Chester County Press 01-13-2021 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 155, No. 2

INSIDE

Winter Education Guide...5B to 10B

Bonfires and beers...1B

Police investigate armed robbery...8A

INDEX

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

Annual MLK celebration expands to a two-day virtual conference

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For the past 19 years, the third Monday of January has been a constant date on the calendars for many of southern Chester County’s leading impact makers, elected and appointed officials and citizens committed to the dream of social justice.

The MLK Breakfast, sponsored by the MLKCommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area, has been an annual love letter to the life and mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., celebrated in the spoken words of the civil rights icon, in song and in stirring messages by keynote speakers.

As the MLKComm UNITY’s Celebration Committee began to design their 20th anniversary event for 2021, however, the

Courtesy Photo

Public speaker, writer and mental health therapist Dr. Christina Edmondson will serve as the keynote speaker at a global twoday virtual conference, “To Seek Justice” on Jan. 17 and 18, that is being sponsored by the MLKCommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area.

limitations brought on by the coronavirus curtailed their plans for an in-person celebration. Following the lead of how education, Continued on page 2A

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Two full-time police officers join Oxford Police Department

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing writer Mayor Phil Harris swore in two new police officers at the council meeting on Jan. 11.

This was the first hiring of a full-time officer for the Oxford Police Department since August of 2015.

One new officer was hired to fill the patrol officer position left vacant when Sergeant Tom McFadden retired last year. It is anticipated that other officers may retire in the near future.

McFadden had served both as a patrol officer and a detective.

Council approved the hiring of a full-time detective for the department at the last council meeting. That position is expected to be filled from within the ranks, so the remaining new full-time hire will fill the position of that patrol officer who moves up to detective. This is the first time in the history of the department that there will be a full-time detective.

Photo by Betsy Brewer Brantner

Oxford Police Chief Sam Iacono (middle) with new officers Paul Frie and Ken Massey at the swearing-in ceremony on Monday night.

Both of the new hires were already working parttime for the Oxford Police Department.

Officer Ken Massey has worked part-time for 11 months at Oxford. He previously worked for the Downingtown Police Department. He graduated from Oxford and lives in

the Oxford area.

Officer Paul Frie has been a part-time officer for two years with Oxford. He was previously employed at West Chester University.

He also actively serves as a member of the National Guard.

Cpl. Scott Brown thanked Continued on page 3A

McKinstry re-elected chairman in East Marlborough Township Township officials also talked to a consultant about work on a strategic plan

By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing Writer

A Harrisburg-based municipal consultant is Obituaries..............2B-3B expected to present East Classifieds..................4B Marlborough supervisors with a proposal to help develop a strategic plan.

Supervisors’ vice chairwoman Kathryn Monahan said at the Jan. 4 meeting that she and township Opinion.......................7A

manager Neil Lovekin have identified Nancy Hess as someone who could help develop the strategic plan for the township.

Hess is an instructor at the Pennsylvania Municipal Administration Training Center who met with Monahan, Lovekin, and supervisor Burling Vannote via Zoom on Dec. 30.

“Based on our discussion, we have a really

positive impression of her,” Monahan said.

Monahan had raised the idea of a strategic plan in November, as a way to help identify the township’s priorities in the future, saying at the time, “Strategic planning will provide clarity and focus so that the Board of Supervisors can be proactive … and give everyone a sense of direction.”

“Nancy (Hess) committed

to doing her own research on the township … and then she will present us with a proposal,” Monahan said.

In other business, supervisor Robert McKinstry was re-elected chairman of the board of supervisors during the reorganization meeting.

Monahan will serve as vice chairwoman.

The supervisors also appointed Lovekin as town-

ship manager and secretary, and Hannah Christopher as treasurer and the open records officer. They also set a $10 million bond for the treasurer. Other appointments included Robert Clarke Jr. as police chief and emergency management coordinator, Jeffrey Simpson as public works director and roadmaster, Charlie Shock as Continued on page 2A

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Chester County Economic Development Council’s 17th annual Economic Outlook

© 2007 The Chester County Press

Despite pandemic, U.S. economy is rebounding, economists say

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Paraphrasing the opening paragraph of Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities, a leading economist told several hundred Chester County economic stakeholders last week that while the U.S. economy is still navigating its way through what he called “a natural disaster,” it is weathering the COVID-19 storm and is showing clear signs of

an optimistic 2021.

James Glassman, managing director and head economist for commercial banking at JP Morgan Chase, was joined by Patti Brennan, president and chief executive officer at West Chester-based Key Financial, Inc. at the Chester County Economic Development Council’s (CCEDC) 17th annual Economic Outlook online presentation, “Impacts of COVID-19 on a Post-

Election Economy,” held on Jan. 8.

Glassman, a former senior economist at the Federal Reserve Board, called the national economy the equivalent of a “best of times, worst of times” scenario, assessed not from the standpoint of a business cycle, but the means by which it is recovering from the economCourtesy Photo ic impacts of COVID-19. Michael Grigalonis, chief operating officer and execuBefore the pandemic arrived tive vice president of the Chester County Economic last March, Glassman said Development Council, prepared for the agency’s 17th Continued on page 4A

annual Economic Outlook online presentation on Jan. 8.

Mantegna selected to lead Penn Township board

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry 22 years, and will continue Contributing Writer as a board member. Now serving in Mantegna’s The Penn Township previous position as viceBoard of Supervisors chair is supervisor William began the year with a “Radar” O’Connell. reorganization meeting.

“I’m honored and I know The supervisors selected I’ll serve the township Victor Mantegna as the well,” O'Connell said after new chairman of the board the meeting. of supervisors. He takes A recent emergency has the place of Curtis Mason, the township taking a new who served as chairman for look at emergency man-

agement plan details.

On Christmas morning, a gas leak was detected at the Ovations development clubhouse. Normally, the clubhouse is the evacuation point if there is an emergency situation in the area. In this case the affected residents were sent to the township building meeting room while repairs were made.

“There has to be a backup to everything, too,” Mantegna said.

Township Director of Operations Karen Versuk suggested working with the emergency management coordinator to be sure that plans are current.

“It bears looking at again so everyone is on the same page,” she said.

The first snowstorm of

the season was handled well overall, but there were some areas with issues. “It posed some challenges,” Mantegna said.

The township has discussed with snow removal contractors the areas that are in need of improvement next time, but residents need to be part of the solution as well. Some Continued on page 3A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News MLK celebration...

Continued from Page 1A

business, faith and general communication has been conducted over the last several months, the group will be taking Dr. King’s message online for a global two-day virtual conference titled, “To Seek Justice,” on Jan. 17 and 18.

The conference opens on Jan. 17 at 1 p.m., beginning with the workshop “Suspicion…Why and at What Cost?” that will explore the historical roots of racism and how they manifest in our present day, and allow the online audience to participate in breakout sessions.

On Jan. 18 beginning at 8:15 a.m., virtual attendees will get acquainted with other members of their “table group,” and at 9 a.m., Dr. Christina Edmondson will deliver her keynote address, “To Seek Justice.” A certified cultural intelligence facilitator, public speaker and mental health therapist, Edmondson is a frequent lecturer on the topics of leadership development, anti-racism and mental health. A former dean for Intercultural Development at Calvin University, her writing has been seen and referenced in Essence, YourBlackWorld.com and Gospel Today magazine, and she is a co-host of the “Truth’s Table” podcast.

Also presenting at the MLK Conference will be Freedom Rider and civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer and her son, the filmmaker Loki

Mulholland. Following a 40-year teaching career, Trumpauer began the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation, dedicated to educating youth about the Civil Rights Movement and how they can become activists in their communities.

A frequent speaker on the topic of the Civil Rights Movement, Mulholland’s work as a filmmaker, writer, director and producer has earned him several awards.

His first book, “She Stood for Freedom,” is an illustrated children’s tale about the life of his mother, and his award-winning film An Ordinary Hero, also about his mother, appeared on PBS. The conference will also include featured presenter Anita Cason Friday, who is an attorney, workshop facilitator, community activist, author and the founder of Open Hearts...A Pathway for Racial Healing, in Berwyn, Pa. Her presentation will explore the historical roots of racism in the U.S. and how they manifest in our present-day interactions.

As part of its musical lineup, the conference will introduce award-winning gospel recording artist Phillip Carter, who will perform a musical tribute to Dr. King.

In conjunction with event sponsor Longwood Gardens, the event will also include a virtual tour of “Voices in the Landscape,” a new exhibit that features a series of ten stops throughout the gardens that can be experienced in-person

or virtually from home. In this sensory, narrated experience, storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston honors and celebrates the strength, resilience and contributions of the African American community through the lens of horticulture and the power of story.

Faced with the prospect of having to cancel this year’s breakfast due to COVID-19 restrictions on indoor events, the MLKCommUNITY began to discuss other alternatives soon after the coronavirus led to shutdowns last March. Around that time, external communications coordinator Dan Cornett’s wife had just attended a computer science teachers’ national convention that was entirely virtual, using Hopin, an online format that offers several interactive areas that allow attendees to move in and out of rooms, similar to attending an event in person.

“I thought that if this format could be effective at a national convention, I knew we could adapt our event to a virtual building as well,” Cornett said. “It would give us the opportunity to expand on the idea that had originally been a breakfast into a virtual conference.”

“We had been constrained for the past 19 years by the Red Clay Room, and even though it is the largest venue of its kind in the area, we have had to turn people away every year,” said MLKCommUNITY president Carol Black.

“When the pandemic hit us this past year, we put our

heads together and said, ‘Everything is virtual now – school, networking, business, and shopping – so let’s see if we can do something virtual. The seeds then began to grow. Hopin offers us something that we couldn’t dream of having at our breakfast.”

Whether it is delivered in person or virtually, the message of the MLKCommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area arrives in the wake of one of the most volatile years of racial unrest in recent American history.

As it celebrates the 20th anniversary of its annual breakfast, Black said the mission of the group has suddenly been magnified.

“The battles we thought we had won in the sixties it seems were not won at all, cherished only by a few, and hated by many,” she said. “It is primarily because many people do not understand. Everything seems inwardly focused, that ‘it’s all about me.’ In reality, it is about love. Dr. King said that love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

“So in order to do it and not just talk about it, we need to get people in a position where they are not just focused on themselves but involved in the community, engaged in an effort to help others.”

Tickets to the MLK Conference are $20.00 and students are free.

Proceeds of the conference will benefit scholarships for graduating seniors at Kennett, Unionville and Avon Grove High Schools

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Award-winning gospel recording artist Phillip Carter will perform a musical tribute to Dr. King.

and Lincoln University; summer opportunities for disadvantaged children at Camp Cadet; MLK Advocates Forums; and support for projects that promote equality, justice, peace and the eradication of poverty in the Kennett Square area.

To learn more about the MLKCommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area’s MLK Conference and to register to attend, visit www.mlkcommunity.org.

neers, and Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees as the township solicitor.

Continued from Page 1A Jane Donze and Charles codes and zoning enforce- Streitwieser will join the ment officer, Vandemark & East Marlborough planning Lynch as township engi- commission, and Mary Nell

Ferry and John Rosencrans will join the historic commission. Josh Farkas and Andy Jenkins are the newest members of the Environmental Advisory Council, and Jane Russell is the newest Zoning Hearing Board member.

Cuyler Walker will represent the township on the Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission, with John Sarro as the alternate.

The board also approved a resolution for Longwood and Po-Mar-Lin fire companies to provide fire and rescue services in the township, and Longwood Fire Company EMS to provide ambulance services for the entire township.

Because of COVID-19, the supervisors and other township commissions, councils, and boards will continue to meet virtually.

East Marlborough Township...

Own Your Future

Courtesy Photos

Freedom Rider and civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer and her son, the filmmaker Loki Mulholland, will also make a presentation at the conference.

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

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Oxford police...

Continued from Page 1A

Borough Council and the Civil Service Commission for their guidance and assistance in the hiring of the officers.

All full-time police officers are required to go through the Civil Service Commission in order to be hired in the state of Pennsylvania. Applicants must pass a physical agility test, written exam and a psychological exam. The Civil Service Commission then ranks the applicants according to their scores and places them on a list. Both of the new hires were at the top of the Civil Service list. Applicants who serve in the military are given extra points on the score.

Cpl. Brown explained that both of these officers already have the training and equipment needed since they have been performing in a part-time capacity. That fact alone saves the borough a lot of money and time.

Brown, who has been on the force for 23 years, said the full-time detective is something they have needed for years.

“The detective performs valuable work which may necessitate them going to Lima, Pa. to deliver evidence. They can’t be on patrol and do detective work at the same time.

They have to work closely with the District Attorney and County Detectives in West Chester. They will also oversee major cases which requires follow up interviews, obtaining search warrants and handling digital evidence,” Brown said.

“Digital evidence, combing Facebook or other media platforms, could require four to five hours just to review a 15 second clip. A detective would also need to access security cameras in the area and perform evidence inventory to maintain the chain of command. All of which takes a lot of time.”

Council welcomed the new police officers. The police department will be hiring two more part-time officers to fill the vacancies that were just created.

Police chief Sam Iacono opened his report by welcoming the new full-time officers.

“We have worked for 10 months being short. Now we have a full complement

Penn Township...

Continued from Page 1A

roads in developments did not get plowed because of cars parked on roadways and cul de sacs.

If there are cars parked on the roadsides, the alternatives are to not plow the road, plow in the cars going as close to them as possible, or have the vehicles towed.

Work continues at the historic Red Rose Inn, with the board affirming

Officer Paul Frie with his family before his swearing in as a full-time police officer for the Oxford Police Department.

of officers and will have a full-time investigator. Our vehicles are all back in order.

We are working on three new softwares. One of them Crime Watch will go out to public at the next Police and Public Safety meeting. We are moving forward.”

There was other good news for the borough as council agreed to accept the bid for the former Borough Hall. The winning bid went to Juarez Property Management, LLC, in the amount of $225,000.

Council had hoped for the quick sale of the property to improve the borough’s finances for the coming year.

In other business, Council approved the Application for Payment No. 2 for the 2020 Repaving Curb and Sidewalk Project to Gessler Construction in the amount of $395,677.80.

Council approved a motion to grant an extension to Sycamore Crossing for phases six and seven.

The extension will run through and include the date of April 20, 2021.

Council approved Ordinance #940-2021 Amending Chapter 21 Streets and Sidewalks, Part 7 Sidewalk Construction and Repair, Installation of Sidewalks, Curbs and/or Gutters. Repair by Property Owners, Scope of Work, Deviations from Plan.

Council has also approved a motion to approve a search committee to pursue the hiring of an interim borough manager. Council member Mary Higgins explained, they will go forward with the installation of storm windows over the vintage windows. All windows will be covered with the exception of the third floor and the front windows under the porch. The porch windows will remain as they are, however the board will be seeking bids to repaint those windows and the front door. Even though the wood work was recently painted, the supervisors are not satisfied with the quality of the job.

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“We have appreciated the job Arlene Harrison has done thus far, however we have not had a lot of luck finding a new borough manager during this time. We have decided to search for an interim borough manager so Arlene can devote her time to her position of treasurer.”

Council president Peggy Ann Russell said she believes they are having difficulty at this time because people are reluctant to move during the pandemic.

Pauline Garcia-Allen from ECON Partners updated Council on grant possibilities for the coming year. She will be working in tandem with interim borough manager Arlene Harrison and public works director John Schaible. Council approved the 2021 ECON Partners Consultant Agreement.

Julia Loving, a municipal contact for newly elected state sen. Carolyn Comitta introduced herself to Borough Council and told them she is excited for the new projects Oxford has planned for the upcoming year.

Mayor Harris told Council that the “crucial conversations” continue. He also announced that Shiloh Presbyterian Church will hold a Martin Luther King Day event. Lastly, he told council he was reminded that last Tuesday was his one year anniversary as mayor.

“Last year was a difficult year, but I am excited about what we can accomplish this year,” Harris said.

Photos by Betsy Brewer Brantner

Paul Frie and Ken Massey were sworn in as full-time police officers for the Oxford Police Department on Monday night.

Council will continue to discuss a number of items at their next meeting, including the recording of the borough’s public meetings.

Interim Borough Manager Arlene Harrison congratulated Council President

Peggy Ann Russell for achieving Certified Borough Official status.

“This requires over 70 hours of credit in order to do this,” she said.

Russell noted that January is National Human

Trafficking Awareness Month. She also said she will be sending out committee assignments to council members and encouraged them to let her know if there were any questions or changes.

Officer Ken Massey with wife and family before his swearing in as a full-time police officer for the Oxford Police Department.

Mayor Phil Harris swore in two full-time police officers on Monday evening.

Pictured (left to right) are officer Paul Frie, Harris, and officer Ken Massey. The officers removed their masks for this photo.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News U.S. Economy...

Continued from Page 1A

that the U.S. economy was strong, anchored by the news that unemployment rates had dropped to a 50-year low. While subsequent lockdowns and shutdowns after the pandemic’s arrival in March wreaked havoc on the small business community – 40 million of those who worked in small business had lost their jobs and 10 million small businesses closed up – Glassman said that the next several months saw unprecedented growth in various areas of the economy.

Referring to recent studies and economic indicators, he said that by the end of 2020, the overall national economy had almost returned to where it was at the start of the pandemic last March. By December, the overall U.S. economy had recovered to about 98 percent of where it was before the lockdowns began in March.

“Real estate activity soared, manufacturing activity went back to pre-crisis levels, unemployment began to plunge by May and continues to creep lower,” he said. “Indications of financial stress didn’t come close to pessimistic assumptions, and state and local finances didn’t take it on the chin like many thought they would.”

Moreover, he said, the stock market -- a major indicator of the nation’s financial health – continued to churn along, and by the end of the year, had finished with record highs.

He said the strong yearend numbers have continued so far in 2021, buoyed by

the optimism seen in the rapid development of two major COVID-19 vaccines – with more scheduled to be introduced – that are expected to vaccinate millions of Americans over the next several months.

One of the most prominent lights at the end of the tunnel of the coronavirus, Glassman said, has been the use of alternative technology, measures that keep the wheels of business spinning and our lives easier and safer.

“We began to recognize that the innovation being done in the last few decades would help businesses and people transition from working in the office to working at home, shopping online and communicating virtually,” Glassman said. “We are able to do so much more in so much less time because of this innovation, and it is crises like these that tell us how we are able to adapt to the new norms.

“It’s not until you’re in a crisis and you need to learn how to survive that you fully embrace this technology – such as transitioning to digital platforms in the time of the first lockdowns.”

U.S. economy revived by ‘lifelines’ The U.S. economy was also revived, Glassman said, by the roll out of several federal “lifelines” that included the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 – all of which have

provided fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families and small businesses.

Glassman distinguished the economic downturn as the victim of “a natural disaster,” and not the result of a normal business cycle.

In defining the difference, he made a reference to the impact Hurricane Katrina had on New Orleans, and how the city recovered.

“The storm comes in and rips the place up and the nation mobilizes resources to help get New Orleans back on its feet, and within two years, employment there was right back to where it was before the storm,” Glassman said. “If we make the effort to give people the income, it’s going to help people get back to normal.

“The support that the federal government is giving is really helping to replace lost income. It’s not a stimulus, it’s a lifeline, and it’s going away the moment that people get back to their jobs or have a job and don’t need the help of fiscal contributions.”

A key strategy to continue to drive the economy forward, Glassman said, will be to reform the nation’s immigration system, an effort that will fill the projected 6.5 million to 7 million jobs that are currently available due to a shrinking workforce that is seeing an increase in those at or nearing retirement age.

Another way to get the economy moving faster, he said, will be to invest in infrastructure – creating better transportation systems and moving goods and services and faster, using online technology.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed about 2021, but I think the picture looks a lot clearer, because what we have been waiting for has been a medical answer, and now we have one,” Glassman said. “It’s going to allow us to lift restrictions on the economy and allow people to get back to their lives. You don’t need a lot of imagination to believe that this will be a decent year for the economy.

“Markets are telling this.

Medical science has been telling us this. Consumers have been telling us this.”

‘Coming to the rescue’ Like Glassman, Brennan equally praised the federal government for “coming to the rescue” with its stimulus package, and while she said that the U.S. economy is not out of the proverbial woods yet, its prospects for 2021 seem good.

“This economic downturn has been a real doozy,” she said. “We all needed our federal government to provide massive liquidity, to not only help us psychologically but put food on tables, to help families throughout America who had lost their jobs. It was critical and effective.

“Compared to other recessions the nation has experienced, this most recent downturn was massive and quick, and our economy had turned on a dime, but it was the result of several stimulus packages that have led to a faster economic recovery than had been originally anticipated.”

The comeback of the U.S. economy confounded several economic prognosticators,

Brennan said, who predicted that 2020 would end with an unemployment rate of 11 percent, and shrink to 10 percent in early 2021.

In reality, the economy is up and running again and the nation’s unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent.

Close to home, unemployment in Pennsylvania stands at 7.3 percent, while unemployment rates in Chester County are currently at 4.9 percent.

Brennan, who was named

by Barron’s as one of the Top 250 Women Wealth Advisors in America in 2020, said that the first signs of the nation’s economic recovery began soon after the Cares Act was introduced, that led to increased spending that in effect kickstarted the economy.

“When it comes to those stimulus checks, more than half of that stimulus went to paying down debt, into savings, and the rest went into spending,” she said.

“The government needed us to spend money to create income for other people, and we also needed to invest it in order to create opportunities to increase standards of living for the future, as well as helping others’ futures.”

Going forward, Brennan suggested that investment portfolios should be in alignment with improving one’s standard of living in the future – and not fluctuate dramatically according to the rise and fall of the economy.

“When you’re hearing about all of the drama, focus on the longer-term trajectory, and when you hear all of the hype, that’s the worst time to be doing anything

Courtesy Photos

James Glassman, managing director and head economist for commercial banking at JP Morgan Chase, was a featured speaker at the event.

Patti Brennan, president and chief executive officer at West Chester-based Key Financial, Inc., also delivered a presentation at the conference.

[in terms of investment],” she said. “In fact, turn the tube off. It’s not good for your stress levels and your levels of happiness.

“This is the year for each and every one of you to think about getting your [financial] house in order.

Optimize your income and your assets. By doing so, you will have a wonderful feeling of being organized and in control, and ultimately, that will lead to peace of mind.”

Michael Grigalonis, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the Continued on page 8A

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5A

Chef Wayne’s BBQ has become a local – and regional -- sensation

The tantalizing blend of tastes and scents in nearby Chadds Ford

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer When barbecued meats are slow-cooked over a full flame pit – when all of the marinades have perfectly married themselves into the vision the chef had in mind – the result is a treasure not just meant for our sense of taste but our sense of smell.

Soon after Wayne Bumm opened his Chef Bumm’s BBQ in the Springwater Plaza in Chadds Ford in 2020, he would watch driver after driver heading south along Wilmington Pike, suddenly attracted by the smoky waft of barbecue sweetening the air from his work station. After successfully maneuvering their respective U-turns along Wilmington Pike, they would greet Bumm, intrigued and ravenous and anxious to tuck into a juicy rack of ribs, smoked kielbasa or a platter of brisket or pulled pork or hot sausage or prime rib – topped off with an order of peach cobbler.

The people are still making U-turns. They are arriving from as near as Chadds Ford and Kennett Square to as far away as New Jersey and Reading and Lancaster – everyone from the white-collar office guy gathering lunch for his co-workers to entire families and every cross-section of humanity in between.

Bumm knows practically every customer by name, and when they arrive, they engage in the small talk of what happens when people converge at the happy place where food and friendliness meet.

“I just came from catering an office holiday party for a local iron works company, and I had seven different barbecued meats and four side dishes, and they just went nuts over it,” Bumm said recently from his Chadds Ford home, where he lives with his wife and two children. “Many have told me now that they’ve tried my food, that they plan to visit me. My goal has always been a simple one: to make everybody happy.

My personality shows my appreciation, but my food seems to do most of the talking for me.”

From themed dinners of every kind to corporate events, Chef Bumm’s BBQ provides a full menu of catering ideas that is certain to attract any palette.

That bananas flambé moment of inspiration Inspiration comes in the form of many guises. It can be heard, felt and seen, but when it proves to be the catalyst that paves the course of a person’s life, the effect of its spark is extraordinary and lasting. The moment that ignited Chef Wayne Bumm’s destiny, however, was not a spark but a really beautiful flame.

“I was in the eighth grade at Gloucester County Vocational Technical School in Sewell, N.J., and they invited a chef to visit us on Career Day,” said Bumm, who was born and raised in Williamstown, N.J. “He was demonstrating for us how to make a flambé of bananas, and when I saw the fire and the flame shoot up from the spray of alcohol, that was it for me. I told my parents later that day that this is what I wanted to do with my life.”

In 1999, at the age of 18, Bumm attended culinary school at Gloucester County Vocational Technical School, winning several awards for his early cooking prowess. He complimented his education by building his own makeshift smoker that he used to start his own catering business, first at family gatherings and then at private functions. The compliments to his cooking were

immediate.

“When I heard them, I would feel the chills just run down my back,” he said.

“Every one of them was just a reaffirmation of my goals.”

After graduating from the school, Bumm then attended culinary school at Johnson and Wales University, one of the most prestigious schools of its kind in the world, whose graduates have included chefs Emeril Lagasse and Tyler Florence, among many others.

“By the time I got to Johnson and Wales, I had acquired a lot of the skills of food preparation and cooking, but one of the most important aspects of the food business that I learned there was what it meant to be a professional,” Bumm said.

“Our pants and jackets had to be pressed and starched every day. It taught me to remain focused on the tasks required of a chef, and to follow directions from start to finish.”

After graduating from Johnson and Wales in 2003, Bumm returned to New Jersey, where he and his friends opened the Warwick Tavern in Summerdale. The Warwick was the equivalent of city dining in a local tavern -- a comfy, laid-back place that featured the chef’s signature barbecue menu, as well as steaks, chops and seafood.

After two years at the Warwick, Bumm became the executive chef at Dover Downs, but soon, his restlessness to leave the 70-hour-a-week pressure cooker world of hotel restaurants became empowering.

He missed the interaction with his customers, the aroma of his own creations and the tactile feeling of marrying perfectly marinated meat to a scalding smoker.

Bumm launched Chef Bumm’s BBQ in 2015, and he’s never been happier – or busier. Three months ago, he

A visitor to Chef Bumm’s BBQ has her or her choice of a take-away platter of several kinds of meats, including brisket, prime The sweet aromas from Chef Bumm’s smoker are rib, pulled pork and hot enough to entice those driving by his establishment in the Springwater Plaza. sausage.

Courtesy photos

Chef Wayne Bumm.

moved his location from the Brewer’s Outlet on Route 202 in Chadds Ford – where he would often do special events -- to Springwater Plaza, where he partners with his neighbor Big Cheese Pizza.

“Melinda and Neil of Big Cheese Pizza came to me a few months ago with the idea of driving more customers to both businesses,” Bumm said. “It’s been a great relationship for both of us, and one that’s become convenient for families.

On Thursday nights, for instance, Mom and Dad will buy pizza for their kids and barbecue from me. People now have the advantage of having a variety of items for their dinner.”

‘WE WILL RETURN!’ Chef Bumm’s BBQ has also earned a reputation as a road warrior, fulfilling a growing number of catering menus for weddings, corporate luncheons, graduations, birthday parties and themed events. In any given week, Bumm will create a Hawaiian luau with a variety of seafood dishes, and then on another night, welcome guests to a wine-pairing dinner that features New York Strip steaks, filet mignon, Ribeye steaks and a variety of wines personally chosen

by Bumm that compliment the menu.

With each event and with each platter dinner served,

Chef Bumm is a graduate of the prestigious Johnson and Wales Culinary School.

an equal amount of compliments continue to pour in.

“If you’re American and you love freedom, you have to eat at Chef Bumm’s BBQ. It’s a bulls eye, cowboy,” read the note of one satisfied customer who posted on the businesses’ social media page. “I just picked up pulled pork [from Chef Bumm’s BBQ]. Amazing…

Flavor, texture and overall taste. Texas level!” read another.

One happy customer recently wrote, “My husband and I bought a brisket platter and a pulled pork platter last night. Everything was delicious. WE WILL RETURN!” ‘The Love’ In an industry that increasingly measures its value more by the number of Michelin stars it receives than the quality of food it serves, Wayne Bumm has said goodbye to all of that.

He doesn’t need stars; he’s got the loyalty of his customers, who stop by the smoker in front of Big Cheese Pizza in Chadds Ford for the chance to chat with a chef and take home a few platters for their family.

Bumm knows who they are by name and that they come all the way from

Phoenixville and Norristown and Franklinville, N.J., as well as Chadds Ford and Kennett Square. He also knows that for certain, someone new will drive

by Springwater Plaza and become tantalized by the scent of barbecue, turn around, reconfigure their day and ask, “What’s going on here?”

“I regularly have people take home a complete dinner with all of the sides that comes in a Styrofoam container, and when they get home, they take photographs of their meal and send it back to me with compliments,” he said. “People have asked me why I choose not to be open five days a week or franchise out my business, and each time I tell them that it’s because I take a lot of pride in my work and in my relationships with my customers, and I don’t want to ever lose that.

“I call it ‘The Love.’”

Chef Bumm’s BBQ is located in the Springwater Plaza, on 364 Wilmington Pike in Chadds Ford, and is open on Mondays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. To learn more about catering services and private events, visit Chef Bumm’s BBQ on Facebook or call 856-375-3120.

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Chester County Press

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.

Opinion Opinion

Editorial

Kudos to Curtis

At the township’s reorganization meeting earlier this month, Victor Mantegna was selected as the new chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors. Penn Township has the good fortune of being able to turn to an experienced and capable leader for 2021.

For more than two decades, the township board has been led by Curtis Mason, who will continue to be a vital part of the Penn Township board as a member, rather than in a leadership role.

Mason is a true small government Republican.

During the more than two decades that he has served on the Penn Township board, the township has increased services and amenities while holding the line on taxes. Penn Township has changed a lot during the last two decades, adding businesses and age-restricted communities. Under Mason’s leadership, Penn Township became a hub of southern Chester County, while maintaining its character.

The commercial and residential growth, which was necessary, has been controlled. Mason helped make sure that developers paid a fair share of the infrastructure improvements. The township has been able to effectively utilize county and state grants to build first a passive park and now an active park for the benefit of township residents. This has been accomplished, thanks to the intelligent financial stewardship, with minimal costs to taxpayers in the township.

Kudos to Curtis Mason for remaining a small government Republican.

Important virtual meeting The potential sale of the Chester Water Authority to a for-profit company has been an issue of great interest and importance for local residents.

State Rep. Christina Sappey announced that she will be hosting a virtual community update on the proposed sale of the Chester Water Authority at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14. The presentation is open to residents of the 158th Legislative District and will also include legislative initiatives designed to support local public and well-managed water authorities.

To RSVP to the event and receive a link to watch, residents should visit Sappey’s website, call her district office at 484-200-8264 or email repsappey@ pahouse.net.

The darkness before the dawn For those of us who looked forward to the arrival of 2021 with a sense of hard-fought optimism, the events in the nation’s capital on Jan. 6 were jarring.

We won’t soon forget the horrific images of an angry, malevolent mob that unleashed an attack on the heart of our democracy.

While we were spared images of United States Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick being killed, a video went viral of another police officer being crushed as a group of violent extremists attempted to push past security. We saw images of another officer being dragged down steps and then pummeled. We saw property that belongs to the American people being damaged. We saw a man waving a Confederate flag in the Capitol. We saw men and women brandishing weapons as they hunted for Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers. A gallows with a noose was erected on the Mall in front of the Capitol and rioters shouted, “Hang Mike Pence!

Hang Mike Pence!”

In his 1967 book, Washington D.C.: The Story of Our Nation’s Capital, news commentator Howard K. Smith wrote the following: “Every American, it is said, has two home towns— his own and Washington D.C.” So our home town may have been attacked last week, but we remain undaunted. The riot accomplished nothing. It was a dark day for the country, but the dawn is coming.

Consider the words of Martin Luther King, who once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

It might not have been evident on one day in one city, but this country still has more light and love than darkness and hatred.

Common Cause Pennsylvania calls for resignation of State Sen. Mastriano In the aftermath of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, Common Cause Pennsylvania is calling for State Sen. Doug Mastriano to immediately resign, due to his actions to undermine the outcome of the Nov. 3 election and his participation in the events at the U.S. Capitol.

Statement of Common Cause Executive Director Khalif Ali: The violent attack on America’s Capitol was the culmination of what we’ve seen in Pennsylvania for months: the intentional spreading of disinformation regarding our state’s elections for political gain.

That is what took place last week, and there must be consequences for every politician who supported, promoted, incited or participated in this attack on our nation’s government.

Among those politicians who must face consequences is Pennsylvania’s state Sen. Doug Mastriano. In November, Sen. Mastriano organized a public spectacle, inviting partisan agitators to Pennsylvania to question our election results under the imprimatur of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Sen. Mastriano

also organized a bus to take partisan extremists to Washington, D.C., even appearing on social media “at the front of the capitol.”

The reality is that this year’s elections were safe, secure and more accessible than any in Pennsylvania’s history. That was one of the main reasons that our legislators – on both sides of the aisle – overwhelmingly approved Act 77.

To quote State Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, when Act 77 was passed: “What’s important is that people have faith in the system. The elections process matters – it matters a great deal in a democracy.”

Pennsylvania taxpayers just spent more than $100 million to ensure that our elections are secure and voters can have confidence in our elections. All that investment has been devalued by the people who have been spreading disinformation and challenging our election results for their own political purposes.

In the past two months, Pennsylvania’s voters have endured court challenge after court challenge, trying to overturn our decision to choose Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. These

efforts were a direct affront to Black, Latinx, AAPI and other voters, organizers and communities of color. All these efforts were an indignity to every single voter in Pennsylvania, as they have tried to deny or devalue our votes. They have also all failed.

What we saw on the floor of Congress last night was reprehensible. We saw members of Congress from other states attacking our Governor and our elected Supreme Court – attacking Pennsylvania’s elected officials for their own political purposes. We saw members of Congress denying the constitutionality of Act 77, even though it was passed by a Republican Legislature and they have no jurisdiction to do so.

We saw eight of Pennsylvania’s dulyelected Representatives in Congress vote to deny our choice for President.

And before that vote, we saw mobs of political extremists – including armed white militants – attacking our country’s Capitol building, trying to stop Congress from accepting our choices for president.

There must be consequences. Pennsylvania’s

voters deserve to have our choices respected. Our elected officials must not be allowed to undermine our elections.

Today, Common Cause Pennsylvania echoes the calls for Sen. Mastriano to resign.

We also call on Senate Majority Leader, Kim Ward, and the Senate Republican Caucus to call for Sen. Mastriano’s resignation; and if he does not resign, for the removal of his committee assignments.

He has clearly shown that he does not respect the will of the voters. No elected official should remain in office, if they do not respect the voters who put them there.

Pennsylvanians showed up in record numbers to cast their votes. We did our part, we showed up, we waited in line, we mailed in our ballots, we voted. The attempt made to reject our decision as a Commonwealth has set a precedent that is contrary to the values of a democracy. This is disrespectful to the Pennsylvanians who put these members into office.

We select our leaders, not the other way around.

Pennsylvanians deserve better. We must do better.

The pandemic lays bare our information problems

By Lee H. Hamilton When the history of this era is written, special attention should be reserved for the prominent U.S. politicians who dismissed or misrepresented the COVID-19 pandemic for political purposes.

The coronavirus has wreaked untold suffering and damage to this country through the deaths its caused, the illness its produced, the strain it has placed on the lives and well-being of health care workers, and the incredible damage it’s done to the livelihoods and prospects of millions of Americans.

It has been able to do this because we had a major failure of government.

To be sure, at the state level many governors have conducted themselves with forthright attention to the risks to their populations and have done their best to translate scientific and medical advice into policies designed to save lives while trying to undergird their economies. But at the federal level—with the notable exception of the effort to fast-track research and production of a vaccine—we mostly failed to mobilize resources and take the measures necessary to combat the virus, starting early this year when the virus first emerged on the West Coast.

In particular, we failed to provide a comprehensive, federally-led nationwide strategy providing clear guidance on mask-wearing, offering resources for contact tracing, and helping states develop their approaches to quarantining for those exposed to the

virus—the three legs vital for early containment.

Instead, President Trump repudiated and disregarded the advice of experts and health officials and offered a misleading narrative about the spread of the virus abating in the spring. His misinformation was picked up and amplified by news outlets and by politicians who alleged that concern about the pandemic was just a hoax peddled

by President Trump’s opponents and would disappear as soon as the election was over. Or, even worse, who misled Americans about hydroxychloroquine and other drugs. In other words, many Americans were fed bad information at a time when high-quality information was necessary to stem the spread of the virus and limit the number of deaths.

The result has been devastating, and not just to our public health efforts.

For many decades, the U.S. has been the leader of the international order, the undisputed power, with vast wealth, economic and military power, and global reach. But our image has been tarnished badly because of the mishandling of this outbreak, made worse over the last four years by our willingness to step away from alliances and international organizations. We are weaker on the world stage than we were a few years ago, and especially since the start of the pandemic.

The problem with reaching this point was summed up cogently back in October by John Halpin of the Center for American Progress, as part of a study

looking at the alarming rise in Americans’ willingness to believe conspiracy theories, unfounded rumors, and already-disproven claims. “American society faces a genuine crisis in public trust in government, corporations, and the media, exacerbated by wide partisan divides about who and what to believe,” he said. “If we cannot agree on basic facts about what is going on in our country, there is little hope of generating consensus on what needs to be done to control the pandemic and fix our economy. Rebuilding public trust in major institutions, and the information they provide the public, is now a national priority.”

I agree. In many ways, the world of information has improved from the days when just a handful of news sources provided Americans with what we needed to know, but there was also a benefit to those times: we might have disagreed about how

to tackle national problems, but we all understood what those problems were.

Today, people stick to the news sources they agree with, creating a muddle of American public opinion and making it extremely difficult for policy makers to find the common ground needed to accomplish difficult and ambitious policy goals.

This is a significant challenge for the United States, and we have got to get on top of it sooner rather than later.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

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Chester County Press

Local News U.S. Economy...

Continued from Page 4A

CCEDC, provided an update about how the agency has assisted county businesses through COVID-19.

He said the CCEDC has been active in partnering with the county to develop and implement the Main Street Grant Program that has provided $5 million in grants to 248 small businesses in the county, as well as distributed nearly 600 PPP loans that have totaled $58 million. Now in the second round, the program will soon distribute an additional $10 million throughout the county’s business community.

Grigalonis said that the CCEDC will soon turn its focus on VISTA 2025, a long-term economic and growth strategy for Chester County that it released in 2015.

“We’re five years into [VISTA 2025], so we think it’s time to refresh that, particularly in light of everything that’s happened because of COVID-19 and the trends that have emerged, like working from home, telemedicine, our increased use of online shopping and reduced business travel,” he said.

“We need to think about how those trends will impact Chester County as a region and what we need to do in order to succeed in the new economy.”

Kennett Square police investigate armed robbery and carjacking Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the police immediately On Jan. 6, at 1:20 a.m., the Kennett Square Police Department was dispatched to the area of the Juniper Hill Apartments for a report of an armed robbery and carjacking.

The victim stated that two male suspects approached the vehicle from the driver’s side. The victim said

one male brandished a firearm and demanded money.

The victim was then removed from the vehicle unharmed and the vehicle was taken by the suspects.

The suspects were described as males with a slender build and dark skin. They were wearing hooded coats. The suspects were seen operat-

ing a small-sized white SUV, possibly a 2013 to 2015 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was captured in the area on surveillance. The occupants of the vehicle were seen attempting to gain entry into several parked vehicles in the area.

Both the suspects’ vehicle and victim’s vehicle were last seen traveling south

on S. Union Street toward Delaware.

The Kennett Square Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit is investigating the incident. The Kennett Square Police Department does not believe this to be a targeted incident, but a crime of opportunity.

Anyone with information

regarding the incident is asked to please contact Cpl. Kenneth Rongaus at krongaus@kennettsquarepolice.org or Cpl. Christopher Gravina at cgravina@kennettsquarepolice.org, or by calling the Kennett Square Police Department at 610-444-0501.

Sappey to host update on proposed sale of Chester Water Authority State Rep. Christina Sappey (D-Chester) announced she will be hosting a virtual community update on the proposed sale of the Chester Water Authority at 6 p.m. on Jan. 14. The presentation is open to residents of the 158th Legislative District and will

also include legislative initiatives designed to support local public and well-managed water authorities.

“We need to work together to save the Chester Water Authority,” said Sappey.

“CWA has my full support.

This authority has consis-

tently provided us with clean water and open space, and it’s a fiscally solvent operation. I look forward to providing residents an update on where this situation stands currently.”

During the previous legislative session, Sappey introduced and cosponsored

legislation to provide ratepayers with additional rights for their water supply, including the requirement for a ratepayer referendum before an approved sale. She plans to reintroduce this legislation this term.

To RSVP to the event and

receive a link to watch, residents should visit Sappey’s website, call her district office at 484-200-8264 or email repsappey@pahouse.net.

More information is available by contacting Sappey’s district office at 484-200-8264.

Sappey announces over $900,000 in Growing Greener project grants

The state announced $902,507 in Growing Greener state grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that will fund stream restoration of Plum Run and support projects for forested riparian buffers and impleTo contact Staff Writer mentation of agricultural Richard L. Gaw, email best management practices, rgaw@chestercounty.com. or BMPs, in Chester County.

“We know that riparian buffers can help waterways by providing natural filtration and preventing excessive pollution and waste runoff,” State Rep. Christina Sappey said.

“I am very pleased to see additional support for our local ecosystems, especially with the increase in strong storms we have seen. Not

only does this help reduce frequent flooding and erosion, but it also provides additional habitat for local wildlife.”

The grants were awarded to Stroud Water Research Center Inc. and Brandywine Red Clay Alliance.

Stroud Water Research Center Inc. will receive $707,818. This funding

will implement 44 agricultural BMPs and 58.1 acres of riparian forest buffers on eight properties, including seven farms, in Chester County, in Phase 2 focus areas of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative. These investments will greatly reduce runoff pollution and additionally assist municipal separate storm sewer

system communities so that their overflow is less likely.

The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance will receive $194,689 for a project to complete Phase 3 of a 4,470-foot stream restoration on Plum Run. More information is available by contacting Sappey’s district office at 484-200-8264.

Oxford Rotary Club honors McShane and Evans-Ralston as Seniors of the Month Oxford Area High School students Connor “C.J.” Evans-Ralston and Emily McShane were recently honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for December.

C.J., son of Andrea Evans and Andrew Ralston, is a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is founder and president of the History Day Club, whose members participate at the local level of the annual National History Day Tournament. C.J. has also competed individually at the state level of the History Day Tournament, placing third in Pennsylvania.

C.J. has taken and earned exam scores of 5 in every AP history course offered at the high school. He is currently enrolled in AP government.

C.J. has played percussion in his school bands since third grade and is a four-year

member of the marching and symphonic bands at the high school. He was one of 12 Oxford Area High School musicians who performed with the Cavalcade of Bands Honor Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Ca. on New Year’s Day 2019 as a member of the percussion battery.

C .J. has worked as a volunteer for the Oxford Arts Alliance and the Oxford Public Library, and for several years has assisted Oxford Robotics Inc. with competitions and tournaments.

C.J. is considering two options following graduation. He is enrolled in the U.S. Navy Delayed Entry Program, which may lead to a naval assignment this summer. If he enters the service, C.J. is interested in working in naval intelligence.

Should he choose to attend college next fall, C.J. is interested in studying economics and history, and eventually

entering law school in hopes of pursuing a career with the FBI, CIA or Securities and Exchange Commission.

His college choices include the University of Maine, University of Alabama, University of Chicago and Harvard, Princeton and Temple universities.

Emily, daughter of Lisa and Colin McShane, is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and has performed with her school choirs since sixth grade. She is currently a member of the senior choir and Bella Voce, and also accompanies the high school choirs on piano.

Emily is also the pianist for the annual Tri-M recital night. She has been selected to perform at several Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 12 chorus festivals, and earned awards at the Music in the Park event in Hershey in fifth and sixth grades.

Emily played soccer as a freshman and sophomore and is currently a sprinter on the track and field team.

Emily works at Giordano’s Restaurant in Kennett Square and assists in accounting for her father’s company, Workhorse Automation Inc., which specializes in engineering and automation solutions for the baking industry.

Emily has taken AP chem-

Courtesy photos

Oxford Area High School students Connor “C.J.” Evans-Ralston and Emily McShane were recently honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for December.

istry and AP calculus, and after graduation is interested in studying either math, science or chemical engineering in college. Her choices

include the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Delaware, Penn State, Purdue, Cornell and Florida Tech universities.

$1.5 million in RACP project grants announced for Longwood Gardrens and Fame Fire Cormpany State Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester, announced $1.5 million in state grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program that will support the Fame Fire Company of West Chester and Longwood Gardens.

“Longwood Gardens is a Chester County institution, and I am honored to support them in securing this funding for facility upgrades,” Sappey said.

“Public gardens, such as Longwood, provide tremendous peace and joy to the public while serving as an economic driver for our region. These grant funds will help Longwood remain a leader in horticulture education, research and displays. Fame Fire Company has continued to innovate and grow along with the West Chester community. They serve on the Chester County Rescue

Task Force as the lead company for swift water, trench, and structural collapse technical rescues. These facility upgrades will allow them to further increase efficiency and lower response times.”

Additionally, $1 million will be provided to Fame Fire Company of West Chester, which is renovating and expanding the existing fire station located near West Chester University. The proposed improvements involve renovating the existing building and constructing an 8,000 square foot addition.

The new firehouse will have four single fire truck bays, two additional drive-through double length truck bays, a recreation room, a fitness/ training room, office space, overnight bunks, live-in dormitory rooms, and additional storage and accessory spaces.

A grant of $500,000 will be provided to Longwood Gardens, which has devel-

oped a 40-year capital improvement plan aimed at enhancing research and educational capabilities, as well as improving overall visitor experience for its extensive network of members and tourists. These improvement plans include the expansion of the private wastewater treatment facility for future demand and will enable Longwood to meet its long-term sustainability and growth plans.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.

For more information, contact Sappey’s district office at 484-200-8264.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Bonfires and Beers on tap for Feb. 27 Limited tickets now available for Bonfires and Beers, the 2021 Kennett “Backyard” Winterfest Bright on the horizon of the winter months ahead will be Historic Kennett Square’s “Backyard” Winterfest, which will offer an opportunity to enjoy a specially curated case of unique beers. For the full Winterfest experience, organizers say, they’re suggesting that ticket buyers drink these beers outside, around a backyard bonfire— hence this year’s theme of bonfires and beers.

“We’re really excited to be hosting the ninth annual Kennett Winterfest on Saturday, February 27, 2021,” said local architect and “Brewfest King” Jeff Norman. Following the huge success of the 2020 Kennett Backyard Brewfest pivot, Norman said, “Winterfest will follow the same format, offering two specially curated cases of 24 unique beers each.

Because of the enthusiasm in the brewing community for this unique COVID-safe event, we were able to assemble the list of 48 breweries in record time. We’re also pleased to announce that seven new breweries will be participating.”

Brewers appreciate the creative Brewfest and Winterfest pivots that enable them to reach beer aficionados even during this challenging year.

“The 2021 Bonfires and Beers Winterfest promises to be nothing short of the epic success that we saw with the 2020 Kennett Brewfest event in October,” said James Adams, co-owner of Levante Brewing.

“This is an innovative

beer festival format that promotes safety first while exhibiting many never-before-released beers. The list of breweries lining up to provide beers for these two cases is stellar, and Levante Brewing is very excited for the opportunity to participate.”

In addition to local favorites like Levante, the list of participating breweries includes some from further afield. “Jeff [Norman] and the team continue to be friends and partners out east,” said Brew Gentlemen co-founder Matt Katase.

“Though we don’t distribute in the East yet, it’s always nice to have an opportunity to share our beer with folks who may have heard of us but haven’t yet tried our beer. This year has forced many to rethink and get creative, and Jeff was quick to accommodate both craft beer fans and the breweries who have been a part of the festival for years.”

In addition to plenty of returning “brew gentlemen,” Norman is excited that womanowned Naked Brewing Co. is one of the new breweries participating in Winterfest this year.

Naked Brewing is 50 percent woman owned, and 100 percent of its production is run by women.

“We’re really stoked to be included and look forward to sharing our beer with people—even if it isn’t in person this year,” said head brewer Hannah Gohde. “I’m a sucker for a good theme, so developing a beer for Kennett Winterfest was

Courtesy photo

Historic Kennett Square’s “Backyard” Winterfest, which offers an opportunity to enjoy a specially curated case of unique beers.

really fun.”

After a brainstorming session, Naked Brewing decided to brew a beer in their “cat series” of hazy IPAs for Winterfest that will also pay homage to Kennett as the mushroom capital—hence “Cat-a-pillar.”

“Patrons can expect a fluffy and full-flavored hazy double dry hopped IPA with label art incorporating a mushroom.

Think Woodstockpsychedelic-Alice-inWo n d e r l a n d - e s q u e , ” Gohde said. “At Naked Brewing we’re all about making solid liquid and having fun—two things this beer celebrates.”

Winterfest is about great beer and also supports a great cause. The Kennett Brewfest and Winterfest are key annual fundraisers for Historic

Kennett Square. “These events enable us to do a lot of our programming,” said Historic Kennett Square executive director Bo Wright.

“Someone recently described what we do at HKS as ‘making Kennett Kennett.’ We’re very thankful for the community support—for ticket buyers as well as for Jeff Norman and his committee, the ongoing support of Waywood Beverage, and all the volunteers.

With such a great lineup of participating breweries, we’re confident that the Winterfest will be just as successful as October’s Backyard Brewfest.”

Norman added, “The spirit of Kennett Winterfest is rooted in the tradition of tasting fantastic beers, outdoors

in the ‘elements,’ with friends and family. This year’s theme will be Bonfires and Beers and we fully expect participants to cozy up to a fire and enjoy their cases outdoors for the authentic Winterfest experience.”

All proceeds from the

Kennett Winterfest benefit Historic Kennett Square, the nonprofit that works to make Kennett a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

For complete information about the Kennett Winterfest, visit www. kennettwinterfest.com.

Chester County Sheriff’s Office leads ‘Safely Home’ The Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Unionville Presbyterian Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha-Iota Tau Omega bid students a happy and safe 2021 with donation Students from the Garage Community Youth Center in Kennett Square boarded their school bus and headed “Safely Home,” thanks to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Unionville Presbyterian Church and the Iota Tau Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an African American woman’s service organization.

Waving as students from the learning pod at the Garage left the building, Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox and Unionville Presbyterian Church’s Rev. Annalie Korengel provided New Year greetings and something more. Understanding the need for education and support services during the pandemic, they provided funds for the Garage’s evening bus trips home the week of Christmas and the first week of school in 2021.

“The Chester County Sheriff’s Office works

for the protection of Chester County residents every day,” said Fredda Maddox, Chester County Sheriff. “We also care about the safety and education of children.

A holiday initiative that contributes to both at a time when neighbors and non-profits need extra help was important to us, the women’s sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha alumni and the congregation of Unionville Presbyterian Church. So we collaborated on the project, ‘Safely Home.’”

The project, initiated as “Safely Home for the Holidays,” originally had scheduled a socially distanced send-off including Santa and Mrs. Claus the day before the Christmas holidays. In the interest of public health, however, the visit was rescheduled for the new year. Unable to return to Kennett Square on Jan. 5, the Claus family sent well wishes as they rested at the North Pole after hectic holidays.

Courtesy photo

Students from the Garage Community Youth Center in Kennett Square boarded their school bus and headed ‘safety home’ thanks to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, Unionville Presbyterian Church and the Iota Tau Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alphoa Sorority, Inc. Pictured left to right are Rev. Annalie Korengel, Unionville Presbyterian Church; Nelson and Cassandra, students at the Garage; Kristin Proto, executive director of the Garage; and Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox.

The Garage Community Youth Center in Kennett Square and Avon Grove serves students grades six through 12 who come to centers in Kennett

Square and Avon Grove for homework assistance, Wifi for schoolwork and mid-day food. With an increase in costs of transportation associated with

cleaning costs and precautions against COVID, the Garage seeks additional sponsorship of bus trips for 2021. To find out more about

transportation sponsorship opportunities contact Kristin Proto at the Garage, at 610-4446464, Kristin.proto@ garageyouthcenter.org.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries DAVID L. JONES David L. Jones passed away peacefully on Dec. 31. He lived in Oxford.

He was the devoted husband of 62 years to Katherine Jacob Jones and the loving father of Karen Olson (Bart), D. Gregory (Lori), and Keith (Carla). He will be missed by his eight grandchildren, Michael (Brianna), David, Matthew, Amanda (Cole), Jamie (Jessica), Julie, Kellan, and Kiara, in addition to his three great-granddaughters, Lauren, Elizabeth and Emma.

He was born on April 15, 1932 to Frank W. and Nellie R. (Cunningham) Jones, the youngest of four sons.

Dave grew up in the Pittsburgh area and graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School and Slippery Rock State Teachers College, with a bachelor of sciences degree in physical education and math.

He taught junior and senior high school math before beginning his career in the early years of computer science. His career took him to Travelers Insurance in Hartford, Ct. and then to IBM as an advisory systems engineer, working with the banking industry to help develop the ATM systems we know today. He worked in various locations including Binghamton and Hyde Park in New York, Reading and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and Charlotte, N.C. After retirement, Dave and Kit relocated to the Bethlehem, Pa. area before moving to Oxford.

Dave was the ultimate fan of Pittsburgh sports teams, especially the Steelers. He enjoyed golf, playing piano, puzzles, his puns for all occasions and enjoyed many annual vacations to the beach with his children and their families. He was best known for his quick wit, generosity, and great love for his wife and family and will be terribly missed.

Services are private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JOAN E. MACKIN Joan E. Mackin, a resident of West Grove, passed away on Dec. 30. She was 79.

Joan was the wife of the late Robert J. Mackin.

Born on Sept. 28, 1941 in Doylestown, Pa., she was the daughter of the late William and Emma Schmoock.

She was a longtime teacher of physics, teaching for many years at Avon Grove High School. She later earned her doctorate in education and taught at Penn State University and was an assistant professor at East Stroudsburg University.

In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, canning, family vacations, jigsaw puzzles and keeping up her home. She also was an excellent painter. Above all else, she never missed a teaching opportunity, both inside and outside the classroom. She was very close with her family and loved them very much.

Joan is survived by her two sons, Jamie Mackin and Scott Mackin, and her four granddaughters, Beth Mackin, Madi Mackin, Katie Mackin, and Summer Mackin.

Services were held on Jan. 7 at the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove, while the interment was at the Kemblesville United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Arrangements handled by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove.

ROBERT L. THORNGATE Robert L. Thorngate, 90, of West Chester, formerly of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 4.

He was the husband of Grace Pearson Thorngate, who passed away in 2006, and with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.

Born in Glen Riddle, Pa., he was the son of the late Rosco Thorngate and the late Marian Riddle Thorngate.

He was a diesel mechanic at B.O.C. Gases in Claymont Del., retiring in 2010 after 15 years of service. Prior to that, he worked at Wawa Inc. for 20 years.

Robert was a member of the Longwood Fire Company, where he served as chief engineer for 15 years, and also a member of the National Rifle Association.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed hunting, shooting his guns and reloading his own ammunition.

Robert is survived by four nephews, Bruce Thorngate, III of Landenberg, Robert Thorngate of Warwick, Md., David Thorngate of Landenberg and Michael Mellon of Cochranville.

He was predeceased by one brother, Bruce Thorngate, Sr. The service and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Feed the Children, 333 N. Meridian, Oklahoma City, Ok. 73107.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home.

ANN K. BUCHANAN Ann K. Buchanan passed away on Dec. 22 at her home in Landenberg.

She was 83.

Ann was born on Aug. 17, 1937 in Wilmington, Del. to James and Gladys Walker. Later, her family moved to their dream home in Alapocas.

She graduated from PS Dupont High School in 1955 and started her career working for Snelling and Snelling employment agency and also gave her time to an animal shelter in Newark, Del. She later worked for the Department of Welfare for 21 years and retired at age 61.

Ann’s passions were her beloved husband Herkie, and world travel, especially to Asia, Europe or any place she could find an adventure around the globe. She enjoyed living dangerously, taking taxi rides to places that filled her heart with intrigue. Her favorite pastime was going to yard sales and finding treasures.

She loved renovating houses, and working in the flower gardens. She had a menagerie of pets, horses, ponies, goats, chickens, pigs, foxes, raccoons, skunks, dogs, cats. To her last day she fed all the wild animals that came to her back door. She adored her three kitties who brought her so much joy. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She hosted all of the family gatherings, holidays and annual picnics, but Christmas was her favorite. She prepared for Christmas all year. Christmas was magical at her house with so many presents for all the kids, big and small.

She is survived by her three children and three step children, Linda A. Ellingsworth (Mark) of New London, James P. Kerrigan (Brigid) of Wilmington Del., John W. Kerrigan (Tammy) of Greenville Del., Kelly Mark (Howard) of West Grove, Robin Mangini (Bruce) of New London, Carl Buchanan of West Grove; a sister, Susan Toennies (Ralf) of El Lago, Tx., 17 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, James and Gladys Walker, her husbands, James P. Kerrigan and Henry C. Buchanan, brother, James Henry Walker, stepson, Michael T. Kerrigan, and granddaughter Amber L. Pusey The graveside service will be held at New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 1986 Newark Rd., New London Pa. 19360 on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. There will be a short ceremony at graveside and a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org).

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

HUEY ARTHUR BEATTIE Huey Arthur Beattie, 77, of Homeville, passed away on Dec. 29 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Arthur and Elsie Dempsey Butler.

Huey was employed with Tasty Baking Company in Oxford. He was a member of the NRA and Alcoholics Anonymous.

He is survived by three siblings, Bert Beattie of Oxford, Margaret Hanning of Cochranville and Arthur Butler, Jr. of Oxford; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Cecilia Phillips.

A graveside service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Alleluia Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.

Job 36:5 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

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

For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

Compliments of

Lions Club of Oxford

HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA

932-9330 ENCOURAGES YOU TO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

P.O. Box 270 Oxford, PA 19363 Meets First and Third Thursday at 6:30p.m.

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

Landenberg Church United Methodist All Are Welcome 205 Penn Green Rd. In Historic Downtown Landenberg Landenberg, PA 19350

610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday • 9:00 am

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries VINCENT MARRA

DOLORES CLAIRE BURGESS

LUCILLE H. FULTON

Vincent Marra, age 92 of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29 at Jennersville Hospital.

Born on Oct. 25, 1928 in Maida, Catanzaro in the Calabria region of Italy, he was the son of the late Mariano Marra and Theresa (Colistra) Marra and brother to the late Thomas, Frank and Terry (Marra) Palladino.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. Vince spent his long career as a barber in South Philadelphia, where he lived most of his life. Vince was an avid ballroom dancer for many years and enjoyed crossword puzzles and trivia games.

All services will be private. Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

Dolores “Dolly” Claire Burgess, age 85, of Kennett Square, formerly of Ridley, Pa., was called home to our Lord on Dec. 16.

She was the beloved wife of the late William Edward Burgess, who passed away in 2019, and the loving mother of Debbie Brisgone (Michael), and the adored grandmother of Nicole.

She was predeceased by her parents, Alonzo and Dolores (Healy) Thompson and her siblings Margaret Klinger, Walter Thompson, and Alonzo Thompson.

Dolly was a graduate of Southern High School. She had a successful career working in retail sales. She worked for many years at Korvettes in Springfield and later at various other area retail stores. When she was a young adult, she spent time teaching ball room dancing while she was living in Colorado with her husband who was in the service at that time. She was very creative with fashion. In her free time she enjoyed movies, shopping, craft shows and going to the casino. Ocean City, NJ was a special place for her and her family. She also enjoyed spending time with her granddogs, Lily and Sadie. Above all else, she was a brave breast cancer survivor.

Services will be planned when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

In memory of Dolly, a contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Processing Center, Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C., 20090-6011, or by going to www.alz.org.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

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

Lucille H. Fulton, 95, of Oxford, died Dec. 30 at Ware Presbyterian Village.

She was the wife of the late Waide G. Fulton, with whom she shared 49 years of marriage.

She was the daughter of the late Garret H. Hardin and Stella Phillips Richards.

A graduate of Oxford High School, Class of 1943, Lucille went to work while still in high school at the Peoples Bank of Oxford. Lucille retired in 1991 as assistant vice president with 48 years of service.

She served as director of the Pacesetters Program, served as president of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce and was named Citizen of the Year in 1990. She was a charter member for the National Association of Bank Women Brandywine Group, serving two years as president. Lucille served on the building committee of the Jennersville YMCA. She was very active in Gray-Nichols Post #1779 VFW Ladies Auxiliary, serving as treasurer for 20 years.

Lucille was also a member of the Chester County Chapter DAR, Oxford Research Club, and Oxford Senior Center.

Lucille loved to travel, cook and bake, spend time at the beach, and spend time with her family.

Lucille is survived by her son, Richard D. Terry (Ann); two stepdaughters, Susan G. Glass (Joseph) and Sandra F. Day; three grandchildren, Samuel Terry, Andrew Terry (Patti) and Michael Day (Julie); and one great-granddaughter, Cora Terry.

Lucille was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Dr. Richard Hardin; and son-in-law, William Day. Lucille’s family wishes to thank the entire staff of Ware Presbyterian Village for the care they provided her the last 7 years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ware Presbyterian Employees Appreciation Fund, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, Pa. 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ALAN ROBERT HASTINGS Alan Robert Hastings, 57, of Oxford, passed away Dec. 31 from the combined effects of COVID-19 and multiple myeloma.

He was born Aug. 19, 1963, in West Grove to the late Marvin C. Hastings and Mary Lee Crowl Hastings of Oxford.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Lee; sister, Donna Beth (Joe) Raffensberger; niece, Samantha; nephews, Joshua and David; aunt, Debbie (Jim) Spadaro; uncles, Jake Hastings, Dan (Pat) Crowl, Tom (Donna Sue) Crowl, Steve (Unchu) Crowl; and numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, Marvin; infant sister, Cindy, grandparents, James and Frances Crowl and Clyde and Mary M. Hastings; and uncle, James Crowl, Jr. Alan graduated from Oxford Area High School. He earned his Eagle Scout award, worked in the mushroom industry with his Uncle Tom, was an assistant manager for Wawa, was a CDL driver with a HAZ-MAT certification for Valley National Gas in West Grove and for the last 10 years for Alger Oil in Oxford.

He attended Oxford Nazarene Church and was a member of Union Fire Company No. 1 in Oxford for 40 years, serving as relief president for several years, and was a member of Germania Fire Company in Potter County. He was a mentor and counselor to his “adopted” children, Nichole, Keith and Kayla and loving Pop-Pop to Brandi and Joshua.

Alan was a friend to all he met and loved to help anyone.

His care and concern will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in August.

Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Union Fire Company No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363, Germania Fire Company, 28 Constitution Ave, Galeton, PA 16922 or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ELIZABETH M. MAZZONI TROYAN Elizabeth “Libby” M. Mazzoni Troyan, age 92 of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 8.

Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Domenick and the late Domenica (DiFiLippo) Mazzoni.

Libby lived most of her life in Kennett Square. After graduating from the Kennett Consolidated School District in 1947, she had a 30-year career with the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania (AT&T).

After retirement she volunteered at the Kennett Area Senior Center by dressing up as Mrs. Santa Claus for the Holiday Bazaar. She loved children and all animals.

She is preceded in death by her grandson Andrew T. Green, sisters Jean H. Mazzoni Huffman and Mary Mazzoni Tomasovich and brother James D. Mazzoni.

Her final resting place will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Due to COVID regulations, a memorial will be held at a later date.

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

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

JESSIE LEE GREER Jessie Lee Greer, 78, of Oxford, passed away Jan. 8 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove.

She was the wife of Robert H. Greer, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage.

Born in West Grove, she was the daughter of the late Jesse G. and Lillian B. Roney Wood.

She was a member of Safe Harbor Baptist Church, Cochranvillle.

Jessie was employed for many years with the Oxford Area School District as a school bus driver.

She loved her grandchildren and her dog, Roxy.

She is survived by her husband; six children, Kelly Pyle (Mike) of Nottingham, Wendy Hansen of Mt. City, Tenn., Joey Greer of Oxford, Linda Arnold (Bill), Lisa Pryor of Fredricksburg, Md. and Brenda Church (Scott) of Mt. City, Tenn.; ten grandchildren, Cheri, Gary, Scott, Brandon, Joseph, Mark, Becky, Bo, Wesley and Amir; and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Crystal Greer; one son, William Hutchinson; and sister, Joyce Bowman.

Friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford.

Funeral services are private.

Interment will be in Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 100 Sycamore Dr., West Grove, Pa. 19390.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DENNIS ALAN OSBORNE Dennis Alan Osborne, of Christiana, Pa., passed away Jan. 1 at Brandywine Hospital. He was 70.

He was the husband of Geri Thompson Osborne, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Joseph Fred and Josephine Sapp Osborne.

He was a 1968 graduate of Kennett Consolidated High School.

Dennis enjoyed playing bingo in Las Vegas, Nev. with his wife. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews and loved his family more than life itself. He was loved by many and touched many lives.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Angela Miller (Ken) of Christiana; four grandchildren, Sabrina Miller of Arlington, Va., Miranda Miller, Kenny Miller and AJ Miller all of Christiana; one brother, Mark Osborne of Glen Mills; and a former sister-in-law, Gabriella Osborne of Glen Mills.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Dr., Suite 1150, Chicago, Ill. 60601, https://action.lung.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.

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County professor elected president of American Board of Wound Management Dr. Karen A. Wientjes, a professor of physical therapy at Neumann University, has been elected president of the American Board of Wound Management (ABWM).

A resident of Kennett Square, Wientjes has taught at Neumann for 21 years.

She has been a certified wound specialist through the ABWM since 1999, and has served on its board of directors since 2014. She stays involved in clinical practice as a wound specialist at Optimum Physical Therapy Associates in West Chester

and as a consultant to area hospitals.

She has provided physical therapy services through several mission trips to Peru and Haiti and has presented nationally and internationally on topics related to wound healing and physical therapy. Her areas of research include wound measurement, biophysical agents, and integrative approaches to healing. She emphasizes a mind-body approach to healing and helps her patients optimize their outcomes through a

holistic plan of care.

“I have always been passionate about treating patients with wounds,” said Wientjes. “It is a privilege for me to partner with patients in their healing process, and I am proud to be a part of an accredited organization that recognizes the multidisciplinary nature of providing wound care.”

The CWS credential helps providers, hospitals, and patients identify and access healthcare professionals with expertise in the field.

“I look forward to uphold-

ing the high standards of our exam development and certification process,” she explained, “advancing the visibility and recognition of these credentials, and ensuring the best quality care for individuals with wounds.”

According to its website, the ABWM is a not-for-profit organization established for the purpose of credentialing multi-disciplinary professionals in the field of wound management. It establishes and administers a certification process to elevate the standard of

care in wound management and is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach in promoting prevention, care, and treatment of acute and chronic wounds.

Wientjes graduated with a physical therapy degree from the University of Scranton in 1994, a master’s degree in integrative health from West Chester University in 2003, and a physical therapy doctorate from Neumann University in 2007.

Dr. Wientjes began her two-year term as ABWM president on Nov. 12.

Dr. Karen A. Wientjes, a professor of physical therapy at Neumann University, has been elected president of the American Board of Wound Management.

through September at 6:15 pm. There is no scheduled meeting in October.

Please contact Carey Bresler at 610932-9618 or cbresler@ccls.org for information on how to join the meeting.

The November and December meetings are held on the first Thursday of the month at 6:15 pm. All meetings are held at the Oxford Library Company and are open to the public. Any exceptions will be published for public notice.

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PA or virtually on the Zoom platform.

Information on the meetings can be found at www.oxfordboro.org. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Interim Borough Manager at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated.

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NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION NOTICE

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

Courtesy photo

Legals FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name Conquest Life Coaching 1 Violet Lane West Grove PA 19390 was filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Josiah Smith 1 Violet Lane West Grove PA 19390.

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PENN TOWNSHIP NOTICES

PENN TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 2021 MEETING SCHEDULE All Regular meetings of the Board of Supervisors will be held on the 1st Wednesday of each month unless noted differently below. Work Session Meetings will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, January through March and then September and October. Agenda deadline is 12 p.m. the Thursday preceding the regular meeting. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. at the Township Building in the Finnen

Community Room, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390 unless notice is posted otherwise at the township building, on the township website and social media. The public is invited. The Board of Supervisors of Penn Township will meet in the 2021 calendar year on the following dates for Regular Meetings: January 4, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 9, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, and December 1. Work Session Meetings are as follows: January 20, February 17, March 17, September 15, October 20, 2021.

NOTICE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE 2021 All regular meetings of the Planning Commission will be held on the 4th Wednesday of each month with the exception of January, November and December. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the Township Building in the Finnen Community Room, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA unless notice is posted otherwise at the township building, on the township website and social media. The public is invited. The Planning Commission will meet in the 2021 calendar year on the

following dates: January 5, February 24, March 24, April 28, May 26, June 23, July 28, August 25, September 22, October 27, November 17, and December 15.

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NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Moors Awards, Inc., a PA Professional Corp., having its registered office at 873 E Baltimore Pike #771, Kennett Square, PA 19348, in accordance with the provisions of the PA Business Corp. Law of 1988, as amended, have voted to wind up its affairs, so that its corporate existence shall be ended upon the proper filing of the Articles of Dissolution and the issuance of a Certificate of Dissolution by the Dept. of State of the Commonwealth of PA. 1p-13-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that due to the risks in regard to the COVID-19 virus, the New Garden Township Sewer Authority will hold a business meeting to conduct regular business on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 6:15 PM virtually using the ZOOM meeting conference software. The meeting will begin promptly at 6:15 PM. The meeting agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be available on Friday, January 15, 2021 on the New Garden Township website and will be posted at the Township Building. The general public is welcome to join the meeting via a computer, laptop, tablet cell phone or land line phone. We encourage residents to provide public comment by submitting comments via email to office@newgarden.org prior to the meeting to be read aloud. Participants attending the Zoom conference may provide public comment during the

meeting. Those individuals with disabilities requiring ADA accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact office@newgarden. org or call 610-268-2915 in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.

Vincent M. Pompo, Solicitor, New Garden Township Sewer Authority 1p-13-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

New Garden Township Board of Supervisors 2021 Meetings The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors will hold monthly meetings on the following dates in 2021 – Tuesday, January 19th, Tuesday February 16th, Mondays - March 15th, April 26th, May 17th, June 21st, July 19th, August 16th , September 20th, October 18th, November 15th and December 20th at 7:00PM. The Board of Supervisors will hold public budget hearings on the following dates in 2021 Mondays, October 4th, October 25th, November 8th and December 6th at 5:00pm. Budget Hearings will cover 2022 budget and any other business that comes before the Board of Supervisors. All meetings will be held on Zoom conference software with log on details becoming available on the Township website, www. newgarden.org, the Friday before the meeting. In person meetings will resume as restrictions allow but meetings will continue to be available for viewing on Zoom conference software. Anyone needing special accommodations in order to participate in or observe the proceedings should contact the New Garden Township Office at 610-2682915 to discuss how best to make such accommodation.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Oxford Library Company Board of Trustees Meeting is held the fourth Thursday of the month, January

Valley Forge Classical Academy Charter School has been incorporated under the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. MacMain, Connell & Leinhauser,433 West Market Street, Suite 200, West Chester, PA 19382 1p-13-1t

NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION NOTICE

BRICK LANE COMMUNITY CHURCH has been incorporated under the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. Law Offices of Edward J. Schwabenland, P.C., 366 North Buck Road, Downington, PA 19335 1p-13-1t

NOTICE

OXFORD BOROUGH RESIDENTS Oxford Borough Council Meetings for 2021 will be held on the following dates.

All meetings will be held on Monday evening at 7 p.m.

January 4 & 11, February 1 & 8, March 1 & 15, April 5 & 19, May 3 & 17, June 7 & 21, July 12 & 19, August 2 & 16, September 13 & 20, October 4 & 18, November 1 & 15, and December 6 & 20. Meetings will either be held at Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford,

An application for registration of the fictitious name, THE EVERGREEN STUDIO, 220 CRE AMERY RD, COATESVILLE, PA 19320, was filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is RUTHANN STOLTZFUS, 220 CREAMERY RD, COATESVILLE, PA 19320 1p-13-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Richard J. Pollard Late of Coatesville, 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 Melissa Pollard, 7514 Tamarron Drive, Plainsboro, New Jersey 08536 Executor, Or Attorney: Charles C. Bratton, II, Esquire at 18 Kings Highway West, Haddonfield, New Jersey 08033.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

Education Cecil College – own your future Founded in 1968 to meet Cecil County residents’ post-secondary and continuing education needs, Cecil College has been serving the community and shaping its future for more than 50 years. Cecil College enrolls 3,000 credit students and more than 3,500 non-credit students annually with a diverse student population. Cecil offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and non-credit classes.

Classes at the College are taught by qualified faculty and can be taken in a traditional classroom setting or online. Many students choose programs that can transfer to four-year institutions. The College offers

a full range of day and evening classes along with two fully online degrees in General Studies and Transportation Logistics and Management.

Cecil offers a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs. The College has formalized articulation agreements with public and private four-year institutions throughout Maryland and the United States to expedite the transfer process for Cecil students and graduates. Through partnerships with Frostburg State University and Salisbury University, certain bacheStudents can also opt to lor’s degrees can be earned take non-credit courses on Cecil College’s main to upgrade their job skills campus. or expand their personal

horizons. Certifications are available for various healthcare careers. In addition, students can earn

computer certification in Cecil College is a memseveral areas as well as ber of the Maryland business and management Junior College Athletic training certificates.

Conference in all sports and competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The College fields men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, and soccer; and women’s basketball, softball, soccer, cross country, and volleyball. Numerous titles have been won by Cecil College, highlighted by the women’s basketball regional championship in 2018, the men’s basketball regional championship in 2019, and the men’s basketball national championship in 2006.

Cecil College’s locations includes the North East campus, Elkton Station, and the Bainbridge Center. Certain classes are also offered at locations throughout the community.

For more information, visit www.cecil.edu or call 410-287-1000.

CECIL COLLEGE

Quality Education • Close to Home • Affordable Tuition 70+ Degrees and Certificates 18:1 Student to Faculty Ratio Financial Aid & Scholarships • Transfer to 4-year Schools ENROLL TODAY!

Contact Admissions at admissions@cecil.edu or 410-287-1006.

Own Your Future

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Education The Tome School Meet the Class of 2033.

They arrived in September with their book bags filled with the usual crayons, round-tipped scissors, and love notes from mom and dad. However, this year was different than those in the past. They have their temperatures taken before entering the building. They eat lunch behind a plexiglass shield. They wear masks. For the Class of 2033, this is THEIR normal.

The 2020-2021 school year is like no other in The Tome School’s 131 year history. We offer all students in grades K-12 both on campus and virtual learning. From adjusting schedules for individual class recesses to creating new athletic Covid protocols, Tome continues to provide the quality education that we are so well known for. So what is the new normal?

Classes in grades 4-12 are live-streamed.

Teachers connect “at-home” students with those in the classrooms through creative and engaging lessons, realizing the importance of social interactions that happen so naturally during the school day. Our younger students in grades K-3 are taught by a remote specialist, creating an average student to teacher ratio of 4:1. Recognizing the social limitations that remote learning has created, Tome’s “Special” classes, like music, art, Spanish, and Tech provide all students to come together fully participate in class activities.

Physically, the school made sweeping changes to

meet the safety needs of our students, teachers, and staff. Desks set at appropriate distances and floor “dots” to remind students to stay apart are easily seen adjustments. We eat outdoors when possible, while teachers give students mask breaks with quick outdoor walks. Less overt changes were also made. Tome installed new filters in the heating system, replaced water fountains with filling stations, and equipped each classroom with touchless hand sanitizers. When September 1 rolled around, Tome was ready!

As we mark the halfway point of the school year, we are proud of what we have accomplished. We continue to provide academic excel-

lence as we invest in the promise of each child. Our high standards of honesty, respect, and responsibility have never been more

important as we count on each community member to do his or her part at keeping Tome safe.

For the Class of 2021, the year has tested their resiliency and spirit. All 32 seniors have received college acceptances with a total of $3.2 million merit

scholarships awarded so far.

Our seniors have learned to be flexible, yet persistent.

They know that their future may be different from other Tome Alumni, but they are well prepared.

As you consider your child’s educational future, we invite you to visit Tome.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Chester County Press

Education Centreville Layton School There are numerous challenges to the learning process that can interfere with a child’s ability to succeed in a large, traditional classroom in a typical school year.

These challenges continued to be magnified due to the COVID-19 crisis affecting students around the world. Centreville Layton School aims to embrace those challenges and transform them into success. Their students are provided a curriculum, which focuses on problem-solving and critical thinking. Through intervention and strengthening learning strategies, it is their goal that a CLS student will be empowered to reach his or her potential. By offering In-Person or Continuous Learning (off-campus) options, students are able to work toward their goals in the environment in which they are most comfortable.

Centreville Layton School educates a variety of learners with diverse learning styles. Some students may face challenges in one or more of the following areas; Dyslexia, language processing difficulties, difficulties with spelling, reading, writing, and math; fine and gross motor skill delays, executive functioning disorder, social skills, anxiety, receptive and expressive language disorders, peer relationships, school-related apprehension, and attention challenges such as ADHD. With the goal of supporting the whole child, CLS’ education team collaborates with on-staff Reading Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Language & Speech Pathologist, and School Psychologist to fulfill each student’s needs both inside and outside of the classroom. Centreville Layton School is able to integrate a variety of support into the school day for students from Pre-K-12th Grade.

An additional program at CLS is their Post High School Graduate Year. This structured “Gap Year” offers recent high school graduates assistance with college courses through Wilmington University, workplace training, and internships, with an emphasis on personal growth. Students learn how to balance school work and life responsibilities while making healthy choices for themselves.

To learn more about any of their programs, please visit their website at centrevillelayton.org for contact information and virtual open house dates.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Education

Tower Hill School Founded in 1919, Tower Hill School provides students with a challenging and exhilarating educational experience.

Built on a strong traditional foundation, the school’s personalized and innovative approach nurtures curiosity, motivation and a lifelong love of learning.

A flexible mindset and excep-

tional teaching allow learning to continue in-person or online this year, supported by outdoor classroom spaces and an unwavering commitment to student health and wellbeing.

Exceptional academics in small class settings are complemented by the development of creativity through the arts,

healthy attitudes through physical activity and collective responsibility through service.

Tower Hill embraces diverse cultures and beliefs, fostering a strong sense of community.

A co-ed independent school serving ages 3 through Grade 12, Tower Hill offers after school care in a nurturing setting. Social

Justice, Global Initiatives, Environmental Stewardship, STEM, Leadership, Computer Programming and Service Learning Programs provide students with meaningful opportunities to broaden their horizons from preschool through graduation—and beyond. Graduates have gone

on to become U.S. senators, CEOs, Olympians, renowned physicians, scientists, authors and much more as they followed their interests cultivated at Tower Hill.

To learn more or register for a tour, visit towerhill.org or call 302-637-8350.

Outdoor classrooms provide space for exploration, creative problem solving and joyful learning at Tower Hill School.

Tower Hill School 2813 West 17th Street | Wilmington, DE 19806 | 302-657-8350 | towerhill.org

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021

Tower Hill School

Exceptional academics Founded in 1919, Tower Hill is built on a strong curriculum that nurtures curiosity and discovery in students in Lower, Middle and Upper School.

Personal growth As a welcoming educational community, Tower Hill encourages experiential learning, thoughtful dialogue, a global outlook and care for others.

Opportunities to lead *VUÄKLUJL HUK JOHYHJ[LY HYL KL]LSVWLK PU HSS students, building on individual interests while providing opportunities to lead as intellectuals, artists, athletes and change makers.

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Tower Hill School 2813 West 17th Street | Wilmington, DE 19806 | 302-657-8350 | towerhill.org