A school district and a community struggle to find common ground
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
“The mission of the Kennett Consolidated School District is to provide a quality education that increases the achievement of every student in order for all to become successful and thoughtful contributors to society.”
A welcome message on the KCSD website
On the night of May 8, Maja Murphy, a mother of two children in the Kennett Consolidated School District with a third child to soon follow, stood behind a microphone about 20 feet away from the district’s school board at the Kennett Middle School.
She began to speak that language of frustration that many residents have shared -- that the district, while making great strides in assisting in the welfare of its Hispanic population during the current environment of stepped-up deportation efforts by enforcement agencies to arrest and deport undocumented citizens from the United States -- is still falling short of where many believe the school district should be.
Immediately to her left was a young man named Rosendo Villafuerte, who stood motionless, his eyes trained on the floor.
Murphy called a meeting she recently had with Dr. Barry Tomasetti, the superintendent of the district, a
“positive” one, and said that she was impressed by how much Tomasetti “cares
Taking it to the streets
about our children’s education and safety.
“However, I still feel there is a disconnect,” Murphy continued. “I am hearing two very different sides to the story, and think bringing this conversation to a public forum might help. Immigrant families, not just Hispanic or undocumented people, make up about half of the student body in Kennett and they do not feel they are being heard. What better way for the school district to teach every student compassion and the true meaning of leadership than to lead by example and help a community in its great time of need?”
Murphy then introduced Villafuerte, who told the board that he graduated from Kennett High School in 2012. He also told them that he is the son of Mexican immigrants, and is “undocumented, unafraid and unapologetic.”
Villafuerte credited his parents for pushing the value of education as well as Kennett High School -- and his mentor Loretta Perna -- for giving him a learning environment that allowed him to excel in academics. As a result, he received a full-tuition scholarship from Immaculata University, where he graduated in 2016 with a B.S. degree in Chemistry, and is now an abuse deterrent formations technician at NMS Labs.
“However, in the current political climate, I fear for the members of my community who have dreams and aspirations, just like me,” he said, referring to the held belief that becasue he is an undocumented citizen, he did not deserve a scholarship. “They dehumanize me by calling me illegal. They insult my
Oxford School Board adopts a $68.5 million budget for 2017-2018 school year
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Oxford School Board unanimously approved a $68.5 million final budget for the 2017-2018 school year at the meeting on May
Taxes will increase by one-percent 16, concluding months of work on the spending plan.
A one-percent tax increase is necessary to balance the budget. The millage rate is increasing from 30.84 mills to 31.1484 mills. The average taxpayer in the district
will see a $39 increase in the tax bill as a result of the millage rate hike.
Spending increased by more than $2.8 million over the current fiscal year. That’s a 4.38 percent increase in spending over-
all. The item with the biggest impact on the budget is the district’s costs for the state-mandated contribution to the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). These costs are going up by more
than $1.1 million. That’s an increase of approximately 8 percent.
The school board also authorized allocating $1,079,300 for the Capital Projects Fund Budget for
Continued on Page 8A
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Officials from the United Way of Southern Chester County (UWSCC) announced last week that the organization will be allocating $800,000 to 26 different programs that work to improve the lives of residents in the community. That’s a $50,000 increase in allocations over the current year.
At the annual meeting at the Genesis Building in Kennett Square on May 17, Dave Salomaki, the out-going UWSCC board president, provided an update about the current campaign and explained how several changes were made this year that allowed them to reverse a threeyear trend of declining allocations.
Dozens of nonprofit organizations in the com-
munity rely on funding from UWSCC to provide their much-needed services to residents in southern Chester County. The allocations make a real difference in the lives of residents in southern Chester County as funding is utilized for everything from food cupboards to senior centers to adult literacy training to programs that help people in crisis, like the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County. In 2016 alone, more than 18,000 local residents benefited from programs that were funded in part by UWSCC allocations.
“We are unique in that we only fund programs in this community. The donations stay right here in southern Chester County,” explained Carrie Freeman, the CEO of the United Way of Southern Chester County.
UWSCC provided $385,240 to nine programs
that deal with crisis intervention, $179,880 for seven programs promoting stability and sustainability, and $234,880 for ten programs dealing with transitioning to independence through education.
Freeman explained that UWSCC currently has a rare opportunity to boost donations thanks to someone in the community who has pledged to match all contributions at the leadership level, which starts
at $1,000. If a current leadership donor boosts a donation by $2,000, for example, the anonymous donor will match it. If a brand new donor makes a contribution of more than $1,000, the anonymous donor will match that, too.
“We have an incredibly generous anonymous donor who gifted us $100,000,” Freeman explained. “We’re just thrilled about this.” Freeman noted that one of Continued on Page 8A
By Uncle Irvin
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Anne Lertola of Avondale runs along State Street in Kennett Square during the 28th annual Kennett Run on May 20. For a complete story and additional photos, see Page 1B.
Photo by Steve Hoffman
In an effort to address the rising concern about deportation and immigration, the Kennett Consolidated School District and the Hispanic community have both initiated programs, resources and ideas.
parents by calling them criminals. They refer to my American-born siblings as ‘Anchor Babies.’ Indeed, we currently live in a political atmosphere plagued with xenophobia, racism, prejudice and discrimation.”
Villafuerte said that he and a few colleagues recently met with district administrators to discuss what has plagued the local Hispanic community since the presidential election -- the palatable fear that many students have about increased deportation efforts and the belief that they are receiving little or no support from the school district that educates them. Further, he called for a public statement by the district that would clarify its
position to condemn these deportation efforts in the Hispanic community.
Four proposed initiatives
Villafuerte said that the administrators balked at the idea of issuing a public statement, expressing the need to avoid any misinterpretation of it as a political message.
Finally, Villafuerte called for the board to get to work on four initiatives:
1. “To issue a stronger statement to parents and students to assure that the school is a safe space, free of anxiety and intimidation,” and that the statement would include a firm commitment that the district would not cooperate with immigration enforcement.
2. Form an advisory commission made up of Latino leaders in the community, as well as students.
FRIDAY
premieres this Friday
Ournewvideoseriesshowsyouabehindthe sceneslookatsomeofthearea’sbest restaurants.FoodieFridayisavideoseries aimedtoprimeyourtastebudsforthe weekend.Eachweek,wewillshowcaseanew restaurantwherethechefwillpreparetheir signatureentrée.ThisChestercounty.com exclusivecontentisnottobemissed.Likeus onFacebookorsubscribetoourmailinglistto makesureyounevermissabite.
3. Form a social justice committee within the schools, designed to help any and all students who are hurting and in need of help. The group should be made up of a diverse group of people, “so that Latinos and non-Latinos feel comfortable to talk or report incidents that may be occurring.”
4. Offer cultural competency training to teachers, to “better equip them to help students who are suffering as a result of the current political climate.”
“Individuals are now more vocal about their attitudes toward immigrants, especially Mexican immigrants, which has created an environment full of intimidation and bullying,” Villafuerte concluded. “The recent ICE raids have provoked a shock throughout our community, creating fear. Now is the time to offer the necessary resources to those affected and ensure that they are in a safe space. We need a more culturally competent staff that would comfort students in the current political climate and better assist undocumented students in applying to college.
“But most of all,” Villafuerte said, “we need to express our compassion towards those who need it, even if our efforts are to be political.”
Tomasetti responded to Villafuerte’s comments, providing in detail the content and tone of recent letters the district had sent to parents -- in both English and in Spanish -- informing them that the district would not permit any immigration
office to remove any student from his or her school, and that the district would not share any information with any immigration office.
It’s a message of respect, he said, one that has been passed on to school principals, to teachers and subsequently, to students.
Tomasetti said that the district does not want to ally itself with “any messages that are going to upset even more children and more students.” He said that he has met with school counselors, who informed him that they reported only isolated incidents of disrespect toward Latino students.
“What we want is inclusiveness,” he said. “I feel that we have taken some action and are continuing to communicate with our staff to be very sensitive to the needs of all students,” Tomasetti said. “Especially since the election, our principals are engaged. We have taken many steps and will continue to take steps.”
Board president Kendra LaCosta echoed Tomasetti’s comments.
“The administration is doing all it can, and the board has reached out and we have talked about this for hours,” she told Villafuerte. “What you’re saying is not falling on deaf ears. We are working on changing hearts and changing minds, which may take some time.”
Soon after Tomasetti’s comments, Luis Tovar, a commissioner on the Advisory Commmission on Latino Affairs in the Kennett Square Borough, called Tomasetti’s response “a lot of lip service.”
“What we need is a clear statement on their position,” Tovar said. “They said that they’ve sent that out, but we’ve never seen it. It’s no longer a blame issue. This is institutional racism, and it needs to be addressed, and part of it is reaching out to the community. You do that with the four paths forward we asked for. If they want to embrace the community and show that they support them so that they can build a trust, so that community members can approach teachers, and police on site, or the superintendent or the board, then demonstrate it.
“We don’t feel that that is happening right now.”
Mayra Zavala, a member of the Advisory Commmission on Latino Affairs in the Kennett Square Borough, said the problem begins with a lack of Hispanic representation on the KCSD board.
“There is no one on that administration who represents the 50 percent of the population in the student body that is Latino,” she said. “I think that this is a time where politics affect all of us, and we have to be political and we have to be sure that we are all taken care of. Ideally, we need to have [a school board] administration that represents the entire student body.”
KCSD has been criticized for what many in the Hispanic community believe is a timid approach to confronting the issue of immigration and deportation in the community -- which other schools in Chester County and nearby
Rose Spring Farm Rose Spring Farm
Delaware have done with bold, powerful statements, seen in letters sent to parents informing them of the steps they are taking to confront these issues. Then, on May 22, parents of Kennett schools received the following email:
Dear Parents, The safety and welfare of every child is extremely important to us here at the Kennett Consolidated School District. It is our understanding that some of our students are feeling anxious due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) activity in our community. If this is true in your family, or in the family of a friend of your child, we have qualified counselors at our schools who can help. Please contact the school principal or counselor if you would like your child to receive assistance.
The information that you share will be kept in strict confidence.
The letter was signed by Tomasetti.
While it continues to take the heat for choosing to avoid “politicizing” its support of its Hispanic students and their families, the KCSD quietly goes about the business of providing services that address the academic and emotional needs of all of its students, including several workshops targeted at celebrating diversity, addressing and preventing bullying, and encouraging positive student-to-student behavior.
Several of these programs specifically help Hispanic students: District wide, the SIOP program enhances learning opportunities for Hispanic students who require additional English language experiences. Spanish-speaking interpreters are provided for every student whose parents do not speak English at parent conferences, and for parents who meet with school staff.
On the middle and high school levels, the Chester County Futures program works with Hispanic students as they prepare to consider furthering their education at the college level. The Walk IN Knowledge Program provides tutoring services as well as introduces Hispanic students to the college application and visitation process.
The district also taps its most successful Hispanic students -- who are currently in college or have recently graduated -- to speak to
Hispanic parents of the district’s Head Start, Migrant Education and other programs that serve the local Latino population about the importance of encouraging their children to achieve academically.
Additonally, Kennett schools have enrolled 12 Hispanic parents in its APEX program, that introduces them to school structure and gives them the skills to help them work with their children to complete homework, stress the importance of education and provide them with other schools that will enable the children to succeed.
‘Perception vs. Reality’
Yet despite these efforts, the disparity between what the KCSD is doing to assist its Hispanic community and what the Hispanic community has asked from them can be seen as two like-minded initiatives, connected by aspiration, and disconnected by perception versus reality. While the district continues to address the rising concerns of its Hispanic students with increased attention and resources, the Hispanic community continues to live in a constant and isolated bubble of fear, the severity of which, they claim, the district, for all of its efforts, simply cannot understand.
Kennett Square psychologist Winden Rowe said that the local Hispanic community is one “saturated in anxiety,” a keystone member of the Kennett Square community who has become the vicitim of a federallyenforced mandate.
“When you look at what’s happening with families being very suddenly broken up and an individial or individuals in the family being deported, that’s a trauma to the family,” Rowe said. “What’s happening is because immigration groups are going into mushroom farms and homes and residential complexes and finding people and deporting them without warning, it’s causing a lot of anxiety in children who have parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents who are undocumented, and they are under that constant stress as to whether their family will be able to stay intact because of policy.”
Villafuerte’s four suggestions are not the only ideas being submitted to the KCSD board. In a letter to the board, Kennett Square resident Laura Gonzalez, Ph.D., supported the creation of the Borough of Kennett Square Human Realtions Committee.
“We have seen improvements in terms of de-segregation but there are still many discriminatory practices happening among groups of people,” she wrote. “Some of these people are not even aware that they are discriminating, judging and misunderstanding each other. There is still a lot of work to do, but I am sure that we can do better.” Gonzalez recommended that the proposed commission teach workshops on cross-culture skills and ethnocentrism, designed to celebrate cultural differences among populations.
Rowe recommended that KCSD consider providing home-bound educational opportunities for their Latino students, where children will be able to do schoolwork from home, blended with visits to school for instruction and assessment.
Incorporating the principles of a more sanctuary-based learning environment in the district, she said, can be achieved by changing the language of how teachers are trained.
“Teachers are on the front lines of this,” Rowe said. “If anyone is going to know what’s going on with a student, it’s a teacher. These are people the student is in front of five days a week, and they are the most observant of what’s really going on with a student.”
Villafuerte and Zavala -who attended Kennett High School and graduated from Penn State in 2016 -- belong to a contingent of local college-educated young adults of Hispanic ethnicity who are taking the conversation of immigration and deportation out of the kitchens of their parents and into the offices of local leaders. Some meetings have gone well and others have not, Zavala said, including a meeting she had with Tomasetti in November, soon after the presidential election.
“I had been hearing post [presidential] election about the stress of the Latino community, and the emboldening of bullying in schools,” she said. “I decided to call on some of my friends - including Rosendo -- to meet with Dr. Tomasetti and [Assistant Superintendent] Dr. Michael Barber, and ask them why they hadn’t put out a statement.
“We were met with a lot of resistance, and they accused us of overdramatizing the situation. We had also asked for social justice awareness, because we believed that we have a responsibility for compassion. Dr. Tomasetti said that it was important for the [Kennett schools] to remain free of politics.”
Zavala said that the efforts of she and others are in response to a tendency in the Latino population to retreat from conflict for fear of retaliation, a practice mostly applied to the older generation.
“There are many of us who have gone to college and come back and are taking care of our community and trying to hold our institutions accountable,” she said. “There is fear, but we all need to go beyond that, regardless of that fear.”
While both sides of the
issue wrangle their way through a conflict in an effort to address a national crisis, many continue to applaud the choices being made to distance Kennett schools from the hot-talk political conversation of immigration and deportation and, rather than choosing to segregate its focus on just one cross-section of the school’s population, remain inclusive.
KCSD board member Bob Norris listened to Villafuerte’s presentation on May 8.
“I was searching my soul for what was the right answer for the community, and specifically, the kids,” he said. “The beauty of the Kennett Consolidated School District is seen in the diversity of Kennett Square. Fifty one percent of our children [in the district] are not white. Diversity is the reason a lot of us came to Kennett Square for, to provide our children with exposure to new cultures in order to broaden their upbringing. The schools are a representation of that diversity.
“Our entire focus -- and it’s led by Barry -- is that every single child needs to rise to his or her potential, and we will do every single thing we can do to help that happen. It’s not just our marketing tag line. It’s the truth. So much of what our district does to help our children goes beyond just teaching them algebra.
“In the end, education is not about politics, it’s about the kids,” Norris said. “It’s about how we can help them reach their highest potential.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Uncle Irvin...
Penn Township seeks tracking system to fulfill state mandate
By Nancy Johnson Correspondent
At their May 3 meeting, the Penn Township Board of Supervisors discussed a resolution that would help them track small building projects in the township. Director of operations Karen Versuk explained that MS4 regulations are making this necessary.
“Legally, we are required to track all stormwater [implications], so building inspectors need to record the square footage of all structures,” she said.
The square footage of a house or other large structure on a property is recorded, since a building permit is required. But some small structures, such as sheds or patios, often don’t require a permit, so the township has no record of additional impervious ground on that parcel.
“It’s a state mandate that’s kind of run downhill,” Versuk said. “We need to find a way to keep a total square footage per parcel.
We don’t care for it, but we have to do it.”
Planning early for next winter, the supervisors approved the purchase of a backup snow-plowing truck. While they contract out the snow removal for the township roads, there are situations when having a fully equipped truck of their own would be helpful. Supervisor “Radar” O’Connell explained that they put out bids for a plow truck with a dump body and spreader through Pennsylvania’s Co-Stars cooperative program.
“We got four bids and they were amazingly close – like only a couple hundred dollars apart,” O’Connell said. The lowest bid, $75,654 from New Holland Auto Group, was accepted by the supervisors.
Skip McGrew reported that the Planning Commission met to welcome their new member, Bruce Van Kleeck, and to review the application for building a new Dunkin’ Donuts. “While we have no objections to a Dunkin’ Donuts, a land development plan is necessary,” McGrew said. He said the commission concurred with the traffic engineer that
a traffic study should be required.
The supervisors concluded the meeting with praise for the recent intersection reconstruction groundbreaking ceremony near the former Red Rose Inn. “It was good to see everyone come together on this. It wasn’t just about the Republicans or Democrats,” said O’Connell.
“The bureaucracies involved are just unbelievable,” added Curtis Mason, the chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “It’s a state highway and there’s nothing we can do about it. We have no say, but yet we have to maintain the traffic light. It’s frustrating for us and it’s been frustrating for John [Lawrence, Pennsylvania State Representative] and Andy [Dinniman, Pennsylvania State Senator], who have both worked so hard to get this done.”
While he is very happy that there is a firm commitment to reconstruct the dangerous intersection, Mason warned, “People really want this intersection done, but it’s going to take a while. You won’t see a shovel of dirt until next spring or summer.”
Legal marijuana growing and marketing were redhot items recently passed by the state legislature, and are drawing strong business
Continued from Page 1A interest everywhere in Pennsylvania and other states that have legalized medical marijuana.
Some think that the idea is a bonanza – a no-lose operation. But just like gambling, any business soon runs into supply/demand cycles.
(Uncle Irvin’s column is his opinion only, and is not a news story.)
Former colleagues in Oxford remember Charles Lewis, Jr.
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The May 16 Oxford School Board meeting began with a moment of silence to remember Charles Lewis, Jr., the former Oxford Area School District business administrator who passed away on May 11 at the age of 63. School board president Richard Orpneck said that Lewis, who was known by everyone as “Chip,” worked very hard for the district to keep it in good financial shape during his 28 years with Oxford. Lewis retired in 2015. Lewis, who lived in
Malvern, is survived by his wife, Diane, and their two children.
In addition to his duties as the school district business manager, Lewis was a CPA. He also served on a number of non-profit organizations in the Oxford area. He was the president of the Rotary Club of Oxford, a board member of CCRES, and a member of the Oxford Area School District’s Education Foundation. He was a member of DVASBO and PASBO from 1987 to 2017, serving in a variety of officer positions, including as president. He was also a PASBO liaison for the southeastern Pennsylvania region.
Jim McLeod served on a number of school district committees and met Lewis shortly after he was hired by the district as its business administrator.
“When the Oxford Educational Foundation was formed in 1994, Chip was asked to be the treasurer and he graciously accepted,” McLeod explained. “He held that position until his retirement. My involvement with the Oxford Educational Foundation for many years allowed me to interact with him on a regular basis. I saw his desire to provide a quality education to the students of Oxford. He truly cared about their education, not just the
dollars and cents involved.”
McLeod added, “Chip joined the Oxford Rotary Club in 2009, and served as president from 2012 to 2014. His commitment to ‘service above self’ was evident not just with Rotary, but on the other nonprofit boards he was involved with in the county.”
Penny Lynn Shaffer, who is now the supervisor of business services for the Kennett Consolidated School District, worked with Lewis in Oxford’s business office for many years. She considered him a mentor.
“I was very fortunate to have a great mentor like Chip,” Shaffer said. “I valued his professional advice, which he
Oxford Borough Council authorizes funding to help pay for inclusive playground for Oxford Memorial Park
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
For the last few years, a fundraising campaign has been underway to purchase and install an inclusive playground at the Oxford Memorial Park.
With that effort nearing its conclusion—approximately $100,000 of the $155,000 has been raised—Oxford Borough Council has now decided to help the cause financially by authorizing the spending of up to $35,000 for the playground equipment and the installation.
At the May 15 meeting, borough council voted 6-0 in favor of approving the expenditure that could pave the way for the playground
equipment to be installed later this year.
Borough manager Brian Hoover said that the borough is also in the process of seeking some grant funding that could offset what is ultimately spent on the project.
Council member Paul Matthews has long championed the idea of bringing in inclusive playground equipment so that children of all abilities would be able to play together in the park. He noted this would be the only inclusive playground in the area once it becomes a reality.
In other business at the meeting, Oxford Borough Council discussed the request for a waiver from
land-development plan requirements for the Ware Presbyterian Village’s Vista Ridge project.
Jason Best, a consulting engineer, spoke on behalf of Ware Presbyterian Village. He explained that they are making some changes to the original plans and are requesting a waiver to move directly to the final land development stage, rather than going through the process of getting the preliminary approval before moving to final approval.
According to Best, the original plan for the expansion project on the Ware campus included 85 units, 62 of which are apartments. The remaining units were to be duplexes or single units. Now, they want
to eliminate nine of the single units and instead build a two-story, assisted-living building that will have 32 beds. Best said that there is an immediate need for assistedliving services, prompting the change.
The borough’s planning commission recommended the approval of the waiver that would allow the project to move straight to final approval.
However, Oxford Borough’s solicitor, Stacey Fuller, an attorney with Gawthrop Greenwood, requested that Ware Presbyterian Village still submit the amended plans that detail the changes. Borough officials can then
continued to give even while ill. Having him as my boss was also a pleasure. But he was more than a teacher and a boss, he was a friend, and I will miss him.”
Speaking at the school board meeting, former school director Kurt Haegele said that Lewis played an important role with the district.
“I had the privilege of working with Chip for eight years as a school board member,” Haegele said. “Chip really helped the district. He was a good accountant for the
school school district, and he did a lot for us.”
Haegele explained that if it weren’t for Lewis’s skills as a business manager, the district would not have been able to undertake a series of muchneeded renovation projects on schools or to build a new high school. The impact that Lewis had on the school district will be lasting.
“His smile and quick wit will be missed,” McLeod said, “but certainly not forgotten.” To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor @ chestercounty.com.
Oxford Area Recreation Authority recognizes winners
As part of their May 18 board meeting, the Oxford Area Recreation Authority honored 17 winners of the first OARA Pitch, Hit & Run competition, held on April 29. The winning boys and girls, ages 7 to14, went on to compete at the sectional level in Leesport Pa., on May 1 in baseball and softball. Presenting Certificates and T-shirts
Materials used in new ways at Arts Alliance exhibit
By John Chambless Staff Writer
The Oxford Arts Alliance continues to expand the region’s arts scene with “Earth’s Many Offerings,” an exhibit by Jill Beech and Helen Mason that runs through May 30.
The two artists create strikingly differing works that nevertheless share a thematic link. Mason works with strips of rubber – tires and hoses primarily – and creates things you would never expect. She has a group of statement-piece brooches that combine rubber with gold, stone, gems and other bits and pieces in bold and interesting ways. Her large wall pieces and sculptures on one side of the gallery are dazzlingly creative, making art out of material that would otherwise be clogging
landfills.
The curves and textures in “Knotted Orgy Sculpture,” for instance, are endless and intricate.
“Wave
Lengths Sculpture” is a framed horizontal assemblage that recalls ocean currents. Mason’s large “Calligraphic Collaborations” in plexiglass frames use thinner strips of rubber, as well as photos, text clippings and colored paper, with the rubber serving as bold marks in the compositions.
On the other side of the gallery, Beech’s light, airy colors and pierced stoneware vessels suggest coral reefs. They are accented with encaustic paintings on wood panels that evoke swirling ocean currents, or the interplay of sunlight and turquoise water.
Beech’s “Refugees,”
on the other hand, are grim and powerful. They resemble bodies wrapped in shrouds, their identities hidden, but tragically human.
Both artists will discuss their works during a free program on May 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gallery. The exhibition continues through May 30. The Arts Alliance is at 38 S. Third St., Oxford. Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www. oxfordart.org for more information.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
An Ocean Vessel and ‘Chaos’ by Jill Beech.
Brooches by Helen Mason that use bits of rubber and other materials.
‘Transformation’ by Helen Mason.
‘Raven Sculpture’ by Helen Mason.
‘Refugees’ by Jill Beech.
Oxford police officer’s investigation leads to arrest of scam artist
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
After a lengthy investigation, Oxford Borough police officer
Chris Coverly charged James Franklin Hill, 54, a resident of South Orange, New Jersey, with felony theft, theft by deception, and possessing instruments of a crime after the alleged scam artist sold a set of fake gold coins to a local resident for
The suspect may have been active in eight or more
$19,000.
According to police, Hill met with the victim at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2016 at the Oxford Library. Hill was supposed to be selling a collection of Canadian Maple Leaf Gold Coins after answering an ad the victim placed on Craigslist. Prior to the meeting, Hill communicated with the victim and sent pictures of the coins. He used an untraceable cell phone to
send the pictures. The victim agreed to purchase the coins once he verified the validity of the coins.
During the meeting at the library, Hill presented a set of 24 gold coins that were contained in a black, plastic wallet. The victim examined the coins and determined that they were legitimate, so the two discussed the terms of the transaction. Hill began to argue with the victim over the amount the victim was to pay to buy the coins. After a few minutes, Hill decided he would sell the coins and gave the victim what appeared to be the same black wallet in exchange for $19,000 in cash. After receiving the cash, Hill quickly left
decide whether the changes are significant enough to require preliminary plans to be submitted before the final plans can be approved. Fuller added that as long as the assistedliving building is a permitted use for that property under the borough’s regulations, and it likely is, expedited approval of the plans would be possible.
Oxford Borough Council tabled the issue until those plans and the formal request for the waiver can be submitted.
Borough Council authorized $7,000 to continue the borough’s participation in the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Study Committee, which is analyzing the best long-term plans for the public sewage system. The Oxford Area Sewer Authority has been unable to make the debt-service
the library. It was then that the victim realized that Hill had switched wallets and the coins that had been purchased were a set of fake coins, not the ones that had first been presented.
The victim contacted the Oxford Police Department and, based on the information that was provided, officer Coverly was able to identify Hill as a resident of South Orange, New Jersey. As Coverly continued his investigation, he was able to link Hill to numerous other bait-andswitch scams in several states. A warrant for Hill’s arrest was issued. On March 15, more than three months after the crime in Oxford, an
payments on the $27 million loan that was taken out more than five years ago to expand the system. As a result, the four member-municipalities— Oxford Borough, East Nottingham Township, West Nottingham Township, and Lower Oxford—may have to absorb some of those costs of those debt-service payments.
The Oxford Area Sewer Authority Study Committee has been exploring the possibility of selling the plant and other options. The study committee is about to issue requests for proposals from five interested parties that have looked into purchasing the sewer system.
The funding will allow the Study Committee to continue its work.
Borough council approved a resolution opposing the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant Program, which has been
states
off-duty South Orange, New Jersey police officer spotted Hill sitting in a parked vehicle. Hill was taken into custody in New Jersey and was subsequently extradited to Chester County.
On April 11, Hill was arraigned before District Judge Scott Massey at District Court 15-3-05, and remanded to the Chester County Prison after failing to post bail, which was set at $1,000,000.
Based on the investigation that included collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, California, New York, and Delaware, police have been able to link Hill to a series of bait-and-switch scams in those jurisdictions as well. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
targeted for cuts in the proposed federal budget. This program funds many different social service, economic development, and housing programs in communities large and small—including, of course, ones here in southern Chester County. The county has been using more than $2 million annually to invest in infrastructure projects in places like Oxford and Kennett Square.
Borough council also approved a resolution in support of the Coalition to Eliminate the Prohibition Against Municipal Police Using Radar.
Currently, Pennsylvania regulations only allow State Police to utilize radar, not local law enforcement agencies.
Municipalities have long wanted to have their police departments use radar as a way to enforce speeding regulations.
Mayor Geoff Henry noted
that Pennsylvania is the only state in the U.S. that does not allow its municipal police to use radar. Previous efforts to get state lawmakers to change the rule have failed as the bill always gets bogged down in committee.
The resolution approved by borough council encourages State Representatives and State Senators to support the Coalition to Eliminate the Prohibition Against Municipal Police Using Radar. The coalition includes the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors, and the Pennsylvania State Mayor’s Association.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo Oxford Borough police officer Chris Coverly’s investigation led the arrest of an alleged scam artist who may have been active in eight or more states.
The line between reception and forever views
For those who attended the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting on April 17, they were treated to the sausage making of local politics – the thorny wrangle of what happens when commerce and technology threaten the contentment of the local citizenry.
During an introductory conditional use hearing, about a dozen residents of the Nivin Lane-Watson Mill community in Landenberg cried foul over the proposed installation of a 125-foot-tall high wireless cellular communications tower on 1511 Yeatmans Station Road, by Eco-Sites, LLC, a Durham, N.C.-based supplier of wireless and infrastructure solutions. Residents said that the tower, if it is constructed, would obscure their views of the adjacent White Clay Creek Preserve, as well as negatively affect the property values of their homes, and destroy the environmental aesthetic of the area.
The dilemma is this: On one hand, the tower is needed. In the relatively rural hamlet of Landenberg, poor cell phone reception is often Topic No. 1 – a complaint not only steeped in inconvenience but in safety as well. It would improve public welfare by increasing the availability of wireless telecommunication service, foster competition among the other approved wireless providers, and comply with all FCC regulations.
On the other hand, the tower’s monopine design would fool no one. The idea that the tower – one that would vaguely resemble that of a pine tree -will not be distinguishable from the tall trees that rim the edge of the development and the adjacent White Clay Creek Preserve – is laughable. From the view of a back deck or side porch or kitchen window, the mere site of a fake steel tree poking out from the middle of an otherwise pristine meadow would be almost criminal.
The cell tower would destroy their “forever view,” the residents said at the hearing.
They are right – maybe – because the future of this cell tower and the way it would impact those who live in that neighborhood rests on the precise location of its placement in Little Stenning Farm, and the willingness of both sides to compromise, and the township’s willingness to moderate.
We propose that the Nivin Lane-Watson Mill community appoint two to four residents to serve as a representative entity and, likewise, we ask the same of Eco-Site, Inc., in order to begin discussions with the township’s Zoning Hearing Board, in order to determine a location for the cell tower that will a) limit the potential amount of interference with the view of as many homes and properties as possible; while b) maximizing the effectiveness of the tower to increase reception to as many homes as possible.
Will that compromise strike a chord with both parties? Will it involve boots-on-the-ground surveying, disagreements by both parties and a slow and sometimes stubborn stumble to a solution? Would it fall outside the lines of accepted legal avenues that rely on protocol like conditional use hearings? Perhaps all are true, and yet, as we await Round Two of this conditional use hearing at the township building on June 19, consider this: We’ve got a large company with a mission to stick a 125-foot-long tower into the ground – albeit with a sound business plan – and a lot of angry people who are afraid that their voices will have little or no impact in the final decision.
We introduce this suggestion into the argument.
Chester County Press
Ambulance companies are sending a 911 call for financial assistance
By A. J. McCarthy Longwood Fire Chief
The severe fiscal plight of ambulance services across Pennsylvania was highlighted this week in an editorial in neighboring Lancaster County. That same editorial could have been written about ambulance services in Chester County as the same frightening facts are applicable.
Dean Bollendorf, president of the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, was quoted as saying there are “some emergency ambulance services that won’t be here in the next six months.”
Indeed, Lancaster County in the past two decades
has lost more than half of their ambulance services while seeing the population increase.
Longwood Fire Company will survive and will continue to serve our residents as the company has done since 1921 but we are struggling to cope with increased costs and lessening reimbursements.
Having qualified, highly professional and trained personnel available to respond at a moment’s notice to medical emergencies is not a luxury. Residents rightfully expect help will respond when needed.
The editorial stated ambulance companies are “being hit hard by stagnant
reimbursement rates, the growing number of people who can’t afford to pay on their own and the surge in heroin overdoses.” The editorial stated Lancaster ambulance companies are purchasing Narcan in large quantities to treat heroin overdoses.
Longwood fire company relies on the generously of the people we serve, insurance reimbursements and governmental contributions to pay our bills. Our expenses are high. We need contributions to keep on our lights and for equipment, training and all phases of operations.
We are not a government agency that is fully
funded by taxpayer dollars. We are a non-profit organization that utilizes many faithful volunteers to keep down costs. If a way is not found to reimburse our costs additional ambulance companies will disband. Our governmental leaders must work together to find a solution to the funding issues facing fire and ambulance companies.
A piece of legislation has been introduced in the United States Senate to increase insurance reimbursements.
That’s a start. All federal, state and local elected officials should answer the 911 call ambulance companies are sending to them and respond immediately.
Oxford Borough mayor proclaims June 2 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day
It’s part of the Wear Orange campaign which is inspired by Chicago teens who refused to be silent in the face of daily gun violence
Mayor Geoff Henry joined the Wear Orange campaign (www. WearOrange.org) by declaring June 2 to be National Gun Violence Awareness Day in the Borough of Oxford to honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence, and to declare that we as a country must do more to reduce gun violence. The proclamation encourages all citizens to support their local communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence.
“I have decided to wear orange to bring awareness
to the escalating problem of gun violence in America and the impact it has on the lives of so many people,” said Henry. He will be placing orange ribbons on the borough’s lamp posts.
“As Americans unite around the #WearOrange message of safety and responsibility, we’re grateful to all the elected officials participating in National Gun Violence Awareness Day,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety and Mayors Against Illegal Guns. “This June 2, we look forward to millions more concerned citizens and community
leaders standing up for a safer country along with us.”
In 2013, a small group of teens at a South Side Chicago high school asked their classmates to honor the life of their murdered friend Hadiya Pendleton by wearing orange – the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others and a color that reflects the value of human life. They inspired the Wear Orange campaign, a coalition of more than 300 non-profits, cultural influencers and elected officials working to reduce gun violence in America.
Spearheaded by Everytown
for Gun Safety, the campaign asks Americans who believe we can do more to save lives from gun violence to do one simple thing on June 2, National Gun Violence Awareness Day: Wear Orange. Those who wear orange pledge to honor the lives of Americans stolen by gun violence, to help keep firearms out of dangerous hands and to protect our children from gun violence. Wear Orange has already reached millions of people worldwide and is fast becoming the symbol of the gun violence prevention movement.
Sheriff’s Office graduation honors past, present K-9 teams
On May 19, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office heralded the graduates of the county’s second K-9 patrol and narcotics training course during a ceremony filled with pomp – and the dogs’ periodic panting. Addressing an audience of nearly 100, Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said the graduation, held in Courtroom One of the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester, marked the culmination of a rigorous 10 weeks of training. Previously, the office’s K-9 teams traveled to Ohio to earn certification.
The graduates were SEPTA Police Officer Jackie Trower and his partner, Jagger, for patrol; Ridley Township Police Officer Matthew
Rowan and his partner, Hannes, for patrol and narcotics; Ridley Township Police Officer Brian Judge and his partner, Zork, for patrol and narcotics; Chester County Deputy Sheriff Mike Sarro and his partner, Dexter, for patrol; Chester County Deputy Sheriff September Spencer, the office’s first female handler, and her partner, Luke, for narcotics and tracking; and Chester County Sheriff Brian Bolt and his partner, Yukon, who qualified as a canine trainer.
The program also included a tribute to Buster, one of the first K-9s in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. Buster, who died earlier this year, served with former Chester County Lt. John Freas.
Welsh gave credit for the certification course to County Deputy Sheriff Paul Bryant, a level III trainer for the U.S. Police Canine Association; Chester County Lt. Harry McKinney, a master trainer for the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers; and Bolt, previously a training assistant. Bryant, who joined the Chester County Sheriff’s Office after spending nearly three decades with the Philadelphia Police Department as a K-9 instructor, said the impetus for the county’s training program started after he began receiving calls from other agencies that wanted to know if he was still available for training assistance
– inquiries that he forwarded to McKinney. Recognizing the economic sense of using in-house resources for the new K-9 teams, McKinney said a county training program would also help to strengthen the skills of the existing teams, and Welsh agreed. Welsh said that the 10 dogs in the Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit respond to several calls each week. The most frequent involve searches of vehicles or buildings by teams trained to detect narcotics or explosives. Equally in demand is Melody, the office’s comfort dog, who often calms children who have to testify at trial or eases stress for all in custody disputes.
Courtesy Photo
The Chester County Sheriff’s Office recently graduated its second K-9 training class.
United Way...
the leadership donors, after hearing about the matching donation opportunity, immediately presented a check for $5,000.
Even before the anonymous donor made the offer, the UWSCC had taken steps to boost donations.
John Moriarty, who will be
Oxford budget...
Continued from Page 1A
the next school year.
Superintendent David Woods updated the school board about the discussions that have been taking place about delayed start times to the school day.
School districts throughout the county have been discussing delayed start times after a student report compiled data about the benefits of later start times.
Woods said that Oxford held a town hall meeting that was well-attended to get input from stakeholders, including parents and students. Additionally, the district undertook an online ThoughtExchange survey that more than 1,000 people in the Oxford community participated in.
The district surveyed participants on several different scenarios—delaying the start of the school day by an hour across the district, switching the start times for the elementary schools and the secondary schools, and other questions.
Woods said that there was a very strong preference among respondents to
the board president for the next year, said that UWSCC doubled down on its efforts to get more people to contribute to the campaign.
They established a new marketing plan, built relationships with current donors, targeted in-area campaigns, and hired a marketing and communications manager to do more
keep the start times as they are currently.
School board president Richard Orpneck, noting that the preference of stakeholders was to maintain the status quo, said, “Based on these results, I don’t think action needs to be taken.”
The school board approved the student participation fees for 2017-2018. The fees are remaining the same: For high school sports, the participation fee is $75. The fee for parking at the high school is $50. The sports participation fee for the Penn’s Grove School is $50.
Barbacane, Thornton, & Company, LLP was appointed as the auditor to audit the general purpose financial statements of the Oxford Area School District for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2017.
With the start of a new fiscal year quickly approaching, the agenda included dozens of contract approvals with companies that provide everything from maintenance and repairs on boilers to fire and life safety equipment to water treatment services.
The school board approved a contract renewal with ServiceMaster Services for custodial services at the administration build-
to spread the word about the impact that contributions to the UWSCC have on the community through the work of the nonprofit organizations. They also developed a new strategic plan.
“We realize that we have to push marketing and communication,” Freeman said.
Moriarty said that they
ing, Jordan Bank School, Hopewell Elementary, Penn’s Grove, and Oxford Area High School beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. This is part of a multi-year contract that the district has with ServiceMaster.
The amount of the contract for those services is $442,155.48 for the 20172018 school year.
In her report to the school board, Dr. Margaret Billings-Jones, the district’s assistant superintendent, said that the district will soon launch an app that will be available through iTunes.
In the final piece of business, the school board thanked high school senior Maggie Walsh for her service as the student representative to the board. Orpneck presented Walsh with a plaque and flowers on behalf of the school district.
The school board will meet again in June on Tuesday, June 13 and Tuesday, June 20. Both meetings will take place at 7 p.m. at the administration building.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
were able to boost the number of donors to 1,690 so far for the current campaign, up from a total of 1,625 last year. Out of the 1,690 donors, 635 of them are new.
“We’re encouraged by the number of donors,” Moriarty said, adding that the contributions from corporate donors were also very good this year, including larger companies like DuPont, Gore, Chemours, Exelon, and Bank of America.
An ongoing goal for UWSCC is to get people who work in Delaware but live in southern Chester County to designate their home United Way for their contributions.
“It’s great that they make the extra effort to send it back home,” Freeman said.
Each year, the UWSCC allocations panel meets to decide how much funding can be provided to agency partners. The decisions are difficult, especially with requests for allocations outpacing the money available.
According to Freeman, requests from agencies and organizations were 22 percent more than what the United Way could allocate.
As Freeman was preparing for the annual meeting, she looked back at the allocations for the last ten years. The impact that the contributions to the United Way had on local programs surprised even her.
Approximately $8,840,000 has been allocated to nonprofit organizations and agencies during the last decade. More than $1.2 million has been allocated over that time to Kennett
Area Community Services, and another $1.1 million was distributed to La Comunidad Hispana. The Garage youth programs have received more than $1 million. More than $900,000 has been allocated to both the Tick Tock Early Learning Center and the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center. That funding is critically important to the nonprofit organizations that are on the front lines of helping the people who need it the most in the community.
“We couldn’t do what we do without that funding,” said Cheryl McConnell, the executive director of the Neighborhood Services Center in Oxford. She
explained that funding is used in part to stock the Neighborhood Services Center’s food cupboard and to help provide emergency assistance to people who need help to pay their rent or utilities. The Neighborhood Services Center is able to sometimes pay the rent or utilities on behalf of its clients so that they have shelter or heat during a difficult time.
This year, the United Way was able to provide funding to one new program, the Study Buddies afterschool initiative in Kennett Square. Freeman explained that nonprofit organizations must be registered as a 501c3 for a minimum of two years before they
Chester County Press
are eligible for allocations through the UWSCC. Then, the allocations process is rigorous to ensure that the money is being utilized in a way that will benefit the residents of southern Chester County.
Salomaki noted that a chapter in “The Story of Kennett: Shaping Our Future One Child at a Time,” a book by Joan Holliday and Bob George, includes a chapter on recommendations of things the community could do to strengthen itself. One of the recommendations is to adequately fund the United Way of Southern Chester County. Salomaki quoted the book, saying that Kennett Square “…has a lot of heroes, but United Way
is the glue that holds a lot of it together, and we need to let them keep doing their job. This means building value for giving holistically to the region and providing additional revenue to keep the lights on in the agencies that do the most good.”
Freeman explained that giving to UWSCC is a good way to impact a number of different, and very worthwhile programs, with just one donation. She explained, “Everybody has causes that they are passionate about. I do, too. But I never forget a general gift to the United Way because I know that the gift gets magnified with all the other gifts.”
“The money given here, stays here,” Moriarty added.
“It’s taking care of the most vulnerable neighbors. You know the money is going to be put to very good use. We’d love to be able to fully fund what the agencies need to be successful.”
The current campaign runs through August. Freeman said that she hopes they will be able to bring in an additional $70,000 or so before the current campaign ends.
“We treasure gifts both large and small,” Freeman said.
For more information about how you can help, visit www.unitedwayscc.org, email info@unitedwayscc. org, or call 610-444-4357.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chester county.com.
Franklin Township Board discusses stream management
By John Chambless Staff Writer
Franklin Township, among many other townships, is grappling with implementing the Department of Environmental Protection’s MS4 program that is intended to reduce the nitrates, phosphates, sediments and bacteria in streams.
At their May 17 meeting, the Board of Supervisors welcomed Shane Morgan of the White Clay Wild and Scenic organization to examine the complex issue. The township is participating in a collaborative effort with neighboring municipalities to accomplish more effective projects and share costs. The partners are West Grove and Avondale boroughs, and London Grove and New London townships. London Britain has applied for a waiver for MS4, but their representatives have been attending meetings regarding the issue.
Morgan summarized projects that have widespread appeal, such as stream restorations. She summed up the goals of the collaboration, which are understanding stream loads, implementing best management practices, and reducing total maximum daily loads.
On May 18, municipal engineers and the project team discussed the load responsibility for each township and how projects will be
identified. Morgan and Ellen Kohler will be at the June Board of Supervisors meeting to discuss the outcome of the collaboration so far.
Morgan also encouraged residents to sign up for the Catch the Rain program, which gives those located in the White Clay Watershed grant money to install some of the recommended best management practices, such as rain barrels, in their own yards. Visit www.whiteclay. org/catchtherain.
In other business, the board discussed the eight deer treatment stations the township currently owns.
The stations have posts that are treated with tick-killing permethrin. When deer put their heads through the posts to feed on the corn inside, their ears are treated with the chemical, reducing the number of ticks feeding on them and reducing the spread of Lyme disease in the region.
The township will purchase corn for residents to pick up and use in stations they may
install on their properties.
A total of 10 residents host feeders. Two residents have purchased theirs privately. There are two residents on a waiting list, and the supervisors feel that more people will want a feeder if they are aware of the program. The board agreed to purchase four more stations. To host one of the two available feeders, contact the township office at 610-255-5212 or email info@franklintownship.us.
During public comment, a resident pointed out the condition of the closed Basics gas station in Kemblesville. The board agreed to have the township cut the overgrown grass at the site since the building’s owners cannot be reached at this time.
For information about township events, visit www. franklintownship.us.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.
Courtesy photo
The United Way of Southern Chester County’s board of directors for the 2017-2018 campaign gathered at the Genesis Building in Kennett Square for the organization’s annual meeting.
WENDY DIXON WICK
The world has lost a most giving and glorious soul. Dear daughter, mother, sister, and friend Wendy Dixon Wick went to her well-earned peace on May 13.
Wendy was born in 1963 in Tom’s River, N.J., to Patricia (Hoot) and David Kresge. No daughter ever loved her parents more. She was the baby sister to Pam and Val, who shared many silly and cherished childhood days in Stroudsburg, Pa., and Cape May, N.J. She was a member of the 1980 state championship field hockey team from Stroudsburg High School, and the same year was voted homecoming queen. Wendy graduated from Ursinus College and enjoyed a wide variety of jobs, all in the service of others.
Wendy is survived by her children, Skyler and Josh, and their father Jack; her proud parents; and her sisters, Valerie Kresge and Pam Misciangna and Pam’s husband Marty and sons Luke and David; as well as her loving extended family and her many devoted friends.
A funeral service was held May 20.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be sent to The Skyler and Joshua Wick Trust, at P.O. Box 944, Mendenhall, PA 19357. Donations can also be sent online to www.youcaring.com/skylerandjoshwick-823559. Funds from the trust will be used to meet Sky and Josh’s needs, as well as their education. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.
ANNE SINSON WILLIAMS
Anne Sinson Williams, 57, of West Chester, died peacefully on her birthday on May 15 at the Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.
Anne was born on May 15, 1960 in Philadelphia. She graduated from Millersville University with a degree in art education, where she met many lifelong friends. Anne was an artist at heart, a lifelong student, and a beloved teacher; expressing her love of art and people in continuing painting classes that she took as well as taught. Anne was the kindest, most thoughtful companion. She was always present for all of her friends and family, to comfort them in their times of need, and cherish cheerful moments. She loved children, dogs, reading, and traveling. Anne especially enjoyed going to the beach; sunning, relaxing and sharing time as a celebration. She is survived by her parents, Johanna and Elwood Sinson of West Chester; her husband, Jeffery Williams of Pottstown; a maternal aunt, Sophia Novack; a sister, Nanette O’Donnell; and brothers Steven, David, Phillip and Timothy. Anne was loved by many nieces, a nephew, cousins, and close friends.
A funeral was held May 22. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
VIRGINIA HUGHES FULTON
Virginia Hughes Fulton, of Oxford, died on May 15 at Jenner’s Pond, 24 days before her 106th birthday. Virginia will be remembered for her deep faith, caring ways, and a lifetime of helping and serving others.
Virginia and her twin brother Raleigh were born on June 8, 1911 in Coatesville. She was the daughter of the late Walter R. and Minnie Gray Hughes.
Surviving are daughters Susan (Joseph) Glass of Millersville, and Sandra Day of Oxford; her pride and joy grandson Michael Day; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by son-inlaw, William Day; brothers Parke, Donald and Raleigh Hughes; and sisters Grace Harris, Esther Bonsall and Alice Webber.
Virginia graduated from Coatesville High School in 1929. After graduating from the Coatesville Hospital School of Nursing in 1933 as a Registered Nurse, she did private duty nursing until 1940, when she joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center until receiving orders to report to Tripler Army Medical Center at Fort Shafter, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii, in 1941. Virginia arrived in Oahu via the USS Tasker H. Bliss on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1941. She cared for Pearl Harbor survivors and later, young polio victims at the Emergency Poliomyelitis Hospital. In 1945 Captain Hughes was assigned to Valley Forge General Hospital. While there she met her future husband (Waide G. Fulton). She was reassigned to Walter Reed in 1946 where she remained until her separation from service in 1947. Virginia continued in the Army Reserves until 1954.
Moving to Oxford in 1950, Virginia taught Red Cross courses in Home Nursing and Mother & Baby Care, assisted with blood drives, polio vaccine clinics and volunteered as a school crossing guard. Virginia was the Oxford Elementary School nurse from 1957 to 1976. She received her B.S. in public school nursing from West Chester State College in 1967. Retirement didn’t slow her down. Virginia was the first nurse to work at Ware Presbyterian Home. She played golf into her 90s and enjoyed traveling with her family, especially the trips to Hawaii when she was 92 and 100 years young.
Virginia never met a marshmallow Easter peep she
didn’t like. Her secret to long life was “loving everyone” and eating lots of chocolate.
Virginia was a long time member (60-plus years) of the Oxford United Methodist Church. She was very active in the Winner’s Class and the United Methodist Women; she was the chairperson for missions for many years and she was famous for organizing rummage sales held at the church. She was a member of the Octoraro Chapter No. 463 Order of the Eastern Star, XYZ, and the Oxford Area Senior Center. Virginia was named the Citizen of the Year in 2003 by the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce. She was a Life member of VFW Post 7294, Millersville, and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Post 1779, Oxford.
Family and friends may call at the Oxford United Methodist Church (Market and Addison streets, Oxford) from 9:30 to 11 a.m. May 24. Services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. An Eastern Star service will be held Tuesday at 8 p.m. Burial will be in the Oxford Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Virginia’s name may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences can be given at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
DAVID A. SCOTT
David Alan Scott, 86, son of the late Albert T. Scott and late Isabel Russell Scott, passed away on May 14.
David was born in Holmes, Pa., where he continued to live throughout his formative years, attending and graduating from Ridley Township High School. After high school, he attended Penn State University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture in 1953. He was employed by Voster’s Nurseries and Greenhouses in Secane, Pa., where he remained for 29 years and retired as general manager. David lived in Chadds Ford until retiring to Lewes, Del., in 1991, and pursued his dream of crabbing and fishing.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Scott. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Goodwin, who was the mother of his three children; and his second wife, Doris Dougherty. He is survived by his children, Stephen (wife Karen and son Kyle); William (wife Deborah and their children Sarah and Zachary); Elizabeth LaMantia (husband Vince and son Nicholas). He is also survived by his brother Donald and his wife Chris of Hilton Head, S.C.; and his friend and companion, Betty Ann Connor.
A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on June 3 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A memorial service will follow at noon. Online condolences may be shared at www.griecocares.com.
DAVID MAXWELL
David “Max” Maxwell, 56, of Avondale, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on May 14.
David is survived by his fiancée, Laurie Blackburn, with whom he shared two loving years. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Donald C. and the late Mary Lois (Young) Maxwell. After receiving his education, David went on to have various jobs, including a stone mason, but was most known as being the manager at Phillips Mushroom Farms of Kelton. When David wasn’t working, he greatly enjoyed fishing and spending time at the beach, specifically Lewes, Del. Most of all, David enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Along with his fiancée, Laurie, David is survived by his daughters, Melissa Maxwell and Hannah Maxwell; his brothers, Donald C. Maxwell and Keith D. Maxwell and his wife; his sister, Andrea Maxwell Bonner and her husband; his grandchildren, Corey and Gabriel; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life was held May 20. Memorial contributions in David’s name may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance (1025 Vermont Ave., NW - Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005); or Forgotten Cats Inc. (4023 Kennett Pike, Suite 422, Greenville, DE 19807). Online condolences may be shared at www.griecocares.com.
DOLORES M. BAXTER
Dolores M. Baxter, 85, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 15 at Crosslands Retirement Community. She was the wife of Richard A. Baxter, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Sunbury, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Roy and Irene Kerstetter Mull. She was a homemaker, potter and artist. She was a member of Al-Anon and was a volunteer at the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research in Newark, Del. She enjoyed birding, nature itself, gardening, and being with her family and friends. She was a long time Phillies and Flyers season ticket holder.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, David A. Baxter of Newark, Del., and Scott A. Baxter of Columbus, Ohio; one brother, Dale Mull of Raleigh, N.C.; and one sister, Carol Long of Northumberland, Pa. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. June 3 at the Crosslands Auditorium (1660 W. Street Rd., Kennett Square). Burial will be private. In memory of Dolores, a contribution may be made to the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, 170 Possum Hollow Road, Newark, DE 19711. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.
RALPH A. DUTTON
of marriage. Born in Oxford, he was the son of the late Joshua Abram Dutton and Ella Barnes Dutton. Ralph was employed with Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville for 43 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Oxford. Ralph enjoyed helping others and spending time with his family.
He is survived by two sons, Ralph A. Dutton, Jr. of Carlton, Texas, and Paul Dutton of West Chester; one daughter, June Ellen Dutton of Oxford; three grandchildren, Linda Dutton of Oxford, Tara L. Easterling (Brian) of Paoli, and Zayne A. Dutton (Jasmine) of West Chester; six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. A service was held May 23. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.
Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.
TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10
Annual Kennett Run enjoys new course, same camaraderie
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Soon after race director J.J. Simon signaled the start of the 10K race at the 28th annual Kennett Run on May 20, Betsy Spence of Unionville looked for another runner with whom she could keep pace. Karen Antell of Landenberg, running slightly ahead of her through Anson B. Nixon Park and along State Street, was that person.
They nearly collided at a water stop. Antell almost hit Spence with a water cup. She apologized, and Spence replied, “I’ve been right behind you the whole way. You’re setting my pace.”
Strangers when the race began, they crossed the finish line together.
In celebration of Joe O’Malley’s 75th birthday, several members of the O’Malley family, from Princeton, N.J. and Kennett Square, donned light blue jerseys to commemorate the occasion. Dripping with perspiration at the conclusion of their races, they gathered at the party in the park for a late morning of pizza, bananas, doughnuts and beer.
Nine-year-old Hunter Sayles joined his mother, Melissa, in running the 5K race, and after finishing, helped himself to several doughnuts. By 10:30, he was lined up to participate in the one-mile Fun Run around the lagoons, where he finished in second place.
For every pair of sneakered feet that crossed the start and finish lines last Saturday morning, there were stories just like these, as hundreds of both competitive and weekend runners took to the race’s new course on a 60-degree day.
For the first time, Anson B. Nixon Park served as the event’s center point, a move made by Kennett Run officials earlier this year to consolidate operations and showcase the business center of Kennett Square. As the Party in the Park got under way, Kennett Run Charities president Christopher Daney pointed to the hundreds of runners, their families and community members who were gathering near the food tents, vendor areas and the Two Stones beer booth.
“I talked to a lot of the runners, who were very, very positive about the new course, and a lot of people just attending here today are very pleased about doing everything in Anson B. Nixon Park,” Daney said. “To me, it made the Kennett Run more of a community event. I talked to a man I know who runs a lot of marathons, and he told me that he really loved running on State Street. Others told me the same thing, because they got to
see everything in downtown Kennett Square.”
In the winners’ categories, Kyle Dawson of Philadelphia won the Men’s 10K with a time of 32:29, followed by Darryl Brown of Exton, who finished in 32:41, and Garret Lee of Littleton, Colo., who clocked in with a time of 35:33.
In the Women’s 10K, Leah Anne Wirfel of Slippery Rock, Pa., finished in first place with a time of 35:44; Katie Rodden of Ardmore took second place with a time of 38:09; and Kari Springer took third in 40:34.
In the Men’s 5K, Colin Leak of Chadds Ford finished first with a time of 15:01, followed by Eric Chirchir of Irvington, N.J., with a time of 15:07; and in third place, Owen Dawson of Coatesville finished in 15:43.
Emily Hulme of Easton, Pa., won the Women’s 5K in a time of 18:03, followed by Makdes Tadese Bekele of Floral Park, N.Y., with a time of 18:45, and Rachel Hyzny of Kennett Square with a time of 20:28.
NOVA Timing Systems served as the official timer of the race. For complete race results, visit www. kennettrun.com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Betsy Spence of Unionville and Karen Antell of Landenberg finished their races on pace with each other.
Liam Clarke and Kelley Eckerd were head and shoulders above their competition.
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Hundreds of runners enjoyed the annual Kennett Run on May 20, that began and ended in Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square.
Nine year-old Hunter Sayles prepares for the start of the one-mile Fun Run around the lagoons.
Natalie Moravek and Leslie Brown are all smiles before their race.
With his family, Joe O’Malley celebrated his 75th birthday at the Kennett Run.
For the first time, the course directed runners along State Street.
After the race, hundreds of runners and their families enjoyed the Party in the Park.
May 27
Avon Grove
Memorial Day parade
The 19th Annual Avon Grove Memorial Day parade will be held on May 27, starting at 9 a.m. at the Avon Grove High school parking lot. All participants to be at the Avon Grove High School by no later than 8 a.m. The parade route will follow State Road to Prospect Avenue to East Evergreen Street and will conclude with a memorial service at the Avon Grove Memorial Park. The parade will be led by veterans groups and military vehicles. Spectators can also see fire trucks from surrounding fire companies along with Boy Scout groups, Girl Scout groups, muscle cars and a monster truck. Guest speakers will include Doug Forsythe, Commandant Chester County Marine Corps League, with Sen. Andrew Dinniman, State Rep. John Lawrence, West Grove’s Mayor Steve Black and and the Avon Grove High School Marching Band. After the memorial service, all are invited to the West Grove Presbyterian Church, where food and music will be provided as well as a car show. Music provided this year by Los Festingos. For more information, call John Ruffini at 610-869-3002.
May 27
Equestrian program
On May 22 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at Windurra (2037 Newport Gap Pike, Route 41, Cochranville), there will be a Boyd Martin Schooling Demo and Open House presented by Oxford Feed & Lumber. Gain insight into Boyd Martin’s training and nutritional routines for producing top equine athletes. The event includes demonstrations by Boyd in both stadium jumping and dressage (with Silva Martin commentary). Martin will be joined by Ryan Wood and Courtney Cooper in a panel discussion focused on feeding performance horses. A barbeque dinner and socializing concludes the evening.
The cost is $10. Pre-register at Oxford Feed & Lumber (112 Railroad Ave., Oxford) or Brandywine Ace, Pet &
Farm (1150 Pocopson Rd., West Chester), or by phone at 610-932-8521.
June 3
House and History Tour
The Southern Lancaster County Historical Society will hold its eighth annual House and History Tour on June 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring 12 locations in Colerain Township, as well as Upper Oxford Township, West Fallowfield and Highland townships. Highlights include the Union Presbyterian Church, Cooper’s Run Farm, Homeville Friends Meeting, Maple Hall Overlook, Broadwater Farm, Stone Spring Suri Farm, Mercer’s Mill Covered Bridge and more. Advance tickets are $17 and are available at Erma’s Flowers (12 E. State St., Quarryville, 717-7862512), Stoltzfus Farm Service (1043 Gap Newport Pike,
Cochranville, 610-593-2407), and the Southern Lancaster County Historical Society’s Archives Building (www. southernlancasterhistory.org). Tickets will be sold on the day of the tour for $20 at the Union Presbyterian Church (5637 Street Rd., Kirkwood, Pa.) beginning at 9:30 a.m. June 3
Jen Chapin in concert
The Friends Folk Club will host a return performance by singer Jen Chapin on June 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Oxford Meetinghouse (260 S. Third St., Oxford). She will be joined by Stephan Crump (bass) and Jamie Fox (guitar). Tickets are $15, and will be available at the door (children 12 and younger are free). Refreshments will be sold. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call 610-869-8076 or email friendsfolkclub@aol.com.
UHS students stage ambitious production of ‘Sweeney Todd’
For the 10th year, Unionville High School students -- mostly seniors -- are taking over the stage to produce, direct and perform in an ambitious production of the dark musical “Sweeney Todd” on June 2 and 3 at 7 p.m. The musical, in the UHS Auditorium, is open to all and admission is free.
The tradition of a studentrun production, referred to as the “May Play,” began in 2007 with Unionville student Domingo Mancuello, the son of UHS Spanish teacher Julia Hawkes. Domingo was seeking a way to give students a handson creative experience in every aspect of theater.
In Domingo’s senior year, he worked with his fellow students to stage a production
of “Sweeney Todd.” To fill out the cast, he found fifth-grader David DeMarco, the younger brother of one of the cast members, to play the role of a child. It was an experience David never forgot, and he vowed to put on “Sweeney Todd” himself in his senior year.
“‘Sweeney Todd’ is one of the most complex and comprehensive musicals out there, enlisting an array of themes and a subject matter that is truly challenging for our student population,” David said.
“The seniors see this show as our final mark on Unionville High School, and we intend to go out with a bang. Pulling off a show of this caliber, with limited time and resources, is a great way to leave high school,
especially when it’s a show you’re passionate about.” David serves as director of the show, and he is joined by stage manager Megan Belgam, lighting director Chris Gehrke, sound director Ben Basilio, and costume designer Mary Boeni. Juniors Max Baines (assistant sound director) and Cameron Cofrancesco (choreographer) round out the production team. The musical features seniors Jeremy Do, Alex Kallis, Adam Kimmel, Dina Spyropoulos, and Leah Tedesco; juniors Alex Koban-Hogue, Troy Macie, and Ethan Pan; and freshman Josiah Taylor.
Unionville High School is at 750 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square.
Fine antiques at Brandywine Museum
Visitors will enjoy American country and formal furniture, decorative arts, folk art, needlework, Chinese export porcelain, glass, jewelry, rugs, clock cases and more at the 46th Brandywine River Museum of Art Antiques Show on Memorial Day weekend, May 27 to 29.
The show features 27 of the country’s finest antiques dealers. New to the show this year are Dover House Antiques from Louisville, Ky.; Federalist Antiques from Kenilworth, Ill.; Hilary and Paulette Nolan from Falmouth, Mass.; Olson Antiques from Newburgh, N.Y.; Harley N. Trice from Pittsburgh, and White & White from Skaneateles, N.Y.
Show admission also includes entry to the museum and the galleries. Proceeds from the Antiques Show benefit the Museum Volunteers’ Purchase Fund, and art and education programming. This year’s exhibition is “Sipped and Savored: The Art of Chocolate,” drawn from the collection of Wilbur Chocolate of Lititz, Pa., and showcasing the art of consuming chocolate in its many forms.
While chocolate is a common candy treat of the 21st century,
European connoisseurs went to great lengths to enjoy the “food of the gods” beginning in the 17th century. Thick chocolate beverages were expertly mixed in ceramic pitchers and pots made just for the purpose. These elegant vessels were manufactured in the celebrated potteries of Europe and Asia into the 20th century.
Advancements in the processing of chocolate allowed for it to be molded into shapes in the 19th century. Elaborate metal molds were manufactured for use by chocolatiers to craft ornate chocolate sculptures, both large and small, in any number of fanciful shapes. Moving into the 20th century, chocolate was promoted as a nourishing part of a child’s diet, and cocoa products became staples in every kitchen. The exhibition is on view May 6 to 29. Special events are:
Preview Party — Friday, May 26, 6 to 9 p.m.
$125 per person
Enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, along with many other culinary stations prepared and presented by Blanch & Shock, the Museum’s on-site caterers, throughout the museum. Tickets include valet parking, open bar, music and hors d’oeuvres and
Some of the top antiques dealers in the eastern United States will be part of this weekend’s show.
dessert.
Breakfast and Lecture — Saturday, May 27, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
$30 per person (includes Show admission)
Join Amanda C. Burdan, Brandywine’s associate curator, along with Allison Schell, program and development manager at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, for a demonstration of the preparation of chocolate from bean to bar, followed by a tour of the
decorative arts exhibition. The presentation will begin at 9:30 a.m. following a continental breakfast in the museum café at 9 a.m.
A Passion for Collecting: Dealer Talks — Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29
Free with show admission
Each day features four different talks by dealers in the show. These happen on the show floor at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., with topics ranging from ceramics,
weathervanes, and samplers to folk art, pottery, rugs and more. See one or all eight of these talks by dealers who know their wares. Register in advance by calling 610-388-8318 or meet in the museum’s first floor atrium 15 minutes prior to each lecture. Show admission is $18 per day. The show is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Brandywine River Museum of Art is on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. Call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org.
ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate
CLASSIFIEDS
to
Executors:
and Fiona Gowers, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 , Or Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 5p-10-3t
ADVERTISMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
poration Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that MITCHELL AND SHUNK ENTERPRISE, INC. is currently in the process of voluntarily dissolving. Frank P. Farmer, Jr., Esq. 90 Daniel Drive, Avondale, PA 19311
5p-24-1t
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF Guy Richard Martindale , DECEASED. LATE OF Elk 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 Joseph Sexton,Executor, Or his Attorney:R. Kerry Kalmbach, 109 W. Linden Street, Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania 19348 5p-17-3t
ADVERTISMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF Lora Lee McCoy , DECEASED. LATE OF Kennett Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS of
decedent to make payment without delay to Donna Renea, Executrix, 1111 Wynnbrook Place, Secane, PA 19801 5p-17-3t
ESTATE OF Sandra C. Reynolds, DECEASED. of the West Grove, 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 Stephen C. Reynolds, Sr., 404 Pennock Bridge Rd., West Grove, PA 19390, Executor. , Or to his Attorney: John P. McGuire, Esq. 552 Ridge Road, Telford, PA 18969
5p-24-3t
ADVERTISMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF Nancy Crueger, a/k/a Nancy R. Crueger , DECEASED.
Late of the Oxford Borough, 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: Nancy Altman, Executrix, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 , Or to her Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 5p-24-3t
NOTICE OF DISSOLVEMENT
Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Cor-
Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors for Penn Township, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, will conduct a conditional use hearing on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at 5:00 pm at the Penn Township Building to consider the Application of Cabot Kjellerup Realty Trust for property owned by Cabot Kjellerup Realty Trust located at 8 Federal Road, West Grove, being tax parcel #58-41.2C in the C-2 Zoning District of Penn Township. The Applicant seeks conditional use approval pursuant to Article XI Sections 1101(b)(1), 1101(b)(11) and 1101(b)(15) of the Penn Township Zoning Ordinance of 1968, as amended. The applicant seeks approval to permit: (i) the use and occupancy of a building having a floor area in excess of 40,000 square feet in accordance with Section 1101(b)(1) of the Penn Township Zoning Ordinance; (ii) a combination of more than one use: (a) business offices and studios (excluding medical and dental offices); and (b) flex space in accordance with Section 1101(b)(11) of the Zoning Ordinance and (iii) the flex space use,
PLAINTIFF:
sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-367
Writ of Execution No. 2014-07467 DEBT $436,268.23
ALL THAT CERTAIN, message, lot or piece of land situate on, in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described, as follows, to wit:
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described on a Plan of Lots for Inniscrone, Phases III-VI and recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 18662, as follows to wit:
BEING Lot # 31, Phase V, as shown on said Plan.
BEING UPI Number 59-8-665
PARCEL No.: 59-008-0665-0000
BEING known as: 936 Aringa Way, Avondale, PA 19311
BEING the same property conveyed to Christina M. Wanner, unmarried woman, who acquired title by virtue of a Deed from NVR, Inc., a Virginia Corporation trading as NV Homes, dated March 28, 2012, recorded March 29, 2012, at Deed Book 8390, Page 1803, Chester County, Pennsylvania Records.
PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: CHRISTINA M. WANNER
SALE ADDRESS: 936 Aringa Way, Avondale, PA 19311
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI, LLC, 614-220-5611
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-369
Writ of Execution No. 2016-10003 DEBT $159,511.09
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of West Sadsbury, County of Chester and Commonwealth Pennsylvania bounded and described according to a Subdivision Plan of Property for Merv King made by Inland Design Civil Engineers and Land Development Consultants 759 East Lancaster Avenue Exton Pa dated 5/29/2014 last revised 7/14/2014 and recorded in Chester County as Plan File No. 19775 as follows to wit:
BEING Lot #1 as shown on said Plan.
BEING Tax ID/Parcel No. 36-04-0037 UPI 36-4-37
BEING part of the same premises which Nell K. Lawson by her AIF W. Jeffrey Whittle by Deed dated 7/15/1998 and recorded 7/22/1998 in Chester County in Record Book 4387 Page 1055 conveyed unto Deborah L. King, in fee.
PLAINTIFF: Santander Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: DEBORAH L. KING
SALE ADDRESS: 5117 Church Road (West Sadsbury Township), Atglen, PA 19310
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PRESSMAN & DOYLE, 610-532-4222
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-373 Writ of Execution No. 2016-12023 DEBT $173,308.67
PROPERTY situate in the Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
BLR# 37-3-23.2
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: Freedom Mortgage Corporation VS
DEFENDANT: PATRICK C. SPINELLI
a/k/a PATRICK SPINELLI and JOSEPH PATRICK SPINELLI a/k/a JOSEPH P. SPINELLI and SHARON SPINELLI
SALE ADDRESS: 610 North Culvert Street, Parkesburg, PA 19365-1182
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-375 Writ of Execution No. 2015-06123 DEBT $223,462.42
ALL THAT CERTAIN, message, lot or piece of land situate on, in the Township of Pennsbury, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows, to wit:
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in Pennsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, described according to a Plan of “Section Two”, Fairville Hills, made by Van Demark & Lynch, Inc. Civil Engineers and Surveyors, dated June 26, 1957 and recorded in the Office for the recording of Deeds in Chester County in Plan Book 7 Page 14, as following, to wit:
BEGINNING at a point on the center line of the Wilmington-Kennett Turnpike (80 feet wide) as its intersection with the center line of a certain 50 feet wide right of way, thence extending along the center line of said 50 feet wide right of way of the two following courses and distances: (1) south 52 degrees 00 minutes 10 seconds west 188.39 feet to a point of curve in the same; (2) southwestwardly on the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of 375 feet the arc distance of 81.13 feet to a point in line of Lot No. 102 as shown on said Plan; thence extending along Lot No. 102 north 25 degrees 36 minutes 08 seconds west crossing the northwesterly side of said 50 feet wide right of way 375 feet to a point; thence extending north 52 degrees 00 minutes 10 seconds east crossing the southwesterly side of said Wilmington-Kennett Turnpike, 188.39 feet to a point on the center line of said Wilmington-Kennett Turnpike; thence extending along the same south 37 degrees 59 minutes 50 seconds east 375 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
BEING designated as Lot No. 101 on said Plan.
BEING UPI Number 64-005-0049.0200
PARCEL No.: 64-005-0049.0200
BEING known as:. 101 Wedgewood Drive, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
BEING the same property conveyed
to Earl D. Shaffer, III and Jennifer M. Shaffer, husband and wife, as tenants by the entirety who acquired title by virtue of a Deed from Virginia P. Taylor by her attorney in fact John E. Taylor duly appointed by letter of attorney dated 9/14/2000, dated November 29, 2000, recorded December 5, 2000, at Deed Book 4861, Page 621, Chester County, Pennsylvania Records.
PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
VS DEFENDANT: EARL D. SHAFFER, III & JENNIFER M. SHAFFER
SALE ADDRESS: 101 Wedgewood Drive, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MANLEY
DEAS KOCHALSKI, LLC, 614-220-5611
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.
CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-379
ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being Lot No. 11 on said Plan, bounded and described according to a Record Plan of Lamborn Hunt prepared by Vandermark & Lynch, Inc., dated 6-30-2003, last revised 10-15-2003 and recorded in Plan Book 16896, Page 1 as follows to-wit:
BEGINNING at a point on the southeasterly side of Martha’s Way (50 feet wide), a corner of Lot No. 10 on said Plan; thence extending from said beginning point and along Martha’s Way the three following courses and distances, viz: 1) on the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of 475.00 feet the arc distance of 113.19 feet (and chord bearing of north 76 degrees 32 minutes 6 seconds east 112.92 feet) to a point of compound curve, thence 2.) on the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of 25.00 feet the arc distance of 35.28 feet (and a chord bearing of south 56 degrees 12 minutes 34 seconds east, 32.43 feet) to a point of tangent, thence 3.) south 15 degrees 46 minutes 49 seconds east 73.14 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 12 on said Plan; thence leaving Martha’s Way and extending along Lot 12 south 74 degrees 13 minutes 11 seconds west 124.66 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 10 aforesaid; thence extending along Lot 10 north 20 degrees 54 minutes 50 seconds west 102.79 feet to a point on the southeasterly side of Martha’s Way, the first mentioned point and place of beginning.
TAX Parcel ID: 59-08-0449
BEING the same premises which Ronald E. Wittman, Jr. and Christine A. Wittman, husband and wife, by Deed dated 3/11/05 and recorded 3/12/05 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 9070, Page 809, and Instrument #11395483, granted and conveyed unto Christine A. Wittman, in fee.
PLAINTIFF: Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC VS DEFENDANT: RONALD E. WITTMAN, JR. and CHRISTINE A. WITTMAN
SALE ADDRESS: 109 Martha’s Way, West Grove, PA 19390
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, LLC, 610-278-6800
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.
CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will
in the
BLR# 8-5-83
PLAINTIFF: Federal National Mortgage Association VS DEFENDANT: STANLEY R. PITNER and GIZELLA H. PITNER
SALE ADDRESS: 524 West 1st Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365-1206
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter. SALE NO. 17-6-390 Writ of Execution No. 2012-13358 DEBT $181,057.20
PROPERTY situate in the West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 68-6-11.2
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: MTGLQ Investors, L.P. VS DEFENDANT: MARGARET B. BALL and GUY G. BALL, SR.
SALE ADDRESS: 40 Park Road, Nottingham, PA 19362-9104
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-406
Writ of Execution No. 2016-11614 DEBT $362,610,95
PREMISES “A”
ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land in London Britain Township, Chester County, PA, bounded and described according to a survey made by Arthur Crowell, Registered Surveyor, as dated March-April 1952, as follows:
BEGINNING at a post on southeast side of road leading to Landenberg, a
in
County Justice
Office of
201 West
Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-6-382 Writ of Execution No. 2012-10598 DEBT $123,880.96
