Chester County Press 04-13-2022 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 156, No. 15

INSIDE

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Kennett School Board will seek public feedback on school construction plans

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

East Marlborough studies potential ban on single-use plastic bags, straws...4A

Celebrate the 245th anniversary of General Lafayette...5A

Breslin Architects of Allentown will release its feasibility study on the future of the New Garden and Greenwood elementary school buildings on May 2 at a Kennett School Board Finance Committee meeting. The study will then be publicly available for reading online the next day.

Feasibility studies are comprehensive assessments of the practicality of pro-

posed plans or methods, and Breslin was the firm chosen by the Kennett School Board to undergo the study.

At Monday’s board meeting, Finance Committee chair Mike Finnegan announced that the committee had also established a timeline to follow up publication of that feasibility study.

On Monday, June 6, he said, the public is invited to attend the finance committee meeting at the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center at

7 p.m. and give in-person feedback.

On June 13, following its reaction and deliberations, the board will vote to adopt the feasibility study.

The board announced late last year its intention to explore the future of the two aging buildings, with options of renovating or replacing them. At the Finance Committee meeting in March, the idea of replacing the buildings was met with somewhat more Continued on page 3A

Oxford School Board member’s social media posts draw scrutiny, criticism Several people called for Michael Blessington’s resignation from the Oxford School Board during a recent public meeting

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade is back!...1B

INDEX Opinion.......................5A Obituaries......2B, 3B & 5B Classifieds..................4B

The social media posts of Oxford School Board member Michael Blessington came under scrutiny during the board’s meeting on March 15, when several people called for his resignation during the public comment period. These district residents cited numerous social media posts shared by Blessington, as well as his extreme right-wing partisanship illustrated by those posts, as the reasons why he should not continue to serve on the school board.

Blessington was elected to the school board in November of last year and joined it in December. Several of the audience members pointed out that Blessington’s social media posts are public and can be viewed by Oxford students and teachers, who may find them to be offensive or disrespectful.

Kristina Stephen, a resident of Upper Oxford Township, outlined a few of Blessington’s posts that she found most objectionable. She explained, “A photo meme Mike Blessington posted to his social media account shows [teenage shooting suspect] Kyle Rittenhouse

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Fourth annual Brandywine Backyard BBQ Festival set for April 24

Courtesy photo

The fourth annual Brandywine Backyard BBQ Festival will take place on Sunday, April 24 in Landenberg.

The fourth annual Brandywine Backyard BBQ Festival will take place on Sunday, April 24 from noon to 5 p.m. The event will include live music, delicious BBQ and beverages, and a deluxe playground at the New Garden Township Park at 8938 Gap Newport Pike in Landenberg.

Bring your lawn chairs to listen to live music from two great local bands: The Late Ambitions and Ol’ 442. You can purchase a variety of foods from six BBQ trucks (22 BBQ, Uncle John’s BBQ, Bucky’s BBQ, Gourmet Jerk Shack, On the Roll, and Jim’s Smokin’ Que), as well as desserts from Dia Doce Gourmet Cupcakes and Dino’s Ice Cream & Water Ice. Beverages can be purchased from Braeloch Brewing Company and Harvest Ridge Winery. Tickets will be available for purchase at the festival's entrance and will cost $10 for adults and $5 for those 13 years and under.

The Brandywine Backyard BBQ Festival supports scouting for area youth through the Friends of Scouting Program. Specifically, this fun family event and community fundraiser benefits Scouts in the Kennett Consolidated, Unionville-Chadds Ford, Avon Grove, Octorara, Oxford and Cecil County school districts, providing opportunities for scouting’s many benefits.

For sponsorship possibilities, parking options, and day-of-festival, weather-related notifications, please visit: www.brandywinebbq.com.

seated behind a sign which reads, ‘My 3 shots were more effective than Fauci’s.’ Kyle Rittenhouse was a 17-yearold child when he shot and killed two men and injured a third. Mr. Blessington’s comment above this meme reads, ‘Thank-you sir.’ To a 17-yearold child. Think about that.

This man serves on our school board.”

Stephen cited another Blessington social media post that touted celebrating “White Pride Month” that could be viewed as very disrespectful by minor- coupled with other posts that ed a meme saying, July ity students in the school Blessington had made. is #WhitePrideMonth.

“Mike Blessington postdistrict, especially when Continued on page 4A

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Kennett Township has spent $127,000 so far to clear Eden Ratliff’s name

Supervisors sign off on ethics review of township manager

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer The Kennett Township Board of Supervisors unanimously voted at their April 6 meeting to formally accept the Pennsylvania Public Official and Employee Ethics Act/Review of Potential Conflict of Interest Issues, as well as the independent review that determined that township manager Eden Ratliff was not in violation

of any ethical or conflict of interest wrongdoing stemming from his – and his wife Gabrielle’s – connection to the Longwood Fire Company (LFC).

The findings of the review, recently presented to the township by Blank Rome LLP, a Philadelphia-based law firm, is contained within a 34-page report that is now available in its entirety on the township’s website.

The report served as an

official and studied response to allegations levied at Ratliff that accused the township manager of using his role as a volunteer at the fire company to influence and broker its contract with the township to become its exclusive provider of fire and EMS services.

The report concluded that the process to consolidate the township’s fire and EMS began well before Ratliff was hired by the township

in 2019, and also acknowledged that Ratliff was not a voting member of the Fire and EMS Commission in 2021 when the critical decisions regarding funding were made.

Another allegation levied against Ratliff contended that his wife Gabrielle’s employment with the Longwood Fire Company – which began last October – represented another ethics violation.

In its report, Blank Rome concluded that “none of the Ratliffs was a ‘director, officer, owner, employee or [had] a financial interest’ in LFC, such as would be required to determine that LFC is a business with which Ratliff is associated.

“Finally, there is no evidence of any pecuniary benefit to Ratliff, a member of his immediate family, or a business with which he Continued on page 2A

John Ramagano will serve as the race director for the 2022 Kennett Run

Coach Ram: The art of giving back

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The long journey of Kennett High School head track coach John Ramagano has been one marked by resilience, and it all began on the track at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, where he competed in the 800-meter and the mile races.

After he graduated, Ramagano entered the University of Delaware, where © 2007 The Chester County Press he ran track under the tutelage of esteemed coach Jim Fischer, but after this sophomore year in 1985, he was Photo by Richard L. Gaw forced to leave the university John Ramagano, the head coach for the Kennett High School indoor and outdoor and return home to Delaware track team, will be serving as the race director for the Kennett Run on May 7.

County. Ramagano’s father was diagnosed with large cell non-hodgkins lymphoma.

“I needed to come home and work for the family to pay the bills,” Ramagano said recently from his office near Kennett Stadium. “It became a real struggle for my father, and we found out about six months into his diagnosis that he would have about six months to live.”

After his father died at the age of 45, Ramagano, with help from his mother, joined the local pipefitter’s union and finished his degree by taking night classes at Drexel University. In 1986, a cousin Continued on page 3A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Local News Penn Township officials discuss Village of Roseview

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer At their meeting on April 6, the Penn Township Board of Supervisors heard concerns from residents of the Village of Roseview. Now that all the lots in the subdivision have been sold, they want to be sure the amount of escrow funds being held by the township is enough to cover all of the remaining improvements to the infrastructure in the development.

Kennett Township...

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or a member of his immediate family is associated,” the report concluded. “Ratliff and his family were volunteer members of Longwood Fire Company, on their own time and not as part of Ratliff’s duties as township manager, throughout most of 2021.

They performed unpaid services to the community.”

“The township was entirely hands off on this,” said Joseph Poluka of Blank Rome, who with colleague Larry Beaser conducted the review. “They were like, ‘Do your thing, and tell us what you find.’

They accepted our conclusions, didn’t argue with our conclusions, and that was the end of it.”

In his summary, Beaser said that while the PA State Ethics Council stated that Ratliff can continue to provide volunteer assistance to the Fire and EMS Commission, the report recommended that as a policy matter, Ratliff no longer provide volunteer assistance to the Commission so long as his wife is employed by Longwood Fire Company.

‘We’re left hundreds of thousands poorer’ Through February, the township has been billed by Blank Rome in the amount of $127,000, and is awaiting its March bill from the firm.

structure on a project after all the homes have been sold. It does not appear that an ordinance to that effect exists.

There were also resident complaints about speeding on Ewing Road, between Lewis Farm Road and Route 896, particularly at the sharp curve.

The road is posted at a 35 m.p.h. speed limit. In response to earlier complaints, the township had erected a suggested 25 m.p.h. speed sign at the curve. It

The township engineer and operations manager have visited the subdivision and made a preliminary list of the work that needs to be done, including final paving, tree planting, and sidewalk handicapped access ramps.

Board Chairman Victor Mantegna indicated that he would like to see a prioritized list of items to be completed.

He also said he would not sign to release any escrow funds until it is certain that there is enough money in the

escrow account to cover completing all the infrastructure.

“I guarantee you I will not sign an escrow on this,” Mantegna said.

In light of increasing prices, the board could request an increase to the escrow of up to 10 percent to keep up with rising costs. There is no intent to do so at this time.

Supervisor William O’Connell asked if there is an ordinance that limits the amount of time a developer has to complete all the infra-

During public comment, township resident Peter Doehring – whose Dec. 1, 2021 complaint filed with the State Ethics Commission helped to trigger the Blank Rome review – railed against the township for its decision to elicit the report.

“Instead of looking more broadly at how Kennett Township responds to the ethical concerns raised by its citizens, it focuses on the very same question already answered by the Ethics Commission, using the same standards,” he said. “Only one type of evidence could have led to a different conclusion than that reached by established experts in such matters – the Ethics Commission – and that evidence could have been found in a matter of hours.

“Instead, we’re left hundreds of thousands poorer with a report that treads virtually the same ground as the Ethics Commission, and that, to no one’s surprise, reached virtually the same conclusion as the established experts in this area.”

Poluka disputed Doehring’s comment, saying that the State Ethics Commission review reached no conclusions, given that the content of the complaint filed by Doehring to the Commission provided no evidence to merit a further investigation.

“There was no ‘foregone conclusion,’ but because of the concerns by Peter and

other citizens, the board made “The work of those two the decision to retain Blank chairpersons has been highly Rome to do a full review,” valued and appreciated, and Poluka said.

I concur with that,” Stevens.

“This resolution does not New resolution remove them from these raises arguments committees after reorganization. They will continue to After an hour-long and fre- be active members of their quently heated discussion respective committees.”

While Stevens and superbetween board members and the general public, the super- visor Geoffrey Gamble visors chose to table a motion voted to adopt the resoluthat if passed would direct that tion, board chairman Richard all township commission and Leff, speaking by Zoom from committee chairperson titles California, questioned why be held by township residents. Stevens would put forth a Resolution 2022-9 will be resolution now – ten years voted on at the board’s April after Stevens was first elected to the Board of Supervisors 20 meeting.

Authored by supervisor in 2012.

“Why now?” Leff asked Scudder Stevens, the resolution authorizes and directs Stevens, referring to the that the township solicitor resolution.

“It seemed like it was an David Sander will review and amend the respective appropriate time when I ordinances and/or resolutions realized that that was the creating township commit- situation, and I raised the tees, and that all committees question,” Stevens said.

“When did you realize the will reflect the ordinance situation?” Leff asked. beginning on Jan. 3, 2023.

“I don’t know, about six Stevens said that the resolution reflects a policy concern months ago,” Stevens said.

“Then why after ten years by the board that said that while the township is still very did you have this epiphany?” open to having non-township Leff said. “I am trying to residents continue to serve on understand why after ten commissions and commit- years you think it is an inaptees, that it is important that propriate policy.”

“We all evolve, Rich,” said chairmanships be occupied by Stevens. township residents only.

Referring to an email he Referring to Lars Farmer of the Historical Commission received from Farmer, Leff and Christina Norland of told Stevens that Farmer felt the Trails and Sidewalks urged by Stevens to give Committee, Stevens said that up his chairmanship of the “there are two chairpersons Historical Commission, and who will be caught in the soon after, he submitted a whiplash of this resolution if letter of resignation to the township. it is adopted.”

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appears that the sign may be too close to the curve so that it does not give drivers a chance to slow down before they are into the turn.

The board indicated they would take a look at the road and see what might be done.

Suggestions from residents included lowering the speed to 25 m.p.h. with 15 m.p.h. at the curve, or installing an electronic speed awareness sign to tell drivers how fast they are going.

In a report from the

Historical Commission, it was noted that the Red Rose Inn will be open for tours on the second Sunday of each month from noon to 2 p.m. every other month beginning in April.

The township is looking for someone who would be willing to construct a ‘story walk’ at the township park, probably as an Eagle Scout project.

There is one pending Eagle Scout project at the park to install railing and a podium at the outdoor classroom.

Stevens emphasized that he did not influence Farmer to resign.

“I had no intention of influencing Lars to resign from his position,” he said. “He did that for his own choice and reasons. I did not pressure him in this regard in any way.”

The conversation turned to Norland’s role as the chair of the Trail and Sidewalks Committee. Leff read from letters of fellow committee members who praised the work Norland has done and urged the board to reconsider the motion, and several other members at the meeting and on Zoom expressed their appreciation of Norland.

“Sometimes it works out that people who are passionate and knowledgeable on topic don’t necessarily work well in a committee structure where they can move things forward,” Leff said.

“Christina has proven that she is able to do that.”

“While I respect your reasoning, I am not going to change my position,” Gamble told Leff. “I just think as a matter of principal that chair positions ought to be occupied by Kennett Township residents.”

residents to come long after we’re gone,” Leff said. “To me, this is an attempt to try to limit the ability of [the Trails and Sidewalks Committee] to function, because that is the only committee who will be impacted in the next year.

“To me, it rings very hollow that this is not a vendetta on your part.”

“As to your conclusions about my motivations, you have continued to tell me what my motivations are and you are consistently wrong,” Stevens replied. “But you’re satisfied with them so you stick with them, but they have nothing to do with what I am doing.”

Some residents in the audience and on Zoom supported the resolution, one that if enacted would clear up what they felt in the case of the Trails & Sidewalks Committee is a conflict of interest. In addition to serving as the committee chairperson, Norland is the executive director of the Kennett Trails Alliance and the community engagement lead for Kennett Square Collective – two local entities who have been key stakeholders in the development of the 14-mile Kennett Greenway. “[Christina Norland] is an employee of a public interest lobbying group with its own agenda,” said township resident Michael Guttman, a former member of the Trails and Sidewalks Committee.

“Square Roots Collective owns property all over the township and its interest is in coordinating and dominating activities with other organizations so that it can control how those monies are spent.

“This is saying absolutely nothing about whether the work she does appears to be effective or not. It has everything to do with how this township looks at potential conflicts of interest and the general and ethical behavior of those who are responsible for governments.”

After listening to both sides of the resolution, Leff proposed that an amendment to the resolution stating that in the event that a committee chair position can not be served by a township resident, then a non-township resident would be allowed to serve in that capacity.

In addition to a likely vote on the resolution at the board’s April 20 meeting, Gamble said that the supervisors are planning to review the structure of all township committees and commissions later this year.

Stevens denies vendetta Stevens later stated that the ordinance is based on policy only and not directed as a vendetta of an individual or organization.

Leff disagreed.

“It just rings hollow that this is not an attempt to slow down the ability of our township to have trails and sidewalks, not only now but in the future for

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Coach Ram...

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of Ramagano’s was coaching the CYO track team at Saint Kevin’s Elementary School in Delaware County, and asked him if he wanted to help out.

For Ramagano, coaching began as a distraction from grief, but for the last 36 years, it has become the other side of his life.

Coaching has taken him to elementary schools, high schools and even a college in Delaware County, Chester County and Delaware: from Saint Kevin’s to Cardinal O’Hara to Strath Haven to Widener University to Saint Patrick’s in Kennett Square to the Salesianum School in Wilmington to Kennett High School, where he has served as the coach of the indoor and outdoor track team since 2010.

‘I need to give back’ At every stop, Ramagano has helped mold the talents of student-athletes, taken hundreds of bus rides with them to meets, counseled them and helped them to believe that even their wild-

Kennett school board...

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favorable – but unofficial – reactions than the plan that featured renovations for the buildings.

Both schools have served well beyond a half-century and are aging. New Garden Elementary School in New Garden Township was opened in 1957. Greenwood Elementary School in

est dreams were within reach.

Earlier this year, he added another notch to his coaching belt by accepting an offer to serve as the race director for the 32nd Kennett Run, which will be held on May 7. He will replace JJ Simon, who served as the event’s race director from 2016 to 2019. The event is making a return this year, after having to cancel in 2020 and being relegated to conducting a virtual run in 2021.

“At first, I thought it would be really difficult for me to do this, because I coach full time, but after reaching out to [Kennett Run President] Bob Merkle, JJ and the Kennett Run Charities Board, I thought about what Kennett Run Charities has meant to the Kennett Square community since it began,” he said. “I thought, ‘I need to give back.’

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I have been coaching track since 1986, and I have been a part of the Kennett community for a long time, and this will allow me to help the Kennett Run Charities recover from two years of COVID-19.”

For this year’s Kennett Run, Ramagano has enlisted

the help of his fellow Kennett High School track coaches – Lance Frazier, Carl Lowe, Jermaine Richardson and George Walsh – and will also donate the entirety of his compensation as race director to benefit the Kennett Boosters Club, specifying that the money go directly to the school’s track team, which will help defray the costs associated with studentathletes’ track equipment and track camp opportunities at the school.

“Ultimately, if we can get the Kennett Run back up to as many as 500 athletes the way it was pre-COVID-19, it will help supplement the work that Kennett Run Charities already does,” Ramagano said.

For anyone who has competed in or attended the Kennett Run, the words “giving back” seem woven into the cloth of the race, which has donated more than $1.2 million to local charities and non-profit organizations in the Kennett Square community since its founding in 1989. Serving as the race director for this year’s event will have even more meaning for Ramagano; he was diagnosed with Stage 4

prostate cancer last March, which was followed by an operation that removed his prostate and led to a round of radiation therapy and a current round of hormone suppression therapy.

While he acknowledges that the prognosis for his long-term health is good and he has returned to full-time coaching, Ramagano said that his work as a coach – particularly now – has taken on an even more special significance. Whether they are the nearly 250 student-athletes he coaches on the crimson Kennett High School track or weekend runners who will brave the 10-mile Kennett Run course next month, being in the company of the local running community has become an essential medicine dose of inspiration for Ramagano as he battles through his illness.

Kennett Township was built in 1963. They are 65 and 59 years old, respectively.

Also at Monday’s meeting, the board approved hiring D’Huy Engineering of Bethlehem to carry out the engineering for whatever construction plan is chosen.

“They are the design oversight and management. …they are the coordination effort,” Business Manager Mark Tracy said, adding that D’Huy is the same firm that is overseeing

the construction of the new Avon Grove High School.

School Board President Vicki Gehrt emphasized that vote to adopt the feasibility study and other current board actions are far from the final decisions on the fate of the two buildings.

“We are not into any design stages yet. Our first step is to determine whether we renovate or build new. We are in the beginning stages and have many steps to go that

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In his role as race director, Ramagano replaces JJ Simon, who replaced Nadine Ringler-Friedrich in 2016.

“It is what helps me to survive,” he said. “I have a lot of friendships with other coaches all over the country, and we all have social media accounts, and one of the followers from Ohio once asked me, ‘How do you want to be

referred as? By your first name? By your last name?

“I told him that I am ‘Coach Ram,’ and to me, the name ‘Coach Ram’ makes me feel so good about what I have been able to do for the community. When my athletes, my athletic director, my coaches and the extended families of our track team call me ‘Coach Ram,’ it means so much to me, because I know that I am giving back as a coach.

“That’s what I want to do for the Kennett Run -- to give back. I am a father. My wife Pam and I are soon to become grandparents for the first time. I am a husband and a friend, but I also define

myself as a coach, because it has remained for me a big part of being alive.”

The 32nd Kennett Run will take place on May 7, beginning at Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square. To register for the 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, the 5K or 10K PoweRun or the One-Mile Run/Walk, visit www.kennettrun.net.

If a competitor registers for the race early, he or she can designate a particular high school booster club of their choice to receive a $5 donation from their entry fee.

will continue to engage staff, parents and community,” she wrote early on Monday.

Tracy also announced the proposed final operating budget of $94 million for the 2022-2023 school year, which will include a 2.02 percent real estate tax increase. That approval was required by the state to be enacted 30 days before the final budget adoption, which is still dependent upon the state finalizing its budget,

including the state subsidy to schools. Kennett’s budget for the next fiscal year could also be impacted by proposed charter school reform as well as a contract for staff.

In other business, the board approved a continuation of a partnership with the Y of the Greater Brandywine Valley – effectively the Y of the Kennett Area – to run a summer academic/camp program that features studies in the morning and recre-

ation in the afternoon.

Board member Donald Kohler announced that the Kennett High School Robotics Team had done very well in regional competition and will now compete for the World Championship in Houston, Texas.

Also, Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey announced the incidence of COVID-19 remains low in the district, and the wearing of masks is optional.

“I am ‘Coach Ram’”

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

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Blessington...

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Celebrate the beauty of our race. His comment above this meme reads, ‘unless you hang out in the sun all weekend,’ Stephen explained.

Niki Bulger also expressed concerns about the White Pride Month post that was made in July of 2021. She said that Blessington has “posted plenty of hate on his public social media.”

Bulger mentioned a number of other social media posts that were problematic.

In March of 2021, she said, Blessington shared a post that said that illegal immigrants and their children should be bussed right to Delaware; Washington, D.C.; Chicago and California. On another occasion, Blessington shared a post about the deadly January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol that claimed that it was “nothing compared to Seattle, Portland, or Kenosha…” Those three cities were locations where Black Lives Matter protests turned violent.

Bulger also highlighted posts made by Blessington about illegal immigrants.

She explained, “On Twitter on September 9, 2021, he posted: the infection rate goes up as illegal immigrants cross our borders. On Twitter on September 22, 2021, he posted, and I quote, ‘How is an illegal immigrant ever essential while Americans are sent home from work.’ I am sure everyone on this board and in this room can remember the horrible videos and images of refugees trying to flee for safety on the day the U.S. pulled out of Afghanistan.

Well, on Twitter on January 4, 2022, Blessington wrote, ‘Every illegal immigrant and asylum seeker from Afghanistan should be sent to Delaware.’”

Stephen talked about how Blessington used his social media accounts to politicize the coronavirus pandemic, including anti-mask rhetoric and divisive language.

“Mr. Blessington’s social media accounts repeatedly refer to the COVID-19 virus as the China Flu,” Stephen

explained. “How he, especially, can condone such divisive language at a time when ethnically Asian people in this country are being targeted for hate crimes boggles the intelligent mind.”

She continued, “His social media further spends time defending the innocence of accused proponents of white supremacy—while at the same time stating that such an institution does not exist.

And yet, we are expected to trust this man with the interests of the minority children in our district.”

Stephen and Bulger both identified a post made during the height of the pandemic that was disrespectful to teachers and the jobs that they are asked to do.

Stephen explained, “Responding to a U.S. Senator’s tweet calling for aid during the height of the pandemic, Mike Blessington tweeted, ‘The garbage workers who pick my freaking trash up risk their lives more than any teacher does.’

Bulger also mentioned that tweet and she talked about

how inappropriate that comment is for a school board member to make when teachers contribute so much.

Bulger said, “I would like to personally thank every single teacher in Oxford Area School District, in Pennsylvania, and in this country for their hard work. COVID alone did, and still does, put them at risk, as does all of the other germs our children share with them at school, as does this nation’s very serious issue with violence and school shootings. I am not a teacher, but I would imagine that their safety and the safety of their students is always one of the top things on their minds. I would argue that Mr. Blessington has no idea what it is like to be a teacher and every board member should appreciate our teachers and understand what their job entails and the risks they take daily by just showing up to a school.”

She added, “It does not surprise me that the man who could not even educate himself on how many schools we have, nor the proper names of those schools, also is speaking

badly about teachers. This school can’t function without our teachers, so I would suggest Mr. Blessington stop insulting them.”

Bulger also pointed out that Jennifer Kehs, who joined the school board at the same time as Blessington, has drawn widespread criticism for controversial comments about immigrants. Bulger said that if Blessington and Kehs aren’t willing to prioritize the needs of students, then they should resign rather than using the school board position to carry out a partisan agenda.

“Mr. Blessington rarely speaks up and often looks like he may be falling asleep sitting up there,” she said.

“The community has noticed he appears to not want to be here. Masks are no longer required, the COVID vaccine is not required, and CRT is not being taught, so if any of the board members were only here to stop those issues and have no other interest in being on the board, then step down and resign. Every single board member should

be focused on our children and our staff. If that is not your focus, then resign now.

Jennifer Kehs and Michael Blessington have shown that our children are not their first priority, and I would like to ask them both to resign now.”

Stephen called on the school board to update the code of conduct for its members.

“The bylaws of this board in regard to code of conducted were adopted in 2006,” she said. “They have not been recorded as being updated since. I think it’s time to change that.”

Stephen concluded her remarks about Blessington by saying, “This man is helping to decide the health and safety plans for the district’s children and teachers. It’s time to raise our standards for Oxford. The children, teachers, and the community deserve better. Voters, we need to do better. Mr. Blessington, you need to resign.”

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

East Marlborough studies potential ban on single-use plastic bags, straws

By Monica Fragale Contributing Writer East Marlborough supervisors will wait another month before possibly voting on a township-wide prohibition of single-use plastic carry-out bags and singleuse plastic straws starting in 2023.

The supervisors held a public hearing April 4 to discuss adopting an ordinance that would affect commercial establishments from WalMart to CVS to restaurants and grocery stores. But fol-

lowing some comments from residents and an indication from several supervisors that they needed more time, the hearing was continued until the May 2 meeting at 7 p.m.

Should the supervisors vote to adopt the ordinance, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2023 and prohibit commercial establishments from providing customers “with any single-use plastic bag or single-use plastic straw,” according to township Solicitor Ryan Jennings.

The topic was first discussed at the March

meeting, where supervisors’ Chairman Robert McKinstry called plastic waste “a major issue. It’s also a big litter problem.” He mentioned the township’s Environmental Advisory Council had recommended adopting a ban.

Supervisor Kathryn Monahan, who said she would object to the proposed ordinance, asked at the April meeting whether six months would be enough time for local businesses to adapt.

McKinstry explained about a provision in the ordinance that would allow businesses

to apply for up to a year’s extension if they are left with supplies of single-use bags and single-use straws when the ordinance might go into effect.

“This isn’t intended to have people throw things out,” he said.

Supervisor John Sarro said the owners of Hood’s BBQ in Unionville have already been doing what the proposed ordinance seeks to do since the start of the COVID19 pandemic. Supervisors’ Vice Chairman Burling Vannote said the Starbucks,

in the Shoppes at Longwood Village, already uses straws made out of compostable materials.

“I think a lot of big businesses are headed this way,” Vannote said.

In other business, the supervisors: • Held an executive session on legal matters on March 7.

They also held an executive session following the April 4 meeting on legal and personnel matters.

• Granted a temporary permit to Kennett Run Charities for the annual Kennett Run

on Saturday, May 7.

• Approved four bids relating to the public works department. They approved the $49,605 bid for line painting from Alpha Space Control Co., the $42,081.75 bid for stone from Allan Myers Materials PA; the $11,960 bid for road oils from AMS; and the $53,353.60 bid for fuel from Dixieland Energy. All the prices reflect approximately a 20 percent increase, something Public Works Director Jeff Simpson said was allotted for in the planning.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Saving a parcel of our definition

Penn State alumni need to vote in the Board of Trustee elections

In the pages of our region’s history – both in our past and in our present -- the property in Westtown Township known as Crebilly Farm has continued to figure prominently across centuries.

From his lookout on Sept. 11, 1777, Continental Army Gen. Adam Stephen saw Hessian troops marching along the 306-acre patch of land in Chester County that led to a huge defeat for the Continental Army and became the largest single-day battle of the Revolutionary War. Bordered by Routes 202 and 926, the rolling hills of Crebilly Farm have served as an iconic centerpiece that some believe best accentuates the sweeping and natural beauty of Chester County and also acknowledges its past. For several years, grassroots community groups like Friends of Crebilly Farm and Neighbors for Crebilly have fought plans by Toll Brothers and other eager developers. Most recently, Natural Lands, the region’s oldest and largest land preservation nonprofit, has been engaged by Westtown Township and the farm’s owners to chart a conservation option for the revered property.

The fight waged in Westtown Township has become a familiar refrain throughout Chester County, and one that has too often awarded several lopsided victories to real estate developers who have slowly transformed the county’s shrinking natural landscape into a scorchedearth hodgepodge of development.

Over the past week, however, two victories of another kind aspired to reverse that trend. On April 4, the Westtown Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to enter into an agreement of sale for Crebilly Farm in order to purchase 208 acres of the property.

A second agreement, expected to be finalized soon, will enable Natural Lands to purchase up to four conservation easements on approximately 104 acres of the property. These acres, which contain most of the property’s buildings and residences, will remain on the market to be purchased by private buyers, who would be subject to the terms of the conservation easements.

In order to finalize the purchase, however, Natural Lands and Westtown Township must secure approximately $25.5 million in grant funding for the easements and the sale of the remaining 208 acres. As part of a process that is expected to last from 18 months to two years, township residents will need to go to the polls in November and vote in favor of a referendum for funding and agree to a tax increase to fund the purchase. In addition, federal, state, and county grants will need to be secured to create accessible open space and privately owned preserved land.

While the tasks that lay ahead of the Westtown Township supervisors, Natural Lands and the township’s residents appear insurmountable, saving a parcel of our definition is worth fighting for.

To learn more about Natural Lands’ plans for Crebilly Farm, visit www.natlands.org/crebillyfarm.

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Letter to the Editor: Do you feel that Penn State has suffered greatly after the scandal of 2011 and that the cost of an education is practically out of reach for many residents of Pennsylvania? Did you know that there are more than 300,000 living Penn State University (PSU) Alumni living in

Pennsylvania, and that less than 10 percent of them vote in Board of Trustee elections every year? The alumni only have nine members to represent our interests on the board (approximately 25 percent of the board) so it’s crucial we vote for the candidates who are well equipped to take on the very serious fiduciary responsibility of

running a school as large as Penn State. I’m asking you to join me in voting for Barry J Fenchak, ‘84 (Number 7 on the ballot) beginning April 10 and running through May 5. Barry had already dedicated a lot of his time and talent to our alma mater and I know that he will do a phenomenal job working to restore Penn State University to the high

academic standing it once enjoyed and making it more affordable to students of the Commonwealth.

You can read more about him at www.barryfenchak4trustee.com. There are also links on that page to request a ballot.

Jane Haller Miller Penn State University ’80 BS Chem.

Guest column

Say thanks to your township supervisors

By David M. Sanko Executive Director, Pa. State Association of Township Supervisors You may read about them in the newspaper or see them along local roads, plowing snow in the winter or patching potholes in the spring.

They’re your township supervisors and staff, and while you might not know all of them personally, these public servants show up every day with one goal in mind: to make a better community for you, your family, and your neighbors.

As Pennsylvania celebrates Local Government Week April 11-15, this is the perfect opportunity for you to better understand the critical role your township and its officials play in the commonwealth’s governing system.

Established to be a direct reflection and representation of the people who live there, townships are places where residents — when they choose to — have a voice in what happens, where every expenditure is scrutinized, and where services provided don’t exceed what the community needs or can afford.

In other words, townships are full-service, grassroots-driven communities overseen by your neighbors, who are dedicated to affordably meeting your needs.

As the cost of nearly everything is on the rise, townships continue to work within limited budgets to provide services to residents, no matter the challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, township officials were not sidelined. From mowing and maintaining local parks to plowing snow and repair-

ing roads, townships stayed on the job!

When social distancing and capacity restrictions made it difficult for some townships to hold public meetings, some embraced technology such as livestreaming and Zoom (where available) to ensure that residents could continue to participate, and local government remained transparent.

A system that makes sense Since its inception, Pennsylvania has had three levels of government: state, county, and local.

This structure, which the Founding Fathers based on a division of labor, made sense then and makes even more sense now.

In fact, the commonwealth’s governing system is a lot like a telescope.

Open it wide and you’ll see the state’s big-picture view. Narrow the focus a bit and you’ve got the county’s regional perspective. Narrow the focus even more and you’ll see what townships see: the local side of things.

And each of these levels of government has distinct duties and priorities. In the early days, for instance, township supervisors primarily oversaw the maintenance of local roads.

And while this continues to be one of their top priorities, township supervisors today have many more responsibilities.

Jacks of all trades, township supervisors in the 21st century are hands-on local leaders who must be wellschooled in a wide range of complex issues, such as land use management, budgeting, transportation

Courtesy photo

David M. Sanko planning, and public safety concerns.

And because they live and may even work in the communities they represent, township supervisors are on call around the clock. In fact, it’s not unusual for supervisors to field phone calls from residents during dinner and to plow roads at night and into the early hours of the morning.

Just imagine, though, what it would be like if your township didn’t exist and your community was managed by a larger, centralized government.

Under this scenario, which has been proposed in the past, you would not be able to turn to a neighbor for help. Instead, you would have to approach a more distant group of elected leaders — some of whom may be familiar with your community; but most of whom may not — and compete against a much larger pool of people to get your voice heard and needs met.

Local democracy, as you know it, would be lost and replaced with a larger, more expensive, and more sluggish way of governing.

So as we celebrate Local Government Week, here’s something to keep in mind: Township government isn’t just another layer of government; it’s the critical layer, the foundation. It’s the one that represents you and your family, lives within its budget, and provides the services you’ve asked for — nothing more and nothing less.

And the next time you’re out and about, take a good look around your township and realize that all the good things you see — the parks, the well-maintained local roads, low taxes and the safe environment to raise a family — are possible because your local leaders, your neighbors, had a vision about providing a high quality of life and turned it into a reality for you.

Celebrate the 245th anniversary of General Lafayette Bruce E. Mowday, author of Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, will give insights into General Lafayette, the 19-year-old Frenchman who sailed to aid the Colonists during an event that the General Warren is hosting to commemorate General Lafayette.

Lafayette was the premier international American hero. He escaped France and set sail to come to America to fight for the freedom of Colonists.

The event will take place

on Wednesday, April 20.

General Warren is located at 9 Old Lancaster Road in Malvern.

On April 20, 1777, 19-yearold Lafayette set sail off the coast of San Sebastian, along with other French officers, for America. He used a disguise to elude King Louis XVI’s men, under orders to stop Lafayette, to join General George Washington’s army.

Lafayette invested almost a year’s income to purchase a slow merchant ship, La Belle Mère and renamed it La Victoire – Victory.

Lafayette was sailing towards victory – and fame as an American hero. On his last return trip to France, a new American naval ship – named the Brandywine – carried Lafayette home to France. The ship was named in honor of Brandywine, the battle where Lafayette shed his blood for America’s freedom and started on his quest to become an American hero.

Mowday will give a talk on his best-selling new book, Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making

of an American Hero.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception to meet Mowday as he discusses Lafayette. Dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. Mowday will make his presentation after dinner. Signed copies of Monday’s books will be available for purchase during the event. The cost is $25 per autographed book.

The menu includes Butler Hors d’oeuvres offered during the reception, broiled oysters, cornmeal hoecake with hemp seed, shaved carrot salad, and pickled

strawberries as starts. The entrées are Madeira marinated pork chops, cannabis crusted pork chop, sweet potato and sourdough stuffing, rainbow chard, creamy mustard leeks, and dessert of Lafayette’s Rice Cake (rum based crème anglaise).

The cost is $55 plus alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity. Soft beverages, coffee/tea included in tariff.

To make reservations, call The General Warren at Courtesy photo 610-296-3637 or visit www. generalwarren.com to reserve (please add message you are a table using Open Table attending the lecture.)

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

The Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade is back for 2022 After a two-year hiatus, the return of the area’s biggest hometown parade on May 30 will be nothing short of triumphant.

Kennett Square loves a parade, and the 2022 Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade promises to be a fun, family-friendly event with something for everyone. Over a dozen marching bands and musical groups will participate, including the Mummers and the Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band (who sing the Eagles’ fight song “Fly Eagles Fly”) as well as bagpipers, fife and drum corps, drum and bugle corps, high-school bands, and more. In addition to honoring over 100 veter-

Local businessman and American Legion Post 491 Vice-Commander Bill Taylor is retiring after many years of organizing the Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade.

ans marching in the parade, spectators will enjoy seeing dancers, classic cars, colorful floats created by various community organizations, historic reenactors, vintage military equipment, fire trucks, a Viking ship, and much more.

New to the parade this year will be the six-time world champion Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps from Princeton, N.J. The 50 to 75 members of the Bushwackers will be practicing at the Kennett High School football field on Sunday, May 29, during daytime hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). This practice will be open to the public.

“The parade is something for the whole family to enjoy,” said local realtor and parade committee member Luis Tovar.

From the popular Aztec dancers to charros on horseback, Chinese folk dancers, and more, this year’s parade will include a great variety of culturally diverse participants.

The Grand Marshalls for the 2022 Memorial Day Parade are Alfred “Ray” Coe, Jr. and Edward B. Fourney. Coe was Commander of a Sheridan tank in Vietnam and earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Fourney, who served in Korea as

a Master Mechanic in the Army Truck Fleet Service from 1952 to 1954, is a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal.

It’s his passion for remembering those who fought for our freedom that has motivated Bill Taylor to organize the Memorial Day Parade every year since 2005.

“It’s important for young people to learn the history of this day and have an appreciation for our veterans who fought to protect our freedom,” Taylor said.

Taylor is retiring this year and passing the baton to a new Memorial Day Parade Development Committee comprised of 20 community members. While it may take a few dozen people to fill Taylor’s shoes, the committee is enthusiastic and grateful to Taylor, his family, and employees who have worked so hard and given so much to putting on the parade for so many years.

“We are looking forward to creating a marvelous parade for us all to honor our U.S. military personnel who have served, and continue to serve, with devotion, loyalty, and commitment in the United States Armed Forces to keep the freedom we all enjoy,” said committee chair Dave Haradon.

The parade route will

Courtesy photos

A scene from the last Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade, in 2019, gives spectators a taste of what they can expect on May 30.

remain the same as in past years, and the Kennett Square Police Department encourages parade goers to park in the East Linden Street Parking Garage. The parade begins at 10 a.m. at Kennett High School and follows South Union Street to East Cypress Street, up the 100 block of South Broad Street, then west on State Street to North Union Street and on to Union Hill Cemetery, where a memorial service with a 21-gun salute and a wreath-laying ceremony will be held.

Parade updates and details will be posted on the new Memorial Day

Edward B. Fourney (left), who served in Korea, and Alfred “Ray” Coe, Jr. (right), who served in Vietnam, will be the Grand Marshalls in the 2022 Kennett Square Memorial Day Parade.

Parade website. Anyone who would like to march in the parade should con-

tact David Francis at KennettMemorialDayParade@gmail.com.

741 West Cypress Street Kennett Square (800) 326-9486

:H·YHH EHHQ Q EXLOGLQJ J EHWWHU FRPPXQLWLHVV \HDUV IRUU (800) 326-9486 | myfccb.com

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Obituaries BARBARA ANN PHILLIPS Barbara Ann Phillips, 75, of Landenberg, entered into rest on March 29 at home.

She was the wife of Albert G. Phillips, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Born on April 14, 1944, in Miller’s Creek North Wilkesboro, N.C., she was the daughter of the late James M. and Ivnel Nichols Snyder.

She is survived by her loving husband; two sons, Christopher G. Phillips and Steven Phillips (Tracey) all of Landenberg; and four sisters, Shirley Bibber (Rick), Carolyn Hensley (Herbert), Linda Ranallli and Susan Spain (Barry).

She was preceded in death by one sister, Darlene Wyatt.

Funeral services were held on April 4 at State Line Baptist Church in Rising Sun, Md. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forgotten Cats, Inc., 4023 Kennett Pike, Suite 422, Greenville, Del. 19807.

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

PAUL RUGGIERI Paul Ruggieri, 61, of Kennett Square, passed away April 4 at his residence.

Born on June 19, 1960, in West Chester, he was the son of the late Dino and Joy (Johnson) Ruggieri.

Paul worked for the family mushroom business in Kennett Square before becoming a correctional officer at the Chester County Prison. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, cooking, Philadelphia sports and playing fantasy football. Paul volunteered his time with the City Gate Mission, helping those in need. He enjoyed time away often, visiting Avalon, N.J., and most of all, he loved spending time with his daughters and grand-dogs.

Paul is survived by his daughters, Maddie Ruggieri (Steve) and Marina Ruggieri (Matt); his siblings, Lisa Adams (Keith), John Ruggieri (Lori) and Pete Ruggieri (Stephanie). In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers Mark and Dean Ruggieri.

All services will be private. Contributions may be made to the City Gate Mission, 17 North 7th Ave., Coatesville, Pa. 19320 to continue the work that was so important to Paul.

Alleluia Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

GERALDINE MARIE (MURTHA) SPIESS Geraldine Marie (nee Murtha) Spiess, age 68, of Lincoln University, passed away on March 25 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She was the wife of Kenneth E Spiess, Jr., with whom she shared 27 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late James J. Zecca, II and the late Geraldine Solometo.

Geraldine graduated from Saint Maria Goretti High School in Philadelphia in 1971. She was a grocery clerk and shop steward for Acme Markets for over 20 years at the New Garden location before retiring in 2010.

She enjoyed working in her yard, cooking, and spending time with her family, especially her 14 grandchildren.

Most of all, she will be remembered as a people person.

She loved virtually everyone she met.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons, John Porto (Danielle) of Oxford, Greg Spiess (Sasha) of Kennett Square, Andrew Spiess (Kelly) of Claymont, Del. and Brad Spiess of Wilmington, Del; one daughter, Mary Silva (Bryan) of Petaluma, Calif.; one sister, Carol Pepe of Philadelphia; two nieces, Carrol Schoenleber (Dan) and Linda Pepe; her sister-in-law, Denise Zecca; and thirteen grandchildren, Aalyna, Haylie, Andrew (Drew) Jr., Vincent, Jayla, Nicholas, Sienna, Caleb, Gemma, Mason, Aiden, Benjamin, and Karmina. She was predeceased by a brother, James J. Zecca III and a grandson John Porto, Jr. Her life celebration service was held on April 6 at New London Presbyterian Church. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in her memory may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, West Va. 25438. On the memo line, list In memory of Geraldine Spiess, or make an online contribution at https:// donate.lovetotherescue.org/give.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory of Kennett Square.

484-734-8100. To view her online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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

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

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

Compliments of

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Obituaries JOAN WALSH Joan Walsh (nee Kinsella) of West Grove peacefully passed away on March 23 at Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community. She was 92.

She was the beloved wife of Thomas A. Walsh, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Winifred Kinsella and the sister of the late Michael D. Kinsella.

Joan and Tom lived in Glenolden, Pa. for over 56 years before moving to Chester County to be near their family. Joan was an active member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church in Norwood, Pa. and more recently, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in West Grove.

In addition to her husband, Joan is survived by three daughters, Deborah (Carmen) Giannantonio of Kennett Square, Donna (Barry) Francisco of Sea Isle City, N.J., and Susan (John) Winiarski of West Grove. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Greg, Julianna, Andrew, Chrissy, Jimmy and Megan.

Joan will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother who always enjoyed spending time with her family. She will also be remembered as a devoted friend and for her kindness, sense of humor and positive outlook on life. Joan loved to travel, play bridge, spend time at the shore, volunteer within the community, and enjoy a good happy hour at sunset with family and friends.

At the family’s request, services and interment will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in her memory to Jenner’s Pond Endowment Fund, 2000 Greenbrier Road, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

Funeral arrangements are by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory of Kennett Square.

Condolences may be shared at www.griecofunerals.com.

AUDRA SUE CONLEY SHULER Audra Sue Conley Shuler passed away on April 4 at the age of 85, or maybe 86 (more on that later) in Herndon, Virginia.

She was born in Weston, West Virginia to Laurence and Mary Conley.

She survived her husband, Henry Powell “Buck” Shuler, and is survived by their daughter, Laura Paige Moses, son-in-law Kevin Moses, and grandsons Gareth Lange and Carson Moses. She is also survived by her brother, L. Fred Conley, sister-in-law, Ann F. Conley and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Sue was a graduate of Towson University and spent decades teaching elementary school in Harford County, Maryland before her retirement.

Sue was an educator, beloved housewife, mom, aunt, friend and upon retirement, a volunteer charity worker. She was an involved and tireless Congregant/ Elder at Union Presbyterian Church and later an active and involved Congregant at Oxford Presbyterian Church. She was strong in her faith and would always invoke God when any good news was shared— “Isn’t God Wonderful.”

Her one vice was chocolate, and her one vanity was her age, which she would go to great lengths to avoid divulging. But, above all, she was a kind and caring woman who always wanted to make sure that no one, even the nurses attending her as she lay dying, should be ‘put out’ on her account. She will be greatly missed by her family and good friends.

Services will be a private. In lieu of flowers, the family is sure that, if you are inclined to make a donation, Sue would want it to be to Oxford Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity.

BEVERLY MARIE SAVIDGE Beverly “Bev” Marie Savidge, of West Chester, passed away on March 21 at the Pocopson Home.

She was 92.

Born on Aug. 11, 1929 in Mt. Carmel, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Costy and Anna (Bernake) Pranskavich.

Bev was a graduate of Mt. Carmel Area High School. She moved to Lewisburg, Pa. and worked in food service at Bucknell University. Later in life, she moved to West Chester to be closer to friends.

In her free time, she enjoyed bowling, knitting and had a passion for animals.

Bev is survived by her children, Joseph Savidge (Patricia) and Susan Savidge, her granddaughters, Jessica and Heather and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Monica Moreto, Jenny Germain, Anne DiRico, Emily Lewis, Jose Pranskavich and Bill Pranskavich.

A private burial will take place at All Saints Cemetery in Elysburg, Pa. Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Additional Obituaries on Page 5B

LENA OLIVERI D’ANTONIO Lena Oliveri D’Antonio passed away peacefully in her home on March 15. She was 88.

Born on January 18, 1934 and raised in the Doe Run area of Unionville, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Madalena Olivieri.

She attended Unionville High School. She then supported the operations at D’Antonio Mushrooms for over 65 years, but her most cherished role was that of wife, mother, and grandmother. A true matriarch, she was fierce, no nonsense and full of energy. She had a style and grace that couldn’t be taught and kept her house, like her clothes, in impeccable condition.

Her marriage to her late husband, Emidio, was the kind of love story most people only read about. They shared 60 years of adventures together. She hosted spaghetti dinner for her family every single Sunday and secretly loved that her house was always filled with people. Even though she often announced she was “done cooking for the day,” there was always another meal to be made or another pot of coffee to be brewed when one of her sons walked in the door.

She loved doing puzzles, shopping, playing the slot machines, and spending time with her sisters. Lena will be dearly missed by all.

Lena is survived by her three sons and their wives, Anthony and Melanie D’Antonio, Steve and Sheila D’Antonio and David and Kathleen D’Antonio; four grandchildren, Stephanie D’Antonio Boughner (Josh), Michelle D’Antonio Jurich (Dewey), Michael D’Antonio, Olivia D’Antonio; seven great grandchildren; her sisters, Nancy Petrucci and Josephine Wroten; her sister-in-law, Maryann Benko; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Emidio D’Antonio; sisters, Anna Mastrippolito and Splendora Oliveri; and a brother, Louis Oliveri.

Services were held on March 22 at St. Gabriel’s of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale, and the private graveside services took place at St. Patrick Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Penn Hospice Development Office, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104 or online at www.

PennMedicine.org/hospice-donate.

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

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

Chester County Press

Legals

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Eugenia B. Woyner, Late of Lincoln University, New London Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Joan Mashura, Executrix, 257 Tudor Circle, Lincoln University, PA 19352 3p-30-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of London Grove Township will conduct a public hearing and public meeting on April 28, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the London Grove Township Municipal Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390, to consider the enactment of various amendments to the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The proposed Ordinance has the following title and summary: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LONDON GROVE, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE OF 2017, AS AMENDED IN ORDINANCE NO. 213 ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 3, 2018 TO AMEND THE REGULATIONS FOR GROUP HOMES AND TO ALLOW GROUP HOMES AS A

BY RIGHT USE IN ALL RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS; TO AMEND THE DEFINITION FOR INTERIOR LOT AND TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR SUCH LOTS IN A NEW SECTION 27-1843; TO PROVIDE FOR NEW AND UPDATED PROVISIONS TO ALLOW FOR AND REGULATE WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP; TO AMEND THE LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE OF 1990, SECTION 22-605.8, TITLED “INTERIOR LOTS”; AND PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, REPEALER AND EFFECTIVE DATE PROVISIONS. The proposed Ordinance is available for public inspection during regular business hours at London Grove Township Municipal Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA, the Chester County Law Library, West Chester, PA and the Chester County Press, 144 S. Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA, 19390. Kenneth Battin, Township Manager 4p-13-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Ruth Graham Conaghan aka Ruth G. Conaghan, deceased; late of Devon, Pennsylvania, LETTERS Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Executor: Thomas B. Conaghan c/o John J. Leonard, Esquire, Leonard, Sciolla, Leonard & Tinari, LLP, Two Penn Center, Suite 1910, 1500 JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

4p-13-3t

BID NOTICE

Sealed proposals will be received by Lower Oxford Township, 220 Township Road, Oxford, PA 19363. Bids will be accepted until 12:00 Noon, Monday, May 9, 2022. Bids will be opened at 7:30 p.m. on May 9, 2022, at the Board of Supervisors regular meeting and action will be taken by the municipality on

the awarding of each bid item.

Bidders are asked to bid on each of the following: 1. Seal Coat In-Place (oil & chip) 50,000 sq. yards +/- per specs.

2. Diesel Fuel & Heating Oil 6,000 gallons +/- per specs.

3. 10’-20’ Paver with operator and screed man, per specs, 35 hours.

4. 10-12 Ton Vibratory Roller with operator, per specs, 35 hours.

5. 3-5 Ton Vibratory Roller with operator, per specs, 35 hours.

6. 2,300 Gallon Water Truck, per specs, 35 hours 7. Skid Steer w/18” Mill Head w/Operator, per specs, 15 hours 8. Laborers (price for each), per specs, 130 hours 9. Tri-Axle Dump Truck (price per hour) 10. TACK (NTT/CNTT) Applied, 16,105 sq. yds. +/PA prevailing wages apply only to equipment rental.

All materials must be in accordance with PENNDOT 408 specs.

Each bid proposal shall be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond in the amount of ten (10) percent of the total bid and drawn to the order of Lower Oxford Township. A performance & payment bond will be required by the successful bidder, as well as a certificate of insurance. For contracts under $5,000 – bonds must be in 50% of the contract amount – Contracts in excess of $5,000 – bonds must be in 100% of the amount of the contract.

Such bonds shall be furnished at the expense of the bidder.

Bidding packets are available and must be picked up in person weekdays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Lower Oxford Township Office, located at 220 Township Road, Oxford, PA. The Board of Supervisors reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to award the bid in the best interest of the Township.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 610-9328150 – Option #1.

Thank you, Deborah J. Kinne, Secretary/Treasure, Lower Oxford Township, 220 Township Road • Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610-932-8150 – Option #1 • Fax: 610-932-2367, www. loweroxfordtownship.com 4p-13-2t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-4-114 Writ of Execution No. 2019-04671 DEBT $140,166.56 ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF NEW GARDEN, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Parcel Number: 60-05-0096.040 PLAINTIFF: Nationstar Mortgage LLC

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D/M/B Mr. Cooper VS DEFENDANT: Jeffrey E. Hoopes, Tina M. Hoopes SALE ADDRESS: 150 Walnut Run Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 22-4-116 Writ of Execution No. 2019-07976 DEBT $190,713.19 All that certain tract of land situated in the Township of West Sadsbury, Chester County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, compiled from surrounding deed and set forth as follows, to wit: BEGINNING at a point in the center of Upper Valley Road (L.R. 15063) said point being the Northwest corner of lands of Pearl B. Cantler, thence passing over a spike on the South side of said road, South eleven degrees twenty minutes East (S 11 20’ E), one hundred twenty-five (125) feet to an iron pin, thence continuing along land of Pearl G. Cantler, South seventy-nine degrees ten minutes West (S 79 10’ W), one hundred ninety-two and nine tenths (192.9) feet to an iron pin in line of land of Pearl B. Cantler and being a corner of land of Timothy B. Kennedy, et ux; thence along Kennedy’s land, South ten degrees 50 minutes East (S 10 50’ E), two hundred eighteen and twenty-six hundredths (218.26) feet to an iron pin in the North line of the Penn Central Railroad Company, thence along said last mentioned line one hundred twenty-five (125) feet from a parallel to center line of said Railroad, South eighty-two degrees seven minutes thirty seconds West (S 82’ 07’ 30” W), two hundred twenty-eight and forty-three hundredths (228.43) feet to a point being the Southeast corner of land of Harold D. Hall, et ux; thence along Halls land North one degrees forty- eight minutes West (N 01’ 48’ W), one hundred sixty-four and thirty-four hundredths (164.34) feet to a point in line of land of Earl C. Skiles, et ux; thence along Skiles land, North eighty degrees East (N 80’ E), forty-seven (47) feet to a pin, thence continuing along land of Skiles North ten degrees West (N 10 W), one hundred twenty-five (125) feet to a point in the corner of Upper Valley Road (L.R. 15063); thence along said center line North seventy-nine degrees ten minutes East (N 79 10’ E), twenty (20) feet to a point being the point and place of BEGINNING. Said land bounded on the North by land now or late of Earl C, Skiles, and Iris V. Skiles his wife, Upper Valley (LR 15063) and Pearl B. Cantler, bounded on the East by land of Pearl B. Cantler, bounded on the East by land of Pearl B. Cantler and Timothy B. Kennedy, Leslie A. Kennedy, his wife, bounded on the South by land of Penn Central railroad company; and bounded on the west by land of Harold M. Hall and Elizabeth A. Hall, his wife, and Earl C. Skiles and Iris V. Skiles, his wife.

Title is vested in Richard E. Walker and Ethel Marie Walker, husband and wife by deed from Ethel Marie Walker, Married woman, dated 08/28/1986 and recorded 09/05/1986 in Book 431 and Page 541.

Tax ID: 36-05-0135.060

PLAINTIFF: The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-BC5 c/o NewRez LLC f/k/a New Penn Financial LLC, d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing VS DEFENDANT: Ethel Marie Walker & Richard E. Walker

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN SADSBURY TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

SALE ADDRESS: 3342 Upper Valley Road, Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF: Loancare, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Joseph Zydinsky; United States of America, Department of Treasury - Internal Revenue Service

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PARKER McCAY PA 856-596-8900 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-4-129 Writ of Execution No. 2018-12076 DEBT $240,062.42 ALL THAT CERTAIN lots or pieces of ground SITUATE in Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania bounded and described according to a 5 Lot subdivision for Fred Ham, made by Concord Land Planners & Surveyors, Inc. P.O. Box 378 Oxford, Pennsylvania 19363 (610) 932-5119, dated 10/23/2001 and last revised 05/09/2002 as follows, to wit: BEGINNING at a concrete monument set on the Southerly side of a culde-sac at the end of Dutton Farms Lane a corner of Lot 2 on said plan, thence extending along same, South 00 degrees 20 minutes 37 seconds East 240.36 feet to an iron pin set in line of Lot 1, thence extending along same, North 67 degrees 28 minutes 33 seconds West 201.97 feet to an iron set in line of lands now or formerly of Walter G & E Louise Harris, thence extending along same, North 15 degrees 20 minutes 00 seconds West 235.00 feet to an iron pin set in a corner of Lot 4, thence extending along same, South 87 degrees 51 minutes 34 seconds East 187.23 feet to an iron pin set on the Westerly side of said cul-de-sac at the end of Dutton Farms Lane, thence extending along same, on the arc of circle curving to the left having a radius of 60.00 feet the arc distance of 89.59 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING Lot No. 3 on said plan.

BEING the same premises in which William T. O’Neill, by deed dated 09/24/2003 and recorded 10/30/2003 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, in and for the County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Deed Book 5958, Page 921, and Instrument No. 10328448, granted and conveyed unto Warren Lapham and Constance L. Lapham, Husband and wife.

Parcel ID No. 58-4-93.2B PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but solely as Owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust VS DEFENDANT: Constance L. Lapham & Warren Lapham SALE ADDRESS: 25 Dutton Farms Lane, West Grove, PA 19390 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-278-6800 SALE NO. 22-4-124 Writ of Execution No. 2016-06126 DEBT $346,964.84

Trailer Repair Truck Acces.

Welding Spray Liners

BEING PARCEL NUMBER: 37-04-0115 AND 37-04-0116 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential property

SALE ADDRESS: 2085 Valley Road, Parkesburg, PA 19365 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-4-132 Writ of Execution No. 2019-01609 DEBT $30,395.17 ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PIECE OF GROUND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF NEW GARDEN, COUNTY OF CHESTER AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED ACCORDING TO A FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAN OF PALMERS RUN, MADE FOR LEWIS L. AND FRANCES P PALMER, BY GEORGE E. REGESTER, JR. & SONS, INC., REGISTERED LAND SURVEYORS, KENNETT SQUARE, PA, DATED 10/19/1982, LAST REVISED 2/2/1983 AND RECORDED AS CHESTER COUNTY PLAN #4275, AS FOLLOW, TO WIT: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIN ON THE TITLE LINE IN THE BED OF PUBLIC ROAD (T-390), KNOWN AS WALNUT RUN ROAD AT THE NORTHWESTERLY CORNER OF THIS ABOUT TO BE DESCRIBED LOT AT THE SOUTHWESTERLY CORNER OF LAND NOW OR LATE OF FRANK S. RZUCIDCO; THENCE EXTENDING ALONG THE SAME CROSSING THE EASTERLY SIDE OF SAID ROAD, NORTH 84 DEGREES, 52 MINUTES, 00 SECONDS EAST, 730.50 FEET TO A POINT AT THE NORTHWESTERLY CORNER OF TRACT #3, AS SHOWN ON SAID PLAN; THENCE EXTENDING, ALONG THE SAME, SOUTH 05 DEGREES, 04 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS EAST, 200.00 FEET TO A POINT AT THE NORTHEASTERLY CORNER OF LOT #2, AS SHOWN ON SAID PLAN, THENCE EXTENDING ALONG THE SAME, SOUTH 84 DEGREES, 52 MINUTES, 00 SECONDS WEST, CROSSING THE EASTERLY SIDE OF SAID PUBLIC ROAD T- 390, KNOWN AS WALNUT RUN ROAD, 730.50 FEET TO A PIN TON THE TITLE LINE IN THE BED OF THE SAME; THENCE EXTENDING ALONG THE SAME, NORTH 05 DEGREES, 04 MINUTES, 30 SECONDS WEST, 200.00 FEET TO THE FIRST MENTIONED POINT AN PLACE OF BEGINNING. BEING THE SAME PREMISES CONVEYED TO JEFFREY E. HOOPES AND TINA M. HOOPES, HUSBAND AND WIFE FROM DIANA C. HOOPES

BY DEED DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003, AND RECORDED ON OCTOBER 6, 2003, AS INSTRUMENT NUMBER: 10314370 IN BOOK: 5923, PAGE: 1644.

TAX I.D.# 60-5-96.4 PLAINTIFF: Truist Bank fka Branch Banking and Trust Company VS DEFENDANT: Jeffrey E. Hoopes, Tina M. Hoopes A/K/A Tina Hoopes & United States of America SALE ADDRESS: 150 Walnut Run Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 215790-1010 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-4-133 Writ of Execution No. 2018-12296 DEBT $169,045.28 Property situate in the TOWNSHIP OF SADSBURY, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR# 37-4A-1 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling PLAINTIFF: HBSC Bank USA, N.A. as Indenture Trustee for the Registered Noteholders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2005-3, Renaissance Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Notes, Series 2005-3 VS DEFENDANT: Linda K. Seal SALE ADDRESS: 47 Settlers Path A/K/A 47 Settlers Pa, Parkesburg, PA 19365 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844-856-6646 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 22-4-134 Writ of Execution No. 2020-03164 DEBT $145,079.15 Property situate in the LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR# 56-7K-9 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, Nation-

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Obituaries SONIA “SUNNY” L. LEIGHTON

JOHN R. WILLIAMS

LOIS BURNS FOSTER

Sonia “Sunny” L. Leighton, of West Chester, passed away on April 5 at the Pocopson Home. She was 88.

She was the wife of Harry F. Leighton, who passed away in 2003, and with whom she shared 48 years of marriage.

Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Henry A. Hartman and the late Marguerite E. Firestone Hartman.

She was a homemaker, but had worked part-time at Hank’s Restaurant in Chadds Ford and at Betty’s in West Chester.

Sunny enjoyed traveling with her best friend Edie and gardening. She also did volunteer work and was a history buff. She especially enjoyed being with her family.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda L. Gray (and her husband Joseph) of West Chester and Lori L Mason (and her husband Robert) of Coatesville; one sister, Cathey Laudato of Pottstown; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Sunny was predeceased by two sisters, Gail Haly and Mary Ellen McDevitt.

You are invited to visit with her family and friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 14 at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street in Kennett Square. Her memorial service will follow at noon. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 399 Market Street, Suite 102, Philadelphia, Pa. 19106.

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

On April 4, a beautiful spring morning, Lois Burns Foster passed peacefully into her Savior’s arms. She had her family by her side at the time of her passing.

She was the widow of Dr. Claude Foster, who died in September of 2012. She was born in Chattanooga, Tenn. to W.T and Lillis Burns and was one of 7 children.

She graduated from Central High School and worked two years at the DuPont Nylon plant. She attended King’s College in Delaware City, Del. She was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked for 12 years at Kendal at Longwood, where she was a resident for the last nine years.

She is survived by her son, Steve (Lori ) Foster of Newark, Del; her daughter, Charissa Foster of Pennsville, N.J.; brothers, Carroll Burns of Atlanta, Ga., and Ken Burns of Beaufort, S.C.; and her sister, Charlotte Lively of Mosely, Va. She also had five grandchildren, Tyler Foster of Boothwyn, Pa., Kelsey Foster of Wilmington, Del., Alex Funari of Pennsville, N.J., Dylan Foster and Luke Foster of Newark, Del. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Kennett Square, where she enjoyed singing in the choir.

At her request, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church of Kennett Square. Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

Legals al Association, as Trustee for Citigroup Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2004OPT1, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-OPT1 VS DEFENDANT: John Higgins SALE ADDRESS: 4651 Forge Road, Nottingham, PA 19362 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844-856-6646 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs

directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www. bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Fash and Phillip R. Fash, 502 Victoria Gardens Drive, Township of Kennett Square, PA 19348. Improvements thereon consisting of a Residential Dwelling, sold to satisfy judgment in the amount of $228,170.58.

SALE NO. 22-4-135 Writ of Execution No. 2019-01103 DEBT $228,170.58

SALE ADDRESS: 502 Victoria Gardens Drive, Kennett Square, PA 19348

UPI No. 62-04-0782 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling PLAINTIFF: Community Loan Servicing, LLC f/k/a Bayview Loan Servicing, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Jean M. Fash & Phillip R. Fash

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG, PC 215-572-8111

Gateway Bank, F.S.B. v. Jean M.

Additional Obituaries on Page 3B

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

John R. Williams, a resident of West Grove who formerly lived in Somers Point, N.J., passed away on March 28 at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove. He was 89.

He was the son of the late Daniel and Millie (Falcone) Williams; and brother of the late Thomas D. Williams; loving father of Suzanne Barnard (Richard) and Barbara Fasick (Douglas); and devoted grandfather of Zachary and Olivia Barnard and DJ and William Fasick.

He grew up in Roseto, a small Pennsylvania community between Stroudsburg and Easton. After graduating from high school there, he received a football scholarship to the University of Delaware, where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1955.

He then went into business for himself, specializing in home maintenance, especially fabric cleaning and maintenance, in Somers Point, N.J. He also was involved in sales, and was affiliated for a time with Market America, a product brokerage company headquartered in Chicago.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 2 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the University of Delaware. Please forward donations to, Gifts Processing, 83 E. Main St, 3rd Floor, Newark, Del. 19716. Make checks payable to “University of Delaware” and include on the memo line “in memory of John R. Williams.” Gifts can also be made on the University of Delaware’s secure website, www.udel.edu/makeagift (http://www.udel.edu/makeagift). Donations will be directed to the Men’s Football fund at the University of Delaware.

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

Legals Monday, May 23rd , 2022. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

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

SALE NO. 22-4-139 Writ of Execution No. 2019-12740 DEBT $599,798.84 Property situate in the TOWNSHIP OF PENN, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being BLR# 58-3-33.67 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling PLAINTIFF: Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Saxon

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May 21

Asset Securities Trust 2007-4, Mortgage Loan Asset- Backed Certificates, Series 007-4 VS DEFENDANT: Karen L. Klemaszewski & Michael P. Klemaszewski SALE ADDRESS: 640 Blanca Court, West Grove, PA 19390 PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844-856-6646 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 3p-30-3t

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6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2022

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2 DAYS.

Why settle for shower walls that look like plastic?

Home Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone shower wall system made of 70% real crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED. All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts plus financing so a shower remodel is affordable on any budget. Don’t cover your problem up with a tub or shower liner. Design your bathtub or shower replacement with our trained and certified Specialists at a price you can afford.

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

Read more reviews from our satisfied customers!

4.9 Stars, 374 reviews

INDUSTRIES Bathtubs | Showers | Kohler Walk-In Baths

Authorized Dealer

1,000 OFF

$

plus

0 APR %

Low monthly payment plans

and

FREE ESTIMATES ON BATH

& SHOWER REPLACEMENTS

Call Home Smart today to schedule your free in-home estimate.

Home Smart Industries, Family Owned & Operated

888-670-3731 >Must call this number<

Bathtubs | Walk-In Baths | Showers | Shower Doors | Fixtures | Faucets | Accessories

www.HomeSmartind.com

*Cannot be combined with any other offer. Previous sales excluded. Good at initial presentation only. $1,000 discount is only available to be used towards purchasing Luxstone walls. Additional work is extra and optional. Financing available for qualified buyers. Exp. 09/01/2021 PA:PA013302 * NJ: 13VH 04301900 MD: MD129485 * DE: 2008206060 NO PRICE QUOTES GIVEN VIA PHONE.