Township hires law firm to help recoup possible losses in suspicious transactions
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
While two investigations exploring allegations of fraud in Kennett Township move into its sixth month, the township’s board of supervisors took action at their Sept. 4 meeting to help protect the township from any possible financial losses that could result from suspicious transactions.
The board authorized the execution of an engagement letter hiring the Philadelphia law firm of Blank Rome as special counsel to pursue any civil liability associated with the investigation.
Township solicitor David Sander said that securing
a legal firm is a “critical and proactive step to take, considering that the DA investigates criminal behavior, but there certainly may be some civil entities that the township should avail itself of. We need to be prepared for that if there are.”
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Blank Rome has 13 locations and 600 attorneys throughout the U.S. and Shanghai, who represent businesses and organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up entities around the globe.
“The result of criminal investigation doesn’t always result in a township being made whole financially,” Sander said. “In a
A perfect weekend for mushrooms
criminal case, there can be an order of payment of restitution, but you don’t know whether you’re going to get that. By taking this action, the board is attempting to have a sophisticated
law firm in a position to recover any funds that are determined to have been inappropriately used or spent.
“This particular lawyer [from Blank Rome] spe-
cializes in trying to recoup any losses that the township may have suffered as a result of these suspicious transactions,” Sander added.
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Car enthusiasts find plenty to like at Downtown Oxford Car Show
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Paul Zuk noticed that a man and a woman had stopped to admire his 1967 Sunbeam Tiger. “It looks better with the top down,” Zuk told them. No further explanation was needed. A light rain was falling during the first hour of the sixth annual Downtown Oxford Car Show last Friday, but the rain did not dampen the spirits of the car enthusiasts. Zuk and the other car owners couldn’t
DELCORA has extended the discussion period with Aqua
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Oxford Area Sewer Authority held a special meeting at the Lower Oxford Township Building on Aug. 29, and the agenda included a presentation by three representatives of DELCORA, the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority.
Those officials—Chris Lenton, Mike DiSantis, and John Pileggi—had the unenviable task of explaining the stunning announcement in July that DELCORA had entered into negotiations to merge with Aqua, a large, private, for-profit water corporation. Those merger discussions halted, at least for now, an agreement for the Oxford Area Sewer Authority to sell its assets, including the state-of-theart wastewater treatment system, to DELCORA.
Nothing that transpired during the meeting offered much clarity about the future of Oxford Area Sewer Authority.
One major piece of information that the DELCORA officials shared with the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board at the Aug. 29 meeting is that the exploratory, non-binding conversations between Aqua and DELCORA will now continue through Oct. 1. Initially, those discussions only had a six-week window.
Oxford officials and residents were understandably concerned about how DELCORA could enter into merger negotiations with Aqua while negotiating to purchase the Oxford Area Sewer Authority’s assets for more than a year.
Lenton assured the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board that they were not aware of DELCORA’s
plans to seek a merger with Aqua when they last met with Oxford Area Sewer Authority officials a few months ago.
“At the last meeting in May, we thought we had
a deal with you,” Lenton said. “We did not know anything about [the merger with Aqua] either. This is not what any of us were envisioning when we met back in May.”
put the tops down on their cars, but it was still a very fun event for car lovers throughout the region. The car show featured a wide array of stunning vintage cars, sleek sports cars, trucks, and motorcycles— plenty to please any car enthusiast.
Zuk, a resident of New London Township, loves being able to display the Sunbeam, which he has owned for about 30 years. He did extensive work on the car, which was only
Continued on Page 3A
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
For two days this July, Kennett Square musician Bryan Tuk holed up at the SpectraSound studio in Quakertown with an ensemble of 13 musicians.
Figuratively speaking, the studio caught on fire – a commonplace occurrence when the Bryan Tuk Complex knocks out some work in a studio or performs live. From
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The officials said that only the highest-ranking DELCORA officials had knowledge of the possibility of a merger with Aqua. The DELCORA officials
Courtesy photo Bryan Tuk is the founder of grooveKSQ, a percussion and music studio in Kennett Square that provides lessons and opportunities for young people interested in music.
Photo by Chris Barber
Kennett Square was packed with tens of thousands of visitors last weekend who came to celebrate everything related to mushrooms. For a story and photos, see Page 1B.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
One by one, the spectacular cars rolled into downtown Oxford.
went on to explain that capital project plans have been developed for the Authority’s existing service area, and approximately $1.2 billion in work will be necessary over the next two decades to fully implement those plans. While DELCORA is in good financial shape, a merger with Aqua could be the best way for the Authority to fund those capital projects and limit the burden on rate payers.
As for why Aqua would be interested in merging with DELCORA, the reason is that DELCORA’s total wastewater treatment operations in the region dwarfs what Aqua currently has. DELCORA could function as the wastewater treatment arm of the company in the area. There is currently no deal in place for Aqua and DELCORA to merge, but the discussions are continuing.
DiSantis said that from what they have been told, DELCORA would be willing to walk away from any deal with Aqua if there isn’t some sort of agreement on fair rates for rate payers.
Lenton told the Oxford Area Sewer Authority that Aqua officials have already said that they would be willing to come to Oxford to discuss the ongoing situation with them, and that any deal, if one does take place, would certainly take some time to complete because Public Utility Commission approvals would be needed.
Oxford Area Sewer Authority officials seemed
skeptical about the possibility of selling its assets to DELCORA if, in the near future, that municipal authority would be merged with Aqua.
Robert McMahon, a member of the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board, noted that the board previously took a vote only to sell to a municipal authority—not to a for-profit water corporation like Aqua.
Ron Kepler, the chairman of the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board and a supervisor from Lower Oxford Township, reiterated that stance.
“An Authority looks out for its rate payers,” Kepler explained. “Aqua looks out for its shareholders.”
There was a brief question-and-answer period where the DELCORA officials responded to questions by those in attendance.
Vince Pompo, the solicitor for the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board, asked for clarification on whether the DELCORA Board had taken any formal action related to the purchase of the Oxford Area Sewer Authority’s assets. The officials responded that the DELCORA Board had not taken such action.
Richard Winchester, a resident of Oxford Borough, said that he was disappointed in the whole process. He said that he would recommend that the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board seek another potential buyer rather than continuing the process with DELCORA.
Blair Fleishmann, a resident of Upper Oxford Township, said that while it was good of three
DELCORA officials to
come to the meeting to provide answers, it was also troubling that DELCORA would negotiate with the Oxford Area Sewer Authority while simultaneously pursuing a merger with Aqua—and not share that information. She said that she would like to see the Oxford Area Sewer Authority remain as a separate entity until there is more clarity about the situation.
William “Radar” O’Connell, a supervisor in Penn Township, said that there were justifiable reasons to be concerned about selling off the system to Aqua because of the potential for large rate increases. As evidence, O’ Connell noted that Aqua sought 84 percent increases in rates for Penn Township residents last year. The rates eventually were increased by 37.4 percent, and O’ Connell warned that a similar increase could be a possibility if the Oxford Area Sewer Authority does sell off its assets to a larger, private water company.
Following the presentation by the DELCORA representatives, the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board still had the regular business to attend to, including updates about the current operations of the Oxford Area Sewer Authority.
Executive director David Busch talked about the efforts to make good on two debt-service payments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that the Sewer Authority failed to make in 2016, before
Busch came on board. It was the missed debt-service payments totaling $1.2 million that prompted the Oxford Area Sewer Authority to pursue a sale of its assets in the first place.
Over the last two years, the Sewer Authority has taken a number of steps to improve its financial position, and it has been able to meet all its obligations, including the debt-service payments that are due twice a year.
Busch said that the Sewer Authority has received a demand letter from the USDA about the two late debt-service payments notifying them that they must make a payment of slightly more than $600,000 by Dec. 31, 2019, and the other payment by the end of June in 2020.
Busch said that he was hopeful that the Sewer Authority could sell two properties—a parcel on Reedville Road that is situated in three different municipalities and the Oxford Area Sewer Authority office building in downtown Oxford. Those two properties could bring in enough funds to make up for at least one of the missed debt-service payments, Busch said, but that isn’t likely to happen by December 31.
Busch said that he has already reached out to several banks to find out the terms that the Sewer Authority could get on a loan that would be sufficient to cover the missed debt-service payments.
“We are not the best
option to loan money to,”
Busch acknowledged. “Do I think we can get a loan? Yes. I think we can get a loan.”
At the time the Sewer Authority initially secured the $27 million loan from the USDA, the four member municipalities— Oxford Borough, Lower Oxford Township, East Nottingham Township, and West Nottingham Township—agreed to guarantee the loan in the event that the Sewer Authority could not meet its obligations.
The Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board voted to send a demand letter to the four member municipalities notifying them that the missed debt-service payments must now be paid, but not everyone was in agreement that this is the best path forward.
Brian Hoover, the Oxford Borough manager and one of the borough’s two representatives on the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board, voted against sending the demand letter to the municipalities. He said that the best option is for the Sewer Authority to take care of its obligation.
“It’s a sewer authority issue, and if the sewer authority can borrow the funds, they should do that,” Hoover said.
Busch agreed, noting that the missed payments were the Sewer Authority’s obligation. Efforts to get the USDA to find a better way to resolve the issue of the missed debt-service payments, such as simply moving those payments to the end of the original loan,
are continuing. Hoover and several others emphasized that the USDA has no intention of foreclosing on the loan, so the importance of the demand letter for a payment by Dec. 31 should not be overstated. The USDA is aware of the Oxford Area Sewer Authority’s situation.
Next, the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board voted to reduce the asking price on the two properties that it is looking to sell in hopes of bringing in an infusion of cash.
As for the larger question of the future of the Oxford Area Sewer Authority, Hoover talked about the need to explore options.
“We can’t bury our head in the sand,” Hoover said. Officials said that it’s likely that, no matter what, rates will be going up in the future. It’s costly to run a wastewater and water system, whether the Oxford Area Sewer Authority continues to operate as a separate entity or it gets sold to DELCORA or to a private, for-profit corporation like Aqua. Hoover talked about the need for growth—new commercial and residential connections that will generate revenues for the Oxford Area Sewer Authority and spread out the costs moving forward to greater numbers of people.
“Customer growth will help, but it doesn’t make it all go away,” Busch said. “All we can do is keep taking care of business.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Car show...
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completed about three years ago. Now, he likes to take his car out to two or three car shows a year. It’s a good opportunity to talk to other people who love automobiles.
He estimates that it took about three years to fully restore the car, once he got serious about it. Zuk’s Sunbeam has about 100,000 miles on it. It still has the original engine, but that has been rebuilt. It took a lot of time and effort to get the car into the condition it is in today, but it was a labor of love. Now that the work is accomplished, he can just enjoy the car.
“I think we’re going to just drive it and enjoy it,” he said. The car show attracted both car owners and visitors from throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Dave Yunghans traveled from Cape May Point, New Jersey to showcase his car, a beautiful 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK 320.
Suspicious transactions...
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The announcement served as the latest notch of news in an ongoing investigation that began on April 25, when supervisors Dr. Richard Leff, Whitney Hoffman and chairman Scudder Stevens were first notified by the fraud department at the township’s bank that its officers had found a number of suspicious transactions on township accounts. Soon after, the township began issuing statements about all updates related to the investigation and action being taken by the township.
On May 11, the supervisors wrote that they carefully reviewed the findings with the bank, legal and law enforcement representatives and immediately referred the matter to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. Also, steps were taken to make sure no further unauthorized transactions take place.
On May 14, former township manager Lisa Moore was placed on paid administrative leave, and in an official release issued on May 20, the supervisors announced that they dismissed Moore from her job. On June 5, Stevens read a brief joint statement that said the investigation was in the final stages of securing records and documents from both internal and external sources, and that the DA’s Office and forensic auditor were in the process of analyzing and qualifying those documents, a process which would continue for a period of some months – and is still in progress.
On June 19, Stevens said the investigation included interviews with township staff, but did not specify which township employees or officials were interviewed.
Reading from a prepared statement at the start of the Sept. 6 meeting, Stevens updated those in attendance about the separate investigations being conducted by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and Marcum, LLP, the forensic accountant hired by the township. While he did not reveal any new information, Stevens said that “these kinds of investiga-
“I bought the car about seven years ago,” he said, explaining that he loves convertibles, and at the time he didn’t have one. Yunghans estimated that he has owned 10 or 11 convertibles in his lifetime.
He purchased the Mercedes Benz with about 16,000 miles on it, and now it has about 35,000 miles so it is very gently used and lovingly cared for. As the rain tapered off, Yunghans was gently wiping the car dry.
As much as he loves the Mercedes Benz, he is now looking to sell the car. “I love cars and I bought another one,” he explained with a grin. His new car is a Tesla Model 3. Yunghans said that he really enjoyed the Oxford Car Show.
“This is fun,” he said. “It’s a good show. There are a lot of good cars here.”
One car that Yunghans liked seeing roll into town was a 1966 or 1967 GTO. He had a car just like it when he was in high school.
tions take time.”
“When that time comes –and it is not here yet – we want very much to be able to share with you whatever the public portions of the findings are – and discuss those findings,” he said. “We are preparing for that time and how best to discuss and communicate those findings – and what is appropriate for us to do.
“I also want to remind everyone again that the timing of both investigations is not under our control, nor is the time when they will conclude and report their findings,” he said. “They will tell us when their investigations are complete and what their findings are – and what, if any, further actions should be taken –not the other way around.”
Stevens assured the township residents that they will continue to be kept informed of the investigation’s progress, and that it will be the intention of the supervisors to share what he called “the public portions” of the investigation’s findings when it concludes. In defining what “public portions” means, Stevens said that there could be other factors related to the investigation that will relate to the next steps the DA will take, which would require the need to keep that information from the general public.
“I have assured everybody that we will be completely open on this matter, but if the DA says we can’t go into [a particular component of the investigation’s findings], then [we] can’t go there,” Stevens said.
Zuk is also a big fan of the car show in downtown Oxford.
“This event is awesome,” he said. “It’s so family-oriented. It’s a very nice time.”
Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. unveiled the list of winners at the sixth annual Downtown Oxford Car Show. They include the following:
First place: Joe Troili, 1970 Chevelle 396 SS
Convertible
Second place: Mark McFadden 1965 Shelby
Cobra
Third place: Warren Shortell Jr. 1957 Chevrolet
Corvette
Truck Best of Show: Kery Lawrence 1967 Ford F100.
Bike Best of Show: Edward Burkhart 1979 Honda CBX
First Friday Unique Pick: Mike Drueding 1946 Ford tow truck
In addition to the beautiful cars, the First Friday event also featured plenty of fun, including live music, vendors, and lots of food.
To contact Staff Writer
Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
As to whether the township, the District Attorney or Marcum, LLP will be the ultimate source of these investigative findings, Sander said that it is likely the news will come from the DA first.
“I will say that the District Attorney’s Office operates as an office of the county, and they decide when and where they say, whenever they say, so anything that comes from them, you will hear it from them first before you hear it from this board,” Sander said.
“Regarding the forensic accountant, he is a professional consultant for the board of supervisors, and I would think that his ultimate findings, conclusions and recommendations will be disseminated by this board, when they are complete.”
Future plans for Spar Hill Farm
In other business, the board approved entering the township into a contract with the township engineer related to the future use of the 103-acre Spar Hill Farm at 438 Burnt Mill Road, which the township officially purchased on Nov. 7, 2018 for $3.2 million, of which $1 million was paid for by a grant the township received from the Mt. Cuba Center.
The approval gives the township engineer the authorization to draft the appropriate recommendations – as created by two township groups – that would lead to the advertising for bids for the eventual
There were many different makes and models of cars, motorcycles, and trucks on display.
demolition and preservation of various structures on the farm.
In a presentation to the board, township administrator Michael O’Brien said that the Spar Hill Task Force recommended that the property continue to be used primarily by the township as open space dedicated to passive recreation, and that the township save a smokehouse and a 1930s grain bin silo, as well as several foundations of structures on the property. It also recommended that nearly two dozen other structures on the property be demolished, which include a primary residence, several barns, sheds and silos, and a slaughterhouse, for the reason that the costs of refurbishing and maintaining them are not reasonable for the township to bear.
The task force said that some portions of the structures should be retained, including stone walls and foundations that will be able to retain certain elements of the farm, as well as installing trails conducive to bicycling, walking and possibly horseback riding.
The task force also
recommended that the property continue to be farmed, while also developing a sustainable land stewardship program; and that the township should consider active recreation possibilities, amenities like restrooms and pavilions and parking, and explore the possibility of incorporating alternate energy on the property, such as solar panels.
The township’s Historical Commission’s recommendations generally overlapped those of the task force: Repair the smokehouse; look into saving the 1930s grain bin/silo near the farm house, in order for it to potentially be used for displaying artifacts as a mini museum; and explore the possibility of retaining and renovating some safe-standing foundations throughout the property, “which would help establish an image of the farm that once was.”
O’Brien also shared the findings of a report on the farm that was conducted by Breckstone Architecture, a Wilmington-based architectural, engineering,
interior design and project management firm, to determine the structural stability of the property’s buildings. The firm recommended that the township should retain eight buildings on the farm, including the smokehouse, the main residence, a silo foundation, a small shed, as well as some fencing.
Interim township manager Alison Rudolf responded to a question from the audience at the board’s Aug. 21 meeting, related to the status of the historic Chandler Mill Bridge, which is now owned by the township and is scheduled to undergo extensive renovations that will transform it into a pedestrian bridge that will include emergency vehicle access. Rudolf said that the township is scheduled to receive a full report on the plans – including project timelines and cost estimates – from the township engineer in the next week, and a full report will be on the agenda for the Sept. 18 meeting.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photos by Steven Hoffman Dave Yunghans traveled from Cape May Point, N.J., to showcase his car, a beautiful 2002 Mercedes Benz SLK 320.
Bryan Tuk...
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straight-ahead jazz and big band 1970s funk – and variations of modern rock and pop tossed in for fun – the group is made up of some of the biggest names in the Lehigh Valley-Philly music scene, including several young musicians who are currently studying music at Temple and West Chester universities and the University of the Arts. In addition, Tuk had bassist Brian Bortz and guitarist B.D. Lenz with him, who are members of the Bryan Tuk Trio.
Over the period of two long recording sessions, with Tuk on drums, the ensemble recorded a sixtrack CD that included interpretations of The Beatles’ “Norwegian Wood,” “What is Hip?” by Tower of Power, and “How Deep is Your Love?” by the Bee Gees. The result of those recordings are captured in the band’s latest recording – Life in High Gravity – that will be released on Sept. 14, on the same day The Bryan Tuk Complex will perform live in concert at the Kennett Flash, beginning at 8 p.m.
Life in High Gravity takes its name from the High Gravity Lounge, located at the Allentown Brew Works,
where the ensemble first got together three years ago.
“What I hope happens on Sept. 14 forms the beginning of a lengthy run for this ensemble,” Tuk said from his Kennett Square office, where he is an attorney and the owner of Groove KSQ, which provides musical education to youngsters and emerging musicians. “Our idea was to build a library of songs and orchestrations and songs, so now we’re creating a touring schedule to complement it.”
Unless he or she has reached superstardom and is confined to the sequestered life of limos and airports and fancy hotels, a musician’s life is motivated in part by the harmonious connection he or she has with other musicians. In Tuk’s case, several in the ensemble have known and played with each other for years, and the recording became the outgrowth of networking and friendships. In preparation for Life in High Gravity, Tuk said that he began to chat it up with the ensemble last December, preparing charts and conducting two prerecording sessions.
“A lot of what made this recording came as a result of word-of-mouth,” Tuk said. “I remember sitting in this control room lis-
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tening to these musicians and wondering, ‘How did this possibly happen?’ It’s rare to get so many talented musicians like this in the same room together.”
From the time he was a youngster playing the spoons on his mother’s couch, Tuk has been drawn to the tactile sensation of drumming and percussion. It led him to study music at West Chester University and pursue a career in music, while at the same time earning a law degree and practicing the legal profession, first in a firm and now in his own private practice.
Like many musicians, Tuk is a magician with a gift, trying to balance his love of music with the obligations of running his practice and being a married father of two children. Eventually, he realized that what he needed more of was time, so he began his own law practice, which now shares office space with yet another passion of his – grooveKSQ, a percussion and music studio, where he conducts lessons in music and provides opportunities for young people interested in music.
“In my prior law position, I was in the car making three trips to Allentown a week,” he said. “That’s 12 hours on the road, and that’s
practically two work days. My enemy became the wasted time that was taking me away from my mission.”
In 2014, Tuk gave a TEDx talk in the Lehigh Valley, and discussed the roadblocks that he faced in the big juggling game he was playing.
“If you embrace your own true nature, and allow that person to come to the surface in your professional world, then many pleasant and surprising things will happen to you,” he said at the talk. “You will unlock your own potential.”
By his count, Tuk has several projects currently on
his plate, which include continuing to develop grooveKSQ in partnership with local organizations; championing the EP recording the Bryan Tuk Trio released earlier in the year; planning a limited-run tour with the ensemble; and discussing an upcoming recording by the ensemble that will feature original songs composed by some of its members.
For the moment, he said that Life in High Gravity is a high-water mark in his musical journey, one that’s taking center stage for now.
“I want people to leave the Flash humming the mel-
odies and remember what they heard. With the talent that is in this group and the way we constructed the arrangements, from a technical standpoint, it’s very gratifying to play. I want our music to be accessible for the casual listener, as well as experienced musicians, because this band is terrific.”
To obtain tickets for the Bryan Tuk Complex Band performance at the Kennett Flash on Sept. 14, visit www.kennettflash.org.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo
Kennett Square musician Bryan Tuk will be performing with his 13-member ensemble at the Kennett Flash on Sept. 14, as part of the release of the band’s CD, Life in High Gravity.
Owen J. Roberts holds off Avon Grove for a 14-13 win
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Avon Grove and Owen J. Roberts packed enough excitement, big plays, and late-game heroics for a full season into their highly entertaining game last Friday night. Owen J. Roberts emerged with a 14-13 win, but Avon Grove played its best game of the season, and can build on the performance.
In a fast-paced first half that featured five turnovers between the two teams, Owen J. Roberts claimed a 14-0 lead with two touchdowns in the second quarter. Owen J. Roberts quarterback Cooper Chamberlain led his team on an 11-play scoring drive that covered 60 yards for the first score of the game. Chamberlain scrambled for a 20-yard gain on one play, and he later scored the touchdown on a one-yard run to give his team a 7-0 lead with 8:10 left to play in the second quarter.
Owen J. Roberts then capitalized on one of the three turnovers that the defense produced in the first half as a fumble recovery set the stage for Chamberlain to connect with Jonathan Hannevig on a short pass along the left sideline. Hannevig shook a defender, cut back toward the middle of the field, and raced 78 yards for a touchdown. The score was 14-0 with just under four minutes to play in the first half.
As the third quarter got underway, it was Avon Grove’s turn to capitalize on a fumble recovery as they took possession deep in Owen J. Roberts territory at the 23-yard line. Avon Grove relied on good runs by Sean Gattis and Colby Riddell to move the ball all the way to the two-yard line. A penalty on Avon Grove backed them up five yards. On the next play, quarterback JT McDonald rolled out to his right and found Wyatt Kirby open in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. It was now 14-7.
Avon Grove went on to control the ball for much of the rest of the second half as the running attack allowed the team to put together long, time-consuming drives and the defense did a good job of stopping the opponents’ drives. Gattis and Riddell, who combined for more than 160 yards on the ground, handled much of the workload. Some of the players on the offensive line who were giving the running backs room to work were Jared Sycalik, Rhys Whitehouse, Dylan Jorgensen, Ricardo Gomez, and Bryan Cassidy, as well as tight end Max Paschall. Despite Avon Grove’s success moving the ball, Owen J. Roberts was still clinging to a 14-7 lead with less than five minutes to play in the game.
As the third quarter turned
to the fourth quarter, Owen J. Roberts put together its best drive of the second half, moving deep into Avon Grove territory. But an untimely fumble gave the ball back to Avon Grove. Sycalik, now playing on the defensive line, recovered the ball for Avon Grove, setting the team up at the 19 of Owen J. Roberts.
What followed was a beautiful 16-play drive that mixed runs and passes. McDonald moved the chains with a 10-yard carry, and a few plays later he threw a nice pass to Kirby for a 13-yard gain. A 24-yard pass play from McDonald to Riddell along the sideline moved the ball all the way to the 30 of Owen J. Roberts. Glatts then moved the chains on three straight runs, carrying Avon Grove into the Red Zone with 1:43 to play. A few plays later, with 43 seconds left, Avon Grove called a timeout to consider the options for the upcoming third-and-three play from the three-yard line. McDonald kept the ball for a quarterback keeper, finding enough room to gain the three yards and plunge into the end zone with just 25 seconds to play.
The Red Devils went for the win, sending the offense back out to try to complete a two-point conversion, rather than attempting an extra point to tie the game. McDonald pitched the ball to Glatts, but Owen J. Roberts’ defenders were able to make
Kennett Square Borough Council opts to scuttle a resolution condemning hate speech
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The Sept. 3 meeting of Kennett Square Borough Council was highlighted by a lengthy discussion about a resolution condemning hate speech related to the charged political rhetoric of President Donald Trump.
The resolution under consideration in Kennett Square was similar to one that the U.S. House of Representatives approved, largely along party lines, after Trump tweeted out controversial comments about four congresswomen of color in mid-July. The resolution noted that the United States has “attracted new people in search of freedom and livelihood for their families” and further stated that, “Whereas the Declaration of Independence defined America as a covenant based on equality, the unalienable Rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and government by the consent of the people…”
While the Kennett Square Borough Council members took turns making it clear that they don’t support hate speech, the resolution itself was not unanimously supported. In fact, the resolution never even made it to a formal vote.
Early in the meeting, council member Ethan Cramer made a motion, seconded by his colleague LaToya Myers, to remove the resolution from the agenda. A lengthy discussion ensued.
Cramer said that while he was aware of the national debate, and concerned by it, he did not think it was beneficial for borough council to be weighing in on something that is so clearly a federal issue. Cramer said that there are other items that aren’t on the agenda that Borough Council could be dealing with.
Peter Waterkotte said that he agreed with a lot of what
Cramer said, but he also felt like the resolution was a way to make it clear to residents that they lived in a town of unity and inclusion. He explained that he, too, has been troubled by some of the political rhetoric that has been labeled by many as racist.
“I have a hard time with not saying something or doing something for the 50 percent of our community that is Latino,” Waterkotte said.
Myers said that she certainly doesn’t support all the things that the president of the United States might put out, but she questioned the effectiveness of a resolution denouncing the comments. She said that she would rather have council take specific actions to fight racism in the community.
“I don’t want this to be a feel-good vote for people. I want us all to be aware and thoughtful about the everyday decisions that we make as a body,” Myers said.
Council member Brenda Mercomes offered a counterpoint, saying that taking a stand against hate speech was, in fact, doing something.
“The things we’ve heard in the last few months are blatant and ugly,” Mercomes said. “We’re taking a stand for the community, and I want to make it known that I at least tried to do something.”
Council president Doug Doerfler admitted that he was hesitant to put the resolution on the agenda in the first place because he was concerned that it would just create more divisiveness.
Ultimately, when the vote was taken on whether to remove the item from the agenda, four council members voted to do so, while two council members voted to keep it on the agenda.
Those in attendance, like borough council, seemed to be divided by the concept of the resolution.
the stop just before Glatts reached the goal line.
Incredibly, Avon Grove had one more chance for the win as the Red Devils successfully recovered an onside kick at the 48-yard line with 24 seconds left. McDonald tossed a pass to Riddell, who was able to pick up 17 yards. With the clock ticking, Avon Grove’s next play was used to spike the ball and stop the clock with ten seconds left. It gave Avon Grove the chance to attempt a very long field goal of 51 yards. The Red Devils have an excellent kicker in Bobby Smith, and he has plenty of range for field goals. This time, his kick was straight and long, but the ball hit the crossbar and bounced back on the field. It was just that kind of game for Avon Grove—a foot here, a yard there, six inches on another play—the very thinnest of margins separated the two teams.
Owen J. Roberts’ offense took the field and sealed the 14-13 victory, the team’s
Several residents said that they were strongly opposed to the borough council even taking up something that they considered to be a national issue and a partisan issue.
John Thomas said that Kennett Square was the only small town in Chester County that would even consider putting a resolution like this on the agenda.
Others expressed their disappointment that council wouldn’t be supporting the resolution. Jessie Cocks, a former council member who has worked for social justice and equality her entire adult life, said that everyone has work to do every day to confront issues of oppression.
“Symbolic actions are useful,” she said of the resolution.
Wayne Braffman, also a former council member, disagreed with the notion that the resolution was focused on a national issue. A local man from a family of immigrants asked for the resolution to be considered by borough council, Braffman explained.
“The audience for this resolution are the kids who are being tormented in school and being told to go back home, and the parents of those kids,” Braffman explained. “This was never about politics. This is about democracy. No matter what goes on in Washington, that kind of hate speech does not belong in Kennett Square.”
Braffman added that he hoped that the resolution could be revisited at a future meeting. He also said that the resolution could be revised so that it addressed some of the concerns that had been raised. If the resolution does eventually get approved, the plan is to share it with elected officials at the federal, state, and local level.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
third on the season, with one final play, a kneel-down.
After watching his team come so close to victory, Avon Grove head coach Harry O’ Neill was disappointed in the final score, but very pleased with how his team played against a very good opponent.
“I’m proud of my guys and how we played tonight,” O’Neill said. “We played harder than we did the first two weeks of the season and I’m pleased by that.”
Avon Grove, now 0-3, is playing a very tough schedule this season. Up next is an away game on Friday against
Bishop Shanahan, which is 3-0. Owen J. Roberts takes on Upper Merion on Friday. O’Neill said that Avon Grove played so well against Owen J. Roberts that it looked like a completely different team from the one that took the field for the first two weeks. He is optimistic that the team will continue to work hard and improve as the season continues, and the game against Owen J. Roberts proved that the team can play some good football on both sides of the ball. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com
Officers honored at Kennett Township meeting
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Miguel Juarez and Kevin Urbany, officers with the Kennett Township Police Department, were both recognized by Police Chief Lydell Nolt on Sept. 4, for their recent efforts in saving human life and confiscating large amounts of an illegal drug.
Officer Juarez received a life saving award for his work that began at 7:44 a.m. on July 23, when he arrived at the 200 block of Stewarts Lane, three minutes after being dispatched for a report of a drug overdose. Upon his arrival at the home, he saw a 23-year-old male lying unresponsive and not breathing on the couch. Juarez then performed lifesaving CPR on the male and administered three doses of Naloxone to him.
With the help of the EMS from the Kennett and Longwood fire companies,
the male was revived and was transported to a local hospital.
“In this case, there is an individual who is alive and well because of the actions taken by an officer, and the huge investment by a municipality toward the health and safety of its community,” Nolt said.
Officer Urbany received a special commendation for his involvement that led to the confiscation of large amounts of heroin. On Aug. 3, at about 3:20 p.m. at the corner of Bayard and Old Kennett roads, Urbany performed a vehicle stop for a driver who was operating his vehicle erratically. The initial investigation led to the arrest of the driver for driving under a controlled substance.
Using his expertise and training, Officer Urbany continued his investigation and began a search warrant on the vehicle that led to the seizure of over 100 bags of heroin, over 100
hypodermic needles, Fentanyl test kits and several other drug paraphernalia. The individual is now in the process of being charged with a drug possession with an intent to deliver and other criminal charges related to possession of a controlled substance.
“While our officers always do a good job, every once in a while, there are significant events that they become involved in that change the course of people’s lives or promote the health and safety of the community to the extent that it’s outside the norm,” Nolt said. “Both incidents [involving Juarez and Urbany] have changed the course of people’s lives – one for their safety and one as an event that prevented someone from distributing a large amount of a controlled substance to our community.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Kennett Township Police Officers Miguel Juarez, left, and Kevin Urbany, center, were honored on Sept. 4 by Police Chief Lydell Nolt, right, for their recent police efforts in the township.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Avon Grove quarterback JT McDonald avoids the pass rush on a play early in the game.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
The Avon Grove defense played very well, including in the first half when Owen J. Roberts benefited from good field position on several possessions.
Residents
can
get
the facts about new high school project at upcoming Act 34 Hearing
An important meeting for the Avon Grove community is going to take place on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Grove High School.
That’s the evening that the Act 34 Hearing for the new high school construction project will take place. It’s the next step for a project that has been in the planning stages for more than two years. Act 34 Hearings are a requirement of the state’s School Code, and they offer all stakeholders in the district—taxpayers, parents, school district employees, and students—with the opportunity to get information about the plans, designs, and construction costs of the project. It is also a very good opportunity for those stakeholders to offer their input about the project.
Anyone who has stepped foot inside Avon Grove High School in the last two decades understands the need for significant upgrades. The school district on several occasions over the last three decades chose less expensive facilities options to meet the challenges of increasing enrollment, rather than constructing a new high school. An extensive renovation project on the high school could do little to ease the overcrowding on the State Road campus, especially at the current high school. The building is also not equipped to meet the needs of 21st century learning that high school students need to prepare them for college or a career.
The school district developed a plan, over the course of many months, to build a new high school and convert the current high school into a middle school to meet the long-term facilities needs of the school district. A committee made up of a broad cross-section of individuals in the Avon Grove community helped do the work that led to the decision to build a new high school on the Sunnyside Road campus.
At the Act 34 Hearing, there will be a presentation about the new high school project, including facts about the educational, physical, administrative, budgetary and fiscal matters related to the project.
The Avon Grove School Board has previously adopted resolutions establishing the maximum project cost at $114,568,737 and a maximum building construction cost of $81,001,789. The project represents a major commitment by the community.
Attending the Act 34 Hearing and asking questions about the project is the best way to learn the facts about the project. Over the last few years, a lot of misinformation has been spread in Avon Grove about the project and its costs.
The Avon Grove School Board won’t be voting on anything during the evening of the Act 34 Hearing. But it’s an important meeting for the community members to share their input about a large project.
Community members need to learn the facts about the project, and then district officials need to listen to the thoughts and concerns of residents.
The entire process that Avon Grove has used to develop a plan for the building project has been exemplary. But the Act 34 Hearing offers another opportunity to engage in the community in the decision-making process.
Letter to the Editor
Avon Grove residents should turn out for Act 34 Hearing for high school project
Letter to the Editor:
The controlling five Avon Grove school board members appear determined to rush the new high school project out to bid before the upcoming election.
Our current direction will have us making commitments to the Pennsylvania Department of Education and will define the project to the public during a formal process called Act 34. The cost of building the new high school is already over budget, and there are still many unknowns. Going over budget for the new high school will leave less than the anticipated funds needed to handle the conversion of the current high school into a middle school, and
will almost certainly force tough financial decisions in the future that could eliminate critical educational elements necessary to our students and teachers down the road. The cost of converting the current high school to a middle school must be addressed and estimated so the school board and the public have a full and complete understanding of what they are committing to, and also what they may have to decide to forgo in the future. Our current high school is in desperate need of major maintenance that has been deferred for too many years at the expense of the students and staff who use the building. The decision to build the new high school has been made, and
now it’s time to make certain this project is being managed in a responsible and complete fashion, which includes building the new high school and renovating the current high school into a middle school.
As a recent (2014) graduate of the Avon Grove School District, I know the needs of the facilities better than any other candidate. I went through my entire high school career with a leaky roof, with bathrooms that were not fully functional, and an auditorium with broken seats and inadequate lighting, and for years teachers and students have been cheated out of a quality learning environment. It’s time for a change.
I support the current facilities plan. What I will not support is the inclusion of a Community Health Center, Early Learning Center and a duplicate competition stadium, either now or in the future. We need to control the spending and make this project affordable for the community and stop this “tax to the max” mentality of the majority of the school board and current administration. I encourage residents to attend the upcoming Act 34 hearing on Thursday, Sept. 12, as that is your chance to voice your opinion for the record regarding this facilities project.
Mark E. Stewart Jr. Candidate for Avon Grove School Board in Region II
Three new members inducted into Avon Grove Lions Club
Killion praises State Supreme Court direction on protecting survivors of domestic violence
Senator Tom Killion (R – Chester & Delaware) praised the release of a bench card by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), the supervisory arm of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, providing direction to trial courts on facilitating the surrender of firearms by those convicted of domestic violence or subject to a final Protection From Abuse (PFA) as required by Act 79 of 2018.
“State law previously allowed those convicted of domestic violence to transfer their guns to a relative, friend or neighbor,” said Killion. “And it gave them 60 days to do so. Those
weren’t loopholes; they were Grand Canyon-sized gaps that allowed domestic abusers to further harm and potentially take the lives of their victims.”
Killion sponsored Senate Bill 501 during the 201718 legislative session, the language of which was incorporated into Act 79.
The Killion-sponsored legislation required those convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence or those subject to a final PFA to relinquish firearms, weapons and ammunition to the County Sheriff or other law enforcement agency or to a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. Those subject to the pro-
visions of Act 79 are now required to surrender their firearms within 24 hours of conviction or the issuance of a final PFA order.
Resembling a detailed checklist, the new bench cards itemize the amended statute definitions and provide consequent procedures judges should consider when ordering a defendant to relinquish firearms in certain domestic violence cases – including both temporary and final PFA orders.
The bench cards reflect the recent amendments to both the PFA law and the Crimes Code and will ensure that trial courts know how to protect victims of domestic violence
and individuals who are granted final PFA orders.
“I commend Chief Justice Thomas Saylor, Superior Court Judge Jack Panella and Delaware County Common Pleas Judge George Pagano for their important work providing judicial guidance on our efforts to protect victims of domestic violence,” said Killion, noting the members of the committee that wrote the bench card.
“I’m gratified that our courts are committed to protecting victims of domestic violence. This bench card is another important step towards ending the epidemic of gun violence.”
Breakfast fundraiser benefits Oxford Area Historical Association
Courtesy photo
On Sept. 3, the Past District Governor David Hunsberger inducted three new members into the Avon Grove Lions Club. The new members are (left to right) Bethanne Lindenbaum, Tarah Degler and Manny Arencibia.
Tens of thousands attend the Mushroom Festival
By Chris Barber Staff Writer
Weeks ahead of the 34th annual Mushroom Festival last weekend, event coordinator Kathi Lafferty was holding her breath, remembering the rain that cancelled the second day of last year’s festival.
Days ahead this year, in the wake of a hurricane lumbering up the east coast of the United States, there was a chance of light showers around the time of the kickoff parade on Friday night. But as the 6 p.m. start time rolled around, the light raindrops ceased, and for the rest of the weekend, it was clear sailing.
Starting promptly at the top of the hour, the parade rolled through town from the east to the west end of Kennett Square. It was a low-key and laid-back affair, with most of the participants from local organizations, including a gigantic turnout from Mary D. Lang Kindergarten. Spectators and marchers greeted each other warmly throughout the evening, dining along the parade route, and dancing to live music into the night.
By Saturday morning, the crowd started to arrive almost an hour before the official opening at 10 a.m.
By mid-morning, State
Street was packed with visitors, vendor tents, food booths and entertainment from Garfield on the west to Willow on the east.
An estimated 220 vendors attracted buyers who appeared ready to buy unique items – things like fancy baked dog treats and dip mixes for on-site tasting. Many of the vendors has products they had created by hand, such as wooden toys, furniture converted from old pianos, and hand-blown glass figurines by Kimya Williams of New Garden.
It was obvious that visitors came with their appetites.
The lines were longest at the food booths, especially at the station of Talula’s Table restaurant, which had been featured on Philadelphia TV just a week earlier. But Talula’s wasn’t the only one that stayed popular throughout the festival: La Verona, Grain, Lily, Buona Foods fried mushrooms and all the rest just kept dishing it out for two days straight.
Portabello’s chef Brett Hulbert reported that people were gobbling up his signature crab-stuffed mushrooms in record numbers.
Even the folks who were selling bowls of homemade mushroom soup at the Masonic Lodge reported sales so high that they
would likely be able to fund their annual Kennett and Unionville high schools’ scholarship awards this year from $500 to $1,000, because of their recordsetting success.
This year, Lafferty moved all the children’s entertainment and activities to the west end of town.
That included not only bungee jumping, but a new event: A zip line. Kids (and some adults) eagerly lined up to experience the thrill of sailing through the air, if only for a few seconds.
Alongside all that jumping and sailing, the children’s entertainment tent featured magicians and musicians geared for the young ones.
At the other end of town, the accent was on cooking and more food.
On Saturday morning, the amateur mushroom cookoff saw Rebecka Evens from Texas, a frequent winner of cooking contests, take home the honors for the second year in a row for her Prosecco Mushroom Butter Gnocchi with Garlic Chili.
Asked why she traveled all the way from her home state to Kennett Square, she said, “I love mushrooms.”
Later in the day in that same tent, crowds gathered for the bawdy fried mushroom eating contest. The mood was wild and enthusiastic
as a host of contestants sat at two tiers of tables and consumed as much as they could in eight minutes. In the end, the contest was won by Molly Schuyler, who ate 9.2 pounds. An experienced competitive eater, she also won this year’s Wing Bowl in Philadelphia.
On Sunday, that special events tent filled up again for soup and wine tasting. Hundreds of people showed up to taste and vote on their favorite local soups and wines, which they sampled during their stop there.
Nearby, at the growing exhibit tent on Broad Street, local growers brought in a large, living display of how mushrooms are grown. From composting to harvesting, the growers explained the process of producing Pennsylvania’s largest cash crop. Visitors were welcome to pick a mushroom from the bed, look at exotics growing in a variety of conditions, and even view the spores (seeds) under a microscope.
At this tent, like many others, the lines were long. Many who entered this exhibit said they had no idea how mushrooms came about.
As night fell, there was more fun to be had as the old-fashioned carnival opened both nights and Sunday afternoon across from Kennett High School. Meanwhile, the Hoots and Hellmouth concert attracted crowds at the east end of State Street.
Throughout the weekend, there was no lack of displays, events and activities to see and take part in. Although the numbers have not been formally released, there are estimates that the 34th annual event probably broke the record of up to 100,000 visitors.
Lafferty, by Sunday, said there had been no major glitches. “I’m pleased,” she said.
Photos by Chris Barber Rebecka Evans, a frequent cooking contest winner, prepares her winning pasta-and-mushroom dish at the festival.
Many parade spectators added to their enjoyment by eating their dinners at tables.
Local growers explain how they produce their crop at an extensive exhibit in the growing tent.
Molly Schuyler is named the winner of the fried mushroom eating contest. She consumed 9.2 pounds in eight minutes.
Mushroom Festival visitor Lydia takes a look at the painted mushroom entries on Saturday. The crowd showed up early and filled streets for the entire weekend.
Hundreds of people showed up to sample and vote on wines and soups on Sunday afternoon.
MARTIN ORTIZ
Martin Ortiz, 52, of Kennett Square, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 5 at the Reading Hospital. He was the husband of Norma Ortiz, with whom he shared his life for over 32 years. Born in Pachuquilla, Estado de Mexico, he was the son of the late Margarito Ortiz and the late Brigida Castaneda. Martin was one of the most respected and selfmade successful mushroom growers of Kennett Square. He was a member of St. Rocco’s Catholic Church, the American Mushroom Institute, and the Sheriff’s Association of Chester County. Martin enjoyed working and was very motivated by his family. He loved to help others and give back to his community. He was known to make people laugh by his charismatic personality and sense of humor. His smile will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Johnathan Ortiz of Kennett Square, and Martin A. Ortiz of Kennett Square; his little puppy, Lena; his grand dogs, Lady and Archer; four brothers, Adan Ortiz of Avondale, Juan Ortiz of West Grove, Pablo Ortiz of West Grove, and Lucas Ortiz of West Grove; four sisters, Vicenta Ortiz, Lucia Ortiz, Rita Ortiz and Guillermina Ortiz, all who reside in Mexico; brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends and employees. He was predeceased by two brothers, Adelaido Ortiz and Antonio Ortiz.
A visitation will be held Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Rocco’s Church. His funeral Mass will follow at noon. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Heart Association, 1617 JFK Boulevard, Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
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PAUL M. JOHNSON
Paul Marvin Johnson, 90, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 2 at Jennersville Hospital Tower Health in West Grove. He was the husband of the late Colleen Charlton Johnson, and first wife, the late Mabel Marie McCarty Johnson. Born in Stanley, N.D., he was the son of the late Peter and Matilda Johnson. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1948 to 1951 in Cape May, N.J. Paul was a member of Oxford Church of the Nazarene. He was the youngest of eight children. Paul moved from the Dakota Prairie in 1937 to the mountains in Northern Idaho. In 1950, he met Marie and together gave their hearts to the Lord. They were married for 23 years and had a wonderful life together raising four boys before going home to be with the Lord. Later, Paul was introduced to another of God’s jewels, Colleen.
He is survived by four sons, Carl Johnson (Katie) of Rio Grande, N.J., Alvin Johnson (Jane) of Oxford, Paul Jonson (MaryRuth) of Oxford, and Mark Johnson of Nottingham; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two stepsons, Richard Davis of Newark, Del., and Michael Davis of Oxford; and one stepdaughter, Cindy Davis.
A funeral was held Sept. 6. Interment was in Cold Spring Cemetery in Cold Spring, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Erma Holyness Association, 470 Sea Shore Rd., Cape May, NJ 08204. Visit www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
LARRY R. FITZCHARLES
Larry Raymond Fitzcharles, 71, has passed away.
A former resident of Unionville, he was living in Buffalo, Wyo. He was the son of the late Carl V. and Helen C. Fitzcharles, and is survived by his son Zachary and wife Lyndsay Fitzcharles, as well as his five siblings and spouses – Donna and Richard Thompson, Carl and Jill Fitzcharles, Duke and Rita Fitzcharles, Linda Neville (wife of the late Scott Neville), and Jeffrey Fitzcharles.
Larry started his career in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District as a teacher at Patton Middle School, and later became assistant principal. Later, he became the principal at Hillendale Elementary School. After retiring from a successful career in education, Larry and his family moved to Buffalo, Wyo., where they spent 25 years operating a ranch and serving as hunting guides. He will forever be remembered as a kind, intelligent, hardworking educator and family man.
Obituary submissions
The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting. They also are posted on
www.chestercounty. com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press , email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
BRYAN JUNIOR ELDRETH
Bryan Junior Eldreth, 79, of Landenberg, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 1 at Christiana Hospital, surrounded by family. He was the husband of Joan Ann Eldreth, to whom he was devoted for 59 years of marriage. Bryan was the son of the late Lester Eldreth and the late Belle Wyatt Eldreth. He was born in Brushy Mountain, N.C. He graduated from Kennett Square High School and began his working career at Chester Trico, where he was a manager, until retiring after 20 years of service. He was a longtime employee of Pocopson Home, where he provided maintenance and security services. It was the job he loved the most. Bryan built strong bonds with both residents and staff during his tenure. He had been approaching his 40-year anniversary at Pocopson when he had to quit working in April 2019 due to illness.
A member of the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene since 1977, Bryan was very active in church activities. He especially loved photography. His other interests included fishing, gardening, birds, and science fiction. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, and always greeted everyone with a warm smile.
Bryan is survived by his loving wife, Joan Ann; his two beloved daughters, Suzan Paisley (Dennis) and Cynthia Eldreth; two cherished grandchildren; and three treasured brothers, James Roger Eldreth, Millard Raymond Eldreth (Shirley), and Ronnie Lester Eldreth (Dorothy).
A funeral service was held Sept. 7. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.
JOSHUA HOLCOMBE AND MASON HOLCOMBE
Joshua Holcombe and his son, Mason Holcombe, of Rising Sun, Md., passed away on Sept. 1. Joshua was the husband of Katie Ann Holcombe, with whom he shared nine years of marriage. Joshua was the son of the late Theodore Curtis Holcombe and Delinda Lee Holcombe of Conowingo, Md. Joshua was born in Philadelphia, and attended Rising Sun High School. Mason was born in Bel Air, Md., and was a student at Bethany Christian School in Oxford.
In addition to his wife, Joshua is survived by a son, Connor; his sister, Rhianon of North East, Md.; his brother, Justin of Rising Sun, Md.; and his paternal grandmother, Helen Holcombe of West Grove. Funeral services will be private and interment will be in the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Katie and Connor Holcombe Care Fund and should be mailed to the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine Street, Oxford, PA, 19363. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Sept. 14
Pancake and Omelet Breakfast
Shiloh Presbyterian Church (42 S. Fifth St., Oxford) will host a pancake and omelet breakfast on Sept. 14 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The menu features bacon and sausage, biscuits, potatoes, sausage gravy, pancakes and a variety of omelets, and juices and coffee. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 11, and free for ages 3 and younger. Call 610-9329256 for more information.
Sept. 14
Open Market Craft Fair West Grove United Methodist Church will host its annual Open Market Craft Fair on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be about 50 vendors selling artwork, jewelry, woodwork and other crafts, as well as food trucks. Funds raised help offset costs of maintaining the church and offering outreach and services to the community. Admission is free. Call 610-869-9334 or visit www.westgroveumc. org.
Sept. 12
‘History of Vines and Wines’
“Setbacks and Successes: A History of Vines and Wines on the East Coast,” a free talk by Ben Cody, will be presented on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the New London Academy (902 State Rd., Lincoln University). Cody, the co-owner of 1723 Vineyards in Kemblesville, will look at the history of growing grapes and making wine in the eastern United States, from William Penn’s original vineyard to today’s industry. The talk is jointly sponsored by the New London Area Historical Society and the Franklin Township Historical Commission. Everyone is invited, and refreshments will be served afterward.
Sept. 14
Shades of Blue Concert
The Friends Folk Club will host a concert by The Shades of Blue Orchestra on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. The 18-piece group recreates the big band sound but performs popular music from the 1930s to the present. The concert will be at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). Doors open at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the church. Bring nonperishable food items which will be given to local food cupboards. Tickets are $15 (children 12 and younger free). The Cajun Culture food truck from Lancaster will be on site at 5:30 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 610-869-8076.
Sept. 14
Kacie’s Cause Softball Game
Kacie’s Cause will be part
of a softball game at Lincoln University on Sept. 14 at 4 p.m. to raise awareness of drug addiction and its consequences. Firefighters, police officers and those struggling with addiction will be playing softball. Mike Noone, Assistant District Attorney, will speak at the event. State Rep. John Lawrence will be a first-base umpire. Herr’s mascot Chipper will throw out the first pitch. For more information, visit www. kaciescause.org.
Sept. 14
‘Big Dig’ Construction
Families are invited to The Big Dig, a constructionthemed event being held at the construction site for the Pemberton community (385 Pemberton Rd., Kennett Square) on Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. Children can explore construction equipment and see homes under construction at the site. There will be free hard hats and other giveaways, as well as refreshments. Admission is free.
Sept. 15
Hagley Car Show
“Rolling Elegance: Luxury Automobiles” is a special feature of the annual Hagley Car Show on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On display will be vintage cars by Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Bentley, and Lincoln. More than 500 antique and restored cars, trucks, and motorcycles dating from the early 1900s through 1994 will be showcased. Visitors will enjoy vehicle parades, a showcase of vintage jukeboxes, video simulators, pedal car racing, and a festival food court. Tickets to the show will be offered in advance at www.
hagley.org/carshow through Sept. 14. Pre-event tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 to 14. Tickets purchased at the Car Show will be $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 14.
Sept. 21
Wellness Community Picnic
Penn Township Park will be the site of the 15th annual Health and Wellness Community Picnic on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date Sept. 22). The free event features free food, children’s activities and games, health screening information and more.
Sept. 22
Crab Feast
A crab feast hosted by the Oxford Rotary Foundation will be held Sept. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Wellwood in Charlestown, Md. There will be all-you-can-eat steamed crabs and shrimp, Maryland crab soup, fried chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad and cole slaw, cookies and brownies. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $60 per person in advance, $65 at the door (12 and younger $20). Online tickets are available at oxfordrotaryfoundation. com. For more information, call Jim McLeod at 610-256-5794.
Sept. 28 Apple Festival
The Oxford Presbyterian Church Apple Festival in Oxford Memorial Park takes place on Sept. 28. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be dozens of vendors, games for children, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.opcapplefestival.org.
Oct. 19
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Automotive elegance at Hagley
The Hagley Car Show returns to Hagley Museum in Delaware on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors will find more than 500 antique and restored cars dating from the early 20th century to modern luxury vehicles.
Jenner’s Pond craft show
The annual Arts and Crafts Festival will be held in Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in Jennersville on Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 43 artisans will be selling in the interior public areas of the Alison Building (2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove). Items include handcrafted jewelry, paintings, home décor, woodcrafts, needlework, Christmas décor, pottery and more. There is also a used book sale and bake sale, as well as prize drawings. All proceeds go to the Jenner’s Pond Benevolent Care Fund. Call 610-620-4325 or 610-345-0377 for more information.
Through Sept. 29
The show features vehicle parades, motoring music, video and pedal car racing, and a festival food court. Advance tickets are $8 for adults and $4 children ages 6 to 14. Tickets purchased at the show are $10 for
Festival of Fountains
adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 14. Admission is free for Hagley members and children 5 and younger. The event will be held rain or shine. Use Hagley’s main entrance off Route 141 in Wilmington, Del.
The Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) Festival of Fountains runs through Sept. 29. The three fountain gardens perform daily. The Main Fountain Garden includes new fiveminute shows at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. through August. Evening illuminated fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden feature new shows Thursday through Saturday evenings at 9:15 p.m. (through August) and at 8:15 p.m. in September. The Italian Water Garden and Open Air Theatre fountains have shows daily as well. For families, Longwood has interactive indoor and outdoor gardens, three treehouses to explore, and ample opportunity to roam. Families can also enjoy new Festive Friday evenings, designed with themed family-friendly activities. Longwood is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday from May through August; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 to 29. Admission is by timed admission ticket only. To purchase tickets, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
HELP WANTED
9p-11-1t
FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION
An application for registration of the fictitious name, Michele Nagle Photography has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person or persons who are party to the registration is Michele Nagle, 11 Windsong Drive, Lewisville, PA 19351. File Date: 06/26/2019 9p-5-1t
FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION
An application for registration of the fictitious name Cafe Baladi, 235 Lancaster Ave., Malvern, PA 19355 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 02/27/2019 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Imad Slim, 805 Race St., Apt. B, Perkasie, PA 18944. 9p-5-1t
ESTATE NOTICE
ESTATE OF LAURA F. HALL, DECEASED. Late of the Borough of Oxford, 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 CHARLES HALL, JR., EXECUTOR, c/o Anita M. D’Amico, Esq., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363, Or to his Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, PC, 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 9p-11-3t
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the 2020 Budget. The meeting will be held in the London Grove
Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The public is invited to attend. 9p-11-1t
Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, 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 19th, 2019 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 21st, 2019. 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. 19-9-444 Writ of Execution No. 2015-05187 DEBT $479,781.13 PROPERTY SITUATE IN New Garden
#60-06-0091 19350
Graduate student Elaine Estes, a graduate of Oxford Area High School, won the individual title to lead the Saint Joseph’s women’s cross country squad to a firstplace team finish in a field of six teams in the SR./JR. race at the 2019 Monmouth Kick-Off Invitational, held at Thompson Park on Saturday morning. The Hawks placed
Estes, women’s cross country wins Monmouth kick-off invitational
three in the top six spots en route to 36 points and an average 4k time of 15:02.
Estes led from the opening gun and crossed the finish line of the 4k race in a collegiate-best time of 14:20.94, over 31 seconds faster than the runner-up from Williams, Anna Passannante, to take first in the field of 48. Paced by a 5:46.4 mile average, the
time was also 16 seconds faster than her 2018 time on the course and led the graduate student to her first collegiate win on the trails.
“I knew the difference for me between last season and this season was going to be fine tuning some little things to give me an edge and put me more where I want to be in races,” said Estes follow-
ing the race. “One of those things was starting faster. Given that this was a shorter race, I just went out fast, and the way I got started, I was leading from about 150 meters and I just rolled with it. All races are tough when you’re running them, but it’s just in how you run them. I approached this one fun and fast.”
“There was never a doubt,” added head coach Melody O’Reilly of Estes’ win. “Elaine took command of the race from the gun and led largely the whole time. Overall, it was a great way to start the season. It was a beautiful morning and the team looked strong.” The Hawks return
to action at the George Mason Invitational next Friday, Sept. 13 at 4:30 p.m. The race will be held at the Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Va., and select Hawks will earn the opportunity to compete on the course that will play host to the 2019 Atlantic 10 Cross Country Championship on Nov. 2.
Oxford Arts Alliance presents independent films on Sept. 14
Ten short, award-winning films
by independent
from the United States and abroad are fea-
the Thomas Edison
Maria Film Festival, to be screened at the Oxford Arts Alliance Main Gallery
(38 S. Third St., Oxford) on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. This collection has been curated for the Arts Alliance and includes stunning animated and experimental films, moving documentary shorts,
and thought-provoking narratives. All are intended to encourage discussion.
The film festival is named after Thomas Edison’s motion picture studio in West Orange, N.J. The studio was thought to resemble
the black-box paddy wagons of that era, which were nicknamed Black Marias. Every year, hundreds of films are submitted to the New Jersey-based Thomas Edison Media Arts Consortium. Each film
undergoes a rigorous screening process, being viewed by multiple jurors. Competition is fierce but the ones that rise to the top are included in a touring collection curated for each venue. In this 38th year, the submissions have come from 30 nations across six continents. A $5 donation is requested for members, and an $8 donation is requested for non-members. Visit www. oxfordarts.org for more information.
Classifieds
the
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 19th, 2019 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 21st, 2019. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.
Lot 7 on said Plan. Title to said Premises vested in Doretta Hubbard by Deed from NVR dated December 29, 2006 and recorded January 9, 2007 in the Chester County Recorder of Deeds in Book 7053, Page 2304 as Instrument Number 10719197.
UPI # 59-8-144.9
PLANTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, on behalf of the registered Holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities I Trust 2007-AC2, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2007-AC2 VS DEFENDANT: Doretta Hubbard SALE ADDRESS: 37 Remington Way, West Grove, PA 19390
PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: MILSTEAD & ASSOCIATES, LLC 856-482-1400
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. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 8p-28-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, 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 19th, 2019 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 21st, 2019. 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. 19-9-466 Writ of Execution No. 2016-02691 DEBT $422,625.26
PROPERTY SITUATE IN EAST NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP
TAX PARCEL # 69-03-0064.800 / UPI NO. 69-3-64.80
SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF: DENISE CHIRIACO and FRANK CHIRIACO
IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling
PLANTIFF: THE BANK OF NEW
YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATE HOLDES OF CWABS INC.,ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-12 VS DEFENDANT: Denise Chiriaco & Frank Chiriaco
SALE ADDRESS: 739 Slate Hill Drive, Oxford, PA 19363
PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP 215-627-1322
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. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 8p-28-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs
directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, 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 19th, 2019 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 21st, 2019. 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. 19-9-473 Writ of Execution No. 2018-13429 DEBT $238,581.03
ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT OR PIECE OF GROUND SITUATE IN NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED ACCORDING TO A SUBDIVISION OF PROPERTY OF MONTGOMERY BROTHERS MADE BY APR ASSOCIATION, LAND SURVEYORS, DATED JANUARY 24,1977. UPI# 71-1-52.6 PLANTIFF: J.P.Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp. VS DEFENDANT: Cynthia L. Ferrera SALE ADDRESS:
created
filmmakers
tured in
Black
Pastels by an artist skilled beyond his years
By John Chambless Staff Writer
Just marveling at the work of Tyler Allen is enough of a reason to visit his small exhibit at the Oxford Arts Alliance in Oxford. But when you learn that he’s just 18, a recent graduate of Solanco High School, the pastels on display become even more astonishing.
The stairwell exhibit space holds 15 pastels and a watercolor that reflect a professional level of skill, and a choice of subject matter that shows both emotional depth and artistic maturity.
“Hooked” is photo-realistic in its level of detail, with perfect depictions of weathered wood and rusted iron. “Wilt” – a dried
wreath hanging on an antique coat rack – compares favorably to the works of Andrew Wyeth, in its subtle light, attention to detail, and its contemplative mood.
“Reminisce” is a view of what must be Allen’s bulletin board –the one indication of the artist’s youth. Both “Remembrance” (a silver locket and a strand of pearls) and “Neglected” (a homemade doll) have a similar wistful resonance.
“Hawkeye” is a pastel of a vintage camera that’s posed like it’s sitting for its own portrait, and “I-80” is a bird’s-eye view of a highway, farm fields and a towering sign that has acres of space and a sense of isolation.
“Coil,” a still life of a peeled tangerine sitting on a wooden
pedestal, is richly depicted, and it has a splendid light that reveals the just-right details of fruit skin and time-stained wood grain. It’s a masterpiece. But even a tiny view of lilacs in a vase has depth and detail –the single dropped petal – and glorious shadows.
It’s extremely rare to see work of this nature, and so expertly done, by someone so young. With a beginning like this, there’s no telling how far Allen’s career will take him.
Tyler Allen’s exhibition, “Forward, Onward,” continues through Sept. 29. For more information, visit www. oxfordart.org.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
‘Coil’
‘Hooked’
‘Neglected’
‘Wilt’
Treatment center opens in Phoenixville
Pennsylvania Recovery Center has opened a new addiction outpatient treatment center in Phoenixville.
The founders include Brandt Norton of Media, Paul Zanaras of South Philadelphia, and Wyn Brown of Horsham, who all have overcome their own addiction issues, leading them to help others. Collectively, they have been working in the addiction field for more than 20 years, and decided it was time to create a treatment center in Chester County.
Pennsylvania Recovery Center will offer intensive outpatient and outpatient levels of care for individuals
who suffer from addiction problems. Services will include drug and alcohol evaluations and referral, group therapy, individual counseling, family therapy, and case management. The company is accepting new patients.
Marsha Bellamy, who will be serving as the clinical director, said, “People can’t heal unless they heal completely. Their co-occurring disorders, and their addiction need to be treated. We address all aspects of the person’s needs in recovery.”
For inquiries or admissions, call 610-233-4342 or visit www.pennsylvaniar ecoverycenter.org.
Armstrong Local Programming rebrands
Armstrong cable has been providing locally produced original programming as far back as the 1960s. Armstrong Local Programming has delivered high-school sports, community events, parades and local music.
Those same shows are now calling Armstrong Neighborhood Channel their home.
“After extensive surveys, brainstorming and customer feedback, our team landed on a brand that encompasses who we are programming for -- the neighborhoods that we work, live and play in,” said Adam Daniels, field marketing manager with Armstrong. “Armstrong
Neighborhood Channel producers know what programming their viewers find interesting. They know the people and places that matter. They know the school spirit and town pride that fills the backyards and front porches in our local communities. We bring that straight to our viewers in all of our neighborhoods.”
Armstrong Neighborhood Channel remains on channel 100 and is available to all television customers. Ccontent can be found at www. ArmstrongNeighborhood. com, or by finding @ followArmstrong on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.
Local author Bruce Mowday slates events
Local author Bruce Mowday has scheduled five events in Chester County this month, including three talks in connection with his new book, Stealing Wyeth
After a private event at the Brandywine River Museum on Sept. 13, Mowday will be signing books on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chadds Ford Days at the Chadds Ford Historical Society. Chadds Ford Days is held on the battlefield of the Revolutionary War engagement at Brandywine. Mowday will have his
book September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia – the first in-depth book on the battle – available for purchase.
On Sept. 16, Mowday will talk before several classes of students at Coatesville Intermediate High School before giving a talk on Stealing Wyeth at 7 p.m. at the Phoenixville Library. The Chester County Historical Society in West Chester is hosting a
talk by Mowday on Stealing Wyeth on Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. The theft of 15 paintings, worth millions of dollars, from the estate of worldfamous artist Andrew Wyeth is the subject of the true-crime book, Stealing Wyeth . The book has connections to Mowday’s first true-crime book, Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice, also published by Barricade Books.
Patton Middle School student honored
Patton Middle School
7th grader, Varoon Joshi, has been named top 300 Masters in the 2019 Broadcom Masters program. The winners were selected from a pool of 2,348 applicants. These competitors were evaluated by a panel of scientists, engineers and educators, and judged on creativity and originality of their science fair projects, their ability to engage in analysis of data, and understanding of STEM principles as they relate to the real world.
Each applicant was nominated to compete in the Broadcom Masters by placing among the top 10 percent of middle school competitors at regional and state science fairs. More than 90,000 students participated in various feeder science competitions across the country. Varoon went through the Chester County Science Research Competition, Delaware Valley Science Fairs, where
he competed with students from all of Delaware, southeast Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Patton teacher, Mary Jo Knauer, encouraged and supported Varoon through the competition.
Varoon’s project is titled “Correlating Birth Order to Parent Perceptions of Various Child Qualities.” He studied the influence of birth order on individuals’ personalities. He utilized a confidential survey to gather and statistically analyze the parents’ perception of their children on 13 personality characteristics and analyzed responses on 276 children from 144 parents.
Varoon performed his research under the mentorship of Dr. Neil Izenberg, founder of KidsHealth.org, and a former vice president at Nemours Children’s Health System; and Dr. Ed Hass, director of consumer insights and marketing research at the Center for
Health Delivery Innovation for Nemours Children’s Health System. Varoon is following in his older brother’s footsteps. Viraj Joshi (a Unionville High School senior) was a Broadcom Top 300 in 2016. The only difference is that Varoon achieved this as a 6th grader competing with 6-8th graders including
many from Silicon Valley (77 of the 300 are from California).
“I came across several outstanding projects throughout this journey,” Varoon said. “I am humbled and feel fortunate to be selected. It could have been one of many other fellow participants. I’d like to dedicate this success to my parents, mentors, educators, and my brother, who is my role model.”
The next step in the Broadcom Masters takes place on Sept. 18, when 30 finalists will be selected from the Top 300. Finalists and one parent or guardian will receive an all-expensepaid trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the Broadcom Masters Finals Week competition from Oct. 25 to 30. Finalists will present their research and compete in hands-on challenges for top prizes, including funds to attend a STEM summer camp and the Samueli Foundation Prize of $25,000.
