Chester County Press 10-09-2019 Edition

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Volume 153, No. 41 Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Kennett Township fraud investigation now in its 7th month

Residents continue to press board for answers

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer From the time the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors were first made aware of suspicious transactions in the township’s bank accounts in late April, township residents have clung to every word that’s been made public in this investigation -which has led to the dismissal of former township manager Lisa Moore and to twin investigations by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and a forensic auditor who has been hired by the township.

Since early May, every sliver of an update has been funneled down from the DA and delivered to the public in the form of written statements, delivered by board chairman Scudder Stevens at the beginning of every board meeting, and followed by a question-and-answer period.

While these ongoing investigations into potential wrongdoing enter their seventh month with still no hardened facts, however, several residents have shared their frustration that the details of Who, What, When, Where, Why and How Much have

taken too long to be revealed.

At the board’s Oct. 2 meeting, they aired out their frustrations in front of the supervisors.

In a heated series of exchanges that led off the meeting, a few residents expressed their distaste for how the township has handled the dissemination of updates related to the investigation. What resulted in a near shouting match between board chairman Scudder Stevens and residents began quietly with an opening statement from Stevens, who told the audience that the township is “anxiously awaiting word that the Chester County District Attorney’s report is complete and that they will be reporting their findings,” he said. “When we have news to report to you, we will absolutely do so.

“As I mentioned two weeks ago, in anticipation of the completion of the investigations, we are planning to issue a report from the township and hold a public meeting to discuss that report and provide additional information about what happened and what we are doing to fix it,” Stevens said. “The timing of all that is dependent on the District Attorney’s Office first

announcing their conclusions.

After the DA schedules a date for their findings, we will schedule a date soon thereafter for our meeting and the public will be invited.”

News of a township meeting in the near future that proposes to spell out the entirety of the investigation was not good enough for a few in the audience. They said they want details and they want them now.

Early in the back-andforth discussion, resident Gene Pisasale read from a statement.

“It’s been almost six months since the township was first embroiled in scandal,” he said. “Financial irregularities were discovered, a criminal investigation has begun and a township manager has been fired. Yet, we have had almost no information released by this board specifically about what happened, who did what, the amount or nature of the financial irregularities – nothing.

“I have read the township reports. They release almost nothing about the investigation. This in all fairness is unacceptable. The hard-working taxpayers of this township

A big day in Oxford for Homecoming...1B

officials during a public forum that is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Public safety, traffic, infrastructure, zoning, public works, and future development are a few

Fair weather smiles on the Unionville Fair and its new features

Photos by Chris Barber

Three Pocopson Elementary School students show off their pumpkin-carving skills on Friday morning.

Student artists from several area schools apply makeup for their performances in the haunted house.

By Chris Barber Correspondent

Continued on Page 3A

Kennett Square schedules public forum for Oct. 15 Residents of Kennett Square Borough will have an opportunity to get information from or have a conversation with the borough’s staff members and elected

$1.00

of the topics that will be addressed during the public forum. The forum takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square.

The 2019 Unionville Community Fair was a gift for the senses, and a magical day out for children and their families.

In this, the fair’s 95th year, the event expanded its entertainment and showed off the charm of its original years. Many of the old favorites were still around -- like corn, hay, cows, pumpkins, needlework, tractors and baking. And just like that homey, autumn feeling in 1924, visitors could still smell that essence of alfalfa and see the baking achievements. Trailing back many years and continuing into the present as well was the annual Harvest Queen Pageant.

Continued on Page 5A

Two-year term on Oxford Borough Council now on ballot Richard Winchester and Randy Grace are the candidates vying to win the unexpired term

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

When Oxford Borough Council appointed Randy Grace to fill a vacancy on council at the July 15 meeting, the thinking that evening was that the appointment was for the remainder of an unexpired ‘Inspired by Nature’ in term that extends through

2021.

It turns out, however, that Phillip Hurtt’s resignation from borough council came in time for the position to be added to the ballot for the November election, with candidates vying for the two-year unexpired term. As a result, Grace’s appointment extends through the end of this

year. New council members, including the winner of the race for the two-year term, will be sworn into office early in 2020.

Once it became apparent that the two-year term would be on the ballot, Grace subsequently decided to run for the seat, while Dr. Richard C. Winchester, a retired

professor, announced his candidacy for the position as well. Grace is the Republican nominee on the ballot, while Winchester is the Democratic nominee.

It did not take Winchester long after the July 15 meeting to decide to run for the two-year term on borough council. He thought that borough council made

a mistake by accepting a resignation of a council member and making an appointment to fill the vacancy on the same evening, without informing the residents of the borough that a vacancy existed.

In an Aug. 7 letter to the editor that was published in the Chester County Press, Continued on Page 2A

Kennett Square...6B

INDEX Opinion.......................7A Obituaries...................2B

Leff vs. Tower: Candidates vie for Kennett Township supervisor seat

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Calendar of Events......3B Classifieds..................4B

© 2007 The Chester County Press

In November 2013, Dr. Richard Leff, with no prior experience in Kennett Township politics, defeated Jim Przywitowski, a Republican with more than two decades of work with the township, in an election to determine the next Kennett Township Supervisor, by a vote of 1,083 to 867.

The basis of Leff’s first campaign focused primarily on creating inclusiveness, introducing transparency in decisions, kick-starting economic development and providing an efficient use of pooled resources as the standard for how the business of the township should run.

On the strength of these talking points, Leff was elected to a six-year term, an election that served as the second in

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a three-part run that saw the election of fellow Democrat Scudder Stevens in 2012 and Democrat Whitney Hoffman in 2015.

Now, as he campaigns for his second six-year term on the three-person board, Leff has been knocking on the doors of his constituents with the two-fold necessity of a political incumbent: To reel off his accomplishments, and also respond to the criticisms

that have been directed at this board and his place in it over the past several years.

On the plus side, Leff has voted for the funding and acquisition of increased open space, trails and sidewalks and the improvement of the Five Points intersection. He’s also been involved in the township’s commitment to strengthen its police force by extending it to 24/7 coverage and hiring addi-

tional officers.

In direct contrast to the Republican-stacked board that preceded Leff and his colleagues – who were criticized by residents for running the township in virtual secrecy – the board has championed the efforts of the township to open the doors of transparency by upgrading its website, going all-in on social media, increasing its e-mail list and Continued on Page 5A

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Chester County Press

Local News Oxford Borough Council...

Continued from Page 1A

Winchester wrote: “I agree with those Oxford residents who are outraged at the process Borough Council used to fill the vacancy created when Phil Hurtt moved out of town.”

He continued, “there was no advance notice of this vacancy, no advertisement of it, and no real opportunity for anyone other than the hand-picked candidate to apply. The common practice in Chester County, one that Oxford usually observed in the past, has been to publicize a vacancy and then create a window for interested candidates to apply. There was no good reason to abandon this fair and open procedure now.”

Winchester concluded that letter by announcing his candidacy.

With Winchester’s entry into the race, when Oxford Borough voters go to the polls next month and they reach the spot on the ballot where the two-year unexpired term is listed, they will have a choice between two experienced candidates with lengthy qualifications.

Grace, who has lived in Oxford for the last 19 years, previously served on Borough Council for a full four-year term. He explained that he expressed interest in filling the vacancy in July for one reason—he loves Oxford.

“I’m just trying to help,” he said.

During his time on council, Grace served as the

chairman of the Public Works Committee and also served on the Police and Public Safety Committee.

Grace believes that that experience will be useful to a Borough Council that is losing two of its three most experienced members at the end of this year.

Grace also said that he approaches issues with common sense and a common person’s point of view, which helps him keep issues that come in front of council in perspective.

Grace points with pride to his record as a council member. He was an advocate for revitalization in the downtown. In three of the four years that he served on council, the annual budget was adopted without a tax increase.

“We wanted to get the spending under control,” he explained, adding that financial issues are always important for the borough.

Grace works as a data center operations manager for a company in Exton.

He and his wife, Lori, also own a business, the Maroon Hornet, in downtown Oxford, which gives him a front row seat to what’s going on in the business district. As a business owner himself, he understands what other business owners in town are experiencing. He believes that it’s very useful having a business owner on Borough Council to provide insights into what’s happening in the business district day to day.

Grace talked about how he sees great benefit to having an economically

vibrant community. He said that he would like to see more events to bring people into town, so that more people see how great Oxford is. An economically vibrant downtown also boosts revenues to the borough, reducing the burden on residents. Grace said that it’s a symbiotic relationship between the business district and the residents—one can’t thrive without the other.

With his previous experience on council, Grace is already very knowledgable about the budget and how it is developed, and he also knows all about the parking garage that is being constructed in the downtown as a key component to the borough’s revitalization efforts.

Grace looks at the new parking garage, which will open in 2020, as something that will help attract a larger employer to the downtown. A new, larger employer would be a boost to the existing shops and restaurants. The increased commercial activity will create jobs and generate revenues for the borough.

“I think the town is at a crossroads,” Grace said, explaining that it’s important for the borough to continue to attract businesses to the downtown.

“We need to maintain that momentum that we’ve had.”

He added, “It won’t happen at one time, in one fell swoop. It’s going to take time.”

Grace said that he also believes strongly in not allowing partisan politics

to play a role in borough council’s decision-making process.

“The town is too small for partisan politics,” Grace said. “We want to focus on what’s best for the homeowners and the business owners in Oxford.”

He also wants borough officials and residents to refrain from fear-mongering efforts.

“I am not a fan of the negativity online,” he said.

“I think we need to get back to being more civil with each other.”

He also wants the council members themselves to be more positive when it comes to working with each other. Grace believes that the negativity that a few council members directed toward the parking garage hurt the borough’s efforts to secure additional funding for the project, potentially costing borough taxpayers thousands of dollars. Debate and disagreement is fine—council members won’t always agree with each other, but how they handle the debates and disagreements does matter.

To that end, he had nothing but complimentary things to say about Winchester, his Election Day opponent.

“Dick is a very respected man,” Grace said. “I have a ton of respect for him.”

He also said that, as a business owner in town, he is very accessible to anyone who has an issue that they want to discuss.

He can be found most evenings in his shop on Third Street.

Courtesy photo

Richard Winchester

“I want to continue to serve my community in any way possible,” Grace said of the decision to run for council. “Everything I’ve done is for the betterment of Oxford.”

Winchester is running for a seat on borough council because he, too, wants to serve the community.

When Winchester and his wife, Connie, moved to Ware Presbyterian Village five years ago, they planned for a more relaxed pace in their senior years.

Winchester readily admits he had no plan to ever run for Borough Council until the events that unfolded at the July 15 meeting. He felt the issue was important enough to stand up and do something to ensure that the local government is working as well as it should to represent the citizens.

He explained, “The prompt for my decision to run for Borough Council was the process used to fill the vacancy created by Phil Hurtt’s resignation. I raised this issue in my letter to the Chester County Press on August 7 and, if elected, my first goal will be to create with others a fair and

Courtesy photo

Randy Grace

more democratic policy for filling vacancies.”

Although Winchester and his wife moved into Oxford Borough five years ago, they have strong connections to the Oxford area that go back nearly five decades.

Winchester is a retired history professor and a vice president for academic affairs with Lincoln University who enjoyed a 39-year career in education. He graduated from Central High School in Philadelphia and Ursinus College in the 1950s, and earned a PhD in the next C decade. He married Connie in 1958, and moved to the Oxford area in 1961 when he took a teaching position at Lincoln University.

He and Connie were involved in the modern civil rights movement. In 1961, when he was still a relatively new professor at Lincoln University, he was approached by some students at the school who were concerned that the Oxford Hotel was still refusing to allow black people to rent rooms there.

One of the students had inquired about a room and was told that there weren’t

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Chester County Press

Local News to Oxford, overnight bag in hand, to see if there were any rooms available for a young, white professor. It turns out that there was. Later that same day, Lincoln University students were picketing the Oxford Hotel—Winchester among them. Soon, John H. Ware III, a highly respected businessman, intervened. He called the owner of the Oxford Hotel and emphasized the importance of doing the right thing and fully integrating the Oxford Hotel. After this successful effort to integrate the Oxford Hotel, Winchester and his wife continued to advocate for civil rights during turbulent times for the country. They marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in August of 1963, and also made significant contributions to the Oxford community.

Connie was a co-founder of

Fraud...

Continued from Page 1A

unacceptable. The hard-working taxpayers of this township deserve better. They deserve complete transparency from this board.”

Pisasale then referred to Stevens’ 2012 campaign, when as a candidate for supervisor, Stevens criticized the Republican-led board for their lack of providing complete transparency.

“Scudder, you first campaigned for the board espousing financial transparency and complaining about what you felt was the lack of it, but we haven’t gotten any transparency on this matter from this board,” Pisasale said.

Pisasale then directed his criticism directly at supervisor Dr. Richard Leff, who is currently campaigning for reelection to the board against challenger Hunter Tower.

“Richard, this happened on your watch,” Pisasale said. “I received a flyer in the mail from you recently asking for my vote on Nov. 5. You want me, and all township residents, to trust you with our vote, but you haven’t kept your promise to us on financial disclosure.

Taxpayers have the right to know exactly what kind of financial shenanigans have you been dealing with, and what is going on here.”

“Are you finished?” Stevens asked Pisasale.

Pisasale said “Yes.” “I’m answering because I am the one charged to do that at this meeting,” Stevens said.

“You can rant and rave about this as much as you want... but we’ve already explained to you for the past six months that we are not able to talk about these things,” Stevens said, speaking for Leff. “So it’s not as if we are hiding things. We have been transparent to the absolute extent...

Actually, we’ve gone further than we were supposed to on several occasions, and there have been times my colleagues have grabbed me and told me in subtle ways to shut up, because I was going too far.

“We are limited as to what we can say,” Stevens added. “We’ve said this now about 15 times tonight. So you can point your hand at us and say that we’ve not been transparent, but we are being transparent, and when the time comes when we are allowed to disclose, then we will disclose. Up until that point, we can’t. We’ll sit here and let you tell us that we’re in the wrong, but we’re not doing it wrong. We’re doing what we have to do.”

the Neighborhood Services Center, and Winchester was the co-founder of the Oxford Educational Foundation. He served on the Oxford School Board for a decade, including four of those years when he was selected to be the president of the school board. So while he has never served on borough council, he has experience serving as an elected official.

Winchester said that one of his priorities, if he were elected to borough council, would be public safety.

“We must slow the speeding on the streets into town, and ticket the people who run the light on Route 10,” he said, explaining that ensuring the safety of pedestrians who shop in the stores in the two shopping centers on the edge of town is a priority. Improving the conditions of sidewalks throughout the borough is

another goal.

Public safety also includes concern for drug abuse and sex trafficking, issues that must stay on the radar, according to Winchester.

He also expressed particular concerns about economic matters that the borough is grappling with.

“The biggest challenges for the new borough council are going to be the fiscal challenges. We’ve had some economic news in the last 60 days that we were not hoping for,” he explained, referring to the news that the borough did not receive a grant for the parking garage that they were hoping to receive to offset some of the costs of the project. Additionally, the Oxford Area Sewer Authority was notified, again, that it needed to make good on two debtservice payments, totaling about $1.2 million, that

were missed in 2016.

Oxford Borough and the other three member municipalities agreed to back the $27 million loan that the Oxford Area Sewer Authority took out to expand the wastewater treatment system, with Oxford accepting responsibility for the largest share of that loan—at more than 40 percent. For the $1.2 million in missed debtservice payments, Oxford Borough’s portion amounts to more than $500,000. The borough is not in a good position to simply write a check that large.

Winchester has been a regular attendee of Oxford Area Sewer Authority meetings, and is very aware of how the Sewer Authority’s financial issues, as well as the potential sale of the sewer system, could impact local residents. He noted that

Fiduciary responsibilities

among the citizens –“ “Up here, too,” Stevens responded.

“When I said to you that you failed in your fiduciary responsibility and you said to me that you don’t agree with that premise, it tells me that you’re not willing to take any responsibility for the events that transpired leading up to now,” Burkett responded. “I have a problem with that, because obviously, something could have been done.”

“I know very well the fiduciary responsibility that we all have up here,” Stevens said. “No question about that. You say that we have a fiduciary responsibility and that we have failed. I took the premise that it has not been established that we have failed, and that’s what’s going to have to be dealt with when we get to the DA’s report. We know that there is a fiduciary responsibility, and we have been dealing with that fiduciary responsibility from the very beginning.”

Former supervisor Michael Elling criticized Stevens and the rest of the board for not openly showing their frustration at the lack of news coming from the DA. “I think they do show it,” said township solicitor David Sander. “Every single time Scudder sits in front of a meeting and reads that statement, he’s not laughing about it. He’s not saying ‘Ha-Ha’ about it.

“It is of the utmost importance, and I think they take it very seriously. They would tell you more but they can’t because they don’t want to screw up a criminal investigation on going by the DA. How much more clear can Scudder be, meeting after meeting after meeting, about what he can and can’t say?”

Pisasale continued to press Stevens for answers.

potentially to be used to represent the township, related to the criminal investigation?

Has that happened?”

Stevens mentioned the vote that was taken at the board’s Sept. 4 meeting that authorized the execution of an engagement letter hiring the Philadelphia law firm of Blank Rome as special counsel to pursue any civil liability and recoup any losses that the township may suffer as a result of these suspicious transactions.

“In relation to the criminal [investigation]? No,” Stevens said.

“How about in relation to a potential pending lawsuit against the township?”

Pisasale asked. “Has that happened?”

“I know of no pending lawsuit against the township,” said Stevens, who then mentioned that he had recently been served a personal lawsuit from a disgruntled taxpayer who was concerned about paying his taxes. “If you’re asking if there are lawsuits, there is that one, and it will be served to me on Monday.”

One resident asked about the status of the forensic auditor’s report. Stevens said that it is being conducted parallel to the DA’s report.

“I am trying to explain what’s going in there without talking about time frames, because whenever I had accidentally talked about time frames in the past it’s come back to bite me,” he said.

“My understanding is that the forensic auditors’ report will be linked by about seven days – I’m guessing a short period of time – to the DA’s report.

So when the DA’s report comes out, you can anticipate the forensic auditor’s report will follow in close proximity.”

“The board simply has no control over the investigation and its outcome and the timeliness of it,” said Police Chief Lydell Nolt. “I have been involved in this situation since the beginning, and this is a very ongoing, active investigation scenario, and there are times when there are repeated contacts daily, and

Township resident Chris Burkett then responded to Stevens’s comments to Pisasale. Earlier, Burkett said that the board had failed at their fiduciary responsibilities.

Referring to Stevens’ response to Pisasale, Burkett said “You can take that position, Scudder, but I mentioned the fact that you’ve failed at your fiduciary responsibilities to protect this township from these types of events, and you want to tell me that I have a faulty premise, and I don’t have a faulty premise.

“You won’t accept the responsibility that you guys have been up there for years looking over what’s been going on in this township,” Burkett added. “You have a fiduciary responsibility that you failed at, and you won’t accept responsibility for that.

That’s the problem that I have. You want to skirt it off and say ‘We can’t talk about that now because there’s an ongoing investigation, and you want to tell that person that he has no right to ask these questions --” “I didn’t say that to him,” Stevens responded to Burkett.

“I just want to say that you can say what steps you’ve taken to correct this failure and fiduciary responsibility, and you won’t tell us about that, either,” Burkett said. “I hope the day comes when we can hear all about all of the steps that you took before this happened and all the safeguards you had in place and how this freakish accident happened, that just so happened to have happened on your watch,” Burkett said.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Stevens said.

“Freakish accident? Nobody except you has used that phrase.”

“We don’t have any information, Scudder,” Burkett said. “You possess the information on what happened.

And knowing that, you can look at the audience and say ‘I don’t know why you’re using those terms, because I know what happened and you don’t, and so it wasn’t a freakish accident.’”

“I told you that we will have a complete and open meeting about everything that has gone down when it is freed up by the DA,” Stevens told Burkett. “Up until that point, I can’t tell you. I can start to tell you pieces, and that just snowballs into going into the details and speculation and that is something that we are forbidden to do.”

“I understand that you can’t divulge that kind of information, but there is an extreme amount of frustration out here

A complex scenario “Are you, Scudder, or any members of this board, overseeing any parts or any related parts of this investigation?” he asked.

“I don’t understand the question,” Stevens said. “If you are asking us if we are involved in the investigation by the DA? Absolutely not.

Are we running the township while that’s going on? Yes, we are. I’m not sure if that fits with your question, but that’s what’s happening.”

Pisasale continued.

“Aside from standard operational type issues that you need representation from, has an attorney or any law firm been contacted by you or any member of this board for the benefit of the township,

Oxford Borough already has the highest municipal property tax rate of any borough in the county, and the costs associated with the Oxford Area Sewer Authority’s financial situation represents another potential burden.

The borough’s reserves are already strained, he explained, and there are a lot of needs that must be addressed with limited resources. Winchester noted that there are infrastructure needs for the borough’s water system that are pressing, and could impact the borough’s budget.

In the last few years, as borough officials extensively discussed the parking garage, Winchester expressed a lot of skepticism regarding the project.

But the project is well underway, and soon the parking garage will be

open.

“Now, the task is to make sure that every dollar is well-spent,” Winchester said.

Another goal he would have as a council member would be to find ways to expedite discussions at council meetings so that the work can be accomplished more efficiently.

He would be a stickler for Robert’s Rules of Order, he said, as well as due process.

Winchester also pledged, if he were elected to council, to work to meet the needs of the entire community.

“There are a lot of needs that are currently unmet,” Winchester said. “I will listen to all the voices, not just the loudest ones.”

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

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

The Kennett Township Building served as the scene of a heated exchange between the township’s board of supervisors and township residents on Oct. 2, related to the fraud investigation in the township, which is currently being investigated by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and a forensic auditor hired by the township.

there are times when we don’t hear about anything for a few days, but as with any active investigation, as these things unfold, news either picks up or slows down based on what is occurring.

One resident asked about the timeliness of the investigation being done by the forensic auditor.

“The township is paying the forensic auditor. Can’t you get them to get this work done?” he asked.

“We don’t control the forensic auditor,” Stevens answered.

“But you’re paying the bill.”

“The auditor has been given the assignment to do what his forensic auditing requirements are, and he’s working steadily at it,” Stevens said.

“We’re not controlling him in any way. He has to do what he has been required to do.

You will hear about it when we finally are able to have a public meeting when we can explain all that has happened, but this has been a very complex and deep process.”

As the end of the half-hour discussion, Nolt told the audience that the DA and the forensic auditor must be allowed time to complete their work, in order to better assure the accuracy of their findings.

“What we’re doing is assuring that the forensic accountant and the DA can complete their tasks,” he said.

“In time, you will have full transparency from two sepa-

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rate agencies – one that is completely unassociated with the township and the second, who is being retained by the township.

“I am trying to make it clear,” Nolt added. “You do not want a work product that is incomplete. If this was not a complex scenario, this would have been done months ago, so obviously, the timeframe isn’t because people are sitting there not doing work.

This is a complex scenario that involves a lot of moving parts and a lot of pieces. If you want a complete work product, patience is important, and there is value to that patience at the end of the day.”

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

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The Maroon Hornet expands to new location

Courtesy photo Courtesy photo

The Maroon Hornet has expanded to a new location on South Third Street in Oxford.

The comic book and collectibles shop is also celebrating its third anniversary this week.

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer This is a big week for the Maroon Hornet.

The popular comic book and collectibles shop in downtown Oxford is celebrating its third anniversary this week, and the milestone is made even more special because the Maroon Hornet has a new, larger home on Third Street in Oxford.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the move to the new location at 19 South Third Street took place last Friday.

With Spider-Man, Star Wars, the Walking Dead, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and more at the

epicenter of pop culture right now, it’s no surprise that the Maroon Hornet has attracted a loyal following.

The Maroon Hornet carries over 100 new comic book titles, graphic novels, a selection of older comic books, games, and more.

Lori Grace, who owns the Maroon Hornet with her husband, Randy, said that the new, larger location gives them a little bit more room to display their regular offerings. The extra space will also be utilized for game hosting and other events.

Randy Grace said that they are very excited about the new home. They were

also humbled—a number of customers helped them with the move up Third Street, and most of the work was accomplished over just two days.

Later this month, the Maroon Hornet will be marking Halloween Comic Fest on Saturday, Oct. 26 with special activities and free giveaways. A sports podcast is going to be filmed in the shop, too.

Visit the Maroon Hornet’s Facebook page for information about special events and activities.

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

Dubarry of Ireland now has a pop-up shop open in downtown Oxford. A ribboncutting ceremony to celebrate the opening took place on Oct. 4.

Dubarry of Ireland debuts pop-up shop in Oxford

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Dubarry of Ireland, a traditional European outdoor brand that features a collection of premium performance footwear, clothing, leather goods and accessories, celebrated the grand opening of a pop-up shop in downtown Oxford last Friday evening.

The store opened on Oct. 1 and a ribboncutting ceremony to mark the grand opening took place on Oct. 4.

Danny Hulse, the general manager of Dubarry USA LLC, explained the decision to open a pop up shop at 29 South Third, not far from a company warehouse and office on West Christine Road in Nottingham.

“After being located in the area and developing a loyal customer base over the last 13 years, we are excited to open an outlet and pop-up shop in the community,” Hulse said. “Locating in Oxford puts us ahead of a trend we see happening.

There are a lot of great things happening in this little town.”

Hulse said that the pop-up shop will carry a variety of items from the current line, as well as discontinued lines and former samples at great deals that aren’t available anywhere else.

For more information about Dubarry of Ireland, visit dubarry. com.

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

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Find out how to keep your heart healthy at one of our free educational seminars. Register today at Brandywine.TowerHealth.org/Seminars or call 610.383.8057.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

Local News Unionville Fair...

Continued from Page 1A

But this year held some new surprises and drew large crowds, thanks to Saturday’s cloudless sky and temperatures ranging in the high 70s at the Willowdale Steeplechase grounds in East Marlborough. President Bonnie Musser and her board had revved up their imaginations and carried out new ideas that visitors apparently found attractive.

At one point, there were so many people arriving that Musser said she and her staff were wondering if there was any room for one more car.

New this year – and especially popular – was the haunted tent. Its creator and designer, Ed Schultz, constructed room after room of scary scenes paired with spooky music, including a gruesome hospital room and a fox hunt full of skeletons, among other things. It was staffed by high school students from throughout southern Chester County in elaborate, creepy costumes and makeup.

“I’ve been working on it for two straight months and got help in the building

from the Technical College High School,” Schultz said.

Another new event this year was the car show. Out on the west field, scores of vintage vehicles were lined up. Fair visitor Vincent Santucci said he was “blown away” by the huge assortment.

“There were several other cars shows in the county this weekend, and I’m amazed that there are so many here,” he said.

On Saturday morning, families arrived with their children early and in great numbers. The kids were entranced with the cows, llamas, alpacas and goats.

The word went out to a small group just outside the dairy tent, “There’s a baby calf and it’s lying down over there.” Sure enough, young Bella Smith brought her calf (born in May) and welcomed kids to come and stroke its soft coat.

The goats in their tent were especially responsive and affectionate with the children and prompted the young visitors to reach in and stroke their heads and bodies.

The beer and wine garden was strategically placed near the stage so visitors

could imbibe while sitting on bleachers and listening to music.

Toward the end of the day on Saturday, as the events were winding down, the cow milking contest drew spectators for three rounds of contestants competing to see who would coax the most milk into buckets.

In the elementary school competition, Unionville Elementary won the milk bucket trophy, and frequent winner Earl Wickersham triumphed in the farmercelebrity category.

On several occasions during the milking, cows got ornery and kicked over halffilled buckets, prompting groans from the audience and possibly skewing the results.

The general exhibit tent served as an effective center for the fair and held Thursday judging for a wide variety of adult and children’s crafts, baked goods, crops and flowers. The winner of the cake baking contest will proceed to the state farm show in Harrisburg, as will the Harvest Queen, who will compete with queens from other fairs across the state.

In the early days of the farm show, students were

given two days off to attend.

Now school is in session for the whole show on weekdays, but students in the elementary schools are brought over on buses to experience it.

Musser, who has a good 70 years of Unionville Community Fairs under her belt – many of them as president – credited the dedication of her board, a slew of high-quality vendors and sunny skies early on for what appeared to be a record year.

“We deserved it after years of bad weather,” she said, adding, “I’m smiling from ear to ear.”

Home canning samples were displayed in the judging tent.

Chadds Ford Elementary School teacher John Wagner Students from the Unionville-Chadds Ford elementary (right) assists his student, Nathan Cartliege, with schools spent the better part of the day looking at milking a cow. The contest was won by Unionville exhibits and participating in activities at the fair.

Elementary.

Kennett Township supervisor...

Continued from Page 1A

recording and streaming all public board meetings.

“When I first entered local politics, going door to door was nothing I thought I could do, but now that I’m an incumbent, I describe what we’ve done over the last six years, and then I ask residents what do they want in the township the future?” said Leff, whose campaign motto is “Preserving Our Past, Investing in Our Future.”

“People love the open space [initiatives] happening in the township now.”

Leff is not the only candidate working the leafy neighborhoods of the township. His opponent, Republican Hunter Tower, has created a campaign whose bedrock tenets have been carved out of a growing belief among the constituency that the current board is over-taxing, over-spending and doing exactly what Leff, Stevens and Hoffman all campaigned against: demonstrating a lack of transparency.

Tower, who has served as the executive director of the Republican Party of Lancaster County since 2014 and is a member of the township’s Zoning Hearing Board, has become the anointed voice of an opposition to the supervisors’ decision to raise the township’s property taxes by a whopping 475 percent – a 3-0 vote rendered at the board’s Dec. 6, 2017 meeting that went into effect in 2018 -- in order to pay for a new emergency services fund.

While the board argued that the fund was an outgrowth of the township’s financial commitment to its police force and its residents, their critics called it a spending spree on the residents’ dime. Tower said that the increase is often

the first topic he hears during his meetings with township residents.

“They’re asking, ‘Why are we getting taxed so much, and why are we seeing so many police around here?’”

Tower said. “When we had a two-member police force, no one batted an eye, and then suddenly, no one received a notification that the supervisors were going to approve this massive spending increase to pay for its police force.

“It all arrived in the dark,” Tower added. “From my standpoint, it’s very worrying that they did this in the middle of the night and never notified anyone, and then forced it on taxpayers and residents. If I’m elected, I will be a public servant, and that doesn’t seem to be the case with Rich or the rest of the current board.”

“When I started on the board, we had two officers and our record-keeping for crimes was on a little piece of paper,” Leff responded. “We had no standard reporting.

Every year, we added one to two police officers, and there was no one who was asking us for fewer police officers.

“If [Hunter] thinks that things are that bad in Kennett Township, then why did he move here? If he thinks that things are bad here, what’s he going to do to solve the problem?”

Another key difference in philosophy between Leff and Tower is in the area of investment in open space.

On Leff’s watch, the township has received $6 million in grants that have gone to the preservation of about 380 acres as open space, including Barkingfield Park, the Kennett Greenway and the Spar Hill property – all part of a long-range vision to preserve 30 percent of the township for open space.

The current board says they are merely working to

fulfill the wishes of the township’s residents, and point to a township referendum that was passed on May 17, 2005, when 76 percent of residents voted in favor of devoting one-quarter of one percent of earned income tax toward the purchase of open space and farmland preservation.

Tower opposes all of that spending for open space, which has helped to whittle a $10 million surplus down to about $3 million – a 70 percent decline that he calls “unacceptable.”

“I’m not campaigning on less open space,” Tower said.

“I am all about being financially responsible. I believe you should spend your money wisely, and not just spend it and hope for the best. I am all in favor environmental stewardship, but you need financial responsibility wherever possible.”

If elected, Tower wants to look for ways to cut township spending “and give it back to the residents.”

“Whether it is tax cuts or cutting spending in the budget, I’m all for it,” he said.

“I want to scale back and give the hard-working taxpayers and our seniors a break, because they deserve it.”

Leff countered that the financial data that Tower is campaigning on do not reflect the real numbers. “[Hunter] can twist the numbers any way he wants – and he’s allowed to do that – but if you want to ask about where the township was six years ago and where is our reserve now – we had between $10$12 million in reserve in a bank getting point-three interest,” Leff responded. “We now have about $6 million in the bank and about a $3 million loan balance on open space purchases. Of that $6 million, almost $3 million is in an investment account, getting substantially more return

Photos by Chris Barber

State Rep. Christina Sappey, R-158 (left), presents fair president Bonnie Musser with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives marking 95 years for the fair.

that what the prior supervisors were investing.

“I think he’s reflecting the local Republican Party’s diatribe,” Leff added. “For years, the township residents passed an open space tax by an overwhelming majority, and for years, the prior Republican leadership in the township collected that money and did almost nothing with it. We’ve spent the money that people have paid in taxes to preserve open space and given people access to it.”

If there is an unwanted albatross that hangs over Leff’s campaign – one that threatens to overshadow any achievements he has made in his first term and may impact his re-election -- it is the ongoing investigation of fraud in the township, which was first detected by the township’s bank in late April. While the township has attempted to keep the public informed of the dual investigation being conducted by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the independent auditor hired by the township, there are some who attend the board’s meetings who believe that Leff and his colleagues were negligent in their duties to oversee the money going in and out of the township.

Rather than tuck it in a back folder of his campaign, Leff brings the topic up at every door-to-door conversation he has.

“I don’t let it lay fallow, because it’s my responsibility to let people know about it,” he said. “Part of the responsibility of being a supervisor is to let people know what’s going on – good and bad.

We’ve kept the public informed at every meeting.

We’ve outsourced our payroll.

We hired a township manager, and there will be greater changes and different systems in the future.”

Tower said that the inves-

Ed Schultz stands in the corner of the skeleton fox hunt room in the haunted house.

Courtesy photos

Dr. Richard Leff, a Democrat, has served on the Kennett Township Board of Directors since 2014.

tigation has been a huge part of his campaign, and he condemns the method the supervisors are using in an effort to keep the public informed. He also criticized the board for the limited information that it shares about the investigations at the beginning of every board meeting.

“Door to door, that’s what people want to know,” he said. “It’s a shame because whether it’s true or not, we have no idea, but the way it’s been rolled out to the public is that [former township manager] Lisa Moore is guilty. I hate that this is the kind of narrative that’s been played out in the township, because I’m a huge believer in law and order, and you are innocent until proven guilty.

“All of this has happened on the supervisors watch, as well, so they’re just as guilty.

It’s shocking that you can put blame on somebody. I choose to wait until all of the facts roll out, but from my perspective – and when I talk to voters – it seems that this board is painting [Moore] in the corner as the perpetrator.

Maybe it’s true and maybe it’s not, but it’s unfortunate that we can’t get a word out of the board. Surely they can tell us about what they’re doing with our taxpayer money.”

When Stevens sat at his

Kennett Township resident Hunter Tower, a Republican, is challenging Leff for a seat on the township’s Board of Supervisors.

first board meeting in January of 2013, he was the only Democrat there, and until Leff’s election a year later, he played the role of the political outlier, cautious with his voice and biding his time until he could see the day when he would have support. Should Tower defeat Leff on Nov. 5, he understands that he will be in the same position at the start of his term, with very little power to overturn a vote against Stevens or Hoffman.

He recalled a board meeting last April when an older woman stood up to offer her opposition to the tax increase.

“She told the board that because of this tax increase, she had to choose between paying that and paying for her medicine,” Tower said.

“That’s an amazing scenario to think about. Because you want to push this narrative, you have affected her, personally.

“I want to be the check to whatever the board is doing.”

To learn more about the campaign of Dr. Richard Leff, visit www.leff4supervisor.org.

To learn more about the campaign of Hunter Tower, visit www.huntertower.com.

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

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

OAHS Sports Wall of Fame banquet set for Oct. 15 There are five inductees in this year’s class

Stacey Pinno Maurer, Richard “Bud” Draper, Clyde Prigg, Dale Edwards, and Meredith Henry Musselman have been selected as this year’s inductees into the Oxford Area High School Sports Wall of Fame. They will be honored during the 19th annual OAHS Sports Wall of Fame Banquet on Monday, Oct. 14.

This year’s inductees excelled in a variety of sports during their time at Oxford Area High School, and they represent several different eras in the school’s history.

Stacey Pinno Maurer graduated in 2008 and was a top catcher on Hornet softball teams that won three division titles during her high school career. These teams advanced to the district tournament for the first time in school history. She hit over .400 in three of her four years at Oxford, and was also named the team’s MVP three times.

She received a full scholarship to the University of North Carolina Wilmington. In her sophomore season in college, she played in all but one of the games, and compiled a .980 fielding percentage during her collegiate career.

Prigg, a member of the Class of 1970, was an outstanding wrestler

and a standout in cross country and track and field events. He earned 11 letters while he was a student-athlete at Oxford Area High School. As a sophomore, Prigg won the two-mile run in the Southern Chester County League. He transitioned to sprinting events as a junior, and he placed second at the district event in the low hurdles competition. He held the school record in this event with a time of 19.9 seconds. He was named the Track Athlete of the Year in 1970.

Prigg was also a versatile wrestler for Oxford, competing in the 103-pound weight class as a freshman and reaching the 127-pound weight class during his senior year. He was a member of several championship teams and was undefeated in the Southern Chester County League during his junior year.

E d wa r d s , wh o graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1974, achieved many high points during his time competing as a wrestler for Oxford.

During his sophomore season in 1972, he compiled a 14-5-1 record. He was the first Oxford wrestler to reach the District Tournament that season.

In his junior season, Edwards improved his record to 19-2, which

was a school record at the time. He won the league championship in his weight class during that season and was named the MVP of the wrestling team.

More achievements for Edwards came during his senior season. He compiled a 23-4 record and captured another league championship during that year. He went on to become a sectional champion and a district champion.

In the process, he qualified for the Pennsylvania State Wrestling Tournament and earned a fourthplace medal, which was the highest finish ever by a Southern Chester County League wrestler at that time.

Overall, Edwards finished his career at Oxford with a 57-10-1 record.

Meredith Henr y Musselman was a standout in field hockey and track, and also played basketball as a sophomore and was on the swimming team as a senior. In track, she broke the school record in the 400-meter race as a sophomore.

She took first place in the Southern Chester County League finals.

She also earned numerous honors in field hockey. As a junior, she was Co-MVP of her team, a Second Team All-Southern Chester County

League selection, and Honorable Mention All-Area player. The following year, she scored winning goals in the first two rounds of districts. She was a First Team Southern Chester County All-Star and participated in the U19 National Indoor Hockey Championships.

She went to college at Shippensburg University and was the f ield hockey team’s leading scorer as a sophomore and as a senior.

As a junior, she was awarded the first Jane G. Goss Field Hockey Scholarship, which is presented to a player that demonstrates high standards of character, sportsmanship, and leadership.

At the conclusion of her college career, she had become the fifth-highest goal scorer in the team’s history.

Richard “Bud” Draper, a member of the Class of 1953, compiled 13 varsity letters while competing in track, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He is the third member of his class to be a member of the Sports Wall of Fame.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served around the United States and the world. While in the service, he was a standout in baseball, softball, basketball, boxing, and volleyball.

He retired from the Air Force after 20 years and settled in San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas, he became a sports official in several sports at the high school and collegiate level.

The public is invited to attend the Oxford Area High School Sports Wall of Fame Banquet and help honor the accomplishments of this year’s inductees.

The banquet will begin with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity for

Lions offer eye screenings in Oxford

From left: Lion Jane Frank, Lion Dr. Eric Miller, Oxford Lion Susan Matthews, volunteer Mary Theresa Alft, Lion Linda Sampson and Lion Dave Priebe.

On Sept. 26, the Avon Grove Lions and a member of the Oxford Lions, along with volunteers, conducted a Kids Sight Eye Screening at the Jordan Bank Elementary

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people to meet and congratulate the new inductees. Then, at 7 p.m., a permanent plaque honoring the late Kenneth Howett will be unveiled on the wall of the Oxford Area High School gymnasium.

Howett was a longtime teacher and a coach in the Oxford Area School District.

Then, at 7:30 p.m., the awards ceremony honoring this year’s inductees will take place in the high school auditorium.

School in Oxford. The Lions screened 220 kindergarten students and provided free children’s books. The books were donated by the Avon Grove Lions Book Barn in West Grove.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Chester County Press

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

Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

Partnerships, for the people

A look back at how Oxford Hornets football got its start in 1969

From its inception, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County has operated tirelessly and selflessly to provide affordable housing opportunities for the citizens of this county, and in a region where being able to afford a proper living space has priced out entire swaths of our county’s demographic, they are the exceptional outliers.

The extent and reach of the organization’s humanity is staggering. Since 1989, Habitat volunteers have worked with future homeowners to build and renovate more than 150 homes throughout the county, to meet the needs of low-income families who dream of being able to live in their own home. The proof of this “hand up, not a hand out” mission is being seen throughout the county – in Downingtown, in West Chester and Cambria Terrace in Coatesville, a single family and twin home community that’s being constructed at the former site of the Oak Street Projects. Once complete, the community will introduce more than 60 families to a dream they previously had never thought would be possible.

While these achievements are monumental, they don’t happen overnight, and they do not happen without hard work. They happen through partnerships, beginning with the future homeowners, who devote 200 to 400 hours of sweat equity, as well as take classes in budgeting and home improvement.

These achievements also happen through the many partnerships Habitat enjoys with local agencies. On May 16, West Grove Mayor Stephen Black joined Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell in a ceremonial groundbreaking at Habitat’s newest project at Valley Road and South Guernsey Road in West Grove. When completed, the community will open the doors to 40 homes to families. To help in the finances associated with this project, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County recently received two $10,000 donations from State Farm and The Longwood Rotary Club.

While Longwood Rotary’s support of Habitat for Humanity’s West Grove project is in its early stages, State Farm has contributed more than $100,000 in grants to Habitat for Humanity of Chester County since 1996.

Nationally, State Farm has supported Habitat for Humanity since 1994, and has served as the primary national corporate sponsor of Habitat’s youth initiatives since 2007 -- with donations of more than $7.5 million.

While the support of agencies like State Farm and the Longwood Rotary Club help fund the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, the breadth of partnerships does not end there.

“We challenge others to help as well,” said Bob Norris, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Chester County. “Whether it is to pass information about the West Grove homes to families in our community who may be interested in finally owning a home, to volunteer on the job site, or to consider a donation to help a neighbor obtain the American dream of homeownership.

“These four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes are intended as affordable work force housing to enable Chester County’s first responders, teachers, tradespeople and others to achieve the goal of home ownership, and to be able to find a home like this for $175,000, with 0 percent down and a 1 percent mortgage is a dream.”

From its inception, the mission of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County is to do their part to create a world “where everyone has a decent place to live.” Building homes, communities and hope, however, requires the ability of others to extend the good hand of partnership.

The hands of State Farm and the Longwood Rotary Club are now fully extended in Habitat’s newest project.

Now is the time to extend your own.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Chester County – or to make a donation or obtain information about volunteering -- visit www.hfhcc.org.

Correction A story about a recent meeting of the Avon Grove School Board contained a reference to the Penn Township Planning Commission giving approval to the preliminary plans for the new high school project.

In actuality, the Penn Township Planning Commission accepted the plans for official review. This action places the plan on a legally mandated “clock” during which engineering and township reviews may be formally commenced and conducted.

Letter to the Editor: How did the football program at Oxford Area High School get off the ground?

As I recall, volunteers from the student body did a walking poll of the Oxford community in the fall of 1968 with one question: Do you support a football program at the high school?

Yes, or no? The overwhelming majority came back yes.

Recently, I got an email reply from Dr. (Anthony K. ) Berring. I’d asked him what he recalled from that first year’s endeavors to start a program. He said “. . . An initial group of nine met at Charles Busby’s on Nov. 27, 1968. He was a driving force. Bill Bea, myself, Charles Busby, Dave Cederburg, John Gilbert, Fred Green, Ed Latshaw, Don Savitch and Bud Thompson . . .”

What do you remember most about the beginning of Oxford’s football program back in 1969?

The week at camp, mostly, and how hot and humid it was. And then to come home Friday to our first scrimmage the next day, a Saturday morning, against Monsignor Bonner, no less.

We got beat up pretty good against their varsity starters.

A prelude to coming attractions, I guess. We did tackle John Capelletti a few times without losing any teeth. He went on to play pro ball.

The Hornets fielded only freshman and sophomores that first year, yes? Yeah, that was the program that Coach (Fred) Green had laid out for Oxford. There wasn’t any Golden Bears or any football at Oxford at all in the beginning. It was only us against any team that had an opening for us to play, varsity or otherwise.

What games do you remember the most?

Our first varsity win against Clifton Heights, at home, in our second year in 1970. Getting beat up

by Chichester, 72-3, on their home field. Chuck Peterson kicked a 34-yard field goal to prevent the shutout. Chichester shut out just about everybody they played that year so, for me, it was sort of a win. They really did try to block our kick but we held the line, even after a five-yard penalty that set us back.

What position did you play?

The first season, offensive and defensive line.

Offensive left guard and linebacker or tackle on defense. Then in my junior and senior year just offensive left guard. Most of the other guys played both ways, but for some reason I was reserved for kick-off returns and offensive plays mostly.

What was the team record for those first couple of years? How many games did you win?

Absolutely no clue whatsoever. Our first win was against Clifton Heights, of course, and we did beat teams that came from smaller schools like us. West Nottingham Academy and North Harford, as I recall.

We played mostly bigger schools that fielded bigger and faster guys. But, you know, in retrospect, a few of the games that we did lose we lost by a touchdown or less. Teams that had a solid program from middle school on up to JV and Varsity where we only had a year or two of organized ball. We had great coaches.

Who were the coaches?

Fred Green, Scott Gold, Hank Stenta and Paul Cannell. They took a group of kids who only knew sandlot football and formed us into a cohesive team. I think they’re all gone now, except for Coach Gold. He still coaches wresting at Oxford.

Who were the stars on your team?

All of us. We were a team of hornets. Small but fast. Swat us and we would ferociously swarm and sting you back. I will give one shout out to our quarterback, Chally Hazzard. And our two half backs, Chuck Peterson and Billy Daniels.

Tight ends Mitch Lamkin, Chuck Evans and John Branter. Everybody took a beating. However, I simply cannot recall that many interceptions being thrown or balls fumbled. Chally’s parents moved to Virginia the year I graduated in 1972, which would have been his senior year. He went on to become All-State in Virginia that year down there. In a conversation I recently had with a teammate from back then, we talked about how Chally went on to being

All-State. I said ‘Well, he certainly did learn how to get rid of the ball quickly, eh?’ We, the offensive line, did our best to block for those guys, but often they all took some really brutal hits. They were dangerous times in those early years.

Not for the lighthearted at all. Guys were always getting hurt. There was always somebody to go visit in the hospital after a game. My senior year? Everybody played hurt. Bravest bunch of guys I ever knew.

Any game in particular that comes to mind?

Maybe the game where the referees came into the locker room after the game.

A home game. Against Francis Scott Key, maybe?

Anyway, after the game, the refs came into our locker room and asked Coach Green if they might address the team. They said to us, in effect, that they commended us all for our courage in the face of such adversity.

Francis Scott Key, from Maryland, went on to play in that state’s championship game that season. This is typical of the teams we played at that time. Bigger and faster but what the heck.

We were playing football and that was all that really mattered. Love of the game, and all that. Perhaps better described as a passion for the game. We just loved each other and played our hearts out in each and every game. Would not have missed it for the world.

This is the legacy that I hope we left for Oxford Hornet Varsity Football.

Keep fighting. No matter what, keep fighting.

What else comes to mind from those early years?

All of the support we got, from everybody. The town of Oxford, the student body, the Boosters Club . . . everybody. There was a group of women, the mothers of team members, who formed the Boosters Club. They helped organize the community support for our fledgling program. One afternoon, before our very first home game, Ethel Coates and my mother Mary and a group of the other women painted the small set of bleachers at the old field behind the old high school. And the support we got from the Oxford High Marching Band, the cheerleaders, the students who ran

a tiny concession stand and everybody that came out to watch us play football and cheer us on, win or lose.

Everybody who bought a ticket to a game.

What now?

Glad you asked.

On Friday night (October 11) there will be a commemoration of sorts at Oxford’s home game against Great Valley celebrating 50 years of Oxford Hornet Varsity Football. Several members of the ’69 team will be there.

Anything special planned for the evening?

I guess we are to step out onto the field at halftime to be recognized and something in the program mentioning the 50-year thing.

Anything else come to mind?

Very much so. A comparison and contrast, then, and now. Please understand how divided our nation was back then. Vietnam was raging, riots in every major city, the rampant racism, all of our colleges and universities in turmoil, the Cold War, Dr. King and Bobby Kennedy assassinated. A lot for 14and 15-year-old boys to take in. But we played football.

And in a way, this brought together the small town of Oxford despite the political divisions. Folks supported us, bought tickets and came together as a community and came out to watch us play ball. Democrats and Republicans sitting side by side and cheering . . . together . . . with one voice.

And look at the way things are today. Our nation being ripped apart . . . again, the political animosity that seems to reign over the country as if this is déjà vu all over again. So now I am asking Oxford to come out to the game Friday night.

Just for a couple of hours, take a break from the world we live in. Buy a ticket.

Leave the politics at the gate. Come to the stadium.

Watch the game (no commercials). Maybe buy a hot dog. And support Oxford Hornet Football. As a community of one, even if only for a few hours. And give us, the team from 1969, a chance to say thank you for keeping such a rich tradition alive. As somebody once said, “it takes a village.”

Howard McDowell Greencastle, Pa.

Stewart responds to debate challenge in Avon Grove Letter to the Editor: Tracy Lisi and Jeff Billig have been engaged in a political campaign based on misleading information that is designed to create fear - fear of some imaginary threat that this facilities project will not get done unless they alone are elected. Its purpose is to scare parents with students in the district, thus motivating them to vote. Their twisting of the truth was recently exposed by sitting board members in a joint letter to the editor. I thank these board members for bringing truth and clarity to the surface.

The fact is, no one is trying to end the facility project.

Charles Beatty has voted for the project; how much more supportive can you be?

Christina Fanning has been on record since day one that she supports the new high school, and I am saying again that I also support the new facilities plan. I graduated from Avon Grove, so more than any other candidate I understand the needs of our district.

The majority on this board has held back funding for any serious and critical repairs to the high school for the past 10 years, all the while increasing our taxes by over 30 percent during that time frame.

The district made a conscious decision to stockpile cash and forgo any major repairs so the borrowing of funds for a new school would be possible. As a student I never understood why the schools were being neglected, but as an adult now looking back I can. The

current majority, all five of them, should be ashamed of themselves.

The biggest difference between Ms. Lisi, Mr. Billig and I is that they support taking as much of a tax increase that is legally allowed each and every year, even if that increase is more than they actually need. I on the other hand want to instill a philosophy of taking what is needed, based on the needs of our students and teachers while keeping an eye on what the community can afford. I want to again be clear. I support building the new high school with the exception of the Early Learning Center, Community Health Center, and a duplicate stadium. I also support making the long overdue repairs to the current high school as

part of its conversion to the middle school.

As far as Mr. Billig and Ms. Lisi challenging me to a debate, I thank them for their invitation. Unfortunately, in the limited time between now and Nov. 5, I have a number of personal/business commitments, including travel and will be unable to participate.

I would encourage my opponents to please take a look at the facts laid on the table by the minority board members and respond publicly so our community understands why the information they are pushing does not line up with the facts.

Respectfully, Mark E. Stewart, Jr. Candidate for Avon Grove School Board Region II

8A

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

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B

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

Hornet pride on full display during Oxford’s Homecoming activities

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer Oxford was positively buzzing with activity last Friday afternoon.

A large crowd was already enjoying some of the First Friday events in downtown Oxford on a sunny fall afternoon when the annual Homecoming Parade stepped off near the Oxford Memorial Park.

Signs of Hornet pride were everywhere: Windows of businesses were decorated with “Go Oxford!” messages and spectators wearing plenty of maroon and white lined the streets of downtown Oxford and near the school campus to watch the parade go by.

The Homecoming Parade featured the Oxford Area High School Marching Band, the school’s cheerleaders, and floats representing the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes at the high school, as well as fire trucks and ambulances.

The highlight of the parade, of course, was this year’s Homecoming

Court—Olivia O’Mara, Brooke Rush, Miranda Nilan, Anna Hampshire, Haley Anderson, Jaxson Chew, Jared Vining, Doug Hild, Christian McCartney and Justin Neskie.

When the parade reached the school campus, the Oxford Area High School football stadium became the center of the celebration. A large crowd enjoyed the football game as Oxford hosted Unionville.

At halftime of the football game, the Homecoming Court was recognized one more time, and the Homecoming King and Queen were crowned: Christian McCartney was selected as the Homecoming King, while Brooke Rush was named the Homecoming Queen.

It was also announced that the sophomore class had won the coveted spirit stick during the week of Homecoming activities.

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

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Jaxson Chew and Olivia O’Mara, two of the members of the Homecoming Court, ride in the parade.

Photo by Chris Barber

Oxford Area High School’s Homecoming King Christian McCartney and Homecoming Queen Brooke Rush pose for the crowd after they were crowned.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Christian McCartney and Haley Anderson ride in the parade.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Penn’s Grove School athletes walked in the parade.

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Each class decorated floats for the Homecoming Parade.

Photo by Steven Hoffman Photo by Steven Hoffman

The Oxford Area High School Band led the parade through town and then performed at the football game.

The Oxford cheerleaders added pep to the parade and then entertained the crowd at the football game.

Strong running game and good defense lead Unionville past Oxford

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer For the Unionville Indians, a big part of the game plan when they traveled to Oxford last Friday night was to run the ball effectively. If the Indians could run the ball, they could win the timeof-possession battle and keep the ball away from the Oxford Hornets’ highpowered offense that tallied 216 points entering its seventh game of the season.

How well did Unionville execute the game plan?

The Indians ran more than 60 offensive plays, running back Connor Schilling

gained 211 yards, and quarterback Blake Charlton tossed two touchdown passes and ran for another, all adding up to a 41-13 win over Oxford.

For most of the first quarter, Oxford delighted the large Homecoming crowd with several big plays—a fumble recovery, a big sack by Jay Morton, and a nice pass play from quarterback Tom Repetz to Justin Neskie that moved the chains during an early drive.

Neither team had much luck sustaining a drive until Schilling took a handoff, found some running room, and bolted 66 yards.

Photo by Chris Barber

Unionville’s Stefan Twombly is pursued by Oxford’s Jared Vining as he runs the ball down the field on Friday.

Oxford safety Joey Morton stopped Schilling from scoring the touchdown on the long run but, two plays later, Charlton fought his way into the end zone on a quarterback-keeper, giving the Indians a 7-0 lead with 2:05 left to play in the first quarter.

Oxford has proven itself to be a resilient team, and the Hornets quickly answered back, driving 70 yards on eight plays for a score. The touchdown came on a one-yard run by Jaxson Chew.

On Unionville’s next offensive series, Charlton connected with wide receiver Stefan Twonbly on two pass plays—a 16-yard completion and then a 21-yard touchdown. A few minutes later, Schilling concluded a 57-yard drive with five-yard touchdown run that made it 20-7.

That was still the score at halftime.

In the third quarter, Unionville put the game out of reach by adding two touchdowns. The first came on a 57-yard drive that included six carries

by Schilling. The running back scored from four yards out, making it 27-7.

Then, following a fumble recovery, Unionville scored

on an 18-yard run by Weston Grim. That made it 34-7.

Oxford answered back with what might have been its best drive of the game, covering 64 yards in 15 plays.

The Hornets moved deep into Unionville territory on a 14-yard reception

by Jonathan Figueroa and a tough, 17-yard run by Dominic Pantalone. From there, Chew took the ball on five straight running plays, moving the ball inside the five-yard line. Repetz tossed a four-yard touchdown to Figueroa to cap the drive.

The point-after kick was blocked so the score was 34-13 with 2:24 to play in the third.

Unionville added a touchdown with just under eight minutes to play in the game, capping the 41-13 victory.

Unionville head coach Pat Clark said that keeping Oxford’s offense off the field was a key to the win, as was avoiding mistakes.

The coach explained that Unionville has had games this season where it has played hard and executed well, but mistakes have prevented the team from walking away with a win.

This week, Unionville was able to limit the mistakes,

Photo by Chris Barber

Oxford quarterback Thomas Repetz launches a pass against Unionville.

and good things happened.

The work of Schilling, a senior, contributed to the victory, too. Schilling has been a dependable weapon in Unionville’s offense for four seasons.

“He’s tough, he’s a leader, and we really lean on him a lot,” Clark explained.

Unionville is now 4-3 and the team seems to be hitting its stride at a critical point in the season.

“This team plays with a lot of pride,” Clark said.

“We challenge these players

and they keep rising to the challenge.”

Unionville finishes the season with games against Avon Grove and Sun Valley, but up first comes a difficult game on the road on Friday night against Bayard Rustin.

Oxford, meanwhile, hosts Great Valley on Friday night at 7 p.m. before closing out the season with games against Reading and West Chester East.

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

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

BILLY LEE GENTRY

FRANCES COLLINS RUCH

SHARON PINNO CARLISLE

Billy Lee Gentry, 84, of Cochranville, passed away on Oct. 5 in Harrison House, Christiana.

He was the husband of Dorothy Clark Gentry, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born in Kermit, W.Va., he was the son of the late Isaac and Grace Lovins Gentry. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Billy owned and operated Gentry and Son Greenhouse in West Grove and Avondale. He retired from BFI, West Grove. He attended Chadds Ford Baptist Church. Billy enjoyed gardening, flowers, the outdoors, nature and traveling.

He is survived by his wife; three brothers, John Gentry of Oxford, Roy Gentry of McConnellsburg, and Isaac Gentry, Jr., of Wytheville, Va.; and two sisters, Annie Harpe of West Grove and Beulah Johnston of Oxford. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew M. Gentry.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Chadds Ford Baptist Church (415 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford), where friends and family may visit from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 12, at Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Chadds Ford Baptist Church, P.O. Box 322, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; or the Humane Society, 2195 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Frances Collins Ruch, 93, of Kennett Square -- formerly of Cape Cod, Mass., Princeton Junction, N.J., and Glyndon, Md. -- passed away peacefully on Oct. 5.

She was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late James J. Ruch Jr.; and sister of the late Mary McMullen, Aline Glavin, and Dr. Robert (Janet) Collins. She is survived by her children, Frannie Ruch of New York City, Pat Ruch (Al Cerkan) of Chicago, Aline Frank of Kennett Square, Katie Krathwohl of Ipswich, Mass., Marylou Ruch (Tim Frey) of Ipswich, Mass., Sue Barber (Bill) of Marshfield, Mass., Jim Ruch (Lori) of Helena, Mont., and John Ruch (Lisa) of Robbinsville, N.J.; 18 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her infant children, Mary Elizabeth, Ann, and Michael.

A graduate of St. Elizabeth’s College, Fran began her career as a social worker at the New York Foundling home for foster children, stepped aside to raise eight children and returned to social work until retiring at age 73. She served as Director of Seniors and Social Services for West Windsor Township, N.J., President of the NJ Senior Centers, Member of the National Counsel on Aging, and was a contributor to the establishment of National Senior Center Standards. Born in the Bronx, Fran grew up in the New York suburb of Pelham Manor. “Franie” Collins was a sports standout and class leader, her joy always close to the surface. Her innocence, girlish delight in everything, and perpetual laugh were enjoyed by all. A devoted people person, she loved her faith, family, and sitting by the ocean in her later years (and being in the ocean for most of her life).

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Kuzo Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 at St Patrick’s Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Burial will be in Massachusetts National Cemetery on Cape Cod at a later date. Fran had a special love for the organizations serving her grandchildren with autism.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to Eden Autism (www.edenautism.org) or The Charles River Center (www.charlesrivercenter.org). To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Sharon Pinno Carlisle, 75, of Cochranville, passed away on Oct. 5 at Seasons Hospice in Newark, Del. She was the wife of Christopher I. Carlisle, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John V. and Alice Boyle Pinno. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Immaculata College in Malvern. Sharon was employed with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, New Bolton Center, as a clinical microbiologist, retiring in 2012 after 26 years of service.

She enjoyed cooking for family and friends and challenged herself to create unique recipes. Her love of gardening was evident by seeing the gardens around her home. Sharon was a lifelong learner and was always researching and learning about new topics that related to her work or family. Family vacations to Assateague and Nantucket Islands always held fond memories and a special place in her heart. Sharon’s greatest love was her adoring husband and her dog, Barney or “B” as she called him. She was so proud of all her grandchildren and loved hearing about their adventures and achievements in work and school.

She is survived by her husband; two children, Alison Carlisle Pennell (Gregory E.) of Oxford and Amanda Carlisle Brink (Joshua S.) of Milton, Mass.; five grandchildren; and one brother, John V. Pinno, Jr. (Elaine M.) of Nottingham. She was preceded in death by one sister, Sheila Pinno Patrick.

A memorial service will be held 2:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where family and friends may visit from 1 to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

William J. Turner 120 Doe Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348

302-760-3190 wjt4th@outlook.com sipplemonuments.com

KASIA AIST DAVIES Kasia “Kay” Aist Davies, 72, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 27 at Crosslands in Kennett Square.

She was the wife of Donald V. Davies, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Newark, Del., she was the daughter of the late Wilmer Aist and the late Eileen Aist.

Kay was a Chemist at the DuPont Company in Glasgow, Del. She enjoyed birds, plants, flowers, trees, and being with her family and friends. She was a gentle and quiet person and loved by all. She created beautiful artwork.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one brother, Kent Aist in Maryland; and one sister, Pamela Aist in Dedham, Mass. Kay’s services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 217415014. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

ALICE PATRICIA WILLIAMS Alice Patricia “Pat” Williams, 76, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 26 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late William and Alice Theilacker Madden. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. Pat was a longtime employee at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood as an administrative assistant. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and creating memories with her great-grandchildren.

She is survived by one son, Michael Williams (Shirley) of Oxford; one daughter, Michelle Quinn of Oxford; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Oct. 2. Interment was in SS Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Oct. 12 Fall Festival The Barn Vineyard Church (3224 Appleton Rd., Landenberg) will hold its annual Fall Festival on Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be live music, dance and drama presentations, artist displays, local food vendors, a prayer ministry tent, and pumpkins, as well as a moon bounce, arts and crafts, games

Alleluia No word from God will ever fail.

Luke 1:37

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

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

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

Compliments of

Lions Club of Oxford

Landenberg Church United Methodist All Are Welcome

HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA

932-9330 ENCOURAGES YOU TO ATTEND THE CHURCH OF YOUR CHOICE

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

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

205 Penn Green Rd. In Historic Downtown Landenberg Landenberg, PA 19350

610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday • 9:00 am

and prizes for kids. There will be both a chili and an “anything pumpkin” contest. Visit www. t h e b a r nv i n ey a r d . c o m , or call Jackie at 443643-6158 to sign up as a vendor.

Oct. 12 Turkey Dinner Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford) will hold its annual turkey dinner on Oct. 12 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Buffet dining or takeout are available. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $7 for ages 4 to 10. Call 610-932-9256 for more information.

Oct. 12 Free Market Union United Methodist Church (321 Fremont Rd., Nottingham) hosts a free market giveaway of clothing, household items and produce on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Lunch will also be served.

Oct. 18-19 Children’s Consignment Sale West Grove United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) will be holding a children’s clothing, toy and equipment consignment sale Oct. 18 and 19. There will be a large selection of fall and winter children’s clothes, shoes, coats, toys, books, baby items and equipment.

Hours are Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. On Saturday, many items will be half price. Call 610-869-9334 for more information.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

Oct. 11 and 12 Oxford Halloween Event The fourth annual Haunted Park and Hay Ride at Oxford Area Regional Park will be held on Oct. 11 and 12 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Visitors will be taken on a tractor-drawn hayride past spooky tableaus. The first two rides out each evening beginning at 6:30 are designed with milder scares for younger children. On Friday, tarot card readings will be available for an additional fee. Other attractions that weekend include a display of hearses, and sword swallower David Peyre-Ferry will entertain crowds at the park pavilion as they wait for or return from the hayride. A food truck will be at the park, which is at 900 W. Locust St., Oxford. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for children 10 and younger.

Oct. 12 Taylor Hicks in Concert Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square will host a concert by “American Idol” star Taylor Hicks, with special guests Brian Mackey and Dan May, on Oct. 12 at 3 p.m. Doors open at 1 p.m. The concert marks the 10th anniversary of The Flash. Tickets are $25 general admission, $30 at the door, and $40 for VIP. Visit www.kennettflash.org for tickets.

Oct. 12 Kennett Symphony The Kennett Symphony presents their opening night concert, “From Lament to Triumph,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 and Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The concert will be held on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Unionville High School auditorium (750 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). Adult ticket prices range from $35 to $63. Student

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Pumpkins are the stars of this annual tradition

The annual Haunted Park and Hay Ride at Oxford Area Regional Park will be held on Oct. 11 and 12 (see listing).

tickets up to age 18 are $10.

For information, visit www.

KennettSymphony.org or call 610-444-6363.

Oct. 16 Pat Croce Program Former 76ers owner, entrepreneur, author, and media personality Pat Croce will discuss retirement, mindfulness, approaches to meditation, and what it takes to live a contemplative life on Oct. 16 at 6:30 p.m. on West Chester University’s campus in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall (700 S. High St., West Chester). Beginning and ending with a short meditation, Croce’s open conversation with WCU’s director of the Center for Contemplative Studies, Don McCown, will lead directly into a dialogue with audience members. Tickets are $20 ($5 for WCU faculty and staff, and $2 for WCU students). Register in advance at www.wcufoundation. org/specialevent. For more information, call 610-436-2868.

Oct. 17 to 19 Great Pumpkin Carve The Chadds Ford Historical Society hosts the 44th Annual Great Pumpkin Carve from Oct.

17 to 19. The family-friendly festival features 70 local artists competing by carving huge pumpkins into jack-olanterns on Thursday night. The pumpkins, which may weigh as much as 400 pounds, will be lit and displayed at the end of the carving on Thursday, and illuminated again on Friday and Saturday nights. Pumpkins are judged and winners declared in several categories. There is entertainment for adults and children, including live music, raffle prizes, hayrides, a Haunted Trail, and local wine and beer vendors. The event is held at the Chadds Ford Historical Society (1736 N. Creek Rd., Chadds Ford).

Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children, free for ages 6 and younger. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with extended hours on Oct. 19 from 3 to 9 p.m. Visit www. chaddsfordhistory.org.

To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge.

Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

Leaves are changing colors, the nights are getting cooler and the splendor of fall is upon us. It is this setting that allows people to revel in the Great Pumpkin Carve, a celebration enjoyed by thousands for more than four decades. The event, slated Oct. 17 to 19, is hosted by the Chadds Ford Historical Society.

The Great Pumpkin Carve was started by artists Jimmy Lynch, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth in the 1970s in front of the Chadds Ford Inn. The event has grown each year and is now an autumn tradition for thousands of people.

This family-friendly festival features more than 70 local artists competing as they carve huge pumpkins into amazing jack-o-lanterns.

The pumpkins, which weigh as much as 400 pounds, will be illuminated by candlelight on Oct. 17, coming to life again the following two nights.

Pumpkins are judged and winners declared in several categories: Best Overall, Most Halloween, Best Carving, Most Original and Best Use of Pumpkin. All three nights spectators can vote for their favorite pumpkins and the winner will be awarded with the People’s Choice.

The event offers entertainment for all ages, including live music, raffle prizes, hayrides and other fun activities. The Historical Society’s expanded pumpkin patch provides additional room for easier viewing, along with more admission lines to reduce waiting time. The kid-friendly Haunted Trail features a path of Halloween inflatables leading

Local residents and artisans sign up to carve pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns each year.

A spooky but fun Haunted Trail is part of the yearly event.

to scenes filled with ghosts, spiders, witches, ghouls and an eerie haunted cemetery. There will be local wines, beers and ciders in addition to great food on sale.

The Great Pumpkin Carve is held on the grounds of the Chadds Ford Historical Society (1736 N. Creek Rd., Chadds Ford). Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 7 to 17; free for children 6 and

younger. Society members are free with membership card. All ticketing is at the gate. Parking is free. The hours are 4 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 17 and 18, and hours are extended on Oct. 19 from 3 to 9 p.m. Registration is required to enter the pumpkin carving competition.

For more information, call 610-388-7376 or visit www. chaddsfordhistory.org.

Gene Pisasale

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

Chester County Press

Legals

Home Inspection LLC of 670 Lloyds Rd, Oxford, PA 19363, and was filed

by Zach DeAugustine of 670 Lloyds Rd, Oxford, PA 19363.

10p-9-1t

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Robert T. Garrett, Late of Unionville, East Marborough Township, 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 Thomas R. Garrett, 47316 Middle Bluff Place, Sterling, VA 20165, Executor.

10p-9-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Carolyn W. Deakins, Late of East Goshen 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 Lynn D. Carrero, Executor, Or Attorney:Joellen Meckley, Begley Law Group, 509 S. Lenola Rd.

Bldg. 7 Moorestown, NJ 08057.

10p-9-3t

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name Mirkwood Home Inspection LLC of 670 Lloyds Rd, Oxford, PA 19363, was filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295.

The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Zach DeAugustine of 670 Lloyds Rd, Oxford, PA 19363.

10p-9-1t

INCORPORATION NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Articles of Incorporation for a Corporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the purpose of creating a business corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988. The name of the corporation is Mirkwood

Classifieds Miscellaneous

Education

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Garage/Yard Sales Yard Sale 489 North Mill Rd., Kennett Square.

Sat. Oct. 12th, 9-3, Baby items, boys clothes, exercise bikes, lots of miscel. items. No early birds

An application for registration of the fictitious name The Center for Change at Kennett Square, 696 Unionville Rd., Suite 8, Kennett Square, PA 19348 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 04/11/2019 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The names and addresses of the people who are a party to the registration are Winden Rowe, 178 Bancroft Rd., Kennett Square, PA 19348 and Winden Rowe MS LLC, 696 Unionville Rd., Suite 8, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

10p-9-1t

INCORPORATION NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Articles of Incorporation were filed with and approved by the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 25th day of JUNE 2019, for the purpose of creating a business corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporation Law of 1988.

The name of the corporation is SMP Cleaning Inc. 10p-9-1t

Notice of Perkins V State Plan Hearing Dates

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (Department) is conducting hearings on the state plan for the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act of 2018 (Perkins V, Public Law 115-224). The purpose of the hearings is to provide the public and interested organizations and groups an opportunity to present views and make recommendations regarding the Perkins V State plan.

Written comments are being sought in advance in order to streamline the hearing process. Please provide a written topic related to the Perkins V State plan. The written comments also serve as a record of views and recommendations received.

Individuals who did not register and provide written comment prior to the hearing may still have the opportunity to participate, but must prepare and submit written comment the day of the hearing prior to speaking at the hearing.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 Chester County Technical College High School, Pennocks Bridge Campus 280 Pennocks Bridge Road West Grove, PA 19335-3043 Room: Auditorium 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Registration due by October 14, 2019

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 Harrisburg Area Community College 1500 N 3rd Street Harrisburg, PA 17102 Room: Room 206, Midtown 2 Building 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Registration due by October 15, 2019 Thursday, October 17, 2019 Westmoreland County Community College 145 Pavilion Lane Youngwood, PA 115967-1895 Room: Science Innovation Center, Science Hall Theater 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Registration due by October 16, 2019 Each hearing begins at 1:00 pm. Individuals seeking to provide input should register and provide written comment using the link below. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ PerkinsV_Hearings Public notice of the hearings was published in accordance with the Sunshine Act of 1986 the Sunshine Act. Lee Burket | Director Career and Technical Education | Pennsylvania Department of Education 333 Market Street | Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 717.783.6977 | www.education.pa.gov 10p-09-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 18th, 2019.

Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 19-10-499 Writ of Execution No. 12-09196 DEBT $566,069.51 Property situate in the EAST NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania.

BLR # 69-3-161 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling PLANTIFF: Bank of America, N.A Successor by Merger to BAC Home Loans Servicing, L.P. f/k/a Countrywide Home Loans Servicing, L.P. VS

DEFENDANT: Matthew J. Gibson SALE ADDRESS: 329 Heron Drive, Lincoln University, PA 19352-1729 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES 215563-7000 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 9p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 18th, 2019.

Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 19-10-501 Writ of Execution No. 17-01576 DEBT $255,260.92 Property situate in the NEW LONDON TOWNSHIP, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania.

BLR # 71-3-24.3G IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling PLANTIFF: Pennymac Loan Services, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Barry A. Bolt SALE ADDRESS: 479 Kirks Mill Road, Lincoln University, PA 19352-1006 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES 215563-7000 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or

“Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 9p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 18th, 2019.

Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 19-10-515 Writ of Execution No. 2019-04004 DEBT $284,572.87 ALL THAT CERTAIN parcel of land with buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Township of East Nottingham, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Plan of “Wiltshire at Oxford” made by Lake, Roeder, Hillard & Beers, Oxford, PA dated 11/6/1996, last revised 6/26/1998 and recorded 8/26/1998 as Plan #14559 as follows, to wit: BEGINNING at a point on the northeasterly side of Schoolview Lane, said point being a corner of Lot #14 (as shown on said plan); thence from said point of beginning extending along said lane North 77 degrees 11 minutes 49 seconds West 109.92 feet to a point, being a corner of Lot #12; thence leaving said lane extending along Lot #12 North 12 degrees 48 minutes 11 seconds East 141.74 feet to a point in line of Open Space, being a corner of Lot #12; thence extending partially along said Open Space South 67 degrees 14 minutes 29 seconds East 111.60 feet to a point, being a corner of Lot #14; thence leaving said Open Space extending along Lot #14 South 12 degrees 48 minutes 11 seconds West 122.45 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING Lot #13 on the above-mentioned Plan. Parcel #69-3-63.14 BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Oxford Land, L.P., a Pennsylvania Limited Partnership, by Deed dated

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E

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Tractor Supply Company raises funds for 4-H organization Tractor Supply Company is continuing its mission to support youth in their local communities by launching its Fall Paper Clover campaign, a biannual fundraiser in partnership with National 4-H Council to provide scholarships for 4-H members.

The fundraiser provides thousands of dollars each year to offer opportunities for youth to attend conferences, 4-H camps and other developmental pro-

grams across the nation.

Customers are asked to raise awareness of the campaign via social media shares of their paper clover donations with #DonateAMillion.

Customers and team members can purchase a paper clover from Oct. 9 through Oct. 20 at stores nationwide.

Customers also have the opportunity to donate online when making a purchase at TractorSupply.com.

Each donation benefits youth within the state where

it was collected, providing scholarships for numerous state level 4-H programs.

Fundraising efforts are sourced for programs and events such as visits to the state capitol to meet with the agricultural department, leadership conferences and camps where attendees can study a range of topics from beekeeping to raising and training animals to forestry.

“Tractor Supply stands with 4-H in support of their community-based

youth programs across the nation,” said Phil Reiter, vice president of national and local marketing at Tractor Supply Company.

“Every Paper Clover donation goes toward furthering the education and development of 4-H youth as they explore their skills and interests related to the rural lifestyle and beyond. We are proud to support the next generation of our nation’s leaders.”

Since the program’s

inception, Tractor Supply and National 4-H Council have generated more than $13 million in their nine years of partnership for the fundraiser. This spring, the program raised more than $917,000 for 4-H programs and students.

“Thanks to our partnership with Tractor Supply Company, its team members and the communities it serves, Paper Clover provides more youth with opportunities to learn by

doing -- something that is vital to the development of their passions and interests,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of National 4-H Council. “It’s initiatives like Paper Clover that help empower and inspire all youth to handle life’s challenges, contribute to the world around them and ultimately develop into tomorrow’s leaders.”

For more information on Paper Clover, visit TractorSupply.com/4H.

be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 18th, 2019.

Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

same South 10 degrees 28 minutes 14 seconds West 224.04 feet to a point in line of Lot #4, thence extending along the same and along Lot #3 North 79 degrees 31 minutes 46 seconds West 194.50 feet to a point, a corner of Lot #8, aforesaid; thence extending along the same North 10 degrees 28 minutes 14 seconds fast 224.04 feet to a point, being the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

Classifieds April 14, 2004 and recorded April 21, 2004 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, in and for Chester County, Pennsylvania, in Record Book 6127 page 718, Doc #10402463 granted and conveyed unto Richard J. Spalding and Tamara L. Spalding, as tenants by the entirety, in fee.

PLANTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as Indenture Trustee for the CIM Trust 2017-8 Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2017-8 VS DEFENDANT: Richard J. Spalding & Tamara L. Spalding SALE ADDRESS: 148 Schoolview Lane, Oxford, PA 19363 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, LLC 610-278-6800 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 9p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced

on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 18th, 2019.

Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 9p-25-3t

SALE NO. 19-10-523 Writ of Execution No. 2019-02845 DEBT $265,170.67

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 18th, 2019.

Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOROUGH OF KENNETT SQUARE TAX PARCEL #3-3-37.3 SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF: BOX HEAD CONSTRUCTION INC IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling PLANTIFF: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity, but solely as owner trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II VS DEFENDANT: Box Head Construction Inc. SALE ADDRESS: 200 East Linden Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-627-1322

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

SALE NO. 19-10-532 Writ of Execution No. 2012-13358 DEBT $195,418.23 All the right, title, interest and claims of Margaret B. Ball and Guy G. Ball, Sr., in and to the following described property: All that certain tract of land situate in

the Township of West Nottingham. Het a dwelling known as 40 Park Road, Nottingham, PA 19362 Being the same premises, which Keele B. King and Catherine E. King, his wife, by deed dated January 11, 1975 and recorded in Chester County in Record Book 145 Page 157 conveyed unto Guy G. Ball, Sr. and Margaret B. Ball, his wife.

Uniform Parcel Identifier Tax Parcel No. 68-6-11.2.

PLANTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the Igloo Series III Trust VS DEFENDANT: Margaret B. Ball & Guy G. Ball, Sr. SALE ADDRESS: 40 Park Road, Nottingham, PA 19362 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: KEVIN J. CUMMINGS, ESQUIRE 412-566-1212 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 9p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will

SALE NO. 19-10-537 Writ of Execution No. 2019-01016 DEBT $341,618.95

Fee Simple Title Vested in TRACY FULLER, A MARRIED MAN by deed from MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR UNITED WHOLESALE MORTGAGE., dated 09/20/2017, recorded 12/22/2017, in the Chester County Clerk’s Office in Deed Book 9672, Page 719.

PARCEL NO.: 56-09-0026.070

All that certain lot of piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, Situate in the Township of Lower Oxford, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Subdivision Plan of McDonald Run made by CrossanRaimato, Inc., West Grove, PA dated 9-23-1998 and last revised 10-14-1999 and recorded as Plan File No. 15411, as follows, to wit: Beginning at a point on the Southwesterly side of McDonald Lane at a common corner of Lots #7 and #8 as shown on said Plan; thence from said beginning point and extending along the side of said road South 79 degrees 31 minutes 46 seconds East 194.50 feet to a point, a corner of Lot #6; thence extending along the

PLANTIFF: Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Tracy Fuller SALE ADDRESS: 130 McDonald Way, Oxford, PA 19363 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG 215-572-8111 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 9p-25-3t

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

‘Inspired by Nature’ on view in Kennett Square

By John Chambless Staff Writer The current show at the Square Pear Fine Art Gallery in Kennett Square looks at the landscape and nature in several mediums, beginning with the appropriately russet and gold autumn paintings by Barbara Grant. Her “Around the Bend,” a richly textured view of a white roadway curving through trees, has a splendid depth and lovely shadows. Grant’s “40 Acres” has warm-toned leaves interlocking over dark trunks in a woodland.

Katy Winters shows etchings of birds. Her “Great Egret” is a very nice composition, and her watercolor, “Chickadees and Milkweed,” is an intriguing web of stalks and scraggly textures.

There’s a selection of small abstract, landscape-like prints

by David Eldreth, and Diana Cannon is well represented by several watercolors done on tissue paper that is then mounted on thicker stock, giving her paintings of

shorebirds a striking texture, like rippled water beneath the birds. It’s a very effective medium, and Cannon’s birds are gracefully depicted.

Lidia Kohutiak shows autumn-colored oils of rocks and woodlands, and her “The Brook” has a beautiful reflection of fall leaves in the still water.

Denise Vitollo’s three views of the underwater lives of fish give you an unusual perspective.

There’s a large gallery of formal animal portraits by Sandra Severson that display her skill with capturing the nobility and dignity of roosters and a fox, for instance. Her views of horses are both tender and strong, showing the interaction of the animals as well as their strength.

Since autumn colors have not quite appeared outside yet, “Inspired by Nature” is a great preview of the season that’s soon to arrive. Stop in for a sneak peek.

The Square Pear Fine Art Gallery is at 200 State St., Kennett Square. Hours are

Barbara Grant’s autumn landscapes fill the front gallery.

Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

Sandra Severson’s portraits of horses and other animals are spotlighted in the new exhibit.

‘Ibis’ by Diane Cannon.

‘Around the Bend’ by Barbara Grant.

Whimsical ‘Birds and Beasties’ at Bookplace in Oxford

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The gallery space at Bookplace in Oxford has reopened after the summer break with a fine exhibit, “Birds and Beasties,” featuring perfectly paired works by Annie Patrizi and Polly Davis Chalfant.

Chalfant’s paintings are like little stories, with anthropomorphic cats, chubby birds and grinning goats among the characters. They’re like pages from a children’s book, only you are invited to make up the stories.

“Catch Me If You Can” has a wily sort-of bird and a man with a net, and both “Winter Flight” and “Coasting” show rounded birds in various landscapes. “The Real Reason Phoebe Flew Away” is a very detailed arrangement of figures, a bird and overlapped patterns that make up what could be a scene from some dark opera.

In “The Pessimist,” whatever sort of creature it is ponders a grumpy mood amidst the flowers. There’s a beguiling goat gazing out at you in “Moonstruck” and “Goatie in Woods,” and Fred, a rather human-faced cat, grins at you in several other works.

Annie Patrizi has a wall of terrific bird portraits done vividly in oils. Her sense of composition is marvelous, particularly in “Black Bird Singing,” which cuts right to the bird’s open beak and aggressive stance.

Bits of fluff float around the owl in the wryly titled, “Something I Ate?” Birds arch their beaks quizzically in “Fear and Loathing” and “Monet’s Dream.” But it’s not all birds.

A turtle glides through bluegreen water in “Ascendant,” and a bear strikes a dramatic, confrontational pose in “Bella Fiama.”

There are tiny surprises, too, such as “Empty Nest,” a closeup of a bird’s nest containing a single feather.

The ornate acorn-and-leaves frame adds the perfect touch to “Mother,” another bird portrait.

Technically very fine and endlessly inventive, Patrizi’s paintings have a dynamic energy that draws your repeated scrutiny. Paired with Chalfant’s amusing storybook animals, they make a compelling exhibit that’s also a whole lot of fun.

“Birds and Beasties”

‘Black Bird Singing’ by Annie Patrizi.

continues through Nov. 3 at Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford). Hours are Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

Call 717-715-4775 or visit www.bookplaceoxford.com.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.

‘Monet’s Dream’ by Annie Patrizi.

‘Cat Alley’ by Polly Davis Chalfant.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

7B

8B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2019