Kennett Borough forming focus group to address remediation efforts at NVF site
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
For the past 15 years, the 22-acre site along West Mulberry Street in Kennett Square Borough has existed as a forlorn brownfield of what had once been the site of a National Vulcanized Fibre Company (NVF) plant – a craggy terrain of cement and unkempt vegetation are the lone reminders of a time when a thriving business existed there.
Public meeting scheduled for July 1 at 5:30 p.m.
Over that time, there has been a concerted effort to remediate the area of contamination left by prior industrial use, particularly related to PCBs and other hazardous substances. The Rockhopper company has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) on extensive soil and groundwater testing and removal, but in light of a
Gov. Josh
proposal by the Delaware Valley Development Corporation (DVDC) to build 294 “for rent” and “for sale” residential units at the site, the question whether the site will be safe enough for residential housing has remained a serous topic of conversation with area residents and borough officials.
On July 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Borough Hall on South Broad Street, a convergence of concerns, ideas and facts about the site
Shapiro urges U.S. ‘diplomacy’ Pa. lawmakers respond to Iran bombing
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
As expected, responses from Pennsylvania lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle generated mixed reactions to an order by President Donald Trump on June 21 that led to the destruction of three nuclear assemblies in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, Iran that decimated the country’s nuclear capability.
Speaking from the Pocono Raceway on June 22, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro urged the U.S. military to show caution in its future decisions regarding the country’s involvement in the Israeli-Iranian conflict.
“I think what is most important right now is that we not have any escalation beyond what occurred last night,” Shapiro said. “I don’t think any of us want to get dragged into another long war in the Middle East. I think it is important that we are vigilant about that. Obviously, the Trump administration holds a responsibility for what comes next and ensuring that our American troops and our personnel in the region are safe.
“I will say with regard to the Iranian nuclear program, that was obviously very, very dangerous. The idea that Iran, the world’s largest sponsor of terror,
will invite both groups to the creation of the new NVF Clean-Up Focus Group.
Led by Kennett Square
Mayor Matt Fetick and Borough Council member Joel Sprick, the focus group – open to all Kennett Square residents – will take a deep
Continued on Page 3A Continued on Page 2A
The remediation process at the site first began in 2010 and is being overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection
and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
‘Black joy is for everybody, that joy is for everybody’
Faith and joy: Lincoln University holds Juneteenth celebration
By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer
Lincoln University and Voices Underground held a Juneteenth celebration themed around Black joy on June 22, a full day of events that featured a historic session on emancipation, faith service at the university chapel and a cookout with games, vendors and food from Teen’s Place in Oxford.
To begin the day, Lincoln University Chaplain Rev. Dr. Frederick Faison - who helped organize the event - shared the five joys that inspired the theme of the day: the joy of the Black child, the joy of the Black community, the joy of the Black church, the joy of the Black university and the joy of the Black culture.
“I call those five the Joys of Grace, and today, this story will resonate,” Faison
said.
Dr. Cheryl Gooch, a former academic dean at Lincoln University, gave a presentation about the genesis of Juneteenth, the Emancipation Proclamation and the legacy of local historic figures.
Gooch explained how emancipation was granted in phases, first with the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, then with General Order No. 3 issued
in Galveston Texas on June 19, 1865, informing the people of Texas that all enslaved people were now to be free, and finally with the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865 which officially abolished slavery.
Gooch emphasized how some communities across history and today celebrate Emancipation Day while others celebrate Juneteenth, but noted the importance
of distinguishing between the two as equally important but distinct events in the history of Black liberation and freedom in the U.S.
“The Emancipation Proclamation and the Juneteenth date are a part of that continuum of the struggle for freedom,” Gooch said. Additionally, Gooch shared the significance of Hinsonville, a free Black
Plenty of activities to enjoy in Oxford this summer
By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing
Writer
Everyone is looking for fun in the summer and Oxford Borough just might be your place to find it.
If you have been wanting to see a good movie, the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce can help you with that—the chamber has joined forces with the Oxford Library to bring some great family fun to
town with Movies In The Park.
Movies In The Park will be showing movies in the Oxford Memorial Park for the third Friday in June, July and August. Bring a blanket or chair and unwind under the trees. Wicked was the first movie to be shown in June.
In July, come see Inside Out 2, and in August you can see Dog Man. October will bring Hotel Transylvania For these summer movie
events, previews begin at 8:30 p.m., and the movies begin at dusk. The Halloween-themed movie in October begins at 6:30 p.m. Please follow the Oxford Chamber’s Social Media for updates. The Chamber wants to give a special thanks to Oxford Little League and SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford because they are assisting with the movie set up this year.
The Oxford Village Market takes place each Thursday during the spring and summer. They will be returning to their original home on the lawn of the Edward Jones building at the corner of Locust and Third St. for the 2025 growing season. The market runs every Thursday from May to October from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Oxford Library will be hosting a pop-up story time at 1 p.m. at the mar-
ket. Grab a blanket and join in on the fun.
Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) is still looking for Farmer’s Market vendors. If you are a local farmer, beekeeper, baker, wine-maker, coffee roaster, flower farmer, or any other kind talented maker, they want you to participate in the market. There is no fee to participate in the market for 2025, but OMI is asking for your commitment to
Photo by Daniel Traub
the Grand Fanfare fireworks show at Longwood Gardens on July 3
Dessert crawl and flash art show in Oxford...4A
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Agency
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dive into all aspects of the clean-up in order to provide residents with up-to-date information and serve as a forum for their questions and concerns.
‘Do we know things have been done right?’
“It is critical to me that the future development of the NVF site be fully transparent and that the residents understand the process and have a comfort level in the clean-up efforts,” said Fetick. “When we got the plans last summer from Ryan Homes to build on the site, I was the first person who said, ‘Before you even come to a Council or Planning Commission meeting, I want you to hold a public meeting and put this out in front of the public.’”
Fetick said that because the format of borough meetings is not designed for extensive back-and-forth questions between the audience and presenters, the residents deserved such a forum to focus solely on the status of the site clean-up.
“What I’ve heard consistently from residents about the site has been, ‘Do we know that things have been done right? ‘Who is making those decisions?’”
Fetick said. “For someone to develop that site, there is a borough code they gave to follow. They have to go to the Planning Commission, meet its requirements, then meet with Borough Council and go back to the Planning Commission. All of these steps are prescribed by borough ordinances.
“What is not prescribed by borough ordinances is the clean-up process, so my
Juneteenth...
Continued from Page 1A
community founded in the 1820s that existed on the same land that Lincoln University now sits. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, the United States Colored Troops were formed and about 900 men from Chester County enlisted, including 18 from Hinsonville.
“These United States Colored Troops in their military roles became agents of emancipation, Black joy and Black agency,” Gooch said.
Following the history presentation, Faison led a short march to Hosanna AUMP Church which sits at the front of the university on Baltimore Pike and is the last remaining structure from Hinsonville. Gooch, who serves as the Friends of Hosanna AUMP Church president, explained the sig-
Oxford activities...
Continued from Page 1A
participate during the majority of the market season. If you are inter-
recommendation to Borough Council was to hold meetings specifically about the clean-up and not about the redevelopment. We have no control over the clean-up, but we need to act as an intermediary between the borough, borough residents and the overseeing body, which is the DEP.”
‘We remain committed to Kennett Square’
In a March letter to the residents of Kennett Square, Rockhopper wrote that over the previous 15 years, the company has “spent millions of dollars and countless hours” working with the EPA and PA DEP to bring the property into compliance with the Commonwealth’s Act 2 Program — the framework designed to ensure the safe redevelopment of environmentally impacted sites. The Act 2 Program - formally known as Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling Programis a science-based initiative that allows for the safe reuse of contaminated properties. This process is overseen by
nificance of the site as a stop on the Underground Railroad and acknowledged the cemetery outside the church which important members of the Hinsonville community and Lincoln history are buried in.
“The 18 men from this community who served in the United States Colored Troops worshipped here and 11 of them are buried here,” she said.
Faison held a memorial outside the church where he thanked ancestors for the joy of Black culture and church before leading attendees back to the campus chapel for a church service.
Faison welcomed Dean of First Year Students FredRick Roundtree; Pastor Larry Redmond from The New Life Church in Newark, Del.; and Adjunct Professor Rev. Curtis Morris of Bethany Baptist in Chester, Pa. for the hour-
ested in reserving one of our limited market spaces, please email them at info@ oxfordmainstreet.com.
The market features a different food truck each week, and at the market
the PA DEP, which regulates environmental protection at the state level.
“We understand that any discussion of redevelopment on a former industrial site can raise important questions and concerns,” the letter read. “We share those concerns and have gone to great lengths to ensure all work meets or exceeds regulatory standards. We have complete confidence in the PA DEP and EPA process, which is built on rigorous science and public transparency. When the Act 2 process is followed properly, as it has been here, it allows properties to be properly remediated under governmental oversight, and safely restored and re-integrated into the community.
“We remain committed to Kennett Square, to full transparency, and to an open dialogue with borough leadership and residents as this site moves toward its next chapter. We believe this property can— and will—be part of a healthier, safer, and more vibrant future for the borough.”
long service. The services revolved around themes of Black joy and freedom while Roundtree left worshippers with a poignant reminder.
“In minor ways we differ, in major we are the same,” he said. “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”
After the service, a cookout was held on the lawns outside the chapel with games, a DJ and vendors from local businesses and organizations. Voices Underground Executive Director LaNisha Cassell explained that they wanted the event to be more community accessible than past iterations and made the entire event free in order to do so.
Raquel Lightner attended the event to support Voices Underground and Lincoln but also recognized the greater significance the day held.
you will find lots of fresh produce, artisans, bread vendors, including Tom’s Breads and The Jawnery, and so much more. Stop in to visit OMI at their new location at 39 S. Third St. by Teen’s on Artisan Row. On July 16, you can enjoy Taste of Oxford, which is an exciting culinary experience that invites participants to enjoy a progressive dinner (or in this case, a dessert crawl) across various restaurants in Oxford. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Attendees purchase tickets that grant them access to a delightful evening of delicious treats served at four different locations in Oxford. This unique format allows guests
The focus group meeting next week follows a Nov. 7, 2024 presentation at the Kennett Library, where members of ten architectural, engineering, legal, traffic and development agencies gave a presentation about a proposed residential complex at the NVF site.
The proposed residential community, being developed by DVDC, plans to construct a complex that will include 246 singlefamily townhomes: 38 single-family townhomes and 104 stacked townhomes (with two units per townhome), as well as a projected total of 492 parking spaces for residents and visitors. They are projected to be priced between the upper $300,000s for a 1,200 square-foot residence to the low-to-mid $500,000s for a 2,220-square-foot residence.
In addition, the complex will offer 48 mixed-income and affordable multifamily residential units that will be accompanied by 149 additional parking spaces.
The planned development
will provide ample room
30,000 to 50,000 square feet of green space that will include shade cover, native plantings, a lawn and outdoor seating areas.
Fetick said that the purpose of the focus group will be to control the messaging and the interaction to communicate with the DEP in order to obtain clarity and the assurance that residents’ questions are being addressed.
‘I want to involve residents now’
“While I think that Rockhopper is following the proper process, we don’t have a window into that process,” Fetick said. “All we can do is take it on face
value that they are submitting the correct documents, but at the end of the day, the DEP is going to say, ‘Yes, it’s clean,’ or ‘No, it’s not.’ “Instead of waiting for the site to be deemed clean, I want to involve residents now. At the end of the day, neither I nor Borough Council has any say in the clean up process or in the determination that the site is clean, but some day, we are going to get a letter from the DEP saying that the site is clean and is ready to be developed. I don’t want to wait until we receive that letter to ask questions. I want to ask questions now.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
“Juneteenth is important,” she said. “It’s important to celebrate our ancestors and make sure their dreams aren’t lost.”
Any ancestor’s dreams of Black joy were certainly not
to try new things and meet new friends. Participants will be visiting La Sicilia for gelato, Wholly Grounds for a delicious specialty donut dessert, Oxford Arts Alliance for some of Vanessa Ross’s amazing cake creations, and finally La Lupita for a delicious treat with Hispanic flair. Call OMI to register at 610998-9494. Tickets will sell out so be sure to register soon. This event is July 16 at 5:30 p.m. If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss it.
OMI’s next First Friday is the Hometown Harvest and takes place on August 1.
Oxford is proud of its agricultural heritage and proud to celebrate those roots
lost at the event and were
instead celebrated as the intention of Faison and other speakers and organizers were clear for everyone to see.
“Black joy is for everybody, that joy is for everybody,”
during this beloved community event sponsored by Hostetter Grain. The star of the show is a tractor parade featuring more than 60 tractors of all sizes and kinds going down Third Street and winding through town (including through Ware Presbyterian Village). Join them for the hay bale toss!
Think you’ve got what it takes to chuck the hay bale the farthest? Prizes will be awarded in various age categories. Thanks to the sponsor, Cedar Knoll Builders.
The Oxford Library will be hosting its annual 2025 Largemouth Bass Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 28. This event is a fundraiser benefiting the
Faison said. “Lincoln is Black joy.”
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
Oxford Library. This year, the tournament will take place one day only at the Glenroy Preserve from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. All ages are welcome to sign up and fish. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Registration is required. To learn more about the tournament, or to buy your ticket, use the following link at https:// oxfordpubliclibrary.org/ oxford-library-fishingtournament. Always check out the websites and social media pages for OMI, the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, the Oxford Arts Alliance, and the Oxford Library for events and activities to enjoy.
Photo by Gabbie Burton
Lincoln University held its Juneteenth celebration on June 22 that included a full day of events that was highlighted by a service at the historic Hosanna AUMP Church.
Courtesy image
A proposal by the Delaware Valley Development Corporation (DVDC) intends to build 294 “for rent” and “for sale” residential units at the site.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The initial meeting of the new NVF Clean-Up Focus Group will be held on July 1 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Borough Hall on South Broad Street to address residents’ concerns about the clean-up process at the former site of National Vulcanized Fibre Company along West Mulberry Street.
Local
Pa. lawmakers respond...
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would have a nuclear weapon, would not only destabilize the Middle East, but it would create risk for American interests at home and abroad.”
Shapiro said that in his capacity as governor, his principal responsibility is to “ensure the safety and well-being of the good people of Pennsylvania.
“The first thing I want to say to the people of Pennsylvania is our security team, our State Police, homeland security and others [have] been in dialogue with one another to make sure that there is no threat to the Commonwealth as a result of what happened overseas,” he said.
“There is no threat. The people of Pennsylvania are safe and we’re going to remain vigilant in our work here to keep the people of Pennsylvania safe.”
A recent briefing in the Pentagon detailed the mission known as Operation Midnight Hammer, that involved 125 aircraft and seven B-2 stealth bombers that embarked on an 18-hour flight from the U.S. to the three nuclear centers in Iran. Just before the aircraft entered Iranian airspace, more than two dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles were launched from a U.S. submarine at targets at the Isfahan site. Employing several deception and decoy tactics, the seven B-2 bombers proceeded into Iran and dropped two GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) - also
known as “bunker buster” bombs - on the nuclear site at Fordo and a total of 14 MOPs were dropped on two target areas.
All three Iranian nuclear infrastructure targets were bombed between 18:40 Eastern Standard Time and 19:05 Eastern Standard Time.
In an address to the nation on Saturday evening, Trump said that the U.S. military’s objective was to destroy Iran’s “nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Shapiro urges ‘diplomacy’
“It is good if Iran does not possess a nuclear weapon,” Shapiro said. “I think it is important now that there be some accounting for the questions that I think a lot of people have, whether more diplomacy could have accomplished that, and I
think it’s also important that we have a full accounting for what actually happened last night. I want to hear from military leaders about whether or not this mission was successful.”
Shapiro called upon the Trump administration to practice “diplomacy” in helping Iran and Israel end violence in the Middle East and work toward a cease fire.
“We need to end these hostilities,” he said. “Bringing home these hostages is key to that, and I want to just tell you that I’m praying right now for everybody in the Middle East, especially our Americans who are overseas - Americans who here who are on our bases. We want to make sure that they are safe and they’re going to be in our prayers.”
McCormick and Fetterman show support for U.S. action
Pennsylvania’s Senators – Republican Dave
McCormick and Democrat John Fetterman – echoed similar support for the strikes against Iran.
“As I have said all along, Iran must not have a nuclear weapon,” McCormick said in a statement.
“This targeted attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities is the result of the Iranian regime’s failure to make a deal despite months of President Trump’s good faith efforts to negotiate. I applaud President Trump’s strong leadership and his continued commitment to peace through strength.
“Once again, America’s detractors around the world should know President Trump means what he says. I am so grateful for America’s brave warriors, who appear to have achieved their mission successfully and are returning home safely. I look forward to being briefed along with my Senate colleagues on this action. This is an important step toward ensuring that the world’s
largest state sponsor of terror never obtains a nuclear weapon.”
Fetterman, who has spoken in defense of Trump on several issues, also offered support for the decision to bomb Iranian nuclear arsenal sites – a stance that greatly differed from that of his Democratic colleagues who have levied criticism on American involvement in the Middle East.
“As I’ve long maintained, this was the correct move by @POTUS,” Fetterman wrote on his social media post. “Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and cannot have nuclear capabilities. I’m grateful for and salute the finest military in the world.”
‘Unconstitutional’ and ‘dangerous’
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan soundly criticized the Trump administration for not seeking Congressional
approval before launching the attacks on Iran.
“We have bombed a nation we are not at war with and have done so without Congress knowing about it, voting on it or approving it,” Houlahan wrote in a social media post on June 21. “President Trump’s actions are not only unconstitutional—they are dangerous. As Ranking Member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I am especially concerned for our service members, their families and other Americans who are in the region and request an immediate briefing on the full details. The Trump administration must brief Congress immediately and fully on this action and the Americans currently in the region who are at risk and must also come before Congress as required before taking any further action.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photos Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan
Dessert Crawl and Flash Art Exhibit planned in Oxford
Local artists are wanted for the July 16 event
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
The Oxford Arts Alliance and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. have come up with something new and exciting to do in Oxford as they team up for a Taste of Oxford Dessert Crawl.
The event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on July 16. Not only is this a dessert crawl, but there will also be
a Flash Art event that invites local artists to display their work in shop windows along S. Third St. Several businesses have offered their windows for artists to display their work. The art exhibit will actually run from July 14 until July 28 so if you can’t make the dessert crawl, you can still see this exhibit. For local artists wanting to participate, you must be
a current artist member of the Oxford Arts Alliance. Participation will be determined by a lottery to fill the 10 available spaces. If interested, submit this Art Crawl Submission Form available at airtable.com by Friday, June 27 to enter the drawing. The Oxford Arts Alliance will notify artists selected by June 30 via email. This link is not on the Oxford Arts Alliance
website. They are the only offering this to their current members.
This is a great opportunity to share your work with a wide audience, build new connections, and be part of a special community celebration in Oxford.
Dr. Sarah Yoder named CCIU’s director of the innovative educational services division
The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) announced that Dr. Sarah Yoder has been approved by the Board of Directors for appointment as the new director of the innovative educational services (IES) division. She will assume her role on July 1. With a strong background in educational leadership and a passion for studentcentered learning, Dr. Yoder is poised to lead the division into its next chapter of excellence and innovation.
Most recently, Dr. Yoder
served as superintendent for the Pottsville Area School District. Prior to that role, Dr. Yoder gained extensive experience as a math and computer science educator, a high school principal, and an adjunct instructor for the doctoral program at Gratz college, among other roles. Her strong history of innovative educational leadership and student advocacy made her an exceptional candidate.
“I am incredibly excited to embrace my role as the director of innovative educational services at Chester
County Intermediate Unit, the premier future-focused educational service provider in Pennsylvania,” said Dr. Yoder. “Working with the CCIU team, I eagerly welcome this opportunity to inspire leaders, foster groundbreaking initiatives, and empower educators to redefine learning experiences for the students and communities of Chester County and beyond.”
The IES division at the CCIU oversees a wide array of educational servic-
es, including professional development for educators, curriculum development and coordination for public and non-public schools, networking services, and inventive learning opportunities for students.”We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Sarah Yoder to the CCIU leadership team,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director of the CCIU.
“She is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to instructional innovation and a proven ability to design and implement trans-
formative programs. Her forward-thinking approach to instruction, technology integration, and professional development aligns perfectly with our mission to lead and serve. I am confident that Dr. Yoder’s leadership will have an immediate and lasting impact on our organization and the districts we support.”
He added that the CCIU looks forward to the leadership, vision, and collaborative spirit Dr. Yoder will bring to the role as she continues to champion
innovation and educational excellence across the region.
Horn named an Entrepreneur of the Year
Ernst & Young (EY US) announced that Jim Horn, Chairman of Tri-M Group, was recently named an Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award show. Entrepreneur of the Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. For 40 years, EY US has celebrated ambitious entrepreneurs who are transforming industries, impacting communities, and creating long-term value.
Horn was chosen by an independent panel of past winners, top CEOs, and business leaders. Judges
assessed candidates on long-term value creation, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven commitment, and significant growth and impact.
“I am humbled to receive this award and honored to be recognized among the visionary winners in Greater Philadelphia who are shaping the future of business,” Horn said.
The Tri-M Group specializes in electrical construction, high voltage, building automation, security and life safety, energy analytics, networking, telecommunications, and electrical testing services. For over 60 years, Tri-M has been providing
comprehensive solutions to help their clients grow their operations, solve their most difficult facility and energy-related problems, and meet their toughest deadlines. Headquartered in Kennett Square, Tri-M has offices in Lock Haven and Quakertown in Pennsylvania and Middletown in Delaware. Tri-M has a team of over 500 employee owners. As a Greater Philadelphia award winner, Horn is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall
Award Winner, will be announced in November at the Strategic Growth Forum, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, marketleading companies. The Entrepreneur of the Year National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Award in June 2026.
Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit.
The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to
grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.
Entrepreneur of the Year was founded in 1986 and has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the U.S. It has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally. The U.S. program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June.
Courtesy photo Vanessa Ross Cakes will be a welcome addition to the Dessert Crawl and Flash Art Exhibit.
Courtesy photo Dr. Sarah Yoder was recently named director of the innovative educational services division at the CCIU.
Courtesy photo
Jim Horn, Chairman of Kennett Square-based Tri-M Group, was named an Entrepreneur of the Year in the 2025 Greater Philadelphia Award show. As a Greater Philadelphia award winner, Horn is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 National Awards.
Op-Ed
In
the shadow of hunger, the tanks rolled on
“Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.”
Pearl S. Buck, American writer, novelist and Nobel Prize winner
The mind-boggling continuum of what has become a nation in absolute chaos and redefinition – our nation, the one we live in, in all of its most grotesque displays of contradictory dichotomysent out another one of its reminders to a Chester County Press reporter last week.
As he was about to enter Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) on West Cedar Street in Kennett Square Borough, the reporter saw a lengthening line of people patiently and silently waiting outside of KACS’ food cupboard for food, household goods and other items. Their faces were all tilted toward the ground, away from any drivers or passengers or pedestrians who might meet their glance. The reporter looked away from them as he walked, careful and respectful not to make eye contact, but the facts were already upon him.
He had remembered publishing the story in the Press in early April that detailed the $250,000 worth of federal funding that was pulled from the Chester County Food Bank by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He remembered his tours of the KACS’ Food Cupboard during the pandemic, when shelf after shelf of food and household items – normally a substantial overflow provided by local stores and area citizens – had been mostly depleted. He has been reading about the decimation of food bank supplies all across the U.S. caused by high demand and cuts to federal aid programs that are leaving millions of United States citizens scrambling just to get by.
He walked into the building, but the split-second moment of seeing the people waiting for food had already burned into him like a permanent memory.
One day later, the reporter saw that 6,700 troops and dozens of tanks, military fighting vehicles and aircraft had ascended on Washington, D.C. in celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. While not the goose-stepping orchestration that the U.S. President saw at a military parade on Bastille Day in France in 2017 and which he expected to see in his own country, it was a noble show of strength, dignity and honor. Yet let there be no mistake that this grandiose show was not solely intended to honor the men and women of one branch of our military force who have selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. Rather, this event also served as a feather in the cap moment of pure hubris, orchestrated by a Commander in Chief seeking the spotlight of attention and glorification, not for his country but for himself.
The military estimated the cost of the parade to be somewhere between $25 million and $40 million – all in the shadows of the murder of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband; determining the role of the U.S. in the increasing conflict between Iran and Israel following a strike on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions this past Saturday; and a recent nationwide protest that saw five million people gather at more than 2,000 locations across the U.S. – including West Chester and Philadelphia – to refute the President’s policies.
The parade also happened against the backdrop of a March decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cut $500 million from the Emergency Food Assistance Program, which buys food from domestic producers and sends it to pantries nationwide including Feeding America, an organization that serves an essential network of over 200 food banks across the nation.
The parade also happened when funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – an organization that helps feed families throughout Pennsylvania and is the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program – is at the risk of being eliminated by the federal government, to the tune of more than $250 billion over the next decade.
As he watched the parade unfold on television, the reporter was overwhelmed by the memory of the many men in his family who served proudly as members of the U.S. Army and yet, he was also sickened by the irresponsible misdirection of his country’s priorities to spend millions of dollars on an unnecessary military parade at a time when nearly 50 million Americans live in food-insecure households.
The Chester County Press reporter wondered: How many hungry people in the United States would $25 million feed? How many would $40 million feed?
And the tanks on the television continued to roll on.
Public notices belong in newspapers and news sites
This newspaper joins the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association and other newspapers across the state in strongly opposing Senate Bill 194, which is under consideration by state lawmakers in Harrisburg.
We believe that newspapers and news sites offer the best places for the public to access notices. Senate Bill 194 would give local governments the option of advertising public notices on county or municipal government websites.
In each edition of the Chester County Press, you will see some public notices. It’s a small part of the work that this newspaper has been doing in this community since 1866. Public notices keep residents informed about planned government action – zoning changes, fee hikes, tax increases, new ordinances, shifts in polling places and much more.
Senate Bill 194 could potentially remove public notices from newspapers and allow them to be published on government-owned websites—which would limit
access and harm government transparency.
As an alternative, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Board of Directors supports HB 1291, legislation led by state Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), chairman of the House Local Government Committee— which is where the bill now sits.
Freeman’s bill would expand places where public notices could appear to include digital media sites and with organizations that have no print component. The bill prioritizes newspapers and their websites – where more people are still most likely to see notices – but recognizes the growing impact of other forms of news media.
For example, a community that no longer has a printed newspaper but has a continuing digital descendant would find notices there –or through an online-only news organization. Each of those options would maintain the independence of the process.
Senate Bill 194 was recently voted out of com-
mittee and could be up for consideration by lawmakers soon.
We urge our readers to contact their state senators and make their opposition to Senate Bill 194 known.
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association argued that removing public notices from newspapers is “bad news for government transparency, accountability and, ultimately, taxpayer protection, which relies on access to trusted information about government activity before official action is taken.”
The media organization cited these concerns:
• Traffic to government websites is much lower than to news sites.
• Government websites are often difficult to navigate.
• Government website content is often not updated.
There are also concerns about areas of the state with limited or no internet service.
“Government websites are not and never will be independent, third-party
Financial Focus
providers of public notice information with which newspapers have long been trusted,” the PNA said. “Government website advertising ignores taxpayers who do not have access to reliable broadband, and governments that choose to advertise on their own websites risk ignoring constituents who do not have access to reliable internet service.”
Additionally, government agencies will likely need to hire additional staff and purchase additional technology to comply with state public notice requirements. This would be more expensive than the cost of publishing notices in newspapers, an infinitesimal portion of a general fund budget. Typically, the annual cost per municipal resident is less than the price of a small cup of coffee.
Public notices should be just that – public – posted not on a government-controlled platform but in a local news outlet available to everyone. That starts with newspapers and their websites.
Should you pay off debts or invest?
Some financial decisions can be challenging — like whether to use your money to reduce your debt or to invest. If you already have a significant amount of debt and not a lot in savings or investments, it can be hard to figure out which issue should be a priority. There’s no simple answer, and everyone’s situation is different, but here are a few suggestions for helping you make a good choice:
• Evaluate your cash flow. If you already have enough after-tax income to meet your monthly living expenses, you might lean toward investing any leftover cash, but if you are just getting by, possibly due to heavy debt payments, then you might be better off using your funds to reduce your debt load.
• Build an emergency fund. Paying off your debt as fast as possible may seem like the responsible thing to do, but not having an adequate emergency fund or saving for your future could leave your finances at a permanent disadvantage. It’s a good move to have an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk
account. Once you have such a fund, you could use it, instead of going into debt — or adding to your debt — to pay for unexpected costs, such as a new furnace or a major car repair.
• Evaluate your debts. Some of your debts are actually more “expensive” to you than others. This expense level doesn’t necessarily refer to the size of the debt, however. You might have a large mortgage, for instance, but because your interest payments are typically tax deductible, your “after-tax” interest rate may be relatively modest. Therefore, you might consider investing rather than paying down your mortgage. But if you have consumer loans or credit cards that carry a high interest rate and whose interest payments are not deductible, you might be better off paying down or refinancing this debt.
• Take advantage of any employer match. If your employer sponsors a retirement plan and offers a match, you will want to prioritize contributing at least what is required to receive the match. It’s essentially free money. So, if your employer matches
up to three perccent of your contributions, for example, you should contribute at least three perccent of your income to this retirement account. Additionally, some employers will match a portion of your contributions to a Health Savings Account. Eventually, you’ll likely want to get to a point of saving more than just the match, but you’ll have to weigh the benefit of additional contributions against the cost of any debt you’re carrying.
• Make it easier on yourself. To make achieving these goals easier, automate as much as you can. For example, you can divert part of your paycheck into an emergency savings account or a retirement account through automatic payments for any debt reduction or savings needs. While it may seem like a huge endeavor to pay off your debt while still saving for the future, it doesn’t have to be. Taking small, incremental steps is key to helping you get to where you want to go.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Joe Oliver.
Chester County Press
Joe Oliver is a lifelong Oxfordian, husband, father, and financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. Joe services business owners and individual investors by helping them accomplish their financial goals. For a complimentary financial consultation, connect with Joe at Joe. Oliver@Edwardjones.com.
Joe Oliver, CFP,AAMS Financial Advisor 2250 Baltimore Pike Oxford, Pa, 19363 484-702-9311 www.edwardjones.com/ joe-oliver Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Joe Oliver
Preacher in the house: Comedian rocks audience at Logwood Gardens show
By Caroline Roosevelt
Contributing Writer
Chester County has a well-documented history of providing a place of refuge as part of the Underground Railroad.
Any Chester County native will remember history classes touting, proudly, this contribution towards the fight for civil rights which, in its nascence, started by helping enslaved people escape to freedom. With somber remembrance of a time when life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness only applied to a very specific segment of the population, the legacy of the Underground Railroad illustrates how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go.
Juneteenth – now a nationally observed holiday – provides the opportunity to take a break from the somber and celebrate the stunning tapestry of the African-American experience.
On June 20th, Voices Underground, an organization of scholars artists and activists honoring the mission “to promote racial healing by elevating the
story of the Underground Railroad through scholarly research, creative experiences, and historical memorialization” partnered with Longwood Gardens as a part of their celebration of Juneteenth with a stand up performance by comedian Preacher Lawson, who is currently on the road with his Dis Functional Family tour.
Lawson’s resume includes being a finalist on Season 12 of “America’s Got Talent,” “Britain’s Got Talent,” the NBC quarantine-themed sitcom “Connecting,” a segment on “The Tonight Show,” and a Las Vegas residency among other notable appearances and work. His act is a perfect embodiment of this years’ Voices Underground theme, “Black Joy.”
The seats at the outdoor venue were packed on a hot, but otherwise beautiful Friday evening. Lawson attracted a dedicated base of superfans to his performance, who made themselves known in audience banter towards the end of the performance. He opened up his performance with a story from his child-
hood, a period of his life when he moved all over the country, with stops that included Memphis Tenn. and Orlando, Fla.
Lawson’s stories put him front and center in the family ring of the chaos that is now embedded in his childhood memory.
“I used to pee in the bed a little,” he began, “so my mom said I can’t drink water after 7 p.m., so I would go to the bathroom and take my shoe off and use it as a cup and dip it in the toilet and drink it. I would flush it first though. I thought I was a genius….” until his older brother introduced him to the sink.
Preacher’s stage presence and charisma added sparkle to his stories, as he strutted across the stage impersonating the pride and conviction of his childhood self throughout the myriad of his ridiculous stories. His humor - observational, self-deprecating and witty - received howls from the audience. Lawson dipped into stories of his dating debacles, and his background in jiu-jitsu. (He’s a blue belt and in between shows, he makes time for
competing).
Lawson also showed off his improvisational prowess, going off on tangents - a giant dragonfly landed on his mic in the middle of the show leading him to veer off unexpectedly. He connected with the audience, asking them about their background, their names, and even playfully ribbed a few. (My plus-one was seated in the wrong section, and she had to cross the atrium during his show to find me, and he immediately zeroed in on her, “You’re leaving during my best joke!” he chuckled.)
After the performance, the audience was invited to stay for the Q&A with Lawson that was moderated by Voices Underground creative director Greg Thompson. The format changed as the two were provided stools and chatted back and forth about Preachers’ childhood, what inspires his comedy and how he feels to be categorized as a “Black Comedian.”
“I see myself as a good escape” from the realities of the world, he responded. Asked what format he
prefers for his comedy, television or standup, he resoundingly boomed, “Stand up!” as if there’s not even a question. For the packed house who attended his June 20 performance at Longwood Gardens, it wasn’t a question for them, either.
To learn more about Voices Underground, visit www.voicesunderground. com.
Patriotic train engine debuts in Kennett Square
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
An East Penn train engine that was embellished to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary made its public debut at the Kennett Square tracks on Saturday afternoon.
When word spread of its appearance, scores of people stopped by to look at it. Later in the evening, journalists, photographers and rail fans came to record the sight ensconced in darkness.
“It’s beautiful. I’m glad I heard about it,” one visitor was heard to say.
Decorating a train engine in patriotic red, white and blue is an occasional but widely spread custom among American railroad companies. Some older visitors in Kennett Square said they remembered decorated train engines in 1976 when the United States celebrated its bicentennial.
The idea for embellishing the former Engine 1700 – a blue locomotive that has been onsite for over a year – came from various friends of the line including train enthusiast and Hockessin Deputy Fire Chief Randy Broadwater. He is also the owner of an antique train caboose that has been staying at the Kennett Square station for months.
According to reports by those in the company, Regional Rail President Al Sauer and Vice President Don Craumer agreed to the idea and proceeded with the project.
Trainmaster Randy Miller, who oversaw
the engine’s debut on Saturday, said the company ran a contest to choose the design. People handed in their drawings, and the winner, Michael Minatelli, was chosen by Sauer.
The old engine was shepherded into one of the maintenance buildings and work began by a contract company. Miller said they have been working on it for a little over two months.
The colors were applied as an overlay material with paint to finish up the edges, Miller said.
He added that information shared by other train companies indicates that the material (and appearance) can last up to seven years.
He said the engine is not going to hide away but will be used like its brother and sister engines to haul freight along the tracks of southern Chester County, enabling the public to see it in operation.
The engine sat beside the station building that had been painted as recently as Saturday morning. Last October, East Penn expanded its management to an office on McFarlan Road.
Regional Rail, the company that oversees East Penn, owns 18 other short rail freight lines throughout the eastern United States. Regional Rail trains carry freight, not people. The company most recently purchased a short line that runs just north of Minneapolis.
Locally, East Penn trains carry freight to Avondale, West Grove and Oxford.
The route runs from Chadds Ford to Oxford, and loading occurs as well in the Pocopson station.
Craumer said earlier that East Penn trains carry supplies for Tastykake and Herr Foods and liquid propane to Avondale, among other commodities.
The tracks and operations were earlier owned by Pennsylvania Railroad and were threatened with demolition in 1972. According to reports from those familiar with the history, it was saved by a citizen advocacy group who convinced the county commissioners that the tracks were essential for the development of southern Chester County.
Photo by Caroline Roosevelt
The author poses with comedian Preacher Lawson following his performance before a large and enthusiastic audience at Longwood Gardens on June 20 - a concert that was produced by Longwood Gardens and Voices Underground.
The embellished Engine 1700 reflects nighttime lights as it sits on the railroad tracks in Kennett Square and people snap pictures on Saturday night.
Photos by Chris Barber
Old Engine 1700 gleams in the afternoon sun following its embellishment to honor the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
KENNETH SMITH
Kenneth “Kenny Joe” Smith, age 80, of Landenberg, passed away on June 20, 2025 at Regal Heights Healthcare Center in Hockessin, Del., leaving behind a legacy of grit, passion, and a life well-lived on his own terms.
Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Thomas A. Smith Sr. and the late Josephine Hedrick Smith.
Ken served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was wounded in the Tet Offensive during the war and was awarded the Purple Heart. Ken was a proud Marine his entire life.
After his time in the Corps, Ken followed in his father’s footsteps and became a skilled racehorse trainer, spending his days among the horses and the thrill of competition. Ken remained a horse enthusiast throughout his life. Because of his love for the ponies, Delaware Park was one of his favorite places. Ken worked at the post office in West Grove as a rural letter carrier for several decades before retiring from the USPS.
He had a deep love for simple pleasures – good scotch, a well-rolled cigar, and the electrifying rush
of a winning bet at the track. A man of sharp wit and unwavering confidence, he never backed down from a challenge and always played the odds with a gambler’s heart.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Nicole Plumley (Chip Plumley); his son, Derek Smith; his grandchildren, Jacob Matz, Madison and Riley Smith, and his two nieces, Kathleen Lopez and Denise Mason. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his older brother, Thomas A. Smith, Jr.
You are invited to visit with Ken’s family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25 at Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 North Union Street, Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m.
Interment will take place after the service at Union Hill Cemetery, 424 North Union Street, Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to TRRAC, Thoroughbred Race Horse Retirement & Sanctuary at www.ottbs.org.
Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory of Kennett Square, Inc. (484-734-8100).
To view Ken’s online obituary and offer condolences, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
HELEN SUTTON
Helen L. Wagoner Sutton, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 5, 2025 while at home and surrounded by family. She was 91.
Helen was the spouse of the late John Sutton, Sr., with whom she was married for 47 years.
She was born in West Chester, the daughter of the late John Wagoner and the late Mary Pierson Wagoner.
Helen will be remembered as the ultimate homemaker.
Helen enjoyed gardening, cooking, knitting, and caring for her three grandchildren. Helen loved her three cats, the popular television program “I Love Lucy,” and everything having to do with Elvis Presley.
Helen will be missed for her stories, her loving nature and her smile.
Helen is survived by her sons, John and Kenneth Sutton, her daughter-in-law, Stacie Sutton, and her three grandchildren, Kenny Sutton, Jr., Amber Nicole Sutton, and Michelle Bobbie Sutton.
In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her three siblings, Ralph Wagoner, and Barbara Cazier of Hockessin, Del., and Gwyn Wagoner of Kennett Square.
For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10
www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100).
To view Helen’s online obituary and leave condolences for the family, please visit www.griecofunerals. com.
Oxford Rotary honors Students of the Month
Meara Hannon and Logan Puckett were recently honored as Oxford Area High School Students of the Month by the Oxford Rotary.
Meara Hannon has been involved in the Oxford Marching Band for four years. She has also been in
Academic Competition for four years, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she is involved in martial arts and is a second degree black belt. She also works at La Sicilia. She will be attending Miseriacordia University, where she will
major in diagnostic medical stenography.
Logan Puckett is a member of the National Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society where she is the historian.
She has played Girls’ Varsity Tennis for three years. She is a member of the
Obituaries
FILOMENA D. ANGELUCCI
Filomena D. Angelucci, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 19, 2025 at Brandywine Assisted Living in Kennett Square. She was 92.
She was the wife of the late Domenico Angelucci, who died on July 31, 2000, and with whom she shared 45 years of marriage.
Born in Civitella Messer Raimondo, Abruzzo Italy, she was a daughter of the late Luigi Mastrippolito and the late Antonietta D’Orazio Mastrippolito.
Filomena led a fulfilling and vibrant life, characterized by her outgoing nature, ambition, courage, and pride.
She immigrated to the United States as a young woman, bringing with her the rich traditions of her Italian heritage. Filomena embraced her new community while holding tightly to the values and customs of her homeland. She became a pillar of strength and warmth, known for her unwavering kindness, her dedication to her faith, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome in her home.
Throughout her life, Filomena exemplified resilience and grace. She faced challenges with unwavering determination and viewed each day as an opportunity to share her boundless love and generosity with those around her. Her home became a sanctuary of warmth, where family, friends, and neighbors gathered to enjoy her hospitality and to celebrate life’s milestones.
Filomena found immense joy in cooking, gardening, and knitting, yet her greatest happiness came from being surrounded by her family. She cherished moments spent together around the dinner table, celebrating life’s occa-
choral ensemble and Bella Boce, which is an all-girls chorus. She has also acted in the high school musicals. She is a member of Helping Hands and serves as the club’s vice president. She plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she will major in nursing.
sions with love and laughter. Her exceptional culinary skills, especially her lasagna and pizzelles, became beloved family favorites.
She worked for many years as a computer control sheer operator at NVF Company in Kennett Square before retiring at the age of 62. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square. Her legacy is one of love, laughter, faith, and a life beautifully lived and dearly cherished.
Filomena is survived by her two sons, Ernesto A. “Ernie” Angelucci of Kennett Square and Luigi Angelucci and his wife, June, of Narvon, Pa.; her two brothers, Angelo Mastrippolito and Alfred Mastrippolito; her sister, Mary Mastrangelo; and her grandchildren, Lisa Skelley (Andrew), Anthony Angelucci (Ann), Alexis Stoltzfoos (Philip), and Daniel Angelucci. She also leaves behind five loving great-grandchildren, Ava, Alena, Anthony Dominic, Jaxson, and Isabelle.
You are invited to Filomena’s viewing, which will take place on Thursday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, located at 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square.
Her mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m., with interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 460 North Union Street, Kennett Square. In memory of Filomena, contributions may be made to Abramson Cancer Center at Chester County Hospital at http://givingpages.upenn.edu/rememberingFilomena.
Arrangements are entrusted to Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).
To view her online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
THOMAS JOSEPH MAYERSKY, JR.
Thomas Joseph Mayersky, Jr., of Lancaster, Pa., went peacefully home to be with the Lord on June 21, 2025.
He was born on May 1, 1949.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Candace Lynn Mayersky; a daughter, Lauren A. Pearson and George J. Pearson; a son, Ryan T.J. Mayersky and Alyssa S. Mayersky; a son, Andrew P. Mayersky, Dianny Mayersky and a grandson, Andrew P. Mayersky, Jr.
A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at Grace Community Church of Willow Street at 212 Peach Bottom Road, Willow Street, Pa. on July 1. A viewing will be at 9 a.m. with a service at 10:30 a.m. Arrangements are being handled by Furman Funeral Home (FurmanFuneralHome.com).
Courtesy photo
The Oxford Rotary recently honored Meara Hannon and Logan Puckett as the Students of the Month from Oxford Area High School. Pictured are Connie Winchester, the program coordinator, Tricia Hannon, Meara Hannon, Logan Puckett, Emilee Puckett, Mike Puckett, and Jahan Sheikholeslami, who is the Oxford Rotary president.
Obituaries
Business Development Associate: Biopeptek Pharmaceuticals LLC in Malvern, PA. Req’d: Bachelor’s degree in Business Anlytics and Information Management. Yearly Salary: $65,208.00. Resume to: Biopeptek Pharmaceuticals LLC, 5 Great Valley Parkway, Suite 100, Malvern, PA 19355. Reference#: 645222
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF JACOB RIFE
ZELLER, JR. A/K/A JACOB R. ZELLER, JR., late of West Goshen Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. LETTERS 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 Jonathan J. Zeller, 216 Roberts Lane, Coatesville, PA, 19320, Personal Representative. C/O Douglas C. Loviscky, Esquire, 1500 West College Avenue, State College, PA 16801, Attorney.
6p-11-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Eckman, Cathy a/k/a Cathy H., dec’d. Late of Honey Brook Boro. 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 Executor: Merrilee B. Downs, c/o Good Law Firm, 132 West Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557 6p-11-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Robert Burnell Bortner, late of the Borough of Malvern, Chester County, Pennsylvania. 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 Betsy Bryce, Executrix, C/O Attorney: Allen H. Tollen, Esquire, 41 East Front St., Media, PA 19063 6p-18-3t
INVITATION TO BID
Sealed proposals will be received by Elk Township at the office of Elk Township, 952 Chesterville Road, P.O. Box 153, Lewisville, PA 19351. Bids will be accepted until 3:00 PM, Monday, July 7, 2025. Bids will be opened at 6:45 PM on that day. Action will be taken by the municipality on the awarding of each bid item at the Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Bidders are asked to bid on the following:
1. Roadwork Equipment Rental w/Operator per Specifications (Bidders Qualification Form is required)
2. Snow Plowing/Ice Removal
Services Equipment Rental w/ Operator per Specifications (Bidders Qualification Form and Agreement for Snow Plowing/ Ice Removal are required) All of the above equipment shall meet Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Specification standards and the terms/conditions of the Agreement for Snow Plowing/Ice Removal Services. Bidders are not required to bid on all of the above items. The contract period for Roadwork Equipment Rental begins on July 7, 2025 and ends on June 30, 2026. The contract period for Snow Plowing/Ice Removal Services Equipment Rental begins on October 15, 2025 and ends on April 30, 2026. The successful bidder shall, within 14 days of the award of the contract, submit the following: Performance Bond in the amount of 100% of the Equipment Rental Contract; Certificate of Insurance with minimum limits of $500,000/$1,000,000 aggregate and endorsing Elk Township as Additional Insured; Proof of Workers’ Compensation Insurance or Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverage Information for Independent Contractors; Hold Harmless & Indemnification Agreement; and IRS Form W-9. All bidders are to follow the Bidder Information Guidelines. Bidding packets are available by appointment at the Elk Township Office or may be requested by phone 610-255-0634 or by e-mail elktwpchester@gmail.com. Michael Corcoran, Secretary/Treasurer 6p-18-2t
NOTICE TO PLEAD
CITADEL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION vs. STEPHANIE RIPPLE, CASE NO. 2024-10608CT, You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after this complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the court without further notice for any money claimed in the complaint or for any other claims or relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO
OR TELEPHONE THE OF -
FICE SET FORTH BELOW TO
FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP CHESTER
COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
LAWYERS REFERENCE SERVICE 15 W. GAY STREET, 2ND FLOOR WEST CHESTER, PA 19380 6p-25-1t
NOTICE
COURT ORDER NOTICE & ORDER TO APPEAR
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION
Docket No. 2025-00277-CU, IN CUSTODY
DEBORAH HAAF, 3 E. Hunter Creek Lane, West Grove, PA 19390, Plaintiff Vs. CHRISTINA MOORE, 102, W. Market Street, West Chester, PA 19382, Defendant
NOTICE & ORDER TO AP -
PEAR
You, CHRISTINA MOORE, Defendant, have been sued in court to obtain/modify custody of the Children: G.M DOB: 11/17/2019. You, DEBORAH HAAF, Plaintiff, and CHRISTINA MOORE, Defendant, are hereby notified of the following:
1. Court Ordered Mediation: You are ordered to contact the Mediator assigned to your case within three (3) days of receiving these papers to schedule mediation orientation. Mediator: Ryan C. Buchanan, Esquire, Phone: (610) 410-0099. Failure to contact the mediator and attend mediation orientation may result in sanctions, including, but not limited to, a fine of up to $100, delay in your custody proceedings or other appropriate sanction.
2. Custody Conciliation Conference: You are ordered to appear in person at the Chester County Justice Center, 5th Floor, Hearing Room 5206, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380 for a Custody Conciliation Conference on July 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at which time a recommendation for a custody Order may be entered. If you fail to appear, an order for custody may be entered against you or the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
3. Parenting Class:
a. You, DEBORAH HAAF, Plaintiff, are ordered to attend a Parenting Class online (online. divorce-education.com)
b. You, CHRISTINA MOORE, Defendant, are ordered to attend a Parenting Class online (online.divorce-education.com)
Failure to attend your parenting session as scheduled may affect your rights to custody, partial custody or visitation.
4. You must file with the Court a verification as required by Pa.R.C.P. 1915.3-2 in the form attached regarding any criminal record or abuse history regarding you and anyone living in your household within thirty days of the service of the within complaint or petition on you, but not later than the custody conciliation conference scheduled in Paragraph 2 above. No party may make any change in the residence of any Children which significantly impairs the ability of the other party to exercise custodial rights without first
complying with all the applicable provisions of 23 Pa.C.S. §5337 and Pa.R.C.P. 1915.17 regarding relocation.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW: LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE, 15 West Gay Street, 2nd Floor, West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 429-1500 IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD A LAWYER, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW: LEGAL AID OF SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA, Chester County Division ,222 North Walnut Street, 2nd Floor, West Chester, PA 19380 (610) 4364510 GEORGE S. DONZE, ESQUIRE, I.D. No. 30082, Donze & Donze ,696 Unionville Road, Suite 6, Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-444-8018, Attorney for Plaintiff 6p-25-1t 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 on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, July 17th, 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, August 18th, 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: 25-7-200 Writ of Execution No. 2025-00430
DEBT $522,661.98
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of Kennett, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated September 17, 2018 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on November 20, 2018, in Deed Book Volume 9846 at Page 1372, as Instrument No. 201811640239.
Tax Parcel # 62-6-40.15
PLAINTIFF: US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust VS DEFENDANT: Edward C. Wuchter
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 6p-25-3t
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 on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, July 17th, 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, August 18th, 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: 25-7-203 Writ of Execution No. 2024-04229 DEBT $294,722.71
Property situate in the LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR # 56-9-25.16
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: Citibank, N.A., Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely as Owner Trustee of Bravo Residential Funding Trust 2023-NQM7 VS
DEFENDANT: Jill A Dawson
SALE ADDRESS: 200 College Circle, Lincoln University, PA 19352
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Two CCIU Discover Program students named Jennersville YMCA Volunteers of the Year
“The YMCA would not exist without volunteers.”
That is how Bertram Lawson II, president and CEO of YMCA Greater Brandywine (YGBW) opened the Volunteer Recognition Breakfast held at Penn Oaks Golf Club on April 23.
Among the many volunteers honored were two students from the CCIU’s Discover program: Ilana Delevieleuse and Joey Martinez.
The Discover program is a
comprehensive work-based learning approach designed for high school students with disabilities, age 14 to 22. By offering opportunities for vocational assessments, job exploration, and supervised employment experiences, the CCIU helps ease the transition between school and adult life.
Ilana and Joey’s strengths and personalities made them both a great fit for the Y.
“Joey and Ilana are just the sunshine at the front desk,
Ilana and Joey pose with Cynthia Sedlak, vocational support specialist at the CCIU.
and our members love seeing them,” said Mandy Happold, membership director at the Jennersville branch. “They each enjoy scanning in members so much that they play Rock Paper Scissors to see who gets to do that job first each day.”
The students were chosen as Branch Volunteers of the Year from among the 555 volunteers who donate their time and effort there.
Helping to make this opportunity possible are the many adaptability accommodations available through
the CCIU and the YMCA.
For example, Joey uses a tablet to aid communication and even programmed it to say, “Have a great workout” as he greets members at the front desk. The two organizations work cooperatively to ensure that volunteers with special needs can participate fully and meaningfully.
“A main pillar in our organization is that the Y is for all,” says Erin Lacotta, senior association director of behavioral support and adaptive programming
YGBW. “Regardless of a volunteer’s abilities, we welcome them and ensure that they have appropriate accommodations.
Sometimes that requires us to work collaboratively with a partner organization, like the CCIU, who is a valuable collaborator. Together, we make sure students are set up for success.”
Lawson said that when the YGBW opened in 1894, it served just 184 members. Today, that same organization serves over 88,000 members, thanks in large
part to the support of volunteers.
“We are so proud of Joey and Ilana for being named Volunteers of the Year,” said Cynthia Sedlak, vocational support specialist for the CCIU’s Discover Program. “It shows how much of a positive impact our students have in the wider community and how important it is to offer adaptive opportunities to every learner.”
To learn more about the CCIU’s Discover Program, contact Kim Ring at KimR@ cciu.org.
Courtesy photos
Ilana Delevieleuse and Joey Martinez, second and third from right, students from the CCIU's Discover program, pose with their fellow volunteers from the Jennersville YMCA.
YMCA of Greater Brandywine welcomes a new associate vice president of membership
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) announced the appointment of Diana Beeson as the organization’s associate vice president of membership. Beeson joins YGBW with a deep commitment
to community engagement and a strong background in membership development, customer experience and team leadership. Beeson will collaborate closely with branch leadership to lead the
development and execution of membership strategies that drive growth, improve retention and enhance the overall member experience across YGBW’s nine branches and program centers. She
Linda Staffieri, pictured here with Avon Grove Lion Brian Coe, was recently recognized by the Avon Grove Lions as the club’s Citizen of the Year. The Avon Grove Lions Club’s primary focus is on service, and the motto is “We serve.” Each year, the club recognizes an individual in the community who dedicates their time to service as well. It is the club’s most prestigious award.
will also oversee YGBW’s Corporate Membership Program, further strengthening partnerships that enable all to have access to the YMCA.
“Diana brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for service and community that aligns perfectly with our goals,” said Kim Cavallero, senior vice president of member experience and acquisition.
“We’re thrilled to welcome her to our community.”
Most recently, Beeson served as the senior manager of engagement and policy initiatives at TurnAround, Inc. –overseeing community engagement, prevention education, external com-
munications and legislative advocacy efforts.
Prior to this role, Beeson dedicated 18 years to the Y in Central Maryland –holding various leadership positions focused on membership growth, program development, operational leadership and member engagement. Beeson’s passion for the Y’s mission brought her to YGBW.
“My personal mission is to ensure everyone in Chester County knows that the Y exists and is aware of the variety of programs and services we provide,” Beeson said. “I would like to look back and know that I made a difference in our community – that YGBW programs and services
are accessible to every Chester County resident.” Beeson first discovered the Y as a student – and it has grown to be a cornerstone of her personal and professional development.
“I love working for an organization that stands for all – and doesn’t shy away from it,” she said.
“I go to bed every night knowing that the work I do impacts the community – and there is nothing more valuable than that.”
Originally from Nevada, Beeson enjoys running and is a mother to two sons. She holds a master’s degree in health science and is a certified health education specialist.
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Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Diana Beeson was recently named as the associate vice president of membership for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.
