Residents, business owners provide input on New Garden zoning plans
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Scribbling across maps and sharing ideas, New Garden Township residents, joined by local business leaders, met twice across seven tables on May 21 to provide their input on the township’s long-term zoning plans.
The workshop was introduced by township manager Christopher Himes and moderated by Samantha McLean, a senior community planner with Michael Baker International, who is the project manager on the zoning project.
The event – which featured two separate workshops – served as
the last of four public outreach meetings that began in 2024 and has presented opportunities for facilitated community discussion on the township’s proposed draft zoning ordinance and map. On a broader scale, the objective of the zoning map project will be to set rules and regulations that will allow the town-
ship to meet the objectives of its 2018 Comprehensive Plan, that will incorporate best practices to address issues in the township’s existing zoning ordinance and keep in compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Management Code.
The two meetings gave attendees 45 minutes to
discuss what, in their opinion, should serve as the township’s top priorities in determining its districtby-district future, divided according to residential lowand medium-density and residential flex districts; mixed-use districts that include a village center, village gateway and mixeduse corridor and innovation
district; special districts that include parks and open space, “enterprise,” and the New Garden Flying Field.
A portion of the break-out sessions included discussion about the future of the Route 41/Limestone Road/ Southwood Road areas, which are located in the unified development district
Kennett and Unionville bands join to play at the Kennett Memorial Day Parade
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
would probably follow up shortly.
But then there was a buzz among spectators:
“Wait! Look! They’re both there! They’re all in there together! Kennett and Unionville bands are combined! Look at the T-shirts! Some have the K and others have the Longhorns.”
were close on their way, and the Demons
For the first time in most parade attendees’ memories, the traditional rivals separated by three miles
West Grove marks Memorial Day with a parade and tribute
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
The Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade is an event where “everybody knows your name.”
It’s the prototypical smalltown happening at which no one has to worry about
getting there early, finding a parking place or staking out a space to peer over the heads of others in the crowd.
Afterward, when the number of spectators is counted, there are several hundred, not several thousand attendees.
The Avon Grove Memorial
and a long rivalry were playing music together.
The banners waved by the single band front were plain blue and did not specifically identify one school or the other.
Kennett
Consolidated School District
Superintendent Kimbery Rizzo Saunders observed later, “We are excited to see our bands working together in honor of all who
Kennett Township awards medal of merit to former manager
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Eden Ratliff, the former Kennett Township manager who was hired in 2019 to clean up the mess in the wake of what was arguably the worst moment in the municipality’s recent history, was honored with the township’s medal of merit at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 21.
Ratliff, who resigned from his former post in February of 2024 to serve as the Deputy City Manager for the City of Charlottesville, Va., was praised at the meeting for professionalizing the township’s government through transparency, professionalism and effective hiring, following the investigation and subsequent arrest of former township manager Lisa Moore, who was sentenced on Oct. 4, 2021
and taken into custody on five counts stemming from her embezzlement of more than $3.2 million from Kennett Township beginning in 2013 and ending in 2019.
Board Chairman Richard Leff told the audience that he first met Ratliff in the summer of 2019 in what became known as “the war room” on the top floor of the Township Building,
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
The Oxford Library recently welcomed Jon Dunkle as its new director, who said that he looks forward to becoming involved in the Oxford community.
“I’m excited to work with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, Oxford Mainstreet and the Oxford Arts Alliance. I know there is much we can collaborate on,” he said.
Dunkle, the married father of two children who lives in Gap, is no stranger to the library world.
“I ran a library for the state of Delaware, and I’ve also done fundraising for Delaware’s Farmland Trust. I am also a baseball historian, which means I research and write about baseball. I have contributed to the Journal of Canadian Baseball and to other books. The Journal of Canadian
Photo by Richard L.
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Photo by Chris Barber Kennett and Unionville high schools merge bands to play music for the parade.
Photos by Chris Barber
Ceremony Chairman John Ruffini joins speaker Carl Witte as they lay the wreath on the monument designating the names of local fallen military members.
Oxford honors and remembers...3A
New Garden...
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and permits commercial, industrial and residential uses.
The workshops served as a follow up to the third public outreach meeting, which was held at the township on Feb. 26 before more than 100 residents and reflected many of the same priorities locals specified on May 21 that urge the crafters of the township’s future to consider providing affordable housing for young families; creating walkable communities; developing mixed-use districts; controlling traffic and limiting density; creating methods that will increase property values; and developing a tax structure that will provide opportunities to attract new businesses and stimulate economic growth.
‘Checking all of the boxes’
Himes said that the meetings’ design – seven tables around the township building’s meeting room – allowed for more open dialogue.
“For tonight’s specific dialogue, it is one where we want to allow for many people to speak in an inti-
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have given so much for our country. It exemplifies the spirit of community and cooperation.”
One parade official observed later, “It was great. We never had that before.”
The annual parade stepped off the gathering site on South Broad Street promptly at 10 a.m. on Monday.
The route took them up Union Street, over the railroad bridge, then a right onto Cypress Street. They marched one block to State Street (the middle of town) and then moved west to Union again for the hike north out to the Union Hill Cemetery.
It has been widely rumored in the past that the jog eastward to Broad Street was in order to ease the intensity of the slope on Union Street approaching State Street, where vehicles, especially the old ones, occasionally stalled.
The Memorial Day Parade returns annually and regularly attracts several thousand attendees – many of them from out of town.
Kennett’s parade is generally referred to widely as the largest Memorial Day Parade in Chester County.
The spectators, many of them with folding chairs, arrived early and lined the sidewalks all the way from the start to the Union and State streets intersection.
They were joined by the usual balloon vender and pretzel sellers. The music greeted the crowd early-on, starting at 9:30 a.m.
Among those who
and
township’s leading priorities for future growth and development. mate setting in a workshop setting, more so that a traditional meeting where we create a line down the middle and everyone steps up to a microphone,” he said. “You want to get as many people as possible to provide input, because you never know when you will receive a great idea or perhaps something that someone has thought of that we have not. You want to determine how many people have a strong opinion, and you want to give them the forum to give that opinion.”
marched were many folks familiar to the hometown watchers. They included the Kennett High School Alumni Band, The Mighty Writers, the Kennett Fire Company, the elegant participants in Mexican dress, the Episcopal Church members and the Mexican drummers, among others. But there were also many marchers from beyond the local neighborhoods who were also familiar to hometown folks.
They included the dragon that swoops from one side of the street to the other; the man on stilts who juggles; the unicycle riders; Elsie, the restored fire truck from West Grove; several tractors; and the re-enactors who shoot guns into the air.
In the spirit of diversity there were many groups from the local Mexican community and a Viking Ship float bearing the flags of Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
The grand marshals, who led the parade behind the opening color guard, were Vietnam War veterans Michael DeFazio of the U.S. Air Force and Ron Taylor of the U.S. Marines. Government officials included County Commissioner Eric Roe, State Rep. Christina Sappey and Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick.
Himes called the four public input meetings “an alignment” to help determine the outcome of zoning plans, which were first adopted in 1987 but had not been fully addressed until now.
“It’s not throwing the old stuff out,” he said. “It’s bringing all of the old stuff that we like with it and modernizing it to have more robust framing for definitions of use standards. That is what this modernization effort is about: to allow for outcomes, housing opportunities, job creation, for
future facilities to have a better zoning district, and to preserve and not build out the entire township.
‘It’s checking all of the boxes, not just one or two.”
The input from the May 21 meeting will be shared with the township’s Planning Commission on June 25, discussed at a Board of Supervisors meeting in July and at a Planning Commission meeting in August. After a 45-day public comment period, the revised zoning map and amendments are expected to be adopted by the super-
visors this fall.
To learn more about the New Garden Township Zoning update project, including zoning maps, videos of prior meetings and public responses to previous public input meetings, visit https://
new-garden-townshipzoning-update-baker.hub. arcgis.com. For questions or comments, email codes@ newgarden.org.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Oxford Library...
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Rev. Jim Mundell, who on Saturday offered the invocation and benediction at the Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade, said he was scheduled to speak at the Kennett Square Memorial Tribute Ceremony at the Union Hill Cemetery following the Saturday Parade. Baseball publishes both popular and scholarly research on the rich and diverse culture of baseball in Canada.
This year’s parade, while not appearing as greatly attended as in several pre-
vious years, still attracted thousands of spectators from the borough and beyond.
new. One of those offerings is GED classes which are offered by the Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center. For more information about this program, contact SandraMo@cciu.org.
He said that having a place for local residents to come and use computers to search for jobs or for local students to be able to do their schoolwork is very important.
“I came to Oxford because I was looking for an opportunity to give back to the community,” he explained.
“I see the library as a hub for this diverse population. I see my job as reaching out to the community and providing help.”
Dunkle believes in lifelong learning and is hoping to provide a place for adults to learn something
Since he does like baseball, some of the public might be interested in a program he offered at another library.
“I do like baseball and I like to teach,” he said. “In my previous position, I did bring in a sports writer to talk about his position. That was well-attended, so I may do something like that here.”
“Not everyone in the community has internet or access to a computer or Internet and the library welcomes people to use their computers any time the library is open,” Dunkle said. “Many things have changed when applying for jobs and much of that is done through computers now. We are here to help and can provide resources in looking for employment.”
During the summer months, the library has a lot of interesting classes, programs, and activities for children and adults alike.
Dunkle has only been at the Oxford Library for one month, but he is anxious to meet with other townships to see how the library can serve their residents.
One quick way to learn about the library is to visit the website at oxfordlibrary.org. The library is located at 48 S. 2nd Street in Oxford. More information is also available by calling 610-932-9625.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
The township’s zoning project meeting – its fourth and final workshop - gave residents
business leaders the opportunity to share what they feel should be the
New Garden Township supervisor Steve Allaband, right, met with local residents and business leaders at a May 21 public outreach discussion that provided public input to the development of the township’s long-term zoning plans.
The familiar dragon weaves from one side of the road to the other trying to scare people.
Kennett parade...
Photos by Chris Barber Re-enactors shoot off antique guns and create smoke along the way.
Hispanic community members marched in the elaborate dresses that are hand-made.
The local Boy Scouts precede the parade by giving out flags.
Memorial Day...
Day Parade, which honors those Americans lost to war, remains an attraction where visitors may still bring their dogs and marchers are still free to throw candy.
Many people dress in the red, white and blue of the American Flag, as do a few of their dogs.
Most visitors say they are there not for the spectacle, but to see their sons, daughters and grandchildren
march down the street with the school band. Some others who came this year said they showed up because they were urged to attend while they were getting a haircut in John Ruffini’s Barber Shop. Ruffini is the chairperson of the committee that plans the parade and celebration.
Attendees were well rewarded by the Saturday parade entertainment which included music, motorcycles, firetrucks, marching veterans and organizational floats.
After the marching and the tributes were over, the West Grove Presbyterian Church up the street fed them lunch.
The weather smiled favorably on West Grove with partly cloudy skies and a slight chilly breeze.
The 25th year of this parade started promptly at 9:10 a.m., as the color guard and band marched down Prospect Avenue from their launch site at Avon Grove Middle School.
officials line the
briefly in turn. From
Mundell.
The 2025 parade lasted about a half hour and was followed by a remembrance ceremony in Avon Grove Veterans Memorial Plaza, a small, garden-lined park along Evergreen Street with markers honoring those Americans lost to war.
The speaker this year was Lt. Colonel Carl Witte, 78, a veteran of 21 years in the U.S. Medical Service Corps. In his speech, he
praised those lost and especially their families.
“Nothing can fill the hole of losing a family member,” he said.
He also described the military members not as war mongers but, “Ordinary people who lost their lives in service to a nation that gave them so much.”
The tribute ceremony was closed by the laying of a wreath by Ruffini and Witte
at the monument naming the lost local military members, and then a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”
The people of the Avondale and West Grove communities can thank the patriotic Ruffini family for organizing the parade and tribute every year.
In 1993, John Ruffini’s late father, Domenico, orga-
Also participating in
and U.S.
Oxford honors and remembers with Memorial Day Remembrance Walk and Ceremony
Under a bright blue sky on Monday, Oxford honored and remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
Veterans rode with State Rep. John Lawrence in his classic vehicle while others walked in the parade or rode on the Ware Presbyterian Village bus. Led by Mayor Phil Harris, families pushed strollers, teenagers walked with their parents and grandparents, and couples held
hands as members of the community walked up Pine Street together behind the drum cadence of the Oxford High School band. This solemn walk is a meaningful reminder and a time for reflection as the participants move toward the Oxford Cemetery. The Boy Scouts in their pressed uniforms carried flags. Union Fire Company provided their ladder truck and large American Flag that
stood at the back entrance. All walked under the large American flag and the past the gravestone of so many Oxfordians who have served in the armed forces.
The Sanders family passed out American flags to everyone at the event. American Legion commander Bob Stewart led the ceremony at the cemetery. Oxford United Methodist Church’s Rev. Larry Kipp of Oxford United Methodist Church provided the invocation and benediction. Oxford High School student Gabriel Swain read the Gettysburg Address and Jaycee Burnett read Logan’s Orders.
The Oxford Area High School Band sounded beautiful as they played several patriotic songs. But the most moving part of the ceremony was when Kristin Martin spoke and shared her mother’s words as a Gold Star family. Jill Hardy was
ALL OF
to attend and her daughter
the
er while serving to protect our freedom is something everyone in attendance was reminded of.
This day is about honoring those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Photos by Jim Coarse, Moonloop Photography
This day is about honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Public
Veterans’ Plaza to speak
left are Mayor Stephen Black, John Ruffini, State Rep. John Lawrence, and Rev. Jim
Anna, left, and Amy, right, hold up their dog, Maisy, as a West Grove rescue travels the parade route behind them.
Photos by Chris Barber Members of a youth group ride through town on a float during the parade.
nized the Veterans’ Plaza and founded the Memorial Day Parade in 1999. The annual event is now an important part of the community.
the ceremony were Rev. Jim Mundell, who offered the invocation and benediction,
Navy veteran William Belanger, who served as host.
unable
Kristin shared
story of Brandon Hardy of Octorora High School, who was killed in action in April of 2006. The unimaginable loss of their son and broth-
Organizers of the event thanked the Hardy family for sharing Brandon’s story, and thanked all the participants for recognizing the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Many Oxford Area High School students participated in the Oxford Memorial Day Remembrance Walk and Ceremony.
Participants helped recognize the true meaning of Memorial Day during the event.
Kristin Martin, the sister of Brandon Hardy, who was killed in action, spoke at the Memorial Day ceremony in Oxford.
The event moved to the Oxford Cemetery for the remembrance ceremony.
at a time when the investigation into Moore’s wrongdoing was under full investigation by authorities and forensic auditors.
For several months, Leff and his fellow board members Whitney Hoffman and Scudder Stevens were pressed to conduct township business as the investigation proceeded.
Searching for a ‘change agent’
“We advertised for the position for the new Kennett Township manager and wondered who would be willing to step up to the challenge of coming to a community in such turmoil,” Leff said.
“Remarkably, we had over 30 applicants but were told that we could only interview eight candidates.
Then I read a resume from a young man – a former Eagle Scout - who seemed to know what was right,
and who was willing to take risks in a couple of challenging communities and who put himself on the radio to answer some tough questions.
“So, we added a ninth interview to an already long day of interviews. At the end of the process, it was clear that we wanted someone to change things in Kennett Township, and not to go along with what was done in the past just because that was how it was always done. We wanted a change agent, not someone who would stay the course to keep the waters calm.”
Leff said that Ratliff was the supervisors’ overwhelming choice to become the next township Manager.
“Eden’s question for every issue during his tenure was, ‘What is best for Kennett Township?’” Leff said. “He may not phrase everything in the most diplomatic manner, and some would consider his style brutally honest, but to me that is remarkably
refreshing in a political environment – in a political entity - that is slow to change.”
As part of his “clean up” of the Moore scandal, Ratliff was given the charge of helping recover the stolen funds and at the time of his departure, the township had recovered 82 percent of the embezzled funds by January of 2024. He also hired Finance and Human Resources director Amy Heinrich, who modernized the township's financial system that recently led to clean audit, as well as hired additional new staff. In addition, he helped navigate the restoration of the Chandler Mill Bridge, the extension of Kennett Greenway and the rebuilding of the Spar Hill property.
In his remarks, Ratliff thanked his fellow township staff, supervisors and committee members for the success the township has enjoyed over the past four years.
“I was just one piece of the puzzle,” he said. “If you’re putting together a puzzle, you have individual pieces, and you may say, ‘That’s going to be an important piece’ and help form a good picture, but it’s the totality of the puzzle as it comes together that allows you to admire the entire picture.”
Ratliff cited the supervisors during the time of the Moore embezzlement – Stevens, Hoffman and Leff – for their “bravery” in taking the steps needed to “turn the township around.”
“No matter how difficult
it got and no matter how exhausted the board was, every single time, they asked, ‘What’s the right thing to do? Who needs to be a part of the team? How should we approach this for the betterment of the township?’” he said. “They were selfless in that way, and they continue to be. That bravery needs to be commended. It needs to be remembered, and it needs to be etched into the history of the township.”
In other township business
By a 3-0 vote, the board officially adopted Ordinance 311 that amends Chapter 232 of the township code regarding the growing of bamboo grasses in the township. Under the ordinance, exterior bam-
boo shall not be planted, maintained, or otherwise permitted to exist within 40 feet of the edge of a property, and all existing bamboo within 40 feet of the edge of a property must be removed.
Further, property owners must ensure that existing bamboo on their property is maintained and not allowed to encroach or grow upon any adjoining or neighboring property, including all public property and right-of-way. Any bamboo existing anywhere else on a property may not be replanted or replaced if existing bamboo dies, uprooted or is destroyed.
The passage of the amended ordinance follows the discussion and subsequent 2-0 vote at the board’s May 7 board meeting, when Leff and
supervisor Pat Muller gave their approval to advertising the ordinance.
The board also gave their approval to an agreement for the fabrication, installation and maintenance of roadway signage through a Wayfinding Program that will permit the township to install signs that will identify and direct visitors to cultural institutions, recreation areas, public facilities and destinations of interest in the vicinity of the township. The installation of the signage is part of an agreement between the township and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation that will permit signage in right-ofway areas.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Former Kennett Township manager Eden Ratliff, center, received a medal of merit at the May 21 Board of Supervisors meeting. Ratliff was joined by, from left to right, supervisors Geoff Gamble, Richard Leff, Patricia Muller and former supervisor Whitney Hoffman.
The House of Leah
Whether or not “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” remains T.S. Eliot’s most famous poem (some prefer the long and rambling “The Wasteland” as the top choice) is of small consequence, but it contains a phrase that for more than a century has sent its readers crawling into an examination of their souls to render whether their life has been one of meticulous triviality or if it can be measured by the significance it has had on themselves, on others and in a larger sense, the world around them.
I have measured out my life in coffee spoons.
Eliot’s poem, first published in June of 1915, is a masterpiece of modernist poetry, the inner monologue of a man who reflects on his inability to take action and his profound sense of alienation to those around him. Throughout the small dot on the Earth that makes up southern Chester County, there have been dozens –if not hundreds – of individuals who need not take up the question of whether their lives have had absolute meaning to others. They have been and continue to be the angels of our collective communities, the selfless mechanics who connect ingenuity with hope and human integrity to their humanity.
It is very fair, just and logical for this newspaper to include Leah Reynolds in that precious group of altruists, and so we will. Ever since she first arrived at Kennett Area Community Service in 2019, she was a warrior of decency who took wings on the constancy of her dedication to others, and who took many like her along for the soaring flight.
Reynolds, who resigned last week from her position as the Chief Executive Officer at KACS, was, to her credit, a restless change agent who developed collaborative relationships with leaders of corporations, non-profits, schools and governments. Through the efforts and vision of her staff and the KACS Board of Directors, Reynolds took KACS to heights previously unimagined – through its food distribution, its emergency assistance programs and the persistent and unrelenting aspiration to find stable and affordable housing for the less fortunate among us.
The proof of her vision lay in the facts: From Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, KACS delivered $2.26 million in value in services to 22 municipalities in southern Chester County through food distribution and providing housing stability, crisis intervention, community education and affordable housing initiatives. The agency delivered services to 2,356 families and through its food assistance programs, KACS delivered over 1 million pounds of food to more than 6,000 individuals, including 455 seniors and 2,019 children, and provided support to 472 households and helped 42 families move from homelessness to stable housing.
During her five years at KACS, Reynolds was far from alone. In addition to her incredible staff, KACS is supported by over 200 volunteers, who last year contributed a total of 13,000 hours of their time to the agency.
For the past several years, a Chester County Press reporter has filed numerous articles and interviews about KACS’ tireless work, its resilience in providing food, essential items, services and housing for thousands of families through a pandemic and a major fire at its Cedar Street location. He kiddingly refers to KACS’ headquarters as “The House of Leah,” and with every board member, staffer and volunteer he has met and with every visit, every event and every interview, he has learned over time that Leah Reynold’s gift has been reciprocated in the form of kindness and decency.
Through these gifts, we have become a better community. When we reach a free hand down and pull another up, we open doors for others to follow. We rescind ugly rhetoric while we celebrate our diversity.
For those who have learned the lessons that Leah Reynolds has taught them, they need not measure out their lives in coffee spoons. Her gifts are now theirs to give away to others and then to others, and on and on it goes.
Chester County Press
Published by - The Lieberman Family
Steve Hoffman...............................Managing Editor
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Don’t stack the deck against small inventors
By Kristen Osenga
Big Business lobbyists are winning an obscure—but hugely consequential—battle over the future of the judicial system. If these lobbyists get their way, small businesses will be the biggest losers.
The lobbyists are quietly waging their battle in state legislatures and our nation’s capital. Recently, Georgia became the latest of several states to pass legislation that makes it harder for small businesses to sue larger companies that steal their technology. Congress is considering a similar change at the national level through the deceptively named Litigation Transparency Act.
Proponents say these bills will increase fairness and accountability in patent infringement lawsuits. But the bills will tilt the playing field in favor of large corporate patent infringers – and deal a massive blow to the small innovators who drive America’s high-tech economy.
The bills make it easier for big companies to engage
in “efficient infringement” – in which they make the calculated decision to steal patented technology from smaller firms, instead of licensing it and paying a royalty as required by law. When the victim sues for compensation, the large company uses its resources to drag out the lawsuit until the smaller firm can no longer afford to continue.
This predatory practice is “efficient” because many infringers bet – correctly – that smaller firms will run out of money and settle the suit for pennies on the dollar. That means big companies end up spending less on legal fees then they would spend on licensing the technology.
Essentially, they’re betting that crime does, in fact, pay.
To combat these deeppocketed infringers, many inventors enter into partnerships with investors who help fund their legal defenses.
These financing agreements ensure that infringement suits are decided on the merits of the case, instead of which side has the most money.
Naturally, infringers don’t want small companies to defend themselves. They’re lobbying for legislation, like the Litigation Transparency Act, that would impose extensive disclosure requirements on inventors that seek this outside funding.
Lobbyists claim disclosures are necessary to prevent foreign powers from providing litigation funding to gain access to trade secrets or damage U.S. businesses. Yet there’s no evidence this happens – and both the courts and the government have implemented safeguards to block foreign investments that could harm America’s security.
Moreover, American inventors often require outside funding to take on wealthy foreign infringers from countries like China.
Mandatory disclosure legislation would make it harder for small innovators to take their claims to court – harming America’s economy.
Mandatory disclosure rules would discourage investors from backing innovators. Investors often operate confidentially due to the risk of
retaliation from businesses or the government if their identities are exposed. If disclosure of that information were required, many would stop providing support. Disclosure rules would also force small innovators to reveal the extent of their resources and sensitive legal strategies. That would provide a significant advantage to well-funded patent thieves who can turn lawsuits into battles of attrition. Small inventors already face major challenges competing with large corporations. We can’t afford to further stack the deck against them. If policymakers make it more difficult for inventors to secure justice when competitors violate their rights, it’ll only slow innovation and stifle our national competitiveness. Kristen Osenga, the chief policy counselor at the Inventors Defense Alliance, is the Austin E. Owen Research Scholar and Professor of Law at the University of Richmond School of Law. This piece originally ran in the International Business Times
Highlighting Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Courts
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Courts released an infographic highlighting data from the state’s mental health courts. In 2023, 67 percent of all discharged participants graduated successfully
from these treatment programs and among those graduates, there was a 92 percent increase in employment.
Mental health courts link key justice system officials with leaders in the mental health system
to divert offenders with severe mental illness into a judicially-supervised program. These courts provide a team of court staff and mental health professionals that work together to screen and assess defendants, develop treatment plans and supervise offenders. Mental health courts offer defendants the opportunity to avoid incarceration through the completion of a rigorous program that requires compliance with community supervision and mandated treatment.
WEDNESDAY,
Avon Grove School District celebrates student creativity at 17th Annual District Art Show
The Avon Grove School District (AGSD) hosted its 17th Annual District Art Show on May 19 and 20 at the Avon Grove High School Gymnasium.
The two-night event highlighted an incredible range of student artwork from kindergarten through 12th grade and showcased the imagination, skill, and dedication of the young artists.
Student creations from Penn London Elementary School, Avon Grove Intermediate School, Avon Grove Middle School, and Avon Grove High School were on display, including vibrant paintings, intricate drawings, expressive sculp-
tures, digital art, and mixed media projects.
Special events throughout the Art Show made the celebration even more dynamic.
On opening night, guests enjoyed live art-making demonstrations by Avon Grove High School students as well as live music performances from AGHS student musicians, creating a festive and immersive atmosphere.
On May 20, the Art Show continued with the Artist Awards Presentation, made possible with the continued generous support from the Avon Grove Education Foundation. The ceremo-
Avon Grove High School student artists demonstrated wheel-throwing during the 17th Annual District Art Show, offering attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.
ny honored standout high school artists and celebrated the accomplishments of all AGSD art students.
Jennifer Martorello, an art educator at Avon Grove High School, reflected on the importance of the event.
“This year marks our 17th Annual District Art Show and the second year for our high school art award’s ceremony made possible with the generous grant from the Avon Grove Education Foundation,” Martorello said. “Thanks to our district leaders for their continued belief in the power of art education. With their support, we are able to offer
students a meaningful, innovative art experience.
We are proud of all of our art students who dedicate time to the exploration and development of their artistic voice.
“We are deeply grateful to the parents who support and encourage their children’s creativity. Their belief in the arts helps turn student dreams into reality.”
Additional highlights from both evenings included the return of the QR code audio experience, allowing guests to engage with select works of art through student-recorded insights about the artistic
process. The Avon Grove High School Art Society also hosted a sale of custom-designed merchandise, such as postcards, stickers, t-shirts, and totes, with proceeds supporting student art initiatives and charitable efforts.
The Art Show was a true community effort, made possible by the talents of AGSD students, the dedication of staff, and the support of families and the broader school community. The district is proud to continue fostering a vibrant arts education that inspires creativity and confidence in every student.
Brandywine Battlefield Historical Study compilation now complete
Three-phase study revealed significant historical discoveries in Chester County and the surrounding region
Over the last 12 years, a detailed study of the Battle of Brandywine has revealed the routes, roads, skirmish sites and historic buildings and landscapes connected with this critical Revolutionary War engagement that took place in Chester County and the surrounding region.
The actions and events of the Battle, which spanned approximately 35,000 acres, have been revealed in a three-phase study that also uncovered French and German journal entries about the Battle, and created 1777-era property mapping.
All three portions of the study, led by the Chester County Planning Commission and Delaware County Planning Department with assistance of the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, are now chronicled in the Brandywine Battlefield Phased Study, a compendium that covers the battlefield’s northern, southern, and eastern areas, which also includes land in Delaware County and New Castle County, Delaware. The actions and events leading up to and on the day of battle – September 11, 1777 –are revealed in the historic landscapes that still exist today.
Jeannine Speirs of the Chester County Planning Commission has been a leader in the Brandywine Battlefield Phased Study and various related efforts.
“It has been an honor to represent the Planning Commission on the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force for over 20 years, and especially to be part of this Study,” said Speirs.
Chester County’s Department of Archives & Records Services provided critical project support through archival documents that “brought alive” the 18th century landscape setting.
“Many elements of the Battlefield area, which we discovered through our 12-year study, can still be seen today thanks to the work of Chester County’s archivists, as well as property owners and municipal, county, state, federal, and nonprofit partners,” Speirs said. “It’s amazing to have been part of a project with this high level of collaboration and using historic documents, in some cases over 200 years old.
“Thanks to ongoing dedicated preservation stewardship efforts, we have still-visible battlefield landscapes and can locate battle activity areas today, over 200 years old.” Brandywine Battlefield
planning and studies were funded through multiple grants awarded by the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program. “The grants made it possible to highlight the importance of the Battle of Brandywine in the pivotal British Philadelphia Campaign of 1777,” noted Speirs. “Not only do we now know more about our nation’s forging, but these planning studies enhance our ability to plan for the future without forgetting our past.”
Follow up articles, along with the 250th anniversary of the nation in 2026 and the Battle of Brandywine in 2027, will feature details of Brandywine Battlefield phased study and its rediscoveries.
The Brandywine Battlefield Task Force will be hosting a phased battlefield study celebration this summer. Visit the social media pages of the Chester County Planning Commission and the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force for more information.
To view more information about the Brandywine Battlefield Phased Study, including an interactive map of Battle movements, visit https://chescoplanning.org/ Historic/BattleBrandywine. cfm.
Courtesy photos
Avon Grove School District students’ artwork was displayed at the annual District Art Show.
Courtesy photo
Over the last 12 years, a detailed study of the Battle of Brandywine has revealed the routes, roads, skirmish sites and historic buildings connected with this critical Revolutionary War engagement that took place in Chester County and the surrounding region. Pictured at the Birmingham Township Brandywine Battlefield Marker are (left to right) Wade Catts, military historian and archeologist for South River Heritage, Jeannine Speirs of the Chester County Planning Commission, and Peter Adams, PA Society of Sons of the Revolution, and its Color Guard.
Bonnie Lou Best, a resident of West Chester, passed away at her sister Connie’s home in Landenberg on May 15, 2025. She was 72.
Born in West Chester, she was a daughter of John Best and Jessie Kline Best.
Bonnie worked for several different businesses during her life. She spent many years at B&B Mushrooms, at Allistar Garage Doors, and at the Pocopson Home.
Bonnie was a lifelong resident of West Chester and, in fact, lived in the same house that she grew up in her
BONNIE BEST
whole life. She was a well-known figure around town, and could often be seen walking one of her beloved dachshunds or working in her flower gardens outside her house.
Bonnie will be missed by her neighbors on South Wayne Street. She formed many close relationships with them. She was also a bit of a celebrity with the university students. They would recognize her and even seek her out to say hello.
Bonnie is survived by her sister, Connie Hughes, her niece, Melinda Hughes (Kevin) and numerous cousins. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, George Hughes.
A funeral service took place on May 23 at Westminster
Presbyterian Church in West Chester. Interment followed at Philadelphia Memorial Park in Frazer, Pa. Contributions in her memory may be made to Bayada Nurses, 11 Campus Blvd, Suite 190, Newtown Square, PA 19073 or online at www.bayada.com/support or the Lucky Dawg Animal Rescue, 489 Church Road, Avondale, PA 19311 or online at www.luckydawganimalrescue.com/donate.
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).
To view Bonnie’s online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals. com.
WALTER RAY CARTER
Walter Ray Carter, 68, of Oxford, passed away at home on May 16, 2025. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary Quinn Carter. He was employed as a technician with Agilent Technologies in Wilmington, Del. and retired after 30 years of service.
Walter was an avid reader and history buff. He enjoyed fine dining with family and friends.
He is survived by three brothers, Scott G. Carter of
Oxford, Barry A. Carter of Oxford and Bruce B. Carter of West Grove; one nephew, Sean Carter (Tiffany) of Avondale; two great-nephews, Noah Carter and Oliver Bennett Carter; and one great-niece, Henley Carter. A memorial service was held on May 23 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.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.
Bible Evangelical Church of Kennett Square
500 E. Cypress Street 610.467.1081
www.bibleevangelicalchurch.org
Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N. Union Street 610.444.4624 www.adventks.org
First Baptist Church of Kennett Square 415 W. State Street
610.444.5320
www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com
Greater Works Ministries 553 Rosedale Road 610.444.5581
www.gwministries.net
Kennett Square Missionary Church 408 Bayard Road
610.444.0867
www.kennettsquarebaptist.com
Kennett Square Presbyterian Church
211 S. Broad Street
610.444.5255
www.pcks.org
New Garden Memorial U.A.M.E
309 E. Linden Street 610.444.3357
www.uamechurch.org
Second Baptist Church of Kennett Square
132 S. Willow Street
610.444.0885
St. Patrick Catholic Church
212 Meredith Street
610.444.4364
www.stpatrickkennettsquare.org
Unionville Presbyterian Church 815 Wollaston Road 610.347.2327
205 Penn Green Road, Landenberg 610.274.8384 www.landenbergchurch.com
Christian Life Center 125 Saginaw Road, New London 610.869.2140 www.CLCFamily.church
New London United Methodist Church 1010 State
TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage. For
Oxford Borough holds ribbon-cutting ceremony for Park Street Community Wetlands Project
By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer
On Monday, May 19, Oxford Borough held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Community of Love Lutheran Church in the borough to celebrate the completion of the Park Street Community Wetlands, a submerged gravel wetland stormwater project.
The project is a forwardthinking, collaborative, green infrastructure initiative designed to enhance stormwater management and improve local water quality in the Chesapeake Bay.
The event, which took place at 117 N. 4th Street, was attended by community members, project partners, and local officials, including County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell, who congratulated the project's partners and highlighted the importance of collaborative environmental efforts.
Brandi Levine, representing Commissioner Eric Roe, conveyed his strong support for the project and its environmental benefits.
The ceremony marked the culmination of a partnership that began in 2023, when Oxford Borough
approached the Community of Love Church leadership with the idea to transform an underutilized area on church property into a highfunctioning stormwater best management practice (BMP) initiative.
The project features a submerged gravel wetland, a native wildflower meadow, and biochar-enhanced soils to reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and promote ecological resilience. The new infrastructure not only addresses local flooding concerns, but also helps Oxford Borough meet the sediment reduction goals required by its NPDES MS4 permit.
An MS4 Sediment Reduction Plan is a plan developed by a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) to reduce sediment pollution in their stormwater runoff, especially when the MS4 discharges into impaired waters. These plans are often required as part of the MS4’s permit requirements and aim to improve water quality by addressing excessive sediment loads in rivers, streams, and other waterways.
The DEP’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer program in Pennsylvania requires municipalities to
RICHARD FEREE LAMB
Dr. Richard Feree Lamb, 95, of Kennett Square, passed away after a brief illness on May 2, 2025. Richard was born in Palisade, Neb., a small community, on July 13, 1929. His father, Ivan Lamb, was the town doctor, serving a population of under 1,000. Richard’s primary education was in a small school with multiple grades in each classroom.
When he was growing up, Richard spent summers working on the family farm in Queen City, Missouri. Following in his father’s footsteps, he was educated at Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery.
While in Kirksville, Richard met his wife, Carole Couch. Married in June 1953, they later moved to Denver, Colorado. Once in Denver, Richard studied to become an osteopathic physician with a specialty in anesthesiology. With children born in 1954 (David), 1957 (Julia), and 1962 (Brian), Richard and Carole were busy with their family and a burgeoning interest in antiques. They made their first pilgrimage to New England in 1964. Tying Winsor chairs to the top of the station wagon and trekking home must have been sight to see.
In 1974, the family moved to the Kennett Square area and purchased the Woodchuck Way property in 1975. Installing a large vegetable garden and cut flower gardens, the property soon became a breeding ground for trees, flowers and assorted plantings.The house, built in 1963, is a reproduction Pennsylvania stone farmhouse, sitting on a hill surrounded by trees. Richard and Carole fell in love with the property at first sight, purchasing it in August of 1975. With such esteemed organizations as Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum and Brandywine River Museum for inspiration, it’s easy to see where their ideas came from to furnish their home—inside and out. While taking in lectures at Winterthur became routine, Carole became a fixture at the Brandywine River Museum. She served as a tour guide for over 40 years. She is a Thursday Girl, marking George “Frolic” Weymouth’s influence at the museum as inspirational.
In the last few years, Richard loved when the daily mail was delivered. Pouring over the newspapers and periodicals was the highlight of his day. After the mail, his novels were constantly open. Also at his side was his pocket edition of the U.S. Constitution.
Richard and Carole had been married 72 years. They marked four seasons of 50 years at the Woodchuck Way property.
Dr. Lamb is survived by his wife, Carole, his three children, David Lamb, of Fort Collins, Colo., Julia and spouse Jay Maier, of Knoxville, Tenn., and Brian Lamb and spouse Lori, of Hockessin, Del. In addition, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren survive.
A small memorial was held on the property on May 15. White peonies and ferns were prominent, while the sun shone through the trees as the family bid farewell and Godspeed. Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To share a memory with Richard’s family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
implement a Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) and, if necessary, a Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP). The SWMP includes six focus areas: public education and outreach, construction site erosion control, public participation, post-construction stormwater management, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and pollution prevention/good housekeeping. Additionally, municipalities discharging to impaired waterways may need to develop a PRP to achieve pollutant load reductions.
“This initiative showcases the power of partnership to implement climate-resilient stormwater solutions,” said Kathryn Cloyd, Borough Council president. “We are eternally grateful to the church leadership for sharing our vision, to our community and project partners for their collaboration and enthusiasm, and to county officials for both project support and funding.”
The Center for Watershed Protection led the project design, bid administration, and construction management. Construction was completed by SLC Excavating LLC with additional support from
the borough’s Public Works Department. Funding was made possible through a $105,104 grant from the Chester County Conservation District’s Non-Ag ChesCo Chesapeake Communities Action Plan (C3AP), along with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. This project fulfilled many
Obituaries
DAVID R. GWINN
David R. Gwinn, of Nottingham, passed away while at home on May 14, 2025. He was 62. He was the husband of Jennifer Gwinn.
Born in West Chester, he was the son of Carolyn Dishman Dixon of Quarryville and the late David A. Gwinn.
He was employed as a truck driver with Tipton Trucking Company, Inc. in Oxford for 43 years.
David was a loving husband, father and friend. He was a generous man who helped anyone in need. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and traveling.
He is survived by his wife; six children, D. Scott Gwinn of Quarryville, Steve R. Gwinn of Paradise, Tiffani D. Axe (Jason) of Quarryville, M. Ryan Gwinn (Becca) of Manheim, Jonathan W. Gwinn of Lancaster and Andrew J. Gwinn (McKenzie) of Brownstown, and one stepdaughter, Cassie Sosenko (Joe) of Baldwinsville, N.Y. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one sister, Loretta Lynn Gwinn of Tenn., a half-brother, Keith Gwinn, also of Tenn., and a step-brother, Carroll Chappell of Tenn.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald C. Gwinn, his stepfather, Harry “Dickie” Dixon, and maternal grandparents, Charles and Raye Lloyd.
Funeral services were held on May 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Interment will be held in Friends Meeting Cemetery in Hockessin, Del.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the funeral home to offset funeral costs.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.
Obituary submissions
The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5 p.m. deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.
requirements and secured funding for this unfunded mandate. Unfunded mandates are regulations or laws that require a lower level of government, like a state DEP, to take action without providing the necessary funding to meet those requirements. Oxford has been very proactive and successful in securing grants which
ultimately provides a great benefit to the taxpayers of the borough. For more information about the project and Oxford Borough’s stormwater initiatives, please contact Pauline GarciaAllen, Borough Manager, at manager@oxfordboro.org or 610-932-2500 x 1302, or visit oxfordboro.org/ stormwater.
ANTHONY EDWARD UMLAH
Anthony Edward Umlah, of Landenberg, passed away at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia on May 16, 2025. He was 70. He was the husband of Kathy (Manista) Umlah, with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. Born in Wilkes Barre, Pa., he was the son of the late Edward Umlah and Gertrude (Wojciechowski) Umlah.
He graduated from Bishop Hoban High School in Wilkes Barre in the class of 1972. He then went on to earn his mechanical engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University and Widener University.
Tony spent much of his career working for the DuPont Company as a senior development engineer. After that, he went in to packaging with Bemis and Mann-Pak for the remainder of his career.
In his spare time, Tony was a very community-minded person and volunteered his time in a number of ways throughout his life. He was a volunteer coach for his daughters’ softball and basketball teams, never missed a field trip as a chaperone when they were younger, and was an active member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in West Grove. Tony was a member of the Knights of Columbus at Assumption, serving as the Grand Knight for four years. He sang in the church choir, among other things.
In addition to his volunteer activities, Tony was an incredible musician and played the guitar and sang. He loved to perform when given the opportunity. He had a lifelong passion for racing and cars, and he never missed a chance to watch the races on Sundays or to attend a local hill climb. He also loved to travel and made it to 58 countries and all 50 states. He took his family to dozens of National Parks and many islands, sharing his love of travel with his family.
The most important thing in Tony’s life was his family. He adored his daughters and grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all of them.
Tony will be remembered as a person who “never met a stranger.”
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Kate Risher (John) and Julie Menseck (Kennedy); his grandchildren, Harrison, Grant, Joanna, Liliana, and Grace; his sisters, Jean Page (Walt) and Nina Evans (Ed); his brother-in-law, Tom Manista; and a number of nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass took place on May 24 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in West Grove.
Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tony’s memory can be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org/ or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org. Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To share a memory with his family, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.
Courtesy photo
Oxford Borough held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Community of Love Lutheran Church in the borough to celebrate the completion of the Park Street Community Wetlands, a submerged gravel wetland stormwater project. Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell were present and shared remarks congratulating the project partners and highlighting the importance of collaborative environmental efforts.
NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION
Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that POLETT ENTERPRISES INC. is currently in the process of voluntarily dissolving. Fromhold Adams & Jun, 795 East Lancaster Avenue Suite 260, Villanova, PA 19085 5p-28-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF JUDY SALATINO
a/k/a JUDY A. SALATINO, DECEASED. Late of Londonderry Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CAMILLE SCHALLER, EXECUTRIX, c/o Daniel R. Coleman, Esq., 300 W. State St., Ste. 300, Media, PA 19063, Or to her Attorney: DANIEL R. COLEMAN, ECKELL, SPARKS, LEVY, AUERBACH, MONTE, SLOANE, MATTHEWS & AUSLANDER, P.C. 300 W. State St., Ste. 300, Media, PA 19063
5p-28-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF PEGGY ELAINE
CHANNELL a/k/a PEGGY E. CHANNELL, DECEASED. Late of London Grove 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 AMY L. HUNTER, EXECUTRIX, 332 Mourning Dove Dr., Newark, DE 19711, Or to her Attorney: KRISTEN R. MATTHEWS KRISTEN MATTHEWS LAW, 14 E. Welsh Pool Rd., Exton, PA 19341
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Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Wednesday, June 18 th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-6-156
Writ of Execution No. 2024-05933
DEBT $242,689.33
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situated in
Franklin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final subdivision Plan of Kimbelot Section I, IA and II made by George E. Regester, Jr., and Sons, Inc., Registered Land Surveyors dated February 18, 1976 and recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 299 as follows, to wit:
BEGINNING at a point on the Southeasterly side of Kimbelot Drive (50 feet wide) on the said plan a corner of Lot 11 on the said plan; thence along the said Southeasterly side of the said Kimbelot Drive the two following courses and distances: (1) North 11 degrees 43 minutes 48 seconds East 125.52 feet to a point of curve; and (2) along the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of 370.00 feet the arc distance of 39.90 feet to a point a corner of Lot 10 on the said plan; thence along the said Lot 10, South 73 degrees 38 minutes 58 seconds East 289.79 feet to a point a corner of Lot 13 on the said plan; thence along the said Lot 13, South 11 degrees 43 minutes 48 seconds West 142.00 feet to a point a corner of the said Lot 12; thence along the said Lot 12, North 78 degrees 16 minutes 12 seconds West 291.00 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
Containing 1.027 acres of land more or less.
BEING Lot 11 on the said plan.
BEING the same premises which Frank J. Bellan and Helen F. Bellan, by deed dated August 16, 1985 and recorded August 21, 1985 at Book 50, Page 111 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County, PA, granted and conveyed unto John V. Sullivan and Diane R. Sullivan, as tenants by the entirety, in fee.
Tax Parcel # 72-05-0036.01K
PLAINTIFF: PNC Bank, National Association VS DEFENDANT: John V. Sullivan and Diane R. Sullivan
SALE ADDRESS: 9 Kimbelot Lane a/k/a 91 Box Kimbelot Lane, Landenberg, PA 19350
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-2786800
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-28-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Wednesday, June 18 th, 2025
at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-6-157
Writ of Execution No. 2018-11548
DEBT $367,144.70
PROPERTY SITUATE IN NEW GARDEN TOWNSHIP
Tax Parcel # 60-040-171
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: BOUBACAR TOURE
SALE ADDRESS: 106 Birkdale Circle, Avondale, PA 19311
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-28-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Wednesday, June 18 th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-6-172
Writ of Execution No. 2024-04968
DEBT $359,589.10
MUNICIPALITY: LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY
UPI # 59-4-25.3
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling; FARM CONTAINING 16.6 ACRES
PLAINTIFF: NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing VS DEFENDANT: STEPHANIE K. D’AMICO
SALE ADDRESS: 130 Lloyd
Road, West Grove, PA 19390
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERT P. WENDT, ESQ. 914-2195787 EXT 490
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-28-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Wednesday, June 18 th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-6-173
Writ of Execution No. 2024-01645
DEBT $400,255.86 PROPERTY SITUATE IN TOWNSHIP OF PENN
Tax Parcel # 58-4-105.2R
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: loanDepot.com. LLC VS DEFENDANT: LOUIS W. KULACK AKA LOUIS KULACK
SALE ADDRESS: 261 Sunnyside Road, West Grove, PA 19390
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-28-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Wednesday, June 18 th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of
Distribution on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 25-6-175
Writ of Execution No. 2024-08460
DEBT $155,139.55
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, Situate in the Township of Londonderry, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Plan of property of Gordon S. Waters, made by George E. Register, Jr. and Sons, Inc., dated February 24, 1977, as follows to wit:
BEGINNING at a point set in the title line in the bed of Public Road T-356, known as White Horse School Road, said road leading in a Northernly direction to Gum Tree and in Southernly direction to Pennsylvania Route 926 said point marking a corner of this about to be described tract and a corner of Lot #6-B, on said Plan, owned by Gordon S. Waters, et ux, thence leaving said point of beginning, leaving said title line in said road and by lands of Lot #6-B, on said Plan, North 69 degrees 35 minutes 48 seconds West, 524.96 feet to a point marking a corner of Lot #5, on said Plan, owned by Gordon S. Waters, et ux; thence by Lot #5, North 77 degrees; 35 minutes, 47 seconds East, 546.43 feet to a point set in the title line in the bed of first mentioned Public Record T-356; thence by said line in said road, the following four courses and distance to wit: 1) South 26 degrees, 10 minutes, 00 seconds East 54.70 feet to a point; 2) South 10 degrees, 58 minutes, 00 seconds East, 101.42 feet to a point; 3) South 22 degrees, 09 minutes, 00 seconds West, 99.90 feet to a point; 4) South 35 degrees, 55 minutes, 00 seconds West, 215.70 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
Being Lot 6-A as shown on the above-mentioned plan.
Tax Parcel # 46-3-43
PLAINTIFF: Sun East Federal Credit Union VS DEFENDANT: Brooke L. Henderson & Glen R. Henderson
SALE ADDRESS: 337 White Horse Road, Cochranville, PA 19330
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: M. JACQUELINE LARKIN, ESQ. 215-569-2400
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-28-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction
via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Wednesday, June 18 th, 2025 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, July 21st, 2025. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter. Sale No. 25-6-180 Writ of Execution No. 2017-11590 DEBT $1,087,262.95
LEGAL DESCRIPTION ALL THAT CERTAIN, MESSAGE, LOT OR PIECE OF LAND SITUATE ON, IN THE TOWNSHIP OF KENNETT, COUNTY OF CHESTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED, AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT:
All That Certain lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in Kennett Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Subdivision Plan prepared for Thirgen LLC, prepared by River Basin Engineering, dated 3/30/2004, last revised 10/28/2004 and recorded on 2/8/2005, as Plan #17329, as follows, to wit:
Beginning at a point in the bed of East Hillendale Road (T-343), being a comer of lands now or late of Betty J. Crosson and Karen Elaine Buckingham; thence leaving said point of beginning, leaving East Hillendale Road, along the lands now or late of Betty J. Crosson and Karen Elaine Buckingham and partly along lands now or late of Gerald F., Jr. and Sybil S. Curtin, South 22 degrees 41 minutes 16 seconds East, 342.23 feet to a point, marking a corner of Lot #2; thence along Lot #2, South 67 degrees 18 minutes 49 seconds West, 303.97 feet to a point in the line of Lot #3; thence along Lot #3 North 22 degrees 41 minutes 16 seconds West, 45.22 feet to a point in the line of lands now or late of Peter F. Petroll thence along the said lands now or late of Peter F. Petroll, the 2 following courses and distances; (1) North 67 degrees 49 minutes 19 seconds East, 30.51 feet to a point; (2) North 22 degrees 41 minutes 16 seconds West, 330.57 feet to a point in the bed of the first mentioned East Hillendale Road; thence along the bed of East Hillendale Road, North 68 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 273.50 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
Being Lot #1 as shown on said Plan.
Containing 2.3745 acres of land, be the same more or less.
BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO BABATUNDE EBODA AND MONICA EBODA, HUSBAND AND WIFE WHO ACQUIRED TITLE, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY, BY
Nottingham student, 19, earns bachelor’s degree from Neumann University
In May of 2023, Sarah Potter walked across a stage at Cecil College to accept her associate degree. A month later, she graduated from Oxford Area High School.
Potter, who grew up in Nottingham, can still hear her mother’s voice, bragging about this odd sequence of events: “My daughter graduated from college before she finished high school.”
Two years later, now 19, Potter will graduate from Neumann University with a
VIRTUE OF A DEED FROM C. ANASTASIADIS CO., INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION, DATED AUGUST 15, 2007, RECORDED AUGUST 17, 2007, AT DOCUMENT ID 10781078, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 7242, PAGE 2118, OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
UPI # 62-02-0068
PLAINTIFF: HBSC Bank USA, National Association, as Trustee for Wells Fargo Asset Securities Corporation, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2007-AR5 VS DEFENDANT: Babatunde Eboda; Monica Eboda
SALE ADDRESS: 100 Black Cherry Lane, Chadds Ford,
bachelor’s degree in social work. No one younger has ever earned a Neumann degree.
“I was approached when I was in eighth grade by Early College Academy,” she explained. “They integrate college courses into your high school curriculum.”
During her years at Oxford, Potter was taking college courses, which counted toward her high school diploma and her associate degree in conjunction with the Maryland community college. When
PA 19317
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MDK LEGAL 614-220-5611
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 5p-28-3t
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she took English 101 at Cecil College, for instance, it counted for her junior English class at Oxford.
Potter admitted that the path was difficult. The Early College Academy cohort, she said, started with more than 25 students but dwindled to 10 or 12 by her senior year at Oxford.
“It really challenged me in ways that I didn’t know I could be challenged,” Potter said. “It was a scary decision, but I’ve always been motivated to do my best in school and show my talent.”
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Adding to her motivation was the knowledge that, after her mother passed away a year ago, she would be paying for college on her own. Neumann accepted all her Cecil College credits and provided some significant financial assistance.
Even with that support, Potter maintains a nonstop schedule. She works Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Aston Wawa, has an internship on Monday and Wednesday in the adoption
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unit of Delaware County Children Youth Services, and takes classes on Tuesday and Thursday.
tion, I plan to take the summer to rejuvenate and be 19 years old.”
Potter has no complaints, though. “It’s a bit of a full schedule, but I’ve been working since I was 14,” she said. “After gradua-
In September, Potter has a job waiting for her at DCCYS. Her long-term plans include earning a master’s degree and getting her social work licensure.
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Courtesy photo Sarah Potter completed the coursework necessary to earn an associate’s degree from Cecil College before she even graduated from Oxford Area High School. Now, she has earned a bachelor’s degree at the age of 19.
‘You have the power’:
A conversation with Andy Dinniman
By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer
Bridging gaps has seemingly never been a problem for Andy Dinniman. In over 45 years in public service, including serving as a State Senator for the 19th District in Chester County, Dinniman has worked across the aisle countless times in order to do what he feels is best for Pennsylvanians and communities here in the county. On May 22, Dinniman met with me to bridge a different gap – the generation gap. Just one year ago, my friends and I graduated from college to face the unknowns of career and adulthood and admittedly, we haven’t found it easy. We are confronted with a cost-of-living crisis and tumultuous political and social changes at the start of our adulthood, and struggling to find a footing in a new landscape made even more difficult by present realities. I spoke with Dinniman about the pressing questions on my generation’s mind in order to gauge his perspective on those same issues.
Gabbie: Do you think the rising cost of living threatens the livelihood of Chester County's diversity and the future of young adults who wish to live here?
I would say that it does, because you need young people, you need entrepreneurs, you need creative people, but at the beginning of their careers, they are certainly not at the top economically to be able to afford the cost of living. If housing and apartments cost too much, then you’re losing lots of creative, talented young people. In fact, what you’re seeing is a tremendous growth in older people and if you look around Chester County, you see all the Plus- 55 commu-
nities so really, that focus of attention does impact young adults.
Do you think that young adults are being hurt disproportionately more with the increase in cost of living? Do you think current leaders at the county level or at the state level are prioritizing this cost-of-living crisis, one that is affecting young people?
Everyone’s being hurt, but I think young adults are one of the groups that’s being most hurt. I think leaders understand, so I think it’s a start. One has to understand the nature of politics to get this to be a top priority and the reason why senior issues are a top priority in Pennsylvania. Most politicians are decent and good people but they certainly, like any other human being, operate in their own selfinterest, and the self-interest for the politician is, ‘How do I get reelected?’
If you want to get elected again, then you have to structure much of your work to that group who votes the most, and senior citizens vote much more.
So, what do young people have to do? They can certainly get more active in terms and vote, which isn’t that hard anymore with mail-in ballots. You can vote from college anywhere else. Second, they can get involved in political organizations or in interest groups that have interests similar to their own. Third, they can begin to articulate policies that will be in their interest.
I look upon your story here as a call to young people to define more clearly what your condition is. We have to then put this in understandable form, so that the politicians, the community leaders and older residents know what you’re saying.
When you mention young people not voting
it reminds me of another topic: political extremism. When you hear news about political extremism and accusations that both parties have gone more extreme, would you agree with that sentiment?
Both sides have gotten more extreme, and not only that, they have also ignored the great middle that wants progress and results. If I was a young person who wanted to create a more equitable society in which people had greater opportunities and better educational systems, I would condemn both parties. Maybe it’s time that young people start to talk about the third way - a third party. Maybe it’s time young people start to say, “Were not going to get involved with your party so we’re going to show it by being independents.”
In this county, in this state and in the nation, the number of independents is growing more quickly than the number of Republicans or Democrats. Everyone is fed up. The question is, what does the new generation have to offer to take us away from extremism and to create the special nature of what we want America to be?
To continue with these topics of why young people aren’t voting and the rise in political extremism, I would counter that a lot of people I know don’t want to vote for the Democratic Party, even though they lean left, because they perceive that the Democratic Party is not doing enough and not putting the people first, but are still beholden to economic and political interests first.
Both parties aren’t doing enough, because they are both controlled by wealthy political interests and it’s about time that both parties
admit that. It’s up to young people to insist on reform of the political system.
You are passionate about term limits. How would term limits address these concerns of young voters?
The whole political system is based on the same people being reelected again and again, and the districts are made to help one party or another party. The leadership doesn’t understand young people or the key issues that affect them. What term limits are getting at are the very questions you’re asking. The government, whether it’s the state or the federal, but especially the federal government, is under the control of people who are in their seventies and eighties.
So, what do young people do about it? What do you do about a political system that is essentially oligarchic in terms of both parties? The same people on Wall Street - the same people who are heads of companies and corporations - give money to both parties, and they get special privileges as a result of that. It is hurting young people, because their concerns and interests aren’t being addressed. You stop it by politically organizing yourself and by letting both parties know you’re not going to deal with them until they begin to deal with you. Remember what we talked about before, the question of what does every politician want? They want to be re-elected, and how do you get re-elected? By having people vote for you. If you think they’re not going to vote for you, then you get scared and you start to serve their interests.
As a concluding question, what do you think is the biggest threat to young people’s path to success right now?
I would say the biggest threat is the failure of young people to start to talk to each other. It is their desire to have conversations that will lead to action on their part to reform the educational and the political systems. Young people need to be empowered. Empowerment comes through two ways: through organizing, so that your voice cannot be ignored in the political and economic system. It also comes from when you understand the nature of change. You make sure that you have, both as a group and as individuals, your plan of how to deal with change and how to keep up with knowledge and change in order to be successful. You have to understand that every generation has the same emotion and the same feelings.
The difference today is the rate of change, and no
generation has been tested more on this rate of change. Some sociologists would argue that we’re going to be done in not by a nuclear catastrophe, but by our own inability to deal with the change. The fundamental norms of our society are not clear. It’s up to you to create it. You are now going to create the society that your children will complain about so create it well and empower yourself. You have the power. You have the power through numbers. You have the power through education. You have the power economically to do it but don’t do it alone. Bring other young people in with you.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
Bontrager honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s 58th Annual Chairman’s Gala was a Triple Crown celebration with awards handed out to Mike Bontrager, Constellation Energy Corporation, and Vanessa Ross
Michael Bontrager, the founder and CEO of Chatham Financial, was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s 58th Annual Chairman’s Gala. The event was a Triple Crown Celebration that took place on May 17 at the Gold Ballroom at the Mendenhall Inn &
Conference Center. Three prestigious awards were handed out and guests gathered for a spectacular evening to celebrate the 150th Preakness Stakes.
Guests at the gala enjoyed a vibrant night of socializing, gourmet dinner stations for food lovers, a live band, a fun-filled silent auction, and more.
One highlight was the presentation of the
Michael Bontrager, the founder and CEO of Chatham Financial, was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year.
Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award to Bontrager. After nearly 30 years as Chatham’s founder, CEO, and chairman, he applied his business experience and passion for community to start Square Roots Collective. This network of non-profit and business organizations has come together with Bontrager’s leadership to create an eco-
system in which everyone can thrive both now and for generations to come.
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce also honored Constellation Energy Corporation with its Community Impact Award. Now in its fourth year, this award recognizes a Chamber member for-profit business-in-good-standing
that positively impacts the community through its active support of local nonprofit organizations and philanthropic causes.
The Chamber also introduced a new award this year—the Visionary Award. The first recipient of this award was Vanessa Ross, the owner of Vanessa Ross Cakes. For more than 90 years, the
Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce has led the region as a powerful economic driver and community leader.
For more information about the gala and the Chamber’s other upcoming events and activities, visit the Southern Chester County Chamber’s Social Media pages or the website at scccc.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
On May 22, Chester County Press Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton met with former State Sen. Andy Dimmiman for a discussion about several issues that are affecting young adults.
Photos courtesy Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce Ronald J. DiSabatino, Jr. of Constellation Energy Corporation accepted the Community Impact Award.
Vanessa Ross, the owner of Vanessa Ross Cakes, was the recipient of the new Visionary Award.
