Juarez-Lara, Jr. sworn in for four-year term on Oxford Borough Council
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
It wasn’t the night before Christmas, but it was the last Oxford Borough Council meeting of the year, which created its own excitement as one of the borough’s younger constituents looked on quietly from her father’s lap.
Raul Juarez-Lara, Jr., who previously replaced a coun-
cil member who chose to resign, was sworn in for four more years beginning on Jan. 2, 2024. The first Latino on this council, and the youngest council member to be sworn in to office, he has stepped up to represent his constituents in the borough.
All of this was the perfect ending of a busy and eventful year for Oxford Borough Council, which saw many firsts. By the end
of the year, council meetings were held in front of residents that showed up in great numbers, asked tough questions, and made their opinions known. Hopefully, this will be the new normal in the coming year.
The good news for Oxford Borough continued as Rob Malone, the director of programs for the Housing Partnership of Chester County, presented his own gift to the
Borough of Oxford. Malone will be working with the borough to introduce them to the HPCC’s First Time Home Buyer Program. The program is intended to assist low-moderate income individuals and families interested in purchasing a first home in Chester County. The program provides prepurchase home ownership counseling and a loan for down payment and closing
Warren and Vendrick selected to lead Oxford School Board
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Oxford School Board welcomed its recently elected members and selected a new leadership team during
the reorganization meeting held at the district’s Administration Building on Dec. 5.
The meeting began with District Judge Scott Massey officially swearing in the
newly elected members— Jenifer Warren, Debbie Vendrick, Tenile Dewees, Kaitlin Bell and Mark Patterson.
They then joined the returning school board members—William Kloss, Kristen Dean, Michael Blessington, Jennifer Kehs—at the table (Patterson, a longtime member of the school board, took part in the meeting remotely).
Dean was selected to serve as the temporary president so that the full board could then elect a new leadership team.
Kloss nominated Warren for board president, while Kehs nominated herself, and then nominated both Dean and Patterson. Dean
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costs to first-time buyers.
The program is aimed at rehabilitating blighted properties with health and safety hazards and turning them into first homes.
Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen saw this as a win-win for the borough. “We have abandoned properties in the borough and we could use this program as a tool to help the borough and to provide a first home for an eligible buyer,” she said.
Snow sworn in as Penn Township's newest supervisor
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
Carlton Snow has been elected to fill the seat of longtime township supervisor Curtis Mason, who did not run for re-election after 21 years of service on the board of supervisors.
Long-time resident was elected to the board in November
Snow, a republican, has been a resident of Penn Township for 32 years. “I thought it was time to give back,” he said. “Curtis, among other people in the township, asked me (to run). I thought about it for a while. It’s not something I jumped into because it’s a six-year commitment.”
In spite of the commitment involved, Snow also had the support of his wife Stacie and son Justin. During his campaign he knocked on over 1,400 doors and met many township residents.
“I want to thank all the supervisors and Curtis for supporting me. That is very much appreciated,” he said.
Snow, age 60, is a working foreman for Dewson Construction out of Wilmington, Del. He has been a builder for 30 years and is very familiar with building codes. “I’m still working, I’m still able to do it,” he said. “I feel good for my age. I don’t let grass grow under my feet.”
Life is not all about work and Snow enjoys camping and traveling in the family’s RV. “I enjoy fishing and camping and being with family.
Randy Lieberman, publisher, community leader, passes at 62
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Randall Stone “Randy” Lieberman, 62, the longtime publisher of the Chester County Press and several regional magazines, passed away on Dec. 26 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del., surrounded by his wife and children. He was the spouse of Amy Jo McDowell Lieberman, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., he was the son of the late Irvin Lieberman and Judy (Hartle) Lieberman, and was a proud graduate of Unionville High School, as well as Susquehanna University and Franklin College in Switzerland.
For the past four decades, Randy was the architect of the Chester County Press where under his vision and leadership, the newspaper has increased circulation, expanded its editorial content and broadened its online readership, and continues to provide thousands of area residents with often exclusive reporting on local politics, schools and school districts, arts and entertainment, business and commerce and profiles of local leaders and stakeholders. Through his leadership, the company produces twice-a-year editions of several magazines that are circulated throughout Chester County, Delaware and Maryland; as well as
partners with several business chamber groups in creating their publications.
For 32 years, he and Amy raised their children Avery and Stone at the historic “Misty Hollow” property in Landenberg, where in addition to his commitment as a husband, father and a business owner, Lieberman’s decades-long service to the southern Chester County community saw him shine in several initiatives.
Together with his friends in the mushroom industry, Lieberman was a key member of the Mushroom Festival; as a life-long conservationist, he was a past president of the New Garden Township Open Space Review Board and he
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Christopher Penna and his son Jeremy Penna of Newark began 2024 with a nature walk along the Pennell Trail at the White Clay Creek Preserve in Landenberg on Jan. 1. Those looking to escape to any one of several parks and preserves in Chester County this weekend may be accompanied by a forecast of snowfall.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
District Judge Scott Massey swore in the newly elected members of the Oxford School Board at the beginning of the reorganization meeting.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Randy Lieberman
Juarez-Lara, Jr....
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Malone explained, “There are a lot of variables to this program. We want to do it right from the beginning. We are a non-profit. It is important that we retain the borough’s integrity too.”
More information on this program will be forthcoming in the future.
Mark Gallant of the Chester County Planning Commission, attended the council meeting to talk about the Comprehensive Plan for the borough.
“I’m here to listen to any comments from the public or council,” he said. “The plan will be submitted to Chester County Planning Commission for Act 247 approval. It will also go to the surrounding municipalities and the Oxford School District.”
The Oxford Borough Comprehensive Plan is a policy document intended to provide long-range guidance for a municipality regarding topics such as land use, economic development, transportation, housing, community facilities, and resource protection. The plan defines a vision for Oxford
Borough’s future, identifies existing conditions, and provides a series of actions to achieve that vision over the next ten years.
A draft of the plan can be found at Oxfordboro.org.
A hard copy of the plan will be available for public review and comment at Borough Hall, located at 1 Octoraro Alley in Oxford, each Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through Feb. 4, 2024.
Comments must be submitted in writing by that date to Borough Hall, mailed to the attention of the Borough Manager or by email to manager@ oxfordboro.org, and must include the person’s name and address.
Comments can also be made in person at the Oxford Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 at Borough Hall at 6:30 p.m.
Oxford Borough Council will hold a public hearing and consider adoption of the Comprehensive Plan at the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 at 7 p.m.
In other business, Police Chief Sam Iacono told council, “The Live Scan is
hooked up and will soon be connected to the county. We will be training our officers, and hopefully using it by the end of the week.”
Progress has been made on the accreditation process for the Oxford Police Department and it is hoped that the actual assessment will take place in January.
Oxford Borough Mayor Phil Harris noted that the First Friday event in December was cancelled because of inclement weather. A smaller version of the event took place a week later.
Solicitor Stacey Fuller gave council an update on several legal issues.
“We are waiting to hear about the Moran Farm,” she explained. “The ball is in their court.”
Fuller said that she was in communication with the developer for Sycamore Crossing.
“We are hoping to hear something from them in January,” she said. “The developer did ask for additional time to take care of outstanding items.”
Garcia-Allen updated council on the Sunny Dell Foods canning company.
“They are the largest water user in the borough,”
Fuller explained. “We are moving forward with the analysis of two wells on their property. Their water use is a concern for us. They will be working with our engineers to work on issues that are important to us. They will cover the cost of our engineers.”
Alliance Environmental Systems has finished debris removal from the location of the large fire that hit downtown Oxford in September. The borough is working with the property owners to repair the sidewalk. Progress is expected in the next few weeks.
In other business during the meeting, Oxford Borough Council approved the following:
• A resolution authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between Oxford Borough and the Housing Partnership of Chester County regarding the reduction of blight utilizing the abandoned and blighted property conservatorship act;
• The adoption of the 2024 General Fund and Water Fund budgets;
• A hearing to adopt the tax levy ordinance;
• The acceptance of the Strategic Management
Plan prepared by Keystone Municipal Solutions;
• A Letter of Intent to the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services to request technical assistance through a peer review of the police department and to assess the feasibility of the regional consolidation of police services;
• A resolution terminating the Declaration of Disaster Emergency dated Sept. 14, 2023. This declaration was related to the downtown Oxford fire.
• The Sycamore Crossing phases 6 and 7 Financial Security Agreement;
• The Sycamore Crossing escrow release in the amounts of $20,090.80 for Phase 3 Request No. 6 and $42,537.11for Phase 5B, Request No. 5.
• A Soil Sampling Access Agreement between the Community of Love Lutheran Church and the Borough of Oxford; and
• The HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 424 Hodgson Street.
Newly elected county officials and judges sworn in
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Chester County got a head start on its judicial and political makeup for 2024 with the installation of several new officials and judges in Courtroom 1 of the Chester County Justice Center on Dec. 29 and Dec. 30. On Dec. 29, five new judges and two judges retained by voters took the oath of office to serve 10-year terms on the Chester County Court of Common Pleas: Sarah Black, Nicole
Forzato, Fredda Maddox, Thomas McCabe and Deb Ryan. Judge John Hall, currently serving as President Judge, and Judge Patrick Carmody will continue to serve their roles.
On Dec. 30, three County Commissioners, and the new District Attorney, Sheriff, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills and one Magisterial District Judge were also sworn in. Fresh off his election in November, Eric Roe was sworn in as the newest County Commissioner, as were current Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz. In addition, Christopher de BarrenaSarobe took his oath as
Newly elected Chester County officials took their official oaths of office on Dec. 29, administered by President Judge John Hall at the Justice Center in West Chester. From left to right: Magisterial District Judge Tim Arndt, Register of Wills Michele Vaughn, Recorder of Deeds Diane O’Dwyer, Sheriff Kevin Dykes, District Attorney Chris de Barrena-Sarobe, and County Commissioners Eric Roe, Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz.
the county’s new District Attorney; Kevin Dykes was sworn in as the new Chester County Sheriff;
Michele Vaughn officially began her second term as Register of Wills; and Diane O’Dwyer began her term as the County’s Recorder of Deeds, having previously served as Acting Recorder. Tim Arndt was sworn in as the new Magisterial District Judge for the Honey Brook District Court. Debbie Bookman, who was unable to attend the ceremonial swearing-in event, will begin her second term as the Prothonotary for Chester County.
“The addition to the Chester County bench of the five newly elected Common Pleas judges constitutes the largest number of judges added at one time to the court since it was created in 1791,” said President Judge Hall at the ceremony. “As a percentage of the 14-member court, these five judges will represent over one-third of the bench, the largest proportional change to the court since the appointment of Judge William Waddell in 1887.”
Courtesy photo
Raul Juarez-Lara, Jr. was sworn in to a four-year term on Oxford Borough Council, with his young daughter in his arms, before Oxford Mayor Phil Harris.
Courtesy photos Eric Roe, Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell signed their oaths of office as the newly elected Chester County Board of Commissioners at their official swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 30.
Lieberman....
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also served the Landenberg United Methodist Church in several capacities.
“Randy’s community contributions to New Garden and surrounding communities are impressive indeed,” said Chris Robinson, who served with Lieberman on the New Garden Township Open Space Review Board.
“His cheerful social manner and engaging personality encouraged civic participation, festivities and personal introductions as evidenced by him serving as past president of the now nationally known Kennett Mushroom Festival.
“He made people feel good about life, about neighbors, about our history and about being civically informed.”
Known as “Captain G-Pops” to his granddaughters, Lieberman’s zest for life included his love of the sea, where he enjoyed saltwater fishing, boating and sailing; and his unbound sense of adventure that saw him and Amy enjoy extensive travel. As his many friends will attest, Lieberman was also the proud owner of an affable sense of humor and a laugh that often dominated any room he was in, and his unflinching dedication to the Philadelphia Eagles saw him glued to every game
from Jaworski to Hurts, often in the company of his signature smoked chicken wings and other faithful friends of the flock.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his daughter, Avery Lieberman Eaton; his son, Stone Lieberman; his granddaughters, Violet and Josephine; his brother, Andrew Lieberman (Ruth); and a multitude of loving extended family.
The public is invited to visit with the Lieberman family and friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6 at Willowdale Chapel, 675 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348. His Life Celebration Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival (https:// www.tmcfunding.com/ funds/kennett-squaremushroom-festival/9115/)
Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Randy’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Snow.... Continued from Page 1A
Family is most important to me,” he said.
Snow has been regularly attending township meetings, including the groundbreaking ceremonies for the sports park and emergency operations building for Medic 94. He is familiar with the happenings in Penn Township and the issues facing the Board of Supervisors.
“What they have done has been good for the township,” he said. “I’m very thrilled with the parks we’ve put in. We’re looking forward to kicking off the sports park.”
He is also hopeful for a speedy reopening of the hospital.
“The hospital is a main issue in my book,” he said. “I would love to see them in there just for the fact the 55 and older communities in Penn Township rely on that heavily. I’m totally in favor and can’t wait till
Christiana Care takes it over.
“I know it is going to be like a micro hospital but the main thing is they get an emergency room up and running.”
The age-restricted communities that are features of Penn Township are something Snow would like to promote.
“It’s good for the township, and for the schools,” he said.
Another feature Snow likes, which is coming soon to the township, is an amphitheater at the park. He plans to propose adding a plaque to the site to commemorate the township’s historic Sunset Park.
For the future, Snow wants the township to continue to progress as it has in recent years.
“I’d like to keep the smalltown feel,” he said. “I just want to keep the taxes low, as they are some of the lowest in Chester County. I want to keep low overhead and kind of run things the way they have been run.”
Snow will begin his term with the board’s January reorganization meeting.
“I’m an honest person and I’ll make good decisions for the township,” Snow said. “I may not agree with
everything they (the board members) agree with. I have my own views as does anyone. I’m not there to ruffle feathers I’m there to make good decisions for the township.”
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When the vote was held for each candidate, Warren Oxford School Board....
secured seven “yes” votes to become the new Oxford School Board president.
and Patterson both declined the nomination, leaving the board to choose between Warren and Kehs.
Oxford Borough Council receives updates on MS4 requirements
By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer
Oxford Borough Council was recently presented with an update on MS4 requirements by Beth Uhler from the Center for Watershed Protection. (MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.)
The Center for Watershed Protection will provide watershed and stormwater management consulting services to Oxford Borough so that the municipality can get the MS4 permit. This unfunded mandate is wreaking havoc on many municipalities all through the country. It is not specific to Pennsylvania, and it is a federal program that regulates discharges of stormwater on streams.
There are a variety of components to the MS4 plan, including the following:
• Construction site runoff control
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination (IDDE)
• Pollution prevention/ good housekeeping
• Post-construction runoff control
• Public education and outreach
The 2020 census actually kicked Oxford into the program. Paying for this program is costly, and coming up with the funding has certainly placed a burden on many municipalities. Currently, at least one municipality in Chester County is being challenged in court for their proposed fee for this program.
Uhler said, “There is a lot
of documentation required. The first year of recovery is very costly. Once the permit is approved, they need to be updated annually.”
The MS4 Permit is good for five years.
Uhler plans to work with Oxford Borough Council while writing the required plan, and keep them updated.
“Hopefully, the plan will be approved by DEP and then it’s full speed ahead,” Uhler said.
In other business at the recent council meeting, Stacey Fuller, the borough’s solicitor, brought fellow solicitor Holly Setzler in to educate council and the public regarding Homeowners Associations and developers’ responsibilities.
Setzler said, “I’m usually on the other side of the table representing the Homeowners Associations. The main thing to know is the developer is forprofit and the Homeowners Association is not. When you have a safety issue, it is imperative that it gets resolved. Specifications change during the building of a development and when dedication is taken by the Borough. It is in the best interest of the HOA to have these issues cleared up by the developer before dedication so the HOA is not responsible for them. At the end of the day, council is looking out for the homeowners’ interest.”
Brendan Patti, a Sycamore Crossing resident said, “We appreciate what you are trying to do. We just wanted a conversation with council. We wanted to voice our opinion.”
Fuller said, “We are hopeful that we will have more information form the developer Mike Pia at the second meeting in January. We (Borough) can’t accept dedication until the work is done.”
Council also approved the following at the meeting:
• Authorization to resubmit for Act 247 Review an ordinance amending the Code of the Borough of Oxford, Chapter 27, Zoning, Part 2, Definitions, §27-202, Definitions of Terms, to Redefine Terms Related to Signs; and Part 16, Signs, by Deleting and Replacing the Part in Its Entirety.
• Staffing changes at Borough Hall – part-time water and parking clerk.
• Staffing changes at Borough Hall – changing part-time Codes Enforcement Officer position to a fulltime position; and
• Resolution #1373 - 2023 to submit a grantin-aid application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program for Phase 2 of the program.
Next, the board opened up nominations for vice president. Kehs nominated herself and then Kloss.
Kloss, meanwhile, nominated Vendrick for the position.
After he was nominated for this position, Kloss said that he’d spent the last few months working closely with the school district’s business manager Brian Cooney to learn about the detailed finances of the school district. Kloss said
that he’d prefer serving as the school board treasurer rather than as its vice president.
When the vote was taken for the two remaining candidates, Vendrick earned the support of a wide majority of her colleagues and was selected as vice president with seven total “yes” votes.
The next piece of business for the school board was establishing meeting dates and times for 2024.
The board members decided to continue to hold work session meetings on the second Tuesday of each month
and the regular meetings on the third Tuesday of each month.
Kehs was tapped to be the Oxford School Board’s representative on the Chester County School Board Legislative Council. Warren nominated Bell, Blessington, and Dewees to serve on the Policy Review Committee.
The Oxford School Board will hold its first public meetings in 2024 on Tuesday, Jan. 9 and Tuesday, Jan. 16. Both meetings will start at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building.
Courtesy photo
Carlton Snow was elected to the Penn Township Board of Supervisors in November and will start his term in January.
National Park Service grant to help restore Winterthur gatehouse
A project to preserve the historic Old Gate House at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library was the only initiative in Delaware to receive funding in a recent round of grants from the National Park Service. Winterthur requested and received $125,000 for the project, with Winterthur contributing a matching $125,000.
The award was part of $25.7 million in Save America’s Treasures grants from the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The funding supports 58 projects in 26 states, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Located on the western edge of Winterthur along Kennett Pike, the Old Gate House is one of the more prominent and recognizable parts of the estate.
Winterthur is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), a renowned horticulturist and antique collector. He spent his life managing Winterthur’s estate and its farm, perfecting its gardens, and amassing one of the most significant collections of American decorative arts in the world. He ultimately transformed his magnificent
175-room mansion into a museum in 1951 to display nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640.
At its peak, the estate had 12 temperature-controlled greenhouses, a 23-acre orchard, a 5.5-acre vegetable garden, and a 4-acre cutting garden. It also had a butcher shop, sawmill, tannery, post office, train station, and a dairy barn where du Pont bred and raised award-winning Holstein cattle. Ninety-nine cottages housed 250 members of Winterthur’s staff and their families.
The Old Gate House was designed in 1902 by Robeson Lea Perot, a Philadelphia-based architect. This two-story colonial/
neoclassical revival building served as the main gate entrance to Winterthur and as the residence for the gatekeeper and his family until 1961. Today, the gatehouse serves as offices for some of Winterthur’s development staff.
The gatehouse restoration project will consist of the following tasks:
• Restoring the gatehouse’s iron railing and gate
• Conserving the historic shutters
• Painting the exterior of the gatehouse
• Sealing the basement
• Repairing the masonry of the outbuildings and a connecting wall
The project will stabilize
historical materials and return them to a more original condition, said John Castle, Winterthur’s director of facilities, who will oversee the project.
“This work will significantly improve the appearance of a prominent symbol of the Winterthur estate,” Castle said.
Save America’s Treasures requires applicants to match the grant money dollar-fordollar with non-federal funding.
“We’re thrilled that this funding will allow us to immediately begin this work, most of which will be
completed by the summer of 2025,” added Danielle Dougherty, Winterthur’s assistant director of grants management.
These grants preserve and conserve nationally significant properties and collections to tell a more complete story of America and its people, said NPS Director Chuck Sams.
“Preserving these historic places and collections ensures the generations of today and tomorrow can enjoy and learn from the diverse stories across time and place in America’s history,” Sams said.
Winterthur—known
worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture— offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year. Winterthur is located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Del., and five miles south of U.S. Route 1. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 800.448.3883 or visit winterthur.org.
Courtesy photos
A project to preserve the historic Old Gate House at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library was the only initiative in Delaware to receive funding in a recent round of grants from the National Park Service.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Chris Barber
Betsy Brewer Brantner
Marcella Peyre-Ferry
Gene Pisasale
Monica Thompson Fragale
Haleigh Abbott
Sherry Hutchinson
Comitta secures funding for Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center
Investments in the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center (NSC) are helping support its mission to combat food and basic needs insecurity in Southern Chester County, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta announced.
Comitta secured $50,000 in state grant funding for facility improvements, repairs, and upgrades at the NSC that helped shopping-like experience for community members.
“Organizations like Oxford
Neighborhood Services Center are a lifeline to community members facing a crisis or hardship,” Comitta said. “With this investment, the organization can further its mission to combat food insecurity, empower our residents’ success, and foster hope within our communities.”
Comitta also reminded residents that while donations tend to increase during the holiday season, the need to support local food banks and cupboards is year-round.
In addition to the food pantry located at 35 N. 3rd Street in Oxford, the NSC offers basic needs assistance, referral services, and partners with other community nonprofits to assist community members.
After a fire struck downtown Oxford in September of this year, the Oxford NSC was a key community partner helping assist the nearly 100 displaced residents impacted by the fire. For more information on
Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center go to oxfordnsc.org or call 610-932-8557.
Courtesy photo
State Sen. Carolyn Comitta with Aaron Karpas, executive director of the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center, during a recent visit there. Comitta secured $50,000 for the center to support building repairs, improvements, and upgrades.
Opinion
Finding solutions to the growing opioid epidemic
By Matthew Espenshade
Opioid addiction. At first glance, it might be viewed as an urban or suburban problem. It’s easy to imagine rural communities living a simpler life – without the pitfalls and distractions that can come from living in larger population centers.
To a certain extent, it’s true. Our rural regions have been able to hold on to strong community feelings –where everyone knows one another and is there to lend a hand – a throwback to better, maybe even easier times. Unfortunately, however, we haven’t been shielded from the dangers of opioids. In fact, it’s becoming an increasing problem in our rural areas.
The Grange is the oldest agricultural and rural advocacy organization of its kind in the United States. Representing approximately
5,500 members of all ages, the Pennsylvania Grange – which dates to 1873 – is dedicated to the betterment of the American way of life through community service, education, legislation, and fellowship. Our mission is to support the local Granges to help members grow as individuals, unify their communities, and create opportunity through legislation and community service.
That’s why the opioid epidemic is of such concern to our organization and members. We have seen the damage and heartbreak addiction can leave in its path – not just for the user, but for relatives, friends, and co-workers as well.
The opioid epidemic is impacting every corner of our country – it’s an issue for every state. That’s why the Secretary of Health and Human Services designated
it a public health emergency in 2017. Unfortunately, the situation continues to worsen. As a result the public health emergency has been renewed numerous times –most recently on July 7, 2023. Here in Pennsylvania, the statistics are startling. According to the state Attorney General’s office, 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from an overdose. A rise in the illicit use of synthetic opioids has only made the situation worse.
Synthetic opioids are more potent, longer lasting and can lead to quicker overdoses. Fentanyl, for example, is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. For every opioid-induced fatality, it has been estimated that there are an additional 6.4-8.4 nonfatal overdoses – which can lead to long-term physical and mental disabilities.
Clearly more needs to be done.
As part of our approved legislative policies, the Pennsylvania Grange has committed to “supporting actions that confront the opioid and heroin crisis.” We also recently began a collaboration with “Rural Minds” which is an organization dedicated to providing information about mental health awareness and treatment in rural America. Countless studies have shown the correlation between mental health issues and addiction. Far too often, instead of getting the help they need, an individual turns to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. Getting to the root of the problem is a critical part of stemming opioid abuse.
To better address the opioid crisis, government, law enforcement, first responders and community organizers
need to be on the same page. There is no room – or time – for confusion or bureaucratic red tape. That is why the Pennsylvania Grange supports updating Pennsylvania’s health guidelines to allow for the utilization of all opioid reversal agents approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Narcan has revolutionized our collective ability to stop an overdose in its tracks. Unfortunately, synthetic opioids can sometimes outlast the effects of Narcan.
The FDA is the seminal authority in our country regarding the safety of food and drugs for consumers. Products must go through a rigorous testing and evaluation process before becoming available on the market. There is no reason why state policy shouldn’t align with federal guidelines. As new overdose reversal agents come on the
market, it is vital that they be an available resource in our fight against the opioid epidemic. I urge all Pennsylvania residents to contact Governor Josh Shapiro’s office today and voice your support for this critical policy change. Thousands of Pennsylvania lives are at stake!
Matthew Espenshade is the president of the Pennsylvania State Grange.
Reaffirming an important partnership for senior housing
met recently to reaffirm their partnership and commitment to serve low-income senior residents in Chester County.
Good Neighbors has been repairing homes and restoring hope for low-income families in southern Chester County since 1992. Its mission is to serve and care for people in need by making their homes safer, healthier and more livable.
These falls often lead to hospitalization and extensive rehabilitation. To help reduce the risk of at-home falls, Good Neighbors is installing wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and tub-to-shower conversions for senior homeowners so they can safely remain in their homes and age-in-place.
Last year, more than half of the 197 homes they repaired had a person over the age of 60 living there. They were on track to serve 220 families across three counties by the end of 2023 – nearly 60 percent have a senior living in the home. Currently, one in six Americans are over the age of 65 years, and about a third of American seniors will suffer a fall each year.
The Luther Foundation is committed to help seniors live in safe, comfortable, affordable homes. The Foundation also provides support for the residents of Luther House in Jennersville. Luther House is a four-building campus that provides affordable housing and related services for over 270 low-income seniors.
For more information about Good Neighbors, please contact Harold
Courtesy photo Matthew Espenshade
Representatives from the Luther Foundation of
Southern Chester County and Good Neighbors, Inc.
Courtesy photo
Representatives from the Luther Foundation of Southern Chester County and Good Neighbors, Inc. met recently to reaffirm their partnership and commitment to serve lowincome senior residents in Chester County. Pictured are Harold Naylor, executive director of Good Neighbors, Jay Liska, treasurer of the Luther Foundation and Tom Hilferty, foreman of Good Neighbors.
about Luther House,
Change a Life: A journey to the Himalayas
In partnership with his employer Computershare, Jim Perkins of Kennett Square recently travelled to Nepal as part of the company’s effort to improve the lives of 650 schoolchildren
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Nearly every morning of his life, against the backdrop of an 18-hole golf course, Jim Perkins walks his Golden Retriever, Zeus, on a five-mile hike through the slopes and valleys of the Hartfield community on the outskirts of Kennett Square. It is a refreshing daily ritual and one that is occasionally hard on his 58-year-old knees, but the degree of challenge pales in comparison to the two weeks he spent in November in the country of Nepal in the service of others -- a trip that has had a tremendous impact on his life.
For the past 17 years, Perkins has been an executive vice president and account manager for Computershare, a global market leader in transfer agency and share registration, employee equity plans, mortgage servicing and stakeholder communications. With over 14,000 employees around the world, the company has become known for the relationships it has formed with its investors, employees and customers. Computershare has also received high praise for its humanitarian efforts that include its Change a Life foundation, a community giving program that supports global and local projects that address p overty and empower communities to create longterm, sustainable change in developing countries and those that are closer to home. For the past five years, Change a Life has partnered with the World Youth International School (WYI) in the Gokarna region of Nepal, where since it first opened in 1999, teachers have provided a rich and dynamic education through shared culture and experiences. Through donations from staff and matching funds and fundraising activities, Computershare has helped the school upgrade its facilities, including a new IT college that is scheduled to accept students beginning in 2025. In 2022,
The World Youth International School.
Computershare funded the construction of the Change a Life Boarding Centre, adjacent to the school, which accommodates 50 students.
The ‘purple’ company
This year’s initiative would open the door for Computershare to address a persistent and unfortunate reality for many of the school’s 650 students: the need for additional buses to transport them from school to home. Under the current operation, the school only had two buses that required the vehicles to make multiple daily trips – often to remote villages – every school day. Consequently, because there were not enough buses for efficient transportation, some students were arriving at WYI two hours before their first class and remained at the school well beyond the end of their school day.
When it was announced that Computershare would sponsor a trip for 25 of its worldwide employees to raise funding for the school, more than $140,000 was raised (the original goal was $100,000) from staff donations to purchase two more buses, Perkins jumped at the chance to join his colleagues. The school used the extra funds to help support the wages for additional teachers.
“Computershare is fully immersed in the concept of being ‘purple’ – seen in the way we treat each other, our corporate partners and our clients with kindness and respect,” Perkins said. “When the idea first came about to work with World Youth International, I was all in from the start, and
while I didn’t first comprehend the overall concept for the trip, young people have always been very important to me. With four daughters of my own, anything I could do for the younger generations is going to better our world.”
In early November, Perkins flew from Philadelphia to Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal – where he joined his colleagues for a two-day series of organizational meetings that would pave the entire mission for the trip. Soon after a short flight to the City of Pokhara, Perkins joined a hiking trek that took the group through some of the most breathtaking vistas they had ever seen. Assisted by several sherpas and guides, the group hiked through the Annapurna Himalayan mountain range, along roads and dirt pathways, suspension bridges and 5,800 stone steps they climbed on the second day. At nearly every stretch, they passed by people hauling food, wood and other supplies on mules and donkeys.
“As hard as it was to do what we were doing physically, it was helpful to know that what we were doing was only going to last seven days,” Perkins said. “The people of Nepal that we passed were doing it every day of their lives. I walk five miles with my dog and then I sit at my desk and do all the things I do for Computershare, and then I do the things as a father and a husband and a community member that are required of me.
“In contrast, I saw these people who don’t have a lot of the material pos-
sessions we have, things that we take for granted. Everywhere, we were greeted with smiles and ‘Namaste’s.’ This trip made me appreciate the sense of community we felt from what our company was doing over there.”
‘Through another lens’
Eventually, the Computershare group arrived at the World Youth International School, where for the next several days they were given a tour of the school and its educational mission and introduced to many of its students and their various individual projects – from dance recitals to science experiments.
“I am grateful to the group for undertaking such a difficult hike to encourage people to contribute to the school,” said Terry Hoey, WYI’s general manager. “The buses will bring great benefits for the school’s students because they will help to prevent them waiting for long periods for school to start and finish or making long journeys to and from school on foot.”
“Everyone at Computershare is really proud of the trekking team for their dedication to improving the lives of school children in Gokarna,” said Stuart Irving, global CEO of Computershare.
“Their efforts reflect Computershare’s commitment to creating a positive impact on communities globally.”
Already five years underway, Computershare’s Change a Life partnership with WYI continues to serve as a financial bed-
rock of the school’s ten-year initiative, said Lucy Newcombe, chief people and ESG officer at Computershare.
“We were impressed by WYI’s down-to-earth approach and its ability to work with a large global company,” Newcombe said.
“WYI’s ten-year vision of a financially self-sustaining future for the Gokarna school really appealed to us. It gave us the opportunity to shape, and become involved in, the entire project at the school starting in 2018.
“The idea of an annual trek helps to engage employees as part of a longer-term initiative and offers our people an opportunity to see their donations in action.”
At one point during his time at the school, Perkins read the personal essays of many students that were posted along the school’s hallways.
“Their essays are not only well-written, the content of their writing expresses the love, joy and the appreciation they have for life,” he said. “While at first impression, you may not think that these young people have been blessed with much of anything, but if you look
through another lens, you realize how much of a genuinely full and blessed life they have with what they have been given, and I think we can all learn a valuable lesson from this.
“After meeting these students, it lit a flame under all of us that said, ‘We can and we have to do more,’” Perkins added. “Having now had the opportunity to speak with them and their teachers and administrators, we know it’s not just about making the journey there and then turning the lights off when we’re done. Each one of us is individually motivated, and through Computershare, all of us want to do more.”
For more information about Computershare’s Change a Life initiative, visithttps://www. computershare.com / corporate/about-us/corporate-responsibility / community .
To add your contribution to the donations Computershare has already received, visit https://worldyouth.org.au/ fundraising/James-Perkins.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Avon Grove School District’s Senior Citizen Volunteer Program receives recognition
Avon Grove School District was featured in the November edition of the AARP Bulletin for being one of several government entities nationwide that offers senior citizens the opportunity to receive a tax rebate in exchange for volunteer service. The Senior Volunteer Tax Relief Program allows Avon Grove residents who are 60 or older and pay property taxes to volunteer in the district in return for tax relief. Participants can earn up to $650 a year in the form of a property tax rebate if they complete 50 hours of service by the end
of the school year. The AARP article, titled “Work off tax levies,” showcased the positive impact of the program throughout the country.
Avon Grove School
District Superintendent of Schools Dr. M. Christopher Marchese was interviewed for the piece and shared how successful the program has been at connecting our community members with our schools.
“It allows them to learn about the district while building relationships with our staff and families,” Marchese said. Participants in the pro-
gram are able to volunteer in any of the four Avon Grove schools and often have the opportunity to assist with special events in the evenings and on weekends. From clerical duties in the main office to decorating for a craft fair, the volunteers can spend their time helping in a way that suits their interests and schedule.
At Penn London Elementary School, the library is a favorite assignment for volunteers. “I love being around the children and seeing them read,” said Sharon McCormick, a retired teacher who fre-
quently volunteers in the library.
“My grandchildren are in the district, so it’s nice being in the schools,” McCormick added.
The program currently has over 100 volunteers and continues to grow. School Board President Bonnie Wolff expressed pride that the district is prioritizing such initiatives.
“Some senior citizens volunteer in the classrooms and some volunteer in the offices, getting to know the students and staff opens the lines of communication. Everyone benefits,” Wolff said.
Courtesy photos
Kennett Square resident Jim Perkins was one of 25 Computershare employees who recently visited the World Youth International School in Nepal, as part of the company’s Change a Life initiative that has provided much-needed funding for the school for the past five years.
Courtesy photo
Avon Grove residents Malcolm Adler and Sharon McCormick volunteer in the Penn London Elementary School library.
RICHARD E. BOYER
Richard Eugene Boyer, 78, of Oxford, passed into the arms of his loving Savior on Dec. 19, 2023. Richard, or Dick as he was known to most people, was born on Oct. 11, 1945 in Union Deposit, Pa. He was the son of Robert and Alice Boyer, and a brother to five siblings.
Dick graduated from Northern Lebanon High School in 1963 and then attended The King’s College in New York, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in physical education.
While at King’s, he also played on the soccer team and met the love of his life, Patricia Nixon, who he married in March of 1969. A few years later, he furthered his education at West Chester University, receiving his master’s degree in physical education.
Dick taught science at his high school alma mater for two years before he accepted a job teaching physical education in Oxford in 1971. He taught in the Oxford Area School District for 38 years before retiring in 2008, impacting thousands of students during his career there.
He was the physical education teacher to all students in grades 2, 3 and 4. He also conducted several beforeand after-school intramural programs, including soccer, basketball and gymnastics. His family fondly remembers being out anywhere with him, whether it was in Oxford or halfway across the country and hearing a former student say, “Mr. Boyer, is that you?”
For most of his life, Dick was an avid gardener. His
summers off from school were mostly spent in his incredible garden and many people reaped the benefits of it over the years. Dick used to bring his vegetables or fruits to school or church to share or sell. Everyone especially loved his corn, strawberries, and asparagus.
Dick and his wife Pat became members of Bethany Presbyterian Church shortly after moving to Oxford. Dick led an amazing life of service to the Lord and his church at Bethany. He served as a Sunday School teacher and superintendent, a deacon, ran junior church, sat on many different committees and was an elder for almost 30 years. He and Pat also enjoyed serving local ministries such as CR and the Lighthouse Youth Center.
Dick lived his life fully dedicated to serving Christ and loving his family, and he did both of those things incredibly well. He and Pat were married for almost 55 years. After retirement, they had the opportunity to travel to many wonderful locations. They spent most of their time with their children, Sheree, Scott and Lindsay, two sons-in-law Barry and Johnny, and six grandchildren, Justin, Zachary, Brenden, Joshua, Grace and Emma, who affectionately called him Papa.
The family will be holding a private burial at the Oxford Cemetery. They plan to schedule a memorial service to celebrate Dick’s life in the near future.
Donations can be made to Bethany Christian School or the Lighthouse Youth Center in his honor.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
JAMES F. GOLT
James F. Golt, of Nottingham, left this world on Dec. 21, 2023 while at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. He was 84. He was the loving husband of Lucille D. Golt. Together they were known as Fred and Lucy. A native of Carneys Point, New Jersey, he was the dutiful son of the late James E. and Emma F. Golt. He graduated from Penns Grove Regional High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves.
He worked at the Hercules Research Center, starting out as a heating and air conditioning mechanic in the mechanical services division. A multi-talented mechanic with incredible troubleshooting ability, he was called “Super Wrench.” He retired in 1999 as the utilities supervisor.
In 1976, Fred and Lucy built their Bicentennial House in New London, Pa., doing much of the work themselves. Fred was an outdoorsman and loved to go crabbing, fishing and turkey hunting. He had a small boat and fished in the Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, Chincoteague, Va. and Pamlico Sound, N.C.
After retiring, he had more time to enjoy his family and friends. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, having breakfast with his buddies, gardening and using his Kubota, driving his Amish neighbors on errands, and taking naps.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Lou Weldon.
In addition to his wife Lucy, he is survived by two brothers, and two sisters, Bill (Phyllis) Golt, Gene (Pam) Golt, Carol Willis, and Beth Gibe, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Dec. 27, 2023 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Burial will be in Oxford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to organizations serving the Oxford community including the Union Fire Co., No. 1 or Union Fire Co. No. 1, Ambulance Division, 315 Market St., Oxford, Pa. 19363 or Southern Chester County EMS - Medic 94 at medic94.org.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Two DVCCC programs benefit Chester County youngsters
The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC) recently announced that their successful Coaching Boys Into Men and Coaching Girls Beyond the Game programs will continue thanks to funding from the Pennsylvania
Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The programs have empowered student-athletes to combat abuse and violence, promoting safe and respectful environments in high school athletics and beyond.
CHERYL A. RENDLER
Cheryl A. Rendler, a resident of Nottingham, passed away on Dec. 20, 2023 while at home. She was 64.
She was the wife of Francis “Bo” C. Rendler, with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Richard and Jean Buffington Arrowood.
Cheryl was employed with Pocopson Home in West Chester for 37 years as a certified nursing assistant and in the office of medical records. She was also an Avon representative for 30 years.
She is survived by her husband, one son, Randy C. Rendler (Betsy) of Buckingham, Va., and seven grandchildren, Joel Figueroa (Hannah) of Kirkwood, Kelvin Figueroa of Oxford, Jonathan Figueroa of Oxford, Randy Rendler, Jr. of Shippensburg, Harley Rendler of Shippensburg, Wyatt Rendler of Buckingham, Va. and David Werneth of Fla. She is also survived by one great-grandson, Tru Emilio Figueroa of Kirkwood, one brother, Gary Arrowood (Ayshie) of Oregon, Ohio, six sisters, Deborah McComsey (John) of Christiana, Pa., Linda Kilgore Herr (Keith) of Millersville, Bonnie Kennelly (Jim) of Iowa, Dottie Greer of Oxford, Denise Hilton (Tink) of Coatesville and Dena Arrowood of Oxford.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Arrowood, and a sister, Susan Arrowood.
Funeral services were held on Dec. 28, 2023 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.
Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DVCCC was a recipient of a 2023 Phillies Charities grant and actively participated in the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park.
The mission of the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County is to
reduce, remedy, and prevent domestic violence in Chester County.
Center of Chester County was a recipient of a 2023 Phillies Charities grant and actively participated in the annual Domestic Violence Awareness Night at Citizens Bank Park, when Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged some of the program leaders and participants.
Obituaries
Robert Bruce McKinstry, 98, died at Kendal at Longwood in Kennett Square on Dec. 22, 2023. Dr. Bob, as he was known, served the Kennett community as the town’s doctor for many years. He delivered many babies, made house calls and is still remembered affectionately by many.
Born June 19, 1925, Bob lived in Kennett Square his entire life. He was the third child of Sara Weisel and Herbert Sydney McKinstry, following older sister Eleanore and older brother Herb. Bob attended the Kennett public schools and graduated from Kennett High School in 1943.
During World War II, Bob studied engineering at MIT and the University of Illinois in the Navy’s V-12 Program, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduation, he served in the Navy and after his discharge, worked for General Electric. At this point, Bob reconsidered his career path and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. He attended Lafayette College for an additional year to earn the credits necessary for medical school and earned his M.D. at Hahnemann Medical College, where his father and uncle had gone. After serving his internship at Atlantic City Hospital, Bob joined his father in his Kennett Square medical practice as a general practitioner.
Bob met Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) Romig when she was in 6th grade and he was in the 7th grade. They married in 1950 in a Quaker ceremony at Kennett Friends Meeting. They had four children, Robert Jr. (Bobby), Mary (Polly), Elizabeth (Beppy) and John. To accommodate the growing family, they accepted Betsy’s parents’ invitation to build a house on their farm, Romeade. Bob and Betsy were devoted attendees of their children’s and
grandchildren’s sporting events, enjoyed extended family vacations in Vermont and loved spending time with their close circle of friends in Kennett.
Bob was multi-talented. He played varsity soccer in high school and college. When not practicing medicine, he enjoyed swimming, tennis, golfing and taking care of the farm. He was a talented musician and he enjoyed singing and playing the oboe in the Kennett Symphony Orchestra, as well as the clarinet and saxophone. In his spare time, he spent many hours mowing fields, fixing fences, maintaining his vast vegetable garden, building and maintaining his clay tennis court, and raising sheep, goats and many dogs throughout his life. A talented craftsman, Bob built beautiful furniture and could fix anything.
He also devoted time to community service. He served on the Kennett School Board and the Chester County Board of Health and raised money from physicians for the United Way. He was a member of Kennett Meeting and served on various committees there.
Bob is predeceased by his brother and sister and his wife Betsy and was immediately followed in death by his partner, Shirley Kraft.
He is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, Andrew, Spencer, Katherine, Erin, Luke, Troy, Casey and Sam, six great-grandchildren, Sylvia, Graham, Mabel, Eleanor, Reid, Tommy and Murray and many nieces and nephews.
The memorial service was held on Dec. 28 at Kennett Friends Meetinghouse in Kennett Square.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kennett Friends Meeting, the Westtown School or the Kennett Library.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.
ROBERT BRUCE MCKINSTRY
Courtesy photo The Domestic Violence
NOTICE
NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE DEFAULT JUDGEMENT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, No. 2023-SU001084, CIVIL ACTION-LAW & EQUITY
George M. Leader Family Corporation: d/b/a Country Meadows of York – West , Plaintiff, v. Corinne M. Hedges, Defendant. This is a complaint against Corinne M. Hedges
NOTICE If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in writing with the court. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you without further notice for the relief requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Lawyer Referral Service, York County Bar Association, (717) 854-8755 extension 201, 137 E. Market Street York, PA 17401 1p-3-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets,
by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 18 th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 20th, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 24-1-4 Writ of Execution No. 2015-01455 DEBT $149,507.56
PROPERTY SITUATE IN KENNETT TOWNSHIP
TAX PARCEL # 62-02J-0003
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: DOROTHY N. CONNELLY & FREDERICK P. MRAZ
SALE ADDRESS: 9 Woodchuck Way, Lot 9, Kennett Square, PA 19348
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF
12p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 18 th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 20th, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No.24-1-5
Writ of Execution No. 2015-06920
DEBT $135,576.05
PROPERTY SITUATE IN KENNETT TOWNSHIP
TAX PARCEL # 62-02J-0003 / 62-21-3
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: DOROTHY N.
MRAZ A/K/A DOROTHY C.
MRAZ A/K/A DOROTHY N.
CONNELLY & FREDERICK P. MRAZ
SALE ADDRESS: 9 Woodchuck Way, Kennett Square, PA 19348
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF
12p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 18 th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 20th, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No. 24-1-7
Writ of Execution No. 2012-09196
DEBT $638,783.91
PROPERTY SITUATE IN EAST
NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP TAX PARCEL #69-3-161
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICING, L.P. F/K/A COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING L.P. VS
DEFENDANT: MATTHEW J. GIBSON
SALE ADDRESS: 329 Heron Drive, Lincoln University, PA 19352
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF
12p-27-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, January 18 th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Tuesday, February 20th, 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Sale No.24-1-8 Writ of Execution No. 2017-06901 DEBT $235,463.87
ALL THAT CERTAIN , MESSAGE, LOT OR PIECE OF LAND SITUATE ON, IN THE TOWNSHIP OF PENN, COUNTY OF CHESTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED, AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT:
All that certain lot or piece of ground Situate in the Township of Penn, in the County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described in accordance with a Final Plan prepared for Emiline B. Gray by N.M. Lake, Inc., Engineers and Surveyors (Oxford, PA) dated September 17, 1985 and revised January 6, 1986 and recorded as Chester County Plan No. 617 as follows, to wit:
Beginning at a point on the Southeasterly side of a certain 50 feet wide right of way which extends South- westwardly from Ewing Road, at the Southwest corner of Lot #1, which point is measured the 3 following courses and distances along said right of way from its intersection with the Southwesterly side of Ewing Road; (1) South 37 degrees 00’ 12” West 100.00 feet to a point of curve; (2) along the arc of a circle curving to the left having a radius of 125.00 feet the arc distance of 47.65 feet to a point of tangent; (3) South 15 degrees 09’ 46” West 191.70 feet to the beginning point; thence along Lot #1 South 74 degrees 50’ 14” East 310.51 feet to a point in line of land of Earl M. Cole; thence along said Cole’s land South 17 degrees 32’ 42” West 286.42 feet to a point a corner of Lot #3; thence along Lot #3 North 74 degrees 50’ 14” West 298.61 feet to an iron pin set on the Southeasterly side of the aforementioned 50 feet wide right of way; thence along the same North 15 degrees 09’ 46” East 286.17 feet to the point and place of beginning.
Containing 2.001 acres of land be the same more or less. Being a Lot #2 as shown on above mentioned Plan.
Together with the free and common use, right, liberty and privilege in and of the said 50 feet wide right of way as a passageway, watercourse and means of ingress and regress to and from Ewing Road in common with the other owners, tenants and occupiers of the other lots of ground abutting and bounding upon the same an entitled to the use and enjoyment thereof, at all times hereafter forever. Subject however to a pro-portionate part of the expense of maintaining and keeping the said right of way in good order and repair at all times hereafter forever.
BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO CLARENCE W. GRAY III WHO ACQUIRED TITLE BY VIRTUE OF A DEED FROM CLARENCE W. GRAY III AND KATHLEEN H. GRAY, DATED FEB- RUARY 4, 2003, RECORDED FEBRUARY 25, 2003, AT DOCUMENT ID 10193852, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 5583, PAGE 768, OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
BEING UPI NUMBER 58-010012.020
PARCEL NO.: 58-01-0012.020
PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Trustee of LSF11 Master Participation Trust VS DEFENDANT: Clarence W. Gray, III
SALE ADDRESS: 727 Ewing Road, Cochranville, PA 19330
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 12p-27-3t
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Chester County Economic Development Council unveils county’s top economic milestones after transformative year
The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) recently highlighted key milestones for fiscal year 2022-2023, after a transformative year in which 21 regional economic development projects are underway and $20 million in new funding was approved for CCEDC to manage the PA Catalyst Loan Fund serving small businesses in eight counties.
“This has been a remarkable year of new directions and charting new courses to fulfill CCEDC’s mission of promoting business and
community prosperity while preserving our quality of life across southeastern Pennsylvania,” said CCEDC President and COO Mike Grigalonis. “The new directions we have pursued are in the spirit of expanding our reach to serve more people, more businesses and more communities.”
Almost 200 local business and community leaders spanning every major regional industry were in attendance as CCEDC showcased endof-year milestones at its 13th Annual Stakeholders’ Breakfast held at the
Lions support Avon Grove Robotics Program
Desmond Hotel in Malvern, Pa.
CCEDC’s 2022-2023 highlights in the areas of location services, financing solutions, workforce development and innovation and entrepreneurship include the following, all of which are summarized in the digital edition of CCEDC’s Annual Report 2022-2023 found at https:// annual.ccedcpa.com/:
• CCEDC launched the Pennsylvania Catalyst Loan Fund serving eight counties across southeastern and central Pennsylvania and offering small balance loans to non-traditional borrowers who otherwise may not have access to loan funds. To date, 23 loans have been approved. Many are participants in CCEDC’s New Business Champions program, which advanced this year from a pilot program to a fully funded program providing technical assistance to 66 businesses owned by women and minority entrepreneurs.
• 21 key regional development projects are underway, with a notable uptick in advanced and high-tech manufacturing projects including International Paper, Purolite, Piasecki Aircraft and Edlon Fluoropolymers. Other projects are funded by Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants that support infrastructure and construction
projects driving industry expansion, enhanced capacity for non-profits and job growth.
• Total project financing soared to $92,793,762, despite increasing interest rates and costs of construction. Fueled in no small part by the PA Catalyst Loan Fund, loan activity was also strong with existing programs such as SBA 504, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), SBA 7(a) and an internal revolving loan fund called PSBCI.
• CCEDC’s lending affiliate, Seedcopa, was ranked as the number one SBA 504 Lender in Pennsylvania by the U.S. Small Business Administration for a third consecutive year as Seedcopa celebrated its 40th anniversary. In addition, a Seedcopa small business borrower was named Eastern Pennsylvania Small Business Person of the Year 2023 by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
• Securing state funding for Project RECONNECT was a major step forward in CCEDC’s mission to address the labor crisis, providing a $1.8 million grant for CCEDC to administer a first-of-its-kind, cross-county collaboration to assist at least 100 students in southeastern Pennsylvania with completing their post-secondary education, especially
after having withdrawn due to hardship.
• CCEDC announced that Mike Grigalonis, CCEDC’s COO and executive vice president since 2004, was promoted to president and COO.
New leadership was also announced for CCEDC’s Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), the leading support network helping life sciences and advanced technology companies in Chester County, Delaware County and southeastern Pennsylvania transform their ideas from concept to commercialization.
New leadership was also announced for AgConnect, which specializes in connecting farmers and agribusinesses with the resources, training and financing needed to
grow their business in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The Chester County Economic Development Council is a private, non-profit economic development organization promoting smart growth in Chester County and the surrounding region for more than 60 years. CCEDC provides proven financing solutions, cultivates workforce talent, leverages business partnerships and fosters entrepreneurial collaboration. Together, with the support of the private and public sectors, CCEDC initiates, implements and innovates programs that improve the business community and enhance the quality of life in Chester County. For more information, visit www. ccedcpa.com.
Photo courtesy Greg Zeller
Chester County Economic Development Council President and COO Mike Grigalonis with the organization’s longtime leader, Gary Smith.
Courtesy photo
The Avon Grove Lions recently made a donation to the Avon Grove Robotics Program. Pictured, left to right, are Eric Robison, the advisor to the robotics program, and Avon Grove Lions President George Steele.
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