KCSD board discusses possible redistricting in elementary schools
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
The Kennett Consolidated School District board is anticipating an attendance redistricting for the elementary schools.
Mark Tracy, the school district’s CFO, announced at the board’s Nov. 10 meeting that the Greenwood, Bancroft and New Garden elementary schools are currently unevenly populated. Greenwood is serving 570 students – virtually at capacity – while Bancroft’s enrollment is 380 with room to spare.
Meanwhile, there are two housing developments under construction in the Greenwood region that would portend even more students going to that elementary school. These developments are The Parks at North Walnut and Longwood Preserve.
Tracy is proposing students who will live in those developments be designated for Bancroft.
He assured the board that students who now attend Greenwood would not be moved – only those enrolled in the two developments
designated for the future.
Board member LaToya Myers suggested that the district administration proceed with creating a comprehensive map of attendance areas.
Tracy said that is planned.
Tracy also announced that the total Kennett school district enrollment has dropped by 76 students from last year—the most recent enrollment is 3737 students.
Tracy said that it appears that families are having fewer children or there are fewer families with children moving to the area.
New Garden residents criticize AMI president, mushroom industry
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Local residents took up a portion of the Nov. 17 New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting to levy verbal attacks on American Mushroom Institute
President Rachel Roberts and local mushroom growers for what they deemed as negligence on the part of the agency and the industry
to properly address a growing concern for the impact of composting and fertilization on the quality of air and water in the region.
Appearing at the meeting via Zoom, Roberts gave a summary update that closely aligned with a press release AMI delivered on Oct. 21 announcing that in an effort to improve air and water quality emanating from area mushroom
farms, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Courtesy photo
A presentation at the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Nov. 17 introduced two methods the mushroom industry is conducting to mitigate odors and Phorid Flies. The studies are being conducted at a mushroom farm in the township.
The recent shooting at Lincoln University’s Homecoming celebration has shaken the local community.
The shooting served as a backdrop to a discussion
about security at a recent Oxford Borough Council meeting.
Like many towns around the nation, security is becoming more important every day. The borough’s residents are protected by a 24/7 police department, which does allow the police officers to pick up on issues
that impact departments around the state and the country.
The Borough of Oxford frequently holds events sponsored by Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) or the Chamber of Commerce.
One of those events, the Oxford Halloween Parade, hosted by the Chamber,
‘We
brings thousands of people into the Borough of Oxford for a fun celebration. Normally, the Oxford Police Department and the Oxford Public Works Department work in tandem to prepare for such events, and it takes a lot of attention to detail to orchestrate an event of this magnitude.
Oxford Police Department Sgt. Chris Coverly recently talked about what is involved in the preparation for an event, including road closures and security.
“I’m usually bringing up staffing for events months in advance,” Coverly said. “Event planners count on
Continued on Page 4A
to give people good history’
The directors of Ken Burns’ new documentary The American Revolution discuss filming the six-part series that offers new insight on The Battle of the Brandywine
By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer
Ken Burns’ new sixpart documentary, The American Revolution , premiered on PBS last Sunday, and Chester County – to no one’s surprise – figures prominently in the film. The Battle of Brandywine, which occurred September 11, 1777, was the longest battle of the war, witnessed over 300 American casualties and led to the temporary occupation of Philadelphia by the British Army. Recently, I spoke with the film’s codirectors, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt to learn more about their filmmaking process, and how the rich history of Chester County is woven into the larger epic of The Revolutionary War.
Caroline Roosevelt: When did the production of this documentary start? Sarah Botstein (SB): Ken decided to make the film in 2015. He and David were already making a film on Benjamin
so some of the
stuff
this - which is not unusual. We were also doing other documentaries in between - The Ben
Ernest
The U.S. and the Holocaustwhile we were making this, but there was a four-year period of time when this was literally all we were working on.
Photo
Courtesy art
The Chester County Press recently spoke with Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, co-directors of Ken Burns’ The American Revolution, a six-part series currently showing on PBS.
Franklin,
early
happened then. I joined and then it takes us about ten years to do a big series like
Franklin film,
Hemingway,
Photo by Chris Barber
Departing Kennett school board members are honored at their last meeting by Vice
President Vicki Gehrt. Pictured, from left, are Gehrt, President Dave Kronenberg, member Mark Bowden, member Ethan Cramer and member Jeffrey McVey.
New Garden residents...
Continued from Page 1A
(PDA) is undergoing two pilot assessments at an undisclosed farm in New Garden Township. One is the installation of a carbonactivated geomembrane tarp that has been placed over a lagoon at the farm and is designed to capture and reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions during the composting process.
Roberts said that the tarp – estimated at $35,000 – is designed for small farms who conduct their own composting.
The second study involves the use of a nanobubble treatment system – whose cost of purchase and installation is $2 million - that is designed to lessen odors, improve water quality and compost aeration and assists in the reduction of phorid fly populations through enhanced oxygenation.
“This is one of the largest nanobubble technology installations ever done, so again, it’s not a question of whether science will bear the fruit of what we all want,” Roberts said. “The question is, ‘How does this work, exactly, on a mushroom farm?
‘Cautious optimism’
AMI’s recent press release said that these new tools are giving Pennsylvania mushroom operations “cautious optimism,” with promising early indicators related to odor reduction, compost uniformity, and environmental practices.
Despite the hopeful
forecast, Roberts told the audience gathered at the New Garden Township Building that when it comes to the reduction of the phorid fly population at mushroom farms, the study has not yet been able to provide definitive data.
“We’re seeing real progress in terms of more tools being tested by growers, but data is still the missing link,” Roberts said. “We’ve never had baseline data in terms of fly population and there is no traceability of flies. You can’t tag flies, and you can’t know which flies are where. That slows regulatory confidence to some extent.”
Echoing the press release, Roberts said that AMI and PDA provided sufficient crop damage, crop loss, and mushroom quality data for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve the emergency use of a specialized insecticidal fly netting product by Vestergaard, known as AgriScreen 3.0. Currently, two dozen mushroom farms (about 500 mushroom composting houses) in Pennsylvania have implemented the screens.
“Some of the farms that are using it say it is really effective in killing flies, but again we don’t know what that is doing to the overall population of flies,” Roberts said. “Sometimes, houses have flies and sometimes they don’t, so we are really attempting to get some baseline data about phorid flies. How do we discover what tools are creating an overall impact on fly populations?”
Roberts said that there has
been discussion about providing this netting for local homeowners.
“We would love to see those nets in the hands of residents in ways that can help the residents,” she said.
“They are only for residential use in other countries. We brought them here for the growers, but can we get those nets in use by the homeowners?”
Roberts said that AMI is also in the final stages of receiving approval for $12 million in funding from the National Resources Conservation Service to address water quality at mushroom farms.
West Chester University study, passage of H.B. 2034
Roberts’ presentation arrived when the results of a recent assessment of hydrogen sulfide levels at area mushroom farms is still reverberating throughout southern Chester County households. Responding to complaints by several residents, New Garden Township sponsored a one-year study in 2022 that was conducted
by Lorenzo Cena, Ph.D., a professor of Occupational and Environmental Health at West Chester University, which measured the air quality near mushroom farms, specifically whether ammonia, methane and hydrogen sulfide met or exceeded acceptable levels as determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
In September of 2024, Cena shared the study’s findings, revealing that in some readings, hydrogen sulfide levels were 33 times higher than the recommended levels established by the DEP for the general public, which specifies that concentrations of the gas over the course of one hour should not exceed 0.1 ppm and that concentrations over a 24-hour period should not exceed 0.005 ppm.
If Cena’s study results have begun to call attention to the local mushroom industry’s best practices, then the passage of Pa. House Bill 2034 – “Update to PA Agricultural Best Management Practices” –sponsored and introduced by State Rep. Christina Sappey during the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and passed in the Committee by a vote of 23-3 on Nov. 17 – will force the industry to adhere to high standards for dealing with foul odors emanating from their farms and reducing phorid fly populations at their operations.
Under its provisions, H.B. 2034 will require mushroom growers to submit their plans for phorid fly and hydrogen sulfide mitigation to the PDA; require the PDA to conduct random inspections of mushroom growing operations for compliance best management practices; and authorize the PDA to administer fines to operations who are not in compliance with their plans, or when farms are not in compliance after inspection.
“The position we have decided to take on the bill is that we were concerned that it was sending a message that everything in the
bill wasn’t already happening,” Roberts said about the mushroom industry’s stance on H.B. 2034. “We have been trying really hard to get our voice out there and say, ‘Here are the things we are working on. It is slow going. There is one entomologist who can’t work with every farm. When it comes to air quality, we’ve been trying to put out the good news for a few months that things are moving along, and that things look like they’re going to work.’”
Residents respond
During the public question-and-comment portion of the presentation, several residents accused the mushroom industry and the AMI of not being willing to cooperate with – or listen to – local residents who have fought to see environmental improvements fully enacted at local mushroom farms. Pointing to a particular incident regarding Cena’s study, township resident Don Morgan questioned Roberts on whether the industry is being fully cooperative with the study, which is still on-going.
Roberts said that while the growers wanted to cooperate with Cena, they asked that he guarantee that the data he compiled – and compiles – will be in the form of a non-disclosure agreement, which would allow the growers to see the data and respond to it.
“Dr. Cena told us, ‘I can’t do that. I am a researcher. I am not doing this specifically to help you figure out your issue. I am doing this as research and I can only do what I’m doing if I know that I can publish that research publicly,’” Roberts told Morgan.
“Why would you ask something that you already knew he couldn’t comply with?” Morgan replied.
“This was a grant from the Department of Agriculture.
You knew that. It has to be published, and the mushroom growers were going to be informed of
the data before the public. It was public money supporting that - money out of my pocket and every pocket here. You said that it shouldn’t be disclosed. What good would the study be?”
During the growers’ meeting with Dr. Cena, Roberts told Morgan that they invited Cena to place his air quality monitors alongside the industry’s monitors and work with him collaboratively.
Londonderry Township resident Tony Spadaccini, a former industrial air pollution and water treatment engineer, told Roberts that the solutions being proposed by the AMI are “unattainable.”
“The mushroom has a low work force,” he said. “By my calculations, there are seven [mushroom growing] cycles per year times 2,000 mushroom houses. That’s 14,000 changes. Now you’re going to say, ‘You now have to put the nets on and take them off and then spend three to four hours steam cleaning the nets.’ Where is the workforce going to come from?”
Brendan Nerney of New Garden Township said that since arriving in the township three years ago, he has been forced to caulk his home’s windows shut and place mesh screens in his HVAC system. He told Roberts and the board that while both the township and the AMI have been cooperative with him regarding the issue of odor and flies, he said that the data shared at Roberts’ presentation was just more of the same thing residents have heard for too long.
“The fact that people have been hearing about this for ten years is just unfathomable to me,” Nerney said.
“We keep hearing that there is funding going, taxpayer dollars and subsidies, and if we look at the mushroom industry as a whole - including a board member of AMI - we have seen price-fixing settlements. We have seen migration settlements and charges and prosecutions within the industry, so to try to keep giving us lip service and keep telling us, ‘Just trust me, Bro. We’re going to do what’s right,’ I don’t see any trust.
“It’s been ten years,” Nerney told Roberts, who encouraged her to address the township in person in the future, not through a Zoom arrangement.
“At what point do people come to the realization that there is a problem, and that you can’t just keep throwing money at it and keep making these empty promises with no tangible results?
“At what point do you guys just go in and shut these houses down…? There has to be some kind of accountability besides just having meeting after meeting or a Zoom call.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw,
An example of nanobubble technology used at a mushroom farm.
Courtesy photos
An example of a carbon-activated geomembrane tarp.
‘A gathering of hearts of minds committed to truth, to beauty and to the continuing work of liberation and repair’
Voices Underground hosts ‘Secret Supper’ at Kennett Creamery
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
A unified collective of special guests convened at the Kennett Creamery on Nov. 12 for an evening of conversation, storytelling and experiential dining at a “Secret Supper” sponsored by Voices Underground.
Formed in 2017, Voices Underground has been a crucial link to the Square Roots Collective initiative, made up of a team of scholars, artists, and activists specializing in African American history who create opportunities for transformative storytelling as a foundation for racial healing while amplifying the history of the Underground Railroad.
“We work to unite this his-
tory to our shared credit, reminding us that the struggle for justice and reconciliation is not over, because reconciliation is not a single act but a process,” said Voices Underground executive director LaNisha Cassell in her opening remarks. “This is more than a dinner. It is a gathering of hearts of minds committed to truth, to beauty and to the continuing work of liberation and repair. We are deeply grateful for your partnership, your curiosity and our belief that reconciliation is possible.”
Voices Underground Co-Founder and Creative Director Gregory Thompson introduced one of the organization’s current projects - the creation of the National Memorial to the
Underground Railroad, which will honor and memorialize the people and movements tied to the movement. Working with designers, the agency is exploring several potential sites in Delaware and Pennsylvania using GIS mapping, historical research and on-site documentation.
Assisted by a grant from the Longwood Foundation, the organization developed a comprehensive landscape plan and conceptual design for the memorial, and temporary installations and a capital campaign is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Thompson – who read an essay by William Sill, considered the “Father of the Underground Railroad” –said that the work of agencies
Voices Underground co-founder and creative director Gregory Thompson.
like Voices Underground to tell the African American experience through stories is becoming more essential, against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s efforts to scrub African American history from the nation’s conversation, as has been seen in the removal of data from historical documents, the ordering of federal agencies to remove exhibits and materials that emphasize slavery and racial injustice, and denouncing museums – specifically the Smithsonian Institution – for their depiction of slavery, racism, and social injustice.
“We are living in a
moment in which [the stories of African Americans] are being actively erased, and their strength and their suffering and their courage are being appropriated or distorted,” he said. “The reason that is happening is because there are people in this day – as there are in all days - who don’t want to hear stories that make them uncomfortable, even if that discomfort is a spiritually wise and mature response to the world we live in.”
The evening was highlighted by an exercise that invited all guests to introduce themselves and offer their definition of
“liberation.”
The four-course menu –prepared by the Creamery’s Executive Chef Matthew Anderson – included amuse bouche appetizer; a baby spinach salad prepared with radicchio, roasted pear, sliced pecans and pickled red onion; a main course of Hills Farm short rib, sweet potato puree and brussels sprouts; and a chocolate pecan tart for dessert.
To learn more about Voices Underground, visit www. voicesunderground.com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Voices Underground hosted a “Secret Supper” on Nov. 12 at the Kennett Creamery
that invited guests to enjoy an evening of topical discussion and a four-course dinner prepared by the Creamery’s Executive Chef Matthew Anderson.
Voices Underground executive director LaNisha Cassell.
KCSD board...
Continued from Page 1A
Facilities director Dave Brice said both new elementary schools under construction are on schedule. New Garden is predicted to be completed in March, and
Documentary...
Continued from Page 1A
When the filmmaking crew visited Chester County, where were your areas of focus?
David Schmidt (DS): We mostly went to Chadds Ford, the Birmingham Friends Meeting House, the Birmingham Hill Preserve and Sandy Hollow Heritage Park. Then we filmed at Valley Forge.
How prominent a focus was The Battle of the Brandywine in the film?
DS: The Battle of Brandywine is a very important battle in history and therefore in our film. It was Washington’s last real chance to keep the British from occupying Philadelphia, and he repeated a mistake he had made a year earlier in the war at The Battle of Long Island, and he left his flank exposed. It was probably the last time in the war where it could have ended for Washington right there, but the British failed to deliver the decisive blow. Thankfully, the battle ended with darkness and the Colonial Army was
Greenwood will be finished in June. Both will be open to students in late August— opening school day for the 2026-2027 school year.
Board President Dave Kronenberg said there have been rumors and talk based on the then-unfinished state
able to escape east towards Chester.
One of the aspects of this film that I’m really excited about is the narrative lens that you introduce. You provide so many different perspectives on the war that have not been the usual voices of history that many of us, including myself, did not hear when we were learning about The Revolutionary War. In what ways do you think that shapes this documentary?
SB: I think our goal was to tell a big, exciting, unlikely underdog story and to remind viewers at every step of the way what an extraordinarily complicated, unusual, diverse people the Americans have always been. You can’t tell a good history of the American Revolution without the Native American story, without the free and enslaved Black people, without telling the story of women, without telling the story of the ordinary soldier and the fancy generals. You can’t tell the story without understanding the really important founders who are just as flawed and complicated as we are now.
Local
budget and then-federal government shutdown that the finances of the school district were in danger.
“The resources of the district are sufficient to cover our future needs. …We are good to go,” he said.
Superintendent Kimberly
Rizzo Saunders announced that 12 members of the Kennett High School Chorus have been selected for and will perform with the American Choral Directors Associates Eastern Regional Honors Chorus in February.
The board bade farewell
You can’t tell the story without everybody, so what we always try to do, particularly in any film we’re making about a war, is to tie the stories of everyday Americans with the stories of the important people that you’ve had to memorize the facts about in school and make them more real, bring to life the people whose decisions they impact, and let brilliant academics, writers and thinkers help us understand how we might think about our history in new ways.
DS: I know there’s more out there still to uncover in the future, but there’s so much that’s available to us now that wasn’t there before. Now we have access to so many more stories than I ever knew were out there. For instance, we learned that when George Washington was producing these general orders proclaiming that, “We have to stand like men,” he’s writing to his brothers and telling them, “I think we’re going to lose.” It is really wonderful that we have access to all of this and can put that out there.
One of the other really interesting and poignant aspects of this documentary is that it captures
the minority perspectives on this war, and it’s not as cut and dry for them because even though the civil liberties are discussed as existential, they don’t apply to them. You’re reminded more natives and more of the black community were on the British side because the occupiers, to them, are the Americans.
SB: In order to tell the story of why different groups chose different sides, you have to understand what’s at stake for them. When you make a film about war, you need to give some context and empathy and understanding for why people might make certain decisions. That doesn’t mean there isn’t right and wrong and good and bad, and there’s a lot of right and wrong and good and bad in the American Revolution, but context and empathy and understanding are extremely important.
DS: In all these situations, individuals or nations are thinking about their independence and their sovereignty, just as much as a settler is thinking about that. I was really inspired by that, personally. I don’t know what other people will have different takes about this film.
to three members whose terms expire in 2025. They are Mark Bowden, Ethan Cramer and Jeffrey McVey.
“I think we have done a really good thing keeping politics at the door,” McVey said following his recognition.
I think I’ll probably have a different take if I watch the documentary again in five years. I know that I’ve had different thoughts while making it, and I think that’s the power of a good story.
It seems to me that in Ken Burns’ documentaries, there’s great opportunity to showcase the progress of human nature. Did you find yourself having to work around current event landmines as you were weaving the story together to make sure that it remains universally impactful, especially in today’s complex political landscape?
SB: America has always been a complicated and divided country. We have always had a diverse group of people with different political ideas. The founders debated themselves about what kind of a country we should be.
They were arguing about states versus a national government from the second July 4th happened. This is not new. Everyone is subjective. We are tasked with building a film that’s foundation is in facts, and we rely on the best and most recent scholarship. We have those scholars debate themselves. It’s not a monolithic group and we
don’t all agree politically and we don’t all come from the same backgrounds. We really just want to tell truthful, good stories that people can take away from themselves different things. We don’t want to tell people how to feel or what to think. We want to give people good history.
DS: This is a collaboration of hundreds of people who have worked on this film, and we’re all taking into account what they think and what they are contributing. You see all of those names in the credits, but it’s also the contribution of so many people who came before us, who produced, scanned those letters, who made the artwork that we’re using in the film either at the time or in the generations that have come since. They all want us to do the best that we can do. And this in some ways is at least one of the things that our generation can contribute – to recognize what they lived through, what they fought for and against and what they brought forth into the world – the world that we have inherited.
To learn more about Ken Burns’ The American Revolution visit www.pbs.org/show/ the-american-revolution.
from Page 1A
us to provide security, and I take that very seriously.
The Halloween Parade or the annual car show will bring thousands of people into the town and we have to think of every possible ‘what if.’”
Staffing doesn’t just include the Oxford Police Department. In the past, it has included the Chester County Sheriff’’s Department, the State Police, the Oxford Area School District Police, police from other municipalities, and the Emergency Services Coordinator to name a few. All of these entities have worked hard to be able to communicate with all agencies in the county in the event of an emergency.
When Coverly took over the responsibility of preparing an action plan in
2021, he became aware of just how many groups are involved in the preparation of an action plan.
“I’ve been sounding the alarm for years how important security is,” Coverly explained. “It not only involves police, fire and an emergency management services coordinator, it involves hospitals, mapping traffic and so much more.”
He added, “We are responsible for traffic and crowd control at each event. We need to know how many staff we need for pedestrian parking, road closures, and making a path for emergency vehicles. We want these events to be safe.
Once I know who signs up for these events, we can get an idea of where they should be positioned. Road closures are one thing.
We usually work with PennDOT months ahead of the event.
“However, directing traf-
fic to a town that has roads closed for an event presents a problem in itself. Where can everyone park? Once people are parked, and that is no small effort, you have to know how they can exit if they have to leave early and how they will exit safely once the event is over.”
Coverly continued, “Mapping is necessary to see the overall picture and to determine where emergency vehicles can go through quickly if needed. We also have to prepare for the staging of the event. Something as big as the Halloween Parade has to have enough room to handle floats, and walkers, and to keep them safe before and after the parade. Then the attention goes to those judging the parade and watching the parade. And of course when the parade is over, everyone has to get back into those parked cars and carefully find their way out of town.”
Coverly prepares his action plan based on events of the past. But it goes without saying that while bystanders are watching the parade, the security, in this case the Oxford Police, are watching bystanders.
“I will generate an emergency action plan for our people, county and State Police, Union Fire Company and the 911 center. If they do an all-call, we need to know where the command center and media staging will be. A lot of scenarios go through my mind when I’m preparing,” Coverly said. “We don’t want to over-police, and since I became sergeant, we have streamlined those figures. But we need to remember, it’s not just the event we are protecting. We have to have enough officers to protect and serve the whole community.”
Attending the council meeting were Leslie Sleesman, the interim
executive director for OMI and Dennis McCartney, the President of the Board of Director for the Oxford Chamber. The issue of security for these two entities, or any entity putting on an event, is becoming a costly concern at this point. Most entities putting on events do so in part for the community’s entertainment, but the events are also a source of revenue for the entities. It has become an ever-increasing monetary concern for the borough’s Police Department and Public Works Department, since both are so intricately involved. In recent years the borough has had to ask for funding to pay for the use of these departments. Now, according to a discussion by council, other security agencies may be necessary for some of the events.
The borough’s action plan passes through a lot of hands before it is finalized,
but security is the priority. Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller will continue to look into this and the security discussion will continue with Borough Council. In other business, Oxford Police Chief Sam Iacono told council that the department is now fully staffed. Oxford Borough Council also approved the following:
• Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificate of Appropriateness for 29 S. Fourth Street; • Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificate of Appropriateness for 29 W. Locust Street; • Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificate of Appropriateness for 41 S. Third Street; and • Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificate of Appropriateness for 72-74 N. Fourth Street.
Courtesy image
The American Revolution focuses on The Battle of the Brandywine, the scene of great American casualties that was fought in Chester and Delaware counties.
Courtesy images
Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt have contributed to several of Ken Burns’ documentaries, including The Vietnam War, The Roosevelts: An Intimate History, The U.S. and The Holocaust, Hemingway, The War, Prohibition and Jazz.
The new members coming on are Jamie Blevins Raign from Kennett Township, Ann Parry from Kennett Square and Brenden Keane from New Garden. Incumbent Vicki Gehrt from Kennett Township was reelected to the board. Oxford borough...
On Nov. 5 - Day 36 of the federal government shutdown - House Speaker Mike Johnson held a press conference in Washington, D.C. on the day after Democrats swept election races all over the country. He stood before a phalanx of microphones not to address what had become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, but to excoriate the election results and claim that they were not a reflection on Republicans or President Donald Trump. He called the election of Zohran Mamdani as the next mayor of New York City, “the biggest win for socialism in the history of the country, and it is the biggest loss for the American people.”
He called Mamdani a “Marxist,” and said that the election served as a telltale sign of “where the Democrats and their party are headed.”
Johnson’s diatribe could not have been more unnecessary, spurious or ill-timed. As he spoke, the
‘I am part of the American people’
government shutdown had already partially robbed 42 million American people of their full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and while judges ordered the Trump administration to dip into reserve funds as a contingency plan to partially cover the need, it was not enough to pay for the $8 million in SNAP benefits that are distributed every month. As a result, food banks like Kennett Area Community Service in Kennett Square have doubled their normal donation efforts in calling for assistance from the general public.
Johnson’s remarks came at a moment when 670,000 government employees were furloughed from their jobs, and another 730,000 “essential” federal workers were forced to work without pay.
Johnson continued to blast the Democrats as the Small Business Administration found that it could no longer distribute $170 million in federally guaranteed loans per day to hundreds of
small businesses, which has amounted to a $4.5 billion loss in capital for more than 8,300 small businesses.
As Johnson wrapped up his takedown of the opposing party’s victories, a lone voice rose above the start of the media’s questions.
The woman asked Johnson if he had the phone number of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“We’re having a press conference, thank you,” Johnson replied to the woman.
“I am part of the American people,” the woman said.
“Yes ma’am, and you should respect free speech,” Johnson replied.
“You should respect free speech,” the woman said.
“I’m asking you a question - if you’re ready to have a conversation with the other side. You have an obligation to call the leadership of both parties and bring us together and solve this problem together, Mr. Speaker.”
As Johnson said that he was trying to bring the parties together, a Capitol police officer attempted to
intervene and escort the woman away, but she stood resolute and firm, flashing her credentials to the officer.
She was Pennsylvania House Rep. Chrissy Houlahan – our representative in Washington, D.C. – and the discussion she was having with Johnson was only just beginning.
Johnson then placed blame for the shutdown on the Democrats.
“You voted to shut down the government,” he told Houlahan from the podium.
“You voted to stop SNAP benefits. You voted to not pay the troops, not pay TSA, Border Patrol.”
“You are absolutely misrepresenting history, Sir, and you know that you are, and you’re dividing the American people,” Houlahan replied.
“Appreciate it, thanks for your input,” Johnson told Houlahan. He then turned to the media and said, “Somebody give me a question that’s real.”
It is not the intention of this editorial to place all blame for the government
Financial Focus
shutdown on the Republican Party. Let this be clear: It was a perfect storm of what happens when dissolute entities, in their collective arrogance, refuse to place the welfare of the American people above partisanship, and both should shoulder the responsibility to accept blame.
But they are not.
Democrats are demanding that Republicans extend Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies – set to expire at the end of the year - while Republicans refuse to negotiate until the shutdown ends.
On. Nov. 12, after 43 days, President Trump signed legislation to end what was the longest shutdown in U.S. history. In the following weeks, as we have come to expect, both parties will try to leverage this as their accomplishment only, but the word has already gone forth to an American public that grows increasingly weary of partisan braggadocio. In our national politics, rare are the times when the doggerel of its discourse becomes
Generosity meets strategy with tax-savvy donations
Giving to charity feels good, but understanding the tax benefits can benefit both the charity and you. Whether you donate regularly or are planning your first gift, knowing how charitable tax deductions work can help you make informed decisions while supporting causes you care about. Here are things to consider:
The basics: Itemizing vs. standard deduction. To benefit from charitable tax deductions, you need to itemize your deductions on your tax return. Everyone automatically receives a standard deduction, which in 2025 is $31,500 for married couples filing jointly or $15,750 for single filers. You’ll only benefit from itemizing if your total deductions, including charitable gifts, exceed these amounts.
For many people, charitable donations alone won’t push them over the stan-
dard deduction threshold.
However, when combined with other deductible expenses like mortgage interest or state and local taxes, itemizing can make financial sense.
If you give regularly but don’t usually exceed the standard deduction, consider “stacking” your donations. Instead of donating $5,000 annually, you might donate $15,750 in one year to exceed the itemization threshold, then take the standard deduction in subsequent years. Ensure your donation qualifies. To claim a deduction, you must give to a qualified charitable organization recognized by the IRS. You can verify an organization’s status on the IRS website or ask the charity for their determination letter. Donations to individuals, even those in need, don’t qualify for tax deductions. Additionally, you can’t
Chester County Press
Published by - The Lieberman Family
Steve Hoffman...............................Managing Editor
Richard L. Gaw...............................Associate Editor
Chris Barber.............................Contributing Writer
Alan E. Turns...........................Advertising Director
Teri Turns...............................Advertising Executive
Helen E. Warren....................Advertising Executive
Gabbie Burton.........................Contributing Writer, ....................Digital Marketing and Media Specialist
receive personal benefits in exchange for your donation.
If you give $500 to a charity but receive concert tickets worth $200, your deductible amount is only $300. How much can you deduct? The IRS limits charitable deductions based on your adjusted gross income (AGI). For cash donations to public charities, you can typically deduct up to 60 percent of your AGI. If you donate stocks or other appreciated assets you’ve held for more than a year, the limit is generally 30 percent of your AGI.
If your donation exceeds these limits in a single year, you can carry forward the unused portion for up to five years. What to donate. Think strategically about what you donate. While cash is easiest, donating appreciated stocks can provide addi-
tional tax benefits since you avoid paying capital gains taxes on the investment’s growth.
Keep good records. Documentation matters. For donations under $250, a canceled check or receipt works fine. Cash donations of $250 or more need written acknowledgment from the charity. For larger noncash donations of property exceeding $5,000 in value, the IRS requires a qualified written appraisal. Keep these records with your tax documents in case the IRS requests proof. See IRS Publication No. 526 and No. 561 for information on charitable contributions and valuing donated property.
The bottom line: Charitable giving may start with your heart, but understanding the tax implications helps you give more effectively. Work with a tax professional and a financial
advisor to develop a giving strategy that aligns with both your charitable goals and financial situation. With thoughtful planning, you can maximize both your impact on causes you care about and the tax benefits you receive.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Joe Oliver. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.
an honest moment, and with the mid-term elections on the horizon and a presidential campaign looming in the distance, it is logical to assume that neither party’s arrogance nor divisiveness will magically be tempered. In fact, given the generosity of social media to serve as a bully pulpit at such times, we can expect it to reach heights of indecency never before seen in our nation’s politics. We as Americans long for honest moments from our elected officials that rarely comes anymore.
On Nov. 5, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan delivered the honesty and integrity that now seems whitewashed by the past decade of our political indecency. Her words, “I am part of the American people” - while perhaps idealistic in this caustic age – is confirmation that our nation’s top elected officials are positioned to be mere servants, conduits to achieving the greater good for those who put them there.
Joe Oliver is a lifelong Oxfordian, husband, father, and financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments. Joe services business owners and individual investors by helping them accomplish their financial goals. For a complimentary financial consultation, connect with Joe at Joe.Oliver@ Edwardjones.com.
Joe Oliver, CFP,AAMS Financial Advisor 2250 Baltimore Pike Oxford, Pa. 19363 484-702-9311 www.edwardjones.com/ joe-oliver Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Route 41 remains an unsafe and outdated highway
Letter to the Editor:
These comments are in response to the article in the Chester County Press about a recent S.A.V.E. Route 41 presentation. The Planning Commission’s Landscapes3 map of Chester County indicates that, while the area bordering Route 41 has rural characteristics, it also has significant urban and suburban areas, especially in Avondale and New Garden Township. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, PennDOT conducted a Route 41 Improvement Project. That effort involved local communities, elected officials,
and multiple experts, at taxpayer expense, including KCI Technologies that recommended a four-lane highway to address the multiple issues on Route 41. S.A.V.E. became a dominant voice and the improvement project ultimately failed, though some isolated upgrades were installed, most notably at Route 41 and Newark Road. A meaningful public transportation effort would be welcome. However, a state that is regularly unable to produce a budget in a timely fashion is highly unlikely to even consider a transit system that would come near to meeting the
transportation needs of southern Chester County. And then there is the vacation and truck traffic on Route 41 to consider. The region basically still has an unsafe and outdated highway. The rural nature of Southern Chester County, especially along Route 41, has been diminishing steadily over the last 35 years. Promoting Route 41 as a rural road, and advocating for traffic circles (roundabouts), seems to be a longing for a past that is gone. Traffic circles may work well on rural roads but will certainly make a bad situation worse on such a heavily trafficked highway
as Route 41. An opportunity to improve Route 41, and decades, were lost. Though I no longer reside in New Garden Township, I frequently drive on Route 41. Knowing what should have been, and seeing what is still there – a dangerous highway that impacts upon the quality of life of local citizens – is cause for great concern. Hopefully, the residents affected directly, and daily, by the concerns with Route 41, and their elected officials, will work to have their voices heard.
Joe Oliver
Jim DiLuzio, Sr. Penn Township
Enjoy new holiday events and returning favorites at the Brandywine Museum of Art
The holiday season will be festive at the Brandywine Museum of Art with the return of the Brandywine Railroad model train display, a new exhibition featuring a selection of miniature dollhouse displays and original artworks that were created as designs for holiday greeting cards.
Both exhibitions will be on view daily through Jan. 4, 2026. The museum’s atrium will also be decked out with towering trees adorned with Brandywine’s signature, handmade “Critter” ornaments. A variety of holiday events and programs for the whole family will be offered throughout the season.
Since its debut in 1972, the Brandywine Railroad’s iconic O-gauge model train display has captivated generations of Museum visitors. The expansive display features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and includes more than 1,000 pieces, such as locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival.
A dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains can be seen chugging through the varied scenery, including those made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. Interactive components are incorporated throughout the display, operated by buttons and foot pedals that allow for further visitor engagement.
Home for the Holidays
New this year, visitors can also enjoy Home for the Holidays: Cards and Hearths from the Collection, a special exhibition featuring a selection of Brandywine’s dollhouses, including two rooms from a nine-foot dollhouse designed by Ann Wyeth McCoy and built by her husband, artist John McCoy. Filled with handmade furnishings and miniature paintings contributed by Wyeth McCoy’s famously artistic siblings and in-laws, these dollhouse rooms were a communal, family endeavor that paid tribute to the Wyeth’s closeknit holiday gatherings. These two rooms will be accompanied by the debut of the Peters-Herdeg dollhouse, a detailed replica of an 18th-century Brandywine Valley house and a recent addition to the museum’s collection. Home for the Holidays will also feature
original artworks that were created as designs for holiday cards by members of the Wyeth family of artists, as well as those by other prominent American illustrators, all drawn from the collections of the Brandywine Museum of Art and the Wyeth Foundation for American Art.
Holiday Critter Sale
Adding to the festivities, the Brandywine’s annual Holiday Critter Sale will return to the museum from Nov. 20 to 23, with a member preview sale on Nov. 19. Each year since 1971, these distinctive ornaments have been carefully handcrafted by a dedicated group of Brandywine volunteers using only natural materials such as teasel, pinecones, acorns, eggshells, flowers and seed pods.
Thousands of “classic Critter” favorites and fanciful new creations will be available for purchase during the annual sale, including a new limitededition series of Critters inspired by Philadelphia’s favorite sports teams. This year’s sale will be held in person in the museum’s Waterview Room on the second floor.
Beginning Nov. 24, the remaining inventory of Critters will be available for purchase in the Museum Shop. All proceeds benefit the Museum’s Art Education & Public
Programming. A smaller selection of Critter ornaments is also available for purchase online and can be shipped across the country by visiting www.brandywine.org/critters.
Special exhibitions on display
In addition to the holiday offerings, visitors to the Brandywine can also experience two other special exhibitions on view, including Jerrell Gibbs: No Solace in the Shade and Cropsey, Wyeth, and the American Landscape Tradition. On view through March 1, 2026, No Solace in the Shade surveys the first decade of contemporary Baltimore artist Jerrell Gibbs’ career and marks his first one-person museum exhibition. His dynamic, large-scale figurative paintings of family, friends, and community focus on everyday scenes of black life, transforming them into monumental moments the highlight the universal themes of identity, reflection and belonging.
Cropsey, Wyeth, and the American Landscape Tradition, on view through May 31, 2026, features the world-wide museum debut of a rediscovered masterpiece not seen in the United States since it was painted over 150 years ago. The painting, Autumn in the Ramapo Valley, Erie Railway, is a monumen-
tal masterwork by Jasper Francis Cropsey (1823–1900), one of the luminaries of the Hudson River School of artists. In addition to this work, the exhibition features a focused appraisal of the complex art of American landscape painting with works by a variety of artists from the museum’s collection, including Alfred Thompson Bricher, Albert Bierstadt, William Trost Richards, and Martin Johnson Heade to George Bellows, N.C. Wyeth, and Andrew Wyeth–including watercolors and temperas by Andrew Wyeth that have never been exhibited before.
Now through January 4, 2026, the museum will be open seven days a week throughout the holiday season, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Between Dec. 26 and Dec. 30, the museum will be open later for extended holiday hours from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Other special holiday events and activities throughout the season include the following:
Sensory-friendly access hours: Brandywine Railroad Nov. 20 and January 2, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
After-hours access to the Brandywine Railroad for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorder and their families.
Breakfast with the Trains Nov. 23, Dec. 20, and Jan. 3, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Enjoy early access to the Brandywine Railroad before the museum opens, plus a continental breakfast in the Millstone Café.
Holiday Critter Sale Nov. 20 to 23, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Browse and shop from thousands of unique, handcrafted ornaments made from all-natural materials by the Brandywine’s dedicated and talented volunteers.
The Polar Express ReadAloud Pajama Night December 3 and 19, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Children are invited to
wear their pajamas as they delight in the tale of The Polar Express and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and exclusive access to the Brandywine Railroad.
Children’s Holiday Party December 10, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Visit with Santa and enjoy entertainment, costumed characters, model trains, trees adorned with Critters and tasty treats in the Museum’s Millstone Cafe.
Additional events can be found at www.brandywine. org/events. Support for the Brandywine Railroad holiday train display is provided by The Davenport Family Foundation Fund for Exhibitions, Chase, Herr Foods, and bequest of Joe Bauer. 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. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywine.org/ museum.
Courtesy photos/Brandywine Museum of Art
Thousands of “classic Critter” favorites and fanciful new creations will be available for purchase during the annual sale, including a new,
inspired by Philadelphia’s favorite sports teams.
Photo by Carlos Alejandro and courtesy of Brandywine Museum of Art
Since its debut in 1972, the Brandywine Railroad’s iconic O-gauge model train display has captivated generations of museum visitors.
Courtesy photo/Brandywine Museum of Art
The holiday season will be festive at the Brandywine Museum of Art with the return of the Brandywine Railroad model train display, a new exhibition featuring a selection of miniature dollhouse displays and original artworks that were created as designs for holiday greeting cards.
Courtesy photo/Brandywine Museum of Art Home for the Holidays will also feature original artworks that were created as designs for holiday cards by members of the Wyeth family of artists, as well as those by other prominent American illustrators.
MARK S. COLDIRON
Mark Coldiron, of New London, died Nov. 11, 2025 after battling a number of chronic health complications over the past several years. He was 65. He was preceded in death by his brother, Guy Coldiron, and father, Robert Eugene Coldiron. Mark is survived by his mother, Mary Ann aColdiron; sisters, Holly Kornberg and Heather Coldiron; and nieces and nephews, Maggie Kornberg, Bailey Woodruff, Jake Woodruff, Sarah Kornberg, and Charlie Woodruff.
Born on May 15, 1965, Mark was the eldest of his siblings. He grew up in New London and spent much of his youth golfing.
Mark began working at the Red Rose Inn in the 1980s, starting a long, committed career in the restaurant industry.
In the latter part of his career, Mark was a well-known face, friend, and staff member and bar manager of Steak & Main in North East, Md.
Mark’s family and friends will remember him for his strong will, his even stronger tastes in books and food, and his willingness to listen, even if he didn’t have much to say. Many will remember Mark’s signature chocolate chip cookies, his way of expressing his love, appreciation and gratitude when he didn’t have the words.
Services are private.
Condolences may be sent to the home and, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to The Fund for the Chester County Libraries.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.
MARGARET SUE MORAN
Margaret Sue Moran was born on Nov. 8, 1946 and passed away on Oct. 24, 2025. Born and raised in Drexel Hill, Pa., she moved to Chester County to enjoy a quieter, country lifestyle and to live closer to some of her family. She was a member of UFCW Local 152, and she retired from Acme Markets in Avondale. She worked many years in the seafood and deli departments.
Susie, as she liked to be called, attended St. Andrews
For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10
Grade School and Upper Darby High School. She was predeceased by both parents and one brother. She is survived by one brother, four sisters, two sistersin-law, one daughter, two grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Susie loved her family and enjoyed visits with them at Twin Pines Nursing Facility. She enjoyed bird watching, especially the many varieties of birds that frequented the bird feeder outside her window. Susie was loved and will be dearly missed by her family.
Services will be private.
JUDY ELLEN MCMAHAN
Judy Ellen McMahan, 68, of Kirkwood, Pa., passed away while surrounded by loved ones on Nov. 13, 2025. Judy was born in Boone, North Carolina on Feb. 28, 1957 to Billy and Pauline McMahan. She traveled many states with family in her early years, and completed her high school education in Pennsylvania. She worked for CDS Analytical and Dynatherm for over 30 years, while raising three beautiful children and several of her grandchildren. She returned to traveling after retirement and enjoyed spending time in places like California, Massachusetts and North Carolina.
Judy was known for her selfless nature, and devoted much of her life to taking care of her family, her animals, and her garden. She loved listening to music, spending time by the ocean, scrapbooking precious moments with loved ones and, most of all, shopping. She had the ability to fill any room with laughter, and will be remembered by the way she could make even the heaviest hearts feel light again, simply by being herself.
Judy is survived by her mother, Pauline McMahan; her life partner, Robert “Bobby” Rhodes; her daughters, Jolene McMahan, Casey Almanza, and Kassandra “Fru” Almanza; her grandchildren, Sage Martinez, Kalib Culberson, Gunnar Culberson, Clay Dellavecchio, and Macy McBride; her sisters, Toni Moore, Wilma Deutschlander, and Billy Joe Kimes; and her best friend, David Martinez.
Judy is preceded in death by her two brothers, Mose and James McMahan.
A private service for immediate family will be held, and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date for extended family and friends to gather and honor Judy.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to her medical staff for the care that Judy received.
For those who wish to express their love, flowers may be sent in her honor, as they are a beautiful way to celebrate the joy she brought to the lives of her family and friends.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.
Calendar of Events
Now through January 11, 2026A Longwood Christmas
A “gem” of a season awaits at Longwood Gardens as the world-renowned attraction celebrates the holidays with decorations as radiant as jewels and gems. This Christmas, the Gardens will be transformed into a living jewel box where nature and elegance intertwine as twinkling lights dance, hues of emerald green to ruby red to bold sapphire shimmer, and every path leads to a new treasure to behold. Experience the magic of A Longwood Christmas as you never have before. A Longwood Christmas is on display through January 11, 2026. Timed admission tickets required and tickets and more information can be found at www.longwoodgardens.org.
November 20 -
Performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat begin
On Thursday, Nov. 20, performances of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” begin at the Milton Theatre at 7:30 p.m. One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. Told entirely through song with the help of a main character narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. Cash bar. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Performances continue through November 30. Call 302-684-3038 or visit MiltonTheatre.com for more information.
November 22Holiday 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 crafters – all showcasing their oneof-a-kind goods. Perfect for gifting. This year, there will also be food trucks galore – think BBQ, grilled cheese, gourmet hot dogs and smash-burgers, soft pretzels, and even crème brulee. It’s going to smell like a holiday miracle on wheels. Redmans Hall is located at 114 Brick Road in Oxford.
November 22Kennett 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 welcomes in the holiday season and lights up the town. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. Parade sign-up and volunteer or participation info is available at https://kennettcollaborative.org/initiatives/events/holiday-light-parade.
November 29 - Small Business Saturday
Support local businesses on the annual Small Business Saturday. Shop local and support small businesses while enjoying special deals and unique finds on Saturday, November 29.
December 5 - Country Christmas in Oxford
One of Oxford’s most festive and popular events—the Country Christmas—will take place on Friday, Dec. 5. The event includes sleigh rides, live music, strolling carolers, dancers, a S’mores-making area, and an appearance by Santa Claus—plus the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree.
December 6 - Coatesville Christmas Parade
The Coatesville Christmas Parade, presented by Cleveland-Cliffs, will be front and center down the storied Lincoln Highway, on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. The parade began in 1950s, and traditionally hosts over 160 plus entries gracing the Lincoln Highway. It features Mummers Bands straight from Broad Street, children’s dance troops, fleets of tow trucks, police cars, and fire trucks, and local businesspeople showing off their custom-crafted floats.
December 6 and 7 - Holiday Village Market
Holiday Village Market is an open-air market at The Creamery in Kennett Square. Shop dozens of curated artisan and vintage vendors while enjoying live music, festive cocktails, food trucks, and more in a magical setting. The event recreates the atmosphere of the German Christkindlmarkt, which traces its history back to the Middle Ages. For the first two weekends in December every year, the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market brings the Christkindlmarkt experience to Southern Chester County. Dozens of artisan and vintage vendors are at the heart of the event, each stall a tiny feast of beautiful and unique handcrafted items that promise to delight the recipient and bring a sprinkling of this magic home.
December 13 and 14 - Holiday Village Market
Holiday Village Market is an open-air market at The Creamery in Kennett Square. Shop dozens of curated artisan and vintage vendors while enjoying live music, festive cocktails, food trucks, and more in a magical setting. The event recreates the atmosphere of the German Christkindlmarkt, which traces its history back to the Middle Ages. For the first two weekends in December every year, the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market brings the Christkindlmarkt experience to Southern Chester County. Dozens of artisan and vintage vendors are at the heart of the event, each stall a tiny feast of beautiful and unique handcrafted items that promise to delight the recipient and bring a sprinkling of this magic home.
December 18 - Kennett Square’s Tinsel on the Town Enjoy extended shopping hours, holiday lights, a visit from Santa, and the return of the Kennett Express train for all ages. The popular event is designed for finding those unique, last-minute gifts, and a bit of fun too. Explore the different shops and restaurants along the State Street area.
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.
December 31 - Midnight in the Square
Don’t miss the Mushroom Drop on New Year’s Eve. Ring in the New Year with the best New Year’s Eve celebration in the county with Midnight in the Square and the The Mushroom Drop—in the Mushroom Capital of the World.
Now through Dec. 31Kennett Square Holiday Window Tour
Kennett Square’s shops decorate their storefront windows for the season in a friendly competition that invites the public to vote for their favorite. The storefronts will be festively decorated throughout the holiday season.
First Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 14 - Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop at Oxford Presbyterian Church Invest in the world and shop fair trade at the Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop at Oxford Presbyterian Church. The shop features items from Ten Thousand Villages and will help skilled artisans in more than 33 countries receive a fair price for their products. The shop is open each First Friday in November and December from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shop also on Saturdays and Sundays now through December 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. The shop location is Room 206 at Oxford Presbyterian Church at 6 Pine Street in Oxford.
Courtesy photo
The Coatesville Christmas Parade, which dates back to the 1950s, takes place on Dec. 6.
MULTIPLE OPENINGS
Idemia America Corp has multiple job opptys in Exton, PA for a System/Network Admin (Ref #7935880 - Manage & maintain Idemia proprietary systems & solutions) and a Master Schedule & Planning Mgr (Ref #7997122 - Coordinate w/ Production Supervisors & Managers to ensure optimal efficiency. Position based in Exton, PA. Hybrid position req’ng work in office w/ the ability to telecommute on days when not in office). Email resume w/Ref# to IST-HROperations@idemia.com. Must be legally auth to work in the U.S. w/o spnsrshp. EOE
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 TESTA-
MENTARY 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 Lynda Reid, Executrix, 368 WilmingtonWest Chester Pike, Glen Mills Pa 19342
11p-12-3t
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
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Maryllewellyn Pennington aka Mary Pennington, Late of Honeybrook,, Chester County, PA.LETTERS TES -
TAMENTARY 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 that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, December 15, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, of the Oxford Borough Code, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 22, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT, BY DELETING AND REPLACING THE CHAPTER IN ITS ENTIRETY. SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, by deleting the chapter and replacing it, in its entirety, with new Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, which includes the following sections: Part 1, Introductory Provisions, which includes: Article 10, Title and Purpose; Article 11, Jurisdiction and Applicability; and Article 12, Definitions; Part 2, Development Configurations, which includes: Article 20, Block and Lot Standards; Article 21, Mobile Home Park Standards; and Article 22, Open Space and Natural Resource Conservation; Part 3, Design and Improvement Standards, which includes: Article 30, General Standards; Article 31, Streets, Circulation, and Multimodal Access; Article 32, Landscaping and Screening; Article 33, Outdoor Lighting; Article 34, Residential Building Design; Article 35, Nonresidential Building Design; and Article 36, Town Center Building Design; and Part 4, Administration and Review Procedures, which includes: Article 40, General Application and Review Procedures; Article 41, Applications and Materials; Article 42, Plan Review Proce-
dures; Article 43, Approved Plan and Improvement Procedures; and Article 44, Administration and Amendment.
SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.
SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Provides for the renumbering of ordinance sections as part of codification of the ordinance.
SECTION 5. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, December 15, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending Chapter 27, Zoning, of the Oxford Borough Code, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 27, ZONING, BY DELETING AND REPLACING THE CHAPTER IN ITS ENTIRETY.
SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 27, Zoning, by deleting the chapter and replacing it, in its entirety, with new Chapter 27, Zoning, which includes the following sections: Part 1, Introductory Provisions, which includes: Article 10, Purpose and Establishment; Article 11, Zoning Map; Article 12, Nonconformance Standards; and Article 13, Definitions; Part 2, District and Use Regulations, which includes: Article 20, Districts Established; Article 21, District Use Regulations; Article 22, District Area and Bulk Requirements; Article 23, Additional Use Regulations; Article 24, General Regulations; Article 25, Alternate Development Configurations; Article 26, Flood Hazard Overlay (FHO) District; Part 3, Design and Development Standards, which includes: Article 30, General Standards; Article 31, Parking and Loading; Article 32, Landscaping and Screening; Article 33, Outdoor Lighting; and Article 34, Signs; and Part 4, Administration and Review Procedures, which includes: Article 40, General Application and Review Procedures; Article 41, Permits and Certificates; Article 42, Conditional Uses; Article 43, Special Exception;
Article 44, Variances and Appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board; Article 45, Administration and Enforcement; and Article 46, Amendments.
SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.
SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.
SECTION 4. Provides for the renumbering of ordinance sections as part of codification of the ordinance.
SECTION 5. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.
Estate of BARBARA S. STOLTZFUS . 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 Merle W. Stoltzfus, Executor, Katelyn M. Haldman, Esquire, Legacy Law, PLLC, 147 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 11-19-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF SUSAN E. BARTH, DECEASED. Late of New London 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 ANNE BERRY, EXECUTRIX, c/o Carolina R. Heinle, Esq., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707, Or to her Attorney: CAROLINA R. HEINLE, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707 11p-19-3t
NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION
Notice is Hereby Given pursuant to the provisions of Act of Assembly, No. 295 Office of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, an application for the conduct of a business in Chester County, Pennsylvania under the assumed or fictitious name, style or designation of ALIGN WITH AMY, with its principal place of business at 15 Penn Oak Lane, Oxford, PA 19363 . The names and addresses of the persons owning or interested in said business is Amy Neill, 15 Penn Oak Lane, Oxford, PA 19363 11p-19-1t
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford will meet on Thursday, December 4, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., at the Borough
Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, to hear the following: THE CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION OF COLLEEN BOROUGHS. The property is 55 S. 3rd Street, UPI No. 6-4231. The property is owned by EBHI Investments, LLC, and is located in the C-3 – Central Business District of the Borough. Colleen Boroughs, a tenant of the property, seeks conditional use approval pursuant to §27-2009 (Conditional Use Procedures and General Standards) and §27-902.B (Uses Permitted as Conditional Uses) of the Oxford Borough Zoning Ordinance to permit the operation of an Indoor Arcade on the property, in accordance with the standards of §27-1323 (Arcade) of the zoning ordinance, and any other such relief deemed necessary by Borough Council. All persons desiring to be heard may attend and be heard. If you are a person with a disability wishing to participate in the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated. OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 11-19-2t NONPROFIT INCORPORATION NOTICE
The Ducklings Gives Back Foundation has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. 11p-19-1t
INCORPORATION
NOTICE
Local Roofing & Exteriors, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Michael K. Molinaro, Esq., 2327 West Chester Pike, Suite 200, Broomall, PA 19008 11p-19-1t
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxford Borough Council, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 401 Market Street, Oxford, PA, will consider and may enact the following Ordinance Fixing the Tax Rates for the Year 2026. Copies of the ordinance can be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Borough Building during normal business hours.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING THE TAX RATES FOR THE YEAR 2026. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as follows: SECTION 1. Pursuant to the authority provided in the Local Tax Enabling Act, 53 P.S. §6924.101 et seq., and the Borough Code, 8 Pa. C.S. §1301, et seq., a
tax is hereby levied on all real property within the Borough of Oxford subject to taxation for the fiscal year of 2026, as follows: Tax Rate for General Purpose 14.501 Mills
SECTION 2. The reason for the tax levy is to provide revenue for general borough purposes. The estimated revenue to be derived from the tax during 2026 is $2,908,368.25.
SECTION 3. If any sentence, clause, section or part of this ordinance is, for any reason, found to be unconstitutional, illegal or invalid, such unconstitutionality, illegality or invalidity shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions, sentences, clauses, sections or parts hereof. It is hereby declared as the intent of Borough Council that this ordinance would have been adopted had such unconstitutional, illegal or invalid sentence, clause, section or part thereof not been included herein.
SECTION 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances conflicting with any provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed insofar as the same affects this ordinance.
SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect as of January 1, 2026 as by law provided. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough secretary to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.
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 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. 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
Creek Road Bridge reopens after 20 months
By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
Those who regularly drive in the area of the South Creek Road Bridge in Chadds Ford celebrated its formal reopening on Friday, Nov. 14, after a 20-month rebuilding project.
Those who live nearby also marked the occasion with an informal fireworks party onsite two nights earlier.
The 100-year-old bridge over the Brandywine Creek was deemed unsafe to bear traffic and was closed for replacement as of April of 2024. Drivers who then wanted to reach destinations on the other side of the creek had to take detours that sometimes took them an extra 20 minutes and traveled over narrow and curving roads.
State Rep. Craig Williams,
Avon Grove Lions provide eye screenings to local students
R-160, of Chadds Ford, was on hand to congratulate the construction team and neighbors at the reopening, as was State Sen. John Kane, D-9, of Chester.
Williams first addressed the construction workers privately, telling them what a good job they had done.
“They were proud of the project,” he said.
He then took the microphone and spoke to the audience members, many of them standing nearby with their dogs.
Reminding them that he, too, is a resident of Chadds Ford, Williams said, “The
best thing Senator Kane and I do is like this.”
Reminding them that the job had come in on time, he said, “When you put your mind to it, you can build a budget and build a bridge.”
Kane said, “This is going to be here longer than we are.”
Following the words of praise and enthusiasm, the audience members walked the length of the bridge and back, although one dog, Sammy Draper, earlier in the ceremony stepped some distance onto the span.
During the rebuilding, the bridge was completely
replaced, and the process began with a demolition.
It is now six spans long and is six lanes wide. This bridge is called “six spans” because it has six sections between supports with five of them in the stream and the end land area providing support on each end.
The bridge marks the division between Pennsbury and Chadds Ford townships.
The project was federally funded and the cost was $15.1 million.
The East Penn railroad tracks skirt the south side of
the creek under the bridge, but the project had little effect on its running except on the first day when the demolition took place, Trainmaster Randy Miller said.
On the south side of the creek lies the New Roots produce stand. Business was down 30 percent at the stand in the two summers of the detours, according to Manager Donni Pinzone. Haines & Kibblehouse, Inc. of Philadelphia, was the general contractor on the bridge project.
Avondale Borough Hall serves as Toys for Tots collection site
Avondale Borough Hall will serve as a Toys for Tots collection site from now until the Santa Train event on Friday, Nov. 29. The Toys for Tots program, organized by the U.S. Marine Corps
Reserve, has a long and trusted history of bringing joy and hope to children in need. Donations of new, unwrapped toys — including books — help foster positive self-esteem, promote literacy, and remind
children that they are cared for and valued. Community members are encouraged to drop off donations at Avondale Borough Hall at 110 Pomeroy Avenue in Avondale during regular business hours—Monday
through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. By participating, residents not only brighten a child’s holiday season but also strengthen the spirit of community that makes Avondale so special.
Courtesy photo
The Avon Grove Lions recently conducted a free KidsSight eye screening at the Assumption BVM School in West Grove. The Lions screened over 170 students in kindergarten through eighth grade in an hour and a half.
State Rep. Craig Williams congratulates construction workers who rebuilt the Creek Road Bridge as neighbor dog Sammy Draper and his owner Brian Draper look on.
Photos by Chris Barber
Friends and neighbors of the newly rebuilt Creek Road Bridge take a walk back and forth on the pavement during the celebration ceremony on Friday evening.
8th annual showcase of local artists will take place on Nov. 22 at the Fairville Friends School
The Fairville Artisan Fair: Just in time for the holiday season
By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer
Local shoppers looking for unique, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts this weekend will have the opportunity to support local artists by visiting the Fairville Artisan Fair, which is returning for its 8th show on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairville Friends School in Chadds Ford.
Organized by Chadds Ford-based artist Suzanne Gaadt, the event has become well known for its high caliber of art for sale.
“I call it a highly curated boutique artisan fair,” Gaadt said. “It’s a variety of local, really high quality artisans - everyone from jewelry artists to ceramic artists to fabric and fine artists, and people who make homemade teas and tonics. It has been super popular every year.”
Gaadt explained that the fair is juried and artisans have to apply to get in, making the assortment more curated and selective while still offering a wide variety of items to choose from. This year there are 18 artisans participating and Gaadt’s own artwork will also be on sale at the event. As an artist herself,
Gaadt saw a gap in opportunity for local artisans to sell their work and created the Fairville Artisan Fair to address those shortcomings.
“The inspiration for starting it was to really give local fine artists and crafts people a way to sell their art around the holidays [in a way] that they weren’t being gouged,” Gaadt said.
“Some of these shows charge a lot of money to the artisans to even just get in, $500 or something, and I feel like they’re trying to make money off of the artists and the artists have a really small percentage of net profit.”
Gaadt said her intention is to supply the artisans with a pleasant experience and an opportunity to sell the work they’ve worked long and hard on.
“I really wanted to have an outlet for local artists that wasn’t expensive and give them an opportunity to reach an audience who will be purchasing holiday gifts,” she said.
Shop small, support local artists
The fair doesn’t just benefit the artisans, however. Community members will get to purchase unique,
locally made gifts that support artists in the community rather than large corporations.
“I think just about anybody could find a gift for themselves or a gift for relatives and friends for the holidays,” Gaadt said. “I think there’s a lot of interest that I’ve heard from people who want to buy local and want to buy from local artists instead of ordering holiday gifts on Amazon or from the big box stores or something, and they’re interested in shopping local, buying local, and that’s kind of what we’re catering to.”
Gaadt described the benefits of shopping locally for the holidays as “full circle,” from artist to the gift-giver and finally, to the receiver – a full community aspect that brings everyone together.
“I always use the phrase, ‘Come support your friends and your community,’” she said. “This is a way that you can be thoughtful and caring and give a personal gift and support a local friend or artist.”
These unique and handcrafted gifts sell fast at the fair, with some even selling out – including the homemade chocolates and teas
in past years. Gaadt recommends that visitors arrive at the Fairville Friends School early to ensure the best experience with the most options and shared
her excitement for this Saturday’s event.
“I think it promises to be the best show yet,” she said.
The 8th annual Fairville Artisan Fair will take place
on Nov. 22 at the Fairville Friends School, 216 Pond View, Ponds of Woodward, in Chadds Ford, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Opening reception at the Hook Experiment in Oxford this Friday
By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer
If you are looking for something different to do on Friday, Nov. 21, visit the Hook Experiment at 45 S. Third St. in Oxford. It is, as the name suggests, one experiment after another.
It is an unconventional art gallery and performance space that is housed in a raw, partially renovated 4,500-square-foot space with exposed brick, worn floors, and hidden rooms.
Founded by artists and curators, it encourages creators to showcase work outside their usual mediums, including unfinished or experimental pieces, free from commercial pressures.
The gallery’s name honors the building’s former
owners (the Hooks) and its mission is to embrace artistic risk and imperfection.
The Hook Experiment will present a Scrutiny Mutiny, which is a global collective exhibition, staging a visual revolt against systems of control, surveillance, and internalized judgment, with the opening reception taking place this Friday, Nov. 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The closing reception is set for January 16, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The exhibit goes beyond the Oxford area and features global artists. Some of the artists expected to participate in the global exhibition include the following:
Emilio Maldonado/Maria Maneos
Lisa Marie Patzer/Meirav
Ong/Jessica Valoris
Lisa Ashley
Rhonda Babb
Lisa Baird
Patricia Barnthouse
Francis Beaty
Peter Burgess
Diane Cirafesi
Stephanie Clark
Thedra Culla-Ledford
Oscar Eduardo de Paz
Ines Donfack
Kirk Elwell
Johnny Everyman
Mia Fabrizio
Syed Ayaz Fatmi
Lisa Fedon
Torea Frey
Kate Gray
Nancy Grimes
Sutton Hays
Nanci Hersh
Michael Hower
Jenna Jerman
Bobbi Jickling
Gloria Klaiman
The
Janice Ledgerwood
Cindy Losco
Emma Martino
Phyllis Mayes
Constance McBride
Karen McCool
Mary Michele
Patricia Moshanko
Mia Muratori
Eo Omwake
Charles Outhier
Lauren E. Peters
Kath Poehler
Rachel Romano
Nina Silverman-Weeks
Olivia Smith,
Lynda Schmid
Catherine Spencer
Alexandra Thompson Cole
Valetta
Vicki Vinton
Denise Yaghmourian
Christy Yang
The participating artists produce every kind of artwork you can think
of and some you can’t even imagine. It will be a one-of-a-kind exhibit in the Borough of Oxford. It not only affords you an opportunity to view art, but also to view the layout of the property. The area is expansive and breathtaking, providing a space for music, exhibitions, readings and so much more.
The Hook Experiment is located on S. Third Street in Oxford, but backs up to Niblock Alley, which is scheduled for redevelopment, made possible by funding from Chester County in the amount of $395,000. The grant was awarded to the Borough of Oxford to expand Niblock Alley. The project is a public/private partnership. When completed, the Niblock Alley
redevelopment, along with the theater project and the King’s Cross Development plan for Third Street, the borough will have two beautiful streets to showcase events. When you support the Hook Experiment, you don’t just support a gallery, you invest in the community’s creative heartbeat. It is a vital hub for local arts and culture, providing the essential space and freedom for artists to experiment without commercial pressure. Your contribution ensures that Oxford remains a place where new ideas are born, where artists are valued, and where everyone has access to the transformative power of art. For more information visit: www. hookexperiment.org.
Giant Company to donate nearly 20,000 turkeys to local hunger relief organizations this Thanksgiving
The Giant Company announced it will donate nearly 20,000 turkeys and turkey breasts to 35 food banks and community partners in the Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia communities it serves this November. The donation will provide nearly 200,000 individual serv-
ings of protein ahead of Thanksgiving.
“The Giant Company’s commitment to serving others and giving back to our neighbors happens year-round, but is especially important during the holidays,” said John Ruane, president of The Giant Company. “Everyone deserves a full plate, and this year’s donations will deliver
turkeys - the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving meals - to families in need throughout our local communities this holiday season.” Over the next several weeks, The Giant Company team members will volunteer at the local food banks packing hunger relief boxes and helping to organize and restock pantry shelves.
“We are heading into the holiday season where so many family celebrations are typically centered around food. More neighbors are turning to the charitable food system for help than at any other point since the pandemic,” said Jay Worrall, the president of Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank. “While we always
appreciate the generosity of our retail partners like The Giant Company, this turkey donation carries extra weight this year due to the challenges being faced by so many of our neighbors.”
Customers are also invited to join The Giant Company in its efforts to eliminate hunger in its local communities. From Nov. 14
through Nov. 27, customers can donate their free turkey certificates at the register in-store to a local food bank. For more information on the turkey redemption program, including how to donate your turkey certificate, visit https:// Giantfoodstores.com/ pages/free-turkey.
