Seminar on gun safety leads to broader discussion of gun violence
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
What began as a simple discussion about gun safety last Thursday night at the Quaker Meeting House in West Grove eventually took on the familiar tone of polarizing opinions that echo the American narrative on gun violence. It also heard the words of a local police officer, who shared his unyielding commitment to protecting lives. Slowly, it also found a common ground.
Sponsored by Heeding God’s Call to End Gun Violence’s “Memorial to the Lost” tribute to the 53 Chester County residents who have been killed
by guns in the last 10 years, the two-hour seminar invited Officer Mario Raimato of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department to provide tips on how gun owners can better protect their property from being stolen.
Raimato emphasized the importance of storing the serial numbers of a gun in a private place, away from the gun itself, to help identify the gun’s owner in the event of theft, and to help police identify firearms.
“If you have any handguns or anything of value, write down the serial numbers. Do not put the serial number list
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This weekend, it all comes together in Oxford
The Connective Art & Music Festival will fill downtown on Aug. 4
This Saturday, a year of planning pays off with the debut of the Connective Art & Music Festival in Oxford.
The Aug. 4 event has been in the works for so long because of the thousands of details that had to be worked out. Downtown Oxford will be transformed into a festival ground that may hold 10,000 people throughout the day.
The Oxford Arts Alliance and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., have been planning the event for more than a year. Brian Wenzka, the executive director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., said that the goal was to bring a diverse group of people together to enjoy art and music, and to shine a spotlight on the arts and businesses of Oxford. And organizers have been care-
ful to include fun for all age groups. “From kids to millennials, all the way up to seniors, we have something for everyone,” Wenzka said. “That’s what we’re most excited about.” From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., visitors can stroll the downtown area and see music on three stages –at the bottom of Market
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OAHA showcases music in Oxford’s past
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The entrance sign to Sunset Park, a 1937 Gibson guitar, a picture of Hank and Audrey Williams and numerous other treasures from the past are among the items that the Oxford Area Historical Association (OAHA) will be showcasing for the public this Friday and Saturday as part of the “Music In Oxford’s Past” display. Sunset
Sunset Park’s glorious history and acclaimed local musicians will be featured in an exhibit this Friday and Saturday Park’s glorious history, as well as the accomplishments of acclaimed local musicians like Ola Belle Campbell Reed and the Oxford Rhythm Boys will be highlighted.
The display will be on exhibit at the OAHA Archives Building from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3 as part of Oxford’s First Friday event, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4 to coincide with the Connective
Festival. The display will be set up outside the OAHA building as long as weather permits.
According to Gail Roberts, the OAHA vice president, the Connective Festival offered a good opportunity for the historical association to put together a display dedicated to music in the Oxford area.
“We’re focusing on country music for this display,” Roberts explained. “It was
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Man wants to save the last Penn Oak tree in Oxford Borough
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
An Oxford man is looking to rally support to save what is believed to be the last Penn Oak tree in Oxford Borough.
Steven D. Seivwright explained in an interview last week that he treasures the tree, and he would like to see his neighbors decide to do what is necessary to save it, rather than paying to cut it down.
“We have, in our development, the last Penn Oak tree in the Borough of Oxford,” Seivwright explained. The tree is situated on two different parcels in the development, and all the homeowners in the
Oxford
development have deed restrictions and must help maintain the tree that the development is named after.
Seivwright said that he has lived in the Penn Oak development for the last 18 years. The development itself, which includes 27 homes, is a few years older than that. A Homeowners
Area
Association comprised of all the homeowners who pay their dues will ultimately decide the tree’s fate. Seivwright said that while some of the homeowners in the community share his viewpoint that the tree should be valued and saved, while others
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Neighborhood
Services Center hires new executive director
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
David Keller has been named the new executive director of the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center. He is just the third person to serve in that role during the organization’s 47-year history.
Keller officially started the new position on July 23.
Rudy Allen, the chair of the Neighborhood Service Center’s board of directors, said that the board is eager to work with Keller as he leads a dedicated staff and group of volunteers to continue the center’s mission of serving the community.
Keller brings 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to the new position. His previous professional experiences include various levels of management for organizations in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Most recently, he served as the development
Friday and Saturday.
Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
In the hours before the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department hosted its first National Night Out community event in West Grove on Aug. 1, 2017, Deputy Chief Michael King worried if any of the locals would show up for the party.
By the time the event got rolling a few hours later, more than 800 eventually did.
For close to three hours, the center of West Grove
was a crowded house of celebration, as members of the regional police unit and firefighters greeted their communities, and in every direction, children and their families climbed aboard fire trucks and police vehicles, nibbled from food trucks and took spins on police bicycles. As the department began to plan its 2018 National Night Out celebration, scheduled for Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., it decided that a return to West Grove would not be enough. In
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The unknown cost of open space
By Uncle Irvin
Recent published studies have revealed that Chester County has way more open space covenants in place, covering far more acreage, than any of our neighboring counties. Studies have also shown that our property taxes are far higher, and have increased more rapidly, than those of our peers. What we need is a study to determine if there is any correlation between open space and property tax millage.
Since I know of no such study, I will have to count on logic and personal observations. Open space
Courtesy photo
Eve 6 will be headlining the first Connective Art & Music Festival in downtown Oxford on Aug. 4.
Photo by Steven Hoffman Oxford Area Historical Association members Gail Roberts, Ken Woodward, and Vernon Ringler display the entrance sign to Sunset Park. A display of music memorabilia is being exhibited at the Oxford Area Historical Association’s Archives Building on Locust Street this
Photo by John Chambless
Connective...
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Street near Fourth Street, a stage in Oxford Memorial Park, and one at Broad Street near Third Street and Niblock Alley.
Landhope Farms is the main sponsor of the Connective Art & Music Festival. Oxford Feed & Lumber presents the lineup of country music throughout the day, including headliner John King, the Sherwood Brothers, The DuPont Brothers, Blades of Grass and Chris Mongahan. The Local Stage will have Moe Blues and Bethlehem and Sad Patrick, among others. Lincoln University presents the sights and the sounds of the world’s cultures on the World Music stage, which will include everything from a 15-person African drum group to a mariachi band.
Oxford Plumbing and Heating is presenting the day’s headliner, Eve 6. The southern California rock band, known for hits like “Inside Out,” “Here’s to the Night” and “Victoria,” will headline the main stage. Wenzka said that he and the other organizers were excited when they were able to book the platinum-selling artist. The band enjoyed considerable success in the 1990s with a series of hits. The band also made appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and more. There will be a battle of
the bands competition during the day, and the winner will earn the opportunity to open for Eve 6 on the main stage. The Clash of the Canvases will be between pre-selected professional artists. Festival-goers are encouraged to watch the artists work, and in the final hours of the event, visitors can vote on their favorite pieces. Artists will each be given the option to auction off their final piece, with 50 percent of proceeds given to the non-profits organizing the Connective Festival. The winners of both the competition and auction will be recognized at the end of the event.
Carlson Cultural Trust is sponsoring the gallery row of more than 20 artisans who will be selling sculptures, prints, paintings, pottery, fiber art, jewelry and more. There will also be art demonstrations scattered throughout Oxford. Teens and adults will have the opportunity to be creative at the Art and Music Skill Share Tents.
Armstrong is sponsoring a children’s area for fun and creativity throughout the day. There will also be pop-up art installations and street busking.
“The Connective Art and Music Festival will be an all-day interactive arts experience,” said Allie King, one of the organizers. “While music will be ringing through the streets all day, festival attendees will also have a chance to create or become a part of the arts. See a mandala
being created, or feel like a rule breaker and paint on a baby grand piano. See art being created by different demonstrators, such as throwing clay or sculpting out of metal. Art will be created throughout town, from artists painting new artwork on structures, or interactive art displays. Be prepared to be surprised, inspired and entertained. Regardless of what you have the chance to see or be a part of, we are sure you will leave feeling inspired to create something of your own.”
Another big part of the day will be food. Oxford’s restaurants will be open, and there will more than 20 food trucks in the downtown area. There will be several outdoor dining options, too.
don’t want the ongoing costs and work of maintaining the large tree in the center of the community.
According to Seivwright, Faye Doyle, a former president of the Oxford Area Historical Association, years ago enlisted an arborist to examine the tree. At that time, it was determined that the tree is, indeed, a Penn Oak tree. Its age has been estimated at 350 years.
Seivwright, who is in the landscaping business, noted that some Penn Oak trees can have lifespans of up to 800 years if they receive the proper care and maintenance. The Penn Oak tree is still in fairly good condition, he said, but it needs to be cabled and properly maintained on a continuous basis.
Seivwright said that he consulted with a tree expert who provided an evaluation of the tree. It will cost approximately $4,700 to cable the tree and provide some maintenance work to it. The costs to cut it down are estimated at $12,600— but, of course, that would eliminate the need to pay to maintain and care for the tree in the future. Because this is the last Penn Oak tree in the borough, Seivwright said, it’s important to do everything possible to save it.
covenants remove the property from the tax rolls forever. No improvements or zoning changes can be made, freezing that land from any future use. Furthermore, most open space is not accessible to the taxpaying public because of their remote locations, and some – such as the New Garden/ Reynolds deal -- do not permit any public access or use whatsoever.
This land can never be developed, even for schools, firehousess or commercial job-creating projects. Open space also stops housing, which is the principal reason taxpayers/politicians go along with it.
The unknown cost will be borne by future generations of Chester County residents when there is no room to expand.
(This is an occasional column written by Uncle Irvin. As always, the column is the opinion of Uncle Irvin, and is not a news story.)
Wenzka said that organizers have been working with the restaurants to make sure that all the food vendors that are brought in offer complementary foods, and not what would be already available in Oxford. “One of the missions of the event is to have people enjoy food in the borough,” Wenzka said.
Food and beverages will be available from Avocados From Mexico, Bog Turtle Brewery, Herr Foods, Hollow Earth Brewing, Phillyfry, Pretzel Spot Cafe, Punk’d Pineapple, Rita’s Water Ice, Sawmill Grill, Kona Ice, Sweet Magnolia Bakery and more.
While it takes a huge amount of work to launch an event of this scope, it has been very rewarding, Wenzka said. “As a first-time event, there has been a lot of learning for us. It’s rewarding to look back now and see how far we’ve come.”
He credited a growing team of volunteers who
have helped, as well as the large number of sponsors in the business community, for creating a festival that could become one of the region’s largest events. King said that as the date of the festival approaches, the buzz is building.
“When we first began planning the festival, we wanted this to be something Oxford residents could take pride in,” King said. “We are seeing the excitement building. It’s amazing to hear chatter about the Connective Festival, whether you are buying a cup of coffee in town or scrolling community message boards on Facebook. Oxford has exciting changes happening in town, and the Connective is certainly one of those talked-about events.”
Parking is available in the municipal parking lot off Second Street, and the municipal lot off
Hodgson Street. These lots are metered. Free off-site parking is available at Oxford Area High School (705 Waterway Rd., Oxford) and Outback Warehouse (155 Barnsley Rd., Oxford). Free shuttle buses are available from the off-site parking lots. Shuttles begin running at 9:45 a.m., and the last shuttle leaves downtown Oxford at midnight.
Ticket sales end on Aug. 3, so visit www. connectivefestival.org for tickets in advance. General admission to the festival is $5, and includes all daytime activities. Passes for children under 5 are free.
General admission plus the evening concert by the Battle of the Bands winner and headliner Eve 6 is $20. These tickets include all the daytime activities as well.
Follow the event on Facebook and Instagram @connectivefestival.
“I’ve always taken a special interest in the tree,” Seivwright explained. “It has reached the point where it needs additional care. But a majority of the neighbors now want to cut it down. In this neighborhood, it’s a democracy, and there was a close vote with the decision being to cut the tree down.”
Seivwright is hoping that enough neighbors will come together in support of maintaining the tree. At one time, there was a group Penn Oak trees located on the green near the Oxford Presbyterian Church in the center of town, but the last one was removed more than a decade ago. Seivwright said that he would hate to see the last Penn Oak tree in Oxford suffer the same fate.
“In today’s world, old things aren’t always treasured,” he said. “I really do want to see the tree saved for the future. It’s too important to just cut it down.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Penn Oak tree... Continued from Page 1A
Courtesy photo
John King is the headliner on the country music stage.
Uncle Irvin...
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Gun violence...
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anywhere near the guns, because if someone steals the guns, they are going to take the numbers with them,” he said. “Put the numbers in a safe deposit box at a bank. If I run [a background check on] the guns and it comes back that it is stolen, then we can better identify and make arrests.”
During a question-andanswer period, Raimato addressed questions related to police training, permits and background checks, and what he saw was a decrease in gang-related violence in the Regional Police’s coverage zone in the last several years.
During a discussion about the proliferation and sale of assault weapons in the area – identified as semiautomatic weapons like the AR-15 – the mood of the conversation suddenly shifted.
“I can guarantee that there are AR-15s and AK-47s within 100 yards of public areas,” said Nick Proietto, a gun owner who assured those in the audience that no citizen is allowed to buy a fully-automatic weapon without a Class 3 Federal Firearms license, “which costs beaucoup bucks and [requires] tons and tons of background checks,” he said. “Most people can’t afford one, so most people don’t have them.”
Proietto owns four semiautomatic rifles, and said he uses the guns for enjoyment
Oxford music...
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interesting to me to learn about all the big-name country stars who came here.”
For decades, Sunset Park in Penn Township attracted some of the top country and bluegrass acts in the U.S. to southern Chester County. Everyone from Johnny Cash and Hank Williams to Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton to George Strait and Randy Travis performed at Sunset Park through the years.
Roberts explained that a number of different people in the community have been willing to share local music memorabilia, including Phil Edwards, a local resident and farmer who has an extensive collection of interesting items from Sunset Park. Cecil Miller, Jr. shared items from his father, Cecil Miller, who was a founding member of the Oxford Rhythm Boys.
OAHA members expect there to be a considerable amount of interest in the “Music In Oxford’s Past” exhibit because so many people who live in the area have a strong connection and fond memories of Sunset Park or the music of the Oxford Rythym Boys or Ola Belle Cambell Reed.
Ken Woodward, the president of OAHA, said that more than 200 people turned out for one of the historical association’s presentations about Sunset Park, which was perhaps the largest turnout ever for one of their events.
Another presentation that featured David Reed talking about his mother, Ola Belle Campbell Reed, also attracted an extremely large crowd.
The display will allow visitors to learn about the history of music in the area.
OAHA members will have story boards set up as part
and recreation. He said he is in favor of their sales, “as long as you’re a law-abiding citizen and do not have a record, I think you should be allowed to buy a gun.
“You have every right to oppose so long as you don’t stand in my way as far as my exercising my Second Amendment rights, as long as I am a law-abiding citizen,” he said. “You can oppose anything you want. Just don’t get in my way and infringe on my rights when it comes to that, because I am not a criminal. As such, I don’t think that it should be illegal for those who are law abiding. Law abiding people are not those who are doing crimes and shooting up Las Vegas.”
Proietto defended the National Rifle Association for its support of the Second Amendment, which he said supports his rights as a gun owner. One member of the audience said that the Second Amendment may have been applicable when the nation’s forefathers originally drafted its content, but that they could not envision a nation where the flexibility of the law would include semi-automatic weapons.
“My children in school deserve to be able to go to school and not have to be constantly looking over their shoulder to see who is coming into the building,” the audience member said. “I want my children and my schools to be safe, and these school shootings, the vast majority have been done with military style rifles.”
of the display to highlight the impressive history of Sunset Park. Sunset Park was built in 1939 by G. Roy Waltman. It opened the following year, and for decades some of the biggest names in country and bluegrass music performed for Chester County residents, becoming one of the premier venues for those styles of music.
Joining a long list of country music icons who appeared at Sunset Park were bluegrass greats like Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, and Bill Clifton. By the time it closed in the 1990s, the historical significance of Sunset Park had long been established. It has been approved for the placement of a marker by the Pennsylania Historical & Museum Commission.
Ola Belle Campbell Reed played at Sunset Park numerous times through the years, often with the Sunset Park house band, the North Carolina Ridge Runners.
“A lot of us have gained an appreciation for her music,” Woodward said of the performer. “She’s a great musician and writer. She’s almost like a poet with her songwriting.”
“That’s not true,” Proietto said. “Two percent of mass shootings have been done by assault weapons. Two percent. Look at the statistics.”
The conversation took a slight pivot to address the issue of gun violence by suicide, in order to provide measurable solutions. Raimato was asked what his department does in terms of risk assessment, and what citizens can do to alert the police to a potential suicide.
“We call crisis intervention,” he said. “We’re the police. We make house calls. If I see anyone younger or older – it doesn’t matter – if I see that they need help, it’s my job to give them help. Not only is it my job, it’s my duty as a human being.”
“What can we be doing that we’re not, before we get there?” Molly Wood of Heeding God’s Call asked Raimato. “The gun there isn’t doing anything until it gets into the hands of someone who goes to a school and begins shooting people. What do we do in order to intervene before that scenario plays itself out?”
Raimato addressed the question by speaking about recently arresting a teenage boy.
“He asked me, ‘What are you going to do?’” he said. “I told him, ‘You’re under arrest.’ The tears began rolling down his cheeks. We need more parents to do what his parents did, which is to call us. I told him that either one of three things are going to happen to him. Number one, that he was
going to jail. Number two, that he’ll end up dead, and the third is that he will straighten himself out.”
Raimato told the audience that he intends to see the teenager in the coming days.
“It’s not my job as a cop,” he said. “It’s my job as a human being.”
Raimato encouraged people to reach out to the proper authorities. “If you see something, don’t put it in Facebook,” he said.
“Don’t put it on the message board. Call 911. You not talking to your neighbors becomes a burglar’s best friend.
“We need to work as a community,” Raimato added. “Do you want to know the answer to stopping crime? It’s the community within the community, and looking out for each other.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, pockets of conversation continued between those who agreed – and disagreed -- on the many issues.
Roberts said that there will be refreshments and a raffle of OAHA publications as part of this week’s events. Visitors will also be able
to see some of the regular OAHA offerings, such as a photo display of Oxford buildings past and present, as well an exhibit on the
“Honestly, I thought it was going to be a liberal bash fest of gun owners and the Second Amendment,”
Proietto said. “I wanted to listen, and if I had something I felt I needed to say, I was going to put it out there.
If I am open about my opinions, I begin to enlighten people to my side of the story.”
“Too often, we live in our separate silos,” said Wood.
“People have their own views but don’t talk to those with other views. It’s easy to say ‘those crazy liberals’ or ‘those crazy NRA people.’ We’re all labeling, but name-calling and labeling doesn’t lead us to conversations and then to answers.
“The idea is to bring those people who are gun owners and non-gun owners and find some common ground, to have conversations to figure out what we need to do.
Whether it’s a comfortable thing for a gun owner to accept or not, there are truly young people who are afraid
history of the Oxford Hall building. This exhibit will be on display for serveral more months.
The OAHA has an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Oxford area, including everything from a large desk from a Peoples Bank of Oxford conference room to a cash register from the Simon’s store to several ledgers from local businesses. There are DVDs of past OAHA presentations and recordings of oral histories available for people to watch in the Archives Building. OAHA members are in the process of cataloguing literally thousands of items that document the history of the Oxford area. It has only been in the last two years that OAHA has had a place to keep and display items in its collection, and the Archives Building has helped make people more aware of the historical association’s collection.
“Since we’ve been open here, we’ve had a steady stream of people stopping in,” Roberts said, adding that special displays like the one about music also helps to increase awareness about
to go to school. It’s important for him or her to say, ‘I don’t want kids to be afraid, so I need to be a part of a conversation that doesn’t label people as snowflakes, but as people who are genuinely afraid.’” Theresa Zunino, a former behavior specialist and therapist, was drawn to the seminar because she was concerned about gun laws and their loopholes that allow guns to get into the hands of people with mental illnesses.
“I felt like I really know what happens in our community when it comes to guns,” she said. “I know that our police are there all the time, but to hear it from Officer Raimato means a lot to me. I think Mario did a great job in sticking with the facts. It’s his job to give us the information, and he did his job.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
the historical association’s activities.
The OAHA Archives Building is open to the public each Monday from 9 a.m. to noon, and on the First Tuesday of the month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. OAHA also regularly takes part in the First Friday events, too, opening its doors during the evening event. They usually plan at least two special exhibits each year.
The OAHA Archives Building is located at 140142 Locust Street in Oxford. For more information about the organization, its collection, and upcoming events, visit the OAHA website or Facebook page.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Mario Raimato, an officer with the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, addressed an audience about gun safety on July 26.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
A 1937 Gibson guitar is one of the many items that will be part of a “Music In Oxford’s Past” display that is being set up by the Oxford Area Historical Association.
Night Out...
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cooperation with local businesses, the department will be holding a simultaneous National Night Out event near the Toughkenamon Town Center, in the parking lot behind the Harvest Ridge Winery Tasting Room.
“We asked ourselves, ‘How can we build on last year, and represent more communities?’” said Deputy Chief Michael King. “We serve the West Grove community, but we also represent the Village of Toughkenamon, too, so we thought, ‘What a perfect way to get people within walking distance of the event to enjoy what everyone in West Grove will get to experience again.’ We set the bar last year for ourselves in our first try at it, and so we created a great template from which to work for this new event.
The West Grove National Night Out celebration will include tours of police vehicles and fire trucks from the West Grove Fire Department, police bicycle demonstrations, a moon bounce, food trucks, display
tables from area businesses and a performance by the band Revolution Heroes. Assistance will be provided by members of the West Grove Garage Community & Youth Center.
In Toughkenamon, the event will feature a SWAT vehicle display, tours of Avondale Fire Company vehicles, as well as food trucks, children’s activities and a concert by the band Shot in the Dark. Assistance will be provided by the Kennett Square Garage Community & Youth Center; Young Moms, Inc.; La Communidad Hispana and Women, Infants and Children.
In addition, the Harvest Ridge Winery will be releasing its Red Line Red wine at both locations, and Chester County District Attorney Thomas Hogan will speak at both events.
“Every police department in every community puts their own spin on this event,” King added. “We’re trying to make these events more intimate, to allow us to engage with the public and feature local businesses, so that everyone can enjoy fellowship with each other, in a summer time block party atmosphere.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestrecounty.com.
Local Scout achieves Eagle rank
Boy Scout Troop 22 in Unionville recently honored its 194th Eagle Scout, Troy Macie, at a Court of Honor held at the Coopersmith Park in West Goshen Township.
Macie is the son of Rene Macie and Sheila RyanMacie, and is a recent graduate of Unionville High School. He will attend the University of
Rochester to study sound and music engineering. The University of Rochester awarded him a merit scholarship in recognition of his musical achievements. While at UHS, Macie was involved with several choral groups and had lead parts in drama productions. He also attended a choral festival in Rome, performing
at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. He is the lead singer and plays guitar and keyboards in his band. For his Eagle Scout project, Macie designed, built and installed a marimba, a wooden xylophone. The project took 496 hours to plan and complete.
Macie began his Scouting career with Pack
200 in Medfield, Mass. He moved to Pennsylvania and joined Troop 22 in Unionville. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, Octoraro Lodge 22. Troop 22 has been in the Unionville community for 94 years. Visit www.troop22upa. com, or call John McCabe at 610-633-0522 for more information.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
More than 800 people attended the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department’s first National Night Out event, held in West Grove on Aug. 1, 2017. The department will hold its National Night Out activities in West Grove and Toughkenamon on Aug. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Andrea Quijano and Ava Walker donned fire jackets and climbed aboard a West Grove Fire Company vehicle at the first Southern Chester County Regional Police Department National Night Out in 2017.
State Sen. Andrew Dinniman presented a proclamation to Sgt. Joseph Greenwalt and Deputy Chief Michael King of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, recognizing the department’s first National Night Out event.
Troy Macie designed and built a marimba for his Eagle Scout project.
TreeTops Kitty Cafe to celebrate first anniversary on Aug. 11
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
The ever-increasing number on the wall at the non-profit TreeTops Kitty Cafe in Kennett Square tells the best story of how far the welcoming hideaway on State Street has come in its one year of existence, and last week, the number read 165.
That is the number of forever homes that have been found for the cats that are given love and care at the Cafe while they wait for their future owners. In between, the cafe has become a refuge for everyone from feline lovers to passers-by who stop in occasionally to have a cup of tea, sit in a comfortable chair and snuggle with one of a multitude of cats who enjoy their company.
“The model of a kitty cafe is to allow people to come in and hang out with the cats, but it’s a place where someone who wishes to adopt a cat can see a potential cat in the same environment as their home, roaming free,” said manager Holly Yeatman. “It’s created a much better environment. It gives the community the chance to come by and do something different, and it’s a far more gentle method of caring for the cats who are with us.”
Then there are those who come to TreeTops Kitty Cafe for another reason.
neighbors,” Yeatman said.
for adoption.
To celebrate the oneyear mark of a business whose matrix combines comfort, caring and community, TreeTops Kitty Cafe is hosting its “First Anniversary Kennett Kitty Cat Stroll” on Aug. 11, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For an individual $25 ticket or $40 for a family of four,
“We have a list of all of our adoptable cats on the board, and a binder that lists the profiles of every cat, and there is also the luxury of having quality time with each cat to get to know their personality,” said assistant Hannah April. “It’s really become such a different experience for prospective cat owners.”
participants will receive a stroll card and get it stamped at participating shops along State Street and beyond, while enjoying free gifts, coupons and samples at Talula’s Table, Bove Jewelers, the Mushroom Cap, Victory Brewing Company and the Kennett Brewing Company; and at Mary Pat’s Provisions, Rump Roasters and the Paradocx Vineyard tasting room in the The Market at Liberty Place.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for our guests to take in a stroll of Kennett Square and meet our
The following is a true and correct copy of a joint resolution of the General Assembly regarding an amendment to the Constitution of Pennsylvania that was proposed in the General Assembly during the 2018 session. The proposed amendment was agreed to by a majority of the members elected to the Senate and the House of Representatives. Pursuant to Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution, the Secretary of the Commonwealth has caused the proposed amendment to be published here. If this proposed amendment is agreed to by a majority of the Senators and Representatives elected to the General Assembly at the upcoming November 6, 2018 General Election, the proposed amendment so approved will be published again and then submitted to the voters of Pennsylvania for approval. If approved by a majority of the voters voting on it, the corresponding amendment becomes part of the Constitution. If the proposed amendment is approved, the words UNDERLINED in the joint resolution will be added to the Constitution.
Anyone who needs help reading this advertisement or needs the text of the proposed amendment in an alternative format may call or write the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Commissions, Elections and Legislation, Room 210 North Office Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120, 1-877-868-3772, ra-BCEL@pa.gov.
Robert Torres, Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth
Joint Resolution 2018-1
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for rights of victims of crime.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:
Section 1. The following amendment to the Constitution of Pennsylvania is proposed in accordance with Article XI:
That Article I be amended by adding a section to read:
§ 9.1. Rights of victims of crime.
(a) To secure for victims justice and due process throughout the criminal and juvenile justice systems, a victim shall have the following rights, as further provided and as defined by the General Assembly, which shall be protected in a manner no less vigorous than the rights afforded to the accused: to be treated with fairness and respect for the victim’s safety, dignity and privacy; to have the safety of the victim and the victim’s family considered in fixing the amount of bail and release conditions for the accused; to reasonable and timely notice of and to be present at all public proceedings involving the criminal or delinquent conduct; to be notified of any pretrial disposition of the case; with the exception of grand jury proceedings, to be heard in any proceeding where a right of the victim is implicated, including, but not limited to, release, plea, sentencing, disposition, parole and pardon; to be notified of all parole procedures,
The event will also serve as one of two fundraising events this year, the proceeds of which will go directly to operating expenses.
Tree Tops Animal Rescue, a 501c3 tax deductible non-profit and the Cafe’s partnering organization, has helped find homes for over 2,000 pets since 2006. After relying on foster families to care for rescued animals as pets in their homes for several years, it opened the Cafe in 2017, where cats could live in a home-like environment while waiting
In its first year, the Cafe’s revenue has relied on sales, entry and adoption fees and small donations from visitors – which help pay for operating costs and the care of rescued animals –but much more is needed in term of donations and sponsorships in order to cover all expenses, so the Cafe can remain open.
“Our cats are so deserving of forever homes, and they need somewhere to go,” April said. “We are providing them with comfort and care, but this isn’t their permanent home.
We love seeing them every day, but even more than that, we love seeing them on their way home.”
To learn more about the TreeTops Kitty Cafe “First Anniversary Kennett Kitty Cat Stroll” or to make a donation, visit, the TreeTops Kitty Cafe Facebook page, or stop by the Cafe at 305 West Street, Kennett Square. Tickets to the event may also be purchased at Bavarian Motorsport, 600 West Cypress Street, Kennett Square. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
to participate in the parole process, to provide information to be considered before the parole of the offender, and to be notified of the parole of the offender; to reasonable protection from the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused; to reasonable notice of any release or escape of the accused; to refuse an interview, deposition or other discovery request made by the accused or any person acting on behalf of the accused; full and timely restitution from the person or entity convicted for the unlawful conduct; full and timely restitution as determined by the court in a juvenile delinquency proceeding; to the prompt return of property when no longer needed as evidence; to proceedings free from unreasonable delay and a prompt and final conclusion of the case and any related postconviction proceedings; to confer with the attorney for the government; and to be informed of all rights enumerated in this section.
(b) The victim or the attorney for the government upon request of the victim may assert in any trial or appellate court, or before any other authority, with jurisdiction over the case, and have enforced, the rights enumerated in this section and any other right afforded to the victim by law. This section does not grant the victim party status or create any cause of action for compensation or damages against the Commonwealth or any political subdivision, nor any officer, employee or agent of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision, or any officer or employee of the court.
(c) As used in this section and as further defined by the General Assembly, the term “victim” includes any person against whom the criminal offense or delinquent act is committed or who is directly harmed by the commission of the offense or act. The term “victim” does not include the accused or a person whom the court finds would not act in the best interests of a deceased, incompetent, minor or incapacitated victim.
Section 2. (a) Upon the first passage by the General Assembly of this proposed constitutional amendment, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers are published in sufficient time after passage of this proposed constitutional amendment.
(b) Upon the second passage by the General Assembly of this proposed constitutional amendment, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers are published in sufficient time after passage of this proposed constitutional amendment. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall submit this proposed constitutional amendment to the qualified electors of this Commonwealth at the first primary, general or municipal election which meets the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Bergen and Luke Soltow of Hockessin snuggle with Tiger at the TreeTops Kitty Cafe in Kennett Square. The Cafe will be hosting its first anniversary event on Aug. 11.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA
‘Jailing The Johnston Gang’ book featured on Aug. 8 show on ReelZ network
40th anniversary of serial killings marked
Five murders were committed by the infamous Johnston Gang in Chester County 40 years ago.
Those killings and the law enforcement’s investigation and prosecution of brothers Bruce, David and Norman Johnston were chronicled in author Bruce Mowday’s book, Jailing The Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers To Justice; published by Barricade Books.
On Wednesday, Aug. 8 at 9 p.m. The ReelZ network, affiliated with A & E, will present an hour’s show on the Johnstons as part of its Gangsters: America’s Most Evil series.
“I haven’t seen the show but this spring I spent a number of days communicating with the show’s production company and was interviewed for several hours,” Mowday said. “A number of people involved in the case were also interviewed. Even though the crimes took place decades ago, I’m not surprised this case continues to generate interest. Gangsters were killing members of their own family.”
Before the television show, Mowday will talk about his book and the case at Canvas Valley Forge, 101 Bryce Lane, King of Prussia, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The talk is free and open to the public. “This will give people
a chance to hear about the criminals, called the most infamous in Chester County history,” Mowday said.
Mowday will also give a talk on the Johnston Gang on Tuesday, July 31 before the Broomall Rotary in Newtown Square at 6 p.m.
“Five of the murders took place in August 1978,” Mowday said. “Norman and David Johnston were convicted of committing four of those murders. Bruce Johnston Sr. was found guilty of killing all five and a police informant the previous year. Many people are convinced Bruce killed at least 10 people.”
Mowday was on television earlier this month in connection with his latest book, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg. Mowday and his book were featured on the Pennsylvania Cable Network show It’s History. In August, Mowday will also sign books at an event hosted by the Downingtown
Historical Society, 849 East Lancaster Avenue at the Ashbridge House, on Aug. 19 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.
For a full listing of Mowday’s events and his books, see his website www. mowday.com.
Mowday is an awardwinning author and newspaper reporter. He has authored more than 15 books on history, sports, business and true crime.
Mowday has appeared on the Discovery ID channel, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network, Hollywood and Beyond, Whatcha Got, and Philadelphia and local television shows.
Mowday has hosted his own radio shows, has been editor of magazines and was chairman of the Chester County Historical Society and president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. He is a former board member of the Valley Forge Park Alliance. He is a board member of the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. He is a frequent speaker at various civic and historical groups. For more information on Mowday, his books and his schedule of events, see www.mowday. com. For organizations wanting to schedule a talk or for individuals wanting to purchase books, contact Mowday at mowday@ mowday.com.
United Way raises $9,000 with Wine and Chocolate Evening
The United Way of Southern Chester County hosted its annual Wine & Chocolate Evening on July 20 at the home of Ed & Jeffra Leo of Kennett Square. More than 100 people attended the soldout event, which included hors d’oeuvres, donated chocolate desserts and truffles from Neuchatel in Oxford, as well as donated wine, beer and vodka tastings and a silent auction.
All proceeds will help fund United Way of Southern Chester County’s efforts to support local nonprofit agencies. This year, United Way supports 26 programs from 18 local nonprofits.
Each year, the event is held in a location not revealed to guests until they arrive. Guests gather at a predetermined location and ride a shuttle bus to the event. This year’s home, owned by Ed & Jeffra Leo, was designed by Ed Rahme. Each family member contributed to the design, which among other interesting features, included a book nook accessible by a ladder from the bedroom, and a Nerf gun shooting tower on the third level.
New to this year’s event was the sponsorship of Stoli Vodka, which provided a rainbow of vodkas. They also provided mini Moscow Mules in keepsake cups, which were mixed onsite by United Way board
members and quickly became a crowd favorite.
Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery and Borderland Vineyard provided and poured wine, and Victory
as well as gift certificate packages to local restaurants and businesses.
“I’m delighted at this year’s turnout,” said Carrie Freeman, CEO of United
Brewing Company in Kennett Square took care the beer lovers who attended.
A big hit among the savory treats was the salmon mousse, which was prepared and donated by Carrie Freeman, CEO of United Way of Southern Chester County. The evening concluded with a silent auction, which featured numerous wine baskets, a Stoli Elite basket, a bourbon basket,
Way of Southern Chester County. “This is the first time that we have sold out the event completely and had to go to a wait list. The generosity of our donors and alcohol and chocolate sponsors really helped to make it a special night. We raised $9,000, and I am so grateful to our community for coming out and supporting this event.” For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ unitedwayscc.
Learning does not take the summer off in Oxford schools
Courtesy photo
Students in the Summer STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) taught by Oxford Area High School technical education teacher Bill Kromer learned problem-solving skills in all the STEM disciplines through a variety of activities, including building and flying “Delta Darts.” Front from left are Lauren Callahan, who will enter
Hopewell Elementary School, and Jacob Higgins, who will
seventh
Penn’s Grove School; standing from left, home-schooled
Zander Coldiron; Avon Grove Charter School student Shane Campbell and Mr. Kromer.
Courtesy photo
Students in the Oxford Area School District Summer Youth Fitness Academy
enjoyed activities including volleyball, basketball, tennis and bowling during the four-day session, which also featured a classroom component on nutritional education. Pictured with instructor Karly Herb, health and physical education teacher at Oxford Area High School, are, from left, Hadyn Wiseman, Ben Heriegel, Nolan Battista, Dylan Callahan, Sean Deasey, Aryanna Roche and Molly Walsh.
This is the big weekend in Oxford
Without a whole lot of people to care for them, little towns wither and die. That’s why it’s so gratifying that so many people associated with the rebirth of downtown Oxford have put in a year of hard work for the Connective Art & Music Festival.
The whole town will be taken over by the event on Aug. 4 in a bid to prove that Oxford can become as arty and trendy as Kennett Square, which itself overcame a years-long slump and is now on the map for its restaurants, art galleries and shopping.
Oxford has plenty going for it – not the least of which is the army of dedicated people who work to promote it – and the Connective Festival is going to be a benchmark by which future growth will be determined. If all goes well this weekend, Oxford will be regarded as a place where big events like this can take root.
Certainly, people who live in the Oxford area will flock downtown to see what all the buzz has been about for the past 12 months. And the sheer scope of the event – art and music and dance and food trucks and children’s entertainment – is going to draw a diverse crowd from the region. The music selection -- from a mariachi band and African drum and dance to country acts and the headliner, ‘90s rock act Eve 6 -- is going to have something for everyone.
Oxford’s regular downtown events have been growing each month, with people strolling the sidewalks and seeing just how much potential the town has. Brewpubs, the Sawmill Grill, the changing exhibits at the Oxford Arts Alliance, and a quirky antique mall are enough to draw visitors and keep them downtown for an extended time. The Connective Festival will be a critical mass of activities and music that will test whether Oxford can step up its game, month after month.
At least it will get people to associate the town with the kind of ambitious entertainment that brings people back. There are congratulations to be made all around, and too many names to list, but just the fact that the Connective Festival is finally here is a feather in the cap of Oxford and the surrounding region.
And now, on with the show!
Democratic Party needs better candidates
Letter to the Editor:
I am very disappointed with the national Democratic Party and its candidates for the House and the Senate, as well as its members of the House and Senate. I think we sorely need more “Bobby Kennedys” and I see few in sight.
We need candidates with charisma who are warm, caring, loving, compassionate, and empathetic, and can relate to and identify with Americans who suffer in life. Research shows that most Democrats in
the Congress are wealthy. They are not everyday people like my wife, myself, and most of your readers. Most of them will never have money-worries like tens of millions of us do. They won’t ever have to be scared and frightened, like my wife is every time she hears that the Republicans in Congress want to cut our Social Security retirement benefits. I just don’t see a “burning desire” to want to help those who struggle with money-worries.
Stewart B. Epstein
Chester County Press
Letter to the Editor
A safe harbor for child-victims of sex trafficking
Letter to the Editor:
If you’re sitting in a doctor’s office and see a patient wearing handcuffs and leg shackles, your assumption is that she is a criminal. Probably a dangerous criminal. Most likely, you’ll send glances or the body language of fear, disdain and horror.
What if she isn’t a criminal?
What if she is a childvictim of sex trafficking?
Although PA Act 105 (a comprehensive law against human trafficking) states that a child younger than 18 who is sold for sex is a victim of sex trafficking, other laws allow for her to be arrested and locked
up as a criminal prostitute. These shackled victims end up at medical appointments, where patients in waiting rooms shun them and look on with venom, despite the fact that they are children waiting to be treated for the effects of heinous crimes.
Pennsylvania House Bill 2289, known as “Safe Harbor Legislation” –which unanimously passed the Senate as SB 554 – was penned to correct that situation. If PA HB 2289/SB 554 came into law, childvictims would be provided services instead of handcuffs and lock-up.
Tragically, now the bill itself is a victim. House Speaker Mike Turzai has refused to allow HB 2289/
SB 554 to move forward for a vote unless an unpopular bill that he has sponsored is brought to the forefront. If Safe Harbor legislation doesn’t pass the House of Representatives by December, the bill will die. As members of the Chester County Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition, we have advocated for this legislation for a year and a half. We understand that most children who are sold for sex have been previously sexually, physically and psychologically abused. We have seen survivors who struggle to recover when society doesn’t understand the trauma they have endured. We have seen the destruction of human life
that occurs when adults –once victims of child-sex trafficking – have been treated as criminals, not victims. We need additional voices to fight for these child-victims. It is time for neighbors to call or write their Representatives to push for this bill to come up for a vote in fall. It is time to create a more just system for child-victims of sex trafficking. Until we speak out for them and change the law, children who are already victims are the ones who suffer more.
To slow climate change, we need to make the environment a priority
Letter to the Editor:
I attended a clean energy forum with State Senator Andy Dinniman, State Representative Carolyn Comitta, and Mayor Dianne Herrin at West Chester University. The forum served as a great opportunity to engage with our lawmakers on some of the most pressing environmental issues facing
Chester County. The conversation focused mostly on transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy and becoming less dependent on fossil fuels.
At the forum, Dinniman, Comitta, and Herrin, along with WCU Sustainability Director Brad Flamm, discussed what they are doing to support the switch to renewables. Dinniman and Comitta have both co-spon-
sored bipartisan legislation in Harrisburg that would commit Pennsylvania to transitioning to 100 percent renewables by 2050. Herrin, as well as many other Chester County mayors, have also committed their respective towns to transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy. At West Chester, the university has charted a path forward using solar and geothermal
energy. I want to thank all of the panelists for their continued commitment to clean energy and encourage the community to continue to make the environment a priority. We need to start now if we really want to make a difference and slow the effects of climate change.
Ryan Prater
The climate can’t wait
Letter to the Editor:
I sat amidst a packed lecture hall at West Chester University as Senator Andy Dinniman, Representative Carolyn Comitta, Mayor Dianne Herrin, and West Chester University Sustainability Director Brad Flamm spoke to an engaged audience about the importance of renewable energy. This forum, cleverly titled “Climate
Can’t Wait: Clean Energy Forum,” established a much needed conversation within our community about what we can do to continue tackling climate change at a local and state level.
It was encouraging to learn about what is already being done — Senator Dinniman and Representative Comitta have signed onto bipartisan legislation that commits Pennsylvania to 100 per-
cent renewable energy by 2050. Mayor Herrin has committed the town of West Chester to 100 percent renewables, and Brad Flamm is working on multiple initiatives at the collegiate level involving solar, wind, and geothermal energy.
I’d like to warmly thank each panelist for taking major strides towards renewable energy, and for putting environmental
Opinion
issues at the forefront of their agendas. This forum showed that despite the lack of climate progress on the federal level, here in West Chester, we have an engaged community dedicated to finding effective solutions to the ever encroaching threat that is climate change for the benefit of current and future generations.
Haley Gimbel
Wolf should move forward with methane regulations
By State Rep. Greg Vitali D-Delaware
Methane is the second-most prevalent greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry is a major methane emitter. Recently. Gov. Tom Wolf took steps to reduce methane leakage from new natural gas industry sources. Now he must keep his promise to reduce methane leakage from existing sources.
Methane is the primary component of natural gas, and the oil and gas industry accounts for the largest share of U.S. methane emissions. Its heat-trapping qualities are about 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, although it stays in the atmosphere for a shorter length of time. Methane is responsible for about 25 percent
of current global warming, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.
As the second-largest natural gas producing state, Pennsylvania’s methane emissions have a significant impact on global climate change. The state’s oil and gas operators leak over 520,000 tons of methane each year, causing the same nearterm climate pollution as 11 coal-fired power plants, according to a recent Environmental Defense Fund analysis.
Methane can leak into the atmosphere at well pads, storage tanks, compressor stations, processing facilities and along pipelines. These unintended emissions are due primarily to leaky, outdated and malfunctioning equipment. Leaks, however, can be significantly reduced through the use of state of the art equipment and more frequent leak inspections.
Reducing methane leakage from natural gas
operations is “…one of the essential steps needed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impacts of climate change,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
In January 2016, Wolf announced his methane reduction strategy for unconventional natural gas drilling operations. This strategy included the development of new and revised permits (GP-5 and GP- 5A) for new sources of methane emissions and the development of regulations for existing sources. At that time, the Wolf administration estimated that permits for new sources would be ready by the second half of 2016 and the regulations for existing sources would be proposed by early to mid-2017.
Last month, the Wolf administration finally announced the issuance of new and revised permits for new sources of
methane emissions. The administration would not commit to a timeline for the issuance of regulations for existing sources. My subsequent conversations with administration officials failed to confirm whether or not these regulations would be promulgated at all.
Over 11,000 unconventional gas wells have been drilled in Pennsylvania since 2004. And while it’s important to address methane leakage from new sources, it’s more important to address the leakage from these existing wells along with their related storage tanks, compressor stations, processing facilities and pipelines. This older equipment is more prone to leakage than new equipment. In 2014 Colorado became the first state to regulate methane from existing sources. It’s time for Pennsylvania to do the same.
Carol Hart Metzker
Diane DeSieno West Chester
Neighborhood Services...
Continued from Page 1A
officer for the Music School of Delaware. He also served as the interim executive director and development director for The Delaware Contemporary, and he was the executive director of the Smyrna Opera House in Smyrna, Del. for more than 5 years. During his tenure leading the Smyrna Opera House, an employee at the Delaware Division of the Arts noted that the Smyrna Opera House should “serve as a model for other arts organizations of its size.” Keller said that he was really impressed by the dedication to the mission that he saw in the board members and the staff of the Neighborhood Services Center.
“Throughout the interview process, it was apparent that the board was passionate about Oxford, its people, and the center,” Keller explained. “It was clear that they understand the ‘why’ of the center—to provide a beacon of hope when all seems lost to those in need.”
Allen noted that there is as much need in the community as there has ever been.
Keller pointed out that 23 percent of the people in the Oxford area live below the poverty level.
“That’s a big number, especially when you’re talking about meeting basic needs,” he said.
One goal for Keller will be to make more people in the community aware of the Neighborhood Services Center’s vision.
Justin Hostetter, a member of the Neighborhood Services Center’s board, said that they were convinced during the interview process that Keller is an ideal person to accomplish that task. Keller will bring a high level of energy to the job, Hostetter said.
Keller follows Connie Winchester and Cheryl McConnell as the only leaders of the Neighborhood Services Center during its long history.
“It’s humbling,” Keller said. “They established, and then continued, a great program here. I have big shoes to fill. I look forward to working with the current board to make sure
that everyone knows the Neighborhood Services Center’s mission and vision in the community.”
The Neighborhood Services Center offers help for local residents who might be struggling to meet their basic needs. The center also provides a centralized location where people have access to a variety of health and social services. The Neighborhood Services Center operates a food cupboard where canned goods and non-perishable items are donated by individuals, churches and community groups. Diapers, personal care items, household cleaning supplies and paper products are also available. The center’s staff also runs an information and referral program that assists individuals in accessing the many health and human services that are available. The center also provides space for community agencies so that they can provide direct assistance to residents in the southern part of the county.
Although Keller is new to Oxford, he said that there are many similarities between the small town and the one that he grew up in New Jersey.
Local Girl Scouts return from their ‘Down Under’ adventure
Each year, local Girl Scouts are exposed to many exciting and educational adventures. Some of the adventures are local—as the Girl Scouts enjoy camping, archery, STEM, hiking, Escape Rooms and more. Other adventures take the Girl
Scouts far away to Europe, Costa Rica, Hawaii and California. This summer, the local Girl Scout Service Unit sponsored a trip to see New Zealand (including the movie set of “Lord of the Rings: Hobbiton” and Australia.These local girls, seasoned travelers before exiting high school, are pictured in front of the Sydney Opera, which they toured, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Next year, the Girl Scouts are sponsoring a trip to Japan. It is never too late to join the Girl Scouts. For more information contact GSEP.ORG.
There are also similarities between the work that the Neighborhood Services Center does with regard to helping people meet their basic needs and some of the work that his church did when he was growing up. Keller said that his parents helped him understand the importance of giving back to the community, and the work with the church was a very important part of that. Keller said that he’s look-
ing forward to meeting many people in the Oxford community, and he wants to make connections with many different groups.
Part of his focus will be on branding and marketing the Neighborhood Services Center to clearly define its mission.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor @ chestercounty .com.
“I am extremely excited to get started and work with the board and staff to advance the mission of the center, and to help those who are experiencing hardship,” Keller said. “I look forward to getting out in Oxford to meet and engage with town officials, business owners, and friends of the center. Working in collaboration with others in this tight-knit community will be a key to our future success.”
Photo by Steven Hoffman
David Keller, at right, the new executive director of the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center, with two of the organization’s board members, Justin Hostetter and Rudy Allen.
Delving deep into the music of Peter Gabriel
By John Chambless Staff Writer
For Joe Trainor, getting to step into the music of artists he admires is the payoff for all the hours of work he does with the Rock Orchestra, which he helms with co-founder Matt Urban. The Delaware-based collective has staged musical tributes to artists as varied as Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd. On Aug. 3 at the Kennett Flash, he will lead the band through an evening of music by Peter Gabriel, whose chameleonlike career since going solo from Genesis in 1976 has earned him an international following.
Trainor, working with the tribute group In The Light, has presented tributes to Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Who, Genesis and The Eagles. He has also mounted full performances of of Pink Floyd’s The Wall, songs by Billy Joel, “Jesus Christ Superstar” and an ‘80s review.
In late July, The Rock Orchestra presented six nights of concerts in Wilmington where they performed every Beatles song – all 215 of them. Not resting for too long, Trainor and TRO will encore their most recent stage show at the Flash with a Peter Gabriel tribute. Trainor spoke recently about his work with the band, and what inspires him to delve so deeply into the music of artists he loves.
Q.: Briefly outline your musical progression -- I assume there were original bands along the way. What led to the decision for form the Rock Orchestra for these tribute shows?
A.: I’ve been in an original band over 10 years (The Joe Trainor Trio) which ran concurrently with a tribute group Matt Urban and I were in called In The Light. After six years with In The Light, Matt and I decided we wanted to work more often and with more people, so TRO was born. So now we get to do shows with our friends from In The Light, but also do show with other musicians, some we’ve never worked with.
Are you personally a
The Rock Orchestra performs at the Kennett Flash on Aug. 3
fan of each of the artists you perform?
So far, yes. Matt and I have very similar musical tastes, so the shows we’re doing right now fall into our bucket list. They’re artists we’ve always wanted to attempt. Down the road, we may do artists that we know people want to hear, but aren’t high on our own lists. And we’ll ultimately do those shows, too.
Do you have to rediscover songs by these artists that you might not be as familiar with? You can’t be up to date on everything you perform initially -- can you?
I think all of the songs we’ve worked on are very familiar to me, personally. But few of the people in these shows have actively played these songs live, so we all need to learn them from scratch, for the most part.
How does the band go about finding music for some of these songs? Is there sheet music available? Or do you guys just do it by ear?
It depends on the band. Some artists have a wealth of sheet music or source material available, while some (like Gabriel) do not publish portfolios of their work. Nearly everything we’re playing had to be figured out by the band individually by ear.
Did the Gabriel tribute grow out of your association with Keep it Dark, the Genesis tribute band that Matt Urban is involved with?
Matt and I are both huge Genesis fans, which is why we did the Keep It Dark show (an offshoot of In The Light). Likewise, we’re both huge Gabriel fans, so we knew tackling Gabriel at some point was important to both of us. Either one of them (Genesis or Gabriel) could have happened first.
You’ve made a decision to not approximate the “look” of the artists you present -- just the music. I assume that’s a monetary decision, but also, do you feel that obsessing about outfits detracts from the music?
It’s less a budgetary
consideration and more of about being honest with ourselves. TRO covers a LOT of artists, and I don’t look like ANY of their lead singers. I think it would pull people out of the show if I was prancing around up there looking like Springsteen or Gabriel. They just want to enjoy the music, and that’s what we’re giving them. A celebration of what we all love with no pretense. That being said, I know a handful of tribute artists personally who go the route of dressing like the artists, and it works for them. I just know it wouldn’t work for me.
For those who might not have seen you, the music is incredibly accurate. These are not “interpretations,” they are recreations of the original songs. How much of a challenge is it to nail down some things, like some possibly vintage synthesizer sounds, in some of this material?
It’s all about finding the right people for the job. If I know I need a keyboardist that can recreate sounds,
I currently know a couple that have a good ear for that (in addition to being proficient). If I need someone who can wail on a Hammond organ, I know those people. Guitarists can be genre specific, so you want to find people who can step into a style easily based on their own natural style.
For the Gabriel show, what is the span of the solo material you cover? Do you touch on all of his solo albums?
We cover everything Gabriel has produced in his solo career, from his first 1977 album through his latest LP, Up. We also include some tracks from side records like Ovo and use a couple of his interpretations of songs from live albums. His studio work is amazing, but his live interpretations exist for a reason. … it elevates the songs in a live setting, so in some cases we’re doing versions you may find on Plays Live or Secret World Live because they’re stronger versions.
Have you seen Gabriel
in concert? Which tours? Sadly, I’ve only seen Gabriel three times. Twice on the “So” tour in 86/87 and once on the “Secret World” tour (supporting Us) in 1993. The rest is on Blu-Ray...
There is obviously a difference in his voice from the start of his career to now -- It’s gotten deeper and raspier. How do you convey that change in the more recent solo material?
This is a tricky point for me, because I don’t know how I feel about myself as a singer. I’ve covered Plant, and Mercury and Springsteen and Gabriel, as a singer in past tributes, and I don’t sound like any of them. But I feel my voice is neutral enough to convey the material. For me, I see myself less as being someone who can recreate a singer’s voice, but more of an MC of a grand sing-along. I’m just the guy helping the audience remember the lyrics.
What songs do you perform that will surprise longtime Gabriel fans?
I don’t want to give anything away, but I will say that we do at least two songs from every studio album, and we also do some lesser-known tracks that fans will get a kick out of. It’s a nice mix of hits and fan favorites, without
getting too deep.
Have you gotten feedback from Springsteen’s camp, or anyone else, about the shows you do? Are they impressed?
I’m unaware if any artist we’ve covered knows we exist. And while it would be nice if they did and were pleased, the important thing is walking away from a show knowing we gave the audience what they came to see. That’s the reward.
If you could meet Gabriel and ask him or tell him anything, what would you say?
Twenty-five years ago, I would have cried and asked him to go back to Genesis. Today, I would just thank him for giving a lifetime of amazing music that has inspired me in all the great ways music should. I’d also tell him to get back to work and get that next record out. Fifteen years, man? Really?
The Rock Orchestra presents an Evening of Peter Gabriel at the Kennett Flash on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $25. Visit www. kennettflash.org for tickets or more information.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com
©2018 Joe Del Tufo/Moonloop Photography Joe Trainor performs with the Rock Orchestra, which he helms with co-founder Matt Urban.
Beatles song.
The Rock Orchestra’s lineup for their Peter Gabriel tribute show, coming to the Flash.
©2018 Joe Del Tufo/Moonloop Photography
STELLA M. PIERCE
Stella May (Steele) Pierce, 87, of Oxford, passed away peacefully on July 29 at Twin Pines Health Care Center.
She was the beloved wife of the late Ernie Stanley Pierce, Sr., who passed away in 1995, and with whom she shared 44 years of marriage. Born in Oxford, Stella was the daughter of the late Emma Marian and Horace Millard Steele. She graduated from Oxford High School. She was a faithful member of the Oxford United Methodist Church. Stella had varied jobs throughout her lifetime in support of her family, including work at Howery’s Restaurant, Cash’s Grocery, The 5 and 10, and working with her husband, Ernie, in his kitchen cabinet business. She settled in to work at the Oxford Manor Nursing Home, where she spent over 20 years as a nurse’s aide. Stella touched many people throughout her lifetime – taking care of her husband and her daughter, Betty, during their illnesses. Her joy was to care for those around her, especially her family.
Stella is survived by two children, Beverly Bove (Chris) of Landenberg, and Laura Lindsey (Bruce) of Oxford; and a daughter-in-law, Marlene, of Ohio. She also has 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Stella is also survived by a sister, Betty Wilson of Quarryville; a brother, Jack Steele (Violet) of Oxford; and a brother, Ralph Steele (Joyce) of Oxford. Stella was predeceased by her husband, Ernie; two of her children, Ernie Jr. and Betty Jane Lloyd; and a granddaughter, Stacey Bove.
Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and services to be held on Aug. 3. A viewing begins at 9 a.m., with a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford). Interment will be at the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Stella’s memory to The Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison Street, Oxford, PA 19363; or to Twin Pines Health Care Center, 315 East London Grove Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 2 Corinthians 5:1
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EVELYN C. TWYMAN
Evelyn C. (Ebby) Twyman, 66, of Oxford, passed away on July 21 at Christiana Hospital in Newark Del. She was the wife of Ronald C. Twyman, with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Lula Carter Jackson. Evelyn was a caring, loving person who was full of sass. She enjoyed trips to Delaware Park, puzzles and especially spending time with her family.
She leaves her legacy to be cherished by her husband; three sons, Randy Twyman (Charisse) of Johnstown, Todd Jackson, Sr. (Rebecca) of Oxford, and Timothy Faber (Felicia) of Oxford; three daughters, Connie Lopez of Johnstown, Eboni Jackson of Oxford, and Shylene Jackson of Oxford; and a host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Roger Twyman; daughter, Joyce E. Miller; brother, John Jackson; nephew, Kristopher (Kris) L. Jackson; and niece, Madeline K. Poe.
A service was held July 28. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
SHIRLEY ANN SHIVERY MCALLISTER
Shirley Ann Shivery McAllister met her Heavenly Father in a glorious reunion on July 29. Shirley was born in 1935 to the late Harold Morton Shivery, Sr., and Evelyn Bertha Hardy Shivery, of Russelville, Pa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Allen McAllister; daughter, Richele Anne McAllister; granddaughter, Rebecca Anne MacKnight; sister, Jane Winifred Shivery Hackman Beyer of Factoryville, Pa.; and sister, Evelyn Dorine Shivery Butler of Oxford. She is survived by her sister, Brenda Lea Shivery Campbell of Nottingham; brother, Harold Morton Shivery Jr., of Oxford; daughter, DeAnna Marie McAllister MacKnight; son-in-law, Allen James MacKnight; granddaughter, Rachael Elizabeth MacKnight; grandson, Jack Allen MacKnight of Havre de Grace, Md.; along with many nieces and nephews.
Pastor Chuck Vuolo will be officiating a private graveside service to be held 11 a.m. Aug. 3 at Beulah Baptist Church in Russelville. In lieu of flowers, please share the Word of Jesus Christ by giving someone a Bible.
KENNETH B. MEEDER, SR.
Kenneth Brian Meeder, Sr., 52, of Drumore, Pa., passed away on June 13 at home.
He was the husband of Julie Draper Meeder, with whom he shared 23 years of marriage. Born in Chester, he was the son of the late Glenn and Jeannette Grueninger Meeder. Kenneth was employed with London Grove Industries in Jennersville as a cabinet maker. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and riding his motorcycle.
He is survived by his wife; daughter, Taylor Meeder, at home; one granddaughter; one brother, Glenn Meeder, Jr., of Glen Mills; and two sisters, Donna Lamonica of Wilmington, Del., and Charlene Mazepink of Nottingham. He was preceded in death by one son, Kenneth Meeder, Jr.; and brother, Michael Meeder.
Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363, to offset the funeral cost. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
J ROBERT BAILY
J. Robert Baily, 69, of Frankford, Del., passed away peacefully on July 25 at Bebee Memorial Hospital in Lewes, Del. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Ruggieri Baily; and his parents, Joseph S. and Marjorie MacCloskey Baily. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Lou (Nick) Coutts and Alison Beth Baily; his sister, Betsy Mackenzie; and his two grandsons. He is further survived by numerous lifelong friends and extended family. Bob, or Baily as he was affectionately known, grew up in Kennett Square. He was a 1966 graduate of Kennett High School, where he played soccer. Bob attended Goldy Beacom College, graduating with a degree in business. He was a well-known bartender at the Anvil Inn and other popular night spots in and around Kennett Square. He married the love of his life, Debbie, and became a vice president in the banking industry, where he remained for 25-plus years. After the untimely early passing of his wife, he focused on raising his two daughters and devoting his life to them. Baily always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell. He was a lifelong Philadelphia sports enthusiast. His favorite spot was sitting on his beach chair at the Outer Banks.
A memorial meeting for worship will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Kennett Friends Meeting House (125 W. Sickle St., Kennett Square). Burial will be held privately at the Old Kennett Friends Cemetery.
Bob was the fortunate recipient of an organ donation in 2009. His family is grateful for the additional years that they had with him as a result. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that friends and loved ones become an organ donor or contribute to The Gift of Life in his name (www.donors1. org/registry). To view his online tribute and to share a memory with Bob’s family, visit www.griecocares.com.
DONNA MARIE MESSINA
Donna Marie Messina, 58, of Glen Mills, passed away on July 21. She was the wife of Michael Messina, with whom she shared 25 years of marriage. Born in Hempstead, Long Island, N.Y., she was the daughter of Bartholomew and Eileen Mayer Mammolito. Donna was a homemaker and she enjoyed cooking, baking, and being with her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Louis Scheiner of Michigan; two daughters, Jennifer Monroe of Michigan, and Denise Marie Christmas and her husband Charles of California; one sister, Michele Condron of Florida; six grandchildren; four stepchildren; and six step-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one son, Phillip Degnan; and a sister, Denise Mammolito. Services and burial will be private. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www. griecocares.com.
ANNA MARIA OWENS BLACKBURN
Anna Maria Owens Blackburn, 61, of Mountain City, Tenn., passed away on July 26 at her home, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in 1957 in West Chester to the late Roy Owens and Virgie Proffitt Owens. In addition to her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Blackburn, and sister, Betty Lou Garman. Marie loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and will truly be missed. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Eric Blackburn, Kelly Vaughn and Carrie Hampton; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Kathy Ward; brothers, Lonnie Owens, Phil Owens and Franky Owens; special sister-in-law, Barbara Blackburn; and special brother-in-law, Rick Blackburn; and nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral will be held on Aug. 1 in Mountain City, Tenn. Condolences may be sent to the family at www. mountaincityfh.com.
Aug. 4
Connective Art and Music Festival
Downtown Oxford will be the location of the Connective Art and Music Festival on Aug. 4 from 10 a.. to 10 p.m.
The family-friendly event features art displays by 20 art vendors, art workshops and demonstrations, activities and music in the Kids Adventure Tent, three stages of live music, a Battle of the Bands, more than 30 food vendors, street performers and more. Headliners are John King and Eve6. Tickets are $5 general admission (daytime performances and activities), and $20 for a day and night ticket that includes the concert with Eve6 and the Battle of the Bands winner. Admission is free for ages 5 and younger. Tickets are available until Aug. 3 at www.connectivefestival.org.
Aug. 4
Chesco Pops Orchestra
The Chesco Pops Orchestra, under the direction of Joseph Gehring, will present classical music with a twist, as well as pops classics, on Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. at Fugett Middle School (500 Ellis Ln., West Chester), and on Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. at Phoenixville Area Middle School (386 City Line Ave., Phoenixville). Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 60 and older, free for children and students.
Visit www.chescopops. org, or call 610-594-9178.
Through Aug. 8
Anson B. Nixon Park concerts
Anson B. Nixon Park (405 N. Walnut Road, Kennett Square) is hosting a series of free concerts this summer that are presented by the Kennett Flash. The schedule includes: Apache Trails (Aug. 1, 7 p.m.); Radio Free Honduras (Aug. 8, 7 p.m.). Visit www.kennettflash.org.
Aug. 10
Jen Chapin in concert Jen Chapin returns to The Friends Folk Club on Aug. 10, with a concert at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). Chapin is the daughter of the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. Attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food items which will be given to the local area food cupboards. There will be several food trucks on site at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door. Doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, call 610-869-8076.
Aug. 12
Record Collectors Show
Spooky Nook Sports Lanco (1901 Miller Rd., East Petersburg) hosts the Keystone Record Collectors Music Expo on Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dealers
and collectors will be selling and buying records from all eras, CDs and music memorabilia. Admission is free. Call 610-932-7852 or visit www.recordcollectors. org.
Aug. 29
Geneaology research workshop
The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) will offer a genealogy research workshop with genealogist Kristine Parkes beginning on Aug. 29. The monthly class will help participants research family histories. The free classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., and are limited to 15 participants. For reservations, call 610932-5244 or email oxsrctr@ zoominternet.net.
Through Sept. 30
Festival of Fountains
Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) has daily fountain shows, live music in the Beer Garden on weekends, Fireworks and Fountains shows on six nights, and an outdoor performing arts series, continuing through Sept. 30. General gardens admission, by timed ticket, is $23 for adults, $20 for seniors over 62, $12 for ages 5 to 18, free for children 4 and younger. Visit www. longwoodgardens.org for more information and tickets.
Kennett Flash schedule
The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www. kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes:
The Rock Orchestra - “An Evening of Peter Gabriel” (Aug. 3, 8 p.m., $20 and $25); Vinyl Artifacts with Blues Reincarnation Project (Aug. 4, 8 p.m., $12 and $15); Open Mic with host Adam Beck (Aug. 5, 7 p.m., $4); Better Than Bacon improv comedy in a benefit for Family Promise (Aug. 9, 8 p.m., $16 and $20); Kansas tribute band Know Return (Aug. 17, 8 p.m., $18 and $22); Dave Matthews tribute band Crowded Streets (Aug. 18, 8 p.m., $20 and $25); Open Mic with Simon Godfrey (Aug. 19, 7 p.m., $4); “Films and Music at the Flash” with Romantic Warriors: A Progressive Music Saga (Aug. 26, 7 p.m., $10 and $25); Ronstadt Revue: A tribute to Linda Ronstadt (Sept. 14, 8 p.m., $24 and $28); Discipline with Valdez (Sept. 15, 8 p.m., $24 and $28). Longwood Gardens concerts Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Rd., Kennett Square) presents
Armstrong adds Amazon Alexa voice control
Armstrong has announced the availability of Amazon Alexa voice control into its EXP platform. With Alexa, EXP customers can go hands-free. Alexa can control the show you’re watching, launch apps such as Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube; change your channels by name or by number; play, pause, rewind and more.
“We’re pleased to announce that EXP
the following concerts and events. Tickets include the show and all-day admission to the gardens, and are available at www. longwoodgardens.org. The schedule includes: the Brandywiners stage “The Music Man” (Aug. 2 to 4, 8 p.m., $15 to $30); Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., $33 to $53); the Kennett Symphony performs music of Shakespearean magic and mystery (Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., $45 to $50); Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox (Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m., $40 to $70); Bollywood Boulevard (Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m., $33 to $53); children’s concert by the Dan Zanes Trio with Claudia Eliaza and Pauline Jean (Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m., free with Gardens admission); NPR’s “From the Top:” with young artists sharing their stories during a live recording (Sept. 9, 7:30 p.m., $33 to $53).
Reactors Comedy Club schedule
Reactors Comedy Club, in the Quality Inn and Suites (943 S. High St., West Chester). Hosts live comedy presented by Reactors on weekends. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and showtime is 8:30 p.m. Admission is $20 at the door. Visit www. reactorscomedyclub.com.
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
Country Spirit USA tickets on sale in Kennett Square
Citadel Country Spirit USA, a new, three-day country music festival featuring 20 artists on two stages, is being held Aug. 24 to 26 at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds in Glenmoore.
A local ticket office has opened at the Brandywine Valley Tourism Information Center (300 Greenwood Rd., Kennett Square), across from the entrance to Longwood Gardens, next to the
Longwood Fire Station. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday. Credit cards only. No cash is accepted.
As part of the Country Spirit show, Alabama, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley are headlining, with top country artists such as Dustin Lynch, Trace Adkins, Jake Owen, Brett Young, Tyler Farr, Cassadee Pope and
Michael Ray. There will be an array of activities, a wide selection of food vendors and restaurants, as well as Sierra Nevada beer, the Barefoot Wine Garden and Cuervo Cantina. Single-day tickets are priced from $89. Threeday passes are priced from $249. Purchase tickets online at www. countryspiritusa.com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849.
works with Alexa,” said Michael L. Giobbi, Armstrong chief technical officer.
“Integrating Alexa is another big step we’ve taken towards integrating smart solutions into EXP.”
Armstrong EXP blends Armstrong’s Zoom Wi-Fi and Television services with interactive access to home entertainment. For more information, check Armstrong’s blog at FollowTheWire.com.
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Notices
Pursuant to §128.85 of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Title 7 regulations, GROWMARK FS, LLC. hereby gives notice of ground application of “Restricted Use Pesticides” for the protection of agricultural crops in municipalities in Pennsylvania during the next 45 days. Residents of contiguous property to our application sites should contact your local GROWMARK FS, LLC. facility for additional information. Concerned Citizens should contact: Michael Layton, MGR. Safety & Environment, mlayton@growmarkfs. com GROWMARK FS, LLC. 308 N.E. Front Street, Milford, DE 19963. Call 302-422-3002
Garage/Yard Sales
Moving Sale, August 4th, 4 Poppy Lane, West Grove, 8-?. Furniture, appliances, housewares, toys, kids clothes, and a freezer. YARD SALE West Grove, Sat. Aug. 4th Luther House Activity Room #3, 8-2.
208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 7p-25-3t DISSOLUTION NOTICE
Notice is hereby given by Stovers Enterprises Inc.,2793 Newark Road, West Grove, PA 19390, a Pennsylvania business corporation, that said corporation is winding up its affairs in the manner prescribed by section 1975 of the Business Corporation Law of 1988, so that its corporate existence shall cease upon the filing of Articles of Dissolution in the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 8p-1-1t
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will conduct a hearing on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. to hear the Proposed Zoning Ordinance, any questions related to the Proposed Zoning Ordinance and any other business that comes before them. A copy of the summary and documents can be obtained at London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road and the Chester County Press, 144 S. Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The hearing will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. The public is invited to attend. Kenneth Battin, Township Manager. 8p-1-1t
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold its August Board of Supervisors Meeting on Monday, August 13, 2018 at 7:00 PM at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, PA 19351. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the meeting and require auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact Terri Kukoda at 610-255-0634 to discuss how Elk Township may best accommodate your needs. 8p-1-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, August 17th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in
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her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, September 18th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-8-462 Writ of Execution No. 2017-01543
PROPERTY situate in the Franklin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 72-5-34.1
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling
PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., s/b/m to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. VS DEFENDANT: RUDY D. ARNOLD
SALE ADDRESS: 1833 New London Road, Landenberg, PA 19350
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to
Local students compete in International Young Physicists’ Tournament
Chester County high school students Jarod Dagney, Ben Mellema, Eric Beery, Anthony Mazur and Katherine Baker can make coins dance without touching them, levitate Styrofoam balls and even weigh time. They aren’t magicians – they’re physics students with impressive problem-solving skills.
Their ability to tackle challenging physics phenomena is taking them and their coach, Dr. William McWatters, to Beijing, China, where they will represent the United States in the 31st annual International Young Physicists’ Tournament (IYPT).
Initially, the students were competitors at the local selection competition hosted by the Chester County
SALE ADDRESS: 117 Winston Way, Oxford, PA 19363
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, LLC, 610-278-6800
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.
CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
Intermediate Unit (CCIU), where they proved that they were the students best qualified to represent Chester County in the regional competition held on April 14 at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. The five students and two alternates, having outperformed the team from Princeton Regional Institute of Science and Math, were selected to represent the United States in Beijing from July 19 to 26.
Octorara Junior-Senior High School students Jarod Dagney and Ben Mellema are joined on the U.S. team by fellow Chester County students Eric Beery and Anthony Mazur of Phoenixville Area High School, and Coatesville Area Senior High School’s Katherine Baker.
Competing in IYPT offers students an opportunity to learn from other passionate young physicists from all over the world and provides them with practical experience, which they can build on in college and in their future careers.
Preparation for participation in IYPT begins as early as the start of the school year for most students and involves months of meetings, research and lab work. The students work with their physics teachers, industry professionals and sometimes younger students who assist in the experimentation process.
Physics teachers William McWatters, David Fenimore and Gerard Jennings inspired the students competing in IYPT 2018 to develop experi-
ments and presentations on the problems featured in this year’s competition. The main goal for McWatters is to provide students with exciting opportunities like this one where they can challenge themselves and see their work as substantially contributing to the study of physics in the United States.
“If teachers learn about this program and get interested then everything else will come,” McWatters said. “Right now, I think in the U.S. there’s probably only 50 physics teachers that know that this actually exists. If we could build that number to 5,000, then that’s how it grows. We just need people to know how cool this is.”
Originally a Sovietbased, Russian-language
Legals
competition, IYPT has grown since its establishment in 1988 and now attracts aspiring, young physicists from secondary schools all over the world to compete in a week-long tournament where they will
present solutions to challenging physics problems. The tournament will host 32 teams for the competition this year, including teams from Turkey, Poland, Canada, Chile, China and Belarus.
Pennsylvania as follows, to wit:
SALE NO. 17-8-472 Writ of Execution No. 2012-09196 DEBT $516,927.84
PROPERTY situate in the East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania
BLR # 69-3-161
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, August 17th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, September 18th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
PLAINTIFF: Bank of America, N.A. Successor by Merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. f/k/a Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. VS DEFENDANT: MATTHEW J. GIBSON
SALE ADDRESS: 329 Heron Drive, Lincoln University, PA 19352-1729
PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000
N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 7p-26-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, August 17th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, September 18th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.
SALE NO. 17-8-474
Writ of Execution No. 2014-00901
DEBT $548,645.62
ALL THAT CERTAIN parcel of real estate in the Borough of Avondale, County of Chester, Commonwealth of
BEGINNING at a point at the southwesterly extremity of the arc of a curve having a radius of 35 feet which connects the northeasterly line of State Highway (50 feet wide) Route Number 215, and which has a bearing of south 44 degrees 00 minutes east, with the southerly line of State Highway (60 feet wide) Route No. 131 at a point of reverse curve, said beginning point being distant 22 feet northwardly and radially from the center line of railroad of The Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad Company, known as the Octorara Branch, Maryland Division; thence extending from said point the following 4 courses and distances to wit: (1) northeastwardly along said arc or connecting curve to the right having a radius of 35 feet the chord of said curve having a bearing of north 29 degrees 36 minutes
From left: Sandra McCabe (CCIU), Eric Beery, Anthony Mazur, Katherine Baker, Dr. William McWatters, Ben Mellema, Jarod Dagney, Mary Jeanne Curley (CCIU).
