Township may soon back out of delayed land easement deal
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
On Feb. 23, 2015, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to enter into negotiations to purchase the 178-acre Green Valley Farm in the township for $2.3 million, for the purpose of placing a conservation easement on it.
More than 15 months later, the deal has yet to be finalized, a delay that has prompted a few township officials to express concern that the township is committing big bucks to an agreement that has become known more for its tardiness than its potential. At the board’s meeting
on May 16, supervisor Pat
Little – the most vocal opponent of the Green Valley Farm easement – requested that the board enter into a motion to reconsider the easement deal, at its next meeting on June 20. The board agreed to the motion.
The site is currently owned in part by former supervisor Warren Reynolds, who began discussions with the township’s Open Space Review Board three years ago, for the purpose of preserving the land in perpetuity.
Little first suggested this motion at the board’s Jan. 19 meeting, but withdrew the motion after Tom Johnson and George Elser, attorneys representing the Reynolds family, spent 45 minutes explaining the reasons for the delay, and telling the supervisors that a final agreement would be reached by the end of February.
Johnson called the
U-CF School Board votes for 2.7 percent millage increase
By John Chambless Staff Writer
The good news at the May 16 meeting of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board was that extra money had been discovered that could amend the tax increase for Chester County for the coming year. The debate was focused on how
to allocate the savings.
District superintendent John Sanville explained to the board how the recommended weighted tax increase proposed by the administration on Monday night had gone from 2.88 percent to 2.47 percent.
“The 2.88 percent budget included the use of $193,000 in fund balance
was the administration’s recommendation on May 2. Since that time, there has been a realization of other savings across a number of categories,” Sanville said.
“It’s been shared with the board. Those areas include an increase in state funding through the basic education funding formula, the Continued on Page 2A
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Among the more than 1,500 competitors, race organizers and volunteers who participated in the 27th annual Kennett Run last Saturday, it was likely that every one of them fell asleep on Friday evening to the sound of pelting rain, the chorus of which implied
an ominous forecast for the morning after. While there is no firm proof that Race Gods exist, some form of a higher being, perhaps an empathetic presence clad in running shoes, gifted Kennett Square with a clear blue sky that held strong throughout the start of several races, and at Anson B. Nixon Park, Continued on Page 2A Annual event draws 1,300 competitors
By Uncle Irvin
The new board of directors of the Kennett Public Library, under new president Tom Swett, has unfortunately decided that pursuing a new name is more important than fundraising.
Hiring a paid consultant to come up with a new name will not get the library a new, larger home with ample free parking. To that end, it was premature to spend
Continued on Page 3A
Eight organizations and individuals receive Citizen Recognition Awards in Oxford
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The police officers in the Oxford Police Department, Police Corporal Scott Brown, Randy Teel, Family Promise of Chester County, David Ogino, Reba Webb, Janis Walker, and the Relay for Life of Oxford were all honored with Citizen Recognition Awards at the May 16 Oxford Borough Council meeting.
“What a wonderful gathering!” Mayor Geoff Henry exclaimed as he looked around the room filled with people supporting this year’s recipients.
Henry said that handing out the Citizen Recognition
Awards is always one of the highlights of the year. He established the Citizen Recognition Awards in 2006 as a way to recognize the individuals, businesses,
and organizations that have made positive contributions to the Borough of Oxford and its citizens. The entire community is invited to Continued on Page 8A
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Beneath a sunny sky, the 27th annual Kennett Run drew more than 1,300 competitors on May 14.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw New Garden Township supervisor Pat Little
Photo by Steven Hoffman
The recipients of this year’s Citizen Recognition Awards include (front row) The Relay for Life of Oxford—Ralph Greer, Jane Freeman, and Christine Bennett; Janis Walker; Reba Webb; and Mayor Geoff Henry; and (back row) The Family Promise of Southern Chester County—Wes Bowers and Annalie Korengel, Randy Teel, David Ogino, Scott Brown, and The Oxford Borough Police Department—John Slauch.
Kennett Run...
Continued from Page 1A
where a party was held to honor the community.
Christopher Daney, the new president of the Kennett Run, woke up on May 14 at about 4:30 in the morning, and by the time he arrived at the Kennett Area YMCA for the annual Joe Hector PoweRun, the skies above were clear.
“We set the course up on Friday afternoon and it was drizzling a little bit, and all week, (Race Director) J.J. Simon and I were checking the weather, and getting kind of wor-
property tax reduction allocation which the state had previously not provided, and an interest earnings savings of $50,000. We’ve had additional retiremenats, which has realized some savings. And there’s a reduction in the funding of a strategic plan. All of those changes result in a change in the budget, which is noted in the most recent options here. So what you have now is a discussion wrapped around what to do with those ‘found savings,’ for lack of a better term.”
Board member Michael Rock said, “When we started the budget conversations, we asked the administration to come forward with its proposed budget. And you did that. You came with a proposal of 2.88 percent. Since then, some members of the board have not been happy with that, and so the proposal we have before us
ried about Friday and Saturday,” Daney said. “Whenever you put on an outside activity, you’re always hoping for a perfect day, and hope everything goes step by step. You couldn’t wish for a better event.”
“(The Kennett Run) is not only a great way to kick off the spring, it’s a fun event, but obviously, the support of the local non profits is huge,” said Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick. “It’s great in so many ways, but there’s a huge contribution back to those non profits.”
The Kennett Run – and its partnering organization,
is not the administration’s proposal. It’s the proposal of one or more members of the board who wanted to push the tax rate down. It’s important to state that that’s what happened.”
Board president Victor Dupuis responded, “That’s not entirely accurate. What is happening is our original budget proposal, which was recommended by our administration, called for the use of fund balances totaling $193,000. With the savings that we are now realizing with some changes in expenses and revenue, that same budget requires a lower millage rate. Now, as a board, do we want to stick with the same use of fund balance to fund the recommended budget that the administration has provided, or do we want a different usage of fund balance – higher or lower – to create a different tax rate? The administration is not recommending a tax rate, they’re recommending an
Kennett Charities, Inc. –
have come a long way in its 27 years, not only from the surge in the number of competitors, but in the funding the organization has been able to funnel back into the Kennett Square community. Its first event in 1990 drew the support of a dozen individuals and businesses, and attracted over 100 participants, several hundred spectators, and approximately 50 volunteers, and contributed $1,500 to local organizations. Since then, Kennett Run Charities has raised over $1 million in gift and in-kind donations toward local organizations.
expenditure of money , and it’s up to us to decide how we pay for that.”
Board member Jeff Hellrung explained, “The administration did come forward with a budget that meets all of our current requirements and all of our new educational initiatives, and it called for a 2.88 percent increase. Since they did that, because more information became available, additional savings were identified that were unknown when the 2.88 percent increase was suggested. The administration has not spoken with, or gotten advice from, any school board member. I knew nothing about this until all the other board members did, in a note from the superintendent. He said we could raise taxes by 2.47 percent weighted average, with the same change in fund balance that was planned from the beginning. There are other things we could do with the newly found
The start of the event was delayed for about 20 minutes by a car accident that occurred along the race route, at Gatehouse Road and Route 82. Once the accident was cleared, the starting gun sounded for the 10K, the 5K and the one-mile run.
In the 5K men’s category, Paul Springer won with a time of 16:42, followed by Cole Walker, who finished in 17:42, and Ben Marsden, who ran in 18:28. In the women’s race, Casey Robinson won with a time of 20:19; Lexi Reilly finished second with a time of 20:28; and Muda B took
savings.”
Dupuis summed up three options provided by Robert Cochran, the district’s director of business and operations. “One: We keep our tax rate exactly what it was in the original proposed final budget, and that would mean that we go from spending $193,000 of our PSERS fund balance to adding $61,000 to our uncommitted reserves. That keeps our tax rates at the same 2.88 weighted average.
“Option two is the one proposed, which is to keep the use of the PSERS fund balance at the same dollar value as it was in the original budget, and reduce the weighted average to 2.47. There’s a third option, which brings us to essentially a zero fund balance usage and reduces the weighted average from 2.88 to 2.77. So in effect, option three is going to the other extreme – going from using the fund balance to lower taxes, to using the surplus to lower the fund balance.”
Cochran clarified that, “All three options give us the ability to proceed with borrowing. It’s just that, under an option where the millage is lower now, as opposed to higher now, it’s going to be more difficult to
third place with a time of 20:37.
In the 10K men’s category, Kayle Dawson earned a first-place finish with a time of 31:57, followed by Daryl Brown at 32:01 and Angel Rodriguez, with a time of 35:00. Kari Springer took the women’s 10K with a winning time of 38:35; Meghan Smith Smith finished in second place with a time of 40:40; and Nicole Huff took third with a time of 42:57.
While the Kennett Run may be a fun event by and for the community, the design of the course is not always the equivalent of
phase that in, and a greater challenge. But all three would facilitate phasing in a couple of $7 million bond issue initiatives over the next four to six years.”
Dupuis said, “My preference would be to avoid the use of reserves. I don’t have a ‘sky is falling’ philosophy, I don’t want to be the district bank of taxpayer money, but I do have concerns about using too much reserve capital this year, in anticipation of some of the restrictions we’re going to have in the next two to five years, between the longrange plan and the lessening flexibility we’ll have as a taxing authority.”
Board member Gregg Lindner made a motion to approve a weighted average rate of 2.77 percent. “I am suggesting we move to the third option, which is a weighted average of 2.77 percent that would not use any of the reserve dollars, or close to zero reserve dollars,” he said.
Cochran summarized the figures: “In the total expenditure amount of $82,487,929, Chester County’s millage will be 27.72 mills, which is a 2.70 percent increase over the current year. Delaware County will be 23.59 mills, or a 3.06 percent increase
a walk in the park for its participants.
“It’s a very challenging course,” said Stephanie Daney. “People tell me the Kennett Run is a fun course. No, it’s not fun. After three or four hills, you think you’re in the home stretch, and another hill pops up, but once you’ve finished, it’s an accomplishment.
“Every time I’m at another run and start to slow down, I say to myself, ‘Come on. You did the Kennett Run. You can do anything.’”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.
over the current year. That represents a weighted average increase of 2.77 percent.”
Sanville added, “Nothing is final in the budget until you vote on June 20. The option that was on the table would have used $193,000 from the PSERS reserve. The current motion that’s on the table uses no money out of fund balances or PSERS reserve.”
Cochran clarified that, “The balance expense is nothing statistically – it’s a $5,630 deficit spend.”
Before the vote, Lindner said, “There’s no issue that we’re holding money. We’re spending money, and we’re spending it on the right things for the kids.”
In a vote to approve the the proposed final budget at the amended millage rate of 27.72 for Chester County and 23.59 for Delaware County, for a weighted average increase of 2.77 percent, the motion carried, six to three.
The board will meet on June 20 to vote for final adoption of the budget for 2016-17. For more information, visit www.ucfsd.org.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.
Longwood Fire Company presents award to Andrew Yacka Chief
Longwood Fire Company has presented its prestigious Jim McGovern Service Award to Andrew Yacka.
The award was given during Longwood’s annual banquet. Also honored were Barry Smith for his 30 years of volunteer service, and Chief A. J. McCarthy for his 20 years in the fire service.
The Jim McGovern Service Award is named for a Longwood firefighter who died at age 22. McGovern, a University of Delaware graduate, was a top responder during his time at Longwood Fire Company.
“I owe a lot to the guys at Longwood,” Yacka said. “They taught me a lot and helped me become comfortable serving the community.”
Last year, Yacka, an East Marlborough resident, answered almost 300 calls.
“I was interested in fire-
Easement...
Continued from Page 1A
negotiation for the easement
“a complicated process,” due mainly to the fact that the property is owned by Reynolds, a guardianship for his brother, and by two trusts, with different beneficiaries. The process is further complicated by Reynolds currently serving a state prison sentence for the possession of more than 500 images of child pornography.
“They (the attorneys for the Reynolds family) met with us in January and said it would be done by February or March,” Little said at the May 16 meeting.
“I have worked very closely with (Township Solicitor Vince Pompo) on this, and he finally agreed with me to proceed, because we don’t have an idea of what’s going on, or know how long this is going to go. This is a business decision.”
The property, eight contiguous parcels, is located north of Route 41 and is bordered by Penn Green Road on its western edge, Old Baltimore Pike on its northern border, and the area behind the commercial and residential development along Newark Road, on its eastern edge. It offers more than 30 acres of mature woodland, large ponds, streams, existing paths and scenic vistas which can be seen from Penn Green Road. It contains the former site of a dairy farm, and an historic home built in 1740, which has been in the Reynolds family since 1904.
The acquisition of the property is scheduled to be paid for out of the township’s Open Space Fund, the account balance of which stands at $2.27 million, and annually generates about $400,000 in revenue. The initial payment will comprise 37 percent of the total cost for the easement, which will be followed by the remaining 63 percent of the total cost, which will be paid in equal installments over the next three years. In other township business, the supervisors gave approval to enter the township into a conservation easement agreement on a 23-acre parcel on 480 Church Road, pending approval by the current land owners. The property, located on the western edge of the township, is situ-
A. J. McCarthy and Barry Smith honored
fighting before I went to college, as both my uncle and grandfather were volunteers,” Yacka said. “After school, a friend who is a Longwood volunteer invited me to consider joining Longwood. That was two years ago.”
Smith, also an East Marlborough resident, is lieutenant of the fire police and was captain for six years. He also served a term on the board of directors. “I worked at Longwood Gardens and was asked to join,” Smith said. “I had three sons and didn’t become a member until I was 39 years old. Longwood is a good organization and there are a lot of good young people there.”
Of his award, Chief McCarthy said serving the community is an honor. “We have an excellent organization with many wonderful members. Everyone is dedicated to protecting the community,” he said. For more information see www.longwoodfireco.com.
ated in the vicinity of the Brandywine Polo fields and Green Willow Orchards.
Estimated at $6,813 per acre, the total cost to the township to place an easement on the property will be $156,699, and the majority of funding would come from the the township’s Open Space budget, as well as funding from the National Park Service, the White Clay Creek Wild & Scenic, and the Chester County Preservation partnership Program. A presentation by Open Space Review Board members Stan Lukoff, Randy Lieberman and Chris Robinson promoted the site as a property rich in farmland vistas, wetlands, woodlands and trails. Its waterways link to the eastern branch of the White Clay Creek watershed.
Lieberman said that the property also has a strong historical connection to the artist Thomas Eakins, and still contains the remnants of a building where he lived for a time.
“It’s a beautifully maintained property,” Lieberman said. “The quality and the diversity it offers are more significant than most properties in the area.”
Lukoff said that the acquisition of easements adds conservation value to the
township’s environmental and ecological infrastructure, and has very little impact on township services, such as public works, sewer and police service.
“When we preserve properties, there’s less of a strain on the ecosystem,” he said. “The preservation of farms is very important and part of our scope. There is a lot of agriculture in this township, and we want to continue to preserve as much as we can.”
The township would like to have the agreement signed by June 30, and settlement reached by Sept. 15.
New Garden Flying Field
Manager Jon Martin updated the supervisors on current construction projects at the flying field, as well as a summary of the events that will be held there this year. The reconstruction of the East hangar is due to be completed by the end of May; the flying field’s primary surface runway is scheduled to be completed in September; and several obstructive trees have been removed along the runway.
Martin said that the flying field is gearing up for yet another busy spring
and summer, kicking off with “Fly the Ford” from June 9-12, which will feature rides on the classic aircraft, the Ford Trimotor 2; the eighth annual Future Aviators Summer Camp, from July 11-15 and Aug. 8-12; the Chester County Balloon Festival on June 24-26; and the Annual Festival of Flight Air and Car Show on Aug. 20-21, which will feature a 5K race, with all profits from the race targeted toward youth organizations in the township, and in Kennett Square Borough. The board voted to permit wine and beer to be served at the event this year.
The board also named Jim DiLuzio as the township representative to the Kennett Public Library board of directors.
At the start of the meeting, there was a moment of silence for long-time township activist Eugene Oates, who died on May 15 at the age of 83 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, TN, after a three-week illness.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Continued from Page 1A
money to hire a consultant to come up with a new name.
The Kennett Public Library is exactly what it is:
The Kennett Square Public Library. What the library’s patrons want to know is where the new library will be located, and how much it will cost, and how many millions in grant money has been pledged. A name change and a statue of Bayard Taylor can come later.
The Kennett area needs a new, larger library with free parking NOW!
Nothing should distract the board from that goal NOW!
Read my lips: NOW!
(Uncle Irvin’s column is his opinion only, and is not a news story.)
Uncle Irvin...
Andrew Yacka receives McGovern award from Longwood Fire Chief A. J. McCarthy.
The Candy Case and Studio Blush debut in Oxford
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
In her previous role as the executive director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.,
Sue Cole helped dozens of people launch their businesses in downtown Oxford. On Friday, May 6, it was Cole who opened the doors to her own business—The Candy Case at 1 South Third Street in Oxford.
“I absolutely love the whole idea of being a shop owner,” explained Cole. She said that she would often think about opening her own business as she helped others realize their dreams of opening their own shops, but “it was always one of those things where I would say, ‘someday.’ Today is my someday.”
May 6 was “someday” for Shane and Tara Miller, too, as they opened their Studio Blush salon at 37 S. Third St. Oxford officials turned out for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony during the First Friday event.
Tara has 22 years of experience as a hair stylist, and this is her first time owning her own salon.
“It really feels amazing,” she said. “We love this community, and we wanted to be a part of it.”
The Rising Sun, Md. couple said that they were attracted to Oxford’s small-town charm.
“We wanted to be in a town atmosphere—a place where people can go shop or eat after they have their hair styled,” Shane explained.
Tara said that when she and Shane were making plans for their own business, one of the things that they wanted was to create a space where their clients would experience a real sense of community and enjoy a comfortable environment where everyone feels welcome.
“I want them to connect and feel pretty from the inside out,” Tara explained.
The salon offers a wide variety of hair styling services.
“We specialize in hair coloring,” Tara said, explaining that she is boardcertified as a hair colorist.
She is joined at the salon by two stylists, Kim Bruhn and Katie Dutt.
“Kim is a fabulous stylist and Katie is a young talent who is really building her skills,” Tara said, adding that all the stylists continue their education and training to stay informed about the latest trends and styles.
Shane and Tara both said that they immediately felt right at home when they opened their business in Oxford.
“The community has taken us in and made us feel welcome,” Shane explained. “We can’t wait to give back to the community.”
The Candy Case’s reception in Oxford was nothing short of sweet. The shop carries a wide variety of sweets, ranging from old-fashioned candies to caramels to Rice Crispy treats to chocolate-covered Herr’s potato chips and pretzels.
The Candy Case also has a large assortment of gift baskets for sale, and she is looking forward to preparing custom orders for special occasions like birthdays, graduations, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.
Cole said that the community has been very supportive as she has prepared to open The Candy Case, which is only fitting since Cole has lent a helping hand to so many in Oxford through the years.
Betsy Brantner, the Oxford Borough Manager, said that Cole’s past experience with Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. will help her as she begins the new endeavor.
“I am so excited for her,” Brantner said. “It’s a great location. I’m sure her business is going to be wonderful.”
Jerome Rodio, the president of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, noted that Cole recently stepped in to serve as the interim executive director of the chamber of commerce, yet one more time that she has come through in a pinch for the Oxford community.
“My hope for her,” Rodio said, “is that she gets too busy with her store to be able to help us out. The store is really bright and looks very good. It looks the best that I’ve ever seen it.”
In addition to her supporters in the community, Cole said that her family made the opening of the store possible.
“I have an amazingly
supportive family,” she said, explaining that her husband, Jamie, did a lot of work on the interior of the store, including designing and building the display cases.
As a line of people formed to make purchases, Cole talked about how sweet it is to be the candy business.
“People splurge on candy,” she explained. “It’s an affordable, feel-good, pick-me-up. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the local community.”
Donna Hosler, the executive director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., said that a candy store was at the top of the list of businesses that people wanted in town, and she was very ex-
cited about its arrival. She was also excited about the addition of Studio Blush to the roster of downtown businesses. With the additions of the two new businesses, the number of vacant storefronts in the downtown has been reduced to only about seven or eight. Hosler said that she wants to continue to add boutique shops in town, and another important goal is to attract a medium-to-largesized employer—perhaps the marketing department of a company—to boost the foot traffic in town at lunch time so that the restaurants in town receive a boost.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Tara Miller (middle) is joined by stylists Katie Dutt (left) and Kim Bruhn (right).
Photo by Steven Hoffman
The Candy Case business owner Sue Cole (center) with her daughter, Caitlin, and Grace Gutzler.
Kennett East End Market debuts in the borough
The flea market will be held each Saturday through Aug. 27
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
on Saturdays this spring and summer.
The Kennett East End Market debuted at the Weinstein parking lot on East State Street on May 14. This weekly flea market is the work of the Kennett Area Restaurant and Merchant Association (KARMA).
Organizers said that the event got off to a good start.
“We had our opening day and it was a good day for the start,” explained Lynn Sinclair, the owner of the Sunrise Café, who also serves as the secretary for KARMA.
“We wanted to have one more thing that would bring people to town.” At the first event, vendors were offering everything from vintage clothing to home goods to antiques. There will be different vendors, crafters, and local residents renting space to sell flea market items each week.
“We’re hoping that there will be something different at the market every week,” Sinclair explained.
KARMA members initially came up with the idea for a flea market as a way for people to clean out their closets, garages, and bookshelves. It also helps serve the community because people can shop for unique items that are being sold at good prices.
Sinclair said that she sold an antique bench, a lamp, and some home goods at the first flea market. Plus, the event is a good opportunity to spend some time talking with friends and neighbors or to meet new people.
“It was a real social event for the people who were there,” Sinclair explained of the first week of the market.
The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday, weather permitting. Sinclair said that the last market day this year will be Aug. 27.
Vendors can reserve space in the Kennett East End Market for $30 a week. The proceeds from the flea market will help KARMA stage other events throughout the year, including the Student Art Show, the Art on the Square Festival and the Halloween Parade.
For more information about the Kennett East End Market or to reserve vendor space, contact Steve Warner at the Kennett Square Inn at 610-444-5688 or Sinclair at lynn@SunriseCafeKSQ.com.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Oxford Area School District honors Wiegner for receiving Citadel Heart of Learning Award
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
For the second year in a row, a teacher at the Penn’s Grove Middle School has been named as a recipient of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.
Oxford Area School District superintendent David Woods congratulated Carol Weigner for receiving the honor at the May 10 Oxford School Board meeting. Wiegner is a seventh grade language arts teacher in the Penn’s Grove School. She has a total of 24 years of experience as a teacher, the last 15 at Penn’s Grove School. In addition to her classroom responsibilities, she is a member of the school’s Core Data Team, which develops strategies for meeting the academic needs of Penn’s Grove students.
“Carol is one example of the many stellar teachers in the district,” Woods said.
The Citadel Heart of Learning Award was established by Citadel and the Chester County Intermediate Unit to recognize and reward teachers in the county. Each winner receives the award and $1,500 to be used for classroom supplies and other instructional resources.
Woods said that there were approximately 2,800 nominations for the Heart of Learning Awards this year, and only three winners—one each at the elementary, middle school, and high school level were honored with the top prize. He thanked Citadel for recognizing the hard work of teachers, and said that it is very
appropriate that the Citadel Heart of Learning Award is presented during National Educator Appreciation Week.
Woods also noted that this is the second year in a row that a teacher from Oxford has been a recipient of the Citadel Heart of Learning Award. In 2015, Julie Myers, a teacher of academically talented students, received the award for the middle school level.
The school board also received an update on the proposed budget for the 2016-2017 school year. Brian Cooney, the district’s business administrator, said that the proposed $65.6 million spending plan is essentially the same as it was at this time last month.
“We have no material changes to the budget,” Cooney told the school board.
The $65,663,336 budget is increasing by about $2,269,456, or 3.58 percent, over the current school year. More than half of
the increase can be attributed to PSERS contributions.
As of now, a one-percent tax increase is expected to balance the budget. A onepercent increase would hike the millage rate from 30.5347 mills to 30.84 mills. For the average taxpayer, that equates to a $40 increase in the tax bill. Cooney said that the average tax assessment in the district is approximately $130,000 of assessed value.
Cooney also talked about the student-participation fees for the 2016-2017 school year. The administration is recommending that the participation fees should remain the same for the next school year—there is a $50 participation fee for athletics at the Penn’s Grove School, a $75 participation fee for athletics at the high school, and a $50 fee for parking at the high school.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.
Photo courtesy Historic Kennett Square There are a wide variety of items at the flea market.
Courtesy photo
Carol Wiegner, a seventh grade language arts teacher in the Penn’s Grove School, was honored for being one of the recipients of this year’s Citadel Heart of Learning Award. She is pictured with Oxford Area School District superintendent David Woods, members of the Oxford School Board, Penn’s Grove Middle School principal James Canaday, and assistant superintendent Dr. Margaret Billings-Jones.
A commonwealth of silence
At the Chester County Press , we are a news organization dedicated to the reporting of local news, and rarely do we step outside the boundaries of our comfort zone. But on the issue of sexual assault and rape, there is no comfort zone, and there are no dividing lines that separate this newspaper from commentary.
The most recent allegations concerning former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno and his alleged failure to take disciplinary action against his former assistant coach, Jerry Sandusky, back in 1976 are merely the latest powder keg blast. And while Sandusky is serving decades in prison for the sexual abuse of 10 boys -- and allegedly many more -- his story is loud and ugly and terrifying and it will remain locked in our conscience.
As recently as 2014, statistics kept in the commonwealth reported that there were 2,787 victims of forcible rape that year -- about 21 persons for every 10,000 residents. But these are just the reported cases.
What is the sound made when the stories of sexual assault and rape are never told?
In its 2010 report, The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) said that most rapes and sexual assaults perpetrated against women and girls in the United States between 1992 and 2000 were not reported to the police. Only 36 percent of rapes, 34 percent of attempted rapes, and 26 percent of sexual assaults were reported. The reasons for this silence vary, but another study pointed to the following emotions that can overwhelm the victim:
• Self-blame or guilt.
• Shame, embarrassment, or desire to keep the assault a private matter.
• Humiliation or fear of the perpetrator, or other individual’s perceptions.
• Fear of not being believed, or of being accused of playing a role in the crime.
• Lack of trust in the criminal justice system. Courage is a face that is seldom seen, and has a voice that often resonates at the decibel level of a whisper. It rarely makes the newspapers. It’s not the focus of talk radio, and for every posting on Facebook about an act of heroism, there are 10,000 such stories that are never heard about. Throughout the county and the state, there are resources available for victims of sexual assault and rape which can provide that all-important first step to break the silence.
The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. (www.cvcofcc.org) provides free and confidential services to victims and their family members and significant others who reside in or were victimized in the county. Services are provided regardless of the criminal justice system’s ability, or the victim’s desire, to have the case prosecuted -- and if it is prosecuted, regardless of what court it is prosecuted in. In addition to providing victim services, CVC staff and volunteers present prevention/education programs to children of all ages, adults, community groups and allied professionals to promote community awareness and reduce victimization.
Also, The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (www.pcar.org) works to end sexual violence and advocates for the rights and needs of sexual assault victims. PCAR partners with a network of rape crisis programs to bring help, hope and healing to victims of sexual violence in Pennsylvania.
Chester County Press
Letter to the Editor
A response to the editorial about building bridges not walls
Letter to the Editor:
Let me be clear. My favorite candidate for president was Scott Walker. Then Dr. Ben Carson. Then Ted Cruz. But I will happily vote for Donald Trump if he is the nominee for the Republican Party. That said, I object to the way the liberal media
takes most Republican candidates’ statements out of context and repeats only the talking points that favor their liberal agenda. Donald Trump is being interrogated by the liberal press in an attempt to destroy him. However, Democrat Hillary Clinton is given a pass and isn’t even being asked about
her many scandals, including Benghazi or her illegal server and missing emails that she erased. An FBI investigation into such serious charges hasn’t affected her campaign in the least. Imagine if this were one of the Republican candidates.
I believe Trump said he wanted to ban Muslims who were not backgroundchecked. Otherwise, how do we know they aren’t affiliated with ISIS? I believe Trump said he wanted to build a wall to keep out illegal immigrants. Legal immigrants are not the issue.
Those who know Congress best are shaking their
By Lee H. Hamilton
I had the good fortune last week to spend some time in Washington, D.C. with about a dozen former members of Congress. As you’d expect, we got to talking about the current Congress. Very quickly it turned out that the same question was troubling all of us: Why is it held in such low public esteem? We represented both parties and a variety of eras, and had a range of experience under our belts. But we all found ourselves chagrined by what we’ve been witnessing. You have to understand that most former members of Congress believe deeply in the value of the institution for American representative government. We might take opposite sides of particular policy debates, but on one point we all agree: we want the institution itself to succeed and thrive. These days, it’s doing neither.
For starters, we were hard-pressed to come up with any real accomplishments for this Congress. It did pass a revision to No Child Left Behind, and a controversial expansion of cyber-surveillance capabilities — which it slipped into a must-pass budget bill. It also took the entirely uncontroversial step of broadening sanctions on
North Korea. But that’s pretty much it.
In the country at large, people are fretting about control of our borders, stagnant wages, college expenses, the cost of health care, the opioid addiction crisis, the spread of ISIS, the strengthening effects of climate change. The administration is trying to keep the Zika virus from gaining a foothold in this country, and congressional inaction has already caused Puerto Rico to default on one set of obligations, with a much bigger default looming – and doomed airline passengers to longer and longer waits as the TSA struggles. Yet on Capitol Hill, no one seems particularly concerned. Instead, its members left town to campaign.
This may be unfair, but I can’t help but think about my first year in Congress. We enacted 810 bills, including the passage of Medicare and Medicaid, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Water Quality Act, and setting up the Departments of Transportation and of Housing and Urban Development. Not every year was like that, but the contrast is inescapable. Among the group of people I was with last week — people who watch
heads
Congress closely — there was unanimity: this will go out as one of the least productive years in congressional history.
Worse, members show little interest in making Congress more productive. Our little group all remembered times when we or our colleagues pushed reform efforts to make the institution work better — and were struck that current members aren’t doing so. Most Americans belong to some group or another that’s trying to accomplish change for the better and improve itself at the same time. Why would Congress be an outlier?
But it is.
Some of the observations we shared last week are old hat. Congress is excessively partisan, with too many of its members highly distrustful of the other party and inclined to blame it for Capitol Hill’s ailments.
As an institution, it seems incapable of ridding itself of the bad habits it’s gotten into: the reliance on omnibus bills and continuing resolutions; timidity in the face of presidential power; a marked reluctance to use the levers of congressional authority — especially control of the federal budget — to prod or check executive action.
Yet none of us believe this is irreversible. We are all convinced that strong lead-
ership in Congress could make an immense difference. In the past, effective legislators on both sides of the aisle — as committee chairs and as caucus leaders — have left behind them a legacy of great accomplishment. Democrat Emanuel Celler of New York and Republican William McCullough of Ohio joined forces to craft the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Democrat Wilbur Mills of Arkansas and Republican John Byrnes of Wisconsin together helped shape Medicare. I won’t waste your time with a list of consummate legislators who were able to get things done. The point is simple: it may be a different time and legislative environment from 50 years ago, but strong leadership can make Congress work. On that, my former colleagues and I, Republicans and Democrats, found ourselves in full agreement.
Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.
Oxford Area High School to induct Distinguished Alumni class
R. Samuel McMichael, Class of 1965, Greg H. Deaver, Class of 1974, James W. Fite, Jr., Class of 1985, and Valerie Gray Francois, Class of 1989, will be inducted as Oxford Area High School Distinguished Alumni during a ceremony on Friday, May 27.
After graduating from Oxford Area High School, Deaver earned a B.A. in environmental science and a master’s in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Virginia. He is currently a Senior Vice President with AECOM, a $20 billion per year company which is the largest engineering design firm and largest environmental services firm in the United States. Deaver leads the AECOM Environment Business for the Southwest United States and Latin America,
encompassing 1,300 professional staff in 35 offices. His past management responsibilities have included departments, offices, and regions, as well as the Eastern United States private sector business for URS, a predecessor company to AECOM. He also manages two of the firm’s largest clients, Lockheed Martin and Merck Pharmaceuticals. In addition to his management and client responsibilities, Deaver has performed a wide variety of environmental and engineering projects throughout the United States and abroad during his 35 years of experience. As a registered professional engineer in four states, Deaver has managed projects and programs for federal and private sector clients including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Merck, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb,
Lockheed Martin and Unilever. He has completed projects in more than 40 countries including more than 800 projects for Merck and 300 projects for Lockheed Martin.
Deaver’s experience includes the completion of soil and groundwater contamination investigations and the design and implementation of remediation systems internationally. Noteworthy is that he designed and successfully implemented the first air sparge remediation system in the United States.
As a water resources engineer, Deaver has completed hydrologic, hydraulic and sediment/ erosion control projects in the United States and abroad. Throughout his professional life, he has been engaged in the engineering profession as an active member of ASCE and has given back to his community of
Gaithersburg, MD as a Boy Scout leader, soccer coach and Montgomery County Advisor. This is the tenth annual Distinguished Alumni ceremony. It was established in 2006 to ensure that the lives and achievements of Oxford’s most accomplished graduates will be forever known among fellow graduates, current and future high school students, and the Oxford community. A luncheon in honor of each year’s inductees is held each spring and is followed by a ceremony attended by the high school student body. Portraits of all the honorees are displayed in the high school’s rotunda. The Chester County Press will highlight one of the Distinguished Alumni inductees in each edition leading up the ceremony on May 27.
B. Keene Cochranville
nominate
The first awards were handed out in 2007, and with the eight recipients this year, there have now been a total of 78 individuals, businesses, and organizations that have been presented with the Citizen Recognition Awards through the years.
This year’s recipients serve the Oxford community in many different ways.
Walker, the executive director of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, was nominated by Maggie Garcia Taylor.
“Janis is a faithful supporter of the community and the Oxford businesses as the leader of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce,”
Taylor wrote. “She rose to the challenges and is a believer in a positive attitude. She is an inspiration, and we should all take note to never give up.”
Borough Manager Betsy Brantner nominated the police officers in the Oxford Police Department for the award.
“The day-to-day activities of the police officers on the street improve the quality of life in the borough,” Brantner wrote. “Knowing that you can call the police officers and having them respond in mere minutes provides a level of safety that few communities enjoy.”
Brantner went on to say that she herself has benefited from the quick and caring responses of the police officers.
“Having been the recipi-
ent of their quick responses, I have the utmost respect for their dedication and courage,” Brantner wrote. “The follow-up that they provide after a crime is most important in helping an individual recover. I thank all the officers who put their lives on the line so that we can feel safe in our homes.”
When Henry presented the award to the police department, the dozens of people in attendance at the meeting gave them a standing ovation.
An important member of the Oxford Police Department, Corporal Scott Brown, was also selected to personally receive a Citizen Recognition Award this year. Jerome Rodio, a business owner and the president of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, nominated Brown.
According to Rodio, “Corporal Brown is the reason our First Fridays and special events run smoothly. His participation on the
Car Show Committee is the reason that it is such a big success. Business owners and residents of Oxford are grateful for his help and friendly demeanor in any situation.”
Teel, a business owner and former longtime Oxford Borough Council member, was nominated for the Citizen Recognition Award by resident Andrew Atkinson, who lauded Teel for “his dedication to our community by his involvement in many community organizations.”
Teel served on borough council for 16 years, including several stints as borough council president. He has also been a member of the American Legion for 20 years. He is also the owner of RNJ Plaques and Engraving, a business in downtown Oxford.
“I am most proud of watching Randy participate in the organizing of Oxford’s 250th anniversary celebration several years ago,” Atkinson wrote.
“The 250th anniversary celebration of the town was a positive and inspiring event that helped to strengthen the bonds of the town. Randy dedicated not only countless hours of his time and energy, but also his passion for the community of Oxford could be seen in any of the activities that were organized leading up to the celebration. Randy Teel has provided a lifetime of service to Oxford.”
Ogino received the Citizen Recognition Award for his involvement with the planning for the popular car show, his work on the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) Events Committee, and his efforts leading “Operation Otis” when a beloved feline disappeared from Oxford Feed & Lumber, where Ogino works.
The Drennen family, the owners of Oxford Feed & Lumber, nominated Ogino, writing that, “David has a passion for cars and hard work.” That was demon-
strated during the car show, which is one of the most popular First Friday events on the calendar. Ogino is the co-chair of the car show, and helps handle many details of the planning for the well-organized event. He also serves on OMI’s Events Committee, which meets each month to plan special events.
Ogino also volunteered to help SILO (Serving Inspiring Loving Others) with the stage sets for the fundraising banquet.
The Drennens also explained that Ogino led the effort to locate Otis, the cat that calls Oxford Feed & Lumber home. When Otis disappeared for twelve days before returning to the store on his own, the missing cat garnered considerable attention in the community. While Otis was missing, Ogino discovered how many feral cats there are in Oxford, and he set out to help control the population. The Drennens wrote, “Many evenings and weekends, David and his wife were trapping cats and bringing them to vets for treatments. David is a compassionate person who cares for the well-being of animals, and his good deeds made some impact on the feral cat population around town.”
Webb, a parishioner at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, was nominated for her many good deeds to help others.
“(S)he is the kind of person who reaches out to help whenever she sees anyone in need,” wrote Rev. Mary Ann Mertz when she and Rodio nominated Webb for the honor.
One example of that occurred last summer when Webb became aware of a woman who had lost her home and was sleeping in her car.
“The woman had little money to buy food,” Mertz wrote, “and did not even have access to water for herself or her service dog. Reba found the things that the woman needed in the shortterm and we are happy to report that the woman has been restored to permanent housing.”
Webb will also purchase children’s clothing ten or twelve times a year to donate to children who are needy.
Webb is the chairperson of the church’s Outreach Committee. She has increased the strong support that church members provide to the Lighthouse Youth Center, including the hands-on ministry of serving meals once a month.
“I know there are many people who reach out to serve, but Reba is extraordinary,” Mertz wrote. “She consistently notes when people are suffering and she responds. Not many people do that. You cannot find a better representative
Scott Brown
Randy TeelReba WebbDavid OginoJanis Walker
(8) by Steven Hoffman
Family Promise of Southern Chester County was presented with its Citizen Recognition Award for the work it does with families who are
who more faithfully serves people in the Borough of Oxford.”
This year’s recipients included two organizations whose reach extends beyond Oxford.
The Relay for Life of Oxford received a Citizen Recognition Award. The organization was represented by Ralph
and Christine
were
Members of the
ed with a
A relatively new organization, Family Promise of Southern Chester County, was nominated for the award by ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford.
ing assistance and related services to families who are experiencing homelessness.
2002,” Henry explained.
Family Promise of Southern Chester County combines the efforts of more than two dozen church organizations throughout the area to provide hous-
Henry nominated the Relay for Life of Oxford for the fundraising efforts to support the American Cancer Society.
“Relay for Life has been in existence in Oxford since
“Since that year, an amazing group of volunteers has raised $905,000 for the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society Relay for Life brings together four million people worldwide to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, to remember loved ones lost, and to empower individuals and communities to fight back against the disease.”
Henry said that in addition to the award, all the recipients will receive a key to Oxford.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
“All eight of the recipients are surely worthy of the award,” Henry explained, “and these organizations and individuals represent a real cross-section of the community.”
Kennett High School hosts Diversity Awareness Conference
Kennett High School hosted its 15th Annual Multicultural & Diversity Awareness Conference on April 23.
Coordinated by assistant principal Ray Fernandez, the day included opening remarks by superintendent Barry Tomasetti followed by KHS student Alin Hernandez’s introduction of keynote speaker Pedro Cortés, the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A variety of morning and afternoon workshops and presentations focused on topics of interest to adult
and young participants alike. Morning presenters included Elizabeth Ely (KHS teacher), whose topic was “Defining Diversity”; Joseph “Jo-Jo” Herndon (GlaxcoSmithKline, Regional Director, Health Systems and Hospitals), who concentrated on “Leading Real Social Change”; Michael Blanche (licensed clinical social worker, Caron Treatment Centers), speaking on “D&A Use/Addiction in Today’s Adolescent Population”; Lynn Monahan (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Nutrition, College of
Health Sciences, WCU), who talked about “Diversity Representation in the Health Science Field”; and Korri Brown (KHS teacher), who discussed “After Graduation! What’s The Next Step?”
Following a lunch consisting of food from various cultures, students attended a presentation entitled “What Is Your Y – Purpose in Life?” delivered by Fernandez. Workshops offered in the afternoon included “The Art of Dancing to Promote Diversity & Empowerment!” by Tania Ramos (Esperanza Academy
Instructor and Dance Team Coordinator); “Rebels for Diversity!” hosted by Ms. Ann Atkins (author); “Acculturation Stress in Immigrant Families” by Jari Santana-Wynn (Outpatient Services Coordinator, Holcomb Behavioral Health Services); “Diversity Lives Matter: Meaningful Diversity and Beyond” by Dr. Richard Cooper (Professor, Social Work Dept., Widener University); and “Good is the Enemy of Great!” by Chanel August (KHS teacher).
The event culminated in a talent show competition
Photos
homeless.
Greer, Jane Freeman,
Bennett.
Oxford Borough Police department
present-
Citizen Recognition Award on May 16. Pictured are the officers who were in attendance: Shakira Greer, Adam Weaver, Scott Brown, Scott Richards, Megan Huyett, Police Chief John Slauch, and Chris Coverly. Members of the police department who are not pictured include Brian Deaver, Joe Devlin, Ron Simril, Tom McFadden, Ryan Doherty, Eric Hughes, Pedro Melendez, Chris Wills, and Matthew Tocolowdski.
with entries from schools participating in the conference.
Approximately 200 people attended the conference this year.
Courtesy photo
Ray Fernandez and keynote speaker Secretary Pedro Cortés.
The county’s biggest art weekend
Chester County Studio Tour features 127 artists and 53 studios
By John Chambless Staff Writer
The biggest art event of the year is taking place this weekend, and you’re invited to jump in.
The Chester County Studio Tour will spotlight the original works of 127 artists and 53 artist studios, covering the entire county. If that seems a bit daunting, the event’s helpful website (www.countystudiotour.com) has maps, addresses and suggested routes that you can download at the click of a button if you want to plan ahead or see works by artists you already know. The great part of the event, of course, is discovering the work of artists you haven’t seen before.
If venturing into the realm of art buying seems intimidating, this annual event is designed to put you at ease. You don’t have to pay anything to go and look, and at the very least, you’ll drive through some spectacular scenery, since the pre-planned routes have been designed to be pretty.
Walking into an artist’s work space can be delightfully inspiring, and talking to artists about their work can shed light on a world you never knew existed. There are unframed works stacked here and there that may be just what you’re looking for, and you’ll get a richer, broader idea of the scope of an artist’s work than you would get at any limited exhibition.
You can start anywhere on the tour and see as many studios and galleries as you like, assisted by the website, which has maps and artist bios grouped into
regions and themes, such as “Keeping it Real and Plein Air,” or “Different Strokes for Different Folks,” and even “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” It’s the spirit of adventure that counts this weekend.
The artists on the tour have been carefully curated – there are no weekend amateur painters here – but they span a wonderful range of mediums and styles – clay, sculpture, wood carvings, jewelry, paintings, photographs, mixed-media works, stained glass and just about every combination you can imagine are represented.
Some of the big names are Jeff Schaller, whose hip, fun paintings combine portraiture with pop culture; Stan Smokler, whose metal sculptures are in several museum collections and never fail to challenge and inspire; Robert Jackson, whose witty paintings of balloon animals, fruit and snacks have garnered him a global following; and J. Clayton Bright, whose acclaimed bronzes of animals almost seem to breathe. But you’ll also be able to see atmospheric landscapes by Peter Willard, bold abstracts by Vicki Vinton, intriguing paper
vessels by John Baker, elegant handmade furniture by Doug Mooberry, clay vessels and monoprints by Mitch Lyons, distinctive paper collage cityscapes by Teresa Haag, splendidly observed paintings of roads and intersections by Marie Wolfington Jones, vivid landscapes by Gregory Blue … and on and on.
Some of the artists have teamed up to exhibit together at the studios and galleries on the tour, and all the artists will be on hand to talk about their work and meet browsers and
buyers alike.
While the prices range as widely as the works themselves, most of the artists on the tour have created a 6-by-6-inch piece of original art priced at $75. The “County Collectors Club,” established by the organizers of the Studio Tour, is a way of getting original art to everyone.
“Whether this is your first time buying original art or you are a seasoned collector, the tour now has something for everyone,” the website notes. “In some instances, a
Kennett Run
favorite artist might be out of someone’s price range, but now with the County Collectors Club, art is within reach. Some art enthusiasts are out of wall space yet enjoy the thrill of adding new art to their collection. All pieces are uniform in size and framed with a simple, elegant black frame.” The $75 works will go on sale Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m.
The tour itself runs May 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and May 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit online before you start out, and have fun.
The complete list of exhibiting artists is: Katherine Bailey, Scott Bailey, John Baker, Susan Bankert, Sarah Baptist, Bob Bauers, David Beck, Siobhan Bedford, Jeffrey Bell, Gregory Blue, Katee Boyle, J. Clayton Bright, Erica Brown, Ellie Byrom-Haley, Derek Carlson, Sue Ciccone, Joanne Legnini Carothers, Diane Cirafesi, Beth Clark, Larry Crossan, Kared D’Allaird, April d’Angelo, Maggi DeBaecke, Heather Davis, Cheryl Decker Sauder, Thomas Del Porte, Tom Dempsey, Frank DePietro, Jennifer Domal, Laura Ducceschi, David Eldreth,
Charles Emlen, Lore Evans, Kirsten Fischler, Michael Fleck, Michele Foster, Karen Frattali, Amelia Furman, Lele Galer, Ree Gallagher, Lorraine Glessner, Darcie Goldberg, Randall Graham, Lindsay Grigsby, Joe Grubb, Teresa Haag, Carol Habig, David Haines, Robert Hakun, Michael Hill, Robert Jackson, Jane James, Judith Jarvis, Corey Johnson, Mary Kane, David Katz, Ken Kazanjian, Madeleine Kelly, Kimberly Knorr, Bobby Lewis, Daniel Long, Robert Lott, Mitch Lyons, John Madarasz, Leslie Marsh, Helen Mason, Christy Maurer, Jeremy McGirl, Pam McKee, Erin McNichol, Sherry McVickar, Susan Melrath, Doug Mooberry, Patricia Moobery, Maximilian Morresi, Terri Morse, Lisa Muller, Laurie Murray, Deborah Northey, Susan O’Hanlon, Christina Oddo, David Oleski, Steve Oliver, Cynthia Oswald, Beth Palser, Heather Pasqualino, John Pompeo, Lisa Prinzo, Pete Quarracino, Thomas Ransom, Dan Reed, Jeff Schaller, W.B. Scheirer, Cheryl Schlenker, Sandra Sedmak Engel, Sandra Severson, Lynnette Shelley, Vidya Shyamsundar, Sandra Sigley, Ria Smith, Stan Smokler, Arlene Solomon, Nicola Soricelli, Vaughn Stadmiller, Susan Stefanski, Annie Strack, Randall Strader, Nancy Swope, Andrew Snyder, Robert Vail, Timlyn Vaughan, Vicki Vinton, Denise Vitollo and Thomas Von Koch.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.
Mitch Lyons
David Oleski
Dan Reed
Stan Smokler
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The Kennett Run drew many families who competed together.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Racing apparel at the start of the course featured several inspirational messages.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Cathy Gillespie (left) and Amy Barotti awaited the start of the 27th Annual Kennett Run.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Young competitors lined up for the start of the one-mile run.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw The Party in the Park was a time for relief, a little pain and a lot of jubilation.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Longwood Chiropractic was on hand at the Party in the Park to make some post-race readjustments.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
While the Kennett Run is a community race, it’s also a competitive one.
May 20
‘3rd on Third’ in Oxford
Downtown Oxford hosts “3rd on Third,” the monthly evening open-house event, on May 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Downtown businesses including Flickerwood Cellars, the Candy Case, Outback Trading Company, Wholly Grounds, Pickled Pickles, Odds and Ends, and Slightly Touched will be offering special exhibits and events. At the Oxford Arts Alliance, there will be a “Date Night” activity where visitors can paint their own plates, mugs or bowls for $20 per person, with music and wine tastings. No reservations are required.
May 21
Shredding event
The Unionville High School front parking lot will be the site of a free document shredding event for the community on May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Community residents can bring up to four boxes of documents to be securely shredded. The event
will continue until the truck is full.
May 21
Grange barbecue
Russellville Grange 91 will be having a barbecue on Saturday, May 21, from 3 to 7 p.m., or until sold out. A complete dinner of half a chicken, potato salad, pepper cabbage, applesauce, a roll, dessert and drinks is $10, eat in or take out. A children’s dinner with half a half chicken is $6. A half chicken only is $6. A pint of potato salad or pepper cabbage is $3, and a quart of potato salad or pepper cabbage is $6. Call 610-255-5418.
May 30
Kennett Memorial Day parade
Downtown Kennett Square will be the site of the annual Memorial Day parade beginning at 10 a.m. on May 30. Visit www. historickennettsquare.com for details.
June 4
Home & Garden Tour
The Kennett Library
presents the Home and Garden Day Tour of historic buildings and gardens in the Kennett area on June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www. historickennettsquare.com for details.
June 22 to July 27
Concerts in the park
Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square will be the site of free concerts this summer on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. There will be food and drinks for sale. Visit www.ansonbnixonpark. org for more information. The schedule will include: Progressive Appalachian music (June 22); rockabilly with the Bullets (June 29); Crossroads (July 6); Jane Lee Hooker (July 13); Mercury Radio Theater (July 20); Angelee (July 27). Longwood concert schedule
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) hosts a summer concert series. Tickets are on sale for these upcoming concerts: Wine and Jazz Festival
May 21
‘Peace in Letting Go’ West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) is offering a workshop on May 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., as well as an optional private prayer session with the prayer team on May 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn the five keys to experience “Freedom in Christ” and to experience peace by letting go and moving forward with your life. To register, call the church office at 610-869-9334, email registration to cmcginley@ zoominternet.net, or call Carol McGinley at 610-453-4114 if for more information. This program is for adults only and child care is not provided.
May 25
Joseph’s People meeting
The monthly Joseph’s People for the unemployed/ underemployed West Grove Chapter meeting will be on May 25 ad 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Life Center (lower level) of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd.). The presenter will be Ed Samuel, a career coach, executive recruiter and founder of SamNova, Inc. He is also a senior executive career coach for CCI
Consulting, Inc., the largest independently owned human resources management firm in the greater Philadelphia area. Visit www.josephspeople.org.
May 28
Community breakfast
The Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) presents a community buffet breakfast on May 28 from 7 to 10 a.m.
The menu includes buttermilk pancakes French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage and bacon, roasted potatoes, sausage gravy and breads. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10.
Call 610-932-9698 for more information.
June 5 through Sept. 25
Summer music schedule
Landenberg United Methodist Church (205 Penn Green Rd., Landenberg) present special summer music during services, which are from 9 to 10 on Sunday mornings. Refreshments will be served after the service. Call 610-274- 8384 for more information. The schedule is: June 5 – Frank Joyce, cantor; June 12 – Men’s Choir of LUMC; June 19 – LUMC Choir; June 26-- Tom Volk and Earline Perry; July 3 – Bob
Hart, former trombonist with Artie Shaw Orchestra, singer/ songwriter; July 10 – Norm Holt and the Breakaways Praise Band; July 17 -- It’s Never Too Late Band; July 24 – Morgan Hollow Trio; July 31 – Rise Up Band from St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church; Aug. 7 – String Theory Band, from OLLI at University of Delaware; Aug. 14 – Norm Holt and the Breakaways Praise Band; Aug. 21 – Ken Tonge, guitar, saxophone and vocals; Aug. 28 – Martha Marsey and Ken Sharp, hammered dulcimers; Sept. 4 – Barbara and Keith Hoffman, vocals and guitar; Sept. 11 – Val and Connie Schan, vocals and 12-string guitar; Sept. 18 – Norm Holt and the Breakaways Praise Band; Sept. 25 – It’s Never Too Late Band.
To submit items to the Church Calendar, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Information should be received at least two weeks before the event. Not every submission can be included. Please include the address and contact information for the church in your submission.
with Arturo Sandoval, the Cyrus Chestnut Trio, Edmar Castaneda Trio and the Tim Warfield Organ Band (June 4, 2 to 9 p.m.); the Philadelphia Orchestra performing works by Handel, Mozart and Vivaldi (June 29, 7:30 p.m.); Chick Corea Trio (July 3, 7:30 p.m.); Natalia Lafourcade (July 6, 7:30 p.m.); Joey Alexander Trio and Time for Three (Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.); Taj Mahal and Bettye LaVette (Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m.). Visit www. longwoodgardens.org/ summer-series.
Kennett Flash schedule
The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www. kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: District 97 with Valdez (May 18, 8 p.m., $18); Stand Up at the Flash featuring Chris O’Connor (May 19, 8 p.m., $12 to $14); The Dylan Band (May 21, 8 p.m., $18 to $22); One Alternative (May 22, 7 p.m., $15 to $19); The Flash Features Chet Lawrence, Andy Wolfe, Dain Carlton and Greg McCarthy (May 27, 8 p.m., $10 to $14); The Subterraneans with Area 302 and Old Ezra (May 28, 8 p.m., $10 to $14); Gas House Gorillas (June 3, 8 p.m., $15 to $18).
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
Through May 24
Plein-air landscapes
“Plein Air-ism: A Responsive Echo” continues through May 24 at the Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford). The gallery will also be part of the Chester County Studio Tour on May 21 and 22. The gallery is open, free of charge, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.oxfordart.org for more information.
Through June 12
American Landscapes The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) will exhibit “The Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting” through June 12. The
exhibition, drawn from the New-York Historical Society, features works by artists of the Hudson River School from the 1800s. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org.
Through May 28
Jack Giangiulio
Longwood Art Gallery (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) is hosting “A Bit of Urban, Country and Sea,” featuring original art by local artist Jack Giangiulio, during May. For more information, call 610-444-0146 or visit www. longwoodartgallery.com.
Through May 31
Art at Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis Wellness Center (331 E. State St., Kennett Square) is presenting
photography by Steffi Chupein and artwork by Mindy Kempista. Chupein creates bright, colorful images of flowers and bold abstracts, many photographed from her own garden. Kempista has been an active participant in the Painted Mushroom contest during the Mushroom Festival and has placed first two years running. Call 610-444-8020 or visit www. metamorphosiswellnesscenter. net.
Through May 27
Ed Bronstein solo show
The Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) will present works by Ed Bronstein, “City Scenes and Still Lifes,” through May 27. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www.stationgallery.net.
Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade planned for May 28
The Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade will be held for the 18th time on Saturday, May 28.
The parade will begin at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of Avon Grove High School. All participants should arrive at the starting point no later than 8 a.m.
Jill Hardy, an American Gold Star Mothers member, will be the guest speaker. American Gold Star Mothers, Inc. is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the country. Highlights of the day also
include speeches by State Rep. John Lawrence and West Grove mayor Steve Black, as well as a performance by the award-winning Avon Grove High School Marching Band, which is under the direction of Rebecca Staznik.
The annual Avon Grove Memorial Day Parade is a community event that would not be possible without the help of local businesses in the area, including the Avon Grove Lions Club, the West Grove Fire Company and surrounding fire companies, local boroughs and townships, and individuals
in the community. The Parade Committee includes Domenico Ruffini, Hank Detering, Tom Muller, John Ruffini, Vicki DashSlesinski, and Gary Hicks. This is a special time to support the veterans and to say “thank you” to all the men and women serving all branches of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. Contributions to support the event can be sent to the Avon Grove Memorial Fund, 104 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove, PA 19390. Call 610-869-3002 for more information.
A rainbow of color for a teen who died too soon
Carly Imbierowicz will be remembered in June 4 event
By John Chambless Staff Writer
This month, Carly Imbierowicz should have been graduating from Octorara High School with her friends and eagerly heading off to college. But instead, her mother, Donna, is putting together a remembrance of Carly’s life, which was cut short by carbon monoxide poisoning on Nov. 22, 2014.
The Octorara Angels Rainbow Color Run will be held June 4 at Octorara Intermediate School in Atglen. It honors the memory of Carly and of Daulton Pointek, who drove to see a movie in Downingtown and succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning from exhaust fumes drawn into the car through the air vents. They had pulled to the side of the road and fallen asleep due to the fumes from the faulty exhaust.
In the past two years, there have been points of light for the families of both Carly and Daulton. Donna, her husband Matt, and their teenage son, Andy, have poured themselves into fundraisers and awareness campaigns about carbon monoxide,
an odorless gas that is created wherever fuel is burned. It can seep from home furnaces, automobiles or generators. Without proper ventilation, it causes gradual asphyxiation and death.
Past events in Carly’s name have raised funds for the American Cancer Society, Mitochondrial Disease awareness, the Special Olympics, the
Octorara
ers,
A Facebook page for the event reads, “The goal of the run is to celebrate the lives of our loved ones and to cherish our memo-
ries of them. In addition, the run kicks off OA Best, a day full of activities for the whole family that highlights the very best of the Octorara School District and community.
“The non-competitive color run is all about having fun with family and friends, while being showered with a rainbow of color throughout the course. It will start in front
of the Octorara Intermediate School and wind its way through the 5K course used by the Octorara Cross Country Team. The start/finish area is next to the parking area in front of the school.”
There will be music, and food and drink at the site. Registration on June 4 begins at 7:30 a.m., there’s a pre-race “rainbow shower” at 8:50 a.m.,
and the run begins at 9 a.m. Runners age 13 and older can enter for $30 if entries are postmarked by May 22, and will get a race T-shirt which can be worn during the run. The fee increases to $35 after May 22 and on race day, and will include the Tshirt while supplies last. Participants ages 12 and younger are $15 up to the day of the run.
“Carly truly was the happiest person I ever met,” Donna Imbierowicz said. “She was very well known for her smile.” Donna is focused on working with legislators to get more regulations passed about carbon monoxide dangers. “That’s how I’m doing it, by keeping busy,” she said. “With faith, hope and love, Carly changed the world.” For more information, visit www.CMIawareness.org, or search on Facebook for the Octorara Angels Rainbow Color Run (www.facebook.com/ events/1629893467231168). The school is at 221 Highland Road in Atglen. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.
Runners will be showered with vibrant colors on June 4.
U-CF School Board president answers query about Sunshine Law and board retreat
By John Chambless Staff Writer
On May 10, a Chadds Ford resident emailed a letter to the UnionvilleChadds Ford School Board members and copied it to local media outlets, expressing concern about a planned board retreat.
In the letter, Mark Stookey wrote to school board president Victor Dupuis, “While attending last night’s work session, I was disturbed to learn
that you are planning to call, prior to September 1, a Board ‘retreat’ for the purpose of, among other things (1) discussing ‘Board goals,’ (2) discussing ‘District goals,’ and (3) determining how and whether to proceed with a strategic planning process for the district.
“As you know, the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act requires that ‘official action and deliberations by a quorum of the members of an agency shall take
place at a meeting open to the public.’ It would seem to me that such a meeting would violate the spirit, and probably the letter, of the Sunshine Act.
“If you decide to call such a non-public meeting, I would hope that the other members of the Board would decline to attend, given that such a meeting would directly conflict with the District’s oftstated positions advocating transparency and public participation,” Stookey
Kennett High School artists win at Chester County show
Two Kennett High School seniors, Olivia Avedisian and Bailey Reigel, were recognized for their talent at the 42nd annual Area High School Show. The juried exhibition was held at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester from April 23 to 30.
Olivia Avedisian earned a First Place Award/Chester County Art Association Board Excellence Award for her untitled charcoal work.
Olivia is a student in Tom Hironimus’s Advanced Art III class. She carries on a proud tradition, as this is the same award Amelia Pagliaro won in 2012, and Noelle Raezer won in 2014.
When describing why she selected the photograph on
which she based her drawing, Olivia said, “What I loved most about the piece was the emotion in her face. You could see the happiness in her eyes.”
“Winning was a big surprise. It’s an honor that I wasn’t expecting, and it’s really special, since it’s my senior year,” she added.
Senior Bailey Reigel, a student in Hironimus’s Advanced Art II course, won a Chester County Art Association Board Honorable Mention for “Buffalo,” an acrylic painting.
“Art makes me feel peaceful. I’m a high energy person, and art makes me feel calm. The reason I chose to do the buffalo is because I just liked the picture I based it on. I took
the picture myself when my family was in Yellowstone last summer,” Bailey explained. “I owe a lot to Mr. Hironimus. He’s a great teacher. An inspiration. Everybody likes him. Everybody respects him. Everybody listens to him. He’s amazing.”
The exhibition displayed more than 500 pieces of artwork from all Chester County high schools brought together by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, including more than 25 works by Kennett High School artists. Everything from drawing and painting to computer generated art, to found object sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and more showcased the talents of area students.
wrote.
On the morning of May 11, Dupuis responded to Stookey, also copying his letter to local media outlets.
“You may not be aware that there is significant legal precedent under the Sunshine Act for board retreats,” he wrote to Stookey. “While school boards are required by law to deliberate on items that they will be voting on in a public meeting, boards are permitted to
have discussions about general district policy and direction, goal setting, and other board matters in a closed – door retreat.
“This is not new, nor is it in anyway controversial,” Dupuis continued. “While care needs to be taken to ensure that all aspects of the board retreat do not violate Sunshine Act requirements for public discussion, there is plenty of room for nondeliberative conversations in a private setting.
“Your choice of audience
for this email suggests that you are seeking to make this a point of contention with local media sources, rather than simply expressing your concerns to the Board,” Dupuis added. “So, to be clear to everyone, as has been our practice for several years, we will have a board retreat, and it will be a productive, nondeliberative discussion.”
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
Plans underway for Kennett Square Memorial Day parade
This time of year, Bill Taylor is never without his binder.
The large binder contains every last detail of the annual Kennett Square Memorial Day parade, which will step off at 10 a.m. May 30. It’s a testament to the months of behind-the-scenes work that goes into the Kennett Square parade each year and has drawn more than 1,000 participants and more than 12,000 spectators.
Taylor, the parade chairman and the owner of Taylor Oil & Propane, has been the force behind Kennett’s ever-growing parade for 11 years, ever since the borough asked him to help jazz it up, Taylor said in a recent interview. He is helped in his quest by his assistant at Taylor Oil, Lorraine Spencer; his son, Michael; Taylor Oil employees; family members; and the parade committee that comprises members of the local American Legion
and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. Invitations to some participants were sent out in November.
Planning Southern Chester County’s largest parade takes an abundance of teamwork, organization, coordination, and outreach. Administrative and marketing support comes from Historic Kennett Square.
“We’re really, really busy from now to the parade,” Taylor said one afternoon, noting that this is the time where floats are built, 1,000 bottles of water are ordered for the parade participants, sponsors are lined up, and the veterans luncheon is planned.
Emceeing the parade will be Matt Grieco, owner of Grieco Family Funeral Homes, and former Kennett Consolidated School Board president Doug Stirling. In addition to announcing the participants, Grieco and Stirling will introduce the grand marshals and share some of their histories from World War II.
This year’s grand marshals are Ralph D. Doss, Anthony L. DiFabio, Raymond J. Natale Sr., and Horace J. Brown, Sr. All served in World War II. Brown, who died on April 11 at the age of 92, was born in West Chester, raised in Kennett Square, and served in the war under Douglas MacArthur.
Veterans of all wars are the most important part of each Memorial Day parade, Taylor said. Invitations were sent this year to 316 veterans, and Taylor expects many of those who participate to be in the parade. After the parade ends, veterans will be honored at Union Hill Cemetery with a 21-gun salute. They and their families are then invited to a luncheon at the American Legion.
The patriotic theme is included in even the smallest details. Boy Scout Troop 53 will hand out 5,000 American flags to wave during the parade.
In addition to the volunteers who donate their time, a number of businesses donate sponsorship and services to ensure a successful parade. Taylor Oil and RJ Waters & Associates are the platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors are the Mushroom Festival, Fenstermacher & Co., Genesis Healthcare, VFW Post 5467, and the Mushroom Farmers of PA.
Silver sponsors include the KAU Little League, Kennett Run Charities, Larmore Scarlett, Union Street Financial, DiMatteo Financial Group, Burton’s Barber Shop, Matt Fetick and Keller Williams Realty,
Family Funeral Homes,
BB&T Bank, WSFS Bank, Kennett Beverage, Longwood Rotary, American Legion Post 491, and Historic Kennett Square. Kennett High School and Genesis Healthcare will donate their parking areas along South Street for parade acts to gather. Floats, groups, bands, and vehicles will line up in the high school parking lot, in the Genesis parking lot across the street, and along Birch Street. The Kennett Run organization donates road cones for those areas. VFW Post 5467 donates not just the flags, but also ice and water. Kennett Square Borough provides police and public works assistance, and McGovern’s provides Porta Potties for four locations, according to Taylor.
Advertising assistance comes from Sarro Signs, which produces the street and sponsor banners and road signs; Mailings Inc., which provides the parade posters; and Jake Jacoby, who provides the parade participant signage.
The Kennett Historical Commission provides the parade video that Taylor reviews each year as on parade day he is doing everything but watching the procession. QVC will also be recording the parade this year.
“I’ll be checking everything, handling all problems, checking for people in the wrong places, dealing with stalled vehicles,” Taylor said. Taylor Oil provides crews to help with line-up and clean-up, water, tents, chairs, and more. At the veterans luncheon following the parade, the American Legion Post 491 provides the luncheon for more than 300 veterans and military participants and their families, Taylor said.
Giant Food donates food, condiments, and 10 volunteers for the luncheon, while Coca-Cola donates the soda and Herr’s donates chips.
The meticulous, months-long planning and coordination will result in a patriotic parade designed to appeal to everyone.
“This year’s two-hour parade promises to be one of the best ones yet,” Taylor said.
The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade starts Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m. It travels from East South Street, to South Union Street, to East Cypress Street, to South Broad Street, to North Union Street. Visit www. historickennettsquare.com.
Olivia Avedisian
Bailey Reigel
Grieco
MacElree Harvey,
Big bats lead Red Raiders to a 7-3 win over the Unionville Indians
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
ball team continued its hot streak, relying on a five-run fifth inning to top Unionville, 7-3, on May 12. The game was tied 2-2 after four innings, with Unionville starting pitcher Joe Love doing a nice job of keeping Coatesville’s big bats in check.
But Coatesville loaded the bases on two singles and a walk to start the top of the fifth. First baseman Matt Stolzer stepped into the batter’s box looking to do more damage—it was his two-run single that gave Coatesville the early lead. Stolzer hit a sharp single to left, scoring two more runs. Ste-
phon Hines, Coatesville’s designated hitter, stepped to the plate looking to increase the Red Raiders’ lead. Hines belted a drive to left-center that cleared the fence—and the bases—as the three-run homer gave Coatesville a 7-2 lead.
Unionville put a runner on base in the bottom of the fifth, but couldn’t chip into that lead.
Love continued to work hard on the mound. He kept Coatesville’s hitters in check in the sixth inning. The defense made several nice plays behind Love, including several nice catches by A.J. Narcise in center field.
When Unionville put its first two hitters on in the bottom of the sixth off
Coatesville starter Ryan Ohar, Coateville turned to the bullpen for lefthander Damon Nelson. The Indians pushed across one run on a ground out by Brendan Barrett, but Nelson set down the next two betters to end the threat.
Unionville’s Tyler Rafetto, who had three hits on the day, led off the bottom of the seventh inning with a single, but Nelson retired the next three batters to preserve the 7-3 victory.
The win improved Coatesville’s record to 14-3, and Unionville’s record now stands at 6-10.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.
Photo by Steven Hoffman Stephon Hines rounds third after belting a three-run home run in the fifth inning.
Photo by Steven Hoffman Joe Love pitched a complete game for the Indians.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Playing against one of the best teams in the Ches-Mont League, Unionville battled to make a comeback.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
The Indians made some nice defensive plays behind Love.
DR. CHARLES STRAHAN, JR.
Dr. Charles Strahan, Jr., of Kennett Square, died on April 29. He was 95 years old.
Born in Baltimore, Md., Charles was the son of the late Charles Strahan, Sr., and the late Ethyl Fisher Strahan. He earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., in 1942, and then graduated from medical school from the University of Maryland in 1945. He finished his residency in psychiatry at the U.S. Veterans Hospital in Perry Point, Md., and completed his graduate work in psychoanalysis at the Baltimore-Washington Psychoanalytic Institute. Dr. Strahan opened his office in 1952 and had a solo practice until 1997. He was a member of the Medical Center of Delaware Psychiatric Department and served as Interim Chairman for two years. From 1970 until 1980, he was a psychiatric consultant for the Southbridge Medical Activities Center. He was one of the founding members of the Delaware Psychiatric Society. Dr. Strahan was the former president of the Delaware Psychiatric Society and a life fellow of the Baltimore-Washington Psychoanalytic Institute, the American Psychiatric Society, the International Psychoanalytic Society and the Medical Society of Delaware. He also taught at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School.
He had numerous interests throughout his life. He was a sailor, painter, woodworker, welder, pilot, voracious reader and a grower of orchids. He taught painting at the Academy of Life Long Learning at the University of Delaware.
Dr. Strahan is survived by his three daughters, Donna K. Strahan of Washington D.C., Christine S. Barker of Wilmington, Del., and Holly L. Strahan of North Pomfret, Vt. He is also survived by five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His former wife, Jean, the mother of his three girls, preceded him in death in 1981. He subsequently married Johanne Dickinson in 1983. She has three children, John Guy Dickinson, Jr., of Oregon, Gregory R. Dickinson of California, and Susan Dickinson Beck of Delaware; and three granddaughters.
Services will be private. Memorial donations would be appreciated to The Music School of Delaware, 4101 N. Washington Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19802. Condolences can be sent to www.longwoodfuneralhome. com.
JEFFREY D. CULLEN
Jeffrey D. Cullen, 64, of Lincoln University, passed away on May 5 at his home. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late David H. and Alice Ray Cullen. He attended the Oxford Area Schools and graduated from Sanford Prep School in Hockessin, Del., in 1969. Jeffrey was a member of the Class of 1973 at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, and graduated in 1975 with a degree in English literature. He was a member of Delta Sigma Fraternity. He was an independent bread vendor for Pepperidge Farm for over 25 years. He also managed an apple orchard, worked on an Alaskan oil tanker and as a lobster fisherman. He was a Boy Scout Leader for Troops No. 13 and No. 155 in Oxford. He was an avid historian and reader, and loved Maine, farming, and the sea.
Jeffrey is survived by two brothers, Gary C. of Northport, N.Y., and Dr. Kenneth K. Cullen of Rising Sun, Md.; one sister-in-law, Jo Greene; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services were held May 12. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
WILLARD L. HUNSINGER
Dr. Willard L. Hunsinger, of West Grove, passed away after a short illnesson May 10 at age 77. He was the son of Willard R. and Helen Kovaschetz Hunsinger. Will was the proud husband of Nanci McWilliams Hunsinger, with whom he spent almost 58 years of marriage. He was the father of Wendalyn Lunt (George) and Tobin M. Hunsinger (Sally). He was the grandfather of Katherine Lunt, Rebecca Lunt, Anna Hunsinger, Noah Hunsinger, Grace Hunsinger and Elijah Hunsinger. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Jane Mordan; brother, Milton J. Hunsinger; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Jacklynn Hunsinger and Elizabeth Book.
Will proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy, aboard the USS Laffey. He returned home to
CHARLES W. BEVARD, JR.
Charles Wright Bevard, Jr., passed from this life on May 2. He was born in 1942 in Baltimore, Md., to Charles W. Bevard and Katherine Anna (Shafer) Bevard. Charles grew up in Oxford, and graduated from McDonogh School in McDonogh, Md., in 1960. He graduated from Harvard University in 1964 with a cum laude degree with honors in economics. He was an editor for the Harvard Crimson Newspaper. He joined the U.S. Army in June 1964 and was assigned to the Transportation Corps. While in the Army, he was selected to attend the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He obtained a master’s degree in business administration magna cum laude. He had two tours of duty to Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster on both tours. For the final tour of his 20-year career, Major Bevard was a Staff Officer at TRADOC (Training & Doctrine Command) in Fort Monroe, Va. After his military retirement in 1984, Charles began his career as a banker. He became a senior vice president at Farmers Bank of Cook in Cook, Neb. In 1995, he was the co-author of the banking method known as the “Phantom Savings & Loan” which allowed over 30 banks in Nebraska to open branch offices in neighboring communities which led to statewide branch banking. He retired from banking in August of 2007.
Charles is survived by his brother, Bishop Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. He also leaves to mourn his cousins Howard B. Bevard of Baltimore, Md., Carolyn and George Fisher of Long Island, N.Y., Marion and Ginger Bevard of Bozman, Md., John and Linda Bevard of Edgewater, Md., Sally B. Bevard of LaPlata, Md., Timothy Lyn and Alan Bevard of Easton, Md., Garth Kirkwood of Sarasota, Fla., Cort Kirkwood of Penn Laird, Va., Bonnie Hastings of Forest Hills, Md., and Anne Robinson of Frederick, Md. Cherishing precious memories are his Nebraska friends Joyce Douglas, Justin, April, Alexandra and Jacquelyn Douglas, W. Ronald and Jan Douglas, Trish Jarnagin, and Paul Douglas. He will also be missed by many friends in banking and at Gramercy Hill Retirement Community. He was predeceased by his parents and his good friend, Judson B. Douglas III. Charles enjoyed all types of reading, Civil War history and trivia.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church (203 Church Rd., Oxford) at 10 a.m. on May 23, preceded by the Holy Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers can be provided to the Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands, P. O. Box 301825, St. Thomas, VI 00803; or the Newman Center of the University of Nebraska, 320 North 16 Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
MARGARET DICKSON HAWRYLACK
Margaret Dickson Hawrylack, 80, of New London, died on May 5 at her home.
continue his education, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University, a master’s degree from University of Delaware and a doctorate of Education from Nova University. Will spent most of his adult life as an educator. He served in many roles, including math teacher and administrator in Delaware school districts for 35 years. A funeral service was held May 15. Gifts in Will’s name may be made to the Wounded Warriors of PA (www.pawoundedwarriors.org), Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) or Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware (www.efde.org). Now
TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religiouspagethat
churchpage.
She was the wife of Michael W. Hawrylack, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Plum Bridge, Northern Ireland, she was a daughter of the late William and the late Elizabeth (Barry) Dickson. Margaret was a store manager for House of Bargains in Philadelphia for many years. She enjoyed reading, traveling and anything about homeland of Ireland. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother, and will be missed by all.
Survivors include, in addition to her husband, two sons, John and his wife Helen of Landenberg, and Michael and his wife Nuria of Feasterville, Pa.; one daughter, Margaret Ann Hatch and her husband Steve of Philadelphia; three sisters, Maureen and Florie, both of Ireland; and Adeline of England; eight grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother and two sisters.
A funeral was held May 11. Interment was in New London Presbyterian Cemetery. To view her online tribute, visit www.griecocares.com.
Continued from Page 6B
MARION BUTLER
Marion Butler, 89, passed away peacefully on May 7 at Preston in Jenners Pond.
Marion Luce Butler was born in 1927 to Jesse Menzies and Philip Montague Luce in Brooklyn, N.Y. She moved with her family to New Rochelle, N.Y. at a young age, where she met her future husband. Marion was a 1949 graduate of Connecticut College. She married Herbert Fuller Butler, Jr., a 1949 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, in 1950.
Her husband, Herb, preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, Robert Luce (wife Nancy) and her children, Dr. Virginia Reef, Barbara Brenner (husband Carl), Herbert (Skip) Butler III (wife Karen); and grandchildren Charles (wife Becca), Nathan (wife Cassi), William Brenner, and Veronica and Brigitte Butler.
Marion was always proud of her Scottish heritage and was pleased to have visited the castle Menzies in Scotland, attending a gathering of the clan. She enjoyed numerous overseas and domestic tours of duty with her husband, including Japan, France, Germany, and Hawaii.
In her younger years, Marion worked as an elementary school teacher. When her children were grown, she became interested in genealogy and parlayed that interest into a job at the Daughters of the American Revolution, in Washington, D.C.
On retirement, she and Herb moved to Wintergreen in Nellysford, Va., where she became involved in the book and investment clubs and the Nature Conservancy, among other
ASSAULT AT HOSPITAL
Harry William Elston, 55, of Landenberg, was arrested for aggravated assault and related charges on May 1 when he assaulted two nurses at Jennersville Hospital. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported that Elston was receiving treatment at the hospital at 11:15 p.m. when he threw a soda can at one nurse and punched another in the face.
MINORS CHARGED WITH SENDING
PHOTO
Four students at Fred S. Engle Middle School in London Grove Township were investigated for charges of transmitting a sexually explicit photograph last month. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported that, between March 27 and April 24, a 13-year-old girl took a sexually explicit photo of herself and sent it to a male student at the school, who sent it to another male student. The second boy then sent it to a third boy at the school.
THEFT FROM CAR
Overnight on April 16, the window of a car was broken while it was parked in the 100 block of Schoolview Lane in East Nottingham Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. An iPad, textbooks and other items were stolen. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Revels at 610-268-2022.
DUI Taylor Lynne Romero, 20, of Chadds Ford, was involved in a single-car crash on March 26 at 1:36 a.m. on East Hillendale Road. According to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale, she showed signs of intoxication and failed field sobriety tests. She was later charged with DUI.
John Hernandez-Romero, of Wilmington, Del., was charged with DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia after he was stopped by police for a traffic violation on Route 272 in West Nottingham Township.
Jair Barcenas-Aparicio, a resident of Mexico, was stopped by the State Police as he was driving north on Route 10 in Lower Oxford Township for a traffic violation. Police determined that he was driving under the influence of alcohol, and he was arrested.
things. Marion and Herb stayed active with tennis and skiing and also enjoyed traveling around the world. She was somewhat of an adventurer throughout her life, starting with following her husband’s naval ship around the Mediterranean with other young Navy wives, followed by road trips throughout Europe, to attending Outward Bound’s Maine Coast Sailing adventure.
When her husband died, Marion moved to Jenners Pond in West Grove, where she made many friends and continued with the book and investment clubs, as well as becoming active in the photography club. She enjoyed the cultural activities in the Philadelphia/Wilmington area. She was a loving wife and mother and a doting grandmother, and shared her joy of travel with her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service will be held at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y., sometime this summer. The date and time of the memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of the following: The Benevolent Care Fund at Jenners Pond, The Menzies Charitable Trust and Friends of Castle Menzies at www.castlemenzies.org, or The Nature Foundation at Wintergreen at www.twnf.org.
JOYCE K. COSENZO
Joyce K. Cosenzo, 68, of Oxford, passed away on May 10 at home.
She was the wife of Daniel E. Cosenzo, Jr., and was preceded in death by her first husband, James Greene. Born in New Hall, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Vestell and Verna Agnes Lyons Woods. Joyce was a member of Safe Harbor Baptist Church in Cochranville. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Steve Lawson of Cochranville and Anthony Lawson of Oxford;
one daughter, Jennifer Lawson of Nottingham; seven grandchildren; two stepsons, Daniel E. Cosenzo III and Christopher A. Cosenzo, both of Oxford; five stepgrandchildren; two brothers, Roger Woods of Aberdeen, Md., and Rodney Woods of Bluefield, W.Va.; and two sisters, Sharon Anderson of York, and Norma Taylor of Street, Md. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Buddy Woods and Jack Lyons.
A memorial service was held May 13. Donations in her memory may be made to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation, payable to CHOP Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DOROTHY M. TROSINO
Dorothy M. Trosino, 93, of Chadds Ford, died on May 5 at her home.
She was the wife of the late Ernest Trosino, who died in 1977, and with whom she shared 15 years of marriage. Born in Alden, Okla., she was a daughter of the late Charles D. and the late Nancy C. Samuals Cane. She was a graduate of Delaware County Community College. She was a member of the Kennett Square VFW, loved to travel and worked for God.
Survivors include her stepson, Neil Trosino of Portland, Ore.; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers and one sister.
A memorial service was held May 15. Interment was in Arlington National Cemetery, where she was laid to rest next to her husband. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares. com.
to Proposers shall accompany each proposal. The successful Contractor shall comply with the requirements of the Non-Discrimination Clause of the contract. The London Grove Township Board of Supervisors reserves the right to reject any and all Bids and to accept the Bid which is in the best interest of the Township, as more fully set forth in the Instructions to Bidders. STEVEN C. BROWN TOWNSHIP MANAGER 5p-11-2t
ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF : Peter John Adamovich , late of Lincoln University, Chester County, PA, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the above Estate having been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: John Adamovich,, Executor: c/o Ira D. Binder, Esq., 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363
Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 5p-11-3t
ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF : John A. Murphy , late of Oxford, , Chester County, PA, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the above Estate having been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without
delay to: John Murphy, Executor: c/o Ira D. Binder, Esq., 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363
5p-4-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF : Miriam B. Woolford, late of West Chester, Chester County, PA, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the above Estate having been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Charles E. Woolford- Executor ,C/O his Attorney: David M. Smilk, Esq. 3475 West Chester Pike, Suite 200, Newtown Square, Pa 19073 5p-4-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF : Steven L. Tingley, late of London Grove, Township, West Grove, Chester County, PA, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the above Estate having been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Thelma W, Tingley or Edward W. Tingley, Co- Administrators, C/O their Attorney: Kerry Kalmbach, 109 W. Linden Street, Kennett Square,, PA 19348 5p-4-3t
NOTICE
OXFORD ACRES, ITS SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CHESTER COUNTY, PA NO. 2016-03504
LOUIS ARGYRIS, Plaintiff v. OXFORD ACRES, INC., Defendant You have been named as a defendant in a civil action instituted by plaintiff Louis Argyris against you in this Court. Plaintiff, Louis Argyris, alleges in the Complaint in this action that he has
possessed a parcel of real property in the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania openly, exclusively, solely and continuously by maintenance and mowing, to the exclusion of all other persons, including but not limited to Oxford Acres, Inc., its successors and assigns. This land contains approximately .631 acres of land. The last record owner of this parcel was Oxford Acres, Inc. as described a part of the real property in Deed Book N 33, Page 298. You may examine a copy of the plan and location of the real property claimed by Louis Argyris in this claim of ownership of this parcel by Adverse Possession, in the above described Complaint at the Office of the Prothonotary, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, or contacting R. Samuel McMichael, Esq. 208 E. Locust Street Oxford, PA 19363, 610 932 4330. You are hereby notified to plead to the complaint in this case, of which the above is a brief summary, within twenty days from the date of this publication. NOTICE - If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in writing with the Court. You are warned that if you fail to do so, the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you without further notice for the relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED OR NO FEE. Lawyer Referral and Information Service Chester County Bar Association 15 West Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-429-1500 R Samuel McMichael, Esquire P O
INCORPORATION
Oxford Area High School honors Students of the Month
Oxford Area High School recently held a breakfast to recognize the school’s Students of the Month for February. Each month teachers in selected departments nominate underclassmen for this honor, with the final selections made by the school administration. Students of the Month are chosen based on criteria including demonstrating an effort and desire to learn; involvement in school and classroom activities; respect for all school policies and personnel; concern for the school community and friendliness and support for other students. The following students were recognized as Students of the Month for February after being nominated by members of the health and physical education, technology education and guidance departments:
Cassidy Colmary, freshman: Cassidy’s favorite course is Honors Algebra 2. In her spare time she enjoys dancing. Her favorite thing about OAHS is “how exciting our teachers can be but still run a strict classroom. Also I love how open the students can be with the teachers.”
Gianna Coyle, freshman: Nominating teacher April Herr said, “Gianna demonstrates a real effort and desire to learn. She was ready and willing to ask for help and advice and to be proud of her improvements in every skill and activity. Gianna demonstrates real concern for the school community. She is very respectful to everyone and shows her sincerity openly through discussion and interest in her peers.”
Brenan Italia, freshman: Brenan’s favorite subjects are Honors Biology and Honors History. In his spare time he enjoys playing tennis and video games and reading. After graduation Brenan would like to attend the University of Delaware to study for a career as a professor of American history or a zoologist.
Alexis Morrison, freshman: Alexis’s favorite subject is math. In her spare time she enjoys playing soccer and being with friends.
left are junior Raudel Franco-de-Santos, freshman Alexis Morrison, juniors
Sarah Buckley and Alysa Anderson, sophomore Jacob O’Connor and Principal Christopher Dormer.
After graduation she would like to study to become a physical therapist and is considering the University of Delaware. When Alexis learned she was a Student of Month, “I felt proud of myself.”
Seth Nunn, sophomore: Seth’s favorite subject is math. His favorite thing about OAHS is “being with people I can talk with.”
Nominating technology education teacher Bill Kromer said, “Seth was very helpful to me and the class during the last semester.”
Jacob O’Connor, sophomore: Jacob’s favorite subject is math. In his spare time he enjoys playing baseball and soccer, and also works at McDonald’s. After graduating Jacob would like to study to become a physical therapist or athletic trainer. “I may also be interested in going into a mix between the engineering and medical field, for example biomedical engineering,” he said. When Jacob learned he was a Student of the Month, “I was really excited that I got it. I had gotten it in middle school and elementary school and I was hoping I would get it sometime in my high school career.”
Alysa Anderson, junior: Alysa’s favorite subjects are art and psychology.
“They’re both escapes from reality in a way,” she said.
“I find art class to be a safe haven from the rest of the responsibilities of my other
classes.” In her spare time she enjoys reading, painting and drawing. After graduation Alysa would like to study to be an art teacher, and her choices include Kutztown and Millersville universities. Sarah Buckley, junior: Sarah’s favorite subjects are English and history. “I love reading and I am a pretty good writer so I enjoy English,” she said. “I also like history. It has always fascinated me.” While she enjoys watching TV in her spare time, Sarah has recently spent a lot of time practicing for the OAHS musical “Annie.” After graduation Sarah is interested in pursuing a career in communications, in the areas of broadcasting, filmmaking and theater.
Raudel Franco-deSantos, junior: Nominating health and physical education teacher Josh Socash said, “Raudel worked hard in athletic conditioning all semester. He improved on all seven fitness tests.”
Grace Wadsworth, junior: Grace’s favorite subject is child care. In her spare time she enjoys reading and spending time with friends, and also works at Walmart. After graduation, “the career I want to pursue will involve working with infants and children,” she said. “My plan is to receive a degree that will allow me to travel to developing countries and be a sort of mom to these orphaned or mistreated children.”
Parker wins first-ever Joseph C. Ray, Jr. Scholarship
Khalese Parker, a current sophomore at West Nottingham Academy, received the firstever Joseph C. Ray, Jr. Scholarship in American History.
For fifty years, “Mr. Ray” taught history and served as the Academy’s historian. In his will, Ray endowed this scholarship to be awarded “annually or whenever the History Department feels it is merited to a current sophomore or junior class student who displays a commitment to excellence in the study of American History.”
Candidates submit an application along with a research paper demonstrating their passion for the study of American History.
Khalese’s paper on the Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Vietnam veterans displayed the kind of strong writing and
research skills the committee was looking for, and she earned the award in a very competitive field of applicants. In addition to a $5000 scholarship to be applied to her tuition in the academic year 2016-
2017, Khalese received a certificate honoring her achievement. A plaque of ongoing scholarship winners will be mounted near the West Nottingham Academy History Center located on campus.
Hopewell Reading Olympics teams bring home the blue
Hopewell Elementary School sent two fifthgrade teams and two sixth-grade teams to the Chester County Reading Olympics held in March at West Chester East High School. On March 8, the fifth grade “Hopewell Shoopinson’s
Bookworms,” coached by learning support teachers Alicia Shoop and Alyssa Robinson, and the “Hopewell Einsteins,” coached by librarian Maureen Pongracz, participated in the elementary school level of the Reading Olympics. On March 10, the sixth grade “Hopewell Pink Cyborg Hamsters,” coached by reading specialist Karen Gregan, and the “Hopewell Reading RIKAS,” coached by teacher Amy Swisher, participated in the middle school level of the event. After competing in three
rounds of questions about books from a required reading list, each of the four Hopewell teams were awarded blue ribbons.
Sponsored by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, the goal of the Reading Olympics is to increase the time students spend
reading independently for enjoyment while developing their reading skills.
From December to March, students collaborated with their teammates to read 45 books selected by a committee of librarians, reading specialists, and classroom teachers in the
Philadelphia area who prepare questions based on the selected books for the Reading Olympics participants to answer during the three rounds of competition. The coaches met with their teams about twice a month to check on their team’s progress.
Courtesy photos (4)
The Hopewell Elementary School fifth grade “Hopewell Einsteins” participated in the elementary level of the Chester County Reading Olympics. Front from left are Ava Corcoran, Megan Murphy, Hayli Hart, Mackenzie Hart, Elizabeth Evans-Ralston, Siena DiFrancesco and Ryan Steinmetz; top from left are Kara Phelan, Cash Vanderhoef, Julia Kahn, Makayla Brooks, Briana Santos and Maureen Pongracz, coach.
The Hopewell Elementary School fifth grade “Shoopinson’s Book Worms” participated in the elementary level of the Chester County Reading Olympics. Front from left are Jadelyn Jackson, Madison Laslett, Jose Cabrera, Hope Bailey, Katlyn Sedlak, Alexia Samsonov, Guadalupe Ornelas-Hernandez, Jack DeGrave and Alicia Shoop, coach; top from left are Alyssa Robinson, coach; Sarah Bare, Erin Chapin, Natalie Morlang, Emma Zaleski, Sarah Potter, Carter Barron and Daniel Haba.
The Hopewell Elementary School sixth grade “Pink Cyborg Hamsters” earned blue ribbons in the middle school level of the Chester County Reading Olympics. Front from left are Principal Dr. Nicole Addis, Karen Gregan, coach; Ben Smith, Olivia Merritt, Samantha Zabosky and Samantha Dunlap; middle from left, Matt Blair, Rachel Sedlak, Kate Hanna and Miranda Berg; top from left, Megan Berg, Marissa Berg, Eileen Diaz and Lily Sapp. Amy Honaker is not pictured.
The Hopewell Elementary School sixth grade “Reading RIKAS” earned blue ribbons in the middle school level of the Chester County Reading Olympics. Front from left are Emma Ward, James Fleisher, Madeleine Smith, Abby Oliver, and Principal Dr. Nicole Addis; middle from left are Marie Weber, Alaina Kargulewicz, Declan Harrison, Barry Brower and Amy Swisher, coach; Top from left are Haley Miller, Nick Richardson, Abby Rodriguez and Julianne Guerin. Bella Crowley is not pictured.
Courtesy photo
Oxford Area High School recently named its Students of the Month for February. Seated from left are sophomore Seth Nunn, freshman Gianna Coyle, junior Grace Wadsworth and freshmen Cassidy Colmary and Brenan Italia; standing from
Courtesy photo
Khalese Parker, a current sophomore at West Nottingham Academy, received the first-ever Joseph C. Ray, Jr. Scholarship in American History.
