Chester County Press 05-19-2021 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

Chester CountyPRESS

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

Volume 155, No. 20

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Wednesday, May 19, 2021

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Splash Club New Garden to open later than expected By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

After weeks of speculation and rumor, it was announced at the May 17 New Garden Board of Supervisors online meeting that Splash Club New Garden – a private KHS holds Mini-THON this member swim club origiFriday...1B nally scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend in Saint Anthony in the Hills – is now projected to welcome guests beginning in the middle of June or in early July.

Following the board’s 5-0 approval that will permit the inter-municipal transfer of the club’s liquor license into the township for use at Splash New Garden, Splash Club co-partner John McKenzie told the board that the highly-anticipated opening of the club has been delayed by what he called “current setbacks.” “Basically, we’re making sure that the integrity of the structural pieces already Courtesy image there at Saint Anthony’s Due to structural engineering work and approvals that still need to be completed, are safe,” he said. “Before Splash New Garden is moving its opening date from Memorial Day weekend to midContinued on page 4A

June or early July.

Pre-final master plan for New Garden park shared with residents By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer PennDOT to replace outdated culvert on Baltimore Pike...2A

‘Picasso in the Spring’ at Bove Jewelers...3A

INDEX

By the time the open house event for the reimagined Saint Anthony in the Hills reached its second hour on May 4, more than 100 local residents had arrived, and more were on their way to see how New Garden Township and its consulting team of designers are imagining

the future of the 137.5-acre property now owned by the township. When they arrived, guests saw the township’s vision for the park splayed across tables adjacent to the long-dormant miniature gold course, in the form of a pre-final master plan that imagines an intricate and winding network of mowed trails and meadowed fields; a children’s destination

playground; picnic grove pavilions; event lawns; a 20-acre dog park; boardwalk overlooks to ponds; an indoor theater; pickleball courts; a fitness area designated for teens and all of it linked to the soon-toopen Splash Surf Club and a possible outdoor event venue at the park’s Greek amphitheater. In order to reach that stage, the township’s Saint

Continued on page 4A

members

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Obituaries..............2B-4B Classifieds.................6B

To Subscribe Call 610.869.5553

cess to get to the pre-final stage of design began about a year ago, when she and her colleagues met with the newly formed Saint Anthony’s Master Plan Committee. “We did initial brainstorming, asking them, ‘What are your thoughts?’” Yost said. “We benchmarked with them to get their best thoughts, then did

Avon Grove School District London Grove on track for lowest tax approves five increase in four years new committee The final spending plan is expected to be adopted on June 3

Opinion.......................7A

Anthony’s Master Plan Committee is working in consultation with YSM Landscape Architects; Natural Lands; Recreation and Parks Solutions; Buchart Horn Architects; and Atlantic Aquatic Engineering, Inc. As Ann E. Yost, RLA, of YSM guided visitors through the possible future look of the park on a large map, she said that the pro-

Courtesy photo

An aerial view of the construction of the new Avon Grove High School.

The Avon Grove School District (AGSD) conducted its final Committee of the Whole budget work session for the 2020-2021 school year and announced a tax

increase of 2.48 percent, the lowest tax increase since the 2017-2018 fiscal year. The final adoption of the General Fund Budget for 2021-2022 is scheduled to

occur at the school board’s legislative meeting on June 3. The district is keeping its operational budget as flat Continued on page 2A

The London Grove Township Supervisors got a boost in their municipal operations by confirming five new volunteers to the township committees. At the in-person meeting on May 12, Kurt Engleman and Patrick Tucci were approved to fill two unexpired terms on the Planning Commission. The Commission reviews proposals for building projects and blueprints and either makes recommendations for alterations or approves them. They then pass that information to the supervisors for final approval at

meetings. Tina Skinner was confirmed to fill an unexpired term on the Parks and Recreation Board. That committee sees to it that events and improvements are attended to and carried out in the township’s parks. X. Sean Zhang was confirmed to fill an unexpired term on the Environmental Advisory Council. He told the supervisors that he was new to the area, but has always had an interest in the environment and community service. Jane Yetsigian was confirmed to fill an unexpired term on the Historical Commission. Council Continued on page 2A

It’s official: Citadel Country Spirit USA, the popular music festival, is returning Aug. 27 to 29 Organizers made it official last week: the Citadel Country Spirit USA, Philadelphia’s Country

Music Festival, is happen- Show Grounds in Chester ing this year and will take County. place from Aug. 27 to 29 Heralded as a “great at Ludwig’s Corner Horse American festival experience,” this year’s headliners are Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert and Chris Young. The three-day festival features 20 country music acts performing live music on two stages – 14 nationally recognized artists on the GMC Sierra Stage and popular up-and-comers on the Courtesy photo Citadel Rising Star Stage. The Citadel Country Spirit USA music festival features Brantley Gilbert headlines headliners Brantley Gilbert, Miranda Lambert and on Friday, Aug. 27. Justin Chris Young. The three-day festival features 20 counContinued on page 3A

try music acts performing live music on two stages.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News PennDOT to replace outdated culvert on Baltimore Pike By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

day. The Baltimore Pike culvert is one of seven bridges that are part of a $5 million project to repair or replace poor condition bridges in Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties. Other structures that will be completed in this project include Springton Road over Indian Run in Wallace Township; West State Road over the west branch of Red Clay Creek in Kennett Township; Route 282 (Creek Road) over a branch of the Brandywine Creek in East Brandywine

Township; Clay Creek Road over White Clay Creek in Franklin Township; The Pennsylvania 2nd Avenue over Mingo Department of Creek in Upper Providence Transportation (PennDOT) Township, Montgomery announced recently that it County; and Hulmeville will replace a long outdatRoad over Chubb Run in ed culvert along Baltimore Middletown Township and Pike in New Garden Penndel Borough, Bucks Township, beginning on County. May 24. Due to the nature of conThe new culvert will struction, Baltimore Pike replace an existing 93-yearwill be closed and detoured old structure that measures between Union Street and 14 feet long and 38 feet Chambers Road 24 hours wide, and carries an avera day and seven days a age of 10,689 vehicles a week through the completion of the project, which is expected to be in early September. During the road closure, those driving along Baltimore Pike will be directed to use Cypress Avenue/Baltimore Pike, U.S. 1 (Kennett-Oxford Bypass) North, Greenwood Road all turns, U.S. 1 (Kennett-Oxford Bypass) South, Route 41 interchange, and Route 41 Newport Pike/ The PennDOT project will replace a 93-year-old culvert (Gap along the roadway. Pennsylvania Avenue)

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Beginning May 24, a substantial stretch of Baltimore Pike in Toughkenamon will be shut down to make way for the installation of a new culvert.

South. Local access will be maintained up to the construction zone. Work on this project will be in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidance as well as a project-specific COVID19 safety plan, which will include protocols for social

distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols, management of entries to the jobsite, and relevant training. Loftus Construction, Inc. of Cinnaminson, New Jersey will be the general contractor on this improvement project, which is

being financed with 100 percent state funds. To learn more about PennDOT planned and active construction projects, visit www.projects. penndot.gov.

London Grove Township...

and two township auditors. There are also three openings on the Environmental Advisory Council, two on the Tree Committee, five on the Historical Commission, one on the Agricultural Security Area and three on the Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals. Public Works Director Shane Kinsey reported that one of the township trucks is failing. He requested and received approval from the supervisors to explore the purchase of a new truck for up to $32, 000. Additionally, Kinsey requested authority to purchase two new snowplows

at a cost of about $26,000. He said one of the plows he is seeking to replace is casually called “The Mailbox Killer.” That is because its height exactly corresponds to the height of most residential mailboxes, and when it plows in the snow, it often knocks them down. During the meeting, Southern Chester County Emergency Services CEO Bob Hotchkiss gave a preview of the new telemedicine devices he is seeking to fund during a program scheduled for May 19 at the Medic 94 headquarters in Jennersville Hospital.

The third and final issuance of the debt is tentatively scheduled to be executed in the first half of 2022. Due to favorable borrowing rates on Avon Grove School District’s first two bond offerings, the tax millage required to support the project has been less than anticipated. Avon Grove School District is planning a full return to in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year and will be focused on accelerating the academic growth of its students by utilizing a system of supports for students. School faculty will be bolstered with additional instructional specialists,

behavioral specialists, an additional school psychologist and school counselor; and many other resources intentionally designed to foster student achievement. To finance these additional supports, Avon Grove is relying on the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds provided by the federal government. Video recordings of past COW meetings are available on the Board of Directors page of the Avon Grove School District website under AGSD Previous Events. Photos of the new Avon Grove High School can be found on the facilities page.

Continued from Page 1A

member Steve Zurl commented at the time of her approval that there is much to be explored and recorded about the history of the area. There are still vacancies to be filled on various committees and boards. They include the following: two seats on the Planning Commission, one on the Zoning Hearing Board, one on the Parks and Recreation Board, one on the Golf Course Advisory Board

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

Photo by Chris Barber

New volunteers confirmed for London Grove Township boards and commission are, from left, X. Sean Zhang, Kurt Engleman, Jane Yeksigian, Tina Skinner and Patrick Tucci.

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Avon Grove School District... Continued from Page 1A

as possible while taking on new debt for the Avon Grove High School construction project. Excluding programs funded by new federal grants designed to address the instructional

impact of the pandemic, operational expenditures increased in Avon Grove by $1.6 million, or 1.6 percent, from the 2020-2021 budget. Of this $1.6 million increase, nearly $1.4 million is related to the increase in debt service payments for the high school construction project.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Local News Enjoy ‘Picasso in the Spring’ at Bove Jewelers Bove Jewelers in Kennett Square is once again featuring some of the most beautiful artwork in the world in the shop at 124 West State Street. After showcasing the work of some of the masters in the art world during the holiday season, store Owner Bob Strehlau has planned “Picasso in the Spring” which will be on display now through the end of May. Not too long ago, Strehlau reached out to a few art enthusiasts who had incredible original artwork by some of the masters of the art world.

They filled the store with their pieces to make a makeshift museum in the jewelry store and captured the hearts of the community with a feel-good experience. Strehlau has now reached out to other clients and his personal collection of original Picasso genuine paintings and sketches. These are displayed next to handmade, Picasso-inspired jewelry that matches each piece of art. “I wanted to pair up jewelry with the art, like matching wine with food,” Strehlau said. Now on display and for sale,

the collection is called, “Picasso in the Spring.” The jewelry store has been owned by brothers Bob and Matt Strehlau, whose family has been in the jewelry business for six generations. Established in 1929, Bove Jewelers offers customers designer and custom jewelry, platinum, gold, specialty items, watches and giftware. Contact Bob or Matt Strehlau for more information and to schedule a personal tour by their curators by calling 610444-4525 or emailing Courtesy photo B o v e J e w e l e r s @ y a h o o . ‘Picasso in the Spring’ will be on display com. now through the end of May.

Country Spirit...

The 2020 festival was postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic. Festival producers announced that there will be limited capacity this year. In addition, a few changes will be made to the site ensuring that those who choose to socially distance may do so while still seeing the show. “At Citadel Credit Union, we are dedicated to building strength within our community,” said Jeff March,

president and CEO of Citadel Credit Union. “After a year of unknowns and difficulty, we’re thrilled to be part of an event like Citadel Country Spirit USA that will once again allow us to build strength, and to do it together.” Hosted by Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, the festival is held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, located in the countryside of Philadelphia just minutes from the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Downingtown and West Chester exit. Citadel Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving the Greater Philadelphia area, is the title sponsor for the third year.

Continued from Page 1A

Moore, Rodney Atkins, RaeLynn and Muscadine Bloodline also perform. Miranda Lambert headlines on Saturday, Aug. 28. Brett Young, Carly Pearce, Jon Langston and Niko Moon also perform. Chris Young headlines on Sunday, Aug. 29. Josh Turner, Scotty McCreery and Lindsay Ell also perform.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts coming to Santander Performing Arts Center on Nov. 21

For over 80 years, Citadel has provided financial strength to families, businesses, and communities. Focused on “Building Strength Together” today and tomorrow, Citadel supports prosperity for the community through events such as Citadel Country Spirit USA. Previously purchased three-day passes, single-day tickets and parking upgrades are being honored for the 2021 dates. Tickets for the 2021 festival, starting from $89 plus fees, are on sale now. Purchase Reserved, Pit and General Admission three-day passes and single-day tickets online at www.countryspiritusa.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849. Again in 2021, a portion of

all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. 92.5 XTU, Philadelphia’s Country Music Station, is the festival’s media partner. Festival sponsors include

Citadel, Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Tri-State GMC Dealers, Dogfish Head, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Stoltzfus RV’s and Marine, Sterling Pig Brewery and Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show.

Courtesy photos

Country superstar Lauren Alaina performing at a 2019 concert.

Fans have really enjoyed this music festival, and that will be especially true this year with the return of live shows. Courtesy image

Joan Jett, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee whose career has included nine Top-40 singles, including “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll,” will be performing at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, Pa. on Nov. 21. Jet will be accompanied, as always, by the Blackhearts. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts released their latest record, ‘Unvarnished,’ in 2013, and continue touring the globe to throngs of adoring fans. Tickets are available online exclusively at ticketmaster.com and in person at the box office at the Santander Arena.

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Lee Brice performing in the evening at the Citadel Country Spirit USA music festival.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News New Garden Park... Continued from Page 1A

site analysis of the entire property. We had several people on our team – an architect, a naturalist, a pool consultant and a programming director. “Everyone looked at their own individual pieces of the park and analyzed what was here, and then developed various concepts of how the park could be developed. We presented that to the committee, and from that we created the pre-final master plan.” Long term, the township’s “big picture” plans for the St. Anthony’s property call for a community park and conservation area that will feature active and passive recreation and open space preservation, but before plans are finalized and the shovels go into the ground, the firm will conduct an across-the-board analysis to assess everything on the township’s drawing board, as well as develop mitigation strategies; determine implementation costs; identify conservation and non-conservation areas; incorporate the public’s ideas; and create safeguards for the protection of those who will use the park. Randy Geouque was a member of the township’s Board of Supervisors when

after several years of negotiations, the board chose to purchase the property for $1.5 million in December 2018 from St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wilmington. “Originally, we approached Saint Anthony’s about buying their development rights, and as they talked about it from their perspective, they told us that they wanted to get out from under this property,” Geouque said. “The township was originally going to walk away from the project, but I asked, ‘Why don’t [former township Manager Tony Scheivert] and I talk it out further with the owners?’ “We struck a deal with St. Anthony of Padua that was reasonable for both parties that has helped get the township to this point, but now, looking at the pre-final master plan, there are so many different components of the design that should draw in a lot of different people from our community, and become a benefit for everyone.” “Our idea is to come up with a master plan for the park,” said township administrator Kati Parlier, who has served as the township’s key point person in the design of the new park. “We’ll then meet to consider the feedback that was provided tonight and we’ll

also have comment period for the public to review the full document and the map. We’ll then make adjustments accordingly to the public feedback.” Parlier said that a Phase I plan for the park has already been identified, and that

the township is pursuing possible funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and Chester County.

“We hope that the community is as excited about the potential for this park as we are,” Parlier said. “We’ve worked hard to incorporate the feedback of the community and we are excited to open this property to the public.”

To learn more about New Garden Township’s plans for Saint Anthony in the Hills, visit www.newgarden.org/st-anthonys-hills. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Ann E. Yost of YSM Landscape Architects discusses the contents of an overview map that was presented Courtesy image as a pre-final master plan for the development of Saint Anthony in the Hills, as part of an open house event The pre-final design of Saint Anthony in the Hills, currently being developed by the New Garden Township’s Saint Anthony’s Master Plan Committee and several consultants. that was held on the property on May 4.

Splash Club New Garden... Continued from Page 1A

we get too far finished, we want to make sure that it is engineered in a way that is safe for our members and the township.” “We’re currently waiting for the approval from the Chester County Health Department for the kitchen layout, and at that point we can continue on [with the remainder of the construction],” said

Reynolds, who added that he and McKenzie have already heard back from the Health Department. “Hopefully, everything will be back very soon.” Once completed, Splash Club New Garden will feature a re-surfaced outdoor pool; adjacent in-ground hot tub areas for adults; a 30’ x 60’ children’s pool; a poolside lounge and additional areas for outdoor poolside seating; 60 private and furnished cabanas; the Wave restaurant that will

offer members and nonmembers a seasonal menu reminiscent of a tropical vacation; lawn sports; as well as live music and themed nights. When it opens later this summer, the club will serve as the key anchor destination for the 137.5-acre Saint Anthony in the Hills property that is currently undergoing a renaissance of redesign and repurposing. Working from the ideas generated largely by the general public, the town-

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recycling program – generated by the Department of Environmental Protection -- that spells out the basic rules of procedure for township residents to adhere to. During the board’s discussion of the ordinance, Supervisor Steve Allaband called the ordinance “a good thing in one way but it's very stringent in other ways,” he said. “I think it's a goal to improve upon, but I don't know whether it can realistically be done.” Allaband later voted against the advertising of the ordinance. Donna Brown of the Kennett Area Parks & Recreation Board announced that Katie Cook has been hired as the organization’s newest employee. Cook has a Bachelors degree in Sports and Recreation Management from Temple University, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from West Chester University, and comes to the board with six years of experience in parks and recreation. After more than a year of online meetings, Board Chairman Pat Little also announced that Board of Supervisors meetings are expected to return to the Township Building, beginning with its meeting on July 19.

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

ship’s Saint Anthony’s Master Plan Committee is collaborating with several architects, engineers and environmentalists to generate a master plan that will eventually transform the property into an oasis of trails, playgrounds, pavilions, event lawns and outdoor venues. McKenzie said that to date, he and Reynolds have spent between $1.1 million and $1.2 million to prepare the club for opening, and estimated that the cost of the entire project is between $1.7 million to $1.9 million. The transfer of the liquor license is expected to be approved by the Liquor Control Board in six to eight weeks. One of the major concerns expressed by township residents has been in the area of projected and increased traffic along the roads that

lead to Saint Anthony in the Hills that is likely to occur once Splash Club New Garden opens later this summer; in particular, a planned entrance to the club off of Reynolds Road. Township Manager Ramsey Reiner said that while a planned entrance from Reynolds Road still exists on a master plan draft, no action has been taken to develop the concept. She said that the township is working with PennDOT and its traffic committee on safety measures at the Route 7 entrance to Saint Anthony in the Hills that will serve as the only entrance to Splash Club New Garden. In other township business, the board, by a vote of 3-2, approved the advertising of the ordinance updating the township’s solid waste and

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County Health Department partners with EMS agencies to offer at-home COVID-19 vaccines As part of its effort to ensure every eligible Chester County resident who chooses to have a COVID-19 vaccine is able to receive one, the Chester County Health Department has partnered with local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies to schedule athome vaccine appointments for those who are unable to attend a vaccine clinic. Through the partnership, advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are deployed to administer either Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine to individuals in their home setting. Caregivers for the individuals are also offered the vaccine, if needed. Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Franklin said, “Our COVID19 vaccine program includes a variety of approaches, from traditional clinics of varying

sizes, to mobile clinics and small community-based clinics. But we recognize that not everyone is able to access these vaccine opportunities, so we have been bringing vaccines to the homes of those who have a medical or physical limitation. “The best way to do this is to partner with our qualified local EMS agencies.” Health officials identified individuals throughout Chester County who would benefit from receiving the COVID-19 vaccination at home through lists provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the Chester County Department of Aging Services, and through self-identification for the need. All individuals were contacted to confirm their need, and appointments were scheduled to administer the vaccine. The county’s at-home vaccine program began in late

March and to date, 232 first dose vaccines have been completed in Chester County, covering all individuals identified as needing a vaccine in the home setting. On average, each EMS agency team covered 10 at-home appointments a day, given the travel time, and the time needed to remain with the individual after administering the vaccine. The partnership with the local EMS agencies spanned all areas of Chester County, and the beyond that, the at-home vaccinations will continue as long as needed. Chaz Brogan, the chief of Good Fellowship Ambulance and president of the Chester County EMS Council stated, “The opportunity to be a part of the county’s solution to slowing and eventually ending the COVID pandemic is extremely gratifying for EMS providers, particularly considering they spent so long working on the stress-

ful frontline during the pandemic.” Ian Sadock, Advanced EMT for Good Fellowship commented, “This shot represents hope to those who need it and who had real concerns for how they would receive the vaccine.” Good Fellowship Paramedic Kerri Barrett shared, “Those receiving athome vaccinations invite us to sit down and are eager to share how the pandemic has affected them personally. “The service we are providing goes beyond getting a vaccine. The personal connection with individuals unable to leave their home has added hope in looking ahead and returning to normalcy.” Uwchlan Ambulance Corps Chief Tammy Whiteman said, “It has been an honor to help the Chester County Health Department and Chester County Department

Courtesy photo

Kerri Barrett, a Good Fellowship Ambulance paramedic, administers the COVID-19 vaccine to an at-home individual.

of Emergency Services with the at-home vaccine program. Our providers found it was a privilege to help our residents receive the COVID vaccine in a way that fit their personal needs.” Additional Chester County EMS agencies that are providing at-home vaccinations include Berwyn Fire Co. EMS and Event Medical Staffing

Solutions (EMSS). Agencies that will be participating at a later date are Longwood Fire Co. EMS, West End EMS of Phoenixville and TowerDIRECT. Any Chester County resident in need of an at-home vaccine appointment should call the Chester County Health Department at 610-344-6225.

Chester County law firm assisted Brandywine Conservancy in preserving 577 acres for public nature preserve On Jan. 11, it was officially announced that the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art would be partnering with the Oxford Area Foundation to acquire 577 acres of the Glenroy Farm situated along the Octoraro Creek. This land will be owned and managed by the Oxford Area Foundation for use as a publicly accessible nature preserve. Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, one of Chester County’s largest law firms, played a key role in the effort by representing and assisting Brandywine Conservancy in acquiring and preserving land in Lower Oxford and West Nottingham townships. William Burke represented Brandywine which, with invaluable support from the Oxford Area Foundation and grant funding from the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources, closed on the acquisition of approximately 577 acres of the Glenroy Farm from the Thouron family, along with an easement over other property bordering the westerly side of the Octorara Creek, for over $6.6 million. The land had been in the Thouron family for four generations and includes open meadows, numerous streams and ponds, walking trails and floodplains and wetlands. Upon acquisition, the land was conveyed to the Oxford Area Foundation, whose generosity made a timely closing possible, and which had agreed to undertake the responsibility for opening trails and for ongoing management and stewardship of the property as a publicly accessible preserve to be known as Glenroy Preserve. “The acreage and diversity of resources made this property a high priority of permanent protection in southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Ellen Ferretti, the director of the Conservancy. “The transition of the property...to a public preserve will create a unique, contiguous area of public open space that will provide exceptional recreational and educational opportunities to the community and will have lasting effects on the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. We

simply could not have done this critical conservation project without the funding support of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Chester County.” The mission of the Conservancy is to protect water, “conserve land and engage communities.” According to Burke, who heads Unruh Turner Burke & Frees’ real estate practice, the transaction was neither quick or easy to close. Although the interests of all parties were aligned, there were numerous issues that needed to be addressed to satisfy and balance the concerns of the principal parties involved as well as the conditions and requirements of grant funding sources. “The project involved issues such as cross-easements for utilities, the easement for the banks of the Octorara Creek, and provisions to help protect the seller’s residual holdings, as well as addressing other issues to satisfy the grant funding agencies,” Burke said. “I cannot tell you how much satisfaction it gives us to have been a part of

this extraordinary transaction that will benefit our community in perpetuity. It was a privilege to work with Brandywine, whose commitment was extraordinary. The expertise and tireless efforts of Brandywine’s conservancy staff was awesome. “We commend the Conservancy, Oxford Area Foundation and the Thouron family for their vision and

Courtesy photo

William Burke, a lawyer with Unruh Turner Burke & Frees, one of Chester County’s largest law firms, represented and assisted Brandywine Conservancy in acquiring and preserving over 577 acres of land in Lower Oxford and West Nottingham townships. The land will be used as a publicly accessible nature preserve.

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dedication to preserving this extraordinarily valuable property, and we thank Chester County and DCNR for providing funding for this worthwhile conservation initiative.” For over 30 years, Burke has represented privately held commercial real estate developers, homebuilders, land trusts, closely-held businesses, investors and indi-

viduals in connection with the acquisition, sale, financing, leasing and development of commercial properties and land intended for residential, commercial and retail development, as well as acquisition and preservation of agricultural and real estate devoted to open space and recreational uses. He represents conservation organizations as well as landowners in the nego-

tiation, interpretation and enforcement of conservation easements. Unruh Turner Burke & Frees associate Daniel LePera also provided assistance in this transaction. Unruh Turner Burke & Frees (www.utbf.com) is a Pennsylvania law firm with 21 attorneys and offices in West Chester, Phoenixville and Paoli.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board approves proposed final budget By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing writer Taxes will increase under the 2021-2022 proposed final general fund budget approved Monday by the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board. The board will vote on the final $92.9 million budget and the tax rates at its June

21 meeting. Under the proposed final budget, Chester County residents can expect to pay 3.06 percent more in real estate taxes, and Delaware County residents can expect a 2.59 percent increase in taxes. A mil is $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value. The board approved the proposed final budget, after discussing it in detail at

an earlier budget meeting. If approved next month, Chester County residents will pay 21.96 mills for the 2021-2022 school year, and Delaware County residents will pay 15.46 mills (a decrease in millage due to the recent county-wide reassessment, but an increase in the tax percentage), according to the board’s budget documents.

The weighted average increase is expected to be 2.97 percent. The budget is expected to raise about $70 million from current real estate taxes. Also at the meeting, the board honored student representative Molly Evanko as she prepares for graduation and matriculation at Georgetown University.

“Through Molly and Katie (Turner, the other student representative), we get the authentic voice of the student,” said U-CF School Board President Jeff Hellrung. “They’ve become part of the community, and our decisions become that much better from that.” Evanko cited the experience gained as a student representative over the last

two years as helping hone her leadership skills. “Being able to represent the Unionville student body is something that is very important to me,” she told the board. “Thank all of you for helping me grow as a leader and a person.” Turner will remain as a student representative, and credited Evanko for acting as a mentor.

Preservation of a small parcel of land along Brandywine Creek offers big impact for the community Natural Lands announced the permanent protection of a vulnerable section of the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek. The acquisition and immediate transfer of the 12- acre property to East Brandywine Township ensures access to the creek for recreation and protects the scenic view along route 282 in Downingtown, Chester County. “While it may seem like a small property, its conservation is quite significant,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands, the region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization. “This stretch of East Branch Brandywine Creek has been a conservation priority in every Chester County Comprehensive Plan for at least the last four decades. The successful outcome of this project represents years of work to line up all the partners, funders, and details.”

The 12-acre parcel, known as the Shryock property, includes both sides of the Creek for about a half mile and is immediately adjacent to property already owned by East Brandywine Township. Just beyond is the 1,784acre Marsh Creek State Park. The Shryock property is just across Dorlan Mill Road from the northernmost end of the Struble Trail, which travels for 2.6 miles along the Creek as it flows toward Downingtown. Chester County is among the fastest-growing counties in Pennsylvania with a projected growth of nearly 30 percent over the next two decades, putting intense pressure on undeveloped land and the natural ecological services it provides. Brandywine Creek is part of the Delaware River Watershed, a vast network of rivers and streams that begin in the Catskill

Mountains of New York and empty into the Atlantic Ocean at Delaware Bay in New Jersey. It provides drinking water for 15 million people, including the communities of New York City, Trenton, Philadelphia, and Wilmington. One of the best ways to protect the quality of this water is to protect the undeveloped land—as well as the trees and other plants on that land, which filter rainwater and run off, slow floodwaters, and reduce erosion. Funding for preservation of this project was provided by Chester County Preservation Partnership Program and East Brandywine Township’s Open Space Program. Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline said, “During the pandemic, we have seen and experienced, first-hand, how important

access to nature is to our overall well-being. Our Landscapes3 ‘Preserve’ goal calls for creating additional recreational properties and expanding protection of natural habitats. The preservation of this parcel of land alongside the Brandywine achieves both of those objectives, giving access to the creek for fishing and kayaking, and protecting a sensitive riparian corridor. We are pleased to be able to partner with Natural Lands and East Brandywine Township on this relatively small, but very strategic land preservation project.” Added Jason Winters, chairman of the East Brandywine Township Board of Supervisors, “We would like to thank everyone involved for their efforts in preserving this water front property along our scenic roadway.” Natural Lands is dedicated

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Natural Lands announced the permanent protection of a vulnerable section of the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek. The 12-acre parcel is known as the Shryock property.

to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved

more than 125,000 acres, including 43 nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres. Nearly five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. To learn more, visit www. natlands.org.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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

Making cancer extinct

What $6.9 billion means for Pennsylvania students

On Friday, May 21, students at Kennett High School will be participating in the school’s sixth annual MiniTHON. This year’s dinosaur-themed event has one goal: Making Cancer Extinct. That’s certainly a worthy goal, and there are tens of thousands of students who participate in mini-THONs each year, thousands of others who participate in Relay for Life events, and there are countless other activities that raise funds for cancer research. One in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their twentieth birthday, and cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States. About one-third of all people in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetimes, and millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. Thousands of Americans die from cancer each year. It was widely reported a few months ago that the scientist who delivered the first coronavirus vaccine that was effective in the fight against the virus believes that the same technology could one day be used to treat, and defeat, cancer and heart disease. Ozlem Tureci, who co-founded the German company BioNTech with her husband, had already spent time researching to find a way to harness the body’s immune system to tackle tumors when, in 2019, an unknown virus started infecting people in China. We know all-too-well about that virus now, and the research BioNTech had already been done helped speed up the process of developing a vaccine that could combat the coronavirus. The vaccines from Moderna and from Pfizer and BioNTech use genetic material called messenger RNA to transform the body’s own cells into vaccine factories. The same principle can be applied to get the immune system to take on tumors, according to Tureci. She has been quoted as saying that it’s possible that, within a few years, they might be able to develop vaccines against cancer that could help reduce the number of people who die from the dreaded disease each year. The coronavirus vaccine effort from the two major manufacturers was only made possible because BioNTech and Moderna had worked on messenger RNA for years. Now, the COVID-19 vaccines and the lessons learned from their development could lead to a major breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Until that wonderful day comes, we can all play a small part in helping to make cancer extinct by supporting events like the Kennett High School Mini-THON. If you would like to make a donation, please visit the KHS Mini-THON page at https://fourdiamonds. donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive. event&eventID=3113, search “Kennett High School donor drive,” or call the school at 610-444-6617 for more information.

Letter to the Editor: They say that money is what makes the world go ‘round. What moves the 144 school districts that have not received the $6.9 billion that they were supposed to receive? Pennsylvania has one of the most corrupt and disproportionately funded education systems in the nation, so how does that It’s a given that our gov- sums of money, so let’s see affect you, and why does it ernment deals with large what $6.9 billion looks like need to be discussed? with some products we see and purchase regularly. In 2016, with great fanfare the governor and General Assembly announced passage of Act 35 of 2016, the Basic Education Funding Formula Law. For the first time, Pennsylvania had a school funding law. Speeches were made. School leaders proclaimed victory. Media Releases were shared. Everyone was happy. Since the passage of the Basic Education Funding Formula law, the Governor and General Assembly have addressed Act 35 of 2016 by not funding it. In fact, since passage of Act 35 of 2016, the governor and General Assembly have underfunded 144 school districts to the grand total of $6,917,581,360.

Now what does $6.9 billion look like when it comes to our education? Here is the statistical representation of the devastation these school districts have faced since 2016. If you see your school district on this list, it would be in your best interest to reach out to your local legislators as quickly as possible. It is incomprehensible that 144 school districts were given the short end of the stick while 356 other ones were getting $6.9 billion worth of sticks. Find your local legislator and their contact information at this website: https://www.legis.state. pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/ findyourlegislator/ Crystal Echeverria For more information visit www.supportequityfirst.org

Protect democracy by protecting Americans’ right to vote Letter to the Editor: I share grave concern with many Americans about the right to vote. The protection for our democracy that H.R. 1 provides is critical in a time when more than 200 voter suppression legislative actions are being considered by state legislators and some signed into law. The New York Times

and other national news outlets have exposed the connection between these voter suppression laws and support, model legislation and political organizational work provided by the Heritage Action For America, the action wing of The Heritage Foundation, a powerful and wealthy “think tank.” The “grass roots” protests against voter fraud have

been conceived, funded and organized by this elite and powerful organization. Heritage Action even bussed “protestors” to West Virginia for a protest against “voter fraud” at the state capitol to pressure Senator Joe Manchin to not support H.R. 1. Voter Fraud is another Big Lie. Sixty American courts have found little or no evidence of voter fraud

affecting election outcomes. I urge American voters who want to protect democracy to communicate with their senators and representatives to support H.R. 1. We will have a healthier society without gerrymandering and legislated obstacles to keep voters away from the polls. Marjorie Herbert Kennett Square

Chester County Commissioners announce unified effort to support farms The Chester County Commissioners and Chester County Ag Task Force announced the start of a county-wide agriculture economic strategic plan during a visit to Herban Farms, located on the grounds of Cheyney University. The plan will strengthen agriculture, the county’s top industry, and reinforce its role in building healthy communities and a sustainable economy.

Marian Moskowitz, chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners, said, “This agricultural plan will assess our county’s current industry sub-sectors, and identify trends and opportunities for future growth. It will also help us determine how the county, our agricultural service providers and industry partners can provide targeted support. “Data will only tell you

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so much. The best way to determine how to keep agriculture strong is to listen to our local farmers, hear what they really need and understand the ways we can assist them.” County Commissioner Josh Maxwell added, “Whether they are first or fifth generation farmers, producers need to see a profitable path forward. “It was great meeting Rick Constantine and Justin Derro at Herban Farms. They didn’t start out to be farmers, but they became pioneers and experts in indoor growing, a sector that has a lot of growth potential in the region. “Rick and Justin demonstrate the entrepreneurship and ingenuity needed to succeed and grow a business, especially during these challenging times.” Family-owned and operated Herban Farms grows sweet basil which is sold at grocery stores throughout the region. The basil is grown year-round thanks to cutting-edge hydroponic greenhouse technology. Herban Farms leases its land

from Cheyney University and works with the university’s faculty on its hydroponic research. The innovation happening at Cheyney, however, is only one part of Chester County’s agricultural industry. County Commissioner Michelle Kichline noted, “When most people think about Chester County’s agriculture industry they think of our mushroom, dairy or equine farms. They see rows of field crops as they drive around. They spend an afternoon at their favorite winery or pick apples and pumpkins with their families in the fall. “But it is a mix of traditional farming and newer business models that make Chester County a unique place to farm. We need to ensure the profitability of all of our producers, so that we continue to be one of the top agricultural producing counties, not just in the state, but in the nation.” The Chester County Ag Task Force, a group made up of county and regional ag partners including

The Chester County Commissioners and Chester County Ag Task Force announced the start of a county-wide agriculture economic strategic plan during a visit to Herban Farms.

the Chester County Ag Council, Chester-Delaware Farm Bureau, Penn State Extension, the Chester County Intermediate Unit and the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, had been discussing the need for an agriculture economic development plan for several years. The pandemic further highlighted the need to support this critical industry. “We are excited to work with farmers across the county to find out how we can better serve their needs

and help this place-making industry thrive, regardless of future challenges,” said Ag Council Director Hillary Krummrich. The county has engaged ACDS, an agricultural and community development consulting firm based out of Maryland, to guide the plan and engage with key stakeholders and agriculture groups. Learn more about Chester County’s agriculture economic strategic plan and the Chester County Ag Task Force at www.chescofarming.org.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Kennett High School’s sixth mini-THON set for May 21 Kennett High School’s sixth annual Mini-THON will be held on Friday, May 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Kennett Middle School. This year’s dinosaur-themed event has one goal: Making Cancer Extinct. The evening’s safe, socially-distanced festivities will consist of yard games, crafts, karaoke, lip sync, dodgeball, yoga, ultimate frisbee, and other fun activities, as well as a luminary walk designed to honor those who have lost their lives to cancer. Individual students raise money from friends and family who pledge to support their commitment. Currently, this year’s top fundraisers are seniors Gavin Maxwell and Zara Quraishi who have each received donations totaling $2,000. The Kennett MiniTHON would not be possible without generous support from the Kennett community. The KHS

Mini-THON committee is grateful to this year’s sponsors -- Chatham Financial, Sinton Air Conditioning & Heating, Austin and Bednash Construction, Kennett Education Foundation, both locations of El Nayarit Mexican Food Stores, Baccellieri Family Dentistry, G & G Mushroom, Guadalajara Express, Sturtee LLC, and High Tech Auto Body -for their dedication and stewardship. Faculty advisors for the event are Lisa Teixeira, KHS librarian and Humanitarian Club moderator, and Shawn Duffy, social studies teacher and Humanitarian Club assistant moderator. Student organizers are led by event co-chair seniors Gavin Maxwell and Emma Henderson and junior cochair Grace Pruitt. The event’s music will be provided by students Vincent Poncet and Liam Mitchell. “I am incredibly honored by the opportunity to work

with the dedicated students, faculty, and administrators at Kennett High School as we strive together to combat pediatric cancer,” Teixeira said. “Our group seeks to not only raise money for Four Diamonds but to provide the community, in and out of school, with a framework for unity, inclusiveness and fun.” Event Co-Chair Gavin Maxwell commented, “It has been humbling to watch the KHS Mini-THON grow from an idea six years ago when my brother helped to lay its foundations to a tradition of generosity in our community. I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to see the sincere willingness of others to contribute to a great cause.” Event Co-Chair Grace Pruitt said, “To see high schoolers come together for a cause such as Mini-THON is extremely heartwarming. It serves as a great reminder that we are more than capable of the things we put our

mind to.” Through a variety of activities, Kennett students have already raised more than $17,000 toward this year’s total. Offering incentives seems to have been particularly effective in encouraging fundraising. Teachers Chris Gramlich, D.J. Augustine, and Ryan Battin took a pie in the face when students reached $3,000 in donations, and Principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz and Assistant Principal Duane Kotz were duct taped to the cafeteria wall during all lunch shifts when donations hit the $5,000 mark. One in 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer before their twentieth birthday, a truly alarming statistic. Four Diamonds established Mini-THON as a way for high school students to join the fight against pediatric cancer. Based on Penn State University’s THON, Mini-THON has over 90,000 student volun-

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teers in over 265 schools. Kennett High School has been a proud Mini-THON participating school for the past five years, raising nearly $200,000 and hoping to add to that impressive total with this year’s proceeds. If you would like to make

a donation, please visit the KHS Mini-THON page at https://fourdiamonds. donordrive.com/index. cfm?fuseaction=donor Driveevent&eventID= 3113, search “Kennett High School donor drive,” or call the school at 610-444-6617 for more information.

Kennett's Blue and White Chapter: Passionate about service -- even during a pandemic Being inducted into Kennett High School’s Blue and White Chapter of the National Honor Society is no small feat. Students only become eligible by posting a 3.75 grade point average by the second semester of their junior year, a requirement that is significantly higher than the national requirement of a 3.0. Additional qualities of character, leadership, and service are then assessed by teachers and administrators and reviewed by members of the National Honor Society Faculty Council. The work doesn’t end there, however. Members must maintain these high academic standards as well as participate in a variety of service activities, logging a set number of hours. This past year, members were obviously forced to make adjustments in how they complete their service requirements but still enthusiastically honored their dedication to volunteerism through a wide range of creative projects. Chapter Adviser and math teacher Dr. Alicia Tamargo explained, “This has been a challenging year on all fronts, but the students have risen to the occasion. Last year, to finish their hours, the students went out on their own and took pictures of their service, from writing cards to cleaning up public spaces and parks. “This year we tried to keep it more closely aligned with what we do as an organization, doing projects together with each student spearheading a project. I am very proud of their efforts and look forward to more in-person projects in the upcoming school year.” The list of local, national, and international organizations with which KHS students partnered

Courtesy photos

Sydney McCracken chaired a shoe drive that collected 2,825 pairs of shoes.

Luke Jeffery and Ryan Myers chose to work with Project C.U.R.E., arranging 20 volunteers into teams to organize medical supplies at the Project C.U.R.E. warehouse in West Grove.

is lengthy and impressive. Student projects included work with Good Neighbors, La Mancha Animal Rescue, the SPCA, Project C.U.R.E., Meals on Wheels, the Kennett Senior Center, and the Friends Home. Members also held food drives, shoe drives, and card-writing campaigns for the troops and senior citizens; and mentored, tutored, and organized clean-ups at Anson B. Nixon and the KAU fields. Though all members were committed to the goal of continued service, a few NHS members deserve special recognition. Sydney McCracken chaired a shoe drive that collected 2,825 pairs of shoes. Together, the shoes weighed 2,745 pounds (meaning over a ton of shoes!!) and will be distributed to developing countries that rely exclusively on walking for economic job growth and opportunity. Jack Ryan, outgoing senior NHS Treasurer, spearheaded the Meals on

need all around the globe. The job of documenting the efforts of NHS members fell to graduating NHS Historian, senior Ryan Myers. “Collecting words and pictures from our dedicated members and their meaningful service projects has shown me the power of our work through NHS. I take pride in my task of visually displaying the variety of ways our group served the community in a year which required so much adaptation,” said Myers. Outgoing NHS president senior Henry Sedano concluded, “Denzel Washington once said, ‘At the end of the day it’s not what you have or even what you’ve accomplished . . . It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you give back.’ I read this quote and think of all the great things we’ve done with NHS. It’s crazy to think that a group of high schoolers were able to make such a big impact in our community. The

Wheels service project, dutifully delivering packaged meals to homebound residents twice a month for the entire school year. “It was a very fun and enjoyable experience because I know I am helping, feeding, and giving life to people who are unable to leave their homes due to terminal illness or old age,” he said. Carly Cicconi and Julia Dahms collected approximately 1,000 pounds of food and hundreds of dollars in monetary contributions for Kennett Area Community Services (KACS). Donations came from all KCSD schools, as well as local businesses and restaurants. Luke Jeffery and Ryan Myers chose to work with Project C.U.R.E., arranging 20 volunteers into teams to organize medical supplies at the Project C.U.R.E. warehouse in West Grove. Dozens of boxes of syringes, bandages, and other necessities were sorted to ensure freshness before being shipped to countries in

Jack Ryan, outgoing senior NHS Treasurer, spearheaded the Meals on Wheels service project, dutifully delivering packaged meals to homebound residents twice a month for the entire school year.

amount of smiles we have brought to people’s faces is what motivates us all to keep helping because there will always be someone out there looking for

help, and we are glad to be there for that person. I hope that in the future our NHS members keep doing whatever they can to help.”

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries ANDREW W. FULTON Andrew W. Fulton, 74, of Oxford, passed away on May 11 at Reading Hospital in West Reading. He was the husband of the late Renee S. Patton Fulton, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late William and Helen Simmons Fulton. Andrew was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War. He was employed as a manager with Acme in Kennett Square until retiring in 2010. Andrew enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He is survived by three daughters, Dawn Fulton of California, Kim Fulton of Pennsylvania, and Sara Fulton of Delaware, and one sister, Mae F. Hammond also of Delaware. Services are private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RENEE S. FULTON Renee S. Fulton, 67, of Oxford, passed away at home on April 28. She was the wife of Andrew W. Fulton, with whom she shared 46 years of marriage. Born in Somerset, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Ruth Patton. Renee enjoyed reading, singing and baking. She is survived by her husband; three daughters, Dawn Fulton of California, Kim Fulton of Pennsylvania, and Sara Fulton of Delaware, two brothers, Buddy Patton and Bill Patton, and two sisters, Linda Hannah and Cynthia Patton. Services are private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

GARY JAY MELLINGER Gary Jay Mellinger, 74, of Oxford, passed away on May 1 at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pa. Born in Harford County, Md., he was the son of the late Yvonne Mellinger Price. Gary retired as a self-employed truck driver. He enjoyed fishing and crabbing on the Chesapeake. He is survived by his companion, Maxine Roland; three children, Mark A. Mellinger, Sr. (Melanie) of Peach Bottom, Tonja Wallace (Bill) of Oxford and Chastity Hardmon (Luis) of Drumore; four grandchildren, Billy, Kortney, Talynn and Brennan; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Mark A. Mellinger, Jr. Services are private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Alleluia For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.

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Obituaries J. EARL KEYS J. Earl “Duke” Keys, 81, of Quarryville passed away on May 7 at Hospice and Community Care in Mount Joy. He was the husband of the loving and devoted wife of Deborah Myers Keys, with whom he shared 36 treasured years. Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late William and Lona Miller Keys. He was a member of the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Earl was self-employed as a truck driver for J. Earl Keys Trucking. He enjoyed dirt racing with his sons, Jim and Ron and his best friends, Dean Price and Ed Kirk. He also enjoyed Harley-Davidson motorcycles, RVs, NASCAR, and driving his Corvette. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Jamie Keys of New York City and Tracy Forino (Jason) of Quarryville; two sons, Jim Keys (Helen) of Oxford and Ron Keys (Karen) of Perryville, Md; nine grandchildren, Brian Keys (Sherry), Brittany Keys, Jimmy Keys III, Jordyn Keys, Erika Hassel, Mikayla McCamant, Ian McCamant, Matthew Forino and Gabrielle Forino; three great-grandchildren, Roni Keys, Jaci Keys and Carly Jean; one brother, Charles “Bill” Keys of Nottingham; and one sister, Patricia Temple (Eddie) of Oxford. He was preceded in death by nine siblings, Zola, Ruth, Villa, Tressie, Helen “Pinky,” Opal, Dot, Joe, and Vernon “Bus.” Funeral services were held on May 12 at the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. A live-stream video of the service will be made available on the tribute wall. Interment will be in Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

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

JEANNE A. KIRKMAN Jeanne A. Kirkman, formerly of Kennett Square and Ocean City, N.J., passed away on May 8 at Jefferson Hospital in Sewell, N.J. She was 92. Born in 1929 in West Chester, Jeanne was the daughter of the late Nicola Travaglini and the late Josephine DiProspero Travaglini. Jeanne graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia with a degree in science and worked as a dietician at Chester County Hospital in the late 1960s and was the owner of the Mini Mushroom Mart in Ocean City, N.J. in the 1970s and 1980s. Jeanne was an avid gardener and deeply loved her family. Her grandchildren affectionately referred to her as “Mom-Mom SeaShore.” Jeanne is survived by her daughters, Joyce Finocchio Crowley and Jeannette Finocchio Davidson; her grandchildren, Marjorie Jeanne Lafferty-Clark, Rhoda Jeanne Finocchio-Davidson, Janeene Finocchio Jennett, Shin Ai Davidson, Giovanna Finocchio, Gina Davidson and Victoria Finocchio; as well as 11 great-grandchildren. Jeanne was predeceased by her son, Harry G. Finocchio; her brother, Domenic J. Travaglini; and her two grandchildren, Michael P. Lafferty, Jr. and Timothy M. Finocchio. A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Jeanne on May 17 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kennett Square. Private Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery. Donations in Jeanne’s memory may be made to EWTN.com – the EWTN Global Catholic Network. To view Jeanne’s online tribute and to share a message with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

MARGARET ANN ROCHESTER Margaret Ann Rochester, a resident of Newark, Del. and formerly of Oxford, passed away on May 11 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She was 71. Margaret Ann Rochester, better known as Bettyann, was born Feb. 28, 1950, in Oxford. She was the only child of Mary Annie Rochester and was raised with her aunts and uncles as siblings. She was a graduate of Oxford Area High School. Bettyann loved children and assisted with raising and caring for many family members (Michael Akana, Brian McClain, Melissa Rochester, Antaya Rochester and Katrace Dean). Bettyann loved to braid hair, collect knickknacks, play lottery tickets and, most of all, take care of family and neighborhood children. Bettyann was a resident of Newark, Del. from 2008 until May 11 but her hometown of Oxford remained in her heart. She is survived by three children, Tammy Dennison, Diane Dennison, Howard Dennison; three grandchildren, Alonzo Dennison, Kane and Shane Gomez-Dennison. Bettyann was also known as mom mom to Deija, Xzavia and Aysira Dean. She was preceded in death by a son, Harold (Lee) Dennison and mother, Mary Annie Rochester. A Home Going Service will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. Repast Fellowship for clergy, family and friends will be held at 12:30 p.m. at Redmans Hall, 114 Brick Road, Oxford, Pa. 19363. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

THOMAS EUGENE TRAUTMAN Thomas Eugene Trautman, a resident of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully in his own home on May 3. He was 79. Born in 1942 in Lebanon, Pa., Tom was the son of the late Eugene and Mary Trautman. Tom was known for his caring personality, always happy and smiling, and the love he had for his family. His late wife Shirley was the love of his life. They shared 58 years of marriage and did everything together—shopping, their boys’ sporting events, doctors appointments, etc. He called Shirley “My Lady,” and took very good care of her for many years. Tom was not only a wonderful husband, but a very

involved and amazing father to his three sons. He also worked very hard his entire life. At a very young age, he said he wanted to be a Marine and a truck driver. He did both. He served in the Marines; then the Navy, and eventually became a truck driver for GM. Tom is survived by his three sons, Richard Trautman (Lisa), Daniel Trautman (Kathy), and Michael Trautman; his grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Nicholas, Grace and Ryan; his sister, Mary; and his brother, David. He was predeceased by his brother, John. Due to pandemic restrictions, Tom’s memorial service will be private and by invitation only. Interment will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view Tom’s online tribute and to share a message with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News ‘Preparedness, Care and Effort’

Local author pens book for men about how to improve their online dating skills By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer About 15 years ago, Noelle Benson of Kennett Square dipped her toes into the big blue ocean of online dating, and with each passing date, it became increasingly apparent that the waters were mostly murky and inhabited by a shady and comical assortment of creatures that passed themselves off as qualified dating candidates. Throughout the years and far too many times, Benson has sat at a restaurant table across from a date who represented a vastly clueless cross-section of humanity seriously in need of a makeover from the inside out. After years of bad dates and extra time on her hands during the pandemic, she decided to write a book to advocate for men who are trying their hand at online dating post-pandemic. Some of her experiences in the world of online dating, the men she’s met and the advice she offers comprise What Men Don’t Know About Dating is A Lot: Just Because You’re Single Doesn’t Mean You’re Ready to Date, her recently-published 65-page, 22-chapter dating preparedness reference book for men that delivers frank, onpoint messages -- and not a moment too soon. “I have been dating since 2005 and since then, I can count on one hand how many times a man has shown up on a date who is ready inside and out,” said Benson, a native of the Lehigh Valley who moved to Kennett Square three years ago to

care for her mother. “I don’t go out on dates with men who tell me that they are ‘separated,’ because ‘separated’ means ‘married,’ and that is not someone who is ready to date. When a man tells me he is separated, I want to ask him, “Does your wife know?’ “I don’t like going out on dates with men whose topic of conversation is about how horrible their marriage was. If a man is still talking about his bad marriage, he’s not ready to date. Just because you’re single, doesn’t mean you are ready to date. Someone who is ready to date is someone who is single and has put in the work so they are good on the inside and out.” Four days after she graduated from Millersville University in the 1980s, Benson headed to the West Coast to pursue a career in journalism, where she lived in a Manhattan Beach condo with three flight attendants just a block from the surf. She described the dating scene at the time as “organic,” a period when the strength of a relationships gained its footing almost exclusively with person-to-person contact. When her marriage ended and Benson re-entered the world of dating, she found the easy-going ways of finding a partner she experienced in her younger days had been replaced by a digital orchestra of swipe right and swipe left, galleries of selfie photos that could be current or far outdated, and bios that were top-heavy with typos and questionable truths. The online dating culture devolved as time went on, she explained, and turned

cringey: ripped shirts, dirty footwear, disgusting table manners, limited interests and conversational skills and a lack of authenticity that paralleled the pandemic’s largest chemical explosion. “Authenticity vaporized into a mushroom cloud like the 2020 Beirut ammoniumnitrate explosion,” Benson writes in her book. Courtesy photo

Preparedness, Care and Effort As these similar, repetitive experiences continued, Benson began to rely on her powers of observation to get at the core of the problem. The answer, she found, was easy to track but a near impossibility to address: the great distance that separates these men from their exterior and interior selves. The hard work of addressing both, she writes, involves a deep dive of change that begins by adapting what Benson calls “PCE” -Preparedness, Care and Effort. She describes in her book one recent date she was on, when the man who sat across from her looked absolutely nothing like the individual she saw in his profile photographs. “I was shocked, deflated, sad and angry,” Benson writes. “I mentioned that he didn’t look like his profile picture and said that he had made minimal effort to impress me on our first date. He replied, ‘I don’t date that much and we’re coming off of lockdown.’ It was then that I knew that he wasn’t ready to date and what he didn’t know about dating was a lot.

Kennett Square author Noelle Benson.

“It wasn’t that he was trying to offend me. He was simply oblivious to PCE – and PCE starts with self-care.” Bad teeth and troll hair? Of the many recommendations listed in Benson’s book, those included in Chapter 8 are in the form of a to-do checklist that is the low-lying fruit of self-improvement. They include, ‘Are your teeth white? If not, buy white strips and use them as directed;’ and ‘Do you have troll hair from COVID-19? Go to a hair stylist, not a barber, and get a trendy cut.’ “I also urge men, in the book, to use the expertise a female friend or relative who practices self-care to help them write their profiles and with clothes shopping,” Benson said. “This book provides an opportunity for men to reboot in the New Normal and implores them to ask themselves ‘What does my reboot look like?’” If there is a missing component that seems to run consistently throughout her dating experiences with men in her age group, Benson said it can be found in the

Courtesy image

Benson’s book What Men Don’t Know About Dating is A Lot serves as a 65-page tutorial for men that delivers frank, on-point messages about how they can improve their dating skills.

lack of “shadow work” that men have failed to do for their interior selves. Simply defined, “shadow work” is a period of self exploration that acknowledges the individual’s vulnerabilities, links the emotions in a continuum of personal growth, and leads to the formation of new directions for a more enriching life. Ultimately, Benson said her book addresses how men can decide to be sincere in their dating objectives and live their best, authentic lives. “Many men really don’t understand the online dating landscape or how to navigate it,” she said. “They get caught up in the digital aspect of it and go down a hole that’s not

real. I would love it if men put in PCE so they could show up for dates well dressed, well spoken, well coiffed, driving a clean car and be solid on the inside too. Maybe my book can help with this.“ Noelle Benson’s book What Men Don’t Know About Dating is A Lot: Just Because You’re Single Doesn’t Mean You’re Ready to Date is now available for purchase from Amazon.com for $11.99, and from Kindle Unlimited for $7.99. To learn more about the author, visit www.amazon.com/Noelle-Benson To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

Pennsylvania Master Naturalist training offered in southern Chester County Pennsylvania Master Naturalist, a nonprofit organization, will partner with The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County to train citizen volunteers in the natural sciences. The course will take place from Aug. 18 to Oct. 27. The class will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and for five Saturday field sessions

on Aug. 28, Sept. 11 and 25, and Oct, 2 and 16. Social distancing and mask protocols will be observed. Adults who want to learn about nature, enjoy the outdoors, and want to be a part of natural resource protection are perfect candidates to become Pennsylvania Master Naturalist volunteers. The deadline to apply is June 1. A limited-time

tuition discount rate of $75 will be available Saturday, May 22 through Sunday, May 23. The discount rate will be applied to applications submitted before midnight on Sunday, May 23. More information can be found at pamasternaturalist. org. Scholarships are available. Space is limited so apply soon.

Once accepted, trainees will attend a 50-hour course made up of weekly classroom instruction and Saturday field sessions. After the course, participants will take part in 30 hours of service and 8 hours of continuing education to become certified. Master Naturalists must complete 20 hours of service and 12 hours of continuing educa-

tion each year following to maintain volunteer status. Pennsylvania Master Naturalist is dedicated to training knowledgeable volunteers committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s natural heritage with partnering organizations. Volunteers perform service including habitat restoration, educational nature walks, and water quality

monitoring. A full training schedule and application information can be found at pamasternaturalist.org under “Become a Master Naturalist” and “Training Courses.” For additional information or questions, please contact Ellyn Nolt, Southeast Program Coordinator, at enolt@pamasternaturalist. org or 717 368-4899.

Obituaries Continued from Page 3B

JOHN PYLE ANDERSON, OF PENNSBURY John Pyle Anderson passed away at the age of 89 on May 10. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ruth Pratt Anderson. He is also survived by three children, David B. Anderson (and his wife Mary) of Oxford, Joan A. Dowdrick (and her husband Joseph Jr.) of Lebanon, Pa., and James M. Anderson (and his wife Amy) of Chadds Ford. Other family survivors include his twin brother Robert M. Anderson (and his wife Carol) of Woodlands, Tex.; his sister Judith A. Peters of St. Augustine, Fla.; and his brother George L. Anderson of West Grove; and his six grandchildren, Alison Taughinbaugh, Joseph Dowdrick, III., Matthew Anderson, Emily Anderson, Kaitlyn Anderson and Jack Anderson; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. John was born at Chester County Hospital in West Chester in 1931. He was the son of the late Lawrence Meloney Anderson and the late Frances Baker Anderson. He lived in West Chester, West Grove, Philadelphia, Kennett Square, and Pocopson before becoming a resident of the Crosslands Retirement Community in 2003. He attended elementary schools in West Chester and West Grove, and received his high school diploma from Girard College in Philadelphia in 1949. He then enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1953. He subsequently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1956, and was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania. In 1957, he began his career in corporate and regu-

latory law with Birdsboro Corporation in Birdsboro, Pa., followed by FMC Corporation in Philadelphia in 1969 and Columbia Gas Systems Inc, in Wilmington, Del. in 1973. He retired from the Columbia Gas Legal Department in 1999. John was a member of London Grove Friends Meeting, and served on the Meeting’s Finance, Religious Education, Kindergarten and Burial Ground Committees, as well as several Western Quarterly Meeting and Philadelphia Yearly Meeting Committees. At London Grove he also served many years as treasurer of the Monthly Meeting, treasurer of the London Grove Friends Kindergarten, and secretary-treasurer of London Grove Friends Burial Ground. When younger, he was a teacher of the First Day School’s high school class, and the First Day School’s superintendent. John was also active in community affairs, including two terms on the Pocopson Township Board of Supervisors; treasurer and director of the Unionville Community Fair; a director, commissioner, coach and umpire with the soccer, basketball, softball and baseball programs of the Unionville Recreation Association; an officer of the Unionville Middle School and High School parent-teacher organizations; a member of the Kendal-Crosslands Communities Board of Directors; President of the Delaware Chapter of the Federal Bar Association; and a member of the YAG Club for over 65 years. Burial will be private. At John’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

PAUL R. PROPST Paul R. Propst, 87, of Oxford, passed away on May 13 at home. He was the husband of Hazel (Bunny) Lightcap Propst, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Homeville, he was the son of the late William Carl and Helen Prange Propst. Paul was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed with the Department of the Army for 42 years. He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lancaster and previously served as an elder for the Kirkwood Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Paul enjoyed reading, golf, watching Philadelphia sports teams and especially spending time with his family and pets. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Karen M. Propst of Oxford and Dawn M. Propst of Levittown; one son, Mark W. Propst (Patricia) of Tinton Falls, N.J.; two grandchildren, Jessica and Ashley; and one sister, Susan Wittmaier of Lancaster. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on May 18 at the Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, Pa. 17601. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Brandywine River Valley Home Health & Hospice, 121 Bell Tower, Lane, Oxford, Pa. 19363. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021

Chester County Press

Oxford FBLA members attend virtual State Leadership Conference Eight members of the Oxford Area High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attended the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference and Competition held virtually from April 12 to 14. The students qualified for the conference after finishing among the top three scorers in their business-related events at the Pennsylvania FBLA Region 9 Conference, which was held virtually in January. For the regional conference, some chapter members completed an online 100-question test in their individual topic or event, while others created a presentation (individual and group) and submitted it for judging. Other members were interviewed by judges via Zoom. Qualifying for the state competition were senior Christopher Goodrich, first place, journalism; the team of juniors Gabby Clark, Samantha Dunlap and Jordan Kane, first place, publication design; freshman Madeline Soule, second place, introduction to public speaking; junior Kenna Mullins, second place, Agribusiness; senior Alexa McCormick, third place, political science; and sophomore Victoria Gaspar, third place, introduction to event planning. At the State Leadership Conference, top 10 finishers in each event were announced at a virtual awards ceremony on April 13. FBLA chapter advisor Kimberly Webber explained that there is little statistical

difference among the top 10 scores in each event. At the state level, Madeline Soule placed sixth in introduction to public speaking and Christopher Goodrich placed ninth in journalism. Madeline said she felt the public speaking event was a natural fit for her personality. “I love speaking and talking in public,” she said. “I want to be a news anchor in the future, and competing in the public speaking category helped me to practice and prepare for a career that involves public speaking.” While some of the chapter members had previously qualified for the in-person State Leadership Conference normally held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Madeline’s first state-level experience was also a virtual one. “I was not totally sure of what to expect,” she admitted. “As for giving my speech, I found it relatively easy, in that if I messed up while recording my speech, I could always restart. Obviously, in a normal competition, you are giving your speech live, so that luxury is not given.” While successful in her chosen competition this year, Madeline said she looked forward to competing in other types of events as her FBLA participation continues. “I found it very interesting how many different topics there were to choose from,” she said. “There was such a wide range from journalism to accounting to event plan-

ning. Also, while I was watching the award ceremony, it was amazing to see all the different scholarships and leadership opportunities FBLA provides.” Victoria Gaspar was also attending her first State Leadership Conference, and saw competing in the event planning category as a way to help determine if it was a career she may want to pursue. Overall she said the conference turned out to be an enjoyable experience. “For the virtual events, I didn’t have much to compare it to since this is my first year in FBLA but I still thought competing was fun even if it was virtual,” she said. “What I liked about the conference was getting to hear about the variety of other events and learning more about FBLA in general.” Each State Leadership Conference also features open events, which are tests that all conference attendees may choose to take based on their interests. Participating in three open events, Kenna Mullins placed fourth in human resources, sixth in financial literacy, and eighth in job readiness. For the regular competition, Kenna chose to compete in agribusiness, which has been a rare category choice for Oxford students over the past several years. “Agriculture has always been very important to me and my family,” she explained. “As a child I spent many days at my grandparent’s farm where I learned a lot about taking

care of animals and growing crops. In recent years, I have become more interested in the industry from watching my sister become involved in the local farm bureau association. I understand how important agriculture is in all corners of the world, as it contributes not only to feeding the human population, but also has an immense impact on the economy.” In addition to her competitive events, Kenna said she enjoyed attending the virtual workshops that were offered throughout the conference. “I learned a lot from each of them,” she said. “My favorite speaker was a CEO who had written a book and they mailed us a free copy of it to read. I also enjoyed that the open competition tests were all spaced out on different days so I was able to participate in more than one.” This year’s State Leadership Conference was the second in row that Samantha Dunlap attended virtually. Last year she was part of a team that competed in the social media campaign event and qualified to advance to the national conference and competition. Samantha felt that participating in the marketing event was a logical follow-up to the social media category, and gave her an opportunity to develop her skills in graphic design. Although she competed virtually at the state and national levels last year, Samantha continued to find challenges in this method of participation. “Participating in the competition virtually was like

Courtesy photo

Eight members of the Oxford Area High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America recently attended the virtual Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference. Pictured from left are junior Kenna Mullins, senior Alexa McCormick, chapter advisor Kimberly Webber and juniors Samantha Dunlap and Gabby Clark. Also attending the conference were senior Christopher Goodrich, junior Jordan Kane, sophomore Victoria Gaspar and freshman Madeline Soule.

a whole new world, having to learn how to upload video for the judges to see and then also having to convert the video from our Microsoft Teams meeting to be able to download it,” she said. “However, I found it very interesting and motivating how FBLA was able to make the state competition virtual both this year and last year in such little time.” Attending the conference for publication design, Jordan Kane agreed with Samantha’s assessment. “Something that I enjoyed about the virtual state conference is that we got to film on our own time and not feel any pressure from judges sitting right in front of us,” she said. “I felt as though it allowed us to be more confident. It was definitely different competing virtually, and sometimes it was difficult to film with other people through the screen, but we

made it work.” Alexa McCormick said she chose her category with an eye toward continuing her education after graduation. “I will be majoring in political science in college next year, so I wanted to have the opportunity to research and learn about material that is not covered as heavily in our high school curriculum,” she said. “The final test was more of a test of what I had learned and as a guide on how to prepare for my college courses. Being able to prove myself competitive in the political science category was a super-fun experience.” Alexa said that she found participating in the virtual conference to be a refreshing change. “I appreciated the more laid back experience!” she said. “Testing in a room of nervous students does not always help my own nerves, so being in my own home was a bit more comforting.”

Estate of Julianne Marie Kehler, Kehler, Julianne Marie late of West Chester, PA, Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration have been granted to Barbara Tammaro, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson Richetti & Daigle, LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Site 210, Allentown, PA 18101, Administratrix, 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. 5p-19-3t

DECEASED. Late of Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, PA, Letters of Administration 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 Shirley Pennington, Administrator, 280 Bethel Road, Oxford, PA 19363 or Elle Van Dahlgren, Esq., 20 Montchanin Rd., Ste. 1000, Greenville, DE 19807. 5p-19-3t

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF JEROME J. McDONALD, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, 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 TIMOTHY D. McDONALD and PATRICIA M. McDONALD VALENTINE, EXECUTORS, c/o Kristen R. Matthews, Esq., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382, Or to their Attorney: KRISTEN R. MATTHEWS, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382 5p-5-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Charles Joseph Doyle, aka Chuck J. Doyle, late of Malvern, Chester County, PA, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth above, the Register of Wills has granted letters, testamentary or of administration to the person named. All persons having claims against the estate of the said decedent

are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to Preva H. Doyle, Personal Representative, 604 Highland Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335 5p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration have been granted to Kimberly Osborne, Administratrix for the Estate of Marvin Gene Griffith, Sr., whose last address was West Grove, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363. 5p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Barbara C. Holmes, late of Pocopson Twp., Chester County, Pennsylvania, deceased, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Under-signed has been granted Letters Testamentary on the above Estate. All persons indebted to the Estate are requested to make payment, and those with claims or demands to present them, without delay to: Lewis Leroy Thompson, Esq.,

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NOTICE OXFORD BOROUGH RESIDENTS

Effective June 2021, Please note the following changes in dates and times for the following Committee Meetings The Codes Committee will meet on the third Monday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. The Environment Committee will meet on the second Monday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. Committee meetings will be held virtually until further notice. Please check the Oxford Borough website at: www. oxfordboro.org for instructions for accessing the Zoom meeting or call 610932-2500 for additional information. By: Cary Vargo, Interim Borough Manager 5p-19-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Randall Willis, Executor for the Estate of Donald J. Walleigh, whose last address was Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make

same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363 5p-19-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Gregory Eastridge for the Estate of Betty Jane Eastridge, whose last address was Landenberg, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363 5p-19-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to John A. Arrell, Jr., Robert B. Arrell, and Amy E. Coppock, Co-Executors/Executrix for the Estate of John A. Arrell, whose last address was New London Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363. 5p-19-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Richard Louis Cosgriff, Late of Sadsburyville, Sadsbury 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 Erika R Clark 40 Granite Drive, East Earl PA 17519, Executor. 5p-19-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021