Chester County Press 10-28-2020 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas

Volume 154, No. 42

INSIDE

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

‘John has led the fight’ State Rep. John Lawrence earns high marks for his work representing the 13th Legislative District in Harrisburg as he seeks re-election on Nov. 3

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

State Rep. John Lawrence has delivered for his constituents by focusing on important issues that have an impact on their lives, according to officials and people who have knowledge about the lawmaker’s work while representing the 13th Legislative District in Harrisburg.

“Rep. Lawrence’s work for the citizens of Penn Township has been exemplary,” said Karen Versuk, the director of operations for the township. “His caring, his diligence, and his experience is evident in his Remember to vote on accomplishments for Penn.

Nov. 3 Quite frankly, he listens and has a way of getting to the heart of the problem so that he can offer a meaningful resolution—be it via policy, support, or presence.”

Brian H. Hoover, who has overseen several major projects in Oxford while serving as Borough Manager, talked about Lawrence’s tireless efforts to provide assistance whenever the borough reached out for it.

“John has led the fight to make sure that funding for many of Oxford’s infrastrucBecoming Chester County ture projects get the attention exhibit debuts...1B required to move the projects forward,” Hoover said. “He is an asset for Oxford and the Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1

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The impact of John Lawrence’s work can be seen throughout the four boroughs and 13 townships that comprise the 13th legislative district—from infrastructure projects in Oxford and Penn Township to increased funding for schools and parks.

surrounding municipalities.”

The Republican lawmaker, who has served the 13th District since being elected to the State House in 2010, is running for a sixth term on Nov. 3. He is being challenged in this election by Richard Ruggieri, a Democrat.

The impact of Lawrence’s work can be seen throughout the four boroughs and 13 townships that comprise the 13th legislative district— from infrastructure projects in Oxford and Penn Township to increased funding for schools and parks to Lawrence’s strong stance against the sale of Chester Water Authority to a private water company, the Republican lawmaker has

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Ruggieri campaigns to save Chester Water Authority and Octoraro Reservoir

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In his campaign literature and on his website, Richard Ruggieri, the Democratic candidate for the 13th legislative district of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, advertises himself as a “true independent voice.”

As he prepares to go headto-head with incumbent Republican lawmaker John Lawrence in a Nov. 3 election that will determine who will head to Harrisburg for the next two years, Ruggieri believes that his independent voice will ultimately be the right voice to help save the Chester Water Authority (CWA) – and the 620-square-acre natural resource known as the Octoraro Reservoir that sits in District 13.

Together with the Susquehanna River Basin, the Octoraro Reservoir supplies CWA’s Octoraro Treatment Plant with an average of 32 million gallons of water per day.

While Ruggieri’s platform is dotted with a generous blend of issues he will been a tireless advocate for the community that he grew up in.

“Growing up in Kemblesville, it always seemed like southern Chester County was forgotten about, with little attention from the state on infrastructure

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Richard Ruggieri is the Democratic candidate for the 13th legislative district of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

address if he is elected to the House – gerrymandering, gun control, education, job training and health care are at the top of his to-do list – it is saving the CWA from a hostile takeover by the water company Essential Utilities, Inc. (formerly Aqua Pa.) that rises above the rest, and one that needs an independent voice.

“Preserving the reservoir and the CWA is not a Republican or a Democrat issue,” he said.

“It’s our issue. So many times, people come to a preconceived idea of a candidate before the candidate opens his or her mouth, and everything one says is seen through the lens of polarized politics. In the case of CWA, it’s important to

be that independent voice, because that fight is going to have to convince so many people to join the fight to save the CWA and the district’s most precious natural resource.

Ruggieri is looking to become one of the leading voices in the fight to leave “well enough alone,” by saving the Authority and the reservoir from what some feel will lead to high rates, the loss of the two-billiongallon reservoir and loss of control of public water to a publicly traded company who is beholden to its shareholders.

Ironically for Ruggieri, one of the leading advocates in saving the reservoir and the CWA has been the individual whose name is listed on the ballot beside his.

John Lawrence has emerged as one of the leading voices in the fight to save the CWA. At a committee hearing in the state Capitol in September, Lawrence joined with Chester Water Authority Board Chair Cynthia Letizell and Penn Township Chief of Operations Karen Continued on Page 2A

and other needs,” Lawrence able to move a number of explained. “During my time items across the goal line.” in office, I have worked hard to change that dynamic. I’ve Charting a path through found that by working collaba health crisis oratively with local officials, State Senator Dinniman, Lawrence earned wideand decision-makers in spread praise earlier this year Harrisburg, we have been Continued on Page 3A

Sappey seeks reelection to 158th District seat in Harrisburg

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer In the midst of a worldwide pandemic that has not left Chester County and the residents of the 158th Legislative District behind – and perhaps because of it – 2020 has been a busy year for Rep. Christina Sappey, who has represented the district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the past two years.

In June, on the heels of the social unrest that had begun to grip the country in the wake of George Floyd’s killing at the hands of Minneapolis police just a week before, she invited residents in the district to

her virtual panel discussion entitled “Examining Race and Institutionalized Disadvantage in Our Community.”

In August, she announced that several Chester County schools and school districts would be the recipients of $254,487 in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funds and Pennsylvania Department of Education federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In September, she invited district residents to a series of virtual panel discussions on race, entitled “Institutionalized Disadvantage: Law Enforcement, The

Community and Healing.”

Earlier this month, she announced that several Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service grants were approved for local companies, totaling $276,203 to offset expenses accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, she announced that a $1.5 million Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 2020 Community Conservation Partnerships Program grant has been approved to acquire approximately 163 acres to help establish a public park at the location of the former Embreeville State School and Hospital.

As she campaigns for reelection to the House

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Rep. Christina Sappey is campaigning for reelection as the Pennsylvania House Representative for District 158.

against Republican Eric Roe – who had served in the seat before being defeated by her in 2018 – Sappey, a Democrat, faces the uphill

challenge of helping to navigate her district through the COVID-19 pandemic that has to date killed 375 county Continued on Page 3A

Roe in campaign to reclaim his House seat

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In an election held in November 2016, Eric Roe, then a 29-year-old rising star in the Chester County Republican Party world of politics, was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

For the next two years, he represented the citizens of the 158th District.

On Nov. 8, 2018, Roe lost his bid for reelection to Democrat Christina Sappey by eight percentage points. He was one of 11 incumbents in the Delaware Valley to lose their seats that night, and for many who fol© 2007 The Chester County Press low Chester County politics, Roe’s defeat was a jagged dagger in the heart of a party that had once ruled in a county that was dramatically turning from red to blue.

“It was emotionally draining to learn that I had just lost my dream job, which was my dream job when I entered office and it remains my dream job,” said Roe, who on Nov. 19, 2019, announced he would seek a re-match with Sappey in an election that will be decided on Nov. 3. “We just saw a true blue wave. We saw people voting for the first time, and I heard hundreds of times that the voters wanted to send a message to President Donald Trump, and they were going to send that message by voting against every single Republican on the ballot.

“That message was never received by Donald Trump.

The President hardly cared at all that the U.S. House of Representatives went from red to blue, and he certainly didn’t care about the political aspi-

rations of a 31-year-old man from central Chester County who had just lost his seat in Harrisburg. But the voters are free to vote for whomever they want to, and that is the beauty and the bane of a free country.”

As he heads into the homestretch of his campaign to regain the position he held for two years, Roe has the luxury of not having to invent his platform out of thin air. Rather, he carries with him a war chest that supports the belief that his two years in the State House had an impact on issues of concern to many in the district.

On the subject of ending domestic violence, Roe cosponsored House Bill 2060, now signed into law, which forces domestic abusers to relinquish their firearms within 24 hours of being issued a PFA (Protection from Abuse

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Eric Roe is currently campaigning to represent the 158th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, an office he occupied from 2016 to 2018.

Order). Previously, those abusers had up to 60 days to turn over their guns, and they were often just handed over to a family member living nearby.

On the issue of pensions and pension reform, Roe declined the “Cadillac Pension Plan” that is reserved for state legislators and instead, helped to

pass legislation to reform the state’s state pension systems and bring them closer in line with what the private sector offers by allowing current pensioners to keep their pensions.

Addressing the continued need for open space, Roe cosponsored and passed House Continued on Page 2A

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Versuk in support of House Bill 2597 – a bill written and introduced by Lawrence. If passed, it would block any sale of the CWA without ratepayer approval. If a majority of ratepayers oppose the sale, the Public Utility Commission would be required to disapprove the sale.

With bipartisan support behind it, the bill is currently under consideration by the House Consumer Affairs Committee.

Ironic twist Recently, Ruggieri introduced an ironic twist into Lawrence’s involvement with the CWA that he believes brings the depth of Lawrence’s sincerity to save the CWA into question, and has emerged as the key talking point of Ruggieri’s campaign.

In an online article he published in October, Ruggieri wrote that Lawrence accepted campaign donations from what was then Aqua Pa. during the elections cycles of 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Ruggieri also wrote that Lawrence has also taken contributions from Energy Transfer, which is a partnership between Aqua and Sunoco, and the company involved in the Mariner East II pipeline. Most recently, Ruggieri added, Lawrence accepted a $25,000 contribution from Mike Turzai, former Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, who left his position in June for a job with a division of Essential Utilities, Inc. (According to the state’s campaign finance online reporting website, Lawrence received the $25,000 contribution from Turzai on June 13, 2020.)

“Then two days after accepting the money, Rep. Lawrence announced his ratepayer ref-

erendum legislation that is vaguely written with potential loopholes that for-profit water companies can exploit,” Ruggieri wrote. “If Rep. Lawrence really wants to save the CWA, why did he accept the contribution from Turzai?

How can John represent constituents who are fighting every day to save their water and open space when he’s taking huge handouts from forprofit water companies?”

Ruggieri accused Lawrence of entering into the CWA issue late in the game, “because it’s an election year,” he said. “He could have gotten behind the CWA whenever he wanted to, but hasn’t proposed legislation until the last minute.

“My philosophy is that we should not have for-profit companies owning our natural resources, especially in places where we have good organizations running them. I don’t think that John is philosophically opposed to that, nor is the Republican Party. I think they’re okay with companies owning our natural resources and making profits off of our natural resources.

“The voters need to ask, ‘If John wins, is he going to fight to save the CWA, or is he just going to take his foot off the gas and coast, and let the litigation take over and kick it down the road a bit and hope it gets solved?’”

If Ruggieri replaces Lawrence, he would initiate legislation that would, if passed, reverse 2016’s Act 12, that left the CWA vulnerable to a takeover by a for-profit water company. If it passes, the legislation would no longer permit private companies to buy municipal authorities unless the authorities are in financial or operational distress, and would not permit private companies to offer to buy municipal authorities for more than they are worth.

If elected, Ruggieri said he would commit his involvement to save the CWA by creating

an environmental trust for the Authority.

“It is time to root out the corruption of special interests in our legislature,” Ruggieri said.

“Our natural resources belong to us and must not be in the hands of those who are looking for profit over the health and safety of our community.

We must stop those who blatantly defy our constitutional rights as Pennsylvanians.”

Other issues, other platforms If Ruggieri beats Lawrence – who is campaigning for what would be his sixth term in the House – he said that he would not put all of his political eggs into the basket of saving the CWA and the Octoraro Reservoir. While he supports the Second Amendment, he also supports common sense gun safety, universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders, and if elected, he would also increase firearm training.

He backs efforts to end gerrymandering by eliminating data mapping strategies and the redrawing of the districts in southeastern Pennsylvania from its current “Mickey Mouse kicking Donald Duck” diagram to a more fair delineation.

On the issue of tax reform, Ruggieri would look to end partisan gridlock and support House Bill 1675, currently on the House floor, which if signed into law would allow seniors 65 and older to apply for a freeze in their taxes for as long as they are living in their home.

A ten-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ruggieri would call for an increase in healthcare access benefits with a focus on mental health, more supervision of veteran’s nursing homes, job training and job placement programs for those who are honorably discharged.

Leaning in his expertise and

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career in the internet technology field, Ruggieri would support initiatives to provide faster internet technology to District 13.

New campaign, new world In 2018, when Sue Walker campaigned for the same seat Ruggieri is now looking to occupy, he served as Walker’s field director at its West Grove headquarters. His job was to recruit volunteers, train them in how to properly canvas the district and how to analyze data.

That was two years ago.

Because of a worldwide pandemic, Ruggieri has had to curtail the normal door-to-door, neighborhood-by-neighborhood tours and lean heavily on the breadth and reach of social media. To Ruggieri, the impact of COVID-19 is not only public, it is personal; he has seen his grandmother in northern Pennsylvania be forced to move out of her nursing home facility and move in with his mother. He has seen another family member’s job furloughed in a predicament that had forced him to take unemployment benefits for the first time in his working life.

Roe...

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Bill 1037, which helps to protect preserved land by preventing eminent domain from being used to condemn it. He also co-sponsored the Growing Greener III program, an environmental stewardship fund aimed at preserving farmlands, wetlands and forestlands in Pennsylvania.

Upon hearing that Gov. Wolf and many of his Republican colleagues were proposing to cut annual state funding for the Penn Vet New Bolton Center, Roe reached out to his colleagues, stressing the importance of funding for the center, and on Oct. 15, 2017, the House voted in favor of continuing state funding to the center.

Roe also proved that he accomplished what has become nearly the unthinkable in modern politics: He reached across the aisle. In 2017, he worked with Rep. Steve Samuelson, a Democrat from Northampton County, in introducing House Bill 722, a constitutional amendment to create a citizen commission of nonpoliticians tasked with redrawing district boundary lines after each decennial census.

Now awaiting a vote in the state legislature, Roe said that if enacted, the bill would weed out the influence of lobbyists and lawmakers when district lines are being drawn for Pennsylvania, reduce the impact of any decisions by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and steer incumbents clear from choosing voters based on voter data.

“I will continue to work in a

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Ruggieri would initiate legislation that would, if passed, reverse 2016’s Act 12 that left the Chester Water Authority vulnerable to a takeover by a for-profit water company.

Ruggieri has fought back against the grain of hardship that he’s seen in his local community. In the spring, he formed Operation Good Neighbor, a food drive effort that helped collect and deliver food to food banks in the Avon Grove, Oxford and Octorara Area school districts.

It’s a new campaign in a new world, Ruggieri said.

“Now, we have people who are losing their jobs, their homes, and parents who are either paying for child care or tending to children who are attending school from home,” bipartisan fashion,” Roe said.

“That’s the one assurance that voters want more than anything. They don’t need the bombastic ideologues. They just want to know that I will be bipartisan. Thankfully, I have a record of that.”

When asked what led him back on the campaign trail to regain the seat he lost in 2018, Roe pointed to a bill that was introduced in the House in April 2019 that would allow first-time homeowners to establish a separate, tax-free savings that would be used to purchase their first home.

“Out of the 203 members of the State House, there was only one vote against it, and that was Rep. Sappey,” Roe said. “She took to Facebook afterwards and said that the Department of Revenue urged her not to vote for the bill.

That’s when I knew that her loyalties lay with the chief taxing authority in the state, rather than the people she was elected to represent.

“In that moment, I thought we have a problem on our hands. We need a representative who does not have contempt for taxpayers.”

Campaigning in a new economy When Roe first campaigned for the House of Representatives back in 2016, the state and county’s economy began to show signs that it had rebounded from the Great Recession of 2008. The state’s unemployment rate had dropped to 3.8 percent, and total employment had reached an all-time high of 6.2 million.

Locally, the county’s diverse economy was seeing growth in

he said. “There are a lot of people who are below water right now, and I don’t know that we completely appreciate the number of people who are really suffering right now.

“It has sharpened my focus in this campaign.”

To learn more about Richard Ruggieri’s campaign for the 13th legislative district of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, visit www. ruggieri13pa.com.

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

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During his two-year term, Roe initiated legislation intended to help seniors, reform the state’s pension systems and end gerrymandering.

the sectors of finance, professional and technical services and agriculture.

In a rude reversal, Roe now dons his face mask on the campaign trail in a world that continues to measure the impact of the coronavirus not only in the number of detected cases, but by its impact on local, state and federal economies. The state’s unemployment rate, which stood at 5.8 percent in March, skyrocketed to 16.1 percent in April. While the rate has fallen steadily since, the impact of COVID-19 on the economy continues to be fierce, and its future is unknown.

While Roe sees the value of the state’s Red-Yellow-Green phase of reopening from the standpoint of health and safety, he sees the corrosive effect it has had on the state’s economy – and the huge toll it has taken on its people.

“I was talking to a state representative recently, who told me that residents in his district in Western Pennsylvania are dying -- not through

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for keeping residents, business owners, and local municipalities updated about the coronavirus pandemic.

He said that charting a path through the health crisis will be a significant task for state lawmakers as they look ahead to 2021.

“The most immediate challenge facing our community is the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “I have heard from many, many folks who are very concerned about how the state has handled this situation, from the business shutdowns to the plan to get kids back to school. I am working to get Pennsylvania reopened safely and responsibly so people can get back to work and school with proper protections to keep everyone healthy.”

While Lawrence said he would like for Gov. Tom Wolf to work in conjunction with the State Legislature more when making important decisions about the response to the pandemic and reopening the economy, he emphasized that now is not the time for the two parties to let disagreements stand in the way of addressing the crisis moving forward.

COVID-19, but through drug overdoses, murders, domestic violence, that are a result of economic stress and loss of jobs,” he said.

“People die by more than just a virus, so it’s important to remember that the ramifications of shut downs go much further than we can imagine.

These shut downs are not what is spoken of in the abstract.

They have real ramifications for real people. We need to find the middle ground, where we listen to the scientists and also recognize that people have to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads.”

If he heads back to Harrisburg, it would allow Roe to renew his commitment to COVID-19’s most vulnerable demographic -- senior citizens in the district, particularly those who have been hit hard with property taxes. If reelected, Roe will dust off a bill that he co-sponsored in his first term, that will introduce property tax reform that freezes tax rates for properties own by seniors, beginning when they turn 65.

“If they want to retire in the house they lived in their whole adult life, they should be able to do that without having to move because of higher property taxes,” he said. “They should be able to plan for retirement with the assurance that local property tax hikes won’t force them to sell their houses or their farms.”

The frog and the crane On the Saturday after Election Day in 2018, a local artist in West Bradford Township knocked on Roe’s front door at his home in Marshallton. Roe welcomed the artist inside, and noticed that the artist was carrying a sketch he had made that he quickly presented to the Roe. It was a sketch of a crane eating a frog. In the drawing, the frog is gripping the neck of the crane, refusing to relinquish his life to the crane. At the bottom of the drawing, it read “Don’t Ever Give Up.” “The artist told me, ‘Eric, I’m giving this to you now, and I am expecting you to hang this in your office in Harrisburg two years from now, after you’ve run again and won again.”

Roe said that he intends to return to Harrisburg, and will bring the drawing of the frog and the crane with him.

To learn more about Eric Roe, visit www.ericroe.org.

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

“We don’t have time for partisan arguing. We need to act with scientifically sound, fact-based policies,” Lawrence said. “I’ve taken this approach by passing a new bipartisan law to expand coronavirus test reporting, a law that passed the General Assembly almost unanimously. I also introduced legislation to create a panel of epidemiologists to give state policy makers guidance on moving forward in a scientifically sound manner – this bill also passed the House with broad bipartisan support.”

As a veteran lawmaker who works well with Republicans and Democrats alike, Lawrence has not only been selected to serve as deputy whip for his party, he has also earned some key committee assignments, including the Appropriations, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Transportation, Professional Licensure, Gov’t Oversight, and Rules Committees.

The Appropriations Committee assignment, in particular, is crucial right now because of the significant impact of the pandemic, and the difficult decisions that the state needs to make with regard to its spending.

“As a member of the Appropriations Committee,” Lawrence explained, “I worked with folks on both sides of the aisle to deliver a responsible state budget that fully funded K-12 education, West Chester and Lincoln Universities, and our teachers’ pension system. Now, as

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residents, and an economic downturn that has forced the state’s leaders to find ways to get Pennsylvania back to work.

Recently, Sappey participated in an email interview with the Chester County Press.

Gov. Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine were loudly criticized earlier this year for what many believed was an ineffective method of reopening Pennsylvania during the first stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this shutdown, several businesses in your district either had to close, reduce staff or rely on loans in order to survive. Did you agree with their decision, and what have you told your constituents whose businesses and livelihoods have suffered as a result of this decision?

Sappey: I agreed with the early move to shut down.

I think it was effective in keeping our numbers down; however, the waiver process was confusing to say the least. I spent a great deal of time in those first few months listening and helping to get clarification for certain industries and local businesses. I’ve said this a lot, but throughout this pandemic, we’ve been learning how to fly a plane while flying a plane.

Because I am not a doctor, I have had to go with the information scientists are providing us and fight to balance this information with the economic reality. I continue to keep open lines of communication with our business community and rely on their input to make decisions, and I hope to continue to do that to get us through this.

While there have been many loan and grant programs established in Chester County to help keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic, there is the growing realization that the county – and the nation – is headed for a severe recession, as early as 2021. In your website, you state that “A strong, reliable economy helps create jobs. Jobs create opportunity for our families.”

the state faces a very challenging fiscal situation, I am again working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the remaining parts of this year’s budget without raising the income tax or sales tax, but instead prioritizing spending with the revenues we actually have.”

He added, “I’ve also tried to look for better ways to manage state resources to save money for taxpayers. As an example, I introduced legislation that passed unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Wolf to reform how the state issues debt, forcing faster repayment of principal. This law, Act 43 of 2019, will save Pennsylvania taxpayers $1 billion over 20 years.”

Fighting to save the Chester Water Authority An issue that is important to residents in southern Chester County is the future of the Chester Water Authority.

Numerous municipalities in the area purchase water—at very reasonable rates—from the Chester Water Authority.

The potential sale of the Chester Water Authority and its assets to a private, for-profit company have many people concerned that costs will skyrocket for ratepayers.

Hoover said that Lawrence “has fought hard to keep the Chester Water Authority out of the hands of Aqua and keep it the public utility that it currently is.”

Lawrence introduced legIf reelected, what initiatives will you create -- or support – that will stimulate the local economy during its recovery from the effects of COVID-19?

Sappey: The commonwealth has been operating under a significant structural deficit for some time. We have been avoiding dealing with this in a number of ways including raiding mutually agreed to funds, such as recycling, unfortunately. The economic impact of the pandemic on top of this deficit will be sizable, and we are going to have to make very difficult decisions.

I believe it will be imperative to maintain or reduce the personal tax burden, particularly for the unemployed and seniors. I will also support job growth opportunities for industries that want to come to Pennsylvania willing to invest in workforce training, infrastructure and a commitment to reduction of carbon emissions. As a legislator with a 100 pdercent environmental score card, I strongly believe we need to do more to shift to a clean energy economy, and that’s a win for all of us.

In June and July, you held virtual panel discussions on gerrymandering and systemic racism. What led to the creation of these three forums, and how will you continue to address -and quite possibly, reduce -- gerrymandering and systemic racism in the state and in your district?

Sappey: I believe that real change can only begin when we do the work to understand root causes. Like many of us, I am deeply troubled by continued incidents of police violence and ongoing racism, so I have sought to convene the difficult conversations I believe need to occur before we can chart a course forward. In our first panel, we discussed the origins of prejudice and ways for good, well intentioned people to search their hearts and minds for ways to change.

In our second panel, we explored historic racism in our major institutions such as education, housing, healthcare and the judicial system.

We also discussed how gerrymandering cements racism by dividing resources and

islation, currently under consideration by the House Consumer Affairs Committee, that would require any sale of a public water or sewer authority to be approved by the ratepayers of that utility.

At a committee hearing in the State Capitol last month, State Rep. John Lawrence spoke in favor of the continued independence of the Chester Water Authority (CWA), and in support of House Bill 2597, which would block any sale of the CWA without ratepayer approval.

“I wrote and introduced HB 2597 to give people a voice,” said Lawrence. “HB 2597 would require any sale of a public water or sewer authority to be approved by the ratepayers of that utility. The people who are most affected in this situation deserve the opportunity to speak and be heard.”

The sale of the Chester Water Authority could have a major impact on the residents of Penn Township. Versuk lauded Lawrence’s efforts to work toward a solution that benefits local residents.

She said, “Rep. Lawrence was an active participant, attending meetings, listening to the citizens, and actively supporting the Chester Water Authority’s efforts to remain independent, well-run and affordable, by crafting meaningful legislation to preserve the people’s right to decide what is best for the Chester Water Authority and all other public utilities which might

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John Lawrence and his wife Rebecca with their two daughters.

come under a similar threat in the future. Rep. Lawrence brings a calm, business mind to the turbulence of government which sets him apart and has made all the difference for our community.”

In a letter to the editor sent to the Chester County Press, Franklin Township resident John Auerbach commended Lawrence for standing up for local residents.

He wrote, “John Lawrence has been fighting for the Chester Water Authority’s independence for years. I know, because I have been there with him. When local elected officials and stakeholders meet to discuss this issue, get the latest updates, and find out how we can advocate, John Lawrence is there.

He’s been there for years, fighting for us.”

Auerbach added, “I have known John Lawrence and his family for nearly forty-one years, and I can speak to his character and integrity. He has done an outstanding job representing our area in Harrisburg in very challenging times, and he has been the strongest voice in the Capitol to save the Chester Water Authority.”

Rep. Lawrence was there Hoover said that Lawrence has been instrumental in assisting Oxford Borough’s efforts to acquire state funding for infrastructure and streetscape upgrades.

“John has a passion for Oxford Borough and the surrounding area,” said Hoover. “As a member of the House of Representatives Continued on Page 1B

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Rep. Sappey has held three forums with her constituents that explored possible methods of ending gerrymandering and systemic racism.

communities.

Our third event included members of the faith community and law enforcement.

I am proud to be endorsed by Chester County FOP Lodge 11 and we share a commitment to strong communities and open lines of communication to end division.

I will continue to hold these panel discussions if re-elected because this is an endurance endeavor. It’s taken a long time to get here, so we have to invest the time to bring about change. I also commit to pushing for fair redistricting in 2021. I’d like to think that redistricting reform would happen before the end of the legislative term Nov 30, but legislation to address gerrymandering seems unlikely to be voted on at this point.

You have served on several committees and caucuses in Harrisburg, focusing on issues as far-ranging as agriculture and rural affairs, to climate change to women’s health -- and several more.

Of those affiliations, where do you feel you have made the largest impact in your two years as a legislator, in terms of making the lives of your constituents better?

Sappey: As a legislator, I get to work on numerous issues facing Pennsylvanians; however, I think my work around infrastructure and stormwater management has been particularly impactful this term. I have been able to utilize information I receive as a member of the Climate Caucus, the House Local Government Committee and the Local Government Commission to work with residents, municipalities and PennDot to address pressing property and roadway needs.

Frequent strong storms, increased flooding and our

aging, deteriorating infrastructure require urgent attention and a collaborative approach, which I believe we are delivering.

You also serve on the Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Caucus, and on your watch, special needs students in Chester County are benefitting from a $254,487 grant through the state and the Individuals with Disabilities Act. What leads you to pursue opportunities for those with physical and mental challenges?

Sappey: A mother’s heart and my experience as a staff person to members of the House and Senate Education committees, and importantly the House Special Education sub-committee. I strongly believe we have an opportunity every day to impact the trajectory of a child’s life.

How we do this can take on many forms, but it starts with one caring adult and the creation of inclusive learning environments.

I have worked with a lot of families over the years, and whether the issue was a disability, a learning issue or an adverse childhood experience the common denominator has always been a need for acceptance and opportunity.

I will always seek to remove barriers to that end.

Quite often for a state legislator in the minority party in Harrisburg, it is difficult to navigate the waters of partisan gridlock. Describe an example of how you have been able to enact across-the-aisle legislation or cooperation with your Republican colleagues.

Sappey: Early in 2019 I started looking across the aisle for a partner to work on a trauma informed education bill with. This is an issue that I have worked on for many years and it had momentum, so the timing was good to get it done.

I had a hard time finding a Republican interested in this, but I eventually found someone. We then worked with a Democrat and Republican over in the senate, so we were able to move the legislation simultaneously in both chambers and ultimately had the governor sign it. I’m proud of this accomplishment, and even prouder that we all did it together.

To learn more about Rep. Christina Sappey, visit www.

ChristinaSappeyPA158.com To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

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

Letters to the Editor

One small cup of water

‘I am dying to vote’

And so it is nearly done.

On the day this editorial publishes, less than one skinny week will remain in our current political season, one handful of days before the signage along our roadsides comes down and the endless cacophony of campaigns and platforms will breathe their last breaths and vanish forever, and the citizens of our municipalities take part in their greatest civic responsibility – the filling in of circles with a Number 2 lead pencil in the temporary hideaway of their privacy and their freedom.

The act of voting is a ritual that serves as our confession, the dream catcher for our ideologies and the convergence of our life’s blueprint. It is our homecoming, our prayer, our flip of the coin and our fullest engagement in the future of our community, our state and our nation.

When we rise on the morning of Nov. 3, however, all of us – Republicans, Democrats and Independents -- will have arrived on that date having lived through a fire that is still raging, fought with the weaponry of words that have spawned new, smaller fires fought citizen to citizen.

We will arrive on that date having been the victims a nearly daily assault of rhetoric so vile and incendiary and unrelenting that no other political cycle in our lifetime can approach it.

For most of us – dare we imply a majority of us -- we are exhausted by its volume, its frequency and its venom.

It has been an assault on our time-honored institutions, such as health and medicine, science and the press.

It has left near-permanent stains on the imprint of our nation’s character.

It has asked its citizens not to listen, but to choose between the invented categories of “Us vs. Them” and “Good vs. Bad.” It has ended friendships, and ripped apart the fabric of families that were once thought to be heirlooms once undivided.

It has taken the beauty and freedom of our opposing discourse and blown it into river-wise schisms that may never narrow again.

It has drowned out the voices of our local political leaders – those who are vying to return to their offices, those who are looking to serve again, and those who are seeking an office for the first time.

It has taken their nuanced aspirations by a chokehold grip and narrowed their definition into nothing more than the confines of their political affiliation.

It has led us into the private corners of our consciousness to question our allegiance to a country that would condone such behavior.

Were this newspaper to suddenly come into the possession of a crystal ball that had the ability to peer into what the future impact of this rhetoric will be, we would gladly share the results. Regretfully, we are not gifted with such magical powers, and we will not prognosticate on what is yet to come.

This, however, we do know: That the men and women who publish this newspaper and its family of regional magazines are a consortium of differing viewpoints and beliefs and opinions, and while we may not always fall into the same line of thinking politically and otherwise, we are united in our belief that this voice we have been hearing – this insubordinate and unchecked wail – has not made our country better, but far worse.

It is important to state now – in fact, it is crucial to state – that this editorial does not serve as a political endorsement for any candidate, as we are not in the business of spilling our ink onto your constitutional right. Your vote is yours, and we believe it always should be.

If there is any amplification in our message, however, it is felt in a small whisper of hope that the raging flood tide of visceral indecency that now governs our national conversation eases both its fury and its influence.

Against the raging fire of the message, we accept that this is a naïve thought -- one small cup of water tossed onto a nation deep in the flames of rhetoric that has not yet been contained.

And yet, it is one small cup of water, and it is ours.

Chester County Press Publisher - Randall S. Lieberman

Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations The Chester County Press (USPS 416-500) is published every Wednesday by: AD PRO, Inc., 144 South Jennersville Rd, West Grove, PA 19390 Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 Phone: 610-869-5553 FAX 610-869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8am - 4pm, no weekend hours

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Courtesy photo

Theresa Pia, a resident in southern Chester County, made a change to the outdoor fall display this year by emphasizing the importance of voting.

Lawrence has been fighting for us Letter to the Editor: A lot of attacks are coming from Rich Ruggieri against John Lawrence regarding the Chester Water Authority. I am writing to set the record straight.

John Lawrence has been fighting for the Chester Water Authority’s independence for years. I know, because I have been there with him. When local elected officials and stakeholders meet to discuss this issue, get the latest updates, and find out how we can advocate, John Lawrence is there. He’s been there for years, fighting for us.

John Lawrence is not afraid to take on the Harrisburg crowd. The biggest threat to the Chester Water Authority is the

Receiver appointed to oversee the bankrupt city of Chester, a Receiver appointed by the Wolf administration which has suggested the Chester Water Authority should be sold to bail out the city of Chester. John boldly interrogated members of Gov. Wolf’s cabinet during hearings in Harrisburg, asking them why state agencies are taking positions against the Chester Water Authority in lawsuits filed in Delaware County Court.

No one else in Harrisburg is asking these questions to hold people accountable.

John has introduced legislation to stop any sale of the Chester Water Authority without rate holder approval, and he has publicly called out

Gov. Wolf’s Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development for suggesting the City of Chester can singlehandedly sell the Water Authority. John stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Chair of the CWA Board earlier this year, when both testified together at a hearing in the Capitol to stop any sale of the Chester Water Authority.

What has Rich Ruggieri done to save the Chester Water Authority? I never saw him at any of the meetings I have attended on the CWA, and haven’t heard a single thing from him until he launched his campaign.

Now, he has attacked John Lawrence for introducing a bill to hold a ratepayer

referendum before any proposed sale of the Chester Water Authority – doesn’t Ruggieri know this is exactly what advocates for the CWA have been trying to accomplish?

I have known John Lawrence and his family for nearly 41 years, and I can speak to his character and integrity. He has done an outstanding job representing our area in Harrisburg in very challenging times, and he has been the strongest voice in the Capitol to save the Chester Water Authority. I encourage you to join me in supporting him on Nov. 3.

John Auerbach Supervisor Franklin Township

Democracy is in the hands of We The People Letter to the Editor: Let there be an outcry from the people to be heard, not in the form of a revolution, but in the exercising of their inherent right to vote. For too long, many have been lethargic in discharging this duty because they thought it would be government as usual, no matter what the outcome.

Once there were long lines of people patiently queuing up before the polls were even open. Young and old, healthy and handicapped stood, uncomplaining with a sense of pride and purpose that has not been evident in many years. Voting for these forbearing and determined citizens was not an option, but a responsibility in a free country that wanted their various messages to be heard by a bureaucratic government that often promotes its own longevity rather than responding to the needs of the citizenry.

Maybe the line they feel separates the free world and those countries that are enslaved either by dictatorships or ideologies that no longer serve the needs of the people, is very slim indeed.

Many critics of our system of government have based their opposition largely

on the premise that for a democracy to truly work, it requires the active participation of the public, but more than that it requires constant vigilance because freedom is very fragile and can easily be destroyed with the flick of a pen.

Many who witnessed America’s rise to power in the international arena feel that we have lost our status and our pride and they want it restored. Most feel we are challenged in the Global Marketplace in the areas which we were clearly dominant in the past.

Training our workforce to meet changing demands of the marketplace, and educating our young to assume the responsibilities of leadership is paramount.

For democracy to be relevant, it must remain current.

We are faced with a pandemic, proportions of which we have never known before except in the Historical and Scientific data of 1918.

The sheer number of those afflicted and those who have died is staggering even in this country which tried to stay on top of any serious health challenges. Voting for candidates apprised of the responsibility inherent in their pledge to protect the welfare of the citizenry

is essential to promote stability in this time of such great crisis and need. There is nothing sacred about the office of any government official, nor should there ever be. There are many questions which need to be answered in the public arena. We must take up the cudgel for those who try to right the injustices which prevail.

Let there be a regeneration of the American spirit in the voting turnout this year, whether absentee or in person, masked and vigilant at the polls or at home, it doesn’t matter only that your voice is heard and

resonates.

I feel a special pride each election year which stirs the old sentiments I once had when I was 21 and was introduced to the sacred ritual of registering and voting. I felt special then and I feel special now especially if there is a regeneration of the American spirit. Don ’t drop the ball now, it’s in your hands! I would like to see a few more who stand with pride and feel the flutter inside and shed a tear outside as they salute the American flag and hear The Star Spangled Banner.

Marie-Louise Meyers

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

In Harrisburg or Here At Home...

John Lawrence Gets Results That Matter.

3 Improving Healthcare to ensure all residents have access to affordable, quality care

3 Supporting Education by passing budgets that fully fund basic education without raising taxes

3 Responsibly Addressing COVID and authoring 3 Bringing Fiscal Discipline to Harrisburg to the law to expand COVID test reporting across the state

3 Working to Safely Restart Our Economy

to save small businesses and restore lost jobs

eliminate wasteful spending and control debt

3 Solving Local Challenges to protect ratepayers and improve our roads, bridges and intersections

PLEASE VOTE BY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 RD PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF JOHN LAWRENCE

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

“Becoming Chester County”, a long-awaited exhibition, opens at Chester County History Center Other History Center news includes a new president, a new name, a renewed emphasis on inclusion and new ways to safely visit On Oct. 29, the Chester County History Center (CCHC) will open its new core exhibits to the public—a project that has been in the works for ten years.

The updated core exhibits are not the only news at the History Center. The organization has a new president, a new name, a renewed emphasis on inclusion, and a new way of visiting in order to safely visit while complying with social distancing guidelines.

The October ribbon cutting also marks the reopening of the center after it closed in March due to COVID-19.

The new exhibit fills the second-floor galleries of both museum buildings with the pivotal stories that reflect the growth, conflicts, achievements, and critical issues that are at the heart of both Chester County’s story and America’s story.

“These impeccable new galleries have been designed to not only share the rich stories of our county and nation, but to also engage with each visitor,”

said History Center president Conor Hepp. “With such a beautifully constructed core exhibition, Chester County History Center is position perfectly to serve our community.”

“Becoming Chester County” is the first major re-installation of the History Center’s core exhibition in more than two decades. It flows chronologically, punctuated by the major events of each era and told in part through encounters with key people who contributed to each unfolding story.

The exhibition is designed for all ages, including families, children, adults, and school groups. It includes fresh new exhibit techniques that invite discovery and interaction and technology-aided exploration.

The exhibition explores many key themes, such as the Battle of Brandywine and its impact on daily lives in Chester County; the riveting stories of the Underground Railroad and ongoing social justice movements; the county’s agricultural richness, its cultural contributions,

Lawrence...

ity to improve the health, safety and welfare of our region.”

She added, “Rep. Lawrence was instrumental in not one, but two major grants for the sports park. The first, an acquisition grant in 2016 in the amount of $668,000 made the purchase possible.

The second was $1 million toward the development of the park.”

Continued from Page 3A

Transportation Committee, he supported Oxford’s Safe Routes to Schools grant application that provided $735,812 for sidewalks in a large area of Oxford leading to several of the schools in town. John was also instrumental in fighting to get Oxford grants totaling $754,792 for two separate water projects that will improve the quality of water delivered to residents on Broad, Hodgson and Eighth streets.”

Lawrence has also been helpful to local officials who need to navigate though the governmental bureaucracy to move forward with a project.

When Penn Township wanted to make much-needed improvements to the intersection of Route 796 and Old Baltimore Pike, PennDOT initially estimated that it would be a 20-year wait to undertake such a large project. Lawrence was able to facilitate the process of bringing the various stakeholders together, and the project was able to move forward much sooner than that.

Versuk explained, “When it came to improving our intersection at the Red Rose Inn, securing the grant funding of in excess of $1 million was just a piece of a larger puzzle that took seven years and a variety of players to assemble. Rep. Lawrence was there, hosting meetings, negotiating, and working diligently across the aisle to make the intersection a real-

Government reformer When Lawrence first ran for office, he wanted to be a champion of government reform and an advocate for smaller government and fiscal responsibility.

Lawrence explained, “During my time in office, my record shows that I have been a leader fighting for a reform-minded approach to governing, and I have led by example in refusing the goldplated defined-benefit state pension, per-diem payments, state car, and other perks past legislators from both parties granted themselves. I have worked each and every day for the best interest of the residents of our community, working with folks from both sides of the aisle to address concerns in our area.”

Ruggieri’s campaign has made an issue about a campaign contribution that was made to Lawrence by Mike Turzai, a former state lawmaker who now has an affiliation with Essential Utilities, a new corporate name for Aqua Pennsylvania, the for-profit company looking to take over the

Courtesy photos

On Oct. 29, the Chester County History Center will open its new core exhibits to the public.

and numerous industrial innovations.

Throughout, the exhibition looks at the people who have been “history makers” over time, concluding with current leaders in all phases of regional life.

“This exhibition combines the stories of local people with the extraordinary artifacts, manuscripts and photographs of CCHC that document the human experience of this place.

The exceptional team of community members, advisors, and staff delved into primary resources to share these remarkable experiences,” said Ellen Endslow, director of collec-

tions and curator.

Chester “Becoming County” has been in the works for several years. Designed in conjunction with the award-winning design firm Quatrefoil Associates, the exhibition moved into the construction and fabrication phase a year ago with the expertise of the local firm Pancoast & Clifford and Art Guild Inc. Fabricators from West Deptford, N.J. The COVID19 shutdown postponed the completion and opening for several months. The History Center is now poised to reopen gradually with the exhibition becoming the centerpiece of public and

Chester Water Authority.

While Ruggieri alleges that accepting the campaign contribution calls into question Lawrence’s sincerity with regard to the issue, Lawrence points to his very public— and very strong—opposition to the sale of the Chester Water Authority.

“I have relentlessly defended the Chester Water Authority’s continued independence in Harrisburg,” he said. “I’ve testified alongside the Chair of the Chester Water Authority Board in the Capitol, and halted a middle-of-the-night attempt to pack the Chester Water Authority board to force a sale to private interests.

This is a battle I am proud to fight, and I’ve fought it alongside local municipal officials, concerned citizens, and allies in the legislature for years. Never once did I see my opponent at a single effort to save the Chester Water Authority—until he decided to run for office and use it as a campaign issue.”

Lawrence added that he was disappointed that Ruggieri and his campaign had launched a negative attack.

“I have run a positive campaign from start to finish,” Lawrence said, “and I am not going to change that now.

It is unfortunate my opponent has not chosen to do the same, instead attacking me with falsehoods. I think people are sick and tired of the divisiveness.”

Lawrence said that he has focused his campaign on his record as a lawmaker. He

has been a listener, a details person, a collaborator, a hard worker, and a solution finder.

And he has remained rooted in the southern Chester County community.

“I come home every night,” he said. “That’s really important to stay grounded in the community.”

”Becoming Chester County” is the first major reinstallation of the History Center’s core exhibition in more than two decades.

school programming. The staff will also continue to offer social media and online highlights that expand the exhibit themes and engage distant audiences.

Jim Sargent, the board of directors chair, said, “Through this remarkable new exhibition, the History Center has reimagined itself as a visitor-friendly place for learning and appreciating our storied past. As a county and a people, we have much of which to be proud. From the Quaker traditions, to the Underground Railway, to the waves of immigration from all over the world who have transformed our

lives, to the individual stories, such as G. Raymond Rettew, the West Chester chemist who cracked the code to mass production of penicillin, saving 250,000 lives in WWII, there is a great deal of inspiration in the new exhibit. We hope all who yearn for examples of the greatness of mankind will come visit and become members of the History Center.”

Special arrangement are being made to protect the safety of all visitors, including the need to make reservations and the close monitoring of numbers in the gallery.

‘They do it for the community’ State Rep. John Lawrence wants to continue to make state government work better for its citizens. In a large state like Pennsylvania, that is a challenge.

“Every issue that we vote on is important to somebody,” Lawrence said.

“Pennsylvania is a diverse state and we need to make good policy that works across the whole state.”

This year, lawmakers worked to update Pennsylvania’s Election Code, which had not seen major updates in decades.

Lawrence voted to change Pennsylvania’s Election Code to ensure every Pennsylvanian uses a paper ballot that is secure and cannot be hacked, and to give every Pennsylvanian the ability to vote by mail. He also supported efforts to provide funding to Chester and Lancaster counties to purchase new voting machines for every precinct.

Lawrence has also been an advocate for the formation of an independent citizen’s commission to oversee legislative redistricting. This would eliminate the obvious

Courtesy photo

State Rep. John Lawrence has represented residents in the 13th Legislative District for 10 years. He has been leading the fight to prevent the Chester Water Authority from being sold to a for-profit water company.

conflict of interest and the partisan politics that lead to gerrymandered districts.

Similarly, Lawrence has introduced legislation that would put all decisions regarding legislators’ compensation in the hands of a citizen’s committee.

He points to his record as a consistent voice on issues like government reform, fiscal accountability, and to his work serving the constituents in the 13th District as reasons why he wants to return to the State House in 2021.

There will be challenges aplenty, many of the immediate ones related to helping Pennsylvanians recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on businesses.

“A lot of people are struggling,” Lawrence said, “and they need help.”

He and the staff in his office have earned wide praise for how responsive they are to residents who reach out to

them for some type of assistance with an issue. During a typical year, they respond to 7,500 different requests for assistance from residents.

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was even more requests for help. Lawrence said that he heard from many people who couldn’t sign up for unemployment compensation in a timely manner. Being able to help local residents, business owners, and elected officials navigate through the state’s bureaucracy is an important part of the job of a state representative.

Versuk said that Lawrence and his staff excels at this.

“I truly do not know how he and his staff do all they do each day,” she said, “but they do it well and they do it for the community.”

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

Election 2020: What local voters will be deciding In addition to the U.S. Presidential contest between Joe Biden and Donald J. Trump, there are a number federal, state, and local races that will be decided on Nov. 3. Here’s a look at some of the major party candidates in races that local residents will be deciding.

Democrat Chrissy Houlahan, who was elected to her first full term in the U.S. Congress two years ago—in a race she won by 17 points—is seeking reelection in Pennsylvania’s Sixth District. She is being challenged by Republican John Emmons.

Incumbent Pennsylvania

Attorney General Josh Shapiro is heavily favored to win re-election. He is being challenged by Republican Heather Heidelbaugh.

Democrat Nina Ahmad and Republican Timothy Defoor are vying to become the state’s next Auditor General.

In the State Treasurer race, incumbent Democrat

Joe Torsella is facing Republican Stacy L. Garrity.

In Pennsylvania’s Senate District 9, incumbent Republican Thomas H. Killion is being challenged

by Democrat John I. Kane.

For the open seat in Pennsylvania Senate District 19, Carolyn Comitta, a Democrat, is run-

ning against the Republican nominee Kevin Runey.

There are three State House races in southern Chester County. In the 13th Legislative District, Republican John Lawrence is being challenged by Richard Ruggieri.

In the 158th District, incumbent Democrat

Christina Sappey is seeking a second term in office.

She is being challenged

by Republican Eric Roe, which is a rematch from two years ago when Roe was the incumbent.

In the 160th District, Democrat Anton Andrew is vying with Republican Craig Williams for the open seat.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

Chester County Press

Obituaries JOSEPH F. CAPTAIN, JR.

SUZANNE MARIE KELLY Suzanne Marie Kelly, 48, of Landenberg, passed away at home on Oct. 17.

Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of David and Peggy Hinckle Woerner of Lincoln University, Pa. Suzanne attended the Christian Life Center in New London.

She graduated from Avon Grove High School, Class of 1991.

Suzanne was previously employed with Aspen Property Management in North East, Md. and Bowling Green Brandywine Treatment Center in

Kennett Square.

She enjoyed vacationing at Ocean City, Md. with family, photography, walking and nature.

She is survived by her parents and one son, Aidan Kelly of Bear, Del. A memorial service was held on Oct. 22. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 N. Poplar St., Wilmington, DE 19801.

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

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

VIRGINIA W. OGLE Virginia W. Ogle, 81, of Mendenhall, Pa., died Aug. 27 at her home.

Born in 1939 in West Chester and raised on the family farm in Mendenhall, Virginia was the daughter of the late Robert and Ruth (nee Way) Woodward.

She was a gardener, world-traveling bird watcher, and true foodie who avidly supported local farms and loved all flavors of ice cream (and kept most of them on hand).

Virginia was a respected craftswoman who owned and operated Wagon House Cabinetmaking and Hardwood Lumber in Mendenhall for many years, and the furniture she made is cherished by all who are fortunate enough to own one of her pieces.

She and her late husband, James, supported a variety of progressive causes. Many people, including family, friends, and even strangers, benefited from their kindness and generosity. An active volunteer, Virginia worked at the local library and she monitored eastern bluebird boxes for Longwood Gardens and local landowners for many years.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband James, son David Pender, stepson Peter Ogle, and her parents.

She is survived by two sisters, Ellen Eberhard of Colorado and Ruth Woodward-Krebs of Pennsylvania, two stepsons, Alex Ogle of Vermont and Chuck (Lisa) Ogle of Arkansas, a stepdaughter-in-law, Rachel Winslow of Pennsylvania, David’s father John Pender, four nieces and nephews, 10 step grandchildren, and 12 step great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations in Virginia’s name may be made to the Kennett Library, 216 E. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

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Alleluia And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7 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

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Joseph F. Captain, Jr. passed away at his residence on Oct. 16. He was 86.

Joe, the son of Stella Captain and Joseph F Captain, Sr., was born in Boston, Pa. He attended Pennsylvania State University where he received a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1956. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity.

After graduating, he was employed by Westinghouse Electricâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Management Training Program in Pittsburgh, Pa. In 1958, he was accepted into the U.S. Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Officer Training Program and was commissioned an ensign. He served aboard the USS Laws U.S. Navy destroyer, and in the Navy Presidential Honor Guard under President Eisenhower and President Kennedy in Washington, D.C. He met his wife-to-be, Carol, in Washington, D.C They were married at Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown in 1961.

After completing his naval service, he joined the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Del., serving in several marketing and product management positions in the film and plastics departments. He retired from DuPont as product manager of Aldyl Piping Systems when the business was acquired by Uponor in 1991.

He served as Uponorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of planning and services, including acting as liaison with Uponor Aldyl SA headquarters in Buenos Aries, Argentina.

Joe was an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Wilmington, Del. and served as president of its parish council. After moving to the Jennerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pond Retirement Community in West Grove in 2009, he became a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church.

Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed summer vacations at the beach with Carol, his children and grandchildren, sailing on the Chesapeake, and many family gatherings on the patio of the Captain family home overlooking the lovely landscape he created.

He was also a travel enthusiast, traveling both professionally and with his family to Europe, South America and Asia.

He is survived by Carol, his loving wife of 59 years, a son Joseph F. Captain, III of Wilmington, Del.; daughter Robin L. Gilchrist (and her husband Alexander) of Philadelphia, Pa.; daughter Molly G. Kegerise (and her husband Kevin) of Newmanstown, Pa.; daughter Amy S. Hammon (and her husband Michael) of Kennett Square.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Jock, Duncan, Samuel, Kevin Jr., Justin, Quinn, Bennett and Cole.

A private visitation and a mass of Christian burial was held at The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in West Grove on Oct. 26.

The family has requested that any remembrances made in the form of contributions be addressed to The Jennerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pond Retirement Community Scholarship Fund or the Jennerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pond Retirement Community Staff Appreciation Fund, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390.

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

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

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries WALTER SCOTT BUNTING IV Walter Scott Bunting IV, age 68, of Colora, Md., died Oct. 12 at home while surrounded by his family.

To his wife, children, and most who knew him, he was Scott. As a child, he was known by Ted. He was born and grew up in North East, Md. Scott graduated in 1970 from Westtown School in Pennsylvania. He served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1972 to 1976, earning a National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal for Service.

After serving in the Navy, he joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where for over 30 years, he worked as a Survey Chief on the Linthicum, surveying the Chesapeake Bay, and as a CADD engineer in Baltimore.

He was a devoted husband of 27 years to Kari Bunting, a loving father to Ryan Bunting and Christine Bunting and a faithful friend to many.

He loved sailing his Hobie 18 Magnum Catamaran, riding his Gold Wing, and genealogical research, which led to a coast-to-coast trip on his motorcycle in 2015, retracing his grandfather’s 1915 trip in a Model-T. In addition to his wife and two children, Scott is survived by his mother, Jane Bunting, and his sisters, Nancy Titone and Susan Moore.

He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Scott Bunting III, his son, Joshua Scott Bunting, and brother-in-law Milo Titone.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the following: Deer Creek Friends Meeting, Special Olympics Maryland, FreeSpeechforPeople.org, and Dr. Ken Pienta at JH Brady Urological Institute.

For condolences, please visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com.

BETTY B. HARKINS Betty B. Harkins, a resident of Kennett Square, died peacefully at her home on Oct. 17. She was 92.

She was the wife of the late George Harkins, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage.

Born at her family farm in Rosedale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late George and Ella (Clough) Buffington.

She was a 1946 graduate of Kennett High School, where she later worked. After many years of employment, she retired.

Betty was a woman of faith who lived a rewarding and full life. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She cherished her large and welcoming Christmas Eve celebration and for over 40 years, she was known for her Sunday morning breakfast.

Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Chambers (and her husband, Dennis), of Kennett Square, Marlene Taylor (and her husband, Donald) of Cochranville, Pa., Faith Guizzetti (and her husband Michael) of Landenberg, 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son, Bobby Harkins, her daughter, Betty Lou Talamonti, and her son-in-law, Anthony Talamonti.

Services were held on Oct. 22 at the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

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

chestercounty.com ONLINE ALL THE TIME NEWS • SCHOOLS ENTERTAINMENT • BUSINESS SPORTS • HOME & GARDEN

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a

Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www. chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

REBA M. GREER SALMONS Reba M. Greer Salmons, a resident of Mountain City, Tenn., went to be with the Lord on Oct. 22, at Signature Health Care of Mountain City. She was 93.

She was born Aug. 23, 1927 to the late Artro and Holly Snyder Greer.

Reba was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Walter Salmons, five sisters, six brothers, and one great grandchild, Jason Dugger.

Reba was a hard worker and worked in mushroom canneries and on tobacco farms most of her adult life, well into her late-70s. She loved spending time with her family.

She was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church and prided herself on never missing a Sunday service. She enjoyed going on cruises with her church family as well.

Her hobbies included quilting and playing Rook. She also enjoyed gardening throughout her years.

Reba is survived by one son, Roy “Buck” Salmons and his wife Brenda of Mountain City; four grandchildren, Angela Salmons Boucher of Mountain City, Joseph Salmons and his wife Sharon of Elizabethton, Christine Abernethy and her husband David of Mountain City, Roy “Bucky” Salmons and his wife Debbie of Mountain City; nine great-grandchildren, Bradley and Blake Boucher of Wixom, MI, Justin Dugger and his fiancée Vanessa, Jennifer Reece and her husband Derek, Ivy and Cooper Abernethy, Destiny, Jordan, and Charlie Salmons all of Mountain City; four great-great-grandsons of Mountain City; several nieces and nephews including special niece, Sandra K. Osborne; and special friends, Sue “Hooty” Dugger, Marie Phipps, and Anne Head.

The family received friends on Oct. 25 at Mountain City Funeral Home. A funeral service followed with Pastor Frank Woods officiating. Music was provided by Carolyn Clark, Jeff Stout, and Mara Khan.

The graveside service and burial followed the funeral in Sunset Memorial Park in Mountain City. Pallbearers were Bradley Boucher, Blake Boucher, Justin Dugger, and Derek Reece. Honorary pallbearers were Rob Boucher and David Abernethy.

At other times, family will receive friends at the home of Christina Abernethy, 452 East Main Street, Mountain City, Tenn. 37683.

The family would like to thank Dr. Suzanne Shine and the staff at Signature Health Care for providing such excellent care for Reba during her stay with them.

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com.

The family of Reba M. Greer Salmons has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, Tenn. 37683.

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4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2020

Chester County Press

Local News Pieces coming together for Penn Township sports park

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer The Penn Township Board of Supervisors announced at their Oct. 7 meeting that the township has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation Partnerships Program for the development of the new sports park.

This grant is in addition to a $250,000 county grant and a $10,000 E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation grant that were also awarded for the park this year.

“It’s pretty exciting that all of these pieces are coming together to work on our sports park,” said Karen Versuk, the township’s director of operations.

Going forward, the township will be able to apply

for another $1 million grant each year until the park is complete. The township is also submitting an application for a multi-modal transportation grant. The total project cost for the park is currently expected to be approximately $6 million.

The Dockstader Foundation grant is targeted at the construction of the outdoor education area

at the park. That area is currently being cleared of weeds and overgrowth by a group of goats grazing on the site. The company providing the goats started with 15 animals at the site and has since increased the number of animals to over 30. The goats are expected to complete their work soon.

The board approved a proposal to extend the cur-

rent trail at the park to the outdoor education area after the goats leave, at a cost of about $20,000. This will provide extra space for walkers and give access to the area where several boy scout projects will be creating elements for the outdoor education area.

Representatives from the Avon Grove Library were at the township meeting.

The library has been a

partner with the township in presenting the drivein movies throughout the summer.

In other business, it was reported that unauthorized vehicles have been seen in the area of the township salt shed property, and tires have been dumped. The supervisors want to mow the site more often to control weeds, and install a gate to control entry.

might have to properties that are listed on or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and located within 1/2 mile of the site, please submit the comments (with Job #49581) to: Ramaker, Contractor for AT&T, 855 Community Dr, Sauk City, WI 53583 or via e-mail to history@ramaker. com within 30 days of this notice.

10p-28-1t

a 3/4 inch diameter by 12 inch tall iron pin found marking the northwest corner of this, the northeast corner of said land of Alvin R. Johnson and set in the line of land of J. Albert Featherman; thence along said land of Featherman (2) North 46 degrees 36 minutes 21 seconds East 108.31 feet to an iron pin set marking the northeast corner of this and the northwest corner of land of Joseph D. and Ruth A. Furches; thence along said land of Furches (3) South 16 degrees 41 minutes 00 seconds East crossing over a 1 inch diameter iron pin found 15.32 feet from aforementioned center line of Shadyside Road, a total distance of 331.69 feet to a point in said center line of Shadyside Road marking the southeast corner of this and the southwest corner of said land of Furches; thence along said center line of Shadyside Road (4) South 74 degrees 10 minutes 00 seconds West 101.45 feet to the point and place of beginning.

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF FLORENCE M. COMBS a/k/a FLORENCE MAY NEFF COMBS, DECEASED. Late of London Grove 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 BRIAN COMBS, EXECUTOR, c/o Nancy W. Pine, Esq., 104 S. Church St., West Chester, PA 19382, Or to his

Attorney: NANCY W. PINE, PINE & PINE, LLP, 104 S. Church St., West Chester, PA 19382 10p-14-3t

SUMMONS BY CITATION

DATE: SEP 2 1, 2020, Case No. CU20-120 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: R & J EQUINE KINETICS, INC. a.k.a.

RJ EQUINE KINETICS, INC. JENNIFER CO BURN, R ACHEL MITCHELL and DOES 1 TO 25.

YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAIN-

TIFF: ALTURAS RANCHES, LLC NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be

Classifieds

a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo .ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org) , the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) , or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. Alturas Ranches vs. R & J Equine Kinetics The name and address of the court is: MODOC SUPERIOR COURT, 205 SOUTH EAST STREET ALTURAS, CA 96101 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: TOM GIFFORD, Esq., Law Office of Tom Gifford 113 W. North Street, Alturas, CA 96101 (530) 233-3100, RONDA GYSIN, Clerk, Tamitha Martin, Deputy 10p-28-4t

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T Mobility Services, LLC (AT&T) proposes to install equipment and antennas atop an existing 58’ building at 1 Octotara Alley in Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania (Job #49581). In accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the 2005 Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, AT&T is hereby notifying the public of the proposed undertaking and soliciting comments on Historic Properties which may be affected by the proposed undertaking. If you would like to provide specific information regarding potential effects that the proposed undertaking

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, November 19th, 2020 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, December 21st, 2020.

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

SALE NO. 20-11-348 Writ of Execution No. 2020-01854 DEBT $40,143.95 ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land of improved ground with buildings erected thereon situate on the north side of Shadyside Road (T-309) northeast of its intersection with Forge Road in East Nottingham Township, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania according to a survey by Concord Land Planners and Surveyors, Oxford, PA being Plan Number 8861 dated August 21, 1988 and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the centerline of Shadyside Road (T-309) marking the southwest corner of this and the southeast corner of land of Alvin R. Johnson; thence leaving said centerline of Shadyside Road and along said land of Alvin R. Johnson (1) North 15 degrees 43 minutes 45 seconds West crossing over a 1 inch diameter iron pin found 8.34 feet from center line of Shadyside Road, a total distance of 281.55 feet to

CONTAINING 30,327 square feet BEING Chester County Tax Parcel 69-5-30 BEING the same premises which Yvonne R. Johnson by Deed dated December 29, 1988 and recorded in Chester County, in Record Book 1405 page 263 conveyed unto Becky J. Andriole, her heirs and assigns.

PLAINTIFF: McCormick 112, LLC VS DEFENDANT: Emma J. Stewart A/K/A E. Jean Stewart Blount SALE ADDRESS: 1020 a/k/a 1702 Shadyside Road, East Nottingham Township (Oxford), PA 19363 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: BRIAN J. SCHAFFER 610-994-1137 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. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 10p-28-3t

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News KMS art students decorate Creamery for Dia de los Muertos event

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer Kennett Middle School art students are joining The Creamery and Casa Guanajuato to mark Day of the Dead -- Dia de los Muertos -- at the Creamery during the next two weekends, Oct 30 and Nov. 6.

Because of school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the students have recently been attending their classes at home virtually delivered by their teachers out of the Creamery in the 400 block of Birch Street.

But last week they received the invitation to stop by after school hours and prepare three-dimensional decorations for the holiday which in Mexico recognizes and celebrates the memories of the deceased.

On Monday and Tuesday,

Oct. 19 and 20, about 18, students each day arrived to decorate empty one-gallon milk containers with spooky colorful designs reminiscent of bare skulls using acrylic paint.

Awaiting them with a large table filled with art supplies were teachers Amanda Clapp and Maryanne Uhl to move the event along.

Clapp said the students were brought by their parents following school lesson hours, and many of those parents stayed around to participate in the project.

Come this weekend, those decorated skulls will be hung around the center joining other art and sculpture pieces recognizing the diverse nature of the community. There will also be an exhibit called “Michoacan” in honor of the legend of the Monarch

Luca Castellano shows he is almost finished with his project.

butterfly. Upon their annual winter migration to the country, the butterflies are looked upon by Mexicans as visits by their deceased relatives.

Historic Kennett Square issued this announcement: “As a tribute to the local Hispanic culture and to share with our Latinx brothers and sisters in celebration of their ancestral heritage, The Creamery of Kennett Square is pleased to have two consecutive weekends celebrating the Day of the Dead, including an art exhibition, offerings exhibitions, typical costumes reveal and more.”

Creamery office manager Elizabeth DeAngelis said that in addition to live music, entertainment and decorations, there will also be Mexican food and drink for sale.

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated with variety of traditions in Mexico on Nov. 2, just two days after Halloween in the United States. It honors loved ones who have passed. Survivors of those who have died generally visit the graves of their ancestors, decorate their graves, erect an altar to them in their homes and bring out some of their possession. It also features homemade crafts including toys and sweet figures made of sugar.

The Dia de los Muertos activities at the Creamery are being run and were designed by Casa Guanajuato of Kennett Square. It is an organization that promotes Mexican art, culture and traditions and makes them available for individuals in the local area through street fairs

Art teachers Maryanne Uhl, left, and Amanda Clapp provided guidance and materials for the students at the Creamery.

Photos by Chris Barber

Blyth Bauer and her son Anthony work on their project with their dog, Bella.

and cultural education The display will be free and will be open on Oct. 30 and 31, 3-8 p.m., Nov. 1, 1-6 p.m.; Nov. 6-7, 3-8 p.m., and Nov. 8, 1-6 p.m.

If you plan to stay at the Creamery after display

they recommend making reservations at www.kennettcreamery.com to secure a spot.

They ask that all people keep social distance and wear a face covering during the event.

Eliza Netzorg said her project will be monochromatic black and white.

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