A ‘groundbreaking’ moment for Oxford Borough
The construction of a new parking garage, perhaps the borough’s largest-ever economic development project, is now underway following a groundbreaking on Feb. 8
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
So many people played a role in supporting the multimodal transportation center project, there weren’t enough shovels to go around as Oxford Borough held a groundbreaking ceremony on Feb. 8 to officially mark the start of construction on a new 300-space parking garage. Local, county, and state officials hailed the project as a catalyst for economic
development and commercial growth in the coming years as Oxford Borough continues its revitalization efforts.
“Downtown Oxford is on the verge of a hard-earned economic revival,” Oxford Borough Council president Susan Lombardi told the dozens of people who gathered in the parking lot between Second Street and Third Street for the groundbreaking ceremony. “More parking and improved transportation amenities are
needed to continue economic growth in the borough. As we continue to work for the betterment of Oxford, this groundbreaking ceremony affords us a unique opportunity to bring attention to the revitalization of the borough, and to spotlight all that the downtown has to offer to everyone who lives and works in the region.”
Oxford Borough Mayor Lorraine Durnan Bell, who served as the master of ceremonies for the event, said:
Penn intersection improvements begin
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Work has officially begun on a $2.5 million project to improve and realign the intersection of state Route 796 and West Baltimore Pike near the site of the former Red Rose Inn in Penn Township. On Monday morning, Penn Township officials welcomed numerous state and local dignitaries, along with representatives from PennDOT, McMahon Associates, RoadCon and the Pennsylvania State Police for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of the much-needed
project.
Curtis Mason, the chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, was elated that the project has finally reached the point where improvements to the heavily travelled intersection are underway.
“This is great,” Mason said. “For the growth that we have, this project is a must.”
As traffic has increased in the area, the intersection has become not only an annoyance for motorists— it ranks among the least efficient intersections in Pennsylvania—there were also safety issues because
Deb Ryan kicks off campaign to become county’s next District Attorney
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Before more than 150 elected officials, law enforcement personnel, local dignitaries and friends gathered at Barnaby’s in West Chester on Feb. 7, former Chester County Deputy District Attorney Deb Ryan officially launched her campaign to become the county’s next District Attorney. Ryan will run on the Democratic ballot in this May’s primary. If she wins,
she will likely challenge Republican and current District Attorney Tom Hogan, who has been in office since 2011, in November.
When her colleagues in law enforcement first encouraged her to campaign for District Attorney, Ryan said she rejected the idea, but after experiencing a family tragedy, she told the audience that she began to reevaluate her life, and began to determine how she could best leave her mark on Chester County.
“I thought, ‘What can I do
better?’” Ryan said.
The inspiration to declare her candidacy, she said, was her grandparents, who were both survivors of the Holocaust. At a young age, she said, “I was taught the critical importance of advocacy and speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.
“They came to this country with nothing,” she said. “They had no family, had no money, and they didn’t speak the language, but they came here and were embraced by
Myers steps down as president of Kennett Square Borough Council
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
A replacement is expected to be chosen at borough council’s next meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 19 not her seat on council, during a tense and sometimes extremely awkward council meeting on Feb. 4.
When Kennett Square Borough Council meets again on Tuesday, Feb. 19, the most pressing item on the agenda will likely be selecting a new council president.
And nobody seems happy about it.
LaToya Myers was sailing through her second year in the role as council president when she unexpectedly announced that she was relinquishing the leadership position, but
Myers, who joined council in 2016 and was elected to a four-year term that started in 2018, decided to step down as the council president immediately following a vote on a resolution establishing new rules of council governing public comment at meetings. Myers and council member Ethan Cramer, the borough council vice president, both voted against the resolution, which was approved by a
vote of 5-2.
When council member Wayne Braffman outlined the resolution that was under consideration, he explained that since the current members joined borough council, they have expanded public comment so that people in the audience can voice their opinions toward the beginning and at the end of each meeting. Borough council also added public comment before votes are taken on many action items during the course of
total strangers, and these people became their family, and by extension, they became mine. So from the time I was old enough to understand, I knew that it was my responsibility to advocate for the vulnerable, the oppressed and the marginalized. They guided me by their principles.”
If one half of Ryan’s candidacy is being steered by the influence of her grandparents, then the other half is being guided by her 15 years of experience as a criminal prosecutor. Currently the county
coordinator for the Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative at the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc., Ryan began her career as an Assistant District Attorney at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, and then began as a prosecutor at the Chester County District Attorney’s office in 2006, where she was then promoted to Deputy District Attorney, and she headed the Child Abuse Unit and Children’s Advocacy Center
London Grove board denies Three Groves Ecovillage application
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
By a unanimous vote, the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors denied the conditional use application for the planned development of the Three Groves Ecovillage in West Grove, bringing to a halt a concept that would have created an environmentally conscious, 7.5-acre pedestrian village adjacent to Goddard Park. The decision was reached at a hearing at the board’s Feb. 6 meeting. The board was in agreement with the comments
shared by board chairman Richard Scott-Harper, who said that the applicant does not conform with the definition of “ecovillage,” as is defined in the township’s zoning code. In addition, he said that the proposed boundary is not within onehalf-mile walking distance to at least seven “diverse and unique uses” in the township’s commercial district. Further, Scott-Harper said that the applicant did not identify seven uses – both within the half-mile distance or outside of it – that are designated as “unique and diverse.”
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Photo courtesy Moonloop Photography
Local, county, and state officials took part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new parking garage in downtown Oxford on Feb. 8.
Photo by Steven Hoffman Improvements are coming to the intersection of Route 796 and Old Baltimore Pike in Penn Township.
“This town, our town, has so much greatness going on now, and even more positive growth in the future, and we are here to witness one more step in our economic growth. This is a major step for Oxford.”
Bell was one of several speakers who referenced the fact that Oxford Borough has been talking about the need for parking in the business district not for years, but for decades. She explained that when her family moved to Oxford in 1972, it was a topic of discussion even then. Bell said that it took visionaries to get the Route 1 Bypass built to pave the way for commercial and residential growth in southern Chester County. Similarly, Bell said, it took vision to see how the multimodal transportation center would meet the needs of the borough.
“Today,” Bell said, “we have many visionaries. Today, we help to strengthen and grow our town. Today, we begin again.”
Lombardi and Bell both thanked state and county officials who were responsible for helping the borough secure more than half the funding needed for the $7 million project. State Sen. Andrew Dinniman, State Rep. John Lawrence, and Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Terence Farrell, and Kathi Cozzone have been ardent supporters of the project.
Lombardi said that Dinniman and Lawrence have been steadfast champions of the borough, while the Chester County Commissioners provided early support for the project that helped move it forward at an important stage.
“We would not be breaking ground today without the support of the funders,” Lombardi said.
Several state and county officials spoke about the importance of the project at the groundbreaking ceremony.
“It’s an exciting day for the Borough of Oxford,” said State Rep. John Lawrence, who took part in dozens of meetings about the parking garage in recent years. He recalled growing up in nearby Landenberg, and frequently visiting Oxford when he was a child. Even then, he was aware that people were saying that Oxford needed more parking.
“Today,” Lawrence said, “we’re taking action.”
Lawrence thanked
National Penn Bank and BB & T Bank for their contributions to the project. Oxford Borough negotiated a deal with National Penn Bank to purchase a large portion of the lot where the parking garage is being built for one dollar. National Penn Bank was then acquired by BB&T Bank, which now honors the agreement. The borough also acquired a small piece of the property from Verizon, and Lawrence thanked that company for its support of the project, too.
Michelle Kichline, the chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, said that revitalizing a downtown center like Oxford Borough is an important component of Vista 2025, a public-private partnership that is focused on creating and implementing an economic development strategy throughout the county. She noted that the county has allocated $65.5 million in funding since 2002 for revitalization efforts in the urban centers throughout the county. Of that $65.5 million, Oxford Borough has received approximately $5.6 million, including more than $1 million for the parking garage.
“We at the county level are focused on investing in urban centers to balance preservation with prosperity,” said County Commissioner Terence Farrell.
Kichline commended borough officials, including Oxford Borough Council, for taking the steps necessary to revitalize the downtown—including making the commitment to a large project like a parking garage.
“Oxford is preparing for a downtown that will prosper,” Kichline said.
Lining up the funding for the project has been a priority for the last three years. Lombardi said that many people have worked hard locally to advance the project, including business owners, current borough manager Brian Hoover, former borough manager Betsy Brantner, the Oxford Borough staff, Mayor Bell, and OMI executive director Brian Wenzka and former OMI executive director Donna Hosler. Bell thanked Pauline Garcia-Allen, who served as a consultant throughout the planning process. She helped the borough secure a number of state and county grants. Oxford officials also worked closely with state and county officials throughout the project’s planning process. Approximately
$3.6 million in state and county grants were awarded to the borough to support the facility’s construction.
“State Senator Dinniman, and State Representative Lawrence and the Chester County Commissioners have been steadfast champions of the revitalization of downtown Oxford,” said Brian Hoover, the borough manager. “We reach this important milestone in large part because of their support and due to the funding they secured through PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Chester County Department of Community and Economic Development.”
An anonymous donor also contributed more than $1 million for the new borough administration building more than a decade before the multimodal transportation center project was even being considered. When a new administration building was included in the project, those funds were then available for the borough’s use.
Ryan Emerson, the director of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, said that this was exactly the type of project that the department wanted to be supportive of when a multimodal transportation fund was established in 2014.
Oxford Borough applied for a grant in 2016, and ended up receiving $540,000 in grant funding.
“Collaboration is the key to projects like this one,” said Emerson, explaining that the parking garage will be a catalyst for economic development. “I’m excited to come back and see the borough’s downtown and hear the stories about the
Myers steps down...
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Voted the each meeting. The new resolution, Braffman said, would expand public comment in
impact that this project has had on Oxford.”
Timothy Phelps, the executive director of the Transportation Management Association of Chester County, said that parking is a key issue for any community to address. He noted that, in the future, the multimodal transportation center in Oxford will also open up opportunities for increased public transportation in southern Chester County, so that local residents have a transportation connection to the region.
The facility that is being built will be a four-level parking structure, with integrated bus services, and approximately 2,700 square feet of interior space that will become the new borough administration building. The 100,000-square-foot garage is an open, long span, precast structure that consists of a single helix with two-way drive aisles and 90-degree parking stalls. Designed to match the aesthetic of nearby historic buildings, the transportation center will also feature a surface parking lot, park-n-ride capabilities, and a shuttle bus stop. The Harman Group is providing structural engineering and parking consultant services for the transportation center.
West Chester-based Krug Architects has handled the design work.
In addition to providing adequate and convenient parking for visitors to the downtown who want to shop in the stores or dine in the restaurants, the parking garage is expected to boost attendance at many of the events that Oxford Borough plans throughout the year.
Another major reason for the parking garage is to attract a larger employer or more restaurants to the downtown.
A lack of parking has long been an obstacle to attracting developers who might want to invest in the downtown.
Brian Wenzka said that interest in properties in the business district has increased since it became clear that the borough is moving forward with the parking garage project. He noted during his speech that Oxford recently welcomed its 36th new business in the downtown since 2012, and said that parking infrastructure is necessary to continue to grow the business district.
Farrell, who grew up in the Oxford area and has strong ties to the community, said that the community has done a good job of utilizing the more than $5 million in grant funding from the county to enhance Oxford’s business district.
“The revitalization continues to progress,” Farrell said.
Longtime council members such as Lombardi, John Thompson, and Ron Hershey were all smiles during the groundbreaking ceremony, having devoted many, many hours to the planning of the project.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Hershey said, “I think
it will move Oxford to the next level.”
Now that the project has reached this point, Hoover said, things will start to move very quickly. Work on cleaning up the parking lot and preparing it to serve as a construction site will start right away. By the week of Feb. 25, work on the foundation of the facility should be started. Construction of the parking garage could be completed by Thanksgiving if all goes well. Then, work on the interior spaces, including the new borough administration building, could be finalized by February of 2020.
Meanwhile, the borough still has two applications for additional grant funding already filed. It will be a busy year ahead, but borough officials were clearly elated that the largest economic development project in the borough’s history has reached this point.
“I’m excited,” Hoover said.
For more information about the project, visit oxfordboro.org.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
The resolution proposed a two-minute limit for a person who was making public comment, and each person would be timed with a digital countdown timer that would be displayed so that everyone would know how much time remained for that person’s comments. Any member of council could ask that the limit be increased for two additional minutes, if necessary, to allow people to share all their thoughts about a particular subject.
several ways. Public comment would be allowed before borough council votes to make appointments to the various boards and commissions. Braffman explained that the resolution would also expand who has standing with regard to public comment. Previously, only residents and property owners were guaranteed to be able to take part in public comment. The new resolution would allow “any authorized representative of an organization or entity whose primary place of business is in the Borough of Kennett Square.” As examples of people who would have standing under the new regulations, Braffman offered a pastor of a church or a business owner who rents the property.
“A vast majority of comments are delivered in under two minutes,” Braffman said.
During the discussion about the resolution, it quickly became apparent that several council members weren’t in favor of a two-minute limit, and a
three-minute limit was suggested instead. When it became clear that not everyone was in favor of resolution as it was written, the discussion went in about a dozen different directions.
Council member Ethan Cramer was the first to object to the resolution, saying that a two-minute limit would be a wall to discourage people from sharing their views.
Council member Jamie Mallon said that the idea behind the two-minute limit was to keep the commenters focused on the topic.
“The idea is be concise, to be clear, to state your issues,” Mallon said. “I don’t look at this as an infringement of anyone’s freedom of speech.”
Council member Peter Waterkotte made the point that the Borough of Kennett Square is a small town with a small government.
“We should all have the opportunity to communicate with one another,” Waterkotte said, explaining that time limits on public comment allow for more people to share their views, instead of having a few people in the audience dominate
Photo courtesy Moonloop Photography
Council president Susan Lombardi thanked the state and county officials who helped secure funding for the project.
Courtesy image
A rendering of the new multimodal transportation center that is being built in Oxford.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
The groundbreaking ceremony marked a major milestone for a project that has been in the planning stages for years.
Local News
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of the alignment of the road and the high volume of the traffic, especially during peak hours.
Mason said that the intersection has been an issue since he joined the Board of Supervisors more than 21 years ago, and the supervisors were all determined to find a solution that would address the traffic congestion.
He explained that the township purchased the Red Rose Inn building seven years ago not only because it was a way to preserve an important part of township history, but because it also allowed for traffic-calming measures to be undertaken for the nearby intersection. After the township purchased the Red Rose Inn, modifications were made to the non-historic additions that had been made to the building through the years to make way for the realignment of Route 796. The original historic part of the Inn will remain intact and is being carefully refurbished.
The new design for the intersection will realign Route 796 and add turning lanes on both roads to alleviate the
Deb Ryan...
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in 2013. She was awarded the Chester County Prosecutor of the Year in 2014.
Proclaiming that prevention and education is the county’s first line of defense to stemming the tide of crime, Ryan said that she will prosecute criminals and work to reduce the recidivism rate by treating the underlying, root causes that lead to criminal behavior.
She told the audience that she would be an advocate for victims and survivors and seek justice on their behalf, by promoting positive, respectful, and professional relationships with victims and survivors; valuing victims’ input; and providing them with additional resources.
“Victims will always come first,” Ryan said. “It means treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve. It means listening to them and valuing their input. It means working with the Crime Victims’ Center to get them the help they need.”
Becoming the county’s
public comment at each meeting. “We have rules and regulations, and we’re all in this together. We’re not big government. We’re a small community who cares about each other.”
Myers waited for the other council members to speak before she leveled some pretty harsh criticism of the resolution.
“This rule of council resolution is silencing a black woman in the community,” Myers said. Although she did not mention her by name, it was clear that Myers was referring to Charla Watson, who frequently speaks during public comment sessions. What isn’t as clear is why Myers focused in on Watson being a target of the resolution, when the new rules regarding public comment would affect John Thomas just as much. Thomas, like Watson, is a longtime Kennett Square Borough resident who rarely sees anything to like about the borough council’s activities. Both Watson and Thomas are sharply critical of council.
“The intent (of the resolution) matters,” Myers said. “To say it doesn’t matter is
current traffic congestion. Improving the flow of traffic through the main intersection of the township should also help boost the local economy by allowing easier access to local businesses and open up access to additional nearby sites for potential commercial development.
Mason said that the long process to reach this point in the project was well worth it.
He thanked both State Sen. Andrew Dinniman and State Rep. John Lawrence, who worked together to secure $275,000 in state funding to improve the intersection.
Mason said that the project would not have been possible without the assistance of Dinniman and Lawrence.
The project will be partially funded by PennDOT and a Commonwealth Financing Authority Multi-Modal grant.
Penn Township will be paying about $1.25 million of the total project costs. Penn Township adopted an ordinance last year establishing a traffic impact fee on any new commercial or residential developments or projects that create a traffic impact within designated transportation service areas in the township. The revenues generated from
next district attorney, Ryan said, will involve confronting – and attempting to clean up – a county-wide increase in homicides, a rising opioid crisis, and an ever-more dangerous spike in gun violence – as well as what she called a 760 percent rise in child abuse cases over the past eight years, “with virtually no assistance from the current district attorney to help children, and that’s unacceptable,” she said.
Carolyn Comitta, state representative for the 156th district and former Mayor of West Chester, called Ryan “the right person at the right time for Chester County.”
“[Deb] has spent 15 years working on some of the most infamous horrific cases and standing up to protect people, in order to promote safe and healthy communities for our children,” Comitta said.
“That is what she is going to do as our DA. She will use her talent, her skills, her heart, her head and all of her experience in order to make Chester County a safe and healthy community for children, our families, our businesses.”
offensive. This, to me, we’re using policy to continue institutional racism. I will not support this. Not at all.”
A few minutes later, Myers asked council to amend the agenda so that she could resign as council president, citing her unwillingness to enforce rules aimed at, in her view, silencing residents.
To their credit, the other members of council, the ones that Myers accused of taking an action that continues institutional racism, did not respond with hurt feelings or anger. Instead, they heaped praise on Myers for doing an excellent job as president.
“I think you are doing a good job,” said Mallon.
Watercotte said that Myers had done an amazing job as president. He said that it would be sad for everyone involved if Myers stepped down as president.
Council member Dr. Brenda Mercomes used the word “excellent” to describe Myers’ work as council president, and said that she herself could not handle the duties of president as well as Myers does.
On at least three different occasions, Mallon implored
those fees will be used to help cover the expenses for any road improvements that might be necessary as a result of the developments.
State Rep. John Lawrence was one of the speakers at the event. He talked about the importance of the project to local residents and people who work in the township.
“This is an historic day,” said Lawrence. He recalled a meeting that he had with PennDOT officials about 7 or 8 years ago. When he raised the subject of the intersection, and the possibility of making the necessary improvements, the officials said that it would take about 20 years for the Penn Township intersection to reach the top of the list of projects to be completed.
“That was not accptable,” Lawrence said. “So a large group of people came together, and there were more meetings. We got the intersection prioritized for the residents of southern Chester County.”
Dinniman wasn’t able to be at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, but he, too, was very pleased that the intersection improvements are about to be made.
“This project has been a
Joseph Carroll, who served as the county’s District Attorney from 2002 to 2011, recalled that when Ryan worked for him. She pursued her job with a passion, “and she did so to make our world a little better,” at a time in the DA’s office when the wellbeing of victims was one of the highest priorities of the office, “and caring for them was more important than press conferences,” Carroll said.
“We remember when the district attorney’s office and all of the law enforcement officers in Chester County had a real partnership, with each of us understanding their role, and respecting the role of the other, without any concern of who got credit for pursuing our goals for a safe community and justice.
“I am tired of seeing the DA’s office used for political purposes,” Carroll added.
“What’s the cure for it? We need someone who cares more about serving the people of Chester County than how she looks in the newspaper. We need someone who can work effectively with
Myers to wait until the next meeting, then two weeks and one day away, before making a decision about handing off the gavel to a new council president.
“I think emotions got high,” Mallon said. “A cooling-off period might be good for everyone involved.”
Myers insisted that the passage of time would do nothing to change her mind. It was the principle of the issues at hand.
Reluctantly, borough council did amend the agenda and formally accepted Myers’ resignation. A decision was made to select a new president at the next meeting, rather than doing that right away.
Very briefly, there was some discussion about reconsidering the resolution that started the problems— perhaps there was a way to change the language in it to satisfy Myers’ concerns.
She insisted that she didn’t want to be council president and have to enforce rules regarding public comment that she felt were too restrictive.
“This is principle for me,” Myers said. “I thought this through. This is about how
long time coming but we’re finally here and we did it by working together for the good and economic well-being of the community, not to mention the safety of the many motorists and commuters who use this vital thoroughfare each day,” Dinniman said in a statement. “The new intersection will have a significant, positive impact on not just Penn Township, but southern Chester County.”
Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Michelle Swantner said that they are very supportive of projects like this one that can help improve safety on heavily traveled roadways.
“We appreciate all the hard work that went into making this happen,” Swantner said.
McMahon Associates is the township’s project manager and design and construction engineer for the intersection.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sean Hughes, the construction superintendent from McMahon Associates, provided an overview of the project.
The work will be completed in four phases between now and the end of July. At this point, no detours or road closures are expected to be
every police department in the county, providing the support and council they need.
“We need somebody who understands that everything a district attorney says or does can have immense, lifechanging impact on those who are affected, and who understands that while a district attorney can save lives, one ill-advised comment can hurt them, as well. We need somebody who will make every decision fairly, intelligently, based solely on the evidence and without any concern about personal or political consequences.”
The crowd was riveted by the words of Hawa Koroma, a former victim who Ryan helped receive justice, who shared her story of working with Ryan.
“She saved my life,” Koroma said of Ryan. “She assured me that everything would be okay and that I was not alone. For this reason, I believe she will represent and empower her citizens.”
If she is elected as the chief law enforcement officer for Chester County, Ryan said that she will collaborate
people in power use that power.”
And just like that, borough council was left without a permanent president. Council could elect a new president at its meetig on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
In other business at the Feb. 4 meeting, Kennett Square Borough Council held a public hearing regarding amendments to Chapter 23 of the borough’s zoning regulations. The public hearing pertained to making personal services as a by-right use in the C-1 and C-2 District. Barbershops and nail salons are the kinds of personal services that the amendments would address, with the goal being to have regulations
necessary. If lane closures do occur, there will be flaggers to facilitate traffic flow.
In addition to the roads being widened and the turning lanes being added, a new traffic signal will be intalled with updated signal phasing. The last phase of the project includes the paving of the roads. Because the intersection is a busy one, the mill work and overlay work might be completed at night, but that hasn’t been decided yet.
While there may be minor inconveniences on occasion, officials were optimistic that the resulting improvements
will be well worth it.
“It’s going to be a nice, finished project when it’s done,” said Stephen C. Giampaolo, the Regional Highway Design Service Leader with McMahon Associates. He said that when the design plans for the project were being developed, they factored in the needs of the intersection for the next 20 years so these improvements will make a difference for a long time to come.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
with over 50 law enforcement agencies including the Chester County Detectives, municipal police departments, the Pennsylvania State Police and federal agencies.
In her career, she said, “I have seen some of the worst and the best in humanity, and some of the best in humanity I have come across have been in the form of law enforcement. These men and women I have worked with will really inspire you, and you should know that they protect you and your family every
that would allow for these activities in the borough’s commercial district.
Andrew Froning was appointment to fill a vacancy on the borough’s planning commission.
In his Finance Committee report, Braffman said that they are looking at new ways to generate revenue. Some of the possibilities being considered include selling advertising in public places or in the borough’s newsletter or boosting the money that the town earns when festivals take place. They are also brainstorming about ways to save money, Braffman said, adding that if anyone has any ideas they should share them with borough manager Joseph
day, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.”
In her closing remarks, Ryan told the audience that the District Attorney’s Office must be filled with integrity and transparency, where everyone is treated equally. “I know that we can work together to make a change, and I know that Chester County is ready for a change,” she said.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Scalise or any member of the Finance Committee.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Former Chester County Deputy District Attorney Deb Ryan officially launched her campaign to become the county’s next District Attorney, on Feb. 7 in West Chester.
Photo by Steven Hoffman Penn Township supervisor Curtis Mason (right) stands with Bill Finnen, who served as a township supervisor for 50 years. Mason said that the improvement project that is about to get underway would not have been possible without Finnen’s help.
State Rep. Lawrence earns important committee assignment
He will serve on the House Appropriations Committee and was also named deputy whip for 2019-2020 legislative session
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
As the state budget hearings get underway this week in Harrisburg, State Rep. John Lawrence now has a key seat at the table after House Republican leaders selected him to serve on the important House Appropriations Committee.
Lawrence, who has represented the 13th legislative district since 2011, has long advocated for fiscal responsibility when it comes to the spending of taxpayer dollars. The new committee assignment will provide him with an opportunity to share his viewpoints on a very influential committee.
“The General Assembly’s primary responsibility is to pass an annual state budget and the lion’s share of that responsibility rests with the Appropriations Committee,” explained Lawrence. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to put my business and financial knowledge to work in this critical role, which will enable me to actively scrutinize state spending and determine how best to protect the interests of Pennsylvania taxpayers.”
Budget hearings with
various state departments, agencies and other stakeholders began on Monday, Feb. 11, and are scheduled to conclude on March 6. The complete schedule can be found at www.PAHouseGOP.com where the public can also watch the hearings live.
In the new, two-year legislative session, Lawrence has also been named deputy whip, a crucial position on the House floor when important votes are being taken and consensus is uncertain. In this leadership role, Lawrence will use his knowledge and influence to help gain a consensus among his peers.
In addition to these assignments, Lawrence has been named to the House Professional Licensure Committee, which addresses legislation concerning professional and occupational licensing boards, and related
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regulations put forth by the Department of State. He has also been reappointed to Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Transportation, and Rules committees.
Before being elected to the State House, Lawrence worked in the private sector as an account officer for J.P. Morgan Chase. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Penn State University. He has made government reform a focus of his work in Harrisburg, especially in areas where finances are concerned.
Lawrence has authored legislation combining redundant government services and directing an audit of every bureau, commission, and agency of state government.
The 13th Legislative District is comprised of East Nottingham, Elk, Franklin, Highland, Londonderry, London Grove, Lower Oxford, New London, Penn, Upper Oxford, West Fallowfield, and West Nottingham townships; Atglen, Oxford, and West Grove boroughs in Chester County, along with Sadsbury Township and Christiana Borough in Lancaster County.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.
Brave souls plunge into a chilly Brandywine
It was cold on Saturday morning, but air temperatures in the 20s did not deter dozens of hardy individuals who came to plunge into the Brandywine Creek.
The 11th annual Brandywine Red Clay Alliance Polar Plunge at the Brandywine Picnic
Park attracted scores of participants, many of them in bathing suits, to raise awareness of clean water.
The registration fee of $35, plus additional donations from friends and families, went toward the organization’s clean water efforts.
Since 2008, nearly 1,800 people have taken the plunge and raised nearly $150,000. The Polar Plunge is one of Brandywine Red Clay’s major fundraisers. The event also included a costume competition and recognition of community service clubs.
Landenberg man charged with making threats
A 44-year-old Landenberg man was arrested after he pointed a shotgun at a person and made verbal threats last month, police said. Carter B. Gray of Landenberg was charged with making terroristic threats, simple assault and possessing instruments of crime following a physical assault that took place Jan. 18 at 11 p.m. in the 300 block of Buttonwood Road. The incident was not reported to police until the next day. Police made contact with Gray and corroborated the victim’s account. Gray was taken into custody, and two shotguns were seized. Gray was processed and held for arraignment, after which he was released on $50,000 cash bail.
Photo by Chris Barber
Polar Plunge participants rush into the chilly Brandywine on Saturday.
State Rep. John Lawrence
Oxford United Methodist Women’s sixth annual Chocolate Festival set for March 2
The Oxford United Methodist Church will be holding its sixth annual Chocolate Festival on Saturday, March 2.
Penn Township delays awarding bids for two projects
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer
anybody to it.”
The Penn Township Board of Supervisors delayed awarding bids for work at the Red Rose Inn and at the township building during a meeting on Feb. 6. The delay will allow time to prepare specs for the work.
Courtesy photo
The Oxford United Methodist Church’s sixth annual Chocolate Festival will take place on Saturday, March 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Corner, where children can decorate cookies to take home.
Guests can have fun watching the “I Love Lucy” show, as Lucy works in the Chocolate Factory. The church will also be taking orders for the annual Easter Egg Sale.
Besides enjoying delicious chocolate, guests may guess how many M&M’s (or other chocolate candies) are in the jars. There is a Kid’s Cookie
The fun, family-friendly event offers people the chance to enter their favorite batch of cookies, brownies, candy, fudge, cake, or any other chocolate dessert, in the contest. Children 16 and under may participate as well. Judges are local chocolatiers or bakers. Entries must be delivered between 8:30 and 10 a.m. on the day of the event. Each entry must include one ingredient that is chocolate. Judging starts promptly at 10 a.m. The categories to be judged are cakes/cupcakes, cookies, candy/fudge, brownies, and other desserts. All entries must be received in whole batches (whole cake, 18 cupcakes, 36 cookies, or an entire batch of candy), and must be in a disposable container. There is no fee to enter the Chocolate Festival contest. There are no limits on the number of entries per person. Ribbons will be awarded to first, second, third and honorable mention selections at 2 p.m. The Best in Show prize will be awarded a basket of prizes.
The admission is $5 per person, and each person receives six tickets for six chocolate treats of their choosing. All proceeds from the event will benefit mission projects of the Oxford United Methodist Church Women. Additional tickets will be sold for 50 cents each.
The Chocolate Festival takes place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Oxford United Methodist Church is located at 18 Addison Street in Oxford.
In the case of the Red Rose Inn, the renovation project is ready for sanding and finishing of the floors. Three proposals were solicited, with the lowest coming from TP Hardwood Flooring at $9,578.
Curtis Mason, the chairman of the board of supervisors, asked if the bid included sealing all heating ducts to keep out dust, as well as clean up. The prep work and cleanup were assumed, but not detailed, in the price proposals. The brand of sealer was also not detailed.
“We want to write a spec. Then, we’re comparing apples to apples to apples,” supervisor William “Radar” O’Connell said. “If you don’t have it in writing, you can’t hold
The board also tabled selecting a company to install security cameras at the township building on similar grounds. Mason and O’Connell indicated they would do a walk-through of the building interior and exterior to identify the locations for cameras so that bidders would be pricing the same number of cameras and installation sites.
The board did vote to pay $4,000 for the addition of a new wall and door at the entrance to the township offices to create a secure vestibule inside the public entrance to the building. This is to provide greater security for workers in the township office and limit unauthorized access to private areas.
The bid also covers repair to the crown molding in the area that will be disrupted by the construction.
Another purchase approved by the board was the installation on new gates to the Township Park. The new gates will match the existing ones.
There will be no weed spraying in the park this year, the supervisors noted. The largest purchase that was approved by the board was $6,300 for an 18-foot trailer. The trailer will be used to transport the township’s skid loader to worksites where it is needed.
A resolution set compensation for the township tax collector at a 1 percent commission on collected bills, but the board would prefer to have the county collect the taxes as it does now.
The position of tax collector must be listed on the ballot for voters to decide, but the board hopes the winner will resign the position, turning it back to the county. Anyone elected to the post would have to be bonded and take a class at their own expense, as well as providing a location for property owners to make payments.
“We save $7,000 by giving it to the county, plus it’s more convenient for the taxpayers,” Mason said.
Kennett board OKs ‘no parking’ signs to be installed near popular restaurant
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Taqueria Moroleon on 9173 Gap Newport Pike in Avondale is known by locals primarily for two things: its plentiful and delicious Mexican cuisine, and a persistent overflow of cars in its parking lot, which on many nights has led some of the restaurant’s patrons to seek parking elsewhere.
Many have begun parking illegally on Skyview Lane, located across the busy stretch of highway, and at their meeting on Feb. 6, the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors voted to enforce parking regulations by passing Resolution 2019-10, which gives the township’s police department the authority to place ‘no parking’ signs along the lane.
on-street parking, and that it is dangerous for pedestrian traffic to cross Gap Newport Pike.
Before making his recommendation for the signs to the board, township Police Chief Lydell Nolt told the supervisors that Skyview Lane is not conducive to
The resolution authorizes not only the addition of the signs, but for township police to issue $15 fines for those who continue to park on the road, and allows the township to issue traffic citations which can push fines up to $141.
Nolt said that his department has received full cooperation from the restaurant’s management. It is not known if the restaurant is planning to construct additional parking spaces.
In other township business, the board also passed Res. 2019-09, which authorizes the township to place speed limit signs in the Richardsons Run Development on Pierce Lane. The speed limit is 25 miles per hour in the development.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com
Three Groves Ecovillage...
Continued from Page 1A
Scott-Harper also said the distance from the proposed village to the identified uses is not walkable, due to the lack of proper sidewalks on Prospect Avenue and West State Road, which ScottHarper identified as busy roads that would make walking dangerous to residents.
He also said that the existing design plans do not provide adequate internal access ways, and does not meet parking footage requirements, as set by the township.
In his comments, supervisor David Connors agreed with Scott-Harper’s comments.
“I’m a big fan of the concept, but I think the issues you outlined are valid, so I would move to deny the application, based on those issues,” he said.
The final written decision will be made available on Feb. 20.
The board’s ruling was the latest blow to a project that has been lauded for its sustainable ideas and the ingenuity of its design concept, but hampered by its many starts and stoppages.
On Aug. 7, 2013, the board gave final plan approval for the development of Three Groves, which was at the time advertised as a 37-unit complex – made up of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom units – that incorporated sustainable and energy-efficient practices and were designed to meet Net Zero Energy and LEED Platinum Certification. The village was going to have a rain garden, an orchard, a natural pool, walkways, and
a common house that would be used for public gatherings. Its plans called for all cars to be parked on the periphery of the site for safety, so that the visual emphasis of the village would remain on its open spaces.
In addition, the village was to be built in partnership with nationally-recognized green building developers and architects, and be constructed of durable recycled materials.
Over time, however, cost estimates to construct the village were coming in well above proposed budgets, while the proposed perunit costs were thought by many to be above the price points for most families.
From a lifestyle standpoint, its original design proposed a pedestrian-only village, which would not be conducive for individuals and families who were used to accommodations like being able to park their vehicle near their home.
During its five-year dormancy period, Three Groves received a reboot, with revised plans and a firm commitment to see the project from drawings to construction. On Nov. 19, 2018, Michele Adams, principal and founder of Meliora Design, presented revised conditional use plans for the village. It was the planned project’s third conditional use hearing before the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors, following hearings in August and September, which heard comments from township engineer Ron Ragan and township fire marshal Robert Weer.
Adams said its revised
plans called for a reduction of units from 37 to 32, in a breakdown that would offer 24 three-bedroom town homes between 2,000 and 2,400 square feet per unit, and eight town homes that were sized at 1,650 square feet per unit. The inclusion of a common house in the first design had been removed in the second design, and the original plans for two access driveways – one to State Road and the other to Prospect Street – would remain the same in the new design.
Adams said that the parking area would include 64 spaces, and will be slightly reconfigured to allow for more room for fire and emergency service vehicles. In addition, she said that the village would include a pedestrian walkway that will extend from the lower units and connect to the sidewalk on Prospect Street.
When reached for comment after the decision, Alyson M. Zarro of Riley, Riper, Hollin & Colagreco and the attorney for Three Groves and key principal Peter Kjellerup, said that she was aware that there were “at least a couple of concerns that were raised, so the ruling is not completely surprising to me.”
She said that she will now consult with Kjellerup.
In other business, township fire marshal Robert Weer delivered a presentation on the future goals of the township’s emergency service initiatives, which include developing a strategic plan for fire, rescue, and EMS services.
The key findings of the report focused on the recommendations of the township’s
Emergency Services Committee, that will be applied to the Avondale and West Grove Fire companies. The committee’s recommendations were inspired by the Standard of Response Cover (SORC), a tool to help define, identify and achieve goals and objectives; determine levels of service; and measure the rate of performance over time.
One of the top goals set forth by the committee will be to quicken the response time and delivery of service from the two fire and EMS units. The report stated that the future goal will be for a fire department to respond to an emergency call within one minute of the initial call and be en route to the emergency with one piece of fire apparatus in four minutes of the call, with a crew of three qualified members, 90 percent of the time; and that a full complement of 14 firefighters will be on scene within ten minutes of dispatch, 90 percent of the time.
Currently, emergency calls for service from township residents to these units are provided within 90 seconds of the call, with one piece of apparatus departing the department within four minutes of the call and arriving on the scene within 12 minutes, with three qualified members, 80 percent of the time – followed by 14 firefighters who arrive on the scene within 20 minutes of dispatch, 80 percent of the time.
The commission also recommended that each fire company develop its own mission and vision statements, in order to better ensure that their stakeholders understand the unit’s expec-
tations for levels of service in the future, and to assist emergency responders in achieving what is expected of them.
Weer also spelled out a long-term strategic action plan for the next three years, which will include the adoption of standards and responses; the implementation of a fire tax plan; and the twice-a-year inspection of all fire hydrants in the township.
The board supported a project that was proposed by Jack Wharry of Boy Scout Troop 191 to construct and install 20 distance markers along the 2.5-mile-long stretch of the Goddard Park trail system, as part of his Eagle Scout project. Wharry, an 11th grader at Avon Grove High School, said that each sign will be constructed of four-by-four beams and aluminum and will be inserted 18 inches in the ground and protrude to a height of about one foot. He told the supervisors that the project would take him between two and four weekends to install, which he will do with his fellow scouts.
The board agreed that the township will fund the project, which is estimated to cost $100 for the posts, and the township’s Department
of Public Works will work with a contractor to create the signage.
Wharry told the board he chose to do this project for two reasons.
“First off, it helps with emergency preparedness, that if somebody breaks their leg or can’t find their way out, the markers will help them identify where they are, so that emergency responders can get to them very swiftly,” he said. “Secondly, for those who hike in all kinds of weather, it will help them identify exactly where they are along the trail.”
On Feb. 28 beginning at 6 p.m., the township will host a Community Vision Project for interested township residents that will include members of several township boards and commissions. The event will take place at the Township Building. The board voted to approve the demolition of a twin home at 3239 Gap-Newport Pike in the township. Brian Lee was appointed to the board to serve on the township’s Open Space Committee for a term that will extend to Dec. 31, 2022.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
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The invisible soldiers
Southern Chester County awoke on Monday morning to a gentle but persistent snowfall, dropping its winter weight onto the surface of our vehicles, our homes, our lawns and the world that waited for us, beyond our borders, to “out there.”
While it is within the familiarity of our homes and dwellings that we carve out the largest definitions of our lives, it is our nearly daily march outside these confines that seems to derive some kind of pleasure in its demand on our time. It knows it has us in its’ grip; it is occasionally daunting and often desultory, but the habits it calls for – to get up and go to work, to drop the kids off at school, to engage in the humdrum job of errands and must-dos – are of necessity.
None of these tasks are made any easier when the avenues that allow us to get there are covered in snow, or blocked by fallen trees, or flooded by the aftermath of torrential rainstorms.
There are in our townships and municipalities a nearly-anonymous construct of employees who rose from bed far earlier than the rest of us did when the snow fell this Monday morning, and to absolutely no fanfare or applause or even the slightest gesture of appreciation. They dug into the small mountains of surface salt stacked high at maintenance centers the night before and, with a fleet of vehicles, dusted our roads so that we could leave our driveways and travel safely.
They have cleared roadways that have been littered with tree limbs from storms.
They have restored our daily routes, turning potholes into leveled roads that enable us to arrive at our destinations on time.
They have maintained our township parks with the care of gardeners, made the vile graffiti that sneaks its way into our eye path magically disappear, and constructed walking trails and dog parks and rain gardens and children’s playgrounds.
With winter now at our doorstep and spring rains merely a month or two away, we feel it is appropriate to recognize the contributions made by our public works departments, our road masters and our maintenance crews, who toil in all weather and in all conditions, leaving behind the traces of their dedication in our towns and our neighborhoods.
We need to acknowledge them for who they are -- the invisible soldiers of our daily routines, helping clear the way for that which we need to do in order to live our lives – and the lives of our families -- more exceptionally.
McGann withdraws from race
On Feb. 4, Mike McGann formally announced he would withdraw from the race for Chester County Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans Court. He announced his support for former Phoenixville Board of Education president Lisa Longo.
“In the end, it became evident that there was a better candidate -- one more dedicated to mak-
ing the race competitive -- and it made sense to step aside,” McGann said.
McGann said he felt Longo was a superior candidate and would make Chester County’s Democrats proud.
“I ask all of my friends to support Lisa Longo for Register of Wills,” McGann said. “Lisa is a force of nature – a leader with proven record of fighting for
our kids as president of the Phoenixville Board of Education. She has the fire, the passion and determination to help lead a winning ticket for Democrats in 2019. Having someone like Lisa on the ballot gives me great comfort and confidence to step aside knowing we will have a very strong candidate to run.”
McGann said he hopes to
find another way to help those in need in Chester County, outside of politics.
“I do not expect to disappear, but will not likely stay in the political realm,” he said. “I have a strong desire to give back, to work on behalf of the community. I’m hopeful in finding a role at a non-profit, where I can advocate and actually help those without a voice.”
Dinniman, Schwank ask USDA to look into mushroom log labeling
State Senators Andy Dinniman and Judy Schwank this week called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate reports that mushrooms labeled as “Product of the USA” are actually being grown from spawn and logs exported from China.
Dinniman, who serves on the Pennsylvania Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and Schwank, who is the committee’s minority chair, sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
asking the department to take a close look at the issue and reevaluate its labeling criteria.
“This situation is a clear example of an exploitation, or a ‘loophole’ in USDA labeling regulations. Pennsylvania mushroom farmers are a worldwide leader and we are home to the largest growers of specialty mushrooms, including shitake, in the United States,” they wrote in the January 30th letter.
According to recent news reports, Chinese companies are producing and exporting
Herr’s
logs on which shitake mushroom substrate is colonized. Those logs are then sold to mushroom farms across the country where the mushrooms are grown, picked and labeled as a product of the United States, even though the log and spawn originated in China.
Several mushroom growers in southern Chester County, have indicated that the practice is having a significant negative impact on their businesses.
Dinniman, who represents the region as part of Pennsylvania’s 19th
Senatorial District and has long been known as a friend of farming, said he was concerned about the economic impact on local mushroom farms and related industries.
“Mushroom farms are both a significant part of our heritage and vital part of our economy in Chester County and Pennsylvania. We must continue to support a strong mushroom industry and while ensuring that consumers have a right to know where exactly their food is coming from,” Dinniman said.
signs on as presenting sponsor for the Second Connective Art & Music Festival
Herr’s, the seed investor for last August’s inaugural Connective Art & Music Festival held in downtown Oxford, Pa., has increased their financial commitment for this year’s event slated for Aug. 3, 2019. With a long track record of charitable support and involvement in the local community, Herr’s recognizes the magnitude of what can be achieved when many people work together towards a common goal.
Ed Herr, President & CEO of Herr Foods, Inc., said, “We are very thankful for the opportunity to help bring such an exciting event to Oxford. Our employees are such a big part of this great town that
we are all honored to do what we can to connect and build community.”
Daryl Thomas, Herr’s Senior VP of Sales, added, “Herr’s is looking forward to helping market the Connective Festival and take it to the next level in this great community.”
An event benefitting two 501(c)3 non-profits, Oxford Arts Alliance and Oxford Mainstreet Inc, the Connective Festival was conceived as a way to bring the people of Oxford together, as well as expose to the region that Oxford has a growing artistic and cultural vibe. The 2018 festival gathered an estimated crowd of 6,000 for a day full of diverse
music on multiple stages, visual artists from all over the region, themed tents featuring demonstrations and activities for kids and adults, and a variety of interactive music and art opportunities. Brian Wenzka, Executive Director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., promises festivalgoers that this year will be even better. He explained, “We learned so much last year and got a lot of great feedback from those who attended. Our team is bringing back all the best parts of last year’s festival and working on some exciting new additions that we think people will love.
The positive response to last year’s event has been
inspiring to our committee, and that inspiration has kept the creative juices flowing!”
Herr said, “It’s a day filled with all kinds of activities. There is truly something for everyone. And Herr’s is thrilled to be part of such a great event.”
This year there will be one ticket price of $10, which includes all festival activities and performances. Children under age 5 are admitted for free. For a limited time, orders of four or more tickets will receive the Early Bird discount price of $8 per ticket. Those wishing to purchase tickets may do so by visiting the festival website: www.connectivefestival.org.
Valentine’s Day Extravaganza winners announced
The Chester County Press is pleased to announce that Cheryl Ruoss of Oxford has been selected as the Grand Prize winner of its annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza. Cheryl was chosen among 1,193 entries in this year’s contest.
Jennifer O’Connor of Newark, Del. was selected as the first runner-up winner, and Janet Musacchio of Kennett Square was chosen as the second runnerup of this year’s contest. Each winner received gift cards to Anemoni Jewelers, Churrascaria Saudades Brazilian Steakhouse, the Chadds Ford Tavern, and Rigby’s Home Decor; a chocolate basket from Harvest Market; a Malouf
Portuguese sheet set from Martin Furniture; and a summer 2019 concert pass from Paradocx Vineyard
“We continue to be thrilled at the increase in the responses we receive for our annual Extravaganza, every year,” said publisher Randy Lieberman. “This year, we doubled the amount of contest entries over 2018, and more than 37,000 readers saw the advertisement on our website, contest page and through email. That’s a tremendous amount of readers who also saw the names of our participating advertisers, without whom we would not be able to make this annual tradition happen.”
Cheryl Ruoss of Oxford has been selected as the Grand Prize winner of the Chester County Press’ annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza. She is pictured with her son Michael, and granddaughters Aubrie and Cheyanne.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2019
The Brandywine celebrates the life of Phyllis Mills Wyeth
and Jamie Wyeth
The Brandywine River Museum of Art is hosting a memorial exhibition celebrating the life of Phyllis Mills Wyeth (Nov. 13, 1940Jan. 14, 2019) through May 5.
The show features a selection of portraits created by her husband, artist Jamie Wyeth. From the late 1960s onward, Phyllis Wyeth served as a muse to her spouse and these intimate works capture moments from her life across the decades of their marriage. “Phyllis Mills Wyeth: A Celebration” includes works in a variety of media by Jamie Wyeth that reflect Phyllis’ vibrant spirit and love of nature, horses, and her everpresent dogs.
The 28 paintings and drawings range from Jamie Wyeth’s first portrait of her (“Phyllis Mills,” 1967) –depicted outdoors and covered in fallen leaves – to more recent work, such as the lushly painted “Overslept” (2018). Jamie Wyeth captured the many facets of his wife’s life,
including several works that attest to her accomplishments in carriage driving, such as “Into the Gorge” (1975) and “Connemara” (1984), and to her success as a Thoroughbred horse breeder and owner, most notably in “Winner’s Circle, Belmont Stakes” (2012), celebrating the win of her champion horse Union Rags at that race in 2012.
Paintings such as “Catching Pollen” (2012), “Stealing Holly from the Irénées” (2016), and “Southern Light” (1994) attest to Phyllis Wyeth’s love of nature and the distinctive landscapes surrounding her at home near Chadds Ford and in Maine. Also on view are a selection of intimate domestic scenes, painted as Christmas gifts from her husband, and depicting her beloved dogs.
A catalogue organized by the Brandywine will accompany the exhibition (late February 2019). “Phyllis Mills Wyeth:
A Celebration” will travel to the Farnsworth Art Museum
(Rockland, Maine) and the Greenville County Museum of Art (Greenville, S.C.) following its presentation at the Brandywine.
Phyllis Wyeth was a member of the Brandywine’s first board of trustees in the late 1960s. Throughout ensuing decades, she was a major supporter of the organization. In addition to her work with the Brandywine she was a noted philanthropist, conservationist, environmentalist, arts supporter, accomplished horsewoman and a staunch advocate for the rights of the disabled.
The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older, $6 for students and children ages 6 and older; free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. For more information, call 610388-2700 or visit brandywine. org/museum.
Bright colors in the midst of winter at Station Gallery
By John Chambless Staff Writer
It’s a short drive down scenic Route 52 to Greenville, Del., but once you arrive at the Station Gallery, you’ll be rewarded with a bright, colorful group exhibit that’s a perfect antidote to winter weather.
Kennett Square painter Dan Chow shows some interesting new directions. There are larger oils than he’s done previously, such as the soaring cloud in “Sunset Over Kennett Square,” and the expanse of brown grass, green treeline and white house in “Winter Thaw.” Chow’s usual small format works elegantly in “The Porch,” a sun-warmed railing, pillar and window seen through the shade of a tree; and “Good Morning,” an acrylic gouache on paper that’s harder-edged than Chow’s usual technique, and which succeeds nicely.
Maryanne Jacobsen has some vibrant oils that pop with beautifully rendered light, particularly “Autumn Vista at Granogue” and her view of the well-known Kuerner Farm in
“Wyeth’s Muse.”
Ed Bronstein’s Philadelphia scenes “Center City From the Schuylkill Trail” and “19th & Walnut” are packed with wellobserved details of the urban jumble – but each has a touch of green in the midst of the skyscrapers. His “Garden View From the Living Room” is another city scene – a backyard oasis of nature surrounded by red brick walls.
Michele Foster has two lovely, expressive views of the Chesapeake that capture the various shades of blue, and an undercurrent of vibrant colors.
Her small “Wildflowers” and “Among the Wildflowers” are richly textured and semiabstract views that pack in the dots and swipes of floral colors into tiny spaces.
The Winter Group Show continues at the Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) through Feb. 23. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www. stationgallery.net.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com
Jamie Wyeth, ‘Connemara,’ 1987, oil on canvas, The Phyllis and Jamie Wyeth Collection.
Jamie Wyeth, ‘Catching Pollen,’ 2012, enamel, oil, and gesso on canvas, 60 x 40 in., The Phyllis
Collection.
‘19th & Walnut’ by Ed Bronstein.
‘Autumn Vista at Granogue’ by Maryanne Jacobsen.
‘Chesapeake 2’ by Michele Foster.
‘Winter Thaw’ by Dan Chow.
DEBRA JEAN HOOVER
Debra Jean (Parfitt) Hoover, 58, of Lincoln University, died peacefully at home on Feb. 3. She was born in 1960 in Bryn Mawr, the daughter of George Parfitt and Myrtle (Semple) Parfitt. Debbie grew up in Paoli and was a 1978 graduate of Great Valley High School. She was a life-long resident of Chester County.
She is survived by her husband, Jon Hoover, whom she married in 1989. She is also survived by children Michelle Knoll and her husband Eric Knoll, Adam Hoover and his girlfriend Victoria Dorsey; sister Diane Parfitt; mother-in-law Marvis Hoover; brotherin-law Dennis Hoover; and sisters-in-law Francine Parfitt, Diane Hoover, Karen Henry, Sharon Hoover, and Judy Closius; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Tom and Bob Parfitt; father-in-law Robert Hoover; and brother-in-law Rick Henry.
Debbie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going out to dinner, and vacations at Rehoboth Beach. She was a former Girl Scout leader and volunteered in the schools when her children were young. She also enjoyed attending her children’s events throughout school, scouts, college and beyond. The last event she attended, just one week prior to her death, was a baby shower for grandson Hudson Knoll, who is expected in late March. Prior to her last cancer diagnosis, she was employed by Modern Mushroom Farms, Inc., and prior to that, the former Chilton Company. Since 1992, she has fought through several cancer diagnoses, with many years cancer-free.
Following her wishes, she was cremated and the family will have a life-celebration party at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Oxford Area Girl Scout Service Unit, c/o Tammy Ramberger, 630 Chrome Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DUDLEY E. DANIELSON
Dudley E. Danielson, 83, of Oxford, formerly of Lancaster, Pa., and Clayton, N.Y., passed away on Feb. 1 at Ware Presbyterian Village. He was the husband of Diane Ruth Danielson, with whom he shared 10 years of marriage. Born in North Chili, N.Y., he was the son of the late Guy Danielson and the late Grace Hendrickson Danielson. Dudley was a 1952 graduate of Warren High School in Warren, Pa., and he attended Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, N.Y. He joined the U.S. Army in December 1953, and served most of his four years at Camo Zama, Japan, assigned to the 96th MRU. While living in Kailua, Hawaii in the 1960s, he began a career as an excellent professional photographer, continuing in Carthage, N.Y. as Dudley’s Photography. He also published a summer newspaper, “Relax! In The 1000 Islands,” had a radio show, ”Joy in the Morning,” from 1979 to 1984, with additional programs added along the way. A man of words, he compiled nine books. In his life, he tried to make a difference for the Lord.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Jeffrey Howe of Buffalo, N.Y., Steven Robbins of Albuquerque, N.M., and Eric Robbins of Albuquerque, N.M.; four daughters, Kirsten LeVier (Thomas) of Severn, Md., DoriAnn Miles (Scott) Limerick, Pa., Melissa Lynn (Richard) of Black Lake, N.Y., and Carrie Lynn Hull of Phoenix, Ariz.; one brother, Frederick W. Danielson of Seaford, Del.; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.
JANE A. FINNEN
Jane A. Finnen, 87, of West Grove, passed away peacefully on Feb. 7 at her residence. She was the wife of William A. Finnen, Jr., with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Reuben F. Abernethy and the late Matilda J. Fuller Abernethy. Jane worked for the DuPont Company, Chester County Voter Registration Services, and served in Penn Township for many years. She was a great homemaker and enjoyed breeding horses, fox hunting, gardening, canning, square dancing, and was avid hunter and fisherman.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Sylvina and her husband Michael of West Grove, and Dianne Swenson and her husband David of West Grove; six grandchildren; and 11 greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, Reuben F. Abernethy; two sisters, Thelma Gibe and Mary Ella Farmer; and one granddaughter, Stacy Sylvina Connell.
A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Penn Township Building Finnen Room (260 Lewis Rd., West Grove). Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
Obituary submissions
The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting. They also are posted on
www.chestercounty. com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
ELAINE JOAN OSBORNE
Elaine Joan Osborne, 80, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 3 at home. She was the wife of the late Roy R. Osborne. Born in Middleburg, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Cecilia Sassaman Fike. She retired from Lukens Steel in Coatesville. Elaine was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. She enjoyed bowling and country dancing.
She is survived by two sons, Robert Osborne of Annville, and David (Betty) Osborne of Nottingham; one daughter, DeAnne Dague of Cochranville; seven grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; and one brother, Wilson Fike of North Carolina. A service was held Feb. 11. Interment was in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Taneytown, Md. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DORA DEAN WELCH
Dora Dean Welch, 81, of Landenberg, passed away on Feb. 9 at her home.
She was the wife of the late Ira Calvin Welch, and was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilbert Feltner. Born in Thomasville, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Edward and Amanda Walker Hughes. Dora enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and especially spending time with her family.
She is survived by eight children, Sharon Mains (Kenny) of Mt. City, Tenn., Susie Holman (Dan) of Mayodan, N.C., Wilbert Feltner of Palmer, Mass., Bonnie Geiser of Crumpler, N.C., Liz Arnold (Mike) of Avondale, Johnny Feltner (Kathy) of Lincoln University, Walt Feltner (Sis) of Elkton, Md., Tiger Welch of Butler, Tenn.; 33 grandchildren; 43 greatgrandchildren; one brother, Bobby; and two sisters, Barbara and Betty. She was preceded in death by a son, Sam Feltner; and a daughter, Kitty Holman.
A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Bible Evangelical Church of Kennett Square (500 E. Cypress St., Kennett Square). Friends and family may visit on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford) and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Union Cemetery, Nottingham. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
WILLIAM E. BURGESS
William Edward Burgess (“Billy B”), 86, of West Grove formerly of Ridley Pa., was called home to our Lord on Feb. 2. He was the beloved husband of Dolores “Dolly” (nee Thompson); loving and devoted father of Debbie Brisgone (Michael); and adored grandfather of Nicole. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Ruth (nee Guinan) Burgess.
Bill was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Narberth. He attended Lower Merion High School and Temple University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was retired from Aqua America. During his retirement years, Bill worked for Home Instead Senior Care, provding welcome conversation and care for his fellow seniors. He will be remembered for his love of golf, physical fitness (lifting weights into his early 80s), and being an avid and lifelong fan of his beloved Eagles and Phillies. Bill also enjoyed attending Bible study, working on crossword puzzles, going to the beach in Ocean City, N.J., and watching old movies. Most of all, Bill loved spending time with Dolly, Debbie, Michael, Nicole and his granddog, Lily.
A visitation will be held from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. Feb. 16 at St. Cornelius Church (160 Ridge Rd., Chadds Ford). His mass of Christian burial will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be at noon at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. In memory of Mr. Burgess, a contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org), 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, PA 19106. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.
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Through March 24
Orchid Extravaganza
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) hosts its annual Orchid Extravaganza daily through March 24. The exhibition features thousands of rare and exotic orchids displayed throughout the Conservatory. The gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Timed admission tickets are required. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors age 60 and older, $20 for college students (ID required), $12 for ages 5 to 18, free for children under 5. Tickets and more information are available at www.longwoodgardens.org.
Feb. 14
Gal-entine’s Tea
On Feb. 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm in Newport, Del., women are invited to join their friends and celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new way. Enjoy some desserts, tea and teacocktails at a Gal-entine’s Tea, a celebration of friendship. The event takes place inside the historic ambiance of Greenbank Mill and tickets support the educational programs of the organization. Tickets are $15 (includes dessert and tea); alcoholic drinks
are an additional $5 each. The organization maintains several historic buildings, including a 19th-century gristmill and textile mill and an 18th-century farmhouse. Call 302-999-9001 or visit www.greenbankmill.com.
Feb. 23
Kennett Winterfest
Kennett Brewfest presents the 7th Annual Kennett Winterfest on Feb. 23 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. in downtown Kennett Square. The beer festival features winter berws from 60 craft breweries from around the nation, live music and food trucks. The outdoor festival is held under tents. Tickets include unlimited tastings. Food is pay as you go (not included in the price of admission). Tickets are available at www. kennettwinterfest.com.
March 14 to 16
‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Unionville High School (750 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square) presents a student production of the musical comedy “Little Shop of Horrors” on March 14, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m. Online ticket sales begin Feb. 24 at www.showtix4u.com. Tickets are $12 in advance, $14 at the door ($12 for students/seniors).
April 27
Friends Folk Club
The Friends Folk Club kicks off its 33rd season with The Ronstadt Brothers on April 27 at 7:30 p.m.
The band presents a fresh take on the traditional Southwestern and Mexican songs of their family’s heritage while offering innovative original material to millennials discovering the treasure of roots music. The concert will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). Doors open at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. Bring nonperishable food items which will be given to the local food cupboards. Tickets are $15 (children 12 and younger free). A food truck will be serving beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 610-869-8076.
Kennett Flash schedule
The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www.kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: Chuck Prophet and Stephanie Finch (Feb. 14, 8 p.m., $22 and $26); 33 1/3 Live Killer Queen Experience (Feb. 15, 8 p.m., $20 and $24); Countdown to Ecstasy – Steely Dan tribute (Feb. 16, 6 and 8:30 p.m., $25 and $30); Open Mic hosted by Guenevere Calabrese (Feb. 17, 7 p.m., $4); Billy Pierce Band (Feb. 22, 8 p.m., $12 and $15); The Hoppin’ John Orchestra (Feb. 23, 8 p.m., $12 and $20); “The Days of Nick Drake” with guest speaker Michael Tearson (Feb. 24, 7
p.m., free with reservations); Popa Chubby (March 1, 8 p.m., $30 and $35); Chicago 9 – Chicago tribute (March 2, 8 p.m., $25 and $30); Open Mic with host Michael Hahn (March 3, 7 p.m., $4); Beyond the Pale (March 16, 8 p.m., $20 and $24); Open Mic with host Karter James (March 17, 7 p.m., $4); Outside the Wall – Pink Floyd tribute (March 23, 8 p.m., $25 and $30); Iron Butterfly (April 4, 8 p.m., $50).
Reactors Comedy Club Reactors Comedy Club, in the Quality Inn and Suites (943 S. High St., West Chester), hosts live comedy presented by Reactors on weekends. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and showtime is 8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. The schedule includes: Paul Lyons, Michael Brooks and Megan Gotz (Feb. 15, Timothy’s West Chester, 929 S. High St., West Chester); Paul Lyons, Michael Brooks and TBA (Feb. 16,
Timothy’s Lionville, 120 Eagleview Blvd., Exton); Mick Thomas, Jale Mattera and Lori Palminteri (Feb. 22, Timothy’s Lionville, 120 Eagleview Blvd., Exton); Joe Bublewicz, Belynda Cleare and Brian Gray (Feb. 23, Quality Inn and Suites, 939 S. High St., West Chester); Bob Nelson (March 2, Timothy’s Lionville, 120 Eagleview Blvd., Exton); Michael Harrison, Norm Klar and Conner McGovern (March 1 and 2, The Clarion Hotel, 1100 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills); Dave Goldstein, Ed McGonigal and Eric Roth (March 8 and 9, The Clarion
Hotel, 1100 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills); Joe Bublewicz and Shane Gillis (March 22 and 23, The Clarion Hotel, 1100 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills); Derrick Eason, Paul Spratt and Alan Massenburg (March 20 and 30, The Clarion Hotel, 1100 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills). Visit www. reactorscomedyclub.com. To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
The Friends Folk Club kicks off its 33rd season with The Ronstadt Brothers on April 27 in Oxford (see listing).
Bundle up and enjoy more than 60 craft brews at the annual Kennett Winterfest on Feb. 23 (see listing).
Collaborators building passive home open doors for walk-through
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
More than 50 guests who share an interest in passive homes went on a muddy-boot tour of a 4,000-square-foot home in Franklin Township on Feb. 9. The home is being constructed with all of the bells and whistles of sustainability, green living and airtight efficiency.
The tour featured multiple presentations given by experts in passive home construction who are collaborating to build the home, which is on 54 acres and features a view of the southern Chester County countryside.
The experts included Steve Hessler of Hugh Lofting Timber Framing & High Performance Building, who built the home’s interior framing; Marlee Beres of Blueprint Robotics, who pre-assembled the interior of the home at a warehouse in Baltimore, shipped it to the construction site and assembled it within a sevenweek build time; Ilka Cassidy of C2 Architecture, the home’s architect; and representatives from Steico Wood Fibre, who provided the home with insulation made from natural wood fiber.
Designed in the style of a Finnish farmhouse, the threestory home features a guest room, computer room and recreation room on its lower level; a mudroom, kitchen, library, family and dining room, foyer, den, studios and screened porches on its ground level; and three bedrooms on its top floor.
The home applies the key principles of a passive home -- thermal insulation, airtightness, passive house
insulated windows, and an intricate ventilation, heating and cooling systems.
During their presentations, Hessler, Cassidy and Beres discussed the specifics of their company’s involvement in the project, stressing that that the home is being built with comfort, health, resilience and sustainability in mind.
Passive design aims to provide maximum energy efficiency and interior comfort by using careful energy modeling and balance of heat emissions to keep the building comfortable while maximizing energy efficiency.
Passive houses generally achieve energy savings of 80 to 90 percent through superinsulation and airtight building envelopes, highly efficient HVAC systems, energy recovery ventilation, highperformance windows and moisture control.
Once completed, the home will be lived in by a retired couple, whose daughter lives nearby.
“I’m from Finland, so I grew up with highly insulated houses, because Finland is cold and has no natural energy sources,” said one of the owners. “Because of that, I never lived in a house in Finland that didn’t have triple-insulated windows. While those homes are not quite as insulated as [the one we’re having built], it’s very high compared to a standard American home, where you can stand by the window and tell what the temperature is outside.”
While the Franklin Township home is reflective of what Hessler called “a carbonsmart building,” it has not yet become the new normal in
U.S. home construction. As of 2015, there were about 150 passive house projects being done in the United States.
While that number has risen since, this type of construction still lags behind the rest of the world, where, as of 2013, there were 30,000 passive homes in Europe, with the majority of them in Germany and Scandinavia.
Architect Helena van Vliet said that in this country, the concept of passive homes is being largely driven through private initiative, rather than by the federal government. In other countries, she said, passive home building is woven into the tax structure and public policy.
“In my work, I talk about health a great deal, instead of sustainability, because health is what everyone wants to talk about,” van Vliet said. “It’s very personal, and something that everyone invests money in. When we approach [passive homes] from the standpoint of having a conversation about health, it takes the issue out the political realm of sustainability,
and moves it into a medical and well-being environment, and that’s a conversation that everyone is willing to have.
“Once you figure in health and well-being expense, it’s actually a cost-effective way of keeping healthy.”
Hugh Lofting, the founder and owner of Hugh Lofting Timber Framing and High Performance Building, said that the concept of integrating sustainability and energy efficiency into the construction of a new house is still a foreign one to most U.S. consumers.
“When I started my business in timber framing, I spent most of my time telling people what timber framing was,” Lofting said. “It’s the same in trying to explain what a passive house is. How do you explain to someone that you’re building a super-insulated, airtight house that’s going to help save the environment? Do you know what their first response is, ‘How much is it going to cost?’”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com
The home’s foundation is aligned with framing from Hugh Lofting Timber Framing & High Performance Building.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
passive house being built in Franklin Township was open for tours on Feb. 9.
A JUDGE WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE ON WHICH THIS NOTICE IS PUBLISHED OR YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHTS. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSON AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. Lawyer Referral Service 15 W. Gay St., 2nd Floor West Chester, PA 19380 (610)_429-1500 122273819v.1 2p-13-1t ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF SAMUEL H. TRACY, JR., DECEASED. Late of the Township of Londonderry, 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
delay to JAMES FRELIGH, EXECUTOR, c/o John F. McKenna, Esquire, 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382, Or to his Attorney: JOHN F. McKENNA, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382 1p-30-3t
INCORPORATION
NOTICE
TrueCare Health Services, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. Lamb McErlane PC, 24 E. Market St. P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19382 1p-30-1t
FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION
An application for registration of the fictitious name Atelier Circe Twine, 149 Magnolia Dr, Phoenixville, PA 19460 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 12/10/2018 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Caroline Dumont, 149 Magnolia Dr, Phoenixville, PA 19460. 1p-30-1t
INCORPORATION NOTICE
SUGAR RUN BREWING COMPANY has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. Andrew Fabian Law, LLC
211 N. Olive Street,Suite 1, Media, PA 19063 2p-13-1t
PENN TOWNSHIP BUILDING GROUNDS
MOWING AND LAWN CARE
SEASON TERM: APRIL 1, 2019 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2019
General Specifications: Penn Township intends to receive proposals for Mowing and Lawn Care for the Season Term: APRIL 1, 2019 through November 30, 2019. All bids shall be submitted on the official form provided by Penn Township. All bidders must walk the sites included in the grounds mowing and lawn care contract with Penn Township Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Technician, Danny Peters, prior to bidding. Danny Peters can be reached at 610-869-9620 or 484-753-2081 or by email at dpeters@penntownship. us. Each proposal shall be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope as such and shall be addressed to the Board of Supervisors, Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The name of the item for which the proposal is submitted must also be indicated on the outside of the envelope in the lower left hand corner. Proof of insurance and proof of workman’s compensation to be provided with proposal. A list of references and recent projects including name and telephone numbers of current and prior clients for whom they have done work must be included.
Prices shall be quoted without Federal Excise or Transportation Taxes or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sales Tax as the Township is exempt from taxes. The Township reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or any part thereof or to waive any minor discrepancies in the proposals or specifications when deemed to be in the interest of the Township. Failure of the bidder to sign the proposal or have the signatures of an authorized representative
days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 1p-30-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs
directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, February 21st, 2019 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 25th, 2019. 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. 19-2-93 Writ of Execution No. 2018-05465 DEBT $844,934.42
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of Easttown, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated 6/22/1984 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on 07/05/1984, in Deed Book Volume S63 at Page 78.
TAX Parcel No. 5505B00560000
PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Trustee for the RMAC Trust, Series 2016-CTT VS DEFENDANT: FRANCIS G. MITCHELL and NINA MITCHELL
SALE ADDRESS: 715 Clovelly Lane, Devon, PA 19333
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HLADIK, ONORATO & FEDERMAN, LLP, 215855-9521
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 1p-30-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, February 21st, 2019 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 25th, 2019. 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. 19-2-104
Writ of Execution No. 2014-07450 DEBT $320,459.74
Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Plan of Landenberg Highlands, drawn by Hillcrest Associates, Inc., dated June 4, 1997, and last revised November 24, 1997, and Plan recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 14334, as follows, to wit:
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in Franklin Township, Chester County,
BEGINNING at a point on the southwesterly side of the cul de sac (of irregular width) at the terminus of Victorian Lane (50 feet wide private right of way), said point being a corner of Lot No. 28 on said Plan; thence extending from said point of beginning along Lot No. 28, south 54 degrees 25 minutes 45 seconds west, 230.51 feet to a point in line of lands marked Open Space on said Plan; thence extending along said lands, north 2 degrees 8 minutes 48 seconds west, 217.05 feet to a point; a corner of Lot No. 26 on said Plan; thence extending along same, south 77 degrees 11 minutes 26 seconds east, 192.33 feet to a point on the northwesterly side of the aforementioned cul de sac; thence extending southwestwardly, southwardly and southeastwardly along the northwesterly, westerly and southwesterly sides of said cul de sac along the arc of a circle curving to the left having a radius of 50.00 feet the arc distance of 42.22 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
BEING Lot 27 as shown on the above mentioned Plan.
UPI 72-3-88
BEING Parcel #72-03-0088
BLR# 72-3-88
BEING the same premises which Pablo M. Demucha and Rosario Demucha, husband and wife, granted and conveyed unto Pablo M. Demucha, married, by Deed dated December 10, 2004 and recorded March 16, 2005 in Chester County Record Book 6436, Page 492 for the consideration of $1.00.
PLAINTIFF: Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as trustee for Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., mortgage
asset-backed pass-through certificates, Series 2005-QS3 VS DEFENDANT: PABLO M. DEMUCHA
SALE ADDRESS: 3 Victorian Lane, Landenberg, PA 19350
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MARTHA E. VON ROSENSTIEL, P.C., 610328-2887
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 1p-30-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, February 21st, 2019 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 25th, 2019. Distribution will be made in accordance with the
Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s
04/01/19-12/24/19.
Sq.,
mowing,
Tasks:
and raking. Must lift up to 50lbs; work wknds. 40 hrs/wk. 7AM-3:30PM. M-Sat. OT needed. Employer provides to/from worksites in Chester Cty. No min or exp reqd. $15.35/ hr. OT avail at $23.25/hr. OT hours vary. Raises/ bonuses at company’s discretion, based on individual factors incl work performance, skill and tenure. OTJT . Transp (incl meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to place of will be , or its cost to workers reimbursed, if worker completes half the period. Return will be if worker completes the period or is dismissed early by . Emplyr will w/o charge all tools, supplies, and equipt reqd to perform job & guarantees to offer work hrs equal to at least 3-4 of the workdays in each 12 wk period of total employment period. Apply at nearest State Workforce agency at 479 Thomas Jones Way Ste 500, Exton, PA,19341. Ph:610-280-
1010 or the job service office nearest you, or email rpnurseries@verizon.net. JO#12689977 Landscape Laborer. 5 temp, FT pos. Work period 4/1-12/1/19. Flores Landscaping, LLC, 703 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Lay sod, mow,
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PCA and MA Meet & Greets Every Tuesday 8 am - 10 am and 4 pm - 5:30 pm
Meet and Greets will be held at all Tower Health hospitals:
Reading Hospital 300 S. 6th Avenue, M Building, West Reading, PA
Brandywine Hospital 201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville, PA
Chestnut Hill Hospital 8835 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Jennersville Hospital 1015 West Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA
Phoenixville Hospital 140 Nutt Road, Phoenixville, PA
Pottstown Hospital 13 Armand Hammer Boulevard, Suite 320 Pottstown, PA 19464 (The Chesmont Building)
• Pre-registration is not required.
• At your facility of choice, ask for the HR Department at the front entrance.
Can’t make the Meet & Greet?
Attend one of our Virtual Career Fairs held every Wednesday. For details and to register, visit: careers.towerhealth.org/events For current openings and to learn more about us, visit: careers.towerhealth.org
American Mushroom Institute hires executive director
The American Mushroom Institute (AMI) has hired Rachel Roberts as executive director, the association announced last week.
Roberts comes to the association with 20 years of experience in policy consulting, government and nonprofit management, and enjoys connecting business leaders, elected officials and community leaders.
“We are very excited to bring Rachel on board,” said AMI chairman Stephen Anania. “Her background and experience are the ideal skillset to help lead AMI and the industry into the future with continued growth and success.”
Roberts’ primary responsibilities will be overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan for AMI, including member engagement, improvements and growth, grants supporting industry knowledge and community outreach.
Before joining AMI, Roberts led The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County through a change-management and sustainability process as interim executive director and was strategy development
manager at Public Health Management Corporation, where she worked with the executive leadership of Philadelphia’s largest nonprofits in developing operational improvements and strategic solutions. Previously, as principal of Roberts Consulting, she consulted with national organizations and associations on projects ranging from housing, urban and rural planning, economic development, small business start-up, and marketing to quality assurance and capacitybuilding systems, policy and research
evaluation.
“I look forward to learning more about the work being done across this most important agricultural sector, meeting and assisting our members and helping to support AMI’s impact and service to the industry,” Roberts said. Roberts resides in West Nottingham. She grew up in Chester County, between her parents’ home in Phoenixville, and her grandparents’ black angus and horse farm in East Vincent. She has a son in high school and daughter in elementary school in the Oxford School District.
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Nearly 800 students expected to attend TCHS Career Fair
Nearly 800 students from all three Chester County Technical College High Schools (TCHS) are expected to attend the third annual Career & Training Fair on Thursday, March 7 at TCHS Brandywine Campus in Downingtown. The Career & Training Fair offers a unique opportunity for local business and industry partners to interview TCHS students in their final year of high school. Last year’s event had over 107 business and industry partners in attendance and many students walked away with job offers or further interview opportunities.
One of the hallmarks of the Career & Training Fair is that business and industry partners receive a rubric to help evaluate a student’s strengths and weaknesses throughout the interview process. Students then receive feedback after the event which allows them to strengthen their interview skills. For each completed interview, students receive a raffle ticket that they can use to enter a drawing to win a donated prize. A feature of the Career & Training Fair is the “Dress for Success” program. “Dress for Success” is a program that seeks
to provide students with professional attire who might not have access to it otherwise. Students are able to keep their outfits to ensure that they will have professional attire once they graduate from TCHS. Last year, over 175 students were served by the “Dress for Success” program. There are still spots available for business and industry partners interested in participating in this event. For more information about registration, please visit www.regonline. com/2019tchsbctf or contact Dr. Deborah Watson at DeborahWa@ cciu.org.
UHS hosts annual used book sale
The 23rd Annual Unionville High School Used Book Sale will be held at the Unionville High School gymnasium starting on Feb. 22 from 4 to 9 p.m. The sale continues Feb 23 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and a $10 bag sale from 2 to 4 p.m. The snow dates for the sale will be March 1 and 2.
There will be more than 75,000 used books for sale, including a large children’s and young adults area. Volunteers are needed to help with setup for the sale the evening of Thursday, Feb 22, and on Friday night and Saturday to run the event. Volunteers are needed to unpack boxes and organize books on the tables, help keep the books organized on the tables during the sale, and to cashier. No experience is necessary. All are welcome. Proceeds from the sale go towards enrichment programs at the school. Visit www. uhsbooksale.org for more information.
Rachel Roberts
