Oxford Borough officials discuss concerns about truck traffic
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
Everyone, it seems, is talking about
with more truck traffic because of the impending sales of farms and the proposed commercial uses for those properties. In East Nottingham, it is the Herr Farm that could be sold, and in West Nottingham it is the Kimble Farm that could be sold.
Truck traffic was a topic of discussion for Oxford Borough Council at the August meeting. As an urban center, Oxford Borough often has amenities and activities which can bring
in a higher population from the outside. Also, services such as banking, gas stations, libraries, restaurants, and more bring people and traffic through town. Truck traffic is increased when supplying deliveries to those amenities and simply as a main connection to other municipalities.
With that in mind, the Oxford Police Department has recently had Officer Paul Frie successfully complete the Municipal Police Vehicle Size and Weight
Enforcement Training Program offered by the Pennsylvania State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Division. This will give Officer Frie the necessary knowledge to effectively enforce regulations and ensure road safety for all drivers.
As part of a collaborative effort with the Pennsylvania State Police and neighboring municipalities, the Oxford Police Department is working to address the growing presence of commercial
vehicles on the roads.
Also discussed was the possibility of the PennDOT Turn Back Program which is a cooperative, voluntary initiative where Pennsylvania municipalities can assume ownership of state-owned roads that are considered “functionally local.” PennDOT provides financial support for rehabilitation and maintenance of these roads. Municipalities receive an annual payment for maintenance, and PennDOT may also pro-
vide funding for necessary road or bridge rehabilitation before the transfer.
If this program is utilized, the borough could have greater control over their roads allowing them to designate the type and size of vehicle that could travel on specific streets.
Borough Council decided to continue to discuss the options.
Council carefully considered the approval of ENOX Land LLC final land-
The 40th annual Mushroom Festival to lead off with a parade
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
The 40th annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square will march into town with a parade along State Street later this week - a much-anticipated return to an early parade custom that was abandoned earlier during the festival’s long history. The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, and run westward along the borough’s traditional parade route.
Mushroom Festival President Gina Puoci explained that a parade, which was a feature of the past, had become burdensome to plan. As time
went by, staging areas had diminished and other roadblocks arose that made it more time-consuming and disruptive to include as part of the festivities.
However, this year’s parade will be organized and run by Kennett Collaborative, which has also taken over the popular Memorial Day Parade, thus relieving the Mushroom Festival Board and volunteers of the responsibility of planning the event.
Festival Coordinator Gale Ferranto said visitors can look forward to seeing local organizations and plenty of floats in the Thursday night opening procession.
The parade is just one of the
LENS
‘Sharing our impact’: Bensen named new CEO of KACS
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
After leaving W.L. Gore in 2024, where she led a large global engineering and manufacturing team, West Grove resident Julie Bensen threw herself into volunteering at local agencies.
One of those was Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), where beginning last November, she helped stock food items and manage inventory at its Food Cupboard.
“I loved my work at W.L. Gore, but it was getting to be so big that I could not immediately see my impact every day,” she said from her new office, where she recently began her new role as KACS Chief Executive Officer, replacing interim CEO Carrie Freeman.
“Through volunteering, I quickly fell in love with KACS. I watched volunteers leave at the end of the day knowing they had done something meaningful for their neighbors, and I saw the camaraderie and respect shared between staff and the community. So when the CEO position became available, it felt serendipitous—I already knew and valued the organization, and I was
eager to step in and serve.” Bensen arrives at KACS with two decades of senior leadership experience. While the non-profit industry is new to her, the intrinsic skills needed to run an organization of this size are not. While her professional track record includes leading diverse, multidisciplinary and multilingual teams through times of growth, transformation, and challenge, she also brings to KACS skills that are not often seen in spread sheets: empowering individuals, fostering collaboration across differences, and creating environments where people can grow and succeed.
“I come into this role with a passion for people, and am excited to work with the incredible team, volunteers, donors and those we serve in the community at large,” she said. “Throughout my career, I’ve built strong relationships across a wide range of stakeholders, and these are skills that will be invaluable here.”
“Julie’s strategic vision, deep operational experience, and genuine passion for people make her an ideal leader for this next chapter,” Freeman said. “We are
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Courtesy photo
The Mushroom Festival Board works year around to make the event a success. Pictured, from left, are Eric Durynski, Gale Ferranto, Samantha Snyder, John D’Amico, Lin Bove, Jen Basciani, Gina Puoci, Basa Moltchanov. Lori Gebert, and Laura Price.
Truck traffic...
Continued from Page 1A development plan for the Moran Farm Property. The solicitor for Enox identified changes made on the plans. After careful consideration the plan was granted an extension by council until September 8.
Council members thought that the changes and outstanding letters from certain agencies could be addressed in time for the next council meeting.
Police Chief Sam Iacono presented his report to council. He explained that a civil service list was developed for those who successfully passed the test.
“This list will be good for one year,” Iacono explained.
Iacono also reminded borough council that the
Festival...
features that will celebrate the mushroom – the crop that places Pennsylvania as its top annual producer— during a fun food festival that has evolved into the borough’s signature event.
The festival, which this year is on Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., has grown by leaps and bounds during its years—to a point where attendance at times has been estimated in the high tens of thousands and the number of vendors lining the street has grown to 220 or more.
And, while Puoci and Ferranto are still delivering the familiar and popular
department was short two full-time officers.
There were 651 calls to the police for the month of July, Iacono said. Oxford mayor Phil Harris discussed the opening of the neighborhood hospital of ChristianaCare West Grove campus.
Harris also continues to work with the new management at Whitehall Apartments. He reminded everyone to call 911 if they need assistance from the police.
Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen updated borough council on the near completion of the installation of the new water meters.
“We have been working with the contractor, RIO, on some ongoing installation issues,” she said.
attractions of vendors, demonstrations and food, the two have made some slight streamlining improvements and added even more features for visitors to enjoy.
One issue that they took on this year is the crowding that occurs at the tent where mushroom growers show the public how they produce their crop next to the actual mushroom beds they brought in. Often, the waiting line into the tent extends more than a borough block.
This year, Puoci said, they are changing the layout of the tent so that there are two entrances beside each other and they feed into an area where the growers are between each line.
There are other innovations as well.
While the Saturday sched-
She also told council that the PennVest request for funding will be submitted by Sept. 30.
Garcia-Allen also said that the borough continues to move forward with the Niblock Alley project, working in collaboration with all the property owners.
In other business, borough council approved the following:
• A hearing to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 5, Code Enforcement, Part 6, Administration and Enforcement, §5-612, Penalty for Violation of the Code of the Borough of Oxford. The hearing was held. There was no public comment.
• A hearing to adopt an ordinance amending the non-uniform employees’ money purchase pension
ule of the two-day event has to this point closed in the late afternoon, this year they have added a concert at night.
The Gilroys, a West Chester band that performed at the Mushroom Festival in the late 1990s, will present a concert from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Liberty Place Market parking lot.
The Saturday night concert does not stand alone in entertainment, however.
Throughout the two days there will be music from Steve Liberace, Morel, Cicco, Houston & the Dirty Rats, Maribou and Penny Samar.
The site for all the entertainment, like the Gilroys performance, will be the Liberty Place parking lot.
The highly popular eating contest, which always results in plenty of cheering and excitement, will return on Sunday, Sept. 7, at noon.
It kicks off with the EN FUEGO! Eating Contest, which pits contestants against each other to see who can endure the hottest sauce.
Last year there was no single winner because all of those who entered were able to endure the heat to the end. This year, Puoci said, there will be six levels of heat, and the sauces will be even hotter.
Then, immediately following the EN FUEGO contest, the eating contest – hosted by WXTU’s Jeff Kurkjian and Frank Pastella – will begin.
The competitors will see how many mushrooms they can eat in 12 minutes.
There will be five prizes ranging from $1,000 down to $200 as well as plenty of hoopla.
The cooking contest, which also attracts emotion and excitement takes place over two days and awards the prize to the cook who is adjudged to have created the best dish out of a bag of food products they have been given.
The festival launches into this cooking event early, with the first round of contestants starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
plan document.
• Acceptance of the Oxford Borough Civil Service Commission resolution certifying individual eligibility for consideration for the position of patrolman for the borough.
• Acceptance of an extension which will run through and include the date of October 26, 2025, for review of the 232 S. Fifth Street minor subdivision application.
• Acceptance of an extension which will run through and include the date of October 26, 2025, for review of the 220 N. Third Street minor subdivision application.
• DMV Parking proposal in the amount of $22,710.00 to install the concrete islands and related infrastructure for gating the
parking garage.
• The Car Park LLC (Park on Call division) contract in the amount of $599 per month, with a one-time software fee of $600, for 24-hour 3rd Party Answer Intercom services for the Borough Parking Garage.
• A resolution adopting an Act 537 sewage facilities plan update.
• Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) recommendation for Certificate of Appropriateness for 245 Maple Street for the remodeling of the porch.
• Historical Architectural Review Board recommendation for Certificate of Appropriateness for 405 Market Street for the addition of a sign for Taqueria Los Juarez.
Council member Peggy Ann Russell said that the
date for the next Financial Committee meeting was changed to Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Borough Hall. The next Housing Committee meeting will resume on Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. at the Borough Hall. Rachel Wentworth from Equal Housing will be a guest speaker.
Council member Robert Ketcham announced that he will be stepping down from his position at the Oxford Area Sewer Authority. Borough council encourages borough residents to volunteer to serve as a representative on the Oxford Area Sewer Authority or as a member of one of the borough committees.
The next Oxford Borough Council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Borough Hall.
It continues on Sunday when the final winner is selected.
In the course of the two days, talented chefs including William Atkins, Jennifer Behm-Lazzarini and Dana Herbert will also share their skills through demonstrations at the cooking tent on Union Street.
The car show on south Broad Street returns with many classic cars on display on Saturday. The collection of antique cars runs almost to the bottom of the hill, and has always attracted many spectators.
This year, the festival will include a fleet of antique cars from the Marshall Stream Museum in Auburn State Park near Hockessin.
This museum houses the world’s largest collection of operating Stanley steam cars with other antique vehicles like a Model T, a 1916 electric car and 1930s Packards.
There is also something new at the children’s area at the west end of the festival in addition to the traditional bouncing huts and swings: At the festival this year will be the creators of Legos – children’s building kits – who will have for sale a model they have created of a mushroom.
The vendors and restaurants that line State Street attract many enthusiast visitors to the festival, and this year there are 220
vendors that will offer everything from toys to dog food to sculptures and crafts. Visitors invariably leave with their arms full of unique items they have purchased.
Additionally, some of the usual favorite attractions from previous festivals return as well including mushroom soup, souvenirs, “Cute as a Button” contest, the fried mushroom booth and painted ceramic mushrooms. The Mushroom Festival runs the length of Kennett Square’s State Street and several of the side streets that connect to it.
The cooking events are centered on Union Street, while the souvenirs, cars and growing demos are located down Broad Street.
The children’s activities are at the west end at Lafayette Street.
The Mushroom Festival is organized and carried out by an 11-member board that meets all through the year for the planning of the event. It depends on scores of volunteers to make it successful.
The admission to the Mushroom Festival is $5, which can be paid at any of several entrances at feeder streets along the way. Parking is $5 at Chatham Financial, a large lot on McFarlan Road, and at the Kennett High School parking lot. Buses will transport those who have parked at these large parking locations to the festival. The Mushroom Festival continues through rain or shine. Visit Mushroomfestival.org or the event’s social media pages for more information and an updated list of attractions and activities.
Mushroom
Photos by Chris Barber
Visitors arrive early on Saturday morning, especially in good weather.
Children love to gather around the live mushroom known as “Fun Guy.”
Each year, the painted mushrooms become more elaborate.
Mushroom growers show how they produce their product.
The fried mushroom booth is popular, especially at lunchtime.
This year, the growing tent will have two doors to cut down on wait times for spectators.
Kennett Area Community Service...
Continued from Page 1A
thrilled to welcome her and confident in the future we will build together.”
New location, same borough
For a few years, KACS orchestrated a capital campaign to raise funding for the construction of a new 26,000 square-foot facility on 5.61 acres along West Cypress Street. The facility’s price tag, last estimated at $17 millionwould be paid for by private and public donations and state funding, and a capital campaign soon followed that galvanized the entire agency and its many area partners.
At the same time KACS, its board and its building and capital campaign committees were moving forward, the agency’s plans were overlapping with Kennett Square Borough’s move to the former Genesis Building on South Broad Street, a prime space now occupied by government offices and the borough’s Police Department. As part of its strategic plan to maximize the borough’s assets and improve its finances, Kennett Square Borough Council approached former KACS CEO Leah Reynolds last fall with a proposal to relocate KACS’ operations and establish Borough Hall as its’ new home.
After several months of further discussions, Borough Council and the KACS Board of Directors recently – and unanimously – approved pursuing
negotiations for KACS to purchase a significant portion of space within the main building of Borough Hall. The agency plans to move from its current offices on Cedar Street to the new location in early 2027.
“There are still the mechanics to work through around details and agreements about how it will be retrofitted into the building, but overall, we have so much optimism and excitement for our new home,” Bensen said. “By choosing an existing space, it will allow us to move to a new location faster at a lower investment, in a way that is sustainable.
“Borough Hall is a longstanding building in the heart of Kennett Square, not only for the staff, but for the families who visit us.”
New challenges
Bensen takes over as the head of an organization that has, like thousands of other food banks like it across the U.S., endured federal funding cuts exceeding $1 billion that are leading to reduced food supplies. Further, experts are predicting that the ramifications
of these cuts could lead to food insecurity, in the wake of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcing this past spring substantial cuts to key programs that support food banks, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – as part of an initiative to reduce government spending.
“When it comes to funding availability for the non-profit industry, this is a challenging moment right now,” Bensen said. “What I have been impressed with over the last few months is the creativity with which KACS is approaching the need to secure food and valuable items for the families we serve. Our Food Cupboard is reaching out to local grocers and other sources for more donations, as well as partnering with other organizations.”
Bensen said her focus the first year will be to reach out directly to the communities that benefit from the agency’s services, “in order to keep sufficient donations coming into to the organization, which will allow us to feed and house those in
need even with the uncertainty of federal funding,” she said. “We live in a community that is gracious and supportive of our mission, and we will continue to broaden awareness, so that we can receive additional support.”
Moving one of the most influential agencies in Southern Chester County forward, Bensen said, will rely on sound and sustainable decisions, developing new and strengthening existing partnerships in the community and continuing to share the mission of the agency.
“From a style standpoint,
I have always led with authenticity, so I want to be out in the community, being honest about where we are, where we are going, what our challenges are and how people can help us,” she said. “I am also an incredible optimist, and there is something powerful about being passionate about what we’re doing and sharing our meaningful impact.”
To make a donation to Kennett Area Community Service, visit www.kacsimpact.org.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Julie Bensen was recently named the Chief Executive Officer for Kennett Area Community Service.
Alan Cumming and Ari Shapiro bring their magic to Longwood Gardens
‘Och and Oy’: All cabarets considered
By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer
The amphitheater at Longwood Gardens was packed on August 28 for a two-person performance by the esteemed actor Alan Cumming and NPR host Ari Shapiro, whose show “Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret” provided a breezy and lively blend of cabaretlike songs and witty banter.
The title presents the juxtaposition of Cumming’s Scottish heritage with the utterance, “Och,” and Shapiro’s Jewish heritage with “Oy.” Cumming, known for his activism in the LGBTQ sphere and his prolific acting career on Broadway, in the films Emma, Eyes Wide Shut, Spy Kids and the television series “The Good Wife” was a likely candidate for an al fresco cabaret performance.
For Shapiro, however, I had known him only as the journalistic voice of the NPR segment “All Things Considered.” At the start of the show, he acknowledged the juxtaposition of his serious media career as it plays alongside his vocal talents by asking the audience, “What is a respected journalist like me doing singing and bopping around?”
Over the two-hour concert, Shapiro’s performance deemed the question irrelevant. Last Thursday, the stage was his home, and we were his family, gathered to watch an intimate, witty, and uplifting performer blossom. Accompanied by pianist and “vegan cheese in our meat sandwich” Henry Koperski, the salt-and-peppered Cumming and the tall, dark and handsome Shapiro began their performance out on stage in full suits.
As the August sun dipped behind the canopy of the stage, the two playfully ribbed each other between musical numbers such as “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” and touching and poignant renditions of Better Midler’s “Laughter Matters” and Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest.” Shapiro, who will be departing from NPR in late September, announced that this performance at Longwood Gardens would end the six-year run of his and Cummings’ musical collaboration. Their friendship was palpable, and during the show, they shared their respective “coming out stories” that included Cumming’s tale of landing the cover of OUT magazine in 1999, which led to a phone call with his mother back in Scotland.
Shapiro shared a visual voyage of his fashion choices as he navigated the gay club scene in Portland, Oregon as a teenager. He described at length, thrifted outfits including velour pantaloons, a leather spiked dog collar bequeathed to him by “Julie the Junkie,” wide lapelled button-down shirts, and an ear cuff in the shape of a nude man hugging his ear. His velvety-smooth voice lends itself to cabaret. As a student at Yale University, Shapiro performed with Mixed Company of Yale, an undergraduate acapella and sketch comedy group, and has also performed with the band Pink Martini.
Cumming and Shapiro wrapped their evening at Longwood with “Celebrity Roulette,” where they both described their run-ins with LGBTQ icons that included Cumming’s story of bringing Liza Minnelli on stage after one of his performances in “Cabaret,” when she told him, “I want to be friends with you forever.”
Other celebrity run-in stories of Cumming’s included Sir Ian McKellan (described as a 14-year-old girl stuck in an 80-year old man’s body), Kristen Chenoweth, and Chita Rivera.
By the end of the evening, both Cumming and Shapiro shed their tuxedo suits to reveal cut off white tuxedo shirts with the bowties. While playfully swatting away insects, they ended
their performance with an upbeat performance of “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” complete with an accompanying fountain performance in the background of the stage.
“Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret” provided an evening of levity, sweetness and optimism at a time when we all dearly need it. I left the performance feeling lighter, able to breathe and step back for a moment. The resilience
of the LGBTQ community in the face of adversity should be an inspiration to all. The insistence of joy, of self-actualization, as well as the love of community, create a beautiful template for a future in which humanity grows together and celebrates each other. I left feeling a great debt of gratitude for two jaw-droppingly talented storytellers who let us share in their journeys of hope and song.
In addition to performing songs, the duo engaged in witty banter and recollections throughout the concert.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
A sold-out audience at Longwood Gardens’ outdoor theater welcomed “Och & Oy: A Considered Cabaret” to its stage on Aug. 28, featuring stage, film and television actor Alan Cumming and NPR host Ari Shapiro.
The ugly and entirely unnecessary impasse
When Josh Shapiro defeated Republican challenger Doug Mastriano by an overwhelming margin to become the Governor of Pennsylvania in 2022, the rumor mill immediately began to clatter, claiming that Shapiro’s win and subsequent new job would merely serve as a steppingstone to the U.S. presidency.
While Shapiro decides whether to declare his candidacy for the 2028 presidential election, it does not, for the moment, overshadow what has become an embarrassing display of dirty pool being played out in Harrisburg, as Democratic and Republican lawmakers confront the massive delay in passing the state’s 20252026 fiscal year budget.
This behavior has become commonplace in the rigid halls of Pennsylvania lawmaking; despite Shapiro proposing a $51.4 billion budget back in February, this latest snafu becomes the fourth consecutive year that the state budget will not be delivered on time. In short, the June 30 deadline has come and gone. The reason for the hold-up, Senate Republicans, House Democrats and Shapiro claim, is how much the proposed budget will spend, the degree to which public transportation should be funded and the nagging issue of determining how to raise the state’s revenues.
A generous chunk of Shapiro’s proposed increased funding was targeted toward helping residents pay for rising Medicaid costs, helping fund some of the poorer school districts in the Commonwealth and providing additional funding for public transportation. In response, Republicans in Harrisburg have cried poverty, saying that Shapiro’s bill is well above the state’s financial means.
The yapping continues.
The Northeast Republican Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently issued a press release excoriating the budget impasse, saying “The people of the Commonwealth deserve the services and programs they pay their hard-earned tax dollars for. This year’s budget was due on June 30, yet families, seniors and communities across Pennsylvania are now being held hostage by unnecessary gridlock in Harrisburg.”
Meanwhile, Shapiro has purposely swatted at a hornet’s nest, implying that Republicans are intentionally sitting on a budget resolution for political reasons, in an effort to discredit Shapiro, who may run for reelection next year. Add to this the possibility that Mastriano may want to re-enter the gubernatorial race, while state Treasurer Stacy Garrity – a Republican – has been widely speculated that she will also campaign to become Pennsylvania’s next governor. As the two-sides-of-the-aisle finger-pointing continues in this quagmire of an impasse, those who are truly suffering are not our state’s elected lawmakers, but hard-working Pennsylvanians who voted their representatives into their offices because they trusted them to make the right decisions for all Pennsylvanians. That trust has eroded; for the last several months, funding estimated to total $2.5 billion has remained on hold for the state’s counties, schools, non-profit organizations and human service providers. Without a passed budget, state distributions to essential resources like child welfare services, assistance for the homeless, behavioral health care and alcohol and drug addiction recovery centers are currently stalled.
With each passing day that residents continue to hear the cheap and tawdry claims of “They Said, They Said,” the financial stranglehold on them – not the lawmakers - gets tighter and tighter, in the form of a noose, fastened by the hands of our state’s most influential lawmakers, painful and permanent.
By Rory Ritrievi President and CEO of Mid Penn Bank
Students are returning to classrooms this month, making it an ideal time for families to focus on teaching financial literacy at home. In today’s fast-changing economy, financial literacy should be treated as an essential part of education, not an afterthought.
Whether it’s managing a checking account, saving for the future, investing, or creating and sticking to a budget, studies show the need for financial literacy remains long overdue for Pennsylvanians — and for individuals across the nation.
America is already paying the price for financial illiteracy, a reality that shows why financial education for children is more important than ever. A 2023 survey of 1,200 adults by the National Financial Educators Council found that a lack of personal finance knowledge cost respondents an average of $1,015. When projected across the United States, that lack of knowledge translates to as much as $243 billion lost in a single year. (Source: https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/ financial-illiteracy-costs/) Pennsylvania lawmakers have taken notice.
Legislation signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro requires that, beginning with the 202627 school year, all students must complete a financial literacy class in order to graduate from high school. Act 35 of 2023 will put this requirement in place to better prepare students with personal finance knowledge before moving on to college. The curriculum is being developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in conjunction with financial literacy organizations.
Parents do not need to wait until the 202627 school year to begin teaching their children the fundamentals of personal finance. Financial literacy is most effective when it is taught over time, and many resources already exist to support that learning.
While Pennsylvania schools prepare for mandatory financial literacy courses, North Allegheny School District has taught a required course since 2016. In the district, fourththrough sixth-graders also participate in Junior Achievement BizTown, which combines classroom lessons with a field trip where students run a simulated town. There, they operate banks, restaurants and other businesses while practicing money management skills such as writing business checks to cover
company expenses.
Plenty of online education is available as well. At abcya.com, kindergarten students learn to count money by playing bingo, and as they progress through grade school, they strengthen their skills in games that match their age and ability. At bizkids. com, children take on the role of a community banker and help customers manage their money. Programs such as Banzai also provide online financial literacy courses that students can use to build real-world money skills.
The NFL helped to create financialfootball.com, an interactive game that allows players to move the football forward as they make sound financial decisions. Older students can compete at stockmarketgame.org to see who can build the most successful financial portfolio.
Our commonwealth’s banking industry also plays a role in promoting financial education.
The American Bankers Association (ABA), along with local community banks, supports programs such as Get Smart About Credit, where bankers volunteer to teach students the importance of using credit wisely. Lights, Camera, Save! is a video contest that encourages teenagers to teach their peers how
to save and use money responsibly. Local banks also offer programs to help students understand the value of money and how to create a responsible budget, including tracking expenses. They provide resources on opening savings and investment accounts, planning for retirement, and learning the basics of the stock market.
Pennsylvania families do not need to wait until financial literacy is required in their schools. The time to start teaching your children is now. When they grow up, they will thank you for giving them the tools to build a better future.
Rory Ritrievi is the president and CEO of Mid Penn Bank, which operates 59 retail locations throughout Pennsylvania and central and southern New Jersey. To learn more, please visit: www.midpennbank.com.
‘Where in the World Were You, Nana?’ ‘Oxford, PA!’
By Marie-Louise Meyers
I ransack memories, few left intact, trying to fabricate a satisfactory ending from grandiose beginnings to grandchildren of all ages, all stages of growth who stand-open mouthed and ready for my pronouncement of fate, ready or not! When too eager for an ending, I make a fatal mistake,
voice quakes and drops down to a rasp, hoping for some miracle to save me at last.
Till the height of the Pandemic when everything changes on our 76 acres, even a skunk with colors reversed, when non-native animals come to our pond, who never darkened our doorway before. I still gasp at the thought, only the nub of a tail away, a disappearing cougar into
a glade, a fisher-cat, stood its ground after a storm’s rage went through breaking down our stand of trees near the creek.
With lightning striking, thunder obscuring the sound of my footfall, a strange animal confronting me, the size of a wolverine with luxurious tan fur, a black and dark brown stripe running through it, a masked weasel head with canines glaring at me,
no tricks up my sleeve my walking stick saved me. I called it rue-land for it claimed what I thought was mine while a chill went up and down my spine and theirs too, putting wonder back into all shades of blue, even the brown-eyed pessimist was impressed while the short hairs on their neck stood up, till I confessed as though possessed, all true!
Judge Mackenzie Smith earns endorsement of the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police
On Aug. 20, the members of Chester County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 11, convened and voted to endorse Judge
Mackenzie Smith, who is seeking a full term on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Lodge No. 11 represents
approximately 1,000 active and retired law enforcement officers in Chester County.
“Throughout her career, Judge Mackenzie Smith has demonstrated fairness, integrity, and compassion. The law enforcement community holds Judge Mackenzie Smith in high esteem,” said FOP Chester County Lodge No. 11 president Bob McCarron.
“I’m grateful and honored to receive this endorsement from our local police officers. Like me, they all took an oath to uphold our Constitution and to serve the public without fear or favor, and I look forward to
pursuing our shared commitment to the rule of law for many years to come,” Smith said. Earlier this year, Smith was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate to fill a vacancy on the court. The appointment will last until the end of 2025.
The Courts of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania are the trial courts, hearing major criminal and civil cases. Common pleas court judges are elected to 10-year terms after which they may face a retention vote.
The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Courtesy photo Rory Ritrievi
Grocery Outlet location opens in Kennett Square
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
The Grocery Outlet, a national retailer of quality, name-brand and fresh products, opened its newest location on Aug. 28 in Kennett Square, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that attracted representatives from local agencies and several other Grocery Outlet stores in Pennsylvania.
Located at the former Ollie’s in the New Garden Shopping Center on Scarlett Road, the Kennett Square store becomes the 72nd Grocery Outlet location on the East Coast, joining other sites in Coatesville, Parkesburg, Quakertown, Palmyra, Warminster and several in Philadelphia.
Based in Emeryville, Calif. and begun in 1946, the company currently has 540 locations in the U.S.
and is one of the nation’s most well-known provider of quality, name-brand consumable and fresh products, sold primarily through a network of independently owned stores, whose locations offer discounted, overstocked and closeout products from name-brand and private label suppliers.
One of the most popular sections in Grocery Outlet is labeled NOSH - natural, organic, specialty and
Several of the store’s aisles were packed with fresh fruit and produce, all at economical prices.
healthy - which has attracted shoppers who want to purchase vegan and/or plant-based) items for less.
David Gates, who along with his wife, Carla, are the owner and operators of the Kennett Square location, called the purchase “an opportunity that we couldn’t say ‘No’ to.”
“Carla and I applied for this location specifically for a number of reasons,” David said. “First, this is a wonderful area. We have a one-year-old daughter whom we want to raise in this kind of environment, where there is a sense of community. Secondly, we did a bit of research and found that in many respects, this area has been kind of a food desert, requiring many people to travel a distance to get to grocery stores. Lastly, there are no bargain-oriented markets in the Kennett Square area that offer fresh
food and produce the way that Grocery Outlet does.”
Donations made to local agencies
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Gates family made $500 donations to Kennett Area Community Service and the Garage Community & Youth Center.
“What can we say other than how much we value our community and The Garage, and we want to teach students who attend our programs that same value of community,” said Kate Henson, the Garage’s director of development.
“When we met David, we
were really excited that that shared value at a new business was among us. We’re so honored to be a partner in more ways than one.”
Loren Lynch, Food Cupboard director for KACS, said that the donation will be directed to keep the food and supply shelves stocked at the Cupboard.
“We are so grateful for partners like this, who can help us keep everyone fed in the community and make sure that Kennett Square remains a place where no one goes hungry,” she said.
David said that while he acknowledges that the new store has area competition, it will not affect the compa-
ny’s approach to business.
“We want to stay true to the Grocery Outlet philosophy, which is ‘Same products and same brand goods at a lesser amount’ and secondly, to provide good customer service,” he said. “We’re locally owned. We will be here every day, and if I need to stand by the front door and greet each and every person who comes to see us, then I will certainly do that.”
To learn more about Grocery Outlet, visit www. groceryoutlet.com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
LCH's Sip, Savor & Support fundraiser
set for Sept. 17
LCH Health and Community Services is hosting a Sip, Savor & Support fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Hartefeld National in Avondale. Tickets are now available at https://bit.ly/ LCH2025.
The theme for the 2025 event is Celebrating the 1970s – An Outta Sight Evening of Food, Fun & Philanthropy. This theme highlights the 1970s, when LCH first began serving Chester County as a community health center. Guests will enjoy a 1970s-style evening of music, food, and activities as they raise funds to support healthcare in the community.
“Our annual fundraising event is always a great time to connect with those who support LCH,” said Ronan W. Gannon, CEO of LCH Health and Community Services. “Celebrating the 1970s will be an enter-
taining night to highlight the vital work we’ve been doing to deliver healthcare in Chester County for the past five decades.” Sip, Savor & Support
offers two levels of tickets.
VIP Guest tickets include an early cocktail hour and trivia night beginning at 5:30 p.m. The doors open at 6 p.m. for a standard guest ticket holders. Guests will enjoy disco dance lessons, a 1970s-inspired dinner menu, one complimentary drink, and themed activities throughout the night. There will also be a Wine Pull and additional opportunities to donate in support of LCH. All proceeds will benefit the mission of LCH, which is to improve patient health and wellbeing through innovative delivery of high-quality whole-person care. LCH serves patients with primary care, pediat-
rics, dental care, women’s health, behavioral health services, social assistance, and more. The health center offers three convenient locations in Kennett Square, West Grove, and Oxford, and also offers tele-health services.
“We appreciate our partners and supporters in the community for all they do to help LCH provide healthcare,” said Kate Wickersham, the LCH director of development.
“The nostalgic theme of our fundraising event is a unique way to celebrate them and show our thanks for more than 50 years of support.” Tickets for the 2025 Sip,
Savor & Support event
are limited, so guests are encouraged to choose their package and reserve their spots right away. Donations are also accepted for those who cannot attend this year. More information about the event can be found by contacting Kate Wickersham at kwickersham@lchservices.
org.
About LCH Health and Community Services
LCH Health and Community Services is a diverse, dynamic health care and patient services team that is dedicated to helping adults, teens, and children to stay healthy.
LCH believes in quality, integrated, person-centered care that supports health and well-being for all.
Founded in 1973, LCH has been changing lives for over fifty years.
LCH accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance. Insurance or no insurance, LCH will take care of you.
LCH evaluates its’ patients to determine their eligibility for discounted services and the sliding scale fees are based on patient’s income and family size. LCH doesn’t turn anyone away due to inability to pay. For more information, visit www. LCHcommunityhealth.org.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
David and Carla Gates, the owners of the new Grocery Outlet in Kennett Square, celebrate the store’s opening with their daughter on Aug. 28.
Courtesy photos
LCH Health and Community Services is hosting a Sip, Savor & Support fundraiser on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at Hartefeld National in Avondale.
The theme for the 2025 event is Celebrating the 1970s – An Outta Sight Evening of Food, Fun & Philanthropy. Guests will enjoy a 1970s-style evening of music, food, and activities as they raise funds to support healthcare in the community.
With his signature humor, quick wit, and one-of-a-kind personality, Jan Crossan lived life to the fullest for 79 years before passing peacefully at home in West Grove on August 19, 2025. Born in West Chester on September 30, 1945 to Joseph H. and Beatrice Mullen Crossan, Jan grew up in Unionville, alongside his brother Barry Crossan (wife, Robin and son, Brant). He carried with him a deep love of family, community, and the simple joys of life.
After graduating in the Unionville High School class of 1964, Jan proudly served in the Delaware National Guard before turning his entrepreneurial spirit into a lifelong career. In 1969, he founded Jan’s Carpet Cleaning, running it with dedication and pride for more than five decades. The company was more than a business; it was an extension of who he was, creating a valued connection to the local community.
Outside of work, Jan had a love for skiing, cars, and family adventures. As a member of a local ski club and several car clubs, he could often be found carving down the slopes or talking cars with friends. He especially enjoyed following local fox hunts by car, carrying on his mother’s legacy.
Above all, Jan was a family man. He was a devoted husband to Mary, a loving father to Corey and daughter-in-law, Amy, and the proudest “Pop Pop” to his grandchildren, Bryce and Bradyn.
Jan was also very grateful for his strong relationship with his nephew, Andrew Young. His humor and ability to keep every situation lighthearted left an impression on everyone he met.
You are invited to visit with Jan’s family and friends from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, September 12 at Loch Nairn Farm at 514 McCue Road in Avondale. His life celebration memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. A reception will follow where family and friends will gather to honor Jan’s memory and share stories of the joy he brought into their lives.
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484) 734-8100.
To share memories with his family, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.
Taylor’s two late INTs preserve Kennett’s 17-10 victory
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
For the patrons of Kennett High School football, last Friday’s game at Kennett Stadium gave them a satisfying preview of what is soon to come this season: an autumnal snap of cool weather and the early realization that big plays very well may set the tone for a successful campaign.
Led by a defensive stop by Andrew Sharpeta and Andrew Clancy in the closing seconds of the first half and two crucial interceptions by Hunter Taylor deep in the fourth quarter,
the Blue Demons defeated visiting Elizabethtown, 17-10, on Aug. 29. Coming into the game with a 1-0 record after a 27-0 drubbing of Pottstown on Aug. 22, Head Coach Lance Frazier’s club was facing an undefeated Bears squad that had come off a narrow 15-14 win over Coacalico on Aug. 23, and as the battle of the unbeatens began, Kennett jumped out first on a 34-yard field goal by kicker Shay Barker with 5:11 left in the first quarter.
Inheriting the ball on their own 20-yard line, Elizabethtown quarter-
back Trent Kauffman’s pass attempt was picked off by Taylor with 3:47 remaining in the quarter. Kennett quarterback Garrett McCracken quickly got to work, handing off to Matthew Reidenberg for two gains and pitching a roll-out pass to Hayden Schumaker that moved the ball to the four-yard line, which was followed by a touchdown plunge by Joalex Carabajal with 1:28 left in the quarter (PAT good) that extended Kennett’s lead to 10-0.
After a 40-yard field goal attempt by Barker went wide left with 6:21 remaining in the second quarter, Elizabethtown notched their only touchdown with 3:56 left in the first half, when Prince Wratto scampered through the Kennett defense for a 57-yard touchdown run (PAT good) that made the score, 10-7.
The Bears threatened to get into the end zone again on their next possession, when with under a minute left in the half, Kauffman found Wratto with three passes that moved the ball from their own 25-yard line to the four-yard line with 18 seconds left. On first and goal and time ticking down, however, Sharpeta’s hit on a rushing Kauffman knocked the ball loose and was recovered by Clancy on the three-yard line to wipe out a scoring attempt,
giving Kennett a slim 10-7 lead at halftime. On Elizabethtown’s first possession of the second half, carries by Wratto and a pass to Brody Rohn set up a 25-yard field goal by Aman Ndikwe that tied the score at 10-10 with 6:47 remaining in the third quarter.
The Blue Demons were snake-bitten twice on their next possession, which began with a kick return run by Gaven Ritch that was called back on a Kennett penalty. With the ball at midfield, McCracken lofted a pass to Reidenberg for an 18-yard gain, but with 4:33 left in the quarter, McCracken was intercepted by Carter Burgos that snuffed out the drive.
A missed 33-yard field goal attempt by NDikwe gave Kennett possession at their own 16-yard line with 7:22 left in the fourth quarter. A pass to Carabajal moved the ball to the 32-yard line, a carry by Reidenberg pushed the chains to the 41-yard line and two plays later, a keeper by McCracken got the ball to the 50-yard line. Follwing a Blue Demon timeout, Ritch again electrified the home crowd – this one counted – with a 50-yard touchdown run on a double reverse play (PAT
good) that gave Kennett a 17-10 lead with 3:01 left in the game. The game’s biggest theatrics, however, were saved until the end, when Taylor picked off a Kauffman pass at Kennett’s 23-yard line with 2:22 left in the game, snuffing out the Bears’ first attempt to tie the score. With 1:27 left and Elizabethtown at midfield after a pass to Kyle Capello moved the ball to midfield, Taylor again came to the rescue with his
third pick of the night, this one to break up another Bears rally at Kennett’s 25-yard line.
With the win, Kennett moves to 2-0 in the early campaign and will travel to Norristown for a nonconference game against the 1-1 Eagles on Sept. 5. Now 1-1, Elizabethtown will play host to visiting J.P. McCaskey on Sept. 5.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
The Center for Excellence in County Leadership (CEL), a premier professional development program of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), is pleased to announce that David Byerman, Chester County Chief Executive Officer, has graduated from the program as part of the Class of 2025. The CEL program fosters individual growth through interactive and high-level executive train-
ing aimed at improving participants’ communication, management and leadership skills. The program includes intense classes in leadership styles, managerial versatility, interpersonal dynamics, strategic planning, media management, daily communication problem solving, and decision making. The 2025 CEL program was produced by Dering Consulting Group. For more information about CCAP, log on to www.pacounties.org.
Photographs by Steve Fender
Zayden James led the Kennett High School football team onto Kennett Stadium on
Aug. 29, where the Blue Demons celebrated their first home game with a 17-10 victory over Elizabethtown Area High School.
Kennett’s Gaven Ritch breaks a tackle in the first half.
Kennett’s Garrett McCracken sees open ground ahead during a first-half keeper.
Blue Demon Matthew Reidenberg looks for daylight.
Courtesy photo
David Byerman (left), the Chester County CEO, receives a Center for Excellence in County Leadership graduate certificate from Todd Snovel, the chief leadership and engagement officer for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
The Church Farm School seeks a STEM Instructor – Academic Faculty in Exton, PA to teach four class sections in a combination of math, physics, and engineering classes based on school needs and provide effective and innovative instruction in introductory and intermediate STEM courses. Reqs: Bachelor’s (or foreign equivalent) in Mathematics or Engineering and 2yrs exp working in an all-male or boarding environment. Also requires 2 years of experience of classroom management, service as a student advisor, serving as a dorm affiliate or live-in dormitory parent, serving as lead moderator for a club or experience with coaching a sport. Salary: $56,400.00. Send resume to: lsembrot@gocfs.net.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF ELEANOR V. ATLEY, LATE OF Borough of Avondale, Chester County
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 Executor: Earl Atley, c/o Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363
8p-20-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Theodore Albert Kircher, Late of Honey Brook, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Theodore A Kircher, Executor, 3010 Carlee Run Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
8p-20-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Peter Joseph Surdo, late of Kennett Square, East Marlborough 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 Elizabeth Woolslare, Administrator, 6436 Hearthstone Lane, Erie, PA 16505.
8p-20-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Emily Jean Talbott, late of Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania died 5/15/25. The Executrix of the Estate is Susan Crane.
All persons having claims or demands against the Estate of said decedent are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Susan Crane c/o George S. Donze, Esquire, Donze & Donze, 696 Unionville Road, Suite 6, Kennett Square, PA 19348
8p-27-3t INCORPORATION
NOTICE
Rosedale Walk Community Association has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended.
Kaplin Stewart, 910 Harvest Dr., Blue Bell, PA 19422
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ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Ann P. Orr Late of Berwyn, Easttown Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Andrew A. Orr, Jr., Executor, 110 Grays Lane, Haverford, PA 19041.
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NOTICE
BOROUGH of OXFORD RESIDENTS, NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS
Oxford Borough has rescheduled the September 2025 meeting of the Borough Finance Committee. The Finance Committee will now meet on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm, not on Tuesday, September 16th as originally scheduled and advertised. This meeting is open to the public and will be held at Oxford Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, PA. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the public meeting and require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, or you have questions please contact the Borough Manager at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated.
Pauline Garcia-Allen, Borough Manager
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
East Penn Railroad, LLC will receive sealed bids at its office located at 505 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 until 2:00 p.m., prevailing time, Thursday, September 18, 2025, for the ESPN ESAID 202308311402 Siding Extension Project. At that time, all bids
will be publicly opened and read
aloud. A link to the virtual bid opening will be provided to all registered plan holders. The work of this procurement consists of furnishing materials for track rehabilitation under the following four (4) contracts: Contract 1 – Rail & Other Track Material (OTM); Contract 2 – Ties; Contract 3 – Special Trackwork; Contract 4 – Ballast & Subballast.
Electronic copies of the Bid Packages may be obtained at no cost by emailing Drew Bessette, P.E., at dbessette@ benesch.com. No formal pre-bid meeting will be conducted for this project. All steel products supplied under these contracts shall comply with Buy America domestic steel requirements. While WBE/MBE participation is not required, it is strongly encouraged. The Railroad reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept any bid, to reject any or all bids, and to adjust the scope of work to align with available funding if deemed in its best interest.
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Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, September 18th , 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, October 20th , 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. 25-9-242
Writ of Execution No. 2025-00410
DEBT $423,454.55
PROPERTY SITUATE IN UPPER OXFORD TOWNSHIP SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF: EVAN SHOWS
Tax Parcel # 57-03-007
PLAINTIFF: PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS DEFENDANT: EVAN SHOWS
SALE ADDRESS: 453 Ray Mar Road, Oxford, PA 19363
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF
8p-27-3t
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, September 18th ,
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, October 20th , 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. 25-9-244
Writ of Execution No. 2023-06411
DEBT $89,352.69
Property situate in the LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being
BLR # 56-03-0059.010
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC VS DEFENDANT: KAREN D. BINGHAM
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 8p-27-3t
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, September 18th , 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, October 20th , 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.2-9-252
Writ of Execution No. 2023-06970
DEBT $69,345.45
The following property situated in the city of Parkesburg, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania:
ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land known as parts of lots Nos, 5 and 6 on a plan of lots called “Park Terrace” situated in the Borough of Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a new description made by J.W. Harry, C.E., January 8, 1951, follows to wit:
BEGINNING at a point in the west line of Octorara Avenue (sixty feet wide) at the northeast corner of Lot No, 4 as shown on
said plan of lots; thence along the northerly line of said Lot No, 4, North eighty- eight (88) degrees West, one hundred seventy-four (174) feet to a point in a line of land now or late of Thomas C. Young; thence along southwest corner of Lot No. 7 as shown on said lot plan; thence along the southerly line of said Lot No. 7, South eighty-eight (88) degrees East, eighty-four (84) feet to a point, a corner of remaining land of the grantors herein, about being convey to Romayne W. Dennison and Lewis Dennison; thence along the same for the following two courses and distances (1) South two (2) degrees West, forty (40) feet to a point; (2) South eighty-eight (88) degrees East, ninety (90) feet to a point in the west line of Octorara Avenue aforesaid; thence along the same South two (2) degrees West, ten (I 0) feet to the place of beginning.
CONTAINS fifty-one hundred (5,100) square feet of land more or less,
This being the same property conveyed to Jacob Denson and Janet Louise Denson, as joint tenants with right of survivorship, dated 12/28/2016 and recorded on 01/11/20217 in instrument no, 11521319, in the Chester County recorders office.
Title to said premises is vested in by deed from dated May 4, 2018 and recorded May 16, 2018 in Deed Book 9743, Page 335 Instrument Number 11607224.
Tax Parcel # 8-3-9
PLAINTIFF: The Huntington National Bank VS DEFENDANT: Jason LaMar Denson, Known Surviving Heir of Janet L. Denson a/k/a Janet Louise Denson and Unknown Surviving Heirs of Janet L. Denson a/k/a Janet Louise Denson
SALE ADDRESS: 320 Octorara Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365
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 8p-27-3t
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, September 18th , 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, October 20th , 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. 25-9-253
Writ of Execution No. 2023-00544
DEBT $525,605.33
All that certain messuage, tenement and bad of land, situate on the Easterly side of an unimproved road leading from U.S. No. 1 to Hayesville in Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described in accordance with a survey made 3/26/52 by Arthur Crowel, Registered Surveyor, as follows, to wit; Beginning at an iron pipe, situate on the Westerly side of an unimproved road leading from U.S. Route No. 1 to Hayesville in line of land of T.E. Conner Estate; thence crossing said road and by land of T.E, Conner Estate North 83 degrees East 656 feet to an iron pipe in line of George and William Walls; thence by land of the said Walls South 17 degrees 15 minutes East 300 feet to an iron pipe a corner of land of Lester M. Norris; thence by land of the said Lester M. Norris North 83 degrees West 662 feet to a point near the East side of the aforementioned road, said point of ending being 17 feet from a pipe on the West side of said road; thence in and along said road North 16 degrees 07 minutes West 290.5 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
UPI # 56-9-7
PLAINTIFF: Reverse Mortgage Funding LLC VS DEFENDANT: Luther Moyer
SALE ADDRESS: 230 Reedville Road, Oxford, PA 19363
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 8p-27-3t
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, September 18th , 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, October 20th , 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. 25-9-257
Writ of Execution No. 2024-07588
DEBT $110,521.06
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of Sadsbury, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated April 27, 1999 and recorded in the
Friday, September 5
Car show in Oxford
The Oxford Mainstreet Car Show returns on
Friday, Sept. 5. This is the 11th year for this popular annual event, and there will be many classic automobiles, sports cars, trucks and motorcycles on display during the Friday evening festivities. Full details about the event can be found at oxfordmainstreet.com.
Saturday, September 13
Flux Capacitor performs in Kennett Square Melding energetic, spacey improvisation with electronica and melodic rock songwriting, Pennsylvania’s Flux Capacitor spent the early 2010s building a grass-
Calendar of Events
roots fan base through constant touring and a series of vibrant studio albums. They bring their talents to the Kennett Flash Rooftop Concert Series on September 13. Shows are presented outside, on the top floor of the Kennett Square Parking Garage located at 100-198 E. Linden Street in Kennett Square. The shows take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and seating starts at 6 p.m. A staple of the jam band circuit, Flux Capacitor pull from a wide range from tonal influences, from Phish and Bob Marley to Pink Floyd and Radiohead. The show promises to be entertaining for everyone. Visit kennettflash.org for more information or to buy tickets.
September 20 and 21
Kennett Arts Festival
The Kennett Arts Festival has something for everyone: over 100 artists, live music, children’s activities, and a selection of local food vendors, including beer and wine. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 20 and from noon to 4 p.m. on September 21. This event is hosted by Kennett Area Community Service and more information will be available at www.kacsimpact.org.
September 27
Oxford Harvest Festival
The Oxford Harvest Festival will take place on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at
the Oxford Area Recreation Authority Park. The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce started this event to continue many of the traditions of the Oxford Presbyterian Church’s annual Apple Festival, which concluded in 2024. There will be some new attractions at the larger space.
October 11 and 12
Artists of Landenberg Studio Tour
The Artists of Landenberg Studio Tour will take place on Oct. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will allow Landenberg residents and visitors to enjoy a free, self-guided studio tour of nine artists, all located within a short drive of each other. A total of 28
artists will display, for sale, original paintings in many styles and mediums, jewelry, wood works, ceramics, fabric art, glass, note cards, prints and more.
October 18 and 19
2nd Annual
Crossroads Festival
The 2nd Annual Crossroads Festival will take place over two days on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19.
On Saturday, the Oxford History Center will host a free family-friendly celebration featuring craft vendors and music workshops for children of all ages. Then, on Sunday, October 19, five musical acts will perform during a music festival at the Barn of Nottingham. Proceeds from the music festival will support the ongoing mission and programs of the Oxford Area Historical Association.
A milestone concert coming up in Oxford
The Patriot Day
Remembrance concert and community sing along presented by The Oxford Trio is scheduled for this Sunday afternoon, Sept. 7 at 3 p.m. This is the milestone 20th year for this event, which will take place at the Oxford United Methodist Church.
The focus of the com-
Office
PLAINTIFF:
munity concert remains the same as it was in 2005— to adhere to former President George W. Bush’s 2002 Patriot Day proclamation in which he called upon the people of the United States “to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services and candlelight vigils.”
Emotions of the day will run the gamut from solemn reverence to joyful celebration of the music of America presented by local musicians, and visual arts provided by the Friendship Quilters Guild. There will be a time to thank and recognize members of the Armed Forces and, of course, a time
for the audience to sing along. In the past twenty years, over fifty musicians have given freely of their talents to entertain and to benefit members of the Oxford community.
Continuing this tradition of remembrance and community service, a freewill offering will be accepted at the concert to
be shared between Oxford United Methodist Church, the home of the Oxford Trio, and Handi-Crafters, which has been serving clients in Oxford and all of Chester County since 1961. The HC Opportunity Center runs one of the largest employment and disability-focused nonprofit support service programs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. To learn more about them, visit the website at https://hcocenter.org., and visit both organizations on Facebook. Please join in to remember the past, celebrate the present, and contribute to the future of the community and the nation during the Patriot Day Remembrance.
Classifieds
Dickerson honored with international hospitality award
Joy Dickerson, Ed.D., a former assistant dean and now liaison for Delaware County Community College’s award-winning Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies program, has received the 2025 Howard B. Meek Award, bestowed by the International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (ICHRIE).
She was honored on June 20 at ICHRIE’s international conference in Indianapolis, Ind. It is the highest individual recognition a member of ICHRIE can receive, recognizing a member’s lifetime contributions and outstanding service both to hospitality education and to ICHRIE.
Dickerson has spent the last 35 years in hospitality education following a career in the food and beverage industry. She has served in both faculty and administration roles for DCCC, Widener University and the Culinary Institute of America. After four years as an assistant dean at DCCC, she is now working on the development and opening of the college’s new home for Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies at DCCC’s upcoming new Southeast Center in Drexel Hill. The multi-million dollar education and workforce training facility will feature two state-of-the-art commercial kitchens and a large demonstration class-
room. The college also offers Culinary Arts and Hospitality Studies classes in Phoenixville and at DCCC’s Main Campus in Marple Township.
Dickerson said her greatest joy has been serving students. She has developed programs, curriculum and coursework at the undergraduate and graduate levels, but has most notably focused on the integration of undergraduate leadership development with experiential learning. She launched the first bachelor of science degree program in Hospitality Management at the Culinary Institute of America in 2018.
Additionally, she served as president of ICHRIE
throughout the pandemic and was instrumental in reshaping the organization during that challenging time.
“I am so humbled, honored and grateful to be the recipient of this award,” she said. “I love this inspiring global community of hospitality and tourism educators, researchers, and industry leaders. I am excited that DCCC’s Culinary and Hospitality program expanded to Phoenixville this year, and that a beautiful new facility is set to open in January 2026 in Drexel Hill—bringing our exceptional instructors and courses to new locations accessible to more students in Delaware and Chester counties.”
Pa. legislators once again introduce bill to affirm marriage equality rights in state law
In response to the possibility of the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration to take up a case that seeks to overturn the ten-year-old landmark ruling Obergefell v. Hodges that allowed recognition of same-sex marriages nationwide, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta recently introduced S.B. 434 – the Marriage Equality Act. The bill removes dis-
criminatory language in Pennsylvania law and affirms marriage equality should both state and national court rulings legalizing same-sex marriage be overturned.
“This Supreme Court has proven that we cannot rely on the courts to fix the flaws in our laws, and we need to take legislative action that protects and defends our basic rights and free-
doms,” said Comitta. “As we see new efforts to overturn marriage equality for same-sex couples through the court system, our legislation is needed now more than ever to protect marriage rights and demonstrate that Pennsylvania is a welcoming and caring home for all.”
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who introduced a companion marriage equal-
ity bill in the House, H.B. 1800, said legislation to protect marriage equality is imperative in Pennsylvania.
“Marriage equality is the law of the land, and Pa. should clean up our statutes to match that,” Kenyatta said. “The current review of Obergfell v. Hodges makes it clear that the freedom to marry is under attack – this is something I’ve warned about, as have other advo-
cates and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We passed this legislation in the House last session with bipartisan support, but the state Senate never considered it for a vote. We must continue this work to protect all marriages across Pennsylvania.”
State Rep. Jessica Benham, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, supports Kenyatta’s legislation, stat-
ing: “While extremists in Congress and on the Supreme Court threaten to drag this country backwards by undermining marriage equality, my colleagues and I are fighting back. That’s why we’ve introduced legislation to protect same-sex marriage here in our state, because we deserve the freedom to marry without fear, no matter what happens in Washington.”
Courtesy photo
Joy Dickerson has received an international hospitality award.
