Mass shooting at Lincon University leaves six injured, one dead
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
The Lincoln University campus, which was the scene of a festive Homecoming Weekend of celebration, turned violent on Saturday night Oct. 25 when shots began to ring out in the parking lot near the university’s International Cultural Center (ICC) Building, injuring six people and killing one person.
Officials have identified one of the suspects
involved in the shooting as 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson, who is currently being held in the Chester County Prison on a $25,000 bail. He has been charged with carrying a firearm without a license.
“We cannot confirm however right now at this time whether or not that the gun that was found on him was used in the shooting,” said Chester County District
Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe at a press conference held by on Oct. 26.
Officials also said Jujuan Jeffers, a 20-year-old man from Wilmington, Del. has been identified as the deceased victim, who reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the head and succumbed to his injuries.
All six who were injured in the shooting – and were taken to Christiana Hospital for treatment of their injuries - fall in the age range of 20 to 25 years old and are expected to survive their injuries.
Chester County Press hosts ‘Conversation’ with Kennett Square mayoral candidates
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
The Chester County Press held its very first “Conversation with the Candidates” in collaboration with the Kennett Library that drew a full audience at the library’s auditorium on Oct. 23 and over 700 online viewers. They saw an hourlong interview with current Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick and longtime Mayor Leon Spencer, who are both vying to become the borough’s next mayor in an
election that will be held on Nov. 4.
“In these current times, it’s very easy to get lost in the federal, worldwide news and elections,” said Press Publisher Avery Lieberman. “We must not forget, though, how important local leadership, community and involvement is and how important it is to stay locally informed. Tonight, I hope you take away Matt and Leon’s answers and use them to make an informed decision in this election. I hope the residents of this
remarkable town continue to stay engaged, use our voices and see the meaningful impact that we can make as a community.”
Richard L. Gaw, associate editor of the Chester County Press, served as moderator of the event and began the town hall on a positive note by asking each candidate to pay a compliment Continued on Page 4A
23 at the
Candidates vying for four seats on Oxford Borough Council
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
seats on Oxford Borough Council.
Oxford Borough Council has four seats opening up in this election cycle. Two current council members, Luke Neidigh and Peggy Ann Russell, are not seeking re-election. Two other incumbents, Amanda Birdwell (D) and Bob Ketcham (D), are seeking
another term. New faces running council seats for the first time are Matthew Harper (R), Michael Brandt (D) and Melody Boston Griffin (D).
Here’s a look at the candidates:
Melody Boston Griffin
Melody Boston might
be a new face in the borough council arena, but she has lived in Oxford since 1988. She attended Oxford Schools. As the mother of four children, she feels that it is time for her to make a difference in the town that she calls home. She feels being a council person is a great way to give back to the community where she is raising her children. She loves Oxford and the giving community. She and her mother both volunteer for SILO (Serving Inspring and Loving Others). Her mother can be found cooking for the monthly meals. She loves Oxford and hopes that she can bring a different vision and
Kennett Township gives supporting reasons for proposed new police facility
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Following an introductory presentation on Aug. 6 and an open house event on Sept. 24, Kennett Township has continued to receive concerns and complaints from several of its residents about the proposed new home for the Kennett Township Police Department, who question whether the estimated $10 million facility is a sound investment, or if it is even necessary.
At the township’s Oct. 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, township Manager
Alison Dobbins and Director of Public Works Ted Otteni addressed several of those concerns in a presentation that supported the construction of the facility, which is proposed to
be located adjacent to the Kennett Township Building at 801 Burrows Run Road in Chadds Ford.
“I have appreciated the thoughtful input that we have received – emails and phone calls and open house communication,” Dobbins said. “We’ve heard from people who support it, and from people who have concerns, so tonight what we want to do is take the concerns that we have been receiving and do our best to address them.”
Titled “Municipal Facility Expansion,” the presentation began with Dobbins providing the short history of the township’s idea to construct a new police facility, a process that began in September 2024 in the form of a feasibility
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
A mass shooting that occurred at Lincoln University’s International Cultural Center Building on Oct. 25 left one person dead and six people injured. By the morning of Oct. 26, the building’s parking lot was declared a crime scene.
Photo by Gabbie Burton
The Chester County Press hosted “A Conversation with the Candidates,” on Oct.
Kennett Library, that invited Kennett Square mayoral candidates Matt Fetick and Leon Spencer to respond to key issues about the borough that were posed by Associate Editor Richard L. Gaw, left.
Candidates...
Continued from Page 1A
perspective to borough council. Being a mother and working at her job at Stoltzfus Statistics gives her skills she would like to use serving on borough council.
“I’ve attended council meetings and have seen first-hand the decisions I could play a part in,” she said. “I hope to address the issue of sidewalks. Many have been improved, but I’d like to see the improvements continue.”
Her interest in borough council was definitely piqued when the traumatic fire that displaced 20 families happened two years ago.
Shooting...
Continued from Page 1A
On whether there may have been more than one shooter involved, de Barrena-Sarobe did not confirm or deny the suspicion but said, “There is evidence that leads us to believe that that is a viable theory right now. We are investigating this as if there is possibly more than one shooter, and I use the word “shooters” because this is a very real and distinct possibility.”
de Barrena-Sarobe also said that the investigation may have reason to believe the suspect – or suspectsdid not come to the campus with the intent to commit a mass shooting.
“We are operating under the belief that the shooter or shooters in this case did not come here with the specific design to cause a mass casualty event,” he said. “We believe that they would have operated differently, and so we’re treating this is a hooting that broke out in the middle of Homecoming.”
‘Devastated’
During an early Sunday morning press conference three hours after the shootings, de Barrena-Sarobe was joined by representatives from the Chester County Detectives, the University’s police department, the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police in delivering the first statements regarding the investigation. He called the shooting “a devastating night in southern Chester County Lincoln University.”
“We don’t have a lot of answers about exactly what happened,” de BarrenaSarobe said. “What I will tell you is that today we’re operating as if this is not an incident where someone came in with the design to inflict mass damage on a college campus.”
“This was to be a joyous occasion - Homecoming, when individuals come back and give back to their
“I have a friend that lived very near to that,” she explained. “I see the effects of that fire every day, what it did to the apartments and businesses. I’d like to be a part of helping with that in any way I can. I frequently walk through the business district, and I am excited about the re-building.”
Griffin works with numbers at her current job, and she would like to bring those skills to working on the budget.
“I do the accounts payable and receivables and other accounting issues and I love that,” she said. “I will bring my experience handling financial issues to the borough if elected.”
Griffin is also happy she
Local News
lives in a town where there is 24/7 police protection.
“I love the community policing that is done by our officers. I watch them every year as they hand out toys to children. I feel safe and cared for here,” she said.
Amanda Birdwell
Amanda Birdwell has served on Oxford Borough Council since 2018. During that time, she has served on a number of committees.
“I was on the local traffic committee advisory and on the finance committee. Both were very important to me,” she said. “I am concerned that we are devoting too much money to new
alma mater and relive the good memories of their time at Lincoln University, which has helped them propel into life, and this was interrupted by gunfire that should not have occurred,” said Lincoln University Police Chief Marc Partee at the press conference.
“We are concerned for our students who had to experience this, our alumni who had to experience this, and our visitors and friends.
“If there was a more impactful word than ‘Devastated,’ I would use it, but ‘Devastated’ is a start.”
Information from a scanner traffic report provided a timeline of the incident from 9 p.m. until 11:48 p.m. that included victims being trampled during the incident and requiring medical attention, as well as a separate incident involving several men near the university’s football stadium:
9:00 p.m. Several police and EMS units arrived on the Lincoln University campus, 1570 Baltimore Pike. Police on scene report multiple gunshot victims at the ICC Building.
9:17 p.m. EMS reporting at least three victims at this time, possibly more. Police units from all over the western part of Chester County begin to arrive on the scene.
9:19 p.m. 12 EMS units dispatched and or on scene
9:22 p.m. Active shots being heard at this time inside the building.
9:33 p.m. Four victims reported.
projects that align with the goals of consultants, and too little focused on the things that impact day-today life in our community, such as affordable housing, relief from codes that are outdated or that interfere with residents’ property rights, and supporting public institutions.”
Birdwell feels she can help the borough residents in a number of ways.
“I would like to set a precedent that we solicit more public feedback about decisions we make,” she said. “It’s difficult because decisions are sometimes difficult to connect to dayto-day life, but I think we could do more to help everyday residents under-
stand what we are voting on so we get their input as well as that of our solicitor and borough staff.”
“I’m pretty vocal,” Birdwell said. “I guess I’m pretty literal-minded and I’m not really wired to go along with things I think are wrong or don’t make sense. I’m not afraid to be the one vote out of seven against something, and I think there is value in that.
I also really want taxes in the borough to stop going up. Honestly, in a perfect world, there would be a council person who works less and has fewer family commitments to take on this role, but I think it’s telling that even though it is a challenge to make
time and keep showing up, I’ve done that consistently through the past 7 years.” Birdwell lists a number of accomplishments since she has been on council.
“I got the fence around the Oxford Memorial Park,” she said. “I remember that some borough council members at that time didn’t want it. They thought that parents should just watch their kids more closely and, if not, they should, I don’t know, get hit by cars? That was in my first year.”
She continued, “I worked with council members to prohibit setting up outdoor smoking areas on the sidewalks so people can go downtown without
9:40 p.m. A Level 2 Mass Casualty (MCI) has been declared. Multiple additional EMS units now dispatched.
9:40 p.m. Now confirmed: Five patients shot. Unknown at this time if any more.
10:07 p.m. Several allterrain vehicles (ATVs) are dispatched to assist with transporting injured persons to the staging area. EMS units report that they are unable to get through due to traffic.
10:23 p.m. A medical helicopter has now been requested to the scene as well.
10:29 p.m. Another possible gunshot victim just found, as well as multiple subjects that have been injured from being trampled.
10:32 p.m. A large group of approximately 20 males now fighting in front of the stadium.
10:41 p.m. Two helicopters enroute to the scene.
10:47 p.m. Another disturbance now at the McDonalds/Wawa at 1849 Baltimore Pike
11:48 p.m. Situation still ongoing
Earlier, the campus was the site of a Homecoming Weekend of festivities that began on Oct. 23 with a Kick-Off pep rally and reception, followed by a Welcome Party at the Young Alumni Lounge on Oct. 24. The celebration continued on Oct. 25 with an alumni breakfast meet-and-greet event, followed by a tailgating and Yardfest event that began at 10 a.m. – all as a prelude to the Homecoming game between the Lions
and visiting Elizabeth City State University at the university’s Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman Field. A Homecoming worship service was also scheduled for Oct. 26 at the Mary Dod Memorial Chapel.
An official statement from Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda Allen was released to the public on Oct. 26.
“What occurred last night was tragic for our students, our families and our community,” the statement began.
“Gun violence happens too far often in our country, and we are heartbroken that Lincoln University and its students are the latest victims of such senseless violence. An unfortunate incident occurred on our campus, and while more information will continue to be released, we want to assure you that the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and local, state and federal law enforcement partners are all actively investigating this matter.
“The University is fully cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. As this remains an ongoing investigation, details may evolve over the next several days We will continue to keep the Lincoln University community informed of any major updates as they become available.
“While these events
deeply sadden us, we are committed to using all available resources to support our students, faculty and staff as we heal and move forward together.”
A private service was held for the Lincoln University community in the historic district between Vail and Amos halls on Oct. 27 “for a moment of reflection, connection and collective healing.” In addition, counseling services are being provided for students, faculty and staff.
The morning after
On Oct. 26, just 12 hours removed from the shooting, the picturesque and historic Lincoln University campus was stilled to near silence and nearly devoid of students, save for a few who walked mostly alone on pathways, huddled in the company of their phones. The reminders of the previous day’s festivities still lingered – large white tents where alumni had gathered to celebrate their alma mater, signage that welcomed them back to campus, and festive autumn arrangements complete with flowers, pumpkins and hay bales were still proudly standing at the university’s entrance and football stadium main gate.
Some students spoke on the condition that they would not be identified.
“It was scary and stressful,” one student said. “I didn’t really know what was going on, but when I found out what had happened, I was more shocked because of how this campus is. It’s very small and intimate and secluded, so to hear of something like that happening here is very upsetting.”
A second student said he was enjoying food from the food trucks near the postHomecoming event at the ICC, when he heard someone tell him that “someone was shooting.”
“At first, I didn’t hear anything but two minutes later, I saw several students running toward us, and at that point, it clicked that something had happened,” he said. “I began to make sure all of my friends were together.”
A third student recalled the chaotic scene.
“We were all just hanging out near the ICC listening to music and then we saw a crowd of people begin running, so that obviously means that you run,” he said. “We hopped over the gate as best as we could along with a crowd of people who were trying to do the same thing, but we really didn’t understand what was going on. No one did.”
On Sunday morning, at the intersection of two campus buildings, a mother stood alone. She said that she lives close enough to the university that she can hear its marching band from her back yard. Fifteen minutes after arriving, she had given ten hugs to students who were passing by her.
“My first reaction was to check in with the students that I am in regular contact with, to make sure they were safe,” he said. “When I knew they were, there was some guilt, because there were several other people who were not safe, according to the scanners I was listening to.
“I have two college students, and they were calling me to process this, because this our community that we love here. They are at different schools, and I just thought, ‘I can’t hug my own two kids who are upset today, but there are kids here who I can hug, who need their mother to hug them.
“I didn’t even know if they would let me on campus, but I just thought I would try.”
Tents from the university’s Homecoming festivities on Oct. 25 stood as reminders of the camaraderie that had washed over the campus the day before.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Twelve hours after the shooting, the university’s campus was nearly empty of students.
walking through smoke.
And I worked with Bob Ketchum and other council members to increase the Oxford Library and Oxford Area Recreation Authority funding so these institutions can remain solvent.”
She also highlighted the work of Council President Kathryn Cloyd.
“With the help of the rest of council, particularly Kathryn Cloyd, we’ve started to work toward meeting our MS4 requirements to keep the waterways around our borough clean,” she said.
Birdwell has many more plans for the future if re-elected.
“I want to facilitate more public input into some of the more esoteric decisions about spending and infrastructure,” she said. “We spend a lot of money on projects that could be put off, in an effort to make up for decades of under-investment in our infrastructure.
But I feel like we are going too far in the other direction and would benefit from more direction from the borough about what residents’ priorities are.
“I’d like to move more slowly with things like making residents repair their sidewalks, stop investing resources in telling residents what kind of signs or windows they can have in the HARB, and direct our attention to ensuring that critical services and resources—educational, recreational, and infrastructure- are met.”
She added, “I’d like to re-establish LTAC, ideally with more input from residents and board members
who are passionate about the subject. And I’d like to find a way to bring down policing costs so we can retain our current police force. I don’t think we need to go from our current situation to outsourcing it.”
Birdwell served in AmeriCorps working in early education and as a caregiver for adults with disabilities while she attended college. Later, she ran child care and educational programs in New York City. From 2014 to 2023, she worked as a nurse in hospitals, dialysis centers, and primary care clinics. Currently, she is a nurse practitioner at a local health center that aims to provide health care to residents regardless of income, ability, gender, or any other social determinant of health.
Robert Ketcham
Ketcham has many thoughts on the borough and what has been done and remains to be done in Oxford.
“Pauline Garcia-Allen brought many skills to the job of borough manager,” he explained. “She is excellent at securing outside funding, so we have done very well in that regard. Under her leadership, we have strengthened our Public Works Department and the administrative team in the Borough Hall, including the Codes Department. The Water Department has made major progress as well.”
However, he sees two big challenges that remain.
“One is to build a Capital
Replacement Fund,” Ketcham said. “The idea here is that we set aside money regularly so that we build up the funds we need to replace capital items when they need to be replaced. These items include everything from computers and trucks to road surfaces and the driving surface of the parking garage. We are playing catch-up here because borough councils in the past have not set aside money for these predictable expenditures.”
He also spoke about a subject on everyone’s mind: the police force.
“The second challenge is to keep our police force in good shape,” Ketcham said. “We are the victim of market forces here. Relatively few people are going into policing careers and that means municipalities compete for the ones who do.
“Wealthier municipalities offer higher salaries and we lose people to them. We are under pressure to raise our salaries. We are looking at ways to keep the financial impact of this situation to a minimum.”
Ketcham talked about another problem facing the borough.
“We have a small revenue base and that is a fundamental problem for us,” he said. “Most of our revenue comes from property taxes. We can raise or lower our local tax rate but distributing the burden equitably is a function of how properties are assessed, and that is not in our power. We need the state and the county to do their jobs in this area.”
Ketcham also said that the borough has to be very
careful in making financial decisions.
“This is always true, of course, but it is really critical in Oxford because of our small revenue base,” he explained. “I do not have special training in municipal finances, but I do have experience working with quantitative data and with testing ideas so I think I can make useful contributions here as a council member.”
Ketcham expressed what he felt about several other topics that will be important in the near future.
“We have pretty serious traffic congestion,” he said. “It has worsened as new developments have been built outside town, and more are on the way. We might do one thing helpful if we can create enough space at Locust and Third Street to accommodate a turn lane. Ideas for bigger solutions are in the Comprehensive Plan we finished last year. We should keep holding conversations about traffic, even if we don’t have quick fixes at hand.”
Ketcham strongly believes that the borough has a great resource in the Oxford Area Recreation Authority on Locust Street.
“We should encourage people to find out about the park and use it more,” he said.
Good things are coming for the borough and one is the cooperation among current property owners along Niblock Alley to develop second storefronts.
“That is the best news I’ve heard about downtown since I’ve been on council. I want to encourage that project. It will make down-
town more attractive and enjoyable,” Ketcham said.
Matthew Harper
Matthew Harper moved into Oxford from Nottingham in 2017. He has very specific thoughts about the borough.
“Right now, I think the most important thing is to save our police department,” he said. “I’d like to see us do a National Night Out and continue to do the community policing our police department does. That is very important.”
Harper continued, “I would like to see more business in town. Oxford is now the ‘Gateway to Chester County.’ We have to increase our Business Infrastructure District to include more of the businesses. I want to see bigger First Fridays.”
He owns PA Boy’s Barbecue food truck, and also owns the former Varsity Grill, which he operates from Thursdays through Sundays.
Harper was a former football coach at Octorara and served in the Army from 2011 to 2016. He feels like a lot of changes are coming to Oxford Borough, and he would like to see a younger generation step in.
“I feel everyone should have a voice in the decisions that are made,” he said. “I’m not sure they are all being heard. I would like to be the voice for the people and the small businesses.”
He feels Oxford is a safe town and would like to see it stay that way. He feels that can be done. He loves the diversity in the town
and feels that as long as everyone follows the rules the town will be okay.
Harper feels it is time for some changes, but regionalization of the police department is not one of them.
One aspect he loves about the borough, he said, is that “Everyone looks out for each other.”
Michael Brandt
This will be Michael Brandt’s first attempt at running for a political office. His biggest concern is the borough’s financial situation. The second biggest concern he has would be setting the town up for commercial success going forward. Brandt would like to do his best to see the town flourish and he strongly feels he has the knowledge to do so.
“I have a strong sense of community and the drive to cooperate with everyone to make Oxford the best it can be,” he said. “I think it is possible to bring more businesses into our town and expand our commercial district. I think that would be a win for everyone.”
“I believe we can find a common-sense solution to the police issue and other financial concerns,” he said. “I would welcome the opportunity to be a part of the rebuilding after the tragic fire in the center of town.”
Brandt works for Intuit, a company known for helping small businesses, and he would like to bring his expertise to Oxford Borough Council.
Continued from Page 1A
to the other. Each candidate shared their mutual respect for each other, and then shared their reasons for running for reelection as mayor.
“There’s a few important projects to me that are not yet finished that I think really are important to our community, that I want to see over the finish line,” Fetick said.
Projects he shared that are top of mind are the development of the NVF site, curbing the phorid fly infestation and focusing on developing more affordable housing in the borough.
For Spencer, his reasons for running focused on his love for the Kennett Square community and eliminating divisiveness.
“Number one is an overarching love of people,” Spencer said. “Number two is the love of this community, and the third answer is that I have an affinity for unity. I sense divisiveness that, unfortunately, is driven from the federal level. There’s no time for that.
I have a drive within me, and always have, to bring people together. That has a lot to do with why I’m doing this.”
Police facility...
Continued from Page 1A study. Through a partnership with Ambler, Pa.-based GKO Architects, the township created a needs assessment analysis that evaluated current conditions and projected staffing and operational features; accumulated an inventory of existing spaces and usage in the current police department; and determined the impact of a potential new police facility on interdepartment relationships between the township’s departments.
At the Aug. 6 meeting, the board was presented with three different building options, but ultimately chose to explore the potential of constructing an 11,500-square-foot option – a facility that will include “hard areas” like a sally port, an evidence and prisoner processing area and holding cells on one side of the building, and “soft areas” that will include a front lobby, department offices and upgraded facilities for the entire police staff.
Feasibility study: ‘A tool for local officials’
Dobbins described a feasibility study as “an in-depth review that helps a township or municipality decide whether a proposed project or initiative is practical and worthwhile.”
“It really serves as a tool for local officials and the community to use when considering whether to move forward with the project,” she said, referring to images presented at the open house that compared diagrams of the concept floor plan for new facility against the current configuration of the police department offices, located on the second floor of the Township Building.
Those varying scenarios were front and center at the township’s open house –which included tours of the current offices. Otteni said the tours were “very beneficial, because they allowed people to see how a lot of the staff is sitting on top of each other, and how the
Housing affordability in the borough
Gaw then turned the questions towards overdevelopment in the borough and concerns of housing affordability.
“What I hear from people often, and from a lot of people, is they’re challenged by the fact that any residential projects, any developmental projects that have taken place here in the last three or four years, have all carried a label of luxury,” Spencer said. “Any future development, including the property that I know we’re going to talk about, has to be for affordable living, and not so much for luxury.”
Fetick said that in future residential development in the borough, he will not support any projects there that do not have an affordable component. Additionally, he provided insight into the density of development in the borough and the difficulty of guaranteeing affordable housing development.
“We certainly can look at the way we do density and how that works, but keep in mind for a developer, for them to offer affordable components, they have to have a trade off,” he said.
police station serves as a make-shift facility and lacks adequate police functions that you would normally find at police stations.
“There’s no prisoner processing area,” he said. “The holding cell is basically a converted bathroom. There is no reception [area] in any way, shape or form for people who come to see the police.”
Responses to comments and concerns
One of residents’ leading questions about the proposed new police facility is about whether the township needs one, said Dobbins. The workload of police unit should not just be measured by the number of arrests it makes, but the ancillary tasks it does that are often reflected in call volume.
The township’s police unit took in 980 calls this past March, an average of 30 a day.
“What is not reflected in the call data are things like the hours of training, the paperwork, and the 73 linear miles of road that are patrolled in this township,” she said. “Another thing that happens is that a crime can occur in Kennett township, but the arrest may happen outside of the township, so just looking at the data doesn’t necessarily paint the picture of how busy our police department is.”
Because Kennett Township’s seniors make up 27 percent of its entire population – much larger than other populations - Dobbins said a lot of the department’s focus is on dealing with the increasing number of fraud incidents perpetuated against this population.
“There is also a lot of time invested in community policing such as regulating speed controls and the running of stop signs,” Otteni said. “Just their presence helps to bring down speeds in some of our neighborhoods. I don’t know how we would address that without being able to mobilize our officers to some of those concerns.”
Another option suggested by the public, Dobbins said,
Local News
“They have to make money somewhere because it costs them this amount of money so you give them the trade off by giving them density and allowing to build maybe 15 percent more so that they can afford to offer affordable homes.”
After a question on the cleanup and safety of the NVF site from Gaw, Fetick gave a quick explanation that the site is at about 85 percent cleaned up and is so far passing safety tests in the monitoring wells tracking the groundwater infiltration of the PCBs.
‘I do not support warrantless arrests’
Gaw then brought attention to ICE activity in the borough and asked the candidates for their opinions.
“In February of this year, Immigration and Customs performed a raid on Chavos tires, a business less than a mile from where we now sit,” Gaw said. “In late January, ICE conducted a series of operations in other parts of Chester County that resulted in the arrest of 44 undocumented individuals. Half of the population of this borough continues to live in constant fear that they too will be deported.” “I do not support the
immigration enforcement that we’re currently experiencing,” Fetick said. “I do not support warrantless arrests. I do not support racial profiling. I do not support ICE officers standing in our shopping centers and on our streets and stopping people based on the color of their skin and requiring them to provide ID. I do not support those in any way, shape or form.”
Fetick noted that in his role as mayor he has been able to build a network with other local and state representatives and officials to help aid community members in need during ICE arrests and safety concerns such as finding lost or missing community members.
Spencer responded, saying, “I think that this small town that depends upon the concentration of immigrant people needs to band together and say, ‘Hey, look here, if you want to get reelected, this is what you’re going to do.’ You’re going to make sure that for the people who want to live in the United States of America, and who already have their green card and do all the things they have to do, that you will respond to them. If the Feds aren’t going to do it then we, as a community that is so depen-
dent upon immigrants, have to form together and force the issue.
“That’s what I believe.
I’m not much of a rebel, but sometimes you have to be.”
‘I love that this happened’
After about 45 minutes of discussion, the questions were turned over to the audience and included inquiries about the remaining debt service from construction of the Genesis parking garage, truck traffic concerns, overdevelopment, ICE and police regionalization.
After the event, community members shared their reasonings for coming to the town hall.
“There were quite a few people, and they’ve been talking about one candidate negatively and the other candidate more positively,
but when it comes to their reasons, they don’t really understand why,” said borough resident Sean Reigel. “I love that this happened because I think when it comes to voting for people in anything, it turns out to be a case of, ‘Oh, you’re voting for them? Sure, I’ll vote for them too,’ and they don’t really understand what they’re voting for. Whereas I think now, when you sit in here and you listen to this forum, you now have a real clear idea of who you want to vote for and why.”
Borough residents will have a chance to vote for either Fetick or Spencer in the upcoming election on Nov. 4.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
is to regionalize the existing department with other area units, similar to how the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department has combined the former West Grove Borough and New Garden Township police departments.
One of the e-mails the township received about police regionalization referred to the Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department in Leechburg, Pa. – a ten-member squad that patrols nearly 7,000 residents across 19 square miles in two boroughs and one township. In comparison, Dobbins said that combined, the three communities don’t total the number of residents that Kennett Township has in a smaller square milage.
“Essentially, with ten officers covering about 7,000 residents, they are not dissimilar to what Kennett Township already has,” she said.
‘Penny-wise and pound-foolish’
Another suggestion raised by residents was that the township should save money by creating a smaller footprint for its police department than the proposed 11,500-square-foot facility, a recommendation that seems ironic, given that the supervisors voted down one option to develop a 17,000-square-foot building in August.
“Kennett Township Chief Matt Gordon and I looked at the [17,000 square-foot design] and said, ‘We’re still just a rural commu-
We don’t need 17,000 square feet of space for our police department,” Otteni said. “Now that we’ve gotten the size of our building down to 11,500 square feet, we’re still going to look for ways to be cost effective with our design, but we don’t want to be penny-wise and pound-foolish, so that we’re standing here in eight years and saying that the current building does not meet our needs.
“We’re building this thing for the next 25 years.”
Otteni said that the proposed new facility incorporates all the necessary requirements for a modern police department which, he said, accounts for much of its square footage: a reception area, locker rooms, prisoner processing space, evidence storage and a sally port.
“These are all areas that do not exist at Kennett Township’s police department, and by the time you build the minimum-size [additions] onto a plan like this, you’re already pushing that 11,500 square feet, so there’s not a lot of room to pare back, but there is the understanding that we’re going to try.
“This will be within the means of the township, cost-effective and yet professional and thorough.”
Otteni and Dobbins also addressed two other citizen-generated alternatives – renting space in another part of the township or occupying the historic Fussell House – also known as the “Pines” – that the township refurbished several years ago.
“We did look at renting, but renting is not sustainable,” Otteni said. “We’d be paying rent every month, paying for upgrades, and if we get kicked out, we’d have to find someplace else.”
Otteni said that he measured every room at the Fussell House, but said that it was ill-equipped to host a modern-day police department.
“The Pines has allocated three parking spaces,” he said. “When I looked at it, it was too small even for the 11 staff members we have. It would not be able to house the staff in conjunction with what you would want in a professional building. You wouldn’t have conference rooms, adequate bathrooms, and no place for storage, and there is no way to get ADA access to the second floor.
“We vetted it, and it just doesn’t work as a modern-day administration building.”
The township continues to field concerns about the estimated cost of the proposed new building, and several have held the $10 million cost against the price that other townships have paid for their police stations. It’s an inaccurate comparison, he said. For instance, comparisons have been made to the Willistown Township police station, which cost $3.2 million but was constructed in 2014. Another comparison was made to the Pa. State police facility in Trevose, which cost $2.8 million but was built in 2004. “We can’t be compar-
ing [the proposed police building] to something that was done 22 years ago,” Otteni said. “In the last six to eight years, construction costs have gone up 30 to 40 percent.”
One township resident at the meeting said that construction of the proposed new building will have “a huge burden” on township residents.
“What this police department has grown to over the lats ten or 15 years is ridiculous – totally ridiculous - and now you’re going to give them a bigger building that we’re going to have to fill with more officers and more stuff?” he asked. “Where do we draw the line?”
The estimated $10 million cost of the new facility will include design and engineering, construction, furnishings and fit outs, as well as contingency and escalation costs. In order to finance it, the township plans to use $2 million of its existing funds, establish a 25-year bond for $8 million – paid out at between $500,000-$655,000 annually - and consider raising the township’s per household property taxes by $152 a year, based on a 2025 average assessed value.
No final decisions about the proposed new building have been reached by the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors, and the township will continue to provide opportunities for township residents to offer public input.
Courtesy image
On Oct. 22, two Kennett Township administrators led a presentation that supported the township’s plans to pursue the construction of an estimated $10 million new police facility, pictured here to the left of the Township Building. nity.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Gabbie Burton Long-time Mayor Leon Spencer is seeking to defeat incumbent Fetick in the Nov. 4 election.
Big plans for Oxford
We are heartened by the plans for the King’s Cross Development that were unveiled earlier this month for downtown Oxford Borough.
All the design plans are preliminary at this point, but everyone is eager to see what will rise in place of the buildings that were destroyed by a devastating fire that ripped through the downtown in September of 2023.
The new development on Third Street will likely be a mixed-use project that will include a combination of space for commercial uses as well as for residential units. Oxford Borough and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. officials have long wanted to bring a theater back to the downtown, and significant funding for that project has been secured. The project was delayed as a result of the fire, but is once again moving forward, and Wilson King, the owner of the Third Street properties, wants to have a new theater as a big part of the creation of a town center for culture, food, and shopping. The buildings are expected to include a community gathering place with an area that could perhaps be used for a farmers market and another space for a cafe or small restaurant.
As part of the improvements to nearby Niblock Alley, the borough has undertaken upgrades for water lines, which makes it possible for the downtown to better supply water to a business like a brew pub or a larger restaurant.
We hope that the land-development process for the project is a smooth one, and that we all soon get to see the results of the King’s Cross Development. A lot of people worked very hard to revitalize Oxford’s downtown through the years. While there have been a lot of successes, Oxford has long needed another anchor business or two to bring more visitors to the downtown.
The King’s Cross Development could take the ongoing revitalization efforts to the next level.
Students
have
rights and they need to be protected
The federal government is actively dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. One direct impact of this on students here in Pennsylvania is the closing of the Pennsylvania Office of Civil Rights, which was a part of the federal Department of Education. According to state lawmakers, if a student in Pennsylvania files a complaint about not receiving the resources they are legally entitled to, the case would now be handled by an office in Atlanta, if it was investigated at all.
Students have rights and those rights need to be protected. State Sen. Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny), the minority chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee, announced that she will introduce legislation to create an Office of Civil Rights within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. This legislation will authorize the state to investigate and enforce students’ federal civil rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other federal education laws. We hope that state lawmakers approve this legislation to ensure that all Pennsylvania students—including those who are the most vulnerable—receive the education that they are entitled to and have their rights protected.
Pa. needs more state prison boot camps
By Michael Ohler
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) has one of the highest recidivism rates in the nation. That’s why its decision to close the Quehanna Boot Camp last month, the state prison with the lowest rate of recidivism and the highest rate of GED graduations, continues to deserve scrutiny.
On the homepage of the DOC website, one of the first sentences the DOC uses to describe its mission is: “Through educational opportunities and treatment programs, it prepares incarcerated individuals for a successful reentry back into the community.” The boot camp program includes a regular regimen of exercise and character-building programs that hold inmates accountable for their behavior and rewards them for good behavior.
The program’s success was so widely regarded that former Corrections Secretary Martin Horn proclaimed boot camps “are here to stay” in Pennsylvania. Horn said the approach to holding inmates accountable “provide[s] as much safety — if not more safety — to the public at a better cost.”
That’s important because we’re told the decision to close Quehanna would save taxpayer money, but does it? The
DOC’s own 2022 report found that recidivism alone costs the commonwealth $3.1 billion. Overall, nearly 65 percent of the commonwealth’s inmates returned to prison within three years.
There was a lesson to be learned by the success at Quehanna, but sadly our department ignored it. As someone who has worked inside our prisons for nearly three decades, it’s clear we no longer hold inmates accountable.
Simply put, we aren’t “correcting” anything, and our recidivism statistics prove this.
Now, we’re doubling down on this failure with the closure of the one facility that was the best at rehabilitation. Quehanna incentivized inmates for good behavior. Rewards should be goals, not expectations. Today, inmates can walk into prison and automatically get everything they want, including access to the commissary and a television.
Sure, there are some disciplinary actions taken, but they’re relatively minor. The default approach has been to let inmates off with minimal or no punishment for poor behavior.
A prime example is corrections officers assaults by inmates. Officers can suffer brutal, life-altering injuries. Non-physical assaults can be
just as devastating. Inmates throw bodily fluids at officers, which can lead to disease and take a tremendous mental toll on an officer and their loved ones. Such assaults used to earn someone up to a year in the prison’s restricted housing units (RHUs). Today, such behavior gets you no more than 30 days.
And going to the RHUs isn’t really a deterrent anymore, either. While some try to paint them as a Hollywood movie’s version of 20th century solitary confinement, the reality is inmates have cellmates. In fact, they even have the freedom to choose to have their own cell.
They also get a TV, snacks and outdoor recreation, hardly the “Escape from Alcatraz” setting some imagine. If the point of corrections is to truly rehabilitate inmates for reentry into society, Quehanna’s military-style program provided actual incentives for good behavior, while building character. While the boot camp’s program lasted just six months, it created outcomes taxpayers expect for their investment. Inmates learned discipline and many walked out with a GED.
In fact, Quehanna inmates received 30 percent of all GEDs earned within the system. That’s important because inmates with at least a high school degree fare bet-
ter, according to the DOC’s own report, which makes the Quehanna decision all the more short-sighted.
For some reason, this isn’t being done in other prisons.
That’s not to say Quehanna is a one-size-fits-all approach, but its main themes and approach to rehabilitation proved that it worked time and time again and was a good investment of taxpayer dollars.
That’s why closing Quehanna made no sense. In making this decision, DOC ignored years of its own data and countless personal stories of how the program helped people successfully reintegrate into society.
Closing Quehanna won’t save money. Sadly, the DOC’s own data shows it will likely only increase costs and recidivism.
Michael Ohler is the president of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association.
Autumn Sensations
By Marie-Louise Meyers
Feel the delicate build-up of momentum, the energy reaching a crescendo while the mists have inundated the hoary grass with a fresh-winded embrace of leaves as if insight to gain.
Not in one jeweled tone but in many as it gathers to a kind of oozing penetration to install beauty wherever our pathway takes us; mums the word in gardens, marigolds touched with frost,
overarching trees driven to a kind of magnificence as they release their battery of yellow, purple and crimson leaves keeping time with the rapid firing of our heart strings.
Autumn subtly transforms the palette and your thinking, a fire brand of trees and bushes cross your path, the sun lowers its gaze at times into a haze but puts a nip and tuck into all languid deeds with acorns and nuts bombarding us but we’re made of sterner
stuff.
How the wood ducks put on their brakes to see me near the water’s edge not submerged within as if an undertaker to their chagrin.
Still you come across with rip-roaring energy in the enervating air with just a sprinkle of despair locked in for good measure for the even flow of summer has gone by with surprises in store till the countdown to winter begins.
All the promises we didn’t keep, reflection at a peak. Autumn to me is like an infection, a confection, even a Mischief and Halloween maker but you can’t get enough of its inspired reflection changing the landscape with its heave ho of leaves you retrieve. Cerebral days of exhilaration and contemplation calculated to inspire your every desire. Climbing the last tendril of light into earth-shattering perfection.
New bus shelter installation in Phoenixville improves transit environment
To strengthen Chester County’s transit options and improve amenities for bus riders, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe, together with the Chester County Planning Commission (CCPC) recently partnered with SEPTA and other regional organizations to identify high-use bus stops most in need of shelters. As a result of this initiative, a new bus shelter has been installed at the bus stop near the intersection of Church and Main Streets in Phoenixville. The stop—served by SEPTA Routes 99 and 139—was identified as one
Partnership between Chester County and Phoenixville supports one of the borough’s busiest bus stops of Chester County’s busiest boarding locations lacking a shelter. Its upgrade aligns with the goal of Chester County’s Landscapes3 Public Transportation Plan, which emphasizes improving rider experience and accessibility across the county.
Speaking on behalf of the County Commissioners, Maxwell said, “Public transportation is a lifeline for many of our residents, connecting them to jobs, healthcare, education, and other day-to-day needs. Something as simple as a bus shelter can make a big difference—providing comfort and safety for riders as they wait.”
Phoenixville Borough had already developed plans for streetscape enhancements in the area, and the addition of a bus shelter complemented those improvements. Chester County provided Phoenixville with a grant to purchase a shelter of their choosing, in return for the borough’s commitment to installation and long-term maintenance.
Phoenixville Borough Manager E. Jean Krack said, “As a continuing revitalized and growing urban downtown, Phoenixville serves as a regional civic, economic and population center. “With
Urscheler, and
tor, Phoenixville
and Brian
Courtesy photo Michael Ohler
Courtesy photo
Chester County and Phoenixville officials and staff at the new bus stop shelter in downtown Phoenixville. Pictured from left to right are Matt Edmond, Chester County Planning Commission executive director, Kelly Getzfread, Phoenixville assistant borough manager, Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe, Brian Styche, Chester County Planning Commission environment and infrastructure director; Phoenixville Borough Manager E. Jean Krack, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell, Meghan Straut, Phoenixville community engagement coordina-
Mayor Peter
Alexus Strunck, project coordinator
Watson, public works director for the Borough of Phoenixville.
Kennett defense leads Blue Demons to 17-13 comeback win
Rematch! Blue Demons will host Hornets in District 1 Playoff game on Oct. 31
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
As the history of Kennett High School football continues to be written, four names will forever be etched in the chapter dedicated to its 2025 season: Caleb Myers, Hayden Schumacher, Matthew Reidenberg and Croix Kise. In all of the offensive firepower that enabled the Blue Demons to overcome a 13-0 deficit and rack up 17 consecutive points in a 17-13 comeback victory over visiting Oxford on Oct. 24 at Kennett Stadium, it was these four defenders – in consecutive order – that stopped a Hornet scoring threat in the second quarter with crucial tackles that prevented Oxford from potentially jumping out to an insurmountable 20-0 lead. Their shutdowns, combined with the effectiveness of quarterback Garrett McCracken and a solid second-half defense, gave Kennett a victory that pushed their overall record to 8-2 and paved the way for the Blue Demons to host a first-round PIAA playoff game on Oct. 31. Coming off a 14-10 loss at the hands of Avon Grove the Friday before, Head Coach Lance Frazier’s club looked to rebound against a Hornet team that matched them with an identical 7-2 over-
all record heading into the last regular season game of the year. With the District playoff structure and the Ches-Mont American conference title at stake, the Hornets jumped out to an early 7-0 lead when Kole Patterson returned the opening kick-off for a 49-yard run that gave them great field position at Kennett’s 41-yard line. Seven plays later – after Patterson’s carry moved the ball to the 14-yard line, quarterback Noland Neskie’s screen pass to Aiden Rochester with 7:45 left in the first quarter jumped the Hornets out to an early 7-0 lead.
While Oxford could not capitalize on a fumble by McCracken near midfield with 7:30 left in the quarter, a second McCracken fumble was recovered by Liam Bell in the end zone with 3:58 remaining in the first quarter pushed the Hornets’ lead to 13-0.
With Oxford gaining possession near midfield at the start of the second quarter and one touchdown away from breaking the game open, a carry by Jake Patterson moved the ball to the 30-yard line, a Joel McClain run took the ball to the 15-yard line and a pitch to McClain gave the Hornets the ball on the four-yard line. However, three rushing attempts by McClain were shut down by Myers, Schumacher and Reidenberg, and with
6:35 left in the first half, Kise stopped Neskie from scoring on the four-yard line to end the Oxford threat. The defensive hold “encapsulated all of the lessons I have been trying to teach this team,” Frazier said. “Our defense has been solid all year. We had a tough loss against Avon Grove last week, so they were challenged this week to become statistically the best defense we’ve had. You can’t measure the
effort, but you can always draw from it.”
Kennett finally got on the board with 57 seconds left in the first half on a 96-yard touchdown drive that ended with a three-yard QB keeper by McCracken that whittled Oxford’s lead to 13-7 at halftime.
With 6:05 remaining in the third quarter, Oxford’s fake punt attempt resulted in a pass that was intercepted by Hunter Taylor on the 20-yard line that later set up a 28-yard McCracken pass to Taylor that moved the ball to near midfield and eventually, a 28-yard field goal by Shay Barker with 1:09 left in the quarter that brought the Blue Demons to within three points, 13-10.
On the ensuing kick-off, Patterson took the ball from the 15-yard line to Kennett’s 16-yard line, setting up a surefire Oxford score, but a pass attempt by Neskie was picked off by Taylor with 19 seconds left in the third quarter.
With 10:21 remaining in the game, Kennett completed its comeback when McCracken hit Joalex Carabajal with an over-themiddle pass the 34-yard
line that Carabajal took to the house for a 66-yard go-ahead touchdown with 10:21 left in the game.
On Oxford’s next possession, Taylor’s defense again rose to the occasion.
Following Patterson’s 31-yard carry that moved the ball to Kennett’s 117=yard line, the Bue Demons’ “D” line held the rally in check, and on fourth down and five yards from the 12-yard line, Taylor stopped McClain just short of the first down.
With 1:29 left in the game, another Oxford rally fell short when Neskie’s pass was intercepted in the end zone by Gavin Ritch.
In a post-game conference with his team, Frazier called his team “Warriors.”
“Avon Grove is a supremely talented football team, and much respect to them,” he said. “Our guys have gone through a maturation process all year. I know when people hear that, they say, ‘Well, you have a pretty good record,’
but it’s been about learning how to win, learning how to be successful and learning how to clean up mistakes.
“We had two starters out this week, so other guys had to step up, and they did so in multiple ways. We had a sophomore, Caleb Myers, playing linebacker for the first time and he really stepped up. That was just one example of the work that other guys did to do their part.”
While Oxford’s loss prevented the Hornets from capturing the Ches-Mont American Division title, they finished the regular season with a 7-3 overall record and 2-2 in division play and will again travel to Kennett Stadium on Oct. 31 for a rematch against the Blue Demons in the first round of the District 1 playoffs, beginning at 7 p.m.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Kennett Head Coach Lance Frazier speaks to his jubilant players after the Blue Demons’ victory. The team will host a first-round playoff game against Oxford on Oct. 31.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Kennett wide receiver Gavin Ritch watches quarterback Garrett McCracken prepare to take the snap in the third quarter of the Blue Demons’ 17-13 comeback victory over Oxford on Oct. 24 at Kennett Stadium.
Oxford quarterback Nolan Neskie helped guide his team to two first-half touchdown drives.
The Oxford defense performed a shut-down effort against Kennett in the first half.
An
By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Keystone 65, Humana, and Aetna. It’s a good idea to make yourself available for all of these informational meetings. You will receive mailings with dates and
times. There will also be opportunities to hear about changes in Medicare and health insurance.
This information may be helpful to you if you are dissatisfied with your current carrier. If you are satisfied with your provider, Arter will be glad to assist you in filling out your renewal forms. If you have any
questions, be sure to call the Oxford Senior Center to set up an appointment. Arter said, “No question is too dumb or insignificant. It is not necessary to renew supplement plans.”
When coming in for any appointment, be sure to bring everything you have received regarding your needs. Bring in a list of prescriptions you are currently taking, too.
“I’d rather you bring in too much than have to send you home for more information,” After said.
Sometimes things can happen with a prescription plan that are beyond your control. For instance, if you are in a nursing home, or living somewhere other than where you normally receive your mail, you may not get information that is sent to you regarding your current prescription plan.
Sometimes the prescription plan that currently covers you may be discontinued. If you don’t receive a notice telling you it is discontinued, your prescriptions may not be covered for the next year.
Everyone who has Medicare is required to pay a $250 deductible each year before claims are paid.
Each prescription plan is different and Arter will clearly explain that to you. It is important to check every year. Some plans will cover more than others on the cost of your prescriptions. Some plans will require you go to a different pharmacy, or may not cover one of your prescriptions at all.
Each plan has its own contract with the drug company regarding what they will pay for a prescription. What is paid also depends
on whether your prescription is generic or not. You might also save by going to a different pharmacy. Some people may save thousands of dollars by visiting Arter first. Each year, the payment can change, as can the cost of the plan. It is important to sit down and talk with Arter about all of the prescriptions you take in order to get the most savings.
If this is your first year on Medicare and even if you aren’t taking regular medications, the cost of vaccinations, or antibiotics may also be a concern to you, so don’t delay. You can reach Arter at the Oxford Senior Center at (610) 932-5244. You can leave a message if she is not available. In today’s world, with prices rising on everything, it is worth it to make an appointment.
Bible Evangelical Church of Kennett Square 500 E. Cypress Street 610.467.1081
www.bibleevangelicalchurch.org
Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N. Union Street 610.444.4624 www.adventks.org
First Baptist Church of Kennett Square 415 W. State Street 610.444.5320
www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com
Greater Works Ministries 553 Rosedale Road 610.444.5581 www.gwministries.net
Kennett Square Missionary Church 408 Bayard Road
610.444.0867
www.kennettsquarebaptist.com
Kennett Square Presbyterian Church
211 S. Broad Street
610.444.5255
www.pcks.org
New Garden Memorial U.A.M.E 309 E. Linden Street 610.444.3357 www.uamechurch.org
Second
Unionville Presbyterian Church 815 Wollaston Road 610.347.2327
TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage. For
October 30
Oxford Halloween Parade
The Oxford Halloween Parade will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30 starting at 6:30 p.m. It’s one of the biggest and spookiest and fun nights of the year as the parade route travels through downtown Oxford. There is no cost to participate. The event is planned by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. Visit www. OxfordPA.org to down load registration or register online.
November 1
Author’s history talk
On Saturday, November 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m., there will be a hybrid pre sentation (on site at the Brandywine Battlefield Park in Chadds Ford and via Zoom) of a talk by Dr. Gregory J.W. Urwin, pro fessor of history at Temple University and a prize‑win ning author. His talk will be entitled, “Say Their Names: Virginia’s Black British Allies, 1781.” Dr. Urwin will explore the stories of enslaved Virginians who sought freedom by joining British forces during the Revolutionary War—voices often overlooked in tradi tional narratives. Tickets can be purchased at https:// www.zeffy.com/en US/ ticketing/revolutionary speaker series featuring dr gregory jw urwin. The Brandywine Battlefield Park is a National Historic Landmark on 52 acres in Chadds Ford, and is stew arded by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission with sup port from the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. For updates, visit www.
Calendar of Events
brandywinebattlefield.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
November 2
Free live concert
The Brandywine Baptist Church will present a free live concert of gospel, blue grass and contemporary Christian music on Sunday, November 2 at 6 p.m.
The Brandywine Baptist Church is located at 1463 Baltimore Pike in Chadds Ford. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public. Brandywine Baptist Church, founded in 1692, invites the community to an inspiring evening of live music and fellowship. The concert will feature The Rock Dale Boys performing gospel bluegrass favor ites, and the Brandywine Heritage Revival Band performing contemporary Christian music. Guests will enjoy heartfelt perfor mances in one of the area’s most historic and welcom ing settings.
November 7
First Friday in Oxford Oxford’s First Friday on November 7 will feature plenty of food, fun, and live music in downtown Oxford. Nate Smythe will be per forming in the Neff parking lot. Another highlight will be the hayrides that will be available to First Friday attendees. This First Friday also kicks off the holiday shopping season in down town Oxford. One initiative to encourage shopping and dining in downtown Oxford is a game of business bingo throughout the month of November, with participants completing their bingo cards
by making purchases at different stores and restau rants. The bingo cards can be picked up at the Oxford Mainstreet Inc. office and businesses like Ashanti Naturals, Lola’s, Jackson & Haines, or Flowers Cafe. Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. is also looking for holiday makers, crafters, and jewel ry makers to be a part of the Holiday Makers Lane for the Oxford Country Christmas on Friday, December 5.
November 14
“Curtains!”
The annual fall produc tion of the Immaculata University Cue & Curtain theater group is Curtains! a play by David Sodaro. Performances start on Friday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m., and a final matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 in Alumnae Hall Theater. The Depression era play centers around a hapless newlywed (Charlie) who buys a decrepit the ater to scam insurance money, only to be roped into starring in a disastrous avant garde Frankenstein production. The role of Charlie is played by Patrick Walton ’28, a cybersecu rity major, and the role of Charlie’s new bride, Cheri, is played by Mackenzie Fillion ’28, a criminol ogy major. Cue & Curtain Theatre is Immaculata’s oldest student organization, showcasing the talent of students as cast and crew for two productions a year. General admission tick ets for Curtains! are $15, tickets for senior citizens and children under 18 are $8 and can be purchased
online, at the door, or by calling 484 323 3731. For more information, email cctheatre@immaculata.edu.
November 15
Thanksgiving meal
Oxford Silo is planning a community Thanksgiving meal event for Saturday, Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Thanksgiving meal includes turkey breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, stuffing, creamed corn and pie at 301 S. 5th Street in Oxford.
November 15
Jive Turkey Cranksgving Cyclocross Race
The Friends of Anson B. Nixon presents The Jive Turkey Cranksgving Cyclocross Race. Join in for an exciting day of rac ing and community fun in the park. Whether you’re a competitive rider or just want to enjoy the action, there’s something for every one. This event is part of the PA Cyclocross series, with
a dynamic course designed by Blake Tart. The race will include men’s, wom en’s and kids categories. Licensed by USA Cycling. Prizes for category winners. To register, visit https:// www.ansonbnixonpark.org/ events/jive turkey cranks giving cyclocross. Contact sharon@ansonbnixonpark. org for more information on the race or how to become a sponsor.
November 22
Holiday Maker’s Market and photo op with Santa Artisan & Hive Collective presents the 6th Annual Holiday Maker’s Market at Redman’s Hall on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Get ready for a merry little market day filled with over 40 hand picked local makers, artisans, and craft ers – all showcasing their one of a kind goods. This year, there will also be food trucks galore – BBQ, grilled cheese, gourmet hot dogs and smash burgers, soft
pretzels, and even crème brulee. Redmans Hall is located at 114 Brick Road in Oxford.
November 22
Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade
Kennett Square’s annual Holiday Light Parade and tree lighting takes place on Nov. 22 this year. Come meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as Kennett Square wel comes in the holiday season and light up the town. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. Parade sign up and vol unteer or participation info is available at https:// kennettcollaborative. org/initiatives/events/ holiday light parade.
December 20
Community meal
On Saturday, Dec. 20, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., a community meal will be held by SILO at 301 S. 5th Street in Oxford. What to expect: pizza, fall salad, chips and holiday cookies.
Courtesy photo
The annual fall production of the Immaculata University Cue & Curtain theater group is “Curtains!” a play by David Sodaro. Performances start on Friday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m., and a final matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16 in Alumnae Hall Theater.
PUBLIC NOTICE
A Land Patent in Chester County, PA is being perfected upon Rural Route 25 Bills Way in Landenberg. Anyone interested in challenging this claim by November 10, 2025, do so at AmericanMeetingGroup.com/ mccaffrey
9p-10-8t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Mildred G. Becke, Late of: Malvern, 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: Stephen M. Asbel, Executor. Reger Rizzo & Darnall, 2929 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
10p-15-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Directors of Christiana Care Hospital d/b/a West Grove will hold a public meeting from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. We are offering a conference call for participation. To register for the meeting and to receive the dial-in information, please submit your request to genevieve. mccormick@emerus.com by Monday, December 1, 2025. You will receive confirmation and the dial-in information on Sunday, December 7, 2025
ESTATE NOTICE
said decedent are requested to make payment without delay to EDWARD J. HANNUM JR., c/o
The Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Personal Representative. Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Attorney. 10p-22-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF SUSAN MICHELLE BOWAR a/k/a SUSAN M. BOWAR and SUE BOWAR, DECEASED.
Late of West Brandywine 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 TRISTAN M. MULLIKIN, EXECUTRIX, 15 Patterdale Place, Downingtown, PA 19335, or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 10p-22-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Nottingham, PA 19362,Co- EXECUTORS, Or to their Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 10p-22-3t
ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF Mary Margaret Tomlinson, LATE OF Elk Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Executrix: Desiree Smith, C/O Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 10p-22-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Michael Gregory Grogan Late of Westtown 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 Kelly Ann Dreyer Executrix, 115 Saratoga Lane, Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085 10p-22-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
ters Testamentary have been granted to Albert Leo Jezyk Jr. for the Estate of Albert Leo Jezyk whose last address was Landenberg, 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 10p-29-3t
FICTITIOUS NAME
Notice is hereby given that a registration of Fictitious Name was filed with the PA Department of State on October 10, 2025 for Fresh Coast Foods with a principal place of business at 2464 Lewisville Road, Oxford PA 19363. The individual and entity interested in this business is Abel Gamboa, AGA Mushroom Sales LLC, 2464 Lewisville Road, Oxford PA. Filed in compliance with 54 Pa.C.S.301. R Samuel McMichael, Esquire, PO Box 296, Oxford PA 19363 10-29-1t
FOREIGN REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Mortgage Corporation, A Massachusetts Corporation.
Tax Parcel # 69050006
PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association at Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2007-4, Asset- Backed Certificates, Series 2007-4
VS DEFENDANT: Jeffrey Barker and Jeffrey E. Barker A/K/A Jeffrey Barker and Karen E. Barker A/K/A Karen E. Kinsman A/K/A Karen Barker and United States of America
SALE ADDRESS: 2855 Forge Road, Oxford, PA 19363- 4006
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG, PC 215-572-8111
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.
Miscellaneous:
We buy 8,000 cars a week. Sell your old, busted or junk car with no hoops, haggles or headaches. Sell your car to Peddle. Easy three step process. Instant offer. Free pickup. Fast payment. Call 1-833-926-4725
DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-335-6094
Home:
New windows from Window Nation. Special money saving offer – zero down, zero payments, zero interest for TWO years AND buy 2 windows and get 2 FREE! Offer is valid for select models. Labor not included. Other restrictions apply. Call Window Nation today! 844-513-2646
KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 10p-29-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
Notice is hereby given that AGA Mushroom Sales LLC, a foreign corporation formed under the laws of the State of Maryland, where its principal office is located at 627 Ebenezer Church Road, Rising Sun, MD 21911 has registered to do business in Pennsylvania with the PA Department of State on October 10, 2025 under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Corporation Law of 1988. The registered office in Pennsylvania is 2464 Lewisville Road Oxford PA 19363, R Samuel McMichael, Esquire PO Box 296, Oxford PA 19363
10p-29-1t
Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of NORA M. HARTMAN, late of Coates ville. All persons having claims or demands on the Estate are requested to make them known, and all persons indebted to the
ESTATE OF ROBERT K. TUMOLO, DECEASED. Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CHRISTOPHER A. TUMOLO, 360 Chrome Rd., Oxford, PA 19363 and BRYAN E. TU MOLO, 192 Pine Grove Rd.,
The Supervisors of Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania have prepared the proposed budget for 2026. This budget will be available for public review beginning on October 27, 2025 at the Penn Township Municipal Building. The proposed budget will be adopted on November 18, 2025 at the Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Caitlin A. Ianni, Township Secretary 10p-29-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
NON-PROFIT
INCORPORATION
NOTICE
Mother of Nations Ministry has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. John A. Novello, Esquire, 221 North Olive Street, Media, PA 19063 10p-29-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of ROBERT T. KOZURA, late of West Brandywine Township. All persons having claims or demands on the Estate are requested to make them known, and all persons indebted to the said decedent are requested to make payment without delay.
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, November 20th , 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, December 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.: 25-11-295 Writ of Execution No. 2024-06253
DEBT $159,722.34
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, November 20th , 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, December 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.:25-11-300
Writ of Execution No. 2024-06154 DEBT $218,508.22
Property situate in Township of Lower Oxford Tax Parcel # 56-07-0038
PLAINTIFF: FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION VS DEFENDANT: WILLIAM NICHOLS, JR.
SALE ADDRESS: 5504 Forge Road, Nottingham, PA 19362
KATHRYN A. KOZURA, c/o The Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Personal Representative. Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Attorney. 10p-29-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Let-
BEING the same premises which Jeffrey E. Barker A/K/A Jeffrey Barker, Karen E. Barker A/K/A Karen E. Kinsman A/K/A Karen Barker by Deed dated January 12, 2007 and recorded in the Office of Recorder of Deeds of Chester County on July 2, 2012 at Book 8460, Page l5 Instrument#l1191787granted and conveyed unto H&R Block
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 10p-29-3t
No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-569-3087 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-888-605-4028 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-844-290-9042 The bathroom of your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-855-504-4710 Timeshares: Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-402-5341
Brandywine Museum of Art announces public launch of N.C. Wyeth’s archival materials
In celebration of National Archives Month, the Brandywine Museum of Art’s Walter & Leonore Annenberg Research Center announced the public launch of the N.C. Wyeth Correspondence Collection of Betsy James Wyeth.
Never fully inventoried and publicized until now, this collection is comprised of original letters and photographs created by N.C. and archived by his daughter-in-law Betsy as part of her work toward the 1971 publication of The Wyeths: The Letters of N.C. Wyeth, 1901-1945
The finding aid for the first installment of this collection, encompassing the years of 1881–1907, is now published on the Research Center’s online database, ArchivesSpace, allowing researchers to discover these unique materials from the prolific artist’s life.
The full collection contains both personal and business correspondence written to and by N.C. Wyeth. The personal correspondence primarily consists of letters written to his mother, Henriette Zirngiebel Wyeth, up until her death in 1925. These letters read like a private diary, not just in terms of their frequency, but also in the level of detail of daily life and the confessional nature of his innermost thoughts and emotions.
Letters to his brothers, and later, letters to his children,
often read in a philosophical tone, where N.C. expounds at length on his personal views of the world and advice on how to better their lives and careers. These narratives not only provide a detailed look at this monumental artist’s career and daily life, but they also show the mental and personal struggles of a man who often felt conflicted by his professional identity and legacy.
“This collection is incredibly important, not only in documenting N.C. Wyeth’s life and art, but also in how it documents the lives of his children,” said Lillian Kinney, manager of the Brandywine’s Walter & Leonore Annenberg Research Center. “Major events, both in early twentieth-century American and world history, are also documented with first-person experience and observation, such as presidential inaugurations, both World Wars, the Spanish flu epidemic, polio, the Great Depression, and many technological advancements.”
Besides manuscripts, additional items and artifacts can be found in the collection, such as the doctor’s bill for N.C.’s birth, a notarized copy of his death certificate, and the comb, with hair remnants left on his dresser on the day of his death, preserved in an envelope.
The most prominent nonmanuscript items though
are photographs. Dispersed throughout the volumes of the collection by Betsy, these photographs provide visual context for certain people, places, and subjects discussed within N.C.’s letters. A large majority of the photographs were taken by N.C. himself, such as those from his trips “out West” and of his wife and children, proving his skill at another art form.
Due to the incredible number of materials in this collection, the Research Center’s inventory will be published in installments, with future additions made to its online database as the work progresses. The first portion of this finding aid alone contains records for approximately 575 letters and 570 photographs that span N.C.’s childhood and early career as a young adult. These records can be viewed by visiting the “Archives and Special Collections” section of the Research Center’s website at www.brandywine.org/ research-center.
The finding aid for the first installment of the collection can also be accessed directly at bit.ly/ncw-correspondence. Researchers can make an appointment to view the collection in person by filling out an appointment scheduling form through Brandywine’s Research Center website or by contacting the Research Center Manager at research@brandywine.org.
About the Brandywine Museum of Art
The Brandywine Museum of Art features an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century Mill building with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine Creek. The museum is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. Current admission rates and hours of operation can be found at www.brandywine.org/hours.
Guided tours of the Andrew Wyeth Studio, N. C. Wyeth House & Studio and the Kuerner Farm—all National Historic Landmarks—are available seasonally for an
additional fee, and advance reservations are recommended. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywine.org/museum.
The museum is one of the two programs of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
About the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art preserves and promotes the natural and cultural connections between the area’s beautiful landscape, historic sites and important artists. The Conservancy
protects the lands and waters throughout the Brandywine Valley and other priority conservation areas, developing sustainable approaches to emerging needs and assuring preservation of majestic open spaces and protection of natural resources for generations to come. The Museum of Art presents and collects historic and contemporary works of American art, engaging and exciting visitors of all ages through an array of exhibitions and programs. The Brandywine unites the inspiring experiences of art and nature, enhancing the quality of life in its community and among its diverse audiences.
Courtesy photo
The Brandywine Museum of Art’s Walter & Leonore Annenberg Research Center announced the public launch of the N.C. Wyeth Correspondence Collection of Betsy James Wyeth. Pictured is N.C. Wyeth’s writing desk.
Social media comment made by Oxford school board member receives criticism
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Oxford Area School Board member Mike Blessington is receiving backlash over a social media comment he recently wrote that has been deemed offensive by some community members.
Blessington’s comment was left on a post from Facebook user Connie Marie titled: “Niki Bulger: Oxford’s gossip queen spreading vile lies in OASD school board fights!” and was shared in the Oxford Pulse group on Oct. 18. Referring to Bulger, Blessington wrote: “She is a special short Bud rider,” with some community members presuming “bud” was a typo for “bus.” At the time of writing, the post could no longer be found on the Oxford Pulse page.
Bulger is known to Blessington and other members of the board and
community for her vocal support for Democratic candidates on Facebook - of which Blessington is notand for her attendance at school board meetings. Bulger shared that to her, Blessington’s comments are just the latest instance of inappropriate online behavior from a school board member.
“I don’t really care what he says about me. He’s said worse,” Bulger said of Blessington’s comments. “They can say whatever they want about me. It’s not going to bother me, but they shouldn’t be using our students themselves as an insult.”
For those who may feel that Blessington’s comment was trivial or not what the board or community should be focusing on, Bulger countered that with an election so close, these issues are a matter of importance.
“It’s important to hold our
elected officials to a higher standard and to be outspoken when they’re doing inappropriate things,” Bulger said. “I hope the community gets out and votes and really looks into the candidates that are running and looks at their social media pages and speaks to them and sends them questions, so that they can make educated decisions and not vote on party lines, because school boards should be nonpartisan.”
While Bulger did not attend the most recent school board meeting on Oct. 21 to make her feelings known, other members of the community did, and they addressed their concerns about Blessington’s comment directly to the board.
“It is my opinion that this board member is allegedly trying to bully this stakeholder into submission by insulting not only her, but also the very students that he purports to put first,” said
Amy Carbonara during the open comment portion of the school board meeting. Carbonara also filed a report form for complaints of discrimination to the board, which she accessed under Policy 5510: Nondiscrimination in School and Classroom Policy.
Public comment also included Charles Steckel, who shared that he has cared for individuals with special needs for the past 45 years.
“The field hasn’t changed much in 45 years, and part of that is because of the ongoing stigma of folks mistreating people, or treating people as if this is something they’ve chosen, or something that’s wrong with them instead of something they received,” Steckel said.
“As a member of this community, I want to be a part of helping those people who think bullying and belittling special needs people is acceptable.”
Steckel elaborated on his decision to speak to the board after the meeting.
“I have seen how people are affected by bullying, especially people who do not have the cognitive abilities we have,” he said. “I can’t understand why people aren’t screaming their heads off about this.”
While Carbonara and Steckel addressed the board with their thoughts, others had more to say outside of the meeting. Brittany Washburn, the parent of a sixth grader who receives special education services, sent an email to the board ahead of the Oct. 21 meeting about her concerns on the comments made by Blessington.
“This [comment] is not just uncalled for from a board member. It is absolutely and incredibly inappropriate,” she wrote.
The meeting also included the election of a new board president following Mark Patterson’s resignation from the board in September. Bill Kloss was nominated and elected to serve in the role with Jenifer Warren remaining as vice president and Tenille Dewees as treasurer.
The next regular meeting for the Oxford Area School Board will be held on Nov. 18, after the Nov. 4 election.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.
“To use a slur like that to someone, anyone, while also being a sitting member of a school board who represents exactly those students he is making slurs about is vile and revolting.” Washburn also called on Blessington to issue an apology on the matter. However, Blessington did not address the email or public comments made during the Oct. 21 meeting.
Chester County United Way raises $150,000 at its annual Live United in Music event
Chester County United Way’s annual Live United in Music event hit a high note recently, raising $150,000 to support local programs that strengthen the community.
The sold-out evening brought together community leaders, sponsors, and supporters for incredible live music, celebration, and giving. The night, presented by Di and Dallas Krapf and CTDI, captivated attendees with a lively performance by Lights Out, a tribute band to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Proceeds from the event will directly support Chester County United Way’s Community Impact & Innovation Fund, which provides grants that address
‘Here,
issues related to financial stability and self-sufficiency for individuals and families.
Chester County United Way remains focused on serving ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and addressing the needs of disadvantaged and at-risk individuals and families in Chester County by funding effective and targeted programs and services.
“This event truly showcases the power of our community coming together,” said Christopher Saello, president and CEO of Chester County United Way. “We extend a special thank you to Di and Dallas Krapf and CTDI for returning as co-presenting
sponsors. Their continued support makes this event a highlight of the year and ensures our programs have the resources needed to support our neighbors who need us most.”
The lead sponsors for the event included Penn Oaks Golf Club, CCRES, Legacy Planning Partners, and Bentley Systems, all of whom played a significant role in the night’s success. Attendees enjoyed an unforgettable evening featuring Lights Out’s lively performance, delicious food and beverages, and an exciting live auction.
Chester County United Way extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and sponsors whose gen-
There & Delaware’ brings Erick Sahler’s nostalgic Delaware posters to Historic Odessa
The Historic Odessa Foundation’s final exhibition of the year features hand-printed serigraphs that capture the spirit and beauty of Delaware’s landscapes.
The Historic Odessa Foundation will present “Here, There & Delaware: Travel Poster Prints & Illustrations of Erick Sahler.” The exhibition will be on view now through December 31, 2025 at the Historic Odessa Visitors Center Gallery at 201 Main Street in Odessa, Del.
An artist reception will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., offering guests the opportunity to meet Sahler and view his nostalgic and colorful works inspired by Delaware’s landscapes and landmarks. The event is free and open to the public.
Sahler’s instantly recognizable scenes of Delaware evoke a sense of nostalgia
for locals and visitors alike. His designs draw inspiration from the WPA (Works Progress Administration) posters of the 1930s and the mid-20th century American travel posters, blending vintage charm with contemporary artistry. His works are part of collections held by the National Park Service, universities, corporations, and numerous private collectors. A native of Salisbury, Maryland, Erick Sahler has been creating and publishing illustrations, graphics, and cartoons across the mid-Atlantic region since 1983. He apprenticed under a Salisbury screen printer as a teenager and studied with renowned Chesapeake Bay painter C. Keith Whitelock, who inspired his lifelong love for the Eastern Shore. Sahler earned his bachelor’s degree in visual arts from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
He is a member of New York’s Society of Illustrators and a certified graphic artist and screen printer with the American Screen Printing Association. His clients have included the National Park Service, NASA, Perdue Farms, Salisbury University, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, among many others.
Sahler’s artwork can be found in the collections of Sen. Chris Coons, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, and the University of Delaware Library Special Collections & Museum, among others. His work has also been exhibited at the National Folk Festival, Franklin College, and the Chambers Gallery in Minneapolis.
Each of Sahler’s serigraphs—fine art silkscreen prints—is created by hand
or digitally reproduced in his Salisbury studio using eco-friendly archival inks on acid-free paper. His work is available in shops throughout the Delmarva region and online at www. ericksahler.com. For more information, visit www.historicodessa. org or call (302) 378-4119. A member of the North American Reciprocal Museum Association, Historic Odessa is open to the public March through December, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday by reservation. General tour admission is free for members and children under six, $15 for adults, and $10 for groups, seniors, and students. Through the end of December, the Historic Odessa Foundation offers regular tours of its landmark Delaware museum properties that house the
foundation’s collection of more than 7,000 objects and furnishings that span an interpretive period in regional decorative arts from 1760 through 1850. The houses and the foundation’s collections provide
a background for a variety of events and educational programs for the public and schools throughout the season, including exhibits, lectures, entertainment, community, and fundraising events.
Courtesy photo
A lively performance by Lights Out, a tribute band to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, was a highlight of Chester County United Way’s annual Live United in Music event.
Courtesy photo
Erick Sahler’s instantly recognizable scenes of Delaware evoke a sense of nostalgia for locals and visitors alike.
erosity helps create lasting impact in the community.
