Chester County Press 11-24-2021 Edition/Shop Local Small Business Saturday Shoppers' Guide

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 155, No. 47

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

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INSIDE

A new life for Jennersville Hospital

Small Business Saturday

Jennersville Hospital has been sold—and saved—as Canyon Atlantic Partners has agreed to purchase the hospital in Penn Township just weeks before it was slated to close. Brandywine Hospital is a part of the sale as well, and local officials hailed the news that both facilities will continue to offer critical services to Chester County residents

NOVEMBER 27

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By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

A lifeline has been extended to Jennersville Hospital—and to all the residents in southern Chester County who might Small Business Saturday one day find themselves in special sections...6A-12A need of emergency treatment & 6B-11B at the facility.

Canyon Atlantic Partners, LLC has reached an agreement to purchase Jennersville Hospital and Brandywine Hospital from Tower Health just weeks before the hospital in Penn Township was slated to be closed by its current owner.

At a press conference in the Penn Township Park on Monday afternoon, state and local officials expressed A Longwood Christmas their thankfulness and relief that the two Chester County ...6A hospitals now have more secure futures following the acquisition. State Rep. John Lawrence joined State Sen.

A look at the history of Oxford, Pennsylvania...1B

INDEX Opinion.......................5A Obituaries.............2B-3B

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Carolyn Comitta, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline, Penn Township supervisor Victor Mantegna, and other local officials to announce the continued operation of Jennersville Hospital.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news for our community,” said Lawrence.

“For the past seven weeks, we have worked night and day to find a solution to keep this facility open for the people of our community, and keep this Emergency Room open for the acute medical needs of our area.

“I am so grateful for each person that contacted my office to voice their support, and especially to the hardworking first responders with Medic 94, Union Fire Company, and West Grove Fire Company, who serve our community with

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Canyon Atlantic Partners, LLC has acquired Jennersville Hospital in Penn Township. The hospital had been slated to close by early 2022, but will now remain open and will continue to serve the community.

such dedication. Keeping the Jennersville ER open is critical both for them and our community.”

Canyon Atlantic Partners,

LLC will assume ownership and take over the operations of the facilities effective January 1, 2022, which was the date that Tower Health

had targeted for the closure of Jennersville Hospital.

Canyon Atlantic Partners is a Texas-based hospital Continued on page 3A

Mitchell and Jenamarie Bacot: A Thanksgiving story

No tax increase expected in Oxford Borough

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Officer Coverly is sworn in as sergeant

There is an aged brown book in the upstate New York home where Mitchell Bacot lives with his wife Jenamarie that documents the first chapters of a long journey that Mitchell has been on since he was a young boy growing up in Landenberg.

The book was written by his mother, and it records in copious detail the arduous and often painful chapter markers that saw young Mitchell go from doctor to doctor, from appointment to appointment, and from hospital to hospital. On Sept. 13, 1994, Mitchell, then a soccer player at Avon Grove Middle School, visited the nurse for a physical in order to be allowed to play sports.

Later that day, the school nurse called Mitchell’s mother to inform her that Mitchell’s blood pressure was severely elevated.

Within days, Mitchell

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Photo by Amelia Hamilton

Landenberg native Mitchell Bacot, his wife Jenamarie and their children.

surrendered to several tests and appointments, including an echocardiogram at the A.I. Children’s Hospital in Wilmington that revealed abnormalities.

For Mitchell, perhaps the most painful aspect of his illness was that it was robbing him of his abilities to do what he loved most: to play soccer, and slowly, he began to see his dreams of being someday able to play it on a professional level fade.

Eventually, the diagnosis became real: Mitchell was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a rare genetic condition usually diagnosed in

young adults that affects one in 25,000 to 40,000 people. NF2 can cause a variety of symptoms and complications, including hearing loss as well as problems with balance and swallowing. Among the most serious effects is a predisposition to develop certain types of tumors in the brain and spine.

By the time he graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1999, Mitchell had lost nearly all of his ability to hear, but that fall, he entered Gallaudet University near Washington, D.C., one of Continued on page 2A

There will be no tax increase for Oxford Borough residents in 2022. Borough council authorized the advertising of the 2022 budget and adoption for Dec. 20.

Residents can view the proposed budget online at the borough’s website, oxfordboro.org. Residents can also view or receive a copy of the budget at the Borough Hall.

Plans are also underway to hold the annual Borough Day, which may be held two days this year, and the budget can also be viewed at that time as well.

Council member Robert Ketcham did say he would like to see more money given to the Oxford Library and to the Oxford Area Recreation Authority.

Ketcham also discussed the fact that there is a budget surplus this year and said his focus is still on making the budget easier for everyone to

understand.

Council and residents were also able to view the swearing in of detective sergeant Chris Coverly as it happened at the Oxford Presbyterian Church. The live swearing in was viewed on the two big screen televisions in the Council Room. Coverly, who successfully passed the sergeant’s examination given by the Civil Service Commission, was sworn in as Sergeant with his wife and parents standing by. Mayor Phil Harris performed the swearing in.

Coverly also stopped by the Council meeting to thank the community and Borough Council, saying, “I want to thank Borough Council and the community for their continued support. It has been my lifetime goal to become a leader and mentor. I am humbled to serve the community.”

Council approved the motion to appoint Coverly to the position of Sergeant.

Continued on page 3A

Natural Lands preserves 42-acre New Garden farm

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For open space advocates and those who prize the green of a pasture over the “green” of commercial and residential development, New Garden Township has in recent years become a municipality that seems to be measuring its progress one preserved acre at a time.

Now they have even more reason to celebrate – 42 reasons, in fact.

Natural Lands – the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization – recently announced that nearly 42 acres of land

known as the Sproat Farm along Route 1 in the northern part of the township will be permanently protected under a conservation agreement. The agreement will permanently prevent development of the property, a farm that has been in the landowner’s family for nearly a century. The conservation easement also includes a provision that will offer access to a walking trail for elementary school children and for locals hiking to and from Kennett Square. (A conservation easement is a voluntary but legally binding agreement between a landowner and a qualified conservation orga-

nization that permanently limits a property’s use, and applies to all present and future owners of the land.)

New Garden Township financially funded this project, and additional support came from the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation and Chester County’s Preservation Partnership Program.

“This land has been in agriculture since before my family bought it in the 1930s,” said Mary Sproat, who served as the first secretary of the New Garden Township Open Space Review Board. “The ‘highest and best use’ of good agricultural land is not for

Photo by Kate Raman

Natural Lands recently announced that 42 acres of land known as the Sproat Farm along Route 1 in New Garden Township will be permanently protected under a conservation agreement.

housing developments but for agriculture. I want to see it used for agriculture far into the future. The woods are used by birds and animals as their homes. They add so much to our lives, and they deserve to be able

to continue to live here.”

The wooded portion of the property includes a tributary to West Branch Red Clay Creek. These woodlands help filter out contaminants as rainwater drains into the Continued on page 2A

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Bacot...

Continued from Page 1A

the best schools in the world for the Deaf community.

There was yet another hurdle for him to climb: he arrived on campus that fall knowing very little sign language.

“Gallaudet is a highlyesteemed ASL (American Sign Language) campus, and to show up not knowing ASL to me was seeing Mitchell walk into the lion’s den, but when a student asked him why he was there, he calmly said, ‘I’m here for school. Why are you here?’”

Jenamarie said.

Despite his setbacks and challenges, Mitchell began his studies at Gallaudet, transferred to Drexel University and later to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) where he gradated with a BS in Mathematics. Then he earned a master’s degree in secondary education for the Deaf from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and became a mathematics teacher at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at RIT. ‘I was drawn to him’

begin a relationship.”

On Aug. 8, 2007, they were married and despite his condition – one that required several brain surgeries – Mitchell became a father to six children, maintained his independence, became involved with his church community, worked full time at NTID and was an active and present father to his children. Early in their marriage – before their oldest child had even celebrated his first birthday – Mitchell even survived a car crash resulting from a seizure that came from a tumor that was found in his brain.

The NF2, however, continued to do damage to Mitchell’s body and on Jan. 21, 2021, he lost his independence. Over the past ten months, he has had to reconstruct his life, his marriage and his fatherhood from a motorized wheelchair, and even the smallest of what had been commonplace is no longer possible: he can no longer write love letters to Jenamarie or love notes to his children, and playing something as simple as cards requires someone to help him hold the cards.

In the face of these tribulations, however, he remains resilient.

“Mitchell walks through his storms very calmly,” Jenamarie said. “Through the grace and power of God, Mitchell has a very strong faith, and his relationship with Christ is what keeps going, and it’s God’s grace that sustains him. Through all of this, he has rarely lost his patience or his will, and I don't know how someone walks through the valley he walks through and rarely becomes bitter or angry.”

On Nov. 6, 2005, Jenamarie’s mother, who was earning her teaching degree at RIT, sponsored a study session at her house and invited some of her fellow students. Among them was Mitchell Bacot.

“I knew from that day that he was interested in me, and I was in the middle of getting over a heartbreak, so I didn’t want to get back into a relationship just yet,” said Jenamarie, who was a fine arts student at RIT. “But Mitchell’s countenance is very gentle, calm and comforting to be around, and GoFundMe when I heard his story, I was fascinated by his willingness As 2021 began, Mitchell to take on this new world. was coming off of several “I was drawn to him, and surgeries that were less suceventually, we decided to cessful than he and Jenamarie

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had hoped. Despite a steady schedule of intensive physical and occupational therapy (his physical therapist said he is the most determined and motivated person she has ever met), he experiences numbness from head to toe, and is struggling with severely limited mobility and dexterity, and because of his mounting medical concerns and challenges, Mitchell has not been able to return to his teaching position at NTID. Mitchell’s condition has also been exacerbated by two functional disparities in his every day life. The family car was no longer large enough to accommodate his motorized powerchair, and it was too heavy to manually lift.

In addition, he was no longer able to maneuver his way into the Bacot home’s largest bathroom with his chair.

In order for Mitchell to be able to be involved in family’s activities, attend community events and church, watch his kids play soccer games or go to a school event, the Bacots needed a new bathroom and a new, larger vehicle with wheelchair access and a lift.

The cost of purchasing a used vehicle would be close to $50,000 -- and upgrading a bathroom was estimated to cost between $15,000 to $30,000.

“Mitchell hasn’t had a shower since he last left the hospital on August 12,” Jenamarie said. “I may give him a sponge bath, but until we have an accessible bathroom, he can’t do something as simple as shower.

“With a 350-pound power chair, we will need to purchase a vehicle large enough to turn it around, and be able to fit seven other people.

We’re purchasing our van through United Access, and our contact there said that finding a van large enough to fit our family in this time is like finding a needle in a haystack.”

‘I have never met a family more deserving of support’ Upon hearing of the Bacot’s plight, Judith A. Molner, an American Sign Language interpreter at

Sproat...

Continued from Page 1A

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stream. The tree roots help water soak into the ground, recharging groundwater supplies. They also reduce erosion and slow stormwater to reduce flooding.

“Water is central to our work preserving open space and caring for nature across

Courtesy photo

Despite enduring several surgeries, Mitchell’s resilience and optimism is strengthened by his strong faith.

Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and a friend of Mitchell and Jenamarie, established a Go Fund Me account this past summer.

“The spirit of the Bacot family is magnificently kind and loving, and I feel compelled to help in whatever way I can, to support them as they face some profound challenges in the weeks and months to come,” Molner wrote in her appeal. “I can honestly say that I’ve never met a family more deserving of support and generosity from the wider community of friends, near and far. This family brings the most loving and kind spirit out into the world, and all of our spirits are enriched and heightened by their presence.”

To date, with nearly 120 individual contributions ranging from $10 to $1,000, the account has raised nearly $16,000 toward a $45,000 goal.

“When Judith and a few of our other friends mentioned to us about creating an account, I was hesitant to do it again, because we created an account four years ago to prepare for one of Mitchell’s brain surgeries in California,” Jenamarie said.

“When we realized how much a new van and a new bathroom was going to cost, however, we decided that we would do it again and I asked Judith if she would be willing to head start that.

“I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of this community. In a good way,

everyone has been so generous to our family.”

The family purchased its new vehicle in October, and over the first weekend, they attended church in person for the first time in several months, and followed it up with a visit to a farm to buy pumpkins. The home's new bathroom is also nearly complete.

Meanwhile, the Go Fund Me Account for the Bacot family continues to nudge forward, and cards and letters and resources continue to lighten the family’s spirits. In between, Mitchell and Jenamarie continue to host gatherings such as a Sunday Night Football fellowship, and a once a month Rochester-based fellowship for the Deaf community.

eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “This is true at our network of nature preserves and on more than 400 other permanently preserved properties like Sproat Farm. We know that every acre saved as open space means cleaner drinking water and additional

natural flood prevention.

“If Mary Sproat hadn’t chosen conservation—and if New Garden Township, Chester County and the Mars Foundation hadn’t supported that choice—this land would eventually be developed. Buildings and roads would have diminished the land’s ability to work on our behalf.”

Visits to the pumpkin patch and footprints in the sand “This season of life has been used to teach me what it means to serve, which may seem odd because we have six children – but I think the capacity for people to serve others can never come to a limit,” Jenamarie said.

“I think it just keeps getting bigger. It is hard, however, when the needs surpass what I am able to give.

“When Mitchell and I made our vows before God, we said ‘For Better or Worse,’ and there are days when I think, ‘We’re going to have to do this for the next 30 years?’” Jenamarie added.

“It’s going to be hard, but then I remember that no one is promised 30 years, or even tomorrow. We are only given this moment, and that’s all we get, and I can spend my time being sad and wondering about the future, or I can spend this time saying ‘Wow, Lord, thank you for allowing us to get pumpkins today. Thank you that we get to see the autumn colors.

Thank you that Mitchell is able to see, and that his mind is sharp and clear.’”

During brain surgery in California in June, Mitchell asked Jenamarie to type out a story for him to share for a future presiding assignment at church. It was the famous “Footprints in the Sand” verse, in which the author questions why in his darkest moments he saw only his own footprints in the sand, but learned instead that it was God’s footprints carrying him.

“Sometimes Mitchell feels as if he is walking through this journey alone, but he is not,” Jenamarie said. “Jesus is carrying him through it.”

To learn more about Mitchell and Jenamarie Bacot and make your donation, visit https;//www. gofundme.com/Fundraiser for Jenamarie Bacot by Judith A. Molner: Give Bacot Family a Wheelchair Accessible Life!

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

New Garden Township now holds a trail easement through the Sproat Farm, which will help connect a nearby subdivision to Bancroft Elementary School and connect to the proposed township trail network as laid out in the township’s 2008 Greenways & Trails Plan.

“The township would like to thank Mary Sproat for easing her property so the children being educated at Bancroft Elementary can have beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a pleasant atmosphere as they work to develop their minds,” said David Unger, New Garden Township supervisor. “This land will help to foster a life-long love of the outdoors and nature in our current and future students, and we appreciate her commitment to that future.”

Dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. Natural Lands has preserved more than 125,000 acres, including 42 nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres.

To learn more about Natural Lands, visit natlands.org.

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ownership and management organization with extensive experience and expertise in healthcare operations, healthcare finance, and the strategic integration of hospitals and healthcare resources.

While planning for the transfer of operations continues, Tower Health has suspended planning for the closure of Jennersville Hospital. The nearly 300 employees affiliated with the hospital had recently been formally notified of the impending closing. Now, all clinical and non-clinical staff in good standing at both hospitals will be offered employment by Canyon Atlantic Partners effective on the date of transfer.

Canyon Atlantic Partners will also assume ownership of all inpatient and outpatient services associated with the hospitals.

Jennersville Hospital has been on life support since a late September announcement by Tower Health’s Board of Directors that the facility would be closed as a part of the health system’s long-term plans to improve its financial situation. Based in Reading, Pa., Tower Health purchased five local hospitals, including Brandywine Hospital and Jennersville Hospital, for $423 million in 2017.

Tower Health has struggled to find a way to make the hospitals in that acquisition profitable since then, and the pandemic worsened the health system’s financial woes that were brought on by the heavy debt incurred by the transaction. This prompted Tower Health to search for a buyer for Brandywine Hospital and Jennersville.

The announcement that Jennersville Hospital would

Oxford Borough...

Continued from Page 1A

Council also heard from representatives from Presence Bank and their plans to help local borough residents deal with the departure of the BB &T Bank from the borough.

Doug Byers said, “Presence Banks is hoping to help fill the hole left by the departure of BB&T in the borough. We have a number of programs available to assist former BB&T customers if they wish to transition to our bank.”

Presence Representative Heather Patrick passed out information to council and residents and invited them to call the bank for more

be closing at the end of the year sent shockwaves through the local community. Many local officials lamented the loss of southern Chester County’s only emergency room, especially since there is a large, and aging, population in Jennersville Hospital’s service area.

In the days after the closing was announced, Lawrence and Penn Township officials vowed to do anything possible to find a viable solution that would keep Jennersville Hospital open. Local officials from numerous other municipalities joined the growing chorus of concerns about the possible closing of Jennersville Hospital and its emergency room. The closing would have resulted in much longer wait times until residents could receive treatment during a medical emergency.

Additionally, Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Service, also known as Medic 94, operates at Jennersville Hospital, and a closure of the Jennersville emergency room would have directly impacted Medic 94 and the already overworked volunteer ambulance services in the area.

Ultimately, that public outcry from the community played an important part in the effort to find a way to keep the hospital open.

State Sen. Carolyn Comitta said, “This is a win for the community that was driven by the community – the residents, patients, staff, doctors, nurses, and medical personnel served by and employed

by Jennersville Hospital.

They spoke up and stood up. Together, we worked with various stakeholders to amplify their voices and ensure that this vital community asset and center for medical and emergency care in southern Chester County is preserved.”

In a statement announcing the sale, Sue Perrotty, the president and CEO of Tower Health, referenced the concerns that were raised by local officials and residents.

“We listened to the community and redoubled our efforts to keep Jennersville and Brandywine Hospitals open,” Perrotty said. “We are deeply grateful for the commitment of our staff, who showed steadfast dedication to our patients throughout this process. We have a lot of hard work ahead but believe this transaction represents the best opportunity for the two hospitals.”

Local officials played a pivotal role in the effort to save Jennersville Hospital from being closed.

Lawrence, Comitta, and Moskowitz participated in numerous calls and inperson meetings after Tower Health’s late-September closure announcement. A particular focus developed in keeping the Emergency Room open because alternate facilities are located more than 40 minutes away.

Recent population increases and the growth of senior living options across the southern part of the county also contributed to the need to find a solution.

Lawrence said that the priority was always finding a way to keep the emergency room open.

“This ER could not close,” he said. “That just could not happen.”

The Chester County Commissioners were at the event and they took turns talking about the importance of hospitals to the community as well as the bipartisan effort to find a solution to the possible closing of Jennersville Hospital.

They also issued a joint statement saying, “Confirmation that hospital services, especially emergency treatment,

information.

Also on hand was professor Jennifer McCarthy from Lincoln University who spoke about her students who are monitoring the headwaters of Little Elk Creek. McCarthy, who joined Lincoln three years ago, is anxious to introduce her students to the surrounding environment and the community.

“We have students very interested in the environment, which is a win-win for the community,” McCarthy said.

“I hope to provide them with opportunities throughout the community which will also help them help the community. They are interested in looking at the rain gardens

planned or in place for the borough and what they can learn from the head waters of Little Elk Creek.”

Public Works Director John Schaible, informed council that the Fifth Street project has been completed.

The stormwater pipe has been replaced and two additional catch basins have been installed.

He reminded the public that leaf pickup continues.

Residents can put leaves curbside and the leaves will be picked up by public works.

He also noted that salt has been ordered, if needed, for the coming winter months.

Borough Council approved a number of motions including the following:

Courtesy photo Photo by Steven Hoffman

State Senator Carolyn Comitta talked about how there was a bipartisan effort to find a solution to the potential closing of Jennersville Hospital.

State Rep. John Lawrence is pictured at the press conference on Monday announcing the sale of Jennersville Hospital. With Lawrence are County Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Marian Moskowitz, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and Penn Township supervisor Victor Mantegna. They all spoke about the importance of keeping the hospital open.

will continue at Jennersville and Brandywine is excellent news, and we are grateful to the leadership at Tower Health for working to find a way to keep the operations going. Together with Representative Lawrence and Senator Comitta, we have been trying to secure ways to keep Jennersville and Brandywine open. We look forward to working with the new hospital operator to ensure the range of healthcare services continue.”

Victor Mantegna, the chair of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, said that they all hoped and prayed that a solution to the situation could be found, and they thought one might come in the 11th hour—perhaps after Christmas, in the last few days before the hospital would close. But here they were, on November 22, a few days before Thanksgiving, able to make the announcement that they’d all hoped to make.

“We’re thrilled that the hospital will stay open,” Mantega said. “Everybody should be ecstatic.”

Mantegna and his colleagues on the Penn Township Board of Supervisors— William “Radar” O’ Connell, Jay Ennis, Curtis Mason, and Laura Sperratore—collec-

tively issued the following statement regarding the sale of Jennersville Hospital: “Jennersville Hospital has faithfully provided for the health, safety and welfare of southern Chester County residents for over 100 years. On behalf of the Penn Township supervisors, the community of Penn Township, and our neighboring townships throughout southern Chester County, we would like to thank our Pennsylvania Department of Health, Senator Carolyn Comitta, Representative John Lawrence, our Chester County Commissioners, Board of Supervisors, Staff and Tower Health for working diligently together to preserve our Jennersville Hospital as well as the Brandywine Hospital with this sale.

“The effort to save our hospital has truly been a Board and community priority, and when our community works together in a bipartisan fashion, amazing things always result. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with Jennersville Hospital and working hand in hand with its new owners for years to come as we continue the effort to keep our community healthy, safe, and well.”

A community hospital has operated in Penn Township since 1959, when the West Grove Community Hospital moved to the current location on Baltimore Pike. The hospital operated under that name until it was renamed the Southern Chester County Medical Center, a name it kept for decades until the hospital was acquired by a larger health system. Now, Canyon Atlantic Partners will operate the hospital and begin a new chapter in the facility’s life.

“Canyon Atlantic Partners is honored to be chosen to build on the accomplishments of Tower Health and will prioritize working closely with their communities and medical staff to ensure we meet their needs,” said David Kreye, president and CEO of Canyon Atlantic Partners.“We look forward to bringing our substantial experience in acute care hospital turnaround and growth to further elevate the hard work of the excellent medical staff at Brandywine and Jennersville Hospitals, and ultimately making an impact with the greater community that they serve.”

Ordinance 945-2021 Amending §1-502, Authorized Activities of Fire Company Re: Fire Police (Revised) Hearing and Motion to adopt Ordinance 946-2021 Amending Chapter 27, Zoning, Part 19 –Zoning Hearing Board Procedures and Part 20 – Administration – Conditional Use and General Standards The ordinance adopted will notify residents within 500 feet of property not just the adjoining properties.

Motion to adopt Resolution 1321-2021 Chester County Hazard Mitigation Municipal Resolution Motion to approve Resolution 1322-2021

Authorizing Participation in the Delaware Valley Workers Compensation Trust and Associated Trust Agreement Motion to Approve Fund Balance Policy This will not allow fund balances to dip below 15 percent.

Motion for Authorization for SSM to go out to bid for Streetscapes IV – Transit Center Access Improvement Project This will include N. 2nd Street repaving, the repaving and pedestrianization of Octoraro Alley. SSM Engineering has update the projected cost estimate.

Motion to approve Option and Structure Lease Agreement Between the

Borough and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC. This will bring in a $25.00 a year payment. The motion was approved pending review from the solicitor.

Motion to Approve HARB Recommendations for 312 Market Street; 172 N. Third, and 620 Spear Street Council President Russell thanked all those who won in the recent election including Mayor Phil Harris, Borough Council incumbents Amanda Birdwell and Robert Ketchum, and incoming Borough Council members Amanda Woolston and Mary Laura Hulse. Cary Vargo was also thanked for his invaluable service to Oxford as interim borough manager.

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Wickersham Construction was awarded the National ABC Safety Excellence Merit Award. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) presented the award at the 31st Annual Excellence in Construction Awards at the ABC Convention in Grapevine, Texas. Joe Dougherty, Executive VP, attended the ceremony to accept the award.

The 2020 National Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that qualified in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System in 2020.

Contractors were judged on an extensive safety qualification form; including lost workday case rates, total recordable incident rates, safety program innovations, as well as interviews conducted by members of ABC’s National Safety Committee.

Wickersham is the only Contractor in Pennsylvania to receive an award!

When asked, Joe Dougherty commented, “Amazing is one word that comes to mind with this National Safety Award accomplishment. The Wickersham Field staff made this happen! Of the 21,000+ companies in ABC national, 1,400 applied, and only 17 General Contractors were selected. Wickersham was one of those 17, and the only winner from Pennsylvania. What a great success!!”

The end results are a safely completed project and significant savings for our clients!

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

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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

The marionette of their deepest convictions This editorial is being written just moments after 18-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse, who fatally shot two men and wounded another amid protests and rioting over police conduct in Kenosha, Wis. in 2020, was found not guilty on five counts, including two for first-degree intentional homicide and first-degree attempted intentional homicide.

For the next several weeks – through Thanksgiving, beyond the holiday parades and heading past Christmas and New Year’s Day -- the facts surrounding this verdict will be twisted and pulled on every imaginable form of media in order to fabricate the belief that a 17-year-old carrying a semiautomatic weapon had arrived from another state to render medical aid to a community he did not live in.

What is most sickening in this verdict is not that a young man who murdered two people and injured another – with a firearm that was purchased for him because he was too young to buy it himself – is allowed to go free, but the fact that many have molded Kyle Rittenhouse into a

symbol of national empathy, a hero of sorts doing the good work of a Samaritan.

Therefore, because we are a newspaper beholden to facts, we offer them up again before they are entirely spun into oblivion, in the order of how they happened: Fact 1: On Aug. 25, 2020, just a few days removed from the shooting and murder of African-American Kenosha resident Jacob Blake by white Officer Rusten Sheskey had set off three days of civil unrest in the town, Rittenhouse, then 17, arrives in downtown Kenosha from his hometown of Antioch, Ill. with a small medical kit fastened to his chest and a Smith and Wesson AR-style semiautomatic rifle that was purchased

by Dominick Black, a friend of Mr. Rittenhouse’s, because Mr. Rittenhouse was 17 years old and not legally old enough to buy it, testimony showed Fact 2: After helping clean up a Kenosha park that afternoon, Rittenhouse and Black return downtown that evening, and join other armed men guarding a second location of a car business that had been severely damaged Sunday night.

Fact 3: Rittenhouse walks alone to the business’ third

location four blocks away, where he tells a Wisconsin newspaper reporter: “Our job is to protect this business, and part of my job is also to help people. If someone is hurt, I’m running into harm’s way.

That’s why I have my rifle.”

Fifteen minutes later, he is chased by 36-year-old Joseph Rosenbaum, who is seen on video behaving in a violent manner earlier in the evening, and who is also heard threatening Rittenhouse.

Rosenbaum catches up to Rittenhouse and in the corner of a parking lot, he reaches for the barrel of Rittenhouse’s rifle. Rittenhouse shoots Rosenbaum in the chest four times, killing him, and then flees from the scene.

Fact 4: On video, just moments after killing Rosenbaum, Rittenhouse is seen falling to the ground, when he is approached by 26-year-old Anthony Huber, who attacks Rittenhouse with a skateboard. Rittenhouse fires his rifle at Huber, who is killed. Just seconds later, 26-year-old Gaige Grosskreutz, a medic who was seen on video rendering aid to some of those wounded in the protest, approaches Rittenhouse, brandishing a handgun. Still on the ground, Rittenhouse

shoots Grosskreutz in the arm, severely injuring him.

Fact 5: Having fatally shot two people and severely injured a third, Rittenhouse then walks toward several police tactical vehicles at the nearby intersection, his arms raised in an apparent surrender. The police do not acknowledge Rittenhouse, perhaps because he is not the only armed citizen; the streets of Kenosha are filled with several packs of militias who feel it is their solemn oath to take up arms in an arena that is already ripe with tension.

Their involvement apparently paid off; the Kenosha police thank them for their assistance in helping to keep the streets of Kenosha safe during the protests.

Of these facts, the saddest is one that proves that the once implausible is now commonplace; that we no longer live in a nation where facts are sacrosanct and final but rather, we contort them into the shape of our bias. Our networks of data and information are no longer based in details but are empowered by opinion, and we have made it so that we can believe only in what we want to believe and see what we want to see.

Right now in America,

while one half of our nation’s electorate is trying to comprehend the madness of a verdict that would allow a triggerhappy teenager who murdered two people to go free in a country that has surrendered its last shreds of the law to the breathtaking horror of vigilantism, the other half is fully indoctrinating Rittenhouse as a national symbol of heroism under the banner of self-defense.

Judge Bruce Schroeder, the longest-serving circuit court judge in Wisconsin, insisted that he wanted to keep politics out of his courtroom. What Judge Schroeder neglected to acknowledge was that the very essence of the Rittenhouse trial has devolved from a question of ethics into the latest fistfight of a divided nation and fueled in part by political affiliations.

To those who believe the freeing of a teenage vigilante was justice properly served, Kyle Rittenhouse has become nothing more than the marionette plaything of their deepest convictions, their largest fears and their most obstinate biases.

We are in a new age and one that we’ve become very comfortable with -- a nation where the arguments that once consolidated our disagree-

ments have been replaced by the realization that if reality is twisted hard and long enough, the facts will eventually conform to our side, and we will never have to admit that we are ever wrong.

Those who believe that Mr. Rittenhouse is a wellmeaning soldier of justice have elevated this teenager to a height he has no business ascending to. His likeness will be on flags now. From now on, his every movement will be paid for, sponsored by and supported by factions too numerous to name. One Republican senator even went as far as to say that Rittenhouse would make a superb legislative aide in Washington, D.C. But what does it matter now, to those who believe that actions of a gun-carrying teenager to enter a morass of conflict and commence firing were just? Nothing, really; two men are now dead and all of the plain facts of this double murder have been misshapen – reduced to ash -- and those who made it so will look at this verdict as a moral victory, absolutely convinced that they are right.

Commentary

The future of Pennsylvania’s Parks and Forests Is in Our Hands Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation presents a Story Map of state park and forest infrastructure needs

By Jennifer Dunlap The future of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests is in our hands. Much like last year, the state’s public lands continue to experience record high visitation. The more than 47 million park goers in 2020, a 26 percent increase greatly spun by the pandemic, contributed to existing infrastructure, maintenance, and staffing challenges.

The pandemic reaffirmed our need for healthy local natural resources and access to open space in the great outdoors for human health and wellbeing.

This greater realization and appreciation of the parks and forests incidentally coincides with the 50th anniversary year of the Environmental Rights Amendment to Pennsylvania’s Constitution, further calling attention to the need to prioritize investment in the state’s natural assets.

The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment.

Pennsylvania’s public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is the state agency charged with managing Pennsylvania’s 121 parks and 2.2 million acres of forest. Many don’t realize that aside from picturesque views, rugged trails, and cascading waterfalls, these lands contain a great deal of aging infrastructure. There are 131 dams (47 of which are high hazard dams), 860 vehicular bridges, 3,000 miles of public

roadways, and nearly 5,000 buildings. DCNR also owns and operates 172 public water supplies and 70 wastewater treatment plants. Yet, the general fund budget for DCNR’s operations today is the same as it was 15 years ago. This is all despite increases in infrastructure, acreage, and visitors, and a resultant need for increased staffing.

Several years ago, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation undertook a comprehensive study of park and forest maintenance needs resulting in the 2018 report, The Legacy of Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests: The Future Is in Our Hands, an in-depth look at ongoing and urgent needs. The report brought attention to a glaring need for financial investment, a figure that now totals $1.4 billion dollars. Thanks to tremendous interest from the public and PPFF supporters,

from this information grew the Protect Our Parks and Forests initiative.

As part of this effort to acquire the necessary funding for the state’s parks and forests, a 2021 update to the report is now available in the form of a StoryMap, offering a graphic presentation of the information. The ArcGIS StoryMap was produced by Shippensburg University’s Center for Land Use and Sustainability. The clickable presentation depicts former and current state park and forest operating budgets, guides viewers through the peaks and pitfalls of historic funding arrangements, explains former funding for land acquisition and structural projects, and provides a breakdown of current day expenses.

“Of the 38.6 billion dollar 2021-2022 General Fund proposed budget for Pennsylvania, only 0.36 percent, roughly

$139 million dollars, was allocated for DCNR,” said Marci Mowery, president of PPFF. “Meanwhile, Pennsylvania is fifth in the nation in consumer spending on outdoor recreation, generating $29.1 billion in annual spending, supporting $251,000 jobs, and generating $8.6 billion in wages and salary and $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the Outdoor Recreation Industry.”

“In many ways, the pandemic has brought to light these infrastructure needs as well as the importance of our state parks and forests for Pennsylvanians,” said Brad Mallory, chair of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Closed pools, flood damaged roadways, and water main breaks are just a few of the related challenges which park and forest staff and volunteers have had to deal with recently.”

This said, the pandemic also brought about an unexpected opportunity to fund this need by way of the American Rescue Plan. The ARP provides direct aid to state and local governments for infrastructure investment. Many states have chosen to apply some of this funding to invest in their parks and forests. It’s time to put these funds where they are needed for the future of Pennsylvania’s parks and forests so that they may continue to be safe and enjoyable for all, including generations yet to come.

Jennifer Dunlap is the public engagement coordinator for the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. To learn more about the Protect Our Parks and Forests initiative, view the StoryMap, and join us in taking action, please visit https://protectourparksandforests.org.

Thanksgiving: Have an attitude of gratitude

By Bryan Golden Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on and be thankful for all of the good things you have.

It’s important to be grateful,

not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day. Rather than lamenting what you feel is lacking in your life, begin each new day by developing an attitude of gratitude. Take inventory of your blessings and you will be surprised at

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just how much you have to be thankful for.

If you have enough to eat, a place to live, a way to get around, people who care about you, or people you care about, then you are wealthy. If you lack any of these elements, you must still be grateful for what you do have, while striving to obtain whatever is absent.

Focus on all positive aspects of your life. Take nothing for granted. Every morning, recharge your appreciation.

Be happy for everything there is, not upset over what you feel is missing.

Dreams of the future shouldn’t diminish appreciation for the present. If all you do is concentrate on what you want, you won’t enjoy today.

Don’t be jealous of others; what they do or have has no bearing on you.

You can feel bitter or resentful for a variety of reasons.

Perhaps you feel something is missing from your life, things aren’t going your way, or you have been treated unfairly.

You may wonder, “why do these things always happen to me?”

Life’s problems tend to dominate your thoughts, turning your focus to what you feel is wrong. You may start to resent those who appear to be better off. You’re apt to dwell on things you think would make your life better if you had them. If only you had more money, more time, a bigger house, a different car, a different job, a different boss, had picked a different career, etc.

Once your attitude becomes one of deficiency instead of abundance and appreciation, you can become overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and feel like a victim. As this happens, a consuming vicious cycle starts.

Being bitter or resentful blows situations out of proportion. People who are bitter frequently find that their situations deteriorate and their mental and physical health decays.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to achieve your goals while you are bitter or resentful.

Regardless of what challenges might befall you, bitterness makes finding solutions much more elusive.

There is no point to feeling bitter since it accomplishes nothing, harms you and makes things worse. Filling yourself with gratitude on a daily basis makes you feel good, while driving out negative feelings.

Begin your practice of gratitude each morning as soon as you wake. Every day is a great day. If you have any doubts, try missing one. Take inventory of everything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that is good in your life.

If it helps, make a written list of all things you are grateful for. Read your list every day. As you do this, you will build and reinforce your attitude of gratitude. Don’t waste any time with what you feel you don’t have.

Keep things in perspective.

Consider all the people who have overcome difficulties far worse than yours. Don’t be consumed by your problems, there is always a solution.

Maintaining an attitude of gratitude allows your mind to devise a resolution for your circumstances.

Make everyday a day of Thanksgiving and you will be amazed how much better your life will become.

Bryan is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.”

Contact Bryan at Bryan@ columnist.com or visit www.

DareToLiveWithoutLimits. com.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

A Longwood Christmas is on view through Jan. 9 The quintessential holiday experience

F

rom towering trees in fiery reds, to the frosty cool tones of a frozen alpine stream, opposites attract this holiday season as Longwood Gardens celebrates the beautiful contrast of fire and ice during A Longwood Christmas, on view now through Jan. 9. From inviting, warm firepits to gather around, to thousands of colorful poinsettias, cyclamen, and other horticultural splendor that wows, to an invigorating stroll through half-a-million outdoor lights that dazzle A Longwood Christmas is the quintessential holiday

experience.

Inside Longwood’s grand Conservatory, a whimsical wonderland awaits. The Exhibition Hall is transformed into a clear blue alpine stream with delicately flocked trees, a cascading waterfall, and suspended icicles gleaming above. A 21-foot flocked Fraser Fir, complete with an icy garland and silver bay laurel, beautifully reflect the festive scene.

Enjoy the Music Room where an inviting mountain retreat adorned for a holiday celebration awaits. The East Conservatory boasts

the largest indoor tree in the display, a 22-foot tall Fraser Fir outfitted with flickering flame lanterns and red, gold, and amber ornaments. The Silver Garden is full of chilly cheer with a frozen succulent fountain, while the Acacia passage is a magical walkway of sparkling icicles.

Making its new-location debut in the Ballroom are the beloved children’s Christmas trees. These 12-foot trees showcase Courtesy photo

A visit to Longwood Gardens at the holidays is a tradition for many.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL hundreds of ice-inspired creations made by local schools, playfully offset with an assortment of fireinspired ornaments.

BRIGHTER THAN EVER Take in the brilliance of half-a-million lights as you stroll down a bluehued Flower Garden Drive, walk through a 200-foot tunnel of light in the Meadow Garden, and cozy up to three Longwood crafted fire pits with a warm seasonal beverage.

At the Small Lake, large, ornamental spheres enclosing flame-like lights adorn the tree-lined backdrop creating a fiery reflection on the water, while the Large Lake is dreamlike with floating luminaria, rippling with subtle movement.

The Wildlife Tree entices our furry friends to nibble on edible ornaments made from wheat, apples, and birdseed. The 18-foot Gardener’s Tree cleverly showcases our gardeners’ creativity with handcrafted ornaments and garland, newly situated outside the historic Peirce du-Pont House.

The Main Fountain Garden shimmers and flows as light effects mimicking water dance along to holiday music.

Meanwhile, in the Open Air Theatre, fountains

Courtesy photo

A Longwood Christmas is on view through Jan. 9.

dance to holiday classics during five-minute shows that run throughout the day and evening. Young and old will delight in the

holiday Garden Railway as it travels past miniature Longwood landmarks illuminated for the holiday season.

A Longwood Christmas runs through January 9, 2022. 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 reservations every day. Gardens

Premium Members do not require reservations.

Tickets and reservations are available now at longwoodgardens.org.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Kennett Square’s holiday light lighting is back this year, bigger and T

he bright lights of Kennett’s Holiday Light Parade will shine even brighter this year after a year off due to COVID-19 concerns. The parade, a Kennett Square holiday tradition, will take place on Friday, Nov. 25 and will feature floats, music and dance troupes, community groups, and an assortment of vehicles including tractors, wagons, fire engines, antique cars, buses, and more— all aglow with lights. This dazzling display culminates with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

A record number of participants this year— over 60 floats—reflects the community’s enthusiasm about the event’s return, said organizer Carol Ciliberti. Although Santa and Mrs. Claus will not be able to do their usual meet and greet this year, they will ride in the parade and turn on the town Christmas tree before heading back to the North Pole to continue their preparations.

DJ Christopher McGrath of CBM Productions will be playing holiday music

on State Street beginning at 5:30 p.m. Dancers from Longwood Performing Arts will kick off the festivities with a performance at the intersection of State and Union Streets at 6:15 p.m., followed by the parade.

“I am very excited to see the return of the holiday parade,” said Matt Fetick, mayor of Kennett Square Borough. “It’s a great way to kick off the season, and for many of our residents it’s an annual tradition.”

Fetick will emcee the event on Friday, along with Linda Thies of Kennett Jewelers.

“The Holiday Light Parade is a great way to usher in the holiday season, and we’re grateful to Carol Ciliberti, Mayor Fetick, Chief William Holdsworth and the Kennett Square Police Department, and the Borough’s Public Works Department for their collaboration on this important community event,” said Kennett Collaborative Executive Director Bo Wright. “The parade is another one of the community collabora-

T

Courtesy photo

Kennett Square’s holiday light parade and tree lighting will take place this Friday, Nov. 26.

tions that are at the heart of Kennett Collaborative’s ongoing work in the community.”

Through their popular Light Up the Square program, Kennett

Collaborative has once again provided the town Christmas tree and tree lights to make the town bright, warm, and inviting during the parade and throughout the holiday

season and the winter nights ahead. The nonprofit has also wrapped the garlands on the lampposts with new lights this year, Wright said, and more Christmas trees,

festive planters, and holiday décor will be added over the coming days.

“In addition to bringing warmth and beauty to residents and visitors, our Light Up the Square

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

parade and tree brighter than ever

Shop small this Small Business Saturday

By Steve Dixel, Eastern Pennsylvania District Director

T

Courtesy photo

The dazzling light parade culminates with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

and Christmas in Kennett programs support the many small businesses here in town,” Wright said. “We look forward to seeing everyone to celebrate the holidays on Friday evening and hope to see everyone back again for Small Business Saturday—to enjoy the festive atmosphere, support local, and find great, one-of-a-kind gifts for

everyone on their lists.

Kennett Square was named ‘Best Suburban Shopping Destination’

by Main Line Today in 2019—and the town’s collection of unique shops and boutiques has not only weathered the pandemic but expanded.

No retail businesses have closed, thanks to a combination of hard work, creativity, and perse-

verance on the part of business owners as well as significant local support added to federal and state aid.

“Our community has rallied around our local businesses throughout the pandemic, and we’re reminding people that shopping local and supporting small businesses is more important than ever this season.”

he leaves are turning, the air is crisp and to-do lists are growing. Our thoughts turn to family gatherings, holiday traditions and festivities. It’s time to celebrate each other and it’s the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for local entrepreneurs. This year, on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 27), it is even more important than ever for all of us to “Shop Small.” As the voice for small business in the Federal government, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognizes how important it is to support our local, independently owned small businesses and restaurants.

Why does shopping “small” matter? Small businesses are vital to Pennsylvania’s economy.

According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses account for

99.6% of all Pennsylvania businesses and employ close to half of the workforce in the state. They are the cornerstones of our neighborhoods, provide jobs and give back to their communities. To put it in perspective, for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, roughly $68 stays in your local economy.

Many towns across the state are hosting special events, with retailers offering discounts and refreshments to entice shoppers to Pennsylvania’s main streets for a special shopping experience. While you may still be cautious of in-person shopping, most retailers have embraced e-commerce and offer curbside service for online or phone orders. It’s also a great time to “dine local” and pick-up carryout or visit a local eatery once you’ve had your fill of Thanksgiving leftovers.

SBA also wants entrepreneurs to know that the SBA stands ready to assist you. We offer a variety of programs to help you start, grow, or rebuild your small business. Options include

access to capital, no-cost one-on-one counseling, training, and government contracting assistance.

There is a wealth of information at Small Business Administration (sba.gov), including details on all SBA programs, holiday marketing tips and more.

It’s the season to be thankful and to enjoy quality time with family and friends. Show your thanks for small businesses, restaurants, and their employees who add so much to our communities and support them by shopping and dining “small” throughout the holiday season and well into the new year. Local entrepreneurs deserve our support as they continue to navigate, retool, and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

To continue the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses, and to continue rebuilding our economy, please join me and the rest of the U.S. Small Business Administration in “Shopping Small.”

The premier nail salon in the Oxford area

Offering you a wide range of nail and waxing services for men and women. We offer a classy and luxurious atmosphere for all of our clients.

322 Hodgson St, Oxford, Pa 19363 Open Mon-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-6, and Sun-10:30-4

Call to book your appointment 610-467-1300

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Small Businesses Support Charity S

hopping with owners who support charitable causes can introduce great benefits for your local area. Small business owners are known for contributing a portion of their profits back into the community they are a part of.

When visiting their establishments, be sure to thank the owners and employees for the work they do and the support they provide. Check out some of these impressive statistics regarding small-business charitable giving from the SCORE Association.

• 75 percent of owners donate at least six percent of their profits to charitable causes; • Small businesses donate 250 percent more to charities than national chains.

• 81 percent of owners plan to give back to their communities in 2019.

SUPPORTING YOUTH SPORTS One activity that local businesses frequently donate to is youth sports.

With the rising costs of sports, their support is necessary to ensure that children can partake in a learning experience with their peers. In addition to donating uniforms which feature their businesses’ information, many pro-

vide financial assistance to cover equipment, registration fees and mentorship to the team they are a part of.

Their sponsorship is a great way to strengthen the bond between their business and the community. Investing your holiday dollars within your local

market ensures that local festivals. What you may youth sports will continue forget to consider is that to thrive in your area. these activities wouldn’t be possible without the EVENT sponsorship of your local SPONSORSHIP businesses.

In your community, you While you’re shopping have likely witnessed your favorite shop, ask if events like marathons, live there is a way you can help music and neighborhood these entertaining events

continue to thrive. Whether you contribute with a monetary donation or by volunteering your time, your support can ensure your local economy benefits from sponsored events.

COMMUNITY CHARITIES

Small business owners are proficient at supporting their communities and helping improve neighborhoods. From sponsoring renovations for city parks to giving to families in need, spending your dollars locally helps continue their charitable efforts.

Twistback Center for the Arts 301 Muddy Run Rd., Oxford, PA 19363 PRESENTS

Community Market

Charles Dickens’

Market Building & Garden Shop Hours!

Mondays 10:00 am -8:00 pm Fridays 10:00 am -6:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm November 26, 27 & 29 December 3,4,6,10,11,13,17,18 & 20

Christmas Village at Sonetta will be home to a selection of local handmakers and artisans the four Saturdays before Christmas

10:00 am - 4:00pm November 27, December 4, December 11 & December 18 www.sonetta.net

2084 Jacob Tome Memorial Hwy., Port Deposit, MD

410-658-6400

LIVE ON STAGE in the

TWISTBACK GALLERY THEATER

Saturdays, December 4 & 11 Doors open at 6, curtain 7 Sundays, December 5 & 12 Doors open at 4, curtain 5 TICKETS - RSVP REQUESTED

484-410-4200

717-529-2909

$15 Individual / $25 Couple

H’orderves served one hour prior to curtain

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Local vs. Online T

he convenience of online shopping entices many buyers into avoiding the crowds in their local businesses.

However, buying inperson comes with many advantages, both for consumers and their community’s economy.

Learn how keeping your dollars in town can have a positive effect this holiday season.

One negative aspect you many forget about online shopping is its direct impact on the environment.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates transportation of goods burns 1.1 billion gallons of fuel and creates one-billion metric tons of CO2, annually.

Here are some other reasons you should keep your dollars at home this holiday season.

BENEFIT YOUR COMMUNITY When you shop at locally owned businesses, more of your money stays in town and benefits the rest of the community. According to the organization, Independent We Stand, for every $100 spent at a local shop, $68 stay in community.

Local business owners are inspired to give back

to the neighbors who keep their doors open. Many shops purchase their products from other nearby sources and contribute to charitable causes to benefit their community.

shipping is a great option for last-minute shoppers, but what happens when the product is shipped incorrectly or damaged?

Claiming a defective item or reaching out for a refund can be time-conKNOW WHAT suming, especially during YOU’RE GETTING the busy holiday season Sure, one- or two-day that e-commerce retailers

experience.

Shopping local can actually save you time and eliminate the risk of having to explain to a loved one that their item is in the reshipment process during a gift exchange.

The best way to know exactly what you are buying is to inspect it in person.

Make sure to analyze the product for damage before you leave the businesses’ doors so you can exchange it for another item during the same visit.

competitiveness they face from online retailers.

Check your local businesses for in-store only promotions to find great savings this holiday season. One way to discover IN-STORE limited-time offers is by PROMOTIONS signing up for a company’s Brick-and-mortar stores newsletters or asking them are no strangers to the about deals in person.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

LI V IN G H IS TORY

by Gene Pisasale

Oxford, Pennsylvania: Railroads, confectioneries and higher education

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer Once called Oxford Village and Oxford Crossing, the Borough of Oxford, Pennsylvania straddles the border between Lower Oxford and East Nottingham townships.

The town got its first Post Office more than two centuries ago in 1805, but its history dates back even further, to circa the 1750s, when a small establishment called Hood’s Tavern (better known today as the Oxford Hotel) operated in the village roughly halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore. It turns out that Oxford is a dual crossroads—it is also roughly the mid-point between Lancaster and Wilmington, Delaware. Over the years, its proximity to those regional cities and to the railroad which ran through town made Oxford a bustling community.

Incorporated officially as Oxford Borough on April 8, 1833, the town’s library has roots that pre-date that event by almost five decades—to 1784, when a subscription group formed after local citizens wanted to share their love of books.

According to its website, the Oxford Public Library is the oldest one in Chester County, and the third oldest in Pennsylvania. In “Around the Oak,” reprinted by the Friends of the Oxford Public Library, the subscription library operated out of people’s homes until 1868, when its resources were made available to citizens for the purchase of a share of stock and annual dues of one dollar. The institution became a free public library in 1939.

The railroad came to Oxford just before the Civil War and it spawned many offshoots in the area. The planned Philadelphia and Baltimore Central (P&BC) Railroad was re-routed through town, the traffic helping local development.

The P&BC was chartered in 1854 and operated a 110mile line that ran from West Philadelphia to Octoraro Junction, Maryland near Port Deposit, along with several branch lines. The first train arrived in Oxford on Dec. 22, 1860. The P&BC was purchased by the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington Railroad; passenger service to Oxford ended in 1948.

The Lancaster, Oxford

The Oxford Hotel.

and Southern Railway (LO&S) was a successor to the Lancaster, Oxford and Southern Railroad.

Its original line was built between 1872 and 1878 as a division of the Peach Bottom Railway, beginning in Oxford and connecting with the P&BC. Investors had planned to connect Lancaster County to the Baltimore and Ohio (B&O) Railroad, but it struggled financially and the line was closed in 1918.

The Dickey family had a major influence on the development of the town of Oxford. John Miller Dickey (1806- 1878) was a Presbyterian minister who was born in Oxford.

Members of the Dickey family owned a substantial amount of local real estate— roughly the northern half of the town. Reverend Dickey and his wife are known for having begun the Ashmun Institute in 1854 for the education of blacks, who had limited opportunities to better themselves. Ashmun Institute was named after Jehudi Ashmun, a religious leader. It was renamed Lincoln University in 1866 after President Lincoln was assassinated. In 1921, President Warren Harding visited the campus and gave the commencement address, honoring the 367,000 African Americans who served in World War I. Notable alumni include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and the poet Langston Hughes.

The Oxford Historic District includes hundreds of buildings in the central business district and adjacent residential areas. Most of these structures are brick, made between 1870 and 1910, but many older ones survive, including the Octoraro Hotel and Tavern dating to the 1820s. The Hotel experienced a devastating fire in 2014, but has been completely refurbished by John and Nickoel McGlothlin. Gail Roberts

and John Bradley of the Oxford Area Historical Association were quite helpful providing information on Oxford’s colorful history and that of the hotel, which was vacant for years.

It is back again, serving customers and has a new nickname—“The OTE”— so called because those three letters were the only ones still lit in the remaining sign. Stop in for a burger, a beer and some live music.

The Female Seminary once served the area, dating to the late 1830s; the building no longer stands. The Oxford Hotel, a four-story, L-shaped Italianate-style brick structure was built in 1853; it was enlarged and modified from the late 1880s to the 1920s. Its historic walls now contain apartments. You can’t help noticing the lovely, eightfoot high Oxford Town Clock, which dates to 1925, situated on the side of a former bank building. It was fully restored in 2001.

Candy lovers will definitely find their sweet tooth satiated in Oxford, as it is the headquarters of Neuchatel Chocolates.

Named after the Swiss city of Neuchatel, the company was started by fifth generation Swiss Chocolatier Albert A. Lauber, known affectionately as Al to his patrons. Neuchatel has been in operation for nearly four decades—since 1982—offering the highest quality chocolates “this side of the Atlantic Ocean.”

Swiss chocolates have been recognized as the best in the world. The company website notes that they were given permission to use the name on the condition that the ingredients for its candies come only from Switzerland. Why does location matter? The company states that the Swiss import the highest quality cocoa beans from places like Tanzania, Ghana and other regions and use “homegrown” milk from

Memorial plaque describing the refurbishment of the Oxford Town Clock.

A map showing portions of the Lancaster, Oxford and Southern Railway.

Swiss cows, not powdered milk as some producers use.

Albert’s apprenticeship in Switzerland and experience as a pastry chef at five-star hotels formed the foundation for his culinary excellence, which he imbues in each one of Neuchatel’s chocolates. The company store in Oxford showcases their many superb products, Albert noting that they offer more than 300 to their customers. The place itself is steeped in history: the store is attached to a building estimated to be roughly three centuries old. This author was pleased to meet Albert, discuss Neuchatel, and sample their delicious chocolates.

The verdict: outstanding! The company website www.neuchatelchocolates. com displays their numerous offerings. So, if you find yourself in southern Chester County and want to do some exploring, stop in Oxford to enjoy its rustic ambience while connecting with the town’s past.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square.

He has written ten books dealing with fascinat-

Reverend John Miller Dickey, from “History of Chester County” by Futhey and Cope, 1881.

ing topics in American history. His latest book is “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution.” His books are available on his website at www.GenePisasale.com

The Oxford Town Clock, which dates to 1925.

and also on www.Amazon. com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@ GenePisasale.com.

Lincoln University campus, courtesy of Lincoln University.

The Octoraro Hotel in Oxford.

Neuchatel company store in Oxford.

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Chester County Press

Obituaries PAULINE S. MACKENZIE

KATHLEEN MARY NUNN Kathleen Mary Nunn went to be with her Lord on Nov. 11. The 96-year-old resident of Kennett Square passed away peacefully while surrounded by family.

Kathleen was born to Frank and Alice Monahan on January 9, 1925 in Twin Mountain, New Hampshire.

As a child, she excelled in school and loved to sing and dance.

Kathleen met her husband, Nick Nunn, in 1951. They married a year later on Jan. 31, 1952 and shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. They went on to have six children, Nick, Richard J., Mary, Robert, Jane, and David.

Kathleen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother,

and friend. She lived a full and warm life, filled with joy and kindness. She always made you feel like you could do anything. She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

She was preceded in death by her late husband, Nick Nunn, and a son, Richard J. Nunn.

She is survived by her brother, Joseph, five of her children, Nick, Mary (and her husband Kirk), Robert, Jane, and David, as well as her eight grandchildren.

Contributions may be made in Kathleen’s memory to your charity of choice.

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

Please visit Mrs. Nunn’s online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Our Family Serving Your Family

Matthew J. Grieco, Supervisor, Funeral Director / Certified Celebrant

We own and operate our own crematory

Pauline S. MacKenzie, 96, of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Nov. 7 at Jenner’s Pond in West Grove.

Pauline was born on June 9, 1925 in Lancaster County to the late Walter Chester and Mary Emma Groff Snyder.

Pauline married William H. MacKenzie on July 20, 1946 in the Oxford Presbyterian Church and she has been a member of the church since then.

William (Bill) and Pauline owned and operated The Varsity Grille Restaurant in Oxford since January of 1959.

After Bill’s passing in August of 1976, Pauline continued to run the business with the help of her two daughters until she retired at the age of 83 in 2008.

Pauline was generous in her donations to many local organizations, including Oxford Little League, The Lighthouse, Boy Scouts and many more school and town events.

She was awarded the Oxford Citizen of the Year Award in 2008. Pauline was a kind, generous person who loved being with her family. She had many friends in Oxford, old and young, and was well-respected in the Oxford community.

Pauline was truly one of a kind.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers; two sisters; and her infant granddaughter Boyd.

She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Shortlidge (Swithin) of West Grove and Valerie Boyd (Chauncey) of Oxford; seven grandchildren, Karen Williston, Swithin Shortlidge IV, Wendy Grasty, Stefanie Gordon, Andrew Boyd, Emily Bonner and Chadwick Boyd; and fifteen great-grandchildren. She was loved by her family and will be missed.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Oxford Presbyterian Church, 6 Pine St., Oxford, PA 19363.

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

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Alleluia But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 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

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

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

Landenberg Church United Methodist All Are Welcome 205 Penn Green Rd. In Historic Downtown Landenberg Landenberg, PA 19350

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries t r

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JOSEPH RONALD BRUECKS Joseph Ronald Bruecks, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 14 at the home of his daughter. He was 79.

He was the husband of the late Joanne Elaine Bruecks, who died in 2009, and with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the only child of the late Joseph S. Bruecks and the late Beatrice Rivel Bruecks.

Joseph graduated from West Catholic For Boys High School and Our Lady of Angels College with a degree in business. He served his country for six years as an air traffic controller in the Air Force during peacetime.

For over 30 years, he worked for Philadelphia Electric Company at Peach Bottom Nuclear Power Plant in Delta, Pa. as a supervisor in the comptroller office.

He was a member of Assumption BVM Parish in West Grove, where he handled finances, the school bus program, and supermarket fundraising for many years.

He enjoyed home projects, watching the Eagles, reading, accounting, gardening, collecting model trains, throwing darts and shooting pool in the early years, and spending time with his family.

Survivors include four sons, Michael, Mark (and his wife Stacey) of West Chester, Brian (and his wife Marie) of Lincoln University, and John of Coatesville; three daughters, Colleen of West Grove, Karen of Newtown Square, and Kate Parker (and her husband Wes) of Coatesville; his siblings, and thirteen grandchildren, Keira, Zach, Jennifer, Alyssa, Kylee, Tyler, Cameron, Emma, Tristan, Cassandra, Charlotte, Anna, and Claire.

A Mass of Christian burial was held on Nov. 19 at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in West Grove.

Interment will be held privately in Holy Cross Cemetery in Yeadon.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Assumption BVM Church 300 State Rd. West Grove, PA 19390.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. (484-734-8100).

To view his online obituary, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

JANET KAY WILSON Janet Kay Wilson, an 83-year-old resident of Landenberg, entered her heavenly home on Nov. 14.

She was the wife of Roger E. Wilson, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Lansing, MI, she was a daughter of the late Loy Harper and the late Ada Hoag Harper.

Janet graduated from Sexton High School in Lansing MI. Janet served her local church in a variety of ways through the years as a nursery caregiver, Sunday School teacher, and enjoyed camping and hiking with the youth.

Most recently, she was a member of The Christian Life Center where she was a testimony of God’s faithfulness to all who knew her. Janet’s activities there included attending the Chicken Soup for the Senior Soul small group and assisting with Project Angel Tree and Urban Promise.

Her favorite things are times with family, reading her Bible, attending her grandchildren’s activities and her game shows. She will be remembered for her joyful and pleasant attitude in spite of increasing physical limitations.

She always put others at ease and found a reason to smile.

In addition to her husband Roger, she is survived by two sons, David Wilson (and his wife Jane Anne) and Steven Wilson; two daughters, Kathy Lewis (and her husband Ted) and Diane Peel (and her husband Glenn); twelve grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Mark, Natalie, Evan, Joshua, Hannah, Emily, Erica, Devon, Emmersen, and Nolan; and five great-grandchildren, Lily, Asher, Adalyn, Shiloh, and Isla.

Janet’s legacy of caring for others continues through her donation of tissue which, per her wishes, will be used for valuable research in the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.

Services were held on Nov. 19 at the Christian Life Center in Lincoln University, Pa. Interment will be held privately at New London Presbyterian Cemetery.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Rocky Mountain MS Center online at https://www.mscenter.org/ donate.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory (484-734-8100).

To view the online obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.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.

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Chester County Press

Local News Rotary Club honors Reyburn and Zetune as Students of the Month Two Oxford Area High School seniors, Kay Reyburn and Emiliano Zetune, have been chosen as Rotary Seniors for the Month of October.

Reyburn, daughter of Stanley and Jessica Reyburn, is a member of the marching band, symphonic band, chorale ensemble, a member of and secretary for the National Honor Society, and a member of and secretary for the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She plans to major in business, art or music. She has been active in musicals and plays. She is also a member of the Russellville Grange and a member of and vice president for the Solanco Community 4-H Club. She also works at Neuchatel Chocolate and attends Andrews Bridge Christian Fellowship Church.

Zetune is the son of Dave and Kathy Zetune.

He is a member of the

cross country team, tennis team, marching band, and the academic competition team. He is also a member of and treasurer for the National Honor Society, a member of and secretary for the National English Honor Society, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

He is currently enrolled in a multi-variable calculus course with the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. He also plays in a Jazz Band and has played in the orchestra for concerts and plays the euphonium horn, and trombone. He is also a tennis coach. He hopes to attend Princeton University, where he would major in mathematics. He is also interested in developing skills in civil discourse to promote understanding between people, even when Courtesy photo they disagree. He spends The Oxford Rotary Students of the Month are Kay Reyburn (at left) pictured with her parents, Stanley and his spare time with his three Jessica and her brother). On the right is Carey Bresler, president of the Oxford Rotary Club, and Emiliano pets.

Zetune, who is pictured with his parents, Kathy and Dave.

Find unique gifts at Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop Ten Thousand Villages Gift Shop at the Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine Street in Oxford, Room 206)

is now open for the First Friday in December from 5 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19 from 10

a.m. to noon.

The shop features items from Ten Thousand Villages all over the world, and will help

skilled artisans in more than 33 countries receive a fair price for their products. Call 610-932-9640 for more information.

The shop will also feature the books of local author Iris Gray Dowling, including her new 2021 picture book about the

local Cecropia Moth.

She will be signing copies of her books during the First Friday event on Dec. 3.

Prevailing Time, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at the Penn Township Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390 and on PennBID. Copies of the Form of Proposal and Specifications are available at no cost at www.PennBID.net beginning Monday, November 22, 2021.

Each Bidder must deposit with his bid, security in the form of a certified check or bid bond in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the total bid made payable to the order of the Penn Township.

Each bid must be accompanied by a signed commitment of the proposed surety offering to execute a Performance Bond, as well as the Letter of Intent, and Non-Collusion Affidavit.

All Forms and Papers required to accompany the bid must be up loaded to PennBID prior to the date and time bids are to be received.

The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Contractor’s Performance Bond and Labor and Materialmen’s Bond in an amount of the accepted bid. The Surety Company and form of surety shall be subject to the approval of Penn Township. The Bond Company should have no less than an “A” rating (Best Rating) and provide documentation of their authority to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, the Bond should be provided without a reinsurer. No bidder may withdraw his/her bid within sixty (60) days after the date set for the receiving and opening of bids.

Pennsylvania prevailing wage rates will apply to this project, in addition to any and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, statutes, ordinance,

rules and regulations.

Penn Township reserves the right to accept any or all bids or parts thereof, or to reject any or all bids or parts thereof, for any cause whatsoever, as they deem for the best interest of the Township. By Order of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, Karen Versuk, MBA PhD, Director of Operations 11p-17-2t

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF DAVID M. ROMANKO a/k/a DAVID ROMANKO, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, 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 MARY ELLEN ROMANKO BUNDY and MICHAEL F. ROMANKO, EXECUTORS, c/o Kevin P. Gilboy, Esq., Two Logan Square, 100 N. 18th St., Ste. 1825, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Or to their Attorney: KEVIN P. GILBOY, GILBOY & GILBOY LLP, Two Logan Square, 100 N. 18th St., Ste. 1825, Philadelphia, PA 19103 11p-10-3t

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

Estate of Jane E. Conner, LATE OF Avondale, PA, Chester County, Pennsylvania. Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to David Conner, Executor, 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: David Conner, 4821 Homeville Rd., Cochranville, PA 19330 Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 11p-10-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Delores Joan Wilkinson, Late of West Chester, East Goshen Township, Chester County , PA, LETTERS of Administration on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to John Wilkinson, 23 Jewel Drive, Mount Joy, PA 17552, Administrator.

11p-10-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 602 Martin Drive- To hear the appeal of Robert & Maryann Altieri for a variance from 27- 1804.E- Projections into required yards.This property is

in the Rural Residential (RR) District.

William Grandizio, Chairman Zoning Hearing Board 11p-17-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE

The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 1 Cabot Circle- To hear the appeal of Donald & Marilyn for a variance from 27-503.E for a rear yard setback. This property is in the Rural Residential (RR) District. William Grandizio, Chairman Zoning Hearing Board 11p-17-2t

INVITATION FOR BIDS

FOR VETERAN’S MEMORIAL GARDEN IMPROVEMENTS AT THE PENN TOWNSHIP COMMUNIT Y PARK, 260 LEWIS ROAD, WEST GROVE, PENNSYLVANIA 19390, PENN TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PA PROPOSALS will be received online via the PennBID Program by the Board of Supervisors of Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania until 10:00 A.M., Prevailing Time, on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, for the following.

The project includes the removal / replacement of approximately 2,675 square feet of existing concrete brick pavers including fine grading, new sand setting bed, resetting existing pavers, new polymeric joint sand, planting beds, trees and shrubs, benches, and lighting improvements.

All Bids will be publicly posted by the Township Secretary at 11:00 A.M.

INCORPORATION NOTICE

All Terrain Unlimited, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. John A. Novello, Esquire, 221 North Olive Street, Media, PA 19063 11p-24-1t

Classifieds Auctions Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice US Storage Centers - Exton located at 371 Gordon Dr., Exton PA 19341 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures.com on 12/15/2021 at 10:00AM. Kristi V Timmons unit #D007; Maryann Floyd unit #E009. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Chester County Intermediate Unit wins five national school communication awards The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) was presented with five awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for school communication. The CCIU received national recognition among more than 900 other recipients for district and school communication efforts.

NSPRA’s National School Communication Awards consist of three communication award programs: the Golden Achievement Awards, the Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards and the Gold Medallion Awards. Among these three programs, the CCIU received recognition in the Golden Achievement Awards and the Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards.

The Golden Achievement Award is granted to schools and districts that display exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations, communication, marketing and engagement. The CCIU received this award for its Vaccine Advocacy Campaign, a successful campaign focused on bringing vaccines to

educators in the Chester the CCIU is honored to it organization that has than 80 years and aims education through outCounty school districts. receive these awards.” been a leader in school to provide success for all standing public relations In March 2021, the CCIU NSPRA is a nonprof- communication for more students by strengthening and communication. hosted a two-week vaccine clinic in which over 8,500 educators and educational staff were vaccinated against COVID-19.

Within the Publications and Digital Media Awards, the CCIU was granted four awards in three different categories: the Annual Report, Special Purpose Publication and Video (produced inhouse). These awards are granted to schools and districts with outstanding education publications; marketing and informational materials; video, TV and radio programs; social media channels; or websites. The CCIU received two honorable mentions and two excellence awards in this category.

“I’m extremely proud of the work and commitment of our communications department to produce high-quality and effective communication,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, CCIU executive director.

“While these awards are based on the work of the communications team, they are a reflection of the CCIU’s continued efforts The Avon Grove Lions honored Buster Needham with his Chevron for 60 years of service with the orgato work together through nization. It was commented that some of the Lions at the meeting hadn’t been born when Needham first challenging situations and joined the Avon Grove Lions. Needham is pictured with Avon Grove Lions president Dave Graham.

Needham honored for 60 years of service to Lions

Brandywine Health Foundation announces a new name The organization will now be known as The Alliance for Health Equity, but it keeps the same vital mission Since 2001, the Brandywine Health Foundation has advanced optimal health, responded to the ever-changing needs of the Greater Coatesville community through partnerships, distributed nearly $19 million in grants and scholarships, and launched impactful programs and initiatives. The community has benefited over the last twenty years, yet there are significant challenges that remain through the persistent health disparities and racial inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic with a crippling economic impact.

Not to mention, Hurricane Ida has unfairly disadvantaged the community due to its outdated infrastructure and relentless climate change. With this, The Alliance for Health Equity, Strengthening Communities has emerged as the Brandywine Health Foundation’s new name and brand.

Its mission remains the same, but its new name will convey how it will carry out its mission into the future— by tackling the complex and often uncomfortable and inequitable health, economic and social issues that prevent people from attaining optimal health and prosperity. The Alliance for Health Equity’s new brand is driven by this profound examination of who the foundation is and what

they do. The new logo and visual identity are inspired by its guiding principles and values—namely its commitment to centering equity in all efforts with the goal of deeper social impact, as well as transforming the community’s overall health.

Vanessa B. Briggs, president and CEO commented, “The entrenched challenges, stemmed from decades of inequities across multiple systems, intended to support basic needs, can be seen and heard locally, regionally, and nationally.

The Alliance for Health Equity is an evolution of the Brandywine Health

Foundation actively living out its values - a commitment to equity for all.”

The growing and changing needs of the Greater Coatesville area is the reason for the rebrand. The Alliance for Health Equity hopes other individuals, foundations, and corporate partners become part of its family in supporting its mission and evolution to advance community health.

Be sure to check out The Alliance for Health Equity’s website for more details and to register in early November. The website is www.alliancehealthequity.org.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 5 PM Personal Property, Antiques, Local Memorabilia, Milk Bottle Collection

175+ Lots of Currency & Coins For The Estate of Charles Hannum Location: Red Men Hall/Pavilion – 114 Brick Road, Oxford PA 19363 Preview - Doors Open at 3:00 PM 5:00 PM – Auction Block #1 with antique & local memorabilia, advertising plates, large collection early photographs, collection of Milk Bottles, collectable Christmas items, vintage toys, glassware, large collection early books & Bibles, stop watches, silver flatware, cast iron items, assorted clocks, bronzes, and early general store items. NOTE: This is a preliminary listing.

6:00 PM – Auction Block #2 – Graded and cataloged, 175+ lots of Currency and Coins includes large 1, 5 & 10 notes, Black Eagle, Woodchopper, Indian, Bison, Gold notes, silver dollars, Morgan Dollars including 1891CC, 1903-S, 1904-s and Peace Dollars including 1921, Indian head cents, Gold 1, 2, 3 & 5 coins.

Terms by Estate of Charles L. Hannum, Executor Lawrence C. Reese For Brochure updates, information, photos, terms and conditions, please contact Auction Company or check website at martinauctioneers.com. ALL ITEMS SOLD, “AS-IS, WHERE IS”, Statements made day of sale take precedence over all printed material.

Check AuctionZip #1891 for pictures. No reserves on any items.

All items to be paid for on day of auction by Cash, Credit Cards with 3% Fee, Pre-approved good PA Checks, Certified funds for all out of state buyers.

10% Buyer’s Premium on all items Please visit our website at www.martinauctioneers.com

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Delaware’s REP rings in the holiday season with A Christmas Carol The Resident Ensemble Players (REP), the professional acting company at the University of Delaware, is rereleasing their audio presentation of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday tale A Christmas Carol, adapted by Sara Valentine and Michael Boudewyns.

This free audio production will be available for streaming online Dec. 8 through Dec. 26, through the Resident Ensemble Players’ website www.rep.udel.edu.

A Christmas Carol is a familiar story, retold to the delight of audiences year after year. The eternally-damned spirit of Jacob Marley appears to Ebenezer Scrooge, warning it is not too late to escape his fate. Scrooge endures the visitations of three Spirits, confronting him with his past and present sins in the hope that Scrooge may feel remorse and change his miserly ways.

“This play is about transformation essentially,” said director Kathleen Pirkl Tague.

“It’s Scrooge’s transformation obviously, but it’s aided by supernatural energy. I think it is a miracle when people change. When people fundamentally transform, it’s miraculous.”

While audiences today may be familiar with film or stage adaptations of A Christmas Carol, the story itself has a long-standing history as an audio presentation. Charles Dickens began this tradition with his live public readings of the original novella. The

popularity of the story continued with radio broadcasts beginning in the 1920s. The REP is delighted to continue the tradition and embrace the art of story-telling through the medium of sound.

The sound design of this audio production showcases the power of the human voice by using ethereal choral music to sweep the audience along the journey, evoking the full spectrum of emotions along the way. Many of the choral pieces are

from the 2014 performance Carols By Candlelight from the University of Delaware’s highly regarded UD Chorale.

“I’m supporting the sound of this production with choral music,” Pirkl Tague said, “because I find the human voice to be the most beautiful musical instrument. The combination of those instruments in choir is a profound kind of magical sound.”

The Resident Ensemble Players (REP) is a professional theatre company in

residence on the campus of the University of Delaware.

The REP is committed to creating and expanding audiences for live theatre by offering a diversity of productions at low prices that enable and encourage the attendance of everyone in the region, regardless of background or income. When offering live performances, the REP performs in the Roselle Center for the Arts, 110 Orchard Road, Newark, Delaware on the main campus of the University of Delaware.

of you and if there will be a specific schedule outlined for your assistance.

Especially during the holiday season, you may find yourself too busy to devote

too much time to a steady commitment. Be transparent about what you can offer and keep an open line of communications going with your local business or nonprofit.

Volunteer Locally T

he holiday season is among the busiest for your local small businesses.

One of the most helpful things you can offer to make sure they have a successful end-of-year is you.

Consider volunteering with your local small business or nonprofit offering your expertise to help them grow or serve the community. Depending on what kind of company they run, your local small business owner can always use some type of free help.

Whether it’s helping out in the store or offering to make deliveries, there are

many ways you can help experience can you bring to your small business or non- the table? profit have a great holiday • What type of business or shopping season. nonprofit would you like to support?

QUESTIONS TO ASK • Do you know anyone YOURSELF who may be able to give you Here are some questions an opportunity in a business to consider before offering or nonprofit? your services to a small local business or nonprofit GET SOME organization: EXPERIENCE • Do you want to work Are you in college lookalongside people or be ing for some wintertime more of an individual work? Approach your local contributor? small business or nonprofit • Do you prefer a virtual about possible internship or engagement or something volunteer roles. You may more in the field? be able to find some valu• What specific skills or able experience while also

making a difference in your community.

Nonprofits and other organizations are often seeking people who can help them in specific areas like fundraising, marketing or finances.

If you have some of these skill sets — as well as the time to build up your resume — consider pitching your services today.

BE REALISTIC Before committing to volunteering within your community, make sure you have the time available to fulfill your responsibilities.

Understand what is expected

2022 SEASON GIVE THE MAGIC OF LIVE THEATRE Gift Cards Available JAN 22 – FEB 27

MAY 14 – JUNE 26

Musicals, Comedies, Comedy Club and Quizzo once a month, and more!

The Candlelight Theatre is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.

JULY 16 – AUG 28

SEPT 17 – OCT 30

MAR 19 – APR 24

NOV 18 – DEC 23

Dining and Entertainment Beyond Your Expectations!

Single Tickets Available and on Sale Now • Become a Season Pass Holder and Save

www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org

2208 Millers Road, Wilmington, DE 19810 | P: 302-475-2313 | E: dennis@candlelightde.org

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Discover Unique Gifts S

hopping local this holiday season helps you find unique shops in the area to fulfill everyone on your list.

Discover what makes your community different from any other in the country.

Supporting local businesses gives back to your economy and ensures that its unique flair remains intact for the future.

When researching establishments to include on your shopping venture, social media and review-based websites are a valuable resource. Search your community for distinct shops that offer a gift which stands out to your recipient. Here are some great types of stores to seek and check off all the names on your naughty and nice list.

LOCAL BREWERY The craft beer movement is here to stay. In fact, the National Brewers Association reports that in 2018, retail dollars for craft sales amounted to $27.6 billion. That’s about 24 percent of the entire country’s beer sales.

Search your area for a local brewery to find the perfect mixture of hops and ales to satisfy the thirst of a craft beer aficionado. Be sure to ask the brewing experts for holiday exclusive recipes or

a variety pack that features the best of their offerings.

You may even purchase a ticket for a tour so your loved one can view the operations. Some may be inspired to take on the task of brewing themselves.

LOCAL ARTISTS Search your community for art galleries or reach out on a creator’s professional networking site.

By contacting them with enough notice, you may be able to commission a

Small Business Saturday Shop Small ******************* We are continuing our yearly tradition of donating a portion of our proceeds on Small Business Saturday . This year we are donating to Neighborhood Services Center.

Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center (NSC) empowers people experiencing a crisis or sudden hardship by providing direct assistance and/or connecting them to available resources.

G & F Carpet 322 South St. Oxford, Pa. 19363

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custom piece of art in your recipient’s favorite style.

You can gain a good idea of their preferred type by analyzing the designs they display in their home.

Brush up on different styles like contemporary,

abstract and expressionism apparel from local designto determine which artist ers is a unique way to will make a good match support your community. for you.

Take the time to ensure their manufacturing methLOCAL DESIGNERS ods are ethical before For those who are inter- supporting their brand by ested in fashion, seeking investing in their product.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Shop Local for Holiday Meals H

ow do you envision your big family Christmas meal this holiday season? Does it

involve a piping hot turkey surrounded by fresh cranberry sauce, carrots and salad? For dessert, are you seeing delectable pies featuring delicious local ingredients and toppings?

If so, then your best bet is to shop local farmer’s markets and grocers to give your guests the experience — and the meal — that they deserve. Owners of these establishments depend on local farmers for their produce and meats, ensuring that shoppers can find the freshest, most organically produced ingredients for their special meals.

When you shop locally for your food this holiday season, you’re supporting small business owners and farmers in driving access to healthy, fresh items for your community.

THINK FRESH We all know that fruits and vegetables contain the most nutrition when they are fresh and ripe. So, when you’re out shopping for your big Christmas meal, why not shop locally at your farmer’s market or organic food market for the perfect ingredients?

Delight your guests with fresh, roasted vegetables or organically raised beef this holiday season. You can even find flowers and artistic table-toppers from local flower shops or artisans to help brighten up your dining room table for your meal.

your local farmer’s market, which are found to have a positive effect on total agricultural sales across the country, according to EcoWatch, an environmental news outlet.

LOCAL FARMER’S The Center for Urban MARKETS One of the best places Education about Sustainable to find fresh local food is Agriculture advises that

Fresh is always better, and your local businesses are able to deliver some of the best food and decorations for your holiday festivities.

because food in the U.S. travels an average of 1,500 miles to get to your plate, it’s actually more environmentally friendly to shop for your food locally.

That’s because food transportation requires the use of large amounts of fossil fuels which causes air

pollution and trash buildup from extra packaging.

Keep this in mind when you’re considering shopping locally or at a chain.

Every time you support your local market or grocer, the farmers and business owners in your area will benefit.

Pub style restaurant & bar with deck

HELP WANTED We are looking for a Bartender and a Restaurant/Bar Manager.

Both require at least 1 year of experience.

The BEST hot wings & burgers in town!

FREE parking & hometown atmosphere.

Drink specials & 16 draft beers! • 6 TVs playing at all times!

562 Lincoln Street, Oxford | 610-998-9000

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Support Artisans and Eateries S

mall businesses across America have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As shopping restrictions have been put in place across the country, local businesses have found themselves getting creative in selling their goods.

One of the best ways you can support your local business community is by purchasing items from local artisans and restaurants.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISANS Some of the most talented people in your community are artisans creating handmade — or even customized — gifts for people on your shopping list.

You may find artisans partnering with local businesses to sell their products at a storefront versus opening up their own display space.

When you shop locally, you give these artisans the exposure and financial support they need to grow their business.

SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND FOOD TRUCKS Can’t decide what to eat this weekend? Search your local newspaper or Facebook restaurant groups to find great local options instead of settling for chain establishments.

Local food trucks are also an option for enjoying unique cuisine while also supporting small business owners in your community.

These businesses have seen an uptick in business due to their flexibility in being able to set up at various sites.

Keep your eye out on social media for where food trucks are setting up during the holiday shopping season, and show your support by buying your meals locally.

you shop with local artisans and restaurants? Great customer service, for one.

Many shoppers complain about customer service at the big chain stores during the holidays due to retail employees often being CUSTOMER SERVICE stretched too thin in their What can you expect when work schedules.

With local businesses, you can expect personalized customer service along with the unique food or items you’ll find. That’s because great customer service is the lifeblood of a small business owner.

They are depending on referral business from you

and your community members. Many times, small business owners are able to craft and personalize products for their customers.

This level of customization is another aspect of great customer service that is so critical for small businesses to deliver.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Small Business Saturday Shop small on Saturday, November 27

S

aturday, Nov. 27, 2021 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as

they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.

Founded by American

Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped

at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $19.8 billion according to the 2020 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. The survey also found that 97%

of shoppers recognized the positive impact they can make by shopping small and 85% of them reported they also encouraged friends and family to Shop Small® as well.

The highly successful team of SBA, Women Impacting Public Policy

(WIPP), and American Express will be kicking off the 2021 holiday season by encouraging consumers to support our nation’s nearly 32 million independent businesses this Small Business Saturday and all holiday season long.

Don't Forget Local Eateries H

oliday shopping can sure build up an appetite. During the hustle and bustle of finding gifts for everyone on your list, don’t forget to take a break and check out a locally owned restaurant during your adventure. You may just discover your new favorite dish at an eatery you haven’t considered trying out.

While you can find a great meal at a chain restaurant, many people enjoy the fresh food and community friendly cooking from independents.

According to the organization Local Harvest, the average commute for commercially distributed fruits and vegetables is 1,500 miles. To maintain its integrity over long distances, it’s common for goods to be bioengineered with agents that impact their quality.

Independent restaurant owners are more apt to support their local farmers and markets, which provides fresher ingredients. When searching for a place to dine, look for menus that advertise farm fresh and locally grown for the most delicious meal.

FRESHER FOOD One advantage featured PREMIERE SERVICE in most locally owned resSince most independent taurants is the fresher food owners play a large role that makes up their menu. in their establishment’s

daily operation, they will be invested in quality service. It’s likely that chefs and servers also have a stake in the business, so

their best efforts are also shown. Supporting a locally owned eatery also gives diners easy access to the people in charge of decision

making. It’s easy to address concerns or patting them on the back for providing an exceptional experience within your community.

HOMETOWN FLAVOR Every town across the United States has something unique that sets it apart from other nearby areas. Get to know your local business owners and establishments by shopping locally this holiday season.

You should also expect dishes to be based off your neighborhood’s unique customs and flairs when you sit down at a local establishment. Take a break during your holiday shopping adventure to enjoy the delicious tastes your town is known for. Bring along family members and friends with similar tastes to fill up your local restaurants. Or opt for gift cards so you can help create year-round business at these establishments.

Hometown Health is now offering Physical Exams for Commercial Motor Vehicle Licenses.

Drivers can now call the office at 610-467-1141 to schedule their exam to be certified or recertified today!

We are excited to be offering this new service to help you stay on the road!

610-467-1141 307 N. 3rd St., Oxford, PA 19363

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

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Small Business Saturday NOVEMBER 27

SHOP LOCAL

Join the Movement S

hopping locally during the holiday season is a win-win for both consumers and businesses. When you shop at your local establishment, you’re actually helping more than the owners. You’re also funding community projects and helping keep your region clean and attractive.

That’s because larger portions of money spent with local businesses stay in the area compared to when you shop with a large retailer or online. So do your part this holiday season by supporting those who keep our communities going. Shop local and watch your money have a big impact on your area.

SUPPORT WITH YOUR DOLLAR If you’re looking to make a difference this holiday season, consider devoting a specific portion of your shopping budget to small businesses.

While there’s no arguing that online shopping can be convenient, spending all of your budget online can cripple your local economy. If you just can’t live without the online shopping experience, check to see what kinds of online

product offerings your local businesses offer. You can even shop locally online, as local restaurants, artisan shops and businesses have shifted their models during COVID-19 to being able to handle more online orders.

SUPPORT YOUR NEIGHBORS According to a study by Michigan State University, small, local businesses are the largest employers nationally, creating two out of every three new jobs, and employ 52 percent of the nation’s employees.

Since 2003, small businesses have added 5.1 million new jobs to the economy. By shopping locally, you can help your business community expand into hiring more employees.

Your dollars can help more people find jobs around your area, which will help your local economy grow stronger and stronger.

SUPPORT GIVING A 2019 U.S. Small Business Administration survey found that 75 percent of small business owners donate some portion of their profits — day season, when many about 6 percent on average Most times, those chari- time you shop local, a por- charity.

This can be critically charities are in need of — to charitable organiza- ties are headquartered in tion of your dollars may tions each year. your community. Every also be donated to a local important during the holi- funding and volunteers.

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CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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