Up from the ashes: Oxford is working on a major comeback
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 11:33 p.m., a devastating fire broke out in historic downtown Oxford, impacting six properties on South Third Street, between Market and Hodgson Street. Due to the quick thinking of police officers Scott Richards and Karilanna Eller, who went door-to-door to warn
residents of the fire, no lives were lost. Officers arrived on location within two minutes and observed large flames from the roof area of multiple buildings. Officers Eller and Richards quickly went doorto-door evacuating apartment residents.
The buildings affected were mixed-use structures with retail and commercial establishments on the first floor and residential apart-
ments on the floors above. Approximately 90 people in total were displaced as a result of the devastating fire, which continued into Thursday morning on that fateful day.
On that day, Oxford Fire Chief Jim Booth was quick to acknowledge the heroic work of the Oxford Police and EMS for their timely response in evacuating the buildings.
Woman still on loose after July 26 stabbing in London Grove Township
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Pennsylvania State Police are still on the hunt for a woman who is accused of stabbing a man on July 26 at about 5:12 p.m. in the vicinity of Clay Creek Road in London Grove Township, according to the State Police in Avondale.
Solia Choc-Caal, a 30-year-old White Hispanic woman, has been charged with the attempted homicide of a man in his own home. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and his injuries are not life threatening. Soon after the incident, she fled the scene of the alleged crime and is still on the run from authorities. A warrant has been issued
Courtesy photo Solia Choc-Caal, a 30-year-old woman with ties to Chester County, is being accused of stabbing a man on July 26 in the vicinity of Clay Creek Road in London Grove Township and is still on the run from authorities.
for Choc-Caal’s arrest, and she has been charged with attempted homicide and other offenses.
“This was certainly one of the worst fires in the borough,” he said. “The structure and renovations of the buildings in the business district make it difficult when fighting a fire there. There are numerous additions, multiple roofs, and many voids within the building that the fire can jump to. The only way to insure the fire was out was to pull the buildings down.
Phorid Fly mitigation efforts are continuing, Penn State expert says Woman pretending to be immigration lawyer indicted for running fraud scheme
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Over the last several years, there has been a war waged in southern Chester County that has not equipped itself with the usual weaponry and armed forces, but rather, with the voices of residents, elected officials and some of the state’s most prominent experts in entomology.
It is a war against an insect that lives on average for five days, and whose maximum size reaches one-quarter inch – an invasive pest that rises out of the plumes and moistness of the region’s mushroom composting
farms and reduces crop yields by up to 40 percent at the county’s more than 2,000 facilities, and permeates nearby homes that now resemble battlegrounds patrolled by angry citizens with vacuum cleaners and fly spray cannisters.
In short, these voices have collectively reached their respective boiling points on the Phorid Fly and are anxious to seek solutions to completely eradicate it from their lives and their businesses.
“I know many folks that have had Phorid Fly issues in their homes, that it feels
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
On July 31, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced that Fatima DeMaria, 65, of Lincoln University was arrested and charged by indictment with eight counts of asylum fraud and eight counts of mail fraud.
DeMaria is the owner and operator of Immigration Matters Legal Services located in Oxford.
Authorities allege that DeMaria falsely represented herself to be an
immigration attorney who could help undocumented residents obtain employment authorization. DeMaria is, however, not a licensed attorney nor is she accredited to represent individuals in immigration proceedings.
According to the indictment, from at least December 2021 to July 2024, DeMaria prepared fraudulent Form I-589 asylum applications in her clients’ names with false
information without their knowledge or consent.
On July 31, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced that Fatima DeMaria of Lincoln University was arrested and charged by indictment with eight counts of asylum fraud and eight counts of mail fraud, alleging that DeMaria falsely represented herself to be an immigration attorney.
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
going effort to rezone New Garden Township into a multi-colored map of ten distinctive districts.
and
and
outreach
Houlahan
Old Fiddler’s Picnic returns this Saturday for 96th year...1B
Courtesy photo
The new Artisan’s Way, an illustration of the good things to come on Niblock Alley in downtown Oxford.
Courtesy photo
Photo courtesy of Vestergaard Vestergaard, a Switzerland-based company that creates long-lasting insecticidal nets that serve those in vulnerable situations around the world in protecting them from diseases like malaria, will soon be making the nets available in Chester County to be used at mushroom farms to halt the breeding of Phorid Fly larvae.
Oxford comeback...
Continued from Page 1A
We are amazed that everyone evacuated was unharmed and only one firefighter received a minor injury. It could have been so much worse.”
Booth said the fire was controlled by 4:28 a.m. Thursday morning, but was not actually deemed to be out until around noon on Friday.
Watching from the parking garage above, water poured out of buildings, taking everything with it, reducing a lifetime of memories and dreams into rubble in the street.
At that moment, residents, past residents, curious bystanders and business owners flocked to town and looked in disbelief at the debris before them. To say it was a tragedy would be an understatement.
Now, almost two years later, it is beyond amazing to see the town rising up from the ashes, bigger and better than before. Oxford is coming back.
The grant for the theatre project is still intact and the project to bring a movie theatre back to town will move forward.
Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) spearheaded this proj-
Continued from Page 1A
to them like there has been no progress and things are worse than ever,” said Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick. “I have gotten emails in the last two weeks from residents, telling me that the infestation is worse this year than it was last year, which is why we’re not going to back away from doing everything we can to help solve the issue.”
Perhaps the most intense research about Phorid Fly mitigation efforts in the Commonwealth is being conducted by the Department of Entomology at Penn State University. On July 29 at Kennett Borough Hall, Fetick invited Dr. Michael Wolfin, the principal director of the department’s mushroom pest management team, to a focus group session, where he introduced several of his team’s current projects that are aimed at controlling the Phorid Fly populations at mushroom growing facilities.
Attract and kill screens
In 2020, Wolfin and his team created an “attract and kill” method, which through the use of an electrostatically charged screen placed in mushroom growing rooms attracts flies emerging from the compost. The screens contain insecticide, which subsequently kills the flies when they touch the screen as they attempt to leave the growing room, preventing them from invading homes and mating to produce the next generation of flies.
Attract and kill stations are particularly attractive because no pesti-
ect to complete a renovation of the old theater building located in the heart of downtown Oxford. The project received a $2,140,166 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant award from the PA Office of the Budget in 2022, more than a year before the devastating fire. The borough is the public grantee for this award. As a result of the devastating fire, four buildings were destroyed, including the historic theatre. The RACP grant will now be allocated to help rebuild the Oxford Theatre. Also secured is grant for Niblock Alley. The Niblock Alley Redevelopment Grant is a public/private partnership. The alley will be redeveloped as a borough‐owned road, with dedicated parking spaces, installed sidewalks and pedestrian amenities, including lighting, benches, trash receptacles, and stormwater improvements. Safety will be enhanced by stabilizing the railroad embankment and installing a decorative fence between Niblock Alley and the railroad. Additionally, there are planned improvements to the Broad Street bridge including structural and aesthetic improvements, the addition
cide is applied to the crop using this method.
Using the technique of placing screens on windows at one test growing room, the team was able to kill over 900,000 flies over the first two weeks of the experiment. In the two weeks that followed, over 600,000 dead flies accumulated, and by early December, 99.9 percent of the mushroom flies were eliminated from the test room – mostly during the peak mushroom fly season from August to December.
In 2021, the team extended its outreach to 115 growing rooms and saw success at each growing room and is now set to install additional screens in 900 growing rooms.
Nematodes, predatory mites and beetles and insecticidal soaps
In 2023, using five growing rooms, the team began trials using Nematodes, nearly microscopic roundworms that dwell in mushroom soil and mushroom compost and are natural enemies of insects such as Phorid Flies. Nematodes enter the insect through breathing tubes, the mouth and the anus and form colonies, killing insects in the process. Previous studies have identified that entomopathogenic Nematodes can control mushroom sciarid flies, but Phorid Flies were too small for the Nematodes to penetrate. Laboratory studies are ongoing to test smaller species of Nematodes to control mushroom phorid fly populations. Using new application methods based on feedback from growers, the team continued the Nematobe
of a separated and raised sidewalk to increase safety for pedestrians, and decorative wrought iron fencing for increased aesthetics and safety.
The borough was awarded $1 million in funding from the Chester County Department of Community Development (CCDCD) Community Revitalization Program (CRP) in August of 2023, a $300,000 award from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s (DCED) Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Program in March of 2024, and an $854,356 award from the PA Department of Transportation MTF Program in August of 2024. The borough is now working with property owners to prepare for final design and project bidding.
Chris Grove, the executive director of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce, is very excited about the future of Oxford.
“In every small town, it’s the local businesses that build the heart of the community,” Grove said. “Neighbors support each other. After the devastating fire, we saw the best in our community. Since then, progress has happened. Maybe not a quickly as we all hope, but it is moving for-
lab trials in 2024, using 300-plus rooms with good results. Wolfin said the team recommends that new Nematodes be applied every four or five days, to provide a constant population of them in compost.
“We found that if we apply Nematodes to compost, they killed more than 40 percent of the Phorid Flies in our lab studies, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but 40 percent is a lot more than zero,” he said. “These natural enemies are not in the farms, so the idea is to bring them into the farms.”
Wolfin said that the team has also done experiments with Predatory Mites, that live underground and eat soft-body insects.
Preliminary laboratory studies suggest when applied appropriately, predatory mites may control up to 70 percent of the Phorid Fly populations at mushroom growing facilities.
“A mite will kill elevenand-a-half Phorid Fly larvae every three days, so if we’re applying 250,000 mites in a growing room, every three days you will see a dramatic loss of Phorid Flies,” he said. In similar experiments done with Predatory Beetles, the team determined that the insect kills about as many Phorid Flies as Predatory Mites.
Wolfin also introduced two organic insecticidal soap supplements – OrganiShield, an EPA-registered biopesticide that controls soft-bodied insects – and MycroSoap, which through application increases the efficiency of nutrient uptake by the mushroom, and has been proven to kill about 92 percent of Phorid Flies where it is applied. Wolfin said that MycroSoap is labeled for use as a supplement and can be applied to compost as a disinfectant.
Vestergaard netting
Wolfin then introduced a product made by Vestergaard, a Switzerlandbased company that has created PermaNet, longlasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) that serve those in vulnerable situations around the world in protecting them from diseases like malar-
ward. New businesses have moved into town despite almost a half a block of downtown being destroyed.”
Grove added, “In the next few months, we anticipate the design of the rebuild will be presented. The Oxford Theatre is moving forward. The small business owners have shown grit since COVID and now the Oxford fire.
“If that wasn’t enough, add in increased supply costs and labor costs. The small business owners are still working hard to provide the best products with unparalleled customer service. In the next few months, additional businesses are slated to move into Downtown Oxford. I encourage everyone to come downtown, not just on special events, but on the random Tuesday or Thursday.
“Your support of our small businesses is what continues to keep and build up the heart of Oxford.”
New businesses continue to move into Oxford, with recent additions including The Yoga Cove, Ashanti Naturals has moved to a new location from North Third Street to the Artisan’s Alley, the Outback Trading Company, Jackson and Haines Menswear, Presence
ia. Thus far, the company has created the products SmartNet, PermaNet 2.0 and PermaNet 3.0, and has distributed more than 800 million nets around the world that have protected an estimated 1.6 billion people.
As of now, these nets are not used in the U.S. but are on the cusp of doing so for the first time – for the Chester County agricultural industry.
“Vestergaard decided that Pennsylvania mushrooms will be their first crop ever in the U.S. that they will get a label for,” Wolfin said. “These nets can be used for one to three years, and this happened very quickly. It can take over a year for a company to get registration, but because of the unfortunate state of emergency and the relative safety of the product, we were able to get a label in four months.”
Wolfin said that insecticidal nets have proven very effective in previous experiments and that during their first seven months of usage can kill 70 percent of Phorid Flies.
“Vestergaard’s choice of choosing Pennsylvania mushrooms is to find something that demonstrates impact,” Wolfin said. “Eventually, they want to go beyond Pennsylvania mushrooms to bigger issues and bigger crops, but this is the highest impact issue they could find. They really want to come here and make people’s lives better.”
“I will tell you that Vestergaard is a fantastic partner, because their goal is to get these nets in every farmer’s hands, make them as affordable as possible and prove that it works,” Fetick said. “Right now, their goal is, ‘How can we improve this in its concept?’”
There is some good news for both mushroom farmers and the general public. Wolfin said that the Nematodes, mites and beetles are currently available for purchase; OrganiShield and MycroSoap are now available for use in Pennsylvania; and Vestergaard’s LLINs are now available for preorder at Mushroom Central Supply, Inc., 1290 Baltimore Pike in Toughkenamon.
Bank moved from their old building to the center of town, Oxford Escapes Spa on Locust Street, Flowers Café, Araceli’s Hair Salon and Volunteer City.
Opening soon will be Don Rollo, a cinnamon roll shop, which will move into the former location of the Whisky Shack on South Third Street. The new location of the Whisky Shack will be at the corner of Market and Third Street, and an ice cream place is expected on Market Street. Paperwork has been approved and they are expected to open soon. DuBarry is also due to reopen its business in late summer.
Local resident Scott Blum is also opening a breakfast place in the old Flickerwood Winery space on Route 472.
The water line improvements on Niblock Alley will certainly help the large buildings in Oxford, such as the former Odds and Ends Building. After water line improvements, that property would be a great home for a restaurant or brewery.
Plans are also moving forward for the buildings that will rise up in place of those destroyed by the fire nearly two years ago.
Grove said, “Good things are happening – it’s slow,
State and municipal commitment
The local efforts to eradicate the Phorid Fly from private residences and mushroom operations in Chester County have been seen most prominently at both the municipality and state levels. Over the past year, New Garden Township, Kennett Township, Kennett Square Borough and Avondale Borough have all issued emergency declarations that have been forwarded to State Senators John Kane and Carolyn Comitta, and State Representatives Christina Sappey and John Lawrence.
In late January, State Agricultural Director Russell Redding issued a quarantine order to control Phorid Flies by making $500,000 in funding available through the Chester County Conservation District to farmers subject to the quarantine to help implement required treatment on their farms.
The order requires all mushroom growers in Kennett Township and New Garden Township to steamtreat mushroom houses and previously used growing medium between crops. Steam treatment kills adult flies, larvae, bacteria, fungus, and pathogens, preventing spread to adjacent farms or subsequent mushroom crops.
The method is an industryproven, effective practice for managing the spread of the pest.
“What we’ve learned in this process as we’ve talked to growers and gone farm to farm is that so many of our farms are doing everything that is expected of them, but a lot of farms don’t know what is expected and there hasn’t been accountability until now, but with the quar-
and
but we also have an uncertain economy and the added expenses related to higher tariffs.”
Oxford has battled and made it through the COVID19 pandemic, a devastating fire and an uncertain economy and tariffs—but the business owners in town still rise. Oxford’s business district is literally rising from the ashes—and making a major comeback.
Dr. Michael Wolfin, the principal director of the Penn State Department of Entomology's mushroom pest management team, was the chief speaker at a July 29 focus group session, that introduced several of his team’s current projects that aim to mitigate the population of the Phorid Fly at mushroom growing facilities and in residential homes.
antine order, there now is,” said Sappey, who attended the meeting. “There is an education process happening now in the industry that is really helpful for the residents and the industry as a whole.”
Sappey assured those in attendance that the increasing frustrations shared by both the mushroom industry and area residents is being heard by key stakeholders.
“Your government officials, your mayor, your townships, borough council and the mushroom industry all care about this issue,” she said. “We understand that this has been a nightmare to live with. The impact of what happened last fall – with the temperatures being higher than predicted last October – was a time when nature really forced our hand. When I think about where we started six years ago down in New Garden Township with people canvasing homes about the Phorid Fly issue to what we’re doing now, we’ve come a really long way.”
To learn more about the Phorid Fly mitigation efforts being done by the Entomology Department at Penn State University, visit www.psu. edu/mushroomflyteam/
To learn more about Vestergaard and its products, visit www.vestergaard.com/ products
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Phorid Fly...
Courtesy photo Wilson King, one of the property owners of the destroyed buildings, rode in on his bicycle to see the devastation after the fire firsthand. He didn’t skip a beat,
he was already planning what was next shortly after the fire. He confirmed at that moment, “The theatre project is still on.”
Photos by Richard L. Gaw The presentation was moderated by Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick.
Authorities allege that her clients were never aware that the mechanism through which she would help them obtain work permits was Form I-589 asylum applications. Additionally, the victims were never informed that if the applications filed on their behalf were rejected, they would be placed in removal proceedings, potentially jeopardizing their eligibility for future immigration benefits.
The scheme defrauded an unknown number of clients out of thousands of dollars each, while DeMaria billed her clients between $6,000-$9,000 per individual and $12,000-$15,000 per couple, according to court documents. DeMaria allegedly had her clients pay in cash or peer-to-peer transactions that were deposited into her personal bank accounts which were later withdrawn at local casinos.
In all, DeMaria’s earnings from the scam are alleged to be at least $1 million, which prosecutors plan to seek forfeiture of.
If convicted, DeMaria could face a maximum possible sentence of 240 years imprisonment and a $4 million fine.
Office in school district’s administration building
News of DeMaria’s scam has spread throughout the local community, leaving many with lingering questions but few answers in sight. One detail of the case that has caught attention on
Facebook is the location of DeMaria’s Immigration Matters office.
Located in Suite 1 of 125 Bell Tower Lane, the office was rented out of the Oxford Area School District’s administration building. On Aug. 4, Superintendent Dr. David Woods released a statement on the school district’s Facebook page:
“The Oxford Area School District was made aware of an FBI investigation on July 30, 2025, shortly after 12 PM. Fatima DeMaria was a tenant in the district office building located at 125 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, Pa.
The District is not part of the investigation by the FBI nor is the District implicated in any wrongdoing through the lease agreement to the tenant.
The District will fully cooperate with the FBI regarding any future requests for information regarding the tenant.
The administrative building does not include any fulltime classrooms and has had other commercial tenants in the past. We are aware of the press release made public by the FBI and have no further comment at this time.”
Anonymous representatives from the school district were able to confirm that the office space rented to DeMaria and other previous tenants were not done independently by the district but rather with the help of a realtor. As to why and how the office was rented to DeMaria without proof of her legitimacy as a lawyer, it has caused a flurry of speculative posts and comments made on the Oxford message boards.
“As a parent I would like to know the people who are
operating within that building are vetted properly,” read one comment under an “Oxford Pulse” message board post discussing the matter.
According to DeMaria’s LinkedIn as of Aug. 1, she attended Penn State University for paralegal studies from 1994-1997. She then served as a senior immigration paralegal at “law firm” from January 1992-December 2001, then finally as paralegal at Immigration Matters, Inc. from March 2012-present. Nowhere on her current LinkedIn profile does she list experience as an attorney or as an immigration attorney.
Additionally, as of Aug. 1, her sparse activity listed on her LinkedIn profile included liking and commenting on a post made eight years ago reading, “Great News! President Trump wants to return the U.S. to the meritbased immigration system like in the rest of the developed countries!!! It would be great to say goodbye to the family-based import of low skilled labor.”
To which DeMaria commented, “about time!”
However, as of Aug. 4, DeMaria’s activity on that post was no longer listed on her LinkedIn profile nor could the post be found on the profile of its original author.
While DeMaria continues to garner attention across the region, community members who are the victims of DeMaria’s alleged crimes are now forced to face a difficult reality, some only just now realizing they even are victims.
Immigration attorney Lindsey Sweet of Sweet and Paciorek, LLC in Avondale, recently shared her perspective on the case in an email exchange with the Chester County Press. In the days after the news of DeMaria’s scam spread throughout the community, Sweet wrote that she has received “dozens of calls from victims and their family members,” and is expecting more to come.
“From the indictment, we are only now learning the true scope of the cases that Fatima was filing,” Sweet wrote. “It is likely that there are many people in the community who simply thought they were applying for employment authorization and still don’t know what has happened.”
‘It seemed legitimate on its’ face’
As to how DeMaria was able to operate the alleged scam for as long as she did with victims still possibly in the dark, Sweet shared some potential reasoning.
“Most victims who realized what happened were afraid to come forward due to their tenuous immigration status and feelings of powerlessness by the time it was discovered,” she wrote. “Others who didn’t yet see the legal consequences down the road just saw immediate results. They were being told by someone who held herself out as an attorney that they were eligible for employment authorization and then they received employment authorization just like she promised. Any questions as to how legally this was pos-
Stabbing...
Continued from Page 1A
According to a docket provided by the Pennsylvania State Police on Aug. 4, Choc-Caal is being charged with criminal intent to commit criminal homicide; aggravated assault in an attempt to cause bodily harm or cause injury with extreme indifference; aggravated assault by attempting to cause bodily injury with a deadly weapon; criminal attempt-strangulation, by applying pressure to the throat or neck; two counts of illegal possession of an instrument of crime with intent; simple assault; and one count of recklessly endangering
sible fell by the wayside.
It seemed legitimate on its’ face. Also, due to the length of the time that these cases take to process, many victims honestly didn’t know and may still not know that they were victims at all.”
Additionally, Sweet warned that DeMaria is not the only unlicensed service providing immigration legal services in the county. She recommends consulting with an experienced and licensed immigration attorney as well as working together with legal authorities if they suspect they are a victim.
Sweet concluded her feelings on the case and the state of immigration largely in both the community and country.
“The situation is tragic on multiple levels – tragic that
another person. Choc-Caal, also known as Sindy Noemi Juarez Caal, was born on March 28, 1994, and has ties to Chester County and Maryland. She was last seen wearing blue pants and a blue shirt that are covered with blood stains. Those having any information related to this alleged crime and the whereabouts of ChocCaal are asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale at (610) 2682022 or the Pennsylvania State Police Tips toll free at (800) 472-8477.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
someone in a position of supposed trust would scam vulnerable members of the community in a way that will have significant consequences legally for years to come, especially under the current presidential administration,” Sweet wrote. “It is also tragic that there is such desperation in the community to get legal status that people were willing to pay almost anything to work legally. Our legal immigration system is broken.” The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty. com.
Rezoning...
meetings and several drafts and consultations. The complexity of its iterations is, ironically, quite simple: to create a comprehensive update to the current zoning ordinance and map in an effort to respond to the changing needs of the community and support the goals of the township’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan.
The new zoning map is also intended to cut down on the number of non-conforming uses of township property that has led to numerous “by right” use of agricultural facilities, specifically in residential districts and has led to zoning misalignment with the township’s existing and future infrastructure, such as streets, stormwater and sewer systems.
On July 28, before the township’s Board of Supervisors and nearly 75 residents, McLean presented an overview of the zoning update process and goals – a two-hour meeting that also elicited additional comments from the board and residents. The presentation focused chiefly on three topics that have drawn the largest contention, discussion and disagreement over the last 12 months: mushroom operations in the Enterprise District; zoning along the Limestone Road corridor; and the map’s Residential Flex District.
No expansion of the Enterprise District
As the rezoned district map moves closer toward confirmation, perhaps the
largest thorn of contention is whether the Enterprise District – an area located between Route 41 and Starr Road – is a suitable enough size to contain its purpose: to foster a dynamic and thriving business environment that encourages economic growth, innovation, and job creation and to support a diverse range of commercial activities, including agricultural, offices, retail, light manufacturing, and technology-based enterprises.
McLean said that the zoning task force recommended no edits to the proposed Enterprise District, stating that the proposed zoning ordinance and map provides for continued mushroom operations as a nonconforming use throughout the township, and for continued and expanded use in the Enterprise District. Further, by designating a specific district to accommodate these uses, the township is able to minimize future disturbance and use-based nuisances on residential areas.
Perhaps the most frequently expressed criticism of the Enterprise District has been that it confines future growth of the mushroom industry to one chunk of land in the township. Additional feedback has called for the expansion of the district south of Starr Road in order to better accommodate the mushroom industry.
Contrary to that sentiment, McLean said that the task force recommended that the existing boundaries of the Enterprise District remain the same, citing that existing roadways in the township such as Starr Road
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and Route 41 provide more enforceable boundaries for zoning districts.
Limestone Road Zoning District
Another district that has elicited several comments and discussions has been the Limestone Road district that extends from Southwood Road to the Route 41 overpass, which is designated as a Mixed-Use District.
“We have heard concerns about traffic and transportation infrastructure and the impact of a mixed-use corridor on residential areas, but we have also heard that some residents have expressed a need for more approximate services, such as medical services that they would be able to go to instate,” McLean said.
The task force recommended that the area be redesignated as an Innovative District, which is defined as “a dynamic and adaptable environment that accommodates a diverse range of uses, including residential, commercial, industrial and recreational activities.”
This scenario, McLean said, would not only maintain the existing zoning map’s flexibility of uses, but create the potential of developing large-scale, campus-like facilities along the corridor that could bring employment opportunities to the township and implement innovative approaches to modern revitalization.
Residential Flex District
The third topic of McLean’s presentation
focused on the redrawn zoning map’s development of the Residential Flex District, which aims to achieve a balance between residential growth and the conservation and preservation of green space and natural areas in the township.
The district, McLean asserted, will be able to provide township residents with the “missing middle housing” option that offers more affordable housing opportunities.
“While population is increasing, median household size is decreasing, so we’re seeing more people in smaller households,” she said. “We’ve seen increasing demand for housing for smaller houses and more units, and the limited supply of housing units in the county is one of the main contributors to the rising cost of housing.
“We have heard concerns about the impact [that increased residential growth] will have on the character of the township, where some areas are very rural. We have also heard concerns about the impact on property values on infrastructure and natural resources, but on the flip side, we have also heard that there is a need for the broadening of available housing in the township.”
McClean said that the task force recommended no changes to the creation of the Residential Flex District, which she said is consistent with the township’s goals to provide “middle housing” opportunities. During the public comment portion of the meeting – with frequent veiled references to the recently-proposed development of White Clay Point along Route 41 - several residents re-echoed their long-expressed opinion that the redrawing of the township’s districts will have a severe impact on New Garden’s definition as a rural municipality, and lead to overabundant residential growth.
One resident told the board that during her ownership of a Newark, Delaware business, she saw the town change dramatically.
“Over time, I watched it line the pockets of developers and strip the locals of peace,” she said. “It changed the complexion of the area completely. A town that we once loved is now a place of disdain. That’s not progress. It’s destruction. It may benefit a few for a while, but in the long run, it becomes a disaster. The growth that occurs when rezoning happens is like boiling a frog. It happens
slowly at first, but then it’s too late. You can’t turn back.”
Harrogate North resident
Peter Mrozinski encouraged the board and the zoning task force to attract more public opinion by visiting them at meeting spaces throughout the township.
“Why don’t you go out in the community and talk to people?” Mrosinski said. “You could take our clubhouse, or the Somerset Lake clubhouse. When they are sitting at home, they will come and listen.”
The next steps toward the adoption of the rezoning of New Garden Township will take place over the next several months, beginning with a task force meeting on Aug. 7, which will be followed by the release of the final draft of the zoning ordinance and map prior to the township’s Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 27. After the meeting, residents will have a 45-day public comment period in which to provide additional comments about the initiative, which will be followed by a Board of Supervisors public hearing in the Fall, when the ordinance and map are expected to be approved.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
On a personal assignment steeped in sentiment and curiosity, the Chester County Press reporter went looking for the remaining open spaces in Kennett Square last week, and as he approached them, he wondered to himself, How much more time exists in the life of this field, this pasture, this undisturbed patch of earth?
Horses grazed near wooden rail fences, their tails flapping lazily as the morning sun turned their dark hides into shimmering shades of white. Deer scampered and leaped like young ballerinas at a recit-
Bulldozers and blueprints
al. Rows of corn stood firm like soldiers and the canopies of tall green grass resembled emerald blankets tousled by the invisible hands of divine intervention. Is there nothing more pristine than these untarnished sights, touched only on the periphery by humans? the reporter thought. As he drove, his mind began to imagine these acres pulverized into towering heaps of dirt by bulldozers, as developers with rolled-up blueprints stand at the edge in hard hats, dreaming of the day when their swirling DNA tails of housing concepts open to new residents and the day arrives when they get to sign the other sides of checks.
gatherings.
He drove all through the Borough to affirm that his nightmare has already come true – that the once available spaces are going away, and Kennett Square is being swallowed up in a tsunami of development that has permanently and irreparably altered its entire character. The truth of it has been burnished into its crevices: Kennett Square Apartments. The Flats at Kennett. Kennett Pointe. Magnolia Court. While these are all up and running, the plans to transform the former NVF plant along West Mulberry Street and the
new development that will be called Copperleaf Ridge on Bancroft Road exist like telltale proof that residential construction in the name of progress has reached the point of full saturation.
There is no more remaining space. This commentary – this cold but defining statement - has been heard in every corner of Kennett Square Borough, and it continues to echo throughout Kennett Township and West Marlborough Township and New Garden Township and in Toughkenamon, and at civic meetings and over backyard fences and at Sunday morning service fellowship
In spite of the efforts of many to preserve and protect it – the true visionaries, not the ones with bulldozers and the blueprints - Kennett Square is being sold off, chunk by chunk and available space by available space to the highest bidders, and the collective weight of its bloated reinvention shows no signs of stopping.
Sustainability and sound urban planning have no place in the architecture of its future.
The reporter then left Kennett Square, drove home and waited for the newest storm to arrive.
The actions of those with the bulldozers and the blueprints, in their rush to cash in on the popularity of a small town, have stripped Kennett Square of its intimacy. The reporter’s personal assignment was nearly complete. He turned onto Walnut Road, and just to the south of Route 1, saw the progress being made to the 16.5-acre Parkside development, which will include seven single-family dwelling units, 76 multifamily attached dwelling units, 100 apartment units, 11 detached garages and two parcels that will be developed for retail and commercial use.
Back-to-school, not back to bullying
While many people are gearing up for the new school year to start, many kids are silently dreading it, due to the bullying they know will take place. Other kids may be excited now, only to have that squashed as classes get underway and the bullies get back to doing what traumatizes their classmates.
One organization, Stand for the Silent, is on a mission to help make this the year that kids around the country return to school without facing bullying.
“We have touched countless lives around the country, helping to raise awareness about the dangers of bullying and provide solutions,” says Kirk Smalley, co-founder of Stand for the Silent. “Our mission is to continue touching as many lives as possible, so that we can address this issue that is causing so much harm to our society.”
Smalley has traveled
Stand for the Silent ramps up anti-bullying school tours this fall by bringing life-saving lessons and solutions to over 6,700 schools around the country to over 6,700 schools so far, giving assemblies and speeches on bullying. He’s shared the tragedy that inspired him to start the organization and movement, which is losing his young son to suicide after being bullied. The organization encourages students, teachers, and communities to get involved in helping to end bullying. They provide information, solutions, and life-saving lessons wherever they go, enabling changes that lead to reduced bullying. The organization helps schools and communities reduce bullying by holding presentations and events. They have spoken to over 4.5 million kids so far, and the number is counting, as they will be adding more schools this fall. The presentations help to reach the bully, teach kids to stand up, and save lives. They also provide a bullying prevention curriculum
for schools, bullying intervention strategies, a stand out program, and the opportunity for a Stand for the Silent chapter to be formed locally. Schools looking to reduce and address bullying should take steps to make anti-bullying a priority, including the following:
• Working with Stand for the Silent to help address the issue and implement a program.
• Setting a clear policy that makes it well known that bullying is not tolerated.
• Providing teachers and staff with information about what needs to be done if bullying is reported, so that everyone is on the same page.
• Including anti-bullying curriculum so that it becomes part of what students are being taught.
• Leading by example, so that younger people see appropriate ways to behave and react to situations.
Lawmakers plan bipartisan bill to strengthen Pa. Prevailing Wage Law
State Senators Christine Tartaglione (D–Philadelphia) and Frank Farry (R–Bucks) have introduced Senate Bill 908, bipartisan legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Prevailing Wage Act and protect skilled workers across the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, passed
in 1961, was designed to ensure fair wages for workers on public construction projects, but loopholes in the law have left too many Pennsylvania workers behind. SB 908 closes those gaps by expanding prevailing wage protections to include all off-site custom fabrication (plumbing, HVAC, sheet
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metal, electric systems, etc.) and assembly of non-standard materials—work that is currently excluded, despite being essential to public projects.
“Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve quality work, and Pennsylvania workers deserve fair pay,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “This bill makes sure that the men and women who craft and assemble materials off-site aren’t shortchanged just because their job isn’t happening directly on the construction site.”
SB 908 also ends the practice of “split rates,” where some contractors pay workers two different wages for the same job on the same day to cut costs. The bill will prohibit this practice, ensuring that workers receive the full, fair wage they’ve earned for the work they do.
“These are simple, commonsense fixes that will protect skilled workers, support local jobs, and ensure the integrity of public construction projects,” Tartaglione said. “When we put Pennsylvania workers first, everyone wins.”
For more information about SB 908, please contact the office of Sen. Tartaglione.
• Ensuring that teachers and staff know how to identify bullying, including knowing the warning signs, so they can identify it happening on school grounds and address it immediately. Parents can help address bullying by encouraging their schools and communities to include anti-bullying presentations, curriculum, and programs; learn the warning signs so they can identify children who are being bullied. It’s also important for parents to speak to their children about the dangers of bullying and that if they are being bullied it’s important to report it; determining the best route to take if their child is being bullied, including reporting it to the school or police, depending on the situation; talking openly with kids about bullying, how to stand up for others, and why it’s so important to do so; learn all they can about bully-
ing, including, cyberbullying, so they can have the best opportunity at addressing the issue; and being a good role model and ensuring that their parenting style is not unknowingly leading their child to become a bully at school.
Stand for the Silent also offers a wealth of information and resources for parents and communities, including warning signs to look for, a cyberbullying prevention handbook, and more. They also have a college scholarship program for students who are making a difference in their school regarding anti-bullying.
“We are ready to help make this a great school year around the nation,” said Smalley. “To do that, anti-bullying has to be a top priority for everyone. The health of our nation’s youth and future adults depends on it.”
To get more information about hosting a presentation at a school or in the community, visit the site at: https:// standforthesilent.org/schools/ host-a-presentation. Parents looking for helpful information regarding bullying, can find it here: https://standforthesilent.org/ for-parents/warning-signs.
About Stand for the Silent
Started in 2010, Stand for the Silent is an organization dedicated to helping eliminate bullying nationwide. Kirk and Laura Smalley founded the group after their child took his own life due to bullying. They offer free resources for parents and educators and travel to schools to host presentations. They have visited over 6,700 schools and spoken with more than 4.5 million students. To get more information, visit the site at https://standforthesilent.org.
Courtesy image
Chester County’s 96th annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic takes place this Saturday
The free family-friendly annual event celebrates bluegrass, folk and gospel music
Join hundreds of musicians and music lovers to celebrate the 96th Annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic at Hibernia County Park in Coatesville on Saturday, Aug. 9.
This beloved Chester County summer tradition brings together professional and amateur musicians for a day of fellowship and tunes.
“Old Fiddler’s Picnic is a celebration of music and a reunion of friends that fills the park with sounds that linger on for
days to come,” said Katie Cook, the Chester County program and events coordinator. “Where words fail, music speaks, and in this field, every beat becomes a shared heartbeat.”
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets to enjoy the stage show or stroll through the trees to listen to musicians from around the region harmonizing on instruments including violins, guitars, banjos, and mandolins.
This free, family-friendly
event also includes food trucks, craft vendors, kids’ inflatables, wagon rides, face painting, and plenty of fellowship. Bring your instrument and join one of the informal groups playing along the forest’s edge or even get on the list to play the main stage.
Old Fiddler’s Picnic will be held light rain or shine. Tents and canopies are not permitted in Fidder’s Field. Pets are welcome but must be on a six-foot leash. Parking is free.
Hibernia County Park
“Old
Fiddler’s Picnic is a celebration of music and a reunion of friends that fills the park with sounds that linger on for days to come."
~ Katie Cook, Chester County program and events coordinator
consists of over 900 acres of trails, woodlands, meadows, open fields, play areas, pavilions, camping, and picnic areas. The park is also home to Chambers
Lake, a great spot for fishing and non-gasoline powered boating, plus historic Hibernia Mansion, which is open for weekend tours.
For more information, call Hibernia County Park at 610344-6415 or visit https:// www.chesco.org/2415/ Old-Fiddlers-Picnic.
The 2025 Festival of Flight Air, Car & Tractor Show will take place over a full weekend—Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24—at the New Garden Flying Field. The popular annual event, which attracts thousands of visitors, will feature two days of amazing aerobatics (both day and night shows), great car displays, antique and military aircraft, and much more. The family fun includes food vendors, craft vendors, and a Kid Zone.
Gates will open at 2 p.m. and the show will run to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 23.
Gates will open at 10 a.m. on August 24, and the show will run until 5 p.m. on that day.
The New Garden Flying Field is located at 1235 Newark Road in Toughkenamon.
Follow the New Garden Flying Field on social media or visit the website at www.newgardenflyingfield.com for updates on the schedule and ticket information.
The free family-friendly annual event celebrates bluegrass, folk and gospel music.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The 2025 Festival of Flight Air, Car, & Tractor Show will take place over two days, on Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24, this year.
Courtesy photos
The Fiddler’s Grove is one of the highlights of Chester County’s annual Old Fiddler’s Picnic, held at Hibernia County Park.
The Fiddler’s Grove at the Old Fiddler’s Picnic.
This beloved Chester County summer tradition brings together professional and amateur musicians for a day of fellowship and tunes.
M. LORETTA MCGRAW
Loretta McGraw, a resident of Oxford and formerly of White Hall, Md., passed away on July 20, 2025. She was 83.
Loretta was born on June 19, 1942 to Mary Foley McGraw and Nelson McGraw. She grew up in Capitol Heights, Md. and graduated from Central High School in 1960.
Loretta attended the University of Maryland and earned her bachelor’s degree in education in 1964. She then began her first teaching job at Gwynn Park High School as a physical education teacher. During the summers, she was a camp counselor at Camp Navarac on Saranac Lake, where her love of the Adirondacks began and where many lifelong friendships were created.
She then attended Boston University and obtained her master’s degree in special education with a focus in deaf and blind studies in 1968. Loretta spent her career teaching vision and hearing impaired students while developing programs to promote inclusion for these students in schools. This was a novel idea at the time and she rose to the challenge. While working at the Maryland School for the Blind, she spearheaded a new
Alleluia
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14
For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10
outreach initiative to bring more children and their families into these programs so that they could be educated alongside their peers.
Following her retirement from the Maryland State Department of Education in 2001, she built Pine Meadows Farm in White Hall, Md., where she spent her days with her beloved horses Sunny, Nugget, and Glory. They were, in her own words, “the bedrock of my existence.” When she was not with her horses, she was usually researching her family history, sailing the Chesapeake on her sailboat “Gemini,” or enjoying a chai tea with binoculars in hand and her yellow lab, Montana, at her side.
Loretta was a fierce advocate for women’s rights, social justice, and the environment. She was steadfast in her beliefs and dry with her humor. She will be missed by many cousins, friends near and far, and all those whose lives she has touched.
A memorial luncheon will be held upstairs at Octoraro Tavern at 2 South 3rd St. in Oxford on Monday, Aug. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canine Companions or Community Forklift in Hayattsville, Md. at www.communityforklift.org/ donate/donate-funds/ in her memory.
KENNETH S. PERON
Kenneth S. Peron, a resident of Lancaster, Pa., passed away on July 23, 2025. Born on November 5, 1969 in Somers Point, N.J., he was the son of the late James E. Peron and Jean L. Hammell Peron. Ken graduated from Council Rock High School in Newtown, Pa. and then went on to Bucks County Community College to receive an associate of arts degree. He finished his education at Bloomsbury University, where a bachelor of science in business administration was conferred.
After college, Ken worked at Sears, Boscov’s and Lancaster General Hospital. He was also a camp counselor at a summer camp for those with special needs. He enjoyed reading, being part of the amateur (Ham) radio community with his father and collecting lighthouses and vintage Coca Cola memorabilia.
He is survived by two brothers, Keith D. Peron and husband Rick Kelley of Lewes, Del. and his twin Kyle S. Peron and wife Kelly of Pottstown, Pa.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin J. Peron.
Services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DAVID JOSEPH MADONNA
David Joseph Madonna, a beloved husband and father, left this world peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Aug. 3, 2025. He was 66.
David was born in Wilmington, Del. on Feb. 22, 1959, the son of Francis and Helen Madonna. He grew up in Kennett Square and attended Kennett High School. His zest for life and dedication to his loved ones were evident from a young age.
Throughout his life, David was a pillar of strength and a source of unwavering support for his family. He was a loving husband to Bonnie, and together, they shared 35 years of cherished memories and boundless love. As a father, he was a guiding light to his children, Jessica and Jacob, instilling in them values of integrity, hard work, and compassion.
Professionally, David had a remarkable career as a longhaul trucker with several different companies, but most
notably with the Manfredi Company. He was known for his dedication and commitment to excellence, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.
In his free time, David enjoyed fishing, attending car shows, and celebrating his favorite holiday, Christmas. Nothing brought him more joy than decorating his Christmas tree every year, choosing each ornament with care and turning his tree into a work of art.
David is preceded in death by his parents and his eldest brother, Francis.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Jessica Mann (J.P.) and Jacob Madonna (Natalie Marchand); his brothers, Daniel (Rosie) and James (Shirley); his sister, Michelene; and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his extended family and a wide circle of friends, all of whom will remember him fondly and were touched by his warmth and kindness.
A celebration of his life will take place at a future time. Memorial contributions can be made to your preferred local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society.
HAROLD M. WEINER
Harold “Hal” M. Weiner, 90, of Lincoln University, Pa., passed on July 9, 2025.
Born in New York City in 1935, Harold “Hal” M. Weiner was a bold and visionary attorney who helped shape the legal foundations of both the labor and LGBTQ rights movements. After graduating from Adelphi College, he served in the Navy on the USS Essex. A graduate of NYU Law School, he began his career with the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America (ACWA), where he defended union members and championed workers’ rights during a pivotal era of labor activism.
In May 1970, Hal made history by meeting and defending Sylvia Rivera, who was arrested in Times Square while collecting signatures for Intro 475—the first New York City bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, and public spaces. That impromptu defense led to his becoming general counsel for the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), and his work helped open the door to future LGBTQ litigation and advancement.
In the mid-1990s, Hal had a conversion experience and became an Episcopalian. He was an active member of the Congregation of St. Saviour at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. As a member, he participated in many social justice and advocacy interfaith efforts, particularly after the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
In retirement, Hal fully embraced two of his passions: he became a licensed New York City tour guide on
double-decker buses and devoted himself to street photography as a member of the National Press Photographers Association.
With a larger-than-life personality and an irresistible charm, Hal naturally collected friends from every corner of the world and every imaginable background. His life was a rich tapestry of relationships, woven from his travels, his passions, and his innate ability to make a stranger feel like a lifelong friend.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis J. Murray; his children, Mari Keiko Gonzalez (Kim), Joshua S.M. Weiner, Justin M. Weiner (Beth), and Jane Duda (Steve); and his grandchildren, Devon Kameko Gonzalez, Tyler Foresta, Olivia Foresta, and Lucy Duda.
A funeral service will be held on Aug. 16 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 116 Lancaster Pike in Oxford.
Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. and repast to follow.
A second funeral mass with interment of ashes will be held on October 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Great Choir at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, N.Y. Reception to follow at Cathedral House.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Lambda Legal https://give.lambdalegal.org/give/709813/#!/donation/checkout or St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Oxford.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
BARBARA JANE CUTTER
Barbara “Babs” Jane Jorgenson Cutter passed away on July 22, 2025 as a resident of Crosslands, an assisted living center in Kennett Square. She was 96. Born in Philadelphia on June 19, 1929, she was the daughter of Rose (née Obendorfer) and George W Jorgenson. She was predeceased by her husband, Hugo Cutter, Jr., with whom she shared 18 years of marriage.
Babs grew up in southwest Philadelphia. After graduating from John Bartram High School in 1947, she received a diploma as an X-ray technician from Philadelphia General Hospital in 1949. She worked in the X-ray department at Philadelphia General Hospital for many years, eventually attaining a management position. After PGH, she worked for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health for 7 years. Babs was known for her tenacious work ethic and her unwavering determination to do the best for her patients and fellow employees.
Babs will be remembered for her sense of humor, generosity, love of animals, opera, art, birding, and travel. Most importantly, she will be remembered for her ability to make friends easily. She was very much loved by many.
In her later years, she found solace while sitting under her favorite Horse Chestnut tree and listening to the sounds of nature. Her cat, Snow, kept her company for more than 18 years. Snow was always willing to wake Babs each morning to indicate it was time for breakfast. Babs also loved visits from passing four-legged friends while relaxing on her patio. She especially enjoyed the therapy dog visits after she entered the health center.
Babs is survived by her stepdaughter Amy Sue Cutter, step-grandsons Jacob and Madison (Christine), and her step-great granddaughter, the light of her life, Stella. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.
If you find yourself missing Babs’ company, there is no doubt you can hear her say, “Get over it!!”
She wanted us all to find the way to live to our full potential… so, get with it.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Crosslands in Kennett Square for the loving care she received during her stay in skilled care following a stroke last fall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to your local animal shelter and/or Kendal-Crosslands Communities, for the Purpose of Firbank Employees, P.O. Box 100, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484) 734-8100.
To view Barbara’s online obituary, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF KARENE CRUZ, DECEASED. Late of Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, PA
LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to KRISTOPHER CRUZ, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Carol R. Livingood, Esq., 130 W. Lancaster Ave., P.O. Box 191, Wayne, PA 19087-0191, Or to his Attorney: CAROL R. LIVINGOOD, TIMONEY KNOX LLP, 130 W. Lancaster Ave., P.O. Box 191, Wayne, PA 19087-0191 7p-23-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Wise, Anne S., dec’d. , late of, Honey Brook Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. LETTERS Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to Mark McWilliams and Paul McWilliams, Co- Executors, 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: Kent M. Wise, c/o Good Law Firm, 132 West Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557
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ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of James Bruce Holmgreen aka James B. Holmgreen aka James Holmgreen, Deceased late of the Borough of South Coatesville, Chester County, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Susan S. Holmgreen and John R. Lundy, Esq., Administrators, c/o Lundy Beldecos & Milby, PC, 450 N. Narberth Ave., Suite 200, Narberth, PA 19072. 7p-30-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF RICHARD J. WEAVER, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA
LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to BARBARA WEAVER, ADMINISTRATRIX, 2109 Laurel Ln., Oxford, PA 19363, Or to her Attorney: DAVID E. SCHWAGER, 183 Market St., Ste. 100 Kingston, PA 18704-5444 7p-30-3t
ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF Albert Loveland, deceased. LATE OF Upper Oxford Township, Chester County LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having
Legals/Classifieds
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: Andrea Loveland c/o Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363
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ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Walter Ray Carter
A.K.A. Walter R. Carter, Died 1-30-2025, late of, Oxford, Pennsylvania, Chester County, Pennsylvania. LETTERS Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to Bruce B. Carter, Executor , 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 Bruce B. Carter, Executor C/O Attorney George S. Donze, Esquire, Donze and Donze, 696 Unionville Rd. Suite 6, Kennett Square, PA 19348
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NOTICEPENNSBURY TOWNSHIP ZONING HEARING BOARD
NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on August 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:
In re: Application of Multum In Parvo, LLC, seeking a special exception under Zoning Ordinance Section 1202.B.8 to allow the addition of a cardiology component to an existing veterinary clinic; and seeking a special exception or variance so as to permit the expansion of a building that is nonconforming as to the 75-foot front yard setback requirement under Ordinance Sections 1203.A.4 and 1206a.A so as to accommodate the proposed cardiology practice at property located at 455 Old Baltimore Pike Unit 2 Chadds Ford, PA (UPI #64-3-80) in the Township’s HC-Highway Commercial and in the Route 1 Corridor and Brandywine Battlefield Overlay District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Dan Boyle at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor, Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 8p-6-2t
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, August 18, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to
consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Code Enforcement, Part 6, Administration and Enforcement, §5-612, Penalty for Violations, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 5, CODE ENFORCEMENT, PART 6, ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT, §5-612, PENALTY FOR VIOLATIONS, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD.
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 5, Code Enforcement, Part 6, Administration and Enforcement, §5-612, Penalty for Violations, regarding penalties for failure to comply with the requirement for an annual permit for any residential or non-residential rental property, or for any violation of the requirements which apply to residential and non-residential rental property in the Borough of Oxford.
SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.
SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided. OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 8p-6-1t
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, August 18, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending the Non-Uniformed Employees Money Purchase Pension Plan Document, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, AMENDING THE NON-UNIFORMED EMPLOYEES MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN DOCUMENT OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY.
SECTION 1. Amends Article III, Section 3.04: FORFEITURES in its entirety, to read as follows: The Nonvested Account of Participant shall be forfeited as of the Participant’s Forfeiture Date. Forfeitures shall be deemed approximately once per each Plan Year. It has always been the Borough’s intent to first use said forfeitures to pay plan administrative expenses. Those forfeitures not used to pay plan administrative expens-
es were/are intended to be used to reduce the Employer Contributions made to each eligible Participant’s account. Upon application, such forfeitures have/ will be intended to REDUCE Employer Contributions. Thus, such forfeitures shall be labeled Employer Contributions on Participants’ account statements.
SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.
SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided. OXFORD BOROUGH ,COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 8p-6-1t INCORPORATION NOTICE
Revivea Wellness PC has been incorporated under the provisions of Chapter 29 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation law of 1988 as a Professional Corporation, as amended. Lamb McErlane PC, 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19381
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NOTICE OF
DISSOULTION
Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that ERISAdiagnostics, Inc. is currently in the process of voluntarily dissolving.
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ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Marlene E. Hamilton, deceased Late of the Township of West Fallowfield, Chester County, PA LETTERS Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to Teresa M. Hamson, Executrix, 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 Teresa M. Hamson, Executrix, c/o James Clark Associates 277 Millwood Road Lancaster, PA 17603 Attorney: Neil R. Vestermark
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ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Robert Samuel McMichael, Executor for the Estate of Audrey Wilson Neyman, whose last address was Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363.
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ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Kathy Moody and Tracy Pietrinferni, CoExecutrices for the Estate of Carol S. Birt whose last address was East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363.
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Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within men -
tioned 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 Thursday, August 21st , 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, September 22nd, 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. 25-8-214 Writ of Execution No. 2025-00931 DEBT $447,433.45
Property situate in the KENNETT TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR # 62-09-0001.02B
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC VS DEFENDANT: JOHN E. PERRONE & LAUREN E. PERRONE
SALE ADDRESS: 9165 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, PA 19311
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. 7-23-3t
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 Thursday, August 21st , 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, September 22nd, 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. 25-8-227
Writ of Execution No. 2024-03706 DEBT $321,285.07
ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF LONDON BRITAIN, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA:
Tax Parcel # 73-05-0041
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a
residential property
PLAINTIFF: CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC VS DEFENDANT: JOE DANIEL BIALK, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF GEORGIANNE BIALK; ARTEMIS MOLLY A/K/A MOLLY BLACK, IN HER CAPACITY AS HEIR OF GEORGIANNE BIALK; DIMTRI D. BIALK, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF GEORGIANNE BIALK; ANDREW D. BIALK, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF GEORGIANNE BIALK; DANIEL R. BIALK II, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF GEORGIANNA BIALK; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS, CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER GEORGIANNA BIALK
SALE ADDRESS: 1255 New London Road, Landenberg, PA 19350
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.
7-23-3t
AUTO AUCTION
2003 Ford Expedition vin# 1FMFU18L03LB41832 will be sold on August 6 2025 @ 9:00 am Chew’s Towing, Inc. 722 Market St Oxford, PA 19363
HELP WANTED
Senior Wine Industry Business Analyst, Finance positions available at Sommsation Services in West Chester, Pennsylvania. To apply, mail resume and cover letter to: Sommsation attn:HR-Careers, 2 W. Market St., 6th Floor, West Chester, PA 19382 or email careers@sommsation.com. Job
Duties: The Senior Wine Industry Business Analyst, Finance will support the company’s wine industry portfolio platformization business by performing the following duties: Using applied mathematics and AI to build analysis pipelines, conduct financial and data analysis of the wine market landscape and financial impact of consumer behavior regarding the purchasing and consumption of wine; assisting with defining the financial future of Sommsation’s economical operating model within the wine industry. Conduct valuation analysis based on multiple financial valuation methodologies and corporate development related to the company’s capital structure and financials. Conduct research regarding potential investment and/or M&A related due diligence, including industry research, capital structure analysis and related calculations, financial modeling, management calls, and
market and industry research. Perform complex statistical analysis and modeling based upon company performance, customer interface data, and trends related to company performance and the wine industry. Assist with the analysis needed for development and construction of machine learning pipelines and analysis based on artificial intelligence and applied mathematics related to platformization. Perform risk management analysis by evaluating and analyzing data and reports on Sommsation’s exposure in wine industry involvement. Identify, analyze, and model investment considerations, including broader items such as macroeconomic trends and wine industry supply and demand dynamics, as well as asset-specific items such as a microeconomic consumer preferences and company’s
Legals/Classifieds
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Houlahan criticized at town hall over her support for Israel
By Gabbie Burton
Contributing Writer
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) heard outcry from audience members who attended her town hall at the Kennett Library on July 30 and questioned her about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and her support for Israel.
The event also featured Houlahan’s conversation with Jeffrey Rosen, the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
During the Q&A portion of the event, moderator and local faith leader Kyle Boyer read a comment card from an audience member asking Houlahan whether she agreed that the “Israeli war in Gaza constitutes a just war.”
“I am an enormous ally of Israel,” Houlahan responded. “I am horrified, as I think we all are, by the actions of Hamas, and this has been a brutal, brutal, brutal war. I am not a fan of Benjamin Netanyahu but that doesn’t mean that I am not a supporter of Israel.”
Houlahan continued through an initial interruption saying, “I think it is important to see that there’s a huge humanitarian crisis right now, and we have been very vocal about that in our office.”
Houlahan recently joined
92 congressional colleagues in calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to investigate the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, “a private, unqualified U.S.-linked aid organization at the center of the worsening starvation and humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” Houlahan stated on Instagram. However, her statements at the town hall were not enough for some members of the crowd.
“There’s no justification for starvation,” said one member in the audience, “and genocide at the hands of Netanyahu,” another interrupted before other voices from the audience began quickly overlapping.
Attendees questioned Houlahan’s voting record, contributions she has received from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in her campaign and repeated the initial question of whether or not she believes the war is just. Houlahan did not give a “yes” or “no” answer. “At this point in time, I very much question what’s happening with this war,” he said. “I believe that there are war crimes happening daily. What I would very much want to see is a twostate solution and peace, immediately.”
Attendee Chris Christakis was one of those who interrupted Houlahan and shared his thoughts on the situation afterwards.
“I’m just really upset about what’s going on, and I don’t like that we are complicit as a country,” he said. “I don’t think [U.S. Rep. Houlahan] cares. I mean, AIPAC is her highest funder.”
According to Open Secrets, individuals and PACs affiliated with AIPAC were Houlahan’s top contributor in 2023-2024, contributing $35,710. Christakis also shared that he was surprised by Houlahan’s response to the questions and the subsequent outcry from the audience.
“I’m surprised that she
just shirked it,” he said. “The question was, ‘Do you think it is a just war?’ She wouldn’t even answer that, which I think says that it’s pretty clear that this is not a just war.”
Houlahan offered to continue the discussion with Christakis at a later time in order to continue discussing other questions and topics of the town hall.
Other topics discussed during the town hall involved immigration, the Supreme Court, free speech, and education. Many of the topics were discussed within the framework of
the U.S. Constitution, owing to Rosen’s role at the Constitution Center.
A key point for both Rosen and Houlahan was to encourage attendees to continue learning independently and have hard discussions on the issues they care most about.
“Educate yourself about the Constitution, and then you can make up your own minds,” Rosen said. “As long as people continue to do exactly what you’re doing – gathering together, reading and informing yourself – then America will survive.”
Despite the interruptions from the audience, the Houlahan team shared that they were ultimately satisfied with the event.
“The goal for every town hall is dialogue,” said Houlahan’s communications director, Erin Cecil-Smith. “Even difficult questions are going to get asked. She’s a congresswoman, she is our representative, and this is her job.”
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Gabbie Burton
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) held a town hall at the Kennett Library on July 30 that featured a conversation with Jeffrey Rosen, the president and CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
