Chester County Press 02-02-2022 Edition

Penn Township board hears proposal for vineyard and tasting room

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

Pallares Family Holdings, LLC is seeking approval to operate a vineyard and tasting room on the property at 377 and 378 Hood Lane in Penn Township. A conditional-use hearing was held prior to the Jan. 19 meeting of the township’s Board of Supervisors to discuss the application.

As testified by Enrique Pallares on behalf of the family business, their plan is for family members to live in the two residential

dwellings on the 26-acre property while converting the country store to an office and the barn to a tasting room. The tasting room would sell wine by the bottle and the glass. It would have a maximum occupancy of 49 people, which would represent 41 patrons with 8 staff members.

Only Spanish-style tapas and small plates would be served – not a full restaurant menu. If approved, the operation could be open to the public as early as June of this year.

The company currently is

producing wine under the label Casa Carmen as a boutique winery with their primary business location in Chestertown, Maryland. Founded in 2017, the focus is on Spanish-style or Old World-style dry wines. They produce red, rose, and white wine, as well as a Spanish-style vermouth.

The township zoning ordinance limits wine sales from a tasting room to wines produced only from grapes raised on the site. The ordinance also references the need to follow regulations of the Pennsylvania Liquor

History Center to present

“The Story of Chester County Hospital”

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Among the progress made by Chester County’s most prominent institutions over the past decade, Chester County Hospital may stand at the very top of that list.

The hospital has grown into a 309-bed acute-care inpatient facility in West Chester, with outpatient services in Exton, West Goshen, New Garden, West Grove, Jennersville and Kennett Square.

In 2013, the hospital became part of Penn Medicine, one of the world’s leading academic centers for medical education, biomedical research and patient care, and in 2020, the hospital completed the largest expansion in its history that included 15 operating room suites, a 99-bed patient tower, a new main entrance and an expanded and renovated emergency department.

Yet, to acknowledge the vast and integrated network of the hospital -- medical and surgical services, home health, inpatient hospice, nursing care and occupational medicine to list just a few – is to also recognize that Chester County Hospital began 130 years ago to serve the medical needs of a growing community.

photo

The Chester County History Center will present “The Story of the Chester County Hospital,” an online event beginning at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8.

It is a rich history, imagined into being by both visionaries and benefactors and on Feb. 8, that story will be told.

Sponsored by The Haverford Trust Company, the Chester County History Center will present “The Story of the Chester County Hospital,” an hour-long online presentation beginning at 7 p.m. and hosted by Andy Gordon, director of business development at Chester County Hospital.

After an impassioned appeal from several key local physicians including Jacob Price, Isaac Macy and Thomas Dunn, Chester County Hospital first opened its doors in 1893 as

a small ten-bed dispensary located just a few hundred yards from its current location on Marshall Street in West Chester. Before its opening, people living in Chester County with lifethreatening injuries and illnesses had to travel to Philadelphia for treatment – at a time when the nation was still recovering from the Civil War and sanitary conditions were not as commonplace as they are now.

“Disease travels with people and with wars, and ultimately, that fact is what ended up getting the townspeople to the point where they said, ‘We need to be

Control Board. “Most wineries function by growing some grapes but also buying some grapes from other vineyards,” Pallares said. “My view is that this particular potion of the ordinance is outdated and not up to what the industry standards are.”

The plan for the property is to plant two acres of vines the first year with one to three additional acres the next year. It takes three years for vines to produce grapes. There is also a plan to plant a three-quarteracre garden of botanicals

to be used in vermouth and to continue the use of the existing black walnut trees for the company’s signature black vermouth. Casa Carmen wine is produced at a shared winery facility in Baltimore. Currently, the company has partnerships with two Chester County vineyards, Stag and Thistle, and Equivine.

Testimony for the applicant was completed, but the board did not render a decision at this point. The hearing will be continued

Task force aims to minimize disruptions from hospital closures

With Tower Health’s closure of Jennersville Hospital on Dec. 31, and the closure of Brandywine Hospital’s doors on Jan. 31, The Alliance for Health Equity, formerly the Brandywine Health Foundation, has announced the formation of the Health Services Leadership Group Task Force. The group, made up of leaders representing nearly 20 local and county organizations, will develop strategies to minimize disruption of healthcare services and rebuild a strong and equitable healthcare system in the region.

“We understand the tremendously negative impact the hospital closures will have on the communities that relied upon them,” said Vanessa Briggs, president and CEO of The Alliance for Health Equity. “Our goals in bringing together this group are to minimize the disruption of healthcare services, to provide information to the residents we serve about alternative healthcare services, and beyond that, to rebuild a strong and equitable healthcare ecosystem.”

“If ever there was a time to come together to galvanize action and build a strategic partnership with county and local government as well as many other community partners, the time is now, given the gravity of the situation and the abandonment of critical healthcare services,” Briggs added.

The task force is working in two groups – advocacy and coordinated health services – to prioritize and communicate short term healthcare needs, and to focus on longer-term methods to rebuild a stronger healthcare system – one that is not as vulnerable to the impact of hospital closures and that assesses and addresses gaps in healthcare and health-related services.

The advocacy work group’s focus is on community needs and education, with priorities of conducting a community needs assessment to capture the concerns and healthcare needs of residents related to the hospital closures, while also identifying trusted community influencers to support community surveys and educational activities.

The coordinated health services work group’s

A poet’s voice resonates from the depths of the pandemic

Marie-Louise Meyers recently published her fourth book, “Isolation and Revelation,” a book of poetry that offers an honest and thoughtful response to the pandemic and its impact on the world around her

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

In her new book of poetry, “Isolation and Revelation,”

Marie-Louise Meyers offers an honest and thoughtful response to the pandemic and all its unwanted consequences.

This is her fourth book, and Meyers started working on it at the onset of the pandemic. She can vividly recall how she felt in those first days when the pandemic gripped the U.S.

“I felt like the air had a kind of deadness to it,” she explained. “I felt like our world changed overnight.” She wasn’t alone in that feel-

ing, of course. Here’s how she began “The Tsunami,” which is included in the chapter called Rude Awakening:

It came like a giant tidal wave that overwhelms and inundates everything in its wake with a silent deadly force turning day into strangulated flight where nothing could be counted on to turn out right.

Meyers said that she wrote the poems in “Isolation and Revelation” day by day as she reflected on the events and reacted to the hope and the fear

that we all felt as the pandemic stretched out, week after week, month after month, and surge after surge. She explained the quest for normalcy this way:

In between it afforded doldrums with facts and figures gleaned, ready to return to Normalcy when it crashed as numbers of cases spiked once again and the spread was unprecedented with a new kind of unfathomable dread.

The act of writing provided her comfort, and putting her thoughts and feelings into

words also helped her deal with the circumstances that she was facing. Even though this is a book of poetry, Meyers is a natural storyteller, and she utilized those skills to capture the daily happenings of the pandemic. She wanted others to find comfort in her words, just as she was taking comfort by writing them.

“I had a mission to extract some meaning from the events that occurred,” she said. She wrote:

“It was the last resort when everything we counted on fell apart even the People’s House came tumbling down

Courtesy photo In her new book of poetry, “Isolation and Revelation,” Marie-Louise Meyers offers an honest and thoughtful response to the pandemic and all its unwanted consequences.

Courtesy

Continued

Chester County Hospital...

Continued from Page 1A

able to take care of people here,’” Gordon said.

“Before hospitals existed, healthcare favored the wealthy to a certain degree because they could afford to have doctors come to their houses. Yet it was the community’s contention, as so stated in an address by Dr. Dunn to the leaders in May of 1892, the growing town needed a hospital to care for all people. That pressed the need to create what became Chester County Hospital.”

With the community’s

Penn Township...

to next month prior to the Feb. 2 supervisors meeting, starting at 5 p.m.

support, the new Chester County Hospital eventually grew in both size and impact, bolstered by a sizable contribution from Pierre DuPont and his wife Alice in 1918 that led to the development of a larger facility that would be able to grow not only in size but in the ability to care for the community’s growing population.

The story of the hospital is well-told narrative, one that is still given at orientation sessions for the hospital’s newly-hired staff. In it, the names of several early stakeholders and visionaries begin to emerge, including the

influence of the local Quaker population whom Gordon said had a large impact on the start of the hospital.

“They had an inherent responsibility to help others, but also a really strong need to understand science,” he said. “My hope for this presentation is to give those who attend a sense of how the growth of the community merged with world events to impact how the hospital developed into what it is today.

“There has been a lot of history experienced here over the course of more than 100 years, and my hope is to illuminate how

those influences and those people have impacted how the hospital has grown.”

“The Story of Chester County Hospital” is being sponsored by the Haverford Trust Company, and all proceeds from the event will benefit the History Center’s development of future programming and the preservation of its collections.

Admission to the event is on a pay-as-you-wish basis, and while a donation will be greatly appreciated, a limited number of free tickets will be available. To register for attendance at this online event or to learn more, visit The Chester

org/events.

Continued from Page 1A at the township’s Sports Park. He will be constructing a railing at the back of the outdoor classroom with wheelchair-accessible tables as well as a lectern at the front of the outdoor classroom. Gerwig is a member of Troop 62 out of Kembelsville and attends Avon Grove High School. Bids for improvements to

After hearing his proposal, the Penn Township board approved the request of Bradley Gerwig to install his Eagle Scout project

focus is on the identification of healthcare system gaps, ensuring residents are informed and educated on where to go to seek heath care services, and rebuilding a strong equitable healthcare ecosystem.

“This group’s most pressing issue is how best to triage care while addressing long wait times due to increased patient vol-

ume in emergency rooms, an overtaxed emergency management system, and educating and connecting consumers to medical homes and providers due to the impact of hospital closures,” Briggs noted.

James Logan, the manager of the City of Coatesville, said, “We are happy to be part of The Alliance for Health Equity’s Health Services Leadership Group and participate in the Advocacy work group.

“Our administration

the veterans garden at the passive recreation park were rejected last month when prices were substantially higher than anticipated. The speculation is that the high cost was related to the provision in the proposal that the existing bricks would be reused. A new design is being developed using new brick and a simpler layout.

and City Council have already expressed that access to health care in Coatesville and the region plays an important part in the health and wellbeing of our collective co-existence. Establishing a community network— where community voices are heard, without barriers – is our main objective.”

In addition to representation on The Alliance’s Health Services Leadership Group, the Chester County Commissioners and vari-

The board tabled action on construction of a clamshell-style amphitheater at the passive recreation park. The cost of the basic clamshell is $190,928, but there would be additional costs for things like electricity.

Supervisor Laura Sperratore made a motion to table action on the plan until next year year due

ous county departments have been taking action to support the healthcare needs of residents throughout the county.

Immediately after Tower Health’s announcement that both Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals would close, staff in Chester County’s Department of Emergency Services coordinated communication and support for first responders, especially emergency medical services, including the Chester County

to prices at this time. The motion was approved on a three-to-one vote, with William O’Connell opposed. He would have preferred to go forward with the project now, since money has already been spent on design and surveying.

Sperratore also questioned bidding for road projects at this time, in hopes that costs will come down. Because of timing and competition pressures, the township decided to go forward now.

EMS Council, Fire Chiefs Association, and Police Chiefs. Chester County’s Human Services staff have been ensuring that behavioral health services are maintained for those who need them, and county partners are addressing employment needs for those who worked at Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals.

The list of road projects for this year has been trimmed to just West Ewing Road between Lewis Road and the township line – that have been estimated to cost $235,000 in total.

The Chester County Commissioners—Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline— said in a statement, “At times like these, our county department leaders and staff call upon their expertise and training to support the healthcare and hospital needs of our residents, keeping abreast of the challenges brought on by the closing of the two hospitals, and to help address and resolve them.

The county has also created a web page – www. chesco.org/hospitalsdedicated to providing residents with information, resources and answers to questions that arise due to the two hospital closures.

This includes a map of all area hospital and urgent care locations, guidance on when to use urgent care services versus emergency hospital care, and the option to submit a question related to the hospital closures. The information on the web page continues to be updated.

“We thank The Alliance for Health Equity for bringing this task force together as part of the county’s overall response. We believe in its potential to become a model that communities throughout the rest of Chester County and the Commonwealth could call upon to address the shortterm impacts of hospital closures and the long-term design of a healthcare system driven by community needs and equity.”

Courtesy photo

Chester County Hospital first opened its doors in 1892 as a small ten-bed dispensary, in order to serve the medical needs of a growing community.

County History Center’s website at https://mycchc.

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

Meyers...

Continued from Page 1A

remember how it was, and people to become reliant again on the Old for their bottled-up wisdom, who remembered when——, and we learned once again to get the good out of everything

Meyers, an 84-year-old resident of Lower Oxford Township, said that she drew upon many of her life experiences, including living through World War II and the polio outbreak to try to put the pandemic in a proper perspective.

She personally found hope in remembering that the country has been through tough times before, and the American people responded to those challenges with perseverance.

“Any time we are faced with this kind of situation, it strengthens our resolve,” she explained.

She also found comfort in nature, and nature is featured prominently in the book.

“I continued my walks around our pond,” she explained.

“Nature definitely played a significant role.”

The book is divided into nine chapters. It starts with a chapter titled Rude Awakening.

Another chapter is called Laughter is the Best Medicine. She tried to emphasize the importance of finding humor in small things, even during challenging times.

“People can be sullen and they can feel rage, but there is always the relief of the laughter,” she explained.

When she was finished, Meyers had a 450-page book of poetry that she was very proud of.

Meyers, a member of the Pennsylvania Poetry Society, wanted to provide support to a local nonprofit organization. She decided to dedicate proceeds from this book to Oaks Ministry, an all-volunteer

organization that helps women who are experiencing homelessness. In the past, she has written books that benefitted the Oxford Library and ACE Anti-Human Trafficking group. Giving back to the community and helping others is very important to her.

The book is $20 and is available at the Oxford Library as well as on Amazon.

Meyers, who taught for many years in New Jersey, said that she is writing regularly on other projects. She has no desire to stop, so more books could be coming in the near future.

“I’m pretty determined to write,” she said. “I can’t not write.”

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

On this page and the next are several selections from "Isolation and Revelation" that Meyers sent to us.

The Tsunami (From the Chapter Rude Awakening)

It came like a giant tidal wave that overwhelms and inundates everything in its wake with a silent deadly force turning day into strangulated flight where nothing could be counted on to turn out right. It gathered momentum somewhere, violated and tainted the very air we breathe with molecules of a contagious disease from a seemingly innocuous sneeze, from hand to mouth, but uncharted movements could not be illuminated easily.

We could not wall it off like

Courtesy photo

Marie-Louise Meyers recently published her fourth book. Proceeds from the book of poetry will benefit Oaks Ministry, an all-volunteer organization that helps women who are experiencing homelessness.

the Great Wall of China, although the first cases were noted there, vaulting off in so many different directions, scientists sought to follow its pathway, but it was illusive, no conclusive evidence could be found.

All known factors were like a giant balloon flying high at times with scientific data giving credence to make it behave, but leakage continued to pull it down where it was grounded again.

In between it afforded doldrums with facts and figures gleaned, ready to return to Normalcy when it crashed as numbers of cases spiked once again and the spread was unprecedented with a new kind of unfathomable dread.

Like Druids of Old, a few sought magical incantations; in pockets of the U.S. many refused to be part of the solid mass of Humanity wearing a mask

Kennett Square to be featured in new season of Movers & Makers

Season four of WHYY’s Emmy Award-winning show Movers & Makers premieres on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m., and an entire episode about the Underground Railroad in Kennett Square will air on Thursday, Feb. 17. The show will explore the history of the Underground Railroad in Kennett Square and introduce viewers to individuals from the past, and those who are keeping it alive today. The show will feature a visit to the Kennett Underground Railroad Center, Marlborough Meeting, Longwood Cemetery & Meeting, Bucktoe Cemetery. There will also be an engaging conversations with Alex Parham of Voices Underground and Rev. Beverly Bell and members of New Garden Memorial UAME Church.

With a new host, Anne Ishii, the executive director of the Asian Arts Initiative in Philadelphia, Movers & Makers demonstrates the kind of

to accommodate the new strange bedfellow that gradually took over every place they went and decision they made. There was no sense hiding

documentary storytelling that public media is so good at: the paramount local voice.

“It has a unique ability, and charge, to tell stories about cultural producers who work right in our back-

from it, its presence was known as more and more cases were hospitalized, and it threatened to break the economies of all nations. The only protection it

yard,” Ishii said.

The season premieres with a special episode devoted to the historic artist colony of Arden Delaware, where communal living is anchored in artistic practice.

offered seemed so feeble in its wake, but effective when you consider a mask and staying six feet away, outside preferably; mass

Continued on page 4A

Photo by Steven Hoffman Kennett Square will be featured on an upcoming episode of WHYY’s Emmy Award-winning show Movers & Makers on Feb. 17.

meetings were banned inside and out. Some garnered Faith as they went along, ducking against the impact with tried and true traditional practices, others took Fate as their companion thinking they stood alone, and were ready to withstand the onslaught.

But if any Global event proved we were brothers and sisters under the skin, Covid-19 did for we could never walk alone but must protect the lives of others and the Future with measures which would become part of our new identity; Staying Safe became the new password; Hope paved the way for a bright new day arriving soon.

{There is no hand-writing on the wall, but each day takes its toll on the unsuspecting, the Old, the weak, Caring, the Bold and Daring, even Health Care Workers in the Know.

Just at the point when you’re ready to say, I can’t write about it, anymore, it’s so devastating, something builds inside you like a mini tsunami destroying any inhibitions in its path, and you never feel so clean as when you’ve touched on a Truth buried beneath the Cases of Covid-19!}

Creatures of the Wild (the Chapter Nature’s Nurturing)

How easily the formidable Eagle fills the sky, floating effortlessly on thermals;

a powerhouse of wing span and keen eyes scanning the horizon and pinpointing with speed outmaneuvering his prey seeking refuge. How easily diminished in the entanglement of bush and briar, when hunger drives even the proud and defiant down to hide on the ground and become just another creature of beak and claw

silently awaiting the springloaded Fate of the underworld of rodents and rabbits.

What a surprise at my presence, only a touch away on the deer trail when he flashes his unimaginable wing span, but is filled with dread as he gives way to an escape route to the clear blue sky where he truly belongs like the dark winged piece missing in a puzzle or high on a distant crag surveying all of us below like lost souls. Who knows better than Honey Blossom, our cat, the silent possessor of teeth and claws, but refuses to venture out of doors for she knows too well the ways of predators, not wanting to be the prey, and sits quietly inside as the sun escapes the door onto the floor boards where she lays.

We are all creatures of the

Local News

wild until we are exposed, in one swift unguarded moment where we await our Fate already predisposed.

Lilacs

When even the wordless catch the drift splurged like intoxicating perfume; when all else pales in renewal of unadulterated Life ripe for the plucking.

Suddenly— you know it’s time to indulge!

When everything that weighs us down is given wings of tinted petals and the doom and gloom of the Pandemic seems remote, summing up the bitter notes of the Civil War, once penned by Walt Whitman:

“When Lilacs Last in the Barnyard Bloomed;” for even the humblest abode gains a beauty to behold. Vacant fields where weeds proliferate are seized into acres of magnificence remembered all year round.

The Mangy Coyote Still Plagues Us

Passing through these same spaces, sometimes sunny, sometimes erased by clouds, always genuflecting in my own way with animals brushing across my path, The book delves into how the pandemic changed everyday life.

resplendent in the nick of time. Singing at the top of my lungs as the birds join in, although the rest of the World has turned away, the giant ball suspended in Time’s Square, disrupted in its Fall making a disclaimer in the air which breeds decadence and despair by thought waves which come over the skeletal crew of entertainers; all parade prospects ending, Scotland making it clear “there will be blood on your hands,” and fines for those who don’t adhere to the Lock-down in the New Year.

Welcome New Day, the sun seems to say framing the rounded silhouette of a doe, for a new fawn will soon make its appearance known. But lurking about a mangy coyote I’ve heard about, like the virus, it has no den to live in, rejected by foxes, lives on the leavings though racked and ruined just passing through pursued by Hunters, run after by Watch-dogs, still wary, and now threatened to extinction by a targeted vaccine.

But Varmint turns Variant as the virus morphs once again changed by the air in the course of Human Affairs, 1,200 cases in the US spawned first in the UK.

Ballet in the Park and Pond

So much beauty unrehearsed, designed for peace of mind; February cedes while March rehearses our appetites soon appeased by April’s sublime blossoms unhinged at last by showers bursting into full glory hour by hour.

Like the ballet dancers without a venue rehearse in Central Park adagio and allegro; touching the heart strings anew; where balance is the key to free-style pirouettes. Nature over-reaching its bounds,

Noticing beauty in nature was one way that Meyers was able to cope during the pandemic. Nature plays a prominent role in the book of poetry.

instead of the other way around; the faint stirring of leaves brings me back as if telepathic powers puts the public at ease.

We frame Nature as we please:

a giant dome, a floating snapper provides a stage for acrobatic insects to engage.

Four painted teen-age turtles perfectly aligned fly off the embankment into the unchartered waterline making a big splash like clapping from an audience. With the professional touch between the Knowing and Unknowing, the loving cup over-flowing pouring down in increments without interruption.

Beginners join in to the Waltz of the Flowers, opening up, exploring new moves keeping their ever present distancing and mood, freeing themselves of apartment house blues, deserted streets and barred shops imparting drop dead silence. Unused to the rehearsal but gingerly accept the righteousness of the movement where Adversity leads to emotional Effect finding bliss in an arabesque.

“Is It True?”

(An Epilogue)

A child says from out of the blue!

“The children before me had nothing to do but play games on a computer box all day long? They even made tweets like birds that kept repeating all over the world; never used their muscles to play outside, and never ever read those classic books you arranged according to age and size.

Is it true we had grown so far removed from the Earth, we had to travel to the Moon and Mars instead of seeing with our naked eyes the beauty right outside,

and used telescopes to see that far?

Is it true the soil was like dust, it didn’t support much, and people forgot how to plant seeds, and grow what they needed?

Even Animals disappeared along with the Glaciers! Is it also true, waste was taller than the highest skyscraper?”

“It’s all true, but then a Great Plague came, and destroyed what we thought we knew, and couldn’t live without, and the world was changed in less than seven days with Famine and Flood till we renewed what was Old before the Newest inventions, all before your time.”

“Is it true that a smoky haze covered the cities till even the mountains couldn’t be seen, only in picture books and over the rainbow dreams. Fish could no longer live in lakes and rivers, and frogs had missing limbs?”

“I quiver at the thought, but yes it’s true. carbon traces erased any vestiges of Naturalness. Everything changed when the Great Plague inundated the landscape. How could they start over again?

Wisdom only came from the Old who remembered when—— and taught us how to live again, no longer did a God-like Being seem so far-fetched!”

“How did it all come apart?”

“It was the last resort when everything we counted on fell apart even the People’s House came tumbling down with a Let Down, and for awhile, there was Mob Rule. We needed the Earth to remember how it was, and people to become reliant again on the Old for their bottled-up wisdom, who remembered when——, and we learned once again to get the good out of everything pure and unadulterated even Bone Soup so our stomachs would be at ease, our limbs would grow strong, and our hearts would again sing!”

“Other countries had looked to us for leadership, and we let them down, for we were floundering in the embroiled stew of pollution, disease and protest. Blue sky turned gray, fields turned stagnant with pesticides. We planned to go to another Planet then, because that was the way, nothing was ever fixed, it was never worth it!”

“Did the Earth remember how it was?”

“It took time and inspiration from the Divine, and all pulling together, the true earmark of a civilization. Everyone has a plot of Earth to make us remember when——“

“Is it true, the Earth not only remembered, but took us back tenderly to show us the way?”

“You know it’s true, and your generation and the ones that follow must continue to prove it’s true and can never be otherwise!”

Courtesy photos Meyers...

Our American exceptionalism

The early education of this editorial’s author began in the dining room of his childhood home, where the same lesson was taught repeatedly until the power of its message became not only sacred, but immovable and totally beyond doubt.

Nearly every weekend, he sat as a child beside his grandparents and aunts and uncles as they layered every discussion about national and world events with an underlying truth that seemed to warm the room the way a blanket does a body:

The United States of America was the greatest nation on earth.

They were the words given to a fortunate son.

The variations used to describe the United States as the greatest nation in the world are a familiar trope; President Harry Truman first coined the phrase to describe the U.S.’s mission to settle the Cold War as the responsibility of “the greatest nation in the history of the world.”

Indeed, every president since has unpacked the phrase, as has everyone from the economist on Wall Street to the shop owner on Main Street, but over the last several years – in his role as journalist, citizen and witness -- the author has begun to measure the strength of this declaration against the rigid reality of a country divided against itself by the poison of its own invented and sinister toxicity; by a racism that lingers like a permanent and accepted wound; by a national politic whose convictions are to their party and not their constituency or their nation; by a media whose words are no longer steeped in facts but monetized by the cash cow of opinion; and by a tsunami of theorists, deniers and fringe dwellers who by the freedom of platforms have self-anointed themselves as the ultimate purveyors of truth and gotten others to believe them.

While the United States is still irrefutably the world’s leader both militarily and economically, the facts begin to draw another picture:

• According to a Best Countries Report issued by U.S. News and World Report in 2021, the U.S. was ranked as the sixth best country in the world, behind Canada, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and Australia.

• The U.S. is the world leader in incarceration, accounting for 25 percent of the world’s prison population. Further, its murder rate per 100,000 people ranks it 89th out of 230 countries.

• In a ranking of healthcare systems among 11 of the wealthiest countries in the world, the U.S. stands at the bottom, despite spending the highest percentage of its GDP (17 percent) on healthcare. In addition, its healthcare costs are the highest out of 48 countries analyzed in a recent study.

• The U.S. ranked 26 out of 190 countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) assessment of environmental issues in two areas: protection of human health and protection of ecosystems. The U.S. is the second worst of 20 countries when it comes to the share of CO2 emissions.

• The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), an international assessment that measures 15-year-old students’ reading, mathematics, and science literacy, placed the U.S. 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science.

• The U.S. ranks 14th in the world in the percentage of 25-34 year-olds with higher education (42 percent).

• In terms of infant mortality per 100,000 live births, the U.S. ranks 34th out of 44 countries.

* * * *

As defined, American Exceptionalism is the idea that the United States is inherently different from other nations, in that its values, political system, and historical development are unique in human history, often with the implication that the country is both destined and entitled to play a distinct and positive role on the world stage.

Under the principles of this concept, we have long been held up as the gold standard and the moral center of the universe, but that center is no longer holding.

Our American Exceptionalism has become our American Fantasia, and those whose foresight is held in high regard are predicting that the nation is headed for an inevitable and complete collapse of its democratic political structures, its economy, its traditions and its global standing.

A country laying claim to be the greatest in the world cannot be one who functions under the aggregate of conflict and division. Indeed, if the United States is to truly regain its standing, it cannot do so by clinging to its past, but by courageously calling all of its poisonous forces into a room and marginalizing each one that threatens to tear it down.

The author of this editorial stares into a memory photograph of the Sunday meals he enjoyed as a child. He sees the faces of those who endured a Great Depression, who fought in a world war and in the Korean Conflict, who joined the workforce at companies that became giants of business and who also raised families.

They are all gone now, and the blanket that they had made – one that had once cloaked the child with truth and assurances and made the United States the greatest nation on Earth -- has disappeared. We are in winter.

Letter to the Editor

Congress should pass War Powers Resolution to end the U.S. support for war in Yemen

Letter to the Editor:

The latest attacks in Yemen hit a prison killing more than 60 people. Since the beginning of the conflict seven years ago, more than 375,000 people have died, 60 percent of whom died from indirect causes such as lack of food, water, and

health care. What’s more, the humanitarian situation has worsened with 2.3 million children under five severely malnourished.

The United States provides spare parts, maintenance and intelligence to the Saudi-led coalition, and thus is complicit in these fatalities. The Congress, beginning with the

House of Representatives, needs to introduce and pass a War Powers Resolution to end the U.S. support for the war. I urge Representative Chrissy Houlahan to support such a measure. I call on your readers to do the same.

Judith Hinds Kennett Square, Pa.

The writer is a member of the Kennett Square Advocacy Team, one of 127 teams in 44 states, launched and supported by the Friends Committee for National Legislation. This network is focused on pressing Congress to end the U.S. support for the war in Yemen.

Airstrikes show why U.S. should not be supporting war in Yemen

Letter to the Editor:

The airstrikes in Yemen which have been on the news lately are totally horrifying. Enough is enough. It is time

for the U.S. to stop helping the Saudis with the ongoing attacks and bombings in Yemen. Making a humanitarian crisis even worse every day is simply unacceptable

for any civilized nation to be engaged in. I urge our Representative Chrissy Houlahan to support introduction and passage of a Yemen War Powers

Resolution to stop U.S. participation in these airstrikes and in the blockade of humanitarian aid.

The

By Lee H. Hamilton

Decades ago, it was easy to talk about “the promise of America,” as historians and boosters did regularly, and have most people understand what you meant. These days, I worry they’d look at you as if you’d taken leave of your senses.

Even before the pandemic threw us back on our heels, many people here and abroad increasingly viewed our country and its system of representative government as outdated, flawed, and in decline. They question whether it deserves to be perpetuated or to serve as a beacon for others.

And yet, while there’s room to be chastened and reflective about this shift, what it really means, I think, is that as Americans we have our work cut out for us. Because our system—which really did produce a nation that served as a beacon and a model for others—was put in our care by the people who created it. If this country is to flourish and fulfill its promise, it’s we the people who will have to do it.

So what does “the promise of America” actually mean?

In its details the answer differs from person to person, but looked at broadly it’s

Promise of America

really two promises, both of which were revolutionary at the beginning and are still compelling almost two and a half centuries later: to give each American the opportunity to reach his or her potential, and to give us the ability to strive together to solve our problems. In many ways, the history of our country consists of trying to make good on those promises—expanding our conception of the people to whom they apply, working out what selfgovernance actually means, broadening our definitions of who can participate in American democracy. We can never think of that work as done, or that the promises have been kept. Ben Franklin’s famous reply to Elizabeth Willing Powel when she asked what the Constitutional Convention had created—“A republic, if you can keep it”—sums up the eternal challenge.

This is because the country’s founders entrusted Americans with a form of government that imposes the burden of safeguarding it not just for ourselves, but as a symbol of hope elsewhere—the notion that economic opportunity and political engagement are part and parcel of citizenship. But beyond that, they

believed fully that this burden could only be carried by a “virtuous” electorate. By this, they did not just mean moral probity or honesty or self-discipline or a sense of responsibility, though all of those are important. They were also looking for a sense of civic self-sacrifice—a capacity to set aside self-interest and act for the benefit of the broader community. They thought it crucial in political leaders—though they also recognized that no one could be perfect, and so developed a constitutional system of checks and balances aimed at restraining the power of any one person and, indeed, of the majority over the minority. And they thought that it was crucial in the ultimate source of political power, the electorate. As James Madison put it in 1788, “To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea.” Or as historian Bernard Bailyn once wrote, “an informed, alert, intelligent, and uncorrupted electorate” is vital to safeguarding the American republic.

The same, in fact, might be said of any American institution, public and pri-

vate. The responsibility for fulfilling “the promise of America”—and of doing so by taking a view larger than pure self-interest—lies with politicians and voters, but also with businesses and unions and nonprofits and community organizations and all the efforts that bring us together. We live in a time of great political turmoil, when the trends of the previous century—the expansion of voting rights, the extension of civil liberties, the broadening of the belief that all Americans are entitled to opportunity—are threatened with reversal. Whatever the course of these political battles, the founders’ challenge couldn’t be clearer: Whether this remains a nation of promise to all is up to us.

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.

Betsy Wenny Kennett Square

Defense, fast breaks lead Unionville to 73-40 win

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Midway through the fourth quarter of Unionville’s 73-40 victory over visiting Academy Park on Jan. 31, the Longhorns ripped a page from the basketball textbook of their coach Chris Cowles, when four players on the floor touched the ball before it reached the hands of Kevin Brown, who promptly nailed a three-point shot from just beyond the arc.

Throughout his tenure as coach, Cowles has hammered home that sharp, perimeter passing, comp limented by a tough defense and effective out-

let passing leads to wins, and Monday night’s victory served as a prime display of that teaching.

“Our game plan tonight was as simple as it has been all year,” Cowles said. “We placed a heavy reliance of fundamental principles on offense, and fundamental principles on defense.”

Coming off of a 61-37 defeat to West Chester East the night before, the 7-10 Longhorns were looking to gain some traction in a topsy-turvy season that places them in the middle of the pack in the Ches-Mont American Division. They received an early boost in the first quarter on a one-two

punch of defense that shut down the Knights’ inside game and a rebound-andrun offense highlighted by outlet passes from center Nick Deihl that led to fastbreak jumpers by Jack Casten, Robbie Logan and two three-pointers by Charlie Kammier.

An 18-6 lead at the start of the second quarter was not enough for the Longhorns. Kammier knocked down the third of his four three-pointers early on, and then followed up with two free throws to give Unionville a 23-6 lead. With 6:45 left in the first half, Casten nailed a three-pointer to extend the lead, and with 1:45 remaining in the half, Logan’s breakaway steal and layup pushed the Longhorn lead to 38-13.

“Our offensive progress depends on us doing the job defensively,” Cowles said. “It’s like a snowball effect -- one aspect of our game feeding into the other.”

The Knights pecked away at Unionville’s lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Longhorns 14-9 mostly on Academy Park guard Jamir Anderson’s 9-point effort, but Unionville stormed back in the fourth quarter on effective outside shooting, highlighted by two three-pointers by George Napolitano. The Longhorns were led by Kammier with 16 points, Casten with 11 points and Diehl with 10 points. The Knights, now 3-12 overall in the Delaware Valley Conference, were led by Anderson with 13 points.

Heading into games

against Oxford on Feb. 1 and cross-town rival Kennett on Feb. 3, Cowles said the key to the Longhorns’ climbing up the ladder of the ChesMont American will be in

Volunteers needed

its willingness to remain focused.

“Our goal is to maximize our ability and stay in the moment,” he said. “It's the only thing we as coaches preach – to teach

them that the results will come if we stay in that mindset.”

To

County Commissioners launch America250 Celebration planning

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In preparation for the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026, the Chester County Commissioners recently announced that they are seeking volunteer members to apply for membership in the America250PA Chester County Commission, in conjunction with the formation of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, whose mission is to encourage Americans to remember its past, celebrate its present and imagine a promising future for the nation. Over the next several years, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission will partner with public and private entities across the nation in a sharing of ideas, expertise, relationships and resources to address a series of 14 national platforms:

• Share250: Capturing America’s shared stories, folklife, and cultural heritage.

• Exchange250: Fostering unity and understanding through shared

discourse, dialogue, and diplomacy.

• Experience250: Orchestrating grassroots and signature celebratory and commemorative events.

• Discover250: Enriching history education, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

• Explore250: Promoting visitation to America’s cultural spaces, historic landmarks, and natural landscapes.

• Showcase250: Initiatives delivering semiquincentennial themed showcases, exhibits, and collections to communities across the world.

• Recognize250: Revealing the good we do for one another and for the country.

• Salute250: Honoring the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.

• Promise250: Empowering youth and inspiring the next generation of American leaders.

• Create250: Inspiring artistic expressions of the American spirit.

• Impact250: Bettering our communities, nation, and environment.

• Innovate250: Amplifying American innovation and discovery.

• Nourish250: Cultivating and revitalizing America’s culinary and agricultural traditions.

• Play250: Championing games, sports, and recreational pastimes.

The America250PA

Chester County Commission is looking for 10 to 30 county residents.

Commission members will serve for up to three years, and a chair and vice-chair will also be designated.

“Our plan is to formally appoint members to the commission in March, and we are looking for representatives of all ages and from all areas of the county,” said Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Beyond those appointments, there will be other organizing opportunities for volunteers to get involved. This will be a special time for all of us, and we expect there to be a lot of interest in participating.”

Chester County Planning Commission Executive Director Brian O’Leary said planning begins now

because it takes a long time to produce ideas and coordinate events this elaborate, particularly with a variety of partners involved, and added that the celebration will cover closer to 300 years of Chester County history.

“There are lots of elements of our history that need to be emphasized, whether it’s the iron and steel heritage that we have here or the abolitionists and Underground Railroad movement,” O’Leary said.

Chester County is coordinating its activities with the state-wide group, America250PA. Two representatives from that organization, Marissa Gioffre and Jaclyn Victor, joined a recent Commissioners’ public meeting virtually to discuss similar celebration planning across the Commonwealth.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline, who represents the county on the America250PA County Advisory Committee and is a board member of the Chester County History Center, said the local commission will balance county events with participation in state-wide activities.

“In the short term, the commission will determine where Chester County wants to plant a liberty tree, part of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Tree program, in May,” Kichline said. “Similarly, they will chart our approach to the Bells Across PA program.

Those are more symbolic activities. The commission will then have input into a historic heritage tourism plan. I am excited to see the kinds of ideas committee members come up with.”

In its commemoration events to mark the nation’s

250th birthday, the county will hold its events throughout the entire county, especially at heritage tourism sites where guest speakers will share the history of the county. The commission will meet quarterly and may branch out to form subcommittees and engage in special programs, events, educational projects or fundraising activities. The Commissioners said the public’s involvement in planning activities will be key to the success of Chester County’s commemoration. The commission will also collaborate directly with stakeholder institutions and municipalities. Those wishing to apply to join the America 250PA Chester County Commission should do so over the next four weeks. To access the application and to obtain additional information, visit www. chesco.org/America250. To learn more about America250, visit www. america250.org.

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

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

Jack Casten sinks a free throw in the third quarter.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The Unionville varsity basketball team used a shut-down defense and a sharp transition game to defeat Academy Park, 73-40, in a non-conference game on Jan. 31.

Ryan Brown looks for an opening.

NANCY L. SAVAGE

Nancy L. Savage, 79, of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 23 at Twin Pines Health Care. She was the wife of the late Floyd Savage.

Nancy was also previously married to the late Harvey George Allaband, Sr. Born on June 5, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Paul S. Godshall and Dorothy Kelly.

Nancy was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working at Jennersville Hospital and in private health care. She enjoyed knitting at the Kennett Senior Center and was a member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Nancy is survived by her four children, Harvey Allaband, Jr., Marcia Hartline, Michael Allaband and Elizabeth Howell. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

All services will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove. Please visit Nancy’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh. com.

Alleluia

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace.

Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

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

ROGER MARK JOHNSON

Roger Mark Johnson, a resident of Landenberg, passed away on Jan. 21 at his home. He was 62. Born in West Grove, he was the son of Yvonne Stroud Lynch of Oxford and the late Roger L. Johnson. Mark graduated from Oxford Area High School Class of 1977 and received an Associate’s Degree in accounting from Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Del.

He was manager of the Landhope Farms in Kennett Square and Unionville for twenty years.

Mark was an avid fan of the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

He is survived by his mother; two daughters, Alison Johnson of Elkton, Md. and Kristen Johnson of Tampa, Fla.; and one sister, Kimberly Van Sant.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Johnson and former wife, Wendy Johnson.

A memorial service was held on Jan. 27 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. The interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

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

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

FLORENCE ELIZABETH MOORE

Florence Elizabeth Moore went to meet her Savior on Jan. 16. She passed while at her home in Conowingo, Md. She was 66. She was the wife of the late Billy James Moore, Sr., with whom she shared 46 years of marriage.

Born in Prairie City, Or., she was the daughter of the late Harry C. and Lucy V. Tester Rogers.

Florence was a member of New Life Faith Center in Port Deposit, Md.

She enjoyed knitting, listening to Christian music, reading the Bible and attending church and especially spending time with her family.

She is survived by one son, Billy James Moore, Jr. (Lori) of Gap; three grandchildren, Katelyn Brooks (Phillip) of Elkton, Md., Jasmyne Moore of Rising Sun, Md. and Dawson Moore of Rising Sun, Md.; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lorreen Harris (Pete) of North East, Md. and Susie Nagle of North East, Md.; and four sisters-in-law, Marilyn Frazier (Larry) of Peach Bottom, Pa., Linda Hensel (Bill) of Nottingham, Betsy Apgar (Dave) of Conowingo, Md. and Rose Marie Marrero (Junior) of Perryville, Md.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Viola Sells. Funeral services were held on Jan. 21 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, suite A, Baton Rouge, La. 70816 or New Life Faith Center, 1820 Jacob Tome Hwy., Port Deposit, Md. 21904.

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

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

ELEANOR HANNUM BAHEL

Eleanor Hannum Bahel, age 90, of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 21 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late George Steele Bahel Jr., who passed away in 1994. Eleanor and George enjoyed over forty years of marriage.

Born in Avondale on Aug. 24, 1931, Eleanor was the daughter of the late A. Raymond and Edna Mae (Allaband) Hannum.

Eleanor was a 1949 graduate of Avon Grove High School, where she was proud to be a cheerleader. Growing up in the Avondale and the Chatham areas, she maintained many lifelong friendships from the Chatham community. Eleanor and friends enjoyed roller skating at the Avon Grove Roller Rink, swimming at Rosazza’s Orchard and Wingate’s Pond, sledding at the Chatham playground and many school activities.

Ellie was active in the Chatham United Methodist Church from childhood until she was married there in 1954. After marriage, she moved to Longwood and then to Kennett Square, where she raised her family and again established many lifelong friends. In the early 1960s, Eleanor moved her church membership to and raised her family at the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square.

Throughout her life, Eleanor worked for DuPont Experimental Station as a bookkeeper and she also worked at the Chatham Post Office. She also delivered mushrooms to Atlantic City, and delivered flowers for Fancy Branches of Kennett Square and Sweet Peas of Jennersville.

In her free time, Ellie loved taking care of her family and spending time at Rehoboth Beach with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. She enjoyed playing bridge at Bridge Club and at Kennett Grange. She also enjoyed card games, “chickenfoot dominoes” and “pennies” with her friends at The Kennett Senior Center and Luther House. She would always be found taking a carload of kids to the movies, to the rollerskating rink, to Jimmy John’s hot dog stand or to Bunny’s Ice Cream.

Eleanor had a gift for remembering dates and recalling memories from the past with great detail. She was a wealth of information about the history of Chatham and Kennett Square and the families that lived there. One of her favorite activities was reminiscing about family memories and sharing family genealogy with her children and grandchildren. She never missed a birthday or anniversary.

Eleanor is survived by her three children, Thomas Bahel (wife Sandra), Laura Schiltz (late husband Paul) and James Bahel (wife Corbi); eight grandchildren, Jaclyn Bahel Cummings (husband Jason), Deanna Bahel, Jenna Bahel, Kyle Schiltz, Kevin Schiltz, Kalvin Bahel, Kameron Bahel and Kassidy Bahel; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte Cummings, Jacob Cummings and Matthew Cummings; a sister, Jeannette “Nettie” Bartoli; and a sister-in-law, Elizabeth “Betty” Bahel.

When her first grandchild, Jaclyn, came along in 1984, Eleanor was named “Mema” and that is what she has been known as since. Ellie loved celebrating holidays and birthdays with family and her nieces, Dawn Bartoli Welte and Lisa Bartoli Adams, and nephews, Steve Bahel and Chuckie Bartoli.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Ware Presbyterian Village (Rosewood Skilled Nursing) for the outstanding care and loving treatment that Mema received these last several years.

Services took place on Jan. 29 at the First Baptist Church in Kennett Square.

Internment followed at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Memorial contributions can be made to Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home. Please visit Eleanor’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

JOSEPH M. WILLIAMS

CB JOE, whose real name is Joseph M. Williams, passed over and joined many loved ones on Dec. 21, 2021. He was 76. His wife of 55 years, Alice, was by his side as he went home to His Savior and Lord.

Joe was the son of Joseph H. Williams and Edna Rafalko. He grew up in Rhode Island and proudly joined the U.S. Navy right after graduation from Warwick Veterans’ Memorial High School. He served nearly ten years, including on Guam and aboard the USS Hull during the Vietnam War.

The most important life event for Joe was when he was born again as a result of Rev. Pat Robertson’s preaching and teaching on the 700 Club in 1972. His heart and life was changed and he grew to love Jesus and people. His favored Bible was the American Patriot’s Bible. He was a walking, talking faith and family man.

What followed for the next 50 years was a remarkable journey of entrepreneurship. CB JOE TV & APPLIANCE began very small in a house in North East, Md. The adventure grew into Delaware. Working diligently with wonderful employees and loyal customers, the business survived many challenges and continues on. Also, the “CB JOE SHOW,” lasting 25 years, made Joe and Alice recognizable to many and put thousands of prizes in local homes.

Joe’s other great love was his baseball family that brought him many victories and triumphs. Who could forget his “Keep On Running Boys?” In 1983, Joe managed the 13-year-old Little League team of North East, Md. that brought home the first State Championship for North East. Grandson Ryan was the starting third baseman for Delaware Post One that brought home Delaware’s first American Legion World Series Championship in 2018. Grandson Kevin pitched for Delaware Military Academy to help them secure their first-ever Baseball State Championship. What joy!

Joe’s other interests included Presidential Homes and Libraries, The Museum of the Bible, The Creation Museum and the Ark, and the Museum of the American Revolution. Also, he enjoyed arm-wrestling customers, being a Rock Paper Scissors champion, teaching juggling, Slapsies, and his RV. He loved the Craig reunion and his 1963 class reunions. Joe’s final hope is that eventually all join him through the forgiveness Christ purchased for us.

Joe was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Gail Williams Creedon of Las Vegas, Nev; his brother, David Williams of Warwick, R.I.; and his brother-inlaw, Emil (Joe) Habesch II of Round Lake, N.Y. Joe would say, I witnessed the faith and passing of my prayer warrior mother-in-law Luella Craig Habesch and Papop Emil (Joe) Habesch. Surviving is his wife, Alice Habesch Williams; the best son, Jason R. Williams (Karen Makowski Williams); his three grandsons, Ryan, Kevin, and Nathan; his sister, Joyce Williams of Dana Point, Calif.; and brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Sonja Williams of Germany; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marie Habesch, Bettie and Lennie Kotzak, Irma and Gil Allen, Jeanne Lowe, Christine and Dan Park; and many nieces and nephews.

Special notice for daughter-in-law Karen: Joe loved her and she supported him for over a year of treatment of the cancer we hated. Also, a shout-out to Jim Cooper, store manager, who more than stepped up to the plate. Thank you! A memorial celebration will be held for Joe on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 4210 Limestone Road in Wilmington, Del.

Two TCHS Brandywine students are being published in multiple scientific journals

Two high school seniors from the Chester County Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine Campus’ Allied Health program are using their passion for the medical field to make a difference in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Neha Potla, a senior from Unionville High School, co-wrote two papers that have been published in scientific journals within the past year. Her most recent paper, which was published in the International Journal of Emergency Medicine, is a systematic review regarding stroke and thrombolytics in the brain. Potla worked with Dr. Latha Ganti, a professor at the University of Central Florida and specialist in stroke and emergency medicine, to conduct case studies of one of Ganti’s patients.

“Dr. Ganti and I collaborated over the course of one year and were able to dissect information, review biases and get to the core of the patient’s story,” she said, adding, “The patient was not properly diagnosed for nearly 12 years, so we reached out to her and made her aware of what we were doing. With the systematic review on thrombolytics we conducted, we were able to figure out that a new

medication was more effective than the one she was taking. We’re hoping that our findings will impact the medical field in terms of what medication is prioritized for these patients.”

The systematic review written by Potla and Dr. Ganti can be found by visiting intjem.biomedcentral. com/articles.

Her other paper, which she also co-wrote with Dr. Ganti, is a case study about a 53-year-old postmenopausal woman who had pelvic congestion syndrome, a chronic condition that typically affects premenopausal females who have given birth to multiple children. The paper discusses the symptoms and findings shown on computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography and it examines the causes the prognosis. The full paper can be viewed here at www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles.

Potla is currently in the process of applying to and interviewing for medical school at multiple universities and hopes to attend Brown University in the fall.

“Initially, I was thinking about going into nephrology, but TCHS’ Allied Health program has opened my

eyes to a lot more opportunities because I’m able to shadow doctors in different departments each week. The program also provides experience beyond just medicine. I’m learning about biomedical engineering and chemistry and have the opportunity to shadow doctors in labs as well,” said Potla.

Pranitha Anoor, a senior from Henderson High School, wrote an article that has been accepted for publication in the National High School Journal of Science (NHSJS). The article discusses the algorithm she created that can help detect brain tumors much earlier from MRI scans.

“What inspired me to conduct this research was a misdiagnosis of my mother's gallbladder,” she said. “It amazed me that the technology that was used in her diagnosis wasn’t advanced and so I decided that I wanted to use AI to help detect abnormal findings from scans. I really want to pursue computer science with medicine, so I decided to research some professors I could work with and learn from and ended up reaching out to Dr. Young Min Kwon, a poultry scientist at the University of Arkansas.

“He asked me to build

a data profile of salmonella circle, a common virus in poultry. I developed a Python code, a high-level, general-purpose programming language, to help him visualize the mutation frequencies, which helped him develop better treatments for the poultry.”

This project with Dr. Kwon inspired Anoor to conduct her own research project this past summer. She decided to take courses in AI in medicine and learned how to use AI in diagnosis, prognosis and treatments.

“I wanted to find glioma tumors, tumors that occur in the brain and spinal cord, from brain MRI scans, so I developed a deep learning algorithm using Python,” she said. “The algorithm took a brain MRI scan, focused in on each pixel and showed the abnormalities with it. I took a lot of data from places like Kaggle Public Data and fed it into the algorithm, then trained, validated and tested it. I saw a splatter of blue, red and green, which was the tumor, and was just so amazed that you can use AI to detect such a minute thing.

“This could have helped detect what was wrong with my mother’s gallbladder much sooner.”

Legals

Mark J. McCarriston, Esq., 177 Maple Shade Road, Christiana, PA 17509, Executor. Mark J. McCarriston, Esquire, 177 Maple Shade Road, Christiana, PA 17509 2p-2-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

RAP) Line Striping

(Max

L.F. 4”

Stop Bar one (1) Thermo Plastic Stop Bar 24” x 10’ All Bids will be read aloud by the Township Secretary at 2:15 P.M. Prevailing Time, on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at the Penn Township Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Copies of the Form of Proposal and Specifications are available at no cost at www.PennBID.net beginning Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Each Bidder must deposit with his/her bid, security in the form of a bid bond or certified check in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid made payable to the order of the Penn Township. Each bid must be accompanied by a signed commitment of the proposed surety offering to execute a Performance Bond, as well as the Letter of Intent, and Non-Collusion Affidavit. All Bidders must be prequalified by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. 2p-2-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Robert W. Smith aka Robert William Smith, Smith, Robert W. aka Smith, Robert William late of Nottingham, 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 Collin Olie, c/o

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 17th, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 21 st , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-2-40 Writ of Execution No. 2019-04198

DEBT $98,070.30

Property situate in the TOWNSHIP EAST NOTTINGHAM

TAX PARCEL # 69-2-90.3

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: MIDFIRST BANK VS DEFENDANT: JOSEPH A. KELLY & TONYA K. KELLY

SALE ADDRESS: 142 Wedgewood Road, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-627-1322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, 1p-26-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 17th, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 21 st , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-2-43 Writ of Execution No. 2017-07085 DEBT $1,086,723.55 Property situate in the TOWNSHIP OF KENNETT TAX PARCEL # 62-05-0029

The article is scheduled to be published soon on NHSJS’ website: https:// nhsjs.com/. When asked how the Allied Health program is beneficial for students interested in the medical field, Anoor said, “I like how broad the program is. You don’t necessarily need to shadow only doctors. You shadow nurses, social workers or technicians, too. It really encompasses all of the options you have in the future and helps give you an idea about where you want to go to college and what you want to pursue.”

Anoor is also in the process of applying to and interviewing for various medical schools and hopes to attend Brown University upon graduation this June. “I really enjoy coding and medicine, and Brown University has this major called Computational Biology, which incorporates biology and computer science together. I’ll be really excited if I get into this program,” she said. To learn more about TCHS Brandywine or its Allied Health program, visit: www.cciu.org/ tchsbrandywine.

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK S/B/M HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK VS DEFENDANT: MICHAEL J. FRAGALE

SALE ADDRESS: 821 Burrows Run Road, Kennett Township AKA Chadds Ford, PA 19317

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C.215-627-1322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, 1p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 17th, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 21 st , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are

Courtesy photo Neha Potla, a Unionville High School senior and student in TCHS Brandywine’s Allied Health program.

Courtesy photo Pranitha Anoor, a Henderson High School senior and student in TCHS Brandywine’s Allied Health program.

MATTHEW P. HANLON JR.

Matthew P. Hanlon Jr. 52, of St. Petersburg, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 14 at home.

He was a former resident of the Chester County area.

He was born in Meriden, Conn. on Aug. 16, 1969 to Linda Adams Hanlon and Matthew P. Hanlon Sr.

Matt was always the life of the party and loved his family and friends more than anything. To know him was to love him and the light of his smile will be forever missed.

He was a 1987 graduate of Greater Nanticoke Area and a 1991 graduate of Wilkes University. After graduation, he landed a job at Boscov’s in Reading. From there he moved on to QVC and then moved to Florida to take a job at HSN. He worked his way up from buying to director of affiliate marketing to operating VP affiliate. He spent nearly 17 years there. In January 2021, he accepted a job at Rising Tide Innovation Center in downtown St. Petersburg as the community director. He excelled at his job and loved every bit of it. He was extremely happy there and passionate about his work.

Surviving are his spouse, Christopher Benish at home; his parents, Linda Hanlon and Matthew Hanlon (Sandra); his sisters, Brenda Grabowski (John), Sherri Burke (Dave), Crystal Hanlon (Mike); as well as nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends he loved dearly. He is also survived by his furbabies, Tia and Rudy.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eunice and Daniel Adams and Adeline and John Hanlon, nieces, Kaitlynn and Kayla Burke and mother-in-law Irene Crook.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Matt’s honor to Wilkes University’s Wilkes Fund for scholarships at Office of Annual Giving, Wilkes University, 84 West South St, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. 18766.

Services will be planned in the future in St Petersburg, Fla. and in Nanticoke, Pa. at DavisDinelli funeral home.

JOSEPH W. DOUGHERTY

Joseph W. Dougherty, 71, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully at White Horse Village after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

He was the husband of Kathleen “Kate” Dougherty (nee Nicholson), with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.

Born May 31, 1950 in Binghamton, N.Y., he was the son of the late Mary G. Dougherty and the late Joseph S. Dougherty Jr. His family was transferred back to Philadelphia settling in Paoli, Pa. which was Joe’s childhood home.

Joe attended St. Norbert Elementary School in Paoli and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, earning a degree in finance and business law. He retired from DuPont after a 37 -year career in 2009

Joe is survived by his wife, Kate; his daughter, Megan Dougherty Hope and son-in-law, Randy, of Villanova, Pa.; his son, Joseph W. Dougherty, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Stephanie, of Malvern, Pa.; his daughter, Tricia Dougherty Monaco and son-in-law, Jeff, of Kennett Square; as well as nine grandchildren: Reilly, Patrick and Caroline Hope; Emma, Kennedy, and Madison Dougherty; and Taylor, Cameron and Sadie Monaco. Joe is also survived by his sister, Marcella G. Hagy and brother-in-law, Dexter Hagy, of Greenville, S.C.; sisters-in-law, Nancy Flynn (Mark) of Jupiter, Fla.; Joanmarie Garrettson (Tim) of Stuart, Fla.; Pat Pickel of Ridge, N.Y.; brother-in-law John P. Nicholson, Jr. (Candace) of Corona del Mar, Calif., cousins, Jim Peruzzi, (Lisa) of Hudson, Ohio; John Peruzzi (Hillary) of Greenwich, Conn., Paul Peruzzi (Jen) of Eden Prairie, Minn. and several nieces and nephews. In addition, Joe is survived by many wonderful and close friends who enhanced his life in both health and sickness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Feb. 2 at the Saint Patrick Church in Kennett Square. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The White Horse Village Employee Fund, Attention Kelli Foley, 535 Gradyville Road, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073 or Saint Patrick Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square. To read Joe’s full obituary, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

DENNIS A. MELRATH

Dennis A. Melrath, a resident of Nottingham, passed away on Jan. 24. He was 68. He was the husband of Dana Taylor Melrath, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.

Born in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of Harry L. Melrath of Oxford and the late Melba W. Waddell Melrath.

He was a graduate of Oxford Area High School Class of 1971 and received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Lincoln University.

Dennis was employed with South Mill in Kennett Square as a grower manager and also grew mushrooms for over 20 years in Oxford.

He attended Andrews Bridge Christian Fellowship in Christiana, Pa.

Dennis enjoyed photography, gardening and woodworking.

He is survived by wife; father; one son, Brent A. Melrath (Kristin) of Oxford; and two daughters, Devon Fite (Bruce) of Nottingham and Dara Oberholtzer (Clint) of Nottingham; ten grandchildren, Anna Fite, Josiah Fite, Luke Fite, Jesse Fite, Parker Melrath, Taylor Melrath, Carter Melrath, Caleb Oberholtzer, Russ Oberholtzer and Charlie Oberholtzer; one brother, Daniel L. Melrath (Bernadette) of Colora, Md; and two sisters, Dena E. Bedolla (Robbie) of Oxford and Dawn M. Zunino (Joe) of Toughkenamon.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 29 at Waterway Church, 550 Waterway Road in Oxford.

Interment was in Oxford Cemetery.

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

HELEN AITCHISON ELLISON

Helen Aitchison (Aitchie) Ellison died peacefully at the age 99 after living a life of no regrets. She was surrounded by her family when she passed on Jan. 25. She was preceded by Hank, her husband of 59 years. Helen was born in Rochester, N.Y., to George C. and Minnie Aitchison. She graduated from Fairport High School and then attended and graduated from St. Lawrence University as a member of the Class of 1945. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and was a cheerleader for the college. After graduation, she moved to Boston where she met the love of her life, Hank Ellison. Throughout her life, Aitch was dedicated to St. Lawrence. She worked tirelessly as the president of the Alumni Council, member of the Board of Trustees and as an advocate for Title IX equality for female athletes. She was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. She proudly served for many years as the class reporter and reunion chair for the class of 1945. One of her proudest accomplishments was to raise funds to honor her classmates who left St. Lawrence to serve in World War II.

Aitchie raised her family in Syracuse, N.Y. and Fairfield, Conn. before moving to Simsbury, Conn., where she and Hank lived for 20 years.

Among her favorite pastimes were a lifelong love of golf where she enjoyed many days on the course with good friends, skiing and swimming. She loved spending time with family in Maine and traveling the world. Among her favorites were Switzerland, Austria, Australia and New Zealand. She adored her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to visit.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan Ellison Lackmann (husband David), her son, Doug Ellison (wife Virginia) and daughter, Andrea Ellison Mulla (husband Nej). She is also survived by five grandchildren, Sarah Ellison (wife Kailey), Hank Ellison, Jen Lackmann, Cameron and Kahil Mulla.

A Celebration of Life took place on Jan. 29 at the Alison Building of Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community. Aitchie’s family is so grateful to the staff at Jenners Pond for their kindness and caring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Ellison Family Scholarship at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. (STLAWU.edu) , Camp O-AT-KA, Sebago Lake, ME (campoatka.org) or the charity of your choice.

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 of West Grove.

MARY VIRGINIA LORAH

Mary Virginia Lorah (nee Smith), passed away peacefully from respiratory failure on Jan. 28, 2022, one day shy of her 95th birthday.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio on Jan. 29, 1926, “Ginny” was a retired fourth-grade school teacher, known for her quick wit, love of life and family, and willingness to brighten other people’s days.

The widow of Theodore R. Lorah (2012), Ginny is survived by her

ter-in-law, Elizabeth S. Lorah; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by her first-born son, Theodore R. Lorah, Jr. (2009), and grandson, Carl Frederick Bland (2019).

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 116 Lancaster Pike in Oxford, and will be streamed on their website.

Burial will be held at a later time at Williamsfield Cemetery in Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to her parish or a charity of your choice.

Additional Obituaries on Page 3B

VIOLET E. STEELE

Violet E. Steele, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 19 at her home. She was 92. She was the wife of John E. “Jack” Steele, with whom she shared 74 years of marriage. Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Newton and Della M. Hershour McDowell.

Violet was an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church. She enjoyed working in the church kitchen.

Violet took pleasure in cooking and baking, sewing, quilting and recently reading the books from her church library.

She is survived by her husband; one son, John E. Steele, Jr. of Oxford; one daughter, Connie Slauch and her husband Peter Slauch of Oxford; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Delmar McDowell and two sisters, Marian Anderson and Deloris McClellan.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 26 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment was in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison 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.

SHARON TICE

Sharon “Sherry” Tice, a longtime resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 14 at St. Francis Medical Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. She was 71. Born on June 13, 1950 in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Harold C. and Anna Ethel (Gamble) Tice.

Above all else, Sherry was a born again follower of Jesus Christ. She was a graduate of Kennett High School in the class of 1968. She eventually continued her education to become a surgical technician working at the Christiana Hospital.

In her free time, she loved the outdoors and walking with God in the woods. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and doing word puzzles, coloring with her grandchildren, and most of all spending time with God and reading His Word.

Sherry is survived by her children, Laura Corkadel (Bill) and Matthew D. Smith (Noeme Jane); her grandchildren, Jacqueline, Brianna, Brandon, Kaelyn and Kyrieyana; her great-grandchildren Sloane and Brayden; and her sisters Linda Tice, Beth Tice, and Nancy Hallinan.

Friends will be received on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 where a service will begin at 11 a.m.

The interment is private in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Arrangements by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

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

JOHN DONOVAN

John Donovan, a resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 24. He was 58. He attended Weymouth North High School, then went on to Princeton University, where he was captain of the lacrosse team and majored in chemical engineering. He earned his MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

He started his career with ICI Americas and continued working for Dupont until his retirement.

He spent many years coaching youth hockey at the Chester County Skating Club, the Girls Little Flyers and Unionville High School. He also coached youth lacrosse for Unionville Recreational Association.

John loved camping with his family, skiing, fishing, collecting things, and hosting events for family and friends, especially Princeton field hockey tailgates. His favorite roles, though, were as Dad and Papa John.

John is survived by Katy, his wife of 35 years; his children, Kaitlin (Christopher) Knauss, Amelia (Kyle) Burke, William, Annabeth (Tom) Davis, Daniel and Claire; his grandchildren, Esmé, Adeline, Benjamin, Jack, and Tommy; his parents, Richard and Martha Donovan; and his siblings.

A Funeral Mass was held on Feb. 1 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to YoungMoms, 111 Marshall Street, Kennett Square.

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

son, James Michael Lorah (and spouse, Mitzi); daughter, Carol Lorah Bland; widowed daugh-

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

Home Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone shower wall system made of 70% real crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED.

All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts plus financing so a shower remodel is affordable on any budget.Don’t cover your problem up with a tub or shower liner. Design your bathtub or shower replacement with our trained and certified Specialists at a price you can afford.

“Great experience with Home Smart. I collected a couple quotes for a bathtub/surround replacement. Home Smart offered the most aesthetically pleasing option at a competitive price. They also beat the installation lead time estimate by ~4 weeks. Ken and Tony came and efficiently completed the install. My house is old and there were challenges to work with, but they worked through them and in the end, product looks really great. Thanks!” Read more reviews from our

Stars, 374 reviews