‘Operation Wildfire’ nets 46 drug dealers in county
By John Chambless Staff Writer
More than 40 drug heroin and opioid dealers are out of business after a team effort by Chester County police and detectives.
The success of “Operation Wildfire” was reviewed last week by Chester County District Attorney Tom
Hogan, who said drug dealing charges have been filed against 46 people during the eight-week sweep. Police netted heroin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, morphine, MDMA, diazepam and Xanax, along with crack cocaine and crystal meth.
Hogan said the undercover drug buys occurred
throughout the county.
“Operation Wildfire” was a joint effort between the Chester County Detectives Drug & Organized Crime Unit, as well as the Parkesburg Borough Police Department, Tredyffrin Township Police Department, Spring City Police Department, Phoenixville Borough
From outliers to guideposts
Kennett schools’ program assists and empowers Hispanic parents
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
As the June 22 APEX Program planning meeting at the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center got underway, the most important people associated with the program’s mission were not seated at the conference table. As Kennett Consolidated School District
Superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti, Dr. Assistant Superintendent Mike Barber and several volunteers hammered out next year’s agenda – one intended to introduce the parents of Hispanic students in Kennett schools to how they can serve as guideposts for their children’s education – the future beneficiaries of the program have largely served as outliers in an academic
mission to provide the best opportunities for their children’s success.
All through the district’s community – from the kindergarten center to its three elementary schools, middle school and high school – the scenario is the same. While first-generation students of Hispanic heritage immerse themselves into an Englishspeaking environment of
Police Department, Oxford Borough Police Department, and Downingtown Borough Police Department.
“Sometimes you have to start a wildfire to stop a wildfire,” Hogan said during a press briefing at the Chester County Courthouse in West Chester. “We wanted to stop them in their tracks. We also wanted a
snapshot in time of what Chester County looks like in terms of heroin and opioids.”
Hogan said that Chester County overdose deaths spiked from 60 in 2015 to 97 in 2016. Fifty more people have died in the first six months of 2017, he said. Hogan blamed the
A June 28 road-rage shooting that left an 18-year-old West Goshen woman dead sparked a nationwide manhunt that ended with the arrest of a 28-year-old man from Trainer, Delaware County, early Sunday morning.
Police said that Bianca Roberson was driving at the Route 100 and Route 202 merge last Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. Alone in her car, she apparently got into some kind of confrontation with David Desper, who was driving a red pickup truck.
According to police, Desper shot Roberson in the left side of her head with his .40-caliber semiautomatic handgun and drove away as Roberson's car veered off the roadway. Police said she was killed instantly by the shot.
The senseless nature of the crime sparked a social media firestorm of tips that eventually linked the faded red Chevy Silverado truck to Desper. Desper, accompanied by
A Kennett Square gallery is reborn
has been charged with murder after a June 28 road rage shooting that sparked a manhunt.
an attorney, turned himself in to West Goshen Police at 2 a.m. on July 2. At a news conference on Sunday, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said the truck belonging to Desper was found in Glen Mills. The gun, which was registered to Desper, was found in his bedroom, Hogan said. Several .40-caliber bullets were found in a trash can. Fragments of a .40-caliber bullet matching the gun were recovered from Roberson's body. Hogan said that Desper
Mala Galleria owner will move into large gallery in August
By John Chambless Staff Writer
The distance between the current Mala Galleria and its new location is only a few steps, but there will be a world of difference when the gallery opens in the former Longwood Gallery space in Kennett Square. For the past five years, Mala owner Zvezdana Stojanovic Scott has run a successful, adventurous gallery in a 400-square-foot shoebox of a space, making the most of every inch. But being able to display only a few works by her interna-
tional stable of artists was limiting.
“I had been looking for a couple of years, because I really could use much more space,” Scott said during an interview last week.
She had known that former Longwood owners Marjorie Kuhn and Sheila Washington were planning to retire at the end of last year, and the Longwood Gallery was sold to another owner in December. A little over six months later, the owner was gone and the gallery had not succeeded. Scott saw her chance.
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Oxford grad on team that won National Computer Programming Title
Alex Coleman was one of three members of the University of Central Florida’s team that finished first in the U.S. and 13th in the world in an elite computer programming contest known as the ‘Battle of the Brains’ the National Computer Programming Title at the Association of Computer Machinery’s International Collegiate Programming Contest in late May.
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Competing against teams from the University of California at Berkeley, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton, and Cornell, it was a group of three University of Central Florida students who won
Linge earned a master’s degree in computer science in December of 2016. Coleman and Buzzelli are both sophomores studying computer science.
“I was definitely nervous going into the world finals
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The University of Central Florida team included Alex Coleman, a graduate of Oxford Area High School, Timothy Buzzelli of Palm Bay, Florida, and Josh Linge of Jacksonville, Florida.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Members of the Kennett Schools’ APEX Program recently met with Dr. Barry Tomasetti and Mike Barber of the Kennett Consolidated School District to plan topics for the Kennett Cafe en Familia, a gathering spot for the parents of Hispanic children to learn more about how to help their children achieve academic success.
David Desper, 28, of Glen Mills,
Photo by John Chambless
Zvezdana Stojanovic Scott, owner of Mala Galleria, will be moving into the former Longwood Gallery space in Kennett Square in August.
Alex Coleman
Shooting...
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was charged with murder, and that he is being held without bail in Chester County Prison.
Roberson had recently graduated from Bayard Rustin High School in West Chester. She had been shopping for clothes in Exton with other family members before she tried to drive home and encountered Desper at the merge of the Route 100 Bypass at Route 202.
Police used eyewitness accounts and surveillance video from the highway, nearby businesses and homes to track the route of the red pickup, which sped along the shoulder of Route 100 and took Route 352 into Delaware County immediately after the shooting.
Desper is charged with first- and third-degree murder, possession of an instrument of crime with intent, and recklessly endangering another person. Hogan referred to the shooting, which garnered regional and national media attention, as a “savage, senseless and brutal act.” Roberson, he said, was “gunned down because somebody didn’t want to give way.”
learning, their parents are left to navigate through a system they know little about. In an answer to these needs, the district began Kennett Cafe en Familia, a 45-minute informal gathering spot for parents that meets every second Thursday of the month from September to May, at the Kennett Middle School in Landenberg. Talking points at the meetings have included issues of concern for Hispanic parents throughout the school district: How the Kennett schools addresses mental health; drug and alcohol abuse; as well as gives primers on who does what in the district, through question-and-answer sessions with school administrators. In addition, the Cafe invites parents and their families to an annual holiday fiesta and a family game night in the spring.
The Cafe draws its blue-
print from the district’s Parent Engagement Task Force, its Head Start Program, and the work being done at ASPIRA of Delaware, Inc., a nonprofit organization devoted solely to the education and leadership development of Latino youth and their parents. The monthly meetings have also invited representatives from area church groups, the Boy Scouts, the Kennett Library and the Kennett Square Garage Community and Youth Center who conduct seminars and activities directed toward the children.
“When I was first hired by the district 11 years ago, I saw that there was a need for a forum like this,” said Maribel Gonzalez, a school social worker in the district and an APEX advisor. “A lot of people had similar questions about accessing school and community resources, and I found myself giving the same conversation to parent after parent, and family after family. I thought wouldn’t it be great to share this information, to enable
this information to be shared further in the community.
“We introduce these parents to the chain of command. We talk about the system, because it is a very different educational system for many who new to the country.”
During a two-week trip to Mexico to study its school system, Gonzalez said that while she saw parent involvement in schools, it was mostly confined to nonacademic volunteering, like helping to paint schools and providing food at student events.
“There was parent involvement, but not as we see parent involvement,” she said. “The educational component was left to the teachers, because the teachers are the professionals. We are trying to change that mindset -- to create this system as a bridge in order to say to them, ‘There is a place for you here.’”
The Cafe has grown in popularity from its first meeting -- which drew five sets of parents -- to its most recent in April -- which drew
70 sets of parents, as well as several students. As news of the Cafe began to circulate among the Hispanic population, so too did the need to further spread the good word. The APEXProgram was launched this past spring to enlist 12 parents to serve as volunteer messengers, organizers and recruiters.
The message of the APEX volunteers reached an early highwater mark at the Cafe’s April 20 meeting, when several members spoke to nearly parents and several of the school district’s administrators and principals.
“The parents at that meeting were so engaged in listening to the APEX members speak, that you could hear a pin drop,” Tomasetti said. “The message of empowerment means so much more when parents speak directly to parents. One volunteer said to the parents, ‘You can talk to the school administration. We talk to the administration all the time, and they are open to meeting with everyone.’ I thought that was
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Courtesy Photo Bianca Roberson had recently graduated from Bayard Rustin High School in West Chester.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The APEX Program is currently made up of 12 parent volunteers.
Wildfire...
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increase on drug dealers adding fentanyl to heroin to increase its potency -to often lethal levels.
Hogan said officers found and arrested dealers in every region of Chester County. Some of the dealers were addicts themselves, he said. The confiscated prescription drugs included Oxycodone and morphine, but also Suboxone, which is used to combat the sickness that occurs with heroin use and withdrawal. Most of the drugs come into the country through Philadelphia, Hogan
said, but some in southern Chester County were traced to Wilmington, Del.
While doctors have cut back on the number of opioids they typically prescribe in an attempt to stem the crisis, that action has increased the use of heroin by addicts. It will take time for the trend to decline, Hogan said. “This is not something we will turn around quickly,” he said. “The only way we can survive this is by working together.”
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.
Pawsitive Reading Day at Oxford Feed & Lumber
Fourteen young people had a good time reading to dogs at Oxford Feed & Lumber’s first Pawsitive Reading Day of the summer on June 29. The program, which continues on consecutive Thursday mornings through Aug. 10, is a joint venture of Oxford Feed & Lumber and PAWS for People.
Patsy Cress and her 8-year-old German Shepherd, Jazzy, started off the session. They have been volunteering as a PAWS for Reading team for over a year. “As soon as I get out her special mat, Jazzy gets excited because she knows we are going out to read with the kids,” Cress said.
Jazzy is a regular listener for children at Conowingo Elementary School and Havre de Grace Library.
Petey, a mixed-breed dog rescued from Puerto Rico, took over listening duties halfway through the session. He and owner Eileen Rudy have been with the
Programmer...
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for the first time, but I was happy that we were able to represent the University of Central Florida well,” said Coleman. When it comes to computer programming, the University of Central Florida is a powerhouse. For 35 consecutive years, the university’s team has finished in the top three in the region—the only school in the U.S. that can make that claim. This year, in addition to finishing first in the U.S., the University of Central Florida squad placed second in North America and 13th overall in the world finals.
The International Collegiate Programming Contest, sometimes known as the “Battle of the Brains,” is described on the event’s fact sheet as the “oldest, largest, and most prestigious programming contest in the world.” The contest challenges the teams to solve between 8 and 15 programming problems within five hours. These are real-world problems. Although teams are comprised of three members, there is only one computer so teamwork is an essential part of the competition. The solutions must be submitted in programs in C, C++, Java, or Python. The programs are then run on test data. If a program fails to give a correct answer, the team is then notified and can submit another program. The team with the most correct answers finishes above a team with fewer correct answers. Incorrect answers and the time it takes to identify the solution are factors used to determine the place of teams that have an equal number of correct answers.
The University of Central Florida team is coached by computer science professor Dr. Ali Orooji, who is the
faculty advisor, and Arup Guha.
Alex, the son of Bud and Linda Coleman, encouraged other high school and college students to pursue competitive computer programming.
“For those high school and college students with computer Science or math interests, competitive programming is a great way to accelerate and diversify learning outside of classes in a fun way,” he said. Coleman, at the age of 16, was the valedictorian of Oxford Area High School’s Class in 2015. He skipped multiple grades in math and science on his way to graduating from Oxford. He is currently attending the University of Central Florida on a full National Merit Scholarship, majoring in Computer Science. This summer, he is working as a computer software engineering intern with Facebook in Seattle, Washington.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
program for two years and frequently read with children at the Newark Library. Stephanie Barry, operations and program director for the Newark, Del.-based PAWS, said that PAWS for Reading, where a child reads out loud to a therapy dog, is one of the organization’s most popular programs. “It gives kids an opportunity to read to a non-judgmental listener,” she said. The readers varied from some just entering kindergarten who read picture books, to eighth and ninth graders who brought along their assigned summer reading novels. Call Oxford Feed & Lumber, 610-932-8521, to select a time for one of the upcoming sessions.
Fund for Women and Girls awards grant to Family Promise
Family Promise of Southern Chester County (FPSCC) has been recognized for its efforts to alleviate family homelessness by the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG).
Family Promise was one of 20 nonprofit organizations awarded funding at CCFWG’s Annual Grants Celebration on June 14.
Family Promise of Southern Chester County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families with children experiencing homelessness, will utilize this grant to help low-income families regain their housing and achieve long-term stability. FPSCC has served 25 families,
including 58 children and 33 adults, since opening in 2015.
Chester County Fund for Women and Girls is committed to meeting the core needs of women and girls in Chester County by providing access to resources and opportunities to thrive.
“Community partnerships and collaboration are crucial to our success,” said Family Promise executive
director Susan Minarchi. “I am humbled by the generous investment Chester County Fund for Women and Girls made in Family Promise’s mission and leadership team.”
“CCFWG is focused on funding programs and organizations that will transform communities through the investment of women and their families,” said CCFWG executive
director Michelle Legaspi Sanchez. “We believe that Family Promise of Southern Chester County is positioned to do just that.” To volunteer, make a donation, or provide services, contact Family Promise of Southern Chester County at www.familypromisescc. org or email sminarchi@ familypromisescc.org.
Alex Coleman at his graduation ceremony in 2015. Coleman was Oxford Area High School’s valedictorian that year.
Courtesy photos (3)
The University of Central Florida squad placed first in the U.S., second in North America, and 13th overall in the world finals.
Joshua Linge, Timothy Buzzelli, and Alex Coleman at Badlands National Park. Their team was called ‘Badlands’ up until the Worlds competition, when they officially represented University of Central Florida.
Petey is attentive as Elana, a fourth-grade student, reads him a story about a rescue dog.
Two days before Brandywine
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies declared their independence from England. Within a month, 30,000 British troops landed in New York to join forces that had already been stationed there in hopes of quelling the rebellion. By the spring of 1777, the Royal Army had started developing a plan to take Philadelphia, and in July the British troops, under the command of General William Howe, left Staten Island in 260 ships to get in position to attack the colonial capital.
In August, Howe’s forces landed near Cecil County, Maryland. Meanwhile, the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, moved to Wilmington, Del. to block the main path to Philadelphia. Chester County was soon a battleground, with the opposing forces skirmishing with each other over a two-week period.
On September 9, 1777, approximately 15,000 Royal Army soldiers began arriving in the Kennett Village along the Great Nottingham Road. The British troops and the
Continental Army would clash in what became known as the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.
It was activity leading up to and surrounding the battle that was the focus of Kennett Square’s Town Tours & Village Walks event on Thursday, June 22.
A large crowd of more than 200 people lined up to enjoy the tour as guides escorted groups to points of interest around Kennett Square, and a number of re-enactors and actors illustrated the arrival, encampment, and departure of the British and Hessian troops, focusing on how the troops interacted with local residents.
Peter Bell, a tavern owner, was upset that the British troops and Hessians came into town with few supplies and were taking what they wanted from locals. The troops were taking cider and rum from the tavern. Peter Giangiulio an experienced actor and the chairperson of the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society, portrayed Bell with just the right amount of exasperation and anger. Not far from Bell, General Charles Cornwallis, who was portrayed on the tour by Kennett Square resident
Peter Waterkotte, directed his troops to wait for the roar of firing guns from soldiers under the direction of General Wilhelm von Knyphasen so that they could carry out the plan to out-maneuver the colonial forces.
General Knyphasen, meanwhile, invited Kennett area residents to join the Royal Army in the battle if they were loyalists to the British crown. At the time, some people living in the colonies supported independence, but others wanted the colonies to remain loyal to England. On the tour, Timothy Osgood represented the latter. He explained that England was the greatest society in the world, and there was no good reason to not want to be a part of that.
Nearby, a camp follower busied herself trying to get all the mending and cooking finished.
Major Patrick Ferguson, a Scottish officer in the
British Army, was out recruiting loyalists. During the Battle of Brandywine, Ferguson had a shot at a prominent American officer—some historians believe that the officer may have been Gen. George Washington himself. But Ferguson did not shoot the officer because his back was turned. Obviously, the course of U.S. history could have changed dramatically on that day if Ferguson had shot Washington. Later in the battle, Ferguson himself was injured badly after being hit with a shot.
The script that was used on the tour incorporated aspects of local author Kevin Sheridan’s book, “The Timepiece Chronicles— Battle of Brandywine Creek,” and one of the ideas that the book explores is the potential impact of traveling back in time and interfering with the course of history.
In Sheridan’s book, best friends Jeff Williams and
Ben Styler go back in time to save Gen. George Washington from death at the Battle of Brandywine Creek. Sheridan, a resident of Kennett Square, was at Sinclair’s Sunrise Cafe to sign copies of his book and to answer any questions that people had about the story.
Lynn Sinclair, who helped plan the Town Tours & Village Walks event in Kennett Square, said that credit should be given to the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society and Anne Sheridan’s Drama Club at the YMCA for arranging for actors to portray the characters during the tour.
The Chadds Ford Historical Society provided some of the period costumes. The Friends of Kennett Square History guided the groups through town.
Lisa Teixeira, a member of KATS, summed up the purpose of the Town Tours & Village Walks event by saying, “It’s another good
opportunity to shine a light on our great town.” Each summer for the last 23 years, the Chester County Board of Commissioners, through collaboration with the Chester County Planning Commission, the Chester County Historical Society, Westtown Township, the Chester County Historic Preservation Network, and the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau have planned the Town Tours and Village Walks series as a way to showcase the county’s rich heritage and historic landscape. The Town Tours and Village Walks in Chester County will continue throughout the summer. More information about upcoming dates for events can be found at chesco .org / planning/towntours To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor @ chestercounty .com.
Photos by Steven Hoffman
residents during the days leading up to the Battle of
Town Tours & Village Walks event in Kennett Square.
APEX program...
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a profound message, saying that we are available and are meeting and are talking to explore ways of helping people.”
APEX Program member
Maria Aja, who has a daughter in the school district and a son who attended Kennett schools and recently graduated from college, calls her involvement “a rewarding experience.”
“You can see the difference in how the parents grow,” said Aja, who served as an interpreter during the planning meeting. “The success is seeing the involvement of the parents in the community and their inclusion in their kids education, in order to make them successful. In the Hispanic culture, [a parent] is not a part of the school, while here, you are a part of the school. You are part of your student’s education.”
Maribel Garcia, a single mother of our children who attend Kennett schools, became an APEX volunteer
after attending several Cafe meetings, which she said helped boost her confidence in being able to speak with her children’s teachers -- as well as her children. “I learned how to talk to my kids,” she said. “I can now teach them that school is an important aspect of life. I have taught them not to be shy. [Through my involvement as an APEX volunteer], I can now tell parents if their child wants to go to college, that they should ask for help and find out who to speak with.”
During the APEX planning meeting, volunteers, Tomasetti and Barber drafted out a calendar of talking points for the Cafe’s 201718 agenda that will attempt to support the year’s main theme, ‘Why is school important?’
The range of planned Cafe lessons and seminars include:
• Teach parents how to understand how the school district’s grading system works
Intentions for Success
The Kennett Cafe en Familia distributes refrigerator magnets to those parents who attend the Cafe, on which is listed the following goals:
1. I made sure that my child has a time and quiet place to complete his/her homework.
2. I read a book, magazine or newspaper while my child was doing his/her homework.
3. I asked my child what he/she learned in mathematics, reading, social studies or science.
4. I told my child how important it is to his or her future to do their very best in school.
5. I spent time listening to my child read.
Local
• Provide parents with up-to-date access to district policies, agendas, resources, directories and contacts
• Invite parents to participate in Back-to-School Night and open house activities, that will enlist APEX members as SpanishEnglish interpreters
• Schedule seminars that address cybersafety, drugand-alcohol abuse and school bullying, developed with the Kennett Square Police Department
• Invite guest speakers, Kennett High School student leaders, and recent college graduates who attended Kennett schools to address the importance of parental influence on education
• Occasionally hold the Cafe at local colleges and technical schools, such as West Chester University and Technical College High School, each of whom have offered to host the Cafe and provide tours
Mala Galleria...
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The building and storefronts are owned by the American Legion, and Scott approached the owners to say she’d be interested in moving to the larger space. “So they gave me a chance,” Scott said, smiling.
Enough people have come into Mala Galleria, asking what was going on with the vacant gallery, that Scott put up signs in the window announcing that she would be moving in August. There is some cosmetic work to be done inside, and she said she
A running theme throughout the planning meeting was that the sooner the importance of education reaches the student, the better.
“One of the key messages we want to get across to parents is, ‘It’s important to get to your children when they are young,’” Tomasetti said. “If you get control and emphasize the importance of education when they are young, they will be successful, and when they realize that success early, it’s easier to continue that success.
If they experience failure, they get disengaged very quickly.”
Tomasetti said that the APEX Program’s mission is to not only empower parents to become more engaged in their children’s education, but to train the next cycle of members, as part of a continuous feeder program of volunteerism and information.
“When we started this group, these volunteers
plans to brighten up the exterior a little bit. The area that was formerly for framing will be leased to illustrator
April Heather Davulcu as a studio, Scott said, but that still leaves three large areas – 1,500 square feet – for spotlighting Mala’s range of contemporary international and local artists.
“I will be expanding one branch – traditional Brandywine School paintings, sort of what Longwood Gallery did,” Scott said. “But I already had a schedule of shows for two years in advance, so we will keep those.”
The recent closure of the Chadds Ford Gallery, which
understood that they would need to put in a lot of hours, because they believe in the message and are very service-oriented,” he said. “The message is that not only have these volunteers been trained, but they are trainers for trainers. Just from that first session, four people approached us with the idea to become a part of the APEX Program.
“My dad used to say, ‘Talk is cheap. It’s the actions that mean something.’ Anybody can send out a message. We do that all of the time to our parents. But not everyone is going to do what these parents are doing. We believe that the best way to get these kids into that middle class is through education. We’re educators, and that’s what we believe.”
had championed local artists since 1969, “was sad,” Scott said. “It was a shame to hear that.” But she is optimistic that the market is still strong for original art, particularly in a town like Kennett Square that has such a vibrant art and restaurant scene.
“Every year has been better and better,” she said.
“More and more people are discovering this tiny gallery in a town they really like.”
Scott said she and other “East Side” Kennett Square merchants are planning to maximize their end of State Street with more promotions to draw attention to what the area has to offer. Opening
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
nights at the new, bigger Mala Galleria can now include musicians, she said happily – something that the tiny former space did not allow.
“I’d like to do art classes, and things that will draw more people to this end of town, concentrating on the arts and music,” she said. “There’s a lot more to come, and it’s all good.” The new Mala Galleria is slated to open in August. Visit www.malagalleria. com for more information.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Kennett Consolidated School District Assistant Superintendent Mike Barber helped draft the agenda for the 2017-18 academic year.
Bike and brew race raises $2,550 for Kennett Food Cupboard
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Several months ago, David Berger, the president of Progressive Fitness Coaching, stopped in at the Kennett Brewing Company for a hearty beer and good conversation with KBC co-owner Jossy Osborne. Berger got both, but he also left with an idea that would eventually raise enough money to feed hundreds of needy families in the Kennett Square community.
“Jossy said to me, ‘Can we put together a fun bike ride?’” Berger said. “I told her that we can [organize] a Fondo-- which is the Italian word for “a great ride.’ I began to map it out that
evening, and I thought it would be appropriate to make brewery visits along the way. I found 50 miles of country roads and four great stops.”
In the following weeks, 52 riders registered for the event, and on June 17 beginning at 10:30 a.m., 46 riders kicked off on the inaugural 50-mile KBC Bike & Brew Tour, an effort that raised $2,550 for the Kennett Area Community Service’s Food Cupboard.
The ride took off along the rolling hills of Chester County, stopping off at The Whip in Coatesville, the Four Dogs Tavern and the Levante Brewing Company in West Chester, and then dipping into Northern Delaware for a stop at Buckley’s
Tavern in Centreville. As the race completed its journey back at the Kennett Brewing Company, a total of 29 riders finished.
“The first 12 miles to the Whip really prepared those who had trained to do this, and those who weren’t,” Berger said. “For everyone who dropped out, they said that it was a beautiful ride and they want to do it again but promised to train more.”
The contributions to the Kennett Food Cupboard did not end when the last bike reached the Kennett Brewing Company later in the day. Riders donated 278 pounds of non-perishable food for the “Cover the KBC Bar” challenge, which filled up the entire cooper top bar.
The contribution will be put toward the purchase of meats, dairy and other perishables over the next three months -- enough
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Oxford School Board discussed the pension reform bill that was recently approved by state lawmakers, approved some annual appointments and contracts, and received an update about the district’s summer academies at the last meeting of the fiscal year on June 20.
In his Chester County School Boards Legislative Council report, school board member Robert Tenga updated the board about the pension reform legislation that was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf.
Public school employees hired after July 1, 2019, will have 90 days after their hire date to choose one of three options that were included in the new pension regulations. Once an option is selected, it can’t be changed. The options include partial or full 401(k)-style plans. Current
to feed the more than 400 families the Cupboard assists every month. A portion of the contribution will be targeted toward funding the Cupboard’s summer food program, which feeds 380 schoolchildren in the community during the summer months when they are not in school.
“This has always been a community cupboard, because it’s run, filled and managed by volunteers,” said Kennett Area Community Services Executive Director Melanie Weiler. “We didn’t even have a staff until 2009. It’s always been run by volunteers, and supported by volunteers. Ninety percent of the food that we distribute comes from donations from the community. The [KBC Bike & Brew Tour] is another example of neighbors helping neighbors.” Berger and Osborne are
employees already vested in the pension system could opt into one of the new plans, but there is no requirement for them to do so.
The new pension reform law will not produce immediate relief to school districts that have seen the state-mandated contributions to the pension system increase exponentially in recent years, or to the taxpayers who ultimately pay the bills for public schools.
“Going forward it will help,” Tenga said, “but it won’t do anything for the current pension situation.”
There are more Oxford students than ever benefiting from summer programs and activities. Dr. Margaret BillingsJones, the district’s assistant superintendent, said that more than 400 students have signed up for summer academies or federal Title 1 programs, while more than 100 students are participating in the extended school year program. Many of the summer offerings are
already planning a followup race in the fall, that will again benefit the Kennett Food Cupboard.
Berger considers his role as a fundraiser as an opportunity to “be of service.” “It’s such a wonderful
opportunity to do good work for a great organization, and because the Kennett Food Cupboard is local, we get to see first-hand the impact of what we do.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com .
aimed at boosting academic achievement.
Billings-Jones said that 223 students at the elementary school level signed up for the summer reading program that will run from July 10 to Aug. 4.
The district’s summer academies, which include offerings in everything from music to STEM to math to computer science and coding, also have attracted a record number of students. The music academy is the most popular, with 75 students, while the art academy has 45 students.
With the start of the new fiscal year approaching, the school board approved a lengthy consent agenda that included a variety of annual appointments or agreements for services.
School board member Joseph Tighe was once again appointed to serve as the board’s treasurer, while district business administrator Brian Cooney will continue to handle the duties of being the secretary for the board.
Both appointments are effective July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.
The school board approved the memorandum of understanding with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Oxford Borough Police Department for policing services. Also approved was a contract with the Chester County Intermediate Unit for marketplace programs. The school board welcomed new student representative Alina Snopkowski. In that role, Snopkowski will report about student activities for the 20172018 school year. The senior is a member of the National Honor Society and the president of the National English Honor Society. The Oxford School Board does not have a meeting scheduled in July, so the next meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. in the school district’s Administration Building. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Jossy Osborne of the Kennett Brewing Company and David Berger of Progressive Fitness Coaching present a $2,550 check to Melanie Weiler and Kate Miller of Kennett Area Community Service -- a donation raised from the inaugural KBC Bike & Brew Tour, held June 17.
Musings on a summer day
Here are a few random musings on a summer day…
Memorial Day might mark the unofficial start to summer, the summer solstice might fall somewhere between June 20 and 22 each year, but the warm season really reaches its apex on the Fourth of July, a uniquely American celebration of picnics and fireworks, baseball games and barbecues, and patriotic displays and hot dog eating contests.
Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, 241 years ago, when the Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were now one new nation and no longer part of the British empire. We’ve observed that day each year since then. Now, we might associate Independence Day more with fireworks and vacations than the Declaration of Independence, but it’s always a good idea to remember what it means to be an American, and to focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
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Law enforcement agencies throughout the area collaborated on “Operation Wildfire,” which led to the arrests of 46 drug dealers who were supplying heroin, Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin, morphine, MDMA, diazepam and Xanax. The Chester County Detectives Drug & Organized Crime Unit, the Parkesburg Borough Police Department, Tredyffrin Township Police Department, Spring City Police Department, Phoenixville Borough Police Department, Oxford Borough Police Department, and the Downingtown Borough Police Department all worked collaboratively on the eight-week operation. While law enforcement isn’t the only necessary method to address the opioid crisis, a consistent and sustained effort to arrest those responsible for flooding our homes, businesses, and schools with drugs will produce results. Thank you to those law enforcement agencies that worked on “Operation Wildfire” and other ongoing investigations aimed at stopping the sale of drugs in Chester County.
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Kudos to everyone involved with the Town Tours and Village Walks event in Kennett Square on June 22. The tour not only highlighted an important chapter in local history, it also showcased the beautiful Borough of Kennett Square on a beautiful summer evening. ### Congratulations to Jim Pepple and the Wyncote Golf Club for the 25th anniversary of the golf course in Oxford. Almost from the day it opened, the Wyncote Golf Club earned accolades for being one of the very best public courses around.
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The Kennett Library has been in the news lately, as Kennett area officials continue to discuss the possibility of constructing a new library, borough building, and police station in a municipal complex. But now that the lazy days of summer are here, it’s a good time to remember that libraries are wonderful places to visit this time of the year. Libraries plan plenty of activities for children of all ages during the summer. In southern Chester County, there are three top-notch libraries—in West Grove, Oxford, and Kennett Square—to visit.
Chester County Press
Pa. needs to fill climate change leadership void
By State Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky
President Donald Trump’s reckless decision to withdraw our country from the historic Paris Climate Agreement has put the health, safety and economy of Pennsylvania and the United States in peril. Climate change affects all things, from industries such as agriculture and tourism to the health and mortality of infants and children. It is the No. 1 most pressing challenge affecting every nation on the planet.
As a mom, business leader and legislator, I cannot just stand by while this decision puts the health and economic future of our children at risk. In the absence of leadership at the federal level, state and local governments must lead the effort to protect the future of our communities, the commonwealth and our country.
That is why I introduced H.R. 421, urging Pennsylvania to join the 1,200 local officials, businesses – including Apple,
Facebook, Google, Target and Walmart -- and educational institutions across the nation who have committed to upholding elements of the Paris Agreement by signing on to the U.S. Climate Alliance.
Many Pennsylvanians have already joined the effort: the signers include nine Pennsylvania mayors and the leaders of 15 Pennsylvania colleges and universities, including the presidents of Allegheny College, Bryn Mawr College, Chatham University, Drexel University, Elizabethtown College, Gettysburg University, Lebanon Valley College, Lehigh University, Millersville University, Penn State University and Villanova University.
Formed in response to the president’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, members of the U.S. Climate Alliance are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28 percent from 2005 levels and meeting or exceeding the goals of the
Pro-growth
federal Clean Power Plan. By committing to clear benchmarks, we can start to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change –such as rising temperatures, extreme weather, increased smog and more -- while creating family-sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania.
According to a report released last year, 5,400 direct and indirect jobs would be created every year if the U.S. meets its goals to reduce methane emissions by the oil and gas industry. Many of the jobs created in the clean energy sector pay well and provide long-term security.
The median hourly wage for workers in the methane mitigation industry is $30.88, for example, compared with $19.60 for all U.S. jobs.
Joinin g the Climate Alliance is a step toward fulfilling our moral obligation to provide the next generation with an environment in better shape than the one we inherited. If we don’t commit ourselves to taking action, we hand our children a world of
increased food insecurity, higher rates of respiratory diseases like asthma, and increased transmission of some infectious diseases, just some of the negative effects of climate change. By adopting my resolution and urging Gov. Tom Wolf to sign PA to join the thirteen states already in the Climate Alliance, we can position our commonwealth to be a leader in sustainable energy jobs for decades to come, all while ensuring for our children a planet with breathable air, drinkable water and a livable climate.
I thank my 39 colleagues in the General Assembly who have signed on as co-sponsors for H.R. 421. If you also want Pennsylvania to be a leader in the fight against climate change, contact your local elected officials and urge them to step up and fill the leadership void created by President Trump.
Leanne Krueger-Braneky is a Democratic state representative from Delaware County.
energy policies will power Pennsylvania forward
By Carl A. Marrara, vice president of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association
It’s that time of year again. Pennsylvania’s elected officials are debating the state budget deep into June and most likely into July. Another budget, another scramble to find monies to balance the budget and to fill an unending appetite of state government spending. For the third year in a row, the Governor has asked for a severance tax on natural gas extraction. Thankfully, there are other leaders in Pennsylvania who see how a punitive, short-sighted tax could stunt a revenue and tax producing energy industry rather than multiply it.
And, ultimately, that’s the problem. It’s a debate in the ‘need it now’ climate versus a dialogue about ‘what the future’ could hold. Simply put, Pennsylvania has been having the wrong conversation about energy development for years. For our state coffers to collect the maximum amount of money from this industry, policymakers should focus on how best to help it grow. During the previous
administration, an impact fee, call it ‘Pennsylvania’s Severance Tax,’ on natural gas drilling was enacted to help communities where the impact was occurring while also funding programs in all corners of the Commonwealth. It has worked well, delivering funds immediately after drilling begins, unlike severance taxes that are not collected and distributed until after abatement periods end.
While many in the public often hear the cry that “Pennsylvania is the only state without a severance tax,” this is blatantly false. Pennsylvania is the only state with the aforementioned “impact fee” and other states have taken notice, putting forward policy proposals to scrap their existing “severance” taxes and model what’s being done here in Pennsylvania. The impact fee in Pennsylvania adds approximately $200 million to local governments throughout the commonwealth annually – more than would be realized with Gov. Wolf’s proposal. Speaking of economic growth, we agree with Gov. Wolf’s Secretary of Community and Economic Development Dennis Davin and the IHS Markit report on petrochemical
facilities that Pennsylvania must maximize this energy opportunity by expediting pipeline build-out and completing an inventory of sites for industrial development. Because, after all, we want Pennsylvania to be a national leader in energy production, utilization, and the jobs that come with it. Because that’s what allows growth and additional tax revenues to be collected by the commonwealth.
As we enter the final throes of the 17-18 budget making process, we urge policymakers to refocus the conversation toward advancing economic growth and stop the counterproductive fixation on new taxes.
If this debate does come again, we ask you to consider the following questions:
1. What is the total cost of doing business in Pennsylvania (including the impact fee) compared to the total cost of doing business in Texas, which has a severance tax but no corporate income tax or personal income tax?
2. When before has a state government sought to attract new business development and investment with an additional, industry-specific tax?
3. With over half of all Pennsylvania homes relying on natural gas for home heat and appliance use, how would an additional tax affect their budgets?
4. With demand for natural gas poised to increase nationally by 40 percent through the year 2030 (possibly more in Pennsylvania), how would an additional tax on the industry affect residential, commercial, and industrial natural gas customers?
5. Have the effects of a new, additional, industry specific tax been examined on the petrochemical manufacturing end users?
6. If the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) believes that we should “proactively” and “aggressively” deploy new energy infrastructure, why would an additional energy tax be proposed simultaneously?
7. Why should a company choose to locate, invest, or expand operations in Pennsylvania when a new, additional industryspecific tax is proposed every year as a part of the Governor’s budget?
The answers to these questions lead to one conclusion: new jobs and economic growth don’t come from short-sighted and punitive taxation.
Bill to award property tax relief for qualifying military service receives committee support
to rectify.”
The Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and its chairman, Rep. Steve Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware), unanimously supported a bill that would provide a property tax exemption for the surviving spouses of soldiers who are killed in action (KIA) or died as a result of injury during active military service.
“During a discussion about property tax reform for veterans, we found out that veterans who are 100 percent disabled during a period of war can qualify to have their property taxes exempted. But, the spouse of someone who is KIA does not qualify,” Barrar said. “It was an alarming discovery, and one we’ve been working
The bill was amended to clarify that the additional benefit provided is related to any war or armed conflict in which the United States is engaged.
Another piece of legislation that was approved at this week’s committee meeting would prevent veterans’ disability payments and pension from being
counted as income for Commonwealth programs and benefit determinations. Lastly, a third bill would codify the oversight of the Pennsylvania Civil Air Patrol under the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
As all bills received unanimous support in committee, they will now face a vote in the House.
A better way of doing things
A local inventor comes up with a new way to tie shoes, and there are plenty more ideas where that one came from
By John Chambless Staff Writer
Five years ago, Tim McCleary was tired of unlacing his work boots every time he came in from working outside.
“I would be in and out of my boots five times a day,” McCleary said during an interview last week at his home.
Today, McCleary, 45, has invented a solution – Turbolaces – that not only solves his boot problem, but may also make him a rich man.
McCleary, who lives and works on his family’s 82-acre farm on the northern edge of Franklin Township, has always been a tinkerer. “Ever since I was little, I could make anything out of Legos,” he said. “I would go out and get brochures for combines and tractors at the tractor supply store, and I’d come home and put my Legos on the floor and build them without instructions. I had four-wheelers with independent suspension made of rubber bands, and drive shafts, so that everything would work. I can think in three dimensions and picture what pieces I’ll need to get an end result.”
Four years ago, McCleary was plowing snow for his neighbor, Bill Hessler, who is a mechanical engineer.
“He and I got started talking, and I said I had a couple of ideas for patents, but I didn’t know where to go with them. He said he’d sign a nondisclosure agreement and look at what I had,” McCleary said. “We met over pizza and I showed him six or seven Lego prototypes and a couple of written ideas.”
Along with his list of innovations for farm equipment, car parts and home products, McCleary showed Hessler his idea for Turbolaces. Essentially, shoelaces are laced through the holes in the
two-part device, locking the laces in place, so that from that point on, the wearer only has to flip the clip open to remove the shoes. Laces stay tucked away safely.
Three years ago, McCleary bought a 3-D printer. “I brought it home and thought, ‘What can I make with this thing that’s cool?’” he said. “I had a list of about 40 ideas. On Aug. 7, three years ago, I texted Bill and said I had printed the part. He took one look and said, ‘Drop everything you’re working on. We’re patenting that.’”
After some 40 versions and refinements, a new company, Tech Spark Innovations, was formed around the Turbolace product. Hessler prepared a patent (“It’s 39 pages, in legalese,” McCleary said), and a third business partner was added –Jim Kimmel, Jr., another family friend who is a corporate attorney and an ethics professor at Yale. “I think if I could trust anybody, I can trust him,” McCleary added, laughing. Today, he has 1,200 sets of Turbolaces in his home. They are made by Midgard in Quakertown, Pa., they come in seven colors, and retail now for $9.99 a pair. McCleary has sold plenty of them online, and he has presented them to friends and neighbors to try for themselves. He is just beginning to reach out to have Turbolaces sold in local independent stores as an entry into the marketplace.
McCleary wears Turbolaces every day. They work perfectly, and they hold up to tough use on the farm. There is nothing like them on the market. And the possible uses for them are openended and enticing.
He listed some of the possible markets for the invention: Construction workers, factory workers and others who have
to work under OSHA regulations for their work boots; runners and athletes who need to keep their laces properly secured; children who are frustrated by learning to tie laces, or who have cognitive or physical limitations; children’s sports leagues who spend a lot of time keeping shoes tied; senior citizens whose dexterity won’t allow them to easily tie shoes; and fashionforward companies that want to customize the Turbolaces. The flat panel on them could be marked with a logo, a shoe brand, a team color, or cartoon characters. They could be molded in any color, and decorated with any amount of bling. And the Turbolace is very simple to manufacture – both halves of the device are the same, so they only require one mold.
“I still can’t believe I designed that,” McCleary said, shaking his head and demonstrating the one-finger flip that opens the Turbolace latch. “It still blows my mind.”
He’s recently added two new innovations – a figure-eight shaped piece and “a dog bone-shaped piece” that anchors the ends of the laces and keeps them locked in place.
“If I end up making
money on this, I’d like to donate a few hundred sets of them to Wounded Warriors,” he said. “I would definitely give back.”
During a walk around the farm, McCleary showed the barn garage where he comes up with many of his innovations. There’s a wooden lock mechanism on a cabinet that is operated in a completely secure way. Outside, there’s a log splitter device attached to a skid loader that can split logs twice as fast as a conventional splitter, and the operator never has to wrangle the logs. When McCleary ran over the gas cap for his tractor, he designed and printed a new one on his 3-D printer. His list of potential inventions is long, and getting longer.
“I have a lot of random ideas, but a lot of them make sense,” he said. “I have trouble sleeping, so when I get ideas, I sketch them out, print out a prototype, and I’m testing it the next day. I think in three dimensions, and eight steps beyond where I am now. And when I’m mowing, I have plenty of time to think about new ways of doing things.”
His ideas are on all scales – large and small. He taught himself to
weld a few years ago when farm equipment would break down, and now there are carts and devices on the farm that exist nowhere else.
McCleary said he had thoughts of studying mechanical engineering in college, but he didn’t end up going. Clearly, he didn’t need to.
If some company offers to buy the invention design from him outright, “I think I’d miss working
on it and evolving it,” he said. “I’d like to design different styles for it.
“A friend of mine said I was a genius,” he added, smiling. “I don’t know. I just think differently than most people.” For more information, visit https://www. turbolace.com.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo
The clasp on the Turbolace is made up of two identical, interlocking halves.
Photo by John Chambless McCleary wears Turbolaces every day on his work boots.
Photo by John Chambless
Tim McCleary in the barn workshop, where he works on a wide range of products.
EDITH J. LONG
Edith J. Long, 83, of Peach Bottom, passed away on June 25 at Jennersville Regional Hospital.
She was the wife of the late George C. Long. Born in Paradise, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Wilmer F. and Martha Keanagy McGinnis. Edith attended Leacock Presbyterian Church in Paradise. She enjoyed reading and her flower garden. She is survived by her six children, Linda Ashby (Bob) of Akron, Robert Long of Christiana, Kenneth Long of Peach Bottom, Ricky Long (Elizabeth) of Nottingham, William Long (Pam) of West Grove and Lori Eller (Robert) of West Grove; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, George E. Long. A memorial service was held June 29. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
JUAN LUIS AYALA ZAVALA
Juan Luis Ayala Zavala, 37, of Cochranville, passed away on June 27.
He was the husband of Rosa Nelli Espinoza Juarez. Born in Yuriria, GTO, Mexico, he was the son of Ismael Ayala Dimas of New Jersey and Romelia Zavala Martinez of Mexico. He was a farm worker for Matthew Walton in Cochranville. Juan was a member of St. Rocco Catholic Church in Avondale.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by three sons, Fabian Ayala Espinoza, Brian Ayala Espinoza and Juan Miguel Ayala Espinoza, all of Cochranville; one daughter, Valeria Ayala Espinoza of Cochranville; three brothers, Pedro Ayala Zavala, Pablo Ayala Zavala, and Augustin Ayala Zavala, all of Mexico; three sisters, Angelica Ayala Zavala, and Claudia Ayala Zavala, both of Mexico; and Maria Ayala Zavala of North Carolina.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. July 7 at St. Rocco Catholic Church (313 Sunny Dell Rd., Avondale). His funeral mass will follow at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Mexico. Online condolences may be made by visiting www. griecocares.com.
VALARIA FERYN FERGUSON
Valaria Feryn (Herr) Ferguson, 85, passed from us on June 28 at Ware Presbyterian Village. She was born in 1932 in Kirkwood, Lancaster County. She was the daughter of the late Abram R. and F. Anna (Linton) Herr. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, the Reverend John Ferguson; daughters Elaine and Ellen of Asheville, N.C., and a son, Kirk Ferguson and his wife Mary Jo of Kirkwood; along with grandchildren, Robyn Ferguson and Megan, wife of Mike Sirera. She was preceded in death by a sister, Pauline Reinhart; and a brother, A. Dale Herr.
Valaria and Jack served the Unionville Presbyterian Church and community in Chester County for 42 years. She was involved in many volunteer activities over the years: Unionville Presbyterian Church Women’s Association, Farm Women Society No. 20, Fresh Air Fund, Kennett Square New Century Club (GFWC), East Marlboro Auxiliary to Chester County Hospital, Needlework Guild of America and the Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary.
On July 5, friends are invited to an informal drop-in at the Union Presbyterian Church (5637 Street Road, Kirkwood, Pa.) in the Children’s Memorial Hall from 6 to 8 p.m. On July 6, there will be a celebration of Valaria’s life at the church beginning at 1 p.m. There will not be a visitation prior to the celebration on Thursday, but friends are invited to visit the family immediately following the service. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Joy Ranch at www.Joyranch.org, or the Needlework Guild of America at www.NGA-INC.org. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.dewalds.com.
KRISTINA LYNN FUTTY ROBERTS
Kristina Lynn Futty Roberts of Schwenskville, formerly of Oxford, went home to be with the Lord on June 28 in West Chester after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her daughter, Sabriel Roberts of Norristown; parents Wayne and Sandra (Landis) Futty of Oxford; brothers Jeffrey and Melissa (Franz) Futty of Cochranville, and Jonathan and Rebecca (Knoll) Futty of Kennett Square; nephews Jonathan Robert Futty and Micah Eugene Futty; and a maternal grandmother, Thelma Landis.
Kristina worked at Carlisle Interconnect Technologies in Pottstown as a health and safety specialist. She thoroughly enjoyed and was incredibly committed to the safety and well-being of others. In the past she worked for Croda, Inc., in New Castle, Del.; August Mack Environmental, Inc., in Lancaster; and DuPont in Wilmington, Del. Outside of work, Kristina enjoyed spending her time riding horses, traveling, and going to events. Steam punk outings were among her favorites. More than that, she loved making memories and spending much of her time with Sabriel. She also enjoyed time spent with her family and friends. She graduated from Oxford Area High School with the class of 1997, and Messiah College with the class of 2001.
A memorial service will be held July 8 at 11 a.m. at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., Lincoln University), with a visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sabriel Roberts Education Fund, in the care care of Collins Funeral Home (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com).
LEONARD J. GEARS
Leonard Judson “Jud” Gears, 96, of Quarryville, passed away on June 29 after a short illness at Quarryville Presbyterian Home. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Betty Wagner Gears; and his children and stepchildren, Judson Gears (Betty) of Penn Valley, Calif., Joy Martin (Rich) of Placerville, Calif., James Gears (Kay) of West Chester, Pa., James Prettyman (Beth) of Oxford, Pa., Robert Prettyman of Quarryville, Pa., and Mary Stafford of Concord, N.C. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Becky Prettyman. Jud was born in Chestertown, Md., in 1921 to the late Leonard C. and Lillian Buchanan Gears. He graduated from High School in Chestertown, Md., and also from Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington, Del. Jud was employed by DuPont for 42 years. He attended church at the New London Methodist Church in New London for many years, served as chairman of several committees, and sang in the choir. He had a beautiful tenor voice and often sang at weddings. Jud loved flowers and gardening, as well as country music, dancing and playing cards.
Services will be held at Ruffenach Family Funeral Home (224 Penn Ave., Oxford) on July 7 at 11 a.m. Family and friends may visit from 10t o11 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Head of Christiana Cemetery in Newark, Del.
‘Summer Fun’ series
Through Aug. 23
West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) celebrates summer for the third year with the Wednesday night free series, “Summer Fun for Everyone.” The community is invited to attend from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be hot dogs, games, fellowship and a brief word from pastor Rev. Monica B. Guepet each week. All beverages will be supplied. If you’d like to bring chips, cookies or a side dish, they will be appreciated. A box of games will be available, the youth plan to have their 9-In-The-Air game up, and there is a playground for small children. For more information, call 610869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.
July 8
Pancake and omelet breakfast
Shiloh Presbyterian Church (42 S. Fifth St., Oxford) will host a pancake and omelet breakfast on July 8 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 11, free for ages 3 and younger. Call 610-932-9256 for more information.
July 15 Yard sale
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
July 22
Buffet breakfast
The Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) hosts a buffet breakfast on July 22 from 7 to 10 a.m. The public is invited. The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage and bacon, roasted potatoes, dried beef gravy and breads. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10. Proceeds benefit the church’s general fund. Call 610-932-9698 for more information.
July 23 to 27
Vacation Bible School A summer Vacation Bible School called “Maker Fun Factory” will be hosted at Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) from July 23 to 27 from from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Kids will participate in Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, make treats, and test sciency-fun gizmos they’ll take home. This year’s offering will go toward Operation Kid-to-Kid to bring clean drinking water to kids in Peru. “Maker Fun Factory” is for ages 5 to sixth grade. Register at www.oxford1851.org or call 610-932-9698.
Shiloh Presbyterian Church (42 S. Fifth St., Oxford) will host a yard sale on July 15 beginning a 9 a.m., with clothing, shoes, small household items and more. Call 610-932-9256 for more information.
Summer music series Landenberg United Methodist Church (205 Penn Green Rd., Landenberg) presents its summer music program during Sunday services. Call 610-2748384. July 9: Frank Joyce, cantor; July 16: Morgan Hollow Trio, flute, piano and vocals; July 23: Belles and Roses Handbell Choir/ Lavenia Civitelli; July 30: Paul Boris, piano; Aug 6: Bob Hart; Aug 13: Steve Poorman; Aug 20: Morgan Hollow Trio; Aug. 27: Rise Up Band.
Social time for singles Singles & Others Loving Opportunities to Socialize (SOLOS) will meet at West Grove Presbyterian Church (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove) on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall adjacent to the church. SOLOS has a mission of fostering Christian friendships and enjoyable activities for single people or married people whose spouses are not available for many social activities. The group is not intended to function as a matchmaking group. For reservations, email wgpres139@yahoo. com, or call 610-869-9458.
July 9
Record Collectors show
The Keystone Record Collectors Music Expo will be held July 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway east, Route 30, next to Dutch Wonderland). Dealers and collectors will be buying and selling records, CDs and music memorabilia from all eras. Admission is free. Call 610-932-7852 or visit www. recordcollectors.org.
July 15
‘Tribute to the 70s’
The New London Community Choir will present a free concert, “A Tribute to the 70s,” on July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Avon Grove High School. The concert will include disco numbers, songs from Queen, Simon and Garfunkel and many more. There will be memorabilia from the 1970s and trivia to round out the program. No tickets needed. Donations will be accepted at the door. Call 610-8698129 for more information.
July 15, 22, 29
Adult Summer Camp at winery
On July 15, 22 and 29, Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford) hosts an adult “summer camp” series of special evenings. There will be outdoor activities including wine and beer tastings, lawn games with team T-shirts, a pig roast dinner, fire pit s’mores and sing-alongs. Visit www. chaddsford.com.
July 19
Furniture workshop
The Oxford Area Senior Center and the Pickled Pickles boutique are hosting a furniture refinishing workshop to teach the art of furniture painting at
7 p.m. on July 19 at the Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St). The class teaches basic techniques for prepping, painting and distressing furniture. Participants should bring their own small piece of furniture for refinishing. The cost is $25 (cash only), which includes all materials needed to complete this take-home project. Make reservations by July 11. Call 610-932-5244 or email oxsrctr@zoominternet.net.
July 22
Bluegrass jam
The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts a bluegrass and oldtime music jam session on July 22 and Aug. 26. Bring an instrument and join in from 2 to 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Admission is $5. Call 610-467-0301 for more information.
July 22
Craft fair On July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary will hold the first “Summer Craft Fair and More” in the Pavilion Auditorium at
Vista Ridge Apartments at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. Proceeds benefit the residents of the Oxford Health Care Center and Stewart Place. There will be more than 30 vendor tables, local produce, a thrift store, a model railroad display and tours of the woodworking shop. Wine will be sold by Harvest Ridge Winery. Box lunches, desserts and lemonade will be for sale. Visitors can also tour a sample senior living apartment.
Aug. 4
First Friday in Oxford
Enjoy food, music, and activities at Oxford’s First Friday event, which has a “Rock the Block” theme. The stores in the downtown will have extended hours and special deals. Hours are 5 to 8 p.m.
Sept. 1
First Friday Car Show
Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., will be hosting its fourth annual car show as the First Friday event in September. This event is expected to be larger than ever, with more than 250 antique, classic, and modern cars on display. The car show runs from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit downtownoxfordpa.org for details.
Sept. 30 Apple Festival
The Oxford Presbyterian Church’s annual Apple Festival in Oxford Memorial Park takes place on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be dozens of vendors, games for children, and entertainment. For more information, visit www. opcapplefestival.org.
Kennett Flash schedule
The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett
Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www.kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: Radio Free Honduras (July 8, 8 p.m., $18 and $22); Ben Arnold Band (July 11, 8 p.m., $12); Better Than Bacon improv comedy troupe (July 13, 8 p.m., $12 and $14); Steal Your Peach with guest Johnny Neel (July 14, 8 p.m., $17 and $20); comedy with Ian Fidance, Steph Termini, Alyssa Truszkowski and Jon Koppel (July 15, 8 p.m., $15); Open Mic with host Andrew Reynolds (July 16, 7 p.m., $4); Ben Arnold Band (July 18, 8 p.m., $12); Matthew Ryan (July 20, 8:30 p.m., $15); Will Power: Tribute to Tower of Power (July 21, 8 p.m., $20 and $25); Ben Arnold Band (July 25, 8 p.m., $12); Raymond the Amish Comic with Chris Coccia (July 28, 8 p.m., $16 and $20); Warchild: Jethro Tull tribute (July 29, 8 p.m., $23 and $26); Taller: Black Crowes tribute, and Brown Sugar: Rolling Stones tribute (Aug. 4, 8 p.m., $14 and $17); Crowded Streets: Dave Matthews Band tribute (Aug. 5, 8 p.m., $20 and $24); Open Mic with host Bill Currier (Aug. 6, 7 p.m., $4); Arlen Roth (Aug. 17, 8 p.m., $23 and $26); Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling (Aug. 19, 8 p.m., $30 and $35).
Outdoor concert series
The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance has announced the lineup for the “Sounds Under the Stars” summer music concerts. Bring a lawn chair, blanket and a picnic dinner to the Brandywine
Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center and listen to music in a beautiful country setting. All performances are held in the amphitheater on Route 842 (1760 UnionvilleWawaset Rd.), three miles east of Unionville and six miles west of West Chester. Music begins at 7:30 p.m., and gates open at 6 p.m.
The Thursday evening concerts include: July 6Lukens Band; July 13 - Billy Penn Burger Band; July 20 – Cameltones; July 27 –Shytown; Aug. 3 - Montana Wildaxe; Aug. 10 - Cousin Jake. For more information or detailed directions to the Myrick Center, call 610793-1090 or visit www. brandywineredclay.org.
Reactors Comedy Club schedule
Reactors Comedy Club, in the Wyndham Garden Hotel (1110 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills) presents live comedy on weekends, with shows Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. The schedule includes: The Wid, John Kinsel and John Agar (July 15); Mick Diflo, Tyler Rothrock and John Agar
(July 22); Chip Chantry, Todd Chappele and John Agar (July 29). Visit www. reactorscomedyclub.com. Longwood Gardens concerts
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) will host the following concerts this summer: Natalie Merchant (July 5, 7:30 p.m., $56 to $86); Dianne Reeves (July 11, 7:30 p.m., $33 to $53); The Brandywiners present “Beauty and the Beast” (July 27 to 29 and Aug. 3 to 5, 8 p.m., $30); Chick Corea Elektric Band with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m., $55 to $85); Del McCoury and David Grisman (Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., $35 to $55); the Kennett Symphony (Aug. 19, 7 p.m., $40 and $45); Julieta Venegas (Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m., $39 to $59). Visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
Chaddsford Winery hosts an adult summer camp series of special evenings beginning July 15 (see listing).
The Ben Arnold Band is at the Kennett Flash in Kennett Square on July 11 (see listing).
known
the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Margaret Peppers Rover, Esq., 763 Denton Hollow Rd., West Chester, PA 19382, Executrix. 6p-28-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY in the Estate of Marie H. Petersheim deceased, Late of West Nantmeal Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, have been granted to the undersigned. Notice of the death of Marie H. Petersheim, Settlor of The Marie H. Petersheim Revocable Living Trust is also hereby given. All persons indebted to said Estate and or/Trust are requested to make prompt payment and those having claims to present the same, without delay to : Executor/Trustee: Micheal C. Petersheim
Care of Attorney: David A. Peckman Peckman Chait LLP, 29 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA 19438 6p-28-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF JOHN D. THOMPSON, JR., DECEASED. Late of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, PA.
LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Whitney Chant and Jonathon D. T. Myer CO-EXECUTORS, care of Eric S. Coates, Esquire, The Law Offices of Eric S. Coates, 137 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 510, Oxford, PA 19363 , telephone # (610) 932-9464 E-mail:
ericlaw@zoominternet.net 6p-28-3t SUMMONS NOTICE STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURT, COUNTY OF DOUGLAS SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, In Re the Custody of: COURT FILE NO. 21-FA-17-479 A.E.T., DOB: 7/13/2003, Lisa Twyman, Petitioner, and SUMMONS Keesa Brown and Ian Twyman, Respondents. THE STATE OF MINNESOTA TO THE ABOVE NAMED RESPONDENTS: THIS SUMMONS IS AN OFFICIAL DOCUMENT THAT AFFECTS YOUR RIGHTS. A copy of said paperwork regarding the lawsuit is served on you with this summons. Read this summons and attached petition carefully. If you do not understand it, contact an attorney for legal advice. (1) The Petitioner has filed a lawsuit asking the court to decide custody and parenting time of the minor child listed above in the caption. (2) You must serve upon Petitioner and file with the court a written Answer to the Petition. If Petitioner is requesting child support, you must file a Financial Affidavit along with your Answer. You must pay the required filing fee. If you cannot afford to pay the filling fee, you may qualify to have the filing fee waived by the court. You must file an In forma Pauperis application with the court and a judge will decide whether you must pay the fee. All court forms are available from the Court Administrator’s office and on the Court’s website at www. mncourts.gov/forms. You must serve your Answer and Financial Affidavit upon the Petitioner within twenty (20) days of the date you were served with this Summons, not counting the day of service. If you do not serve and file your Answer and Financial Affidavit, the court may grant Petitioner everything he or she is asking for in the attached Petition.
NOTICE OF PARENT EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS PARENTING EDUCATION may be required in all custody or parenting proceedings. You may contact court administration for additional information regarding this requirement and the availability of parent education programs. Dated: March 13, 2017, HEGG LAW OFFICE
Douglas R. Hegg (#030654X)
Attorney for Petitioner 2020 Fillmore Street, Alexandria, MN 56308, Phone: 320-759-2007 6p-28-3t
NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION – CHALLENGE OPPORTUNITY
The Board of Supervisors of Penn Township is providing public notice of the opportunity to challenge the validity of the herein described Ordinance on the basis that a defect in procedure, as permitted under Section 1002-A(b) or 1002.1-A, of the PA Municipalities Planning Code, resulted in a deprivation of constitutional rights, and to provide a period of limitation to raise such challenges.
The Board of Supervisors of Penn Township is providing this Notice for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2017-02, adopted on June 7, 2017, which includes the following: An amendment to the Penn Township Zoning Ordinance of 1968, as further amended, amending Article II Definitions Section 200 Definitions by deleting the definition of “Flex Space”; Article XI C-2 Special Limited Business District Section 1101 Use Regulation Subsection 1101(B) Conditional Uses by deleting Subsection 1101(B)(15) Flex Space; Article XI C-2 Special Limited Business District Section 1103 Design Standards by deleting Subsection 1103(D) for flex space design standards. This publication is intended to provide notification of ordinance enactment. Any person claiming a right to challenge the validity of the
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INCORPORATION
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, pursuant to the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, for Misfit Manor. 7p-5-1t
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, July 20th, 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,
ACCIDENTAL DROWNING
On the evening of June 27, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale responded to 240 Troop Road in West Fallowfield Township for a drowning. According to police, Juan Ismael Ayala, 37, was crossing a swimming pond on a zip line when he fell off. Several attempts were made by people on the scene to rescue Ayala, who could not swim. His body was later recovered after members of local fire departments, State Police Marine Operations and other emergency services workers responded to the scene.
METAL STOLEN
On the morning of June 3, a man in his 50s, with long, gray hair, was seen taking scrap metal and a weed whacker from a property on East Christine Road in Nottingham, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. When confronted, the man said he was working with a realtor for the property.
When police were called by the witness, the thief drove away in a red, 1997 Ford F-250 pickup truck with a black bed. The vehicle has Pennsylvania plate ZCG3608 and has since been reported stolen.
THREAT AT SCHOOL
A threat reading “I am shooting up the school 5/7/17 – Nick” was written in a boys bathroom at Avon Grove High School on May 5, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. No incident occurred.
GROCERY STORE THEFT
On the morning of May 14, the Giant supermarket in East Marlborough Township reported that four people took two carts full of items out of the store without paying. When confronted by the manager, the four left, but had already loaded a cart full of items into their car, which was described as a tan or brown Hyundai sedan with Delaware registration 133181. The recovered cart had been loaded with more than $1,000 worth of items. The same four suspects are believed to be involved in at least two other retail thefts in the area. Anyone with information is asked to call
police at 610-268-2022.
ASSAULT AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT
On June 16, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department arrested Cristian Jimenez, 20, of Philadelphia, for terroristic threats, simple assault, and disorderly conduct. At about 5:15 p.m. on June 16, police responded to a business at 290 Chambers Road in Toughkenamon for the report of an assault and subsequently arrested Jimenez.
TEEN DRIVER FLEES
On June 26 at around noon, a 15-year-old boy from Wilmington, Del., crashed his car into the rear of a car being driven by a 42-year-old man from Kennett Square, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The crash occurred on Route 1 at Onix Drive in East Marlborough Township. The boy then fled, driving into Delaware, where he was stopped and arrested by Delaware State Police.
ATTEMPTED THEFT BY DECEPTION
On April 27, a Kennett Square woman got an email from a person who identified
himself as Michael Cross, who was trying to buy a desk that the woman had put on Craigslist. The woman received a check for $1,750 for the desk and shipping costs. The woman said she was going to wait to see if the check cleared, but the man insisted she cash it immediately. The woman declined, and Cross sent two more checks in the same amount to her. The woman was told by her bank to report the man to the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. She did not lose any money or property.
STALKING CHARGES
On May 21, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale charged John Beck, 54, of Kennett Square, with stalking after a woman he met through an online dating site said she did not want to continue their relationship. Police said the victim met Beck in person numerous times, but when she tried to end their relationship, Beck became violent, throwing objects inside the victim’s home in London Grove Township, and he later continued to contact her by email and telephone. He also went to her home several times
uninvited.
BURGLAR ARRESTED
On May 22, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Jesse Lewis Johnson, 30, of Parkesburg, for 23 counts of burglary and 23 counts of criminal trespass, theft, forgery, fleeing and other charges in connection with multiple incidents in Chester County and Lancaster County.
DUI CRASH
A 19-year-old Oxford man is facing DUI charges after a one-car crash.
On June 30 at 1:26 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported to a crash on Baltimore Pike in Penn Township and found the vehicle empty. The driver was later found at his home and was placed under arrest for DUI. Drug paraphernalia was found in the vehicle, according to police.
BURGLARIES
A home at 261 Old Creek Road, Lincoln University, was burglarized sometime between June 10 and 26, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Several items were stolen.
A home at 1251 Little Elk Creek Road in Oxford was burglarized on June 26,
and cash and coins were stolen from several rooms, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.
INDECENT EXPOSURE
A man who appeared to be in his 40s exposed his genitals to a woman in the parking lot of the Oxford Walmart on April 29, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. He drove away in a gray vehicle with a Maryland registration.
UNDERAGE ALCOHOL
POSSESSION
Three 13-year-old boys at Avon Grove Charter School were cited for underage possession of alcohol on June 8 after Pennsylvania State Police Avondale determined that one of them brought two cans of beer to school and sold them to the second boy, who put them into the book bag of the third boy to hold. All three were cited and released to their parents.
CONCESSION STAND
BURGLARIZED
A concession stand at the athletic fields in Unionville was broken into overnight on June 17, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Candy and two rolls of quarters were stolen.
