Chester County Press 11-04-2020 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas

Volume 154, No. 43

INSIDE

Wednesday, November 4, 2020

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Kennett Square Borough Election Day in finds ‘great opportunity’ in Chester County pursuit of a new borough hall On Monday night, borough council authorized a letter of intent to purchase the building at 600 S. Broad Street from Genesis Healthcare. The property has a lot of history—and could be the borough’s base of operations for decades to come

Operation Warm...1B

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Local police unveil trading cards...3B

Kennett Square Borough Council took a big step toward identifying the new borough hall on Monday night, unanimously authorizing a letter of intent to pursue the purchase of the building and property at 600 S. Broad Street.

Genesis Healthcare owns the property.

Saying that borough officials were excited about the prospect of purchasing a new home in a prime location—directly across from Kennett High School— would be an understatement.

“This is a huge opportunity,” said council member Doug Doerfler.

Photo by Chris Barber

Council president Brenda Mercomes talked about how gorgeous the inside of the building is.

Mayor Matt Fetick said that, 15 years from now, people will look back and say that the acquisition was the right opportunity at the right time.

Council member Ethan Continued on Page 2A

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

By 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 3, a line of more than 150 New Garden Township residents had begun to circle the parking lot outside of the New Garden Township Building, in anticipation of voting to determine the next President of the United States, as well as several local political offices. For a summary of election results, visit the Chester County Press online at www.chestercounty.com.

Kennett Square borough manager to depart at the end of the month

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Lombardi and Hannon receive honor...5B

Kennett Square Borough Council announced on Oct. 27 that borough manager Joseph Scalise will be leaving the position at the end of November to pursue a new opportunity.

The announcement came Opinion.......................4A almost six years to the day Obituaries..................2B from when Scalise was Classifieds.................4B named as the interim bor-

INDEX

ough manager. Borough council decided to remove the interim tag in May of 2015, following a search during which they determined that Scalise was the best person to perform the duties.

Scalise has had a 26-year career with Kennett Square Borough, and has worked in a variety of roles. He took a summer job with Kennett Square in 1992, and later

served as the director of the public works department before being appointed as borough manager six years ago.

Council formally accepted the resignation on Monday night.

Council president Dr. Brenda Mercomes thanked Scalise for his dedication and hard work on behalf of the community. She said, “Joe has given his working life to the people of this com-

munity, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and hard work at every level of borough operations. He made the borough a better place to live, from keeping the sewer plant operating as a teenager, to overseeing a model snow-plowing effort for multiple winters, to maintaining the community’s forward momentum during the COVID-19 crisis. We are honored to have

served with him.”

During his time as borough manager, Scalise has led the efforts to upgrade the borough’s sewer facilities and expand the parking garage. Projects for both were recently completed.

The borough has also steadily paid down previous debt, met its budget reserve goals, and instituted a recent bond refinancing that will Continued on Page 2A

Circles of calm: Route 41 paves way for additional roundabouts

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer On occasion, Bob Leonard will find himself sitting in his stopped car at a traffic light at off-peak hours, with no other cars in sight.

He will wonder to himself, Why is this light not green? Shouldn’t there be a transportation device in place here that will enable

me to keep moving forward without having to come to a full stop? Is there another method in place that will save me from having to wait in idle for the color that means ‘Go’?’

There is rich and layered irony to Leonard’s internal questions, given that he already knows the answers and has helped to facilitate the solution.

He is the principal associate

ed to receive clearance by the end of 2020, so that it can pursue and complete final design and begin construction by 2022.

Erdman Anthony is also pursuing three possible alternatives for a future roundabout at the intersection of Route 841 and Route 41 in the historic Village of Chatham, and is in the early, conceptual phases of designing a

roundabout at the intersection of Route 41 and State Street in Avondale.

But that’s only half of the plan, because for drivers who navigate the highly-congested bottlenecks of traffic along Route 41, the news shared at a recent webinar laid out proposals for the development of more roundabouts along the thoroughfare, in Continued on Page 3A

U-CF School District considers Kennett Heritage Center all-remote learning if COVID-19 to serve as home for local cases continue to increase Officially opened on Oct. 24

history, collaboration

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Kennett Heritage Center founder Lynn Sinclair, left, along with board members Grace Pfeifer and Meredith Langer celebrate the official opening of the center on Oct. 24. © 2007 The Chester County Press

and transportation department manager for Erdman Anthony, a Mechanicsburgbased infrastructure engineering firm currently working with PennDOT on the development of roundabouts along Route 41. Leonard, who is also a PennDOT consultant, is currently overseeing the design of a roundabout at Route 41 and 926 in Londonderry Township, which is expect-

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

in Kennett Square served not only as a place to go for coffee, breakfast, lunch and For years, the Sunrise Café conversation, it also served that Lynn Sinclair owned as the unofficial back room Continued on Page 4A and operated on State Street

By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing Writer All-remote learning could be a possibility in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District

by Nov. 16 or sooner if COVID-19 cases continue to increase.

Superintendent John Sanville sent a letter to the district community Monday, after four U-CF students tested positive last week after being exposed outside of school. Two students were in the high school, and two were in Charles F. Patton Middle School.

One of those middle school students, according to data from a pediatric infectious disease doctor that the district consults with, “has not been in a school building or on school grounds.”

“Multiple models and projections show increases in incidents for Chester County that --- should they be accurate – will force us to return to an all-virtual format,” Sanville wrote.

“Given the projections and guidance from the Chester County Health Department – I encourage everyone to prepare for the likelihood of returning to an all-virtual format on Nov. 16.”

That return could be

sooner if transmission of COVID increases.

“If we see an increase in the transmission rate that is greater than anticipated and/or we see in school/sport transmission, we will consider transitioning to virtual sooner than Nov. 16,” Sanville said.

District administrators have had weekly meetings with Salwa Sulieman, a pediatric infectious disease doctor at Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children.

According to the latest update, which includes figures from the Children’s Continued on Page 2A

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Chester County Press

Local News Halloween Pet Parade

Photo by Chris Barber

borough hall...

Continued from Page 1A

Cramer talked about the opportunity to transform a building that has played an important part in the town’s history into a community hub. In addition to being a home of Genesis Healthcare and Clarks Shoes, the property was once the site of the Good Roads Company, which was owned by the Pennock family.

It will take a large commitment from the borough to purchase the property.

While an agreement to complete the sale must still be worked out, the purchase price announced at the council meeting is $7.2 million.

The borough was able to recently refinance some of its debt, resulting in significant cost savings.

Additionally, interest rates are very low right now so it’s a good time to move forward on a purchase like this, officials said.

The borough wants to start work on an agreement of sale as soon as possible. The closing would take place no later than 120 days from the time of the

agreement.

Borough council recently held three executive sessions to discuss the land purchase in preparation for the Nov. 2 vote.

Kennett Square’s borough hall is currently located in an historic building at 120 Marshall Street. The building is too small for this purpose and has never fully met the borough’s needs.

Public meetings are usually held in other locations.

Cramer noted that the borough’s existing administrative offices and police department would need significant improvements and upgrades in the near future.

Fetick also pointed out that the borough wouldn’t be able to buy land and build a new administration building for what the borough is paying for 600 S. Broad Street.

In addition to having sufficient space for the borough’s administrative offices and the police department, the building at 600 S. Broad Street is large enough to possibly provide a permanent home for Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), a nonprofit organization that

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operates a food cupboard and provides a variety of services to individuals and families in need.

Lynne Seligman, the board president of KACS, asked the borough officials to consider allowing KACS to utilize an annex building on the property. This would allow KACS to remain in Kennett Square. Many of the people who utilize the services at KACS live in or near the borough.

KACS is currently headquartered on Cedar Street in town, but that location is too small to meet the needs of the local community. A damaging flood earlier this year also hindered the organization’s efforts greatly.

Leah Reynolds, the executive director of KACS, said that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted a lot of families in the community, and there have been more than 16,000 visits to the food cupboard so far in 2020.

Kennett Square manager...

Continued from Page 1A

save nearly $450,000 over the next year. These actions have positioned the borough to move forward on both shot-term and long-term strategic efforts.

Scalise expressed mixed emotions about moving on, writing to borough council that, “I am proud of the work that we’ve done and the position I leave the borough in.”

Council member Doug

Remote learning...

Continued from Page 1A

Hospital of Philadelphia Policy Lab, “Daily cases in Pennsylvania are now the highest they have been since the start of the pandemic.”

In Chester and Delaware counties, new confirmed cases jumped between Oct.

Courtesy photos

The Rose View Community held a Halloween Pet Parade last Friday. Residents dressed their dogs in their Halloween finest and paraded through the community. The parade was followed by refreshments and a neighborhood resident social gathering. The pets—and their human companions—all had a festively great time. The hope is that this will become an annual event.

“The need is intense,” Reynolds said, adding that it is critical for the organization to remain in the borough and not have to leave to seek out a new home.

Carrie Freeman, the CEO of the United Way of Southern Chester County, talked about the value of the work that KACS has done on behalf of people in need in the community

during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The people in need would have truly been lost without KACS,” Freeman said.

Borough resident John Thomas spoke favorably of the possible purchase, and said that it would be a good thing for the borough to own and utilize the property at 600 S. Broad Street.

“I think it’s historic,” Thomas said. “It’s a great, great property. It’s a very important building.”

Several council members thanked Thomas, and credited him with first suggesting that the borough pursue the purchase of the property.

Doerfler, who chairs the borough’s Personnel Committee, agreed with the assessment that Scalise is leaving the borough in a very good position.

“Together, we’ve managed to keep the borough on solid footing at a time when many other boroughs are struggling,” Doerfler said.

“Although we will miss his institutional knowledge, it’s a testament to Joe that he has established a foundation where the next manager will be in a position to move forward on new initiatives

from day one. We wish Joe all the best, and thank him for all he’s done.”

Council member Ethan Cramer said that, because of Scalise’s work with borough council, Kennett Square is positioned well, and the borough manager position will be a desirable one once the national search is underway.

“Joe is leaving the borough in a much better position,” Cramer said.

“There is a lot for him to be proud of.”

Kennett Square Mayor

Matt Fetick said, “I’ve really enjoyed working with Joe over the past 11 years.

He is a true professional who has served the borough well and he will be hard to replace.”

The press release from borough council said that the vacancy for the borough manager position will be officially posted on the borough’s website at www. kennettsq.org.

25 and Nov. 1, a trend that was the same for the PCR percent positivity, and the number of cases per 100,000 people. New confirmed Chester County cases went from 251 on Oct. 25 to 347

by Nov. 1, and in Delaware County the cases went from 526 on Oct. 25 to 758 a week later.

In Delaware County, according to CHOP Policy

Lab data, average daily hospitalizations and the average daily number of patients on ventilators have increased in that same time frame.

According to Sulieman’s data, modeling studies in November “show significant increases.” That time frame includes the Thanksgiving holiday.

In his letter, Sanville urged the Unionville-

Chadds Ford community to continue doing everything they could to follow mitigation guidelines.

“Let us all keep calm and follow the plan – our efforts in school and at home will keep us safe,” he wrote. “Mitigation efforts – especially as we head into the holiday season – are paramount in reducing the spread of COVID-19.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

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Local News Roundabouts...

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exit point that would connect drivers to residential communities. The one projected to be placed near Mr. Mulch would be able to connect drivers to Sheehan and Sharp roads, and eliminate the dangerous left-hand turn that currently requires drivers to cross opposing traffic on Route 41 to access these roads.

an effort to further alleviate traffic stress that these drivers face along the route.

In an Oct. 26 presentation sponsored by S.A.V.E. (Safety, Agriculture, Villages & Environment), Mark T. Johnson of the Madison, Wisconsinbased MTJ Roundabout Engineering laid out new Two roundabouts at roundabout concept designs the Limestone Road at three points along Route (Route 7) – Route 41 41 that he believes will reInterchange near the imagine southern Chester Delaware border County’s most well-traveled two-lane highway as a Johnson proposes to place well-functioning stretch of roundabouts on both sides infrastructure: of Route 41 and include on-ramp terminals and A roundabout at the auxiliary lanes. The two Route 41-Route 1 roundabout system preIntersection in Avondale serves the existing bridge and allows the new traffic Johnson has designed two pattern to address entry into roundabouts on the north nearby residential drives. and south sides of Route 1, in attempting to a) meet Impact on planned develthe operational needs for opment long-range traffic; and b) minimize impacts to allow While the roundabout for vehicle access to busi- at Route 41 and 926 in nesses in the area – all Londonderry Township is in what Johnson called expected to break ground a Diverging Diamond in a few years and the projInterchange format, in ects planned for the Village which the two directions of of Chatham and Avondale traffic on the non-highway remain in the design phase, road cross to the opposite there is no solid timeline side on both sides of the for any of the initiatives bridge at the highway. that Johnson presented on Oct. 26.

Roundabouts at the However, their introduccorner of Sunny Dell tion serves as the latest Road and near the foradditions to a once blank mer Mr. Mulch, both in tabula rasa that has now Landenberg become an ink-stained canvas of ideas that calls Both roundabouts would for both input and direcbe maintained as two-lane tion from elected officials, roads and would feature engineers, business grassy medians and flared owners, residents and envi-

Image courtesy of MTJ Roundabout Engineers

A second concept design introduced the idea of positioning a roundabout at the corner of Route 41 and Sunny Dell Road in Landenberg.

ronmental agencies -- each of whom has a stake in how they want the corridor to look and how they want it to function.

Founded in 1997, S.A.V.E. has served as the unofficial watchdog for measured and reasonable growth in southern Chester County, as part of its vision to preserve the quality of life and community character of the area through Smart Growth principles.

Johnson’s presentation on roundabouts honed in on a key issue that is near the top of S.A.V.E.’s to-do list: The need to maintain uncongested scenic roads by efficient and effective infrastructure.

“From the time SAVE was founded, we have believed that Route 41 should remain a rural two-lane road, and that a lot of the intersection challenges that have arisen based on development and the growth of the population can be resolved by exploring roundabouts as intersections, based on the fact that roundabouts solve issues better than the alternatives,” said Dan Linderman, S.A.V.E.’s chairman. “If you have a

well-designed roundabout for the particular scenario, that’s when you hit the grand slam home run.”

Outside of his duties for S.A.V.E., Linderman has been advocating for a roundabout to be placed at Sunny Dell Road and Route 41 in Landenberg.

He has every reason to be concerned; Linderman lives with his family near the proposed White Clay Point development, which if approved, would occupy nearly 200 acres along Route 41 and stretch from Reynolds Road to the south, Sunny Dell Road to the west and Sharp Road to the north. The planned development, submitted by JP Morgan Chase, would include 356 residential units – 182 single-family homes, 60 townhouses and 114 apartments – as well as 95 lots that will be used as town homes and singlefamily homes. The town center would also feature include 222,000 square feet dedicated to commercial development and three mixed-use buildings that will be used for retail, offices and apartments. Two buildings, sized at 26,000

Image courtesy of MTJ Roundabout Engineers

A concept designed recently introduced at a S.A.V.E. webinar on Oct. 26 re-imagines the Route 41-Limestone Road (Route 7) interchange as a location for two roundabouts.

square feet, will include 42 At a presentation held at apartment units each, and the New Garden Township the third, sized at 18,000 Building last December square feet, will include 30 that introduced the White apartments.

Continued on Page 4A

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Kennett Heritage Center...

Continued from Page 1A

of Kennett Square’s history.

Placed on the restaurant’s table tops and on its walls were the archival photographs of the borough and township’s rich past that documented the town’s continuing story of its impact on the Underground Railroad. In addition, it served as a place where the chapter markers of Kennett Square’s most prestigious stakeholders had a lasting shrine.

When Sinclair closed her café a few years ago, she sought to find another home for the story of Kennett Square to carry on its conversation. When

Roundabouts...

Continued from Page 3A

Clay Point preliminary design to township residents, Linderman called for the project to include roundabouts, in an effort to anticipate – and reduce – potential traffic that a development of this kind will cause.

“It was a very high-level sketch design that immediately called for traffic signals, so I asked why they weren’t considering roundabouts,” he said. “Even without that project, a roundabout would make the Sunny Dell Road intersection exponentially safer.”

At the intersection of pros and cons Ask anyone whose job it is to sell Americans on the

Chester County Historic Preservation Coordinator Karen Marshall alerted Sinclair that a house built in 1901 and originally owned

by Dr. Isaac B. Johnson on 120 North Union Street was for sale, Sinclair saw it as a possible full-time home for local history.

With the help of volunteers and continued alliances, the house has become the Kennett Heritage Center, which officially opened on Oct. 24 with a two-hour tour that gave visitors a look inside at what will provide a multi-room overview of three distinct periods in the town’s history: the 1700s, the early 1800s and the late 1800s.

In addition to serving as the official home of the Kennett

Heritage Center, the center also houses the offices of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, with whom the center will collaborate on historical tours of the area, permanent and revolving exhibitions about local history, and special events, such as Juneteenth, that commemorates African American freedom and achievement, and Kennett Occupation Day – the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Brandywine on Sept. 11, 1777.

“When I first looked at the building, I thought that everything that I had arranged at the Sunrise Café would easily transfer here,” Sinclair said. “Working with the center’s board of directors, it has always been

our goal to provide a place for local residents and visitors to go to learn more, and keep the story going.”

Sinclair said that due to COVID-19, the center will be open only on the weekends, but will hopefully be able to extend its hours beginning in 2021.

To learn more about the Kennett Heritage Center, visit www.

KennettHeritageCenter.org, or visit on Facebook.

idea of eschewing the traditional yellow-red-green, stop-and-go of signalized intersections in favor of a circular intersection with the round median in the middle, and they will all agree that the pitch is often a hard one.

In fairness to those reluctant to make the switch, roundabouts are counterintuitive to custom, commanding drivers to yield to any traffic already in the intersection. When traffic clears, it forces them to proceed in a counterclockwise direction around a center median until they veer off in order to follow their chosen exit. For those drivers who wish to choose the last available turn-off exit, they are required to take a 270-degree trip, while also being required to be mindful of crossing

pedestrians, safety strips, bicyclists and the confusion of their fellow drivers.

A flip to the other side of the equation, however, reveals study after study that supports the argument that roundabouts are a much safer alternative – momentary circles of calm against a backdrop of accident-inducing congestion. Since 2010, there has been a more than 90 percent reduction in fatalities and 76 percent reduction in injuries at roundabouts that previously had been used as traditional stops.

Because they force cars to arrive at lower speeds, it correlates to better yielding rates, reduced vehicle stopping distance, and lower risk of collision injuries and fatalities.

Further, their geometric design creates 50 percent

fewer pedestrian-vehicle conflict points than a comparable stop sign or signal-controlled intersection. Roundabouts have also proven to be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists because of shorter crossings and setback crossings.

Despite these generous stacks of evidence, Linderman is keen to the fact that for many Americans raised on the linear rigidity of traditional stop lights, being asked to adapt to a highway of roundabouts is akin to suddenly finding one’s self deep in the thicket of a foreign concept -- and country.

“One of the things we at S.A.V.E. look at is the need to do the right thing to solve the problems that have arisen,” Linderman said. “All too often, big projects come in with grand

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The center will include a room-by-room overview of Kennett Square history that will cover the 1700s through the 1800s.

ideas and traffic studies that say that in order to support the project, that it requires the widening of roads.

“But when you start to introduce roundabouts into the equation as solutions for choke points, you begin to see that you don’t have to widen roads to accommodate volume. You just need to come up with a way to make traffic flow better.”

Conversion from the traditional to the new is a slow process, said Leonard.

Pointing to several roundabout projects that Erdman Anthony has helped to design in Pennsylvania, he reflected that at first, each project was met with skepticism, but gradually turned into acceptance and praise.

“Many have an immediate knee-jerk reaction that says that they don’t like roundabouts,” he said. “They

listen to us explain to them about the safety record of roundabouts, the efficiency of their performance and the fact that they can easily accommodate heavy tricks and farm equipment, and yet they are still reluctant.

“It is change, and change is hard for a lot of people, but we keep plugging away at the concept, and the more examples of successful roundabouts we can incorporate, the more that people realize that they are not as bad as originally anticipated, and that they actually work really well.”

To learn more about these projects, visit PennDOT’s website at www.pa41.com, or S.A.V.E.’s website at www.savepa.org.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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Chester County Press

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Opinion

Editorial

Letters to the Editor

Saluting Andy

Artesian Water clarifies points about use of the Broad Run well

When Chester County voters went to the polls on Tuesday—or completed their ballots at home and mailed them in—there was one familiar name missing from the list of candidates.

State Sen. Andrew Dinniman—known widely in the county simply as “Andy”—is retiring after three decades as a public servant.

Dinniman was already a nearly iconic figure in Chester County politics when he first ran for a State Senate seat representing the 19th District in 2006. By that time, Dinniman had already served as a Chester County Commissioner for 15 years.

That made him the longest-serving commissioner in the county’s history.

Dinniman then won four campaigns for the State Senate even though he was a Democrat in a district that had been electing Republicans for more than a century. While serving in the State Senate, his priorities have included access to education, economic security and job growth, local government control over local issues, environmental protection, historic preservation, and quality-of-life issues.

During his time in public service, whether he was serving as a county commissioner or a state senator, Dinniman has been a tireless worker on behalf of local residents and families. He is always quick to assist local municipalities and Chester County nonprofit organizations with issues of importance.

He is one of the most prominent critics of the Mariner East pipeline system, advocating on behalf of local residents who shared their concerns with him.

During his time as county commissioner, Dinniman helped develop and implement Landscapes, the county’s award-winning open space plan, and he also helped boost the quality of life for residents by advocating for issues like poverty and homelessness. He was always the lone Democrat on the three-person Board of Commissioners, so his willingness to reach across the aisle and work collaboratively with Republicans became one of the hallmarks of his political career. He has never forgotten how to work collaboratively with others to get the job done.

At one time—and for a long time—Dinniman was the standard-bearer for the Democratic Party in this part of the world—winning elections at a time when only Republicans were winning elections at the county level. It says a lot about Andy that he was able to survive—and thrive—in that political climate.

Now, here we are in 2020 and the Democratic Party not only controls the county government, a Democrat occupies the Congressional seat.

By the time you read this, you’ll likely know who won the State Senate race in the 19th District.

We don’t know who won that race, but we do know that they will have big shoes to fill. Andy Dinniman is a Chester County original, and we thank him for his work on behalf of local residents.

Chester County Press Publisher - Randall S. Lieberman

Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations The Chester County Press (USPS 416-500) is published every Wednesday by: AD PRO, Inc., 144 South Jennersville Rd, West Grove, PA 19390 Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 Phone: 610-869-5553 FAX 610-869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8am - 4pm, no weekend hours

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Letter to the Editor: Artesian Water has been in business for 115 years and we have a proven track record of supplying high quality, safe and reliable water to the citizens of New Garden Township, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. The sustainability of use of water resources is at the heart of our business and the service we provide to our customers.

We were heartened to receive the decision of the Commonwealth Court on October 14 allowing us to proceed with development of a well near Broad Run Road in New Garden Township, thus furthering the reliability of water service to those we serve in the Township. However, we feel compelled to address certain misstatements of

fact in the Chester County Press article of October 21 titled “Artesian Water Company Given Approval to Activate Landenberg Well.”

Artesian’s use of the Broad Run well is subject to regulation by the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC). The township does not have any authority over that water allocation, the water withdrawn from the well or Artesian’s use of the well. To be clear, consistent with established law and legal precedent, Artesian has never agreed to be subject to inapplicable township ordinances.

The DRBC’s allocation is contingent on testing and monitoring using an expert to confirm there is no harm to other area wells. While citizens such as Save Our Water have expressed fears of water shortages, there is

no data to substantiate those concerns and the township itself acknowledged in a filing to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission that the Broad Run well can produce the water allocated to Artesian.

Artesian also wants it to be clear that it is the township, not Artesian, who determines whether and where future non-utility development is permitted. If the township permits future residential development, Artesian can provide treated water, reliable service, and fire hydrant protection that is clearly superior to reliance on private wells.

But, again, whether development occurs at all is not Artesian’s call; it is solely within the purview of the township.

So, why does Artesian want to place this well into service? To assure the

reliability our customers expect and deserve. Our customers in New Garden Township and nearby northern Delaware are currently served by more distant sources of supply.

Activating the Broad Run well will give them a much warranted additional closer source of supply.

Artesian provides a service that is essential for the health and safety of its customers, and is exceptionally sensitive to matters of environmental concern. Unless we use water sustainably, Artesian would be out of business. We look forward to being a good neighbor constructively working with the township for the benefit of its citizens.

Dian C. Taylor Artesian Water Chair, President, and CEO

County Commissioners approve $3.5 million in COVID-19 grants for local nonprofits Recognizing the importance of the nonprofit sector to the high quality of life throughout the region, the Chester County Commissioners approved the allocation of $3.5 million to help Chester County nonprofits recover from the impact of COVID-19. The Restore Chester County: Nonprofit Innovation & Resiliency Fund will be administered by the Chester County Community Foundation, with input from regional funders, United Ways, and Chester County government departments.

This funding is made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “Our Commissioners understand the role of nonprofits in a vital community, and they have the sophistication to obtain CARES Act funding before it is depleted.

We are extremely fortunate here in Chester County to have such dedicated and savvy public servants,” said Karen Simmons, President/ CEO of the Community Foundation.

On behalf of the County Commissioners, Chair Marian Moskowitz noted, “This fund helps nonprofits deal with COVID-19

Courtesy photo

The Chester County Commissioners and Chester County Community Foundation members in front of the historic Lincoln Building in West Chester.

impacts on so many levels.

Nonprofits serving heightened basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter can get more support. Nonprofits serving seniors and youths can get help reshaping programs.

Environmental nonprofits experiencing higher outdoor usage levels as a result of COVID-19 can benefit.

And this will help arts, culture and historic preservation nonprofits figure out how to get up and running again, to safely bring back audiences, attract tourism, and engage and inspire all

of us.”

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations located within Chester County since at least 2017 are encouraged to apply for funding. This is a competitive, time-sensitive grants process. Grant decisions will be made weekly by the Community Foundation, on an ongoing basis.

High priority will be given to nonprofits that 1) provide clear evidence of how they aim to/are reshaping their programs, services, and administration in order to safely provide services and

thrive in light of COVID-19 impacts; 2) have substantial costs to comply with COVID-19 public health requirements and 3) serve a diverse constituency, and are governed and managed by diverse leadership.

To obtain grant guidelines and submit applications, visit the Chester County Community Foundation at www.chescocf.org or c h e s c o c f . o rg / f u n d / t h e chester-county-nonprofitinnovation-resiliency-fund/.

Email questions and applications to grants@chescocf. org.

Dinniman: Over $2 million in emergency relief going to Chester County elementary, secondary schools Eleven school districts in Chester County will receive over $2 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, state Senator Andy Dinniman announced last week.

The funds, part of a $49.8 million statewide program, will help school districts with costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our schools have been waiting for these funds for months, and it’s good news that they’ll be dispersed

to help our foundational institutions in their time of greatest need,” said Dinniman, who serves as Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

“With the emergency relief, schools will be better equipped to address some of the financial issues gripping our education system today.”

In May 2020, the General Assembly approved $200 million in funding for school entities. $150 million, which came from the CARES distribution, has

already been distributed to schools. The remaining $49.8 million from ESSER was on hold, awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Education.

The school districts in Chester County receiving funds are as follows: Avon Grove: $169,077 Coatesville: $267,717 Downingtown: $406,587 Great Valley: $139,105 Kennett Consolidated: $120,996 Octorara Area: $66,851 Oxford Area: $112,488

Phoenixville: $133,548 TredyffrinEasttown: $223,652 Unionville Chadds-Ford: $115,554 West Chester: $377,181 School districts will be asked to reapply to PCCD once the funding announcement opens in order to get their distribution. These funds are not competitive and will be awarded as required by statute to school districts based off the average daily membership of the school district.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Sappey, Dinniman join Wolf in calling for protection of Affordable Care Act

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In remarks he made at the New Garden Township Park last month, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf called for the preservation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), in order to continue to protect Pennsylvania residents who have ACA coverage as the state enters the flu season and as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the commonwealth.

Wolf said that the expedient manner in which President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans secured the judicial nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court are expected to have significant implications to the future of ACA, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.

Barrett's appointment to the Supreme Court has further tilted the conservative majority of the court to 6-3, and she will join her fellow judges on Nov. 10 in hearing oral arguments for a Trump administration-backed lawsuit that aims to strike down the ACA. If the program is repealed, the decision would eliminate the health

coverage plan for about 20 million Americans, including one million residents who live in Pennsylvania.

Loss of the ACA could severely impact the health of Pennsylvanians, Gov. Wolf said, especially those with pre-existing conditions, who are only guaranteed coverage due to provisions in the ACA, and who are at greater risk to contract COVID19. COVID-19 has also been shown to have longterm negative effects on the health of some COVID patients, which could result in additional Pennsylvanians with chronic, pre-existing conditions in the wake of this pandemic.

Further, Wolf said that the safeguards and preparations that Pennsylvania has taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 could be negated if the ACA is repealed and emergency rooms are overrun again with visits for health care that could be easily taken care of in a primary care physician’s office. A repeal of ACA would also cut off access to important preventative services by making this care unaffordable to vulnerable populations.

“Pennsylvanians have a right to affordable and accessible health care, and

I have always made it a priority to uphold that right,” Gov. Wolf said. “But good health care is even more important heading into flu season, in the middle of a pandemic, while cases of COVID-19 are starting to slowly rise again.

“When Pennsylvanians are unable to afford health care coverage, it puts their lives and health at risk, and without the health care coverage the ACA provides, Pennsylvanians may not be able to seek the preventive care that protects them and minimizes their vulnerability to more serious threats to their health, such as COVID.” Gov. Wolf has also called on Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey to uphold his own precedent from four years ago, and hold off on voting for a Supreme Court nominee until after the general election.

During his remarks in Landenberg, Wolf was joined by State Rep. Christina Sappey, state Sen. Andy Dinniman, and representatives from local health care organizations.

“I’m honored Governor Wolf was able to join us in New Garden Township today to talk about affordable and accessible healthcare,” Sappey said.

“Our families currently have a lot on their plates,

Courtesy photo

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf visited New Garden Township Park in October to call for the protection of the Affordable Care Act. Pictured with Gov. Wolf are Milena Oberti-Lanz, executive director of the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County; state Rep. Christina Sappey; and state Sen. Andy Dinniman.

but access to healthcare should not be one of their concerns. We should be doing everything we can to remove barriers and to promote good health. Healthy communities are strong communities.”

“In the face of ongoing uncertainty in the fight against COVID-19 and the beginning of our economic recovery, Pennsylvanians and families deserve to know they can count on their health care,” Dinniman said. “The economic toll of repealing or weakening the Affordable Care Act would be significant. The human impact would be devastating. We

must stand together to protect and support the ACA at the very time when Pennsylvanians need it the most.”

A repeal of the ACA would have a devastating effect on Pennsylvania families and their children, said Milena Oberti-Lanz, executive director of Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County (MCHC).

“We understand that the safety net that the ACA provides to Pennsylvania’s families is critical,” she said. “As a communitybased organization, MCHC is certainly convinced of the necessity of the ACA.

Throughout our health insurance enrollment program and home visiting programs, we talk with parents every day about their children’s and other family member’s health needs.

“One of the reasons more children are covered is because their parents are now covered. One of the most effective strategies to reach eligible but uninsured children is for their parents to have coverage, which the ACA made possible for many Pennsylvanians.”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Operation Warm – a local non-profit with national impact

Courtesy photo

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats for children in need.

Operation Warm was founded by Chadds Ford native Dick Sanford in 1998 to counter one of the most overlooked hardships of childhood poverty: the lack of adequate winter clothing.

Over the last 20 years, through partnerships with individuals, community organizations, and corporations across North America, the Glen Mills-based nonprofit has provided over 3.5 million brand-new winter coats to children who live in need across the U.S. and Canada.

“Through serving millions of children in need across North America, we have seen that a brand-new coat offers a child physical and emotional warmth,

confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future,” said Sanford.

As a result of the COVID19 crisis, the need for coats has increased exponentially this year. Operation Warm received 180,000 requests for coats via their online Wish List last year, but this year nearly 300,000 children are already waiting for coats - and it’s only November.

Like most nonprofits, Operation Warm pours everything they have into their mission – 94 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to coat programs.

These are uncertain times for all of us, but one certainty remains: low-income families will be the hardest

hit by the effects of the pandemic on our economy.

Before COVID-19, one in five children in America lived in poverty, since then millions of Americans have filed for unemployment. As COVID-related financial support expires, Operation Warm is calling on the generosity of donors to will help fulfill wishes for coats for kids on the Wish List - kids in foster care, homeless shelters, and other urgent need situations.

To donate visit www. operationwarm.org/donate or send a check to: Operation Warm Inc. PO Box 822431 Philadelphia, PA 19182-2431

Avon Grove Charter School ranks among the top 15 percent of charter schools in 2020-2021 Niche Rankings Avon Grove Charter School has been ranked in the top 15 percent of charter schools in the Niche Rankings for the 2020-2021 school year.

Additionally, Avon Grove Charter School ranked in the top two percent of Best Public High School Teachers in the Country rankings and number two for Best Public High School Teachers in Chester County.

Bryan Brutto, the Chief Academic Officer for the Avon Grove Charter School, commented, “This year’s Niche rankings are a testament to the hard work of our teachers, staff and administrators over

the last year and during a global pandemic.

Our school is blessed with a devoted staff, supportive community, and amazing students who all contribute to the ongoing success and academic excellence at Avon Grove Charter School.”

Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of data and reviews, and provide comprehensive data on U.S. public and private K-12 schools and districts. These rankings place Avon Grove Charter School as the fourth-best Charter School for middle schools and high schools and fifth-best Charter School for elementary schools in Pennsylvania.

Courtesy image

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Chester County Press

Obituaries WILLIAM CHARLES HAID, JR.

JACOB J. ORBON, SR.

BRENDA LEE STEWART

William Charles Haid, Jr., a resident of Avondale, passed away on Oct. 25 at Christiana Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was 77.

Bill was the loving husband of Joanne Mary Haid (Madden) and they shared 54 years of happiness together.

In addition to his wife, Joanne, Bill is survived by his son William Charles Haid, III and his wife Susan (Carman) Haid.

Bill was the doting grandfather to Amanda Haid and Thomas Haid and never missed an opportunity to spoil them.

Born in 1943 in Philadelphia, Bill was the son of the late William Charles Haid, Sr. and Dolores Haid (Cavanaugh).

Bill was predeceased by his brother Terence and his sister Teresa. He is survived by his three sisters, Jane Wisniewski, Andrea Thomas and Susan Brennan, as well as many adored nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Father Judge High School and continued his education at Villanova University. After college, he served in the Army National Guard for six years. His studies led him to a career as a recreation therapist for the state of Pennsylvania.

Bill loved watching his Philadelphia sports teams and was an avid fan of Villanova basketball. He also enjoyed many hobbies including model trains, stamp collecting, genealogy research and reading about history. He traveled all over the world with Joanne and especially enjoyed visiting Normandy, France. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends and he will be sorely missed.

A mass was held on Oct. 30 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in West Grove.

Interment followed at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Father Judge High School, 3300 Solly Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Jacob J. Orbon, Sr. passed away quietly while in hospice care in West Chester on Oct. 20.

He is the son of Jacob Edward Orbon and Constance (Wobles) Orbon.

He was surrounded by family during his last days. He had been a resident of the Pocopson Home since 2017.

Jacob was born in Nanticoke, Pa. and lived there until he joined the Armed Forces in 1947.

He served in Alaska as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He married Kathryn in 1954 in Plymouth, Pa. He spent the years of 1957 to 1964 in Hellertown and Bethlehem, Pa. Then he moved with his family to Towson, Md. in 1964 and stayed there until 1976. At that time, he moved to Kennett Square and lived out the rest of his life with brief interludes of management positions in steel companies in the U.S. He then started an executive placement business in Kennett Square.

He is predeceased by his parents and three siblings and the mother of his five children, Kathryn Orbon.

He is survived by two sisters, Martha Orbon, and Rita Pitrelli of Sydney, OH. He is also survived by five children, Karen Lane of Philadelphia, Jay Orbon of Los Gatos, CA, Michael Orbon of Bynum, N.C., Jan Orbon of Wilmington, Del., and John Orbon of Berkeley, CA. There are 12 surviving grandchildren and one greatgrandson and a partner of 20 years, Guille Opdenaker.

Jacob studied chemistry at Scranton University and concentrated with special studies in metallurgy. He earned graduate credits from UMBC and Loyola College in Maryland in both science and business courses. He was a top student and therefore gained access to the loop course in metallurgy at Bethlehem Steel.

He was employed by numerous steel companies, including Bethlehem Steel, Lukens Steel, and Lone Star Steel.

Jacob took great pride in the accomplishments of his children. He always expressed that, “You can be whatever you want to be” because he knew what it was like to start as the son of a coal miner, choose to be educated, and then pursue a new path.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

Please visit Mr. Orbon’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

On Oct. 22, Brenda Lee Stewart, a loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 58 after a long battle with various cancers.

Brenda was born on June 27, 1962, in West Chester, Pa., to James Wesley and Joyce Nell (Cox) Martin.

Brenda attended Oxford Area High School and graduated from Kennett High School. Brenda worked at Hank’s Place in Chadds Ford as a waitress, where she eventually met her loving husband, Allen.

Brenda graduated from Keystone School and worked as an office manager at Media Fuel for several years.

Brenda went back to waitressing and worked at Fast and Fancy in Media. She was known for her kind and hardworking attitude and could treat the best and the worst with grace.

Brenda worked at Walmart in Kennett Square as part of the deli and bakery team. She enjoyed decorating cakes and giving children a free cookie or two.

Brenda loved reading and watching television, especially “Downton Abbey.” She shared her love of “Downton Abbey” with her then-12-year old daughter, and they watched new episodes every Sunday night. Brenda loved to drink Taster’s Choice instant coffee and wash it down with an icy Coke. Brenda judged her husband and daughter for drinking too much Starbucks.

Brenda loved to cook and bake. She was the Martha Stewart of American comfort foods—meatloaf, grilled cheese, crab soup, chicken and dumplings. Her banana bread was always a crowd-pleaser.

Brenda had a soft spot in her heart for animals, especially cats. She always had a cat by her side and never would let an animal go hungry. Brenda also had a deep caring for the needy and participated in many acts of giving. Each year, she loved to provide needy children with clothes and toys through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. She frequently volunteered at Bethany Christian School and helped young students with reading and math.

Brenda was preceded in death by her father, James, and her mother, Joyce. Brenda was also preceded in death by her loving nephew, Bobby, whom she had held near and dear to her heart.

Brenda is survived by her husband, Allen and her daughter, Emily; her brother, Robert Cox; her sisters, Sylvia Jean Norris; Judy Martin Swisher and her husband, Robert; Jacqueline Giobbe and her husband, Jesse; Barbara Ann Holcomb and her husband, Ronald and one daughter, Stephanie. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

A contactless celebration of life will take place on Nov. 7 at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 2483 Baltimore, Pike, Oxford. Visitation will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., and the service will start promptly at 11:30 a.m. Please wear face coverings and follow CDC recommendations. Those who feel unwell or uncomfortable are encouraged to attend the service over Livestream.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Please visit http://givingpages. upenn.edu/RememberingBrenda.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. To view the online tribute, visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www. chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

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Hebrews 11:1 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

We are offering a special discount of 25% off each and every help wanted/ classified advertisement to any business that advertises on the PRESS church page.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Regional police department soon to unveil picture card set

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For generations of sports card collectors, every piece of cover weight stock in their stash contains a twosided glimpse into the world of each player.

While the front reveals the contours of his profile, the reverse side offers the collector an abridged biography – a quirky rundown of achievements, statistics and hobbies. Each card serves as a cumulative resume, a portfolio, and a window -slightly cracked open -- into one man’s job and life.

Under the large umbrella of Community Policing, law enforcement units across the United States have incorporated picture cards into their mission, as a method of sharing the sto-

ries of their officers with the public they serve.

At the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD), a fresh and gleaming set of 25 cards profiling its officers and various units is about to roll off the printing press and into circulation.

The issuance of the cards could not be more perfectly timed, SCCRPD Lieutenant Joseph Greenwalt said.

“We had initially talked about creating picture cards in 2017, but what brought the idea to fruition this year was the lack of interaction we were having with our communities this year,” said Greenwalt, who saw several of the department’s events wiped away this year as a result of COVID-19.

“We were looking for ways to enhance our relation-

ships, and while many of our other community policing projects took a back seat because of the coronavirus, this project was something we could work on in-house.

“Given COVID-19’s impact on the opening and closing of schools, this project will also give many schoolchildren something to look forward to, as well. They’re having limited social interaction. It’s a two-fer; we get to find a way to reach into the community and it gives kids a cool project to be involved in.”

The SCCRPD’s picture cards -- which have been funded through a sponsorship with Basciani Foods, Inc. -- are being produced by the Aston-based Choice Sports Cards, a leader in the sports card industry

and the maker of promotional products for leagues, franchises, businesses and industries. In addition to the regional police department, the company is also printing picture cards for police departments in West Whiteland Township, West Chester Borough and West Goshen Township.

“We arranged for a photographer to take photos of the members of the regional police department over a two-day period, at various places in southern Chester County,” said Choice Sports Card Operation and Logistics Manager Tom Van Horn. “We then sent them a bio template and asked them to write a short bio message – what they enjoy doing, where their career started – as well as a brief message of encouragement.

“I’ve spoken to many police officers in the past couple of months, and they are telling me that a lot of community members – especially children – don’t know who their police officers are, so they can’t make any personal connection with them,” Van Horn added. “These cards showcase the soft side of police officers, and demonstrate that they are just like everyone else.”

Greenwalt said that the SCCRPD plans to issue the cards intermittently over a six-month period at locations and times that will be made available on the department’s social media

The Southern Chester County Regional Police Department is about to begin issuing its own trading cards, in keeping with a commitment to strengthening the relationship with the communities the department serves.

page.

“Officers will announce their location where the community can pick up his or her particular card, and many others will also be issued throughout local schools,” he said. “For those who collect the entire set, they will receive age-appropriate participation prizes and will also be eligible to receive a grand prize.”

On the back of each SCCRPD picture card is a quote chosen by each officer that is intended to serve as an inspiration for the hundreds of children whose curiosity will lead them to want to know more about the officer whose photograph is on the other side.

On Greenwalt’s card, he has chosen the following message: “The only way to influence your future is to

Courtesy photos

Sponsored by Basciani Foods, Inc., the regional police department’s cards include a brief biography of each officer or unit, as well as an inspirational message.

start creating it now.”

“These cards will be used to help form friendships meant to last a lifetime, so what better way to personalize a police officer than with a personalized card?”

Greenwalt said. “Hopefully, these friendships will be formed with someone who is a positive role model, and enable the communities we serve to see police in a different light.”

To learn more about Choice Sports Cards, visit www.choicesportscards. com.

To visit the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department website, visit www.newgarden.org/ sccrpd.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Kennett High School announces three National Merit Semifinalists Dr. Jeremy Hritz, principal of Kennett High School, announced that seniors Rio King, Kiley Larkin, and McKenna Norton have been named National Merit Semifinalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Over 1.5 million juniors from about 21,000 high schools entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship program by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants, according to a National Merit

Scholarship Corporation publication. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors. This year there are approximately 16,000 Semifinalists.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist must submit a detailed scholarship application, including academic record,

participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

All three of Kennett’s Semifinalists boast exceptional credentials in each of these areas.

Rio King has participated in a wide variety of activities at Kennett. He ran cross country and played clarinet in the marching band; he was a member of the frisbee club and the captain of the academic team. However, Rio cites his involvement with the Kennett Robotics team as an electrical team

leader for three years and the current vice president as his most meaningful experience, as it provided him with the opportunity to combine his greatest passions and strongest skills.

Rio has also served as an intern for Phase Sensitive Innovations and AIM Research Company.

Kiley Larkin has a similarly broad list of activities in which she not only participates but leads her peers. She was elected vice president of her class and sits on student council.

She plays soccer both for Kennett, where she serves

as team captain, and the Southern Chester County Soccer Association. For several years, Kiley has participated in the Humanitarian Club, Mini-Thon, UNICEF, Big Sisters/Little Sisters, Model UN, Badminton Club, and Medicine Club, while dedicating herself outside school to dance and the piano. Kiley is a talented artist, having displayed pieces in the Chester County Art Show for the past three years.

Finally, McKenna Norton has also compiled an impressive resume of

extracurriculars at Kennett.

She ran on both the track and cross country teams, serving as team captain this fall, and was elected to officer positions on the Student Council for three consecutive years; she is a talented cellist, playing in the orchestra, string ensemble, and the pit for KHS’s spring musicals; she speaks Spanish and Chinese. The Humanitarian Club, Mock Trial, Academic Team, and Reading Olympics, along with the volunteer hours she dedicates to several organizations in the community, round out McKenna’s days.

Chester County 50plus EXPO returns—virtually Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Chester County 50plus EXPO — a free event for seniors, baby boomers and caregivers — has been rescheduled and transformed into an all-virtual online event to be held Nov.

5 to 8 at 50plusExpoPA. com.

The 17th annual Chester County 50plus EXPO will be held online from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 8. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to “reenter”

the EXPO multiple times at their leisure.

Hosted by OLP Events, the 50plus EXPO will enable attendees to connect one-on-one — virtually — with exhibitors in health and wellness, retirement living, finance, leisure,

travel, home improvement and more.

From the safety and comfort of home, guests can also enjoy both live and prerecorded seminars, demonstrations and entertainment and will be eligible for prizes.

Performers over age 50 are encouraged to submit prerecorded performances for the Talent Showcase and writers over 50 are invited to submit an essay, narrative or poem for the Writing Showcase.

Both online showcases

will be highlighted during the 50plus EXPOs. Sponsors include 50plus LIFE, BusinessWoman magazine and Independence Blue Cross.

For more information, call 717-285-1350 or visit www.50plusExpoPA.com.

a 3/4 inch diameter by 12 inch tall iron pin found marking the northwest corner of this, the northeast corner of said land of Alvin R. Johnson and set in the line of land of J. Albert Featherman; thence along said land of Featherman (2) North 46 degrees 36 minutes 21 seconds East 108.31 feet to an iron pin set marking the northeast corner of this and the northwest corner of land of Joseph D. and Ruth A. Furches; thence along said land of Furches (3) South 16 degrees 41 minutes 00 seconds East crossing over a 1 inch diameter iron pin found 15.32 feet from aforementioned center line of Shadyside Road, a total distance of 331.69 feet to a point in said center line of Shadyside Road marking the southeast corner of this and the southwest corner of said land of Furches; thence along said center line of Shadyside Road (4) South 74 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds West 101.45 feet to the point and place of beginning.

BEING the same premises which Yvonne R. Johnson by Deed dated December 29, 1988 and recorded in Chester County, in Record Book 1405 page 263 conveyed unto Becky J. Andriole, her heirs and assigns.

Legals SUMMONS BY CITATION

DATE: SEP 2 1, 2020, Case No. CU20-120 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: R & J EQUINE KINETICS, INC. a.k.a.

RJ EQUINE KINETICS, INC. JENNIFER CO BURN, R ACHEL MITCHELL and DOES 1 TO 25.

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: ALTURAS RANCHES, LLC NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo .ca.gov/selfhelp), your

county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org) , the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) , or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. Alturas Ranches vs. R & J Equine Kinetics The name and address of the court is: MODOC SUPERIOR COURT, 205 SOUTH EAST STREET ALTURAS,

CA 96101 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: TOM GIFFORD, Esq., Law Office of Tom Gifford 113 W. North Street, Alturas, CA 96101 (530) 233-3100, RONDA GYSIN, Clerk, Tamitha Martin, Deputy 10p-28-4t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 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 21st, 2020.

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. 20-11-348 Writ of Execution No. 2020-01854 DEBT $40,143.95 ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land of improved ground with buildings erected thereon situate on the north side of Shadyside Road (T-309) northeast of its intersection with Forge Road in East Nottingham Township, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania according to a survey by Concord Land Planners and Surveyors, Oxford, PA being Plan Number 8861 dated August 21, 1988 and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the centerline of Shadyside Road (T-309) marking the southwest corner of this and the southeast corner of land of Alvin R. Johnson; thence leaving said centerline of Shadyside Road and along said land of Alvin R. Johnson (1) North 15 degrees 43 minutes 45 seconds West crossing over a 1 inch diameter iron pin found 8.34 feet from center line of Shadyside Road, a total distance of 281.55 feet to

CONTAINING 30,327 square feet BEING Chester County Tax Parcel 69-5-30

PLAINTIFF: McCormick 112, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Emma J. Stewart A/K/A E. Jean Stewart Blount SALE ADDRESS: 1020 a/k/a 1702 Shadyside Road, East Nottingham Township (Oxford), PA 19363 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: BRIAN J. SCHAFFER 610-994-1137 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 10p-28-3t

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Oxford Rotary Club honors Hannon and Lombardi as Seniors of the Month

Oxford Area High School students Turner Hannon and Gabriella Lombardi were recently honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for October.

Turner, the son of Tricia and Tim Hannon, is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. He is a four-year member of the high school’s team in the Chester County Academic Competition, competing on the varsity as a junior and senior, as well as a member of the OAHS team in the Chester County Quiz Bowl.

Since second grade, Turner has been a member of each of his school’s teams in the Chester County Envirothon.

As a sophomore, he and the Envirothon team members

were among several students and club members who planted approximately 450 trees on the school campus, creating a natural barrier to keep pollutants from seeping into Little Elk Creek.

Turner is currently enrolled in AP U.S. History and AP Calculus. He has previously taken AP math for economics and AP environmental science, scoring 5’s in both exams. He was the first Oxford sophomore to take AP calculus and scored a 5 on the exam.

Turner was recently named a Commended Student in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the United States were recognized for placing among the top 50,000 scorers of the more than 1.6

million students who entered the competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

After graduation, Turner plans to attend college to study actuarial science. His choices include Lebanon Valley College, the University of Pittsburgh and Arcadia and West Chester universities.

Gabriella, the daughter of Sue and Rich Lombardi, is a member and historian of National Honor Society and treasurer of the Spanish National Honor Society, as well as a member of National English Honor Society. She is a member of the Helping Hands and LEOs community service clubs.

As a junior, Gabriella was named the high school’s

recipient of the 2020 Widener University/NBC10 High School Leadership Award, which recognizes high school students in the Philadelphia region who embody the university’s commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. Those who receive the award have been recognized for their ability to demonstrate courage by standing up for what is right, finding a way to address a wrong or making a difference in a significant way.

Gabriella has participated on competitive cheer teams for 14 years, and is in her third year as coach of the Junior 1 team at KX Athletics in West Grove. At KX Athletics, she served as a “buddy” to a special needs cheer student for two years.

At age 16, Gabriella was

Courtesy photo

Oxford Area High School students Turner Hannon and Gabriella Lombardi were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for October. From left are Rotary Club president Carey Bresler, Sue and Gabriella Lombardi and Turner, Tricia and Tim Hannon.

diagnosed with lymphoma.

She underwent four rounds of chemotherapy and on Nov. 1 reached one year that her cancer has been in remission.

Gabriella is enrolled in AP biology, AP statistics, and

AP English. She is taking Spanish V and previously took Latin III. Gabriella is currently undecided about her plans after graduation, but is looking forward to a bright future.

CCIU Board of Directors appoints Gerhard as assistant executive director The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Board of Directors appointed Dr. Steve Gerhard as its assistant executive director at a virtual Board meeting held on Oct. 21.

“We are extremely excited for Dr. Gerhard to join our team at the IU,” said CCIU Executive Director Dr. George F. Fiore. “Dr. Gerhard’s proven leadership and extensive experience in supporting students will be a great asset to Chester County and all that we serve. I am looking forward to working with Dr. Gerhard and how he will accelerate the CCIU’s vision and mission.”

Gerhard has served as the superintendent of the Governor Mifflin School

District in Berks County since 2015. In this role, Gerhard championed the development and strategic efforts of district leadership and staff to improve social, emotional and academic programs for students and families.

“It is an honor and a privilege to join the Chester County Intermediate Unit in service to the students and staff,” said Gerhard. “The high-quality staff, visionary leadership, exceptional quality of service and vast array of educational programming are among the many characteristics that make the CCIU a community and educational service exemplar model in the state of Pennsylvania.”

Gerhard will begin his

duties as CCIU assistant executive director on Jan. 4, 2021.

“Going forward, it will be a team effort between Dr. Fiore, Dr. Gerhard and CCIU administrative leadership,” said Bonnie Wolff, CCIU board president. “I am confident that Dr. Fiore and the CCIU division directors will share their organizational knowledge with Dr. Gerhard to ensure that his transition from superintendent to IU assistant executive director is a smooth one.”

Gerhard has more than two decades of experience in educational leadership.

In his nearly 30 years working in public education, he has built a strong reputation for successfully coaching

leadership teams toward strategic and measurable growth goals grounded in community service and future-focused education.

Before taking on the role of superintendent at Governor Mifflin School District, Gerhard served as an assistant superintendent in both the Wilson School District and Twin Valley School District where he worked to develop his mentoring style while leading dynamic administrative teams and implementing programs that resulted in academic gains. As the director of professional development for discovery education, Gerhard collaborated with school leaders nationwide in meaningful implementation of classroom technology.

Gerhard has a proven track record of engaging and partnering with external stakeholders in the public and private sectors to help achieve shared community goals and build efficiency in practice. He is a strong advocate for excellence while maintaining fiscal stewardship. In addition to being an active member of his school community, he has served the larger educational community as an educator in residence for Alvernia University, a certified facilitator for the National Institute for School Leadership’s Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership Program, chair of the Berks County School District’s Health Trust and as a member of the

Courtesy photo

The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Board of Directors appointed Dr. Steve Gerhard as its assistant executive director at a virtual Board meeting held on Oct. 21.

Berks Business Education Coalition.

Gerhard earned his doctorate in educational and leadership administration from Immaculata University.

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union commemorates 50 Years Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) celebrates 50 years of serving members in the Greater Philadelphia region this year.

Chartered on March 30, 1970, FMFCU began as a credit union serving one partner organization — The Franklin Mint (Collectibles) Company. Today, the Credit Union has 2,500 partner groups, 110,000 members, 350 employees, and 17 fullservice branches.

“At every turn and in whatever decade, FMFCU maintained a singular focus across the organization,” explained president and CEO Michael B. Magnavita, CPA. “We improve the lives of members through financial education, products, retail delivery channels, and exceptional member service at every touch point.”

Over 50 years, FMFCU has captured many local and national awards, including Federal Credit Union of the Year by National Association of Federal Credit Unions. The Credit Union has been applauded for its commitment to financial literacy through its Community Education and Adult Education Departments, building a financial literacy center, and sponsorship of Delco

Hi-Q, the oldest continuous academic quiz competition in the United States.

“Back in 1970, there were 26,000 credit unions in this country,” said Magnavita.

“Currently, there are 5,349.

FMFCU is proud to be one of them and growing with each passing year.”

FMFCU surpassed one billion dollars in total assets as of June 30, 2016, pres-

ently ranking ninth in asset size in Pennsylvania among credit unions.

“Achieving one billion dollars in total assets was important,” said Magnavita.

“It reaffirmed our dedicated program of growth and diversification that resulted in strategic increases in assets, membership, products, and services over time.

FMFCU also formed

two Credit Union Service Organizations that continue impacting the credit union industry. In 1986, FMFCU formed State Financial Network, LLC to offer mortgages and services to other credit unions and their members. More recently in 2013, the Credit Union Network for Financial Literacy was created to offer The Berenstain Bears

Financial Literacy Program to credit unions.

“It is because of the loyalty and support of our members FMFCU has reached this 50-year milestone,” said Magnavita. “Despite

ebbs and flows of the economy and financial industry over five decades, FMFCU has remained committed to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals.”

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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