Continued from Page 1A

mission. In recent years, events such as COVID-19 have caused us to realize the urgent need for a stand-alone emergency services center with a permanent home for SCCEMS - Medic 94 here in the southern portion of the county. With this grant, the Commissioners are enabling us to make that a reality,”

The combination of COVID-19, the closing of Jennersville Hospital, and a space that was outgrown has created a challenging situation for SCCEMS-Medic 94 and the community of south-

his 26 years in the law profession. Some of them include having been voted the top lawyer in Main Line Today, leadership positions in the Chester County Bar Association, membership in the Chester County Bar Foundation, and service on the New Garden Zoning Hearing Board, among others.

“If you elect me, I will be ready to serve on Day One,” he concluded.

and stop Chester Water,” he said. “Chester Water is big enough to function on its own.”

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

ern Chester County. The grant funding provides a path forward.

“We are proud of our county and municipal relationships,” said Bob Hotchkiss, CEO, SCCEMS – Medic 94.

“This new partnership will result in a permanent centrally located home to ensure rapid response for our Medic 94 services in the region. We thank Chester County and Penn Township for their vision and commitment to such a worthy and worthwhile endeavor.”

SCCEMS – Medic 94’s new home will be located at 863 W. Baltimore Pike at the corner of W. Baltimore Pike and Jenner’s Pond Road in Jennersville.

Photo by Chris Barber

Kennett School District Board member and lawyer Don Kohler at the microphone joins with his family behind him at Kennett High School to announce his candidacy for Chester County Common Pleas judge on Sunday morning.

A Gift for MJ...

McKenna and Jordan – has been marked by endless visits to the A.I. Children’s Hospital in Wilmington for treatment for radiation and chemotherapy, the removal of one of MJ’s kidneys and the application of a feeding tube. Because of her illness, MJ was forced to delay the start of kindergarten this fall.

Soon after MJ received the diagnosis, Fox established a meal train for the family that provides delivery of meals prepared by volunteers in the Lincoln University community, and this fall, she set up a GoFundMe page that has to date raised over $1,700 to help defray the family’s medical costs.

The response to the social media post announcing the drive-by parade was immediate and resounding, but

when Fox and a team of volunteers gathered at the Christian Life Center on Dec. 16 to coordinate the parade, they had no idea how many who expressed interest in the event would actually participate. At 5:30

Kennett Square Borough approves sale of former borough hall

Kennett Square Borough Council recently approved the sale of the former borough hall at 120 Marshall Street to a local company, Riverwards General, for $400,000.

The new owner’s proposed project for the building is to transform it into a small, high-quality hotel with five or six rooms.

There will be a number of benefits from the sale of the property for Kennett Square Borough. The sale

increases revenues to the borough, while decreasing maintenance costs. The addition of a small hotel will also expand the borough’s tax base.

Kennett Square Borough also issued two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) regarding the marketing and property management of the current Borough Hall, located at 600 S. Broad Street.

For marketing, the Borough is seeking an individual and/ or real estate firm to evaluate and market approximately

40,000 square feet of remnant space available at Borough Hall. This individual or real estate firm will provide recommendations to sell or lease the vacant space and manage the leasing and/or sale process. Bids from prospective individuals or firms are due by noon on Jan. 4, 2023.

In addition, the Borough is issuing an RFP for the management of Borough Hall and surrounding boroughowned property. Specifically, the Borough is seeking an individual and/or firm for

tenant find, rent collection, default management, maintenance management, vendor management, longterm capital improvement planning, and facilities management, among other services. Similar to the RFP for marketing and listing the property, the RFP for property management services is also due by noon on Jan. 4, 2023.

The RFPs are also posted on the borough’s website, https://www.kennettsq. org/, and Facebook page.

Department; the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department; the State Police-Avondale; the Krapf Group; and Bobcat Septic.

Additional partners included The Fence Authority, Acme of Avondale, Kimball Creations and Brittany Reisler Photography, as well as an appearance from Santa Claus.

Fox said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community and local businesses and organizations.

“An event like this shows that everyone is truly coming together for one little girl who could really use a few smiles right now,” she said. “Being able to give MJ something to look forward to is a welcome departure from all of the horrible things she has had to go through.”

“This is what it’s all about,” said Tracey Ehrhart, Fox’s mother. “We are often called upon to be the hands and feet for others who need our assistance, and tonight, we lent both to MJ. This is an example of sharing God’s love, and the community is showing that love by being here and saying, ‘We want to be a part of this.’

“Tonight, we shine a bright light during one family’s difficult time.”

If you would like to make a donation to the GoFundMe campaign for MJ, visit www.gofundme.com/f/ mj-facer-fighting-stage5-kidney-cancer. All funds will go directly to Katyrose Veinot, MJ’s mother.

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

ROASTED A

When it comes to cancer, early detection can save your life. Checking for cancer or for abnormal cells, even when you have no symptoms is a good idea, especially when you’re older or have a family history of cancer. Screening, early detection and advanced treatments may increase your chance for a cure. Why wait, when a cancer screening is as close as Chester County Hospital? As part of the Abramson Cancer Center and with convenient satellite locations close to you, we are committed to keeping you well. It’s one more reason why your life is worth Penn Medicine.

Visit ChesterCountyHospital.org/Screenings to schedule your screening today

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The event was originally conceived by Mackenzie Fox, a Lincoln University photographer, who was welcomed by Santa Claus.

A group of volunteers organized through the Christian Life Center provided assistance and encouragement prior to and throughout the parade.

p.m., one half-hour before the parade was to take off to the Wheatland Farm development where MJ lives, a string of white vehicle lights began to appear, that stretched from Route 896 to the church’s entrance.

By the time the parade left the parking lot, it stretched hundreds of feet and included 104 vehicles, with representation from residents, the Union Fire Company in Oxford; the West Grove Fire

Opinion

Editorial

Love is love is love is love

Together, with the supporting votes of 12 Republican Senators, Senate Democrats took the “Respect for Marriage Act” to President Biden’s desk last Tuesday that saw him affix his signature to a law that now acknowledges same-sex and interracial marriages as federal law for the first time.

Codifying the legalization of same-sex marriage that occurred in the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision Obergefell v. Hodges, the law requires that states recognize any marriage made in another state and repeal the federal “Defense of Marriage Act” in 1996 which previously defined marriage as between a man and a woman. Further, it grants federal protection to same-sex and interracial couples, requiring that people be considered married in any state as long as the marriage is valid in the state where it was performed.

Were we to list all of the reasons why this landmark legislation is important to the citizens of our country, we would go on longer than a Best Man speech gone off the rails, but the short list in monumental enough. It sets precedent on the rights of our LGBTQ citizens, and emboldens the institution and definition of marriage with a broader sense of inclusion.

Perhaps the largest rainbow swath it cut, however, was against those in our houses of worship, in our halls of government and in our highest judicial court – some of whom hold steadfast on their warpath to repeal our most precious freedoms. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’ bullhorn recorded one of the most frightening displays, when in the immediate aftermath of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, he mused that other rights – namely, same-sex marriage – may also be overturned.

Thomas is not alone. While nationwide polls taken over the last few years suggest clear and growing support for same-sex and interracial marriage –including Conservatives – others remain at the bully pulpit of opposition, claiming that the law is a dire threat to their religious liberty.

“Marriage is the exclusive, lifelong, conjugal union between one man and one woman, and any departure from that design hurts the indispensable goal of having every child raised in a stable home by the mom and dad who conceived them,” said the Heritage Foundation’s Roger Severino. Last week, House member Vicky Hartzler (R-Missouri) cried as she urged her colleagues to vote against the bill.

In the end, however, love won. Love took down the peddlers of discriminatory doctrine and shut down the architects of moldy, religious doggerel. With one triumphant display of bipartisanship, the “Respect for Marriage Act” celebrated the common core of our nation’s highest sense of ideals, and recognizes that the sanctity of marriage is made more powerful not by exclusivity but by limitless invitation.

In his acceptance speech after receiving his umpteenth Tony Award for his musical Hamilton Lin-Manuel Miranda cemented his place in the pantheon of quotations with three sentences that should be carved into the bedrock of our nation’s consciousness.

“We live in times when hate and fear seem stronger,” he said. “We rise and fall and light from dying embers–remembrances that hope and love last longer. And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love cannot be killed or swept aside.”

Last week, the best of our American leadership recognized that the power of human love, manifested by marriage, should never be swept aside.

In Other Words

On remembering, receiving and reaching out

By Richard C. Winchester

This is not the time for comment as usual. The criticism and controversy which customarily occupy this space must yield this week to something more appropriate for this season. If even real wars can pause in honor of these special days, I can suspend my response to the letters that appeared in the last issue of the Chester County Press.

For the next few days, many of us will muse about the meaning of peace and goodwill. We will become nostalgic about family and Christmas past. We will send greetings to people we have not communi-

cated with since this time last year. And we will reach out to the other people even on the periphery of our lives, just as some of them will try to touch us. It is the season for remembering. For receiving and reaching out.

The holidays make historians out of almost all of us. At the end of the year, it is always appropriate to reflect and resolve, and the religious celebrations call to mind the events of a much earlier era. While the memories are good for many, many of those who are lonely or who have endured a recent loss, this can be a very painful time. So tears of sadness mix with tears of joy and not every mountain is made low. This is also a time for giving, and we struggle to

find the real meaning of it. I don’t know about you, but what I frequently call a gift is in reality just a loan because it is given with the strings attached. I tell people what to do with the gift where to hang it or what to wear with it as though I still want to control its use. Real giving is selfless and free of hidden motive. I am still working on how to do it. Receiving is something else that has given me trouble. For years my reaction to the pleasant surprise was “Oh you shouldn’t have.” Of course I didn’t mean that, because deep inside I was glad to have it. On other occasions I am still guilty of a kind of abolishment accounting. You might recognize the phenomena. After

you tear open the package, you immediately feel guilty because the gift you got is far more impressive than the one you gave. Real receiving is done with love, is marked with kindness and is completed with a simple thank you. I’m still working on that too.

I suppose the passage of time makes all of us better givers and receivers. It certainly fills in our personal history and presents us with more to remember.

As the music, the manger scene, and the memorial poinsettias remind us, however, the most important gifts don’t come wrapped in boxes. My holiday wish is that you may get some of those and that you receive them with grace.

Pennsylvania to benefit from over $10.6 million in conservation grants

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) recently announced over $10.6 million in grant awards to support the restoration and conservation of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania. NFWF and EPA representatives joined local leaders and community members at Truxtun Park in Annapolis, Md. to announce the awards.

The 18 grants will leverage more than $12.9 million in matching contributions to generate a total conservation impact of more than $23.5 million dollars.

The grants were awarded through the Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grant Program (INSR) and the Small Watershed Grants (SWG) Programs, core grant programs of the federalstate Chesapeake Bay Program partnership that are administered under NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF). CBSF is a partnership between NFWF and EPA to provide grant funding, technical assistance, and networking and information sharing in support of local, on-the-ground conservation and restoration efforts to restore the bay and its tributary rivers and streams.

These awards, along with the other 86 announced recently, include $15 million provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds, which is a first set of awards from the infrastructure funding, with

more to be announced soon.

Additional federal agency funding for CBSF is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Private funding is provided by Altria Group, Zoetis, and Astra Zeneca, with additional funding this year from the Bezos Earth Fund.

“This funding not only helps kickstart critical water quality programs within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, it represents an investment in public health and the communities who call the Bay home,” said Janet McCabe, EPA’s deputy administrator. “Our partnerships and collaborative approaches bring farmers, homeowners, communities, businesses and local leaders together as a team, working in partnership to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and revitalize their communities.”

The 104 grants announced today will support innovative and community-led approaches to reduce pollution to local rivers and streams, restore habitats, and improve rural and urban communities across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. These projects will further emphasize partnerships and collaborative approaches as central to effective local and regional ecosystem restoration efforts and engagement of local communities in the

planning, design, and implementation of restoration and conservation efforts.

The funds will help partners engage community-based organizations, farmers and agricultural producers, homeowners, churches, businesses, and municipalities to improve the quality of life in their communities, local water quality and, ultimately, the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

The awards also include projects that support communities seeking to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the planning, design, and implementation of ecosystem restoration efforts across the Chesapeake Bay watershed that align with NFWF’s and EPA conservation goals.

“The grants announced represent the single largest annual investment in on-theground restoration projects in the more than 20-year history of NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF. “These grants demonstrate the power of and the conservation impact of supporting local communities in implementing conservation projects that support broader restoration goals for the Chesapeake Bay while at the same time addressing critical local priorities for environmental improvements.”

Some of this year’s Chesapeake Stewardship Fund grant recipients in Pennsylvania include:

• Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay ($75,000) intends to complete six preliminary concept plans for agricultural conservation practices for producer members of the Dairy Farmers for America cooperative in order to improve water quality in south central Pennsylvania.

• Potter County Conservation District ($500,000) will implement more than 11,000 acres of soil health practices

across the headwaters of the Cowanesque River in Potter and Tioga counties to enhance eastern brook trout populations.

• The Trust for Public Land ($75,000) intends to design a schoolyard at Kennedy Elementary School in Scranton that meets community needs for a healthy, equitable and climate-resilient community park.

• Watershed Alliance of York ($1,000,000) plans to bring together private and public partners to accelerate implementation, maintenance and financial incentives of riparian forest buffers and lawn conversion projects in York County.

Since 2006, the INSR Program has provided more than $123 million to 219 projects that have reduced 22 million pounds of nitrogen, 4 million pounds of phosphorus, and 480,000 tons of sediment across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The SWG Program has provided more than $109 million to 496 projects that have permanently protected 169,00 acres under conservation easement, restored more than 1,550 miles of riparian habitat and 14,000 acres of wetlands, and engage more than 125,000 watershed residents in volunteer conservation and restoration efforts.

For more information about the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund or to download the 2022 Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction and Small Watershed Grants Slates, visit www.nfwf.org/ chesapeake.

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership consisting of federal, state and local governments, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations. Primarily funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Chesapeake Bay Program has set the guidance and policy for restoring the Chesapeake Bay since 1983. Learn more at www. chesapeakebay.net.

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.

Reprinted from the Dec. 22, 1982 edition of the Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Operation Warm: Five million coats and counting

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Commemorating a milestone that has seen it distribute winter coats to more than five million children, the national organization Operation Warm distributed more than 200 new winter coats and pairs of new shoes to local children on Dec. 8 at LCH Health and Community Services (LCH) in West Grove.

Over the course of the evening, assisted by volunteers from Longwood Rotary, a steady arrival of youngsters – accompanied by their parents -- saw them try on and walk away with a wide variety of colorful coats and shoes.

Formed by Kennett Square resident Dick Sanford in 1998, Operation Warm and its partners have offered the gifts of brand-new coats and shoes as a bridge for families in need to access everything from flu shots to new books – reaching over 2,100 communities across North America.

“We’ve gone from 58 coats in year one at La Communidad Hispana to more than 700,000 coats a year,” Sanford said. “We are in every town and hamlet in the country and it takes community engage-

ment to make it all happen. This is the most important thing I have done in my entire life. I have built and sold many companies and while that has been fun and interesting, [Operation Warm] is impacting a child’s and a parent’s life.

“Often, these people have to make a choice between putting food on the table, fixing a flat tire, putting gasoline in a car to get to work or putting a new coat on a child. These are not second-class citizens, these are human beings, and if we can have communities around the country come together and graciously fund this to help other, why not?”

Sanford recalled the moment that ultimately compelled him to launch Operation Warm. On a cold Winter morning, he was driving along Cypress Street toward Kennett Square Borough when he saw a group of about six children at a bus stop. None of them were wearing coats and in order to stave off the cold, they huddled together for warmth.

“It’s more than a coat and a piece of clothing needed in order to remain warm,” Sanford said. “There is emotional warmth that comes out of this, as well. Here, the child can be

proud of the fact that they have something brand new probably for the first time in their lives, so it shows that someone out there loves them and offers our Rotarians the opportunity to put a coat on a child.”

Founded in 1973, LCH began as a grassroots organization providing social services to Latinos working

as migrant laborers in the mushroom industry. Today, LCH offers primary care, women’s health services, pediatrics, dental care, behavioral health counseling, social assistance, outreach, and educational support.

“We’ve had a rich 49 years of service to the community, and whenever two

non-profits get together, it’s an example of a community that cares and gets together to deal with a pressing need,” said Ronan W. Gannon, chief executive officer for LCH. “We really try not just to be LCH, but community-oriented by working with other non-profits like Operation Warm.”

To learn more about Operation Warm, visit www.operationwarm. org.

To learn more about LCH Health and Community Services, visit https://lchcommunityhealth.org.

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

Boy Scouts mark another successful Christmas tree sale

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

The Boy Scouts of Kennett Square Troop 53 are celebrating another successful year of selling Christmas trees.

Their annual December sale is the one fundraiser they have each year and, when successful, it provides an income of about $10,000. Those funds go toward lessening the costs of the activities they carry on monthly throughout the year, Scout Leader Greg Bullock said.

Bullock, who said he has been with the troop and its sale for seven years, said he cannot recall ever having had a bad year due to weather or other causes

under his leadership.

“The only year I remember that it was slow, it was because almost everybody was selling trees in town,” he said.

The trees go up for sale around the beginning of December. The lot is staffed by the scouts, and the hours are suited to accommodate their school hours.

Bullock said those who participate in the selling can build up hours for credit toward activities as well.

This year the troop received 450 trees from a grower in Gettysburg.

By the second week of December this year, they were almost sold out

Troop member parent Jeffra Leo, who is known among the troop as “the

Tree Baron,” said most of the customers come looking for trees between six and seven feet. The prices are based upon the height, which is measured at checkout.

The troop has activities – many of them camping –every month. The proceeds of the tree sale offset but don’t completely cover the costs.

One of the favorite trips Bullock said, is to Sea Base in Florida. It is described on its website as a “unique Scouting program that offers aquatics programs found nowhere else.”

They also camp routinely at Camp Horseshoe and other nearby campsites, members said.

The members participate

in community service projects throughout the year as well. One of the most recent was offering the color

guard for the Veterans Day Breakfast at the Kennett Square VFW headquarters.

Bullock said the troop,

which has 20 members, is well grounded in the area and will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2025.

Organization made winter coat, shoe distribution at LCH in West Grove on Dec. 8

Since its founding, Operation Warm has gone from an initial distribution of 58 coats to families serviced by La Communidad in 1998 to the distribution of more than 700 coats a year to families throughout North America.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Operation Warm Founder Dick Sanford celebrated the organization’s five millionth winter coat distribution on Dec. 8 at LCH Health and Community Services’ West Grove offices. In all, 200 brand new coats and footwear were distributed to area youngsters.

Longwood Rotary member Luke Wozmiak volunteered with his fellow members to help youngsters try on new winter coats and shoes.

Photo by Chris Barber

Troop members Andrew Haskins (left) and Asher Rosenberg (right) display several of the trees on sale with troop leader Greg Bullock (center).

MARIO P. MALCHIONE

Mario “Doc” P. Malchione, age 98, of Avondale, passed away on Dec. 17, 2022.

He was the beloved husband of the late Thelma Aquilanti Malchione. They shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Kennett Square in 1924, he was the son of Peter and Rose Mascaro Malchione. He grew up working with his three brothers on their family’s mushroom farm. He graduated from Kennett High School in 1942. Doc proudly served his country in the U.S. Army between 1943 and 1945 and received five campaign ribbons during his tour overseas.

After his service, Doc became a mushroom grower and the co-owner of MJR Mushrooms in Toughkenamon. He loved talking about the industry and its continued development, and even corresponded with representatives from Penn State’s mushroom growing center.

However, nothing brought him more joy than spending time with family and friends. He was happiest in the kitchen, whether it be sitting around the table having a spirited conversation about the Eagles or Phillies, playing a card game with his grandchildren or preparing a meal to be shared with family. He believed Super

Glue could fix any broken object and loved repairing toys for his great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Joan Malchione of Avondale; his son and his wife, Robert Malchione and Kathleen Duey of La Cañada Flintridge, Calif; his brother and his wife, John and Helen Malchione of Avondale; daughter-in-law, Marcia Wilkins of Kennett Square; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Doc was predeceased by his son, Richard Malchione, and two brothers, Anthony Malchione and Rocco Malchione.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday evening, Dec. 21 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square and again from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday morning, Dec. 22 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike (Route 41) in Avondale. His funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to SEMPER FI & AMERICA’S FUND, 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, Calif. 92057.

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

FRANKLIN D. GIBSON

Franklin D. Gibson, of Port Deposit, Md., went to be with his Lord and Savior on Dec. 17, 2022. He was 88.

Franklin passed away at home while in hospice care. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on May 4, 1934 in Webster Springs, W. Va., he was the son of the late William and Maude Huffman Gibson.

Franklin was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was very active in his church and was previously employed by the General Motors Corporation of Wilmington, Del.

Franklin is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Barbara Gibson; children, Francine Kiser, William Gibson, Shonia LeGates, Patty Gotschall, and Joey Pennington; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Franklin was preceded in death by his first wife of 18 years, Annie Gibson.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the New Life Faith Center Church of Port Deposit, Md. Visitation for family and friends will be held that day from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pastor Larry Johnson of the New Life Faith Center Church will officiate.

Interment will be in Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Arrangements are being handled by Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., in Perryville, Md. (www. pattersonfuneralhomemd.com).

HARRY L. MELRATH

Harry L. “Hank” Melrath, a resident of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Dec. 15, 2022 while at home. He was 96.

He was the husband of the late Melba W. Waddell Melrath, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.

Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late Herbert M. and Mary Jamison Melrath.

Harry was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in World War II with the 82nd Airborne Division. He made 13 jumps from an aircraft during his time in the service.

He was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2666, Oxford and American Legion Mason Dixon Post #194, Rising Sun, Md.

Harry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He worked hard his whole life always providing for his family. For 35 years, he was self-employed as a mushroom grower and was a jack of all trades.

He enjoyed listening to country music, crabbing, watching the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles and having fun with his family. He especially loved spending time with his great-grandchildren, Jack and Josie.

To cherish his memory Hank leaves his two daughters, Dawn M. Zunino (Joe) and Dena E. Bedolla (Robbie); two daughters-in-law, Dana Melrath and Bernie Melrath; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Janet Abrams and Ella Fulton; and three sistersin-law, Faye Jamison, Virginia Melrath and Trixie Waddell.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Daniel Melrath and Dennis Melrath; one baby granddaughter, Kathy Gehron; two sisters, Vivian (Sis) Taylor and Eva McNeill; and six brothers, Jacob Melrath, Ross Melrath, George Melrath, Robert (Bob) Melrath, Clarence (Midge) Melrath and Larry Melrath.

Funeral services will be held on 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m.

Interment with full military honors will be in Oxford Cemetery.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Union Fire Co., No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, Pa. 19363.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Obituaries

HORACE W. STEFFY, JR.

Horace W. Steffy, Jr., 75, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed away on Dec. 14, 2022.

He was the husband of Dian Kilby Steffy, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage.

Born in Coatesville, Pa., he was the son of the late Horace W., Sr. and Harriet Messler Steffy.

He graduated from Oxford Area High School, class of 1964.

Horace was employed as a heavy equipment operator for PennDOT and retired in 2007 after 20 years of service and was also employed as a deputy game protector for Pennsylvania Game Commission for 17 years.

He is survived by his wife and six children, William Darrell Steffy (Joan) of Oxford, Mark Edward Steffy

(Lisa) of Dushore, Tricia Ann Heath (Jason) of Oxford, Mandi Renee Thompson (Howard) of Nottingham, John A. Schaible (Nellie) of Oxford and Kevin M. Schaible (Christy) of Oxford. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and two sisters, Jennie Johnston of Ephrata and Patricia Arrowood of Ark.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Walter Eugene “Rick” Steffy and sister, Kathi Moore.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 20 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Homeville Cemetery in Cochranville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Gettysburg, www.gettysburgfoundation.or or Southern Chester County EMS, www.medic94.org.

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

EDWARD J. FAHEY

Edward J. Fahey, a resident of Jenner’s Pond Community in West Grove, passed away at Christiana Hospital in Del. on Dec. 3. He was 94.

He was the husband of Susan M. Brewster Fahey and the late Elizabeth Mullen Fahey, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Kathryn Keating Fahey, and a sister, Josephine Fahey.

He is survived by four children, Susan Calio (Jay), Patricia Donmoyer (Larry), Robert Fahey (Carolyn Wilhelm), and Jane Orner (John); 10 grandchildren, Michael Calio (Lindsay), Mark Calio, Brian Calio (Julia), Sean Donmoyer (Kait), Nathan Donmoyer (Ami), Erin Danley (Sheldon), Lauren Barolin (Austin), Matthew Fahey, Andrew Orner, and Brendan Orner (Natalie), as well as 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Susan’s four children and seven granddaughters, all of whom loved him dearly.

Ed was raised on his family’s farm in Kennett Township and attended St. Patrick Elementary School and Kennett High School, followed by the University of Delaware where he earned a degree in engineering and later an MBA. He served as an Army artillery officer and then had a 40-year career with All American Engineering Company in Delaware, where he rose to president in 1971 and was also responsible for subsidiaries in Ireland and England. Ed was proud of the company’s roles in America’s military and space programs and in exporting flight safety equipment to 35 foreign countries.

Ed was a member of St. Patrick parish and the Kennett

Coffee Klatch, and was a former member of the Kennett Country Club where he and Betty enjoyed playing tennis. He served on zoning, school, symphony, United Way, and library boards, plus a term as Mayor of Kennett Square Borough. He enjoyed travel, water coloring, singing, sudoku, and delivering programs at Jenner’s Pond, and he was a faithful fan of the Phillies, Eagles, and Penn State football.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of all the sports, endeavors, and activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was delighted to get to know Susan’s extended family.

His life experiences provided Ed with many stories that he recounted with great detail and humor. He relished each relationship he developed whether it was from college, work, Kennett Square, Jenner’s Pond, or his extensive family and their friends—all of them grew to love Dad / Ed /Big Ed /Edward/ Pop for the caring and truly decent man he was. A special highlight for the Fahey clan was the beach week he provided each year, where most recently 39 family members gathered to laugh and love.

Ed’s memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square.

Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Ed’s memory to Community Volunteers in Medicine (https://www.cvim.org/), the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org), or the Arthritis Foundation (https://www.arthritis.org/).

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. To view Ed’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

a

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pocopson Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pocopson Township Municipal Building, 664 South Wawaset Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382, on Monday, January 9, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

Application of James Guinan and Meghan Guinan seeking a variance from the 100 foot setback requirement for swimming pools under Zoning Ordinance Section 250-94.A(3) so as to allow a 40 foot setback; and seeking a special exception from the 15% maximum impervious coverage limit under Zoning Ordinance Section 250-19.C(3), so as to allow 20.4% coverage, both so as to allow for the construction of a residential swimming pool, spa, pool deck, pool equipment pad and stormwater infiltration facilities on property located at 3 Taylor Chase Lane, West Chester, PA (UPI #63-4-167.2A) in the Township’s RA - Residential and Agricultural zoning district. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceed-

ings; or if you wish to participate remotely, please contact Susan Simone at 610-793-2151 to discuss how Pocopson Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP 8 pt 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 12p-28-2t

NOTICE

Newspaper Notification of Receipt of a Final Report (for Statewide health standard) (Sections 302(e)(2), 303(h)(2))

Notice is hereby given that Quad/ Graphics, Inc. has submitted a combination Remedial Investigation Report and final report to the Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional Office, to demonstrate attainment of the Statewide Health Standard for a site located at 4581 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Quad/ Graphics, Inc. has indicated that the remediation measures taken have attained compliance with the Statewide Health cleanup standard established under the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act. This notice is made under the provision of the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act, the Act of May 19, 1995, P.L. #4, No. 2. Newspaper Notice of

to an Environmental Standard. (Sections 302(e)(1)(ii), 303(h)(1) (ii), 304(n)(1)(i), and 305(c)(1)) Pursuant to the Land Recycling and Environmental Remediation Standards Act, the act of May 19, 1995, P.L. 4, No. 1995-2, notice is hereby given that Quad/ Graphics, Inc. has submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection a revised Notice of Intent to Remediate for a site located at 4581 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, West Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. This Notice of Intent to Remediate states that the Site was formerly used as a printing facility. The Site has been found to be contaminated with benzene, toluene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, lead, arsenic, and chromium which is suspected to have contaminated groundwater on the Site. The future use of the facility is to remain industrial. Quad/ Graphics, Inc. has selected the Statewide Health Standard and has indicated that the proposed remediation measures will be use restrictions. The proposed future use of the property will be non-residential for commercial use.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Elk Township Board of Supervisors will meet on January 3rd, 2023 at 7:00 PM to hold their Reorganization Meeting, with the Regular meeting immediately following, in the Elk Township Building located at 952 Chesterville Rd. Lewisville, PA. If you are a person with a disability and require special accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Township Secretary at 610255-0634 no later than 3 working days prior to the meeting.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Auditors of Elk Township will hold their Reorganization Meeting on January 4th, 2023 at 7 PM in the Elk Township Building located at 952 Chesterville Rd. Lewisville, PA. If you are a person with a disability and require special accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Township Secretary at 610-255-0634 no

later than 3 working days prior to the meeting.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on January 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

In Re: Application of Steven and Linzee Ciprani, seeking: (1) a variance from the seventyfive foot front yard setback requirement under Ordinance Section 162-403.D.2 so as to permit the enlargement of an existing, lawfully non-conforming dwelling, where the proposed enlargement will not increase the extent of the existing nonconformity; and (2) a special exception under Ordinance Section 162-2002.C.15.a to permit the construction of an accessory apartment within a detached barn, coupled with: (3) a use variance from section 162-2002.C.15.a(1) requiring accessory apartments to be located only within single-family detached dwellings; (4) a variance from Ordinance Section 162-2002.C.15.a, permitting accessory apartments by special exception only in compliance with the standards set forth therein; (5) a variance from Ordinance Section 162-2002.C, allowing accessory uses only when they are in compliance with the other applicable criteria of the zoning ordinance; (6) a variance from Ordinance Section 2002.A.2.d. prohibiting residential accessory buildings larger than 600 square feet at ground level; and (7) a variance from zoning Ordinance Section 162402.A.1 limiting properties in the R-1 Residential zoning district to only one (1) single-family detached dwelling; all on property located at 1650 Pocopson Road, West Chester, PA (UPI #64-3-25) in the Township’s R-1 Residential Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation

to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 12p-14-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF KENNETH M. QUEPPET, DECEASED. Late of New London 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 CAITLIN E. BEILER, EXECUTRIX, c/o Joseph A. Bellinghieri, Esq., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382, Or to her Attorney: JOSEPH A. BELLINGHIERI, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382

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ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF DONALD D. RUSSELL a/k/a DONALD D. RUSSELL, JR., DECEASED. Late of New London 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 JAMES J. RUSSELL, SR., EXECUTOR, 145 Garden Station Rd., Avondale, PA 19311, Or to his Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363

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ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF DONALD C. POWERS, DECEASED. Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons

indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to JENNIFER L. POWERS, EXECUTRIX, 60 W. 57th St., No. 11D, New York, NY 10019, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363

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PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

In the Court of Common Pleas, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Civil Action: Name Change No.2022-09184-NC IN RE: THE MATTER OF PETITION FOR THE CHANGE OF NAME OF MARYLEA MARTHA MADIMEN

NOTICE OF HEARING

And now, this 18th day of November 2022, upon consideration of the within Petition and upon motion of MARYLEA MARTHA MADIMAN, a hearing is hereby scheduled for February 13, 2023 at 2:00pm in Courtroom 3, Chester County Justice Center, 201 West market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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LARRY P. KRAMER

Larry P. Kramer, 88, of Oxford, passed peacefully on Dec. 11, 2022, at his home in Ware Presbyterian Village.

He was born on April 16, 1934, in Butler, Pa., to Sylvis R. and Lucille Kramer.

After graduating high school in Philadelphia, Larry entered the Air Force and served during the Korean conflict. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he worked for RCA and Scott Paper until retirement. After retirement, he and his wife Sara Jane Kramer (nee McKeehen) enjoyed many years living near Bethany Beach, Del.

He was a dedicated husband of 65 years and father to three sons. He enjoyed sports, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates, fishing, family gatherings, and vacations. He encouraged honesty, integrity, education, self-reliance, family, and participation in team sports. He passed on the lifelong skills of self-sufficiency to his sons. Larry and Sara Jane supported their sons’ sport activities by volunteering to cut athletic fields and help with team fundraisers. He and Sara Jane often sacrificed so that their sons would have a better start to life. David, Alan, and Mark acknowledge and honor the sacrifices their father and mother made.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Jane, of Oxford; his sons, David and his wife Mimi of Landrum, SC, Alan of Coatesville, Pa., and Mark and his wife Amy of Landenberg; and his sister, Nancy, of Cheshire, Conn. He is also survived by five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Sylvis R. and Lucille Kramer, and his siblings Robert Kramer and Sue Hill.

Funeral services will be held 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 23 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment with full military honors will be in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, Del. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association: https:// www.alz.org. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DOMENICA

M. MASCIANTONIO

Domenica M. Maciantonio, of Kennett Square, passed away on Dec. 14, 2022 at the Chester County Hospital. She was 87.

She was the wife of Angelo Masciantonio, who passed away in 2016, and with whom she shared 59 years of marriage.

Born in Civitella Messer Raimondo, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Antonio Di Medio and the late Rosa Mastrippolito. She came to the United States in 1966 with her husband and children. She worked for 20 years at Chester Tricot Textile Mill in Kennett Square.

She was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. She enjoyed baking, cooking, crocheting, knitting, gardening and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

Mrs. Masciantonio is survived by one son, Mario A. Masciantonio and his wife Ann of Avondale; one daughter, Filomena Elliott and her late husband John of Avondale, and three grandchildren, Laura Elliott, Angela Masciantonio and David Masciantonio.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square. Her funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82, Kennett Square.

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

Obituary submissions

ROBERT SKEMER

Robert Skemer passed away at the age of 93 on Nov. 29, 2022, at Freedom Village in Coatesville. He was the husband of the late Joanne Stern Skemer, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage.

Born in Yonkers, N.Y., he was the son of the late Harry Skemer and the late Sarah Rifkin Skemer. He graduated from Pace College with a degree in accounting. He served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving state side.

He owned and operated Dale Home Furnishings in Bronx, N.Y. for over 45 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Lisa Baldwin of Coatesville and Linda Schneider and her husband, Barry, of Allentown, Pa.; grandchildren, Ross Terker (Amanda), Andrew Terker (Samantha), Jacqueline Vincent (Danny), Amy Adelson (Reed), JJ Geewax (Ka-el), Allison Geewax (Henry Emslie), Stephanie Geewax (Duncan Shallcross), Catherine Geewax (Ari Ross), Peter Schneider (Leslie); greatgrandchildren, Brody Terker, Owen Clay Vincent, Judah Terker, James Julius Robert Emslie, Ari Terker, Ellis Adelson, Luca Geewax, Sadie Adelson, Jonah Schneider, Cameron Schneider and James Schneider.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. An avid skier since the 1960s, he had numerous hobbies: he collected fine french wines, and also taught himself stained glass cutting and designing in the 1970s, creating many lampshades, wall hangings, and other items in his home workshop. He lovingly gave many of these items to family and friends.

After retiring, he became a Big Brother, which gave him a new opportunity to share his kindness and generosity.

He was beloved.

Services and interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity https://www.habitat.org/donate/.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

To view his online obituary, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5 p.m. deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

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