Chester County Press 10-04-2023 Edition

Woolston resigns from Oxford Borough Council

come.”

By Betsy Brewer Brantner

Contributing Writer

Council member Amanda Woolston officially resigned from Oxford Borough Council at the regularly scheduled council meeting on Sept. 11. She wrote the following in her resignation letter:

“It is with a heavy heart that I must inform residents

and Council alike that I must officially resign from my position as Borough Councilperson. I have spent the past several years searching for a home within borough limits that would accommodate my family’s need for more space. Unfortunately, the home we were recently able to purchase is located just outside of borough limits. As such, due to my change in resi-

dence, I no longer meet the criteria to serve out my term on borough council.

“I want to thank Pauline, Kathryn, my fellow councilpersons, borough staff, residents, business owners, and our other local stakeholders for collaborating and working with me during my time on council. I will cherish our time spent together in service to our town for years to

Yoda: A portrait of a canine hero

Prominent pet portrait artist

LouLou Clayton will be gifting paintings of the rescue dog to his Border Patrol unit and the children of Deborah Brandão

Woolston’s resignation was regrettably accepted by council. Woolston was a valuable member of council who will be most remem-

bered for her desire to bring diversity to council and equality to all.

Dan Meixall, representing the Oxford Area Recreation Authority (OARA) from the

Oxford Borough, informed council that in order for them to move forward on projects planned for the park, they need financial

A family at work

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

At a little after eight a.m. on Sept. 13 – after a twoweek manhunt for Danilo

Cavalcante employed more than 500 members of local, state and federal law enforcement and held all of Chester County in the grip of fear and awe – the escaped fugi-

tive was captured in South Coventry Township, hiding near a large pile of logs behind a John Deere store.

Accompanying a U.S. Customs and Border

The 2023 Unionville Community Fair is dedicated to president Ed Schultz

By Chris Barber

Contributing Writer

Ed Schultz’s rise to the top of the Unionville Community Fair is well earned. He’s been volunteering to do anything they need since he moved to the area 42 years ago.

Serving as director of facilities last year, he will serve as president for the 2023 fair scheduled to run from Oct. 13 through Oct. 15, and also carries the honor of “dedicated volunteer.”

“My first job was cooking chicken back when we sold dinners as part of the fair. A lot of us volunteers wear many hats during the fair like helping with parking, helping vendors get set up and delivering supplies where needed,” he said.

Schultz, 74, is a retired project manager who graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in mechanical engineering. He said that set of skills led quickly to his taking the

lead with many industrial projects. Having grown up in the far Northeast suburbs of Philadelphia a block from Bucks County, he and his

wife, Debbie, moved to Unionville in 1982. He said he chose this area because they felt it was a beautiful area, it had good

Protection Unit was a K-9 corps from the U.S. Border Patrol Sector Canine Unit in Detroit, Mich. that included Yoda, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois.

As Cavalcante feverishly attempted to crawl away from the scene, Yoda was released to attack and bit the convicted murderer

Continued on Page 2A

Oxford’s Hometown Harvest First Friday approved for Oct. 6

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Oxford’s First Friday Hometown Harvest will continue as planned on Oct. 6, and will include a partitioned outdoor area for controlled alcohol service.

Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen explained, “I met with Sgt. Coverly and we both feel we can move forward with the event. We will have extra volunteers around the debris left by the fire and will have a specified area for controlled alcohol service.”

It will probably take 30 to 40 days to clean-up the debris from the fire, officials said.

Council unanimously approved the motion to allow the First Friday event to proceed.

Police Chief Sam Iacono reported that Officer Jacob Williams was injured as he ran after a suspect who was wanted on a bench warrant. During the chase, Williams fell down an embankment and the suspect ran away. Williams was treated for head trauma at Christiana Hospital. There is no timeline on his return. The suspect Williams was chasing later turned himself in.

Chief Iacono said, “The subject felt badly about what he did and had no intention of hurting the officer.”

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Bryony Zeigler of Landenberg recently visited the Adult Makers Space on the second floor of the new Kennett Library & Resource Center with her children Matisse and Percy. They created a block printing project. To learn more about the many programs and events for children and families at the Kennett Library & Resource Center, visit www.kennettlibrary.org.

Photo by Chris Barber Unionville Community Fair President Ed Schultz has volunteered to help with the event for 42 years.

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Prominent local pet portrait artist LouLou Clayton recently completed a portrait of Yoda, the rescue canine who assisted in the capture of convicted murderer Danilo Cavalcante on Sept. 13.

Yoda...

Continued from Page 1A

on his head and his leg. Cavalcante, then bleeding from his head and with no other recourse but to surrender, did so.

Yoda’s role in capturing Cavalcante may have saved human lives. At an interview with authorities at the Pennsylvania State Police Baracks in Avondale shortly after his capture, Cavalcante said that he was planning to carjack a vehicle and escape to Canada.

Instead, he was quickly transferred to S.C.I. Phoenix, a maximum-security facility in Montgomery County, where he will serve out the remainder of a life sentence without parole for the killing of his former girlfriend Deborah Brandão in 2021, in front of her children.

Over the course of the next 24 hours, the story of Yoda had gone viral around the world. Contributions to the Border Patrol in Detroit escalated, and he became the momentary darling of the media, as requests for interviews with the agency flooded in. Recently, Chester County detective David Nieves personally delivered two signed photographs of Yoda and its handler to Brandão’s sixyear-old son, Yan and his nine-year-old sister, Yasmin, who now live with

2023 Unionville Community Fair...

Continued from Page 1A

schools and it was convenient to his new job at Conowingo Dam.

His children went to Unionville schools.

Four years ago, Schultz became captivated with the idea of having a haunted house at the fair. He dived into the project and created an elaborate and very popular feature, especially for the kids.

Carrying out the project involved getting a team together and eliciting ideas for scary rooms that included witches, skeletons, Halloween music and graveyard scenes.

What he found in the process was that throwing together a site for entertainment was more than just wood, nails and wires.

In addition to gathering staff, finding costumes and sharing ideas, he had to concentrate on designs, measurements, safety and storage options.

Clayton’s portrait of Yoda will be gifted to the U.S. Border Patrol Sector

their aunt in Phoenixville.

Very soon, the Brandão siblings will be receiving another gift from a prominent pet portrait artist in Chester County – as will the U.S. Border Patrol Sector Canine Unit in Detroit.

‘I knew I wanted to paint him’

For two harrowing weeks, pet portrait artist LouLou Clayton watched the Cavalcante manhunt unfold from her Kennett Square home, while the roads in her area were either shut down to vehicular traffic or highly monitored by law enforcement. In the days immediately following Cavalcante’s capture, Clayton began to learn about the heroism of Yoda

He had to make sure the walls weren’t going to fall down on someone and that no one was going to get hurt. He had to figure out how visitors would pay for admission and where the actors would plug in for electricity. He had to submit permits and even had to spend some time getting “haunted house certified.”

In addition to his position as fair president this year, he is still hanging on to this role with the haunted house because he likes it so much.

Meanwhile, as fair president, he admitted the job starts long before the October opening. The responsibility rests on his shoulders to enlist volunteers and event chairs, assure funding, get permits, lay out schedules, assign locations and plan for unforeseen problems.

It’s actually like carrying out the responsibilities of a business CEO.

Schultz said a couple of important parts of his job are to solicit funding and to make sure there is publicity for the event. Last year he

“I was painting a portrait, and when I heard that there was a canine involved in Cavalcante’s capture, I just completely clicked in and stopped everything to learn more about the dog, and then I knew I wanted to paint him,” she said. “I learned that the Belgian Malinois is a popular canine rescue dog, that their personalities are perfect for the aggressive and focused work they do, and because they are fairly small, they have the ability to meander their way through underbrush.

“I learned a lot about how all of these networks [involved in the capture] were able to work together,

had to make the decision to raise the parking fee to $10 in order to help cover expenses. Still, he added, the parking is a bargain considering entrance to the fair is free, and the cars that park are welcome to carry in as many people as they want.

Schultz is respectful of the fair’s history and works hard to maintain its agricultural heritage. Still, he says, he has to keep up with the current interests of his clientele. He enthusiastically endorses the tailgate, technology tent, the wine and beer fest, the mushroom competition, and other new additions.

He’s looking forward to a big turnout this year, especially after the three mini-events of 2020, the scaled down fair of 2021 and the rain-dampened Sunday last year.

“We turned into a suburban community, but it’s important to keep the kids in touch with the farm,” he explained. “As long as we keep our roots and expand, we succeed.”

and then I started making calls to different canine units in Detroit.”

Unit in Detroit, Mich. – where Yoda lives – and to the children of Deborah Brandão, who was killed by Cavalcante in 2021. through accessing “All Things Chester County” on Facebook.

Eventually, Clayton connected with the supervisor of the U.S. Border Patrol Sector Canine Unit where Yoda lives and told him that she would like to create a portrait of the canine and send it to the unit. She then connected with the unit’s public relations coordinator, who expressed the staff’s thanks to her.

Working from the photograph that was made available to the public soon after Cavalcante’s capture, Clayton began to develop the portrait by studying Yoda’s “personality.”

“In the photograph I was able to reference, I immediately saw that he is just focused and determined,”

Clayton said. “I really work on evoking emotions and with every painting I do, I want to learn something more about that animal’s back story. I did research on Yoda prior to starting the portrait, so by the time I started painting, I already had his story in my head.”

While Clayton is preparing to ship the original painting to the canine unit in late October, she will display the portrait at the Kennett Library & Resource Center from Oct. 5 through Oct. 7. Soon after the portrait arrives in Detroit, Clayton will begin work on her second painting of Yoda, which she will give to the Brandão children as a Christmas gift – one that she hopes to have signed by the dog’s handler.

Lawrence urges Pa. Governor to rescind recent executive action

Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent announcement regarding automatic voter registration: “Governor Shapiro lacks the authority to unilaterally take this action, plain and simple. Changes to election law, or indeed any law, are the purview and constitutional responsibility of the General Assembly, not the executive branch.

“This action echoes the type of ‘governing’ we saw during the Wolf administration, where then-Gov. Tom Wolf

bypassed the Legislature only to be rebuked both by the courts and the voters of Pennsylvania who approved a constitutional amendment curtailing the governor’s authority.

“The governor has not detailed how those who are ineligible to vote will be prevented from accessing the voter rolls through his executive action.

“Voting is a sacred right and must be protected at all costs. The governor should rescind his order and instead work with the General Assembly on meaningful reform of Pennsylvania’s Election Code.”

“Through the family’s spokesperson, I found out that Yan loves the name ‘Yoda’ because he loves Star Wars,” said Clayton, who over her six-year artistic career has completed well over one thousand pet portraits. “Being able to use my art to give those children just a bit of happiness this holiday season is really the purpose and meaning of what my art is all about.”

Clayton’s portrait of Yoda will be on display at the Kennett Library & Resource Center from Oct. 5-7. To learn more about LouLou Clayton, visit www. loulouclayton.com.

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

Woolston...

Continued from Page 1A

support from all municipalities involved in the recreation authority. Currently, the park is home to miles of hiking, recreational fields, picnic areas and a dog park. Input from the public is greatly encouraged.

In other business at the meeting, the following council actions were taken:

• Approval of the 2024 minimum municipal obligation for the non-uniformed employee pension plan in the amount of $49,975.92.

• Approval of the 2024 minimum municipal obligation for the police pension plan in the amount of $165,437.42.

• A hearing on the proposed ordinance authorizing the execution of a cable franchise agreement between the Borough of Oxford and Comcast of Pennsylvania, LLC.

• Sycamore Crossing escrow releases were approved in the amounts of (Phase 3, Request No. 5) $20,319.32, (Phase 5A, Request No. 4) $26,164.16, and (Phase 5B, Request No. 4) $359,093.07.

• Approved Damico & Sons at 703 Lincoln Street with an escrow release request in the amount of $33,560, conditioned on lighting.

• Approved Chester County Planning Commission’s request for the borough to be the lead municipality for the Oxford Region Planning Committee’s Vision Partnership Program in kind/ technical services award to complete the Oxford Regional Comprehensive Plan Update; and

• Approval of the Chester County Vision Partnership Program Technical Services Agreement to complete the Oxford Region Comprehensive Plan Update with a borough contribution in the amount of $5,100.

Courtesy of LouLou Clayton

Throughout her six-year artistic career, Clayton has painted more than one thousand pet portraits.

Courtesy photo

Canine

Kennett Square rappelling event raises funds for Camp Dreamcatcher

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

It took Camp Dreamcatcher Executive Director Patty Hillkirk six years on the waiting list to get a license for a fundraising rappelling event, but it turns out the wait was worth it.

On Sept. 29, supporters of the Kennett Square-based Camp Dreamcatcher, an organization that hosts a summer camp for young people who have been impacted by HIV, raised more than $69,000 for the camp and gave benefactors the privilege of rappelling down the side of Franklin Center in Kennett Square. Franklin Center, the tallest building in the borough, was originally built as a Genesis HealthCare office building. It is eight stories high and sits at the corner of Broad Street and Apple Alley.

For 27 years, Camp Dreamcatcher has welcomed youths who have been affected by AIDS

Oxford First Friday...

Continued from Page 1A

Iacono also thanked all the fire departments that offered assistance during the Sept. 13 fire. He also thanked PECO, the businesses, religious organizations, and the community as a whole. He thanked John Reynolds from Chester County Emergency Services and borough officials for their assistance.

Iacono said, “The Borough Manager did a great job. She brought her ‘A’ game.”

Officers Richards and Eller were also recognized and Iacono said, “Without them, the outcome would have been bad.”

Iacono said that EMS and Union Fire Company comes at a huge cost, but when you need them, they are there.

“They were certainly worth what we pay. No one needs them until they need them,” Iacono said.

Iacono told council that the Sept. 9 police test was taken by five people and three made it through the test. He will come back to council with a recommendation list.

“We are down three officers now, one with a job-related injury, and we’re not sure when Williams will be back. We will be setting up interviews soon,” Iacono said.

Garcia-Allen also thanked the many people who helped with the fire and the active group of non-profits. She commended the mayor for facilitating calls every morning at 8 a.m.

“Everyone is actively looking for housing for all those affected by the fire, however, most housing that is available is $3,000 a month. Chester County is looking at every angle,” she said. She also thanked John

to attend this weeklong therapeutic respite free of charge. It gets expensive for this non-profit organization – it costs about $100,000 for each weeklong camp.

When Hillkirk found out about Over the Edge, a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations across Canada and

Reynolds, and Sgt. Coverly for helping her.

“Our Borough Council President, Katheryn Cloyd, was also instrumental during this emergency,” she explained.

She also told council that no public comments were made on the Active Transportation Plan.

Oxford Borough has scheduled a public meeting to review recommendations of the borough’s draft of the Strategic Management Plan developed by Keystone Municipal Solutions. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Borough Hall, at 1 Octoraro Alley in Oxford.

In Spring of 2023, the borough applied for and received a $52,500 grant through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP). STMP assists municipalities by supporting the costs associated with hiring an independent financial consultant to complete a financial and management review of their municipality.

Oxford Borough Council and staff felt this assessment was needed to help ensure the sustainability and make improvements to the delivery of borough services.

The final plan will outline short- and long-term financial, managerial, and economic development strategies that the borough can consider implementing to strengthen financial capacity. The purpose of the meeting is to review and discuss the draft plan. The meeting is an opportunity for council and the public to ask questions about the draft plan’s findings and key recommendations. No action of council will take place

the United States, she pursued it.

That pursuit brought her hopes to fruition, and she put out the call to anyone who would raise $1000 in sponsorship to take a trip down the ropes.

On Friday from mid-morning through later afternoon, folks rappelled down the side of the building at the rate of about one team every

that evening.

Garcia-Allen said that she checked with the solicitor regarding the Vape Shop’s request for a lock box after hours. The subject came before the HARB and was passed on to council. Council did not approve the request and, according to the solicitor, was not required to.

It was also noted that the borough will be working with the property owners regarding debris removal. They are still firming up the logistics.

Council also approved the following motions during the meeting:

• HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 634636 Hodgson Street.

• HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 67 N. Third Street.

• HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 112 S. Fourth Street.

• HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 204 Penn Avenue.

• HARB Certificate of Appropriateness for 111 E. Locust Street.

• Ferguson Waterworks proposal to complete a Badger Cellular AMI Meter Pilot Program in the amount of $4,808.

• Consideration of proposals for borough engineering services from ARRO; Bogia Engineering Inc.; Benesch; Carroll Engineering; Cedarville Engineering; the Center for Watershed Protection; Colliers Engineering & Design; Hanover Engineering; Herbert E. McCombie (HEM); Herbert, Rowland & Grubic (HRG); KCI Technologies; McCarthy Engineering; McMahon, A Bowman Company; Pennoni; RETTWE; Spots, Stevens and McCoy; Stantec; and Verdantas; and

• The Center for Watershed Protection for MS4 issues and approved Pennoni for general engineering.

10 or so minutes, following a quick training lesson at the top. Spectators who gathered at Apple Alley cheered them on.

Drew Cope of Cope Construction and Renovation in Cochranville said he saw the advertisement online and signed up because he is a foster parent and believes in organizations that help children. When Hillkirk called him to be an announcer he gladly agreed to the task.

As for the potentially intimidating trip down eight stories, the response by morning’s end was unanimously positive.

Even Camp Dreamcatcher Board President RaeRae Adams, who expressed anxiety as she began her

descent, gave a “thumbs up” after she reestablished herself on solid ground.

Jeff Darman, who raised $7,000 said, “I’m no fan of heights.” He later said he was not bothered on the way down.

Kennett Square Borough Council President Doug Doerfler, who said it was “OK after you get over the edge,” added that controlling the speed of the descent with a rod in his left hand was relatively easy and gave him a sense of control.

Hillkirk was grateful. “This is the largest fundraiser we’ve ever had,” she said.

With $7,000 in sponsors, Darman raised the most as an individual, and the camp counselors raised $13,000 as a group. S&T Bank won second place as the team sponsors that raised more than $5,000.

People who wish to contribute more have until Oct. 29. Go to campdreamcatcher.org to view donation options.

Courtesy photo

Local songwriter John Flynn views the widespread Kennett Square landscape from his position near the top of the building.

Photo by Chris Barber

Beth Sarnecki, left, and Ann Emrich make it down the side of Franklin Center on Sept. 29.

Students honored at Southern Chester County Chamber’s 28th annual scholarship golf tournament

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual scholarship golf tournament on Aug. 14 at Hartefeld National Golf Club, an event that drew more than 100 participants to the Chamber's fundraiser. The support of sponsors, golfers, donors, and volunteers, and excellent weather conditions all created a perfect day for golf and fun.

“Investing in the education of our youth is crucial to the future of what our country stands for and central to the mission of the Southern Chester County Chamber,” said Chamber President and CEO Cheryl Kuhn. “Proceeds from the Chamber’s education and scholarship fund provide much needed scholarships for our local youth. These are distributed in the form of monetary awards to graduating high school seniors from Avon Grove, Kennett Consolidated and

Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts, including Chester County Technical College High SchoolPennock’s Bridge Campus and Avon Grove Charter School.”

The Chamber’s fund also supports the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education (FFFEE) and provides scholarship awards earmarked for local rising sophomores or juniors, who eagerly anticipate acceptance into the program.

FFFEE is a Pennsylvaniabased non-profit organization whose mission is to “provide leadership in furthering the understanding and appreciation of the free market system, by educating young people, and others who will influence the future, concerning free market economics, limited government, individual self-reliance, and the preservation of the entrepreneurial spirit.”

Each summer, the

organization holds four one-week sessions entitled Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW).

The innovative program teaches students about the issues facing businesspeople every day. PFEW is internationally acclaimed for its excellence, and typically over 2,000 students and 250 business executives from across the Commonwealth participate each year.

The Chamber’s ability to present scholarships is made possible because of the support and commitment from sponsors, golfers and supporters of the Chamber’s Annual SCCCC Scholarship Golf Tournament, as well as proceeds from the Chamber’s Silent Auction, which is held at the Annual Chairman’s Gala.

The 2023 SCCCC Scholarship Golf Tournament event sponsors included the following:

Title Sponsor: Constellation Energy.

Scholarship Host Sponsor: Longwood Gardens.

Halfway House Sponsor: Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square/Longwood.

Tournament Sponsors: Fulton Bank Brandywine Division; S&T ; SERVPRO of Kennett Square/Oxford.

Diamond Scholarship

Sponsors: Bumpers & Company, CPAs, IronLinx Fulfillment & Logistics Company, KendalCrosslands Communities, Kuzo Funeral Home, Inc.

Putt For Cash & Ball

Drop Sponsor: The Tri-M Group, LLC.

Dice Roll Sponsor: Paisley Solutions.

Closest to the Pin Sponsor: Pegasus Technologies, LLC.

Yellow Ball Contest

Sponsor: Pillar Real Estate Advisors, LLC. Longest Drive Ladies Sponsor: WSFS Bank. Longest Drive Men

Sponsor: Qnectus. Hole in One Sponsor: Country Chrysler Dodge Jeep.

Dinner Sponsors: Chester Water Authority, Fenstermacher & Company, PC, Jackson Immuno Research Laboratories, Inc.

Luncheon Sponsors: American Mushroom Institute, Chester County Hospital-Penn Medicine, First Citizens Community Bank, Christine Gordon Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Meridian Bank, Taylor Oil & Propane, Inc., TRUIST, UNIVEST Financial Corporation.

Refreshment Sponsors: Allstate Insurance-The Brian Roselli Agency, Becker Locksmith Services, Inc., Brand It Signs &

Graphics, LLC, First Choice Mortgage Advisors, Taste Local Eats, The Right Touch Engravers. The recipients of the 2023 scholarships were:

• Avon Grove Charter School: Justin Webber

• Avon Grove High School: Madeline Boulware

• Chester County Technical College High School Pennock’s Bridge Campus: Jesus Fonseca

• Kennett High School: Javier Comacho, and

• Unionville High School: Thomaz Bonato

• PFEW Recipients: Teddy Foster, Kennett High School, and Savannah Johnson, Chester County Technical College High School Pennock’s Bridge Campus.

The first-place winning foursome.

Courtesy photos

The Pennsylvania Free Enterprise participants.

Pictured at the event are Tim Moore of Constellation

Energy, the immediate past chairman of the board, Justin Webber from Avon Grove Charter School, Teddy Foster, a PFEW recipient, Cheryl B. Kuhn, SCCCC President and CEO, Savannah Johnson, PFEW recipient; SCCCC Board Secretary, Melissa Dietrich, Longwood Gardens; Javier Comacho, Kennett High School

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Nonprofit board members go ‘back to school’

This October, nonprofit board and staff members are invited “back to school” to join the Chester County Community Foundation’s Board of Directors Institute. This program will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 8:30 a.m. at the Chester

County Intermediate Unit in Downingtown. Developing an effective board is essential for the success of any nonprofit organization. It is vital to cultivate board members’ understanding of all aspects of nonprofit leader-

tions, major gifts, strategic planning and more. There will be one-on-one learning sessions between board members and nonprofit leaders, as well as roundtables with experts on real issues nonprofit boards and their members face.

includes con-

East Marlborough supervisors approve purchase of new police vehicle, discuss 2024 pension plans

Contributing Writer

The East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors recently approved ACH payments, appropriated money for a new police vehicle, and heard about the township’s 2024 pension plan at the board's recent township meeting.

The supervisors voted to approve Resolution 202324, authorizing the use of automated clearinghouse payments (ACH) instead of wire transfers.

“The mail system’s not very reliable, and payments weren’t being processed,” said township manager Neil Lovekin. “This allows the township to do ACH, just like we would do through

the banks, and eliminate the U.S. mail unreliability and limit the amount of human error.”

Another benefit would be with making payroll easier.

“Our accounting system does not handle direct deposits to our payroll system,” Lovekin said. “So we’ve been using wire transfer.” Township Solicitor Ryan Jennings said the board

could move forward with using ACH to pay bills as long as it’s consistent with the township’s payment authorization policies.

In other business, the board approved adding additional funds to the 2023 budget for a new police vehicle. Resolution 2023-25 would allow for the board to cover the current cost of a retrofitted 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe

to replace the 2016 Ford Explorer that was totaled in a June 28 accident.

“This is to replace the vehicle that (Chief Robert) Clarke was in,” Lovekin said. “The insurance company totaled it.”

The supervisors voted to make a supplemental budget appropriation of $66,130.75 to cover the purchase and retrofit.

Also at the Sept. 11 meeting, the supervisors heard about the 2024 minimum municipal obligations (MMO) to the township’s pension plans. The non-uniformed pension plan MMO would be $86,835. And the uniformed MMO would be $34,595.

Lovekin said the MMO figures were in line with the budget.

By Monica Fragale

Phillies slugger lauds Oxford’s ‘neighborhood heroes’

Last week, Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber gave a nice shout out to the first responders and borough employees who helped during the battle to contain the devastating fire in the heart of Oxford’s business district on Sept. 13. Businesses were destroyed and approximately 90 people were displaced as a result of the fire, but things could have been dramatically worse if the police officers didn’t race into the burning buildings to alert sleeping residents of the blaze. Firefighters from Oxford and numerous other fire companies in the area battled the fire for hours, preventing the fire from doing even more serious damage to Oxford’s downtown.

Schwarber said, “Hey guys, Kyle Schwarber here from the Philadelphia Phillies. I want to give a huge shout out to Union Fire Company Station 21, the Union Fire Ambulance Division, Oxford Borough Police Department, and the Oxford Public Works Department for being such great neighborhood heroes and going out there and putting out the fires and also being such great helps in the community.

“You are being great first responders, also just great individuals and great people, so I want to thank you very much for what you are doing. Keep up the great work and we’re all behind you.”

When it comes to neighborhood heroes, Schwarber knows what he is talking about.

In addition to being one of the most prodigious home run hitters in the game—Schwarber has belted 93 homers since joining the Phillies before the 2022 season—he comes from a family of first responders. The slugger founded Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes in 2017 as a way to give back to those who serve their communities. The organization has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to nonprofits serving police, fire, and military families in each city Schwarber has played in. Schwarber is the Phillies’ nominee for this year’s Roberto Clemente Award.

It’s great for our local first responders to receive this shout-out from someone who understands how important first responders are.

Commentary

In print and digital. Always local.

National Newspaper Week celebrates readers, and trusted community journalism local content that fills the pages of print newspapers, and for the information they provide to newsfeeds on smartphones and laptops.

By William M. Cotter President and CEO Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

The Friday night high school football game.

Notice of a city council meeting where higher property taxes will be discussed.

News of an impending county commissioner election and plans for a Veterans Day parade, the opening of a downtown cafe and the retirement of a beloved police officer.

These are the kinds of news events integral to the everyday lives of Pennsylvanians, yet they are also unique to the individual communities we call home. Providing the essential local news and information that can’t be found anywhere else has been the business of community newspapers for generations.

Although the mission of informing the public about local news remains unchanged, the way newspapers tell and distribute those stories continues to transform. Today’s print newspapers are enhanced by their news websites, apps, social media platforms, blogs, videos, newsletters, and electronic replicas, or e-editions.

During National Newspaper Week, Oct. 1-7, the newspaper industry and its news media organizations are celebrated for the

Newspapers are important to the local economy, and to the community. They hire Pennsylvanians. They pay taxes. They and their employees contribute money and volunteer hours within the boroughs, cities and townships they serve. They are government watchdogs, and they are trusted neighbors.

In an August 2022 survey, 85 percent of Pennsylvania registered voters said they have the most trust in local newspapers, print and online -- a level of trust that surpasses other news media outlets. Additionally, the survey conducted for Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association by Public Opinion Strategies in Alexandria, Virginia, found:

• 87 percent believed local newspapers are key to an informed community because they cover local issues such as business, politics and public safety.

• 87 percent also said local newspapers help keep people connected to their communities.

• Nearly 7 in 10 Pennsylvania adults read a print or digital newspaper or visited a newspaper website in the past week, according to the 2023 Release 1 Nielsen Scarborough Report.

Pennsylvanians, like you, expect to find local news coverage that will help them to make informed decisions and improve the quality of their lives.

Newspapers run public notices in print, as required by Pennsylvania law, and they voluntarily publish them on their websites and a statewide site, www.publicnoticepa.com, which is managed by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association at no additional cost to taxpayers in order to reach the largest number of Pennsylvanians.

Public notices ensure that you can participate in the government decisionmaking process – think school closures, zoning changes, land development and its impact on safe drinking water ‒ before government takes action.

It is not surprising that 92% of Pennsylvania voters, according to the Public Opinion Strategies survey, favor state law requiring public notices to continue to be published in print editions of local newspapers. It is critical that any future changes to public notice publishing requirements must include keeping public notices in print newspapers for maximum transparency. A coalition of 12 stakeholders, including AARP, agrees. Pennsylvania news media organizations tell readers about community activities

William M. Cotter

and introduce them to inspiring neighbors. They also provide opportunities for broad engagement through letters to the editor and special events such as student contests, political forums and job fairs.

“The best thing about local news is that it provides people with the information they need to shape their communities; that’s why it’s so important to our democracy,’’ the Knight Foundation explains on its website. “To make local impact you have to read local news.”

Our Pennsylvania newspapers, in print and digital, could not agree more.

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is the official trade organization representing print, digital and news mediarelated members statewide. PNA’s mission advances the business interests of Pennsylvania news media organizations and promotes a free and independent press. PNA is based in Harrisburg.

State GOP unveils legislation to combat deadly ‘Tranq’ epidemic

Legislators have introduced a package of bills to combat the deadly “Tranq” drug epidemic destroying lives throughout the Commonwealth.

Tranq is an animal tranquilizer officially called Xylazine that is being laced into street narcotics like fentanyl.

“It is creating one of the deadliest drug threats our country has ever faced,” said Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks). “This powerful sedative is decimating neighborhoods throughout the Commonwealth, but especially in Philadelphia.”

The bill package was introduced during Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week in Pennsylvania to draw attention to the crisis and the crucial role aware-

ness and education play in combatting this problem.

Xylazine and fentanyl drug mixtures place users at a higher risk of suffering a fatal drug poisoning. People who inject drug mixtures containing xylazine also can develop severe wounds, including necrosis—the rotting of human tissue—that may lead to amputation.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the American public of a sharp increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.

To combat the spread of the drug, Marcell and four of her Republican House colleagues will introduce five bills to stem the drug’s usage and educate the public on this deadly epidemic.

Marcell plans to introduce legislation that would require the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to engage in a public awareness campaign to educate the public about this growing threat.

Roughly half of the Commonwealth’s counties saw cases where illicit use of xylazine caused a death in 2021. Worse, 90 percent of the opioids sampled by the City of Philadelphia showed xylazine in 2021.

“Yet too few people are aware of this drug’s existence,” Marcell said. “Increased public awareness of the impact of the illicit use of xylazine can help the effort to protect our residents.”

Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) will sponsor legislation that would formally require the Department of Health to actively monitor the introduction and growth of new drugs on the street. Information would be gathered from all available sources, including our federal partners, local departments of health, coroners and mortality review teams, and existing departmental advisory committees that include service providers who interact daily with those who are struggling with addiction. Xylazine was only scheduled as a controlled substance by the Secretary of Health in June 2023, which is several years after Philadelphia began detecting it in large portions of samples of heroin and fentanyl.

“We need to re-structure our Commonwealth’s information-gathering apparatus

to learn about new drugs entering the streets quickly,” Hogan said. “In the fight to help those with addictions, time lost results in lives lost.

Rep. Craig Williams’ (R-Delaware/Chester) legislation would establish a statewide opioid task force to disrupt drug trafficking.

Overdose deaths have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Pennsylvania Overdose Information Network, there were 4,703 overdoses in the Commonwealth in 2022. Teen overdose deaths have doubled over the past three years. This increase in fatalities, which shows no signs of abating, can largely be attributed to the rise of the unlawful sale and usage of fentanyl, an opiate-based drug that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin.

“We need to establish a statewide opioid task force that will serve as an intelligence-gathering and information-sharing resource for law enforcement agencies across this Commonwealth,” Williams said.

The task force would work and collaborate with prosecutors, county drug task forces, and state and local law enforcement agencies; collect and analyze drug overdose, arrest and drug seizure data to identify drug trafficking networks and discern which communities are being impacted by drugrelated activity or violence; and direct resources to counties, communities and local law enforcement agencies when a need arises.

“By establishing a frame-

work for the sharing of information, intelligence and resources, this legislation will greatly assist law enforcement agencies in disrupting trafficking of harmful drugs and prosecuting those who profit from destroying our families and communities,” Williams said.

The Commonwealth recently entered into a historic settlement with manufacturers and distributors of opioids, which will result in over $1 billion being made available to state and local governments for opioid remediation. That money may be used for a wide spectrum of opioid remediation expenses, including treatment, recovery services and prevention.

Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) sponsored legislation to ban the use of Opioid Settlement Fund money for publicly funded heroin injection sites.

“We cannot say we want to end drug use and at the same time fund facilities that help people continue their cycle of drug use,” White said. “The Opioid Settlement fund must be used for prevention and treatment efforts to keep people off drugs in the first place and to help those who want to end their addiction.”

A fifth bill, sponsored by Rep. Andrew Kuzma (R-Allegheny/Washington), aims to improve Opioid Settlement Fund transparency.

Under the trust’s order, 85 percent of the settlement funds that come to Pennsylvania are distributed directly to counties and

local governments. While this ensures funding for opioid treatment and abatement makes it into all of our communities across the state, it also means that funding may be used in a variety of different ways.

“In order to provide transparency into how Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement funds are spent, I will be introducing legislation to require the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to create an annual report on the use of these funds,” Kuzma said. “Counties and local governments are required to submit reports to the trust each year and my legislation will simply require DDAP to aggregate these reports.”

By reviewing how counties and local governments are putting their opioid settlement funds to use, the annual report will be useful in informing the General Assembly how to best allocate the Commonwealth’s share of these dollars.

Included in this package is House Bill 1661, sponsored by Rep. Carl Metzgar (R-Somerset), to criminalize illicit possession of xylazine, with an exemption for legal veterinary use, but not make it a Schedule III controlled substance due to the risk that it will cease to be available in Pennsylvania for veterinarians to access.

If you or anyone you know needs assistance with substance use, please call the Get Help Now Hotline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit https://www.pa.gov/guides/ opioid-epidemic/0

By Gene Pisasale

Contributing Writer

A huge oak tree which was living when William Penn first set foot on N orth American soil was an honored resident for many decades at the London Grove Friends Meetinghouse in southeastern Chester County.

The Penn Oak, believed to be between 350-400 years old, was a “living artifact” of the period which began the colonization and development of the land grant colony that became Pennsylvania.

The tree that stood as George Washington’s troops battled the British, as the Industrial Revolution swept through Pennsylvania, as the nation suffered through the Civil War, two World Wars and past the end of the 20th century is now gone. People around the region are deeply saddened to see its passing.

Documents housed at the Friends Library at Swarthmore College indicate that the formal approval of the London Grove Friends Meeting dates way back. They mention a tree growing on the property at the time. It is not certain whether that tree is today’s Penn Oak, but it is likely to be the same tree. According to local resident Don McKay, the London Grove Friends initially held meetings in the home of Quakers John and Anna Pusey Smith.

Over time, the group expanded and the Smith home was not sufficient to accommodate all the members, so 10 acres of land

In the Spotlight

LIVING HISTORY

Farewell to an old friend: The historic Penn Oak

were purchased from the London Company, a major developer of the area. More acreage was later added to allow construction of a building of sufficient size to hold the congregation.

The London Grove Meeting officially began in 1714, but according to McKay, the first meetinghouse building was constructed in 1724, consisting of logs set into a stone foundation just west of the present-day London Grove Friends Meetinghouse. In the following decades another structure was built and used for the meetings. The oak tree growing there on the property got little notice over the years, but its resilience in surviving for more than three centuries helped build its reputation among arborists and local historians.

Aaron Greenberg, certified master arborist and state coordinator for the Pennsylvania Champion Tree Program, measured the London Grove Penn Oak last in 2021. At the time, it had a bough circumference of 275 feet, a lateral spread of 120 feet and a height of 80 feet, making it the largest Penn Oak in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

According to Greenberg, its root system was likely degraded, which might hamper efforts to conduct dendrochronological tests to affirm its true age. However, Greenberg said that it would be very helpful if the tree was preserved in some way. He mentions that the next largest Penn Oak is not too far away, in the Thomas P. Bentley

Nature Preserve in northern Chester County.

Time, harsh winters and storms took their toll on the beautiful Penn Oak. On Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, its roots gave way, forcing it to tumble to the ground. The tree which had witnessed more than three centuries of local history was laid on its side, unable to stand tall any longer.

Visitors to the area for many decades were thrilled with the size and beauty of the Penn Oak, its breadth a testament to its strength in battling and surviving the onslaught of the elements.

The Penn Oak is not new to the spotlight. In 1932, Edward Embree Wildman, a director of science education for the Philadelphia public school system started documenting all the trees remaining from what were believed to be those standing in 1682, when William Penn came to Pennsylvania.

A year later, he published his book “Penn’s Woods: 1682-1932,” listing hundreds of trees in southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and down to the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

The so-called Penn Oaks—oak trees that were alive when William Penn came to America—were documented in his book, now a treasured registry of the colonial-era trees still alive in 1932. A subsequent registry of historic trees was published 50 years later, in 1982, documenting all the known majestic trees still in the region.

A brass plaque on its enormous trunk, weathered blue-green with age states: “1682-1932 This tree was living when William Penn came to Pennsylvania 1682; white oak Quercus alba; Girth breast high 1932, 17 feet 1 ins.”

Although the historic Penn Oak is now gone, it is hoped that the members of London Grove Friends Meeting will decide to preserve its memory in some way, by cutting it into slabs or perhaps even making sculptures out of the historic tree for sale to the public.

For scientific purposes

alone, the Penn Oak should be cut open so an attempt to count its rings can be made to date its year of origin. Once the scientific work is completed, the London Grove personnel

by Gene Pisasale

can decide how best to memorialize the tree. It is likely there would be many people interested in having a piece of that heritage to preserve and cherish themselves. So, farewell good friend. Thank you for your centuries of dedication, standing tall for everyone to see…

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His 11 books focus mostly on the history of the Chester County/mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s latest book is Heritage of the Brandywine Valley, a beautifully illustrated hardcover book with over 250 images showcasing the fascinating people, places and events of this region over more than 300 years. His books

Photo courtesy of London Grove Friends Meeting London Grove Friends Meeting sign.

Photo courtesy of Tom Martin

Penn Oak in July 2023.

A mighty oak has fallen – the Penn Oak on September 19, 2023.

Photo courtesy of Don McKay London Grove Meeting with Penn Oak on left- mid 20th century.

Photo courtesy of Tanya Thames Taylor Tanya Thames Taylor in Civil War era garb in front of the Penn Oak.

Photo courtesy of Don McKay Penn Oak Plaque.

Photo courtesy of Don McKay Locals celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the London Grove Meeting 1964.

OFELIA LUNA DE LOPEZ

Ofelia Luna de Lopez, of Wilmington, Del., passed away on Sept. 20, 2023 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She was 64. She was the spouse of Fidencio López Zavala, with whom she shared 48 years of marriage.

Born in Moroleón, Guanajuato, México, she was the daughter of the late Jose Luna Magaña and Jovita López López. She was a member of St. Rocco’s Catholic Church in Avondale.

Ofelia will be most remembered for always being positive toward life. She was a role model of persistence. She was always guiding those around her, especially her kids, to never give up.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Alejandro, Claudia, Alejandra, Jose F., Edgar, and Jose, her siblings, Carmen, Ana Maria, Rosa Maria, Maria de Jesus, Antonio, Roman, Leticia, Patricia, and Vanesa, and her grandchildren, Cristian, Citlali, Ofelia, Cesar, Jorge Luis, Mariana, Hasmin, Edgar, Omar, and Angel.

A funeral service was held on Sept. 26 at St. Rocco’s Catholic Church in Avondale.

Interment will be held privately.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square. To view Ofelia’s online tribute, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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ANN MARIE HICKMAN

Ann Marie Hickman, a 78-yearold resident of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 22, 2023 at her home. She was the wife of the late Joseph Hickman. Born in Chadds Ford, she was the daughter of the late Joel Palmer and Mary Margaret Kelly Jones. She is survived by one sister, Diane Whitehead and her husband, Robert Polis Whitehead of Newark, Del. Ann was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Francis Jones.

A memorial service was held on Sept. 29 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

NATASHA LENOGA CHENNELLE

Natasha Lenoga Chenelle, of Elkton, Md., passed away on Sept. 17, 2023. She was 40.

Born in American Samoa, she grew up in Hawaii and Elkton, Md.

Natasha was known for her smile and her giving heart. Her pride and joy were her daughters, Maliah and her sister Jazmine. Her life was dedicated to her daughters and her family. She had a love of dance and enjoying her time with those closest to her.

“Keep your head up and just keep going” was her motto. Natasha graduated from Rising Sun High School. She then pursued a modeling career for four years until the birth of her beautiful daughter, Maliah. Her dedication became raising her daughter until she was able to pursue massage therapy. She worked as a massage therapist for six years, and this became her second love.

Natasha loved adventures with her friends especially if it involved the beach, music, good food and beverages. She was always known as the friend who would always be there no matter what. She was filled with love for others and acceptance of anyone. She had an infectious grin. She was known for her prompt lateness to any and every occasion, and this includes her funeral. Her resilience and strength despite the obstacles she faced was undeniable.

As a child, Natasha was always grinning from ear to ear and just wanted to be with her mother and sister. She loved sitting in the sun and just watching the sky. Family beach trips were what she lived for which continued into adulthood. Her passion also evolved with her love of writing poetry and music lyrics.

She is survived by her daughters Maliah Webster and Jazmine Webster, her mother, Pou Chenelle, her father, Ronald (Tee) Phillips, a sister Cecile (Sieni) Gibbs, her brothers, Robin Gibbs and Pascal Chenelle, sister Krista Beck, nephews Malachi Gibbs and Micah Gibbs, and nieces, Mercedes Chenelle, Sonia Chenelle and Charlize Chenelle.

The memorial service was held Sept. 30 at the Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Oxford.

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

Chester County’s Fleet Management Program sees $1.3 million savings since 2016

Chester County Government saw approximately $1.3 million in savings since moving to the Enterprise Fleet Management Program just over six years ago. The move to the fleet management program, with

Savings come from leasing vehicles rather than owning them

the fleet leased rather than owned, also means that the County’s 130 leased vehicles are newer, safer and more fuel efficient.

According to the report provided to the county by Enterprise Fleet Management,

ELAINE C. SHEETS

Elaine C. Sheets, of Oxford, passed away in the presence of loved ones on Sept. 10, 2023 at her home in Oxford after a battle with colon cancer.

Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Harold Joseph Groff and Lillian Haney Groff.

Elaine was a loving mother to her two surviving sons, Paul D. Sheets and Brinton J. Sheets and to her daughter, Stacie Sheets, who went home to be with Jesus Christ in January of 2001. She is also survived by her sister, Anna E. Keene, of Lincoln University Pa. and her daughter through marriage, Frankmena G. Sheets of Oxford.

Elaine dedicated her life to Jesus Christ, family, and to making a living through hard work. She delivered the Daily Local for 31 years, along with other publications. She delivered papers 365 days a year, no matter the weather, with very little time off. In fact, she had no more than four weeks off from work over her entire 31 years delivering newspapers. Her last day on her paper route was August 26, 2023, which was the same day she went into the hospital. Elaine loved animals very much, especially her dog Bear, who is now helping to carry on her memory for her family.

Elaine was adamant about pointing out, and rejecting the evil in this world. Despite her many sufferings throughout her life, she rejoiced in her faith, and was never deterred from Jesus Christ.

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

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

the original 10-year projected savings to the county was nearly achieved in five years.

Julie Bookheimer, the chief financial officer for Chester County, said, “In addition to the ongoing cost savings and benefits resulting from

fleet management leasing, the County is benefiting from the current demand for used vehicles. The sale of some of our first-generation leases is allowing the county to recover a great deal of the cost we incurred for the

Obituaries

BETTY BENJAMIN BARE

Betty Benjamin Bare, 79, of Oxford, passed away while surrounded by her family on Sept. 26, 2023 at Lancaster General Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Arland C. Bare, Sr.

Born in Rising Sun, Md., she was the daughter of the late Thomas Edward and Mona Jean Baumgarner Benjamin.

Betty was employed with Gross School Bus as a bus driver and was previously employed as a manager at Squires Pantry in Nottingham.

She was a member of Endeavor Church in Elkton, Md.

Betty enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and church family.

She is survived by two sons, Kevin D. Bare (Tracy) of Peach Bottom and Charles D. Bare (Renee) of Dover, Del; three daughters, Deborah J. Kinney (Louis T., Jr.) of Nottingham, Sheila A. Bare of Oxford and Drema D. Duncan (William) of Drumore; six grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Arland C. Bare, Jr.; one brother, Thomas Edward Benjamin; and one sister, Rebecca Carpenter.

Services were held on Sept. 30 at the Endeavor Church in Elkton, Md. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

leased vehicle. In one recent instance, the vehicle sale actually resulted in an equity gain.”

The Fleet Management Program allows Chester County’s finance staff to monitor maintenance, fuel

usage, and overall vehicle utilization to ensure the best use of each vehicle in the fleet.

The county expects to save an additional $2 million in fleet vehicle costs over the next four years.

PATRICIA L. DUBOSQ

Patricia L. DuBosq, of Kirkwood, Pa., passed away on Sept. 29, 2023 while at home. She was 74.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Albert R. and Rebecca Larue Flicker DuBosq.

Patricia lived in Kimberton until her junior year of high school. In 1966, she moved to her family’s home in West Grove and graduated from Avon Grove High School, class of 1967.

She was employed with JC Penney in Price’s Corner in the toy department and later discovered auctions, antiques and refurnishing furniture. She then owned and operated an antique shop in Nottingham for many years and was also employed with Hill’s Auction and retired in 2019. Patricia made many friends over the years while attending numerous auctions.

She loved animals especially cats and goats and her log cabin in Kirkwood.

She is survived by one sister, Catherine M. DuBosque of Nottingham.

A memorial service will be held 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Oxford United Methodist Church, 528 Market St. in Oxford, where family and friends may visit from 11 to 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow in the fellowship hall.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

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

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Jennie M. Evans, Late 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 Scott Townsend, Executor, C/O of Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 9p-27-3t

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 GER-

ALD 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

NOTICE

OXFORD BOROUGH RESI-

DENTS NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

The Oxford Borough has scheduled a public meeting to review recommendations of the Borough’s Strategic Management Plan developed by Keystone Municipal Solutions. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Borough Hall, at 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, PA.

In Spring of 2023, the Borough applied for and received a $52,500 grant through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Strategic Management Planning Program. The Strategic Management Planning Program (STMP) assists municipalities by supporting the costs associated with hiring an independent financial consultant to complete a financial and management review of their municipality. Oxford Borough Council and staff felt this assessment was needed to help ensure sustainability and make improvements to the delivery of Borough Services. The final plan will outline short and long term financial, manage-

rial, and economic development strategies that the Borough can consider implementing to strengthen financial capacity.

The meeting on October 11th is to review and discuss the draft STMP plan. The meeting is an opportunity for Council and the public to ask questions about the draft plan’s findings and key recommendations. No action of Council will take place that evening.

The public review period of Oxford’s draft Strategic Management Plan Active will begin on October 9, 2023 and will continue through November 8, 2023. A hard draft of the plan will be available for public review and comment at Borough Hall, located at 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, PA 19363, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. A copy is also available on the Borough’s website at www. oxfordboro.org. Comments must be submitted in writing by November 8, 2023 to Borough Hall at the address listed above (ATTN: Borough Manager) or by email to ________________ (Subject: Oxford STMP Plan) and must include commentor’s name and address. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned public meeting and require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, or you have questions please contact the Borough Manager at 610-9322500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Chester County Register of Wills has granted Letters Testamentary to the person named, on July 11. 2023. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to make known the same to them or their attorneys and all persons indebted to said decedent are requested to make payment without delay to the executors or administrators named below. Richard B. Carr, deceased Late of East Fallowfield Township, Chester County, PA. Ruth A. Carr, Executrix, c/o The O’Meara Law Firm, PC, P. O. Box 209, Doe Run Road, Unionville, PA 19375

10p-4-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

T-Mobile USA proposes to modify existing telecommunications support equipment on the roof of a 61ft-tall building (measured to the highest appurtenance) located at 707 Lancaster Pike, Frazer, Chester County, PA 19355. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 6123005180 - ARO EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or

at (908) 458-3192. 10p-4-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Faye A. Eldreth for the Estate of David C. Eldreth, whose last address was Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, P.O. Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363. 10p-4-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of London Grove Township will conduct a public hearing on October 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the London Grove Township Municipal Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390, to consider the conditional use application filed by London Grove West, LP for property located at 500 & 516 Hepburn Road in London Grove Township, more particularly identified as Chester County Tax Parcels Nos. 59-5-77.1 and 59-5-77.3A (the “Property”). The Property is zoned C-1 Commercial. Applicant seeks conditional use approval pursuant to Sections 27-1002.2 and 27-1006 of the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance, as amended in Ordinance No. 225-2023, to develop the Property with 192 apartment units in eight different buildings. Copies of the application may be obtained by calling the Township’s administrative offices during normal business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If any person who wishes to attend the hearing has a disability and/or requires an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the hearing, he or she should contact the Township Building at (610) 345-0100 to discuss how those needs may be accommodated. Kenneth Battin, Township Manager 10p-4-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE

POCOPSON TOWNSHIP

ZONING HEARING BOARD, NOTICE is hereby given that the Zoning Hearing Board of Pocopson Township will hold a Public Hearing at the Pocopson Township Municipal Building, 664 South Wawaset Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19382, on October 24, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at which time the Board will hear the following matter:

Application of Raymond P. Gamble and Terry J. Gamble, concerning property owned by Sheila Bowie, seeking: (i) a special exception pursuant to Zoning Ordinance Section 250- 19.C.(4) to permit building coverage exceeding 10% but less than 20% on a preexisting parcel that is less than 2 net acres in area so as to increase existing building coverage from 7.8% to 13%; (ii) a special exception pursuant to Ordinance Section 250-87.M.(3)

to allow modification of the natural resources conservation standards outlined in Section 250-87.8.(8) and Section 25087.D.(l)(b) to permit greater than 25% disturbance of steep slope margins on the property so as to disturb approximately 47.6% of the 3,336 square feet of steep slope margins; (iii) a variance from Ordinance Section 250-86 to permit an individual on-lot sewage system on a lot having less than the required 20,000 square feet of contiguous area; (iv) a variance from Ordinance Section 250-17.D.(5) (b) to permit an individual on-lot sewage system with only one drainage field; (v) a variance from Ordinance Section 25085.D.(1) to permit expansion of the existing nonconforming building by approximately 90%, where 50% is the maximum permitted, so as to allow an addition of 930 square feet of habitable floor area for a total of 1,973 square feet of habitable floor area; (vi) a variance from Ordinance Section 25085.D.(2) to permit expansion of the existing nonconforming building without complying with the requirements of Zoning Ordinance Section 250-86; (vii) a special exception to allow the enlargement of a lawful nonconforming building on a lawful nonconforming lot, pursuant to Ordinance Section 25085.D(3); and (viii) a variance from Ordinance Sections 25017.C.(9) and 250-19.C.(5)(b) to allow the construction of a deck partially within the required front yard setback, but no closer to the road than the existing dwelling, and such other relief as may be required so as to permit an addition to the existing dwelling, and deck, replacement of the septic system, and reconfiguration of the existing driveway on property located at 1861 Lenape Road, West Chester, PA (UPI #63-3-145) in the Township’s RA-Residential Agricultural District zoning district. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend the public meeting scheduled above and require an auxiliary aide, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceedings; or if you wish to participate remotely, please contact Susan Simone at 610-793- 2151 to discuss how Pocopson Township may best accommodate your needs. Edward M. Foley, Solicitor, Brutscher, Foley, Milliner, Land & Kelly, LLP 213 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 10p-4-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Nell W. Nileski, aka Nell Nileski late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Nell W. Nileski 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 in-

Kennett High School celebrates Homecoming

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Kennett High School’s annual Homecoming celebration on Sept. 29 raised the crisp and optimistic mood of the autumn and included a dance, a football game, a mid-game band presentation, a car decoration show, a parade and the election of a Homecoming king and queen.

This year, the celebration may have been muted somewhat by the football team’s 10-0 loss to Interboro, but the spirit of the game on a

Friday night in this small town dominated, as it often does in Kennett Square.

The Kennett Blue Demons started their football game with the look of a team ready to take a victory in spite of limited pass completions. They ran the ball well, picked up some first downs, and reaped the benefits of the multiple penalties against Interboro, whose players repeatedly lunged overeagerly before the snap.

In the first half also, Kennett benefitted from a big play by wide receiver Xavier McGreal, who ran it

well but was unable to take the ball into the end zone before he was tackled. And with just one second to go in the half, Kennett again tried to score, but time ran out on the half.

Kennett’s attempt at a field goal was also blocked in the first half.

In the second half, it appeared Interboro had addressed its first-half penalty problem, and they put on a strong ground defense against Kennett’s running game. Then, after Kennett quarterback Garrett McCracken left the game

with an injury, the Blue Demons rarely passed the ball.

Interboro scored a field goal in the third quarter, and then, with two minutes and 48 seconds left on the clock, they put the icing on their cake with a touchdown.

During the halftime celebration, the marching band and its band front presented its show featuring the theme of “Actions from the Underground.”

The procession of king and queen candidates followed the band performance on the field with Mia Garcia named

Legals

debted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: James Mark Yarnall, Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610932-3838

10p-4-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 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, November 20 th, 2023. 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. 23-10-293

Writ of Execution No. 2023-02046

DEBT $324,708.86

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOR-

OUGH OF OXFORD

TAX PARCEL # 6-2-13

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: U.S. BANK, N.A., SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED

SECURITIES I TRUST 2007HE2, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-HE2 VS DEFENDANT: OLEN B. HOLCOMB & FAITH C. HOLCOMB

SALE ADDRESS: 701 Lincoln Street, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MAD-

DOX, SHERIFF

9p-27-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

of the within men-

tioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 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, November 20 th, 2023. 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. 23-10-300

Writ of Execution No. 2023-01914

DEBT $196,919.07

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in Kennett Township, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Plan of Lots 94 - 96

Final Subdivision of Balmoral, made by Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc., Bel Air, MD, dated 8/7/1991, last revised 10/2/1991 and recorded on 12/17/1991, as Plan#11474, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at an interior point from the Northwesterly side of MacDuff Court, a corner of Limited Common Area; thence extending along same, the 7 following courses and distances:

(1) South 56 degrees 25 minutes

28 seconds West, 12.33 feet to a point; (2) North 33 degrees 34 minutes 32 seconds West, 2.33 feet to a point; (3) South 56 degrees 25 minutes 28 seconds

West, 11.67 feet to a point; (4)

North 33 degrees 34 minutes

feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING Unit #94 as shown on said Plan.

TOGETHER with an easement for exclusive use over the respective areas shown as Limited Common Area and as driveway space on the plan made by Morris & Ritchie Associates, Inc., aforesaid.

BEING the same premises which Robert L. Duke, IV and Terri L. Graybill, by Deed dated 03/31/2003 and recorded 04/03/2003 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester in Record Book 5636, Page 371, granted and conveyed unto John J. Danko, Jr.

UPI NO. 62-5-343

IMPROVMENTS thereon: a single family residence

PLAINTIFF: Louviers Federal Credit Union VS DEFENDANT: John J. Danko, Jr.

SALE ADDRESS: 805 Macduff Court, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: JACK M. SEITZ, ESQUIRE 610-5302700

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-27-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

No. 2019-05846 DEBT $124,677.05

ALL THAT CERTAIN property situated in the Township of Londonderry in the County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being described as Follows:

UPI: #46-3-16 being more fully described in a Deed Dated 04/09/1998 and recorded 04/17/1998, Among the land records of the county and state set forth above, in Deed Volume 4334 and Page 1356, Tax Map or Parcel id No: 46-03- 0016

PARCEL NO.: 46-3-16

PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely in its capacity as Indenture Trustee of CIM Trust 2018-R4 VS DEFENDANT: John Preston Dehaven a/k/a John P. Dehaven and Lynn Karmilowicz a/k/a Lynn M. Dehaven

SALE ADDRESS: 201 Paxson Road, Cochranville, PA 19330

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG 215572-8111

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-27-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

the Homecoming queen and Michael Pepe named the Homecoming king.

The respective high school classes showed their competitive spirit by decorating vehicles for the 6 p.m. parade. The designs of their fancied-up cars ranged from balloons to painted slogans.

One Jeep showed a “Barbie” theme.

Class members rode joyously through a tight route in the southern streets of the borough and waved to spectators.

The flag-waving band front, which had prepared in earnest for their halftime show, also added color to the parade.

Kennett’s football team is

cel of land situated in the London Britain Township , County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , being more fully described in Deed dated November 1, 2007 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on November 28, 2007, in Deed Book Volume 7312 at Page 597, as Instrument No. 200710804310.

Tax Parcel No. 73-2-25.10

PLAINTIFF: Springleaf Financial Services of Pennsylvania, Inc., FKA American General Consumer Discount Company

VS DEFENDANT: Ralph R. Broadwater a/k/a Ralph R. Broadwater, Jr. and Catherine Broadwater ak/a Catherine J. Broadwater

SALE ADDRESS: 5 Crestview Road, Landenburg, PA 19350

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HLADIK, ONORATO & FEDERMAN, LLP 215-855-9521

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 9p-27-3t

Classifieds

Notice of Self Storage Sale

scheduled to meet it longtime rival Unionville on Friday at Unionville’s Homecoming and Centennial celebration.

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32 seconds West, 9.67 feet to a point;

(5) South 56 degrees

25 minutes 28 seconds West, 6.33 feet to a point; (6) North 33 degrees 34 minutes 32 seconds

West, 4.33 feet to a point and (7)

South 56 degrees 25 minutes

28 seconds West, 12.00 feet to a point; thence extending

North 33 degrees 34 minutes 32 seconds West, along Lot #95, the distance of 26.00 feet to a point, a corner of Limited Common Area; thence extending along the same, the 4 following courses and distances: (1) North 56 degrees 25 minutes 28 seconds West, 30.00 feet to a point; (2) South 33 degrees 34 minutes 32 seconds East, 16.33 feet to a point; (3) North 56 degrees 25 minutes 28 seconds East, 12.00 feet to a point and

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 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, November 20 th, 2023. 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. 23-10-295

Writ of Execution

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 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, November 20 th, 2023. 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. 23 -10 -302

Writ of Execution No. 2013-04554

DEBT $113,533.86

ALL

Please take notice US Storage Centers - Exton located at 371 Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures. com on 10/18/2023 at 10:00AM. Nic Dorfling unit #D054; Eileen M JoynerMatz unit #E051. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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Photos by Chris Barber Kennett’s Xavier McGreal picks off an Interboro pass and runs it down the field.

The Homecoming Queen and King, Mia Garcia and Michael Pepe, receive the honor as elected by their classmates.

The respective high school classes decorated their vehicles for the 6 p.m. in the pre-game parade.

The Kennett Marching Band moves down South Street at the start of the parade.

Interceptions by LeClerc, Dosenbach thwart Knights’ rallies

Avon Grove cruises to 25-6 Homecoming win

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

With only mild protest from other schools in the Ches-Mont League, it can be said that Avon Grove High School throws the best Homecoming event in southern Chester County, as evidenced by the long and happy parade of music, spirit and camaraderie that snaked its way through the people-lined streets of West Grove Borough last Saturday morning.

Yet for any school, the proper conclusion to any Homecoming is to win the football game that follows the pomp and circumstance, and that’s just what Avon Grove did with a convincing 25-6 non-conference victory over visiting Academy Park.

Perhaps rattled by the emotions of the day and a sell-out home crowd at Red Devil Stadium, Avon Grove played tentatively in the first quarter, racking up four pen-

alties while surrendering a six-play touchdown drive to Academy Park that ended when quarterback KJ Moore flicked an over-the-middle, 12-yard pass to wide receiver Camir Jones that jumped the Knights to an early 6-0 lead with 1:59 left in the quarter.

Inheriting possession on its own 27-yard line after a punt in the second quarter, carries by running backs Harrison Watson and Lucas Laganelli moved the ball ten yards to the 37-yard line. With 7:39 remaining in the first half, QB Frank Hoogerwerff found Watson for a 38-yard pass that later set up a 47-yard field goal by kicker Adam Okonowicz with 5:51 remaining in the half to cut the lead in half.

While they continued to put numbers on the scoreboard, Avon Grove’s defense began to prevent Academy Park from placing additional digits on the board.

Following Okonowicz’ field goal, Moore’s pass attempt with 3:53 left in the half was intercepted by defensive back A.J. LeClerc at the Academy Park 25-yard line.

Two plays later, Hoogerwerff found wide receiver Moses T-Toe for a 25-yard touchdown pass with 3:12 left in the half that staked the Red Devils to a 10-6 halftime lead.

Homecoming Queen

Doralys Marrero with Homecoming King Niko Roberts.

Beginning with an interception by defensive back Amir Thomas with 5:56 left in the third quarter, the Knights inherited the ball on their own 31-yard line.

After a 49-yard pass from

Moore to wide receiver Dan Gbeaday moved the chains to the Avon Grove 23-yard line, however, a fumble recovery by linebacker Benn Webb on the 17-yard line ended the Knights’ rally. Avon Grove capitalized on another Academy Park error in the fourth quarter when a bad snap on a punt attempt gave the Red Devils the ball at the Knights’ 3-yard line that set up Watson’s 3-yard TD run with 6:52 left, which was then followed by Watson’s 2-point conversion that gave Avon Grove an 18-6 lead.

The Red Devils wrapped up their scoring on an interception by defensive back Trevor Dosenbach, who then scampered 26 yards for a touchdown with 4:56 left. On Academy Park’s next possession, Dosenbach again snuffed out a late scoring attempt with another interception with 4:27 left in the game.

The win gives Avon Grove a respectable 4-2 overall record as they head to Bishop Shanahan (3-3) for a Ches-Mont National Conference game on Oct. 6. Now 1-5 overall, Academy

Avon Grove quarterback Frank Hoogerwerff hands off to running back Lucas Laganelli in the third quarter of the Red Devils’ 25-6 Homecoming victory over Academy Park on Sept. 30 at Red Devil Stadium.

Photos by Richard L. Gaw

Avon Grove’s Trevor Dosenbach, seen here returning the second-half kick-off, nabbed two interceptions, including one that led to a 26-yard touchdown run.

The Homecoming parade wound its way through the West Grove Borough en route to the stadium.

The parade floats created by all four classes and teams and organizations demonstrated creative school spirit.

Avon Grove’s Marching Band performed at halftime. Park will host undefeated Downingtown East in a nonconference game on Oct. 6.

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

Cecil College professor’s inspiration enables student to realize artistic potential

The environment in which a child is raised can have a notable impact on their personality, likes, dislikes, and the passions they embrace. Being raised within an artists’ community in rural Pennsylvania left Abigail Graham with a passion and desire which she has embraced and pursued with every fiber of her being.

“My goal is to continue to work as an independent artist and discover where my path leads me,” said Graham, who earned first place at the 2023 Maryland Scholars Summit in the creative works category for her painting “Aching for Motivation.”

Graham grew up in the artistic community of Landenberg, Pennsylvania. She was homeschooled through the Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School for the Center for Performing and Fine Arts. Wanting to expand on her artistic passion, she chose to attend Cecil College for its proximity and the distinguished reputation of the College’s Art and Design Program.

“My art professor Mark Donohue was a big inspiration and influence on me,” Graham said. “Most of my knowledge, motivation, and encouragement came from him, and if it weren’t for him, I most likely wouldn’t be expanding my abilities and stepping out of my comfort zone.”

Under Donohue’s encouragement, Graham found the confidence to present her work

at the Maryland Scholars’ Summit. She competed, presenting her creative research to talented academic peers from across the state. It was her ability to express the meaning of her painting and the ability to overcome a challenge that captured the judges’ attention.

“Creating this piece about my lack of motivation helped me break that cycle and inspired me to go above and beyond with future pieces that I have worked on and will work on,” she told the judging panel.

“I would never have pushed myself to present my work, and I wouldn’t be making a living from my art right now if it weren’t for the faculty at Cecil College,” she said in an interview. “I’m thrilled and thankful to have had Professor Donohue as a guide in my career.”

The opportunity to use the College’s large studio enabled Graham to work on a much bigger scale than she could have ever done. The space gave her the freedom to work more comfortably compared to working at her home. The added benefit of working in the College’s studio was receiving guidance and encouragement from the art department’s faculty and her peers, which inspired her to want to be a better artist.

“Attending Cecil College prepared me for a four-year college by allowing me to experience college-level learning in a comfortable environment close to home. It’s

also preparing me financially by allowing me to spend thousands less in tuition for my first two years of College,” said Graham. “Student debt is something I do not want to struggle with when I graduate.”

Graham is scheduled to complete her Associate of Fine Arts degree in Art and Design – Drawing and Painting in the fall of 2023. With the skills she learned at Cecil College, she hopes to continue to be commissioned for additional work. She is also looking to continue her education, if necessary, which has been made possible by attending a community college.

Accelerated Nursing Program new at Cecil College

Cecil College has launched a 12-month Accelerated Nursing Program designed to fast track individuals interested in becoming a Registered Nurse. This program is for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in another academic field or have acquired a significant number of credits and are looking to transition into a career in nursing.

Enrolled students will take hybrid courses in fast-paced 12-week semesters that will include online theory curriculum, and in-person labs and clinicals. Online courses are both synchronous and asynchronous.

Upon completion of the Accelerated Nursing Program, graduates will have earned an Associate of Science in Nursing (RN) which prepares them to take the National Council Licensure ExaminationRN exam and meets Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania requirements.

This new program will begin in September 2023, and students can hold a bachelor’s degree in many academic fields to potentially qualify for this program. A completed bachelor’s degree fulfills most prerequisites of the 34 credits required to be admitted to the nursing program.

The Cecil College nursing program is certified by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON), the National County for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

To learn more about this exciting opportunity, contact Amanda Horn at ahorn@cecil.edu, or contact the Admissions office by emailing admissions@cecil.edu, or calling 410-287-1006, or live chat on the home page of www.cecil.edu.

Wilmington Friends School is rooted in Quaker values

Founded in 1748, Wilmington Friends is a Quaker, co-ed school serving students in preschool through 12th grade.

Friends provides opportunities for every student to exercise leadership and creativity.

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Biden-Harris Administration moves forward with plans for student debt relief

The Biden-Harris Administration marked a critical step forward in its efforts to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible through negotiated rulemaking under the Higher Education Act, even as extreme House Republicans threaten a government shutdown that would hurt families, communities, and our economy.

The U.S. Department of Education recently released an issue paper laying out its initial set of policy considerations to create a path to debt relief for student loan borrowers in need.

The paper identifies five questions about distinct categories of affected borrowers for which the Department is seeking feedback. This includes questions about borrowers whose balances are greater than what they originally borrowed, whose loans first entered repayment decades ago, who attended programs that did not provide sufficient financial value, who are eligible for relief under programs like income-driven repayment

but have not applied, and borrowers who have experienced financial hardship and need support, but for whom the current student loan system does not adequately address.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has taken unprecedented action to fix the broken student loan system and deliver record amounts of student debt relief,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “Now, we are diligently moving through the regulatory process to advance debt relief for even more borrowers.

“Today, after considering more than 26,000 public comments on how to tailor this relief, we are releasing this additional information about this effort. We’re committed to standing up for borrowers and making sure that student debt does not stop anyone from climbing the economic ladder and pursuing the American dream.”

The debt relief issue paper will be discussed at the first meeting of the Student Loan Relief Committee, which is scheduled to take place

October 10 and 11. The committee will be comprised of non-federal negotiators from 14 affected constituency groups, as well as a negotiator from the Department.

During the session, the non-federal negotiators will provide input on the policy considerations and questions outlined by the Department, as well as identify any new proposals they may have. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to provide comments at the end of each day.

Through this process, the Department will continue to develop regulatory text for consideration. The committee is also scheduled to meet in November and December. The public will have an opportunity to submit written comments on the draft rules when they are published next year.

The Department is also releasing a list of the individuals who will serve on the negotiating committee. These individuals were chosen based upon review of the nominations received in response to the

Department’s request for nominations. We are still looking for individuals who can serve as alternate negotiators for two constituencies: (1) state officials, including state higher education executive officers, state authorizing agencies, and state regulators of institutions of higher education and (2)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions (institutions of higher education eligible to receive federal assistance under Title III, Parts A and F, and Title V of the Higher Education Act of 1965).

Individuals who wish to represent these constituencies or organizations that wish to nominate someone for these constituencies should email negregnominations@ed.gov before October 6. Submissions should include the information originally requested for nominees. This includes contact information, evidence of expertise, and a resume.

From these submissions, the Department will

make a selection for the unfilled alternate negotiator positions and ask the committee for its consensus approval during its first meeting.

The recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Education builds on the work the BidenHarris Administration has already done to improve the student loan program and make higher education more affordable. This includes approving $117 billion in relief for more than 3.4 million borrowers, including:

• $39 billion for 804,000 borrowers who are eligible for forgiveness through Income-Driven Repayment by fixing historical inaccuracies in the count of payments that qualify toward forgiveness.

• $45.7 billion for 662,000 public servants through Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.

• $10.5 billion for almost 491,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability; and

• $22 billion for nearly 1.3 million borrowers who were cheated by their

schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements.

The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to making college more affordable and ensuring student debt is not a roadblock to attaining a college degree or credential or planning for the future. The Administration launched the most affordable student loan repayment plan ever – the SAVE Plan – earlier this year, has made the largest increase to Pell Grants in a decade, and has charted a course to double the maximum Pell Grant and make community college free to enhance college affordability and reduce unnecessary student debt.

The Administration is also holding institutions accountable for unaffordable debts and recently proposed regulations that would set standards for earnings and debt outcomes for career programs while enhancing transparency for all programs to give students the information they need to make informed choices.