Chester CountyPRESS
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Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas
Volume 154, No. 32
INSIDE
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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Oxford street named for former Mayor Harold Gray
By Betsy Brewer Brantner was three mayors ago, he Contributing Writer is still called “Mayor Gray” by many people in the Harold Gray, very affec- community. tionately known as Wimpy, Perhaps what he is best now has a street named known for now is his volafter him in the Borough of unteering for the Salvation Oxford. Army, which he has done Oxford Borough Council since 1965. Every holiday Oxford Cornhole League approved the naming of the season, Gray can be seen forms in Oxford...1B alley coming off of Locust in front of the local groStreet behind the new cery store, Walmart, or parking garage at its Aug. wherever he is permitted, as 3 meeting. It will now be he rings the bell to collect called Gray’s Alley. donations for the Salvation Gray is an iconic figure in Army. The Salvation Army Oxford, and he served both is an international charitable his country and his commu- organization that helps the nity for many years. poor, destitute, and hungry Gray served his country in more than 100 countries during the Korean War and around the world, providing then returned to his home- everything from food and town of Oxford to serve as shelter to the poor to disaster a police officer for 27 years. relief and humanitarian aid Photo by Steve Hoffman He then served as a mayor to developing countries. Harold Gray, a former mayor of Oxford, can still be found each holiday season colfor 12 years. Although that Continued on Page 2A lecting for The Salvation Army. Gray’s Alley is now named after him. Kennett Square’s firstever parklet...4A
Camp Dreamcatcher goes virtual for this year’s camp By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Regional Police accreditation...3B
The children who attend Camp Dreamcatcher’s week-long therapeutic camp are resilient. So nothing—not even a global pandemic—was going to stand in the way of Camp Dreamcatcher in its efforts to continue to provide the earn services, support and love Courtesy photo that so many children have A few of the volunteers who are helping with preparations for this year’s Camp Dreamcatcher, which will come to count on during the past 25 years. take place virtually.
INDEX Opinion.......................7A Obituaries...................2B
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When it became apparent earlier this summer that the ongoing efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 were going to make it impossible for Camp Dreamcatcher to safely bring together more than 120 campers and an additional 250 volunteers for the regular in-person camp, a decision was made to turn the 2020 camp session into a virtual camp that would deliver as many of the regular programs as possible.
The first week of the virtual Camp Dreamcatcher is taking place this week with children between the ages of 6 and 10 participating in a variety of activities during two-hour programs each day. From Aug. 17 to 21, youngsters between the ages of 11 and 17 will participate in the online camp. These older campers will receive three or four hours of programming each day. Continued on Page 3A
Penn Township Supervisors discuss grants, finances, and the impact of Hurricane Isaias By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer The impact of Hurricane Isaias was one of the topics discussed at the Aug. 5 meeting of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors. The storm, which moved through this area on Aug. 4, caused the temporary closing of several roads in the township. It was reported that at the new Avon Grove High School construction site, a temporary stormwater basin broke, flooding Sunnyside Road. There was also damage to adjoining properties from silt and mud carried by the flood waters. During the meeting, supervisors announced that they
have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation. That money is targeted toward the development of an outdoor educational classroom at the township’s new sports park. The grant must be used by March 2021. Some of the work on the outdoor classroom will be done by local Boy Scouts as Eagle Projects, but first the area near the woods must be cleared of invasive species. To do that, the board approved a contract with Green Grazer Goats, LLC to clear away the unwanted vegetation at a cost of $6,225. The township has also been awarded a $250,000 grant through the Chester County
Open Space program. They are awaiting word on an application for a $1.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and National Resources/ National Park Service. Going forward with the sports park, the board approved spending $7,500 for the design of the permanent entrance to the site. Currently, there is a construction entrance that can be used by park visitors to access the walking trails, but the planned reconstruction of the Route 796 bridge over Route 1 could eliminate that entrance. In other news, the township has been named a co-winner of the Road and
Bridge Safety Award for the reconstruction of the Route 796 and/ Baltimore Pike intersection in Jennersville. The award is made by Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), Pennsylvania Highway Information Association (PHIA), and PennDOT. The presentation will be made Aug. 12 at the Red Rose Inn. The Aug. 1 sale of restaurant furniture from the Red Rose Inn and history books netted $826 for the township’s Historical Committee. The township is now working on the interior restoration of the building. The board approved spending estimated at $1,000 to
$1,200 to add studs and dry wall over the brick walls on either side of the Red Rose Inn’s walk-in fireplace. The recently revealed salmon brick is very old and in danger or further deterioration if left exposed. Township director of operations Karen Versuk reported that COVID-19 had not hurt the township’s income so far. Tax collection is on track for this year, with only a small drop in real estate transfer taxes compared to last year. The earned income tax is up at this time at $460,000 compared to $445,000 at this time last year. Permits are also up by about 30 percent compared to last year.
League-only season to start on Sept. 7, with games beginning on Sept. 25
Ches-Mont League schools to move forward with fall sports, cautiously By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In a decision reached last week by its athletic directors, the 13-member Ches-Mont League voted to proceed with a fall 2020 sports schedule, one that will offer student athletes the opportunity to participate in cross country, field hockey, football, golf, soccer, girls tennis and girls volleyball – all under the watchful eye of strict COVID-19 safety protocols. During an online meeting on Aug. 5, league officials reached an agreement to
begin the fall sports season on Sept. 7, and to kick off competition beginning on Sept. 25. A league schedule for fall sports is expected to be created and distributed near the time of the Ches-Mont’s next meeting on Aug. 24, pending each school’s availability of resources, preparation and school board approval. The schools in the ChesMont League include Avon Grove, Bishop Shanahan, Coatesville Area, Downingtown East, Downingtown West, Great Valley, Henderson, Kennett, Oxford Area, Bayard-Rustin,
Sun Valley, Unionville and West Chester East. As part of their decision, the athletic directors agreed that each school will play a ChesMont League-only schedule, and that the league would not be divided into its normal National and American divisions. It’s part of a design to localize the Ches-Mont, said Patrick Crater, supervisor of athletics for the UnionvilleChadds Ford School District. “Our rationale behind the decision to create our schedule based solely on Ches-Mont schools was that if all 13 schools played only
13 schools, that it would help close the circle, and keep things local,” he said, “not only as a risk mitigation strategy, but to also ease the burden on officials, limit excessive transportation and better solve the other logistics we normally deal with in terms of school and league sports.” The league’s decision came just before major recommendations from two of the state’s governing bodies, and the principal overseer of Pennsylvania high school sports. On Aug. 6, Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Wolf supported the joint recommendation made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Department of Education that Pre-K–12 school and recreational youth sports be postponed in the state until at least Jan. 1, 2021, to protect children and teens from COVID-19. The state’s recommendation to pause youth sports until Jan. 1, 2021 applies to team and individual, school and non-school recreational youth sports; includes competitions, intramural play and Continued on Page 2A
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Chester County Press
Local News Gray... Continued from Page 1A
Here in Oxford, the Salvation Army does that and more. In the past, the Salvation Army and the money Gray has brought in through his bell-ringing has specifically enabled children to go to summer camp each year. The funding also provided back packs and school supplies for school students. Gray has also served on a number of boards through the years. He has helped with the Memorial Day parade and other veteran functions. He has served anywhere he was needed, and he has also been willing to share advice and help those who visit him on his front porch. Most importantly, he has always been an ear for those in need. Council asked the community for suggestions for names for the alley and the majority of those suggestions favored naming it after Mayor Gray. The only difficulty was deciding whether to use his last name: Gray or the name he affectionately goes by: Wimpy. In the end, his last name will be used. And it is hoped in the near future Gray’s Alley can have a ribbon-cutting ceremony, for a man who has participated in more ribbon-cutting ceremonies than can be counted. Council was also visited by Sue Walker, a
staff member from U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s office. Houlahan represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. Walker updated council on what Houlahan has been doing. Walker explained, “We intended to meet with our municipalities, but have been delayed by the pandemic. We have been working on the redistricting of our district and trying to introduce the service of our office. We can help with any federal agency such as the IRS. We assist people with their social security, immigration issues and we help veterans. We also do a lot within the communities helping small businesses.” Walker added that Houlahan has three district offices where staff members can help constituents. Those offices are: Washington, DC Office 1218 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-4315 West Chester District Office 709 E. Gay Street, Suite 4 West Chester, PA 19380 Phone: 610-883-5050 Reading District Office 815 Washington St, 2-48 Reading, PA 19601 Phone: 610-295-0815 Walker added, “We are functioning virtually. You can call between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and calls are returned within 48 hours. We assist
with community stakeholders, and assist to provide with grant letters of support. If you are in pursuit of a grant, give us a twoto three-week notice. If there is anything we can do, let us know. In the last 18 months, we have closed 1,400 cases for people and handled over 36.000 pieces of correspondence.” She also talked about the efficiency and effectiveness of the offices, noting that taxpayers spend $1.3 million for the office and staff to operate, and the office has been able to return a little over $3.5 million in services to the district. Walker also wanted to remind everyone how important it is to return their census forms. The Oxford Borough Police Department was authorized to order body cams and cameras for their cars. Council approved $62, 243.25 for 14 body cams and five car cameras. This amount includes training and a three-year warranty. With regard to how this will be paid for, $13,500 will be coming out of the borough budget, $13,500 will come rom the Department of Justice and the remaining $35,243.25 will come out funds from the anonymous donor. Council also approved the payment of $38,150 to
New Holland Auto Group for the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid police vehicle. digiTEK, a local computer business, was approved to lease a suite in the MultiModal Transportation Center. They were approved for a five-year lease at the cost of $500 a month rent and $30 a month for utilities. There is another suite available for rent as well if anyone is interested. A lengthy discussion took place regarding residents’ questions about mask requirements in Borough businesses. Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller advised council saying, “We did pull information on this issue. The one thing abundantly clear is that wearing of a mask at all times by employees and customers is mandated. In restaurants, customers can obviously take their masks off when they eat. But masks are mandatory.” Council and their solicitor will work with the Chester County Health Department, Pennsylvania Department of Health, and OSHA going forward and will formulate a letter to go out to local businesses. To assist residents with their questions, links to these agencies will be available on the borough’s website and Facebook page. This will be addressed at the
Fall sports...
together is going to help that virus get us and we ought to do everything we can to defeat that virus,” Wolf said at a press conference last week. “So any time we get together for any reason, that’s a problem because it makes it easier for that virus to spread.” The departments stressed that their viewpoints were a recommendation only, and not an order or a mandate. “As with deciding whether students should return to in-person classes, remote learning or a blend of the two this fall, school administrators and locally elected school boards should make decisions on sports,” the release said.
Continued from Page 1A
scrimmages but still permits school athletic programs to continue conditioning, drills and other training activities on an individual basis. “The administration recognizes the importance of getting children back to school, while also protecting the safety and well-being of students and educators,” the press release stated. “The guidance represents endorsed best public health practices related to social distancing, face coverings, hand hygiene, and cleaning and disinfecting in school settings. It also outlines how to accommodate individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, procedures for monitoring symptoms, and responding to confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in the school community.” “The guidance is that we ought to avoid any congregate settings, and that means anything that brings people
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next council meeting. Council member Kathryn Cloyd informed council of a program that will provide trees to municipalities. This would require filling out an application for Partnership with Keystone 10 Million Trees. Cloyd explained that this program is a part of the Chesapeake Bay Alliance. The solicitor will review the application and move forward. Council member Robert Ketcham reported that there are a number of openings on the Oxford Area Recreation Authority, Historic Commission and the Historical Architectural Review Board is seeking a real estate broker for their board. Anyone interested should apply to the borough. During the public comment session, John Reynolds advised council that the new LED streetlights are working all the time. Borough manager Brian Hoover said they will be replacing faulty photo cells as soon as possible. Mayor Phil Harris thanked Police Cpl. Scott Brown and the Union Fire Company for their assistance during the Oxford Area High School graduation. Harris also said he hosted an introductory meeting with the new Oxford Mainstreet executive director. The weekly Crucial
PIAA recommendations One day later, by a vote of 30-2, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Board of Directors announced that it would be postponing the start of the state’s fall sports season until Aug. 24 while it pursues “a dialogue” with the Wolf administration, the state legislature and all athletic stakeholders, in order to get clarification on how to conduct safe athletic activities during the fall semester. Under the PIAA’s recom-
Conversations meetings are continuing and Mayor Harris and police chief Sam Iacono are still involved. Harris said they continue to bring in new members for the discussions. Harris is working with Lincoln University and Walmart in the hopes of having Lincoln University apparel available at the Walmart. The Oxford Public Library and Mayor Harris are working on a fundraiser— the first annual Large Mouth Bass Paper/ Photo Tournament. Preregistration is required. It is open to everyone. Entrants have 14 days to catch a prize-winning fish. The tournament dates are Aug. 30 to Sept. 13. First prize is $200, second prize is $100, and third prize is $50. Harris said sponsorship opportunities are available. The cost is $25 for adults and $15 for children and veterans. More information is available on the Oxford Public Library website. Council President Peggy Ann Russell thanked Mayor Harris for all his hard work. She also mentioned that another election is coming up in a year and a half, and invited anyone interested in serving the community to consider running for a seat on Oxford Borough Council.
Courtesy photo
The Ches-Mont League reached a decision on Aug. 5 to permit sports to be played among its 13-member schools this fall, with a league-only schedule that will begin on Sept. 25.
mendations, heat acclimation week for football -- as well as the start of workouts for all other fall sports programs – can begin on Aug. 24, and the opening date for games will be moved from Aug. 28 to Sept. 11. “We have spoken with a member (of Gov. Wolf’s staff) and we seem to be going back and forth,” acknowledged PIAA Executive Director
Robert Lombardi. “The impetus of the request made is to ask the governor to reconsider. The next two weeks we are going to do our darnedest to meet with as many stakeholders as we can, including the (state’s) General Assembly, and hopefully the staff of the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Governor’s office to see if Continued on Page 5A
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Local News Camp Dreamcatcher... Continued from Page 1A
Patty Hillkirk, the executive director of the Kennett Square-based organization, said that the decision to change the format of this year’s camp was “heartbreaking.” Even though everyone would have preferred the traditional camp week where the Camp Dreamcatcher family gets together, when that was no longer possible, organizers were determined to make the most of it by planning what Hillkirk called a “fun and action-packed” virtual camp. There are so many activities planned that you would think organizers had a full year to plan to deliver the services online. “It’s going to be really fun,” Hillkirk said. A critical piece of the planning puzzle was ensuring that all the children have the necessary technology to participate in the virtual camp. A local foundation recently awarded a grant to support purchasing 31 Inspiron laptop tablets so that the children who do not have devices can participate in the virtual programming. “It was wonderful to tell the families that the children do not have to turn in the laptops after the camp session, and that they can keep them for virtual programming for school in the fall,” said Hillkirk. “That will open up a whole new world for them.” She added that the organization also managed to secure 16 iPhones that could be distributed to youngsters for them to use. In an effort to replicate the programming and experience of the regular camp week, the children will be divided into virtual cabins with counselors. Hillkirk said that they will keep the children in the same cabins, and with the same counselors, as last summer. Some of the regular features of the camp, including the opening ceremony, the talent show, and the emotional wishlog ceremony, are all expected to be incorporated into the online program. There are currently 85 campers and 60 volunteers registered for the camp session. Hillkirk said that the volunteers and Camp Dreamcatcher supporters once again really stepped up to help with the organization’s mission to offer programs and services for children who are affected by HIV and AIDS. The circumstances this year resulted in significant changes in the schedule—instead of programs taking place in one week, now everything is spread out over two weeks. Many of the staff members, volunteers, and counselors were able to change their schedules to accommodate the new plans. As a result, the youngsters will be able to take part in 75 therapeutic and educational programs and 45 recreational programs throughout the two weeks. All the sessions will be facilitated by Camp Dreamcatcher staff, counselors, health center volunteers, village chiefs, therapists, instructors, educators, program specialists and community members. The therapeutic programs that will take place virtually include yoga, mindfulness classes, meditation, therapeutic groups, music therapy and more. Effective therapy has
Camp Dreamcatcher 2020.
A face mask with the uplifting ‘circle of love’ message on it.
always been a cornerstone of Camp Dreamcatcher, and the camp is always a safe place for children to talk about issues that they are experiencing in their lives. These issues could include personal or family trauma that they may be dealing with. Many of the youngsters are also facing issues of bullying, poverty, police brutality, or racism. Camp Dreamcatcher has trained therapists to help the children work on these issues. There is a program about living with HIV and AIDS and another about health and wellness. Topics to be discussed during these educational sessions include the importance of hygiene, nutrition and exercise, and staying safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hillkirk was also pleased that, for the first time, Camp Dreamcatcher is able to offer parents and guardians the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a health center volunteer through a Zoom meeting to discuss any health concerns they may have for their family. There are plenty of fun educational programs, too—children can learn about theatre, take part in writing workshops, and enjoy story times. Participants in Camp Dreamcatcher’s Leadershipin-Training Program will be able to learn about life skills like writing an effective résumé, applying to college, or preparing for a job interview. There will also be plenty of fun—including arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, escape room games, bingo, movies, and a digital music program. A large contingent of PayPal volunteers will be doing virtual games with the youngsters. Hillkirk explained that they are partnering with several new artists who will be leading art therapy sessions for the children this year. There are also many returning instructors who have been longtime volunteers with Camp Dreamcatcher. Popular local artist Susan Myers will be working with 6-to-10-year-olds on an art project. For campers between the ages of 14 and 17, they will be working on making a journal with e bond, a multi-talented local artist who makes one-of-akind artists books, printed pieces and drawings that merge and blur the boundaries of art, craft, design and poetry. Cathey White is an artist and educator from Philadelphia who will be working with youngsters between the ages of 14 and 17 on art projects. White is known for art-
Courtesy photos
Supplies with the PAYPAL game packs.
A camper is delighted after opening up one of the packages that was delivered.
Face masks for campers.
Because of the support that Camp Dreamcatcher receives from sponsors and volunteers, all these items are included in one camper package.
work that inspires people from every cultural, ethnic and economic background. She remains consistently inspired by her urban environment and the beauty that can be found in it. Ken Pienkos, a longtime volunteer with Camp Dreamcatcher, will be conducting a writing workshop for youngsters. There is also a Circle of Love Group Grid Art Project where more than a dozen youngsters will each draw anything they want on one square. When they are finished, they will take a photo or scan the image of their creative piece of art. An artist will then transform the students’ work into one cohesive piece of art that will be completed in time to be displayed during the talent show. One of the guest speakers this year is Lakeisha C. Brown, who is not only Miss DC for America 2020, she is also a Teacher-of-theYear recipient. “She is amazing,” Hillkirk said, explaining that Brown once attended Camp Dreamcatcher and has made issues related to HIV and AIDS part of her platform as Miss DC for America for the year. Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in art and special education from Albright College. She was also a standout track and field athlete who held numerous indoor track records. During her 15-year career
as an educator, Brown has taught in several states and countries. She has taught English as a Second Language (ESL) internationally in China, Malaysia, and South Korea. She was awarded the 2019 District of Columbia Teacher of the Year and named as a finalist for the 2020 Washington Post Teacher of the Year Award. With the wide variety of programs, therapy sessions, and activities that are familiar to the children, Hillkirk is pleased with what Camp Dreamcatcher will be able to offer this year as everyone looks forward to being together again for a regular camp during the summer of 2021. “It’s been interesting trying to pull this together,” Hillkirk said. “We’re trying to keep it as fun and connected as possible.” During the first week in August, Camp Dreamcatcher distributed packages for each family. The packages included everything from backpacks and water bottles to S’ mores snacks and Bombas socks. The packages included toiletry kits, there were also blankets from the Linus Project, Camp Dreamcatcher shirts and face masks, and a variety of supplies for the arts and crafts projects. Hillkirk said that the children were overjoyed when they received their packages, which was a nice way
Bombas and the North Face donations.
to get them prepared for the opening of the camp sessions. She added that being able to provide assistance in any form to the youngsters is more important now than ever because everyone is suffering from the social and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic—and many of the youngsters who attend Camp Dreamcatcher were already facing significant challenges even before the pandemic. After the COVID19 outbreak hit the U.S. hard, Camp Dreamcatcher received a lot of requests for assistance from the families of the children. “We started getting calls almost right away,” Hillkirk said.
Camp Dreamcatcher immediately established an emergency fund that raised about $8,000. As a result, Camp Dreamcatcher was able to distribute $100 gift cards to 53 families that included a total of 190 people. Now, they are doing a second round of $100 gift cards to those families that need further assistance. For more information about how to volunteer or to make a donation to help with the mission of Camp Dreamcatcher, email Campdreamcatcher@ kennett.net or visit the organization’s Facebook page or website at www. campdreamcatcher.org. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
Chester County Press
Local News ‘It’s hard to speak when you are traumatized’
‘Kennett Students Speak’ shares stories of marginalization in school district By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer This past Saturday afternoon, decades of whispering in the halls of the schools in the Kennett Consolidated School District finally reached higher decibels when current and past students in the district came together at an online forum on Aug. 8 to express their belief that the district has failed to improve relations with its students of color and in fact has turned a blind eye to the many aspects of discrimination. For nearly two hours, “Kennett Students Speak” helped to illuminate the experiences of several KCSD students, who shared their personal stories of being segregated, bullied, targeted, traumatized and categorized, in a district they said was doing a poor job of addressing – and improving – these conditions. Naomi Simonson, a 2017 KHS graduate who co-hosted the event with 2018 KHS graduate Daniela Carmona, said the event was inspired by the stories shared on the Instagram page “Black Brown Chester County Speak,” which was recently created as a safe space for students in Chester County to comment on the types of discrimination they receive or received in their respective school districts. The forum has received
posts from students in the Avon Grove, Coatesville, Downingtown, Great Valley, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford Area, Unionville-Chadds Ford and West Chester school districts. One former student reflected on the many racial biases she had heard during her 12 years as a student in the district that regularly targeted class demographics; identified certain schools in the district according to their percentage of students of color; discussed the frequency of administrators and teachers who falsely accused female students of color of dressing in an overtly sexual manner as opposed to their white classmates who dressed in a similar fashion; and emphasized that students of color are likely to be punished more harshly for incidents than white students. Simonson read a story sent to her by a recent KHS graduate who shared his experiences of mental illness, which included being diagnosed with ADHD, as well as depression, behavior disorders and panic attacks he suffered nearly every morning before school. He wrote that he was often called the “R-word” and “Psycho” by students who were not disciplined for their behavior. “We had countless meetings where we listened to administrative members
express their anti-bullying sentiments,” he wrote. “We even got a few meetings with the students and their parents as well, but can count with fingers left to spare how many times actual disciplinary action was taken. “I needed the administration to stand up for me when I couldn’t do it myself. The pain I suffered while in school stuck with me longer than I care to admit.” Carmona read from a letter sent by a former KHS student who said she experienced racial categorization in the district, beginning when she was in elementary school. In second grade, she was admonished by a teacher for speaking Spanish among her friends. When she reached middle school, the school cafeteria became a segregated space between white students and Hispanic students and a place where she was often called racial slurs by white students. When she reached high school, she saw how some teachers and administrators treated students of color versus white students; in particular, students of color who attend honors-level classes. ‘Stand up for us’ “We love to praise our diversity,” she wrote. “Well, in order to praise it, we need to address all of these
issues. Teachers, administrators and staff, when you leave here today, don’t come to us and say you feel our pain and that you feel sorry for all of the things we have gone through. Instead, say, ‘I am going to effect change in this district. I am going to uplift black and brown voices every day in my classroom. I am going to make sure to never again let a student be discriminated against for the color of their skin, their religion, their sexuality, their gender, etc. Stand up for us.” A former student then shared her story of racial discrimination that began when she was a student at Greenwood Elementary School and continued through her senior year at KHS in 2018. She was frequently targeted for her Latinx heritage and was taunted by her classmates with racial slurs. She was criticized in class for reading slowly. When she was in the fifth grade, she was told by a white classmate, “You’re Mexican, so you live in a trailer and never take a shower and don’t own a washing machine.” When she reached Kennett High School, she was asked by white students when she and her family would be deported from the United States. She praised the event for allowing marginalized students to tell others about their experiences, and forcing the difficult conversation to move forward. “For the longest time, all of us here have tried to speak like this to people and have been brushed aside or ignored,” she said. “It’s hard to speak when you are traumatized. A lot of people I did speak with would tell me that I was being dramatic. “It’s sad that so many people don’t know the struggle of immigrants in the community, and that it’s only up to us to share that,” she continued. “Because everyone is so used to it, nobody calls it out, and when we try, we are told that we’re lucky
to even be attending this school and getting a good education.” “Kennett Students Speak” also revealed that discrimination in the district has not just been confined to the African American and Latinx student communities. A 2020 KHS graduate shared her experience as an LGBTQ student, which included the rampant use of slurs used against her and other LGBTQ students. While she said the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance created a safe space for her, the school was still in infiltrated with what she called “bouts of hate” toward gay students. She accused some teachers at the high school of building spaces where homophobia and other sorts of aggression is supported and continually promoted. She had one teacher, she said, who would regularly mock the LGBTQ community whenever it was mentioned. “It makes students such as me who identify within the community really scared to be around other people who are using that slur just for fun, or think it’s cool to call out people for being gay, like it’s some kind of insult,” she said. The Aug. 8 event took the place of a public gathering that was originally scheduled to take place on the steps of Kennett High School on Aug. 1. On July 31, however, Simonson, Carmona and fellow organizer Kassie Allyon decided to postpone the event on the recommendation of KCSD officials, who expressed their concern that the event could possibly lead to legal action against the organizers. The first seeds of what became the Aug. 8 event were planted in June, when Carmona sent an email letter to KCSD Superintendent Dr. Dusty Blakey, the KCSD school board and district administration. The letter included a set of desirable changes that organizers were asking the district to
consider in order to improve relations with marginalized students. The list included hiring teachers and district leaders who are representative of the student body; initiating mandatory and continuous anti-bias and anti-racist training for all KCSD employees; providing mental health resources, including but not limited to therapists and mental health education classes; revising an educational curriculum that accurately addresses the full scope of the U.S.’s history with injustice, ranging from class, racial, ethnic, religious and LGBTQ inequality; holding routine assemblies featuring speakers who address class, racial, religious and LGBTQ inequality; banning the “N-word” from the district’s academic curriculum; and creating a reformed discipline policy that does not discriminate against students of color. Simonson clarified that these ideas should not be categorized as “demands,” but a call to the KCSD administration to use their powers to advocate for and protect students who have been disproportionately affected by various degrees of discrimination. “This is a community effort, a conversation that we as marginalized students have had for a very long time among ourselves,” she said. “It’s when we work together with the administration that we will be able to institute the changes that we want to see. “At the end of the day, every student has the right to have a positive and enriching experience in school, and that is a demand. “We can’t legislate morality, but we can regulate behavior.” The names of the students who shared their experiences have not been included in this news story in order to protect their anonymity. To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Kennett Square’s first-ever parklet has been unveiled With some help from volunteers from the community, Historic Kennett Square recently built and unveiled Kennett Square’s first-ever parklet. While the parklet concept is new in Kennett Square, parklets of all kinds have been popping up in cities and towns around the world for years—especially in recent months because parklets provide additional outdoor spaces for recreation and dining. Kennett Square’s West State Street parklet will provide an accessible outdoor dining experience for customers of four different businesses. “The parklet converts curbside parking spots into a vibrant community space and allows for socially distanced outdoor dining for Lily and Grain for both lunch and dinner service, as well as space for Talula’s
Courtesy photo
Kennett Square now has a parklet after Historic Kennett Square and a group of dedicated volunteers led the work of building one.
Table and Philter customers from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.,” said Bo Wright, Historic Kennett Square’s executive director. As Chester County began to move toward reopening, Historic Kennett Square surveyed local business owners to find out what could be done to help everyone. Wright explained, “While closing
the 100 block of East State Street on Thursday evenings and weekends works well for the restaurants and shops located on that block, the feedback we received made it clear that closing the West 100 block wasn’t going to work for the mix of businesses there. A parklet seemed to be the perfect solution—and thanks to Continued on Page 6B
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Local News Fall sports... Continued from Page 2A
we can collaborate about supporting fall activities.” While it is safe to proclaim that the Ches-Mont’s decision to proceed with a fall sports program is cause for celebration among its student athletes, coaches and much of the local high school sports community, it will likely receive criticism from those who feel that the league is playing a game of Russian Roulette with its players and coaches, subjecting them to a dangerous virus that has already killed over 165,000 Americans, close to 14,000 Pennsylvanians and nearly 350 residents in Chester County. The silver lining in a potential storm cloud, athletic directors say, is that while the Ches-Mont League fall sports programs are scheduled to be played, they will do so under the safety guidelines of key watchdogs: the Wolf administration, which includes the state’s Department of Health under Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine; the PIAA and the Chester County Health Department. Each school has also provided its own safety guidelines to all players, coaches and families on their website. (Under current policy, if a player or coach is found to have COVID-19, each school will follow the guidelines specified by school district’s health and safety plan in consultation with the county’s health department, who will be conducting contact tracing tests throughout the fall. If one positive case is detected, the individual and his or her teammates/colleagues will be quarantined for a period of
14 days. If two or more cases are found, the department’s guidelines state that the entire school will shut down for a period of 14 days.) “These agencies all serve as our governing bodies, and I would say that they really have a good idea of what’s going on,” said Kyle Christy, athletic director for the Avon Grove School District. “They’re the ones who have the most up-to-date knowledge of the facts, and they’re the ones who are spending every day and every hour working to make sure that the risks are mitigated and that our athletes and coaches are safe.” Crater said he has had many discussions with U-CF officials as well as his fellow athletic directors that weighed the pros and cons of moving forward with a fall sports schedule. “There is certainly a risk of playing, but there is certainly a risk of not playing, as well,” he said. “When you think about the higher purpose of sports, at the end of the day when you look back, is it really about the wins and losses, the trophies and the championships? Most would agree that when you look back on your high school days, you remember that while competing was fun in the moment, the higher purpose of sports – especially in the situation we’re living through now -- is to support the children’s emotional, social, mental and physical health, and provide them with the opportunity to be outside and exercise, during a period when many are isolated.” Crater noted that summer workouts for Unionville athletes began on June 22, and since then, they have served as a necessary balm that has
kept student athletes on campus, as well as motivated and engaged. “Another factor we all recognize is that our kids love to play sports, and if we don’t have sports, these students are going to find someplace else to play sports. We have a very strong health and safety plan created by health professionals and built by a task force of stakeholders, so having the kids on our campus under the supervision of trained coaches, supported by a thorough health and safety plan makes us feel confident in giving kids the opportunity to be well.” Christy said that Avon Grove’s sports programs began their summer voluntary workouts on July 1, and wherever possible, coaches have focused on individual and group drills that enforce social distancing and non-contact. Empty stands and bleachers As professional sports leagues have begun to cobble together their respective seasons that have been severely shortened and interrupted by the coronavirus, they do so either in a self-isolating bubble or by means of a truncated traveling schedule. For those who have tuned in to see the new look of professional sports, perhaps the most startling change has been that these leagues have been conducting their affairs without spectators. This fall, the stands and bleachers at Ches-Mont League games will look just as vacant, as the league has decided that public attendance will not be permitted at athletic events, which also includes school marching
bands at football games. One of the most difficult tasks Crater has had to make recently is to share the bad news with the members of the Unionville booster club. “If I put myself in the shoes of the parents, I recognize how disappointing this is, and if I put myself in the shoes of the athletes, I know how important the ‘Friday Night Lights’ experience is,” he said. “It’s disappointing for all of us, but in order to play, it’s our responsibility to mitigate risks to the best of our ability.” Thanks to the ingenuity of live streaming, however, many Ches-Mont fans will still be able to follow their friends, classmates, sons and daughters in action this fall. At Avon Grove High School, the student-led AGTV will be broadcasting several Red Devil sports on the school’s website. “The students who run our AGTV program have been awesome,” Christy said. “By doing it all in-house, we will have the capability to place a camera in our gymnasium to record our volleyball games, and we are also working on getting a camera outside for a lot of our outdoor sports. It is our goal to have every home game streamed, with the exception of golf.” Like every other athletic director in the Ches-Mont, Crater remains resolute in his district’s commitment to its student athletes. In his recent letter to the UCSFD community, he stressed that during the upcoming fall athletic season, “Teamwork will be more important than ever, and I’m not just referring to passing the ball or communicating on the court,” he wrote. “A good teammate will stay
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Each school has created its individual health and safety guidelines, in order to protect players, coaches and others associated with interscholastic sports.
Under the Ches-Mont League’s new policy, spectators will not be permitted to attend league athletic events this fall.
home when they’re sick, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash their hands, use good judgment, and make responsible decisions for the health and safety of their teammates, classmates, coaches, and the entire community. The ultimate measure of accomplishment this year will be excellent teamwork. “Our athletes will have the opportunity to be part of a team and enjoy being with friends; they will spend lots of time outside working hard and exercising, and they will have fun.” In the end, Crater said, making the league-wide decision
to create a fall Ches-Mont schedule, he said, was done so in order to create a sense of normalcy during a time of great uncertainty. “This fall, the emphasis won’t be on championships and trophies and winning at all costs,” he said. “In fact, winning will be the least important thing that will happen this fall. We’re at a point where we will embrace and enjoy any and all opportunities that we have, in order to play.” To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
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Opinion
Editorial
Letters to the Editor
Gov. Wolf deserves praise for handling The two of pandemic, while there has been a lack newspapermen “I like to say that journalism is the graduate school from which you never graduate.” Pete Hamill, journalist, 1935-2020 In hindsight, it is not likely that Irvin Lieberman and Pete Hamill would have agreed on much of anything. Upon surface examination, their differences were many. Hamill was a high school dropout, was a loyal ally of liberal causes and once championed the presidential aspirations of Robert Kennedy. Lieberman was Ivy League educated and did not surrender an inch of his conservatism. Hamill was not just an engine of facts; he wrote with the eloquence of a poet who was always cognizant of word counts and the ticking clock on the newsroom wall. Lieberman’s writing seemed chiseled out of brick, a canvas of fat words that wasted no space. And yet, they are forever linked by their association with those who believe that newspapers are the essential documentation of our history, founded and proliferated by those who use their constitutional right to tell those stories in the name of tough but fair journalism. Lieberman, who founded the Chester County Press in 1970 and whose “Uncle Irv” columns ran weekly until his death in December 2018, spent most of his adult life advocating the right to a free press. For nearly five decades, Lieberman championed – many would prefer the words “freely exercised” -- the First Amendment and wore it like a protective shield of armor, passing the importance of that freedom on to his reporters in the form of a declarative marching order. He could at times be dogged in his insistence and sometimes even crude, but his message was clear: The purpose of a free press is to pursue facts without pretense and he was utterly fearless at doing it. For Hamill, who died on Aug. 5 at the age of 85, the craft of being a journalist seemed to proliferate from the cracks in the sidewalks of his Brooklyn childhood and grow beneath his feet. It came with a scent, too: the kind you inhale in the sweet boozy aroma of neighborhood bars and from the incense that permeated the churches throughout the boroughs of New York City. Hamill knew that these were the places in the city where the people congregated, where they prayed, where they pontificated, where they went to forget sorrow, to swallow up regret and where they went to share news. To Hamill, who had the distinction of serving as the editor of both the New York Post and the New York Daily News, the pursuit of news was done best when a reporter left the newsroom and followed his or her natural curiosity, to places where the voices on the other end were both reluctant and forthcoming. A newsroom was a place solely dedicated to typing. He would have hated working in journalism now; if the complications from liver and kidney failure did not eventually lead to his death, being forced to be a journalist in the age of COVID-19 certainly would have. Hamill’s ear bent toward truth and he had the ability to discern it simply by looking into the eyes of the individual. He exalted the prophets of our nation’s greatest moments. He also sniffed out liars and crooks and bad guys and called them out in print for their craven indecencies. His literary sword, induced by harsh deadlines, was sometimes too sharp and occasionally it dug in too deep. From time to time, so did Lieberman’s, but in reflection, who dare dast blame these men to refuse to accept the double-speak, half-truths and word salads spoken by the elected and the selected and the detected? These were men who could never accept impartiality. If there is such a place in Heaven where old newsmen now gather, however, it is right to believe that they will find their common ground in their belief that newspapers are better when their narrative follows the plight of the regular man and woman rather than the big muckety-mucks who chew up all the scenery and flash their credentials with a false sense of entitlement. Hamill’s reporting had the ability to break down the magnificence of New York City into small towns of many neighborhoods, through which blue collar men and women lived, worked and died. Lieberman wrote about the unforgiving world of mushroom workers and farmers, each of whom have helped to carry the economic well-being of Chester County on their sweaty backs, with barely a thanks. In the end, Irvin Lieberman and Pete Hamill, like true newsmen do, staked their entire livelihoods on the very simple idea that Truth is something to be pursued and that the voices of journalists – be they written or spoken, in print or online or on the air -- must survive, no matter the consequences. They are now bound forever by what burns in the guts of every good journalist: That left unchecked, Democracy will die in the darkness of ignorance and in the disappearance of accountability. For these two newspapermen, it will serve as their eternal epitaph.
of leadership from President Trump
Letter to the Editor: The nation remains in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic with 160,000 dead and cases on the rise in the states that re-opened hastily. Pennsylvania is one of very few states that succeeded in reducing cases. President Trump once called the pandemic a war against an invisible enemy. If this is war, the president is the commander-in-chief and the state governors are generals. In this analogy, Gov. Tom Wolf is a war hero who deserves a medal and Donald Trump is a hopeless incompetent who needs to be removed from office for the good of the nation.
Gov. Wolf made the tough strategic decision that lives are more important than luxuries and ordered the commonwealth to quarantine. He did this in the face of a total lack of leadership from the president and, worse yet, active attempts to sabotage the effort from the Republican Party. Trump withheld aid and supplies from the states while sending much-needed respirators to Russia and downplaying the danger. Republican legislators, some hiding their COVID-positive status from all but their own caucus, and pushed for rapid re-opening of the state, despite the dangers. When a party decides that haircuts are more important
than lives then that party has lost all credibility and any claim to morality. You cannot be pro-life when you are willing to sacrifice people’s lives in order to get a massage. Now Donald Trump tells us that “we just have to live with this.” Imagine if after 9/11 the president had said that we just have to live with our airliners being highjacked and crashed into buildings. Imagine if, during the first months of World War II, a political party had decided that the whole “war effort” was inconvenient and campaigned to end the draft, stop rationing and stop producing tanks and guns. Imagine a poster of “Turn
Rosie the Riveter into Rosie the Manicurist.” Now Trump tells us that it is too dangerous to hold a convention but that our children MUST return to schools no matter what. He is willing to sacrifice our children and grandchildren for no good reason. Difficult times require strength and the ability to make tough decisions for the greater good of all. The Party of Trump has proven that they lack the moral fiber, the common decency, the ethics and the empathy to lead a nation. If the nation is to survive, they must be shown to the door. Russell Losco London Grove Township
Plastics pollution is a growing issue—and state lawmakers are making it worse Letter to the Editor: There is no denying that we have a plastics crisis in Pennsylvania, and our state legislature is making it worse. From tax breaks for the fracking industry to preemption on municipalities implementing local plastic bag bans, our plastic pollution is an ever-growing issue. Now, the Senate will vote on House Bill 1808, which promotes burning
plastic as “chemical” or “advanced” recycling. “Chemical” recycling suggests that plastic will be broken down into its component molecules to be made into new plastic, lauding it as a solution to our plastic problem. Unsurprisingly, a report by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) found this process to be incredibly polluting and carbon-intensive. This
is not recycling; it’s just another way to burn fossil fuels and “legitimize” producing more plastic as the fracking industry continues to turn to plastics as they lose money. HB 1808 would set a very dangerous precedent. So few environmental protections seem to be adhered to as it is, the last thing Pennsylvania needs is less regulation over the burning of plastics.
I hope that State Sen. Andy Dinniman and the rest of the Pennsylvania Senate vote against House Bill 1808 and see its misleading pro-environment facade for what it is: a way to continue producing immense amounts of plastics that will benefit big companies and harm the people of Pennsylvania. Aislinn Devlin Chester County
Former President Barack Obama endorses John Kane for State Senate Former President Barack Obama announced his endorsement of John Kane for State Senate in Pa. Senate District 9. In his campaigns for the Presidency, Obama won the areas of Delaware and Chester counties on both occasions, winning by 10 percent in 2012. “I’m so proud to receive former President Barack
Obama’s endorsement,” Kane said. “As a country, we were lucky enough to have him as our President for eight years, and I take pride in organizing for his campaigns. Now, I’m honored that he’s joined our team to flip this crucial seat. Kane added, “During his time as President, Barack Obama defined leader-
ship during some of our nation’s toughest times, and oversaw an unprecedented economic recovery with class and dignity we long for today. During this pandemic, we need action. We need someone to put our communities first and not get caught up in conservative dogma. Now more than ever, we need someone to fight for
progress.” “We’re thrilled to receive this endorsement. Clearly, President Obama understands just how important this seat is,” said Steve Warhola, Kane’s campaign manager. “John Kane has a message that is resonating with voters in Delaware and Chester counties and they’re excited to make a change come November.”
Open the Flood Gates By Marie-Louise Meyers
symbol of the season a fretwork of blue though there is some good of Thanksgiving yet to be, knowing little but enough to be made of it. a rush of sentiment for to bring forth the message: It is held only for a minOpen the Flood Gates of ute for the tide has turned, family and friends, no longer imprisoned by Love for it is true and the roar you hear is the Pandemic will soon the creek taking stock of melancholy. I lift it to the Heavens in be over. its power becoming a river grown wild with abandonment with coarse and stained hands hammering away at the landscape making Randall S. Lieberman Publisher demands. Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Until at last hearing a Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor command from above, Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager the Creek goes back into Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director its natural framework Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director and takes away all the Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive shame and blame, Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive encased as it once was, Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations subdued at last.
The Creek once calm rises to the momentum of the rain as it springs to life coming down through the valley ripe with anticipation. Whatever was distant, once put aside, now drifts by; like a consumer you keep your eye pealed on the prize held in detachment with velvet gloves almost antiseptic as all manner of human contrivances float by, but softness spreads like dread. There is little to be garIn the Aftermath, I vennered by torrential rain, ture forth in a field of wild and much to be lost as clover everything stationary to see a perfect red maple is tossed around as leaf thrust from a tree,
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Chester County Press
In the Spotlight
Section
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
Oxford Cornhole League brings a popular game to the area
Courtesy photos
Cornhole can be played by people of all ages.
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer For people who enjoy playing cornhole—the lawn game that challenges players to toss bean bags at a raised platform with a hole at the far end—there is a new league in Oxford that offers the opportunity to enjoy a sport that is growing in popularity. Michael McMurrough, one of the organizers of the Oxford Cornhole League, said that they started holding games in Oxford in early 2020, and they were very pleased by the turnout right from the start. They are now holding games twice a week—on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Nottingham Inn and Friday at 6 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on South Street in Oxford. “Anybody can play cornhole,” said McMurrough. “A lot of different people come out to play.” McMurrough said that he first played the game at the Jersey Shore about 12 years ago. Eventually, about five years ago, he joined the Delaware Cornhole League,
where he met many other people who like to play the game. He said that he plays about four times a week and considers himself an intermediate level player. “We are an authorized part of the American Cornhole League,” McMurrough said. “Our main goal is to grow the sport of cornhole right here in our hometown of Oxford.” Cornhole matches are played with either two or four players. They use two sets of bags and two boards. Cornhole matches are divided into innings of play, and during each frame every player throws four bags, with teams taking alternating turns. A bag that goes in the hole scores three points for a player, while a bag that lands on the board earns one point. Play continues until a team or player reaches or exceeds the score of 21. McMurrough partnered with John Inzaina and Bill Meredith to form the Oxford Cornhole League. Their goal was to make it more convenient for local players to enjoy the activity by giving them the oppor-
tunity to play closer to home. The owners started working on plans for the league last October, and the first game took place in February. The Oxford Cornhole League was attracting more participants each week, and then the coronavirus pandemic hit just as the good weather was arriving. Cornhole is a game that can be enjoyed while wearing a mask and while social distancing, so an increasing number of participants are taking part in the games. An emphasis is always placed on fun, and people of all different skill levels can compete. The Oxford Cornhole League utilizes a system where participants are paired up with another player randomly for the first four games of each night. Then, the players are ranked based on the scores of those four games. The top three teams each night are awarded cash prizes. According to McMurrough, the random pairings are an important element to everyone having fun. He explained, “We
Cornhole is a lot of fun, which helps the growing popularity of the game.
find that the novice players really benefit from playing the better players. It makes it more interesting for everybody.” Meredith explained that, with a little practice, a person can improve his or her game. He said that his own game was “really, really bad” when he first started, and his son found it difficult to hit the board with the bag in the beginning. Now, his son typically ranks among the best play-
The twice-a-week games are attracting a growing number of participants in the Oxford area.
A new league has formed in Oxford for people who like to play cornhole. Games are held on Tuesday and Friday evening.
The bags and boards are supplied at the game unless players want to use their favorite bags.
ers in the league—just one year after he started playing competitively. Meredith said that what he loves about cornhole is that it is a lot of fun—and can be enjoyed by the entire family. He likes to play with his wife and children. “It’s common for me to practice four or five times a week,” Meredith said. “We all play cornhole and get to be a part of this great league. Everybody has fun. I enjoy everything about cornhole. It’s a social game, and it’s meant for fun.” Inzaina said that his introduction to the sport came courtesy of McMurrough. The Lincoln University resident has been playing competitively for four years, and he has enjoyed a great deal of success in the sport. He played in the Delaware Cornhole League. He has placed
as high as ninth in a state tournament. He recently traveled to South Carolina to take part in a national tournament. Cornhole players who want to improve their games will experiment with using different bags, depending on the conditions that they are playing in. One bag might be better for indoors, while another would work best for outdoor games. Some bags play faster than others. Humidity is also a factor. Inzaina estimates that he probably uses 20 different bags and will select the one he wants to use, depending on the factors in play. It’s just like how experienced bowlers will use different bowling balls for different lane conditions. The Oxford Cornhole League has a nice variety Continued on Page 6B
The three partners in the Oxford Cornhole League are Michael McMurrough, John Inzaina, and Bill Meredith.
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Obituaries OLLIE MAE POWERS Ollie Mae Powers passed away peacefully at the amazing age of 104 at Linden Hall in Kennett Square on Aug. 2. Mae was born May 14, 1916, to Cora (Thompson) and William Badger and grew up in Ashe County, NC. She moved to Pennsylvania at the age of 18, where she joined the Walton family as nanny and housekeeper. An accomplished seamstress, Mae was known for her skill with needle and thread, making everything from slip covers to wedding gowns. There was nothing she could not create. Because of this, she was always in high demand as a seamstress, and built a successful, self-run business, creating custom items until she was in her early 90s. Her passion, however, was crafting custom wedding gowns. During the course of her career, she created over 300 beautiful gowns. Mae was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Joseph Powers, who passed away in 1992. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Hillmann (Fred) of Silver Spring, Md., her granddaughter, Suzanne (Todd) of Landenberg, and her grandsons, John (Heather) of Asburn, VA, and Edward (Natalie) of Brisbane, Australia, and eight great-grandchildren: Delaney, Dawson, Isabela, Charlize, Camden, Spencer, Emerson, and Arabella. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity. To view her online tribute, and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh. com.
AYANNA NICOLE HENDERSON
MARJORIE CROWL WILLIAMSON
Ayanna Nicole Henderson, 24, of Nottingham, passed away on July 31 at her home. She was the daughter of Nicholas and Sonia Hersh Henderson and Angela Maxwell. Ayanna is survived by her parents; two daughters, Amiyah Phillips and Lilianna Phillips; two brothers, Donta Henderson and J`Mear Ringgold; five sisters, Nichelle Henderson, Justice Henderson, Alexa Henderson, Kai-Lyn Henderson, Isyss Alston and Alejandra Maxwell; paternal grandparents, Victor Henderson and Debra Henderson; maternal grandmothers, Josephine Maxwell and Betty Lou Hersh. Services are private. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Marjorie (Marge) Crowl Williamson passed peacefully while surrounded by her family on Aug. 2 at Jenners Pond Ruston Residence in West Grove. She was 93. She was born in West Grove on Sept. 15 to Ernest and Alice Woods Crowl. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1944 and attended Goldey-Beacom business school. She was employed by Hercules as a secretary and lived in Wilmington, Del. for a brief period. In 1949, she married Wilson (Jim) Nieweg Williamson and they eventually built a home in Lincoln University where she resided for 56 years. They raised six children and enjoyed 50 years of marriage until her husband passed away in 1999. Marge is survived by her sister, Jayne Crowl Ingram of Vero Beach, FL, five daughters, Diane Gouge (Thomas), Judy Soulliard, Debra Fuller (Wayne), Alice Roten (Charles) and Margie Lutz (Francis) as well as 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Phillip Cope Williamson. She was a faithful member of New London Presbyterian Church and Christian Life Center where she served as piano accompanist, choir member, elder, deacon, Sunday school teacher and cherub choir director. She delighted in her large family and was especially fond of her little grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Marge was well known for her baking skills and was an excellent seamstress. She loved playing the piano and passed her love of music on to her family. A private service will be held in New London. The family regrets that the current CDC guidelines and state regulations preclude a larger gathering. Marge was a supporter of Tamani World Children Project in Kenya where she sponsored a child. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tamani World Children Project, 342 Little Elk Creek Rd., Lincoln University, PA 19352. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
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Local News Southern Chester County Regional Police awarded PLEAC accreditation status Following an 18-month process, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) was awarded accreditation status by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC). The announcement was made on Aug. 4. On Jan. 1, 2019, the Public Safety Commission authorized the opening of the Office of Accreditation, staffed by accreditation manager Lt. Joseph F. Greenwalt and executive
assistant Sandy Lutz, who served as co-manager of the office. Lt. Greenwalt and Lutz created over 60 department policies that are recognized as “best practice,� which adhered to 136 highest acknowledged standards identified by PLEAC. The benefits of accreditation now allow the SCCRPD to establish a credible framework for evaluating agency practices and procedures. Accreditation also reduces agency risk and exposure to lawsuits; decreases
some liability insurance expenditures; improves law enforcement and community relations; increases employee input, interaction and confidence in the agency; enlarges the outlook and viewpoints of managers, officers and employees; and identifies and highlights the capabilities and competence of the agency. SCCRPD now joins six other Chester County law enforcement departments and 120 throughout the Commonwealth in achieving accreditation status.
Courtesy photo
Chief James Adams and Chief Scott Bohn of the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) (far left and far right) present Lt. Joseph F. Greenwalt and executive assistant Sandy Lutz of the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) with an award announcing that the SCCRPD has received accreditation status by PLEAC.
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
Chester County Press
Legals
ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS
ESTATE OF Lorna Binder, LATE OF West Goshen Township, Chester County LETTERS Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 or Attorney: : Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 7p-29-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF OPAL LEORA ORTEGA, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA, LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to GEORGE S. ORTEGA, JR., ADMINISTRATOR, 705 Lincoln St., Oxford, PA 19363, Or to his Attorney: JANNA M. PELLETIER, 535 N. Church St., Ste. 309 West Chester, PA 19380 7p-29-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Corinne Rhodes, late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the estate of the above named Deborah Cozzone having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said
decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Deborah Cozzone, Administrator, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381,Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838 7p-29-3t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF Lois T. Laffey a.k.a Lois Thomson Laffey late of West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Lois T. Laffey a.k.a Lois Thomson Laffey having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Norman G. Laffey, Sr., Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381,Oxford, PA 19363 8p-5-3t
INCORPORATION NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Articles of Amendment Domestic Corporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of changing the name of the corporation to SOCCER COMMAND, INC. Said corporation was previously filed under the name of SOCCER SOURCE USA INC pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988. Said change to become effective August 4, 2020. 8p-12-1t
FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION
An application for registration of the fictitious name Author of Books, 1261 Audubon Rd West Chester PA 19382 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 4/24/2020 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Martin Machowski, 1261 Audubon Rd West Chester PA 19382. 8p-12-1t
INCORPORATION NOTICE
LENNY-PETE LUMBER CO. INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. Eugene J. Malady, Esquire, 211-213 North Olive St., Suite 1, Media, PA 19063 8p-12-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
Estate of Antionio T. Gingras, Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Register of Wills has granted letters, TESTAMENTARY or of ADMINISTRATION to the persons named. All persons having claims or demands against said estate are requested to make known the same to them or their attorneys and all persons indebted to said decedent are requested to make payment without delay to Annette Barone, Executrix, 153 Hegerow, West Grove, PA, 19380 Attorney: John A. Prodoehl, Jr, Esq., P.O. Box 147, Broomall, PA 19008 8p-12-3t
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that due to the risks in regard to the COVID-19 virus, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors will be holding a regular business meeting on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 7:30 PM, virtually using the ZOOM meeting conference software. The meeting will begin promptly at 7:30 PM. The meeting agenda and information on how to join the meeting will be available on Friday, August 14, 2020 on the Township website and will be posted at the Township Building. The general public is welcome to join the meeting via a computer, laptop, tablet, cell phone or land line phone. We encourage residents to provide public comment by submitting comments via email to office@newgarden.org prior to the meeting to be read aloud. Participants attending the Zoom conference may provide public comment during the meeting. Those individuals with disabilities requiring ADA accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact office@newgarden.org or call 610.268.2915 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations. This meeting is being conducted virtually as the Township has declared a State of Emergency on March 16th, 2020. 8p-12-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate
By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, August 20th, 2020 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, September 21st, 2020. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter. SALE NO. 20-8-330 Writ of Execution No. 2018-12403 DEBT $386,920.13 All that certain lot or piece of ground with the building and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Township of Kennett, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. described in accordance with a plan of property of James H. Perry and Ethelyn A. Perry (deceased), made by
Howard L. Robertson, civil engineer and surveyor, Wilmington, Delaware dated November 30, 1985 as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the Northeasterly side of the Kennett Pike, said point of Beginning being the Northeasterly end of a 20 foot radius intersection curve joining the said Northeasterly side of the Kennett Pike with the northwesterly side of Byron Road (50 feet wide); Thence from said point of beginning by the said Northeasterly side of Kennett Pike Keeping Parallel to and 30 feet Northeasterly of the center line thereof the following two courses and distances (1) North 38 degrees 58 minutes, 50 seconds west 144.99 feet to a point of curve of a curve to the right having a radius of 1033.22; (2) in a northwesterly direction by said curve to the right an arc distance of 97.28 feet to a point, thence by line of lands now or formerly of Sarah P. Ogden a/k/a Sara R. Ogden, unmarried the following two courses and distances; (1) North 87 degrees 23 minutes 30 seconds East 292.33 feet to a point; (2) North 23 degrees, 14 minutes, 30 seconds west, 80.00 feet to a point; thence by lot No. 2 the following two courses and distances; (I) North 66 degrees 45 minutes 30 seconds East, 37.07 feet to a point; (2) South 50 degrees 56 minutes, 2 seconds East 271.22 feet to a point in the aforementioned northwesterly side of Byron road; Thence thereby the following two courses and distances (1) in a Southwesterly direction by an arc of a curve to the left having a radius of 380 feet; an arc distance of 60 feet to a point of tangency; (2) South 53 degrees, I Minute, 10 seconds west, 328.42 feet to a point of curve of a 20 foot radius intersection curve to the right; Thence in a southwesterly and northwesterly direction by said curve to the right an arc distance of 31.42 feet to the place of beginning. Being No. 1 Lot on said plan. Tax ID: 62-2-48.3 PLAINTIFF: The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificate holders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-26 VS DEFENDANT: Victoria Perry Robinson and Michael Robinson SALE ADDRESS: 1 Byron Court, Chadds Ford, PA, 19317 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: Parker McCay PA, 856-596-8900 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or
“Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 7p-29-3t
Classifieds Help Wanted Borough of Oxford Civil Service Commission Notice of Examination Entry level Police Officer NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Borough of Oxford Civil Service Commission will administer an entry level police officer examination for the purpose of establishing an Eligibility List on Saturday, September 19, 2020 beginning at 8am. The examination will include both a Physical Agility and Written Test. Applicants are required to pass the Physical Agility test in order to be eligible for the Written Test. Applicant Requirements: • Be twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of the test • Possess a High School Diploma or GED Certificate • Be Act 120 Certified or eligible for Certification-before receiving a conditional offer of employment • Be a citizen of the United States • Possess a valid driver’s license • Comply with any other qualifications as set forth in the Civil Service Rules of the Borough of Oxford. TESTING LOCATIONS: Physical Agility Test: Oxford Area School District Athletic Complex, 736 Garfield Street • Begins at 8:00am Written Test: Oxford Senior Center, 12 East Locust Street. • Begins at the conclusion of the Physical agility Test. Application Packets are available at the Borough of Oxford Police Headquarters located at 57 North Fourth Street between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Completed applications must be received at the Oxford Borough Police Headquarters no later than Friday, September 4, 2020 at 4:00pm. An application fee of $50.00, payable by cash or check (payable to the Oxford Borough), will be due with the application. The Borough of Oxford is an Equal opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, veteran status, marital status or non-job related physical or mental handicap or disability. Borough of Oxford Civil Service Commission
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
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Chester County Press
Local News Berkshire Hathaway honors Jennersville sales team Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Fox & Roach, Realtors recently honored the Patrick Curran Team of Jennersville Sales Associates with a Chairman’s Circle Platinum Award for the excellent sales performance for 2019. This award places them in the top 1 percent of all BHHS agents nationwide. “The reward is a direct result of working with a wonderful group of loyal customers and clients who
have learned by experience that they can trust us,” said Curran. Team members, led by Curran, include Melissa Bishop. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors is part of HomeServices of America, the nation’s largest provider of total home services and largest residential brokerage company in the U.S. in sales volume, according to 2019 REAL Trends 500
report. In 2019 the brokerage completed more than 31,457 transactions. With over 5,000 sales professionals in more than 75 sales offices across the TriState area, the company was recently acknowledged as number-one throughout the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Network. Through its affiliate, the Trident Group, the company provides one-stop shopping and facilitated services to its
clients including mortgage financing, and title, property and casualty insurance. The company-sponsored charitable foundation, Fox & Roach/Trident Charities, is committed to addressing the needs of children and families in stressful life circumstances and has contributed over $7.2 million to more than 250 local organizations since its inception in 1995. Visit the company’s website at www.foxroach.com.
Brandywine Hospital receives quality achievement award Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health has received the Mission: Lifeline® Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Brandywine Hospital earned the award by meeting specific criteria and standards of performance for quick and appropriate treatment through emergency procedures to re-establish blood flow to blocked arteries in heart attack patients coming into the hospital
directly or by transfer from another facility. “Brandywine Hospital is dedicated to providing optimal care for heart attack patients,” said Brandywine Hospital Interim Chief Executive Officer Vikram Acharya. “We are pleased to be recognized for our dedication and achievements in cardiac care through Mission: Lifeline.” Every year, more than 250,000 people experience an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely
treatment. To prevent death, it is critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clot-busting medication. The American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline program’s goal is to reduce system barriers to prompt treatment for heart attacks, beginning with the 9-1-1 call, to EMS transport and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge. The initiative provides tools, training and other resources to support heart attack care following protocols from the most
recent evidence-based treatment guidelines. “We commend Brandywine Hospital for this award in recognition for following evidencebased guidelines for timely heart attack treatment,” said Tim Henry, MD, Chair of the Mission: Lifeline Acute Coronary Syndrome Subcommittee. “We applaud the significant institutional commitment to their critical role in the system of care for quickly and appropriately treating heart attack patients.” For more information about Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health, visit www.
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Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health has received recognition from the American Heart Association for implementing specific quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
brandywine.towerhealth. Association’s Mission: org. For more information Lifeline program, visit about the American Heart heart.org.
The Grand announces fourth drive-in concert Concert will take place this Saturday on the Wilmington Riverfront After a successful string of socially distant concerts, The Grand announced the fourth event in the Concerts by Car series. Popular area cover band Montana Wildaxe will perform on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Frawley Stadium parking lot on Wilmington’s Riverfront. “We’ve worked with our partners to create a safe, comfortable, high-quality experience that will blend the special joy of a live concert, the vibe of a drive-in movie, and the charms of a summer evening outdoors,” said executive director Mark Fields. “Capacity is limited for the concert, so be among the first to share in this unique concert experiment that we intend to be the beginning of a summer of entertainment, Grand-style. It is our hope to attract national artists that have typically performed on our indoor stages to our new outdoor configuration.” Based on feedback from attendees at previous drive-in concerts, some adjustments were made. Bathrooms will be provided courtesy of The Chase Center and Riverfront
Development Corporation. Children under 12 can attend for free. There is no smoking on the site. Also, larger digital screens have been added during the concert for easier viewing. The Concerts by Car series is presented in part by PNC Arts Alive, New Castle County, and The City of Wilmington. Additional support provided by NKS Distributors, Kenny Family Shoprites, Riverfront Development Corporation, Electro Sound Systems, Delaware Stadium Corporation, AAA, and Seiberlich Trane. “We’re looking forward to a wonderful partnership with The Grand,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “This is a way for us to join together and celebrate the arts here in New Castle County.” Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki added, “Live music has been Wilmington’s lifeblood over the years, and its recent absence has been keenly felt. I applaud the efforts of our friends at The Grand, who have found an innovative and groundbreaking way to let us appreciate live
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music outdoors again. This is just one more example of the many positive, creative initiatives that are now cropping up all over
Wilmington in response to our new environment.” Tickets are on sale and are $25 per person (up to four people per car), plus
fees. They are available by calling The Grand Box Office at 302-6525577 or online at www. TheGrandWilmington.org.
Classifieds
The Grand is not accepting any in-person purchases at the box offices due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
Chester County Press
Local News Cornhole... Continued from Page 1B
McMurrough said that it costs just $20 up front to join the league, and then there is a $10 cost per week for players. Non-league participants can play for just $15 a week. Inzaina said that the Oxford Cornhole League is currently working on securing an indoor area so that they can continue to play when the weather turns cold. Meredith explained, “We want to carry this throughout the whole year.” For more information, visit the Oxford Cornhole League’s Facebook page.
of bags and boards for the competitors to use. For people who just want to have fun for a few hours, they can just show up with no concerns about having their own equipment. According to Inzaina, people who play cornhole are very friendly, and very welcoming to newcomers who want to learn the game. “Everybody I’ve met— they are very good people,” he said. The owners of the Oxford Cornhole League said that they are very pleased with To contact Staff Writer the number of people who are playing in the new Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com. league. A new cornhole league started in Oxford in early 2020.
Parklet... Continued from Page 4A
municipal support and some outside grant funding, we were able to pull the parklet project together quickly.” Wright added, “We’re incredibly grateful to all of our volunteers, and in particular to Jay Malthaner, who put countless hours into surveying the site and designing and overseeing the project, and to MOBAC, Inc. and Leonardo and Pamela Becerra of Guardian Angel Home Repair for providing us with the skilled carpenters we needed to make this vision a reality.” One of the first challenges for Malthaner and his crew was to build a level deck surface with a ramp that takes up as little of the sidewalk as possible but is still accessible for
all. In addition to Rich and Tyler from MOBAC, other volunteers included Bob Whitlock, Rick Pratt, Bob Hershey, Jeremy Peterson, Paul Gouge, and John Siepelinga. In the spirit of an oldfashioned barn raising, the parklet came together as many skilled, hard-working hands labored in the hot sun to help these small businesses. “At first I wasn’t sure about building a ‘parklet,’ much less leading the build of one. But as I thought about it I felt it was a good idea for Kennett businesses and my design idea was accepted,” said Malthaner. “Now that it’s ready to use, I am glad I had this opportunity—and in the process I met some wonderful people who became fast friends. I hope we will see many people come back to Kennett
over the weeks ahead and this will be part of the ignition spark.” Wright said the parklet couldn’t have happened without Mayor Matt Fetick’s emergency declaration and the support of borough manager Joe Scalise and codes enforcement officer Rusty Drumheller. “It’s fantastic to see the business community and volunteers work together to adapt the sidewalk and parking area to add outdoor dining safely. Supporting our businesses and keeping everyone safe is the goal and our businesses are making it happen,” said Fetick. “The parklet has already been received very positively by so many community members,” said Wright. “In this time it’s especially nice to generate a buzz of excitement and to be able to build something tangible
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that helps our businesses and also tells a great story of community care and support.” He noted that in this time when the need for outdoor space exceeds the demand for parking, the parklet is a gain. In addition, he said, the recently expanded parking garage provides plenty of convenient parking for those coming to town to shop and dine. With beautiful planters built by Phil Cottrell, coowner of Green Eyed Lady, and stunning plantings designed by Dannie Wright, the parklet represents a true by the community, for the community effort. Wright said the parklet will stay in place provisionally until Nov. 21, allowing the restaurants to continue Courtesy photo offering outdoor dining The parklet came together as many skilled, hard-workwith portable heaters when ing hands labored in the hot sun to help these small the temperatures drop. businesses.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020