East Marlborough supervisors appoint new Township Manager Resident issues raise need
By John Chambless Staff Writer
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
KCSD approves Legacy Field property easement
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Kennett School Board approved a waiver-of-rights and deed of easement that will allow Kennett Township to access and utilize a small portion of the Legacy Fields property as part of a sidewalk expansion project that the township is undertaking.
Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) business administrator Mark Tracy explained that the drainage easement will be located at the northeast corner of Legacy Fields, just beyond the enclosed synthetic playing surfaces that are used by some of the school district’s sports teams. The work on the project will not interfere
with the district’s use of Legacy Fields. Tracy noted that the Legacy Fields property already has three easements on it, and said that the school district will not receive compensation for the waiver-of-rights or the deed of easement. However, the district will be reimbursed for the legal and engineering services,
up to $4,000, as part of the agreement.
School board member Dominic Perigo, Jr. said that there should be a discussion between KCSD and the township about making sure that a portion of the sidewalk dips down to street level so that the district can bring equipment in through one of the gates.
Following a year-long
By John Chambless Staff Writer
Surrounded by the buzz of excited cast members, Karalyn Joseph was busy last week making dreams come true.
At 17, Joseph is directing a production of “Seussical, Jr.” featuring young adult actors with special needs. Some of them have stage experience, but some have never been in front of an audience before. The show, which will be staged from July 28 to 30 at Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square, is the first production of the Community of Actors with Special Needs Theatre (CAST). As the founder and leader of a brand-new company with some brand-new
evaluation process of various student transportation software systems, the district is entering a licensing agreement with Transfinder for the use of its RouterfinderPro, a transportation management system.
“A lot of school districts in Chester County already use Transfinder,” Tracy explained.
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picking mushrooms and selling cocaine. Lemus is 67 years old and he will be living around the corner in Pocopson at the Chester County Prison until he is at least 88. County Court Judge James P. MacElree, himself a former DA, meted out
By Uncle Irvin
Lemus,
Photo
1, Jane Laslo
Photo by John Chambless
From left: Bob Weer, Jane Laslo, Christine Kimmel, newly appointed Township Manager Laurie Prysock, John Sarro and Richard Hannum, Jr.
Manager on Sept. 9. At the Board of Supervisors meeting
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
A continuing illegal parking problem in the Heather Grove development in London Grove Township has led to some officials calling for more police enforcement.
another show. Fortunately, she’s accustomed to the life of the theater.
“I started out as a dancer for 15 years at Cecil Dance Company in Maryland,” Joseph said before rehearsal started on July 7. “The company did theatrical dance performances, but with no speaking. You learned to tell the story through your body. That got me into the acting side of things. When I was 11 or 12, my mom said I should audition for ‘The Sound of Music’ at Delaware Children’s Theatre. She played Maria and I played Louisa. I absolutely loved it. I completely fell in love with the theater.”
With a solid dance background and ongoing vocal training, Joseph has been in more than 30 shows, filling major roles at Millburn Stone Theatre, the Delaware Children’s Theatre and elsewhere. At Unionville High School, she has had the starring roles in “West Side Story” and “Shrek The Musical.”
Her path to forming CAST began when she took part in the summer theater
productions put on at the Jennersville YMCA. One of her fellow cast members was a boy with special needs. “The first show I did there, you could tell he was kind of coming out of his shell a little bit,” Joseph said. “By the end, he would come up and yell a line of the show in greeting, and you’d have to know exactly what the next line was – whether it was your character or not. That was how he had learned to communicate, and I thought that was incredible.”
Joseph’s family attends Willowdale, so last February, she volunteered to help at the Night to Shine prom event for special-needs youth that was held at the church.
“By some chance, I was placed in the karaoke room, and it was great to watch these people get up with this amazing enthusiasm, and everybody’s cheering each other on,” she said.
“I have to give my mom credit, though. I came home and she said, ‘Wouldn’t it be neat if they could do a theater show together? You should do that.’ I said, ‘No, I could never do that.’ But
she ended up giving me a push.”
There was a grant available for community service projects through Willowdale, so the time seemed right for Joseph to take the plunge.
“I admit I have no experience in dealing with people who have special needs, but I have an open heart and I’m willing to listen,” Joseph said with a smile. “I’m extremely grateful that people have been open to me about all this.”
“Seussical, Jr.” is the first show she has directed.
“When in doubt, I think about what Bambi Johnson, who runs things at Millburn Stone Theatre, would do,” she said. “She’s so incredibly patient with everybody. I just think, ‘What would Bambi do?’ and go from there. It’s been a lot less stressful than I expected. I mean, it’s been stressful, but everybody comes in with an amazing attitude and they’re always ready to work.”
No one was turned down at auditions, and the cast has grown to include 15 young people. There are several helpers who work with the actors on learning lines and making their entrances at the right time.
Some of the cast members attend the Vanguard School and have done some shows there. But one cast member came to auditions not intending to try out. After being gently coached by
Joseph, he ended up landing the large role of Horton the Elephant. Joseph has two mentors by her side – Nance Weber and Deanne Lafferty – who give her advice on directing, and on working with special-needs youth. Weber has extensive theater experience, and Deanne is the head of Willowdale’s special-needs ministry. “It’s been great to have them working alongside me and help me learn as I go along, especially with the financial side of things that I don’t have the experience in,” Joseph said. The show is being staged at the comfortable, well-equipped chapel at Willowdale, with about 200 seats for each performance. Joseph is cautiously optimistic of a big turnout for the production, which is both a blessing and a worry. She’s thinking about having a preview performance that will give the cast some experience with a live audience and soothe any jittery nerves.
“We’ve been rehearsing two days a week, and for the most part we’ve been done blocking the show for two weeks now,” Joseph said. “It was quicker than I thought. They all picked it up. It’s been awesome to watch some of the people grow. There’s one boy who refused to do any dance movements at first, and now he’s up there doing it, and seems to be enjoying it. So it’s been fun.”
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The cast rehearses the opening song of ‘Seussical, Jr.’
Photos by John Chambless
Joseph watches the rehearsal in progress.
East Marlborough...
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Hannum, Jr., announced that Laslo’s successor will be Laurie Prysock, who has been serving as Assistant Township Manager.
“Jane Laslo has been serving as Township Manager for nearly 40 years, so we are certainly very sad to lose Jane after all these many years, and the institutional knowledge she has, and the relationships that she’s built for the board and for the township,” Hannum said. “But we’re very excited for her next stage, as a grandparent and for all the other adventures that she’ll have.”
Hannum said the township received more than 25 resumes for the Township Manager position, and three candidates were ultimately interviewed. In formal voting on Monday night, supervisor John Sarro officially nominated Prysock for the position, seconded by supervisor Christine Kimmel. Supervisor Eddie Caudill was not present, and supervisor Bob Weer voted against Prysock’s appointment.
Prysock smiled and acknowledged the applause that followed the vote, but did not make a public statement. She will assume her new duties on Sept. 12, Hannum said. “Laurie will also be township secretary and treasurer,” Hannum added. “We’re very excited to have Laurie. She has demonstrated that she is a perfect fit for East Marlborough.”
During the meeting that followed, township engineer Jim Hatfield gave a few details about the progress that’s been made at the Unionville Park. New paths have been graded and prepared for paving, he said, and the pilings have been drilled for the boardwalks which will extend over wetland areas in the park.
“We expect the boardwalks should be done in about two weeks,” he said. A pavilion will be delivered in late August or early September.
“I would anticipate everything being completed by mid-September. I’m very pleased with how it’s going so far,” Hatfield said. The board voted to approve a $242,000 payment for this second phase of the park’s development.
The long-debated issue of safety in the village of Unionville is seeing some progress, and supervisor John Sarro explained recent activity by the safety committee has resulted in suggestions for placement of crosswalks in the village. The first priority is to move the crosswalk between Hood’s BBQ and the URA ball fields because it is too close to the URA driveway. “It is illegal where it is now,” Sarro said. The suggested relocation spot is a few feet to the west, but the move will require cutting
into a guardrail along the road, and that will involve PennDOT input.
Traffic calming measures are being considered along with the crosswalk issue, Sarro said, and the committee is studying whether raised crosswalks would reduce speeds along the road. There is a possible issue with water pooling behind a raised crosswalk near Hood’s, so the option of making the crosswalk textured is also being considered, along with the feasibility of installing a blinking light of some kind at the crosswalk.
Other crosswalks are on the drawing board as part of the Unionville Park project, and Sarro said there may be a need for a crosswalk at Merrimack Street, just to the east of the park.
“This week, we’ll meet with an engineer to get some cost estimates for the different types of crosswalks and the blinking light,” Sarro said, acknowledging that there are possible issues with noise associated with a raised crosswalk as trucks go over them. Textured crosswalks may also make a noise when vehicles pass over them, he said. In any case, “I know that everybody’s eager to get this done by winter,” Sarro said.
Police Chief Robert Clarke was at the meeting, and said that slowing traffic is an obvious concern in the village. A patrol car stationed in Unionville for two and a half hours last weekend resulted in the issuing of 15 speeding tickets, he said. The top speed was nearly 60 miles per hour in a zone posted at 35 miles per hour.
The board also voted to apply for federal PEMA disaster assistance for costs associated with a January snowstorm, even though it meant adhering to a 430page plan in order to possibly get payment. The township stands to get $29,000 in reimbursement if approved. The board unanimously approved the adoption of the lengthy federal plan and the application for the federal assistance.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.
Policing...
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is also not enough to tackle all of the potentially thorny, legal and safety issues that confront the township.
By either a stroke of luck or design, an issue labeled “Inniscrone neighbors” on the meeting’s agenda began with an on-going dilemma conerning one resident of The Presevre at Inniscrone, then opened the door to another problem in the development: speeding vehicles. Three residents of Inniscrone Drive criticized the addition of six median islands -- approved by the supervisors as a means of slowing down traffic through the development.
They are not doing the job they were placed in the middle of the road to do, they told the supervisors. They are nuisances, and they are not slowing down drivers who speed through the neighborhood, mostly those who have begun to use the development as a cut-through to get from State Road to East Avondale Road and Clay Creek Road.
“We’re literally at a point where we’re parking our cars in the street when our kids are out playing, so that people need to slow down in order to go around our vehicles,” one resident said. “Speed signs that were placed throughout the development are not being followed.”
The medians, also known as “chicanes” -- are smaller than what the township anticipated, made that way in order to give residents more room to get in and out of their driveway in vehicles, but of the six medians, two are located in areas that impinge a few homeowners from easily getting their vehicles in and out of the driveway. The development’s homeowners’ association, one resident said, has not been effective in communicating these speeding problems with the township.
So if the HOA is not doing their job, what can be done to alleviate the problem? she asked.
“This has been an issue that has been going back and forth for the last four months. It’s on the agenda and tables,” Scott-Harper said. “Finally, we needed to make a decision (to have the medians installed) and we made a decision. Issues of this kind are the responsibility of the homeowners associations, not the township.”
The supervisors encouraged the Inniscrone residents to contact the State Police in nearby Avondale in an effort to curb speeding throughout the development, but supervisor Dave Connors then acknowledged that this problem -- like so many other thorny, legal and potentially hazardous issues confronting London Grove Township -- is one that will best be addressed through increased enforcement. Right now, the State Police serves as the only law enforcement agency for the township.
“In my o pinion, the only way to really stop (the speeding) is to have better police presence there,” Dave Connors said. “I see people flying through roundabouts, past speed bumps. I think law enforcement is the way to really try to control it.”
Connors’ comment then led cleanly from an issue about moving vehicles on one end of State Road to another issue that has bothered many residents of the Heather Grove development for the past several years: illegal parking. One resident of Heather Grove told the supervisors that the number of illegally parked vehicles driven by students from neighboring Avon Grove High School has not diminished, leading to roadblocks and confusion in the development during
Uncle Irvin...
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a harsh sentence of 27 ½ years to 54 years. Lemus was hoping for two years, which he might have got-
ten from a softer judge. MacElree is old school, and threw the book at Lemus.
Uncle Irvin believes our current judges all across the country are too lenient. Judge MacElree said he wanted to send a clear message to drug dealers, and indeed he did.
(Uncle Irvin’s column is his opinion only, and is not a news story.)
the school year.
“(The school district) can create 900 more spots at the school, and there’s always going to be five more cars that will be parked in the development,” the resident said. “Our streets are only 18 feet wide. Our streets are not designed for onstreet parking, for anyone.
“At this point, the kids are now parking on both sides of the street, so that you can’t get down the street with a large vehicle, a trash truck or God forbid, an ambulance. To make matters worse, they park so far back on the corner that when you come around the corner, you can’t see (the vehicles). It’s out of control.”
Enforcement of the problem in Heather Grove does not fall on the Avon Grove High School administration, the supervisors said.
“I think there’s a good relationship between the township, the boards and the area school districts,” Scott-Harper said. “There’s a limit to what they can do, and we can’t force them to do something they can’t do.”
The supervisors then dis-
cussed possible solutions, including whether or not the township may be able to hire a parking monitor to help enforce proper parking in the development. The board also discussed placing “No Parking -Tow Away Zone” signs in the development, but without a dedicated police department, enforcement of the signs would leave tow truck drivers to serve as the long arm of the law. The township is currently exploring the possibility of establishing contractual policing in London Grove, with the regional police department that is expected to combine the forces of the New Garden Township Police Department and the West Grove Borough Police later this summer. If agreed to, the contract is expected to cost the township about $300,000 a year, in exchange for 40 hours of police service per week.
Supervisor Mike Pickel said that signing off on this agreement, in conjunction with enacting a traffic study of the development, would allow the township
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Lawrence, Dinniman announce more
than $275,000
for Penn Township intersection improvements
State Sen. Andy Dinniman and State Representative John Lawrence have announced more than $275,000 in state funding for Penn Township to improve the intersection of Route 796 and Old Baltimore Pike at the site of the former Red Rose Inn.
“This is a great example of state legislators and local leaders coming together to work in a bipartisan matter for the betterment of the community,” Dinniman said. “Penn Township and the surrounding area have changed considerably over time, but one of the things that has not changed is this intersection. I want to thank both Rep. Lawrence and Curtis Mason, Chair of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, for working with me to secure the funding necessary to upgrade this intersection and bring it up to date.”
“The Old Baltimore Pike and Route 796 intersection realignment is a critical infrastructure project for both Penn Township and the surrounding community,” state Rep. John Lawrence said. “For more than a year, Sen. Dinniman and I have been working closely with Chairman Curtis Mason and a group of local stakeholders to bring this project to fruition. Today’s $276,409 grant announcement brings us one step closer to making much-needed improvements to this key intersection.”
The Commonwealth Finance Authority officially approved $276,406 in state funding for the project under the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. “On behalf of the Board of Supervisors of
Penn Township and our township residents, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Board of the Commonwealth Finance
Authority for awarding us this MultiModal Grant for the much-needed and long-awaited Route 796/ Baltimore Pike intersection
upgrade,” Mason said. “I would especially like to recognize and thank our state Sen. Andy Dinniman and state Rep. John Lawrence for their steadfast support and tireless advocacy for Penn Township, which made this grant award a reality. Their continued efforts and this award are critical investments dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our Penn Township residents, businesses, and all who travel and work within our borders.”
Penn Township will use the funds to improve and realign the intersection to add an additional turning lane. The township already purchased the site of the inn and removed the non-
historic addition on the northwestern corner to make way for the realignment of Route 796. The project aims to improve traffic flow and safety, as vehicles can currently back up all the way to the Route 1 southbound off-ramp, especially during peak hours. In addition, the improved intersection will stimulate the economy by allowing easier access to the shops at Jenner’s Village and open up access to additional nearby sites for potential commercial development.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund is funded by Act 89 of 2013, Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Transportation Funding Plan.
Courtesy photo
State Sen. Andy Dinniman
Courtesy photo
Penn Township is receiving state funding to improve the intersection at Old Baltimore Pike and Route 796.
Courtesy photo
State Rep. John Lawrence
Victory Brewing sidewalk OK to stay after council decision
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
tie in the event that borough council is deadlocked on a decision. It isn’t often that mayors are called upon to perform this duty, but Kennett Square mayor Matthew Fetick found himself in this position at the July 5 council meeting.
The issue at hand was the sidewalk in front of Victory at Magnolia Place at 600 West Cypress Street.
Borough manager Joe Scalise explained to borough council that the developer of the
property, Kennett Square Realty LP, had been informed that the sidewalk did not comply with the borough’s specifications. It also did not match the rest of the sidewalk work that was done during the streetscape project on West Cypress Street. The sidewalk was fully installed before the mistake was discovered, so the most obvious remedy was to have the developer replace the sidewalk with one that complies with the borough’s regulations. However, an alternative plan was proposed—instead of replacing the sidewalk, which is otherwise safe and serviceable,
the developer could instead offer $2,700—the approximate cost of tearing up and replacing the sidewalk—to the borough as a fee-in-lieu payment so that the money could be used for sidewalk improvements elsewhere in the borough.
Council president Dan Maffei recused himself from both the conversation and the vote because he did some consulting work for the developer.
Council member Ethan Cramer said that he would be voting against accepting the feein-lieu because a developer did not follow the specifications that were provided, and he felt that it
was important for the borough to ensure that developers remain in compliance with Kennett Square’s regulations. Several other council members nodded in agreement.
LaToya Myers expressed concerns about setting a precedent where developers could ignore the specifications for projects. However, a counterargument was made. Council member Doug Doerfler said that he’d rather see the borough utilize the $2,700 for some other sidewalk project instead of forcing the developer to spend that money tearing up and
rebuilding a sidewalk.
Council member Geoff Bosley concurred, saying that the $2,700 could be used on other sidewalks in town, which would move the borough a little bit closer to being a fully walkable community. Bosley also pointed out that not every sidewalk in the borough is uniform, so the fact that the sidewalk in front of Victory Brewing is slightly different shouldn’t be an issue.
When the vote was taken, Doerfler, Bosley, and Wayne Braffman all voted to accept the $2,700 and use it for another sidewalk project in town.
Council members Cramer, Myers, and Jamie Mallon, and voted against the motion. With the 3-3 vote, it was up to the mayor to break the tie. Fetick noted that the developer was making good on the mistake, whether the sidewalk was fully replaced or $2,700 was contributed to another sidewalk project in the borough. He voted to have the borough accept the $2,700 feein-lieu payment and to allow the sidewalk to remain as it is.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.
Kennett Square Borough Council approves three ordinance amendments
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Kennett Square Borough
Council handled a number of items on its agenda at the July 5 meeting, including three ordinance amendments that had been topics of discussion in recent months.
A public hearing was held regarding amendments to the borough’s Subdivision and Land Development Plan regulations.
In May, borough council made some changes to the ordinance, including the addition of a feein-lieu for developers that have projects that must go through the subdivision and land development process. The purpose of the amendments was to ensure that there are green spaces in town for residents and businesses. Specifically, developers would be required to either provide land for park and recreation or a feein-lieu to satisfy the requirement.
Single-family homes on existing lots are exempt from the ordinance. However, during the process of discussing the amendments, council members wanted further changes. For example, council member Wayne Braffman suggested that there should be a requirement that the funds collected through the fees
should be used for new projects that provide additional parks and recreation improvements to the town, rather than allowing these funds to be used for maintenance or operations costs.
At the onset of the July 5 public hearing, Mike Peters, an attorney with borough solicitor Eastburn and Gray, outlined the proposed changes.
Council president Dan Maffei said that he favored the current ordinance on the books, and not the proposal under consideration.
“I believe that the language in the current ordinance is correct,” he said, explaining that he doesn’t see any reason to exclude maintenance from how the money can be used. With the borough so built-out, there are dwindling opportunities to have green spaces in town, and Maffei said that maintaining and operating the green spaces that the borough has is important enough to use the funding raised by the fees.
“It’s my intention to vote against the ordinance change,” Maffei said.
Braffman countered that there is a danger, if the money is used for maintenance and operations, for the borough to use the money for general expenses instead
of remaining true to the intent of the ordinance, which is to use the one-time revenues for expanding parks and recreation opportunities for borough residents.
Braffman, LaToya Myers, Ethan Cramer, and Geoffrey Bosley voted in favor of the new ordinance amendments, while Maffei, Jamie Mallon, and Doug Doerfler voted against it.
Next, borough council considered an ordinance amendment that would require zoning compliance as a prerequisite for the consideration of subdivision and land development plans. This would require all applicants to obtain all the necessary zoning relief prior to the submittal, consideration, and approval of preliminary and final subdivision and landdevelopment applications.
“Different municipalities treat this differently,” Peters said, explaining that about half the municipalities require developers to obtaining the zoning relief before they seek land-development approval. By doing it this way, the borough staff won’t have to expend the time and energy on the work that is required during the landdevelopment process until a
developer has secured zoning approval. Council approved this ordinance amendment.
The third ordinance amendment under consideration would eliminate the conditionaluse approval process in all zoning districts within the historic district overlay in favor of utilizing the HARB regulations that are in place.
Peters explained that the borough has adopted new HARB criteria, which is not the same as the conditional-use criteria. Relying on solely the HARB criteria will streamline process for everyone involved. Council unanimously approved the ordinance.
In other business at the July 5 meeting, borough council signed off on the HARB applications for 102 East State Street, 201 South Willow Street, and 319 South Union Street. At 102 East State Street, the owner of La Madera Bistro was seeking approval for signage. At 201 South Willow Street, the owner was also seeking approval for signage. The owners of a home at 319 Union Street were seeking approval of a demolition of an existing rear add-on structure and the construction of a new extension to the house. The HARB
reviewed all the applications and recommended that council approve each one—which it did.
Council also approved the Special Event Applications for the 31st annual Mushroom Festival, which will take place on Sept. 10 and 11, as well as the Mushroom Festival Parade and the Dining and Dancing on State events that are slated for Sept. 9.
In his Finance Committee report, Bosley said that the committee has been exploring the concept of asking for contribution in lieu of taxes from organizations in the community that are tax-exempt. Bosley noted that these tax-exempt organizations still utilize borough services, including public safety services, and the contributions could help offset the costs to the borough.
During public comment, several residents expressed concerns about The Creamery, the new pop-up beer garden that has been drawing good crowds in its first year of operation. The Creamery offers craft beer and wine, food vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities, but several residents said that they are disturbed by the noise, trash, and traffic issues that have resulted for Birch Street and some of the
surrounding streets. Customers of The Creamery have been parking in the neighborhood, creating issues for local residents.
Resident Ken Edwards expressed concerns about seeing wires that are exposed and could present a safety issue. He also said that there are permanent cooking operations set up, which runs counter to the pop-up beer garden concept.
At the end of the meeting, Braffman responded to the comments, explaining that council members are hearing the concerns that are being raised. Braffman noted that the borough issued a temporary permit for The Creamery, which is good through the end of this year, and that they have the opportunity to make sure that these issues are resolved.
“We have six months to make a decision,” Braffman said. “We have to make sure that it’s safe. We have to get this right.” Braffman noted that The Creamery is a creative, new use for an under-used property in the borough, and that, “It has the potential to be a good project for the borough.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.
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Kennett Township police to take part in National Night Out event
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
The Kennett Borough Council and the Chester County Commissioners recently signed a joint resolution to acknowledge the Kennett Township Police Department for its part in strengthening the relationship between local law enforcement and several neighborhoods in both the township and the borough.
The Board of Supervisors announced the news of the resolution at its July 6 meeting.
This past year, the borough expanded its program – one that brings its police department closer to neighborhoods in the borough that had once been high crime centers. As an outgrowth of this bond and the township’s role in it, the township’s police force will take part in East Linden Street’s sixth annual National Night Out event on Aug. 2, which will also take place at Anson B. Nixon Park.
“This is another example of the borough and the township working toward a common goal,” said board chairman Scudder Stevens. “Events like National Night Out on East Linden Street encourage positive feelings between the police and residents, who had in the past not always been comfortable with each other.”
National Night Out now involves more than 37 million people and 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases around the world.
In other township news, the township has committed to purchase a 30-acre portion of a 73-acre parcel in the township, at a cost of $588,450. An appraisal of the property is still needed, and if the acquisition is approved, the property will provide trails for public use. The location will be revealed to the public if the agreement is signed.
Several township officials visited the new township park to review the possible sites of a dog park, community garden and walking trails that is scheduled to be included in the design of the 45-acre park on Bayard Road, which the township purchased on Feb. 12 for $782,000. Originally planned to be placed near the township’s maintenance garage, the final location of these sites may be moved, to avoid any conflict with the Chester County pipeline, which runs nearby. Once re-designed, the determination of the dog park, community garden and trails will go to the supervisors for a vote at an upcoming meeting.
The board announced
that the township will begin the design phase of the project to rehabilitate the historic Chandler Mill Bridge – which is now owned by the township – and then send the approved designs to potential construction companies, who will bid on the project. The cost of the rehabilitation will be approximately $450,000, $100,000 of which will be paid for through a donation.
The board also gave a progress report on the township’s Sustainable Development Office (SDO), which was formed earlier this year.
The office is currently involved with exploring economic development opportunities in the Ways Lane neighborhood, and in the vicinity of the Exelon Generation Company. The office is also working on developing traffic initiatives for the township, in cooperation with the Kennett Borough, to explore ways of improving tractor trailer accessibility. In addition, the SDO is exploring ways of making the township a more walkable community, which will include the development of the Kennett Greenway Loop.
The SDO will make a presentation of its projects at the July 20 board meeting.
Last week, the township joined several other
agencies, companies and municipalities in a table top exercise organized by Chester County Emergency Services, to determine how each of these entities would react in the case of a bomb threat emergency.
“It was good to know that this resource is available, whenever there is an emergency of this kind,” Stevens said.
The board approved the advertising of two ordinances, one that would permit the township police to use the firing range at the New Garden Flying Field – currently operated by the New Garden Township Police Department – at a cost of $750 a year. The other ordinance approved for advertising would permit the township to apply a ten percent late fee to any delinquent sewage fees owed to the township. Both ordinances will be on the board’s July 20 meeting agenda, for discussion and vote.
The board approved the request of Police Chief Lydell Nolt to remove township officer Johnathan Ortiz from probationary status, for the purpose of giving him permanent officer status. Officer Ortiz has been with the department for one year.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com
Dinniman announces new appointments to Lincoln University board
Sandra Simmons and James Sumner appointed to university’s Board of Trustees
State Sen. Andy Dinniman announced that two areas residents, Sandra Simmons and James Sumner, have been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Lincoln University.
“I look forward to working with Sandra Simmons and James Sumner on Lincoln’s Board of Trustees to ensure that we maintain the university’s tradition of excellence in education for the next generation of students and young people,” said Dinniman, who serves as both the governor’s representative on Lincoln’s board of trustees and as minority chair of the Senate Education Committee.
Sandra Simmons, of East Fallowfield, is president of the Women’s League for Minority Education, which has provided thousands of dollars in scholarship assistance to students attending college in the Commonwealth, including Lincoln University. She also headed the Social Equity and Affirmative Action office at the Coatesville Veterans Hospital for many years. Simmons also currently serves as a Commissioner of the Housing Authority of Chester County and is
active in Mt. Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where her husband, the Rev. Dr. James Simmons, serves as pastor.
James Sumner of Oxford attended both Lincoln University and West Chester University. He is a certified teacher who has taught in public schools, and served as Director of the Presbyterian education program of the Oxford Presbyterian Church. Sumner has also served as both a member of the Oxford Area School District Board of Directors and the Oxford Borough Council. Both Simmons and Sumner were appointed to the Lincoln Board by President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Sen. Joe Scarnati, on the recommendation of Sen. Dinniman.
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is the nation’s first degreegranting historically black university. Lincoln has numerous notable alumni including poet Langston Hughes, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, musician Cab Calloway, Nnamdi Azikiwe, the first president of Nigeria and Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana.
In the face of despair, we are still standing
This past week, our nation took a ferocious punch to the very core of its moral center, a blow so pulverizing to our sense of civility that it may have permanently affected the way many Americans look at police protection and race.
The open and horrific killings of two black men – one in Baton Rouge, La., and the other in Falcon Heights, Minn. -- captured on camera videos and shared on social media, became the talking points of our continued narrative on a subject that has left us punch drunk from repeated shots to the head. Now, we find ourselves dragged into the ring again, adding Alton Sterling and Philando Castile to a roster of other black men whose names have become the hashtags of our collective rage.
Subsequent protests over the last week have poisoned an already toxic strain between police and the communities they serve, culminating in the murder of five white police officers and the wounding of seven others, at the hands of a disturbed and violent criminal, who wanted to kill white people, especially white officers.
The atrocities perpetrated by our law enforcement system – ones that that may or may not be happening in the subtext of racism – are now being met with equal and brutal force, and there is nowhere left to hide. Welcome to the documentary of our demise; it is now a fully shared one, in living color, and one that no longer spares the red blood of the murdered.
We have every right now to remain on the canvas, and not hear the bell for the next round, one that we know will ring again when the next black man or person of color in America is gunned down by a white officer. We have every right to accept that our wounds will never heal, to believe in an inevitability that declares that America is permanently crippled, to rationalize that the gulf that separates our police from the communities they serve will grow even wider.
Tell that to Pennsylvania State Trooper Samantha Minnucci, who has helped facilitate the department’s Camp Cadet program in Penn Township Park, which brings together young people of all races to exercise side-by-side with police officers.
Tell that to Kennett Township Police Chief Lydell Nolt, whose staff have become regular visitors to schools throughout the township.
Tell that to New Garden Police Chief Gerald Simpson, whose department has incorporated community engagement into the fabric of its operations, and is a regular presence in the Hispanic neighborhoods and community centers in southern Chester County.
Tell that to Kennett Borough Police Chief Edward Zunino, whose department has become synonymous with the success of the After-the-Bell school programs, done in conjunction with the Kennett Consolidated School District.
In the wake of what happened in Louisiana, Minnesota and Dallas this past week, there is a scene in the film “Raging Bull,” that articulates, in a pugilistic sense, the best of who we are as Americans, and one that invites us to summon up the spirit of who we are. Jake LaMotta, played by Robert DeNiro, is up against the ropes in a fight against “Sugar Ray” Robinson, and he is on the violent end of what has been regarded as one of the most brutal beatings in boxing history. Robinson comes at LaMotta again and again and again, punishing him, and yet, to his astonishing amazement, nothing happens. LaMotta is still there, right in front of him. He is still standing.
“You didn’t get me down, Ray,” LaMotta says to his opponent through a bloody mouth guard. “You didn’t get me down.”
In the aftermath of these violent killings, no one knows for sure where our best voices will come from to address even the most far-flung of solutions. It is too soon to know if our increasingly vanishing trust in our law enforcement will ever turn upward. It is unknown whether our nation’s people of color will ever be able to begin their day identified as a parent, or a worker, or a friend, and not a potential target. It remains to be seen whether we will see more police shaking hands than carrying billy clubs.
Right now, we are in our worst possible place, paused for the next punches, but there are local boxers – police officers who patrol our towns and neighborhoods and homes – who refuse to give in. They refuse to go down. They are the best of who we are.
Needs of older Americans must be considered
Letter to the Editor:
The Democratic and Republican conventions are only weeks away and regardless of political party the next president must listen to the needs of older Americans. Seniors today are in true peril because of the severe dilution of our so-called “federally guaranteed” ERISA law protections.
The 1974 Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was signed into law
under President Gerald Ford to protect vulnerable older Americans and establish minimum standards and protections for pensioners.
Now 42 years later, too many of our former employers, aided by the insurance industry and Wall Street, are subverting ERISA by dumping their retirees’ earned pensions, into unprotected group annuity contracts. Unlike pensions, annuities are not protected against lawsuits and credi-
tor and bankruptcy claims nor by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and are barely sheltered by 50 different insurance industry run state guaranty associations.
The next President and Congress have a moral obligation to uphold the intent of ERISA and protect the earned rights of older Americans against corporate tricks that devastate the foundation of our retirement security.
The non-profit ProtectSeniors.Org of
which I am a part, is leading the fight for retirees’ but can only be successful with a chorus of many loud voices behind them. I urge my fellow retirees to join me and ProtectSeniors.Org (www.ProtectSeniors. Org) in making our issues heard.
We must use our votes this election year to support only those who support the financial security of retirees.
R.L. Palmer
What they’re fighting over
By Lee H. Hamilton
Barring a surprise at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland later this month, the race for the presidency is set. So this seems a good time to step back and consider just what it is that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are fighting about.
I don’t mean where they stand on the issues, or whose vision is more compelling. I mean the office itself. The modern presidency is unique, and pretty far removed from what our founders envisioned. It’s worth understanding what’s at stake as you watch these two people campaign for it.
As Americans, we have an odd attitude toward the presidency. On the one hand, we’re leery of executive power, and often of the government the President symbolizes. Yet we’re also fascinated by the person who holds the office.
When I was in Congress, if I had contact with the President, swarms of reporters would want to know every word he’d said. And people back home had an insatiable curiosity – about the President, his family, what they wore, where they traveled, how they treated people. Americans invest a lot of energy and attention in the President, whether they like or abhor him.
And it’s not just Americans. The President is not just the central player in our own government, but also in world affairs. Anywhere you
travel, you’ll find people who are curious about the most visible American on the planet.
All of this is with good reason. Presidents control the political agenda in this country. They formulate the budget, set defense and foreign policy, develop the initiatives that drive domestic affairs, and create the contours of public debate. Congress, by contrast, reacts. In recent decades, it’s been rare to find Congress seizing the initiative on much of anything. So the President stands at the center of the government, not just in moments of crisis -- when you’d expect it to be the case -- but when it comes to the everyday running of the country.
Presidents have been opportunistic about this, doing what they must to succeed in the system they’ve been given. If they’ve been unable to get congressional approval, they’ve tried to work around it with executive orders; Democrat or Republican, they’ve worked hard to expand their power.
The job has always carried with it great responsibility, but the weight of the modern presidency is overwhelming. There is no job training for the position, and no President emerges unscathed from the office.
Harry Truman’s comment about where the buck stops was absolutely correct. In a representative democracy, the ultimate power may lie with the voters, but every tough problem this nation faces percolates up
to the President; if it were easily solvable, someone else would have taken care of it. I’ve found almost all the presidents I’ve met to be serious, intelligent, anxious to do the right thing, likeable -- and always over-burdened.
The story used to be told about Franklin Roosevelt that when he gave a fireside chat, you could walk down a street and never miss a word, because every house would have the radio on. The presidency today is less of a bully pulpit, yet in policy, the President’s remains the strongest single voice in this country and the world.
This is worth pondering. No President ever lives up to the expectations people have for him -- presidents make mistakes both large and small, and their power is not limitless. But the balance of it in this country is unquestionably tilted in the direction of the White House, and that is not
going to change.
So the question about the presidency that concerns me is how to hold the President accountable. He or she needs to be scrutinized, challenged, and held answerable to Congress and the public for his or her policies. There are today only rare opportunities for the vigorous give and take and close examination of a President that our system once provided. But how long can that continue before we cease to be a true representative democracy?
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.
Chester County chapter of A.B.A.T.E. delivers big for Neighborhood Services Center
The Chester County chapter of A.B.A.T.E. dropped off between five and six tons of food to the Neighborhood Services Center in Oxford during the 27th annual Dwight Wallace Memorial Motorcycle Run on July 2. Each June, members of A.B.A.T.E. Collect food and it is then delivered to the Neighborhood Services Center on the
first Saturday in July. The food run is held in memory of the organization’s members who have passed away. In partnership with the Chester County Food Bank, Neighborhood Services Center provided more than 121,641 pounds of food in 2015. Without the support of organizations like A.B.A.T.E. and other food collection efforts in the community, the Neighborhood
mission.
Kennett Square swears in a new police officer
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Kennett Square Police Department officially welcomed Jacob Andress as its newest full-time officer after he was sworn in at the July 5 council meeting.
Andress, 29, of Oxford, is a 2006 graduate of Oxford Area High School. He earned an associate’s degree from the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology. He graduated from the police academy at the Delaware County Community College in 2012. He is also training with the Army National Guard. His previous lawenforcement experience includes working at Lincoln University and more recently with the West Chester University Police Department. He
BURGLARIES
A garage and barn at 132 Woodland Drive in Nottingham were broken into on June 6 between 4:20 and 6:40 p.m., according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.
About $8,000 worth of property was stolen during a residential burglary at 502 Fremont Road in Nottingham, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The burglary occurred overnight on July 3,
between 12:30 and 8 a.m. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.
MAN STABBED
On June 11, a 38-yearold Oxford woman and a 27-year-old Oxford man argued while driving, and the man was stabbed twice, once in the wrist and once in the hip, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The prosecution is ongoing.
THEFTS FROM CARS
Property was stolen from two unlocked vehicles at 1540 Fairville Road in Pennsbury Township overnight on June 21, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.
was also assigned to be a part of the regional policing effort during the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia in September of 2015.
Mayor Matthew Fetick, who swore in Andress, explained that it was a two-year search and screening process to fill the three most recent vacancies in the department, including the appointment of Andress. The mayor said that getting to know the new police officers who join the department is among his favorite aspects of the job.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.
A wallet was stolen after someone broke a window of a car parked at 142 Grant Street in East Nottingham Township overnight on June 25, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.
DRUG
PARAPHERNALIA
POSSESSION
Catriena Lynn Grove, 24, of Oxford, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and seven summary traffic violations by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale on July 2 after a traffic stop for emissions and inspection violations.
ARREST IN DIRT BIKE THEFT Cornell D. Thompson,
21, of Coatesville, was charged with stealing a dirt bike from a home on Troop Road in West Fallowfield Township on July 2, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.
DRUG POSSESSION
On June 21 at 9:49 p.m., New Garden Township Police stopped a vehicle for several traffic violations on Newark Road. A passenger in the car, Jose Almanza, 30, of Avondale, was found to have multiple warrants. While he was being taken from the car, officers saw a yellow plastic wrapper where he had been seated that contained a white, powdery substance that later tested positive
for methamphetamine. Almanza was taken to Chester County Prison for the outstanding warrants, pending a court appearance for drug and paraphernalia possession.
ARREST FOR ASSAULT
On June 27 at 3:12 a.m., New Garden Township Police responded to the 800 block of Penn Green Road for a reported assault. The victim told police that Lawrence Smith, 30, of Newark, Del., had argued with him over money, and that Smith punched the victim several times and threw him against a wall before the victim could escape and get help from a passing motorist. The
victim suffered scrapes to his arms and shoulder.
On June 27, Smith was arrested at his workplace and charged with simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned and released on $2,500 bail.
DUI On July 1 at 1:10 a.m., New Garden Township Police responded to a onecar accident at Hillendale and Chambers roads. The driver, Cosme CruzVazquez, 38, of Kennett Square, showed signs of intoxication, but became combative and resisted arrest. He was arrested for DUI and taken to the police station for testing and processing. He was arraigned and released on bail.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Kennett Square Mayor Matthew Fetick talks about Jacob Andress’s background in law enforcement before administering the oath of office.
Photo by Steven Hoffman Jacob Andress
Chester County Press
Theater...
Continued from Page 2A
Joseph’s wide range of contacts with area theaters has resulted in her being offered props and costumes from other productions of “Seussical,” and her confidence is paying off. Before the rehearsal last Thursday, she patiently answered questions but left no doubt who was in charge as she gathered the cast to run the show. Picking up the lines of a cast member who wasn’t at rehearsal, she stepped on and off the stage with her script in hand, then returned to her seat to watch and take notes. The cast members hit their marks and sang with gusto, clearly happy to be performing – even for an empty house.
“I’d love to come back next year,” Joseph said.
“It’s good that it’s in the summer, because I’ll be able to come back to keep it going. But I also wanted something that wasn’t just a summer program. I would like to offer acting classes and workshops and field trips to local theaters during the year, and then do a
Chester County Historical Society bids farewell to Reinfeld
After six years as the vice president of development, 18 months as acting president, and one year as interim president, David Reinfeld is departing the Chester County Historical Society. He has taken significant pride in enhancing the mission throughout his tenure with the organization.
dedicated to understanding the global ecology and environment of streams, rivers, and their watersheds — both pristine and polluted—to enable businesses, policymakers, landowners, and individuals to make informed decisions that affect water quality and availability around the world.
“Seussical, Jr.” will be staged at Willowdale Chapel (675 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square) on July 28 and 29 at 7 p.m., and July 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance or at the door. Visit www.castheatre.org for more information.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.
cast members have never been on stage before. production in the summer. I have feeling it’s going to continue.”
Reinfeld has accepted a position as the director of campaign programs/major gifts for the Stroud Water Research Center, which is
In a statement, the Chester County Historical Society said that Reinfeld will be missed by the staff, supporters and members.
Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce hosts golf tournament
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Aug. 8 beginning at 11 a.m. at Radley Run Country Club. Event proceeds benefit the SCCCC High School Scholarship Fund, which has been awarding scholarships to area students since 1995. Individual golfers are $225 and foursomes are $825; hole sponsorships are also available. To register, visit www.
scccc.com.
Each year the SCCCC awards three, $1,000 scholarships to deserving students in the Avon Grove, Kennett Consolidated, and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts. In addition, the chamber’s Scholarship Fund provides three scholarships, valued at $575 each, to high school students to attend the Foundation for Free Enterprise Summer Business Camp, where they spend a week with other students in interactive workshops, learning
about free enterprise and entrepreneurship.
The 21st Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament includes a luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. and the tournament beginning at 12:30 p.m. A reception and scholarship dinner conclude the day at 5:30 p.m. The scholarship dinner recognizes the 2016 SCCCC scholarship recipients.
To join or learn more about the chamber, visit www.scccc.com.
Nathan Joseph opens the show during rehearsal.
Photos by John Chambless
Joseph (right) steps in for a missing cast member during rehearsal.
Some
Courtesy photo David Reinfeld
to direct a portion of its contract to fixing issues such as speeding in neighborhood developments and enforcing parking ordinances in Heather Grove.
“If we pay (the regional police department) an hourly rate for an hour a day, five days a week as soon as school starts and then intermittently control it, then we’re done,” Pickel said. “We can do the study, get it signed, and then we start to work with this new regional police force, very slowly.”
For several months in 2015, the supervisors considered the concept of latching the township onto a concept that would combine the forces of several area police units to form a dedicated regional police department for southern Chester County, which, at the time, included the possible merger of five police units: New Garden, Kennett Borough, Kennett Township, West Grove and London Grove.
To some elected township officials, the idea seemed like the perfect solution to the need for increased policing, while others believed that the annual price tag -- about $1 million per year, or about $700 for each household, for access to full-time police services -- was too costly, especially given that the township already had a
good relationship with the State Police up the road in Avondale.
In order to fairly give residents a say in the matter, the township held a town hall meeting at the Fred S. Engle Middle School in May 2015. After a 90-minute discussion to decide whether or not to pursue involvement in the planned regional police department, the vast majority of those in attendance gave the supervisors a resounding “No!”
Soon after, the township officially backed away from further involvement with the concept, and eventually, so did Kennett Borough, Kennett Township, and a few other local municipalities who expressed mild interest in the plan. However, West Grove Borough and its five-member police department continued to pursue the concept, as did the 14-member New Garden Township Police Department. While final negotiations are still being agreed upon, the new department -- which will be called the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department -- is anticipated to officially begin operations later this summer, as a 25-person department, with 15 full-time police officers, five part-time officers and administration.
Scott-Harper suggested that before the township signs off on contractual
Newport Pike,Gap, PA 17527 (just off Rt. 41)• www.FriendlyOrtho.com (610) 979-0352
policing, that it go back to its constituency and schedule another town hall meeting to hear their concerns. He suggested that the meeting be held in the fall, and also recommended moving forward on a traffic study of the Heather Grove community.
The board agreed by a vote of 3-1 to conduct the study to include Heather Grove and the nearby Chartwell
development, to begin as soon as possible, in order to determine whether or not the township should be able to enact an ordinance, post signage, and enlist the services of the regional police force.
While the Heather Grove resident pressed the supervisors for the need for more signage in the development, Weir said that the solution to the parking problem
in the development will not come from signs, but from an increased police presence.
“It is an issue that is bigger than parking on the street,” he said. “It’s an enforcement issue, which adds fuel to the fire of why we need policing.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.
The agreement requires the district to pay $38,895 total over three years, with an annual maintenance thereafter of $5,200. The first year’s cost includes a licensing fee, training, custom-mapping for data integration, and the conversion of existing routes.
According to district officials, the new system offers better technology and superior functionality over the existing software that the district uses, including satellite imagery services, mobile applications, and data integration with the district’s Student Information System.
During his report to the school board, superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti said that the school district has 269 students enrolled in summer school programs. The goal, the superintendent said, is to try to have a program that benefits every student during the summer so that they don’t lose ground during the summer.
“We’re getting more and more students in our summer school,” Tomasetti said.
In his report about the facilities, Perigo said that the district is currently working on 22 different facilities projects over the summer, including a roof replacement at the high school and new modular classrooms being added at Greenwood Elementary. Perigo said that the work is progressing nicely, and everything should be completed on schedule.
The school board approved the School Counseling Chapter 339 Plan, which is an all-encompassing plan that establishes guidance services for students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The plan also includes procedures to provide guidance services to area vocational technical schools. The Pennsylvania School Code requires districts to have this plan.
The school board tabled making a decision on a list of fees for school events during the 2016-2017 school year. Board member Rudy Alfonso suggested changing the fee schedule so that military personnel can attend events for free by showing their military identification. At the high school, tickets to the musical will cost $10 for adults and $6 for students. Tickets to athletic events will be $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets to the dances at the high school will be $5 in advance and $7 at the door. At the middle school, tickets to the dances will be $4. The musical at the middle school will cost $6 for adults and $4 for students.
“There are no changes for this year,” said Tomasetti. The school board authorized district personnel to pay bills that are due and to hire staff for positions that are budgeted over the course of the next two months because there is no regular school board meeting scheduled for August. The bills will be reviewed by the treasurer and presented to the board at the September meeting, along with a listing of the staff members that were hired in the interim.
The next meeting of the school board will take place on Monday, Sept. 12.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
At a recent public meeting, residents of the Preserve at Inniscrone told London Grove Township officials that the addition of six medians in the development are not halting speeding vehicles along Inniscrone Drive.
Oxford students make 100 cases for comforting young patients
For the third year in a row, members of the Helping Hands community service club at Oxford Area High School completed a project to make 100 pillowcases that were delivered to patients at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington. Their efforts were in support of “A Case for Smiles,” sponsored by ConKerr Cancer, where volunteers around the world make colorful pillowcases with fun designs to brighten up the hospital rooms of children being treated for cancer.
In addition to the obvious fears and difficulties experienced by young cancer patients and their families, a sterile hospital room lacks the comfort and warmth of home.
“A Case for Smiles” provides an opportunity to brighten a sick child’s life through the simple act of making a pillowcase.
Five times from December through April, the student volunteers met for two hours after school to cut and sew all-cotton fabric donated by high school staff and community members, and
purchased through Helping Hands funds. The pillowcases are washed and placed in plastic bags along with personal messages from the Helping Hands members.
Through “A Case for Smiles,” ConKerr Cancer, which is based in Wayne, Pa., has delivered approximately one million pillowcases to 250 hospitals throughout the country. Many of the volunteers take fabric and sewing machines to hospitals and sew with the patients and their families.
ConKerr was formed in memory of Ryan Kerr, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 at age 12 and fought a courageous battle with the disease for six years. Ryan’s mother, Cindy, began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face.
Soon Mrs. Kerr was making pillowcases for other children on the Oncology Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and since then the pillowcase project has grown to include volunteers from around the world. School groups, sewing circles, church groups and
Courtesy photo
Among those who participated in the Oxford Area High School Helping Hands community service club project to make pillowcases for cancer patients at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children were, seated from left, Amanda Gunzel, Brynn Reph and Monze Baeza; standing from left, family and consumer sciences teacher Monica Brown, Gabrielle Murphy, Helping Hands advisor Basia Manniso, Lauren Florio and retired Penn’s Grove Middle School teacher Roberta McManus.
fabric stores have all pitched in to make pillowcases.
Amanda Gunzel, a Helping Hands member who will be a senior in the fall, has volunteered to make pillowcases for the past two years, and coordinated this year’s effort as her graduation project. “I originally volunteered because I really liked the idea of helping a child with cancer feel a little better about being in the hospital,” said Amanda. “I enjoyed it so much that as the
Keating to participate in the American Miss Pa. Pageant
project coordinator this year I thought we could double the number of pillowcases we usually make, which was about 50 each of the past two years, and we were able to do that.
“More importantly, I think all of the Helping Hands members who volunteered have a greater appreciation of how fortunate we are and to not take that for granted. It’s a labor of love and I’m looking forward to doing this again next year.”
Chester County Old Fiddlers’ Picnic marks 88th year
Event scheduled Aug. 13 at Hibernia County Park
Children and those new to string instruments are encouraged to learn by observing and talking to the musicians in this relaxed atmosphere. Instrument demonstrations, beginner jam sessions, and children’s activities are also planned.
firstcome, first-served basis. Solo acts are allotted 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes for groups. At 10 a.m., Remington Riders take center stage, leading into a continually changing slate of performers.
A highlight of the day is the jamming and singing taking place throughout the venue. Visitors can stroll through the event grounds and listen to the blend of music heard at Fiddlers’ Field. In the woodlands flanking the stage, musicians play tunes using a variety of instruments such as guitars, banjos, and mandolins, and perform styles such as bluegrass, old-time and gospel.
The rain date for the event is Aug. 14. Parking is $5 per car, with no admission fee. Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Known originally as the “Chester and Delaware Counties’ Old Fiddlers’,” the event was the idea of Mr. S. L. Anderson. The Picnic, coordinated by Christian Sanderson, began at Crystal Springs Park outside Parkesburg and later moved to Lenape Park, south of West Chester. When Lenape Park closed in 1980, Chester County Parks & Recreation offered to sponsor the Picnic at Hibernia County Park. Sanderson’s fascination with history and “living records” culminated in a collection housed at the Christian C. Sanderson Museum in Chadds Ford. Museum representatives will be on site, displaying various items.
Lawn chairs are encouraged. Canopies, tents and alcohol are not permitted. An ATM is available on site. Pets are welcome but must be on a sixfoot lead.
The winner of the pageant will receive a $1,000 cash award, the official crown and
Christina Keating, a student at the Sacred Heart School in Oxford, has been nominated to compete in the American Miss Pennsylvania Pageant that will be held in Harrisburg on Aug. 13 and 14. She will be participating in the Pre-Teen age division. Keating’s activities include playing volleyball with Sacred Heart School and the Lanchester Blast, singing in the Sacred Heart choir where she was also in the honor choir festival, cooking, baking, and making perfumes and lotions.
banner, a bouquet of roses, and air transportation to compete in the National Pageant in California. The National American Miss Pageants award $1.5 million in cash, scholarships, and other prizes. The pageants recognize the accomplishments of each girl while encouraging each one to set goals for the future.
The Old Fiddlers’ Picnic features more than 30 vendors offering a variety of craft items and novelties, as well as food options with menus ranging from BBQ and funnel cakes to smoothies. Tours of the 19th-century Hibernia Mansion are offered throughout the afternoon beginning at 1 p.m.
A $3 donation per person is requested.
Hibernia County Park campgrounds must be reserved for both Friday and Saturday night during Old Fiddlers’ weekend. The fee is $15 per night, with a maximum of six people and two tents per site.
Courtesy photo Christina Keating
Seven laws of the OmGirl:
A spiritual center takes shape in Unionville
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Fifty-three years ago, Anna Dorwart, the owner of the Yoga Barn in Unionville, was born into a collision of culture and expectations, and for many years, she lived her life deprived of an identity, drifting somewhere in between.
Anna McBride grew up as one of 11 children, in a large home at the corner of 17th Street and Greenhill Avenue in Wilmington. Whether by circumstance or intention, the upbringing of the McBride siblings seemed tethered to the Catholic Church, to the rich and honored Guatemalan heritage of
“I was running from the chaos and not liking myself in the process,” she said from the studio of the Yoga Barn in Unionville, which she has operated for the past two years. “We were never really allowed to be alone. We always had to take care of somebody. I was chasing who I was, because maybe I didn’t know who I was.
“Children always look at their lives as if it’s about them, and that’s where I was coming from. I used to ask myself, ‘What’s wrong with me?’”
By the age of 12, Dorwart developed bulimia, a disease that lasted for the next 25 years. Through the pain,
life, Dorwart has been guided by heightened moments -- signs -- that have helped transcend conflict and provide glimpses of clarity. It was in Wichita, yet another stopping point, where she saw one.
“I went to a yoga class, practically crawling
their mother, and to the firmness of their father -- first an attorney and then a successful businessman -- who sought the best education possible for his children.
The grooming of the McBride children was evident: At dinner every night, they were expected to give oral presentations on something that happened to them that day, or about a topic that their father had asked them to read up on. It was a family where newspapers were everywhere, and politics served as the subject of common discourse. It was never quiet.
From an early age, Dorwart began to quietly acknowledge that that her mind and body were a receptacle for reflection and inner peace, but there was no room for it. She was the middle child -- number five -- and it seemed that her identity had been erased, as if the beauty of knowing that truth about herself was choking on the chasm of what was expected of her back home. At night, she would leave the house and go for long walks in a nearby city park at night, alone.
she pushed to stand out in a large family by carving out some sense of herself. She became a competitive swimmer at St. Mark’s and the University of Delaware, but by her sophomore year in Newark, she emotionally shut down. The bulimia and the pressure to succeed -- real or imagined -- had consumed her. She dropped out of college, an act that was considered unthinkable in the McBride home, and for the next two years, she took off to California to live with relatives.
By the time she was 26, Dorwart was married with twin daughters, and her son arrived four years later. Her husband was promoted constantly in his career, so the family criss-crossed the country a dozen times. It was a constantly changing spin of support systems, friends and places, so she clung to her husband and her children. Again, she sought refuge in athletics, running in marathons and triathlons. She began to take yoga classes. Everywhere she moved, her bulimia went with her.
Throughout her
to the mat,” she said. “Basically, my entire foundation had shut down. There, I found a teacher who was 72 years old, and filled with lightness. I thought, ‘I want to be her when I grow up.’”
She received another sign a year later in Dallas. After a yoga class, someone handed her a book called “The
Seven Spiritual Laws of Success,” by Deepak Chopra. She read it, and over time, she began to apply the seven laws to her life, one for each day of the week: The law of pure potentiality; the law of giving; the law of Karma; the law of least effort; the law of intention and desire; the law of detachment; and the law of Dharma.
“They really helped me to begin my road to healing,” Dorwart said. “It’s been an interesting process to want to find true healing, and how to get there. I learned that it’s all about what we choose and how we set the direction of our course. These were little seeds of knowledge that were given to me, at a time when I wasn’t fully ready to accept them.”
Dorwart received yet another sign 12 years ago, when she told her husband that she was tired of living the transient life. She needed to be back home, in the Brandywine Valley. After a long search for a home, they found a 325-year-old house in Unionville that had once served as King’s Ranch, a cattle farm. In addition to the house, there was a cottage and a barn on the property.
By then, yoga was not merely an activity for
Dorwart, but a calling. She studied with several teachers, including Chopra. She received an advanced degree in counseling from West Chester University.
Seven years ago, she enrolled in a teacher training certification at Empowered Yoga in Wilmington, and at the end of the intensive, 200-hour program, her mentor, John Gillespie, asked each of his students what they intended to do with their yoga practice.
“I said to the class, ‘I live on a farm in Unionville,’” Dorwart said. “‘I have a barn and a cottage. In the barn, I am going to start my yoga studio, and I’m going to call it the Yoga Barn. In the cottage, I am going to do counseling. I will help people heal, and help them find their way back home to themselves.’ I didn’t know it at the time, but I was speaking my future.”
During the next year, Dorwart converted the barn into a yoga studio, and the cottage into a comfortable office. In 2014, OmGirlLiving was born. The Yoga Barn is a warm, welcoming space to facilitate healing through yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Reiki, cooking and other wellness workshops. Classes are taught by highly trained teachers who have certification in various areas of healing, yoga and meditation. The curriculum is structured in five, eight-week semesters, and there are flexible packages available to suit everyone’s needs and schedules. Walk-in practitioners are also welcome.
The Cottage, facilitated by Dorwart,
provides a nurturing environment for anyone in need of emotional support in areas such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, spiritual coaching, shame resilience and crisis counseling.
“The Yoga Barn at the Cottage are not easy to get to, but when you get here, you don’t want to go anywhere else,” Dorwart said. “We’re not the convenience. We’re the choice. It’s a big part of what adds to the healing, and the community. We’re a home, a safe place to land.”
The wide parameters of Chopak’s Seven Spiritual Laws of Success have served as a guidepost for Dorwart to get to this point in her journey. One such law, Tuesday’s the law of Karma, states that every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in kind, and that choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you.
“The only way to be authentic in anything is to be teaching right from where I know, not from where I pretend to know, or trained to know,” Dorwart said. “It has to be real, from my life, or it doesn’t flow. If it doesn’t flow, then you’re just pretending.”
To learn more about Anna M. Dorwart, the Yoga Barn and the Cottage, visit www. omgirlliving.com. The Yoga Barn is at 313B Upland Road, Kennett Square.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty. com.
Photo by Amy Kramer
Classes in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Reiki, cooking and other wellness workshops are held in a converted barn.
Photo by Amy Kramer
Anna Dorwart of the Yoga Barn.
Through 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: Jane Lee Hooker (July 13); Mercury Radio Theater (July 20); Angelee (July 27).
July 15
Concert at the Brandywine
The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) hosts an outdoor concert by the Deb Callahan Band on July 15 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be locally sourced foods for sale, and a cash bar. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Call 610-3888112 for more information.
July 15
‘Inside Out’ at Movies in the Park
The family-oriented “Movies in the Park” series returns to the Oxford Memorial Park on July 15 with a showing of “Inside Out.” The movie previews start at 8:30 p.m., with the main feature following. Concessions are available at the pavilion throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Admission is free. In the case of rain, the event may be canceled. Visit www. oxfordpa.org.
July 16
Community choir concert
The New London Community Choir, under the direction of Robin Bidwell, will present “A
Tribute to the ‘60s” on July 16 at 7 p.m. in the Avon Grove High School Auditorium (257 State Rd., West Grove). The choir performs two concerts a year, is available to sing for local community events and recently sang for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The program will include songs by the Beatles, Beach Boys and Elvis, among others. Donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, call 610-869-8129 or e-mail newlondonumc@verizon. net.
July 16 to Aug. 28
‘The Music Man’
The Candlelight Theatre in Arden, Del., is presenting the classic musical “The Music Man” from July 16 to Aug. 28. All tickets include dinner and show and are $59 for adults and $33 for children. Group rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show at 8 p.m.; and Sunday afternoons, when doors open at 1 p.m. And the show is at 3 p.m. A Thursday evening performance is available Aug. 11 (doors open at 6 p.m., show at 8 p.m.), and a limited number of seats are available for a matinee Aug. 24 (doors open at 11 a.m., show at 1 p.m.). For more information, call 302475-2313 or visit www. candlelighttheatredelaware.
org.
July 21 to 30
‘Grease’
The Avon Grove Community Theater presents the musical “Grease” at the Lincoln
University theater (1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University) on July 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., and July 24 and 31 at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www. actheater.org.
July 24
Democrats open headquarters
The Kennett Area Democrats will open a campaign headquarters at 119 E. Linden St. in Kennett Square on July 24. The hours will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Some local Democratic candidates will be at the event. There will also be music, food, and games. The event is open to everyone.
Aug. 1 to 5
Soccer camps
The Avon Grove Recreation Association is sponsoring the Challenger Soccer Camp to be held at Crossan Park on Parsons Road in Landenberg. Their are two camps the week of Aug. 1 to 5. Skill Development Camp for ages 6 to 10 will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Player Development Camp for ages 11 to 16 will be from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Ian Edwards 443-8443033, or email iedwards@ challengersports.com; or C. Doyle, AGRA coordinator (agra638@comcast.net).
Aug. 5
First Friday in Oxford Enjoy food, music, and activities at Oxford’s First Friday event, which has a “Luau” theme on Aug. 5. The downtown stores will have extended hours and special sales from 5 to 8 p.m.
Aug. 8
Benefit golf tournament
The Turks Head Music Festival returns on Sunday, July 17. The outdoor music festival, which takes place at Everhart Park in West Chester, is presented by the West Chester Parks and Recreation Department. Live performances take place from noon to 8 p.m. Attendance is free. There are food and beverage vendors at the family-
The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Aug. 8 beginning at 11 a.m. at Radley Run Country Club. Proceeds benefit the SCCCC High School Scholarship Fund. Individual golfers are $225 and foursomes are $825; hole sponsorships are also available. To register, visit www.scccc.com. The tournament includes a
The lineup of 11 bands and performers includes:
luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. and the tournament beginning at 12:30 p.m. A reception and scholarship dinner conclude the day at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.scccc. com.
Aug. 12 Concert at the Brandywine The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) hosts an outdoor concert on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. featuring boogie-woogie, jazz, and rhythm and blues by The Swinging Foxes. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be locally sourced foods for sale, and a cash bar. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students. Call 610-3888112 for more information.
Aug. 19
Third on Third Enjoy music, art, shopping and dinner on the third Friday of the month along Third Street in downtown Oxford. It is an opportunity for art lovers to view exhibits in an environment that caters to adults. Stroll Third Street for additional activities coinciding with the Arts Alliance exhibits. The hours are 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit
www.downtownoxfordpa. org.
Aug. 19
‘Minions’ The family-oriented “Movies in the Park” series returns to the Oxford Memorial Park on July 15 with a showing of “Minions.” The movie previews start at 8:30 p.m., with the main feature following. Concessions are available at the pavilion throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Admission is free. In the case of rain, the event may be canceled. Visit www.oxfordpa.org.
Sept. 2 First Friday Car Show Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., will be hosting its third annual car show as the First Friday event in September. More than 160 antique, classic, and modern cars are expected to be on display. The hours are 5 to 8 p.m. 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.
From a life of pain to a new business
Bill Larson is at the helm of a company that hopes to
offer relief to everyone
By John Chambless Staff Writer
At his lowest point, Bill Larson wasn’t just suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease. He was caught in a downward spiral of prescription painkillers that only made his agony worse. Life did not seem worth living.
That’s when he decided to stop being an obedient patient and take his treatment into his own hands. Today, Larson is operating a new company based in West Grove that manufactures and sells the only treatment that managed to alleviate his pain. But it has been a long road.
“I didn’t really take care of myself when I was younger,” Larson said during an interview last week. “I did a lot of construction work, so I’d be in pain, but I’d keep going.”
With his wife supporting him, and a young son who didn’t understand why dad couldn’t get down on the floor to play, Larson worked his way through steroid infusions, injections of Copaxone, Gabapentin (16 pills per day), Tylenol-3, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone (at one point, he was taking six a day), Naproxen, aspirin and ultimately methadone. The methadone, given as a last resort by pain specialists, would cause him to nod off to sleep mid-sentence, and still suffer from nausea and pain. And there were other drugs as well, meant to counteract the nausea, fatigue and depression that plagued Larson.
“I never took all of these at once, but I was always taking more than one, so I don’t really know which drugs were giving me which side effects,” he said.
In 2007, he suffered a migraine that lasted some 44 days. Doctors told him he probably had Multiple Sclerosis, but they weren’t positive. For the next six years, Larson was in and out of treatment as doctors tried to find a combination of drugs that would help him. “All three conditions are completely unrelated,” Larson said with a slight smile. “I’m just the unluckiest person I know. As far as I can tell, they just happened. My mother has Fibromyalgia, so I don’t know if that’s part of it.”
Larson stops short of blaming his doctors, but said, “as a culture, we have too much reliance on medicine. I mean, doctors are very good at what they do, but there’s just so much to know about the human body. It’s a lot to put on someone to assume that they’re going to know the exact best thing for what your body needs. All of us need to be more informed about what’s going on with our bodies. We can make a lot of our own decisions, and let the doctors specialize in the areas they’re great at.”
Ultimately, after the methadone, Larson decided that taking control of his treatment had to be better than the path he’d been on. “After that, I never
went back to the pain management doctors,” he said. “I thought I could do better myself. But at that time, I was still on other prescriptions that other doctors had given me. I stayed with those, but stopped adding new ones.”
At about that time, Larson had met Dennis Sauer, who lives near New London. Sauer recommended a path of natural remedies, and Larson found new reason to live.
“That’s what got me started in my research,” Larson said. “When I started to wean off the other medications, I was also using natural remedies like essential oils, and finding more relief from them than I was from the medications.
“As I was researching and learning more and helping myself, and as I was developing the pain lotion, it was really rewarding to find that I was able to help other people with pain,” Larson said. “Not only could I help myself get better, but I could help other people get through the same kind of situation.”
For two years, and through about 10 different versions, Larson persevered with pain-relieving lotion formulations until he found one that worked the best. Today, his company, I Want Natural, makes and sells All Natural Pain Relieving Lotion online. The ingredients are all homeopathic or naturally occurring substances.
“It’s made in a lab we constructed,” Larson said. “Everything’s in-house. That gives us quality control by using good manufacturing practices. The equipment is these big tanks that are almost like a reverse water heater. The outside is filled with water that you can heat up, and the inside is hollow, where you can produce the product.” Larson smiled and admitted that marketing a “miracle cure” strikes skeptical people as a scam. And he acknowledges that at first he didn’t know if the relief he was feeling was simply due to the fact that he wanted the product to work.
“We gave it to friends and family and people we knew with different medical conditions, and it was unanimous across the board – everyone was finding success with it,” he said. “At that point, I realized it wasn’t just me. This stuff works.
“We have two things going for us to convince people,” he continued. “The first one is, try it. And my story, too. This isn’t some product that we threw out there because we wanted to make money. This started as me trying to treat myself, and it just evolved into what it is now.”
The key ingredients – among them aloe, leaf and bark extracts, several essential oils and chamomile – give the product a fresh smell, like a cup of mint tea. It is nongreasy and works when rubbed into the skin.
“The ingredients are the same ingredients that cultures from around the world have used for thousands of years,” Larson said. “We’re just kind of bringing them together into one product.”
The lotion is FDA compliant, he said, which means that there’s nothing harmful in it, and it has met some strict regulations.
To submit a product for full FDA approval costs millions of dollars and plenty of lawyers, putting it well out of the reach of the people behind the I Want Natural company –all eight of them. Sauer and Larson are co-founders of the company, and together they bankrolled the product up to this point. “It turned out to be more expensive than we thought originally,” he admitted. “As much as we’ve seen of other companies, no one’s doing what we are, as far as researching, developing, producing and selling, all in-house.”
Scotti Ward, who is
working as a marketing person for the product, started out as friends with Dennis Sauer and his wife, Becky. “He started working with Bill on this about three years ago, and I heard their story, and all it took was one conversation with Bill, and it turned me around,” she said. “It got me going toward an all natural way of life. I felt so much better once I went organic with food, and getting rid of chemicals in my life. It all made sense.”
There are plans to produce other products under the I Want Natural brand, possibly in the next few months, Larson said. “I got involved with the face lotion and face cleanser, and the lip balm. Now I can’t use anything else,” Ward said.
Selling the product online, and maintaining a Facebook presence with updates and testimonials, is the extent of the marketing at this point, Ward said. The company will have a booth at the upcoming Landenberg Day in August, and there is a push toward contacting independent health food and natural product businesses in the area about carrying the lotion. That will mean a lot of knocking on doors, but Larson said he’s ready.
“I still have good days and bad days,” he said of his ongoing health problems. “But the difference is that, on bad days, I put on some pain lotion and go about my life. Before, when I had a bad day, I wouldn’t get off the couch. It wasn’t possible. That really helps my confidence level –knowing that something might come up, but I can handle whatever it is. It’s fantastic.”
For more information, visit www.iwantnatural. com.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
Photo by John Chambless
Bill Larson suffered with chronic pain for years before he created a lotion made of all natural ingredients.
Courtesy Photo All Natural Pain Relieving Lotion is made in Kemblesville.
RUTH MAY HOLCOMB-BURGOS
Ruth May Holcomb-Burgos, 74, of Avondale passed away on July 3 at her home.
She was the wife of Jose Burgos, a member of the Avondale Fire Company for 30 years. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Henry J. and Grace Roberts Hess. Ruth enjoyed having cookouts, spending time with her family, playing bingo and cards, and enjoyed going to Delaware Park and flea markets. She loved listening to country music and loved all animals, especially her dogs.
She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Kimberly Holcomb of Avondale; two sons, Joe Burgos and his wife Shannon of Cochranville, and Jeff Holcomb and his wife Linda of Miami, Fla.; four grandchildren, Bryana Burgos, Chasity Burgos, Sierra Burgos, and Benjamin Holcomb; one great grandchild, Billy James Holman III; and a lifelong friend, Doris Saintsing. She was preceded in death by her two grandsons, Joshua Holcomb and Billy James Holman, Jr. (Big Bill); two brothers, Henry John Hess, Jr., and Calvin Hess; and one sister, Irene Leeman.
Funeral services were held July 9. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Chester County SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
STEVE WALTON
Steve Walton, 55, of Kennett Square, passed away on July 7 at Penn Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. Born in West Chester, he was the son of Eddie and Jackie Warrick Walton. He was a superintendent at Norwood Industries in Malvern, retiring after over 25 years of service. Steve was a past president and coach at the Avon Grove Little League. He maintained the Little League Fields and also the Avon Grove Athletic Fields. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, spending time at his cabin in the mountains, sports (especially little league, youth and high school sports), but most of all, he enjoyed being with his family and friends.
In addition to his mother and father, he is survived by one son, Zach Walton of West Grove; two daughters, Tara Walton Homer and her husband Kevin of West Norriton, and Tracey Walton of West Grove; three sisters, Sherri Walton Foster and her husband Phil of Chadds Ford, Suzanne Walton Testa and her husband Robert of Toughkenamon, and Kathleen Walton Laviani of Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; five nephews, Garrett Ockum, Michael Testa, Matt Foster,
Dominic Testa and Louis Laviani; three nieces, Bennett Ockum, Kristina Testa and MacKenzie Foster; and his dog, Jax.
A funeral was held July 12. Burial was in the London Grove Friends Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Avon Grove Area Little League, P.O. Box 70, West Grove, PA 19390 (In the memo line, put in memory of Steve Walton); or to the Walton family, made out to Tara Homer, 333 Wendover Drive, West Norriton, PA 19403 to help defray medical and funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares. com.
MARY T. KUZO
Mary T. Kuzo, 97, of Kennett Square, died on July 2 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.
She was the wife of the late Albert F. Kuzo, who died in 2002, and with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in William Penn, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Anthony J. and the late Anna (Melevage) Zubritsky. She was educated in the St. Clair Schools, and graduated in 1937. Mary was a devoted member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and member of the Ladies of St. Patrick. She assisted her husband Albert for many years in the family business, Albert F. Kuzo Funeral Home.
Survivors include one son, David Kuzo of Kennett Square; one daughter, Mary Ann Emerson (Ray) of Kennett Square; two grandchildren, Kelly Vattilana (Matthew) of Kennett Square, and Matthew Emerson (Celeste) of Bear, Del.; and three great-grandchildren, Thaddeus Emerson, Emerson Grace Vattilana and Isabelle Emerson. Mary was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.
Mary’s funeral mass was held July 6. Interment was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, 205 Lafayette St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.
DOROTHY
ELIZABETH WEEKS
Dorothy Elizabeth Weeks, 96, of West Grove, passed away on July 2 at her residence.
She was the wife of Alexander H. Weeks, Jr., who passed away in 1996, and with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Ola P. and Hanna Thackeray Benn. She was a cafeteria worker at the Avon Grove Elementary School for 20 years, retiring in 1982. She was an active member of the West Grove United Methodist Church, where she was also a member of the United Methodist Women’s Society and the Christian Friendship Class. She was a member of the Kennett and the Oxford Senior centers. She enjoyed crafts, sewing, bowling, playing bingo,going out to dinner, and going to the beach on vacation.
She is survived by one son, Alexander H. Weeks III of West Grove; three grandchildren, Barbara Ann Lindenlauf, Stacy Lynn Estle and Alexander H. Weeks IV; five great-grandchildren; and one great- great-grandson.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. July 29 at the West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove). Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N. Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. To leave an online condolence, visit www.griecocares.com.
DR. RICHARD E. OROSE
Dr. Richard E. Orose, 67, of Avondale, died on July 9, surrounded by his family at Christiana Hospital, Newark, Del. He was a Villanova University and Hahnemann School of Medicine graduate. Rich served at St. Agnes Hospital in South Philadelphia as an attending physician, and later in private practice for 23 years. His personal interests included traveling, cooking, and caring for his family. Rich provided careful attention, a positive outlook, and healing capability to every patient, through hospital rounds, house calls, or middle-of-the-night calls. Rich also served as cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 500, scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 464, Havertown, and a medical officer and consultant for Resica Falls Boy Scout Reservation.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia (Prosperi); his sons and daughters-in-law Richard and Kelly, Chris and Mariah, Jonathan and Aneta, and Jamie and Rachael; grandchildren Richard, Ceallaigh, Jonathan, Kora, Jackson, and Juliette; great-grandchild Jakob; niece, Jenifer (Brian) Sullivan; and great-nephews Jacob and Jason. Also surviving is extended family in Hungary. He was preceded in death by his father, Imre; his mother, Elizabeth; in-laws David Jr. and Alma Prosperi; and brother-in-law, David Prosperi III.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. July 14 at the Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). His funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to one of the following charities: Indiana University - South Bend, School of Medicine, 1234 Notre Dame Ave., South Bend, IN 46617; Villanova Singers, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085; Covenant House - New York, 460 W. 41st St., New York, NY 10036; Covenant House –Philadelphia, 31 E. Armat St., Philadelphia, PA 19144. Online condolences may be may by visiting www.griecocares.com
FRANCES J. MCCOURY
Frances J. McCoury, 89, of Nottingham, passed away on July 9 at her home. She was the wife of the late Raphall M. McCoury, Jr. Born in Port Deposit, Md., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Grace Campbell Elville. She was a member of Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Frances enjoyed watching wrestling, golf and baseball, and loved her cat, Smokey. She is survived by one son, Ronald McCoury (Pat) of Lancaster; four daughters, Roxanna McCoury (James) of Millersville, Robin Powell of Hillsboro, N.J., Rowena Jeffrey (Zane) of Nottingham, and Rose Janney (Elmer) of Nottingham; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Harry, David, and John Elville. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. July 13 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church (303 West Christine Rd., Nottingham, PA 19362), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the church. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
ELIZABETH ANN DAY
Elizabeth Ann Day, 85, of Kennett Square, formerly of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she lived for 18 years, passed away on July 10 at Cadia Silverside in Wilmington, Del.
She was the wife of Joseph H. Day, who passed away in 2004, and with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. She was a Registered Nurse, graduating from the Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Wilmington, Del.
She is survived by one daughter, Heather Durgin and her husband Craig of Wilmington, Del.; one stepson, John Day of Florida; one stepdaughter, Elizabeth Hagstaad and her husband Don of Napa, Calif.; one sister, Sandra Hayward of Illinois; and her beloved grandson, Christopher Durgin.
Her service and burial will be private. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
July 18 to 22
TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10
Vacation Bible school
West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) invites children to “Cave Quest VBS: Following Jesus, the Light of the World!” from July 18 to 22. Kids will explore what it means to follow Jesus through dark times, with Bible-learning activities, catchy songs, teamworkbuilding games, snacks, and Sciency-Fun Gizmos they’ll take home and play with all summer long. “Cave Quest” is for ages 3 through sixth grade, and will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Register at www. westgroveumc.org (look for the VBS tab on the top bar), or call the church office at 610-869-9334. 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
NOTICE Fellowship Supports Coordination Agency, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. The Law Offices of Emeka Igwe , 1500 Walnut Street , Suite 409 Philadelphia, PA 19102 7p-13-1t
NOTICE
SETH ROSENBERG COUNSELING, INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. 7p-13-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Robert M. Stewart, DECEASED, Late of Oxford, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Executor: Robert M. Stewart Jr. or his Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227Cullen Rd., Oxford, PA 19363 7p-13-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF ELSIE P. JOHNSON, DECEASED, Late of f Kennett Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CoExecutors: Joseph W. Johnson lll, and John M. Johnson, 204 Conard Mill Rd., Lincoln University, PA 19352 6p-29-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM
or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate .Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-512 Writ of Execution No. 2016-00119 DEBT $501,559.51
PROPERTY situate in East Nottingham Township TAX Parcel #69-03-0061.270
IMPROVEMENTS: a residential dwelling.
PLAINTIFF: Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for HSI Asset Corporation Trust 2006-HE2 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-HE2 c/o Nationstar Mortgage LLC VS DEFENDANT: BETH KATES and ANTHONY R. KATES
SALE ADDRESS: 174 Hillside Circle, East Nottingham Township, PA 19362
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-627-1322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate..Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-514 Writ of Execution No. 2015-11869 DEBT $97,584.56
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of Upper Oxford, County of Chester, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, described according to a Final Subdivision Plan of Chamberlain Subdivision made by Concord Land Planners and Surveyors, Oxford, PA dated 3-7-1997 and recorded as Plan File #13910, bounded and described as follows, to wit:
BEGINNING at a point in the bed of Baltimore Pike (SR 3026) a corner of Lot 4 on said Plan, thence extending along and through said Baltimore Pike south 77 degrees 33 minutes 43 seconds west 280.03 feet to a point on the northeasterly side of Draper Lane access, thence extending along said side of Draper Lane access, thence extending along said side of Draper Lane access north 19 degrees 04 minutes 31 seconds east 535.74 feet to a point and corner of Lot 4 on said Plan, thence extending along said side of Lot 4, south 12 degrees 26 minutes 17 seconds east 456.73 feet to a point in the bed of said Baltimore Pike, said point being the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
CONTAINING 1.468 acres more or less
BEING Lot 1 on said Plan
BEING Chester County Tax Parcel part of 57-8-23
BEING the same premises which Joseph G. Chamberlain, by deed dated 3/26/98 and recorded 4/14/98 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 4332 Page 2012, granted and conveyed unto Stephanie D. Ross, in fee.
PLAINTIFF: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association successor by merger to Chase Home Finance LLC successor by merger to Chase Manhattan Mortgage Corporation VS
DEFENDANT: STEPHANIE D. ROSS
SALE ADDRESS: 1526 Baltimore Pike fka Lot 1 Old Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University, PA 19352
6p-29-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate..Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-521 Writ of Execution No. 2011-07627 DEBT $82,044.53
ALL THAT CERTAIN messuage or tract of ground situated in Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described particularly according to a plan for Lewis J. Prelop made by Edgar Laub, registered surveyor, dated 8/4/79, last revised 12/21/77 and recorded as Plan No. 1519, as follows:
BEGINNING at a point in the southerly side of a 40 foot wide public right of way known as Hamond Road, as shown on said Plan, said point being the northeast corner of the about to be described tract; thence from said point of beginning and continuing along Lot 4 the following two courses and distances (1) south 4 degrees 59 minutes 20 seconds west 122.55 feet to a point, (2) south 61 degrees 57 minutes 20 seconds west 262.43 feet to a point in line of lands of the Eastern Mennonite College, thence along said lands north 76 degrees 37 minutes 40 seconds west 188.46 feet to an iron pipe in
of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-522 Writ of Execution No. 2015-06927
DEBT $444,143.87
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot of land, situate in the Township of Kennett, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Subdivision Plan made for Richard Senft et ux by George E. Regester, Jr. and Sons, Inc., Registered Land Surveyors, dated August 22, 1973, last revised June 18, 1975 as follows, to wit:
BEGINNING at a spike in the bed of Hillendale Road (T-337), a corner of lands now or late of Conrad Corp.; thence extending from the beginning point through the bed of said road north 40 degrees 16 minutes 57 seconds east, 402.28 feet to an old spike; thence extending along same north 41 degrees 19 minutes 57 seconds east, 20.14 feet to a corner of Parcel B, said point being in the bed of a 20 feet wide Chester Municipal Authority Right of Way; thence leaving the bed of said road, crossing said right of way, and extending along Parcel B south 46 degrees 16 minutes 40 seconds east, 643.17 feet to a point in line of lands aforementioned Conrad Corp.; thence extending along said lands south 61 degrees 08 minutes 00 seconds west, 410.43 feet to a concrete monument; thence extending along same north 49 degrees 45 minutes 00 seconds west, 496.29 feet to the first mentioned point of beginning.
dated 11/20/13 and recorded 1/14/14 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 8874 Page 762, granted and conveyed unto Michael K. Harlin, unmarried, in fee.
PLAINTIFF: Nationstar Mortgage LLC VS DEFENDANT:Michael K. Harlan
SALE ADDRESS: 428 East Hillendale Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, 610-278-6800
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced
404 E. Glenview Drive, Penn Township, Pennsylvania
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, 610-278-6800 N.B.
to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
BEING Lot B as shown on said Plan.
BEING the same premises which Michael G. Golway and Laura L. Golway, his wife, by their Deed dated June 17, 1988 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County in Record Book 1191 at Page 258, granted and conveyed unto John D. Hanaway and Connie D. Hanaway, infee.
BEING the same premises which John D. Hanaway and Connie D. Hanaway, by Deed dated July 11, 1996 and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County in Record Book 4057 at Page 1219, granted and conveyed unto John D. Hanaway, in fee.
BEING Tax Parcel #37-1-33.1A
PLAINTIFF: First Niagara Bank, N.A., a National Banking Association, successor by merger to Harleysville National Bank and Trust Company and Willow Financial Bank VS DEFENDANT: JOHN D. HANAWAY
SALE ADDRESS: 26 West Hammond Drive, Parkesburg, PA 19365
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: JEFFREY G. TRAUGER, ESQ., 215-257-6811
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t Sheriff Sale
BEINGParcel A on said Plan.
BEING Parcel #62-4-254.1
BEING the same premises which Michael K Harlin, Executor of the Estate of Welda Jean Harlin, by Deed
(10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-542 Writ of Execution No. 2012-13358 DEBT $171,780.73
PROPERTY situate in the West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
BLR# 68-6-11.2
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: Mtglg Investors, L.P. VS DEFENDANT: MARGARET B. BALL and GUY G. BALL, SR.
SALE ADDRESS: 40 Park Road, Nottingham, PA 19362-9104
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-544
Writ of Execution No. 2015-00659 DEBT $304,555.84
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of Penn, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, described according to a Plan for Ovations at Elk View, made by Kelly Engineers, dated 4-19-2002 last revised 5-18-2003 and recorded
as Plan File No. 16691, bounded and described as follows to wit;
BEGINNING at a point on the southwesterly side of Road E, a corner of Lot No. 257, thence extending along said of Road E 56 degrees 52 minutes, 26 seconds east 45.00 feet to a point and corner of Lot No. 255, thence extending along said side of Lot No. 25 south 33 degrees 07 minutes, 34 seconds west 110.00 feet to a point and corner of lands of open space as shown on said Plan, thence extending along said side of lands of open space north 56 degrees 52 minutes, 26 seconds west 45.00 feet to a point and corner of Lot No. 257, thence extending along said side of Lot No. 257 north 33 degrees 07 minutes, 34 seconds east 110.00 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
CONTAINING 4,950 square feet more or less.
BEING Lot No. 256 on said Plan
PARCEL Number 58-03-0325
BEING the same premises which Baker Residential of Pennsylvania, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, by Deed dated January 23, 2006 and recorded January 25, 2006 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 6748, Page 735, granted and conveyed unto Thomas Littleton and Janellen Littleton, husband and wife.
BEING known as: 520 Hodgson Circle, West Grove, PA 19390
PARCEL No.: 58-3-325
IMPROVEMENTS: Residential property.
PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association VS DEFENDANT: THOMAS LITTLETON and JANELLEN LITTLETON
SALE ADDRESS: 520 Hodgson Circle, West Grove, PA 19390
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: POWERS, KIRN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 215942-2090
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market
Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate..Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-548
Writ of Execution No. 2016-00649
DEBT $118,040.52
ALL THOSE THREE CERTAIN tracts of pieces of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected situate in the Village of Lincoln University, Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows:
TRACT #1
BOUNDED on the north by land of John Miller, on the east by lands of Franklin Darlington on the west by lands of Sarah Jane Buckalow and Alexander Null, and on the south by First Avenue.
CONTAINING 10,600 square feet more or less. Having a front of 106 feet on First Avenue, and extending back of that width a depth of 100 feet.
TRACT #2
BEGINNING at a stake on the south line of a laid out street which runs eastward and at right angles of the public road leading from Lincoln University Station to Lincoln University 310 feet from the middle of said road; thence eastward along the line of said laid out street 25 feet; thence southward at right angles from said street 100 feet; thence westward at right angle 25 feet; thence at
CONTAINING
TRACT #3
BEGINNING
lelograms.
BLR# 56-10A-5 and 56-10A-8.1
BEING the same premises which Darien E. White Administrator of the Estate of James M. Skerrett granted and conveyed unto Darien E. White, by Deed dated February 18, 2010 and recorded March 4, 2010 in Chester County Record Book 7875, Page 1715 for the consideration of $1.00 AND BEING the same premises which James M. Skerrett, singleman granted and conveyed unto James M. Skerrett and Darien E. White, as tenants in common by Deed dated October 30, 1991 and recorded October 31, 1991 in Chester County Record Book 2648, Page 43 for the consideration of $1.00. JAMES M. Skerrett departed this life on November 15, 2007.
PLAINTIFF: Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) VS DEFENDANT: DARIEN E. WHITE
SALE ADDRESS: 140 Second Avenue, Lincoln University, PA 19352
a northerly direction 100 feet to a stake, thence at a right angle in a westerly direction 5 feet to a stake; thence at a right angle in a southerly direction 100 feet to the north line of said Second Avenue; thence in a westerly direction along said Avenue 72 feet to a stake; and thence in a southerly direction in a straight line 130 feet to the place of beginning, making two united paral-
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MARTHA E. VON ROSENSTIEL, ESQ., 610328-2887
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in
SALE
Grove, PA 19390-8801
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed real estate..Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 16-7-561
Writ of Execution No. 2014-12423 DEBT $183,457.82
ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of unimproved land, hereditaments and appurtenances, situate on the southwesterly side of Log House Road in Upper Oxford Township, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the same appears as Lot No. 10 on a Final Plan numbered 880105 prepared by Lake Roeder Hillard & Beers, Civil Engineers & Land Surveyors, Oxford, Pennsylvania, as Subdivision Plan No. 15499, bounded and described as follows:
BEGINNING at a 3/4 inch rebar set on the southwesterly right-of-way line of Log House Road at the northwesterly corner of Lot 9 of the above referenced plan,
UPI No.
PARCEL No. 57-04-0085.08C
BEING
IMPROVEMENTS:
BEING
PLAINTIFF: Conestoga Bank, successor by merger to Transnational Mortgage Corporation VS DEFENDANT: CHARLES M. WOOD and PAMELA
SALE ADDRESS:
PLAINTIFF
at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of
Boy Scout Troop 22 in Unionville recently honored five new Eagle Scouts -- Robert Blecher, Chris Helle, Kayzad Jokhi, Joey Stoltz and Charlie Streitwieser -- at a Court of Honor held at the Unionville Presbyterian Church.
They all joined Pack 22 as Tiger Cubs in first grade and continued their scouting careers together, joining Troop 22 in 2009.
Robert Blecher is a recent graduate of the Unionville High School who plans to
attend Syracuse University to complete a dual major in business and communications. He was a member of the Newport Rowing Club and the UHS Speech and Debate Team. For his Eagle project, Robert constructed a gaga pit (a game similar to dodge ball) for the Unionville Elementary School. His project took 231 hours to plan and complete.
Christopher Helle is a 2016 graduate of UHS and plans to attend Penn State University to study engineering. He was a member of the football, basketball and lacrosse teams, as well as the captain of the rugby team. Chris constructed a 20-foot walking bridge for the White Clay Creek Preserve in Landenberg. The total number of hours to plan and complete his project was 243 hours.
Kayzad Jokhi will attend Temple University to study finance and economics. Before his recent graduation, he was a
member of the choir program and the “Future Business Leaders of America” club at UHS. He conducted a largescale food drive in response to the significant shortage of items in food banks during the summer months. He collected more than 1,200 items and $530 in cash to benefit the Kennett Food Cupboard.
Joey Stoltz is also a recent graduate who will attend Temple University to study kinesiology and become a physical therapist. While he was at UHS, he played soccer and participated in various clubs. For his Eagle project, he installed 50 American flags on the houses along the Kennett Square 2015 Memorial Day Parade route.
Charlie Streitwieser is a graduate of the Salesianum High School and will be attending Washington College in Chestertown, Md. He plans to study business and hopes to
Rotary honors Oxford students
Oxford Area High School
Class of 2016 graduates
Connor Hilaman and Medina
Keita were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for May.
Connor, son of Terrianne and Roger Hilaman, was a fouryear member of the football team with three years on the varsity at wide receiver and safety, serving as captain as a junior and senior. As a junior he earned All Ches-Mont League Honorable Mention, and as a senior was named First Team All Ches-Mont League. Connor also played varsity baseball for two years, and was a member of the track and field team in his junior year, competing in the high jump.
Connor was a member of National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. He qualified to attend the 2016 Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference held last spring, earning seventh place in Parliamentary Procedure on a team with seniors Alex Chavez and Mandy Hicks, junior Natalie Giovan and sophomore Sarah Wilkinson. He also qualified for the state conference as a junior, competing on a team with Class of 2015 graduate Bradley Way in the Desktop Publishing category. Connor will attend Kutztown University, where he will study for a career in sports management and marketing.
Medina, daughter of Jaqueline and Naby Keita, was a member of the Helping Hands community service club, serving as vice-president in her senior year; and LEOs, serving as liaison to the Oxford Lions Club in her senior year. She was a member of National Honor Society, serving as historian; French Honor Society, serving as treasurer; Tri-M Music Honor Society, serving as secretary; and National English Honor Society.
Medina was a member and president of the chorus and choral ensemble. In her junior year she was a cast member of the high school musical “Cinderella,”playing the Fairy Godmother, and in her senior
start his own company in the future. He earned the Ben Faber Scout Spirit Award and the Silver Buckle Award. For his Eagle project, Charlie designed and built a large activity board for the Kennett Middle School
Library. Troop 22 has been serving the Unionville-Chadds Ford community for more than 92 years. Boys ages 11 to 17 who are interested in joining the troop can visit www.troop22upa.com.
year was student director of the musical “Annie.” Medina will attend Cornell University, where she will
study music and art therapy, and hopes to pursue a career working with children who have experienced trauma.
Ryan Hubley named 2015-16 PSAC Scholar-Athlete
Kutztown University student Ryan Hubley, a graduate of Oxford Area High School, was named a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) ScholarAthlete for the 2015-16 academic year. Hubley was among 160 Kutztown University student-athletes who earned the honor. All 20 of Kutztown University’s NCAAsponsored programs included a PSAC ScholarAthlete. As a department, the university increased by 15 students its highest total of PSAC Scholar-Athletes. The previous high had been 145 students.
Thirty-five percent of Kutztown’s 460 studentathletes earned recognition from the PSAC, an increase of three percent from last year. It is the tenth straight year Kutztown has had 100 or more student-athletes on the PSAC Scholar-Athlete squad. In order to earn scholarathlete recognition, a student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or above. The PSAC set a new record of scholar-athletes with 2,818 student-athletes. The total marks 40 percent of the student-athlete population. Both of these numbers break the previous record of 2,692 and 38 percent set one year ago. The league has now registered at least a 30 percent rate for eight straight years.
Oxford Area High School students Connor Hilaman and Medina Keita were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for May. Pictured from left are principal Christopher Dormer, Naby and Medina Keita, Connor and Terrianne Hilaman, and Oxford Rotary Club president Marilyn Knaub, M.D.
Courtesy photo
Front row, from left: Joey Stoltz, Robert Blecher, Chris Helle, Kayzad Jokhi celebrated their Eagle rank with family and friends. Scoutmaster John McCabe stands in the rear.
Courtesy photo Charlie Streitwieser
