Chester County Press 07-26-2023 Edition

Amid Fire & EMS storm, Kennett Square Borough leaders consider paths forward

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

As its founding principle, the Kennett Regional Fire & EMS Commission operates under the philosophy that the power sum of shared resources leads to safer communities.

Formed in 2017, the Commission has, in effect, regionalized fire and EMS services in southern Chester County through the financial support of its six members –

East Marlborough, Kennett, Newlin, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships and the Kennett Square Borough –as well as the strength of its key fire and EMS providers – the Kennett, Longwood and Pro-Mar-Lin fire companies, and two ambulance services supplied to the region by the Longwood Fire Company.

The in-pay contribution formula of the Commission takes in four criteria from each municipality: popula-

tion, assessed value, and the annual volume of fire rescue calls and EMS rescue calls.

At this time last year, the Kennett Borough Council had welcomed four new members and Kyle Coleman was barely into his new job as Borough Manager. When they all met with Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick – a voting member of the Commission – they weighed the cost of membership against the cost factor backdrop of other major projects

the borough needed to pay for, like repairing infrastructure and fixing roads.

Staring down the large increases of what remaining in the Commission would cost the residents of the borough over the next few years – costs determined by the voting members of the Commission by a caveat contained in its inter-municipal cooperation agreement written in 2017 – they were aghast at what they were seeing.

School taxes set to increase throughout southern Chester County

The new fiscal year is now underway for Pennsylvania’s school districts and residents from Nottingham to Penn Township to Chadds Ford will see higher tax bills for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Kennett Consolidated School District has continued its recent tradition of adopting budgets with small, incremental tax increases. Kennett adopted a $98,616,455 spending plan for 2023-2024, as the district plans for the two elementary school building projects. The millage rate

is increasing from 32.4358 mills to 32.7275 mills. That amounts to a .92 percent increase.

The Avon Grove School District, which opened a new high school last fall, adopted a $109,840,747 budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The millage rate increased 2.50 percent from 34.1000 mills to 34.9500 mills.

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District adopted a $109,380,524 budget. The district includes communities in both Chester County and Delaware County. For

Unionville-Chadds Ford

residents who reside in Chester County, the millage rate will be 31.9500 mills, up from 30.7345 mills in 2022-2023. That equates to a 3.96 percent increase. The Oxford Area School District, which has a comparatively small commercial tax base, spends significantly less than its neighboring school districts each year. For 2023-2024, Oxford adopted a $82,393,787 budget. The spending plan includes a 4.11-percent increase from 34.6390 mills to 36.0592 mills.

Police chief issues warning to residents: home burglaries are on the rise

Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

which summarized Kennett Township’s police activity during the month of June

-- Police Chief Matthew Gordon devoted the remainder of his report at the July 18 Kennett Township Board

of Supervisors meeting to an increasingly concerning reality.

Home burglaries in the area are rising at the rate of sea levels.

Referring to a recent spate of crimes that have occurred throughout New Castle County, Gordon said that the two areas most affected border the town-

ship – Greenville, where the average cost of a home in 2022 was $706,620 -- and Hockessin, where an average home last year was valued at $378,418. According to a story that appeared in the News Journal on July 7, burglars have also targeted residences along the Kennett Pike corridor and are “bouncing back and forth”

The kids are (probably) alright: Gen Z’s perspective on life and community

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

the economy, the reality of climate change, and other obstacles while adjusting to adulthood and it can be understood how life still manages to stump this generation just like every one before.

I recently spoke to three close friends to hear what they have to say about life as a Gen Zer facing the modern world and figuring it all out for themselves -- or with the help of a

few great friends. Bridget Kyriakos is a 21-year-old Oxford local and student at Towson University in Maryland; Ariana Vazquez is a 21-year-old Oxford local who works as an assistant teacher; and August Pomrenke is a 20-yearold classmate from the University of ColoradoBoulder. Responses have been edited for breadth and clarity.

between Kennett Square and New Garden Township.

The perpetrators are known to be South American crime rings identified as “theft groups” or “crime tourists” that arrive in the U.S. under visa waiver programs. Once in the U.S., they join a highlysophisticated global network of thieves who target the homes of mostly Asian and

Middle Eastern families, who are known to keep expensive jewelry and cash in their homes rather than in a bank.

“We’ve been getting information from the New Castle County Police Department that there are organized Colombian gangs out of New York City targeting small business owners

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Accompanied by her ukulele-playing daughter Lucy and her dog Bunker, Lauren Messick of Avondale enjoyed a stroll through Anson B. Nixon Park on July 19, and a concert by Bones Brigade, who performed as part of the 2023

Free Concert Series, sponsored by the

Area

Authority. The series

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

From left, Kennett Square Borough Mayor Matt Fetick, Borough Council President Doug Doerfler and Borough Manager Kyle Coleman.

Photos courtesy of Gabbie Burton Ariana Vazquez, left, and Bridget Kyriakos.

Kennett Square Borough...

Continued from Page 1A

To make matters worse, borough leadership felt captive to paying whatever figure the Commission determined that the borough would pay.

“From my perspective, the operating agreement requires that whatever the Commission passes as a budget, the participating municipalities must fund it, and heading into 2024, we would have had to increase our contribution by 30 percent,” Fetick said last week. “Translated, we would have had to increase our contribution by $114,100 just to get caught up to par, and now they’re proposing another large increase of 30 percent, so we would have to contribute an additional $286,000 to the Commission’s operating budget for 2024, which would be more than 1 mill in new taxes for borough residents.”

“If you look back five years ago, the borough’s contribution to the Commission was $250,000. Five years later, we have good reason to believe that the cost will soon reach one million dollars per year (4 mills) for the borough alone.”

The murmurs of the borough’s dissatisfaction with the Commission may have begun in 2022, but by late June of this year, the murmurs became reality.

In a June 27 letter to Kennett Fire & EMS Regional Commission chairman Cuyler Walker, Coleman shared the concerns of the borough council and Fetick, writing that the cost increase levied against the borough to remain in the Commission for 2024 “have given rise to the unfortunate disputes over the interpretation and application of the Commission’s InterMunicipal Cooperation Agreement.”

This was not the first letter of concern that Walker had received from the borough council. In a June 16, 2022 letter, the council “implored” the Commission to amend the agreement in

order to reduce costs and avoid the risk of substantial increases in the future.

Last year, when the borough was wrestling with ways to pay these increased costs to the Commission, they asked for and received some financial relief from the Commission, to the tune of $114,000 for fiscal year 2023.

While it accepted the revised contribution package, borough council’s concerns about the way the Commission operated escalated. At their request, representatives from Fitch & Associates, a Missouri-based solutions provider for fire companies in the U.S. and Canada, gave a presentation on June 7 that spelled out the need for the Commission to recognize the borough’s concerns by modifying its agreement, “in order to allow a greater degree of accountability and fairness with respect to fire and EMS expenditures that are funded, in part, by the Commission’s member municipalities,” Coleman wrote.

The borough also called for the hiring of a “qualified regional administrator” for the Commission; the Department of Economic Development to conduct an “independent fire and emergency services evaluation” of the Commission; and an amendment to the agreement that would include a requirement that all members must approve the Commission’s budget no later than Oct. 1 of each year.

The letter went on to say that Kennett Borough “would very much like to remain a member of the Commission if in working with the Commission it can agree to financial terms which will allow it to do so.”

Two days later, on June 29, the borough issued Resolution No. 2023-11 that authorized borough council to withdraw Kennett Borough from the Commission, effective at midnight on Dec. 31, 2023.

‘It’s completely irresponsible’

“This is really the path towards changes in the

model/structure of the agreement,” said Doug Doerfler, borough council president. “Regionalization is the goal to work towards, but this funding model for the Commission is not doable for the borough, and there is nothing to indicate that this model will change.”

“Regionalization in our commonwealth down to the smallest denominator creates long-term stability for emergency services and does belong, but about 1.8 of percent of our millage rate is going to fire and EMS today, and it could amount to 4 millage points – to a point where a third of our residents’ taxes will be going just to fire and EMS,” Fetick said. “That’s the problem with the Commission’s structure: the borough must pay that fee if they pass that budget.

“In any other situation, we wouldn’t sign a contract with anyone who would dictate such a thing. We would not sign a contract with another vendor and simply say, ‘Whatever you charge us, we’ll pay the bill.’ It’s completely irresponsible – and dangerous – for us to be in a situation where we are legally obligated to pay whatever they want us to pay.

“If every member of the Commission paid 1.8 mills like the borough, the fund would have more than enough money, but the disparity is that we’re paying that, and some other municipality’s residents are paying as little as 1.02 mills. If we’re all paying the same millage rate against assessed value, the fund would have all of the money it would need.

“Our residents end up paying a disproportionate amount into the system.”

“I don’t like it when you’re forced to consider another path that so many others want,” Doerfler added. “As public servants, who have a fiduciary responsibility for all of our residents, we have got to look at this in a way that will not affect an already financially burdened municipality. We need to look at public safety, but our taxes keep going up. With our fifty percent tax increase last year, we have made commitments with support from our residents to fix roads and infrastructure.

“We have the most strategic approach right now to do so, and this is pulling us away from everything our constituents want. When we have no control over these costs, we can’t continue the way we are.”

Coleman said that through-

out recent negotiations to hammer out a fair budget for fire and EMS services, the Commission has failed to recognize the natural disparity that exists between the borough and the other five municipalities in the Commission.

“There are five townships in the Commission that are roughly the same in assessed value per person – they are the oranges -- and then you have Kennett Borough –which is the only apple,” Coleman said. “If you ask a majority what they believe in, the apple is not going to get their way because it is fundamentally different. The average assessed home value per person who lives in most of these townships is two to three times what it is in the borough.

“In other words, if you build a formula that equally weighs assessed value (home wealth) across municipalities, and one municipality has much less wealth (the borough), you put extra strain on those least able to pay.”

‘He who pays the piper gets to call the tune’

The borough’s decision to withdraw from the Commission has drawn the concern of other members, but none more strongly that their neighbor Kennett Township. In a recent letter to Walker, the township wrote that the borough’s intention “is another development in a long history with the Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission. The borough’s engagement over time with the Commission has ebbed and flowed with periods of significant engagement and periods of noteworthy absence.

“The Commission has served as a mechanism for the region to provide necessary funding to the regional fire companies,” the letter continued. “In addition, the Commission serves as a forum for the fire companies to review their services, challenges, threats, opportunities, and successes. Pre-dating the Commission, the fire companies met separately with all six municipalities to request funding. As the borough knows, this was ineffective, unhelpful to the fire companies, and did not allow for long-term planning of funding nor service delivery.”

In the township’s letter, it suggested that the Commission appoint a new negotiating committee to engage with the borough in an effort to allow

the borough to rejoin the Commission, or otherwise be served by local fire and EMS units in a way that is “equitable” to the Commission and the fire companies.

In addition, the township recommended that the borough be responsible for funding the full cost for fire and EMS services, and that any balance of future funding left by the borough be absorbed by the five remaining Commission members.

Kennett Township Manager Eden Ratliff called the letter the township’s vote of confidence for the Commission.

“The purpose of the letter was to show leadership to help the commission determine its next steps, and express the needs of all six municipalities, and also ensuring that the service itself is funded in a way that is equitable,” he said.

The township’s objection to the borough’s decision was recently aired at a public meeting.

“There is an old Scottish saying that says, ‘He who calls the tune pays the piper,’” board Chairman Geoffrey Gamble said at the conclusion of the township’s July 19 Board of Supervisors meeting. “The reverse is true: ‘He who pays the piper gets to call the tune.’ East Marlborough Township and Kennett Township have by far the biggest contributions to the system. One of the proposals that came out of [Kennett Borough Council] was that they have a veto power over any increase in the budget, and they do that by suggesting a unanimous vote be required.

“We do not support that.”

At a Commission meeting earlier this year, Gamble accused Fetick of not addressing three issues the borough objected to: the hiring of an administrator; initiating a unanimous vote system to authorize a cap on increasing costs; and supplying an equipment replacement budget – all of which were supposed to be on the table of a committee that Fetick promised to form.

What happened to the committee? Gamble asked Fetick.

“I offered to chair a long-term strategic planning committee, but the Commission never formed the committee,” Fetick responded. “In January of this year, [Kennett Township Supervisor] Scudder Stevens began the process of hiring a regional administrator, and it failed to come to vote at the Commission.

“And yet, all three sticking points we had a year ago have all been solved. They voted ‘No’ on all of these issues, but to sit there and claim that the borough did nothing for the last year is not accurate. We got all three answers, but all three of our points were off the table.”

(At the Commission’s July meeting, members voted in favor of inviting executive recruiter Nicole Beckett of the Meyner Center at Lafayette College to present on her proposal to develop a job description and conduct a search for a regional administrator. She will be giving her presentation at the Commission’s August meeting.)

‘A significant benefit’

Walker implied that the borough is falling short of seeing the big-picture advantages of what membership in the Commission provides borough residents.

“When you look at the allocation of [contributions to the Commission by municipalities], they are done through an objective, four-factor equation that assigns costs based on the size of the population, the aggregate assessed value, as well as the building and other improvements in each municipality,” he said.

“Those things alone balance the financial obligations that each municipality has. The other two factors in the equation are based on the proportion of fire calls and ambulance calls. If there are

Continued on page 4A

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

From left, Kennett Township Board Chairman Geoffrey Gamble, Supervisor Scudder Stevens and Manager Eden Ratliff.

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Kennett Square Borough...

Continued from Page 2A

more calls, then that municipality pays more than the others.

“Right now, the borough falls in the middle of that. They are certainly not paying the least, but they are certainly not paying the most. The borough also has the significant benefit of having one of our two ambulance response vehicles in the borough, and the other is less than a mile outside the borough.”

In contrast, Walker said, “participating townships are dealing with five- to seven-

Burglaries...

Continued from Page 1A

– especially Asians and Middle Easterners,” Gordon said. “They will identify a target, then split their crews and monitor the homeowners’ home and their business and figure out when they will not be home.

“Recently, we had a burglary where we believe that after talking with the New Castle County Police Department, the [victims]

Local News

mile trips by a fire truck or an ambulance. There are benefits here that the borough enjoys that other municipalities don’t.”

Possible fire and EMS options for Kennett Square Borough

As the borough seeks solutions in order to continue its commitment to provide its residents with fire, ambulance and EMS services in the future – with or without the Kennett Regional Fire & EMS Commission -- Fetick listed four possible options the borough may pursue:

• Negotiate to rejoin the Commission

were targeted because they were members of a golf course, and there were several other members of that golf course who were burglarized as well. While these burglaries are not connected, they are both organized.”

This recent crime wave is not just confined to New Castle County and southern Chester County. These criminal enterprises are known to travel from state to state, targeting expensive homes and shipping the sto-

• Negotiate with the Commission to provide services to the borough on a contractual basis

• Negotiate directly with area fire and EMS providers; or

• Submit a request for proposal for a provider to create a contractual agreement with the borough

“The borough is going to explore all options, and no option is off the table, until we can find the best solution that provides the highest level of safety for our residents, at an affordable, reasonable, contained and predictable cost,” Fetick said. “The biggest benefit of membership in the

Commission is that it helps the different providers with the ability to train, strategize and work together, and I see a huge benefit for the three fire companies.

“They have come together more collaboratively than they ever had before, but I think the Commission has forced us to deal with the challenges of fire and EMS service, and they have also forced us to look at as many options as possible moving forward.”

“The Kennett Regional Fire & EMS Commission is a vehicle for local municipalities to benefit from synergies and economies of scale rather than piece-

meal solutions, so I don’t think it’s a positive for any of our municipalities or our residents [to leave the Commission],” Walker said. “The Commission will be strong with or without the borough, but I think we’re all better off having all six municipalities at the table meeting regularly with each other and the fire companies. There are certainly less efficiencies if there are five on the inside and one on the outside, but I am respectful of the borough authorities to make their choice.

“[Kennett Borough] is obviously taking this very seriously, and if there is a resolution that satisfies

accounts payable process, at 50 cents for every bill scanned.

Township Finance and Human Resources Director

all six municipalities, that would be the best outcome.”

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

ary period.

len items back to their home countries.

“You don’t think it can happen here, but with the ‘Haves’ and the ‘HaveNots,’ you are the ‘Haves,’ and they are coming here to get what you have,” said Gordon, who listed a series of home safety tips that was created by the New Castle County Police Department.

In other township business

The Board of Supervisors gave approval for the town-

ship to renew its contractual agreement with Sage Intacct -- a supplier of Cloud-based accounting software – for a period beginning on Aug. 15, 2023 and ending on Aug. 14, 2024. The new contract will cost $32,110.16, a $3,000 increase over the current contract. The contractual package from Sage Intacct will also include a bill pay automation capability that uses object character recognition and machine-learning to partially automate the

Amy Heinrich told the supervisors that the Finance Department also plans to purchase a $1,400 spend management module by the end of the year that provides automatic controls for expenditures, and decreases errors, reduces manual efforts and increases efficiency.

The board also voted to authorize the advertising of Ordinance 302 to amend its non-uniform pension plan administered by the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System. The revised plan provides that all non-uniformed township employees are eligible for entry into the pension plan on the first date of their employment, rather than after a one-year probation-

At the beginning of the year, the board adopted a similar amendment for the pension plan for the township police department that deleted a one-year probationary period for their pension to go into effect.

In his report to the board, Township Manager Eden Ratliff said the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is conducting a statewide survey to collect information about cellular and broadband access throughout the commonwealth. The survey will influence where funds geared toward addressing digital access will be distributed in Pennsylvania. The survey can be found at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ PA_BCDA.

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

Tips on keeping your home safe

1. Consult with your homeowner’s association on the installation of Automated License Plate Readers at the entrance/exit of neighborhoods.

2. Secure Doors and Windows: Install solid exterior doors with deadbolt locks and reinforced frames. Use high-quality locks on all doors and consider upgrading to smart locks for added security. Install window locks on all accessible windows and reinforce glass with security film or laminates.

3. Install a comprehensive home security system that includes burglar alarms, motion sensors, and security cameras. Display signs or stickers indicating the presence of a security system, which can act as a deterrent.

4. Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home, particularly near entry points. Ensure that pathways, entrances, and dark areas are well-lit to minimize hiding spots for potential burglars.

5. Join or establish a neighborhood watch program to create a sense of community and collective security. Communicate with your neighbors, report suspicious activities, and look out for one another.

6. Keep valuable items, such as jewelry,

cash, and important documents, in a secure safe or lockbox. Avoid leaving valuable items in plain sight through windows or in easily accessible areas.

7. Maintain a well-maintained appearance of your home to deter potential burglars. Use timers for lights and electronic devices to create the illusion of occupancy when you’re away.

8. Avoid sharing vacation plans or posting about being away from home on social media. Burglars can exploit this information to target unoccupied houses.

9. Install security bars or grilles on vulnerable entry points such as basement windows or sliding doors. Consider reinforcing doors with door jammers or security plates to prevent forced entry.

10. Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activities to local authorities. Consider installing surveillance cameras to monitor and record activities around your property.

11. Report suspicious persons and vehicles to 9-1-1

Source: New Castle County Police Department

Correction

edition of the Chester County Press, the captions for two of the photos taken at the induction ceremony for the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department were incorrect. We regret the error, and reprint the photos and captions below.

Courtesy photo Cuyler Walker, chairman of the Kennett Regional Fire & EMS Commission.

In the July 19

New Sergeant Gregory Blue with his family at his side during his swearingin ceremony.

New Lieutenant Joseph P. Versagli III with his mother, Sharon.

Gen Z's perspective...

Continued from Page 1A

How do you think our generation and the times we live in compare to previous generations?

Kyriakos: I think it’s a lot harder now. There’s a housing crisis, the value of a dollar is down, money is just a problem now. I feel like our parents don’t understand. They’re like, “we worked hard too,” but it’s tougher now.

Vazquez: It definitely is harder. They don’t fully understand that when they were younger it was easier. Right when you graduate college or right when you graduate high school, you get a job, you can work and get your own place, but it’s not like that now. We have all these expectations put on us that everyone else was able to meet because it was more attainable back then. They think we aren’t working as hard or have the same motivation as they did but it was just easier for a lot of them.

Pomrenke: I think there is a huge difference in how we conduct ourselves. There is just so much that we are exposed to, there is so much more to think about and I think it’s a beautiful thing that we’re considering different people’s identities and existences so much.

Something Gen Z has been recognized for is our openness and inclusivity. Do you think our generation is truly as inclusive as we are said to be?

Kyriakos: I think our generation is and it’ll get better too.

Vazquez: It obviously depends where you’re from who you were raised by but I think we definitely are more accepting. Now people are realizing that sexuality is a spectrum; that you don’t have to be one or the other.

Pomrenke: Absolutely. I think the access to information and being the first generations to really grow up on the internet has greatly impacted how we exist together. By showing queer identities in the media we are starting to create a less narrow-minded generation with Gen Z.

One issue our generation has been forced to focus on is climate change. How do you view the future when considering the impacts of climate change?

Pomrenke: I am tentative about the future. There are so many things to do at this point and a rapidly expanding set of jobs and responsibilities that there’s no shortage of ability to make your own place in the world which makes me really positive about the future. You mentioned climate change and I’ve seen a lot of progress for people getting into higher education who want to focus on that.

There’s always this threat of climate change, and it’s not something that’s so much of a debate anymore, and it’s a real fact and something that’s very present in people’s minds. That gives me hope

for the future workforce that we’re creating, in order to tackle huge environmental issues. What has me more scared and upset about where we’re heading is the timescale -the speed at which we’re heading towards climate calamity.

Vazquez: That really scares me. We’ve seen what’s been happening with the air quality and at work we haven’t been able to let the kids outside and it’s so important for them to get out there. We saw the effects of that really quickly on the kids and if in the future our kids can’t go outside because the air is so bad, what are we going to do?

If you were a college student in a previous generation how do you think living in that generation would have an impact on you?

Pomrenke: I think it’d be wildly different. There’s just so many things that I have been able to do that I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing in other spaces. I can imagine that there would be fewer opportunities for me to express myself in the way that I’ve decided I want to express my masculinity. That kind of scenario is really kind of scary for me. I’d be a much more closed-off human being.

Kyriakos: Being a student would be harder back then. Technology is a big help with classes. I also think everyone is more welcome to be themselves today, it feels more individualistic.

Reflective of the rise in gun violence in the U.S., how do you feel about the threat of violence on campus or at work?

Kyriakos: It goes through periods. Sometimes nothing will happen and then like the next month, multiple shootings will happen within a couple of weeks. On campus, I feel safe, but off campus I don’t know because incidents seem to happen all the time. There have been multiple shootings that I have been near to. You always have to be careful and just hope that it’s not going to happen to you.

Vazquez: It’s definitely scary having to think about these situations because it’s something we always have to be prepared for. Just thinking about having to hide all of my students in the bathroom, or having to get them out the back door or a window very quickly is a frightening thought. I think about how scared they would be and that I would be in the position to have to protect their lives. I don’t want to go through that and I don’t want them to go through that, especially given that they’re so young.

How do you feel about having grown up in this community in Oxford and the changes here after having moved away and experienced what else is out there?

Kyriakos: I’m happy I grew up here. I like living in a city now that I’m older but I’m happy I got to grow up kind of in the country. It’s just authen-

tic and peaceful. I like the small-town vibe.

Vazquez: I don’t like the idea of all of the additional development. Near my house they started construction for a new neighborhood in a cornfield there. It was one of my favorite back roads to go down, and now I’m just going to have to look at the construction and brand-new houses. These developers are trying to shove as many houses into a piece of land as they can.

How do you view your friendships at this stage in your life?

Vazquez: No matter who

else you meet or who else you become really close with, no one else will have that really deep connection to you than the people you grew up with. We’ve known each other for so long, we’ve seen each other grow and change as people and as friends so it’s amazing having you as my friends.

Kyriakos: I’ve made friends at college and we’re close, but it’s a different type of close with your hometown friends because you’ve grown up with the same experiences. As long as you have good friendships, that’s all you need.

Photos courtesy of Gabbie Burton August Pomrenke.

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

‘…A newspaper in every house…’

Lawmakers are making another effort to help preserve local journalism and newspapers across the country.

U.S. Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) and Suzan DelBene (D-WA) have introduced H.R.4756—the Community News and Small Business Support Act, which would help local news organizations and small businesses by providing tax credits.

As any publisher of a community newspaper will tell you, newspapers are inextricably linked to the local business community.

Tenney (NY-24) and DelBene (WA-1) are both members of the Ways and Means Committee in the 118th Congress, and the bipartisan legislation that they have helped put on the table shares some of the same goals as legislation that was considered, but not passed, by the 117th Congress—the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

The Community News and Small Business Support Act makes refundable tax credits available to local newspapers of up to $25,000 per journalist in the first year and up to $15,000 per journalist in the next four years. Also available are non-refundable tax credits for local businesses that advertise with local newspapers of up to $5,000 in the first year and $2,500 in the next four years.

National news outlets are not eligible for these tax credits. The support is targeted to local newspapers and small businesses—and both are essential to strong communities.

The proposed legislation would provide payroll tax credits to news media publishers who employ fewer than 750 people. To be eligible, the news outlet must create original content about a local community or a region, they must employ at least one local journalist on staff, and they can’t be owned or funded by a Political Action Committee or a 501c4.

Eligible news organizations may apply for a tax credit of up to $25,000 per local journalist in the first year and up to $15,000 in the following four years.

Small businesses that advertise with local news outlets, including print, digital, radio and broadcast news, would be eligible for tax credits of up to $5,000 in the bill’s first year and up to $2,500 in the subsequent four years.

Advertising, of course, is the very lifeblood of newspapers large and small. A program that helps small businesses advertise—which, in turn, helps those small businesses grow, is beneficial.

To ensure that the benefits are targeted toward small businesses, the legislation limits the number of employees that a business can have to qualify. The limit is 50 employees.

The Community News and Small Business Support Act has already earned the support of press associations and organizations, and we hope that the U.S. Congress will see the wisdom in passing this legislation.

Ben Franklin once wrote, “A Bible and a newspaper in every house, a good school in every district; all studied and appreciated as they merit; are the principal support of virtue, morality, and civil liberty.”

Newspapers are as important now as they were when this country was founded. It is no coincidence that the rise of misinformation occurred at a time when newspapers across the country were cutting staff or closing up entirely.

Ultimately, it will be up to the citizens to decide if they value local journalism enough for newspapers to find their place in the Digital Age. People need to subscribe to their local newspapers, read the public notices, and stay involved in local government. They need to support the small businesses that advertise in the local newspaper. They need to share posts by newspapers and visit newspaper websites where they can find stories written by journalists. Passing the Community News and Small Business Support Act will be a small—but good—step forward.

The U.S. should not be sending cluster bombs to be used in Ukraine

Letter to the Editor:

I am shocked and dismayed that the United States is sending cluster bombs to be used in Ukraine.

Cluster bombs are a significant threat to civilians,

especially children, both during and long after their use in war. A cluster bomb ejects many bomblets over a wide area. A significant number of bomblets do not initially explode, and are accidentally exploded

much later when found by children, civilians, farmers, etc., causing serious injury. They are costly and difficult to detect and remove.

Over 100 countries have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions which

Commentary

bans the production, stockpiling, transfer and use of cluster munitions. Unfortunately, the United States is not one of them.

Anita Bower Nottingham

Fighting censorship is a proud American tradition

Groups claiming to celebrate ‘liberty’ are calling for book bans. That’s un-American and wrong.

By Svante Myrick

In May of 1933 in Berlin, Nazis gathered in the streets, built a gigantic bonfire, and burned thousands of books.

The books had been seized from the city’s Institut für Sexualwissenschaft. The nonprofit institute was the first in the world to focus on the science of gender and sexuality. It was supportive of LGBTQ studies and provided gender-affirming health care.

Before the raid, the organization had a number of transgender employees and hosted an extensive library of materials on LGBTQ health. Tragically, at least one transgender woman is believed to have died in the violent attack that preceded the book burning.

As Nazi atrocities go, this was an early and foreboding event.

The attack on scholarship and on a vulnerable community heralded an eventual descent into unimaginable violence. Book burning and banning, while not invented by the Nazis, became closely associated with them — and with authoritarian repression more generally.

It’s stunning now, after so many years and lessons

learned, to watch the meteoric rise of the right-wing, pro-censorship group Moms for Liberty.

The group embraces bookbanning as a centerpiece of its activism. Its favored targets are materials relating to Black, Brown and LGBTQ communities. For its national convention the weekend before the Fourth of July, it chose to bring its supporters to Philadelphia, a city with a rich civil rights history and ties to our nation’s independence.

That sent an unmistakable message about the central role the group sees for itself in American culture and politics. So did the attendance of a half-dozen presidential candidates, including Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis.

This is especially disorienting for a younger generation that grew up with incremental but seemingly irreversible progress toward freedom and inclusivity.

We saw the rise of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at work and school and the legalization of same-sex marriage. We saw the election of our first Black president. We took it for granted that we would always have the right to

reproductive freedom. Until we didn’t.

We’re witnessing the wholesale forgetting of the authoritarian forces behind book-banning and censorship, and the worst thing we could do would be to look away.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is not looking away — it named Moms for Liberty as an extremist group in its annual Year in Hate and Extremism report.

Some media outlets have been vigilant about debunking Moms for Liberty’s claims to be a low-budget, grassroots group. Ditto any claims that it is peaceful: there are numerous reports that local Moms for Liberty operatives have turned threatening and aggressive.

The organization was even forced to apologize after a local chapter approvingly quoted Hitler in its newsletter.

But this criticism hasn’t really dented Moms for Liberty’s ability to attract money or the attention of presidential candidates. It will take more than that to protect the freedom to learn. We need a multiracial, multigenerational, cross-cultural response that clearly affirms American values.

We need to assert the right of parents to decide if their kids are mature enough to read a book, but not to make that decision for everybody else’s kids.

We need to stand up for accurate and honest school curricula in which our nation’s full history is taught and the stories of all Americans are included. That fosters respect, understanding, and empathy — and prepares kids for meaningful civic engagement.

The last big right-wing group to promote bookbanning and censorship — the Moral Majority — collapsed under the weight of its own financial and sexual scandals, but not before it did serious harm to marginalized communities in this country. We can’t wait around for this movement to burn itself out as well.

Fighting censorship is as pro-liberty as you can get.

Svante Myrick is President of People For the American Way. Previously, his campaigns focused on transforming public safety, racial equity, voting rights, and empowering young elected officials. This op-ed was distributed by OtherWords.org.

Chester County government rises to fourth place in national digital ranking

County’s commitment to advancements in digital technology places it at the forefront of the nation’s 3,000-plus counties

The Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) have awarded Chester County Government with fourth place for best digital technology practices in the nation in the 500,000 to 999,999 population category. The county has consistently ranked as a top-ten contender in the CDG and NACo Digital Counties Survey for its dedication to guaranteeing that its citizens and workforce have access to a wide variety of digital tools to expand opportunities and meet their evolving needs.

The winning counties in this year’s Digital Counties Survey were chosen based on improving the quality of life for citizens and staff –including how they adopted new technology to achieve local priorities and the ability to be resilient in times of unexpected crisis.

In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle

Kichline said, “We are thrilled to be recognized as a 2023 Digital Counties Survey winner and to be recognized for the improvements we have made which moved us further up in the national ranking.

“Each year, we invest in programs, services, and tools to benefit our residents and staff who deliver those programs and services. This honor is reflective of that investment, and we congratulate the staff from our Department of Computing and Information Services, our digital communications personnel, and all other County employees who made this possible.”

Specifically, the survey’s judging panel highlighted Chester County’s digitization of judicial processes through e-filing and cloud-based case management systems for multiple offices. They commended a data-sharing initiative among human services agencies and law enforcement, which aims

Courtesy image

Chester County has received accolades from national agencies for its commitment to digital technology.

to reduce the incarceration of people with substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses.

The judges also lauded Chester County’s plans for future digital initiatives, such as automating processes and integrating generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). These plans would utilize different resources to streamline cremation requests and generate press releases and social media content. A renewed focus on combating cybersecurity attacks and the elimination of a paper dependency for forms were

also noted in the judges’ comments.

The Digital Survey is conducted annually in the spring. All U.S. counties are invited to participate in the survey, which examines the overall technology programs and plans of counties, including initiatives that streamline the delivery of government services, enhance cybersecurity, and apply innovative technologies to county priorities. For more information, visit https://www.govtech.com/ dc/articles/digital-counties2023-500-000-to-999-999-population-category.

In the Spotlight

Writer publishes third volume of literary anthology celebrating women writers

By Caroline Roosevelt

Contributing Writer

In the early 2000s, Candida “Dida” Gazoli was working for Motorola in Palo Alto, Calif., and seven months pregnant, when she was laid off. With six months of severance pay, and a desire to switch gears, Gazoli developed “Didaink,” her nom de plume as a blogger.

Gazoli had initially set her sights on using her platform to discuss the experience of becoming a mother in her forties. However, Didaink has since expanded to a notfor-profit organization under which she teaches and publishes.

Gazoli eventually moved from the Bay Area to Little Rock, Ark., where she connected with the writers scene and was featured on NPR’s “Tales of the South.” Since settling into Kennett Square, Dida created the first two volumes of Braving Veracity, a collection of memoirs

by

women and non binary writers in the Brandywine Valley, and recently published a third volume, which is now available.

Braving Veracity is a not-for-profit project sponsored by Didaink to support emerging women writers and memoirists in the Brandywine Valley.

The anthology series is a platform for women writers who are interested in memoir and personal essay.

Each Braving Veracity volume has a theme that is announced quarterly, and calls for submissions are announced on the website and via social media, local libraries and other venues.

All royalties earned from the sale of each volume of Braving Veracity go directly to the featured writers.

Gazoli said that she believes in a holistic approach to writing, and offers classes, mentorship and editing, while fostering her writers with a sense of independence.

“Writers don’t make enough money, and

Braving Veracity is about giving them something

for what they’ve done,” Gazoli said. “Because I

don’t own any of the copyrights of the stories, our contributing writers have the freedom to take any of their published pieces and submit them elsewhere.”

Graciously, if another publication asks that the writer not contribute the piece elsewhere, Gazoli will remove it at the writers’ request. Her work with local writers doesn’t end with the anthologies.

“For the Braving Veracity writers who have already been published or have been accepted, I host writing retreats,” she said.

“They are wonderful for starting a new piece, writing exercises, and working on the next volume.”

mental illness to physical disease.

“Our job as writers is to craft ways to illustrate our true stories on the page with literary techniques,” Gazoli wrote on her website. “Memoir also gives us the opportunity to help others who may be struggling with the same problems we have faced.

“Once the writer learns and uses the tools available in their literary garden shed, they can root their story and let it grow in a reader’s mind; the work becomes visceral, palpable, and relatable.”

All three volumes of Braving Veracity are available on Amazon.

While she is celebrating the release of her third volume of the anthology, Gazoli said that the fourth volume of Braving Veracity is already in the works, and the focus of its essays will be about the illnesses that writers themselves have coped with, or are coping with - from

Braving Veracity Volume III is currently available on Amazon, various Chester County libraries. To learn more about how to submit work for Volume IV, visit www.bravingveracity.com. Gazoli is currently teaching a writing workshop at the Kennett Library, and will be hosting a writers’ retreat at the end of August.

Public invited to help name new ‘pocket’ park in Kennett Square

By HaLeigh Abbott

Contributing Writer

A new park is in the works at Cypress and Dalmation streets, and Kennett Trails Alliance wants the public’s help to name it. It’s referred to as a “pocket” park for its small size, and it will be converting the green space between Anson B Nixon Park and the railroad line. The park will also be a stopping point along the Kennett Greenway, a 14-mile, multipurpose trail connecting Kennett Square with surrounding nature areas.

Christina Norland, the executive director of the Kennett Trails Alliance, presented the plans and naming initiative at the July 14 Kennett Square Borough Council meeting. “It’s a place to bring

people together to enjoy nature right within the borough limits,” explained Norland.

Work on the 33,000-square-foot park should be completed by fall of 2023. It will feature a stony step-down beach into the creek accessible for all mobilities, native flowering plants and trees, benches along the trail, and nature play constructed of fallen trees affected by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer.

Name suggestions should focus on natural or geological features of the park, native plants, insects or animals, the cultural significance of the surrounding neighborhood, or the geographical location of the park. The name should be easily translated from English to Spanish, or

Spanish to English, but proposals to name the park after specific people will not be accepted.

Submissions are due by July 31 and can be submitted in English or Spanish on the Kennectivity website at: https:// www.kennectivity.com/ name-the-pocket-park.

The project is primarily funded by Square Roots Collective, which describes itself as “a collection of social enterprises that join in advancing our community toward an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive.” Additional grant dollars awarded to Kennett Trails Alliance will round out the $700,000 price tag for the park’s construction. There is no cost to the borough, or borough residents, for the park’s construction and use.

Courtesy images

The third volume of Braving Veracity, an anthology celebrating the work of local women writers, has recently been published.

Obituary submissions

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

PHILIP JAMES GEOGHEGAN, JR.

Philip James Geoghegan, Jr. passed away on July 5, 2023 at his home in Lincoln University, Pa. He was 80. He was the beloved spouse of Patricia McAndrew Geoghegan, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Born in Waterbury, Conn., he was the son of the late Philip Geoghegan, Sr. and the late Frances Koskuba Geoghegan.

After completing his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Purdue University, Phil spent 33 years with DuPont where he led chemical research teams at multiple locations including groups charged with procurement of intellectual property from Europe and Asia. His colleagues remarked that he was an easygoing, friendly guy who took his work seriously. Creative, compassionate, and caring were the characteristics that followed him wherever he worked. Phil and Pat will always be grateful for their journey with DuPont from Waynesboro, Va. to Lincoln University, Pa. and all the in-betweens around the U.S. and the world.

During his retirement, Phil was the Franklin Township Open Space Committee’s key to securing over $9 million in grant funding to preserve more than 400 acres. Through his commitment to open space, he helped to preserve many of Franklin’s farms with the purchase of Banffshire, Franklin, White Clay Crescent, Goodwin and Peacedale Preserves. He always had a focus on trails that the community could use to enjoy the open spaces. To honor his work and commitment, the two-mile trail on the Ford Farm in Kemblesville was dedicated to him.

Phil was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in Avondale. He was a faithful church goer and had a great fondness for Our Lady and her Rosary.

In his spare time and retirement, Phil enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid reader and embraced a lifetime

of education. From fishing to camping, gardening to lawn maintenance, and whenever possible, the suitcases were packed and the travels began. He and Pat didn’t hesitate to go on road trips, cruises, international tours, or spur-of-the-moment getaways.

Phil will be remembered most for his loving and lasting marriage with Pat. They met during their first jobs at the A&P grocery store and they immediately became friends. Their friendship grew into a love that led to a 60-year marriage. They loved and supported each other while pursuing education and careers, raising children, pursuing hobbies, and everything in between. Some 64 years later and “Happy” is the way to describe them. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Michael (Robin) Geoghegan of Jupiter, Fla., Sean (Lis) Geoghegan of Bronx, N.Y, Kyle (Linda) Geoghegan of Manhattan Beach, Calif., Leanne Geoghegan of Newark, Del., and daughter-in-law Janet (Bill) Mangler of Newark, Del.

He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his sister Anne Geoghegan of Largo, Fla. In addition to his parents, Phil was predeceased by his son, P. James Geoghegan III.

The family is forever grateful to the Visiting Angels and the Brandywine River Valley Hospice for extending Phil peace and dignity. Thank you for making a difference.

You are invited to visit with Philip’s family and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 28 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike in Avondale. Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately.

Contributions in Phil’s memory may be made to The Hospice Promise Foundation: https://lhcgroup.com/ foundation.

To view Phil’s online obituary, visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).

For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. Psalm 18:39

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JANICE I. MOULDEN

Janice Isabel Moulden, of Oxford, peacefully transitioned home with family by her side on July 19, 2023. She was 86. She was born in West Grove on Aug. 12, 1936 to parents Charles and Flossie Moulden. She was the youngest girl of eight children. After graduating from Avon Grove High School in 1953, she took several courses at Immaculata College in Malvern, Pa.

Janice was the mother of four beautiful children. She worked at Hewlett Packard for many years before moving west to California in the late 1970s. Janice lived in Mountain View, Calif. for over 20 years before moving back home to the Oxford area. In 2002 Janice retired from Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Over the course of her life she always had a deep passion for drawing and arts and crafts. She enjoyed everything from building and painting pieces of art, to sketching, to sewing, to her most favorite, decorating her home. Above all, she loved visits and conversations with her beloved family and friends.

Janice was predeceased by her parents, Charles Daniel Moulden and Flossie Moulden, and siblings, Walter Moulden, Donald Moulden, Jean Elizabeth Cubbage, Jackson Moulden, Rayford Moulden, Charles Moulden, and Michael Moulden.

She is survived by her children, Robin Lynn Ford, Audrey Lea Harris, Adrianne Renee Kinsey, Jonathan Kelly Ford and daughter in-law Sandra Maria Ford.

Janice is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Tydie Watson, Kera Hales, Christian Harris, Dwayne Watson, Jermaine Harris, Alexis Hales, Jonathan Ford, Mylea Aiken, Halston Jackson, Spencer Ford, and Carla Sell, as well as 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends and family may visit from 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, July 31 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, you make a donation to a charity of your choice.

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

PHILLIP H. SAIENNI

Phillip H. Saienni, 80, of Lady Lake Fla., and formerly of West Grove, has passed away.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, a cherished grandfather, and friend. He left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.

Phil passed away on July 1, 2023 at HCA Hospital in Ocala, Fla. after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl D. Saienni, Sr., mother, Genevieve (Frabriso) Saienni, his wife of 42 years, Jane E. (Leaf) Saienni, son-in-law, Anthony Caruso, Jr., and his sister-in-law, Nancy A. Leaf.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Saienni of Lady Lake, Fla.; a brother, Earl D. (Marie) Saienni Jr. of West Grove; a son, George (Margaret) Saienni of West Grove; two daughters, Mary (Daniel) Dodson of Elizabethtown, Ky. and Ann Caruso of West Grove. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Ashley (Chad) Sims, Andrew (Lex) Saienni, Dominick Holcombe, and Abigail Caruso, a stepson, Scott (Cindi) Lamborn of West Grove and a stepdaughter, Patricia (Tim) Robinson, of West Grove.

Phil was born in 1943 in Wilmington, Del. and was a 1961 graduate of Kennett High School. After graduation Phil worked at a local machine shop while continuing to work at Earl’s Sub Shop, the family business that was started by his parents. In the mid 1960s, he enlisted in the Delaware Army National Guard, where he was a sergeant and earned the Colonel Duncan Award.

Phil was a dedicated family man. He had a strong work ethic and sense of character, which he demonstrated by his actions and instilled in those whose lives he touched. Phil always stayed busy and worked for many different local businesses in his lifetime. This included the U.S. Postal Service, Hewlett Packard Company, Basilio Construction, F.P. Kavanaugh & Sons, and Pinno Pontiac-Buick. In the mid-1970s, he returned to the family business, Earl’s Sub Shop.

For the next 20-plus years, running the family business enabled him to both provide for his family and to interact with and support the local community, including the Rotary Club, Scouts, Avon Grove Little League, soccer, and the West Grove and Avondale fire companies. With all his children through college and out on their own, the decision was made to retire from the family business in 1993. Soon after retiring from the sub shop, he went on to work for Ashley’s Snacks, Agilent Technologies, Boomers, London Grove Township, Frank’s Pork Products, Walmoore Farms, and Family Promise of Chester County.

In 2017, Phil and his wife Barbara moved to Oak Wood Estates in Lady Lake, Fla. Phil enjoyed making new friends in the community, walking, and he was a great fan of Water Oak Senior Softball. He was recognized for his enthusiasm, dedication, and support with a plaque in 2019 and 2020. Phil eventually became part of the ground crew. He loved working on the ballfield at Oak Wood Estates and enjoyed everyone involved in the Association.

A memorial service for Phil will be held on Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Christian Life Center, 125 Saginaw Road in Lincoln University. Visit with the family from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Water Oak Softball Association, C/O George Saienni, 344 Chatham Rd. West Grove, PA 19390.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100).

To view his online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

DR. ANTHONY K. BERING

Dr. Anthony K. “Doc” Bering, a beloved member of the Oxford community, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023 at his daughter’s home, with his beloved wife Connie and his loving family at his side.

Doc Bering was born in Lebanon, Pa. to the late Anthony M. and Mary (Havernick) Bering. He arrived in Oxford in the fall of 1959 with his wife Connie and two daughters after serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Doc established his dental practice and was the epitome of the small-town doctor. He served the community, even by providing dental care to home-bound patients.

Doc Bering’s impact on the community was immeasurable. He was a true pillar of support, involved in numerous programs that aimed to uplift and enhance the lives of those around him. One of his most notable contributions was his involvement in the founding of the Oxford Area Boosters Club, which played a significant role in establishing football at Oxford Area High School. He assisted in obtaining funds for the lights at the football field that served many other sporting activities in the Oxford Area School District. Doc served as one of the founders of the Oxford Golden Bears program, a junior football league in Oxford. He spent many nights after Golden Bear games writing colorful columns for the local newspapers. Doc had a passion for the Oxford wrestling program and could turn any conversation to wrestling without blinking an eye.

Beyond his dedication to sports, Doc also worked tirelessly to provide dental care to underprivileged children. As the elementary school dentist, he treated countless children ensuring they had access to proper dental care. In addition, he generously offered his time as a math tutor for the Penn’s Grove School and Oxford Area High School. He received the 2010 Randy Sebastian Volunteer Award from the Oxford Education Association for his exceptional tutoring in algebra and geometry.

Doc Bering’s contributions did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards and accolades throughout his life. The Oxford Chamber of Commerce honored him with the 2009 Citizens of the Year Award at the annual Citizen and Business Awards Banquet. The National Football Foundation and College, Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Chapter, recognized his dedication to youth football by presenting him with the Youth League

FAY KELLY

Fay Alvord Kelly passed away at the Ware Presbyterian Health Center on July 9, 2023. She was 92.

She is survived by a brother, 5 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Fay was an avid bicyclist, hiker and fox hunter. Along with her first husband William (Bill) A. Kelly, she volunteered in Delaware protecting shore birds, and at Killens Pond State Park. They received recognition from then Delaware Governor, Tom Carper, for their work restoring the park after a major ice storm. After Bill died, Fay moved to Ware Presbyterian Village, where she met and married her second husband, John C Merges.

Fay was an active community member at Ware, where she was known for her daily long walks with her two dogs. She always had a smile for her beloved caregivers at the Ware Health Center and Brandywine River Valley Hospice.

Services are private.

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

Award and the 1987 Bill Coutz Golden Bears award. His exceptional service to Oxford area sports led to his induction, in 2012, into the Oxford Area High School Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy. Additionally, Doc Bering was a lifetime member of the Oxford Athletic Association, a testament to his unwavering commitment to sports in the community.

Religion played a central role in Doc Bering’s life as well. He and his wife Connie were lifelong members of the Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Doc participated in various ecumenical programs and was a valued member of the church choir. Doc also contributed greatly to the construction of the new church, spearheading fundraising efforts.

Doc Bering’s family meant the world to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Dr. Bering is survived by Janet “Connie” Bering, his wife of 71 years, and five children, Rosemary, Kathleen (Bogdan), Monica, Andrea (Dave), and Christopher (Kathy), his grandsons’ fathers, Rick Davis and Mike Canan, and his twin brother, Dr. Joseph Bering of Lebanon, Pa.

In addition, Doc is survived by his seven grandchildren, Josh and Jon (Elisa) Davis, Matt (Jill) and Andrew Canan, Eric (Meghan) and Allison Hostetter, and Sarah (Anthony) Bering, and six great-grandchildren, Blake, Madison, Grayson, Belle, and Penelope Hostetter, and Jack Davis.

He was predeceased by his son, Anthony “Tony” Bering, his son-in-law, Barry Hostetter, and two sisters, Antoinette Hitchens and Sister Rosemary Bering OSF. Dr. Anthony K. Bering will be remembered as a compassionate, selfless, and dedicated individual, who touched the lives of many in the Oxford community. His legacy will continue to inspire others to give back and make a difference. Doc will be missed deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Friends and family may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 28 at Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Road in Oxford.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, at Sacred Heart Church, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

Contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Church in Oxford, the Oxford Golden Bears football program, or the Oxford Wrestling Alliance.

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

JOSEPH CHRISTIAN EFFINGER, III

Joseph Christian Effinger, III, age 71, passed away suddenly on July 18, 2023.

He was born in Milford, Del., the son of the late Joseph C. and Sarah R. (Rothamel) Effinger, Jr., and was a graduate of Laurel High School and the University of Delaware.

Joe served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over 30 years, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. As a civilian, he was an environmental chemist.

Joe was heavily involved in a variety of military organizations and groups and had a special interest in U.S. military history. He enjoyed taking trips to Gettysburg, local museums and air shows. He was a fan of NASCAR and enjoyed the outdoors, whether it was fishing or hiking. Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane (Pepper) Effinger; his children, Dwight (Peiju Li), Rachel Hess (Eric), Cheryl Woodward (Daniel), and David (Alexis); his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hess, and Benjamin and Alexander Effinger; his siblings, Michael (Lisa) and Bill Effinger; and his sisters-in-law, Carol Coviello (Tom), Judith Droddy (Dan) and Cynthia Hague (Phil); as well as members of his extended family.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road in Wilmington, Del., on Friday, July 28 from 11 to noon. A funeral service will begin at noon with interment taking place privately at a later date at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

To offer condolences, visit: www.dohertyfh.com.

JAMES PATRICK WILKINS, JR.

James P. Wilkins, Jr., of Oxford, was sent home to heaven unexpectedly on July 11, 2023. He was 80.

James was born in Norfolk, Va. on Aug. 14, 1942. He was the son of the late James P. Wilkins, Sr. and Annie Bell Wilkins. He spent much of his youth in Rocky Mount, N.C. and graduated from Conetoe High School in 1960.

James was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 and became a part of the Advanced Infantry. In 1965 he served in the Vietnam War. His time in Vietnam was spent in combat. He was part of the 1st Infantry Division as a gunner on a helicopter. After returning from Vietnam, he spent two years in the Active Reserves and two more years in the Inactive Reserves, returning to civilian life in 1970.

James was employed by NVF Company in Kennett Square for almost 40 years before retiring in 2005. James enjoyed playing competitive adult softball for his company team and other local leagues.

James always made time to support his family. He could be found cheering on his boys at their sporting events, whether it be basketball, football, baseball, or

tennis. He was an assistant coach for many years in baseball, coaching his sons in Oxford Little League. James loved sports, especially football. Those who know him well know that he was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Rosetta (McKim) Wilkins; their three sons, Christopher Wilkins (Brittany) of Oxford, LaMar “Tippy” Wilkins (Jami) of Coatesville, and Michael Wilkins of El Paso, Tex.; his 12 grandchildren; and a host of sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

He was predeceased by his son, James P. Wilkins, III of Coatesville, two grandsons, Jonathan and Dominic Wilkins of Coatesville and his brother, Archie Wilkins of Norfolk, Va. James will be remembered by all the love and good times he shared with his family and friends. There are no words that can express how much James will be missed. A Celebration of Life Service was held on July 21 at Christ Community Fellowship in West Grove. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kirkwood, Pa.

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

Help Wanted

Mechanical Design Engineer

Babcock & Wilcox Company seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer based out of our office in Exton, Pennsylvania to perform product design functions including calculations, drafting, 3D modeling, drawings, and gathering of material cost data, for various proprietary product lines within the Allen-ShermanHoff division; among other duties. This is a hybrid position whereby the employee will work both from home and from the office address. Employee must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the office address. Requires domestic travel as needed up to 5%. To apply, reference job number 2300003P and apply directly online at: https://ars2.equest.com/?response_ id=ed48de4f5626f108bbfa03c5fd4b8b48

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of David M. G. Lawrey, Deceased. Late of East Goshen Twp., PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Steven T. Lawrey, 1449 Maryland Ave., Havertown, PA 19083 and Bruce D. Lawrey, 3104 Western Ave., Unit 606, Seattle, WA 98121, Executors. 7p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Ramon C. Perez, Late of Borough of West Grove, 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 Virginia Will and Mary Jane LaGuardia , Executrixes, Or

Attorney: Elle Van Dahlgren, 20 Montchanin Road, Ste. 1000, Greenville, DE 19807 7p-12-3t

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

Estate of JACQUELINE FARRA SLAUCH, Late of West Grove, 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 John F. Slauch and Peter W. Slauch, Executors, Or Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363. 7p-19-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF James Edward Richey late of West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the estate of the above named James Edward Richey having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Debra Marie Richey, Administratrix, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street Address, P.O. Box 381,Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838

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ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Raymond Austin

Patrick of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Deceased.

Letters of Administration on the estate of the above named Raymond Austin Patrick having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Vernon J. Patrick, Administrator, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street Address, P.O. Box 381,Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of William T. Gaskill, Deceased. Late of West Chester, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Cathy Gaskill, Administratrix, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson Richetti & Daigle LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 210, Allentown, PA 18101. 7p-19-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP

ZONING HEARING BOARD

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on August 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

In Re: Application of Randal L. Illum and Patty Illum, seeking a variance, special exception or other relief from the 40% or 600 square foot maximum ground floor size of accessory buildings on lots of one acre or more under Ordinance Section 162-2002.A.d, so as to permit construction of a 768 square foot shed/pole barn for residential lawn and garden equipment storage on their 5.9 acre property located at 2007 Brintons Bridge Road (UPI #64-3-64.5) in the Township’s R-1 Residential Zoning District.

If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of London Grove Township will conduct a public hearing as part of their public meeting on August 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. at the London Grove Township Municipal Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390, to consider the enactment of an ordinance with the following title and summary: AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWNSHIP OF LONDON GROVE, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING THE LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP ZONING ORDINANCE OF 2017, AS AMENDED IN ORDI-

NANCE NO. 213 ADOPTED ON OCTOBER 3, 2018 AND THE LONDON GROVE TOWNSHIP ZONING MAP WHICH IS ADOPTED IN SECTION 27-110 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PARCELS FROM AP- AGRICULTURAL PRESERVATION AND AR-AGRICULTURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO CV- CHATHAM OVERLAY DISTRICT. In summary, the following parcels shall be rezoned to CV- Chatham Overlay District: Chester County Tax Parcel Nos. 59-5-4, 59-5-7.1, 59-5-7, 59-5-9.3, 595-9.4, and 59-5-9.4A-E. The Ordinance is available for public inspection during regular business hours at London Grove Township Municipal Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA, the Chester County Law Library, West Chester, PA and the Chester County Press, 144 S. Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA, 19390. Kenneth Battin, Township Manager 7p-26-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF MARIA CARMELA BLOODGOOD a/k/a MARIA BEVIVINO-BLOODGOOD, DECEASED.

Late of New London 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 WAYNE T. BLOODGOOD, AMDINISTRATOR, 142 Red Oak Dr., Lincoln University, PA 19352, Or to his Attorney: SCUDDER G. STEVENS, M. LYONS LAW GROUP LLC, 6 Ponds Edge Dr., Ste. 1, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Michael Ferrari, Late of Kennett Square, 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 Karen-Marie Ferrari, Executrix, 111 Twin Creek Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348 7p-26-3t

Stirling Court, Chesterbrook, PA, 19087. 7p-26-1t

NOTICE

PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP

ZONING HEARING BOARD

NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pennsbury Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pennsbury Township Building, 702 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter: In re: Amended Application of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District seeking a special exception under Zoning Ordinance Section 162-602.B.2 (permitting educational use by special exception in accordance with Section 162-2019) and seeking variances from Ordinance Sections 162-2002.A.2.b and 2.c and 162-2002.A.2.d so as to allow the construction of a 960 square foot open-air pavilion with enclosed storage space to be used as an outdoor learning space in the front yard (and closer to the road than the principal building) on property known as the Hillendale Elementary School located at 1850 Hillendale Road, Chadds Ford, PA (UPI #64-3-112) in the Township’s R-3 Residential Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings, please contact Kathy Howley at 610-388-7323 to discuss how Pennsbury Township may best accommodate your needs.

Edward M. Foley, Solicitor Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP, 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Friends of Hosanna AUMP has been incorporated under the provisions of the Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988.

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NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Housing Alliance has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. MacMain, Connell & Leinhauser, 433 West Market Street, Suite 200, West Chester, PA 19382

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ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the ESTATE OF WALTER R. WARREN a/k/a WALTER ROBERT WARREN, late of the Township of Westtown, Pennsylvania, (died January 6, 2023) to Brenda W. Gibbore and Robert B. Warren, Executors. All persons indebted to the said estate are required to make payment, and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to Brenda W. Gibbore and Robert B. Warren or to Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP, attorneys for the estate, 450 Plaza Drive, Vestal, NY 13850.

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ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Ida Jane Horton late of New London Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Ida Jane Horton having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Daniel Scott Horton, Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838

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ESTATE NOTICE

NON-PROFIT

INCORPORATION

NOTICE

The Pennsylvanian Student Archers Confederation has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Non-profit Director in Chief Leihui Tong, located at 30

Ethics-4-Kids, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. Lamb McErlane PC, 24 E. Market St., P.O. Box 565, West Chester, PA 19382

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NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Chester County Affordable

ESTATE OF Mary E. Baily, aka Mary Elizabeth Baily late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Mary E. Baily having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Richard S. Maxwell, Jr., Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610932-3838 7p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Coates, Ruth S., dec’d., Late of Honey Brook Borough. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above

named Mary E. Baily having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Executors: Robert I. Girvin, Jr. & Pamela N. Girvin, c/o Good & Harris, LLP, 132 West Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557 7p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-230

Writ of Execution

No. 2022-01644 DEBT $328,599.44

PROPERTY SITUATE IN

TOWNSHIP OF LONDON BRITAIN

TAX PARCEL #73-4.17.1

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. c/o CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC VS

DEFENDANT: GLENN C. PHILLIPS

SALE ADDRESS: 184 Good Hope Road, Landenberg, PA 19352

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML

LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the

Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-235

Writ of Execution No. 2017-01576 DEBT $258,719.65

PROPERTY SITUATE IN NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP

TAX PARCEL # 71-030024.03G

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC VS

DEFENDANT: BARRY BOLT

SALE ADDRESS: 479 Kirks Mill Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML

LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-6271322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-249

Writ of Execution No. 2202-09743 DEBT $118,516.74

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE WEST FALLOWFIELD TOWNSHIP CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA;

Parcel Number: 440700080100

PLAINTIFF: SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC VS DEFENDANT: RONALD S. POOLE

SALE ADDRESS: 650 Center Hall Road, Cochranville, PA 19330

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHULTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21)

Chester County Press

Legals

days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-251

Writ of Execution No. 2019-10538 DEBT $352,637.46

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOT OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF LONDONDERRY, COUNTY OF CHESTER AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA:

Parcel Number: 46-02-0204

PLAINTIFF: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC. VS DEFENDANT: KYLE HIHN & AMANDA DAVIS

SALE ADDRESS: 222 Columba Street, Cochranville, PA 19330

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHULTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale.

Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 18th , 2023. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

Sale No. 23-8-255

Writ of Execution No. 2022-06479 DEBT $344,889.47

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

BEING PARCEL NUMBER: 63-03-0063.120

PLAINTIFF: LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC. VS DEFENDANT: BENNIE PETTWAY

SALE ADDRESS: 140 Schoolview Lane, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHULTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906

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

7p-26-3t

Classifieds

Auction

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice US Storage Centers - Exton located at 371 Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures. com on 8/16/2023 at 10:00AM. Patrick Walsh unit #C104. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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PUBLIC REAL ESTATE AUCTION

Thursday, August 17, 2023 @ 6:00 PM 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Story Home, Horse Barn & Fenced Pasture Upper Oxford Township, Chester County 2.512+/- Acres

Directions:

Property Description: Large 2-story colonial home featuring (4) Bedrooms, (2) Baths, (2) car attached garage, Horse Barn, fenced pasture, storage shed, spacious yards and mature shade trees and shrubs.

Open Houses: Thursdays July 13th & 20th 5-8PM, and Saturdays July 15th & 22nd, 1-4PM.

Terms: $35,000 deposit day of auction. Buyer pays 2% transfer tax. Settlement by October31, 2023,or before.

Annual Taxes: $7,869 +/Auctioneer notes: Sellerisvery motivated to sell! Come prepared to buy. Bring the animals, lots of possibilities and opportunity with this 2.512+/- acre Farmette. All information is deemed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

Sappey bill bolstering State Planning Board passes House

State Rep. Christina Sappey recently recognized the House’s passage of H.B. 1231, a bipartisan bill that if passed by the Senate would enhance Pennsylvania’s commitment to preserving its rich history while effectively addressing the escalating challenges posed by climate change.

This legislation, spearheaded by Sappey, would

add a representative from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission to the State Planning Board.

“The inclusion of these knowledgeable representatives will provide invaluable expertise in flood control and strategic planning, enabling comprehensive and informed

decision-making within the State Planning Board,” Sappey said. “By adding representatives from PEMA and PHMC, the board would enhance the effectiveness of its reports and recommendations, ensuring that Pennsylvania’s communities are well prepared for the increasing frequency and intensity of storms caused by climate change.”

The State Planning Board plays a crucial role in guiding land use regulations, safeguarding historical heritage and governing the physical development of communities across Pennsylvania. Sappey said the addition of PEMA and PHMC representatives would reflect the board’s growing role in combatting climate change and protect-

Kendal~Crosslands Communities awards $18,500 to local high school students for future higher education

Two years ago, Kendal~Crosslands Communities created a new and innovative staff benefit—a tuition assistance program exclusively for their high school student culinary staff members. In the second year, they announced that most of their twelve graduating high school staff members received $1,000 to $2,200 towards their future college or trade school education.

“As a prominent employer in Chester County for the last 50 years, Kendal~Crosslands Communities is honored to employ thousands of area high school students,” said Lisa Marsilio, chief executive officer. “With our new program, the graduating high school staff member can use their job experience to springboard their careers, and we are happy to help them do that with a unique

education assistance program just for them.”

Some staff members attended area high schools such as Kennett, Unionville, Avon Grove, Technical College High School, Oxford, and Henderson and worked in the senior community.

“We have many high school students who work in our Culinary Department,” said John Platt, director of culinary services. “This new program allows for every month a high student works, earning one credit, and each credit is worth $100. We put aside the money towards their future college and trade school education and award it at the end of their high school years.”

The community pays directly to the institution of the student’s choice. In the fall, some staff will attend nearby West

Chester University or St. Joseph’s University, and some will attend Penn State University.

“When I got the notice I would receive $2,200 towards my future education, I was so happy and since I love working at Kendal, I’ll be back to work when home on break,” said one graduating high school senior.

“In addition to free meals and uniforms, flexible schedules that work around school and extracurricular activities, our high school student staff members make lifelong friends and enjoy the welcoming work environment,” said Platt.

Now that these staff members have graduated high school, if they continue to work part-time, they can enjoy the benefits of the community’s traditional tuition assistance program for staff members who have

already graduated from high school. Some staff members use their experience to begin their careers in the culinary field, remain within the department after high school, and work their way to other positions. Others start their career in culinary and after high school they attend a nursing school to enhance their career within their Health Services Department.

Whatever the aspiration, Kendal~Crosslands Communities can meet the career needs of their staff members with various career types.

The community seeks culinary persons to work as cooks, in their dining room as servers or coffee shop/ café attendants, and dishwashers. If you or someone you know is interested, check out their website for more information at kcc. kendal.org.

ing the historical legacy that makes Pennsylvania unique.

The Local Government Commission, consisting of a bipartisan collection of members from both the House and Senate, assisted in crafting H.B. 1231 to ensure it focused on issues facing communities across the Commonwealth.

Sappey said she intro-

duced the bill because her constituents have highlighted historic preservation and innovation to counter and prevent climate change as a priority. Reflecting its importance, H.B. 1231 was reported out of committee unanimously and passed the House with strong bipartisan support. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Cecil College celebrates new turf field

Cecil College expanded its athletics facilities with local and college guests in attendance at the official ribbon cutting for the new turf field on the North East Campus.

“Today, we celebrate the new Seahawk Turf Field, which marks a new chapter for Cecil College’s athletics program,” said Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt. “I want to thank the state of Maryland for their generous support of this project. Our studentathletes can now practice and compete here on the North East campus.”

This turf field is located next to the Physical Education Complex and replaces the grass field.

Members of Cecil College

men’s soccer and prospective women’s soccer teams were present for the ribboncutting ceremony, but this field can also be used for other athletics.

Cecil College fielded its first soccer teams in 1972, and the Seahawks have been playing at Calvert Regional Park for the past five seasons. The addition of the turf field bodes well for Cecil College’s recruiting for men’s and women’s soccer programs.

“Facilities are always a key piece to the recruitment of new student-athletes, and upgrading the field will help strengthen the programs. It will also allow us to host NJCAA Regional tournaments. In speaking with current team members, they

are extremely excited to get started on the new field,” said Cecil College Athletic Director Ed Durham.

Cecil College currently fields men’s and women’s athletic programs in soccer, cross country, and basketball, along with baseball, softball, and women’s volleyball.

Plans for this new turf field began in September 2022 with funding provided through Maryland’s Community College Grant Program. SCG Fields, which specializes in constructing high-performance natural grass and synthetic turf athletic facilities, was the contractor and engineering firm with Shaw Sports Turf managing turf installation. The field design

incorporates an enhanced field drainage system and upgraded electrical infrastructure to include a new electrical supply on both sidelines.

“This project enhances and

supports the College’s mission to provide top-notch facilities for our students. The College appreciates the collaboration with our State and County agency partners as it relates to project

funding along with design reviews and permitting that facilitated the successful implementation of this project,” said Christopher Mills, vice president of finance and administration.

Cecil College continuing education division is renamed Continuing Education and Workforce Development

Cecil College has launched the new name of its career and community education division to more accurately represent the vast array of programs provided and more closely align its identity with fellow continuing education divisions at higher learning institutions in Maryland and beyond.

The new name is Continuing Education and

Workforce Development, making it more relatable to the public’s perception.

“While we provide education for career advancement and community engagement, we also offer a variety of programs and courses for personal enrichment and lifelong learning.

Continuing Education and Workforce Development better encompasses these

additional areas,” said Miles Dean, dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development.

The new name aligns with other colleges and universities that use similar terminology, making it easier for students and employers to understand what is offered.

“Continuing education” is widely used in education and is often associated

with non-degree programs designed to provide additional training and skill development beyond a traditional college degree.

Meanwhile, “workforce development” emphasizes Cecil College’s commitment to providing education and training that prepares individuals for the workforce.

The new name, “Continuing Education and

Workforce Development”

is widely used, making it more likely that potential students and employers will recognize the scope of the college’s non-credit programs, which include skilled trades training, healthcare careers programs, commercial driver’s license training, and more.

To learn more about the programs offered by Cecil College through

Continuing Education and Workforce Development, please visit www.cecil.edu/ ConEd, call 410-287-1078, or email info4u@cecil.edu.

Courtesy photo

Kendal~Crosslands Communities created a new and innovative staff benefit—a tuition assistance program exclusively for their high school student culinary staff members. Twelve graduating high school staff members received $1,000 to $2,200 toward their future college or trade school education.

Courtesy photo

Cecil College expanded its athletics facilities with local and college guests in attendance at the official ribbon cutting for the new turf field on the North East Campus.

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