New Garden easement deal may face end-ofyear deadline
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
From the time the deal was first made on Feb. 23, 2015 to enter New Garden Township into negotiations to purchase the 178-acre Green Valley Farm in the township for $2.3 million and place a conservation easement on it, supervisor Pat Little has been its staunchest opponent. For nearly three years, the negotiations between the township, members of the Reynolds family who own the property and their attorneys have been a onestep-up, two-steps-back confluence of delays, and just moments after the board voted at its Nov. 20 meeting to approve payment for the initial $858,449 installment for the property, Little was heard from again. Little introduced a motion to approve advertising for
a discussion at the board’s Dec. 18 meeting – and subsequently a vote – declaring that if the Green Valley Farm conservation easement is not fully reached by the end of 2017, the township would rescind the entire deal. The motion was approved by all five supervisors.
“We’re going into our third year on this, and I don’t know whose side I’m working on,” Little told the board. Little first suggested a motion to back out of the deal at the board’s meetings on Dec. 21, 2015, Jan. 19, 2016 and May 16, 2016, but at each stretch, he and the board were given reasons for the delay. At one meeting, Tom Johnson, one of the attorneys representing the Reynolds family, called the negotiation for the easement “a complicated process,” due mainly to the fact that the property is owned by
Champions!
Reynolds, a guardianship for his brother, and by two trusts, with different beneficiaries.
Reaching a final deal on the property has been further complicated by Warren Reynolds currently serving a state prison sentence for the possession of more than
Oxford Country Christmas takes place this Friday
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Strolling carolers, carriage rides, children’s activities, the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, and, of course, the arrival of Santa Claus are all highlights of Oxford’s Country Christmas celebration that will take place this Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“It’s a nice kickoff to the holidays,” said Brian Wenzka, the new executive director of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) who is planning his first Oxford Country Christmas event. “The shops and restaurants will be open. I think we have a good variety of activities. It’s going to be a great event.”
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Last year, Kennett Township Supervisor Whitney Hoffman introduced an idea representatives from the township, Historic Kennett Square and Kennett Square Borough to create a holiday festival in the community that was similar to the one she had seen on a recent trip to Europe. Thus, the first Kennett Square Holiday Village Market, held Dec. 3-4, 2016, was born, and over
its two days, the event drew more than 4,000 visitors, who flocked to the Creamery on Birch Street for a weekend of shopping, frolic and holiday spirit. There were more than 20 artisans there, as well as musicians, food trucks and a continuous, humming vibe that seemed to tell its organizers, ‘Do this again. Turn this experience into an annual local tradition.’
As Fall becomes the holidays in Kennett Square, that’s just what the event’s organizers have done, only this year, a two-day event
is not enough. The second Kennett Square Holiday Village Market will be held for two consecutive weekends, on Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 9-10 at the Creamery, and will feature 73 vendors, more than 13 live musical acts and a host of activities for shoppers, and those who simply want to be a part of the spectacle.
“It was so successful last year, that Kennett Township, Kennett Square Borough and Historic Kennett Square all came up to us and said, ‘This needs Continued on Page 4A
500 images of child pornography. In addition, his brother is incapacitated and not able to actively be a part of discussions related to the sale of the property, which has prompted the negotiations to be entered into the Philadelphia Orphans Court
Oxford Borough secures additional grant funding
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Oxford Borough has secured another significant grant that will help with the effort to build a parking garage in the business district.
Officials recently learned that the borough will be receiving $ 285,000 in funding through a Department of Community and Economic Development grant. According to borough manager Brian Hoover, the funds will be utilized to repave 2nd Street in the areas from Mt. Vernon to Locust Street, and to do some reconstruction work on Octoraro Alley. The improvements will make the area around the parking garage more pedestrian-friendly once the project is completed.
This is the most recent grant that the borough has received in the ongoing effort to secure funding for a project that proponents say will boost economic development in the downtown. So far, the borough has secured more than $3 million in grant funding to construct the parking garage. Steve Krug of Krug Architects and Pauline Garcia-Allen of Econ Partners have been facilitating the process of obtaining grants for the parking garage.
Construction of the parking garage could begin in 2018.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Continued on Page 2A
Photo by Richard L. Gaw The Unionville High School football team beat
Division, one of the three divisions of the Court of Common Pleas that serves to protect the personal and property rights of all persons and entities who are otherwise
Photo by Kelly G
The Kennett Square Holiday Village Market will be held at the Creamery on Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10, and will feature local artisans, music and beverages, food and events for the entire family.
On June 1 of this year, a pinhole crack in the negotiations appeared to open up when Township Solicitor Vince Pompo informed the board that the Philadelphia Orphans Court issued a decree approving the application to the agreement of sale of the property. He said that assuming that there are no further appeals, a due diligence period would begin on July 3, conclude on Aug. 17, with a final agreement expected by the end of September.
The property, eight contiguous parcels, is located north of Route 41 and is bordered by Penn Green Road on its western edge, Old Baltimore Pike on its northern border, and the area behind the commercial and residential development along Newark Road, on its eastern edge. It offers more than 30 acres of mature woodland, large ponds, streams, existing paths and scenic vistas which can be seen from Penn Green Road. It contains the former site of a dairy farm, and an historic home built in 1740, which has been in the Reynolds family since 1904.
The acquisition of the property is scheduled to be paid for out of the township’s Open Space Fund, and the initial payment will comprise 37 percent of the total cost for the easement, which will be followed by the remaining 63 percent of
the total cost, to be paid in equal installments over the next three years.
In other township business, an informal straw poll taken of the audience revealed clear and overwhelming support for the new facility that will house the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department near its current site on Route 41, in the next year or so.
The reaction came during the latest presentation by Police Chief Gerald Simpson that further unveiled its design, project goals and the projected cost and timeline of its completion.
The 90-minute presentation, which also included Sean Goodrick of Tevebaugh Architecture -- the architectural firm responsible for the project’s design -- was the latest glimpse into the progress of the new facility. Tevebaugh entered into its contract with the township in December 2016, and has met in public before the board three times -- and most recently in October in an executive session -- to review the schematic design of the nearly 12,000-squarefoot building, the functions of its space, and cost estimates. The projected cost of the facility is, at the present time, estimated at $5.056 million, and will be paid for out of funds from the $29.5 million sale of the township’s sewer system to Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc.
Simpson and Goodrick
presented a broad timeline for the project, which is scheduled to begin this coming January, when the regional police department will leave their temporary residence in trailers along Route 41, and take up occupancy in offices at 385 Starr Road in Landenberg, for the duration of the construction period. While the exact calendar dates for the start of construction are dependent on the finalization of the township’s deal with Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc., the bidding process to determine the builder is expected to begin in January 2018; followed by the selection of the contractor in February; and groundbreaking projected to begin at the start of summer 2018.
Simpson estimated that the construction period would take 12 to 14 months, which will project a completion of the new facility by the summer of 2019.
“We needed to develop a building that prioritized safety, security and service to the public,” Goodrick said. “The project needed to safely meet the demands of the department as well as the public who live here, and who are going to utilize this facility. We need to utilize the existing site. It is the most cost effective [option], so we don’t have to go out and purchase a new property.”
Goodrick said that the floor plan has not changed much since it was first shared with the board in May. Simpson said that the process of
getting to the final floor plan involved funneling it through the department’s staff for input.
“It was a very involved process, but it wasn’t just me and the architects and [Township Manager] Tony Scheivert,” Simpson said. “It was also the people who will live and breathe in that facility, and should know how it is supposed to function.”
The facility will include a public entrance that will include a public vestibule; a community room, designed to be a training facility and house joint operations between police departments; a small kitchen area; an administrative area for department staff; and a secure detention area that will include three holding cells, and two sally ports for the secure and protected escort and intake of detainees. The detention area will be constructed with cinder block walls, while the other areas of the building will
be made of wood-frame construction.
Goodrick said that the design of the building will include a fire suppression system throughout the entire building, including a sprinkler system in the security detention area, as well as security cameras.
While the location of the new building will keep the police in their familiar location, its position and design is restricted and dictated by the position of a cell tower that stands at the corner of the facility property, as well as meeting variance requirements. The tower’s location affects zoning regulations in place that require construction to observe a 50-foot setback from Route 41, and subsequently, the building’s design needed to be tweaked in order to comply with setback regulations. The tower is projected to remain at its current location for another 10 years, under a lease with American Tower.
Goodrick also said that stormwater infiltration, sewer systems and water pressure for the facility still need to obtain engineering certifications.
While the presentation received overwhelming support from the audience, a few attendees balked at the new facility’s pricetag, and some questioned the need for a new building.
“We’re not just talking $6 million for the next two to five years,” Simpson responded. “This [facility] is a 50-year investment in your public safety in your community.
“We have done our due diligence here. I know this is a hefty price tag. I’m not going to deny that at all. I would hope that in this presentation, and in the recent history of this organization, we have [demonstrated] a very conservative approach at raising the services we’re providing for this community.”
In township business related to the monetary source for the planned new police facility, the board approved a 60-day extension in the negotiations with Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc., to finalize the sale of the township’s sewer system to Aqua for the price of $29.5 million.
The township had originally agreed to a 155-day extension in its negotiations with Aqua, but that extension is set to expire soon. Scheivert said that the purpose for granting the additional extension is because the asset purchase agreement for the sale has been appealed by the Office of the Consumer Advocate, and that easement issues between the township and Aqua still need to be finalized.
The board agreed to the proposed 2018 meeting schedule, beginning on Jan. 2 when a re-organizational meeting will take place. Board meetings will take place on the third Monday of every month, beginning at 7:30 p.m. All budget meetings will be advertised and begin at 7 p.m.
Jim DeLuzio, the New Garden Township representative for the Kennett Library, thanked the board for its support of the Library Referendum that appeared on the township’s Nov. 7 ballot. By a vote of 1,014-651, township voters approved the referendum, which will create an annual dedicated tax of about $20 per household and generate a projected $80,000 in annual revenue to the library.
“The referendum carried in all voting [locations] in the township, and almost 61 percent of voters that day supported the referendum,” DeLuzio said. “The Board of Trustees have a vision to make the library an even more vital part of our community. We have the staff and programs that will help change lives for the better.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Southern Chester County Regional Police Department Chief Gerald Simpson gave a presentation on the department’s planned new facility at the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Nov. 20.
New London Community Choir
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
The thirty-five singers in the New London Community Choir have been rehearsing diligently since October for the holiday show that they will stage at Avon Grove High School at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Robin Bidwell, the director of the choir, described the show as a mix of holiday favorites and Christian songs. There are vignettes interspersed throughout the show that serve to connect the tunes or to provide context or meaning to an upcoming song. This year’s show has a theme of “Fun and Familiar,” and Bidwell said that the songs will undoubtedly fill audience members with Christmas cheer.
“It’s a family-friendly show, and it will put you into the Christmas spirit,” Bidwell explained.
The show will begin with the choir performing a heartfelt rendition of “Welcome to Our World,” in honor of the victims of the devastating hurricanes and several shootings that have taken place across the U.S. in recent months.
“Welcome to Our World” was written by Chris Rice,
a popular Christian singer/ songwriter.
The community choir got its start in August of 2011 as an outreach of the New London UMC with a mission to provide family-friendly musical entertainment to New London and the surrounding communities. The choir typically does two full shows a year, one during the summer and one during the holidays.
“Each show is unique,” Bidwell explained.
The shows started very small, in the loft of of the New London UMC. As the choir attracted larger crowds, the shows moved to the church’s fellowship hall, and then, when the show got too big for that, they started being held at the Avon Grove High School. The choir itself has also grown, starting out with maybe 15 members, and now there are nearly 40 active singers. The choir singers come from New London, Jennersville, Oxford, Parkesburg, and other surrounding communities, including North East, Maryland.
Bidwell said that while the choir members are not professional singers, they all do love to sing and go about their performances with a very professional
approach. The singers range in age from 16 to the 80s.
In addition to the two shows that they do each year, the New London Community Choir has also performed at Wilmington Blue Rocks games, singing the Nation Anthem prior to the start of the games. The choir has also performed at local craft shows, community functions, the National Day of Prayer services, and other events.
Bidwell explained that some singers participate in only the holiday show, while others might only be available for the performance each summer.
“We have a fluid group of people,” Bidwell explained. “The group is always professional and very prepared.” In addition to the singers, another important part of each show are the vignettes. Paula Taylor takes the lead in writing the script for the vignettes, with Bidwell and other members helping to craft the stories. For the upcoming holiday show, two people have been selected to read the vignettes: the character of “Beth” is being read by Mercedes Case, and the character of “Eddie” will be read by Stewart Gant.
INDECENT EXPOSURE
Jon C. Ragon, 59, of Kennett Square, was arrested by Southern Chester County Regional Police and charged with indecent exposure and open lewdness after an incident on Nov. 9. A female victim contacted police and reported that, while she was stopped in traffic on Gap Newport Pike, at the intersection with Newark Road in New Garden Township, a burgundy SUV pulled up next to her and stopped at the traffic light. When she looked over, she saw a male subject, with his genitals exposed, fondling himself.
RETAIL THEFT
Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Jeanette Marie Bailey, 37, of Kennett Square, on Nov. 26 after she tried to leave the Walmart store in East Marlborough Township without paying for the merchandise she was carrying. She was issued a citation for retail theft.
HOME INVASION CHARGES
Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Alonso Rodriguez of London Grove Township after he entered a home twice between Nov. 14 and 18 and taunted the victim by sending photos of her bedroom and underwear he had taken while she was not home. He also performed a sexual act in her bedroom and threatened to have sex with the woman’s daughter.
He was identified and confessed. Charges were filed against him for burglary, criminal trespass, stalking, harassment and criminal mischief.
EXPLICIT PHOTO INVESTIGATION
An investigation is underway by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale after sexually explicit photos of a 15-year-old girl were shared among students at Avon Grove High School between Aug. 1 and 31.
During this holiday season, the New London Community Choir will take its performance to the Jenner’s Pond retirement community and the Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville. The show that will take place in the summer of 2018 will be a tribute to the 1980s.
The New London Community Choir has been building a loyal following through the years.
“We have people who’ve been to every one of our shows,” Bidwell explained.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
No tickets are necessary to attend the Dec. 3 show. Videos and pictures of the choir are available on the group’s Facebook page. The group is always looking for a few more singers.
Oxford Borough Council members honored
Courtesy photos
The New London Community Choir will be performing its holiday show at Avon Grove High School on Sunday, Dec. 3.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Oxford Borough Mayor Geoff Henry issued proclamations to three council members, Randy Grace, Gary Tozzo, and Paul Matthews, whose terms are expiring at the end of the year. Henry noted that he had the honor of swearing in these three council members four years ago, and they served the borough well during their time on the council. Grace is pictured accepting the commendation from Henry at the Nov. 20 council meeting.
Continued from Page 1A
Oxford’s Country Christmas celebration always showcases what’s charming and cheerful about the town, and it usually ranks among the most popular First Friday events each year.
Santa Claus is taking time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance at Oxford’s Country Christmas event. A fire truck will escort Santa to the Coatesville Savings Bank, where he will pose for pictures with children starting at 5:30 p.m.
Carriage rides and hay rides will be available throughout the night, with the carriage rides departing from Locust Street and the hay rides departing from outside The Soap Bucket. Wenzka said that the rides will be available until 9 p.m. this year to reduce the wait time for people who want to take a carriage ride or
hay ride. People can obtain tickets for the rides that will provide them with a time slot for when they can take the ride. This should also help reduce the wait times. There will be a Santa’s Workshop where children can make and take crafts and Santa’s elves will help roast S’mores. The Santa’s Workshop will be a collection point for Toys for Tots, so visitors to the downtown who would like to make a donation can bring a new, unwrapped toy. The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center is also collecting toys that will be distributed to make this holiday season a little brighter for families in the area.
Mayor Geoff Henry will once again preside over the lighting of the town Christmas tree. The tree lighting takes place at 6:30 p.m., followed by Christmas carols and holiday music.
The main stage is being moved to a more prominent spot this year so that more people can have a
Local
good view of the stage. Performances on the main stage include the Bethany Christian Performers, the Sacred Heart Performers, and the Christian Life Center Band.
“We’ll have live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.,” Wenzka said, “and we’ll have a number of groups caroling.”
The owners of homes that are located along the route that the carriage rides will follow are also participating in a house-decorating contest, and people will have the opportunity to vote to decide the festively decorated home.
Between the food, the shopping, the singing, and the other activities, this year’s Country Christmas should appeal to people of all ages.
“There’s something for everyone,” Wenzka said. “It will be a great time.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Holiday Village... Continued from Page 1A
to happen two weekends this year,’” said Caroline Roosevelt, Kennett Township’s special projects coordinator and co-organizer of this year’s market with Meredith Langer of Historic Kennett Square. “It was such a huge economic drive that it just made sense to extend it for a longer part of the holiday season.”
Each day of the market will feature between 20-24 local artisans who will showcase unique and handmade items that will include jewelry, woodworking and ceramics throughout the market area – including 16 artisans who will be exhibiting at all four events.
A full line-up of a dozen musical acts will perform throughout the two weekends, including the Kennett Middle School 8th-Grade Choir; six food truck vendors will be preparing fresh and nourishing food; and this year, the Creamery will be officially open at the market, and will serve its usual variety of craft beers and holiday-inspired tea beverages from Mrs. Robinson’s Tea House.
them all at regimented time slots, they will be casually introduced and be more interactive for everyone who wishes to experience this and experience that,” Langer said.
In addition, visitors to the festival will also enjoy visits with Santa in a vintage sleigh; coffee from Philter; an ice sculpture demonstration; live reindeer; and Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths that will be for sale.
“There a lots of opportunities, but rather than have
“It’s a holistic experience, so if you have people with you who aren’t attending with the idea of shopping with that intention, they can listen to music, have a drink,” Roosevelt said. “For anyone who has been to the Creamery, it’s become well known for being a relaxing environ-
ment. You will be able to spend a few hours there and not feel like it’s been that long.”
Parking for this year’s event will be at the Creamery, Legends Field, the Genesis HealthCare parking lot, Kennett High School, and at the parking garage off of State Street, where visitors will be able to catch a shuttle on Broad and State Streets to the market from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. The Kennett Square Holiday Village Market is free to the public. To learn more about the Kennett Square Holiday Village Market and see the entire list of vendors, visit www. kennettholidayvillage. com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Kelly G
For the second year, the market will feature ice sculpting demonstrations.
Seven Oxford athletes sign to play collegiate sports
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Tara Bender, Jeb Darhower, Hunter Hall, Riley Hollenbach, Marycate London, Luke Rettig, and Logan Wolfe have all signed letters of intent to compete in their respective sports at the collegiate level. A signing ceremony took place at Oxford Area High School library on Nov. 15, as coaches, teachers, family and friends gathered to honor the student-athletes.
For the seven athletes, reaching this point represents an important milestone, and is the culmination of years of hard work.
Jeb Darhower, for example, has been swimming since he was five years old. In 2018, he’ll be heading to the
University of Pittsburgh to study accounting and compete on the swimming team. His days often begin before sunrise and end after sundown so that he can get the necessary practice in.
“I swim in the mornings and the evenings just about every day,” Darhower said.
“I’m always there.”
With his focus and dedication, it is no surprise that Darhower is already diligently working toward his post-collegiate life, even though he has six more months before he graduates high school. He wants to be a comptroller.
Darhower is looking forward to the upcoming swimming season, when Oxford will have as many as 20 new members between the boys’ team and the girls’ team. Darhower will once again be one of the leaders on the squad.
He has a goal of placing in the top-three in the 500 freestyle and in the 200 freestyle at states this year, after posting a ninth-place finish in the 200 freestyle and top-15 finish in the 500 freestyle last year.
He believes that one of the reasons that he has excelled in the sport is his strong work ethic.
“I played different sports, but I really like the work ethic that you get with swimming,” Darhower explained.
Tara Bender was a fouryear starter for the vastly improved Oxford girls’ soccer team. When she was growing up, Bender played various positions, especially mid-fielder, but when she reached the high school she was enlisted to play in goal. It was a challenge, but one that she took on with enthusiasm.
“You have to be ready for anything,” she said of the goalkeeping duties.
As a freshman goalkeeper, Bender was part of a squad that managed to reduce the number of goals it allowed by half. By Bender’s sophomore year, Oxford reached .500, a significant
achievement after the program suffered through a difficult few years. Bender was an important part of the team’s rejuvenation, providing stability in goal.
She was a Second Team All-Ches-Mont League selection during her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons.
Bender said that she thinks she was able to improve her game during her four seasons with Oxford.
“I became more vocal and I think my reaction time increased,” she explained.
She is now heading to King’s College (Pennsylvania), which not only has the benefit of having a good soccer program, but is also close to home and close to skiing opportunities—skiing is a favorite hobby.
It was easy for Marycate London to select a favorite highlight of her time with
the Oxford field hockey team: Oxford reached district playoffs and won in the first round, defeating Spring-Ford.
London, who mainly plays the mid-fielder position, was named Oxford’s Rookie of the Year as a freshman, and was a varsity player for two seasons. She credited her success to a willingness to work hard.
“I’m always trying to improve my game,” she explained.
Next, London is going to be playing field hockey for Lock Haven University. She said that she likes the coaching staff at Lock Haven, which includes head coach Pat Rudy and assistant coach Anna Rogers.
Luke Rettig and Hunter Hall will be teammates on Oxford’s baseball team in the spring of 2018.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Jeb Darhower has signed to compete in swimming at the University of Pittsburgh.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Tara Bender
Photo by Steven Hoffman Riley Hollenbach
Continued
Hall, a four-year varsity player for the Hornets, is heading to West Chester University to play for an accomplished team that won the NCAA Division II championship in 2017.
“It’s exciting to have a chance to play for and contribute to a very good team,” Hall explained.
Hall played a lot of first base and third base for Oxford. He said that one of his favorite memories playing for Oxford came when the team took on Bayard Rustin and its star pitcher, Chris McMahon. McMahon was being heavily recruited—he eventually signed to pitch
for Miami—and there were numerous scouts in attendance at the game.
“The whole atmosphere that day was really fun,”
Hall said. He went 1-for-3 against McMahon in the game, an illustration that he can hit against even the league’s best pitchers.
Hall said that he’s looking forward to his senior season, and being one of the leading hitters in the district for the Hornets.
A big addition for the 2018 Hornets baseball team will be Rettig, who transferred from the Wilmington Christian School to Oxford for his senior year.
“I’m looking forward to playing here,” said Rettig.
At Wilmington Christian
School, Rettig was a pitcher and played some first base.
During his sophomore year, the team made the state tournament for the first time in school history, which ranks as a favorite highlight so far. He’s a lefthanded pitcher with the ability to locate his pitches and move the ball around.
A lifelong baseball fan, he enjoys the challenge of battling against the hitter.
He is going to play baseball for Lehigh University, and is looking forward to the challenge of competing at the collegiate level.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Rettig said. “The team is good, and I really like the coaches.”
Riley Hollenbach, a
resident of Nottingham, attends the Avon Grove Charter School, and plays field hockey and lacrosse on Oxford teams.
She was a key contributor for both teams, and was a captain on the lacrosse team. She will be heading to Long Island UniversityBrooklyn to compete in the fall of 2018.
During Hollenbach’s freshman year, she was a part of Oxford lacrosse’s first season and helped the team to its first win. She made the varsity squad during her sophomore, junior, and senior seasons, and was a consistent leader on defense.
“Defense is what wins games for you,” said Oxford lacrosse coach Chrissy Reinard. “Riley was a real
as a freshman, and by her senior season she posted 179 kills. She is looking forward to competing at the collegiate level for Messiah College, and continuing to improve her volleyball
“I really loved the campus and I liked the coaches. It was definitely the right choice for me,”
Oxford Area High School athletic director Michael Price said that the seven athletes who were honored at the signing are very dedicated to their sports, and are also dedicated to
“This whole group of student-athletes represented Oxford in a positive manner,” Price said. “The best part is they excel academically, as well as in competition. The common theme among all seven of them is their passion for their sports. All of our programs are better because they are a part of them. We couldn’t be prouder of this group, and we look forward to following them at the next level.”
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Luke Rettig and Hunter Hall will be teammates on the Oxford baseball team in 2018.
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Photo by Steven Hoffman
Marycate London
The wellspring of our decency
Sometime during the afternoon and early evening hours of Nov. 23, more than 80 firefighters in Chester County were either enjoying Thanksgiving dinner with their family and friends, or had retreated to other rooms during the celebration to enjoy the warmth of a fire, the joy of conversation, or relish in the fact that the Dallas Cowboys were being soundly defeated on television.
And then a phone call came to each of them. All 80 of them responded to the call, and they were gone.
On Thanksgiving night, a family of four in East Marlborough Township arrived back at their home after spending the day in Springfield. There, in front of them, the house they lived in was entirely engulfed in flames. The fire was estimated to have started at 8:30 p.m., and within 10 minutes, firefighters began arriving at the scene from nearly every direction: from the West Grove and Avondale Fire companies; from the Po-Mar-Lin Fire, Kennett and Longwood Fire companies; from the Fame, Modena and Keystone Valley Fire companies; and from Medic 94. The intensity of the fire before them was unrelenting, and it took them more than two hours to finally bring it under control.
Everything inside the home was destroyed –precious family heirlooms, trinkets of memories, clothes and furniture and every item that belonged to them. Worse still, the family’s three cats and two dogs perished in the blaze. Five days ago, the sister of the woman whose home was destroyed began a GoFundMe account in an attempt to take a chunk out of the family’s finances that will be needed to shoulder the incredible burden of recuperating from the fire. Setting a reasonable goal of $25,000, she established the account and let it go into cyberspace. Over the course of those five days, the $25,000 goal has already been shattered. To date, 522 people have contributed $38,193 toward the family, a flowing river of compassion that is just beginning to surge by the hour, and by the day: A family kicks in $50; a woman gives $100; perfect strangers send heartfelt notes along with donations. There are more anonymous donors than be easily be counted. The list goes on and on in a long and beautiful link of selflessness, and there is no reason to believe that this momentum will slow down any time soon.
Very often in the course of our lives, we do not know just how deep the wellspring of our decency is until tragedy strikes, and even then, we do not acknowledge the broad tendrils of our humanism. Rather, we are simply hard-wired to react in the face of danger. Unless we are firefighters and first responders, we cannot fathom the acceleration of their actions, nor do we know the spirit in them that clicks them from citizenship to heroism.
We are, however, hard-wired toward the better angels of our nature, and now, or in the future, we are part of the army of 522 people who have made – and will make – a foundation on which this East Marlborough Township family can rebuild their lives.
To make your contribution to the East Marlborough Township family, go to www.gofundme.com/ rebuilding-after-holiday-fire
By Lee H. Hamilton
One of the quirks of life in Washington, D.C., is that pretty much the only people who don’t refer to lobbyists by that name are, well, lobbyists. They’re “policy advisors,” or “strategic counsel,” or “public relations advisors,” or lawyers, or even just “consultants.” Whatever they’re called, though, they play a huge role in making policy. For the most part, they
New data reveals 10-Year economic impact of Chester County Economic Development Council on the region
Remarkable growth in employment, construction and local business investment
A decade’s worth of data is revealing the impact of the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) on one of Pennsylvania’s most thriving economies. CCEDC showcased the data at its Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern Wednesday, where it informed CCEDC stakeholders on its activities over the last year. Highlights of the data spanning 2007 to 2017 include:
~ $496 million in construction project earnings in Pennsylvania, enabled by loans and grants facilitated by CCEDC; ~ 317 Small Business Association (SBA) loans in 26 counties worth $636,985,130; ~ 121 Next Generation Farmer Loans totaling $44,615,000;
~ With the help of $11.8 million in grant funds, more than 1,500 employees per year were trained over the past 10 years through Workforce Development Employee Trainings in healthcare, agriculture, technology, energy and manufacturing; The data was compiled, analyzed and presented by
Econsult Solutions, which provides economic analysis for local businesses and public policy makers.
“What this data shows us is that CCEDC is nurturing new and existing businesses so that they succeed and stay in Chester County,” said Michael Grigalonis, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President of CCEDC. “We’re particularly pleased with the number of loans and grants we are able to assist local businesses with, to promote job creation, business retention and enhancement, agricultural economic development and workforce development.”
At CCEDC’s Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting, three major companies also shared their stories of how CCEDC’s initiatives have impacted their businesses, including West Pharmaceutical Services in Exton, Turn5 in Malvern, and USSC in Exton.
USSC Chief Operating Officer Joe Mirable described how CCEDC assisted with several state and local grant resources to help USSC restructure. As one of the largest suppliers of military blast-absorbing and blast-deflecting seating and restraint systems in the
United States, USSC supplies specialty products for use in the latest generations of armored combat vehicles. It is also one of the fastest growing companies in the area, doubling in size since 2015. The collaboration with CCEDC resulted in USSC receiving a $22,000 RAMP It Up reshoring grant to explore a reshoring process. A U.S. Department of Defense grant reimbursed $25,000 for product diversification expenses. Additionally, the Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n), an initiative of CCEDC, helped two USSC subsidiaries receive $500,000 in Keystone Innovation Zone (KIZ) tax credits over a five-year period that support emerging technologies. Further support manifested in a $15,170 PA Department of Labor & Industry grant to upskill existing employees.
Turn5 Founder, President and CEO Steve Voudouris described how CCEDC helped it attain a grant to help expand and modernize its workplace, add even more jobs and broaden its connections within Chester County and around the region. Founded by brothers Andrew and Steve Voudouris in their parents’
Newtown Square when they were just 18 and 20 years old, Turn5 is an ecommerce retailer that has become an industry-leading aftermarket parts provider in the auto industry. They use technology to help people customize, personalize and build their perfect vehicle. With CCEDC’s support, Turn5 has grown to three online stores and hit 12 straight years of double-digit growth since its 2004 launch. Turn5 now operates 315,000 square feet of warehouse space in Chester County and Montgomery County, as well as a West Coast facility, and they’ll move into their 90,000-square-foot headquarters in Tredyffrin Township in January 2018. Sponsors of CCEDC’s Annual Stakeholders Meeting include: Bentley Systems, Brandywine Realty Trust, CTDI, BB&T, Bernardon, CCRES, Cerner, Comcast, DNB First, Fischer Cunnane & Associates, The Vanguard Group, Advantage Building & Facility Services, Inc., Brumbaugh Wealth Management, Inc., Chester Water Authority, Fulton Bank, Key Financial Inc., Trion Group, Inc., Univest Bank & Trust Company.
Oxford clubs and organizations join forces for hurricane relief
Students and staff at Oxford Area High School recently joined together to help raise money for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in September.
Coordinated by senior class advisor Sue Mendenhall, the Class of 2018 raised $206 through a Wear Jeans to Work fundraiser. Their effort was assisted by the staff members at Penn’s Grove and Jordan Bank schools, who raised an additional $50.
Coordinated by faculty advisors Craig Carlough
and Michelle Arrante, the Helping Hands and Diversity clubs raised $156 by sponsoring a photo booth at the September First Friday in Downtown Oxford.
Along with donations collected by members of Future Business Leaders of America and Student Council during lunches and at home football games, Student Council will make a $756 donation to the Katy Independent School District in Katy, Texas, where 15,000 students and 2,600 employees of the dis-
photo
front from left are Amairani Reyna, Oxford Area High School senior class vice-president, and Emily Sniechoski, Student Council secretary; standing from left
Balancing out the lobbyists
are able, well-informed, and skillful at what they do. Their aim is to develop a cordial relationship with policy-makers — whether elected to Congress or serving in some federal agency — so that they can advance their points of view. And policy-makers rely on them: for information, for research and writing, for persuasive arguments, and, of course, for political support. Though there are members of the influence industry
who aren’t especially wellheeled, there are plenty who are. As a whole, they spend a lot of money: $3.15 billion in 2016, according to the Center on Responsive Politics, which tracks lobbying and lobbyists.
by my office for a visit.
Some industries — among them pharmaceuticals, communications, insurance, and oil and gas — employ hundreds of people whose sole mission is to influence federal policy-making. They write checks to politicians for speeches, dole out campaign contributions, pay for travel. They work hard to get their favored politicians elected and to rally their members at important moments. They are extremely sophisticated in the use of media, including social media. They pursue public education campaigns, grassroots organizing, and other means of getting members of the public to back them. There’s a reason for all of this: the stakes are high. When I was in Congress, I used to wonder why I’d see CEOs walking around Capitol Hill or stopping
These are important men and women who have major responsibilities that have nothing to do with politicians, and yet there they are. Why? Because if they can get a few words added to or eliminated from regulations or legislation, their companies can benefit by millions and sometimes billions of dollars. It’s that simple. And it’s why, no matter how much politicians like to talk about “draining the swamp,” they never do.
The swamp keeps growing because what’s at stake for the influence industry and the interests that fund it does, too.
I should say that I’ve known a lot of lobbyists over the years, and respected them as hard-working, wellinformed participants in the process. I’ve been helped by many of them, and misled by only a few. But I worry about the growth of the industry and its outsized weight compared to that of the ordinary American. As the impact of well-resourced interests grows, I think the
voice of ordinary citizens has been diminished. The voter may have a vote every few years, and that should not be discounted, but it cannot possibly match the effect of people who are there day in and day out, wielding the resources many of them can bring to bear.
So what do we do about this? I do not think it’s enough to say, as some politicians do, that in the scheme of things there are so many countervailing voices that they cancel each other out.
That’s simplistic. Part of the answer lies with robust disclosure and transparency laws and enforcement. But as important, I believe that Congress ought to increase its capacity to do its own research, analysis, oversight, and fact-finding. It has some capabilities in this regard, through the Congressional Research Service, the Congressional Budget Office, and the Government Accountability Office. But as the Brookings Institution pointed out earlier this year, those three agencies, through budget cuts, lost
45 percent of their combined staffs over the last 40 years, even as members’ workloads grew. Lacking the independently provided information they need to make informed decisions, Brookings noted, “Congress members will fall back on documents provided by interest groups and lobbying efforts.”
The problem is, members of Congress don’t seem especially concerned about the outsized role the influence industry plays in their deliberations; nor do they seem especially interested in building their own independent capacity to analyze issues and legislation. But if you care about representative democracy, you ought to be. Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.
Courtesy
Pictured
trict were directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey, with
severe flooding and loss of property.
are Sarah Robinson, senior class president; Madeline Williams, Student Council president; Reilly Nowland, Helping Hands vice-president; Kim Webber, Student Council adviser; Sarah Wilkinson, FBLA president; Maddi Distenfeld, Helping Hands president; and Meghan Pitney, FBLA secretary.
Unionville wins district championship, 35-25
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Late last Friday night, beneath the lights of Springfield High School’s football stadium and over the torn-up grass of the field, the members of the Unionville High School football team celebrated in the aftermath of what happens when determination meets opportunity.
Just moments before, the Indians, seeded third in the District One, 5A playoffs, emerged from a third quarter deficit to defeat top-seeded and previously undefeated Springfield, 35-25, to win the District One, 5A championship for the first time since 1994.
Now 13-1 on the season, Unionville will advance to play Archbishop Wood on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. for the 5A Eastern Pennsylvania championship at Northeast High School in Philadelphia. The winner of the game will earn a trip to Hershey to play for the 5A state championship on Dec. 8.
Ruddy with sweat and dirt and soaked from Gatorade showers, the players huddled with family and fellow students, and could barely contain their enthusiasm during head coach Pat Clark’s post-game address. The championship trophy passed from hand to hand –a fitting gesture, given that so many Unionville players had a hand in the comeback victory.
“I’m really happy for them,” an exhausted Clark said after the game. “They’re the guys that made it happen. Our kids willed it defensively. We knew we had to be aware of [wide receiver Kyle Long], and [running back Ja’den McKenzie] got banged up throughout the game, which helped limit their run game. I thought our kids on defense played with a great motor.”
As if following a Hollywood screenplay, the Indians saved the best scenes for the end, but set up their game-winning narrative with a story of its own: Holding the undefeated Cougars to nine first-half points.
While Unionville has been led by its offensive playmakers all season long, it’s their defense that has often won games for them, and last Friday was no exception. Springfield quarterback Jack Psenicska was hurried throughout the entire first half, and pressure on him began early, as he coughed up the ball on his team’s third play of the game, and was sacked by Elijah Wood for a 7-yard loss on Springfield’s next possession. Inheriting the ball on the
8-yard line, Psenicska’s pass was picked off at the 18-yard line by Joe Zubillaga, who ran it in the for the touchdown, giving Unionville an early 7-0 lead with 2:45 left in the first quarter. With 1:09 left in the first quarter, Zubillaga again intercepted a Psenicska pass attempt.
Unionville dodged a proverbial bullet in the second quarter, when Springfield punter Jack Coary’s 37-yard punt was bobbled and recovered by the Cougars at the Indians’ 40-yard line. However, Coary was called in to punt four plays later, as the Indians held Psenicska to a 5-yard carry.
If Unionville’s victory was dotted with big plays, it was not without its faults. With 4:40 remaining in the first half and his team ahead by a touchdown, Unionville quarterback Alex Gorgone coughed up the ball on his own 18-yard line, leading to a 10-yard touchdown run by MacKenzie with 4:02 remaining in the half – followed by a missed point-after – that staked the Indians to a 7-6 lead.
Taking over on its 37-yard line, however, Gorgone regrouped his team and led them to a 9-play, 63-yard touchdown drive that began with his cross-field toss to Zubillaga at midfield, who then scampered 35 yards to the Springfield 26-yard line. Following rushes by Gorgone and Zubillaga, Dante Graham carried the ball for a 2-yard TD with 37 seconds left in the half. With a 14-6 lead, Long returned the kickoff 70 yards to set up a 29-yard field goal with under 30 seconds remaining in the half,
cutting Unionville’s lead to 14-9 at halftime.
As the second half got underway, Springfield demonstrated without hesitation why they entered the game as the No. 1 seed in the 5A playoffs. Their opening kickoff was fumbled by Unionville and recovered at the Unionville 28-yard line, which was quickly followed by a 22-yard catch-andrun by Long that, despite an unsuccessful 2-point play, still gave the Cougars a 15-14 lead.
A subsequent 27-yard field goal by Coary on its next possession extended Springfield’s lead to 18-15.
On what may have been
the most important possession of the season, Gorgone found wide receiver JT Hower over the middle with 1:36 left in the third quarter, who skirted three tacklers en route to a 50-yard touchdown run that regained the lead, 21-18.
In the fourth quarter, the Indians scored again on a blocked punt that was recovered on their opponents’ 25-yard line, ending with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Zubillaga with 9:46 left in the game. With just less than 8 minutes remaining, passes from Psenicska to Long and Philip Schovlin got the Cougar ball to the 5-yard line, and the drive was finished with
a corner pass from Psenicska to Liam Difonzo to cut the Unionville lead to 28-25.
On fourth-and-two on Springfield’s 39-yard line, Clark chose to punt away, and it was a decision that ultimately saved the season for his team. Sophomore punter Stefan Twombly’s kick handed Springfield a possession at its own 1-yard line, and after a run by Psenicska got Springfield a little breathing room, he was hit hard in his end zone. The ball popped out, and a diving Woodall recovered it in the end zone with 1:54 left in the game to give the Indians a 35-25 win.
In the closing seconds of the game, with the win in
hand, Clark huddled with his defense between plays during Springfield’s remaining timeouts, as if to help compose them.
“I told them that this is a long game,” Clark said. “When things go right, you have to play the next play. When things go wrong, you have to play the next play. You have to keep your poise and finish the job.”
“We’re a family,” Woodall said. “We went for the win. We support each other and we know that we can come back from anything.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com.
The Unionville Indians defeated Springfield, 35-25, on Nov. 24, to earn the District 1, 5A Championship.
A jubilant Alex Gorgone gets a congratulatory hug from his mother, Susan.
Unionville’s Joe Zubillaga, Joe Fariello and Dante Graham line up in the ‘I’ formation.
Springfield’s Kyle Long scored a 22-yard, go-ahead touchdown early in the third quarter.
SHIRLEY MAY TACKETT
Shirley May Tackett, 72, the daughter of the late Ralph Leon Jones, Sr., and the late Viola Jaminson Palmer, passed away in the comfort of her son and daughter-in-law’s home in Kennett Square on Nov. 13.
Born in Lincoln University, she was a graduate of Oxford High School, class of 1963, and an employee of Pepperidge Farms for over 40 years.
She is survived by her husband, James E. Tackett IV, of Kennett Square; son, James E. Tackett V and his wife Marisol E. Tackett of Kennett Square; and her grandchildren, James E. Tackett VI and his wife Maria Tackett, Nicole S. Vazquez, Cynthia M. Vazquez; two great-grandsons, Julian Holley and Ivan Garcia; brothers, Monroe Jones of West Chester, Franklin Jones of Kennett Square; and sisters, Mary Payne and Edith Jones, both of Lincoln University.
A service was held Nov. 18. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
THERESA A. SKELTON
Theresa A. Skelton, 80, of West Grove, passed away on Nov. 9 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital. Born in Avondale, she was the daughter of the late Nicholas LePore, Sr., and the late Anna Bove LePore. Theresa enjoyed watching her daughter bowl, playing cards and being with her family.
She is survived by one daughter, Terri Bollinger and her husband Joe of West Grove; one brother, Pat Lepore of Landenberg; two sisters, Rosemarie Cook of Elkton, Md., and Jean Mancino of Wilmington, Del.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Theresa was predeceased by two brothers, Nicholas Lepore, Jr., and Vince LePore; and two sisters, Mary Woytko and Louise Miller.
Her service and burial were be held privately. In memory of Theresa, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.
The Lord is near to those who are discouraged; he saves those who have lost all hope. Psalm 34:18
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FRANCES E. JAMISON
Frances E. Jamison,101, received her wings in heaven on Nov. 11 at Berks Heim Nursing Home in Reading. She was born April 27, 1916 to the late George and Cecelia Davies of Reading. She was wife of the late Thomas L. Jamison, and mother of the late Ida J. Scarborough and George Jamison of Oxford, where she lived happily for more than 75 years. She was a good and faithful servant of her beloved Allen A.M.E. Church of Oxford, where she held numerous positions, including piano player, for over 40 years.
She is survived by three grandchildren, Matthew Scarborough, Rachel Scarborough and Angela (Scarborough) Dixon; three great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Marguerite Brown-Simkins and Jane Burford.
A funeral was held Nov. 18. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Allen A.M.E. Church, 788 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
LILA JEANNE NICHOLS
Lila Jeanne Nichols of West Chester died on Nov. 14 after a long illness. She passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family and friends. Mommom Lila’s spunk and determination is alive and well in her three beautiful daughters and their families. They are Ann and David Ferron, their sons David and Christopher; Amy and Michael Carlino, their children Samantha and Nathan; and Elizabeth and Andrew Jones, with their three children Lillian, Curtis and Levi. All three of Lila’s daughters reside in Unionville. Lila was raised in the West Chester Borough in an area referred to as Riggtown with her siblings, Joey, Allie, Jack, and Mickey. She was the daughter of Joseph and Helen Nichols. She attended West Chester Joint High School and graduated with the class of 1959. She spent many years raising her girls and being a meticulous homemaker. Lila and her ex-husband, Howard Curtis, purchased and renovated two homes which were the envy of all who knew them. Lila’s talent for decorating and her amazing knack for using color and textures made all of her homes gorgeous showcases. Lila returned to school in 1980 and received her LPN nursing degree in 1982. After graduating from nursing school, Lila worked for the next 25 years in the Main Line Health Network. She was a nurse at Lankenau Hospital Bryn Mawr Rehabilitation Center, and towards the end of her career she was also a private duty nurse. Lila loved being a nurse and helping those in need as much as she loved her family.
Lila Jeanne was remembered at a graveside ceremony by her family and friends on Nov. 21 at the Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery in West Chester. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Scoliosis Foundation (www.scoliosis.org/donate). Condolences may be sent at www.griecocares.com.
LARRY J. TUEL
Larry James Tuel, 73, of Unionville, died on Nov. 22 at his home in Unionville. Born in West Chester, he was a son of the late Owen and the late Emily (Bird) Tuel. Larry was a 1963 graduate of Unionville High School. He served our country in the Army Reserves. He was the owner and operator of Tuel &Tingle Nursery in Unionville, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Farmers Association. He was a member and past trustee at Unionville Presbyterian Church, member of East Lyn Grange, and a lifetime member of Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, where he received the Distinguished Service Medal. He played Little League baseball in his youth, loved the Phillies and country music and spending time with family.
Survivors include two sisters, Patty Tuel of Unionville and Marge Pellini of Kennett Square; one brother, Thomas F. Tuel (Kay) of Parkesburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Richard, and two sisters, Virginia Griffith and Kathy Tuel.
A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and 10 to 11 a.m. Nov. 30 at Unionville Presbyterian Church (815 Wollaston Rd., Unionville). His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Interment will be in Unionville Cemetery. Contributions in Larry’s memory may be made to Po-Mar-Lin Fire Company, PO Box 36, Unionville, PA 19375; or to Unionville Presbyterian Church, 812 Wollaston Rd., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.
TOMMY FRED WILSON
Tom Wilson, 85, of Mountain City, Tenn., passed away on Nov. 4 at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tenn. Tom was born to the late Alfred Clayton Wilson and Lola Bell Eggers Wilson in 1932 in Trade, Tenn. He was a former truck driver and store owner. He liked fishing. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 63 years, Barbara J. Wilson; daughter Vicky Stout of Mountain City, Tenn.; son Tommy D Wilson and wife Jeannie of Mountain City, Tenn.; a sister, Nell Greer of Avondale; brothers Boyd Wilson of Mountain City, Tenn., Bill Wilson of Avondale, Stacy Wilson of Nottingham, Curt of Quarryville, and Gordy Wilson of London Grove. He is also survived by six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and special niece Judy Casenta of West Grove. A funeral was held Nov. 7. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.huxlipfordfh.com.
DAVID B. HANENKRAT
David B. Hanenkrat passed away on Nov. 16. He was the son of pastor M.M. Hanenkrat and his wife, Reba Pay Hanenkrat. He graduated from Oxford High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army and Air National Guard. He attended William Jennings Bryan University in Dayton, Tenn., and graduated from the University of Delaware as a teacher and taught for one year in Salisbury, Md. David attended the Blessed Hope Bible Tabernacle in Oxford. David loved to read. His major interests were in history, especially of the events leading up to Worlw War II. He also had a strong curiosity about the workings of aircraft, rocketry, railroad locomotives, automobiles and ships. He spent many hours in the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasburg, as well as time researching the history of the bygone”Peachy” railroad. He was particularly interested in the cause of the sinking of the Titanic and read everything he could find about the tragedy. His many years as manager of the University of Delaware Bookstore exposed him to much of what was very stimulating to his curious mind. He often refered to the employees he supervised there as his family. He is survived by his cousin, Ruth Sherman, and her son John Sherman, both of California.
Nov. 30
Winter Candlelight Concert
The Lincoln University Concert Choir will perform the annual Winter Candlelight Concert on campus at the International Cultural Center (1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University) on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Dec. 2
Holiday pops concert
The Kennett Symphony presents “Pops Goes the Holiday” with guest Philadanco on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., at the Unionville High School auditorium (750 Unionville Rd., Kennett
Square). The concert ranges from traditional Christmas carols to t”Christmas on Broadway” and “Sleigh Ride.” Philadanco will join the symphony in a performance of “Suite En Bleu,” danced to the music of Bach. The concert will also feature the 100-member Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. Tickets are $30 to $53 in advance, $35 to $58 on the day of the concert (students 18 and younger are $10).Visit www.KennettSymphony.org or call 610-444-6363.
Dec. 2
Gift collection event
The Annual Holiday Gift Collection will be
held on Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. at the monthly meeting of ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford. Author Carol Hart Metzker will welcome guests and assist with gift collection. Items needed for vulnerable women and children are hats, gloves, socks, personal hygiene items, paper towels, paper plates, toilet and facial tissue, anti-bacterial wipes, individually packaged snacks, gift cards, calendars, journals, and pens and pencils. The gifts will be distributed to youth centers, transitional homes and shelters. Refreshments
will be served at 9 a.m. at the Oxford Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford). Call 610-932-0337 for more information.
Dec. 8 Celtic Christmas songs in Oxford
The Friends Folk Club, along with St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, will host Celric balladeer Charlie Zahm on Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church is at 116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford. Proceeds benefit the church. Tickets are $15 for adults (free for children 12 and younger.). Call 610-869-8076 for more information.
Dec. 8
KATS Holiday Gala
The Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society will hold its Holiday Gala on Dec. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Mendhall Inn’s Grand Ballroom (323 Kennett Pike, Chadds Ford). There will be a silent and live auction and raffle drawings, as well as a tribute to Kirk Fetters. Tickets are $55 for adults and $20 for ages 12 and younger. Tickets are available online at www. callkats.org. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Dec. 10
Record show
The monthly Keystone
Record Collectors Music Expo will be held Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway east, next to Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster). Dealers will buy, sell and trade records, CDs and music memorabilia. Admission is free. Call 610932-7852 or visit www. recordcollectors.org.
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
Small art with big appeal
By John Chambless Staff Writer
For this year’s “Christmas in Miniature” art show, the former Chadds Ford Gallery space has been reconfigured and there are fewer artists represented, but the floor-to-ceiling arrangement of artworks will look familiar to anyone who has visited the annual exhibition before.
The new Barbara Moore Fine Art shares space with Arden+James, a leather goods and crafts store in the front room of the historic building in Chadds Ford. You’ll still find the walls packed with original art by regional favorites, and some artists you might not have heard of. The show starts just inside the front door, with standout works by Jacalyn Beam, whose oil, “Chadds Ford Holiday Tree,” captures the landmark tree that’s just across the road from the gallery. Larry Savick’s supremely accomplished still life, “Fruits and Berries,” is a highlight, as is Richard Bollinger’s “Divine Fruit,” a view of grapes basking in crisp light against a vivid blue sky.
There are five abstract acrylics by Doug Hendershot that strike a blow for nonrepresentational art, as well as several lovely local landscapes by the late Paul
Scarborough, whose work is always a treat to see. Also in the front hallway, Robert Stack’s gouache “Bass Harbor Light Play” is a serene interplay of sunlight on white walls. In the middle room of the exhibition space, you’ll fine two dazzling Peter Sculthorpe oils – “North of Blackhead” and the magical “Sunlit Morning,” which are great small examples of the artist’s work. You’ll also be struck by Glenn Blue’s winter stream view, “The Glow of Snow.” Neal Hughes has a similarly great oil of shadows on snow, “Morning Shadows,” that gets to the essence of winter light.
In the framing workshop area, the nice moments continue, with Robert Stack’s blue-on-blue view of a Monhegan harbor, and “Newly Planted,” a pastel by Susan Myers that has a soft green tone and
Bollinger’s
texture, as well as larger prints by members of the Wyeth family that enhance the hometown appeal of the gallery.
In short, the show has a lot to offer in a smaller space, but that makes it a bit less overwhelming. You won’t feel that anything has been sacrificed in terms of quality. And you are certain to find something that the art lover on your holiday list would love.
“Christmas in Miniature” continues at Barbara Moore Fine Art (1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford) through Dec. 31. There’s an opening reception on Nov. 29 from 1 to 8 p.m. Regular hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit www. barbaramoorefineart.com, or call 484-776-5174.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
The miniature artworks are displayed in new ways for this year’s show.
Paul Scarborough’s ‘The Road Not Taken.’
Peter Sculthorpe’s oil ‘Sunlit Morning.’
Richard
‘Divine Fruit.’
Fattori and Wilkinson named Oxford’s Seniors of the Month
Oxford Area High School
students Frankie Fattori and Sarah Wilkinson were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for October.
Frankie, son of Deborah and Francis Fattori, has played trumpet in the Penn’s Grove School band and is a member of the high school’s symphonic and marching bands, serving as trumpet section leader of the Marching Hornets. He is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and the Helping Hands community service club.
Frankie has been a member of the track and field team and is member of the ski and snowboard club. He holds a third-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do karate.
Frankie is very involved with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, participating in its annual Take Steps fundraising walks and appearing in several videos promoting awareness of Crohn’s disease and colitis.
After graduation Frankie plans to attend college to study biomedical engineering, and his choices include several Eastern colleges and universities.
Sarah, daughter of Margaret and Steve Wilkinson, is president of the high school’s chapter of Interact, a community service club of Rotary International sponsored locally by the Oxford Rotary Club. She is vice president of Student Council after serving as treasurer in her sophomore and junior years.
Sarah is a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Helping Hands, the LEO Club, a community service organization of Lions International sponsored locally by the Oxford Lions Club, and the ski and snowboard club. She is president of the high school’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America, after serving as treasurer in her junior year.
Sarah was one of seven Oxford chapter members who qualified to attend the
FBLA National Leadership Conference held last summer in Anaheim, California, competing in the American Enterprise System event with Class of 2017 graduate Zibby Harvey. Sarah qualified to attend and compete at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference in her sophomore and junior years.
Sarah was a member of the varsity cross-country team for four years, serving as captain her senior year and co-captain her junior year, when she was named team MVP. She will begin her fourth year as a member of the varsity track and field team in the spring, competing in the 400- and 800-meters.
Sarah has sung in her school choruses since seventh grade and has been a student at the Steppin’ Out Dance Center in Oxford for 15 years, dancing competitively for eight years.
After graduation Sarah plans to attend college to study math, economics or finance.
Oxford Area High School honors Students of the Month
Oxford Area High School recently held a breakfast to recognize the school’s Students of the Month for November. Each month teachers in selected departments nominate underclassmen for this honor, with the final selections made by the school administration.
Students of the Month are chosen based on criteria including demonstrating an effort and desire to learn; involvement in school and classroom activities; respect for all school policies and personnel; concern for the school community and friendliness and support for other students. The following Students of the Month for November were named after being nominated by members of the science department.
Joey Foutrakis, freshman: Nominating teacher Michele Brooks said, “Joey consistently shows a high level of interest in science by his thoughtful questions and above average work. He also completes extra credit work whenever it is offered. In addition, Joey helps his classmates better understand our bio concepts by working collaboratively with them.”
Abby Higgins, freshman: Nominating teacher Joan Lafferty said, “Abby has displayed exemplary work in my biology class. She is always engaged in the lesson and she actively participates teacherstudent discussions, often contributing to student learning.”
Katherine Lilly, freshman: Nominating teacher John Zitarelli said, “Kate’s grade this semester is very high. She has an awesome personality and brings great energy to the class. Kate is also very respectful to her
teacher and peers.”
Maria Marvel, freshman: Nominating teacher Courtney Greer said, “Maria is doing a great job transitioning into high school. She is very responsible, helpful to her peers and very conscientious about her grades and assignments. Maria advocates for herself and wants to do well and be successful.”
Madison Dunn, sophomore: Nominating teacher Christina Peterson said, “Madison struggled with chemistry at first, to the point where she wanted to drop the class. She stuck it out and got a tutor, and now is one of the highest grades the class.
“Madison wants to learn and is not afraid to ask questions. When she does understand something, she is willing to help others.”
Jennene Jones, sophomore: Nominating teacher Phil Wesel said, “This young lady has time to help other students in addition to getting her own class work completed. Jennene is in my Conceptual Chemistry class but helps students with math and other subjects after completing her own work.”
Jennene sings in chorus, but she puts a song in hearts
of her fellow students. As an instructor, I am impressed with her kindness, her courtesy and her strong work ethic.”
Cecilia Muscella, sophomore: Nominating teacher Stephen Cahill said, “Cecilia maintains a high academic average and is pleasant and hard-working.”
Ben Matthews, junior: Nominating teacher Brian Urig said, “Ben is a good student who challenges himself. He has good character and wants to learn.” Erin Poole, junior: Nominating teacher Matt Sharkey said, “Erin is a delight to have in class. Even after a half day working in the Technical College High School program, she comes to class with a positive energy when most students are work out from the long day.
“Erin works hard in and out of class and does not hesitate to collaborate with her classmates. Her professionalism and attitude are unique and inspiring to all of those around her.”
Hunter Reiss, junior: Nominating teacher Anne Marie Anderson said, “Hunter is always prepared with all of hs work. He is always the first to raise his hand to answer any questions asked in class.”
Courtesy photo
Oxford Area High School recently named its Students of the Month for November. Seated from left are freshmen Katherine Lilly and Maria Marvel and sophomores Jennene Jones and Madison Dunn; standing from left are sophomore Cecilia Muscella, freshman Abby Higgins, juniors Ben Matthews and Hunter Reiss, freshman Joey Foutrakis and junior Erin Poole.
Courtesy photo
Oxford Area High School students Frankie Fattori and Sarah Wilkinson were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for October. Pictured from left are Oxford Rotary Club President-Elect Dr. Raymond Fischer; Francis, Deborah and Frankie Fattori; and Sarah, Margaret and Steve Wilkinson.
Oxford Area High School honors top students
Oxford Area High School recently held a breakfast to recognize the school’s Students of the Month for October. Each month teachers in selected departments nominate underclassmen for this honor, with the final selections made by the school administration. Students of the Month are chosen based on criteria including demonstrating an effort and desire to learn; involvement in school and classroom activities; respect for all school policies and personnel; concern for the school community and friendliness and support for other students. The following Students of the Month for October were named after being nominated by members of the mathematics department
Jamirra Bryant, freshman:
Nominating teacher Nick Spano said, “Jamirra has done an excellent job so far in Algebra I. She currently has a 100 percent in the class and is always participating in the lesson.”
Karina Doshi, freshman:
Nominating teacher Erin Jochym said, “Karina has one of the highest grades in her Algebra I CP class. What makes her stand out, though, is that even though she is absent for sports about once a week, Karina makes sure
that she gets her makeup work and anything that she is going to miss ahead of leaving for the day.
“Karina is also able to learn the material on her own when she misses class. When in class she is always smiling and happy to be there. Karina is a great student to have in class!”
Evan Maiers, freshman: Nominating teacher Kristina Spano said, “Evan is a student in my Algebra I class and every day he walks in with a smile on his face, ready to learn. He has a positive attitude and is able to work cooperatively and independently while in class.
“Evan is an active participant daily - whether by asking and answering questions or volunteering to put problems on the board. He is ready and willing to learn new things and isn’t afraid of a challenge. Evan sets a positive example for his classmates daily.”
Nicholas Marker, freshman: Nominating teacher Kim Britton said, “Nick is in a large honors class and continues to stick out to me as a very conscientious student. He is very good with advocating for himself until he knows he has each concept mastered. Nick always does this in a polite and friendly manner that makes him
CLASSIFIEDS
someone his classmates and teacher want to be around and are excited to have in the class.”
Jaden Vargason, freshman: Nominating teacher George Hildebran said, “Jaden has been a terrific student and is excelling in Algebra I. If she ever struggles, she continues to persevere until she completely understands the current topic,
“Jaden works very well with her classmates. She is a pleasure to have in class and I look forward to watching her continue to be successful in a challenging class.”
Sydney Campbell, junior: Nominating teacher Kasey Lombardo said, “Sydney was a student in my Geometry class last year and is in my Algebra 2 class this year. She is quiet in class, but she has a great personality and is a hard worker.
“Sydney always does her best and asks questions
when she needs help. She is motivated to do well and works well with her peers. Sydney is not only a wonderful student; she is also a field hockey and lacrosse player.”
Florentin Diemar, junior: Nominating teacher Nicole Wiltrout said, “Florentin is a foreign exchange student from Germany. As you can imagine, coming to a new country and school and being submersed in a new language can be very challenging, but Florentin has been balancing all of these obstacles and excelling in class. She is a pleasure to have and I look forward to working with her for the rest of the year.”
Christian McCartney, junior: Nominating teacher Michelle Arrante said, “Christian has been a model student from the first day of school. He has been friendly and a very willing participant. Christian is excelling academically.”
Megan Taylor, junior: Nominating teacher Cary Jefferis said, “Megan has started off the school year demonstrating a strong work ethic and she participates in class on a consistent basis. She helps others when
needed and always tries her best. Megan is a pleasure to have in class.”
Elena Watson, junior: Nominating teacher
Michael Walling said, “Elena consistently displays strong
and academic
FOR
OF
character traits
excellence.”
Courtesy photo
Oxford Area High School recently named its Students of the Month for October. Seated from left are junior
Christian McCartney, freshmen Jamirra Bryant and Jaden Vargason and juniors Sydney Campbell and Florentin Diemar; standing from left are freshmen Nicholas Marker, Evan Maiers and Karina Doshi and juniors Elena Watson and Megan Taylor.
During Yuletide at Winterthur, visitors can enter an age of opulence at Henry Francis du Pont’s former home, which is decorated with sparkling holiday displays, including the famous majestic dried-flower tree and a royally inspired tree display.
Winterthur explores Christmas traditions from the 1800s to the early 20th century, including displays of the earliest types of colorful lights decorating house exteriors, a full-room scene of Clement Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the du Pont family’s holiday celebrations, and the evolution of Christmas trees from the 1880s to the 1960s. In celebration of the exhibit “Royal Splendor: The Coronation Gown from ‘The Crown,’” which showcases the coronation gown worn on the popular Netflix series “The Crown,” the Yuletide Tour will recreate trees enjoyed by Queen Victoria’s family at Windsor Castle, inspired by a painting depicting the queen’s celebration in 1851. Younger visitors will linger over the 18-room dollhouse mansion created by designer and
philanthropist Nancy McDaniel over a period of 30 years. It features intricate details in each room and is decorated for the holidays. A tree decorated with 458 needlework ornaments, all crafted by Nancy McDaniel, will also be on display. In addition, two of Winterthur’s own iconic rooms designed by H. F. du Pont will be on display in miniature form –the Cecil Bedroom and the Queen Anne Dining Room. These rooms were created by the renowned miniature artists Eugene J. Kupjack. Visitors can also enjoy jazz and wine events, lectures, and musical and theatrical performances.
Live performances include:
University of Delaware Chorale ‘Carols by Candlelight’ Dec. 10, 4 to 4:45 p.m. “A Christmas Carol” Dec. 6 at 1 p.m., and Dec. 7 at 1 and 6 p.m.
This one-man show is performed by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-greatgrandson of Charles Dickens, who depicts 26 characters of the classic tale. The Visitor Center Café will be open until 6
p.m.
Performance-only tickets are $22 for non-members, and $12 for children under 12.
Package price (performance and general admission) is $34 for non-members, and $18 for children under 12. For tickets, call 800-448-3883 or purchase online.
Charles Dickens reading Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
Gerald Charles Dickens performs a reading of two stories by Charles Dickens, “Doctor Marigold” and “The Signalman.” The performances are 45 minutes each ,with a 20-minute intermission. Tickets are $15for non-members. Not recommend for children under 12.
The Glass Matters! Riedel Wine Seminar & Tasting Dec. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Learn how the shape of the glass influences your perception and enjoyment of wine. Enjoy three red wines in three different shaped crystal Riedel glasses, which you’ll then take home. Tickets are $80 for non-members. Purchase tickets online or call 800-4483883. Entrance to Yuletide Jazz and Wine following the seminar is included.
Yuletide Brunch with Santa Dec. 16, 17 and 23
Seatings available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will appear from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.95 per person (children under 12, half off). Reservations required. Call 302-888-4826 or e-mail ccater@winterthur.org.
Yuletide Brunch with Dickens Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m.
Gerald Charles Dickens joins brunch in the Visitor Center Cafe. Tickets are $29.95for adults. For reservations, call 302-888-4600.
Special Exhibitions
Treasures on Trial: The Art and Science of Detecting Fakes Through Jan. 7, 2018
Questions about the authenticity of art and antiques consistently capture headlines around the world. This fun and captivating exhibition looks at forgeries and counterfeit objects of all types – from art to wine to fashion – prompting us to ask, “Do we see what we think we see?” Discover how experts answer the question, “Is it real or fake?”
Royal Splendor: The Coronation Gown from ‘The Crown’
Through Jan. 7, 2018
This exhibition, the first in a new Winterthur exhibition series titled “Eye on the Iconic,” will feature the replica coronation gown worn in episode five, “Smoke and Mirrors,” of the Netflix series “The Crown,” a dramatized history of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Collecting for the Future: Recent Additions to the Winterthur Collection
This exhibit features more than 20 objects acquired by the museum in the past six years, many on display for the first time, and highlights
Twilight Tidings at the Tavern at Barns-Brinton House
The Chadds Ford Historical Society introduces a new event for the holiday season, Twilight Tidings at the Tavern, on Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Barns-Brinton House in Chadds Ford. Celebrate the season with a historic look at the four major holidays of the 18th century winter season: Christmas, New Year’s, Twelfth Night and Candlemas. Similar to the Society’s popular Tavern Talks format, Twilight Tidings at the Tavern will be a 90-minute open house where you can explore the
1714 tavern at your own pace, meeting guides in authentic colonial clothing, learning about holiday celebrations of the 18th century, and enjoying samples of historic holiday foods and complimentary beverages like wassail, mulled wine and punch. Winter in colonial America gave people a chance to relax and unwind following the harvest and butchering seasons. People often took time to travel and visit friends and relations during the winter months. Unlike the 21st century, the winter calendar of the 18th
century was not dominated by the celebration of Christmas. New Year’s and Twelfth Night were often more festive, and raucous, holiday celebrations that may last for days. Twilight Tidings at the Taverns is a unique historic experience in which you’ll participate in the recreation of four distinct 18th century holiday celebrations.
Twilight Tidings at the Tavern is a 21-and-over event at the Barns-Brinton House, 630 Baltimore Pike (U.S. Route 1), Chadds Ford, PA 19317. There are two tour times available:
4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for CFHS Members), and must be purchased in advance at the Society’s website, www. chaddsfordhistory.org, by phone at 610-388-7376 or in person at the Society’s office. Space is limited, and these tours will sell out. The Society’s office is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is located at 1736 N. Creek Rd. in Chadds Ford. Visit www. chaddsfordhistory.org for additional information and tickets.
the breadth of Winterthur’s decorative arts collection.
The new acquisitions featured include textiles, ceramics, metals, paintings, and furniture made between 1700 and 1975. Go To Your Room! Interior Design & the Youthful Imagination
The ubiquitous catalogs, home design television shows, and retail stores make it seem as though the child’s bedroom has always been its own unique design space in the American home. The evolution of this room, however, didn’t actually begin until the early 20th century, when nearly every home decorating manual sought to weigh in on the proper arrangement and adornment of a child’s bedroom. Winterthur is open daily (including Mondays) during Yuletide, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The last Yuletide Tour is at 3:30 p.m. The Visitor Center Café and Cottage Café are open until 4 p.m. Galleries and stores are open until 5:30 p.m. Open New Year’s Day. Closed on Christmas.
Courtesy photo
The Chadds Ford Historical Society is debuting a new event, Twilight Tidings at the Tavern, on Dec. 2.
Longwood dresses up for the holidays
This year’s holiday extravaganza at Longwood Gardens has a French accent. The French-inspired holiday display in the four-acre Conservatory has fanciful topiary and more than 50 trees with sparkling crystal ornaments reminiscent of the splendor of Versailles. Outside, illuminated stars twinkle above, colorful fountains dance to holiday music, and half a million lights brighten the night. Inside Longwood’s Conservatory are 16,000 seasonal plants, including poinsettias, cyclamen and anthurium. In the Exhibition Hall, an array of floating cranberries and apples are set in intricate, swirling botanical patterns, creating a carpet of color. The Music Room will transport guests to Versailles with its ornate and a mirrored dining table set for Christmas Eve dinner. Upon entering the Conservatory, guests will encounter a 25-foot-tall concolor fir garnished with blue, copper and gilded ornaments amid a topiary border. Throughout the season, Longwood’s Ballroom will feature free and ticketed holiday-inspired performances as well as daily holiday sing-alongs performed on Longwood’s pipe organ. The Strolling Olde Towne Carolers add to the holiday charm on select evenings. The lineup includes:
Nov. 30 – Turks Head Brass Quintet, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 4 – Philadelphia Bronze Handbell Choir, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 5 – Rehoboth Welsh Choir, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 6 – Cherokee High School Chamber Choir and Girls Ensemble, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 7 – Drexel University Chorus, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 11 – Council Rock North “NorthVoice,” 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 12 –The Forty Niners Chorus, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 13 – Voce and The Belles of East, Cherry Hill High School East, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 14 – Oxford Choral Ensemble, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 18 – Gwynedd
Mercy Academy High School Chorale, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 19 – Chester County Choral Society, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 20 – Central Bucks High School-West Choir, 7 and 8 p.m.
Dec. 21 – Chancel Choir of First Presbyterian Church, West Chester, 7 and 8 p.m.
More than 500,000
outdoor lights will be hung in 124 trees, with the tallest tree topping more than 90 feet.
Outdoor favorites return, including the illuminated Italian Water Garden, and two 8-foot Concolor Firs in the Hourglass Lake Pavilion ornamented with materials. The popular Wildlife Tree has edible ornaments made from wheat, apples, and birdseed.
The Gardener’s Tree has handcrafted ornaments and garland made with angel vine and Mediterranean textiles draping the 26–foot Norway Spruce.
Created by Longwood craftsmen and local artisans, three fire pits will be placed throughout the Gardens, allowing guests to warm up by the fire on cool evenings.
The fire pits will be available every night throughout the holiday season, weather permitting.
In the Open Air Theatre, fountains dance day and night to holiday classics. Longwood’s outdoor train display, located near the Birdhouse Treehouse, travels past miniature Longwood landmarks lit for the holiday season. In the Chimes Tower, the 62–bell carillon plays holiday music every half-hour.
Admission to the Christmas display is by Timed Admission Ticket, with tickets purchased in advance for a specific date and time. There is no admittance to the gardens without a timed admission ticket. Guests should buy tickets before arriving. Tickets are $23 for ages 18 and older ($20 for ages 62 and older and college students, $12 for ages 5 to 18, free for ages 4 and younger).
Tickets are available now and can be purchased at www.longwoodgardens.org, or call 610-388-1000.
In the Exhibition Hall, an array of floating cranberries and apples are set in intricate, swirling botanical patterns, creating a carpet of color.
The French-inspired holiday display has more than 50 trees with sparkling crystal ornaments.
Inside Longwood’s Conservatory are 16,000 seasonal plants, including poinsettias, cyclamen and anthurium.
Nov. 29
Joseph’s People meeting
The next monthly Joseph’s People meeting for the unemployed and underemployed will be on Nov. 29 in the parish life center (lower level) of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). The meeting begins promptly at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rep. John Lawrence, discussing job resources (CareerLink), small business resources (SCORE), Unemployment Compensation and more. For more information, visit www.josephspeople.org.
Dec. 1
Holiday music with Oxford Trio Christmas with the Oxford Trio and Friends, featuring the Oxford Trio and guest singers from the Oxford Area School District’s Hopewell School, will be held Dec. 1 at the Oxford Methodist Church (Market and Addison streets, Oxford). There will be choral and instrumental offerings, carol singing, and a few surprises. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but an offering will be accepted.
Call 610-509-3267 for more information.
Dec. 3
Holiday music for community West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) invites the community to a Christmas musical celebration on Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m. There will be music by the Chancel Choir, PraiseWorks Band, Memory Bells Handbell Choir,
Instrumental Ensembles, many special musical numbers and a carol singalong. Christmas cookies and cider will be served after the concert. For directions or more information, call 610-869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.
Dec. 9
Contemporary Christian concert
Kemblesville United Methodist Church, Kemblesville, hosts a concert of contemporary Christian music by Scott Jacobs and Commandment 11 Ministries on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m., followed by refreshments.
Dec. 10
Carol sing-along
Brandywine Baptist Church (1463 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford) hosts a sing-along of favorite Christmas carols on Dec. 10 from 4 to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome. Call 610459-1302 or visit www. Brandywinebaptist.org.
Dec. 16
Live nativity
West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) hosts a live nativity on Dec. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Visitors will see actors portraying Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds and wise men, along with live animals. Visitors can enjoy home baked goods and hot chocolate inside the church. For directions and more information, call 610869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.
Dec. 16
Holiday vacation
Bible school
Kemblesville United Methodist Church, Kemblesville, hosts a Christmas vacation Bible school on Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register at kemblesvilleumc@verizon. net.
Through Dec. 16
10,000 Villages shop
Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine St., Oxford) hosts a 10,000 Villages gift shop on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with special hours on Dec. 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. The shop features ethically sourced crafts that raise funds for the makers in 33 countries. Products include coffee, tea, chocolate and nuts as well. Call 610-932-9640 for more information.
Kendal-Crosslands Retirement Communities on track for arboretum accreditation
The residents at KendalCrosslands Communities have been hard at work, earning a Level II arboretum accreditation from The Morton Arboretum for their two campuses.
Residents have already earned the grounds, officially known as the Kendal-Crosslands Arboretum, a Level I accreditation, and expect to submit their application for Level II before the end of this year.
Each campus – Kendal at Longwood and Crosslands – has a team of residents working in conjunction on the project. The Level II accreditation also requires a paid, full-time employee, who is Casey Groff, the communities’ grounds manager and staff horticulturist. Groff currently assists residents in their project.
“A lot of retirement communities are able to achieve the Level I accreditation, but they never dream of going to
Level II because much more work is involved,” said Kendal-Crosslands resident Eve Thyrum, who co-heads the Kendal at Longwood team.
To achieve a Level I accreditation, a collection must have at least 25 different species of woody plants. For Level II, a collection must have at least 100. However, with more than 400 different species of woody plants on the 500-acre combined Kendal-Crosslands campuses, this part of the accreditation is easily met.
The hardest part comes with the documented collections policy. Each species in the collection must be documented in-depth, including the plants’ common name, botanical name, and provenance. Then, each species must also be physically labeled with a metal tag. Thyrum has completed the documentation of the collection, and the teams are hard at work creating
the metal embossing tags, one letter at a time.
“We received a grant last year from Kendal,” Jennifer Allcock said, referring to KendalCrosslands parent organization, “to purchase the embossing machine. “But most of our funding comes from Gift Trees, a program for purchasing and dedicating a tree on one of our campuses.” Accredited arboretums improve their surrounding communities by conserving natural trees, plants and land, and by providing educational opportunities and programs to both adults and children alike. Level II accreditation requires an enhanced educational program. Residents are still in the development stage of how to enhance their educational programs. Some ideas include tours of the special featured collections along their paved loop walks, additional lectures, and hosting garden clubs.
Pancake breakfast this Friday
The Oxford Area Senior Center is hosting its annual fall Pancake Breakfast on Friday, Dec. 1 with pancakes, sausage, bacon,
dried beef gravy, juice and coffee or tea. The all-you-can-eat breakfast is $7. Breakfast will be served from 7 a.m. to
Southern Chester County’s
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West Grove United Methodist Church will host a live nativity on Dec. 16 (see listing).
