Large crowd opposes proposed 84 percent sewer rate increases
By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
A pair of PUC hearings held on Nov. 12 at the Jennersville YMCA gave the public a chance to testify on the record concerning a proposed rate hike by Aqua Pennsylvania.
Afternoon and evening sessions were held in front of a packed room, dominated by Penn Township residents who face an 84 percent increase in their sewer rates if Aqua’s proposal is approved by the PUC as submitted.
In calculating the rate request, Aqua factored in all of its water and sewer systems in Chester County, reaching an average sewer rate increase of 40%, but going much higher in some areas.
According to documents provided by Aqua, the rate
increase request is justified by the increased cost in wastewater and water operations since its last increases in 2008 and 2010.
“During the intervening periods, the company will have invested approximately $2.2 billion in utility infastructure through March 31, 2020, which represents an increase of 46% in the original cost of the company’s physical assets,” the handout available at the hearing read.
“…The proposed increase in revenues is the minimum increase necessary to permit the company to provide reliable utility service and to maintain the integrity of its existing capital, attract additional necessary capital at reasonable costs, and have an opportunity to actually achieve a fair rate or return, particularly on its common equity capital.”
Penn Township originally owned the sewer system that serves the area, but sold it to Aqua in 2014 for $3.668 million. The reason given for the sale was the impending need for upgrades to meet increased regulations, which would be a major expense to the township. At the time of the sale of the system, Aqua agreed to a three-year rate freeze to keep the cost to residents under control.
Penn Township supervisor Wayne O’Connell was one of the first to speak at the afternoon hearing. O’ Connell questioned Aqua’s contention that they have made $2 million in repairs to the former township sewer treatment system.
“To date, I do not know of them getting permits for any work in this township,” he said.
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New Garden increasing sewer rates, raising local services taxes
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
In what they called a means of raising funds to repair the infrastructure of its outdated sewer system, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance at their
Nov. 19 meeting that will raise sewer taxes for township residents.
Calculated according to water consumption each year over the next three years, the ordinance increases the residential sewer rates in the township by $8.36 per quarter for
year 1, $8.19 per quarter for year 2 and $8.36 per quarter for year 3. Translated, that’s a rate increase of about $36 per year for an average New Garden Township household.
The base quarterly rate for commercial 1 customers
East Nottingham Township welcomes its first junior supervisor
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Elizabeth Estes, a junior at Oxford Area High School, was selected as East Nottingham Township’s first junior supervisor during a township meeting on Nov. 13. The East Nottingham Township Board of
Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Estes to the position. District Judge Scott Massey then administered the oath of office, and Estes joined the board as a non-voting member.
Estes is interested in a career in government or politics, and the opportunity to serve as a junior supervisor will be a good learning
experience. She thanked the township supervisors and the residents of East Nottingham for giving her the opportunity.
“I hope, in this position, I can give back to the community,” Estes said.
As a non-voting junior supervisor, Estes will attend public township meetings
Meadowcroft to resign as East Nottingham Township supervisor
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Toward the conclusion of the Nov. 13 East Nottingham Township Board of Supervisors meeting, Shelley Meadowcroft announced that she is resigning from her position
An old issue of no alcohol sales
comes up in Franklin Township
By John Chambless Staff Writer
A funny thing happened in Franklin Township after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. The township voted to stay “dry,” that is, to prohibit the sale of beer and liquor. There was a referendum in 1967 that asked if residents wanted to change that, but they didn’t. So the township has remained without a retail liquor establishment ever since.
That anomaly came to the attention of the Board of Supervisors recently, taking some by surprise. Board chairman John Auerbach said last week that, “The wineries and breweries can sell drinks by the glass as permitted by the Liquor Control Board, but a restaurant cannot sell drinks by the
glass. Archaric legislation. There’s lots of discussion and information to be developed. Three years ago, an Inquirer reporter called me and asked why we were a dry township. I was unaware of the restriction.”
But turning on the sale of liquor is not easy. A petition has to be submitted to township residents, and more than 557 signatures from registered voters have to be obtained. The collection of signatures can begin in February 2019 at the earliest. If enough are obtained, the petition is sent to Chester County Voter Services, where the question will be placed on the ballot and residents can formally vote in May. Township solicitor Mark Thompson has compiled information for the Board
Four Oxford studentathletes sign with colleges...6A
as a township supervisor.
The immediate reactions from those in attendance ranged from shock and sadness to, well, shock and sadness.
Meadowcroft, a supervisor since 2016, said that she was resigning from the
Courtesy photo
Shelley Meadowcroft
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Elizabeth Estes, a junior at Oxford Area High School, was sworn in as East Nottingham Township’s first junior supervisor during a township meeting on Nov. 13. Estes is pictured with township secretary Kelli Karlton.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors voted at their Nov. 19 meeting to raise sewer rates for township residents, and to increase the local service tax for employees who work in the township.
The art of Heather Davis...1C
of Supervisors, and the board debated the issue at their Nov. 14 meeting.
If the decision is eventually made to allow liquor sales in the township, there can be varying degrees allowed. Under state law, townships can prohibit sales of certain types of alcohol while permitting others. Dozens of counties in Pennsylvania are partially day and partially wet. Some allow beer sales at a pizza parlor, for example, while prohibiting sales of wine or mixed drinks. Some restrict retail liquor sales but allow state stores to operate. The decision is up to the voters.
There’s another wrinkle as well. Chester County’s population at last count was 498,886, so the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board should permit only 166 liquor sale licenses, or one license per 3,000 residents. But there are 325 retail liquor licenses in the county already, so the quota has been far exceeded. If Franklin Township, whose population at the last census was 4,352, gets approval, only one license would be granted. Since the county is already overcrowded, the Liquor Control Board will not create a new license. It will approve the transfer of one existing Chester County license to a busi-
ness in Franklin Township. After that time, businesses will have to get approval from the township and the Liquor Control Board for license transfers.
The price of such a license varies widely, depending on the type of license and the demand. Licenses in Pennsylvania have sold for as little as $5,000 or up to $400,000.
All this is going to be a challenge for the Board of Supervisors, with a lot of footwork required to gather verified signatures and then submit the proper paperwork. The issue will likely resonate with the township’s 3,387 registered voters, but in the midterm election, only
In Competition
and
J.J.
competed in the Ironman Florida in Haines City, Fla. on Nov. 4. The annual event was originally scheduled for Panama Beach on the state’s Gulf Coast, but was moved to Haines City after the Gulf area was impacted by the effects of Hurricane Michael.
The Simons completed the three segments of the triathlon: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a 26.2-mile full marathon, for a total of 140.6 miles covered.
2,232 voters bothered to cast votes, so turnout could vary. The fact that there has been no public outcry to change the liquor laws since 1933 is a hint
that residents might be OK with things as they are.
More developments will be taking place in the coming months. For updated township information, visit
www.franklintownship.us.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty.com.
Dry areas in Chester County
Chester County has 22 dry municipalities, as of March 2017:
East Brandywine
East Coventry
East Goshen
East Nantmeal (exempts two golf courses)
East Nottingham (allows retail sales of liquor)
Elk
Elverson
Franklin (including a ban on malt beverage distributors)
Highland (allows retail sales of beer)
London Grove (allows retail sales of liquor)
Londonderry (including a ban on state liquor stores)
Lower Oxford (including bans on malt beverage distributors and state liquor stores)
New London
Thornbury (allows retail sales of beer)
Upper Oxford (includes ban on state liquor stores)
West Brandywine West Fallowfield
West Grove
West Marlborough (allows retail beer sales)
West Nantmeal (exempts a golf course)
West Pikeland (allows retail liquor sales)
Westtown
London Grove approves 2019 general fund budget
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
The London Grove Township Board of Supervisors gave approval at their Nov. 7 meeting to the township’s 2019 general fund budget, one that is projected to be $3.517 million, a slight increase from its 2018 budget.
In addition, the township’s real estate tax of 1.25 mills will remain the same next year, and no tax increase is expected.
On the revenue side, the township will receive a projected $301,785 in interfund transfers – very close to the $300,589 figure in 2018 – that will
transfer money from other township funds in order to pay for road improvements and capital projects. Major township expenditures for 2019 will include the sidewalk project for State Road; upgrades at the Inniscrone Golf Course, which will include clubhouse repairs, golf cart path paving and acquisition of landscaping equipment; and continued roadway management.
Projected jumps in revenues will be for building and zoning permits, which now stands at 127,154 and is projected to increase to $165,875 next year; and fees collected from the Southeastern Chester
County Refuse Authority (SECCRA), which will increase from $383,421 this year to a projected $517,000 in 2019, which is due to an increase in what the township will receive per ton of waste disposal –from $4.25 per ton in 2018 to $4.50 in 2019. On the expenditure side of the ledger, the largest projected increases for 2019 will be seen in office administration –from $85,709 in 2018 to $101,428 projected for 2019; and a projected increase from $38,323 to $109,024, to pay for a new fire and burglary alarm system at the Public Works Department building, maintenance of vehicles and equipment; and a upgraded alarm system at the township building. Projected expenditures also include $356,113 for road reconstruction – up from this year’s $76,782 – which will include $179,505 for the base repair and overlay of Sullivan Road; $124,604 for base repair and overlay of Lake Road; $23,673 for milling, repair and overlay of Holly Lane; and $42,000 to pay for patching projects on township roads. In addition, the township will spend $30,000 to repair the McCue Road bridge. The entire 164-page 2019 budget report is available on the London Grove Township website, www.londongrove.org.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo Kennett Run Race
Director
Simon
his wife, Jacqui,
Penn Township users are not the only ones facing a rate increase. The company has 22 separate rate divisions for water service and 33 rate divisions for wastewater.
The Honeycroft development in Londonderry Township is facing a 50% rate increase for sewer service from their system, which was sold to Aqua, Residents from all of the areas affected by the proposed rate hike were able to speak at the recent hearings, but the biggest portion of the audience was local. Those who testified, particularly at the afternoon session, were largely from Penn Township and the surrounding areas.
One of many Penn Township residents who testified was George Scott, 92, a resident of Jenners Pond. “When it gets down to me, it’s going to cost over $100 a month,” Scott said. “This increase on retired people will have a major impact.
Jenners Pond director of facilities Darryl Hertsenberger later explained that the nonprofit facility pays the total sewer bill for the community, then passes the cost along to their 300 residents. Their typical bill of $7,000 per month would jump to about $13,000 per month if the rate hike goes through.
With five age-restricted developments in Penn Township, a majority of the sewer users are retired and on fixed incomes.
Township manager Karen Versuk testified that 62% of Penn Township is covered by Aqua sewer service, with 81% of those customers being senior citizens.
Versuk added that when the sewer system was under Penn Township’s ownership, sewage rates were kept low by charging developers tapping fees instead of depending on rate payers alone to carry costs.
There was some testimony in support of Aqua, including Keith Brubacher, of Narvon, owner of an excavating company used by Aqua. He described the company as being proactive rather than reactive.
Also supporting Aqua on the character of the company and its support for the community were Paul Koppel, of Junior Achievement, and Brian Winslow, a watershed conservation director who was representing the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance.
Also speaking in Aqua’s favor was former county commissioner Earl Baker. “The company is one that seeks to invest in infastructure,” he testified. “I believe in this case, they have demonstrated there is a need for a rate increase.”
Opponents to the rate increase focused on the impact it will have on rate payers, and also on what they perceive as unfair methods of calculation –using figures from both water and sewer operations and combining service areas to reach the new rates.
“We should not be expected to subsidize other communities,” Ann Bietsch of West Grove testified.
Testimony will continue to be heard from parties to the case, with a final decision not expected until March 2019.
New Garden taxes...
Continued from Page 1A
will increase by $12.71 per quarter for year 1, $12.70 per quarter for year 2, and $11.71 per quarter for year
3. Customers in the commercial 2 category will pay an increase of $16.46 per quarter for year 1, $16.74 per quarter for year 2, and $16.74 per quarter for year
3. The residential excess 1 rate will increase $3.67 per quarter for each 1,000 gallons used over the the three-year period. The commercial 1 excess rate will increase $6.00 for each 1,000 gallons per quarter over the three-year period, and the commercial 2 excess rate will increase $9.20 for each 1,000 gallons per quarter over that three-year span.
All tax increases will go into effect next week.
To a New Garden Township resident, this increase in sewer rates may appear perplexing, given that in 2016, the board agreed to the $29.5 million sale of its sewer system to Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc. Since the deal was made, however, the finalization of the sale has seen numerous delays, most recently in early June, when the township, its sewer authority and Aqua mutually agreed to extend the date of the sale of the township’s sewer system from 365 days to 760 days.
While the deal is currently in the Pa. Supreme Court, the supervisors are faced with the need to address serious structural problems. The supervisors said that income raised from the sewer increase will only be able to repair a small percentage of a system that’s in dire need of improvements, at a cost that supervisor Steve Allaband estimated could run as much as $3.5 million.
“Honestly, we’re looking at about a 45 percent tax increase if we continue to just do the upgrades,” Allaband said. “We’re only seeking a ten percent increase. There’s that much work that needs to be done, and this is a small piece of it.”
The current system is costing the township $30,000 to $40,000 a month merely to keep the sewer plants in regulatory compliance, a spending that’s not sustainable, Allaband said.
“Even if the sale [to Aqua] goes through next month, we’ll still have to start that process, because we’re just throwing as much as $40,000 a month away,” he said. “You have to keep your plants compliant, so in part, some of this is related to the transaction not going through, but the fact is that
these monies still need to be secured.”
“Raising these rates is just to stem the bleeding,” said supervisor Richard Ayotte. “We’re not trying to bring in more money. This is just to break even, to raise the $400,000 that’s needed to pay for the sewer system, every year. We still need $9 or $10 million in repairs.
“Yes, we have an agreement for the sale of the sewer, but the sewer is not sold. ...So as long we are mandated by the DEP to fix things that we don’t have the money for, we’re going to raise rates now, to try to get ahead.”
The board also agreed to raise its local services tax, effective Jan. 1, 2019, that will jump the fee for those who work in the township from $10 to $52, annually – one dollar a week for those who earn more than $12,000 a year. If an individual working in the township makes under $12,000 yearly, he or she is exempt from the tax increase.
The revenues raised from the tax increase will be used for emergency services –police, ambulance and fire and road maintenance –and is estimated to raise $175,320 a year.
“Part of the [decision to raise local services taxes] was determined when the Avondale Fire Company came in and did their first presentation [before the board], and wanted a five percent increase in funding [from the township], above and beyond what they were currently getting,” said supervisor Steve Allaband. “Secondly, when we looked at the county’s assessment tax code for real estate appeals, I think the township lost $5 million of assessed value, so that income has gone down, and everything else is going up.”
Public notice about the tax increase was advertised on Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 11 in the Daily Local and on the township’s Facebook page. It was not posted on the township’s website. Former supervisor Bob Perrotti criticized the board for what he called an ineffective method of informing the public about the tax increase.
“How many businesses are in this township who are going to have to tell their employees [about the tax increase]?” Perrotti asked the board. “That’s a poor, poor way of informing people.”
“Should we communicate more of that information on our website? Yes, we should moving forward, but we also had budget meetings, and the public is welcome to attend those meetings,” said board chairman Randy
Struble honored with endowment in his name
Longtime Brandywine and Red Clay Valley Associations director Bob Struble received accolades and a standing ovation from guests at the Mendenhall Inn Grand Ballroom on Oct. 25, on the occasion of his retirement after 43 years with the organization.
Struble, 75, currently serves as the Watershed Conservation Director of the two merged organizations that became Brandywine Red Clay Alliance in 2015.
During a series of tributes to Struble throughout the evening, he was described as driven, tireless, hard-working and dedicated to improving the quality of the streams in the Brandywine and Red Clay watersheds. Scientific and environmental studies have shown that he has been quite successful, transforming many waterways from “red” to “blue,” adjectives standing for their condition before and after upgrades in beneficial organisms and purity.
Through the years, Struble has been especially active in rebuilding stream banks to prevent the build-up of sediment, and creating environments in rural areas that keep waste products from livestock and fertil-
Geouque.
The tax increase is the cost of providing police, ambulance and fire services, Allaband told Perrotti.
“On the road, if you get into an accident and need a medic, that’s $195, and if you need an ambulance, that’s probably $215,” Allaband said.
“Why don’t you try spending less?” Perrotti said.
“Bob, I think we do a pretty good job in trying to maintain all of our spending, as much as possible,” Geouque said.
In other township business, the board agreed to extend the date of its decision on whether to grant the application of 380 Starr Road, LP to establish a medical marijuana cultivation and manufacturing facility on 380 Starr Road in Landenberg, a 107,000-square-foot building that sits on 12 acres.
izers out of the water. He has also served on many boards and commissions, and has been part of educational programs connected with clean water.
Alliance Executive Director Jim Jordan said of Struble, “His dedication is truly unwavering.”
As recognition for his efforts and outcomes of his work, he was given the Clayton M. Hoff Award, named for the first executive director of the BVA. The award has been given only six time since its inception in 1987 and recognizes long-term contributions to the conservation of resources. Struble later said Hoff was like a grandfather to him, and one of his heroes, Jordan also announced the establishment of the Robert G. Struble, Jr. Watershed Conservation Perpetual Fund. Already, $50,000 has been gifted by an anonymous donor. In addition, West Chester Friends School kindergarten teacher Michelle Lozowski was named Teacher of the Year.
The applicant has asked for an extension until Dec. 18.
Nicholas DeSanctis, a principal with Vedic Holdings, a Bryn Mawrbased commercial real estate company, made presentations at two conditional use hearings before the board this fall.
It is projected that David Tuttleman, the owner of Matrix NV, a Nevada-based medical marijuana growing company, will serve as the principal owner of the facility.
The 2019 Board of Supervisors meeting schedule will begin on Jan. 7, and will continue throughout the year on the third Monday of every month.
The meetings will be held on Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 18, April 22, May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16. All meetings will
Dawn Coughlan of the BRCA staff was named the Educator of the Year.
be held at the New Garden Township building, and begin at 7:30 p.m.
The board also appointed supervisor Mike Loftus to a two-year appointment on the Southern Chester County Regional Police Commission, and supervisor Richard Ayotte to a one-year appointment to the commission.
The township’s annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 2, beginning at 3:45 p.m. at New Garden Township Park. Santa Claus is expected to arrive at the park via helicopter at 4 p.m.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo
Retiring Water Conservation Director Bob Struble thanks his audience from the podium at the annual dinner.
Chester County Economic Development Council teams up with Commissioners to report on economic health of Chester County
Chester County’s 10-year economic development strategy, VISTA 2025, is marking the approach of its halfway point with the release of a progress report on the economic health of the county.
VISTA 2025 is a unique collaboration between the County of Chester and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and includes partners from Chester County’s public and private sectors. Launched in 2014, the strategy follows the fundamental premise that progress and preservation are complementary elements necessary to support economic health while maintaining the “sense of
Junior supervisor...
Continued from Page 1A
that the supervisors are involved in. She can participate in discussions and will make regular reports to township officials about current events and concerns, especially as they relate to young people. Estes can also share information about any township activities that are of interest with her peers.
At Oxford Area High School, Estes is a member of the National Honor Society, the National English Honor Society, Student Council, and Future Business Leaders of America, which she said is her favorite extracurricu-
place” that makes Chester County so attractive to residents and businesses.
VISTA 2025’s five main goals are focused on developing quality of place, workforce and talent, highpriority industry clusters, an innovation culture and expanding infrastructure.
The County has one of the largest county-level economies in the United States, ranking in the top five percent with a GDP of $31.4 billion. As a result of the contributions of many partners from across business, education and workforce/ economic development, the following achievements meet VISTA 2025’s five major goals while maintaining a commitment to open
lar activity. She is also on Oxford’s cross country and track & field teams.
Estes has already identified some goals that she would like to achieve as a junior supervisor. One is to organize a cleanup project for the township to help beautify the community.
Estes’ term will extend through August of 2019.
“I’ve lived in Oxford all my life, and this is a great way for me to give something back to the community,” she said.
Supervisor Michael Watson credited township secretary Kelli Karlton with helping the township launch the junior supervisor program.
Karlton said that the board’s objective in estab-
space and the environment:
Convening a Workforce Summit that brought together more than 100 leaders from business, education, economic development and workforce to address nine critical areas needed to grow and maintain an unparalleled workforce;
Establishing a $4M “Venture Chesco” Fund, a partnership between the County, through the Chester County Pension Board, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners to expand financial resources to emerging tech companies;
Conducting annual “Take the Pulse” surveys to gauge the views of industry partners and business leaders on local business
lishing the junior supervisor program is to inspire young people in the township to become more involved with local government by giving them the opportunity to gain insights into how local government functions and learn about the duties of local government officials. The program will also help those who serve as junior supervisors to build
climate, trends and growth estimates;
Organizing Urban Center Forums to access critical economic development resources for Chester County’s boroughs and the City of Coatesville; and Creating the innovative communications vehicle, VISTA.Today, to tell the good news of the County’s commerce, culture and community.
“We are pleased with the progress made to date and will continue our commitment to maintaining and building upon Chester County’s economic health for generations to come,” said Gary Smith, CCEDC President and CEO. County Commissioners’
leadership skills by being involved in public affairs.
“We’ve never had a junior supervisor before,” Karlton explained. “Elizabeth is a fantastic applicant. Her résumé is great. She’s really the best applicant we could have to start this program.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Santa Claus is coming to East Nottingham Township
Santa Claus will be stopping by the township building in East Nottingham Township on Friday, Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. To 8 p.m.
Children are invited to share their Christmas lists with Santa. Jolly old St. Nick will also pose for pictures with children whose parents bring along a camera or cell phone.
Chair Michelle Kichline, who also serves as Co-Chair of VISTA 2025, noted: “In late 2014, the County Commissioners endorsed VISTA 2025 as our first economic development strategy. Since that beginning, work on implementing the various goals of the VISTA strategy has steadily progressed.
“It is very fulfilling to review and celebrate VISTA 2025’s achievements thus
Meadowcroft...
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East Nottingham board
because construction work on her family’s home will make it necessary for a brief move out of the township that could last four or five months. The regulations pertaining to residency requirements are straight forward, she said, and she did not feel that it was appropriate for her to serve as a township supervisor if she couldn’t meet all the requirements.
“It is a hard decision to make, and I didn’t think I would be as emotional as I am,” she said, struggling to fight back tears.
“I shouldn’t take up a seat on this board if I don’t live in the township.”
Meadowcroft said that her resignation would be effective on Nov. 29. She also said that it has been an honor to serve as a supervisor in East Nottingham Township.
far. In Chester County, we recognize that how we grow is critical. This 10-year economic strategy, implemented alongside our Landscapes3 comprehensive plan, lays out a vision of smart growth for Chester County and the specific activities needed to achieve that vision. It allows us to plan for the future, invest in the future and work hard to make the future we want a reality.”
Several people asked if there wasn’t a way for Meadowcroft to continue to serve on the board until the construction work is finished. One person offered to have the Meadowcroft family move in with them. Meadowcroft expressed her gratitude, but said that resigning was the right thing to do at this time.
The East Nottingham Township Board of Supervisors will have to formally accept Meadowcroft’s resignation at an upcoming township meeting, and then begin the process of filling the vacancy by seeking applicants and conducting interviews. The next township meeting takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the township building.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Four of Oxford Area High School’s top student-
Four Oxford student-athletes sign to
athletes―Reese Canaday, Gianna Coyle, Michael Fazio, and Abbey O’ Connor―signed their letters of intent to compete at the
collegiate level. Fazio, an elite swimmer, is heading to Towson University. Coyle and O’Connor, leaders on the softball team, are going to East Stroudsburg University and the College of Central Florida, respectively, and Canaday, a standout in field hockey, will be competing next at Liberty University.
A signing ceremony for the four athletes took place at the school on Nov. 14.
“All four of the studentathletes who signed today represent Oxford in a positive light,” said Mike Price, Oxford’s athletic director.
“In addition to their unbelievable on-field success, they also do very well in the classroom. They all will be able to reflect back on Oxford and know that they made an impact in their particular sport, but they will
realize that they made an impact on their teammates, coaches, and the community. We wish them all the best when they continue their academic and athletic commitments at the next level.”
Canaday is looking forward to the challenge of playing Division 1 field hockey for Liberty University, which is in the highly competitive Big East Conference.
“I really wanted to go to a bigger school and play Division 1,” Canaday explained.
She was a four-year varsity player for Oxford, earning numerous accolades as a forward and a mid-fielder. This year, she served as the team captain and was also selected as the team MVP. She was also a First Team AllChes-Mont League selection for her senior season.
In addition to field hockey,
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the athletic Canaday also plays for Oxford’s lacrosse team. Her favorite sports moment at Oxford came during her sophomore season when she scored a goal when the field hockey was taking on Spring-Ford in the first round of districts.
Oxford went on to win that game and advance to the second round of districts.
“Reese has been such a wonderful student-athlete,”
Price said. “She works really hard to be the best player that she can be in field hockey and lacrosse. She is a presence on the field and is a reliable playmaker and scorer. She is also an amazing teammate. When she is on the playing field, she is just driven to succeed.”
Coyle was a four-year varsity player for Oxford, but she has been playing softball for much longer than that.
“I’ve played softball most of my life,” explained Coyle. In addition to playing for the high school softball team, she also plays for the Riptides softball travel team. She has traveled extensively to compete in the sport.
Coyle played a lot of second base and some outfield for Oxford, and hopes to play second base at East Stroudsburg University, too. She was a First Team AllChes-Mont League selection in her first three seasons with Oxford, and earned Second Team All-Area honors during the last two seasons.
Coyle was selected as her team’s MVP during her freshman and junior years. One of her personal highlights on the softball field came in a game against Avon Grove when she broke up a no-hitter by Maggie Balint, one of the best pitchers in
Reese Canaday signed a letter of intent to play field hockey at Liberty University.
Photos by Steven Hoffman
Abbey O’ Connor has signed to play softball at the College of Central Florida.
Michael Fazio is heading to Towson University after graduation. A top swimmer, he has one more season to compete for Oxford.
Gianna Coyle, a top softball player, will be playing for East Stroudsburg University after she graduates from Oxford.
Local News
play at the collegiate level
the state. Coyle slapped a single that broke up that no-hitter.
Coyle said that what she likes best about playing softball at Oxford are the friendships that she has formed.
“I enjoyed playing with and having friendships with a lot of my teammates,” she explained. “The softball team is like a family.”
Price said that Coyle has been an important part of the softball team since she came to the high school.
“She has worked very hard offensively and defensively to be one of the top players in the area,” he said. “She has been an absolute pleasure to work with and to see her grow into the player she is now. The best thing about Gianna is that she always seems to have a smile on her face. I think she will make an impact at East Stroudsburg University early in her collegiate career.”
Like Coyle, Abbey O’ Connor has been a top player on Oxford’s softball team for the last three seasons.
Price said that she has worked hard to do what the team needs.
“Abbey is an unbelievable softball player,” Price said. “She works so hard in every facet of being a student-athlete. She does things on the field that just amaze me. She went from being a right-handed power hitter to a left-handed slap hitter in less than a year. She made that switch and improved her batting average and on-base percentage. She is driven and motivated
to be the best player that she can be. She has been a wonderful influence on the future of the Oxford softball program. She is going to make an immediate impact at the College of Central Florida.”
O’ Connor plays shortstop and some third base for Oxford. She was a Second Team All-ChesMont League selection as a freshman, and a First Team All-Ches-Mont League selection the last two seasons. She was also named as an Honorable Mention AllArea player for her junior season.
O’Connor has also played travel softball, which has taken her all across the country for games.
“I really have a love for the sport,” O’ Connor said. One of her favorite moments as an Oxford softball player came during her sophomore year when she hit a home run in a game against Bishop Shanahan.
In addition to softball, O’ Connor also plays basketball for the Hornets. She is looking forward to the basketball season, as well as the 2019 softball season. Her goal for the softball team is a simple: she wants the players to have fun playing before the group of seniors head off in different directions.
O’Connor is really looking forward to playing at the College of Central Florida, and that team is looking forward to having O’ Connor join the team.
“We are very excited and proud to welcome Abbey into the College of Central
Florida softball family,” said Kevin Fagan, the head softball coach at the college. “She will have an immediate impact on our program. She is the type of player that we have to bring in to stay among the top teams in the nation. She is one of the finest athletes we have ever signed. Defensively, she is a smooth-fielding shortstop with a cannon, and is a great receiver behind the plate with a lightning-quick release. Offensively, she is a speedy slapper who can also hit away if the situation dictates. On the bases, she is a great base runner and a true steal threat. She has the gifts and the drive to move on to a high Division 1 program and make an impact there as well. We know that we are getting a high character leader and a solid example of what a student athlete should embody.”
Before Michael Fazio heads to Towson University, he has some goals to accomplish as a member of Oxford’s swimming team.
At the end of last season, Fazio placed fourth in the 200 freestyle at the Pennsylvania Boys AAA State Championships, and he would like to win at states before he graduates from Oxford in 2019. His willingness to work hard to improve could help him do just that.
“Michael is a tremendous student-athlete,” Price explained. “He is extremely driven to improve every single day. I remember Coach Reinard telling me that he was going to be good because he worked very hard
at every practice. I then got to see him finish fourth at states last year in the 200 freestyle, and it was refreshing to see his hard work pay off.”
Fazio said that he is a natural swimmer. He could swim by the age of three, and he has grown into a very strong swimmer over the years, especially in sprints and mid-distance events.
“I really feel comfortable in the water,” he explained. Fazio has been a district qualifier for all three of his seasons so far. He has shown great improvement each season. As a sophomore, he placed 13th in states in the 200 freestyle. By his junior season, he had improved to the point where he finished 4th at states in the same event. He also added a 10th place finish in the 100 freestyle. Now, he is looking forward to a strong finish to his high school sports career at Oxford.
“He truly cares about his impact on the Oxford Swimming program,” Price said. “He is headed to a great swim program at Towson, and we wish him well.”
For his part, Fazio said that he will fondly remember his time at Oxford.
“I’ve really enjoyed swimming at Oxford,” he said. “The swimming team is like a family. I’ve made some of my best memories here. Oxford is always going to have a special place in my heart.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
‘Antiques Roadshow’ is coming to Winterthur in June
“Antiques Roadshow,”
PBS’s highest-rated ongoing series, visits Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Winterthur, Del., on June 18 for an all-day appraisal event as part of the 2019 production tour.
The announcement of the upcoming date was made on Nov. 12. This will be the first “Roadshow” filming in Delaware.
“We’re excited to visit Delaware and experience such an exceptional loca-
tion,” said “Roadshow” executive producer Marsha Bemko. “Filming at Winterthur will allow our cameras to blanket the property, capturing appraisals with the action of the event as a backdrop and, when possible, taking our audience ‘backstage’ to places the public isn’t allowed or may miss seeing.”
From each 2019 event, three episodes of “Roadshow” will be created for inclusion in the
show’s 24th broadcast season, to air in 2020. “Antiques Roadshow” airs locally Mondays at 8 p.m. on WHYY.
Admission to “Antiques Roadshow” is free, but tickets are required and must be obtained in advance. Fans can apply for a chance to receive one pair of free tickets per household. The 2019 Tour ticket application process opened on Nov. 12. To enter the drawing for free tickets and to see complete
application rules, visit pbs. org/roadshowtickets, or call 888-762-3749. Deadline for applications is Feb. 11, 2019.
At each appraisal event, around 3,300 ticketed guests will receive free verbal evaluations of their antiques and collectibles from experts from the country’s leading auction houses and independent dealers. Each guest is invited to bring two items for appraisal.
A great deed for children
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Junior Girl Scout Troop
4780 earned a Bronze award – the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve – for their recent Jared Box Project that supplied gift baskets for children at local hospitals, including the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children. The boxes were filled with small gifts, toys, games and accessories. The goal of the Jared Box Project is to lift the spirits of children in the hospital, and to date, over 200,000 Jared Boxes have been delivered across the United States. The scouts raised $105 for the cost of making the boxes from New Garden Township residents. The troop was invited to the Nov. 19 New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting, where they recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and made a presentation about their charitable project.
Keeping our neighbors warm
The continuing legacy of what the Kennett Library has come to mean to the communities it serves took another bold step forward on Nov. 10, when it served as the home base for the distribution of 300 new winter coats and 600 books to children in the area. International Paper, Janssen of Johnson & Johnson and the library’s Adult Literacy Program served as sponsors for Operation Warm, a national nonprofit dedicated to providing brand new winter coats to children in need. The library was filled with members of the community, library board members and staff, all of whom graciously served as volunteers.
It was a full day for the children, who not only walked away with two new books and a warm winter coat, they also participated in a variety of activities at the library, ranging from Origami, rock-painting, face-painting, making sun-catchers and tissuepaper mosaics, board games and a participatory music program. The library’s link with Operation Warm will not only help children keep warm this winter, it will gain a new customer base, whose lives will get to grow and mature at the same rate as the new library, poised for construction at the Bayard Taylor Commons just down the street from the current library.
The rebirth of Birch Street
On Nov. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Creamery of Kennett Square will officially reopen its doors again after a nearly year-long closure. For reasons known only to its management, the facts of this decision to shut its doors remained, for the most part, cloaked in mystery, not only to this newspaper but for thousands of its most ardent customers, who struggled to find the facts but never heard them. While we are likely never to hear the full extent of these reasons, the Creamery’s re-opening signals that Birch Street, once an underutilized avenue on the outskirts of the borough, is primed to become the borough’s new center of attention.
The Creamery won’t be doing this alone; next door, Braeloch Brewing is putting the finishing touches on a concept that will soon add one more notch to Kennett
Square’s emerging reputation as a craft beer mecca.
For those community members who will be at home preparing their Thanksgiving Day feast and not able to attend the Creamery’s newest debut, it will be again be the host of the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market on Dec. 1-2 and 8-9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will enjoy a curated open air artisan market filled with unique holiday gifts ideas, handcrafted by local and regional artisans and vendors, as well as children’s activities, live music and craft beers.
So welcome back, Creamery. While you have been Kennett Square’s greatest vanishing act over the past year, you have also become one of the town’s most precious gifts – a gemstone forever being polished to perfection. You are part of what we call Home.
Holiday magic returns to the Brandywine
The magic of the holiday season returns to the Brandywine River Museum of Art during “Brandywine Christmas,” from Nov. 23 to Jan. 6.
The holiday experience for all ages includes a gallery filled with a landscaped model train display, an exhibition of illustrations from three seasonal children’s books, trees decorated with whimsical “Critter” ornaments, and a wide selection of holiday events and programs.
Holidays & Snowdays: Illustrations for Three Children’s Books
Through Jan. 6
Caldecott medalist Beth Krommes shows the beauty of an unexpected snow storm with her illustrations for Before Morning, written by Joyce Sidman. James Ransome, winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, sets a traditional holiday story in the jazzinspired Harlem of the 1920s with his illustrations for The Nutcracker in Harlem, written by T.E. McMorrow. And Matthew Trueman depicts an unlikely twosome to illustrate the spirit of Hanukkah with his illustrations for Simon and the Bear, a Hanukkah Tale, written by Eric A. Kimmel.
Brandywine Railroad
Nov. 23 to Jan. 6
The huge train display, a holiday family favorite since 1972, offers a dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. The Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and includes more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small town, a farm, factories and even a carnival.
“Critter” ornaments
“Critters” are ornaments and tabletop decorations that are handmade, using natural
materials. Each one has its own unique personality and expression – no two are exactly the same. From whimsical animals-- like cats, dogs, reindeer and bears – to angels and stars, “Critters” come in all shapes and sizes. Using their imaginations, volunteers work with natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, egg shells, flowers and seed pods to give each “Critter” its own expression. Proceeds benefit the Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund, and Art Education & Programming. The annual sale starts on Nov.29 and ends on Dec. 2. “Critters” will also be available for sale in the museum gift shop from Dec. 2 through Jan. 6, while supplies last.
Special holiday events and activities throughout the season include:
Holiday Critter Sale Prices will range from $5 to $35, with specialty items from $50 to $250. A Member Preview will b held Nov. 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Public hours are Nov. 29, 5 to 9 p.m.; Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Carols Concerts Sundays in December (2, 9, 16, 23, 30), 1 to 3 p.m.
Listen to international opera singer Peter Campbell, accompanied by pianist Matthew Jewell. Free with museum admission.
Children’s Christmas Party
Dec. 5, 6 to 8 p.m.
Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy entertainment, costumed characters, face painting, model trains, trees adorned with hundreds of “Critter” ornaments, and Cookie Land.
Breakfast with the Trains Saturdays, Dec. 8 and 15, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
Join a behind-the-scenes visit with the Brandywine Railroad. Discover how the extensive layout is created and the complicated multitasking it takes to keep everything running. This before-hours event includes a private tour of the trains in action with Brandywine Railroad engineers, special activities for younger train fans, and a continental breakfast in the Millstone Café.
Sounds of the Season Concerts Weekdays and some weekends in December
Choral concerts by local schools and community groups (check brandywine.
org for details). Free with museum admission.
Sensory-Friendly Train Morning Saturday, Jan. 5, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Early access to the Brandywine Railroad for children with autism or sensory-processing disorders.
Stroller Tour
Second Tuesday of every month beginning Jan. 8,
10:30 a.m.
Gallery tour for adults accompanied by babies. Free with museum admission.
Children’s Read-Aloud Tours Jan. 17, 24 and 31, 10:30 a.m.
Children and their grownups will hear a story, interact with art in the museum and make their own creative work to take home.
The Brandywine River
Museum of Art is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day), and is on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 65 and older, $6 for students and children ages 6 and up; free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. For more information, call 610388-2700 or visit www. brandywine.org/museum.
Longwood Gardens welcomes the holiday season
season from Nov. 22 to
This year, “A Longwood Christmas” pays homage to the Christmas tree with a display featuring traditional favorites and inspiring new twists to the holiday symbol. From festive firs suspended from above, to towering tannenbaums adorned in unique ways, visitors can uncover the magic of the Christmas tree reimagined from Nov. 22 to Jan. 6. Tickets are available at longwoodgardens.org.
“A Longwood Christmas” extends both indoors and outdoors.
Inside Longwood’s warm, four-acre Conservatory, a forest of floating trees embellished with crystals, glass ornaments, and glittering baby’s breath hangs from above. The Music Room is transformed into a book lover’s holiday haven, featuring a rotating 18-foot Fraser fir draped in a garland of books, with trees fashioned from hardcover books and decorative folded book art adding to the holiday splendor.
Other highlights in the Conservatory include a 24-foot concolor fir garnished with red
ornament swaths, amid a woodland of white frosted trees and winterberry holly. An ethereal glass “tree” made of 600 slivers of hand-cut green glass in various shades is suspended over a meadow of red and white amaryllis, hellebores, and kalanchoe. A whimsical 12-foot tumbleweed tree, among an array of succulents, evokes the spirit of the Southwest.
Outdoors, more than 500,000 lights grace more than 100 trees throughout the gardens. New displays include the Main Fountain Garden, where shimmering lighted conical trees decorate the garden. Two 6-foot southern magnolia trees are ornamented with natural materials found in the Meadow Garden, while the popular Wildlife Tree is reinvented as a 15-foot conical tree covered in 200 handmade birdhouses and decorated with edible ornaments. The Gardener’s Tree showcases the gardeners’ spin on the theme, featuring twirling ornaments, wind spinners and whirligigs.
Created by
Longwood craftsmen
and local
artisans, three fire pits allow guests to warm up by the fire on chilly evenings. In the Open Air Theatre, fountains dance day and night to holiday classics. Families will delight in Longwood’s outdoor train display as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks that are lighted for the holiday season. Throughout the season, Longwood’s grand Ballroom hosts free and ticketed holiday-inspired performances, as well as daily carol sing-alongs performed on Longwood’s pipe organ. The Strolling Olde Towne Carolers add to the holiday charm on select evenings, while Longwood’s historic Chimes Tower plays holiday music every halfhour. For a complete listing of performances, visit www.longwoodgardens. org.
Admission to the Christmas display is by timed admission ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific date and time. Members require free, timed member reservations every day if arriving after 2 p.m.
Photo by Carlos Alejandro Volunteers create ‘Critter’ ornaments out of natural materials.
Photo by Carlos Alejandro
The huge, landscaped model train layout is a family favorite every year.
Photo by Jacques-Jean Tiziou
Trees throughout the museum have been decorated for the season.
Inside and out, Longwood Gardens is decked out for the
Jan. 6.
The trees at Longwood will be decorated with more than half a million lights.
ROLAND LOUIS FRANCOIS BRETON
Dr. Roland Louis Francois Breton, affectionately nicknamed “Roldy,” died on Nov. 7 at his home in Elkton, Md., after a battle with lymphoma. He was 83. He was born in 1935 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to Edgar Breton and Francoise Paillere. He was the youngest of six children. Following the example of his older brothers, Roland joined the Boy Scouts at the age of 4 and remained with them until he completed medical school. Roland was inspired by Felix Coicou, a local physician, to pursue a career in medicine. Roland attended medical school in Haiti, furthered his medical studies in Montreal, Canada, and completed his residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Roland’s career as a radiologist included positions in Tennessee, Maryland and Virginia, and as junior radiologist at Harvard Medical School Peter Brent Brigham Hospital in Boston Mass. In addition, he was a radiology instructor at Sinai Hospital and Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md.
Aside from his profession, Roland was a lifelong soccer fanatic and was heavily involved in coaching his sons’ youth soccer teams in the Montgomery County, Md., area. He loved to play the piano, harmonica, and the accordion. He loved classical music. He had the unique habit of whistling his favorite tunes, nonstop, throughout the entire day. He spent his retirement years between his Naples, Fla., and Elkton, Md., residences. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Adeline Lavaud (Jean), and Edith LeConte (Fritz). He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Etta Boulden Breton, who was always by his side. From a previous marriage to Anne-Marie Romain Breton, he has three surviving sons, Renald J. Breton (Florence), Bertrand E. Breton (Gloria), and Reginald E. Breton (Kristina); and five grandchildren. Surviving brothers include Robert Breton (Denise, deceased), Roger Breton (Ginette), and Yvan Breton. In addition, he has numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations to Forgotten Children of Haiti (www.haitiforgottenchildren.com).
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ELIZABETH LILLIAN DUDLEY
Elizabeth Lillian Dudley, 96, of Lincoln University, formerly of Collingdale, Boothwyn and Swarthmore, passed away on Nov. 14 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove.
She was the wife of the late Ernest J. Dudley, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. Born in Gulph Mills, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rosina Jordan. She was a graduate of the former Collingdale High School, class of 1937. She was a former employee of Shallcross Manufacturing in Collingdale, assembling escape windows for the B-25 aircraft during World War II.
Elizabeth was a former member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Swarthmore. She was a devoted housewife and grandmother, and a lover of flowers.
She is survived by two sons, Harry M. Dudley of Lincoln University, and Carl R. Dudley of Harrison, Mich.; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol E. Dudley Anderson; and her brother, Henry Jordan.
A graveside service was held Nov. 20. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.
MARGUERITE KNIFFIN
Marguerite “Marty” Kniffin, 85, of Jenners Pond, passed away on Nov. 5 due to complicatons from surgery. Marty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Larry; and sonin-law, Larry Truluck. She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Truluck; her son Ben (Brenda) Kniffin; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; her brother Walter (Grethe); nieces and nephews; and little dog, Slim.
Marty was born in 1933. Her life’s journey involved her living around the country – from California to Delaware and Lincoln, Neb., to Pass Christian, Miss. She was a devoted homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother. She lived an active life at Jenners Pond, frequently playing Scrabble, solving crossword puzzles, and continuing her love, practice and teaching of art and crafts. Marty had over 20 years of experience with commissioned portraits of people and pets, and taught a class in pastel portraiture at the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklin, Del. She will be dearly missed.
Donations in her name may be made to your local SPCA. Visit www.ruffenachfuneralhome.com.
GREGORY HECK
Gregory Heck, a longtime resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Nov. 10 at the age of 69.
He was the beloved husband of Barbara Heck, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage and three wonderful children, Matthew Heck (Sarah), Kathryn Miller (Kirby), and Jillian Mattioni (Michael); as well as five grandchildren. He is also survived by his five siblings, Dennis Heck (Maureen), Mark Heck, Lizabeth Coffey (Justin), Christopher Heck (Patricia), and Margaret Dowling (Kevin).
Born in 1949 in Flushing, N.Y., Greg was the son of the late Frederick Heck and the late Anne Heck. He was a graduate of Saint Bonaventure University, Class of 1971. He worked for JP Morgan and Fiserv Securities. He especially enjoyed fishing, the Pine Barrens, and spending time with his grandchildren.
A funeral was held Nov. 17. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Operation Smile or your favorite charity. Visit www.griecocares.com.
BRENDA LEA MARTIN
Brenda Lea Martin, 73, of West Grove, formerly of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 12 at Jennersville Hospital Tower Health in West Grove. Born in Pocahontas, Va., she was the daughter of the late Walter and Margaret Cartwright Martin. Brenda retired from Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md., as a certified nursing assistant. She is survived by two sons, Richard Moran of New Holland and Gregory Bonifacino of Toughkenamon; one daughter, Malissa M. Nicotera of Cochranville; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Bonifacino, Jr. Services were private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Stillwaters Presbyterian Church in West Grove is hosting their sixth annual Living Nativity on Dec. 7 and 8 (see listing).
Through Dec. 13
Ten Thousand Villages shop
Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford) will host a gift shop featuring crafts from around the world by Ten Thousand Villages, on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 16. Local author Iris Gray Dowling will be at the shop on Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. Call 610-9329640 for more information. Nov. 24
Community breakfast Oxford United Methodist church (18 Addison St., Oxford) holds a community buffet breakfast on Nov. 24 from 7 to 10 a.m. The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, roasted potatoes, specialty breads and more. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10. Call 610-932-9698 for more information. Dec. 1
Breakfast with Santa The community is invited to a Breakfast With Santa, to be held Dec. 1 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). Breakfast items will include pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverages. Tickets are $15 for adults (breakfast and photo with Santa), $10 for adults (breakfast only), and $5 for chidlren. Children under 2 are free. The maximum charge is $40 per family. Photos will be printed before guests leave. There will be supercvised holiday arts and craft projects for children during the event.
For more information, call the church at 610-932-8134. Dec. 2 Hymn sing A community Old Fashioned Hymn Sing will be held 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at New London Presbyterian Church (1986 Newark Rd., New London). The concert features organist Chuck Cole and soloist Rachel Byrd. A social hour will follow the concert. Dessert donations are welcome.
Dec. 2
Christmas music West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) invites the community to a Christmas musical celebration on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The concert welcomes the Advent season with music by the Chancel Choir, PraiseWorks Band, Memory Bells Handbell Choir, instrumental ensembles and a carol sing-along. After the program, there will be Christmas cookies and cider. Call 610-869-9334 or visit www.westgroveumc.org. Dec. 7-8
Live Nativity
Stillwaters Presbyterian Church (643 Coatesville Road, Route 841, West Grove) is hosting their sixth annual Living Nativity on Dec. 7 and 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Visitors will walk through several outdoor scenes that tell the story of the birth of Jesus, from the announcement of the coming of Christ to the journey to Bethlehem, the proclamation of angels, the Holy Family in the stable, and the visit by the wise men. Actors will portray each role, along with live animals. The event is free, handicapped-accessible and suitable for all ages. Visitors may also stop in the church for free hot chocolate, cookies, and live music provided by choral groups from West Fallowfield Christian School and Wilmington Christian School. For more information, call 610-869-2009 or visit www.stillwatersfamily.com.
The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting. They also are posted on www.chestercounty. com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press , email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
Brilliant light, interesting people and local landmarks by Heather Davis
By John Chambless Staff Writer
The solo exhibit by Heather Davis at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester is a milestone for her, partially for the huge number of paintings in the large gallery, but also as a statement of arrival for an artist who has mostly been under the radar, despite her formidable talent.
Davis, who is also a sculptor, started painting only about five or six years ago, but she paints like someone with decades of experience.
A large part of the show is “Admiration of Souls,” a series of large portraits of other Chester County artists. Anyone who has met them – Lele Galer, Adrian Martinez, Jeff Schaller and Robert Jackson among them – will recognize the likenesses immediately, but Davis goes further by putting her subjects in surroundings that embellish them.
Jackson, at his easel, is surrounded by the toys and trinkets featured in his paintings, but the stuffed monkey hanging from his canvas is the perfect touch of whimsy, and very much in keeping with Jackson’s sense of humor. In her portrait of Justin Smith, a glass artist, the workbench is full of glass objects, and Davis paints each one vividly. It’s a task she could have simplified by simply not having so much going on in the foreground, but she set the bar high and succeeds admirably.
Her paintings of local landmarks and more obscure locations have a strong presence, glowing with beautifully rendered light that often jumps out at you, even from across the gallery. The blue she gets in “The Retirement Home,” for
instance, is a luminous tone that’s absolutely right and gorgeously rendered. It’s the same mastery of color she shows in “Skunk Cabbage,” a view of the humble plant and a reflected sky.
In “Greenhouse at Sunrise,” not only does Davis get the slanting light through the glass panes, but also the wisps of mist rising off the glass as the temperature rises. “Morning Haze,” a New Jersey coastal view, has the same splendidly observed effect, as a distant house is just slightly softened.
It’s fun to spot the places you recognize in her works –the Kuerner Farm in “Fresh Warm Air,” for instance – but you’ll also discover an amazing vintage gas station (“Art Deco Gulf”) and a snowy side street (“Teal House in Snow”).
Her pair of barn paintings – in suitably worn-looking, whitewashed frames –capture the golden-tan tones of old wooden beams (“The Southwest Window”), and a sense of wistful sadness in “Looking for Andy,” which was painted at a sink you will recognize.
The ambition shown by Davis in completing the series of portraits, her range of subject matter and her frequent moments of magical light make her an artist you’ll want to keep up with.
The solo exhibit by Heather Davis continues through Nov. 29 at the Chester County Art Association (100 N. Bradford Ave., West Chester). There will be a gallery talk by the artist on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Call 610-696-5600 or visit www. chestercountyarts.org for more information.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com
‘Art Deco Gulf’
‘Fresh Warm Air’
‘Justin Smith’
‘Looking For Andy’
‘Old Bedford Village’
‘Retirement Home’
‘Robert Jackson’
‘Smitty and Petey’
Christmas concert set for Dec. 7
The public is invited to attend Christmas with the Oxford Trio and Friends,
under the direction of Sara Hannum.
The concert will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 at the Oxford Methodist Church, Market and Addison Sts., Oxford.
Included in the concert will be choral and instrumental offerings, carol
singing, and a few surprises. Please join us for an evening sure to put you in a holiday mood.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge, but a freewill offering will be gratefully accepted and used for local needs.
Students of the Month honored at
Penn’s
Grove School
Penn’s Grove School teachers nominate Students of the
team based on their
activities.
top left, and Assistant Principal Kristen Chastain, Penn’s Grove School seventh grade Students of the Month for September are, front from left, Aidan Eller, Natalia Donofrio, Ryan Owens, Spencer Lewis, Abigail Bufaro and Yareli Hernandez
Pictured with Principal Tami Motes, top right, and Assistant Principal Kristen Chastain, Penn’s Grove Middle School eighth grade Students of the Month for September are, front from left,
and participation
Robbie Logan, Liam Hale, Owen Kerr, Emily Koza, Meredith
Sanchez; top from left, Julia Ortega, Cody Miller, Tristyn Herman, Denisse Aviles Lopez, Owen Kupsey and Colleen Cahill.
Courtesy photo
Members of Oxford Area School District’s Hopewell Vocal Ensemble will join with the Oxford Trio for their Christmas concert on Dec. 7. Pictured are: Top: Gianna Santos, Addison Yaletchko, Kim Welch. Middle: Sophia Zabosky, Makayla Shoop, Logan Puckett. Bottom: Elliana Gentile, Yasmin Smith, Maliya Gandy. Not pictured are Elise Lanier and Gaby Orozco.
Bailey and Lily MacNeil; top from left, Shane Cassidy, Ben Parry, ReLynn Hurtt, Cailee Hoang, Sarah Brown and Kara Phelan.
