Chester County Press 09-20-2023 Edition

Oxford community rallies to support fire victims

By Betsy Brewer Brantner

Contributing

Nothing says more about the resiliency of a community than how the residents react during and after a disastrous fire.

Writer

Late on Wednesday, Sept.

13, a massive fire spread through Oxford’s business district on South Third Street, destroying businesses and displacing 90 people. The Oxford community responded with tremendous love,

The fire caused significant damage in the heart of Oxford’s business district, but no injuries were reported. The hard work and heroism of the police officers and firefighters on the scene helped keep everyone safe.

A letter from Oxford Mayor Phillip Harris specifically commended two police officers, Scott Richards and

Karlianna Eller, after they responded to a fire alarm on South Third Street at 11:31 p.m. on Sept. 13.

A massive blaze burned historic buildings, destroyed businesses, and displaced approximately 90 people heroism, and a flood of donations of food, clothing, and money for the families and businesses that lost everything as a result of the blaze.

Officers arrived on location within two minutes and observed large flames from the roof area of multiple buildings. Officers Eller and Richards quickly went door-to-door evacuating the residents in the apartments.

Officer Richards shot a video from his body camera taken inside the building where the fire started. That clip shows Richards direct-

ing a mother who was holding her child to the rear of the building. Richards then worked his way past flames in the windows while yelling for other residents to go out toward the front of the building, away from the flames.

Continued on Page 2A

Firefighters were still fighting the fire in the business district of Oxford Borough last Thursday, Sept. 14. Nearly 90 people were displaced by the fire.

nightmare is finally over, and the good guys won’

Danelo Cavalcante’s Sept. 13 capture may have ended a two-week manhunt for the convicted killer, but his escape and its subsequent search now must answer to public criticism

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

One of the most compelling and dramatic chapters in Chester County history came to an end on the morning of Sept. 13, when escaped fugitive and convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante was apprehended without incident by about two dozen fully armored members of a U.S. Customs Border Control Tactical Unit from El Paso,

Tx. and the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as the assistance of a search canine, shortly after 8:00 a.m.

Cavalcante was arraigned on a felony escape charge and denied bail and is now being held in a Pennsylvania maximum security prison where he will serve a life sentence. He is scheduled to next appear in court on Sept. 27 for a preliminary hearing.

“Today is a great day here

in Chester County,” said Chester County Attorney Deb Ryan at a press conference held at the Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company two hours after Cavalcante’s capture.

“Our nightmare is finally

Continued on Page 4A

that found escaped convict Danelo Cavalcante on Sept. 13 after a two-week search – leads members of the State Police out of Unionville Community Park after receiving praise from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

At New Garden Hills, it’s trails for now

Thanks, Tom

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In September of 2020, New Garden Township held a joint open house with the architectural firm YSM that saw 200 area residents provide a wish list vision for the future of Saint Anthony’s in the Hills, a 137-acre property that the township had purchased for $1.5 million in 2018. Their choices were many and, in some cases, elaborate. Together, they imagined a park filled with a refurbished miniature golf course, a state-of-the-art playground, a dog park, a reimagined 2,000-seat amphitheater, spaces for festivals and special events, a picnic area and fields for active recreation.

It was, in their eyes, going to be an experiential paradise right in their back yard.

education opportunities.

When the initial plans for the development of the property now known as New Garden Hills were first introduced in 2021, YSM estimated that the estimated price tag was $18 million. In a presentation before the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors on July 17, 2023 however, township Manager Christopher Himes and Parks Superintendent Mike Buck said that the original estimate failed to include the price of demolition; the rehabilitation of buildings; the construction of new buildings; water, sanitary and electrical service; parking and other vital components of the park’s development.

Continued on Page 3A

Kennett School Board sets guidelines for directors’ protocol

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

At its Sept. 11 meeting, the Kennett Consolidated School District board unanimously approved a resolution that maps a path for responding to public questions or issues.

Labelled “protocols to

guide Board members’ interactions with each other,” it was presented without comment, recitation or explanation.

Board President Vicki Gehrt said it had been developed at the board’s annual summer retreat.

The 10-point list stipulates, among other things,

that board members must notify the superintendent before making an “official visit.”

The board members must also avoid words that give a negative impression of an individual, the board or the district.

When someone from the public presents a topic for

question, the board president or superintendent may indicate that the speaker’s issue will be researched and/or a response will be made by the superintendent.

And if a board member has a new topic, it must be presented at a committee meeting for review and, only then, if approved by

that committee, will it be moved to the full board.

Gehrt said if the public wants to read the details, the resolution is available on the board’s website as part of the Sept. 11 agenda.

During his report on the progress of the construction of the two new elementary

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

friends and local stakeholders in conservation gathered at the Bucktoe

on

15 to celebrate the life and legacy of Tom

along with his wife, Margaretta

‘Our

Photo by Richard L. Gaw Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens –who led the investigation

Oxford fire...

Continued from Page 1A

Richards reported, “The hallways were hot and smoky, alarms were going off, but we were still waking up adults and children who were sleeping. Initially, when we arrived, Officer Eller entered the front, and I entered the rear to get everyone out. Every door we knocked on, someone was inside. Residents were banging on additional doors as they ran out.

“Officer Eller and I had to help people to the closest exit away from the flames. We closed as many windows and doors behind us to slow the spread of the fire. As we got outside, I saw residents in Niblock Alley help flake out fire hoses to do what they could to help the fire department.”

Harris said, “We would like to commend Officer Scott Richards and Officer Karilanna Eller for their outstanding bravery that resulted in the saving of human lives.”

Richards has been a police officer with Oxford since 2006, while Eller was sworn in in 2021.

Harris also commended the Union Fire Company and Oxford Ambulance, assisted by Medic 94 and the multiple mutual aid departments for equal heroism during the massive response to the blaze.

There was no lack of heroism or endurance from the many dozens of first responders at the scene.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Chester County Fire Marshal John Weer.

The Borough of Oxford released a statement early on Sept. 14 that provided details about the scope of the devastating blaze.

A fire broke out overnight in downtown Oxford impacting six properties on South Third Street, between Market and Hodgson Street.

Thus far, no one has been reported hurt but several buildings will need to be condemned. The buildings, in the Borough’s historic downtown, are mixed-use structures with retail and commercial establishments on the first floor and residential apartments on the floors above.

Chester County Emergency Services and the Red Cross are assisting 25 displaced families, approximately 90 people in total.

“We are saddened that so many residents, many of them with children, have been displaced by this tragedy,” said Kathryn Cloyd,

Borough Council President.

“We are also saddened by the destruction of some of Oxford’s most historic buildings and will do all we can to support the displaced residents and businesses.”

Union Fire Company and the Oxford Police Department responded to the call at 11:31 p.m. on Wednesday night. Union Fire Company is being assisted by multiple state, county and regional fire agencies from the surrounding area, including from Lancaster County, Delaware and Maryland.

“We are grateful for the coordinated response of our emergency services organizations, Borough Public Works and administrative staff,” said Mayor Phil Harris. “People mobilized quickly. We also thank the several community volunteers that assembled during the night to bring food and drink to residents affected by the fire.”

On Thursday morning, the fire companies continued to fight the blaze. Residents and businesses in the area lost electricity.

Nearby buildings were also evacuated until the area was deemed safe for everyone to return.

Utility companies, public works employees, and police joined onlookers waiting for the area to be called safe by the fire company.

Fire Chief Jim Booth was quick to acknowledge the heroic work of the Oxford police and EMS for their timely response in evacuating the buildings.

“This was certainly one of the worst fires in the borough,” Booth said.

“The structure and renovations of the buildings in the business district make it difficult when fighting a fire there. There are numerous additions, multiple roofs, and many voids within the building that the fire can jump to.

“The only way to insure the fire was out was to pull the buildings down. We are amazed that everyone evacuated was unharmed and only one firefighter received a minor injury. It could have been so much worse.”

Booth said the fire was controlled by 4:28 a.m. Thursday morning, and was deemed to be out by noon on Friday.

The street was closed from Wednesday until Saturday afternoon. The police department thanked all first responders, utility workers, public works, and public officials that made

the reopening possible. However, the police urged everyone to observe safely as crews continue to work. Police also announced that anyone tampering with or entering an unauthorized area will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

After the fire

Now that Third Street is once again open, business owners, residents and shoppers are wondering what will come next. Even before the street was open, Ron Hershey, from Outback Adventure Co., was focused on the next steps.

“It was a tragedy,” Hershey said as he looked at the rubble where a building once stood. “And to take the OMI building is just hard to believe. They have worked so hard for the business district. But now we need to look at opportunities that await as we build back.”

As if on cue, Wilson King, the owner of one of the downed buildings, rode in on his bicycle. He commented on the theatre project, which was proposed for his property.

“Well, we still have the grant for the project, so it will move forward,” he said. And then without missing a beat, he added, “We can get an urban planner in and come up with a good design. We’ll just build again.”

Oxford is no stranger to fires. One large blaze hit the Oxford Presbyterian Church, the Octoraro Hotel was hit twice, and many years ago the Lipkin’s store also had a fire. Just about a month ago, Robinson’s Furniture was hit by fire, too. Greg Robinson said of that fire, “We had a couple cameras up and could see it started downstairs with the de-humidifier. The fire company was here in minutes and put it out. I think because of the doors the fire couldn’t get the oxygen it needed.”

Robinson was recovering from his disaster, and hold-

ing a furniture sale, while cleaning up and moving forward. And that illustrates the remarkable spirit of Oxford. Disaster may hit, but the community unites and help comes from every direction.

The Red Cross (South eastern division) came in and set up at Penn’s Grove School to handle those left homeless.

Kathy Book, a local volunteer and office manager for State Rep. John Lawrence, worked closely with the Red Cross and spoke lovingly of the Oxford community's willingness to lend a hand in the effort.

“Everyone helped, including the Lighthouse Youth Center,” Book said. “They helped with caring for those ripped from their homes. They fed them, and did whatever was needed to bring some calm to their lives. Of course the families were housed at Penn’s Grove Middle School, while other shelter was located.

“More than one Red Cross member said how impressed they were with all the support they got from Oxford. They said they had never seen a community come together like this one.”

Volunteers included State Rep. Lawrence, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and members of local churches, schools, and businesses.

Book said she was impressed with Penn’s Grove School.

“The cafeteria was phenomenal. They were great providing meals for the group,” she said.

The SILO group was also stepping up to help. They usually provide a monthly community meal and Saturday’s Taco and chips brought in 300 people from the community, including those that had been displaced by the fire. The community meal was held in the Oxford Memorial Park. The line for tacos went on forever, but no one was turned away.

Andrea Paella, from SILO said, “We are looking for housing for those that need it. Some can go to friends and family. We are also helping those that can return to their apartments that weren’t destroyed by the fire.”

Local businesses such as BB’s, Walmart, Giant, and even those shut down from the fire were out and about helping where they could. Businesses outside of Oxford volunteered to help other businesses store food when their electric was lost. Book also explained how quickly things were turned around.

“We helped those that lost their driver’s license, ID’s, birth certificates and other important papers. They

were mailed overnight,” she said. “It was just so heartwarming to see everyone work together. So many people brought water, food, clothing, whatever they could give.”

Donations continue to come in from this small town with the big heart.

Neighborhood Services Center invited people to check out the website at www.oxfordnsc.org for a list of items needed for those displaced by the fire.

Donations to help those impacted by the fire can also be made on the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce website at oxfordpa.org. Click on “Oxford Fire.”

What most people needed after the fire was to visit their hometown. People came from all over after the fire to remember what the town means to them.

Two locals, Rebecca and Bob, were trying to provide comfort as needed.

“I saw a woman crying, who just wanted to go home to her apartment,” Bob said. He has been a resident of Oxford for 35 years. He came to Oxford from Detroit after the riots and fires there in the late 1960s.

Rebecca, who says she is happily homeless, spreads the word of God to anyone who will listen.

“I couch surf sometimes, when I take care of a friend. Sometimes, I sleep in my car,” she said. “Mostly, I just thank God each day for saving me and putting me where I am now.”

Many people travelled from near and far when they heard of the fire. It was a reunion of classmates, neighbors, and former business people who came back to visit the town that had given so much to them.

They were saddened by the devastation, but all were quick to point out that Oxford always came back after any tragedy. They expected the same now.

And, from the look in Wilson King’s eyes as he surveyed the rubble that had been the home to businesses and also provided a home for many residents, it is clear that he is determined to build back as soon as possible.

“We have an opportunity,” King said.

Water poured out of the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. building as the firefighters continued to battle the fire in the business district. This photo was taken at 10 a.m.Thursday morning, nearly 11 hours after the fire was called in.

Photos by Betsy Brantner

Now more than ever, the local businesses in Oxford need support. Many are already open for business again.

Many of the buildings that were affected along Third Street are very close to those on Market Street.

New Garden...

Continued from Page 1A and the refurbishing of the amphitheater -- is estimated at $26.78 million.

After crunching the numbers again – this time with the engineering firm of Pennoni Associates -Himes and Buck delivered a crushing blow to the board: the actual cost of completing several phases of New Garden Hills will be $30,204,513.

At a town hall-type presentation on Sept. 18, Buck and Himes further put a damper on plans for the multi-phase development of New Garden Hills, saying that the township has larger spending priorities.

Buck provided an overview of the many projects that have been completed at the park since its 2018 purchase – a $2 million, five-year investment that includes the completion of the YSM Master Plan, demolition, engineering costs, tree removal, pond maintenance and electrical upgrades. Listed in the cost summary is a clear sign that progress on the park is being made: after extensive two rounds of demolition and construction, Phase I of New Garden Hills’ development – a nature trail estimated to cost $56,000 – is scheduled to open to the public in late October.

However, Buck again shared the cold numbers of reality, like he and Himes did two months before: the cost of completing Phases 2 through 8 -- that include a picnic area/playground, a dog park, additional trails and open space, a beer garden, a welcome hub, a new maintenance facility

Higher township priorities

In walking the township’s Board of Supervisors and those in attendance through a cost feasibility assessment, Himes said that the township’s potential resources to help pay for the next several phases of New Garden Hills would be through replenishable revenue and a usable balance of existing cash –none of which gives the township the economies of scale to fund the project, without tapping into the $22 million remaining from the township’s sale of its wastewater system to Aqua Pennsylvania. He said that the dividends from the sale are now being used to “plug other holes” on the township’s five-year priority list of capital projects: paving township roads; installing stormwater infrastructure, including a $4 million investment in the Village of Toughkenamon; maintaining and replacing large-scale equipment; maintenance and repair of township facilities and parks; and developing the 105-acre Smedley Preserve that the township purchased in 2021 to convert into a park and preserve as open space.

Himes said another way of paying for the park would be to issue a general obligation bond in the amount of $28.8 million – the cost of completing all phases of New Garden Hills – and in the process,

carry a 30-year debt that would obligate the township to raise taxes by 2.3 mills to cover the cost over that period. For an average township household assessed at $250,000, a tax increase of that size would cost a household an additional $530 per year.

This tax increase – which Himes did not recommend the township enact -- would be well above the $20 that township residents said they would additionally pay a year toward the cost of New Garden Hills, as outlined in the YSM Master Plan.

Public comment

During the public comment portion of the meeting, several residents said that the purchase of New Garden Hills – and the estimated $28 million investment in it – greatly exceeds the residents’ ability pay for it. One resident of the Harrogate development in Landenberg compared the dilemma of paying for the park to the ramifications of the township’s sale of its wastewater system – one that has passed on the cost of the sale to Aqua customers who continue to see their sewer rates soar.

“A purchase was made, a vision was created and the two are not in alignment with what we are able to afford,” she said. “My observation is that what we purchased is completely out of alignment with what we can afford, in terms of what people want.

“Did we make a purchase that really we can’t afford

Kennett School Board...

Continued from Page 1A

schools, district CFO Mark Tracy gained an approval to move funds from the district’s fund balance in 2024 and 2025 to keep the debt service from having an excessive effect on taxes. The budget has been set for about $8 million per year for the payment of debt service until 2030, and the amount on the next two

to improve and maintain?”

In direct contrast with the determining how the township can find the money needed to complete the remaining phases of New Garden Hills, one resident asked the supervisors what the “cost of doing nothing” would be. Himes said that the cost of maintaining a routine trail network at the park would be less than $70,000 per year.

Himes said that he and the supervisors will have a follow-up discussion based on the public comments that were raised at the meeting and will provide a revised plan concept that will eventually be shared with the public. He said that much of that future vision will be determined by the assessment of Phase I of the park’s trail opening in late October.

“I want to allow some time to digest usage during that initial release and soft opening, when we will get some really good intelligence in terms of who

years would exceed that without amelioration.

The board approved unanimously the contracts with three agencies for support services. They are: No Boundaries for translations, Aveanna Healthcare for nursing, and Stepping Stones for therapy and behavioral support.

Tracy said these contracts would not change the budget inasmuch as they were replacing services that were already included. In other business,

is coming to the park, get some eyeballs in there and allow that to facilitate the next element of the plan,”

Superintendent Dusty Blakey thanked the local and regional law enforcement agencies for keeping in touch with him and advising actions during the search for escaped criminal Danelo Cavalcante before he was apprehended last Wednesday.

On a sad note, Gehrt announced that the school district’s Facilities Director George Wolhafe died suddenly on Aug. 27.

NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

If you love them enough to sit through their favorite movies, then surely you’ll check to make sure they’re in the right car seat.

Himes said.

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

Cavalcante...

Continued from Page

over, and the good guys won. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of the first responders for their tireless and dedicated efforts in bringing this fugitive to justice. They worked around the clock, and we are deeply grateful to all of them.

“Our community can finally regain its normalcy and breathe a sigh of relief.”

“I want to say, ‘Thank you’ to the dedicated law enforcement professionals from every level who each and every day leave their homes and their oved ones to keep us safe,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro, who spoke at the press conference. “The public, over the past 13 days, has had a chance to see what excellence in law enforcement means – what true, dedicated professionalism is all about.

“While they did extraordinary work, we had a tremendous assist from the public here in Chester County. Thank you for their diligence. That you for the constructive tips that they shared. Thank you [to them] for remaining on guard.”

Area residents’ reactions to Cavalcante’s capture ranged from “ecstatic” to “relieved.”

“When I heard the news, I finally took the chair away from the kitchen door where it had been for the last two weeks, as well as a 22 rifle that I didn’t load up because I was afraid that I would shoot myself in the foot,” said a Unionville resident. “Even though he was in northern Chester County, I still took all precautions at my house. It was very frightening, but the fact that it ended as peacefully as it did says a lot for the State Police and the Border Patrol that got him.”

Another resident who lives along Folly Hill Road -- the scene of a major hunt for Cavalcante near Longwood Gardens on Sept. 7 and 8 -- said she was emotional when she

heard the news that the fugitive had been captured.

“This is just such a relief that I feel like crying,” she said. “I am so happy that I can actually sleep now. I have been up every night for the last two weeks watching every source of media, trying to find out where he is.

I am happy it is over.”

Forward-Looking Infrared Technology

Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Col. George Bivens – who headed the investigation -- said that authorities established a perimeter in the vicinity of South Coventry Township in the early morning hours of Sept. 13 that set off a series of events, beginning with a burglary alarm that sounded at a residence near Prizer Road, which is within the search perimeter.

The alarm put investigative focus to the area as tactical teams – joined by a fixed-wing aircraft piloted by the Drug Enforcement Administration that used Forward-Looking Infrared Technology -- began to converge and comb the location.

At around 1:00 a.m., helicopters were alerted to a heat signature located west of Route 100 and north of Prizer Road and began to track its location. While a storm that produced lightning forced the aerial investigation to be abandoned throughout the early morning hours of Sept. 13, tactical teams held the search area until the storm subsided.

“There are always things we have to contend with – everything isn’t scripted and doesn’t go perfectly,” Bivens said of the need to down the aircraft. “We secured that inner perimeter while always keeping our outer perimeter secure, so that if he did manage to escape the inner perimeter, we would be able to box him in yet again.”

At 8:00 a.m. – with aerial resources back in use over-

head – the teams moved closer to the heat source until they found Cavalcante, who attempted to escape by crawling through thick underbrush, carrying the rifle he stole in the area on Sept. 11, which he did not engage during his escape attempt.

The Border Police released the canine search dog – a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois named Yoda from the Border Patrol team -- who quickly disabled Cavalcante, and with assistance from the Pa. State Police, they moved in to capture the fugitive, who sustained a minor bite wound from the search canine. Bivens said that had authorities not been able to contain Cavalcante during his apprehension, they would have had the authorization to use deadly force.

“Canines play a very important role, not only for tracking, but in a circumstance like this, it is better to release a patrol dog than have to use lethal force,” Bivens said.

After being taken into custody, Cavalcante was transported to the Pennsylvania State Police Avondale station for further processing and interviewing. He will then be transferred to an as-of-yetunnamed state correctional

institution, where he will begin to serve a life sentence for killing his former girlfriend Deborah Brandao in front of her children in 2021. Ryan said that one of the first calls made by the authorities was to the Brandao family.

“As you can imagine, they had been living in a complete nightmare,” Ryan said. “They are so grateful to the men and women who helped with this capture. They can now finally sleep again.”

Throughout the entirety of the two-week manhunt for Cavalcante, there was not only evidence that the fugitive sought assistance but speculation that he did indeed receive help in his desire to escape authorities.

“There were people who were intent and intended to assist him,” said Bevins, who said that Cavalcante’s sister was trying to help her brother. “We have been successful in preventing that assistance from reaching him.”

Bivens said that Cavalcante’s sister is currently in deportation proceedings.

Capture avoided potential car-jacking

After being apprehended, Cavalcante was placed in

Kennett Square Borough receives clean 2022 audit

By HaLeigh Abbott

Contributing Writer

Kennett Square

Borough shared a completely clean 2022 audit with attendees of the borough council meeting on Sept. 13, with unmodified opinions on financial statements - the highest level of assurance a CPA can provide.

The CPA firm, Zelenkofske Axelrod LLC (ZA), provided the findings which are available on the borough’s public meeting documents site. Zelenkofske

Axelrod required supplementary information for the review, including management’s discussion and analysis, budgetary comparison schedule, and pension plan schedules.

In other borough business, borough police pensions were given approval through the 2024 Minimum Municipal Obligation Act 205 which, as amended, governs the funding requirement for all municipal pension plans. The law requires the Chief Administrative

Officer for the Kennett Square Borough Pension Plan (Police Pension Plan) to inform the governing body of the Borough of Kennett Square plan’s expected financial obligation for the coming year by the last business day in September. The financial impact totaled $92,659 - a number that did not change much from last year based on average salaries, average retirement age, etc. The Non-Uniform Pension Plan MMO was also approved under the same Act, totaling a financial impact of $241,023.

The police department also had the acceptance of certified hiring list moved to consider adding another officer to the department. In response to council member Bob Norris asking if the new officer is bilingual, Police Chief William Holdsworth posed a challenge back to the council, urging them to work with lawmakers to change a Pennsylvania Borough Code requirement that candidates must have a civil service background. Holdsworth feels the requirement is too strict and limits the availability

of the hiring pool for the department. The challenge was accepted by borough council.

There was a liquor license transfer for Nino Zavala LLC from their current location in Tredyffrin Township to 305 W. State Street. The restaurant spent 23 years at its previous location, serving Mexican cuisine and a full service bar. The new location was approved for the transfer, with all fees associated being handled by the tenant.

Approvals and notices of downtown events were shared, including Kennett High School’s Homecoming Parade on Sept. 29. The Police Department has filed a permit with PennDOT for the closure of Route 82 for the event and expect approval. Kennett On Top will return on June 22, 2024 on top of the parking garage. This fundraiser, hosted by the Rotary Club, raised $13,000 for area nonprofits this past June, and aims to meet or exceed that number next year.

Renovations were approved for 233 N. Union Street, replacing stucco,

and 216 E. State Street, the old library in which the new retail owner is looking to install an ADA-compliant storefront entrance with regrading for the rear parking area.

The Kennett Trails Alliance has been working in conjunction with East Penn Railroad to apply for a grant that would allow for an atgrade crossing to be constructed on the train lines by Pennock Park. An at-grade crossing allows for an even surface for personal transportation devices like bikes and wheel chairs to travel over the train lines. It was previously not an option because of storage limitations for East Penn Railroad. Securing the grant would allow the railroad to improve storage areas outside of the borough and complete the crossing. There is no cost to the borough for the grant or the crossing, but borough and township approval were both required for the railroad to move forward with the process.

an armored vehicle and driven to the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Avondale, where he then submitted to a lengthy interview with authorities who were involved in capturing him. According to reports, Cavalcante revealed many of the details involved in his two-week journey, which began on Aug. 31 when he escaped from the Chester County Prison. He spent the first few days of his escape surviving on water from nearby streams and did not eat until his third day, when he stole a watermelon from a farm and cracked it open with his head.

Cavalcante told authorities that during the day, he borrowed himself deep into thick shrubbery and at times, lay as near as six to seven yards from law enforcement units who were searching for him. As part of a two-weeklong cat-and-mouse game between Cavalcante and authorities, he said he began to learn the diameter of the search perimeter and on Sept. 9, he punctured one perimeter and stole a vehicle from Bailys Dairy on Lenape-Unionville Road, that had only a quarter tank of gas remaining. Cavalcante then drove the vehicle to East Nantmeal Township, where it was found abandoned behind a barn.

Cavalcante told authorities that during the time he was in East Nantmeal and South Coventry townships, he planned to carjack someone in the area and attempt to flee in the direction of the U.S.-Canada border but was apprehended before he was to pursue the plan.

Prison, authorities expected to be under fire at town halls

On the heels of the successful capture of Cavalcante, an unanswered black hole in this investigation continues to draw much public criticism in the community: Chester County Prison’s failure to properly contain not only Cavalcante but prisoner Igor Bolte, who escaped by similar means from the prison in May before being quickly captured.

On several social media outlets, the prison’s procedures have been excoriated

over the past two weeks for what posts deem is a lack of internal controls, leading to fear that a third escapee may flee the prison in the near future.

“[Chester County officials] will answer those questions as to what occurred and what changes are ultimately going to be made,” Gov. Shapiro said. “Certainly, the State Department of Corrections will be here to assist in any other work that they need done to make sure that that facility is secure.

“They obviously have a lot of work to do there, and I am confident that under the leadership of Chairwoman [Marian] Moskowitz, District Attorney Ryan and other leaders in the county, that they’ll get that done.” One area resident, who said she lives two miles from the search area near Longwood Gardens, said she is very upset with how the prison allowed Cavalcante – and Bolte -to escape.

“I am only five miles from the prison, and the fact that this happened in May and then again in August says that something needs to be done,” she said. “I hope it is taken care of.”

To address – and perhaps quell the public outcry over the safety protocols in place at Chester County Prison – the Chester County Commissioners hosted a town hall meeting with residents on Sept. 18 that provided information on security enhancements at the prison. A second meeting will be held on Sept. 20 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Pocopson Elementary School, 1105 Pocopson Road in West Chester.

Attending the meetings with the Commissioners will be Chester County Acting Warden Howard Holland, Chester County Director of Emergency Services Bill Messerschmidt, and a team from the Chester County Disaster Crisis Outreach Referral Team (DCORT), who will offer trauma-informed counseling support at the meetings and information on further counseling services.

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

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan.

Courtesy photo Cavalcante surrendered to authorities on Sept. 13 in northern Chester County and was then taken to the Pennsylvania State Police in Avondale.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

At a press conference held two hours after Cavalcante’s capture, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro thanked the hundreds of authorities who played a role in apprehending Cavalcante.

Heroes at work

When escaped killer Danelo Cavalcante was apprehended without incident by about two dozen members of a U.S. Customs Border Control Tactical Unit and the Pennsylvania State Police, as well as the assistance of a search canine, a nightmare that played out over 14 nerve-racking days was, indeed, finally over.

No one could have predicted that, by the end of that same day, a major fire would rip through buildings in the heart of Oxford’s commercial district, destroying numerous businesses and apartments. More than 25 families—90 individuals—were displaced by the massive blaze.

The road to recovery for the residents and business owners in Oxford will undoubtedly be a long one.

There will be a long process for county officials and law enforcement to evaluate what went wrong to allow Cavalcante to escape from the Chester County Prison in Pocopson and roam free.

But here is one incredible fact that emerged during the eventful day of September 13, and it shouldn’t be overlooked: During these two shocking events, no one was hurt.

Not one innocent local resident. Not one emergency responder who rushed into danger to protect others. No one.

As improbable as it seems, an escaped killer was on the loose in Chester County for two harrowing weeks and no one was hurt. Thousands of residents lived in the area where the escaped killer eluded police and not one person was hurt. One of the most devastating fires in Oxford Borough’s 190-year history raged hour after hour as September 13 ended and September 14 began. Not one man, woman, child, firefighter, or first responder suffered a serious injury.

That’s one thing that we can all be grateful for.

The common denominators between the manhunt and the fire are the brave men and woman who worked so hard to keep everyone safe.

In this edition of the Chester County Press, Betsy Brantner writes about how two Oxford Borough police officers, Scott Richards and Karlianna Eller, responded to the fire alarms within minutes and entered buildings that were on fire so that they could go door-to-door to evacuate the residents of the apartments. Firefighters from the Oxford Union Fire Company and many other local and not-so-local fire departments battled the blaze for hours to limit the damage. Many of these firefighters are volunteers who risked their own safety to perform their duties.

Over the last two weeks, writer Richard L. Gaw has reported about how federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel worked collaboratively to track and pursue Cavalcante. Through the heat and the rain, over rough terrain, they tracked an escaped killer—and did it in a way so that everyone in the community remained safe.

In the last few weeks, southern Chester County residents have witnessed heroes at work.

We thank all the police officers, firefighters, and first-responders for keeping us safe.

By State Representative John Lawrence

Like many in our community, I awoke early Thursday morning to the news of a devastating fire in downtown Oxford overnight. After stopping by Giant to pick up a few cases of bottled water and ready-to-eat snacks, I made my way to Penn’s Grove Middle School, where the American Red Cross had established a shelter for residents who had just lost everything they owned in the fast-moving blaze.

The Red Cross had, in very short order, set up the gymnasium with beds, blankets, and chairs. Down the hall, the cafeteria became the canteen, with hot meals and snacks. I was deputized to manage the snack area for those affected by the fire as well as volunteers assisting in the shelter. For the rest of the day, I had a front row seat to the incredible generosity and community spirit that makes our small corner of the world such a blessed place to live.

A number of the Red Cross volunteers were familiar faces from across Southern Chester County. In addition to their everyday work, they volunteer to get woken up in the middle of the night to immediately and cheerfully respond to crisis situations like this one.

Also in immediate response were local community members from the Lighthouse Youth Center, the Neighborhood Services Center, LCH, and SILO. And they were not milling around looking for something to do – they actively and professionally sprang into action to practically meet needs with loving responses. Folks displaced from the fire were asked their sizes and an area business provided them with brand-new clothes. Later in the afternoon, another local business owner and their staff arrived with a large selection of brandnew clothes and shoes and turned a corner of the Penn’s Grove cafeteria into a clothing boutique so those affected could ‘shop’ for themselves. Children who had the trauma of seeing their homes on fire earlier in the day were given special attention, stuffed animals, and many hugs. An Italian ice food truck arrived to provide cold treats. My staff was onsite for most of the day helping as needed. We have already started processing paperwork to obtain replacement driver’s licenses for folks who lost them in the fire.

Businesses both large and small, without being prompted, showed up outside the Penn’s Grove cafeteria with pallets of

Guest editorial Grateful

Gatorade, water, orange juice, potato chips, soft pretzels, breakfast sandwiches, fresh fruit, trail mix, chocolate milk pints, cookies, hot food, and more. At one point I looked around the cafeteria and wondered where we were going to put all of the donated food.

The Oxford Area School District should be commended. Superintendent David Woods was on-site and made sure the Red Cross had the support they needed from the district. Cafeteria workers served up hot meals with a smile for both displaced residents and volunteers. School district administration, staff, teachers, board members, janitors, and school police all contributed to the efforts as well.

Mayor Phil Harris took a leadership role and was onsite from nearly the very beginning, along with the borough manager. Several borough council members were on site as well lending a hand for much of the day. Chester County Emergency Services coordinated the county’s response and opened communication lines with the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Senator Comitta and staff from Representative Houlahan’s office came to offer support as well.

Anyone who has been in the Penn’s Grove cafeteria knows there is a large bank of windows that overlooks Fifth Street. All day long, fire trucks passed by delivering water to the station set up along Third Street. More than 30 surrounding fire companies from Lancaster, Chester, and Delaware counties, and from Maryland and Delaware responded to what eventually became a five-alarm fire. Seeing tankers, trucks, and personnel from near and far coming alongside the brave and tireless firefighters of Union Fire Company – it was truly incredible. Thank you to each of these mutual aid companies, some of whom came from very long distances, to assist Oxford in its hour of need.

Throughout the day, reports from downtown trickled into the shelter –it became apparent that at least four buildings were heavily damaged. All I could think was – it is a miracle no one lost their life. And it is another miracle that only those buildings were lost. Don’t get me wrong, that is a major and incredible loss, but in my view the heroic firefighters from Union Fire Company and beyond deserve endless praise for stopping the fire from consuming the whole block. I cannot express enough thanks to the firefighters and fire

police, both from Union Fire Company and those from surrounding mutual aid communities, for their 12-, 16-, and 24- hour shifts combating the fire.

We heard harrowing tales of folks getting out of the buildings in the nick of time, and almost unbelievable stories of bravery shown by firefighters and Oxford police officers going through burning buildings getting residents out. Not all of the stories were good stories – members of community lost everything. Downtown businesses were wiped out. Buildings were going to be demolished by the end of the day.

There are many other stories to be told. A number of local churches were onsite at the shelter meeting physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. A local Amish man dropped off a trailer load of supplies. A local towing company quietly moved affected residents’ vehicles that survived the blaze to the Penn’s Grove parking lot all day long – and since many had lost their car keys in the fire, another local business owner brought in a locksmith to get everyone into their cars and furnished with new keys. A great deal of food and relief supplies were coordinated through Oxford Presbyterian Church.

The Oxford Chamber of Commerce quickly sprang into action, both online and physically with staff and board members both at the shelter and elsewhere in town. After putting out a call for funds, the Chamber raised over $50,000 cash in less than 48 hours, with thousands more in gift cards distributed to those who has suffered loss. Oxford Mainstreet, whose headquarters was completely destroyed in the fire, was up online in support of affected business owners and also raised sizable funds in a matter of hours.

As afternoon became evening at Penn’s Grove, a Red Cross staffer shared with me and my staff that they had been involved in dozens of emergency situations up and down the East Coast, yet they had never seen anything like the outpouring of support from the community in Oxford. They were literally speechless in response to Oxford’s response. Things that normally take days for the Red Cross to coordinate instead were coordinated by local folks in a matter of hours. It is a testament to this community that deserves to be recognized.

On Friday, the focus intensified on finding a place for everyone to stay after the shelter closed. Text chains

of community leaders came together to coordinate needs and resources. I sat next to one volunteer as they negotiated an apartment lease for one of the affected families. Impromptu meetings between non-profits, government leaders, business owners, and community volunteers came together with enough structure and flexibility to set schedules and manage needs. Longer term needs of affected residents—new furniture, rides to work, transportation to school—are being addressed and coordinated with shared resources.

As I write this on Saturday morning, there are still many needs to be met and much work to do, but the foundation has been laid and teams of servant leaders continue to adjust to meet the needs of affected residents and business owners. Electricity is being restored to surrounding buildings. The Oxford Area Historical Association has provided space for Oxford Mainstreet to operate. Daily meetings have been established to bring coordination to relief efforts to minimize overlap and tie up loose ends. If you would like to help contribute financially to the residents and businesses that have suffered loss, I would encourage you to donate online via either the Oxford Chamber of Commerce website or the Oxford Mainstreet website.

Oxford has seen tragedy before. I remember as a child the Oxford Presbyterian Church fire in 1989. That fire left a gaping hole in town that was eventually filled with a new, vibrant building that has been serving the community since the day it reopened. And, in truth, it is not the building, it is the people in the building that make the difference.

I don’t think it is a stretch to compare that tragedy and rebirth to today. We have another gaping hole, this time in the middle of town. The rebirth and renewal will take time, but I have no doubt that Oxford is up for the challenge. And what results will build upon the long, proud history of this town to bring about an even stronger testament to the strength and spirit of Oxford.

Tragedy brings out the true colors of a community. What I saw, what I heard, what I witnessed – it deserves to be recognized for what it is – a community with deep roots and real care and love for friends and neighbors. I am grateful to every person who showed up, sacrificed, and served. We should all be grateful to be a part of a community that leaves the Red Cross speechless.

In the Spotlight

Exhibit on view until Jan. 7, 2024

Work of iconic designer Ann Lowe now on view at Winterthur

By Caroline Roosevelt Contributing Writer

One of the best things about art is that, as time marches forward, the veil is pulled back, like a tide going out to sea and little shells and treasures appear on the sands and now shimmer on their own. In that same vein, I was thrilled to recently attend the media sneak peek for Ann Lowe: American Couturier at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library recently and discover one of these treasures once buried beneath the waves. This landmark exhibition is the largest presentation on Ann Lowe, the first prominent Black fashion designer in America. Designer to elites such as Jacqueline Kennedy, actress Olivia de Havilland and socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post, Lowe developed a reputation for designing gowns for high society. The exhibi-

tion, which opened last weekend and runs through Jan. 7, 2024, is the culmination of nearly two years of fastidious work as conservators stabilized and prepared 40 dresses and mannequins for the upcoming exhibition.

Touring the exhibition, I enjoyed the unique opportunity of spending time with each gown. The pieces assembled for the exhibition show a breadth of work that establishes Lowe as an artist who has mastered the ability to change with the times. As I progressed through each room, l learned more regarding her humble beginnings in the Jim Crow era South, to the inspiration she discovered in Middle Eastern fashion, to the unique floral appliques she added as a calling card to many of her pieces. Lowe’s personality as a designer and artist emerged and Winterthur has told a beautiful story.

A team from the University of Delaware

painstakingly recreated Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding dress - Lowe’s claim to fame - as the original dress has been deemed too delicate to transport.

Katya Roelse, a University of Delaware Fashion and

Apparel Studies professor and Winterthur textile conservator Kate Sahmel studied the construction of the original dress and then Roelse assembled a team of undergraduate students (Maya Bordrick, Alex Culley and Kayla Brown), all of whom spent 200 hours and used 50 yards of fabric to create the reproduction.

Once the exhibition closes, Winterthur will donate the reproduction to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Winterthur is the first institution to receive permission from the Kennedy library to create a textile reproduction of Jacqueline Kennedy’s wedding gown.

In addition to this recreation, a team of technicians created unique mannequins to suit each bespoke dress. It generally takes a weeks’ worth of work to create these individual mannequins, said Kate Sahmel, textile conservator and head of the textile lab.

As a museum that celebrates stories of American achievement and craft, Winterthur uses its established voice in the community to tell the story of Lowe’s life and work. The late Margaret Powell, former curator with Winterthur, amassed a large collection of research into Lowe’s life. This exhibition pays homage to her study of Ann Lowe and brings together more than 40

examples of Lowe’s work from both private and institutional collections. Some of these gowns have never before been on display. The upcoming publication of Ann Lowe, American Couturier (Rizzoli), will be the first scholarly representation of Lowe’s work in the United States. With this publication, Winterthur highlights Lowe’s legacy, and provides in-depth research to be appreciated by generations to come.

Ann Lowe: American Couturier is on display through Jan. 7, 2024 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Delaware 19735. To learn more about the exhibit, visit www.winterthur.org.

New Edward Jones office opens in Oxford

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Joe Oliver and his friends cut the ribbon on his new Edward Jones office in Oxford on Sept. 1. It’s not as if Oliver is new to the community or opening up an office for the first time. Oliver grew up in Oxford and returned to work here as a financial advisor for Edward Jones, a nationwide financial management firm.

The occasion for the ribbon-cutting, however, is that the new building he moved into last year at 2250 East Baltimore Pike has finally had all its necessary renovations completed.

Oliver said he moved from the center of the borough to the newly leased building more than a year ago, but due to labor and material shortages resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the makeover took longer than expected.

Oliver and his branch office administrator

Tamara Tilton are the sole operators of the Oxford office, and they are the public outreach professionals for the Fortune 500 firm Edward Jones which develops investment policies, product reviews and research analysis.

Joe Oliver and his friends recently held the ribbon cutting on his new Edward Jones office

ing and managing money for clients with substantial estates. He also holds hour-long weekly public sessions that deal with various aspects of money management. He also is called upon to give advisory sessions to classes at

Oxford Area High School.

As time has gone by, he has seen the borough grow, become larger, modernize and increase in wealth, and that has driven the growth of his business.

Oxford. Oliver is married and the father of two. He graduated from Oxford Area High School and then Geneva College in 2002. He has earned master’s degrees in education and business administration. His work includes advis-

Oliver loves Oxford. He said he is the kind of per-

son who knows folks in town, and they know him. He also said he aims to serve his clientele with the attitude that they are being treated with respect.

“When I stop at the coffee shop, they know to prepare my medium

black,” he said.

So close are his ties to the borough he said he tells his friends, “Either I’m going to your funeral or you’re coming to mine.”

Oliver can be reached at 484-702-9311.

Ann Lowe: American Couturier is on display through Jan. 7, 2024 at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.

Courtesy photo

in

Courtesy images

The 40 dresses on display illuminate Lowe’s career, which included designing for Jacqueline Kennedy, actress Olivia de Havilland and socialite and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post.

JO BARBARA MANLEY

With profound sadness, the family of Jo Barbara Manley announces her passing on Sept. 14, 2023. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and friend to all whose lives she touched.

She was in her 74th year.

Born in Chester, Pa., she graduated from Notre Dame Catholic Girls High School and went on to attend Crozier-Chester Medical Center School of Medical Technology. She worked as a laboratory technician at Crozier-Chester Medical Center until her marriage.

A resident of Cochranville, Pa. since 1974, what brought Jo the most joy was being a loving wife and mother.

Jo married her beloved husband John in 1969 and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage. She became the proud mother of Melissa (Brian), Kristin, Joseph (Krista) and Timothy (Bootsy) and cherished her role as “MomMom” to eight grandchildren, Kelsey, Tyler, Garrett, Brody, Carrington, Benjamin, Callie and Graycen. She is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Helen Kowalchuk, brother Donald Malik, and son-in-law

Alleluia

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Robert Colon.

Jo lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker. Her faith as a Roman Catholic was paramount to her existence and she often uttered the phrase, “what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong.”

She kept an immaculate house, never failed to attend all of her children’s activities (Mom’s Taxi), enjoyed playing bingo and beat everyone at “Jeopardy.”

Most of all, she loved her family and instilled her strong values in her children that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

In addition to her husband, children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sister, Helen Jones, a brother, Robert Malik, a sister-in-law, Michelle Bristow and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass and celebration of Jo’s life will be held at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 300 State Road, West Grove, on Thursday, Sept. 21 beginning at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place immediately prior from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove.

LINDA KAY ROSENBAUM

Linda Kay Rosenbaum, of Landenberg, passed away on Sept. 15, 2023 at Christiana Hospital. She was 75. She leaves behind her loving companion, Robert F. McDonaugh. Born in 1947 in Jefferson, N.C., Linda was the daughter of the late Lacey Mullins and the late June Wilcox Mullins.

Linda was charming and goofy. Though she was sweet, Linda was a spitfire and her personality had a fun and feisty side.

Linda was very interested in Native American culture and history. She had a soft spot for animals, but Linda especially adored her birds and six cats.

Bob and Linda loved to travel together. Once a year they would travel through the Smoky Mountains to Pigeon Forge and every trip they would see something they didn’t see the year before.

In addition to her longtime companion, Bob, Linda is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Rosenbaum Jester, her grandson, Zachary Jester, and her granddaughter, Samantha Jester.

You are invited to visit with Linda’s family and friends on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Foulk Funeral Home, 200 Rose Hill Road in West Grove.

A service will begin at 11 a.m. and interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, Pa. 19380.

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

Red Devils’ defeat to Downingtown West evens record at 2-2

Whippets wallop Avon Grove, 44-6

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

After beginning the 2023 season with impressive opening wins against Oxford and Penn Wood, the Avon Grove Red Devils headed into their Sept. 14 contest against undefeated Downingtown West on the strength of its running back Harrison Watson, who came into the game with a pergame average of more than 160 rushing yards.

As the Whippets entered Red Devil Stadium, they had another mission: Stop Harrison Watson.

Following a lackluster first quarter, Downingtown West’s defense nullified any significant runs by Watson while its offense racked up

six touchdowns en route to a 44-6 victory in Ches-Mont National Division play.

On the fist play of the game, Avon Grove’s A.J. LeClerc gathered in a fumble by Whippets quarterback Quinn Henicle at the D-West 20-yard line, but four plays later, kicker Adam Okonowicz’s 42-yard field goal fell short with 10:13 left in the quarter. After Hencile was sacked for a 9-yard loss on the Whippets’ next possession at midfield, Avon Grove quarterback Frank Hoogerwerff spotted tight end Gavin Picard for a ten-yard pass that moved the ball to the 23-yard line, and after some ground loss, Okonowicz booted a 43-yard field goal with 4:33 left in the quarter.

After a fumble by D-West wide receiver Jake Kucera was recovered by AG’s Jagger Vitelli, the Red Devils could not capitalize on the mistake, and were forced to punt on 4th and 17. Down three points at the start of the second quarter, Downingtown West began to unleash an offensive thunder engineered by Henicle. On the first possession, Henicle pitched to running back Spencer Dunn for a 13-yard gain to the AG 10-yard line, and on the next snap, Dunn drove up the sideline for a touchdown with 11:05 remaining in the half, giving the Whippets a lead they would not surrender.

Avon Grove’s only other scoring drive was highlight- ed by a 26-yard pass to wide receive Moses T-Toe that helped set up Okonowicz’s second 43-yard field goal with 8:03 left in the half that cut the Whippets’ lead to 7-6.

Following Okonowicz’s kick, it was all Downingtown West, as the Whippets scored two additional touchdowns in the second quarter – the first on a 26-yard pass from Henicle to wide receiver Mike Taraschi with 5:46 left, which was quickly followed by Kucera’s 1-yard TD run with 1:19 left.

Carrying a 21-6 lead into the second half, D-West

continued their offensive rampage while capitalizing on Avon Grove’s sputtering offense that was hurt by several penalties and turnovers.

A 3-yard carry by Kucera with 6:34 left in the third quarter jumped D-West’s lead to 28-6, which was followed by a safety after a failed snap on a punt attempt sailed over Okonowicz’s head out of the end zone. Inheriting the ball with good field position, Kucera’s 31-yard catch put the ball on the AG 25-yard line, that later set up a 7-yard TD pass from Henicle to wide receiver J.D. Weller with 2:05 remaining in the third

quarter.

With 6:08 left in the game, D-West rounded out its scoring on a 17-yard touchdown run by running back Antonio Gonzalez. Now 2-2 on the season, Avon Grove will travel to Sun Valley on Sept. 22 for a 7 p.m. game against the Vanguards. Meanwhile, Downingtown West, which shares the top of the Chest-Mont National with undefeated rival Downingtown East, will host Henderson on Sept. 22.

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

Former Cecil College baseball player heads Clemson University pitching staff

When mentoring young athletes to reach their full potential, it is vital to have a coach who believes in every word or bit of advice they offer.

Former Cecil College baseball player Jimmy Belanger is a true enthusiast of the game of baseball, and the intricate nuances of his coaching style illustrate his commitment to the team.

Belanger recently completed his first season as the pitching coach for the Clemson University baseball team, where he turned a group of young men into one of the best pitching staffs in NCAA Division I baseball. The Tigers finished the 2023 season with a 44-19 record, their best since 2018. Clemson had a 4.30 ERA, 19th in the nation, and the 604 strikeouts were fourth most in their school history.

“It was easy to trust him early on,” said Clemson redshirt junior closer Ryan Ammons. “He demands excellence as he has an absolute love for this game. He has an absolute love for pitching. And it’s easy to get behind a guy like that when you believe what he’s saying.”

Belanger has loved the game of baseball from the time he played Little League. That intensity carried him through his scholastic career at North Babylon High School in Long Island and with the Bayside Yankees, an AAU travel team. While he had the intensity, he lacked the control to progress to the next level.

It was through a chance meeting during a summer tournament in Delaware with the Bayside Yankees that Belanger met Brian August,

a then assistant coach at Cecil College. Having recently graduated high school, he was in a state of limbo for his next steps when August invited him to tour Cecil College’s North East Campus.

“I had some small division I schools in the Northeast looking at me, but nothing serious. I realized that I needed to go to a two-year school academically and needed to grow up like most high school kids need to do,” said Belanger. “Attending Cecil College definitely helped me in my development as a pitcher and as a student. Doing something like that, especially where I was in my development, drastically helped me grow physically and mentally.”

Belanger played the 2005 and 2006 seasons for Cecil College and graduated with an associate degree in general studies. Attending a community college opened doors for Belanger as the University of Louisville recruited him.

“If not for playing at Cecil College, I would not have been at the level of Louisville or West Virginia. I wouldn’t have had the schools talking to me if not for those two years,” said Belanger.

“Jimmy has always possessed the drive, knowledge, and skill to be successful with some of the best baseball programs in the nation. You could see that in him when he began his collegiate career at Cecil College, and he has nurtured and grown that passion for the game as a coach,” said Cecil College baseball coach Charlie O’Brien.

Belanger pitched two seasons for Louisville, which went to the College World Series his junior season. Following two years as a player at Louisville, he received his first coaching opportunity with the Cardinals while completing his bachelor’s degree in 2009.

“I always had the desire to coach, and that was the perfect opportunity to get a feel for it. I have always been one of those guys who knew all the players on the other team and knew what they could do,” said Belanger about his knack for scouting the opposition.

The following year he landed his first full-time assistant coaching job at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, N.J., where at 22,

he found he was responsible for developing and creating a system for young players.

“I had a chance to grow there, and head coach Dean Ehehalt put a lot of confidence in a very young coach. He pushed me in a lot of ways to better myself, and we had a lot of success,” said Belanger.

During his three seasons with Monmouth, the Hawks reached the NEC tournament in 2010, won the NEC regular season championship in 2011, and won more than 30 games the following season. Belanger worked with Nick Meyers, who was named 2011 NEC Pitcher of the Year and the NEC/ NJCBA Player of the Year, and pitcher Pat Light, who was drafted 37th overall by the Boston Red Sox in 2012.

“What I learned from my time at Monmouth is you cannot walk into a situation where there is a lot of potential talent and think you are better than them. What I have learned in my coaching career is that the guys want to know you care before they want to know what you

know,” said Belanger.

When former Louisville assistant coach John Szefc took the reins at the University of Maryland, he contacted Belanger. While Belanger needed to create a plan of action for every situation on the field, at Maryland, Coach Szefc took a hands-off approach. This allowed Belanger to build upon what he had accomplished at Monmouth and put into play systems that he felt worked best for each situation. As the head pitching coach, Belanger provided feedback on the pitching rotation with insight into who was struggling and who was excelling. The Terps went on to win their first regional championship in 2014, only to repeat it in 2015.

In 2017, Belanger took a position with the University of Kentucky to be closer to family as he and his wife Tiffany were expecting their first child. Once again, Belanger created an environment of success in the bullpen as the Wildcats set

school records for strikeouts and opponents’ batting average.

With all his successes, one of the top collegiate baseball programs of all time came knocking. Florida State University offered him a position as head pitching coach, a huge opportunity for a man from a small Long Island community. He spent three seasons mentoring many of the most talented pitchers in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Under his guidance, FSU led the ACC in strikeouts per nine innings (11.4), strikeouts-towalks ratio (3.19), and ERA (3.45).

Now at Clemson, he is once again applying his love of the game toward guiding the young men who compete in order to create an environment of success in the bullpen.

“Whenever you take over a new spot, the players have to know you care about them and have their best interest in mind. Once they know that, they will listen to whatever you say,” said Belanger.

Avon Grove quarterback Frank Hoogerwerff finds a receiver in third quarter action.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Downingtown West quarterback Quinn Henicle led the undefeated Whippets to a 44-6 victory over Avon Grove in a Ches-Mont National divisional game on Sept. 14.

Jimmy Belanger is a true enthusiast of the game of baseball, and the intricate nuances of his coaching style illustrate his commitment to the team.

Jimmy Belanger pictured with Ethan Darden.

Courtesy photos

Jimmy Belanger recently completed his first season as the pitching coach for the Clemson University baseball team.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Carl Campbell of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Deceased. Letters

Testamentary on the estate of the above named Carl Campbell having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Karen

C. Henry, Executor c/o Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire ,208

E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381 Oxford, PA 19363, 610-9323838 9p-6-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF VIRGINIA H. KELLY a/k/a VIRGINIA KELLY, DECEASED.

Late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to CAITLIN KELLY, ADMINISTRATRIX, 300 E. Evans St., Apt. L139, West Chester, PA 19380, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO

D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 9p-6-3t

NOTICE OF SERVICE

In The First Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada

In and for STOREY COUNTY

Case No: 22 RP 00003 1E Dept. 1

Plaintiffs: STOREY COUNTY, et al., vs JONATHAN EDWARD ARNOW, as Trustee of the TESSA ARNOW TRUST, et al., Defendants. THE STATE OF NEVADA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT: NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU RESPOND WITHIN 20 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW.

TO THE DEFENDANT: A civil Complaint has been filed by the plaintiff against you.

1. If you wish to defend this lawsuit, you must, within 20 days after this Summons is served on you, exclusive of the day of service, file with this Court a written pleading* in response to this Complaint.

2. Unless you respond, your default will be entered upon application of the plaintiff, and this Court may enter a judgment against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, which could result in the taking of money or property or the relief requested in the Complaint.

3. If you wish to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your response

may be filed on time. You are required to serve your response upon plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is Jeffrey L. Hartman, Esq., HARTMAN & HARTMAN, 510 W. Plumb Lane, Suite B, Reno, NV 89509 Telephone: (775) 324-2800.

D. Jeffery Hindle III, Clerk of the Court

Date: November 30, 2022

Defendants to be Served by Publication

RANDALL R. RUCH or GERALD WILLIAMS, Trustees of THE SCHUYLKILL VALLEY SPORTING GOODS, INC., PROFIT SHARING PLAN NOTICE OF PENDING ACTION

To: All Defendants – Nevada List /Non-Nevada List

The Defendants are named as parties in Civil Action, case no. 22 RP 00003 1E, pending in Storey County in the First Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada. The Civil Action requests a determination that the interests of the Defendants in Deeds of Trust recorded April 8, 2008 as document numbers 108878, 108879, 108880, 108881, 108882, 108883, 108884, 108885, 108886 and 108887, be deemed conclusively satisfied and extinguished under NRS 106.240 and other applicable law. Inquiries should be directed to Jeffrey L. Hartman, Esq. at 510 West Plumb Lane, Suite B, Reno Nevada 89509, 1-775324-2800. 9p-13-4t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF JANICE I. MOULDEN, DECEASED.

Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to ADRIANNE R. KINSEY, ADMINISTRATRIX, 2425 W. Parris Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 9p-13-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF THOMAS NELSON STEVENS a/k/a THOMAS N. STEVENS, DECEASED. Late of London Grove Township, Chester County, PA LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to DIANE F. STEVENS, ADMINISTRATRIX, 3 Williams Way, Avondale, PA 19311, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, P.C., 65 S. Third St., Oxford, PA 19363 9p-13-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of William Ralph Holcomb, Late of West Grove, Penn 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 Rebecca H. Steele, 324 John

Hancock Blvd., Lincoln University, PA 19352, Executor. 9p-20-3t

NON-PROFIT INCORPORATION

NOTICE

EXTON WALK TOWNS Community Association has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Kaplin Stewart, Union Mtg. Corp. Ctr. 910 Harvest Drive, P.O. Box 3037, Blue Bell, PA 19422 9p-20-1t

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Art Show at Chester County Library on Sept. 21

Artists from the Chester County Library & District Center’s Maker- and Teen-Artist-in-Residence programs will be featured in an art show and reception at the library on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The show features work created during both artists’ residencies at the library from April through August of this year. Meet the artists and learn more about the program and their work.

For more information about the event please visit https://bit.ly/3R0zUxS.

Megan Raab Greenholt is the library’s inaugural

Maker-in-Residence, and during her residency, she engaged visitors in handson learning about natural dyes, embroidery, textile collages, and the history and current practice of indigo dying techniques, focusing on the contributions of enslaved peoples in indigo production from South Carolina plantations during the Colonial Era to the modern day reclamation of the practice by African American artist.

The final large textile work created from pieces made by participants in residency workshops entitled “FREEDOM” will be

unveiled at the show.

Alayna Rodner just completed her residency with the library as the first Teen-Artist-in-Residence.

During her residency, she led a teen figure drawing workshop and worked on pieces for her portfolio as she prepares for her Senior year of high school and the art school application process. Rodner typically works in oil and watercolor paints and charcoal, and her work can be seen out in the community at Ludwig’s Corner Hardware Store in Chester Springs.

Both the Teen-Artistin-Residence and the

TCHS Brandywine instructional assistant crafts engaging books for students

At the end of the school year, the Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine Campus recognized Audra Supplee, an instructional assistant at TCHS Brandywine and promising young adult author, who emphasized the importance of literacy and reading at a young age.

Supplee uses her writing to create books that engage and entertain young readers. For instance, her thrilling, new fantasy series, Winnie and the Wizard, opens with the first book, “Frama-12,” which lures readers in with the tagline, “Alternate worlds? Alien armies? Summer vacation just took a wild turn.” The second book in the series, “Hutra,” brings readers back into the story with the tagline, “One left-handed world. Two missing little boys. Three teens must make it right.” With a third installment on its way, Supplee continues to demonstrate how books can ignite the imagination and joy of reading.

Emphasizing the signif-

icance of education and the importance of books that engage young people, Supplee stated, “As a member of Team CCIU, I’m a strong believer in customer service. That is why I’m always happy to help students edit their college and/or scholarship essays. It is also my hope that one day, the adventures and occasional humor found in my fantasy novels will lead other reluctant readers to the joy I experience each time I dive into a new book.”

Leah Diener, a book lover and student at TCHS Brandywine, shared her thoughts on “Frama-12,” stating, “It’s not like other books. I like how I can’t guess what’s going to happen next or what other kinds of creatures there will be.”

Supplee’s enticing novels transport readers to a vivid and fantastical world through their beautifully described characters, sights, sounds and surroundings. The narrative is exciting to read while focusing on realistic relationships. Reminiscent of

“Alice in Wonderland” and other imaginary stories that many know and love, Supplee’s books remain unique with a classic, fictional twist. Supplee’s books can be found on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback formats. Her books can also be found at Barnes & Noble as either an eBook or paperback.

Maker-in-Residence programs are made possible thanks to the generous support of the Friends of the Chester County Library and District Center.

The mission of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries is to provide informational, educational, and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they may be lifelong learners. Chester County Library & District Center is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway in Exton. For hours or more information, visit our website at www.chescolibraries.org.

Oxford Rotary Club hosts community crab feast

Annual Crab Feast hosted by Oxford Rotary Club raises funds for local causes and projects

The Rotary Club of Oxford will host its sixth annual Crab Feast at the Wellwood in Charlestown, Md. on Sunday, Sept. 24. The annual event is the Oxford Rotary’s biggest fundraiser of the year and has raised critical funds for many community projects, including an inclusive playground and a bilingual book walk at Oxford Community Park.

The Crab Feast, held from 1 to 4 p.m., will feature an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring steamed crabs and shrimp, Maryland crab soup, fried chicken, corn on the cob, coleslaw, potato salad, and desserts.

Ticket prices range from $50 for children age 10 and under, $75 for attendees over age 10, and tables of eight for a discounted $540. Tickets can be purchased at this link: https:// OxfordRotaryCrabFeast.

eventbrite.com.

In addition to fantastic food, the afternoon will include raffles, a 50-50 drawing, and a silent auction. All of these activities will raise funds for projects that will strengthen the Oxford community. To sponsor the event, volunteer, or donate an item to our silent auction, please reach out to the club at leeann@lkrgrantsolutions.com.

Courtesy photo

Artists from the Chester County Library & District Center’s Maker- and Teen-Artist-in-Residence programs will be featured in an art show and reception at the library on Thursday, Sept. 21.

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

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