Chester County Press 08-19-2020 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas

Volume 154, No. 33

INSIDE

Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Human trafficking Relief efforts underway and Oxford: to assist victims of Is there a Avondale Apartments connection?

Community donations have already surpassed $15K goal

flooding

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Greenville & Hockessin Life

A forest grows in Kennett Township...1B

Courtesy photo

Children displaced from the recent flooding at the Avondale Apartments play with donated toys at a hotel, which has been provided to families free of charge by the American Red Cross and Kennett Area Community Service.

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer Moments after Tropical Storm Isaias reached Chester County on Aug. 4, the breadth of its damage was as shocking as it was immediate.

Longwood Fire Co. responds to 71 fire and rescue emergencies...3B

The London Grove Township supervisors explored traffic safety options related to a large Opinion.......................7A tree on West Avondale Obituaries............2B & 5B Road near the boundClassifieds.................4B ary with New London Township during a recent meeting.

On Wednesday, July 5, the township's Public Works Director Shane Kinsey responded to concerns from the residents of Fox Chase development that the wide and imposing tree which skirts the edge of the road might be the cause of increased traffic accidents. Some residents had suggested that the tree, which abuts the road just east of Hipkins Road and is near a slight curve, be

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The ravenous storm ripped through town after town, downing telephone wires, toppling trees and sending them across large highways and small roads, and causing massive flooding that left 400,000 county residents without power.

The catastrophic mayhem was everywhere, closing businesses and sending homeowners into the catacombs of their homes to wait out the extent of a Tropical Storm whose strength was still unknown.

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Reporter’s note: In 2012, a group known as ACE (Advocating, Collaborating, Educating) Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford was formed. At that time, many people in Oxford did not even have human trafficking on their radar. I was one of them.

I was the borough manager in Oxford then. Even though ACE brought their message to borough council meetings, many people, like me, thought it was not a problem here.

That was a normal response across the entire country then. There was not even much on social media about human trafficking.

But that is not the case now.

Almost every day, we see a child or adult who has disappeared, and we now know it may be as a result of human trafficking.

I started attending ACE meetings and it was beyond difficult for me to listen to survivors speak about their

heartbreaking experiences. Yes, I know how that sounds: it was “hard for me” to listen. Imagine how horrible it was for survivors to tell their story and to live through it.

I attended human trafficking seminars, in and out of this country, and was at once shocked and instantly frightened to find out the extent of human trafficking.

I am beyond thankful to ACE for educating me on this subject. That education would forever change how I look at the world, and how I look at my community, and my job.

As a borough manager, I worked closely with the codes enforcement department. I quickly learned that local government could play a very important role in the battle against human trafficking. And I still remember the day our Codes Office administrative assistant and codes officer began to put the pieces of a very unusual puzzle together.

Through rental property Continued on Page 2A

Township spares big tree on Avondale Road

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

© 2007 The Chester County Press

$1.00

taken down.

Kinsey reported that he conducted an investigation into the situation, which first began by looking at the highway statistics. He discovered that in two years there had been 11 accidents at the site, none of which could be attributed to the presence of the tree.

He said he drove around the area many times at many speeds from opposite directions and tried to determine how to address the issue. He even recorded a drone look at it. He said he concluded that taking down the tree would probably not solve the problem. In fact, he added, the absence of the tree might give drivers a feeling of openness that would encourage them to drive

faster – and speed seemed to be the main cause of the accidents.

He added that having the township remove the tree might set a bad precedent in the future regarding the removal of other trees.

The supervisors concluded by consent to have the white stripes on the side of the road near the tree painted wider so it would give the drivers the sense they were on a narrower road and ultimately prompt them to slow down. The cost for that painting, Kinsey said, would be about $300.

In other business, the supervisors gave unanimous approval to a motion Photo by Chris Barber allowing Sean Franklin, a The large and imposing tree along West Avondale Road 16-year-old Boy Scout and was determined by London Grove Township Public Avon Grove High School Works Director Shane Kinsey not to be the cause of Continued on Page 6A

accidents. Consequently, it will not be cut down.

Effort underway Penn Township to bring a intersection project skate park to receives award

By Marcella PeyreFerry Contributing Writer Penn Township officials gathered at the Red Rose Inn on Aug. 12 for a special award presentation to the township for the project that improved the intersection of Route 796 and Old Baltimore Pike.

The annual Road and Bridge Safety Improvement Award is presented by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association (PHIA) and PennDOT to recognize projects that

make a significant improvement for vehicle traffic in Pennsylvania.

“It really is a feather in the cap for the township and the engineering firm,” said Karen Versuk, the township’s director of operations and road master. “It’s a big honor and we’re thrilled.”

The award ceremony was led by PSATS Executive Director Dave Sanko, along with PHIA Managing Director Jason Wagner andLou Calvanese on behalf of PennDOT. Attending the presentation were township staff and officials, representatives for the Pennsylvania State Police, Medic 94, and West Grove Fire and Ambulance Company.

Also on hand were State Sen. Andrew Dinniman and State Rep. John Lawrence, who came with citations for the supervisors, the engineer and contractor.

“We’re here to highlight an intersection folks have talked about for years and years and years, and it’s finally done,” Sanko said.

The intersection of Route 796 and Old Baltimore Pike in Jennersville has long been a problem for motorists—traffic backups were common at peak hours and there was an ever-increasing number of traffic accidents.

Continued on Page 6A

Kennett Square

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

An effort is underway to bring a skate park to Kennett Square because there is currently no place in the community for people who like to skateboard to pursue the increasingly popular activity.

A petition supporting a skate park for Kennett Square on change.org has already been signed by nearly 2,300 people as of Tuesday afternoon, and a group of local residents has been working to build support for the initiative.

Alec Ullman, a Kennett Square Borough resident, explained that a few years ago, he and a few other kids around his same age started skateboarding. Month after month, the number of people who would come out to skateboard grew and grew.

“We were looking for something to do,” Ullman explained. “We picked up skateboarding as a hobby.”

Ullman and other skateboarders in the Kennett Square area quickly discovered, however, that there are few places in the community where people can enjoy the Continued on Page 3A

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Chester County Press

Local News Human trafficking...

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enforcement, they discovered a property or two that raised a red flag. Most municipalities do have ordinances restricting the number of unrelated persons living together, and on one particular visit the codes officer uncovered such a situation.

Further research led to a web encompassing properties, and businesses stretching from Oxford to New York and New Jersey.

In the end, we passed it on to our solicitor.

That discovery has stayed with me to this day. I have lived here most of my life.

I thought I knew everything about this community. I didn’t. How could I? How could any of us really know, unless of course we have something like codes enforcement?

To all those who just view codes enforcement as the “bane of their existence” the enforcement of codes, in tandem with law enforcement, may actually protect us from the monster of human trafficking.

Every time a child, a teen, or even an adult disappears, we wonder: Could it be human trafficking?

The small Borough of Oxford, with a population of nearly 6,000 people, worries about it, too.

So, if there is a connection between human trafficking and Oxford, what is it?

“It may be location,” said Peggy Ann Russell. She is a founding member of ACE Anti-Human Trafficking

Alliance of Oxford.

When asked if human trafficking occurs in our area, Russell replied, “To think that it does not would be naive.”

According to Russell, the Polaris Project website, a map of crimes shows “hot spots” along Route One from Philadelphia to Baltimore. Oxford sits 12 miles from Interstate 95 and one mile from Route 1.

“That location,” explained Russell, “places Oxford in the path of traffickers running vans of victims from one metropolitan area to another. Often, vans move from one road to another if they sense they are being followed. Is it too much to imagine that one has stopped for gas or food in Oxford?”

She added, “Once the small town with a vulnerable population is discovered, it is like a gold mine to be revisited for the gems that can be found.”

mental organization that works to combat and prevent modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

Polaris was founded in 2002 and is named for the North Star, which people held in slavery in the United States used as a guide to navigate their way toward freedom.

Polaris operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which takes tips on sex and labor trafficking.

They receive an average of 90 calls per day. More than 40,000 total cases of human trafficking have been reported to the hotline in the last 10 years.

In 2017, Polaris received more than 6,000 hotline tips about sex trafficking across the United States. In that same year, 210 human trafficking cases were reported in Pennsylvania. The number jumped to 275 in 2018.

Within the first six months of 2019, Pennsylvania had 126 reported cases

just beginning to be spoken about in public. At the end of the very informative meeting, the audience asked what could be done next.

It was at that time that it was decided that meetings could take place monthly at the Oxford Library to have speakers from various organizations explain more about the different supports that are available to victims of trafficking, and how to join in efforts to put an end to the evil work of the human traffickers.

Through the work of dedicated community members, ACE began to advertise the toll-free phone number (888-373-7888) to report suspicious activity, provide opportunities to purchase Fair Trade coffee, tea, and chocolate; and collaborate with agencies to assist human trafficking survivors through the FBI, and Dawn’s Place in Philadelphia, among others.

Until COVID-19 restric-

“Once the small town with a vulnerable population is discovered, it is like a gold mine to be revisited for the gems that can be found.” ~ Peggy Ann Russell, a founding member of ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford Russell explained, “Convincing stories of great jobs in the city, modeling possibilities, and a wink and a smile that says, ‘You are beautiful, I am in love with you, come with me,’ seem to work.”

The ACE group has gleaned much of their human trafficking knowledge, from Polaris, which is a nonprofit, non-govern-

of human trafficking with Philadelphia County accounting for 28 percent of the human trafficking cases filed in Pennsylvania.

Polaris’s work has built out one of the largest data sets on human trafficking in the United States, and they have successfully used that data to combat the monster of human trafficking and modern slavery.

The data reveals that the top venues for sex trafficking included illicit massage parlors, hotels and motels, and residential brothels in impoverished neighborhoods along the interstate highway system, as well as in major urban centers.

Polaris plays an important role in this battle against human trafficking, but just as important are grassroots groups like ACE. ACE was formed in 2012. The first gathering of Oxford community members to learn more about human trafficking was in September 2012. Held at Union Fire Company of Oxford’s hall and sponsored by a group of associates and sisters of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, a member of the Maryland Task Force came to eduMarie-Louise Meyers’ book “Who Speaks for Them?” cate the community about the horrific crime that was is focused on the victims of human trafficking.

tions were put in place, ACE met at the Oxford Senior Center to bring the latest information available to the residents and guests who, in turn, go out into the community to advocate, collaborate, and educate. Part of that education is promoting those who write on the subject. It is a difficult subject to write about and equally difficult to read about, but anyone who shines a light on this dark subject is protecting our loved ones.

Marie-Louise Meyers, a local poet and author, is a member of ACE and has written a book of poetry entitled, "Who Speaks for Them?" in which each poem speaks from the voice of a victim. It is a beautifully written book that makes the reader think about the suffering of others. This book is available at the regular ACE meetings, or by calling 610-932-0337.

It is also available for loan at the Oxford Library.

ACE is also promoting a new book written by Carol Hart Metzker and Ann Marie Jones titled, “A Shield Against The MONSTER.” It is available at Amazon.

The very fact that these two people, from entirely different backgrounds, came

Courtesy photos

“A Shield Against the MONSTER,” written by Carol Hart Metzker and Ann Marie Jones, is available on Amazon.

together to support each other and to jointly write a book, is a miracle in itself.

Metzker has been an antihuman trafficking activist for years, working in the United States and around the world.

Jones is a survivor of sex trafficking who helps women recover from that life.

In a recent interview with the two writers, it was like watching a beautiful recipe coming together.

Metzker has worked in various countries and positions to combat human trafficking. She is a consultant to the Salvation Army working with their “New Day to Stop Trafficking” program. She also hosts an informative website, facingthemonster.com.

For 10 years Metzker has volunteered at Dawn’s Place in Philadelphia. Dawn’s Place pro-actively supports women affected by commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) and its abuse by providing services to women, raising awareness through education, and generating prevention, public policy reform and community collaborations. They work to improve the lives of women trapped by, or at risk for CSE, by providing housing, trauma recovery services, vocational training and other services. Jones was a resident at Dawn’s Place for 15 months.

Metzker explained, “I got involved with human trafficking when I was in India volunteering as a Rotarian to immunize children against polio in 2004. My team ended up at a center for children rescued from slavery. There were 50 children there between the ages of 6 to 14.”

She remembered one little girl in particular.

“I instantly had a connection with her,” Metzker said.

“She was 11 and had been sold in the circus, then sold for sex. I was jet-lagged at that point, and totally upset over this child. I knew I couldn’t live with that and vowed to do something to end it.”

Moving forward, she worked on projects in India as a volunteer for several years. It wasn’t a full-time job. She was also working as a writer. During one project, she got sick and had to fly home. At that point, she took a look at a world map on slavery and discovered slavery was also here in the United States.

Further research eventually led her to Dawn’s Place and volunteering there. That work ended up launching her into consulting with the Salvation Army program, and speaking on the subject in Australia and South Korea.

Jones’s story is more typical than not. She was married and had a daughter when her world was turned upside down. Her young daughter was molested by her younger brother, which brought back memories of her own molestation by her older brother.

Jones had her brother arrested for molesting her daughter. In her words, “My family turned against me because I had him arrested.

My daughter and I moved to Pittsburgh. There, I was introduced to crack cocaine, which took me to the street.”

Ever the advocate, Metzker emphasized, “There is a myth that women sell themselves for drugs. Not true.

Substance abuse usually starts by a desire to numb the pain of being sexually abused. Traffickers or pimps sometimes exploit women through their previous addictions. Only recently has the judicial system begun to operate from the perspective that it is illegal to exploit humans by using their addiction against them, the same way it is illegal to sexually take advantage of a person or to have anyone sign a contract when they are not lucid and able to give consent.”

Jones got beat up on the street. She met a man who told her he would get her out of that life, but sadly he was a pimp and he pimped her out. She got pregnant by him and lived in an abandoned house.

“It was at that time I was crying and asked God to get me out of this life,” Jones said. “My pimp heard me crying and laughed at me, then beat me so badly I wound up in a hospital.

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Chester County Press

Local News It was then I found out I was pregnant. ” It is here that Jones fast forwards to Dawn’s Place.

“I was on the street corner trying to get a date.

A car pulled up and the woman inside asked me for pot. I jumped in the car.

She told me she was a cop and that I was going to jail.

I said ‘thank you,’” Jones recalled.

Jones met Mary De Fusco, a public defender in Philadelphia. “She told me I was a candidate for her court and a year-long diversional program. They got me out of jail, into rehab.

Eventually, I went into Dawn’s Place which is run by nuns. It was a safe haven and my life changed when I got there,” Jones said.

And Dawn’s Place was where Metzker and Jones met and bonded.

Jones explained, “I learned about my trauma. I learned what normal was. They took me food shopping, something I hadn’t done in 14 years. They cared about me and I decided then and there that I wanted to help people too.”

Metzker came in as a volunteer and planted a seed within the survivors. Jones didn’t expect her to keep coming back. But she did come back—every month.

Eventually, Jones stopped looking over her shoulder.

Skate park...

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activity. The skateboarders move from place to place, skateboarding in one location for as long as they are allowed before moving on to the next spot.

What the community needs, Ullman said, is a dedicated skate park like ones in West Chester or Wilmington or Newark in Delaware. Many of the skateboarders who live in the Kennett Square area are too young to drive and can’t make the 40-minute trek to those locations.

“We decided to start a petition to see what kind of support is out there,” Ullman said.

He took the lead in writing the petition, which outlined the need that exists for a skateboard park.

Ullman wrote, “In the Kennett Square area, there is a bounty of recreational activities from parks to pools to various courts and fields for sports and other activities of the sort. Yet there are a couple of areas in the recreational field that aren’t necessarily covered in the preexisting projects.

The main goal of this petition is to get support for a local skatepark for activities such as skateboarding, scootering, rollerblading, and BMX.”

Metzker said, “Ann Marie is truly is an extraordinary person and survivor.

Only a small percentage of survivors get to where she is. She is courageous enough to face her trauma and continue to grow. Of all the survivors I have met, few make it this far. Not many can constantly tell their story without having a PTSD episode. I call them survivor leaders.”

The two are a great team, and they have one focus in mind: The prevention of human trafficking.

And their book is a shield

against the monster of human trafficking.

Jones explained, “When I was on the street, there was no one there to help me. I want people to know there is help. If I can change after 14 years on the street, anyone can. I would not change my life, because it made me who I am.”

Both Jones and Metzker stress that this book they wrote together leads readers through a dark tunnel of the realities of sex trafficking to emerge equipped to shield their community’s children.

“We fight,” they said, “so

there are no more victims.”

They also said, “We strengthen communities by enhancing our caregiver skills for teachers and coaches to help strengthen kids that don’t have the power or fully formed brains. We have to shield everyone’s kids, not just our own. Families will be dysfunctional, and we have to reach out to them to protect them from their own homes sometimes. We need to support social services, educate the public, and build the self-esteem in our children.

Above all, we need to notice

what is going on in the lives of others.”

One thing everyone should agree on and be aware of is that human trafficking can happen anywhere and with anyone. We need to care for each other and support those groups that support children.

That is also the message of ACE. That one morning in September of 2012 led to a group of dedicated community members who annually collect over 1,700 items to be donated to supporting organizations each year.

ACE continues to educate the community and support the battle against human trafficking and to support survivors. Russell is hopeful they will resume their meetings soon.

Please check their Facebook page for further information.

Copies of Marie-Louise Meyers’ book “Who Speaks for Them?” are available at the Oxford Library.

Copies of “A Shield Against the MONSTER,”

by Carol Hart Metzker and Ann Marie Jones is available on Amazon.

Facts to know about human trafficking:

Courtesy photo

Peggy Ann Russell is a founding member of ACE AntiHuman Trafficking Alliance of Oxford.

Ullman said that the skateboarding community is very caring and positive, and he has made some good friends while enjoying a sport that he loves.

Ullman said that communities can show their support for young people by making sure that there are safe places where they can pursue the activities that they enjoy.

Ullman believes that there are a lot of people who see value in bringing a skate park to Kennett Square.

He explained that skateboarding is a very healthy activity, and it’s one that people can enjoy even during a pandemic. At a time when children often spend far too much time playing video games, skateboarding is an interesting and active alternative.

Skateboarders can challenge themselves by always working to improve their skills, Ullman said, and the sport also offers freedom to participants—they can do it on their own or in small groups.

Ullman said that, in his friend group alone, there are at least 25 people who skate regularly. There are at least another 50 people in the area who regularly participate in the sport.

Ullman said that the popularity of skateboarding is

only going to increase in the future. Skateboarding was supposed to make its debut in the summer Olympics in 2020 before the games were postponed to 2021.

The increased exposure in the Olympics is likely to increase the popularity of the sport.

Ullman added that, as the Kennett Square area’s population continues to grow, there will be more and more kids and teens who need a place to skateboard. He said that the effort to bring a skateboard park to the area is for the next generation of kids as much as it is for anyone who currently skateboards in Kennett Square.

He knows that some of the people who will support the effort now will be moving on to college or the next stage in life by the time a skateboard park could be built in this area.

Ullman said that skateboarding is fun, and the activity often appeals to people who might not be naturally suited to a team sport or to a sport where coaches are heavily involved. Skateboarders tend to be more individualistic, he said. And for some people, if they can’t skateboard, there are few other healthy and safe options for them to pursue in the community.

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• The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally.

• 81 percent of them are trapped in forced labor • 25 percent of them are children.

• 75 percent are women and girls.

• The International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide.

• The U.S. Department of Labor has identified 139 goods from 75 countries made by forced and child labor.

• In 2016, an estimated 1 out of 6 endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were likely child sex trafficking victims.

• Of those, 86 percent were in the care of social services or foster care when they ran.

• There is no official estimate of the total number of human trafficking victims in the U.S. • Polaris estimates that the total number of victims nationally reaches into the hundreds of thousands when estimates of both adults and minors and sex trafficking and labor trafficking are aggregated.

Without a skate park, Ullman said, some people will stop skateboarding altogether, while others will skateboard in the streets or parking lots around town because they have no other option—and that’s not

always safe for skateboarders or for others.

“These kids are also at a higher risk of injury from external factors such as cars, cracks, and are more likely to interfere with the life of other citizens,” Ullman

wrote in the petition.

To sign the petition, find A Skate Park for Kennett Square, PA on change.org.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CHESTER WATER AUTHORITY Chester Water Authority (CWA) is conducting routine maintenance on our water distribution system. CWA personnel will be flushing the water system by opening fire hydrants. Please note that all hydrant flushing will be performed during the nighttime hours. All personnel will be in CWA uniforms and company marked vehicles.

You may experience some discoloration of your water. Simply run your cold water for a couple of minutes and this should solve the problem.

Beginning August 16th and through the month of August, CWA will be flushing the following municipalities in Chester County: Birmingham Township, Pennsbury Township, East Marlborough Township, and New Garden Township.

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If you have any questions, please call our Customer Service Department at (610) 876-8181 or (800) 793-2323.

www.chesterwater.com www.facebook.com/ChesterWater

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Chester County Press

Local News New Garden to seek disaster relief funding related to recent tropical storm

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer At their Aug. 17 virtual meeting, the New Garden Board of Supervisors adopted a declaration of disaster emergency stemming from Tropical Storm Isaias, which swept through the township on Aug. 4 and led to flooding, severe winds, downed trees, power outages and damage to homes and roadways.

Citing the need for emergency management measures to protect the health, safety and welfare of affected residents in the township, Resolution No. 829 opens the way for the township to seek funding opportunities from state and federal sources.

As stated in the resolution, the board directs the

township’s Emergency Management Coordinator “to coordinate the activities of emergency response, to take all appropriate action needed to alleviate the effects of this disaster, to aid in the restoration of essential public services, and to take any other emergency response action deemed necessary to respond to this disaster emergency.”

In other township business, the board adopted Resolution No. 827, which authorizes the township to apply for a grant through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP) in the amount of $214,115.00, which if approved would come from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. If received, the grant will be used for an open space

acquisition on Auburn Road, and pay for remediation on the property.

Related to the Auburn Road property, the board also adopted Resolution No. 828, which authorizes the township to apply for a grant to the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program (WRPP) in the amount of $97,716.00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. If received, the grant would be used to restore the Auburn Road property.

Later in the meeting, the board gave authorization to Township Manager Ramsey Reiner to pursue grant applications for the acquisition and restoration of the Auburn Road property by the township.

Bob George, the 2020 U.S. Census Field Supervisor for the Kennett Area, provided an update on the status of compiling census data throughout the region. He thanked the township for the use of the Township Building, which served as a classroom that gave training to 390 census takers. George told the board that he is confident that the project will be able to be completed, despite the lost time resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We still have seven weeks to go, and that’s with all of us working seven days a week,” he said.

The board also acknowledged the township’s agreement with Brandywine Battlefield Task Force and the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution

and its Color Guard that has resulted in the creation of a plaque recognizing the march of the British army from Delaware to Newark Road and Kennett Square, on their way to the Battle of the Brandywine on Sept.

11, 1777. The contents of the plaque were written by township historian Dr. “Peg” Jones.

The entire board extended their thanks to Public Works Director Ken Reed and his staff for their work to restore the township after Tropical Storm Isaias and subsequent rain events that followed. In all, the department helped to repair 15 roads that had been either closed or flooded; removed a total of 24 trees that had fallen on 19 township roads; and tended to 30 areas that had been affected by washout.

The township will sponsor a Haunted Park event on the grounds of St. Anthony’s in the Hills on Oct. 23 and 24.

Businesses and community groups interested in participating in the event can contact the township office for more information.

For the next eight weeks, the township’s Park and Recreation Board will be sponsoring a free Happy Healthy Hour fitness program on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 8. Classes will include World of Dance UJAM Fitness with Jay; Yoga with Swamy; Art in the Park; and MELT Yoga with Amanda.

Visit the township’s website for more information.

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

Dinniman, Lawrence announce more than $400,000 for Oxford water upgrades State Sen. Andrew Dinniman and state Rep. John Lawrence announced this week that the Borough of Oxford will receive $416,000 in state grant funding to upgrade its water service system.

The funds, which were approved today by the Commonwealth Finance Authority, come through the Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Grant Program.

They will support important improvements to the borough’s residential and school campus water service system.

“Water is life and we cannot take our water system for granted. It’s crucial that we make improvements and upgrades to ensure that our water infrastructure is safe, efficient, and healthy now and into the future,” Dinniman said. “I was proud

to work with the Borough of Oxford and state Rep. Lawrence to secure this vital funding, which will go a long way in ensuring continued access to clean water for residents, students, teachers, and families throughout the area.”

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget about underground water pipes until one breaks and causes a flood," Lawrence said. "Oxford's

forward-thinking approach to address key water infrastructure before there is a problem should be commended. Senator Dinniman and I worked hand-in-hand to advocate for this grant funding, which will pay to replace watermains around the school district’s elementary and middle school campus.”

“The residents and taxpayers of the Borough are grateful for the work of

Senator Dinniman and Representative Lawrence, and all those who worked behind the scenes to make this moment possible,” said Oxford Borough Council President Peggy Russell.

“We are excited to be able to improve the quality of water to our public school campus and surrounding residences, replacing pipes that are at least 70 years old. In addition, this improves the water

flow from hydrants for fire protection in that area.”

The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Grant Program supports municipalities and municipal authorities in activities to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects.

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Meanwhile, at the Avondale Apartments, the raging floodwaters had risen beyond the waists of the rescue teams who had arrived in motorized lifeboats. The water continued to slowly pulverize, pouring through the first floor apartment windows, as residents scrambled to grab their children and every essential item they owned in search of dry ground.

Some could not find their way out, and stood helpless, trapped inside as the water came through their windows.

That afternoon, Arlene Beltran went on a mission to gather up as many angels as she could find. She called her sister Karen, and Ana Aguilera and Gonzalo Cano and Maria E. Zavala and Ana Zavala, and by the time evening came, a consortium of community advocacy known as Hope through Housing for Avondale Families had formed.

On Aug. 7, a second flash flooding swept its way through the apartment complex, but the damage had already cost the 28 families who lived on the apartment’s basement and first floor their homes and nearly everything they owned.

In all, more than 70 residents – including some whose apartments were infected with mold – had been robbed of adequate living conditions.

On Aug. 8, the residents received notice from the apartment management that they were to evacuate the complex by Aug. 10, and

the basement and first-floor tenants were informed that they would not be allowed to return to their home for a minimum of 30 days.

Later that day, Maria E. Zavala launched a GoFundMe campaign, with a goal to raise $12,000 that would be evenly distributed among the affected families.

After the second flooding, the fund’s goal had been raised to $15,000.

As of Aug. 17, one week after it began, Hope through Housing for Avondale Families has raised $15,149 and in the process, galvanized the support of individual donors, agencies and businesses.

The money raised will be disbursed based on level of need (high, medium, and low), prioritizing the residents on the basement level and the first floor. Families will be given Visa cards to use toward rebuilding their lives. Some will use this toward the purchase of furniture, security deposits, replacing documentation, and immediate needs.

“A home is an extension of One’s self and reflects who we are,” Maria wrote in announcing the GoFundMe campaign. “It is a place which is full of treasured memories, laughter, birthdays, family reunions...

When you lose your home, you also lose a part of yourself, which is difficult to rebuild.”

As donations continue to rise, additional relief for these displaced families has come from several sources. The American Red Cross provided the families with free hotel rooms for the first week, and

soon, support came from Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), which is currently providing hotel accommodations for 13 families, while the other 15 families have made other housing arrangements.

KACS will pay for these accommodations on a case by case basis -- depending on the circumstances with each family until they can find housing.

“As a leading lifesustaining organization, KACS provides food and emergency assistance to residents in Southern Chester County’s Avon Grove, Kennett Consolidated, and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts,” said KACS Executive Director Leah Reynolds. “Before the pandemic, KACS provided up to a seven-day supply of food to approximately 550 registered households -- approximately 900 children in those households -- each month.

“Since March, the KACS Food Cupboard has served almost 9,000 individuals,” Reynolds added. “The Emergency Assistance Program at KACS has provided over $397,723 in rent, mortgage, utility, and other emergency payments to help those impacted by COVID-19’s devastating economic fallout.

“KACS continues to work with individuals and families to both prevent homelessness and assist those who are currently experiencing homelessness.

In just four months during the COVID-19 crisis, KACS has re-housed 10 families into permanent housing.”

Continued on Page 6A

Courtesy photos

Through the efforts of Hope through Housing for Avondale Families, more than $15,000 has been raised by private, agency and business donations that will go toward rebuilding the lives of those who have been affected by the recent flooding at Avondale Apartments.

Donations of food for the families have been made by several area restaurants.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Intersection...

Continued from Page 1A

The need for improvements became more important as traffic volume has increased with commercial and residential development. The impending construction of the new Avon Grove High School close by the intersection made it even more critical to correct problems at the intersection before school bus traffic was added to the equation. After seven years of active planning, the project finally was completed in 2019.

“Safe passage through our town center is not just a convenience, but a critical public safety component, without which we would have been mired in the 20th century,” said Curtis Mason, the chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors. “With these dramatic improvements, our town center can thrive and attract new businesses, homes, services, jobs and more to Southern Chester

Flooding...

Continued from Page 5A

Donations of food and clothing Assistance to these families hasn’t stopped at hotel accommodations.

Food has been donated

by Plaza Azteca, Primo Hoagies, Kaboburritos and Rump Roasters in Kennett Square, Twelves Grill & Café in West Grove and Kat and Mathy Farms in Kemblesville. In addition, donations of clothing have come from St. Rocco

County.”

The project involved realigning the intersection while widening southbound Route 796 to add left turn and right turn lanes.

Northbound was re-striped to create a left turn lane and improve the turning radius.

Old Baltimore Pike was also reworked to add left turn lanes and pedestrian crossing was improved.

To complete the improvements, the traffic signals were upgraded and the roadways were resurfaced.

McMahon Associates did the engineering and design work for the intersection improvements which were followed by contractor Road Con Construction.

Design and construction came only after discussion and input from the Penn Township Planning Commission, Historical Commission, and the township supervisors.

“This project was years in the making, the township came together for a fantastic project,” Calvanese

said. “It really shows that you really care about your municipality and the people who travel your roads. It’s a fantastic example of what can be accomplished.”

The biggest hurdle faced by the township was the limited amount of land available for the intersection widening and realignment.

Standing in the way was the historic Red Rose Inn, vacant and in disrepair. It was still an important part of the community’s history that no one wanted to see destroyed.

The township took the bold step of purchasing the Red Rose Inn property, and preserved the historic inn by demolishing portions of the building that later provided additional space for the widening of the road.

The Inn has been returned to its original core structure, and the interior restored as a museum.

“The Red Rose Inn was such an instrumental thing to making this happen,” Versuk said.

Catholic Church and Mision Santa Maria in Avondale. Hope through Housing is also pursuing contributions from individuals and other businesses that will allow them to sponsor individual families affected by the flooding.

“Another awesome initiative was born out of this effort,” Maria said. “People purchasing gift cards from restaurants of their choice that go to these families are also supporting local businesses during these trying times.”

For many of the residents of the Avondale Apartments, this most recent flooding is just the latest in an ongoing series of flood-related incidents that have not only affected them, but several residents in the Avondale Borough who live in the floodplain of the East branch of the White Clay Creek.

Unlike many of their immediate neighbors, however, those who live in the complex do not own renters’ insurance, which leaves them vulnerable in the case of severe

The Bible Evangelical Church is excited to join the Oxford area community Pastor Doug Stirling invites the community to come to our first service this Sunday, August 23rd at 10:30 a.m.

We have programs available for folks of all ages including children’s church Sunday mornings As a new church in the community, we need your help. We are looking for: musicians/vocalists, social media contributor, worship leaders, Sunday school teachers, youth leaders, and anyone desiring to serve God in local ministry.

Call Pastor Doug for more information.

We are “not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;” (Romans 1:16) We are located at 866 5th Street (corner of 5th Street and Media Road) Bible Evangelical Church “Where Christ is King!”

610-842-7245

Township spares tree...

Continued from Page 1A

junior, to create a video about Goddard Park.

Franklin told the board that he has made videos before and is interested in audio visuals and computer education at school.

Ultimately, he added, the video will become part of the Goddard Park website.

The supervisors also approved, by a 3-1 vote, the installation of two electric vehicle charging stations – one at the Inniscrone Golf Course and one at the township building. The cost would be close to a net zero because of rebates that are available.

The dissenting vote came from Steve Zurl, who said he does not believe the township should be in the vehicle charging business., Township Manager Ken

Battin reported that the golf course has been achieving high revenues recently.

The board also approved

safety and health regulations for food trucks that carry on business in the township.

flooding and not able to recover losses. For Maria E. Zavala and her sister Mayra, a Kennett Square Borough Council member, it’s a story often told. Like many of the Hope through Housing team, the Zavala sisters grew up in a Kennett Square apartment complex that is very similar to the Avondale Apartments.

“Similar situations of flooding have happened across the years with landlords doing nothing to remediate the damage, while families lose everything in the blink of an eye,” Mayra said. “The expectations are that if you complain, it’s easier to put you on the street and find another family to fill your place, because there is such limited low-point housing available.

“Renters’ insurance is not a possibility for a lot of these families, whether it is their immigration status that prevents them from being able to enroll, or whether it is due to educational and cultural gaps.

For them, replacing damaged items is not just a simple call to an insurance agency. Often, they find themselves at the end of their hotel stays with the decision of going back and facing the possibility of being flooded again in the future.”

Maria said that a few of the 28 displaced families affected by Tropical Storm

Isaias have already made the decision to move to another state or live with other family members, while some are left with no other options but to return to the complex when they are allowed to.

“We know that these families find themselves in complete despair, having lost everything including vehicles, and even in some cases, their documentation,” she said. “Although these relief efforts being done are assisting them through this difficult period, they really are just the equivalent of a grain of salt. For many, this is just the beginning. They have major decisions to make.

Do they go back and face the possibility of enduring another major flood again, or is this an opportunity to find better housing?

“Unfortunately, for many, being displaced from the town they have known and loved for years is devastating, because when that housing is not available there, they end up having to abandon the schools and support networks that they have benefitted from.”

Recently, the members of Hope through Housing dropped off dinner for many of the families who are living temporarily in hotels. Before arriving, Maria imagined that the visit would do nothing more than amplify the severity of the storm and

its aftermath. Instead, she and her fellow organizers were uplifted by the faces of the many children who enjoyed pizza and played with donated toys.

“A lot of these families are afraid to come forward with their stories, so they see us as their voice, so we are trying to use our voice in the best way possible to support them, not just in the short term but in the long term,” she said.

“When we decided to form this group, we did not know the obstacles we were going to face, but we found hidden reserves of courage and resistance that we did not know we had,” Maria wrote recently on the Hope for Housing Facebook page. “What we thought would be a sad day ended up becoming a day of hope and resilience.

Out of their suffering, these families are emerging as more outspoken and becoming more engaged.

“When we engage, things begin to change.”

To make your contribution to Hope through Housing for Avondale Families and to receive updates, visit the organization on Facebook, where the GoFundMe application can be accessed. The fund will be available to contribute to through Aug. 24.

Photo by Chris Barber

Sean Franklin, a Boy Scout and Avon Grove High School junior, received permission to create a video about Goddard Park.

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Letters to the Editor

A well-deserved honor

Legislation reflects the differing priorities of each chamber of U.S. Congress

Congratulations to Harold Gray for having a street named after him in his hometown of Oxford.

The alley behind the new parking garage is now called Gray’s Alley, following a decision by Oxford Borough Council on Aug. 3. This is a well-deserved honor for Gray, who served three terms as the mayor of Oxford after a long career as a police officer in the borough. Gray was also a U.S. military veteran, and he is also well known for his volunteer efforts in supporting the Salvation Army. Each holiday season, he rings the bell to collect donations for the Salvation Army, which helps the poor in more than 100 countries around the world.

Oxford has been fortunate to have a number of iconic figures who have worked hard to improve the Oxford community through the years, and there are a number of other names—Fretz, McLeod, Herr, Ware, to name a few—that ought to be attached to streets, alleys, parks, or other public spaces.

Road and Bridge Safety Award for Penn Township Penn Township was presented with the award for being 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 was presented by Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS), the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association (PHIA), and PennDOT. The project is certainly deserving of the award.

Before this improvement project, the intersection ranked among the least efficient intersections in the state. Numerous accidents occurred there as a result.

Penn Township has earned a reputation for being very conservative when it comes to spending taxpayers’ money. One of the projects that Penn Township did take on was taking ownership of the Red Rose Inn. Not only did this allow for the preservation of an important building in the township’s history, it also set the stage for the award-winning project because it allowed for significant changes to the intersection, including the straightening of the road.

Pennsylvania cannot afford defunding police

By Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh As violent left-wing mobs across America call to defund and dismantle our law enforcement, Democrats are taking notes and following orders. Liberal cities across the nation from New York to Portland are defunding their police. Unfortunately, this lunacy has now made its way here to Pennsylvania.

Just like other Democratrun cities throughout America, riots and unrest have roiled Philadelphia in recent months. The City of Brotherly Love hasn’t been so “brotherly” ever since these riots began to break out.

Chaos and destruction have led to businesses looted and demolished. The situation devolved to the point that the state had to bring in the National Guard. But rather than properly respond by backing the men and women in blue who defend their streets, city officials did the exact opposite.

In June, after rioters had already ransacked the city for several weeks, the Philadelphia City Council responded by removing and redirecting $33 million from the police department’s budget. This move was extremely detrimental to public safety and has decimated the morale of the officers who keep the peace. Simply put, the radical experiment has failed. The results have been disastrous.

Over Independence Day weekend, 35 people were tragically shot, including an 11-year-old girl who was grazed and a 5-year-old boy who lost his life. In fact, data

show that shootings have increased in Philadelphia since the end of May – as soon as the riots started and Democrats began demonizing law enforcement.

There appears to be a clear correlation between crime in Philadelphia and the calls – as well as the subsequent action – to defund the city’s police. Far-left radicals who are the beating heart of these riots are calling for our nation to defund law enforcement, and when they get their wish, they leave nothing but mayhem and destruction in their wake. And Democrats are willing accomplices who are defunding the police and allowing this to happen.

This is exactly why it’s imperative to re-elect President Donald Trump this November. In a recent interview with left-leaning media outlet NowThis, Joe Biden outright said that he would “absolutely” cut and redirect funding from our law enforcement. We have seen how this affects communities right here in Pennsylvania.

We’ve already seen it in New York and Minneapolis where their elected officials either disbanded their law enforcement or significantly slashed their police’s budgets.

Meanwhile, President Trump has promised to back the blue. He is the president of law and order. He offered help to any state or jurisdiction willing to ask for it.

We don’t need Pennsylvania to devolve into Portland, where rioters completely overwhelm law enforcement on a daily basis. The current situation is so bad in Portland that the president had to go

Letter to the Editor: As a health care worker, community representative, and working mom, I believe it is important to recognize the ways that the proposed HEROES Act, passed by the House of Representatives nearly three months ago, and the HEALS act, which remains mired in confusion in the Senate, reflect the differing priorities of each chamber of Congress.

The HEROES Act, which has been ignored by Senate

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for the past two months, responded to the ongoing crisis of the COVID19 pandemic. It extends the extra $600 in federal support for unemployed workers and provides desperately needed funds for local and state governments, which are facing ballooning deficits and the prospect of cutting critical community services such as schools, police, and first responders. It also provides funding for Medicaid, which currently is the only source

of health care access for newly unemployed workers.

In contrast, the HEALS Act cuts the supplemental unemployment benefit that American families need for food and housing. It does not increase Medicaid funding, further straining state and local budgets. It simply does not meet the needs of families and communities across the country as we face this unprecedented health and economic crisis.

Now, President Trump has issued confusing executive

orders that do even less to help working families in Pennsylvania and throughout the country.

Sen. Toomey must respond to our continuing crisis by doing his job and representing all Pennsylvanians.

He needs to support the HEROES Act, which offers a number of targeted strategies that will help keep our economy, state governments, and American families afloat.

Amanda Birdwell, MSN, RN Oxford

Five reasons why farmers markets are more important than ever right now All of us have reckoned in some way over the past few months with our dependence on food and goods shipped in from across the country and around the world.

Many of us experienced panic, fear, and even indignation when products we’d been used to tossing into our shopping carts, physical or virtual, were suddenly unavailable. It’s not an easy reckoning, but perhaps it’s been a salutary one. An awakened awareness of the fragility of our global supply chains, and of the critical importance of growing and sourcing food in our local context, has many benefits—not the least of which has been a growing appreciation, here in this community, for the Kennett Square Farmers Market.

When the shutdown began in March, one of the most rapid pivots in the community might have been that of Historic Kennett Square employees Ros Fenton, the market manager, and Claire Murray, the Main Street manager.

Because the state of Pennsylvania recognizes farmers market as “essential” and “life-sustaining,” they were able to reconfigure the market—first in the parking lot behind Kennett Library and then in a larger space for the summer season at The Creamery. Their goals were to keep everyone safe while continuing to support local farmers and producers and give the community access to fresh food direct from local farms.

In this respect, Kennett Square is part of a much larger national and international movement. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, “The events of 2020 have highlighted the resiliency and adaptability of farmers markets while emphasizing the need for investment in local food systems. Now, more than ever, farmers markets are essential.”

Here are a few of the reasons why: In uncertain times, local food supplies are more certain. The fewer steps

between a commodity’s source and the consumer, the less fragile the system.

Barring growing food ourselves or going to a farm, farmers markets provide the most direct access to food.

Food safety is also more certain when we meet the person who grows or produces the food we’re eating.

We can trust that it’s fresh and hasn’t been handled and stored by multiple intermediaries en route to our tables. The “fine produce home grown with love” that Douglas and Elizabeth Randolph bring to the market each Friday began the day growing on the vine at their Swallow Hill Farm in Cochranville.

Buying local food stimulates the local economy.

According to the Farmers Market Coalition, farmers receive only 15 cents of every dollar that consumers spend at traditional food outlets. At a farmers market, 100 per cent of every food dollar goes to the farmers to support their farms and households. They, in turn, tend to source the products they need from local suppliers. If you read the labels of many locally made products you’ll see not only ingredients you can pronounce, but also the names of makers you know. This kind of integrated local support creates more jobs and helps to build a dynamic local cycle that’s less susceptible in general to the vicissitudes of external market forces.

Buying local food is another way to vote to conserve land. Preserving land resources might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering what to have for dinner, but supporting local farmers helps to preserve the land and culture of working farms here in the rich farmlands of Southern Chester County. Any farmer will tell you that dirt is not just dirt, and part of the work that farmers market customers help sustain is restoring and maintaining soil health. Tim and Frances Crowhill-Sauder of Fiddle Creek Dairy not only make

ahead and send in federal law enforcement to help control the city. It’s not to that point here in Pennsylvania or specifically Philadelphia yet, but it could be with Joe Biden and Democrats in complete control.

Crime is already rising with Democrat-run cities throughout the United States kowtowing to the radical left. And it will happen on a nationwide scale under a federal government entirely

controlled by Democrats.

We cannot afford to let that happen. When it comes to our own well-being and the well-being of our families, the election this November is all or nothing. The lines have been drawn. That is the sad truth we are facing.

Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh was the first woman to be elected Sheriff of Chester County, a position she held from January 2000 until January 2020.

Courtesy photos

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week by sourcing an abundance of options for delicious, healthy, and sustainable week of meals at the Kennett Square Farmers Market.

yoghurt that garners rave reviews from local chefs and customers alike, but they’re also focused on restoring the health of the soil on the 55-acre farm they own and steward in Quarryville.

Farmland preservation is also, of course, part of a larger conversation about how population density and the kind of development that fosters walkable communities (like much of Kennett Square) increases the land available for growing food.

Farmers markets help build community and connect us to place. Above and beyond the social interaction that many coming-out-oflockdown people are craving right now, talking with those who grow and produce what we eat increases our understanding and enlarges our perspective. We find out there’s no more asparagus because of an early frost, and we learn ways we can preserve bumper crops of tomatoes or peppers for the winter months. When we buy sweet corn from Ben King of Breezy Acre Flowers in Nottingham, we know it’s chemical-free because of his own journey through health problems.

This year, his August harvest of corn tastes even sweeter because nature took its toll on his first planting.

Fresh, local food is healthier—and it tastes better, too.

The ultimate taste test is setting a supermarket carrot against a carrot from Flying Plow Farm in Rising Sun, Md. It’s hard to imagine they’re even the same vegetable. Seasonality is a significant factor, too. Eating in season means holding off on tomatoes until the sun ripens them on the vine sometime, depending on the weather and a whole host of other factors, in July. We savor the first strawberry or peach of the season because we’ve waited all year to taste them again.

Many states and cities across the country organize “eat local for a month” challenges. It can be more of a challenge than it seems— both in terms of tracing the origins of much of what we eat in a typical day as well as finding ways to prepare what’s available locally. If ever there’s a time to take up the eat local challenge, or even the “eat more local” challenge in southeastern Pennsylvania, the time is now.

Celebrate National Farmers Market Week by sourcing an abundance of options for delicious, healthy, and sustainable week of meals at the Kennett Square Farmers Market.

Chester County Press Publisher - Randall S. Lieberman

Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations The Chester County Press (USPS 416-500) is published every Wednesday by: AD PRO, Inc., 144 South Jennersville Rd, West Grove, PA 19390 Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 Phone: 610-869-5553 FAX 610-869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8am - 4pm, no weekend hours

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Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

A forest grows in Kennett Township A local couple is working with a landscape designer and other experts to convert about half of their property into a sanctuary for native plantings

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For more years than he would like to count, Kennett Township resident Michael Guttman was forking over more than $1,000 annually for the privilege of having a substantial portion of his 4.5-acre property mowed down to the proverbial nub, to where the grass was at the uniform height of accepted suburban prettiness, meanwhile choking all other life out of its nutrient-depleted soil.

Every other week during the warmer months, a lawn service would sweep through Guttman’s property with humming twin mowers, and within 20 minutes, they would eviscerate every trace of what could become a meadow of native plants or yield a thicket of trees that could spawn nuts and berries.

“Eventually, I thought to myself, ‘Why am I doing this?’” Guttman said. “I am essentially attacking my own land every other week, and all I’m doing is undermining its own natural ecosystem, and for what?”

Now, that roughly two acres of lawn is undergoing a transformation that will convert it to a sanctuary for native plants and trees, conceived by someone who has already dedicated a good part of his life to creating a healthier planet.

For half a decade preceding his retirement at the end of 2019, Guttman helped lead Kennett Township’s efforts to promote open space preservation, communitybased land stewardship and environmental sustainability, and has also championed the concept of developing Chester County as a world-wide hub for indoor agriculture.

As he first began to think about this project, Guttman knew that the building blocks had already been put into place. Buzz Ferver, the property’s original landscape designer, first created a largely natural garden in the immediate perimeter around Guttman’s home some two decades ago.

Guttman also later rejuvenated a large meadow on the south end of the property, and has main-

tained about a half-acre of woods at its northern end, which connects to Stateline Woods Preserve.

When the idea to naturalize the remaining portion of his property began to take shape earlier this year, Guttman had an alreadyestablished ally who had worked alongside Ferver for years. Sam Berry has worked with Guttman and his wife Lynn Alison Wachman for the past 20 years, first as a carpenter and contractor on several home projects and now as a landscape designer, where he has been developing the sprawling and woodsy property into a showcase of plantings.

Berry has now been tasked with reassessing the whole landscape, incorporating the two-acre lawn. The initial analysis will take a critical look at the existing plantings in order to tag non-native invasive plants for replacement and determine what native plants will be most suitable for individual microclimates and cultural conditions.

“Early in my career as a landscape designer I was profoundly influenced by a trip to Mt Cuba, a natural garden focused on plants native to the Piedmont. I like plants that are dynamic and change throughout the seasons,” said Berry, who recently earned a Master’s degree in Plant and Soil Sciences from the University of Delaware with a focus on maximizing carbon storage potential on natural lands.

“When you plant a nonnative evergreen azalea or forsythia in the front yard, you’ll get an attractive bloom for a week or so in the spring. But there are so many other plants, including many natives, that will spawn colorful foliage and flowers in the spring, bear showy fruit in late summer, then come alive with a fall foliage display and provide winter interest with a persistent seed head or as a structural element.

“Our ultimate goal here is not only to create a more dynamic landscape, but also a more ecologically focused and sustainable landscape, modeled on

Landscape designer Sam Berry surveys the property.

a natural forest system in various states of succession, which requires minimal maintenance.”

Once completed, the project will include a clustering of naturalized plantings that will remove the remaining traces of a suburban lawn and replace it with native shade and specimen trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover, grasses and ferns – all of which will also turn much of the property into a fertile food source for native wildlife – and even for humans.

“Most of us tend to imagine food production in terms of conventional farming, but Lynn and I see it as an essential part of the natural environment,” Guttman said. “So, we’re creating a friendly environment for native wildlife, and a natural part of that is food production. Some people involved with this kind of approach are developing dense food forests that they want to live off of. We’re just trying to improve the native plant life and select varieties of trees, shrubs and herbs that provide fruit and nuts for wildlife, with a little bonus for us.”

“You won’t be able to find conventional lettuce, for instance, but you can certainly find other native plant material, such as sorrel, that can replace lettuce, and is readily incorporated into a sustainable, regenerating natural forest,” Berry said.

If there is a guidebook, blueprint or inspiration for the project, it can be found in the pages of “Bringing Nature Home,” (Timber Press 2007) by Dr. Douglas W. Tallamy, a professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Wildlife at the University of Delaware.

In his book, Tallamy writes that homeowners play an important role in preserving the biodiversity of their yards by incorporating them with native plants.

“For decades, many horticulture writers have been pleading for a fresh appreciation for our American flora, and for almost as long they have been largely (or entirely) ignored,” he wrote. “For several reasons, however, the day of

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Michael Guttman and his wife Lynn Alison Wachman of Kennett Township are working with a landscape designer and other experts in ecology and natural preservation to convert about half of their property to a sanctuary for native plants and trees.

Part of the landscape will remain in meadow form, and filled with native plantings.

the native ornamental is drawing near; the message is finally beginning to be heard.”

Together, Guttman and Berry are also working in consultation with Leigh Altadonna, the director for National Audubon Society’s Atlantic-North Region, and C. Dale Hendricks of Green Light Plants, and one of the founders of North Creek Nurseries in Landenberg, a wholesale nursery that specializes in growing starter plants or plugs of perennials, ornamental grasses, ferns, vines and shrubs with an emphasis on Eastern U.S. native plants.

To Wachman and Guttman, the work they are undertaking with Berry is meant to serve as a continuingly evolving sketch board of ideas. It’s about establishing a continuity

Natural forestations are a perfect draw for several kinds of wildlife.

between nature and smart living, they said.

“We may not live here forever, but we are thinking ahead to future generations,” Wachman said. “In terms of what is happening, people have to think about the difference between conventional lawns versus long-term sustainable ecosystems, particularly at the community level.

“Metaphorically, this is allowing us to really work with what is in our own backyard and, being mindful of limitations in terms of moving forward with the pandemic, with how the world may change and how to rethink and repurpose what we all have in our own backyards.”

“What we really need to do is involve the community,” Guttman said. “All of this is to create more aware-

ness, and it will operate on several levels. For myself, just understanding my own property better gives me a better feel for the larger issues out there, such as water quality, nutrient run-off and environmental preservation. It becomes far more meaningful when you take a serious look at your own property and realize ‘For 20 years, I’ve been mowing this lawn, and it isn’t helping.’

“For me, it has become an eye-opening experience to actually look at my property and see all of things that I was or wasn’t doing that are ultimately having such a large impact on the environment. Part of the exercise is asking, ‘How do I make this property more productive, and at the same time make it more Continued on Page 7B

The project will also include the planting of several fruit trees.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

Chester County Press

Obituaries JAY P. STOUT Jay P. Stout passed away on Aug. 1 at home. He was 69 years old.

Jay was born to the late James and Hazel of Somerset, NJ. His beloved older brother James Stout, of NJ, survives him. His stepson Thomas (and his wife Lauren) of NJ also survive him.

They said that he was a true dad to both of them, and words cannot express their profound grief at his sudden loss.

Jay graduated from Franklin High School and received his bachelor of arts degree in history from Trenton State College. Jay had a career in the metals industry that spanned over 40 years. He began at Eastern Stainless and then worked for Bethlehem Steel, Lukens and finally for ArcelorMittal. He retired from ArcelorMittal

in 2017. He was an active member of the Association of Women in the Metal Industries until his retirement.

The friends whom Jay made during the course of his career will miss his light in their lives. Jay and his work family stayed in touch following his retirement and he loved them all very much. He cherished the time spent together with visits and lunches, and he kept all the cards that he received.

Jay was originally from New Jersey and put down strong roots in Chester County when his career took him to Coatesville. He served on the Lower Oxford Township Board of Supervisors for many years prior to his retirement. Jay joined and was active at the Oxford Area Senior Center. He loved the hot lunches and a chance to connect with others in the community. Jay had an unshakable faith and was an active member of the Oxford United Methodist Church. He enjoyed Sunday service and connecting with his fellow members.

His community of neighbors in Lincoln University were

C. NELSON HALL

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee.

Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

C. Nelson Hall, of Oxford and formerly of Lincoln University, passed away on Aug. 10 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. He was 84.

He was the husband of Shirley A. Smith Hall, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Lincoln University, he was the son of the late C. Fred and Pauline Gill Hall.

He owned a farm in Lower Oxford Township and farmed for over 60 years. He retired in 2002.

Nelson was a former member of Eagles Aerie #2666, Oxford and Ocklokonee Tribe #212 Improved Order of Redmen.

He is survived by his wife; four sons, Charles Nelson Hall, Jr. (Tina) of Gap, Kenneth Edward Hall (Cindy) of Lincoln University, Russell Dale Hall (Lena) of Lincoln University, and Brian K. Hall (Gina) of North East, Md.; seven grandsons; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 13 at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania at specialolympicspa.org.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WILLIAM W. PATRICK William W. (Pat) Patrick, a resident of Oxford, passed away on August 12. He was 91.

He was the husband of the late Jean A. Patrick, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

William was born Feb. 20, 1929 in Portsmouth, VA. He was the son of the late Henry Thomas Patrick, ll and the late Mary Frances Peak.

He was raised on a dairy farm in Virginia. In 1948, he joined the Navy and was a corpsman with the U.S. Marines in Korea. He was in the Inchon invasion and the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in 1950, where it was 30 degrees below zero. A book entitled "The Last Stand of Fox Company" was written about the battle.

He met and married Jean in 1951. Her father wanted her to wait until she turned 20 to get married, so they had their ceremony two days after her birthday.

After four years in the Navy, he worked for the Post Office for 31 years and retired as supervisor of postal operations in 1985. After retiring, he worked part-time at Collins Funeral Home for 10 years. After retiring from the second job, he and Jean enjoyed trips and took three cruises with The Pacesetters of the Peoples Bank.

Alleluia Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

We are offering a special discount of 25% off each and every help wanted/ classified advertisement to any business that advertises on the PRESS church page.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

Compliments of

Lions Club of Oxford

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P.O. Box 270 Oxford, PA 19363 Meets First and Third Thursday at 6:30p.m.

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Additional Obituaries on Page 5B

an extended family to Jay. The family is thankful for their care and concern for Jay, who often spoke of their kindness and the delicious meals.

Jay was a lover of all animals. He loved everyone’s pets almost as much as his own. He joins his beloved dogs Willie and Noel and his spunky cat, Mr. Kitty over the Rainbow Bridge.

Jay had a special and loving connection with all who knew him. He made his loved ones lives brighter and took joy in simple pleasures of life. We remember his love, kindness and generosity and try to take comfort in that he is now our guardian angel.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for this wonderful man on Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Oxford United Methodist Church and via Zoom.

In memory of Jay, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to a local animal shelter, to his church Oxford United Methodist Church via Amazon Smile, or a local children’s charity.

RAYMOND JUNIOR GREER Raymond Junior Greer, 75, of Peach Bottom, Pa., passed away on Aug. 12 at Manor Care Health Service in Lancaster.

Born in Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Claude and Nancy Greer Osborne.

He graduated from S. Horace Scott Senior High School in Coatesville as part of the class of 1962.

Raymond served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was stationed in Fort Knox, KY. He was a member of the Eastern Lancaster County Rod and Gun Club, American Legions and Union County Sportsman Club in Millmont, Pa. He enjoyed retirement and bird watching. He enjoyed cooking pigs with his brother, Herbert.

He is survived by one son, Brian Greer; and one sister, Pearl Cochran.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cordus (Corky) Osborne and Herbert C. Osborne.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 19 at the Oxford Cemetery, 220 N. Third St., Oxford, where friends and family may visit from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

He was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church and a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1779 where he served as commander and quartermaster. He was also a member of Oxford Lodge #353 F.&A.M. Pat enjoyed classic cars, junk yards and working in the garden and flower beds.

He is survived by a daughter, Joan Groseclose (and her husband Larry) of Oxford, one son Michael Patrick of Rising Sun, Md. and daughter-in-law Diane Patrick of Iowa. He is also survived by three grandsons, Matthew Groseclose and Mark Groseclose, of Oxford, and Gregory Patrick of N. Charleston, S.C., two greatgrandsons and two-great granddaughters, all of N. Charleston, S.C. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean A. Patrick, two sons, Steve R. Patrick and Glenn R. Patrick, and one brother, Henry T. Patrick, lll.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 18 at the Oxford Church of the Nazarene.

Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Oxford United Methodist Church, 18 Addison St. Oxford, Pa 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford.

Online condolences can be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Local News Longwood Fire Company responds to 71 fire and rescue emergencies during recent storms Water rescues accounted for 24 of the calls Longwood Fire Company volunteers and staff responded to 71 emergency calls during Tropical Storm Isaias and the following storm a few days later.

“Longwood has a proud history of helping during emergencies,” said Fire Chief A. J. McCarthy. “I’m proud of everyone here at the fire company and everyone in the community for aiding those in need.”

Longwood volunteers and staff answered multiple calls simultaneously during the two storms. The fire company responded to a total of 71 fire and rescue calls, including 24 water rescues handled by the Swift Water Rescue team.

“Our team made sure

our apparatus was in the proper locations both in our district and in surrounding areas,” McCarthy said.

“Our fire department was fully staffed with personnel during both storms. We thank everyone who helped us through a long week and to our mutual aid partners.”

On Aug. 3, the day before the storm, Longwood posted an alert: “Take this storm seriously! There will be flooding in Chester County!”

The next day Isaias struck, but not before Longwood posted a tropical storm warning with the possibility of an isolated tornado.

The Brandywine River was expected to flood in several spots and the Red Clay and

White Clay creeks were on alert for flash flooding.

During the next 18 hours, Longwood Fire and EMS handled 25 emergencies with Swift Water Rescue personnel successfully

making nine water rescues.

The team also assisted with evacuating 33 residents from an apartment building in Avondale.

On Aug. 7, Longwood handled multiple water

Longwood Fire Company volunteers and staff responded to 71 emergency calls during Tropical Storm Isaias and the following storm a few days later.

rescues in Chester and Delaware counties.

Longwood Fire Company has served the communities of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury and Pocopson townships

since 1921. Longwood Fire Company provides fire and rescue and emergency medical services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

For more information visit www.longwoodfireco.com.

Courtesy photos

On Aug. 7, Longwood handled multiple water rescues in Chester and Delaware counties.

Longwood volunteers and staff answered multiple calls simultaneously during the two storms.

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4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County Coroner’s Office offers mid-year report on fatal drug overdoses The Chester County Coroner’s Office recently released data on drug overdose deaths in Chester County from from Jan. 1 through June 30.

A total of 58 deaths have been confirmed to be due to an accidental drug overdose. This is fewer than the 68 overdose deaths reported mid-way through 2019, but the Coroner’s Office cautioned that it is not possible to accurately predict a total for all of 2020.

In 2019, for example, the second half of the year saw a drop in overdose deaths

so the total for the year was 105 deaths.

There have been news reports of surges in drug overdose deaths elsewhere in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that trend has not been observed so far in Chester County. The Pennsylvania Department of Health has no drug death data for the current year on its website at this time.

The demographic profile of those who have died of an accidental drug overdose so far in 2020 has shifted compared to previous years.

ESTATE NOTICE

P.O. Box 147, Broomall, PA 19008 8p-12-3t

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

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.,

While the affected population remains predominantly male (82 percent) and white (80 percent), almost half of overdose deaths this year have been in those over the age of 45. By comparison, for all of 2019, only 31 percent of deaths were in those over age 45. The oldest person dying of a drug overdose so far in 2020 was in their 70s.

“We are no longer surprised to find that someone in their 50s, 60s, or 70s died of an overdose,” said Chester County Coroner Dr. Christina VandePol. “Many

INCORPORATION NOTICE

Castlebar Services Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988.

8p-19-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Brenda Thomas, Executrix for the Estate of WILLIE T. CLEMONTS, the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o Attorney: Eric S. Coates, Esquire, 247 Reedville Road, P.O. Box 510, Oxford, PA 19363 8p-19-3t

Task Force. I believe a customized approach is needed to reach this older demographic.”

Toxicological tests showed that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid found in approximately 78 percent of 2020 deaths in Chester County, remained the predominant drug responsible for overdose deaths. Most fatalities involved multiple drugs, both illicit and prescription.

Methamphetamine replaced heroin as the second-most common drug found in overdose deaths.

Methamphetamine was present in 30 percent of cases so far in 2020, compared to about 18 percent in all of 2019. Xylazine, a large animal anesthetic presumably used as a cheap adulterant, was present in 28 percent of cases, always in combination with other drugs, usually including fentanyl.

The Coroner’s Office issued a statement about xylazine when it first appeared in Chester County overdose deaths early in 2019 and it has steadily increased since then.

Classifieds

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Kelly Kilbride, Executrix for the Estate of Ellen M. Frank, whose last address was Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363.

8p-19-3t

of the older decedents had a long history of substance abuse, sometimes decades, and it was not always suspected or identified by their health care providers, if and when they sought help for other problems. Addiction ravaged many of these lives over time, resulting in homelessness, unemployment, and estrangement from family. Alcoholism was a common co-existing or pre-existing condition in this population. I will be sharing these findings with the Chester County Overdose Prevention

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 19, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News County's Department of Drug and Alcohol Services launching new initiatives New community partnerships increase drug and alcohol prevention services for community organizations, schools and all residents Chester County’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services (CCDDAS) recently announced new partnerships with local agencies to ensure comprehensive alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) prevention services are available to community organizations, schools, and all Chester County residents.

The providers include the following: Be a Part of the

Conversation; Coatesville Youth Initiative; Compass Mark; Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown; Devereux; Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems; Phoenixville Communities That Care; and West Chester Area Communities That Care.

“Although the implementation of programs and services might look a little bit different this

year as we are in the midst of a pandemic, we remain focused on providing the best prevention services available to Chester County residents who need them,” said Kathy Collier, prevention director for the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services.

In Chester County, prevention services consist of age-appropriate school-based and com-

OBITUARIES

munity-based programs, education and awareness on alcohol, tobacco and other drug topics, identification and referral of students at risk, and information and referral related to prevention, treatment and recovery services for community members.

Prevention is defined as action taken to keep individuals from using alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other drugs by implementing

Continued from Page 2B

NICHOLAS G. SULLINS

JESSE G. ROARK

Nicholas G. Sullins, 23, of Nottingham, passed away on Aug. 14 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. He was the son of Shannon L. Baruka of Nottingham and Daniel L. Sullins of Landenberg.

Nicholas graduated from Oxford Area High School and Culinary Technical School Class of 2015 and received his associates degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie, NY. Nicholas was employed as a chef with Corner Café in Jennersville.

Nicholas enjoyed music and had a lifelong passion for cooking.

He is survived by his parents; stepmother, Katie Sullins; four brothers, Chase Sullins, Dalton Sullins, Blake Sullins and Andrew Sullins; three sisters, Alyssa Sullins, Carlee Baruka and Chelsea Sullins; maternal grandparents, Paul and Judith Johnson of Oxford; and paternal grandmother, Betty Sullins of Reading.

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Adam Baruka and paternal grandfather, Daniel R. Sullins.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Castleman’s Disease Collaborative Network at cdcn.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Jesse G. Roark passed away at his home in Avondale on Aug. 11. He was 85.

He was the longtime companion to Ruby P. Testerman, who passed away in 2018. He is also preceded in death

by Ruth Roark, the mother of his children.

He was born on Feb. 27, 1935 in West Jefferson, NC to the late William and Etta (Perry) Roark.

He was a career carpenter, working for Basciani Foods in Avondale and in retirement working for himself. He made many clocks, cabinets, musical instruments and many other furniture items. He also loved antique cars, guns and knives and spent much of his free time going to auctions.

Most of all, he loved his family and his dogs.

He is survived by his children, Janet Mosier (and husband Frank) of Landenberg, Jimmy Roark (and wife Wilma) of Avondale, Tim Roark (and wife Donna) of Avondale, and Jan Jennings of Avondale; his step-children, Jimmy, Bruce, Greg, Pauline, and Carla. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Aug. 17 at the Homeville Cemetery in Cochranville. Rev. Ken Hall officiated.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his name to The Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

programming and services that primarily targets school aged youth but also includes parents, school, and community.

The Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services provides prevention, intervention and treatment services to all Chester County residents,

mainly through contracts with local agencies.

For more information on drug and alcohol resources and services, please visit the Chester County Department of Drug and Alcohol Services website or the Chester County Overdose Prevention Task Force website.

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Nourishing Neighbor grant helps those in need Courtesy photos

The Avon Grove Charter School Food Services Department received a Nourishing Neighbor grant of $5,000.

Nourishing Neighbors, an initiative of the Albertson’s Companies Foundation, established this opportunity to help local families impacted by the current health crisis. This grant money is specifically aimed at increasing participation in, and access to, the Summer Meals Programs. Avon Grove Charter School Summer grab and go meals have been offered every Monday and Wednesday during the summer.

The Bridge COVID-19 food relief fund receives donation from West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club On Tuesday, Aug. 11, the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club, with support of Rotary District 7450, presented a $1,000 check to The Bridge Food and Clothing Cupboard to help provide additional food relief to residents in our area affected by COVID-19.

For the last several years, the West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club has supported The Bridge by providing and distributing toiletries and diapers as part of their weekly Tuesday evening food, clothing and household goods distribution.

Located in West Grove, The Bridge is part of the

ministry of the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene and through the combined efforts of area churches, community organizations and local businesses is able to provide assistance to thirty to fifty families each week.

The West GroveAvondale Rotary Club, is part of Rotary International, a service organization which has a motto of “Service Above Self.�

For more information and ways to get involved in the community visit the website at www.westgroveavondalerotary.org.

Courtesy photo

The West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club presented a $1,000 check to The Bridge Food and Clothing Cupboard to help provide additional food relief to residents in the area affected by COVID19. Pictured are (Bottom row, left to right) Lynn Klingensmith, West Grove-Avondale Rotary Club President, Annamary Padilla, Director of The Bridge, and Jose Padilla; and (second row, left to right) Letica Morec and Clara Saxton.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

Chester County Press

Local News La Comunidad Hispana expansion plans continue in Oxford Larger, more central location will increase access to care La Comunidad Hispana (LCH) received approval for the conditional-use agreement from the Oxford Borough Council last month. This sets in motion the plans for expanding LCH services to a new location downtown at 14 South 3rd Street (previously the Sewer Authority building). The new site, which is 5,351 square feet, will give the community health center much-needed space to provide integrated health care, behavioral health, and community services under one roof. The current location at 303 North 3rd Street (the Eckman building) is only 1,275 square feet.

“This has been a part of our strategic planning for some time,” said Ted Trevorrow, interim director of operations.

“When we first opened our Oxford location in 2016, we knew that we would outgrow the space. I give a lot of credit to our staff and our patients in Oxford, who have been very creative in making the space work.”

LCH currently serves over 8,000 community members in southern Chester County, with about 1,200 of their patients coming from the Oxford area.

As a federally qualified health center, LCH provides care to all members of the community, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay.

The new space is not only larger, but also more accessible to the greater Oxford community. “We are thrilled to have found a space that is

The expansion project will allow La Comunidad Hispana to increase services to Oxford residents.

walkable and more central to town,” said Margarita Garay Zarco, interim co-CEO and director of human resources.

“At LCH, we have a long, proud history of addressing barriers to health care, and physical location is a significant factor for our patients.”

With the approval from the Oxford Borough Council, LCH is hopeful to complete construction in the coming months and open in early 2021.

“We can’t wait to bring our fully integrated model of care to Oxford,” said Barbara Mancill, interim co-CEO and director of quality care and population health. “The Oxford community has so much heart. LCH is proud to bring access to great health care to all our neighbors. We are so grateful for all of the support that the Oxford community has given us through this process.”

Courtesy photos

La Comunidad Hispana staff is looking forward to the expansion of services in Oxford.

Forest...

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natural, attractive and sustainable?’”

To learn more about Kennett Township’s efforts in sustainable living, visit https://kennett. pa.us/101/SustainableDevelopment-Office.

To learn more about Dr. Douglas W. Tallamy, and for suggestions on what native plants can be grown in your region, visit www.bringingnaturehome.net.

Do you want to convert your yard into a wildlife sanctuary? Attend “Creating a Wildlife Sanctuary on Your Property: The Audubon at Home Program,” a webinar series sponsored

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

In addition to serving as a showcase for native plants and trees, the project will also include mowed grass areas that will serve as pathways.

To contact Staff Writer by the Audubon Society of visit “Audubon Society Northern Virginia, on Aug. of Northern Virginia” on Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

27 at 7 p.m. To register, Facebook.

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2020