Chester County Press 09-02-2020 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

Avon Grove School Board delays decision on plan for fall sports

The board also approved the appointment of an assistant principal and discussed the start of the new school year come at that meeting. Avon Grove, like school districts across the state and across the country, is taking it one day at a time when it comes to developing the best plan for the start of a new school year.

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Avon Grove School Board discussed the start of a new school year and approved the appointment of a new assistant principal during its Aug. 27 meeting. The school board also delayed a decision about how fall sports and cocurricular activities will be handled at the start of the new school year. A special meeting will now take place on Thursday, Sept. 3, and a decision could

School board president Bill Wood and superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese took turns extending their congratulations to Emlyn Frangiosa after the school board formally approved the appointment as the new assistant principal at Avon

Preserving a part of local history

Oxford Borough officials emphasize adherence to COVID-19 guidelines

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Council president Peggy Ann Russell and mayor Phil Harris hand-delivered a letter to local businesses that emphasized the importance of following the guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of Health established to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The letter reads, in part:

“The Secretary of the PA

Department of Health issued an Order on July 1, 2020 (the “Mask Mandate”) requiring individuals to wear face coverings if they are: outdoors and unable to consistently maintain a distance of six feet from individuals; in any indoor location where members of the public are generally permitted; and under several other scenarios. In addition to the Orders, the Secretary published a FAQ document regarding face coverings, which provided, in part, that, even if an

individual is inside a public place AND able to maintain social distancing, s/he is required to wear a mask unless a medical exception applies. For all businesses and employees in the restaurant and retail food service industry authorized to conduct in-person activities, the Governor’s Office published Guidance requiring all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting, or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business. Face coverings may be removed

while seated.

Failure to strictly adhere to the requirements of guidance promulgated in the Guidance for Businesses in the Restaurant Industry may result in disciplinary actions up to and including suspension of licensure, including liquor licenses.”

The complete letter is available on the Oxford Borough website at: oxfordborough.org.

Russell told the public at the Oxford Borough Council meeting that in

order to give greater access to the council meetings, council has created a hybrid meeting of sorts by blending the virtual/ Zoom meeting with an actual meeting in the new Borough Hall. At this meeting, a small number of individuals in the public can attend in person to allow for social distancing. Those people will have their temperatures taken when they enter as well. Russell will be the lone council member in the room, while the entire

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In the time of COVID-19, Mighty Writers Kennett-El Futuro reaches out to local families

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Since its Chester County inception last September, Mighty Writers Kennett-El Futuro has been providing students with the skills and confidence to become better writers and communicators through innovative activities and workshops.

Under the direction of program director Sara Dickens-Trillo, MW Kennett volunteers regu-

larly sit beside hundreds of children in local Latino communities at the Garage Community & Youth Center in West Grove, helping them bridge the often enormous challenge of assimilating into a new culture.

With initial funding from the Chester County Fund for Women & Girls, the agency kicked off its programming with “Girl Power” workshops and “Family Write Nights.”

When area schools closed due to COVID-19 in the spring, the crucial role that MW Kennett-El Futuro played in the education of the Latino community magnified, but now, the agency has shifted its focus away from words, sentences and paragraphs in order to demonstrate its generosity in new ways.

For the past six months, MW Kennett-El Futuro has been hosting the distribution of food, clothing,

books, arts and crafts and other items donated by local businesses and residents to Latino families in Kennett Square, Avondale and Oxford.

“I saw a lot of needs even before the pandemic started, but when the pandemic began, a lot of our families who work in the mushroom industry or at area restaurants saw these businesses close,” Dickens-Trillo said.

“Subsequently, these families were left without jobs,

and for some of these families, the only complete meal their children had during the day was during school, and when schools closed, I began to see a greater need to reach out.

“I wanted to make sure that each child had a meal, and that’s when we began our food distribution. Although we were new, I felt it was important for them to know that El Futuro was there for them, and that

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The Chester County Commissioners completed a two-day tour of restaurants in the county to advise on preparedness for potential restaurant enforcement calls from state officials. Key to the visits was guidance on demonstrating readiness for 50 percent occupancy for indoor dining, and assurance that the county is focusing on steps to economic recovery through Restore Chester County. The drop-in visits began last Thursday when Commissioner Josh Maxwell visited restaurants in Downingtown and Commissioner Michelle Kichline called on restaurants in West Chester. On

Friday, Commissioner Marian Moskowitz visited restaurants in Phoenixville, and the Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau’s Susan Hamley stepped into restaurants in Great Valley.

The goodwill tour provided a variety of free materials to restaurants that officials from the State Liquor Control Board and Department of Agriculture will be looking for as they conduct enforcement calls now and in the coming weeks.

“These state enforcement calls are unscheduled and can happen day or night, so we want to make sure

Courtesy photo Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz and Ben Fileccia, director of operations and strategy at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, visiting Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Together with his wife Wendy, Matthew Studner of Second Chances Restoration is finishing the refurbishing of the historic Middleton House in Landenberg. For a complete story and additional photographs of their work, see Page 1B.

Grove Intermediate School.

The position opened up when former assistant principal Dr. Michael Garvin accepted a job as principal in another school district. Marchese thanked Garvin for his work in Avon Grove.

There was a lengthy discussion about an innocuous agenda item after school

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borough council will continue to participate in the virtual meeting from other locations. Due to the Labor Day holiday, there will only be one borough council meeting in September, and it will be held on Sept. 21.

If you’d like to attend a council meeting, contact the borough for further instructions.

At the most recent meeting, council unanimously approved a finalized collective bargaining agreement with police officers. The contract, which is retroactive, runs from Jan. 1, 2019 until Dec. 31, 2022. Stacey Fuller, the borough’s solicitor, said the contract is available to the public through the Right-to-Know Law.

Fuller highlighted some of the changes in the contract.

She said, “Starting in 2019, pay increases for a full-time officer will be 3 percent, then 3.75 percent in 2020, and 4 percent in 2021 and 2022. The hourly rate for part-time officers

has also changed: In 2019, the rate will be $25.78, in 2020 it will be $26.75, in 2021 it will be $27.82 and in 2022 it will be $28.93. Employees will be paid retroactively from 2019.”

Fuller explained that healthcare provisions were revised and does not bind either party to existing health care coverage. In light of changes in health care coverage this allows the parties to opt out and make changes in their coverage.

Sick leave maximum accumulation was capped in the previous contract and in the new contract sick leave may be carried from one year to the next with no cap on accrual. In other business, State Sen. Andy Dinniman and state Rep. John Lawrence sent a letter to council announcing that the Borough of Oxford will receive $416,000 in state grant funding to upgrade its water service system. The funds 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 in a statement. “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.”

Lawrence added, “Sometimes it’s easy to forget about underground water pipes until one breaks and causes a flood. 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 water mains

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Nail Station and Spa opens in Oxford

a wide

are 10 a.m.

Lincoln University senior applied classroom knowledge to real world experiences

Lincoln University senior Chinweotito Ihejirika has completed the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program, becoming one of only 15 fellows selected following a highly competitive national selection process.

Ihejirika is the fourth Lion to receive this prestigious fellowship, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State and managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. The program aims to provide students with a greater understanding of careers in the Foreign Service and Department of State, a deeper appreciation for current issues and trends in international affairs, and an enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers.

The program is an example of how the university’s liberal arts student success model ensures that all stu-

dents participate in high impact learning opportunities such as internships, service-learning, and international experiences. By participating in programs like this, graduates leave Lincoln University with the knowledge, attitudes, and competencies needed to be competitive in a global economy and to have a positive impact on their families, their communities, the nation, and the world.

During the program, Ihejirika reflected on the completely virtual experience: “I was skeptical at first, but the program is going very well. Our coordinator and all of the staff have been bending over backward to make this process as comfortable as possible,” said Ihejirika.

“I was placed with a mentor, and have met so many influential people who I can now turn to for advice. There have been many opportunities for pro-

fessional development. We regularly meet with people in international affairs at all levels and departments as well as recruiters for various fellowships and programs. I have made cool connections with people this way.”

As a political science and Spanish double major, the Rangel Summer Program exposed Ihejirika to coursework in foreign relations and economics, strengthen professional skills, participate in networking opportunities, and work with state and foreign diplomats.

“The most memorable experiences I had—since I cannot pick just one— are hearing Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield speak, chatting with a member of an intelligence agency, meeting Ambassador Ruth Davis, and doing a diplomacy simulation exercise with my peers! In the exercise, we were given leadership roles representing different ficti-

tious countries and had to apply our diplomatic skills to avoid an international crisis.”

Ihejirika aspires to participate in additional State Department programs such as the Critical Language Scholarship program or Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program. Upon the completion of these programs, she plans to attend law school focusing on international law with a dual degree in international affairs, pursuing a career in a public diplomacy foreign service officer or at a Nongovernmental organization.

Ihejirika expressed appreciation to her parents, the political science department, and her professors, especially Dr. Sema Ogutcu-Fu and Dr. Nora Gardner.

“The support I have received at the university gave me the confidence to apply and it has opened so many doors for my future!”

Courtesy photo

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Oxford’s newest business, The Nail Station and Spa, took place on Aug. 26. The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce (OACC) proudly helped welcomed The Nail Station, which is located at 322 Hodgson Street. Pictured are (back row) Kimberly Vaughn Stout (OACC board member), Brian Hoover (Oxford Borough Manager), and (front row) Oum Soy Sreypov, Nita Socheata, Emily Carico, Mala Chheng (owner), Susanna Perez, Bob Berkowitz (owner), Bill Carey (partner), and Lisa Coyle. The Nail Station and Spa offers

range of nail and waxing services in a luxurious atmosphere. The hours

Courtesy photo

Lincoln University senior Chinweotito Ihejirika has completed the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program, one of only 15 fellows selected following a highly competitive national selection process.

Mighty Writers...

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we would do everything we could to help them out.”

With the assistance of grants and private funding, weekly donations of food has come from several area businesses, restaurants and bakeries, such as Manfredi Cold Storage in Toughkenamon, Phoenix Bakery, Estrella Panaderia and Max Banquet in West Grove, Panaderia Azteca in Kennett Square and the Chester County Food Bank in Exton.

Volunteers have arrived from the private sector, Kennett Area Community Service, Casa Guanajuato – where Dickens-Trillo is president – and La Communidad Hispana, where she serves on its board of directors.

The distribution program provides lunch to more than 200 children on Mondays and Wednesdays, and on Fridays, distribution of food and essential household items is made to more than 200 families.

Food distribution originally began at The Garage

Community & Youth Center in West Grove but beginning on Sept. 4, distribution will take place at the West Grove United Methodist Church, located at 300 N. Guernsey Road in West Grove.

The agency’s community outreach is not just COVID19 related. In the aftermath of the effects of Hurricane Isaiah in early August, several Latino families who were living in the complex were displaced after severe flooding tore through much of the lower-level apartments. On Aug. 25, MW Kennett-El Futuro treated the families to a special event that helped distribute vital items such as food, diapers, clothes, books, school supplies.

Concurrent with its efforts to reach families during the pandemic, MW KennettEl Futuro is in the early stages of potentially establishing pilot programs at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Landenberg, the Avon Grove Library and the West Grove Chapel.

As it helps families navigate their way through a worldwide pandemic and the effects that have arisen because of it, Dickens-Trillo said that while the big picture ideas of education remain, the agency is nar-

Through the assistance of several area restaurants, bakeries and businesses,

Mighty Writers-El Futuro has been able to provide lunches to more than 200 children every week, as well as distribution of food and essential household items to more than 200 families in the West Grove, Avondale and

ties. Beginning on Sept. 4, distribution will take place at the West Grove United Methodist Church, located at 300 N. Guernsey Road in West Grove.

rowing its focus to answer the most immediate needs of the Latino community.

“When a child is hungry, he or she is not going to be able to focus on homework and learning,” she said.

“It was important for us to first feed the children, and then focus on our primary mission.”

To learn more about

Mighty Writers Kennett-El Futuro and to volunteer, email Sara Dickens-Trillo at sdtrillo@mightywriters. org. To learn more about Mighty Writers and how the agency is responding to students and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.mightywriters. org.

board member Lynn Weber spoke out against two donations that were being made by the Avon Grove Education Foundation, and the programs that those donations were funding.

On the board’s agenda was a motion to approve two grants from the Avon Grove Education Foundation— one for $2,472.80 so that a teacher in the high school could acquire materials and technology to support the Reading as a Community program that will be used for participants in a book club, and another grant for $1,000 so that would be used to support professional development for a teacher at the high school to be able to present workshops about social justice and inequality.

Weber seemed to publicly question whether teachers in the school district might be “indoctrinating”— her word—students by exposing them to progressive ideas, and she also questioned whether the Avon Grove Education Foundation would have “a large influence on teachers” as a result of the donations that the foundation was making.

“I’m concerned about the goals of this program,” Weber said. “I’m concerned about what opinions are being put on our students. I would like to know… better what is going to be discussed. I’m concerned because of the political environment… and I want to know what’s going to be said.” Other school board members pointed out that the materials in question are to

be used for club activities that are aimed at issues of diversity and unity, and that the materials would in no way change the school district’s approved curriculum taught by teachers in the classroom.

Wood also noted that students have First Amendment rights and they can choose what they want to discuss during club activities that are all voluntary.

School board member Jeffrey Billig asked Weber to clarify, or expand, on the reasons for her concerns. He noted that the school board did not ask any other club to make a presentation about its programs or materials.

Weber said, “I don’t know the opinions that are going to be presented to the teachers and how that’s going to be passed through to the students. These topics, with this environment right now…I’m concerned. I don’t want to indoctrinate our children with improper stuff so I want to make sure I know what’s going to be taught.”

None of the other school district officials who were participating in the virtual meeting echoed, or seemed to share, Weber’s concerns.

School board member Dorothy Linn, who is a retired superintendent, said that she was familiar with the programs in question and they are research-based and do not advocate either left-wing or right-wing views. She also pointed out that assistant superintendent Dr. Michael Snopkowski serves as a liaison between the school district and the education foundation, and that she herself has served on the Avon Grove

Education Foundation’s board, so she knows from firsthand experience that Snopkowski ensures that the Avon Grove Education Foundation works in collaboration with the school district.

Education foundations are common in Pennsylvania. While Avon Grove’s education foundation formed more recently, within the last few years, Oxford’s education foundation formed back in the 1990s, and Kennett and Unionville-Chadds Ford both have had active and effective education foundations. These education foundations typically raise money for classroom initiatives and learning opportunities that might not otherwise be possible. They always work in conjunction with the school district and do not wield influence over curriculum and do not push political agendas.

The school board ultimately approved the motion to sign off on the donations by an 8-to-1 vote, with Weber voting against the measure.

School board mem-

ber Bonnie Wolff, who represents Avon Grove on the Chester County Intermediate Unit, offered a report about the Intermediate Unit’s efforts to develop a plan for starting the school year. She noted that the Intermediate Unit could not develop its own plan until the member school districts approved their own plans.

Wolff said that the Intermediate Unit was following all guidelines offered by the Chester County Department of Health, developed a reopening plan that blends in-person education with online options as well. There will be special education, career and training, and early childhood education programs that will be held in-person from the start of the school year.

“It’s going to be, hopefully, a successful start to the school year,” Wolff said.

In advance of the meeting, there were a number of public comments submitted in writing so that they could be read during the public comment session.

A common theme of the public comments emerged—approximately ten school district residents offered comments in favor of having the Avon Grove School District make every effort to allow students to participate in fall sports and extra-curricular activities to the extent that this can be done safely.

One person who sent in a public comment is the parent of a freshman. The parent wrote that it was important for the students to be able to participate in sports and activities for their health and well being.

Another person who offered a public comment said that it was important to balance the risks during COVID-19 with the inevitable harm that will be done if students miss out on all their sports and activities.

Another person who offered a public comment noted that the number of COVID-19 cases within the boundaries of the school district has dropped for

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

Do you wish to make a personal donation? Please make your check payable to Mighty Writers and mail to: Mighty Writers, ATTN: Executive Director, 1501 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146

four straight weeks, and the percentage of people who have battled COVID-19 throughout the pandemic has been miniscule.

A few other public comments urged the school board to offer in-person education options to students as soon as possible.

In his report to the school board, Marchese said that while the school district’s staff was eager and enthusiastic about the start of a new school year, everyone was eagerly looking forward to the day when students can be welcomed back into the school buildings.

In addition to the special meeting on Sept. 3 to discuss the fall sports and co-curricular activities, the school board will hold a committee-of-the-whole meeting to discuss the high school project on Sept. 17 and the next regular meeting on Sept. 24.

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

Photo courtesy of Mighty Writers Sara Dickens-Trillo, program director for Mighty Writers Kennett-El Futuro.

Photo courtesy of Mighty Writers

Oxford communi-

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Oxford Borough...

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around the school district’s elementary and middle school campus.”

Regarding the grant funding, Russell said:

“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. 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.”

Harris has begun moving into his new office in the parking garage. Harris will have a conversation with the superintendent of the Oxford Area School District regarding food shortages for families in the area due to possible school schedule changes. He will also be discussing how the school schedule will impact the school crossing guards.

Vi sitors to the Oxford Memorial Park will soon see marked improvements in the asphalt pathways.

Council approved R. S. Asphalt Paving’s bid for $9,375 to improve the paths, including adding a piece from the walkway to nearby Ware Village to accommodate wheelchairs.

Council member Richard Winchester thanked borough manager Brian

Hoover for his efforts in making this project happen so quickly.

Council member Kathryn Cloyd and the Environmental Committee have been working on environmental issues within the borough.

Council approved a motion to authorize installation of a sign at the headwaters of Little Elk Creek to promote the rain garden buy-in from residents.

The Environmental Committee also worked on an agreement with Keystone – 10 Million Trees. Council approved a motion to enter into this agreement that will allow the borough to receive free trees. The borough would be responsible for posting to their website where trees are planted and for performing future tracking of the trees. There is no financial obligation for the borough.

Cloyd said, “We plan to plant trees at the headwaters of the Little Elk Creek, at the Public Works compound at the Tweed Creek and other areas where possible within the borough.

Council also approved the Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) recommendations for the following properties within the Borough: 39 S. Third Street, 151 N. Third Street, 255 Mt. Vernon Street, 126 S. Third Street, 73 Pine Street, and 632 Market Street. A motion was also approved to purchase and install a surveillance camera in the elevator at the parking garage.

Restaurant tour...

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we support our restaurants in having what they need to be in compliance and avoid penalties,” said Moskowitz.

“We all want to be sure our restaurants can get to 50 percent indoor dining soon so they can continue to recover economically and serve customers as the weather gets too cold for outdoor dining,” said Maxell.

Right now, Pennsylvania allows 50 percent outdoor occupancy and 25 percent indoor occupancy with restrictions.”

Among the items that the Commissioners provided were proper signage indicating the COVID manager on duty, rules for drinks-to-go, and “wear a mask to enter” regulations. They also provided information on what to do if a customer refuses to wear a mask, what reopening legislation is underway as well as how to be part of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Promise, which assures patrons that restaurants have committed to taking appropriate action to protect employees and customers. Assorted other materials were provided as well on sanitation, partitions and social distancing.

“We have found that restaurants tend to be missing three to five items, so we are providing those materials as

The County Commissioners were accompanied by Ben Fileccia, director of operations and strategy at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, as well as Bob Rafetto, previous owner of the Dilworthtown Inn and

an advocate for restaurants across Chester and Delaware counties. Both answered questions from restaurant staff and provided contact information for follow-up questions and materials.

For more information on resources and requirements, restaurant owners are encouraged to visit the PRLA website at prla.org as well as RestoreChesterCounty. org, the county’s portal dedicated to helping more than 20 industries reopen.

“Ben and Bob have been essential to supporting and preparing local restaurants for reopening during COVID-19,” said Hamley.

SAINT FRANCIS HEALTHCARE

Courtesy photos

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline and Ben Fileccia, director of operations and strategy at the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, visiting the Spicy Pig restaurant in West Chester.

Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell and Bob Rafetto, former restaurant owner and advocate for restaurants across Chester and Delaware counties, visiting Pomodoro’s restaurant in Downingtown. well as in-person industry expertise,” said Kichline.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;

As had become habit to him, the Chester County Press reporter, driving southwest on Marshall Bridge Road in Kennett Square last week, made the instinctual right hand turn onto Kaolin Road for the quick jaunt to the Kennett Square Borough, and nearly ended up in the Red Clay Creek. He had forgotten that the Marshall Bridge had recently vanished and given way to a complete reconstruction that had made the bridge disappear and turn into a quagmire of mud made even soggier from the recent summer rains. The area was dotted with a dedicated troop of workers who maneuvered tractors and wielded shovels. Some saw what the reporter had just done, and pointed him in

Letter to the Editor:

I am disappointed that our President, knowing he is trailing in national polls, is casting doubt on our nation’s election process – the very bedrock of our democracy. Claiming with absolutely no evidence that voting by

Along Marshall Bridge Road

different directions. Detoured, the reporter drove along Newark Road, which scissors through Toughkenamon and connects to Baltimore Pike, a route that gets the driver to the borough by way of Cypress Street.

The reporter had also forgotten that the intersection of Newark and Hillendale roads was in the middle of a physical transformation that has redirected drivers for the past few months.

Marked off by his car’s clock, the reporter spent the next 23 minutes following orange detour signage that led him along unfamiliar territory -- winding and snaky tributaries that seemed to head circuitously to nowhere. Many of the roads were marked “One Lane Only” and “Construction Ahead,” necessitated by the damage that Hurricane Isaiah had unleashed, that left southern Chester County to burrow out from just weeks before. Then took the other, just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,

As he meandered somewhere between Avondale and Kennett Square, the reporter swore at the ineptitude of shutting down two major thoroughfares simultaneously, and how these inconveniences had tossed another layer of frustration and anger onto a year that if he had his druthers would be buried six feet deep into the Chester County soil.

The blood pulse of anger is easily transferable, and as the reporter tried to find his way out of the maze, his anger had diverted its way from the broken down roads to the straggling emotions that had been blazing like an ember inside of him for the past six months. He thought of the global pandemic that has burned through our world like a wildfire, and in particular in the United States, where despite five million cases and over 180,000 deaths,

shows no signs of abating against the narrative of those who give more credence to the potions of snake oil salesmen than the superior men and women of science.

The reporter turned left onto another road: He thought of the repeated atrocity of systemic racism in a country that openly defies its most moral code that all men – and women – are created equal. He made a left: He thought of the murder of George Floyd, and in the aftermath of that murder, the faces of many colors marching on the streets in a face-off for justice. He made a right and then a right: He heard the seven shots in Wisconsin. He came to a stop, seeing the alphabet of the many fallen trees that formed ‘V’s and ‘W’s along the curved lanes of his disappearance –the aftermath of devastation that had touched down in Chester County. Another road was blocked off so he turned his car around and drove: It was crystallizing and connecting for him. His country was broken. Its center was not holding and its moral and social conscience was

Letters to the Editor

crumbling under the weight of its differences.

The reporter was in the thicket of wooded roads he had never been on before, but rather than punch the GPS for directions home, he switched it off. For the first time in months, he felt the chains that had tied him to the tumultuous year of 2020 simply become unbolted. After bullying his way through several months of shock, denial, anger, bargaining and depression at the state of the world and his country, here he now was, momentarily lost, finally arriving at the final stage of grief.

And both that morning equally lay In leaves, no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —

Vote for Democrats—our democracy and your future depend on it

mail will be laced with fraud, he has sued the states of Pennsylvania and Nevada (Democratic governors) for instituting state-wide vote-by-mail, while simultaneously praising Florida (Republican governor) for its vote-by-mail program. Trump and his family all vote by mail and have for years.

In a further effort to impede vote by mail, the campaign donor he appointed to run the U.S. Postal Service system, Louis Dejoy, is actively weakening its ability to deliver the mail in a timely basis by removing mail sorting equipment across the nation, removing public mailboxes (!) and cutting work hours for employees. This is happening at a time when we should be strengthening the Postal Service to handle the expected huge increase in mail volume due to voting by mail in many states,

including Pennsylvania.

This is especially true when many people rightly desire to avoid public places due to the Coronavirus.

I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

“The Road Not Taken” By Robert Frost Acceptance, in its purest form, is the first breath we take after the fighting has ended. It is the moment when, powerless to revolt against an invisible enemy, we simply choose to move forward. As he drove, a terrible year not quite ended continued to wash over the reporter, but this time, he did not battle against it but vowed to simply endure it. He was very, very lost, but this time, against the measure of a very structured life, the reporter suddenly and gleefully acknowledged his momentary disappearance and the inconveniences that brought him there. Eventually, the reporter found his way to Kennett Square by recognizing a familiar landmark, but made a promise to himself that he would not miss anything he saw on his way to his final destination.

President Trump is forcing the American people to make a life-or-death decision to NOT vote by staying at home or vote and risk the coronavirus. This is America! The American people should not be forced to make this type of choice. Vote Democratic – our democracy and your future depends on it.

Russ Phifer London Grove Township

An open letter to all those who question and doubt

Letter to the Editor:

How dare you!

How dare you question my citizenship in the United States of America because my parents were born and raised in another country? How dare you!

My cousins and I are the children of immigrants from Germany and Switzerland who came here after World War I. They came here as adults, lived and worked in America and became citizens as soon as possible.

We are first-generation Americans.

My husband’s parents emigrated to the U.S. from Scotland. He, his brother and cousins, are first-generation Americans. We are citizens of this country. I grew up in New York

City, where my friends who were born here had parents from Germany, Italy, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Greece Poland, Norway and countries in South America.

How dare you even imply we are not citizens because our parents were born

elsewhere?

Each parent came here, lived and worked and raised their children, proud to be Americans.

How dare you question, denigrate or make a political issue of who and what this country stands for today

and all the decades past when American became the “shining city on the hill” for so many. How dare you! You should be ashamed!

All of us need to help revitalize our democracy

By Lee H. Hamilton

Amid all the troubles occupying our attention, one of the more worrisome is also one of the least visible. It is the loss of public faith in the effectiveness of our representative democracy. While most state and local governments—and certain federal agencies—have maintained public support during the pandemic, concern over our system as a whole is palpable: that it

has trouble responding to the country’s needs, is resistant to reform as society evolves, and continues to perpetuate inequality, social immobility, and basic unfairness when it comes to creating more opportunity, liberty, and justice for all. These deficiencies corrode our unity and effectiveness as a nation. Americans increasingly divide themselves into different, often warring, political and cultural camps. Instead of

Chester County Press

working to create one out of many, they sort themselves into like-minded communities. They narrow, rather than expand, their sources of news and information, seeking those that reinforce their views. These days, we often live in different worlds from one another.

Politicians have played a significant role in this. Some, including the President, are bent on stoking division. Many play to their parties’ bases. And some, at both the state and federal level, do their best to narrow the public support on which government rests by making it difficult for everyone who’s entitled to vote to cast an actual ballot.

ment, rebuild Congress as a functional, co-equal branch of the federal government, and restore confidence in our institutions, public and private.

How do we do this? Calls for greater public participation and involvement are on target, but not enough.

While I’m always encouraged by political leaders who seek to involve the public and by civic groups that try to enhance and encourage citizen participation, I believe we’re at the point where we need to repair our frayed institutions and push back against the forces that divide us.

zens that made it possible.

We also need to recognize that divisiveness weakens us, and that efforts to reknit American society are now urgently important.

To that end, proposals for a year of national service strike me as particularly welcome. This would be expensive but focusing young Americans on a year of shared endeavor with others from vastly different backgrounds—in the military, in AmeriCorps, in internships or public-service opportunities—would help meet many needs and be well worth the expense.

To be sure, there are plenty of efforts in many communities to work against these trends, to expand participation and build connections, and to decrease division. Still, the challenge we face as a nation is to revitalize our democracy and its institutions. We need to strengthen representative democracy by restoring the effectiveness of govern-

We are, after all, the United States. Our name expresses an ideal. So, for that matter, does the course of our history, which over time has trended toward expanding inclusivity and opportunity for all. One place to start is to appreciate our history and take inspiration from that history: to recognize where we’ve fallen short, but also to highlight the remarkable progress we’ve made and the efforts of committed citi-

We also need to up our game as ordinary citizens and beat back the drivers of divisiveness and polarization as we work to strengthen our communities. Among other things, this means making an effort to seek out alternative points of view in the media and paying attention to objective, factual reporting. It means supporting measures that bring us together, such as bringing young people from all backgrounds and perspectives to work side by side in projects for the public good. And it means being thoughtful about our engagement: voting for candidates focused on pulling us together and working for the common good and putting our time and effort into causes that bring us together rather than pull us apart. In short, we must decide what we can do in the voting booth and in our own neighborhoods and communities to revitalize our representative democracy. Our aim is to make our communities and our country better places to live: more creative, inclusive, and welcoming. The answer lies not in the stars, but with all of us. Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Elizabeth J. Kirk Oxford

This notice contains information about proposed amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, based on joint resolutions of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

amendments during the 2019-2020 session of the legislature. If a majority of the Senators and Representatives elected at the upcoming November 3, 2020 General Election approve any of the proposed amendments for a second time during the 2021-2022 session, the approved proposed amendment(s) will be published again and submitted to the voters of Pennsylvania as a ballot question(s), as required by Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution. If a ballot question is approved by a majority of the people voting on it, the amendment will become law.

This public notice is part of the process of amending the Constitution of Pennsylvania. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is required to publish a copy of the joint resolutions proposing the amendments. The text of the joint resolutions is included below this notice. Words that appear in bold print are the changes to the words of the Constitution that are proposed by the General Assembly. If the amendment is approved, the words underlined would be added to the Constitution and the words in [brackets] would be deleted.

If you need help reading this advertisement or need the text of the proposed amendments in an alternative format, call or write the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Elections and Notaries, (option 3), ra-elections@pa.gov.

Kathy Boockvar Secretary of the

Commonwealth

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 1

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for Lieutenant Governor. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:

Section 1. The following amendment to the Constitution of Pennsylvania is proposed in accordance with Article XI: That section 4 of Article IV be amended to read:

§ 4. Lieutenant Governor.

[A Lieutenant Governor shall be chosen jointly with the Governor by the casting by each voter of a single vote applicable to both as the Governor; he]

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 2

Proposing separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for tenure of justices, judges and justices of the peace; and further providing for absentee voting.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:

Section 1. The following separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania are proposed in accordance with Article XI:

(1) That section 15(b) of Article V be amended to read:

§ 15. Tenure of justices, judges and justices of the peace.

(b) A justice or judge elected under section 13(a), appointed of the Commonwealth who under law shall have supervision

section 13(a) or by appointment under section 13(d) if applicable. If the electors without party designation, [on a separate judicial ballot at the municipal of the justice or judge, to determine only the question whether applicable. If a majority favors retention, the justice or judge shall removed or retired. At the expiration of each term a justice or judge shall be eligible for retention as provided herein, subject only to the retirement provisions of this article.

(2) That section 14 of Article VII be amended to read:

§ 14. Absentee voting.

(a) The Legislature shall, by general law, provide a manner in which,

of illness or physical disability or who will not attend a polling place because of the observance of a religious holiday or who may vote, and for the return and canvass of their votes in the election district in which they respectively reside. A law under appear at a designated polling place on the day of the election.

Lieutenant Governor shall be President of the Senate. As such, [he] the Lieutenant Governor may vote in case of a tie on any question a conference report or the concurrence in amendments made by the

of this proposed constitutional amendment, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers constitutional amendment.

(b) Upon the second passage by the General Assembly of this proposed constitutional amendment, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers are published amendment. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall submit this

which meets the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.

these proposed constitutional amendments, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers constitutional amendments.

(1) Submit the proposed constitutional amendment under general or municipal election which meets the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.

(2) Submit the proposed constitutional amendment under general or municipal election which meets the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendment is passed by the General Assembly.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF PENNSYLVANIA

This notice contains information about proposed amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, based on joint resolutions of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

during the 2019-2020 session of the legislature. If a majority of the Senators and Representatives elected at the upcoming November 3, 2020 General Election approve any of the proposed amendments for a second time during the 20212022 session, the approved proposed amendment(s) will be published again and submitted to the voters of Pennsylvania as a ballot question(s), as required by Article XI, Section 1 of the Constitution. If a ballot question is approved by a majority of the people voting on it, the amendment will become law.

Words that appear in bold print are the changes to the words of the Constitution that are proposed by the General Assembly. If the amendment is approved, the words underlined would be added to the Constitution and the words in [brackets] would be deleted.

Kathy Boockvar

Secretary

of the Commonwealth

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 3

Proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, organizing the Judiciary into representative districts and further providing for residency requirements.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:

Section 1. The following integrated amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania are proposed in accordance with Article XI:

(1) That section 2 of Article V be amended to read:

§ 2. Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court (a) shall be the highest court of the Commonwealth and in this court shall be reposed the supreme judicial power of the Commonwealth;

(b) shall consist of seven justices, to be elected from seven judicial districts which shall be established by law, one of whom shall be the Chief Justice; and (c) shall have such jurisdiction as shall be provided by law.

(2) That section 3 of Article V be amended to read:

§ 3. Superior Court.

The Superior Court shall be a statewide court, and shall consist of the number of judges, which shall be not less than seven judges, to be elected from judicial districts which shall be established by law, and have such jurisdiction as shall be provided by this Constitution or by the General Assembly. One of its judges shall be the president judge.

(3) That section 4 of Article V be amended to read:

§ 4. Commonwealth Court.

The Commonwealth Court shall be a statewide court, and shall consist of the number of judges, to be elected from judicial districts which shall be established by law, and have such jurisdiction as shall be provided by law. One of its judges shall be the president judge.

(4) That section 11 of Article V be amended to read:

§ 11. Judicial districts; boundaries.

[The number and boundaries of judicial districts shall be changed by the General Assembly only with the advice and consent of the Supreme Court.]

(a) The number of judges and justices of the Supreme Court, the Superior Court and the Commonwealth Court elected from each judicial district shall provide every resident of the Commonwealth with approximately equal representation on a court. Each judicial district shall be composed of compact and contiguous territory as nearly equal in population as practicable. Each judicial district shall elect one judge or justice. Unless absolutely necessary, no county, city, incorporated town, borough, township or ward may be divided in forming a judicial district.

(b) The General Assembly shall, by law, establish:

(1) The judicial districts from which justices of the Supreme Court and the judges of the Superior Court and the Commonwealth Court are elected.

(2) A transition to an appellate court judiciary elected from judicial districts. election.

(4) The order in which judicial districts shall elect justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Superior Court and the Commonwealth Court.

(5) The decennial realignment of the appellate judicial districts based on the Federal decennial census, beginning in 2021 and occurring each ten years thereafter.

(c) Except as provided under subsection (b) and section 7(b), the number and boundaries of all other judicial districts shall be established by the General Assembly by law, with the advice and consent of the Supreme Court.

(5) That section 12 of Article V be amended to read:

(a) Justices, judges and justices of the peace shall be citizens of the the City of Philadelphia, shall be members of the bar of the Supreme Court. Justices [and judges of statewide courts, for a period of one year preceding reside within the Commonwealth. Other], judges and justices of the peace, for a period of one year preceding their election or appointment and during as provided in this article for temporary assignments.

(b) Justices of the peace shall be members of the bar of the Supreme Court or shall complete a course of training and instruction in the duties of their courses and examinations shall be as provided by law.

proposed constitutional amendments, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such

constitutional amendments.

(b) Upon the second passage by the General Assembly of these proposed constitutional amendments, the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers amendments. The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall submit the proposed electors of this Commonwealth as a single ballot question as provided under the requirements of and is in conformance with section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and which occurs at least three months after the proposed constitutional amendments are passed by the General Assembly.

(c) The Secretary of the Commonwealth shall place these proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot as a single ballot question in the following form:

Shall sections 2, 3, 4, 11 and 12 of Article V of the Pennsylvania Constitution be amended to require that judges and justices of the Supreme Court, the Superior Court and the Commonwealth Court be elected from judicial districts established by the General Assembly which must be compact, contiguous and nearly equal in population as practicable and to require that all justices, judges and justices of the peace to be residents of their judicial districts for one year preceding election or appointment and during service?

JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 2020 – 4

Proposing separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania, in declaration of rights, providing for prohibition against denial or abridgment of equality of rights because of race and ethnicity; in legislation, further providing for action on concurrent orders and resolutions; and, in the executive, providing for disaster emergency declaration and management.

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby resolves as follows:

Section 1. The following separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of Pennsylvania are proposed in accordance with Article XI:

(1) That Article I of the Constitution of Pennsylvania be amended by adding a section to read:

§ 29. Prohibition against denial or abridgment of equality of rights because of race and ethnicity.

Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because of the race or ethnicity of the individual.

(1.1) That section 9 of Article III be amended to read:

§ 9. Action on concurrent orders and resolutions.

may be necessary, except on the [question of adjournment] questions of adjournment or termination or extension of a disaster emergency declaration as declared by an executive order or proclamation, or portion of a disaster emergency declaration as declared by an executive order or proclamation,

according to the rules and limitations prescribed in case of a bill.

(2) That Article IV be amended by adding a section to read:

§ 20. Disaster emergency declaration and management.

(a) A disaster emergency declaration may be declared by executive order or that the occurrence or threat of a disaster is imminent that threatens the health, safety or welfare of this Commonwealth.

(b) Each disaster emergency declaration issued by the Governor under subsection (a) shall indicate the nature, each area threatened and the conditions of the disaster, including whether the disaster is a natural disaster, military emergency, public health emergency, technological disaster shall, by statute, provide for the manner in which each type of disaster enumerated under this subsection shall be managed.

for no more than twenty-one (21) days, unless otherwise extended in whole or part by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly.

(d) Upon the expiration of a disaster emergency declaration under subsection (a), the Governor may not issue a new disaster emergency declaration based upon the same or substantially similar facts and circumstances without the passage of a concurrent resolution of the General Assembly expressly approving the new disaster emergency declaration.

(b) Upon the second passage by the General Assembly of these proposed constitutional amendments, the secretary of the commonwealth shall proceed immediately to comply with the advertising requirements of section 1 of Article XI of the Constitution of Pennsylvania and shall transmit the required advertisements to two newspapers in every county in which such newspapers amendments. the Secretary of the Commonwealth shall:

(1) submit the proposed constitutional amendment under section 1(1)

(1.1) Submit the proposed constitutional amendment under section 1(1.1)

(2) submit the proposed constitutional amendment under section 1(2)

A house with more stories to tell

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

As 2019 became 2020, the clock on the preservation of one piece of Landenberg history seemed to speed up on those who wished for more time.

As per a May 2019 agreement between New Garden Township and Wilkinson Homes, the Middleton House at 503 Newark Road would be slated for demolition unless the historic home could be sold during an 18-month window of time, in order to make way for the new Middleton Crossing development to add one more plot and home to its design.

In short, a miracle was needed in order to save a 2.9-acre property on which a home has stood – dating back to its original construction -- since 1783.

In a perfect world, many local stakeholders thought, the buyer should be the type who not only admires history but embraces its delicacies; who prefers the mildew brine of an old book to an e-book or a trusty old tool to a brand new one; the treasure of turning neglect into timeless grandeur and the achy but beautiful old bones of an historic home to the assembly-line construction of a new one.

In early February, the perfect person visited the Middleton House for the first time, and he saw promise living between the great cracks of the crumbling house. At the New Garden

Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 18, 2020, Bill Romanelli of Wilkinson Homes announced that they had recently tendered a sales contract for the sale of the home. The buyer, it turned out, was Matthew Studner, who owns and operates West Grove-based Second Chance Restoration with his wife, Wendy.

The Studners primary intention for the home was simply, in Matthew’s words, “To bring her back to life.”

“I immediately knew that this house has more stories to tell,” Studner said. “From the very beginning of our renovations, people would come up to us and tell us stories about its past. I believe that homes are built upon from family to family, each of whom adds their individual stories to it. It’s a connection and an imprint, similar to nature.

Working with Charles Wilkinson and Bill Romanelli of Wilkinson Homes, realtor Dan Birch of Beiler-Campbell and

six contractors and subcontractors, the Studners began restoration in April by first studying the history of the three-story, five-bedroom home, and while their intention was to retain the historical feel of a country farmhouse, they did so with the understanding that they also needed to furnish the home with the modern conveniences of new homes.

Every wall in the home was stripped, primed and repainted. Structural beams beneath the kitchen were replaced, and the room was greatly extended in order to better accommodate the needs and traffic patterns of a modern family: a kitchen island, granite countertops, tile floor, a Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer and stainless appliances.

Over the next five months – and through the challenges of doing so in the middle of a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic –the Middleton House was slowly transformed. The dining room, living room,

parlor room and the front foyer and its turned stairway were all restored, and classic-looking fireplaces received brand new tile facing. While the house still retains some of its wide-beam wooden plank floors, the four large bedrooms on the second floor all received new flooring, and outdated bathrooms were replaced with new fixtures and glass shower stalls.

The home’s 1,300 squarefoot top floor was also upgraded and primed to become an in-law suite or artist’s studio, complete with a free-standing tub in the bathroom. In addition, the house received an HVAC system, upgraded electrical power and is now primed for the modern bells and whistles of convenience and technology.

Studner is also renovating the home’s basement, focusing his attention on strengthening its walls and restoring what had served as the home’s root cellar, which once was used for storage of vegetables,

fruits, nuts and other foods. Outside, a paved driveway leads up to the house and two-car rear garage, and the property received landscaping that removed the unsightly brush that once obscured the view of the home from the road.

Others who have a stake in both the future infrastructure of the township and its historical preservation of the area share a mutual enthusiasm for the restoration of the home.

Lynn Sinclair of the township’s Historical Commission said that the restoration of the Middleton House is in perfect step with the Commission’s mission, which is in part to be able to preserve historical structures as a means of presenting a glimpse into the area’s rich history, given that the home’s exterior closely resembles what it looked like a century or so ago.

“If anyone wanted to get an idea of what that township looked like one hundred years ago, we can point to that house and say,

‘This house has stood here since 1783 and used to be a farmhouse, and that’s how people lived many years ago,’” Sinclair said. “This renovation also extends the life of the house for another one hundred years, maybe more, and visually, it’s compatible with the new construction around it.” For Studner, the task of renovating the Middleton House could not have been better timed.

“It was such a challenge to do this while the entire world was shutting down,” he said. “Being able to do this project during COVID19 was a savior for me, because I always need a great project to jump on.” While a punch list of restoration tasks waits to be completed, the house is currently on the market for resale. Meanwhile, Second Chance Restoration and Birch are currently searching for other historic homes in the Chester County area – as well as barns and any other older structures to renovate, possibly two and

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The Middleton House in 2018 and after renovation in 2020.

The front porch of the Middleton House has been cleaned and painted.

The top floor’s bathroom features a free-standing tub.

Bathrooms throughout the house have been accessorized with modern-day fixtures.

JANET K. BACCINO

Janet K. (England) Baccino passed away peacefully at Linden Hall in Kennett Square on Aug. 28. She was the wife of Frank A. Baccino, who passed away in 1988, and with whom she shared 16 years of marriage. She was 76.

Janet was the daughter of the late Leroy and Treva England and spent most of her life in the southern Chester County area. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1962.

Janet was retired from Acme Markets, where she worked for over 20 years, first at the New Garden location and then in Avondale after the store relocated. She had many positions at the store over the years, but her favorite was when she worked in the bakery department. If you ever ordered a personalized, decorated cake from the bakery in the 1990s and early 2000s, chances are she’s the one who decorated it.

In her spare time, Janet loved crafts, from the countless hand-made Halloween costumes for her children to beadwork in her later years and almost anything and everything in between. She also enjoyed cooking and especially baking, learning several recipes from her Italian motherin-law. In retirement Janet used her free time to travel on cruises and trips to Canada and Europe.

Janet is survived by her son, Nicholas (Melinda) of Landenberg; her brother James England of Townsend, Del.; loving grandsons Cole and Christopher of Landenberg; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jacqueline; grandson, Luke; sister Kathryn; and brother Robert.

Due to the pandemic, services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or on the web at http://act.alz.org/ donate.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

ROBERT JAMES BROWNING

Robert James Browning, 88, of Oxford, formerly of Newark, Del., passed away peacefully on Aug. 23 at Jennersville Hospital. He was a resident of Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford for six years.

He was the loving husband of Carol Hall Browning, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

Born in Lincoln, Mass., he was the son of the late George U. and Isabelle Smith Browning. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War, where he was stationed in Morocco as an X-ray technician.

Following his service, Bob attended college, receiving a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University in Boston. During this time he worked with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, including work in Greenland.

After graduation, he was employed with the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company for 32 years, working as an engineer in many states. He had assignments as a project engineering manager in Tokyo, Japan, London, England, and Dunkirk, France. He was a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineering.

During his life, Bob was also a member of the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the Greenville, Pa. Library Board, and was active in the Episcopal Church, serving in various volunteer roles. Most recently, he was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Newark, Del. and St. Christopher Episcopal Church in Oxford. He was an avid woodworker, making furniture and remodeling many of the family homes. He always enjoyed a good party, and loved to dance.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his son, Stephen Browning of Bear, Del.; his daughter, Rebecca McKinley of Cheshire, CT; his grandchildren, Sarah Wilson, Scott Browning, Taylor McKinley, Dagny McKinley, and Stacy Browning; and his great-grandchildren, Jonah, Lucas, Micah and Ethan Wilson.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandchild, Caleb Wilson; and his siblings, George Browning, Jr., Charlotte Willets, Frances Lake and William Browning.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 29 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10006-3111.

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

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

JUDITH E. SCHNEIDER

Judith E. Schneider, a resident of Lancaster, Pa., passed away on Aug. 25. She was 68. Born in Lancaster, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Lewis and Catherine Wallace McMichael. Judith retired in 2013 from the Office of Domestic Relations for Chester County.

She is survived by one son, Chad Schneider (Katie) of Lancaster; one daughter, Beth M. Schneider of Oxford; one granddaughter, Baileigh Lee; two brothers, David McMichael (Deb) of Oxford and Kenny McMichael of TN; and one sister, Darlene Everhart of Downingtown; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Lancaster County SPCA, https://www.pspca. org/tribute-memorial-gifts.

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

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

JOSEPHINE BARKER BLACKBURN

Josephine Barker Blackburn went to be with the Lord on July 25. She was 92 years old. She was formerly a resident of Oxford.

Born in Damascus, Va., she was the daughter of Wiley Barker and Lola Johnson Barker.

Josephine was the beloved wife of the late Elmer Blackburn; mother of Patricia Duvall (Delmer), Lanny Blackburn (Suzanne), Larry Blackburn (Karen) and the late Linda Rowe (Richard); grandmother of Tammie, Alisa, Kristen, Jenny, Brandy, Carrie, Stephanie, Julia, Jason, Andrea, Matthew, Robert, Richard and Ethan; a greatgrandmother of 16; and a sister of Madeline Barker Salerni and the late Burl Barker.

Services were held on July 31 at Longwood Funeral Home & Cremation of Matthew Genereux in Kennett Square. Burial followed in Union Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road in Kennett Square.

BYRON JOHNSTON

Byron Johnston passed away on July 24. He is survived by his mother, Sharon Johnston, and by his children, Jaxton and Declan Johnston.

Services will be announced in the future.

Arrangements were handled by the Cremation Service of Delaware.

WARREN S. O’SULLIVAN

Warren S. O’Sullivan, a longtime Wilmington, Del. resident, former New Castle County engineer and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, died peacefully on Aug. 24 at his home at Jenner’s Pond. He was 93. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Frances Pope O’Sullivan, his sister Isabel Blake, sons Richard and Peter, and grandsons Andrew, Christopher, Connor and Carter.

Born and raised in Narberth, Pa., he attended Lower Merion High School and Drexel University before enlisting in the Army at the end of World War II. He was offered an appointment to West Point and graduated with a degree in engineering in 1952. He married his sweetheart that same year in a military ceremony in Fran’s hometown of Wilmington, Del.

After a distinguished 20-year career as an Army Corps of Engineers officer, which included service in Korea and two tours in Viet Nam, he settled in Wilmington, working as an engineer in the Public Works Department for New Castle County. He was promoted to the position of chief county engineer, which he held until his retirement in 1996.

Warren and Fran moved to Jenner’s Pond in 2010. He enjoyed tennis, bridge, ballroom dancing and a busy social life with family and many friends.

Warren was an avid supporter of the U.S. Military Academy and Retired Military Officers Association.

A private burial service was held on Aug. 29.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

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three at a time.

“The Middleton House is not the end for Matt, Wendy or me,” Birch said. “We’re looking still for the next project. We want to form partnerships with local historical commissions and residents in finding that next house.”

“Restoring homes is like seeing a worn old marble step in Philadelphia that Benjamin Franklin may have stepped on,” Studner said. “That step shows us our past, but it’s also part of our present and it also leads us to our future.”

The historic Middleton House is currently being listed for $619,000. To learn more, contact Dan Birch, Beiler-Campbell Realtors & Appraisers at 610-869-8711, x. 213, or visit www.beiler-campbell. com.

To learn more about Second Chance Restoration, call Matt and Wendy Studner at 267-300-2622, or email

mattstudner@gmail.com.

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

FRANCIS J. DUSZAK

Francis J. Duszak passed away peacefully at his home in Landenberg on Aug. 20. He was 80. He is predeceased by his parents, Stella and Francis (“Hap”) Duszak, his sister, Mary Pazzi, and his brother Edward.

Fran is survived by Kathryn, his wife of 53 years, sons, Francis, Jr., and David, a daughter, Frances Ann Jackson, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his twin sister, Odilia.

Fran was born in Wilmington, Del. on March 4, 1940, and he grew up in the city. He attended St. Hedwig Catholic Elementary School, Colwyck Jr. High, and Brown Vocational High School. He was always very athletic and excelled in several sports, receiving awards for both wrestling and football. He played both offense and defense on Brown’s football team and played in the All-Star game in 1958.

After graduating from high school in 1958, Fran worked for Hercules Powder Company at the Research Center in Wilmington, Del. He entered the U. S. Army

in 1964 and served in Vietnam before returning home in 1966. He continued to work at Hercules until his retirement in 1999. In the 1980s, he went to night classes and received an associate’s degree from Goldey-Beacom.

Fran and Kathy met at Rehoboth Beach, Del. during Memorial Day weekend in 1966. They married in April 1967, and were together ever since.

Fran is a past president of the local National Wild Turkey Federation chapter, The Laurel Long Beards. An avid turkey hunter for over 50 years, he enjoyed more than 100 hunts at his cabin in McConnellsburg, Pa., where he shared many great and memorable times with his sons and some of his closest friends. He also hunted in South Carolina, where he could visit with his daughter, Francy, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored.

At the required age of 18, Fran became a member of the Polaski Legion in Wilmington, Del. He was an active member after that, and enrolled both sons as soon as they reached the required age. He enjoyed going to the Polaski Day Parade and the annual Polish Festival whenever he could.

One of Fran’s hobbies was gardening. Every year he planted a giant vegetable garden and got much pleasure giving most of his vegetables away to family and friends.

A runner for over 50 years, Fran remained athletic all his life. He was an active member of Hockessin Athletic Club and always exceeded expectations.

Aside from his many accomplishments, Fran was a wonderful husband, father and friend, and will be missed by many. Kathy called him “my warrior, my hero, who always made me feel safe.” His children idolized him. Each of his closest friends knew they could always count on him; he always had their backs. He was loved and admired for many reasons, including his loyalty, self-discipline and determination, his endless pranks and zany sense of humor. It was often said that, “He is the toughest guy I know.”

Visitation and funeral services will be held at St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, 408 S. Harrison Street in Wilmington, Del. on Friday, Sept. 4. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by services at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held at 1 p.m. at Delaware Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, Del. A reception celebrating Fran’s life will be held at a later date.

Donations in Fran’s memory may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 666758516 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

The refurbished fireplace in the home’s parlor room.

claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Everett V. Priestley, ADMINISTRATOR, PO Box 82, Kemblesville, PA 19347.

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Public Notice

Notice is given that the Board of Supervisors of New Garden Township will hold a public hearing at 6:30 P.M., on September 21, 2020, virtually using the Zoom meeting conference software, to consider the following application for conditional use: Application of Green Robin Homes for conditional use approval pursuant to §200-180.D of the New Garden Township Zoning Ordinance in order to disturb the natural resources on the property to a greater extent than permissible for purposes of accessing the lot on the property located at 144 Sharp Road, New Garden Township. The property consists of approximately 7.2 acres, is located within the R-4 Residential District, and is also known as tax parcel 60-4-57. Information on how to join the meeting

will be available on Friday, September 18, 2020 on the Township website and will be posted at the Township Building, located at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. The general public is welcome to join the meeting via computer, laptop, tablet, cell phone, or land line phone. Ramsey Reiner, Township Manager 9p-2-2t

Public Notice

Notice is given that the Board of Supervisors of New Garden Township will hold a public hearing at 7:00 P.M., on September 21, 2020, virtually using the Zoom meeting conference software, to consider the following application for conditional use: Application of LGB 1470 West Baltimore Pike LLC for conditional use approval pursuant to §20028.B(1) of the New Garden Township Zoning Ordinance and the applicant’s previous Conditional Use Decision and Order (C-2019-0207) in order to authorize the construction of nine (9) single-family attached dwellings, in three (3) groups of three (3) dwellings, on the property located at 1470 West Baltimore Pike, Toughkenamon, PA. The property consists of approximately 1.37 acres, is located within the R-3 Toughkenamon Residential District, and is also known as tax parcels 60-1Q9, 60-1Q-15, 60-1Q-16 and 60-1Q-17. Information on how to join the meeting will be available on Friday, September 18, 2020 on the Township website and will be posted at the Township Building, located at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. The general public is welcome to join the meeting via computer, laptop, tablet, cell phone, or land line phone. Ramsey Reiner, Township Manager 9p-2-2t

ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF CLIFTON WEBB PENNEWELL, DECEASED. Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CHRISTINE M. DeMITIS, 1930 Lawrence Rd., C-31, Havertown, PA 19083 and

PATRICIA A. KLEIN, 311 Ryan Rd., Florence, MA 01062, EXECUTRICES, Or to their Attorney: DANIEL J. SIEGEL, LAW OFFICES OF DANIEL J. SIEGEL, LLC, 66 W. Eagle Rd., Ste. 1,Havertown, PA 19083 9p-2-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

T-Mobile proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 68’) on the catenary tower at Business Rt 30 & Bailey Rd, Thorndale, PA (20190691). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties. 9p-2-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

T-Mobile proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 65’) on the catenary tower at Fleetwood Street at 3rd Avenue North, Coatesville, PA (20190692). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

9p-2-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

Oxford Borough Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, September 14, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the special meeting is for Council to consider a request by ELA Group for an extension of time to consider the Ware Presbyterian Village Expansion. This meeting will be conducted via Zoom -https://zoom.us/j/99987019908?pwd= TDRZZm1qZ05zam11YzFjd1g3YjlrZz09

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If you wish to participate in this meeting and are a person with a disability requiring an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate, please contact the Borough secretary at (610) 932-2500 to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated. 9p-2-1t

INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Line Leaders, Inc. has been incor-

porated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. Nastasi Law Offices 5050 Fairway Road, Unit 1 North, Drexel Hill, PA 19026 9p-2-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given of the administration of the Dorothy M Bush Trust dtd 3/30/11.Settlor l, late of Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania died 3/14/20. All persons having claims against the decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Lisa Crews, Trustee, C/O Patricia A. Coacher, Esq., 166 Allendale Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406 9p-2-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, September 17th, 2020 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 19th, 2020. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 20-9-336 Writ of Execution No. 2014-09985 DEBT $235,213.08

Property situate in the ATGLEN BOROUGH, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania BLR# 7-5-1.3

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, Not Individually But as Trustee for Pretium Mortgage Acquistion Trust VS DEFENDANT: Ron Whitney a/k/a Ron Whitney, Jr., in His Capacity as Executor and Devisee of The Estate of Walter L. Handly Philadelphia Region of the S.C.C.A.

SALE ADDRESS: 404 Glen Run Drive, Atglen, PA 19310-9440

PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN

HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP 215-563-7000

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. 8p-26-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, September 17th, 2020 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, October 19th, 2020. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 20-9-333 Writ of Execution No. 2017-07528 DEBT $133,097.04

ALL THAT CERTAIN , MESSAGE, LOT OR PIECE OF LAND SITUATE ON, IN THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, COUNTY OF CHESTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED, AS FOLLOWS,

County Commissioners recognize National Recovery Month

and

donate $50,000 for substance abuse treatment

Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline opened the August public meeting by recognizing and supporting the county’s efforts to address substance abuse.

The Commissioners presented a proclamation recognizing September as National Recovery Month, noted the county’s support for National Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, and announced a donation of $50,000 for the County’s COPE initiative, raised by last year’s Color 5K to support the program that personally encourages overdose survivors to enter treatment.

Reading the proclamation for National Recovery Month, Maxwell said that, “Every day, courageous women and men take the step toward reclaiming their lives from substance use disorders, and recognition that recovery is a reality sends a message of hope to the community.”

In proclaiming September as National Recovery Month, Maxwell also noted the call for all residents to celebrate individuals in recovery and to honor all family members, treatment and recovery support professionals and champion who make recovery possible.

Vince Brown, executive director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol thanked the Commissioners for their support of National Recovery Month and provided details of two virtual events scheduled in September—Recovery Walks 2020! on Sept. 12, and a community naloxone training day, on Sept. 22, co-hosted with Chester County Hospital.

Moskowitz provided details of Chester County’s participation in International Overdose Awareness Day, which includes placing 104 purple pinwheels on the lawn of the Justice Center and West Chester Borough Hall; one pinwheel for every Chester County life lost to opioid and heroin overdose in 2019.

“In displaying these pinwheels, we encourage everyone to raise awareness of overdose, reduce the stigma surrounding overdoses and drug-related deaths, remember the lives lost to overdose, and acknowledge the immense grief felt by families and friends who have lost someone that they love to this terrible disease.”

Kichline’s comments followed, and focused on news of the Chester County Color 5K, an annual event that over the past four years has raised significant funds to help battle the opioid and heroin epidemic in Chester County.

Kichline announced the donation of $50,000, netted by the 2019 Color 5K, for Chester County’s COPE program. She thanked sponsors and participants

for their tremendous support of last year’s event, and confirmed that the event this year would not be held, due to COVID-19.

In her comments at the meeting Kichline said, “Although we considered holding a virtual Color 5K this year, we know that so many worthy nonprofits in Chester County are struggling because of COVID-19. And many of those non-profits provide crucial services that are linked to, and positively address substance abuse.

“So rather than hold a virtual 5K and ask for donations to the Color 5, we encourage everyone to set a goal of running – or walking – their own 5K,” added Kichline. “Dress in brightly colored clothes if you want, and then make a donation to the Chester County non-profit of your choice in memory of someone you know who lost their life to substance abuse, or to honor someone who is still struggling with substance abuse.”

Developed by the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services, with input from the county’s Drug Overdose Prevention Task Force, the COPE program ensures overdose survivors being treated in local emergency departments are personally encouraged to enter treatment. A 24/7 on-call Engagement Team provides personal support for overdose survivors and their family and friends while they are in the hospital emergency department, as well as following discharge from the emergency room. COPE also provides overdose prevention information and outreach to the hospitals and their staff.

Since its inception, the COPE program has made 287 personal referrals for overdose survivors, taking them from local emergency departments to treatment facilities. These services continue to be offered during the pandemic, with special measures being

taken to ensure those who are in need of treatment receive it safely.

In addition to developing and implementing the COPE program, Chester County continues to address the many different aspects of the opioid and heroin crisis through its Overdose Prevention Task Force. The county was one of the first to create a task force, which takes a multidisciplinary approach. This includes the arrest and prosecution of drug dealers, moving those suffering from addiction into treatment and counseling, educating children and their parents through prevention programming, taking drugs off the streets through the drop box initiative, and working with doctors and health care providers on opioid prescribing practices.

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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 in September, CWA will be flushing the following Townships in Chester County: Lower Oxford, Upper Oxford, Penn, Londonderry, East Nottingham, and West Nottingham.

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

Delaware County Community College is new chapter of Our Community Salutes

Delaware County Community College is committed to helping active duty soldiers, military veterans and their families.

As a way of demonstrating its support and commitment, the college plans to honor recent high school graduates from the Greater Philadelphia area who are soon planning to enter the U.S. military.

The college is one of the newest chapters of Our Community Salutes, a nonprofit organization that hosts annual sendoffs for new U.S. military enlistees when they graduate from high school. While the college had planned an inaugural, in-person sendoff for the high school graduates, it unfortunately had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

However, the college has developed multiple ways to still honor the graduates,

veterans and their families.

The college will offer current and past members of the U.S. military services the opportunity to share their stories with the high school graduates and new enlistees via podcast. The college also will invite new enlistees, and their families, to participate in the college’s annual Veterans Appreciation events, and the college will present each new enlistee with a challenge coin, reflecting a longtime military tradition. The coin was designed with the input of veterans employed at the college, student veterans and alumni, such as 2020 graduate Nicholas Delloso, one of only 48 student veterans nationwide recently selected to receive an inaugural 2020 Student Veteran Leadership Award from G.I. Jobs, a magazine for U.S. military soldiers, veterans

and their families.

U.S. military enlistees who have graduated from high school, as well as their family members, who are interested in participating are encouraged to register by no later than Wednesday, Sept. 30 at dccc.edu/community-salutes-registration.

Each year, Delaware County Community College serves more than 300 military families from Delaware, Chester and Philadelphia counties. Service members and veterans may qualify for free education and training. Additionally, the college offers student veterans membership in the college’s chapter of the nationally renowned Student Veterans of America; dedicated staff; an on-campus Veterans Center; and other resources.

Earlier this year, the college received a 2020-2021 Military Friendly School

designation from Viqtory, the service-disabled, veteran-owned small business that publishes G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse national magazines. The Military Friendly designation provides service members and their families with transparent, data-driven ratings about post-military education and training opportunities.

Many of the college’s staff and faculty are veterans, including Darren Lipscomb, a U.S. Army veteran, who is director of outreach, recruitment and enrollment services. Each year, on the days leading up to Veterans Day, the college honors staff who are veterans by displaying on campus televisions and computer screens, side-byside photos showing them in uniform, during their days in the military, and in civilian attire today.

In January 2017, the college opened a Veterans Center at its Marple Campus through the generous donations of local business owner Pam Mariani and the Wilbur C. and Betty Lea Henderson Foundation.

The center is equipped with computers, satellite cable, a Prisoner of War table, military flags and other amenities. It serves as a space for studying, socializing and veterans-focused programming.

Dinniman announces more than $1.1 million in small business funding for Chester County businesses

Fifty small businesses in Chester County were awarded or will soon be awarded grant funding totaling over $1.1 million, state Senator Andy Dinniman announced last week. The funding comes from the COVID-19 Small Business Grant award and is from the second round of relief for small businesses. The first application round

drew a strong response with nearly 24,000 applicants.

The COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance funding was developed in partnership with state lawmakers and allocated through the state budget, which included $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic

Security (CARES) Act, of which $225 million was earmarked for relief for small businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and they have been some of the hardest hit by this pandemic and the resultant shutdown and economic crisis,” Dinniman said. “This was a joint effort of the entire Chester County del-

egation, working together to help small and familyowned businesses manage costs, handle expenses, maintain operations and save jobs in the face of unprecedented challenges and difficult times. I want to thank every member of the Chester County state House and Senate delegation for coming together to support our small businesses.”

The 50 businesses supported in Chester County make up a portion of the more than 1,100 small businesses supported through this grant award across Pennsylvania.

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) distributed the funds to the Pennsylvania Community Development Financial

Institutions (CDFIs), which are administering the grants through three programs: $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program, $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program, and $25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program.

Courtesy photo

At the Veterans Center are (from left) U.S. Army veteran Darren Lipscomb, director of outreach, recruitment and enrollment services, students Petula Darnley and Alexander Eatman; U.S. Military student veterans Nicholas Stanicia and Robert Saugling, and Mitchell Murtha, vice president, recruitment and enrollment management.

Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health offers comprehensive behavioral health services during COVID-19 pandemic

At a time when many people and their loved ones are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, Brandywine Hospital –Tower Health would like to remind the community that it offers comprehensive behavioral health services in a safe and clean environment at its campus in Caln Township.

“Now, more than ever, many people are in need of behavioral health services,” said Brandywine Hospital interim CEO Vik Acharya. “The Brandywine Behavioral Health team is here for our community and willing to help individuals with any challenges they

may be facing during these difficult times.”

The compassionate team at Brandywine behavioral health offers a broad range of services, including a 64-bed, acute care inpatient facility that provides three distinct programs: older adult, general adult and eating disorders. The behavioral health staff, which is available 24 hours a day, every day, also diagnoses and treats those with anxiety/panic, bipolar disorder, depression, impulsive behaviors, thought disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.

“Brandywine Behavioral Health believes recov-

ery is possible for every person dealing with a psychiatric diagnosis,” said Wei Du, MD, chair of psychiatry at Brandywine Hospital and chair of the Department of Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine. “In fact, we believe identifying one’s strengths is crucial to his or her recovery and future. It is from this principle that our mission was born: to provide programming that is strength-based, trauma-informed and recovery-focused.”

When a person is experiencing a mental health problem, he or she can access help by receiving an evaluation by a dedicated behavioral health admissions team located within the Brandywine Hospital Emergency Department. Based on this assessment, the behavioral health team will assist the patient in accessing appropriate and necessary services.

Those in need of inpatient services at Brandywine Behavioral Health experience care in a clean and safe setting. Several safety protocols have been implemented in response to the coronavirus pandemic, including enhanced social distancing in patient care areas, rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures, COVID-19 screenings for caregivers and patients, and

face mask requirements for patients and staff. One of the most exciting innovations is a special robot that delivers virus-killing ultraviolet energy. Brandywine Hospital uses the robot in operating rooms, the Emergency Department, Behavioral Health Pavilion, and other patient areas.

In addition to behavioral health inpatient care, the hospital launched its firstever residency program in psychiatry. The first-year class of the Tower HealthBrandywine Hospital General Psychiatry Residency Program began July 1 and has eight residents in its first cohort.

The four-year accredited general psychiatry residency program offers training in inpatient, outpatient, consultation-liaison, geriatric, community, substance abuse, and child and adolescent psychiatry in a range of clinical settings throughout the Philadelphia area.

Additionally, Brandywine Hospital now has an outpatient behavioral health provider on its campus.

Human Services, Inc., a private, nonprofit community mental health center, operates a satellite office in Brandywine Hospital’s Huston Center.

“While anyone can access

treatment at this location, it effectively provides a real collaborative opportunity for patients and clients who visit the Brandywine Hospital campus to access outpatient behavioral health services within the same campus – providing for a true integrated healthcare model,” said David B. Klein, director of admissions & regionalization behavioral health at Brandywine Hospital.

To learn more about Brandywine Behavioral Health, please call 610-383-4980 or visit: https://brandywine.towerhealth.org/services/ behavioral-health-services/.

Courtesy photo

Brandywine Hospital – Tower Health offers comprehensive behavioral health services in a safe and clean environment at its campus in Caln Township.

Longwood Fire Company seeks financial support through annual Fire Fund Drive

Longwood Fire Chief

A. J. McCarthy is asking citizens of the Longwood service area to continue its financial support of the life-saving Longwood organization.

“As we moved into the spring of 2020, none of us anticipated the changes and sacrifices we would all be making regarding the COVID-19 pandemic,” McCarthy said. “We will all

Donations will go to maintaining readiness during pandemic overcome these events by sticking together and supporting one another.”

Longwood has issued its annual Fire Fund Drive. Earlier in the year the fire company decided not to do an annual solicitation.

“The outpouring of kindness we have already seen through our Regional Personal Protection Equipment drive and from residents dropping off

items was overwhelming,” McCarthy said. “We have received much needed masks, face shields, meals, snacks and cleaning products. These items were special to us.” Contributions can be sent by check to Longwood Fire Company, 1001 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square PA 19348-2301 or by visiting www.longwoodfireco.com and clicking on

the donation button.

Longwood maintains a combination career and volunteer fire staff that is available to respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, every day of the year, in the townships of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pocopson and Pennsbury. Donations will directly contribute to the fire equipment and personal protective equipment

required to handle emergency situations quickly and efficiently during these unprecedented times.

“The strength and resilience of the community has been unwavering. We cannot thank our community for all of the support we have received in the past,” McCarthy said. “We, at Longwood, are appreciative of all the support being offered. We especially

thank those responding to our annual Fire Fund drive. 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.

Killion introduces legislation providing $100 million for utility assistance

Noting the uncertain future of the current moratorium on utility shutoffs, State Sen. Tom Killion (R-Chester and Delaware) has introduced legislation that would allocate $100 million to households and small businesses delinquent on utility bills because of COVID-19.

“Almost 800,000 resi-

dential customers as well as 55,000 businesses are behind on their utility bills for no reason other than the pandemic,” noted Killion. “These hardworking Pennsylvanians would be at the mercy of the utility companies should the shutoff moratorium be lifted.”

Killion’s legislation, Senate Bill 1234, entitled

the Utility Security for Seniors, Families and Small Businesses Act, would allocate federal funding Pennsylvania received from the CARES Act. Specifically, it would:

• Provide additional utility assistance to lowincome customers eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP);

• Increase program flexibility to ensure that those who previously did not meet income eligibility guidelines but lost their income as a result of the pandemic can access funds under LIHEAP or through other state assistance programs; and

• Establish a mechanism to provide small businesses

that have had their operations interrupted as a result of the pandemic with financial assistance to pay back utility bills and stay current on their bills in the coming months as the economy recovers.

“This legislation provides the assistance necessary to stop the massive economic aftershock mass shutoffs would precipitate,” said Killion. “Closed businesses, abandoned properties and homes, and utility rate increases are among the most likely effects from failing to provide this much-needed assistance.”

Killion engaged a number of utility companies and consumer advocacy groups in crafting the legislation including PECO,

the Energy Association of PA, National Association of Water Companies (NAWC), Chester Water Authority (CWA), Philadelphia Gas Works, PennEnvironment and PennPIRG.

“The CARES Act funding was meant to help states during this difficult time,” said PennPIRG Advocate Emma Horst-Martz.

“Protecting our most vulnerable consumers and businesses who are at risk of losing their utility services is a perfect way to use this money. Pennsylvanians should be focused on staying safe and healthy, not worrying about losing power or water during the pandemic.”

Senate Bill 1234 has been referred to the Senate

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, chaired by Senator Robert ‘Tommy’ Tomlinson (R-Bucks). It has 15 co-sponsors, eight Republicans and seven Democrats.

“COVID-19 is an economic disaster of previously unimaginable proportion,” said Killion. “My bill will directly assist millions of hardworking Pennsylvanians, including countless seniors, children and small businesses. It will indirectly benefit everyone in the commonwealth by mitigating the need for rate increases caused by hundreds of thousands of delinquent accounts. And it will all be done at no cost to state taxpayers.”