In what amounted to a good old-fashioned drubbing, Democratic candidates in Chester County fared exceptionally well in elections held on Nov. 4, as judges, mayors, supervisors, and council and school board members were elected and reelected to posts.
In all, the election saw a 47.8 percent turnout, as 385,849 registered voters cast their ballots for 762 contests at 230 precincts throughout the county.
In the race for Judge of the
Superior Court, Democrat Brandon Neuman beat Republican Maria Battista, earning more than 61 percent of the vote, 112,886 to 67,203. In the campaign to become the next Judge of the Commonwealth Court, Democrat Stella Tsai defeated Republican Matt Wolford, gathering nearly two-third of the total vote, 114,498 to 68,341; and Democrats Mackenzie Smith and Clay Cauley, Sr. defeated Republicans Neill C. Kling and Betty Ryberg in an election for Judge of County Common Pleas.
In the battle for Chester
County row offices, Democrats defeated Republicans in all five races.
Caroline Bradley beat Alissa McGrory to become the next Clerk of Courts; Nick Cherubino defeated Joseph Lorusso in the race for Controller; Sophia GarciaJackson out-voted Thomas John Hatzidais in the election for Coroner; Alex Christy beat Christopher Thompson in the campaign to become the next county Prothonotary; and Patricia Maisano defeated Deanna Wang in the race for county Treasurer.
In addition, Democrats
Tony diFrancesca, Joe Heffern and James Kovaleski defeated their Republican opponents to become Magisterial Court Judges.
In the election for the mayor of Kennett Square, Oxford, West Grove and Avondale, Democrats Matt Fetick, Philip Harris, Stephen Black and Susan Rzucidlo were reelected to their posts, respectively.
Borough Council, Board of Supervisors races: Elections and reelections
In the election to determine the council boards of four
municipalities, Democratic candidates again breezed to victories. In Kennett Square Borough, Bob Norris and Elea McDonnell-Feit were reelected to their posts on the Borough Council, joining newcomers Hilda Matos, Amy Reigel and Juan Tafolla. In West Grove, Matthew Glass, Leandria Hall and David Prosser were reelected to the Borough Council, joining incoming council member Carol C. Severance.
In Oxford, Robert Ketcham and Amanda Birdwell were reelected to the Oxford Borough Council along with
newcomers Melody BostonGriffin and Michael Brandt; and in Avondale, Michael W. Essmaker, Stephanie Reichert and Janet Watts were reelected to Borough Council.
Democrats also performed well in local elections to
Fetick elected to fifth term as Kennett Square mayor
Phorid Fly infestation, NVF site clean-up, Fire and EMS services, immigration process support top agenda items
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Supported by an agenda that has focused on public safety, crisis action, transparency and connecting residents and businesses together, Matt Fetick was elected to what will be his fifth four-year term as Kennett Square Mayor on Nov. 4, defeating challenger and former Mayor Leon Spencer by a vote of 833 to 566.
In a wide-ranging interview, Fetick addressed some of those key issues that are currently impacting his constituency, as he and the Kennett Borough Council prepare for the start of 2026. While issues of varying concerns are top of
mind for borough residents, perhaps the most nagging and persistent is in the continued infestation of the Phorid Fly in homes and businesses. Late in 2024, Fetick became the first official in the state to issue an emergency resolution demanding solutions from officials to an environmental crisis that has impacted the quality of life in the borough.
“The Phorid Fly issue is incredibly frustrating for our residents, but unfortunately, it is outside of our legislative authority and outside of anything we can do other than be a strong advocate,” he said. “We are coming up on the one-year anniversary of the emergency declaration, and I intend to take a
significant amount of information that I have learned from the last year – stemming from the fact that we have not had any relief for our residents in the last 12 months – and provide that information in a thoughtful and strong summary to the Department of Agriculture and the Governor’s office.”
Fetick said that he will continue to use his office as a “bully pulpit and advocate” with other area municipalities experiencing the same issue to search for solutions.
“It is unfair that our residents continue to deal with this problem as it is, [and] I plan to be louder and more vocal and push harder that I ever have before,” he said.
Veterans treated to breakfast at annual event at Oxford Area Senior Center
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
More than 200 veterans and their guests were welcomed at the annual Veterans Breakfast at the Oxford Senior Center last Saturday.
The volunteers, led by Clarissa Sherrow, started their day at 5:30 a.m. to begin preparing food as a way to honor the veterans for their service to this country.
Sherrow explained, “We get a donation from
the Oxford Chamber of Commerce and from a private donor to thank the veterans for their service.”
Volunteers include Desert Knights Motorcycle Club of Chester County, school teachers, bank managers, chefs, servers and many who look at the Veterans Breakfast as the least they can do for the men and
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By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
independents and those registered as “No Affiliation” and “Non-Partisan.” The clerical error forced about 12,100 of these voters to fill out provisional ballots. According to a statement from Chester County Voter Services, the issue was identified shortly after polls opened and supplemental books that included the
missing voters’ names were distributed to all polling locations by around 5:45 p.m. A court order allowed all polling locations in the county to stay open until 10 p.m. in response to the error.
Although the provisional ballots provided a temporary solution to the problem, voters across the county
expressed concern for the error and county leaders expressed their desire to identify how such a mistake could occur.
“Our Voter Services team members are among the most conscientious of county employees,” wrote Chester County CEO, David Byerman, over email. “They strive to run
every election fairly. This issue represents a serious and most regrettable error. We are ramping up an investigation into how this happened, what controls were in place, whether those processes were followed, and if not, why. We hope to regain the trust of Chester County voters by Continued on Page 4A
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Amanda Godley-Porto of Lancaster – shown here receiving support from her husband, Mike and their son – was one of nearly 1,000 competitors at the 10th Mushroom Cap Half Marathon, held Nov. 8 in Kennett Square. For a story and additional photos of the race, see Page 1B.
Courtesy photo
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determine future township supervisors. In London Grove Township, Stephen Zurl was reelected to the board, while newcomer Eric Sipple also won election to the board.
In East Marlborough Township, James Chance and Steven Peuquet were reelected to the board – and Chris Manning was elected –to the Board of Supervisors; while in West Marlborough Township, Republican and current chairman William Wylie was reelected to the Board of Supervisors.
In Lower Oxford Township, Noel Roy won reelection to the three-member Board of Supervisors; and in Upper Oxford Township, current chairman Scott Rugen won reelection to the three-member board.
In London Britain Township, Brian Sachs and Bruce Yost were reelected to their posts by defeating John R. McKinnon and Russell McKinnon, respectively; and in Penn Township, current chairman Victor Mantegna will return to the Board of Supervisors for another
Fetick...
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NVF clean-up and development: Will it be safe?
Over the course of the last several months, Fetick has hosted two town hall meetings that have addressed one of the leading issues of safety in the borough: the potential environmental impact the planned development of
L. Gaw'
Kristie Brodowski and David Unger were reelected to the five-member New Garden Township Board of Supervisors.
term and will be joined by Republican Jakob Moore, who won his election to the board.
In Kennett Township, Mike Bailey will replace outgoing supervisor Richard Leff on the Board of Supervisors after defeating challenger Boyd Presnell; and in New London Township, Mary Anne Steel was reelected to the Board of Supervisors by defeating Geddes Marcano.
Kristie Brodowski and David Unger were reelected to their seats on the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors, defeating Republican challengers Michael Norris and Kathy Leary.
the 22-acre former NVF site may have on borough residents. The meetings have served as a watchdog overview of the clean-up efforts to remediate the contamination left by prior industrial use, particularly related to PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and other hazardous materials. Currently, the Rockhopper company is working with the U.S. Environmental Protection
School board elections
In elections to determine future school boards in southern Chester County, Democratic candidates also performed well, beginning in the Oxford Area School District, where Sean T. Gugan, Mary Higgins, Andrew Peters and David Trimble were elected and Andrew Atkinson earned reelection to the board.
In the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, Susan Still Elks, Joseph P. Everett, Sandra Litvin and Steven Simonson were elected to the school board; while on the Kennett Consolidated School District Board, cur-
Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) on extensive soil and groundwater testing and removal to eventually make way for a development along West Mulberry Street to build 294 “for rent” and “for sale” residential units.
Fetick’s role – as well as Borough Council’s – will be to force these agencies to share their information with the public in full transpar-
rent Vice President Dr. Victoria Gehrt won reelection, while Democrats Jamie Blevins Raign and Ann Parry also won their elections.
In the race to determine the partial make-up of the threeregion Avon Grove School District Board of Directors, Bill Wood won reelection to the board, defeating Jules Quartapella; Katie Leonard defeated Steven Sheppleman; Natalie OrtegaMoran beat current board member Mike Woodin; and Ruchira Singh earned reelection to the board after defeating Ricky Hagar.
‘All politics is national now’
ency. He said that once the government shutdown has been lifted, he will invite DPA and EPA representatives to the borough for a presentation detailing the specifics of their clean-up and findings.
“I believe that it is really important that residents have all of their questions answered, and that they get to speak to a site that is projected to play an enormous part in the future of Kennett Square,” Fetick said. “To change the use from industrial to mixed-use residential requires an ordinance which Borough Council has to pass, but I have the authority [as mayor] to sign it into law or to veto it, and my intention is to make sure that our residents’ questions are satisfied before I do that.”
Public safety, fire and EMS services
For the entire duration of his 16 years as mayor, Fetick, a former police officer, has overseen the Kennett Square Police Department, and as he prepares to begin his fifth term as mayor, he and Borough Council are seeking to continue modernizing the department through the use of new resources. He said that moving forward, borough leadership will work with the department to become an accredited police unit and assist conducting a search for the future leaders of the department.
Fetick also addressed the fire and EMS needs of the borough.
“I have maintained a strong commitment to the Kennett Regional Fire Department, working closely with them to secure the funding and resources necessary to support the crucial life-saving services provided by their dedicated volunteers and
While the reasons for the across-the-board blue wave election in Chester County have been open to speculation since the results of Nov. 4, the truth is in the polls: the results closely mirror the temperature of the entire country, which saw Democrats Abigail Spanberger elected as the next governor of Virginia; Mikie Sherrill become the next governor of New Jersey; and perhaps most surprising of all, the election of Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City – as well as huge wins in lower profile races.
“It was a good day for the Democrats – maybe a great
day – but it wasn’t an oddyear election, so turnout is always going to be considerably lower, but saying that, turnout in Chester County was near recordhigh [on Nov. 4],” said Dr. John Kennedy, a professor of political science at West Chester University. “Bear in mind, the Democrats suffered a devastating loss a year ago, and this was an opportunity to get their voice heard. It gives the Democrats a shot in the arm that they desperately needed.” Kennedy addressed the proverbial “elephant in the room,” the generally accepted opinion that the
by Richard L. Gaw
career staff,” Fetick wrote on his campaign website.
Square Mayor Matt Fetick, seen here moderating a town hall meeting about the remediation process of the planned development at the former NVF site earlier this year, was reelected to his fifth term as mayor on Nov. 4. fact, six of every ten migrant citizens confront the immigration system without a lawyer, and many of these migrants are children.
While it is no longer a member of the Kennett Area Regional Fire & EMS Commission, Fetick said that the borough is continuing to provide its residents with adequate fire and EMS services through a contract it maintains with the Commission.
“My concern has never been with the level of service or with the providers, but about the intermunicipal agreement and the untapped spending amount per year,”
he said. “Borough Council is working with our surrounding municipalities [who belong to the Commission’s membership] to see if there is a path forward for us all to be on the Commission together, moving forward.
“I fully support being in the Commission – or some type of regional model – as long as we can predict what our future costs are going to be.”
Immigration resources in Kennett Square
Unlike criminal proceedings in which defendants have constitutional rights to representation, migrants in the U.S. are not entitled to court appointed lawyers; in
To help bridge that gap for the Kennett Square immigrant community, Fetick is currently enrolled in the Villanova Interdisciplinary Immigration Studies Training for Advocates (VIISTA) program at the Villanova University Law School, an online interdisciplinary educational program that trains students to become accredited representatives for the immigrant community and provide low-cost or no-cost legal representation. He is also working with community leaders to establish a non-profit organization that provides these same resources in the Kennett Square community.
As he and the Kennett Square Borough Council prepare to enter 2026 with these and other issues on their agenda, Fetick said that the ability to address them will take a collaboration between elected officials and well-informed and active residents.
“I really want Kennett Square to continue to thrive as a diverse community that respects everybody, and as we navigate what Kennett Square becomes in the next 10, 15, 20 years, I want to assure that everybody has a seat at the table and a voice, as we figure out what we’re going to look like,” he said. “There are a lot of things happening, and it is critical that everyone is being heard and that what they will share will be thoroughly considered.”
Photo by Richard
Courtesy photo Patricia Maisano was reelected to her post as Chester County Treasurer.
Courtesy photo Oxford Mayor Philip Harris was one of four Democrats to be reelected as mayor in southern Chester County.
Courtesy photo Mike Bailey will join the three-member Kennett Township Board of Supervisors.
Photo
Kennett
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Dr. John Kennedy is a political science professor at West Chester University.
surge of Democratic political victories last week was a ballot box rejection of the polices and performance of President Donald Trump, that influenced many voters to select Democratic candidates merely on the basis of their political affiliations.
“People are kidding themselves if they deny that this was not a referendum to some degree on the President,” Kennedy said.
“When you look at these local races, they are becoming more ideologically polarized. There is a sharp delineation, from local elections to school board races, and for these candidates, they are no longer able to shed their overall party umbrella. That’s a characteristic of where we are as a country now.
“To rephrase Tip O’Neill’s famous line, ‘All politics is national now.’ Twenty-five years ago, we didn’t have social media. Now, everyone has a megaphone on their keyboard.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Democrats emerge victorious in East Marlborough Board of Supervisor races
By Winthrop Rodgers Contributing Writer
The Democratic slate of candidates swept the seats that were up for election on the East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4, winning by larger than expected margins.
Democrats Chris Manning, Steve Peuquet, and James Chance were all elected over Republican rivals Alicia Tamargo, Bruce Jameson, and Joe Misiewicz.
“We over-performed in terms of my expectations,” Peuquet, a first-time candidate, told the Chester County Press in an interview after the election.
The Democratic ticket won by a margin of around 500 votes. Manning received 1,935 votes, the most overall, compared with 1,367 for Jameson, his closest Republican rival. Peuquet won 1,775 votes compared with 1,276 for Misiewicz, according to results published on the Chester County Board of Elections’ website. Chance, who was running in a head-to-head contest against Tamargo for an unexpired two-year term on the board, won by a 15.84 percent margin.
The margin of the vic-
tories was larger than previous elections.
Current board chair Ellen Sosangelis won her race in 2023 by 337 votes. In 2021, Democrat Kathryn Monahan beat Republican William Mullin by 116 votes. Current board vice chair John Sarro, a Republican, won his seat in 2019 by just 20 votes.
An analysis of the initial precinct results showed that East Marlborough had slightly higher turnout this year than the county as a whole - 52.5 percent vs. 47.7 percent.
“The numbers that we saw at the close of the polls certainly reflected something that was more favorable for Democrats than I think many folks might have otherwise expected,” Manning told the Chester County Press “East Marlborough Township is a community of neighbors,” he continued. “Party affiliation matters for some things, but it’s less relevant in our local races, where people just want leaders who are going to align with the things that are important to them, regardless of party.”
The primary issue during the campaign was taxes. The township more than doubled property taxes last year in order to address the
growing expense of public services, especially related to the local fire and EMS services and other inflationary pressures.
The Republican ticket promised to prevent further tax increases, including the proposed introduction of an earned income tax (EIT).
“Enough is enough. We’ll block the EIT and restore fiscal discipline,” they said on their campaign website.
In contrast, the Democratic candidates promised to deal pragmatically with the township’s challenging financial situation, despite the political risk.
“I really thought that the tax increase last year was going to really have a big effect on the results of the election. Turns out that, I think, it had a lot less,” Peuquet said.
“I think I also speak for my colleagues…none of us really like the idea of having to raise taxes, but we also feel that we need to make decisions that are in the best long-term interest of the township,” he added. Peuquet felt that that forthright message, combined with a campaign that employed frequent and personal approaches to voters, was what won the election.
“We just thought it was both unreasonable and even disingenuous to promise that we’re not that we’re going to stop tax increases,” he said.
While local issues tend to dominate local races, election night across the country was unambiguously positive for Democrats, who rode a wave of dissatisfaction about the Trump administration to victory. The party won in key races in New Jersey, Virginia, California, and New York City, while also handily winning judicial elections in Pennsylvania that had attracted national attention.
Peuquet, an economist and a retired professor of public policy at the University of Delaware, said he had no empirical evidence to suggest that the national mood affected the races in East Marlborough, given the absence of randomized exit polling at the municipal level. However, he admitted it was a possibility. He said that while knocking on doors he repeatedly heard anger about the government shutdown and even the Trump administration’s decision to tear down the East Wing of the White House.
Manning did not think
any one factor was at play, but suggested that the broader political climate is motivating people to be more involved.
“People are really paying closer attention to what’s happening in government and feel compelled to make sure that their voices are heard, and are doing that by voting,” he said.
In a message on their Facebook page, the Republican slate admitted that the elections had not gone “the way we had hoped.”
“This campaign was built on community, and those efforts to maintain the character of East Marlborough and stem the rise in taxes didn’t end with an election,” the statement added. Requests for comment from the Republican candidates through their campaign website email address and social media were not returned by press time.
Whether it was local, state-wide, or national issues driving voter sentiment this year, the size of the Democrats’ victory in East Marlborough was notable.
“I was hopeful that we would win, but I really did not think we would win by the margin that we won by,” Peuquet said.
Courtesy photo
Veterans...
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women who served their country.
In addition to a hearty meal of pancakes, eggs, sausage, and bacon, the veterans also received important information about the benefits that they are eligible for and more.
One item they received was a star. The star program started in the mid-1950s, when a group of ladies from Florida wanted to do something for the men and
Voting booths...
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thoroughly and forthrightly getting to these answers –and publicly reporting the findings – just as soon as we possibly can.”
Other Chester County leaders shared their concerns over the error on social media, including the Chester County State House Delegation, who wrote a letter to the Pennsylvania Department of State requesting that the department conduct an investigation into the mistake and to report its findings back to the State House and Senate. Additionally, the Chester County government is conducting an independent review.
“We are working right now to identify an outside firm to provide an independent review,” Byerman wrote. “We’ll also work with the Department of State and we appreciate their subject matter expertise. The formal investigation will begin
women going to Korea. They got permission to cut the stars from flags that were retired and going to be destroyed. They cut the stars and gave them out to all military members. In 2008, the Pease Greeters in Portsmouth, N.H. also did this program and added a poem to the star and put them in little plastic bags.
Some of the important information that the veterans received provided an update on benefits at the local Veteran Administrations, plus any
once all votes have been counted to ensure that the process does not interfere with the certification of the election.”
Byerman stated that while preliminary steps in the investigation process have begun, the primary concern in the days after the election is to review and count every provisional ballot cast. Due to Pennsylvania Election Code, the reviewing of provisional ballots could not begin until Friday, Nov. 7 and as of Monday, over 6,300 provisional ballots have been legally reviewed. After being reviewed, provisional ballots were scanned and tabulated on Nov. 11.
“We have worked long hours every single day, including weekends and holidays, to get this right,” Byerman wrote. “The provisional ballot review and determination process involves more steps and therefore takes a greater amount of time, per ballot, than the tabulation of
other benefits that may be available to them.
The most important gift at the breakfast, however, is that of camaraderie—the event gives the veterans a chance to talk with other veterans and meet up with friends. Children and grandchildren can experience a very important learning moment.
The next event for Sherrow will be the Wreaths Across America initiative. More information will be coming soon so the community can be involved with that.
regular ballots. But I want to assure voters that all provisional ballots will go through the review and credit process. Any provisional ballots determined properly cast are included in the certified election results.”
The extra steps in the provisional ballot process falls on both voters and election officials. Voters have to complete information on an outer envelope in front of election officials before filling out their provisional ballot, placing the ballot in a secrecy envelope that goes into the outer envelope and signing the envelope in front of officials again before receiving a provisional ballot identification receipt.
County officials are then required to review the information provided on the provisional ballots to confirm that the ballot belongs to a registered voter who voted at their proper precinct - before the ballot can be officially counted.
Center.
With the process already underway, Chester County Voter Services released an investigation timeline on Nov. 10, that stated an independent party will be chosen to conduct the investigation by Nov. 17 and provide the findings of their investigation to the Chester County Board of Elections on Nov. 21. The expected deadline for completing the investigation is early to midDecember with the final report and recommendations presented to the Board of Elections in December or January.
“As of today, we identified the key questions that must be addressed through the investigation and presented the Board of Elections with several options for how the review can best proceed,” said Byerman in a Nov. 10 press release. “Staff have been instructed to preserve all relevant materials, including evidence and notes, to support the investigatory process. We have also held a preliminary meet-
ing with the Pennsylvania Department of State to understand its capacity to assist in the review.”
While movement is being made on both the counting of the provisional ballots and the investigation process, the effect of the error on voter confidence will require additional effort to properly address.
“We’ll work to regain the public’s confidence,” Byerman said. “We understand this was a significant
error, and we are committed to understanding how this happened and ensuring that we address why it happened.” Updates on the investigation and counting of provisional ballots will be available on the Chester County website https://www. chesco.org/.
To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty. com.
Veterans honored at breakfast and recognition ceremony
State Rep. Sappey to veterans: ‘I am devoted to you and committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania is a place where veterans are supported, appreciated and honored’
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
With all of the proper pageantry they deserve, nearly 50 local veterans and their families were honored at a breakfast and recognition ceremony on Nov. 7 that was hosted by State Rep. Christina Sappey at the VFW Post 5467 in Kennett Square. Sappey, who serves as a member of the Pa. House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee with State Rep. Craig William of the 160th Legislative District, praised the veterans for the sacrifices they have made to the country and said that state legislators will continue to make sure that the veterans of Pennsylvania receive the resources and respect they deserve.
“As your state representative, I am devoted to you and committed to ensuring that Pennsylvania is a place where veterans are supported, appreciated and honored, not just on Veterans Day but every day,” she said. “This morning, we also recognize our military families who have stood by your side – the spouses, children, parents and loved ones who have made significant sacrifices and supported you and all of us throughout your service.”
‘Your service matters’
In his comments, VFW
Post 5467 Commander Joseph Zenisek acknowledged veterans in attendance who served in Vietnam, in the Gulf, the Balkans and Iraq and Afghanistan – including one veteran who fought in the Korean Conflict. He emphasized that Veterans Day “is for the living.”
“It is an opportunity for a grateful nation to recognize and celebrate every single individual who has ever worn the uniform of the United States armed forces – in war and in peace, on active duty or in the reserve – from the day they first raised their right hand to this very moment. It is an opportunity for our nation to pause gratefully and say, with a united voice, ‘Your service matters. We remember your sacrifice, and we
honor the promise we made to you.’
“Veterans Day is about recognizing their choice to place country above self.”
Zenisek said that the holiday also recognizes those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and the nearly 81,000 American veterans who still remain unaccounted for.
“Our prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action – their sacrifice remains an opened wound – and until every hero is accounted for, we will keep the candle burning,” he said. “We will never allow their banner to fade, and under the WFW’s watch, they will not be forgotten.”
‘I see American history’
Brigadier General Frank J. McGovern IV, the event’s
State Rep. Christina Sappey, who sponsored the event, recognized the men and women of the 158th Legislative District for their service.
keynote speaker, acknowledged that Pennsylvania is the home of nearly 700,000 veterans – making it the fifth largest veteran population in the U.S., even though only five percent of the state’s residents have ever served in the military.
“You are in select company, you are a small subset of our country, yet a large part of its freedom,” said McGovern, who is an Assistant Adjutant General for the Pennsylvania Army Nat ional Guard and the Special Assistant to The Adjutant General. “That is why we are gathered here, not to
mark a single victory but to honor the individuals who have made every victory possible.” McGovern said that in the eyes of the veterans he saw from the podium, “I see American history.”
“I see the generations of men and women who when America’s freedom was threatened bravely stepped forward to safeguard it,” he said. “President Ronald Reagan once said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.’ Reagan’s comment underscores the vital role that veterans play in preserving free-
dom across generations – whether it was a war fought nearly 250 years ago or more recently with Iraq and Afghanistan.” The ceremony’s invocation and benediction were given by Rev. Annalie Korengel of the Unionville Presbyterian Church; the Kennett High School Singers performed the “National Anthem” and “God Bless America” and the posting and retiring of the colors was presented by Boy Scout Troop 53.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Brigadier Gen. Frank J. McGovern served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
U.S. Army veteran Richard Hammond of Parkesburg, left, and U.S. Navy veteran David Sutton of West Bradford Township proudly display their challenge coins that were distributed to all veterans at a breakfast and recognition held on Nov. 7 in Kennett Square.
Clarissa Sherrow makes sure veterans and families are fed at the annual Veterans Breakfast at the Oxford Area Senior
Courtesy photos Mildred Pierce was one of the veterans who enjoyed the breakfast.
Vietnam veteran John Orcutt talked about his time in Vietnam saying, ‘At least I got to salute General Westmoreland.’
Courtesy photo
Chester County’s 230 polling locations had faulty poll books that omitted the names of third-party voters, Independents and those registered as “No Affiliation” and “Non-Partisan” on election day on Nov. 4, forcing more than 12,000 voters to fill out provisional ballots.
Guest Column
County officials need to ensure Election Day error can never happen again
Two days after the election, Chester County officials released additional information about the poll book error that took place on Nov. 4—the poll books that were initially distributed to all 230 precincts throughout Chester County did not include the names of voters registered with third parties. Once the issue was discovered, the county’s Department of Voter Services was able to distribute supplemental poll books to every polling location, but because of the mistake those legally registered voters whose names were excluded from the poll books had to vote by provisional ballot. County officials estimate that there were more than 12,000 provisional ballots cast throughout the day.
County officials have pledged to find out how the error occurred.
In the press release issued two days after the election, the statement read, “Preliminary review steps are already underway to gather information and assess the scope of the issue. However, the more detailed and comprehensive phase of the investigation will proceed after the certification of all election results, once every vote—including provisional ballots—has been fully reviewed and certified.”
The statement also addressed the issue of who is responsible for the error, explaining that, “The purpose of the review is to answer exactly that. Our goal is to understand what happened and why, identify any points of failure, and take corrective action to make sure that Chester County voters are never again affected by such an issue.”
We hope that every part of that is true. We hope that the review allows county officials to understand what happened, and how. We hope that the review also allows county officials to take corrective action. And we hope that county residents are never again affected by such an issue.
Look, mistakes are going to happen, but the administration of elections is very important and residents need to be able to trust that the elections are fair and accurate. Sending out poll books with thousands of names omitted is certainly a bad look for those in charge of administering the election, even if the impact of the mistake was mitigated as much as possible throughout the day. Clearly, county officials have an obligation to “take corrective action to make sure that Chester County voters are never again affected by such an issue.”
The covered bridges of Chester County
Chester County recently celebrated the opening of the reconstructed Rudolph and Arthur Covered Bridge that spans the Big Elk Creek, reconnecting Elk and New London townships in southern Chester County. County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe were joined by State Rep. John Lawrence and dozens of local residents, historians, and covered bridge enthusiasts at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new bridge replaces the 140-year-old bridge that was tragically swept away when the remnants of Hurricane Ida passed through the area in September of 2021. The storm brought devastating flood waters to the area.
The new structure faithfully replicates the original 1880 design with the distinctive Burr Arch Truss. Chester County government owns and maintains 91 roadway bridges, as well as two bridges over the Schuylkill River co-owned with Montgomery County. More than half of the county’s bridges are over 75 years old, and many are more than 100 years old. Of the 15 covered bridges located in Chester County, five are owned and maintained by Chester County government.
It’s a shame that the original bridge was lost to a storm, but kudos to the elected officials who worked to ensure that the new bridge is true to the original designs.
Study: Demand for after-school programs in
Pa. is enormous, but most families are being shut out
Four in five Pennsylvania parents who want afterschool programs for their children are unable to enroll them.
This is because programs are too expensive, unavailable, or inaccessible, according to a household survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and released today. America After 3PM finds that 90 percent of Pennsylvania parents with a child in an afterschool program rate it as excellent or very good, and there is overwhelming support among Pennsylvania parents for public funding for these programs.
Overall in Pennsylvania, the parents of 984,478 children want afterschool programs but just 192,203 children are enrolled, the new study finds.
Approximately 9 in 10 Pennsylvania parents favor public funding for afterschool opportunities. Large majorities of parents in the state say these programs keep kids safe, build their social skills and responsible decision making, and help parents keep their jobs and boost their productivity at work.
Conducted by Edge Research, the fifth edition of America After 3PM is based on a survey of 30,515 U.S. parents of schoolage children who live in their households, including in-depth interviews with 1,339 in Pennsylvania. The study examines 20 years of data and is the first afterschool household survey conducted post-pandemic. It finds that nationally, the parents of 29.6 million children want afterschool programs but just 7 million children are enrolled, meaning three in four (77 percent) students whose parents want afterschool programs for them are being left behind. Children in low- and middle-income families are more likely to be without the afterschool programs their parents want (84 percent and 73 percent, respectively) than children in high-income families (59 percent).
“Parents recognize that programs in Pennsylvania are doing outstanding work,” said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. “In
Pennsylvania and across the country, afterschool programs are giving students a safe place to go after the school day ends, boosting their academic achievement, helping address the youth mental health and chronic absenteeism crises, providing alternatives to screen time, giving working parents peace of mind, and much more. Every child deserves access to a quality afterschool program but sadly, this study shows we’re far from reaching that goal. We need greater support from federal, state, and local governments, businesses, and philanthropy to change that.”
“This report is a compelling call to all Pennsylvania and federal leaders to prioritize funding and capacity so that every family can access quality after school programs,” said Contrell Armor, director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/ Youth Development Network (PSAYDN).
“Right now, there are 792,275 Pennsylvania children whose parents want them in afterschool yet lack access. That is simply unacceptable. On October 23rd we will stand alongside programs across the Commonwealth for Lights On Afterschool, the national rally for afterschool. We will not stop until every child in Pennsylvania can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, and enriching, afterschool environment.”
Overall, demand for afterschool programs is highest in the District of Columbia, followed by New York, Massachusetts, California, and Florida. Across the nation, the highest percentages of unmet demand for afterschool programs are in the District of Columbia (68 percent), Massachusetts (64 percent), New York (63 percent), Maine (58 percent), and Alaska (57 percent). Afterschool program participation is highest in the District of Columbia (38 percent), Hawaii (23 percent), California (19 percent), New York (19 percent), and Connecticut (18 percent).
In most respects, Pennsylvania results mirror national America After 3PM findings, which include that access is uneven by
age, and more than half the elementary schoolers not in an afterschool program (58 percent) would be if a program were available, as would 49 percent of middle school students, their parents say.
Cost is the greatest challenge for families whose child is not in an afterschool program.
Fifty-six percent cite cost as an important factor preventing them from enrolling their child.
These parents cite accessibility as another primary barrier, with 49 percent saying their child does not have a safe way to get to and come home from afterschool programs and 48 percent saying program locations are inconvenient.
Four in ten of these parents (42 percent) report a lack of programs in their communities. Satisfaction among parents with students in afterschool programs is high.
Nearly all parents are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program (95 percent) and rate the quality of the program as excellent, very good, or good (97 percent).
Most parents are happy with the opportunities for reading or writing and time to experience the outdoors (both 77 percent), healthy snacks and meals (75 percent), and homework help (72 percent) their child’s program provides; and are satisfied the program helps their child develop social skills (90 percent); work on communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership (82 percent); learn responsible decision-making (82 percent); and build confidence (86 percent).
Parents recognize the benefits for children: safety, skills, school engagement, and well-being.
The percentage of parents who agree that afterschool programs keep kids safe and out of trouble grew from 66 percent in 2014 to 78 percent now.
More than 8 in 10 parents agree that afterschool programs provide opportunities to learn life skills, like interacting with peers and responsible decision making (85 percent).
Three-quarters of parents (75 percent) agree
afterschool programs help children become more excited about learning and improve their attendance. Parents say afterschool programs support working families.
Eighty-five percent percent say programs provide working parents with peace of mind knowing that their children are safe and supervised, and 84 percent agree these programs allow them to keep their jobs or work more hours.
Eighty-eight percent of parents with a child in an afterschool program say that it boosts their productivity and 92 percent say they are less stressed knowing their child is safe. Parents want more public funding for afterschool programs.
Eighty-nine percent of parents favor public funding for programs that provide afterschool opportunities to students in communities that have few opportunities for children and youth. This is a steady increase from 83 percent in 2009, 84 percent in 2014, and 87 percent in 2020.
Support is the highest among Black families (92 percent), families in urban communities (92 percent), households where both parents work (91 percent), and working moms (90 percent). Later this year, the Afterschool Alliance will release results of an oversample of parents in Allegheny County, measuring their experience with, and views toward, afterschool. The national and Pennsylvania America After 3PM 2025 findings and accompanying data are available at aa3pm.co. This fifth edition of America After 3PM is based on a survey conducted in English and Spanish using a mixedmode methodology to reach as many households as possible. Data was collected between January 31 and April 21, 2025. The margin of error for the child- and household-level data is +/- < 1 percent. Previous America After 3PM surveys were conducted in 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2020. America After 3PM 2025 is made possible through the Afterschool Alliance’s partnership with the New York Life Foundation.
Anti-human trafficking group plans meeting for Nov. 15
Oaks Ministry official will speak at event in Oxford Alliance of Oxford announced that Lauren Arnold is the speaker for the next ACE meeting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 15. The meeting takes place at the Oxford Senior Center at 12 East Locust St. Arnold was responsible
for creating the Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program in the Delaware office, where she served victims of human trafficking for over 6 years. During her time there, she created a response for domestic victims of both sex and labor trafficking. She was responsible for training thousands of individuals in the community in various disciplines. Her office became the main point of contact for all trafficked victims in the state and was part of a small task force that included both local police and the FBI to do proactive work with victims.
Arnold is currently the strategic director of Oaks Ministry. Coffee and treats will be available.
Presented by Chatham Financial, annual event celebrates its tenth year
Mushroom Cap Half Marathon draws nearly 1,000 competitors
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
As the rise of the morning sun began to splash its way around the Kennett Square Borough Hall parking lot before the start of the tenth running of the Mushroom Cap Half Marathon and FunGI Five-Miler on Nov. 8, pockets of humanity attired in running gear arrived.
They stretched, slurped from jugs of hot coffee and cool energy drinks, nibbled on protein bars and chatted among one another in the glossary of running: PR (personal record), base mileage, cool down and GCT (ground contact time). When the race kicked off at precisely 8 a.m. at the corner of East South and South Broad streets, the results of what has made this event one of the premiere competitive races in southeastern Pennsylvania came
fully into view: a thicket of nearly 1,000 competitors – from top runners to weekend joggers – who proceeded into the courses that lay ahead of them.
When Mushroom Cap Half Marathon co-founder Kara Gibbons woke up in the early-morning hours before the race, she said she was grateful that the rain that poured in Kennett Square the night before had given way to a picturesque fall morning, which would better ensure the safety of the competitors and the race’s 250 volunteers.
“Ten years of this race is incredibly hard to believe,” Gibbons said.
“Someone told [co-founder Sarah Nurry] and I that the Mushroom Cap Half Marathon is becoming an institution in our town, and someone else told us that it was a staple in our community. Those are very powerful words that I hold dear to.”
This year’s Mushroom Cap Half Marathon was won by Jt Newton of West Chester, who clocked 13.1 miles in a time of 1:14:52, followed by second-place finisher Eamonn McCullough of Phoenixville (1:17:13) and Connor Muse of Landenberg, who finished third with a time of 1:18:31.
The top women finishers in the half marathon were first-place winner Kim Speese of Exton, who recorded a time of 1:25:10; Dorcas Huang of Philadelphia, who finished second (1:32:26); and Emily Magoon of Newark, Del., who ran a time of 1:32:28.
In the FunGI Five-Miler, Greyson Cowan of Oxford took home the top finish with a time of 29:44. Alexandra Didonato of Philadelphia finished in a close second with a time of 29:48, and Bradford Polansky of Kennett Square
took third place with a time of 30:38.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
The tenth Mushroom Cap Half Marathon saw nearly 1,000 competitors take off from
the starting line at East South and South Broad streets in Kennett Square on Nov. 8.
Runners stand in respect as the National Anthem is played before the start of the race.
Rachee Fagg, center, of Philadelphia arrived with her daughter and husband.
Jeremy Bushweller, one of 250 volunteers for this year’s race, is pictured with Mushroom Cap Half Marathon co-founder, Sarah Nurry.
As has become typical at the race, several competitors came elaborately dressed for the occasion.
Several runners received therapeutic treatments before the race.
A contingent of runners from the University of Delaware sported appropriatelydesigned caps.
KAY EVELYN LETO
Kay Evelyn Leto, of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 1, 2025. She was 88. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was a lifelong resident of the Kennett Square area and a daughter of the late Robert and Evelyn Stoops. She was the beloved wife of Robert R. Leto, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage.
Kay was deeply committed to her faith and community. She was a longtime member of Avondale, Kennett Square, and West Chester Presbyterian churches.
Her greatest passion was gardening. A member of the Four Seasons Garden Club since 1964, her involvement was extensive: she served as club president multiple times and held numerous positions at the state level,
including district director, convention chairman, and president. She was a nationally accredited floral and horticultural judge, and she judged many shows at the Philadelphia Flower Show and Longwood Gardens.
In addition to her husband Bob, she is survived by her two sons, Raymond Leto (Emily) and their daughter, Celia and Robert Leto (Tamatha) and their sons, Gabriel (Rachel) and Parker. Also surviving are her sisters-inlaw, Elaine Stoops and Wanda Stoops, and many nieces and nephews.
You are invited to visit with Kay’s family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Church of the Advent at 401 N. Union St. in Kennett Square. Her funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery.
To read her full obituary, please go to www.griecofunerals.com.
WILLIAM D. WELLS, JR.
William “Bill” D. Wells, Jr., a respected nurseryman, landscape designer, and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Oct. 26. He was 92. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Katharine “Kay” (Mackenzie) Wells. He is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and mentees whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be be held at a time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to ASPCA or Canine Partners for Life.
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.
For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10
We
Honoring those who serve the community on National First Responders Day
On Oct. 28, students and staff at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Learning Center hosted the first annual National First Responders Day celebration, honoring the bravery and dedication of those who keep the community safe every day. Participating departments included the Coatesville Fire Department, Thorndale Fire Department, Minquas EMS and Fire Department, and Caln Township Fire Department.
“It was our school’s honor to celebrate the first responders who tirelessly provide their time and services to best support our
students and staff,” said Joe Lentz, dean of students at the CCIU Learning Center. “Their dedication to providing these services during a time of need with the utmost dignity and respect is always greatly appreciated and is a reflection of their pride in their service. This luncheon was a small token of appreciation, knowing they all deserve so much more. We look forward to continuing this celebration annually.”
Jim Lentz, Coatesville Battalion Chief and brother of Joe Lentz, also shared his appreciation for the event, adding, “Our shift had an amazing lunch and particularly enjoyed the
Don Webster Coats, of Chadds Ford, passed away suddenly of natural causes at his home on Nov. 4, 2025. He was 84. Born in the small town of Cahokia, Illinois, he was the son of the late Raymond and Alice Henke Coats.
Don earned his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University and his veterinary medicine degree from the University of Illinois in 1964. He was married in August 1965 to Martha (Marti) Botsch Coats. She was from Carmi, Illinois.
Don and Marti relocated to Centreville, Del., where he served as a small animal veterinarian at the Centreville Veterinary Hospital. For over 50 years, he cared for people and their pets through his intuition, intellect, kindness, and pragmatic approach to healing. Following his retirement, Don re-directed his medi-
opportunity to network with the students and staff of the CCIU Learning Center on National First Responders Day. We appreciate the team of staff members who put in a tremendous amount of effort every day. We should be honoring them, as they make our job look easy.”
Students from the CCIU Learning Center’s Culinary, Horticulture, and Hospitality programs played a role in making the event a success, preparing refreshments, floral arrangements, and decorations with care and professionalism. Their efforts created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflected the spirit of grati-
DON WEBSTER COATS
cal focus to the study of honeybees and their diseases. He quickly became an active advocate for native bee pollinators through community engagement and citizen science. He established a bee species monitoring group and planted native plant pollinator gardens throughout the Brandywine Valley. Protecting the pollinators became his aspiration in life.
Don is survived by Marti, his spouse, of 60 years; one son, Reed and his wife, Georgia; three daughters, Kara and her husband, Bill, Erin and her husband, Michael, and Cori and her husband, Luigi; and six grandchildren, Owen, Jacob, Cassandra, Anna, Cooper and Gianluca. He is survived by two younger sisters, June and Joyce.
He was a veterinarian, poet, philosopher, humorist, beekeeper, runner, canoer, biker, hiker, birder, lover of music, husband, father, uncle, brother, and - most precious to him - grandfather. Nothing brought him more joy than giving his grandchildren unique experiences of the natural world in a style that only he was capable of.
He helped them find adventure, look for beauty in the ordinary, and contemplate the mysteries of the world around them.
You are invited to visit with Don’s family from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 22 at his spiritual home of 50 years, the Lower Brandywine Presbyterian Church at 101 Old Kennett Road in Wilmington, Del.
A celebration of life ceremony will follow at 11 a.m.
All are invited to a reception afterwards.
For those interested in commemorating his life, Don requested donations be made to either the Xerces Society, a national organization that protects native pollinators (xerces.org/give) or the Delaware Nature Society (delnature.org).
Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484) 734-8100.
To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.
Courtesy photo
Students from the CCIU Learning Center's Culinary, Horticulture and Hospitality programs prepared refreshments and decorations for the event.
tude at the heart of the day. The celebration served as a meaningful reminder of the strong partnerships between first responders, educators, and students, and the shared commitment to building a safer, more connected community.
Notice:
West Grove Mini Storage
Will be holding a Public ONLINE Auction at storageauctions.com
CLOSING DECEMBER 5, 2025 @ 10:00 am
Contents in the following units will be sold due to nonpayment of rent pursuant to the PA Self Service Storage Facilities Act to satisfy the owner’s lien. West Grove Mini Storage, 280 Kelton Road, West Grove PA 19390, (610) 869-4032
319 L Burkholder; 642 E Bryant; 1201 A McDaniel
Property will be sold by unit to the highest bidder. Cash Payments after the auction ends. Company reserves the right to remove any storage unit from sale, refuse any online bid and cancel sale without prior notice.
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.
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 Letters 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
ESTATE NOTICE
Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of MARGARET A. JONES, late of Westtown 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.
JOHANNA D. JONES, 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. 11p-5-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Anna Dorothy Lewis Late of Honey Brook , Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands
NOTICE: DEStorage.com Newgarden
Located at 710 Newark Rd Landenberg, PA 19350
Will be holding a Public ONLINE Auction at www.ibid4storage.com
Closing on December 17, 2025 at 10 AM. The following units will be sold because of nonpayment of rent pursuant to the Pennsylvania Self Service Storage Facilities Act. Auction bidding and additional information about the contents, including photographs, is available on www.ibid4storage.com. Sale and payment will take place at the storage facility. Containing: Furniture, household items, totes, clothing, and boxes
Unit # 1240 Hollie Anderson
Unit # 3204 Torrin Davis DEStorage.com Newgarden reserves the right to withdraw any storage unit from sale or cancel the sale without prior notice.
against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Lynda Reid, Executrix, 368 WilmingtonWest Chester Pike, Glen Mills Pa 19342 11p-12-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
By The New London Township Board of Supervisors:
The Proposed 2026 Budget is available for public inspection by appointment beginning November 18th at New London Township Building located at 902 State Rd. New London, PA 19390. If you are a person with a disability and require special accommodations, please contact the Township at 610-869-8658. 11p-12-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Norma Lois Dunn, Deceased late of East Bradford Twp., Chester County, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Dayna L. McElroy, Administratrix, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson & Richetti LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 301, Allentown, PA 18101.
11p-12-3t
NONPROFIT INCORPORATION
NOTICE
The Nebula Project, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Raffaele & Puppio, LLP, 19 West Third Street, Media, PA 19063
11p-12-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Maryllewellyn Pennington aka Mary Pennington, Late of Honeybrook,, 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 Marchael Gill, Executrix, 2E. Highland Rd. Parkesburg, PA 19365, 11p-12-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice Is Hereby Given The Elk Township 2026 Proposed Annual Budget will be available for Review by appointment at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Rd. Lewisville, PA 19352, beginning on November 10th. If you are a person with a disability and require special accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Township Secretary at 610255-0634.
11p-12-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
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
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 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.
KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 10p-29-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
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
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
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Dozens of families participate in Community Baby Shower in Oxford
Nearly 200 parents, families, and children recently came together at State Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s Community Baby Shower in Oxford.
The free event, organized by Comitta, the Maternal and Child Health Consortium, and the Maternity Care Coalition, connected expectant parents and families with the many free resources and programs available to them in Chester County.
Held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church this fall, the Community Baby Shower featured more than 30 nonprofit organizations and agencies, informational presentations and demonstrations, a workshop on car seat safety, games and raffles, diaper and diaper bag giveaways, and familyfriendly activities.
“Raising a child is one of
the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s not always easy, especially in uncertain times. Fortunately, community support makes all the difference,” said Comitta, a member of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus. “Chester County is home to dozens of groups that are here to help with everything from health and wellness services to educational programs to nutritional support, transportation, and more.”
Milena Lanz, the executive director of the Maternal and Child Health Consortium, said, “It was wonderful to see so many mothers, babies, and families join us. With support from Senator Comitta, her staff and Maternity Care Coalition, families learned about car seat safety and connected with local providers offering
valuable resources for moms and babies.”
“These events are more than just a celebration to us – they are an expression of care, support, connection, and commitment to the health and well-being of expectant parents and families in our community,” said Karen Pollack, executive vice president of programs and operations at the Maternity Care Coalition.
As a parent and grandparent, Comitta said she understands firsthand the importance of community when raising children.
“The Community Baby Shower is one of my favorite events because I have the opportunity to see the precious young children who are the future of our country, to interact with the parents and guardians who are helping raise them, and
to help them build relationships with others on the same journey,” Comitta said. “Our children are the future, and we all benefit by helping
nurture and shape them into strong, smart, and successful individuals.”
This marks Sen. Comitta’s second Community Baby
Shower in 2025, continuing her commitment to supporting maternal and child health across Chester County and beyond.
Bipartisan School Safety Notification Bill heads to Governor’s desk
The Pennsylvania Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 246, sponsored by State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D–2) and State Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R–16), concurring with House amendments and sending the bipartisan legislation to the Governor’s desk for signature. The bill, which passed
the Senate earlier this year 45–4 and the House 202–1, ensures that parents, guardians, and school staff are promptly notified whenever a weapon is discovered on school grounds or during school activities, regardless of whether the incident results in an expulsion.
“Every parent deserves to know when there’s a safety
threat at their child’s school, especially one involving a weapon,” said Sen. Tartaglione. “Right now, if a weapon is found but doesn’t lead to an expulsion, families may never be informed. That’s unacceptable. Safety shouldn’t be a secret.”
Under current law, school districts must only report incidents involving weap-
ons to the Department of Education when they result in expulsions. Senate Bill 246 closes that gap, requiring timely notice to both families and school personnel whenever a weapon is found, whether brought by a student, staff member, or visitor.
“This bill doesn’t point fingers or create panic,”
Tartaglione added. “It’s a commonsense, bipartisan solution that builds trust and transparency between schools, parents, and staff.”
Senator Tartaglione commended Senator Coleman for his partnership and praised stakeholders like the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania State Education Association for their constructive input in shaping the legislation.
“Most schools already communicate effectively with families, but this ensures consistency statewide,” Tartaglione said. “Senate Bill 246 will strengthen confidence in our schools and give parents the peace of mind they deserve.”
Courtesy photo
Nearly 200 parents, families, and children recently came together at State Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s Community Baby Shower in Oxford.
Garner’s four touchdowns fuel Golden Knights’ win Kennett playoff run ends with 42-7 loss to West Chester Rustin
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
In the long run, the Kennett High School varsity football team’s 2025 season will be remembered by the emergence of its underclassmen playmakers, each of whom contributed to the Blue Demons’ 9-3 overall record under Head Coach Lance Frazier.
In the short run, however, those memories of promise will be tarnished by the 42-7 loss it absorbed in their Division 1 District 5A quarterfinal loss to West Chester Rustin on Nov. 7, and specifically how Golden Knight running back Will Garner tortured them for four touchdowns and over 270 yards in rushing.
For Rustin – now 10-2 overall and still alive in the race for the PIAA District 5A championship – their offensive assault began on their first possession, which burned more than eight minutes of the first quarter and finished on a 28-yard touchdown run by Garner with 2:41 remaining.
Carrying a 7-0 lead early into the second quarter, Rustin touched the scoreboard again when with just 14 seconds gone, Garner ran through the Blue Demons’ defense untouched for an 80-yard touchdown run that gave the Golden Knights a 14-0 lead.
After a 32-yard kickoff return by Gaven Ritch gave Kennett position near midfield, it seemed almost certain that they would counter their opponents’ lead. Passes from quarterback Garrett McCracken to Matthew Reidenberg, Hunter Taylor and Joalex Carabajal moved the chains forward, but on a fourth-andtwo from Rustin’s 16-yard line, the drive ended when McCracken was sacked by Kalief Cunningham at the 27-yard line.
Answering back, Rustin quarterback Max Bane engineered a 73-yard touchdown drive that finished with a 43-yard touchdown pass to tight end Luke Matthias that gave the Golden Knights a commanding 21-0 lead with 1:21 left in the first half. On the ensuing kick-
off, the ball deflected off of a Kennett special teams player and was recovered by Rustin’s Nate Lewis at Kennett’s 32-yard line.
On the first snap, Garner scampered for his third touchdown – a 32-yard run with 1:11 left in the first half that sent the Golden Knights to the locker room with a 28-0 halftime lead.
Early in the third quarter, Kennett managed to score its only touchdown on a 61-yard drive that concluded on a four-yard pass from McCracken to Carabajal with 7:15 remaining in the third quarter.
Rustin tacked on two more touchdowns in the game, the first coming on the first snap of the fourth quarter when Garner rushed for his fourth touchdown on a 31-yard run, and a threeyard run by Colin Baldesari with 5:29 remaining in the game.
With the victory, Rustin will now face Chester in the district 5A semi-finals on Nov. 14.
Despite the loss that ended their season, Kennett has much to look forward
to next fall, as 45 players on this season’s roster are expected to return for the 2026 season, led by defensive anchors Andrew Sharpeta, Will Caputo and Andrew Clancy, as well as offensive playmakers McCracken, Ritch, Carabajal, Reidenberg, and receivers Taylor and Croix Kise.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Santa Train will return with Toys for Tots
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
The East Penn Railroad Santa Train is returning to town on Nov. 29 this year. Added features for the festive event include a refurbished caboose and support for the Toys for Tots program.
This is the Santa Train’s third visit along the tracks of southern Chester County with 45-minute stops at the boroughs along the way.
In 2023 and 2024, the public response to the Santa Train was overwhelming, with kids and their parents watching Santa ride into town. They waved to him, hugged him, cheered him and posed for pictures.
This year, the railroad has joined with the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program that collects gifts for children in need.
According to the Toys for Tots website, the Marines have engaged 69 different railroads throughout the nation’s
northeast region this year to participate in the program.
Don Craumer, the vice president of East Region Regional Rail, the parent company of East Penn, explained that they are very familiar with the Toys for Tots program, as some of their other rail lines have participated in recent years. Marines will ride the train and receive the gifts for deposit.
On the day of the Santa Train’s journey through southern Chester County, there will be 45-minute stops made at Oxford (10 a.m.), West Grove (11:45 a.m.), Avondale (12:45 p.m.), Toughkenamon (1:40 p.m.), Kennett Square (2:25 p.m.) and the Creamery on Birch Street (3:30 p.m.).
Santa Train chairperson Susan Rzucidlo said she wants people to know that while any toy donations are greatly appreciated, there is no admission charge, nor is it mandatory to bring a toy.
According to the Toy for Tots website, the toys must be new and unwrapped and appropriate for children up
to about 12 years old.
Marines will receive the gifts at the stops, or the toys may be deposited at bins which Rzucidlo has placed at businesses along the way ahead of time. Unlike some other Santa rides in other locales throughout the nation, the East Penn train does not include registration or din-
The Santa Train will make stops at the locations in this illustration on Nov. 29. ing in the ride. The other new features this year are the presence of the restored caboose that will carry Santa Claus and an extra box car to receive the gifts. According to East Penn Trainmaster Randy Miller, the caboose is decades-old and has been shuffled around the stations of southern Chester County in casual storage for many years. Miller said that for this event, the old caboose is getting a big makeover with a complete renewal of the interior and a new, dark blue exterior color.
Rzucidlo, who is also the mayor of Avondale, said she is again excited about the return of the Santa Train.
“I’m enthusiastic. It’s one of my favorite things that I do,” she said.
The train will be led by East Penn’s red-white-andblue USA 250 Anniversary engine and will be decorated for the holidays by high school students the night before.
Photos by Steve Fender
West Chester Rustin running back Will Garner ran for four touchdowns in the Golden Knights’ 42-7 victory over Kennett in a PIAA District 5A quarterfinal game played in West Chester on Nov. 7.
Kennett’s Joalex Carabajal runs through Rustin defenders.
Blue Demon Gaven Ritch turns the corner on a sideline carry.
Kennett receiver Hunter Taylor hauls in a pass from quarterback Garrett McCracken.
Illustration by Chris Barber
The growing zones are a temperature minimums for your area, ranging from the coldest — 1a, or -60 to -55 degrees Fahrenheit — to 13b, or 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Each zone represents the mean extreme minimum temperature — meaning it’s the average coldest temperature. It does not mean that that’s the coldest it’s ever been or ever will be. You should still prepare for somewhat colder temperatures than what is shown on the map.
Finding Your Zone
You can find your USDA growing zone by going to the inter-
active GIS map at planthardiness.ars. usda.gov and entering your ZIP code. If you don’t have a broadband Internet connection, you can also find static images that will load better on your connection. Experts at your local garden center or agricultural extension office will also be able to tell you your hardiness zone.
New Data Means New Zones
This is the first time the USDA has offered the upgraded GIS map, and it’s been updated with data from 1976-2005. GIS technology has a higher level of resolution and can show smaller areas of zone
definition than previous iterations of the map. It may show, for example, a warmer zone around a larger city because cities
tend to hold more heat than rural areas or a cool spot around a hill and valley.
The new map also has new zones. Zones 12 and 13 have annual extreme minimum temperatures above 50 and 60 degrees, respectively. You can find these zones in Hawaii and Puerto
Rico. Even though these zones do not include a freeze, they will enable gardeners in these areas to plan for conditions to suit tropical and semitropical plants.
Zones and Climate Change
What you shouldn’t
use the zones map for is any evidence of climate change. Climate changes usually show up in records for 50 years or more. Because the zone map uses 30 years of data, it shouldn’t be considered reliable evidence of whether or not there is global warming.
Safety Tips for the Season
The change in seasons offers a great opportunity to spot-check the home’s various safety systems and components to ensure your family’s well-being.
You might have overlooked everyday wear and tear, batteries might be running low or upgrades may be needed. This potentially life-saving equipment might be needed sooner than you think.
Smoke Detectors
We usually associate smoke detector maintenance with changing the batteries. But the detectors themselves should be replaced every 10 years, according to experts. Check the manufacturing date on the back of the detector to make sure yours is still within
its decade-long lifespan. If you’re buying new ones, consider modern smoke alarm options that also detect C02 or synchronize through the home. Install them in each bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and at each of the levels of your home. Test your alarms at least once a month by pressing the designated button – and replace the batteries at least once a year. An easy way to remember this is to switch them out when the clocks change each spring for Daylight Saving Time.
Fire Extinguisher
Another critical safety device that requires maintenance is a fire extinguisher. You can’t just buy one and trust it will work forever. Regular inspections ensure its effectiveness. Check the pressure gauge located near the lever of your extinguisher, and look for any visible signs of damage or wear. Most high-quality extinguishers have a lifespan of five to 15 years, but that period can differ depending on the manufacturer.
Alarms and Locks
GUIDE
When to Hire a Pro
No matter how much you call yourself an expert DIYer, some projects should be left to the experts. Here’s when to hire a pro.
Home Additions
Some home projects simply aren’t worth the risk, not to mention the time and money. Adding on to your home is a complicated, multilevel project that typically involves a range of skills too broad for the average weekend fixer-upper. There could also be official paperwork and insurance considerations. If you run into one or more of these problems, you might never finish.
Dangerous Substances
Taking out a section of drywall is one thing. Properly mediating potentially dangerous substances like asbestos, mold or lead is quite another. They’re very harmful to you and your family’s health, so must be handled with the proper protective measures.
Major Electrical
The ease of connecting a new light fixture or switching out an outlet might convince you that larger electrical jobs are within reach. But major jobs, like connecting power to a that new addition, must be done by a licensed professional. The work is dangerous, and bad wiring jobs run the risk of fire down the road.
Foundation Repairs
Serious structural issues require expertise and heavier machinery to correct. Don’t leave the safety of your home and loved ones to chance with a foundation that is need of repair because of cracks or crumbling structure.
Tree Removal
If you’re dealing with anything other than a small tree, con-
sider calling someone with the skills and expertise to properly trim and remove it. They’ll have the equipment to reach higher branches, while safely bringing larger trees down. Climbing a tree with a chainsaw could be a lethal mistake.
Major Plumbing
As with electrical work, there are
jobs (switching out a toilet, replacing kitchen-sink fixtures) and then there are jobs which require more knowledge and expertise (water-main issues, plumbing a new room). Improperly
Pest Infestations
The DIY approach is fine for minor annoy-
infestations of pests like bees, termites, bats or squirrels require a pro to root out the problem and properly address it. security system is one of the most effective strategies for protecting your property. Many companies provide 24/7 emergency monitoring services that will notify you and the authorities if your alarm detects a poten-
tial threat. You’ll have peace of mind, whether at home or away. Inspect and replace locks around your home as needed. If their basic working integrity is compromised, whether on a door or window, you may be at risk of losing valuables and jeopardizing your family’s safety. Pay close attention to locks that are difficult to operate and windows that still move while locked. Both are indications that a replacement may be needed.
Considering New FloorsHere’s What to Know Before You Start
Planning a home project is exciting, but it can also be daunting. There are budgets to consider, endless product choices, and the hope that when it’s all finished, it feels just right. If updating your flooring is on your list, understanding what to expect can make the process much smoother.
Start by assessing your space and lifestyle. Are you replacing worn carpet in a low-traffic bedroom, or tackling a busy kitchen that needs durability and easy cleanup? Materials perform differently depending on where they’re installed. For instance, hardwood brings timeless warmth and charm but doesn’t love moisture, while luxury vinyl plank offers realistic wood visuals with waterproof performance. Tile adds elegance and longevity in kitchens and baths, and today’s carpet options offer incredible softness with built-in stain resistance.
Next, consider timing and preparation. Most installations require furniture to be cleared and baseboards accessible. Temperature and humidity can affect materials like hardwood and vinyl, so maintaining a stable indoor environment helps ensure a lasting result. A professional installer can evaluate your subfloor and let you know what’s needed to get your home ready, saving you from surprises once work begins. Finally, think beyond the look. Your floors play a major role in comfort, acoustics, and even indoor air quality. Investing in proper underlayment or carpet padding can make all the difference in how your home feels day to day.
Whether you’re a firsttime homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or a multi-unit landlord, having an expert set of eyes to guide you through the process makes every step easier. Martins
Flooring has been a trusted name in Southeastern Pennsylvania for 40 years, helping clients make confident choices for their homes and properties. With the right team on your side, you can feel good about your project and move forward with ease, that’s
