Chester County Press 12-30-2020 Edition

Chester CountyPRESS

www.chestercounty.com

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

Volume 154, No. 51

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

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INSIDE Kennett Square Borough finalizes new budget The spending plan for 2021 does not include a tax increase

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Happy New Year!

Kennett Square Borough Council unanimously approved the 2021 budget for the borough during its Dec. 7 meeting. The spending plan includes projected general fund expenditures of $5,011,902, up slightly from when the budget was first unveiled in early November.

No tax increase will be necessary to balance the budget. The millage rate will remain at 6.75 mills, according to Lisa Ionata, the borough’s finance director.

Council member Peter Waterkotte made the motion to adopt the budget, while Ethan Cramer seconded the motion.

Council member Doug Doerfler said that the bud-

get is fiscally responsible and sound as the borough moves forward while dealing with the various impacts of the pandemic.

Kennett Square Borough’s revenues were hurt by the pandemic during 2020, but officials took steps to reduce expenditures as well. As a result, the borough was able to accomplish many of its goals for the current

year, including being able to retire about $1.6 million in debt.

For 2021, the projected water fund budget totals $1.88 million, while the sewer fund budget totals $2.26 million.

Cramer noted that the borough has only raised taxes one time in the last five years.

During the Dec. 7 meet-

ing, borough council approved a resolution establishing the 2021 rates for a wide variety of fees.

Detailed information about the budget and the fee schedules can be found on the borough’s website at kennettsq.org.

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

Photography comes into focus for Kennett Square group

Oxford students and staff brighten holidays for others...5A

Photo by Arlene Kozlowski

Photo by Mary Webb

On page 1B, writer Chris Barber presents a story about a photography club that started at the Kennett Area Senior Center. Pictured here, Arlene Kozlowski took multiple shots of the covered bridge from the side, while Mary Webb captured a domestic scene among her visiting geese as mother tries to organize the goslings and dad swims by and offers no help.

‘The need is there and it’s growing’ The Southern Chester County Opportunity Network is working to help local residents in need Holiday spirit overflows at Avon Grove Library...5B

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The mission of the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network (SCCON) is so perfectly aligned to this moment— Opinion.......................5A when a global health crisis Obituaries..............2B-3B is threatening the lives and Classifieds..................4B livelihoods of so many— that it might seem like the entire SCCON initiative was a response to the arrival of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was not.

The origins of the network can actually be traced back five years when a diverse group of people saw a need to take a collaborative approach to addressing poverty and all its impacts on local residents and families. Several nonprofit leaders in the area started

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considering what could be done to move beyond the same quick-fix solutions to help local residents.

As a growing number of people came together, the initiative started to take shape, and eventually the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network was born.

According to Kate Daneker, the director of social initiatives for Square Roots Collective, SCCON is not a group, but rather a collective that bases its work on the Bridges Out of Poverty framework, and involves bringing people together from every sector and socioeconomic class to solve problems together that none of them could take on alone.

At a public meeting that took place virtually on Oct.

20, SCCON highlighted some of the work that has been done—especially efforts aimed at helping southern Chester County families who are struggling as a result of the pandemic.

Food cupboards and emergency housing programs continue to see unprecedented requests for help as families find it more challenging to meet basic needs.

Leah Reynolds, the executive director of Kennett Area Community Service (KACS), summarized the current status of the ongoing efforts to provide assistance by saying that the good news is that good work is being done here in Chester County, but the bad news is that needs continue to outpace the help that is available. KACS is always

on the front lines when it comes to helping people who are struggling financially, and the pandemic has seen a stark rise in the number of families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Reynolds said that an alarming number of people in Chester County are tottering on the edge of a financial cliff.

“It’s not hundreds of people,” she said, “it’s thousands of people.”

Daneker explained, “The need in our community has been exacerbated by COVID-19. The need is there and it is growing. It is not going away.”

Collaboration has been key during the response to the pandemic. Local youth centers and family and educational programs, and other organizations

that do not typically provide basic needs services have been collecting and distributing essential items to their struggling participants. This is just the kind of collaboration that was hoped for when the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network was founded.

Daneker is joined on the SCCON planning team by a diverse group of community leaders including Reynolds; Carrie Freeman, the CEO of the United Way of Southern Chester County; Jim Mercante, a retired business owner; Rachel Lebus, the executive director of the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center; Fran Lutz, a financial consultant; and Steve Doutrich, the associate Continued on page 2A

Plans expansion to southern region of county by 2023

Chester County’s food connector: Trellis For Tomorrow making impact on communities

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer For as many pounds of fresh produce that Trellis For Tomorrow grows and donates on a yearly basis throughout Chester County – in 2019, the number totaled more than 30,000 -- there seems to be an equal amount of pathways that have led its staff to the organization, in order to help solve what has become a major health crisis.

For Jennifer Anderson, who has been the executive director of Trellis since 2019, her professional career has included financial services, receiving a Master’s degree in public health, non-profit management consulting,

and being the founder of an organization that worked with businesses to address how they can strategically function on a more sustainable level.

For Senior Programming Director David Ryle, it was a dovetail of experiences in the ministry, social justice and organic agriculture that led him to begin a job at the Triskeles Foundation (later named Trellis For Tomorrow) as a farm educator for at-risk youth, when he began to introduce young people to the cycle of food production that plants, grows and harvests food, gets its to food agencies around the county, and ultimately onto Courtesy photo the tables of those who Trellis For Tomorrow’s Youth Seed Enterprise works with teenagers in Chester, need it most.

Montgomery and Delaware counties in creating and establishing organic gardens Continued on page 2A

that provide residents with better access to nutritious food.

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Chester County Press

Local News Opportunity Network...

Continued from Page 1A

pastor of Waterway Church.

One of the challenges for the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network or any nonprofit serving this area is making people aware of the needs that exist in the community.

Chester County is comparatively wealthy, but there are still many people in the area who need help. This is especially true during the pandemic.

SCCON has been focusing efforts on housing, transportation, and education.

One significant initiative in the months since the pandemic started has been bringing together school districts with community partners to develop creative solutions to unprecedented challenges that have arisen during the health crisis.

Virtual learning has been especially difficult for some families in the area.

Sometimes, young children are either home alone or are left with an elderly relative or neighbor who is unable to navigate the online school system. Unsupervised children either can’t log on or can’t stay focused throughout the school day.

Subsidized daycare spots are limited at local facilities, and other private daycare options are cost-prohibitive for some families.

Additionally, some homes are still waiting for Internet connections despite what Daneker described as the heroic efforts by school districts to meet the needs of all residents.

At the meeting, Joan Holliday and Mercante talked about some of the work that the Education Discovery Group has been doing to bring the various partners

together to meet the needs of local students. They have focused on educating parents about the resources that are available to help them.

In some cases, learning pods were established— these are safe, supervised community spaces where local volunteers can offer extra support to vulnerable students.

They have also been working to help any families that are struggling to provide Internet connectivity for children in the household.

Mercante said, “We believe Internet access is an educational right. We will pursue this with vigor.”

With regard to housing, there has been an effort to work collaboratively to establish mediation processes that are fair and equitable for both landlords and tenants so that families can remain in their homes during these difficult times.

diabetes and obesity.

The rate of food insecurity in American households is on a steady climb, and COVID-19 has only added to the surge. A study done by the Brookings Institute found that food insecurity in the U.S. has “effectively doubled” due to economic disruptions caused by coronavirus.

“The biggest issue is that our food system is not only non sustainable, it’s not equitable, and it’s not addressing our basic needs to feed ourselves as a community, and that goes not only for our surrounding counties, but our nation

and our world,” Ryle said.

“We need to rethink the way that our food system is built, and we’re doing that with our gardens.

“Addressing how we society care for our land, care for our animals and ourselves through the food that we’re growing and getting to where it needs to be could not be any more urgent. By raising these questions and giving people some on-the ground training, it solves exactly what’s needed now, in order to safeguard the future of our communities.”

There has been an ongoing effort to raise awareness about the need for more affordable housing in the area.

SCCON also has a Transportation Discovery Group that has worked to increase access to transportation resources through research, communication, and improvement projects.

The meeting concluded with a call to action—SCCON is always in need of having more people involved with the various Discovery Groups.

They also need to expand the network. It’s the only way that needs in the community will be met.

“This is all about collective action,” Freeman said. She explained that the nonprofits have pivoted and made adjustments to respond to COVID-19. She quoted Margaret Mead, the American cultural anthro-

pologist, who once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

In the face of the pandemic, the work is more urgent than ever. While much has been accomplished, there is still much to be done.

“We need your help,” Reynolds said.

The next meeting of

SCCON will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

To learn more about the work of the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network, including how to help in response to COVID19, visit www.sccnetwork. org.

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

Virtual workshop The Southern Chester County Opportunity Network is hosting a virtual Bridges Out Of Poverty Workshop on Friday, Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

More information is available at www.sccnetwork.org.

Bridges Out Of Poverty is a framework that equips communities, organizations, and individuals with strategies and tools for addressing poverty in a comprehensive way. It brings together people from all sectors and economic classes to reduce barriers and build access to resources for those in poverty to build a sustainable community where everyone can live well.

Trellis For Tomorrow...

Continued from Page 1A

Anderson and Ryle are not alone. They form a contingent of the seven-member Trellis For Tomorrow staff, a board of directors, volunteer participants and young people who find themselves as empowered warriors in the middle of another kind of pandemic – one that has led to the widespread shortage of food to Pennsylvanians from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, and in all of the small communities in between.

A June study by the Pennsylvania Nutrition Education Network revealed that as of May, 2020, 1.9 million state residents struggled with food insecurity, with very limited access to food markets where healthy food like fruits and vegetables are in plentiful supply.

Consequently, these individuals suffer from a lack of proper nutrition and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer,

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Food for All & Youth Seed Enterprise Begun in 2002, Trellis For Tomorrow primarily focuses the bulk of its energies on two food producing and distribution initiatives: • Its Food for All program is a regional effort that creates organic gardens established for and in partnership with businesses, corporations, housing communities, faith-based groups, and municipal

Courtesy photos

In 2020, students in the Youth Seed Enterprise grew and donated over 8,000 pounds of organic produce to area food agencies.

organizations. Currently, Trellis partners with nearly 20 entities throughout Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties, and since 2012, has planted and cultivated over 300 garden beds and donated over 200,000 pounds of food to 41 agencies in the region.

• Its Youth Seed Enterprise establishes organic gardens in food deserts through the ingenuity and hands-on work of teenagers ages 13 through 18, who not only help construct the gardens, but learn valuable skills in organic gardening, operating a small business, creating a platform for youth entrepreneurship, and creatively problem-solving.

The program also enhances their understanding about the cycle of food

Trellis For Tomorrow’s organic gardens are established through partnerships with businesses, corporations, housing communities, faith-based groups and municipal organizations.

from cultivation to distribution, and develops a strong link of meaningful community involvement.

In 2020, the number of participants in the Youth Seed Enterprise expanded to 38 young people, and so did the fruits of their labor. In communities throughout the region where food insecurity is

at high levels, the students grew and donated 8,622 pounds of organic produce – representing a 246 percent increase from 2019 – that were all grown at the program’s four gardens in Montgomery County.

“It is immensely rewarding to see these kids’ faces light up when a squash Continued on page 4A

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Continued from Page 2A

seed that they planted two weeks before is now a seedling growing out of the ground, and three weeks later, they’re pruning it back and a week later, they are harvesting that squash,” Ryle said. “They begin to learn that they have the power to grow something, and the power to change their community.

“That is an unbelievable thing to see, and the ramifications of that dynamic continue to spread in the communities we’re getting to.”

The benefit of each program is that once the produce is grown, it makes its way to area food agencies and is sold at very affordable costs to those who desperately need access to nutritional food.

Whether the work of the Trellis For Tomorrow is seen through its Food For All program or in its Youth Seed Enterprise, the organization’s mission is both holistic and integrative. It provides each volunteer with an experiential education that establishes them as a conduit for change; integrates their work as part of a “real-world” solution and provides long-term exposure to the values of sustainability, self-reliance and collaboration.

Getting the right food to the right people is the equivalent to solving a complex equation, Anderson said.

“There are multiple layers to improving our food system. There is the first

layer, which is getting people food. The second layer is making sure people have food that is nutritious enough to keep them healthy. The third layer is continuing to address the negative impact of our food system -- environmentally and otherwise -- on people’s lives.

“In these programs, the solutions come down to creating a model of distribution of growing and getting food to people and also developing a toxinfree, nutrient-focused model,” she added. “We’re addressing all of those issues at once. We are establishing gardens where people live, work and worship, and in the process are bringing in a network of people who are turning these gardens into a community asset.”

Flipping the narrative back In a world where the growing, cultivation, distribution and availability of food has changed dramatically, Ryle said that the role of organizations like Trellis For Tomorrow is far greater than simply dropping seeds in to the ground – but to essentially return our society’s fundamental food-growing system back to the garden.

“One hundred years ago, everyone ate organic and local, and processed foods and exotic foods were reserved for the privileged,” Ryle said. “A few generations later, that entire narrative has been flipped on its head. The bulk of the food that we’re

eating is coming from a great distance, and organic and local food options are now reserved for people who can afford it, and it’s out of reach for the people who desperately need it.

“As a result, people living in areas where they are unfamiliar with growing. We’re now seeing the last generation who grew up with local food. There are intrinsic abuses of the land, our animals and of ourselves that have resulted from a society that no longer asks, ‘Is this good for us?’

“We’re inserting ourselves into this dialogue,” he added. “Maybe one small non-profit in Chester County is not going to change the whole system, but we can work to establish a localized food system that gets young people to begin talking to older people. There is really magic in that. If you can change a small amount of peoples’ understandings about their relationship with food, you can change anything.”

Anderson said that much of the “big picture” crystal ball of Trellis For Tomorrow is currently wrapped up the organization’s strategic three-year plan, which further imagines a growing diagram of partnerships, access, education, inspiration, leadership and networking, all working in conjunction with each other.

Part of that long-term plan includes expanding Trellis For Tomorrow to southern Chester County, which will be realized in the establishment of garden beds in towns like Avondale, West

Courtesy photos

Students in the Youth Environmental Stewardship Program.

Grove, Kennett Square and Oxford. Anderson and Ryle said that the organization will begin establishing new partnerships beginning in 2021, with a three-year plan to firmly establish Trellis For Tomorrow gardens locally.

“Some of this expansion will hinge on opportunities and potential partnerships, so we will look for communities, businesses, and faith-based groups that have the right amount of interest, the right amount of space and the right amount of youth population,” Ryle said. “When things align, that can better tip the scales to tell us that we need to take a step in those directions.”

“We have a new mission statement that talks about inspiring, resilience and compassion -- to inspire individuals to build sustainability in their communities and themselves,” Anderson said. “That’s the foundation we’re building on. With 2021 soon upon us, we are going to use it as a year to define our out-

Through the work of volunteers in its Food For All initiative, Trellis For Tomorrow has grown and cultivated over 300 garden beds in Chester, Montgomery and Delaware counties, with plans to expand to southern Chester County by 2023.

comes and our measures, and doubling our efforts in future years.

“The wonderful thing about a garden is that it can be utilized for food, as well as environmental and economic social and race systems, in terms of food and agriculture. There are so many layers of a garden that benefit our communities and us as individuals.

It is the gardens that we have grown where we see those who are in our programs develop not just as volunteers and students, but as agents of change.”

To learn more about Trellis For Tomorrow, visit www.trellis4tomorrow.org.

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

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Chester County Press

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Opinion

Editorial

Letter to the Editor

2020: Goodbye to you

State prison transfers should be halted during COVID-19 surge

Mark Twain once observed, “Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough.”

The great American writer and humorist wasn’t talking about 2020, obviously, but he certainly could have been.

As we—at long last—reach the final hours of this indescribably dreadful year, we’d like to take a look back at 2020.

There is no need to grab a drink. This look back will focus only on some of the people and things that we were grateful for this year.

Let’s start with the medical professionals and healthcare workers who shined during this health crisis. The pandemic placed a spotlight on these heroes who provide comfort and care when we need it the most.

Along those same lines, here’s a salute to the essential workers—the people who deliver the mail and packages, who stock the grocery store shelves and run the cash registers at pharmacies. These essential workers helped us make it through some of the most challenging days of the pandemic.

Another group of people who shined this year are the teachers who helped students navigate through what was a most challenging school year.

Under the best of circumstances, teaching is very difficult. This year, teachers had to persevere in the face of enormous challenges, and were able to keep children learning during a pandemic.

We’re also thankful for philanthropists who use their fortunes to help improve the lives of others. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has allocated more than $1.5 billion to help in the effort to produce and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine. Dolly Parton garnered a lot of attention for donating $1 million to coronavirus research.

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated several billion dollars in an effort to support dozens of nonprofit organizations across the country. She donated $20 million to Lincoln University.

We’re thankful for the people who care enough about the world around them that they are willing to fight for equality and social justice.

We’re thankful that organizations like Kennett Area Community Service, La Comunidad Hispana, the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center, and the United Way of Southern Chester County were able to move so quickly to provide help to those in need. Other nonprofits, like the Lighthouse Youth Center and The Garage Community and Youth Center transitioned to help meet specific needs during the pandemic.

Small businesses were impacted greatly by the health crisis, and the pandemic, when we all had to stay closer to home, may have reminded some of us of the importance of small, local businesses.

The hard work and dedication that small business owners demonstrate in a typical year is admirable.

Their efforts this year is nothing short of heroic.

Here’s hoping that 2021 brings a much-needed economic rebound for small businesses.

We’re thankful for the COVID-19 vaccine and the life-saving promise that it offers.

The final thing we’re thankful for is, of course, the arrival of 2021.

Goodbye to you, 2020. May this New Year be everything you were not.

Chester County Press Randall S. Lieberman Publisher Steve Hoffman..................................Managing Editor Richard L. Gaw..................................Associate Editor Brenda Butt.........................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley...........................................Art Director Alan E. Turn...............................Advertising Director Teri Turns................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Amy Lieberman.............Marketing/Public Relations The Chester County Press (USPS 416-500) is published every Wednesday by: AD PRO, Inc. 144 South Jennersville Rd, West Grove, PA 19390 Mailing Address: PO Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346 Telephone: (610) 869-5553 • FAX (610) 869-9628 E-mail (editor): editor@chestercounty.com HOURS: Monday- Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., no weekend hours Annual Subscription Rate: $40.00 | Senior Citizen Rate - $30.00

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Letter to the Editor: The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association (PSCOA) is repeating its call for the Wolf administration to immediately lock down all state prisons and stop inmate transfers during the current COVID19 pandemic surge. This administration often talks of containing spread, so why are

we moving prisoners around Pennsylvania from prison to prison? Why aren’t we doing everything we can to limit activity in our prisons?

Our system is on the verge of being overcome. Testing is being done, but there isn’t any consistency from facility to facility. Right now, lockdowns and pausing transfers are the best way to help protect corrections officers, staff and

inmates. PSCOA members are overworked and exhausted, working massive amounts of overtime due to COVID-19 illness within their ranks.

Our members need relief.

It makes little sense to continue to allow for open and free movement within our prisons as the virus continues to spread. It makes even less sense to allow for potentially sick inmates to

be transferred to different prisons. We believe this is contributing to the increased COVID-19 illnesses among our members and cost two officers their lives. The PSCOA is ready to work with the DOC and administration officials on a safety plan that will save lives.

John Eckenrode vice president of PSCOA

Oxford students and staff brighten holidays for others Students and staff in the Oxford Area School District worked collaboratively during limited in-person time to make the holidays brighter for others in their community.

The Oxford Area High School chapter of Interact, a high school level community service organization of Rotary International sponsored locally by the Oxford Rotary Club, organized a collection of toys clothing, and other items for the

annual Christmas Room at the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center, which each holiday season provides parents with the opportunity to choose toys and other items for their children’s Christmas gifts.

The Hornet Hauler recently pulled up to the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center to drop off a load of toys and other items donated by Oxford Area School District central office staff members.

The drive was organized

by Cortney Encarnacion, the district social worker and Pennsylvania certified Home and School Visitor, with staff members encouraged to donate items for children ages 10 to 12, who are often overlooked in holiday collections.

Interact members invited the various honor societies at OAHS to get involved in the drive, and several overflowing collection boxes were dropped off for

distribution in the Oxford community.

The members of the Oxford Area High School chapter of National English Honor Society worked together to make 97 holiday cards to be delivered to the residents of Ware Presbyterian Village.

“In these difficult times, Oxford students continue to think about what they can do to make others happy,” said chapter advisor Carynne Burnett. “I’m so proud of them!”

Courtesy photos

Samantha Dunlap is pictured with some of the holiday cards that were distributed.

Pictured from left are Oxford Area High School Interact secretary Elizabeth Evans-Ralston, president Gina Martinelli and advisor Brenda Moran.

The Hornet Hauler arrived at the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center with a donation of toys and other items.

Ainsley Eimer helped hand out holiday cards to residents at Ware.

CCIU Board of Directors honors Sen. Dinniman for a lifetime of public service The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Board of Directors passed a resolution at its November 2020 meeting honoring State Sen. Andrew Dinniman’s lifetime of public service and commitment to education.

“Senator Andy Dinniman could always be counted on to join our schools and communities in our celebrations, to support our educators in times of needs, and to advocate for our students tirelessly,” said Dr. George F. Fiore, executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit. “Senator Dinniman could be counted on to show up in good times and in bad. Most recently, he was instrumental in securing $2 million in additional relief funds for our schools during the pandemic.”

The resolution is in recognition of Dinniman’s decades of public service, which began in 1975 when he was elected to the Downingtown Area School Board. He has also been elected to the Chester County Board of Commissioners and to the

Pennsylvania State Senate.

In the Senate he was minority chair of the Senate Education Committee and a member of the State Board of Education and the State Public School Building Authority, as well as representing Pennsylvania on the Education Commission of the States. He served in the Senate from 2006 until his retirement on Nov. 30.

“It really has been an honor to serve the people of Chester County,” said Dinniman. “I have been fortunate to be able to serve in a county that has the resources to provide an outstanding education system for our students. I am very grateful for the work of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, and the leadership that Dr. Fiore is providing our schools during the pandemic, and the support the CCIU will continue to provide when the pandemic is over.”

Although retiring from the Senate of Pennsylvania, Dinniman is not retiring from public service. He plans to form a coalition to

Courtesy photo

Dr. George F. Fiore, the executive director of the Chester County Intermediate Unit, lauded State Sen. Andy Dinniman for a lifetime of public service.

Dinniman officially retired on Nov. 30.

bring together public, nonpublic and charter schools to equitably fund education in Pennsylvania and to meet the needs of every student.

“The problem is that everyone is fighting over the same money, so in the end, everyone is underfunded,” said Dinniman. “There are moments in time, when we have to ask, ‘How do we change?’ We are at such a moment now; we can go back to the status quo or we can say that the digital divide along with the disparity between per pupil spending, between poor and

wealthy districts, the largest in the nation, is too great and we must find a new way.”

According to Dinniman, the only way to do this is for all schools – public, charter and non-public, to work together and not to compete against one another.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought these disparities clearly into focus.

“If anyone can bring all the educational stakeholders together, it is Senator Dinniman,” said Fiore. “I am grateful for his past service and look forward to his future undertakings.”

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Chester County Press

In the Spotlight

Section

B

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Part 1

Seniors and cameras: A time for new learning

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer For seniors like me, the photography we grew up with changed dramatically about 20 years ago with the arrival of digital cameras.

Looking back to earlier times, it was like this: we bought a roll of film, placed it in our camera, hooked the tag to the advancer, closed the case and shot 12, maybe 24 or more, scenes.

We took the spent film roll to the drug store, and in a few days returned to pay for the prints we had taken and a handful of dark negatives.

We hoped at the time they would be good, because when we shot scenes, we had no way to check. If they were bad, it was money lost.

Fast forward to the 21st century: We can see immediately what we shot, the images are free, and we can even take pictures with the new toys—our phones.

Still, for folks in their sixties and seventies, most of us still have remnants of those old habits hanging around and weighing heavily on our minds: film, disposable flash bulbs and picking up prints at the drugstore.

Perhaps that is why, about 15 years ago, Andrea Durynski, who was then the Kennett Area Senior Center Program Coordinator, asked me to establish a photo club to help the members to adopt new skills. She tapped me not only because I had aged with the rest of her flock, but because, in my capacity as a newspaper editor, I had been forced to keep up with the changes in photography.

My attitude helped as well.

From my standpoint, I see most humans – no matter what their tools, age, or learning -- as natural photojournalists whether they are professional or not. The only qualification for the class I established was that they have a camera (or phone with camera capabilities), however humble. There was no need for a big SLR camera that costs thousands of dollars.

With that invitation at the center, about seven or eight people joined, and thus began this more-than-

decade-long adventure with cameras, pictures and shows.

Initially, I thought my task was to teach the members – pedantically – how to frame a shot, upload it to the computer and then adjust it with Photoshop.

I was wrong, because initially I failed to listen to their wants and needs: to capture a lovely sunset; to record a family gathering; and to memorialize the great features of last summer’s vacation. These seniors were happy that their cell phones could take pictures, and they had little interest in the fine points of elite photo correction programs, settings and expensive accoutrements.

I came to realize that my task for them essentially involved three things: • They needed to get the feel of the new cameras and know how to use them as their personal tools; • They had to open their minds to the vast array of subjects that would be fun to photograph; and • They needed to expand their self-confidence and realize that photography is not an elite, expensive, or exclusive dalliance. The fact is, the minute they click on a scene, they are real photographers.

First of all, the tool: The cameras of today are not the cameras of yesterday. There are buttons and accessories that bear little, if any, resemblance to the old days, and most of the point-and-shoot cameras are not much bigger than a can of sardines.

Some are so amazing, however, that you can send an image to another person’s phone as soon as you shoot the picture.

We had to sit around and play with their cameras and the buttons. Everyone needed to see what happens, for instance, when they tap a button once, then again a couple times. They needed to see where you grip that little slider helps you zoom in or out.

Unlike the cameras of the old days, the new cameras give no tactile feedback to the shooter about what is going on, so it must be learned.

Photo by Arlene Kozlowski

Challenged by the class to shoot new subjects, Arlene aimed it at the shower head spewing water.

Group selfie by Chris Barber

The members of the senior center photo class from left are leader Chris Barber, Arlene Kozlowski, Mary Webb, Bob Cossaboon, Carmela Contro. Missing is lifelong photographer Karl Leck, who was on a photo trip to Antarctica at the time.

“How do I turn the flash off and on? Which button activates the video? Can I keep it in a hot car over vacation?”

For example, one member, Carmela Contro, had a camera that apparently had a mind of its own and continued to switch from single photo to video without being prompted. She kept bringing in what she hoped were pictures, but they turned out to be movies. We called it “The Devil Camera” and finally told her to get rid of it.

Another issue was batteries. All of us at one time or another failed to keep the batteries charged and we show up missing shots the next day. The new habit they needed was setting those batteries in a charging block each night so they were ready for what would come tomorrow.

There was also the issue of all those little pieces of hardware. With the purchase of a new camera came little accessories (or needs for them), like flash drives, memory cards, tiny batteries and card readers. It was a daunting challenge to remember all those things, so we sat around, talked about them, had them in our hands and played with them over and over again until they were our friends.

My second challenge was opening our photographers to the multitude of subjects they could shoot and the angles they could shoot from.

Everyone likes to shoot a beautiful sunset and a rainbow, but in reality, just about everything is fair game.

Arlene Kolowski was intent on shooting an artsy picture of a covered bridge from a hundred feet away.

Growing weary of that, she returned to her car and, as they drove through, took one more shot from the inside with her phone camera.

It was exquisite.

Contro, a passionate cook, happened to take a shot of her Thanksgiving turkey and warming Italian bread loaf in

Photo by Josephine Carr

Josephine didn't feel like leaving her car as the rest of us ventured into the woods to take shots of the autumn leaves. The tree in the parking lot did her the courtesy of sending a leaf right down to her windshield.

the oven. The picture was so compelling you could almost smell the dinner.

Bob Cossaboon happened to have his camera with him as he was walking up the steps at home. His dog was reclined at the top of the stairway. He took a shot when he was about four steps down from the dog. In effect he created a shot that captured the dog’s stare head-on because the camera and the dog’s eyes were on the same level.

Mary Webb had just taken her Thanksgiving turkey out of the oven and was letting it rest on the counter. There on the floor, looking up and salivating was her dog, Bobby.

Quickly she grabbed her camera and caught the scene.

It turned out to be a compelling shot of canine appetite.

You never know what’s going to turn out to be fantastic.

In that regard, we had to keep pursuing activities that offered more possibilities for fun shooting: Among other things: We went to Longwood Gardens for flowers in the spring. We went to the park for autumn leaves in the fall.

We photographed portraits of

Photo by Carmela Contro

Photo by Bob Cossaboon

From the ancients to the present, we all want to recall what weather is befalling us. Carmela caught an approaching thunderstorm.

Bob was walking up the steps, but at four steps lower than his dog, he was in perfect position to photograph his pet at eye level.

Photo by Mary Webb

Mary captured the longing and appetite in her dog, Bobby, as he watched the turkey rest after its roasting.

all the members of the senior center at Christmastime. We took Christmassy pictures and turned them into cards and ornaments, among other things.

My third task was to convince members of the class what I believe about anyone taking pictures: They are, indeed, photojournalists, from the ancient recordkeeping petroglyphs of old to the hot shot media shooters of the networks. The mere fact that they hold up their tool to a scene, push a button and want to share the image with others qualifies them for the title.

I was not surprised that when they came to the club with inexpensive point-andshoots, they were in awe of professionals who had thousands of dollars in heavy camera gear. I told them they could aspire to that and the investments if they really

wanted to, but it was not necessary.

Even as the ancients carved their historical impressions on rocks for future generations to partake, my class members were similarly using their tools to record events for those who come after, or even to remind themselves of the beauty and excitement they were experiencing now.

For six years now, we have displayed the best of what we have on the wall at The Market at Liberty Place in Kennett Square, courtesy of owners Larry and Geoff Bosley. Each year, even in this horrific year of 2020, as we behold our work, we exhale a breath of satisfaction.

We invite you to take a look.

Coming in next week’s Chester County Press: Part II: Displaying the work

2B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Chester County Press

Obituaries FLORENCE GRAHAM BROWN

BETTY L. EVANS Betty L. Evans, 92, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 20 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford.

She was the wife of the late J. Martin Evans, Jr. Born in Alaska, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late John F. and Charlotte Carder Siple.

Betty was a member of the Kemblesville United Methodist Church.

She was employed as a bookkeeper for Stengel Welding in Kennett Square.

Betty loved her family.

She is survived by one son, Joseph M. “Chuck�

Evans, III and his wife, Karen V. Evans of Port Deposit, Md.; two grandchildren, Christopher Martin Evans and

Matthew Van Lierop Evans; three great grandchildren; and three sisters, Aldeth Haas of Kemblesville, Goldie Brackin of West Grove and Kay Trader of Elkton, Md. She was preceded in death by two sons, Douglas Brian Evans and Daniel Clay Evans and one grandson, Jared Paul Evans.

A memorial service will be held in the spring at Kemblesville United Methodist Church.

Her family suggests a donation in lieu of flowers to the front- line health care workers via Ware Presbyterian Home Employee Appreciation Fund, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, Pa. 19363.

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

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

RAFAEL MURILLO RODRIGUEZ Rafael Murillo Rodriguez, a resident of Wilmington, Del., passed away on Dec. 18 at the Christiana Hospital. He was 77.

He was the husband of Emilia Aguilar Herrera.

Born in Moroleon, GTO, Mexico, he was the son of the late Pedro Murillo and the late Isabel Rodriguez.

Rafael was a spinach packer at Avon Heights Mushrooms in Avondale until his retirement.

He was a member of St. Rocco Catholic Church in Avondale. He enjoyed listening to music and being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Eduardo Murillo Aguilar of Wilmington, Del. and Juan Pedro Murillo Aguilar and Rafael Murillo Aguilar, both of Mexico.

He is also survived by Marible Murillo Aguilar of Wilmington, Del. and Rosa Alicia Murillo Aguilar of Cochranville; two sisters, Rosa Murillo Rodriguez and Evangelina Murillo Rodrigues both of Mexico; six brothers, Esequiel Murillo Rodriguez of Mexico, Miguel Murillo Rodriguez of California; Jesus Murillo Rodriguez, Roberto Murillo Rodriguez, Leonel Murillo Rodriguez, Baltazar Murillo Rodriguez, all of Chicago, IL, and fourteen grandchildren.

Services and a funeral mass were held at St. Rocco Catholic Church on Dec. 29.

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

Florence Graham Brown, a resident of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 20.

She was 95.

Florence was born on Jan. 11, 1925 in Charlestown, Md. to Albert F. and Elizabeth Woelfel Graham. She was raised on a farm near Charlestown with her sister Marion Graham Rhodes and brother Albert F Graham, Jr. She married G Calvin Brown, Jr. on Aug.18, 1945 and resided in Oxford. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Calvin’s death in 1995.

Florence is survived by her four children, Joel Brown (Celestine Marsha Brown), Gerald Brown, Linda Lutz (Wayne Lutz), and Carol Shirk (Glenn Shirk), three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was a graduate of North East High School in Maryland. She attended Moore Institute of Art in Philadelphia for dress design. She received her bachelor’s degree in teaching from Millersville University and went on to teach in public school in Maryland for 11 ½ years and 29 years as a teacher and director at Oxford Presbyterian Church Pre-School.

Before marriage, she had her own dress shop. She continued making clothes, dance costumes, slipcovers, and draperies for other people until she started teaching.

Florence had taught Sunday School at Oxford Church of Jesus Christ and sang in the choir at Oxford Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Shiloh Presbyterian Church and enjoyed going to the Edie Sumner Bible study group.

She was a 4-H member in her youth in Maryland and then joined the Maryland 4-H All Star group. She was a 4-H Leader for the Oxford Home Ec Club for 25 years, and served as a 4-H camp counselor.

Florence and Calvin spent 30 years visiting all 48 states in the continental U.S. She liked spending time at the cottage built by Calvin and her brother-in-law, William Pugh, at Shady Beach, Md. Her hobbies were working with plants, playing the piano, crocheting, sewing, reading books, painting, going to music concerts, canoeing, and making a variety of crafts.

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

Her family wishes to thanks Ware Presbyterian Village and Willow Tree Hospice for their loving care the last years of Florence’s life.

In lieu of flowers, it is asked that donations be made in Florence’s name to Shiloh Presbyterian Church, 42 S Fifth St., Oxford, Pa. 19363.

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

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

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Alleluia For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for.

2 Corinthians 13:9 The Chester County Press features a dedicated church/religious page that can help you advertise your house of worship and/or business. The page is updated weekly with new scripture. Only $10 Weekly for this space.

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

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

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Lions Club of Oxford

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HERR FOODS, INC. NOTTHINGHAM, PA

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

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

Nottingham Inn, Nottingham, PA

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

610-274-8384 Services Every Sunday â&#x20AC;˘ 9:00 am

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

3B

Chester County Press

Obituaries

Additional obituaries on page 5B

MARY URUSKY

WILLIAM JOHN STEWART, III

JOSEPH P. VERSAGLI, SR.

Mary Urusky, a resident of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 17 at home. She was 92.

She was married to the late Walter Urusky.

Born in Czechoslovakia, she was the daughter of the late Nick and Anna Basarabova Gic. Mary was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford and the Gray-Nichols Post #1779 VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Oxford.

She is survived by three sons, Thomas Urusky, Will Rusk and Walter N. Michael Urusky; two grandchildren, Christopher Urusky (Debbie) and Miles Cochran; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Matthew Urusky.

Services will be held at a later date.

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

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

William John Stewart, III, of Lincoln University, passed away on Dec. 10 at home. He was 62.

He was the husband of Faith Gallagher Stewart.

Born in Wynnewood, Pa., he was the son of the late William John, Jr. and Elizabeth Jean Beattie Stewart.

William served in the U.S. Navy.

William was a man of faith and had a deep, strong love for his family and will be forever missed.

He is survived by his wife; one daughter, Quinn Stewart; one son, Bryce Stewart; and two sisters, Susan Stewart and Roberta Lynne Franckowiak.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Sharon Frances Palamone.

Services will be held at a later date.

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

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

Joseph P. Versagli, Sr. age 87, of Landenberg, passed away on Dec. 14 at the Jennersville Hospital. He was the husband of Lorena “Reni” Cocciolone Versagli, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage.

Born in Landenberg, he was the son of the late Gusippe Versagli and the late Assunta Lattanzio Versagli.

Joe was a lifelong mushroom grower, and part-owner of G. Versagli and Sons in Landenberg. He retired in 1998.

He was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, the Italian American Club and past president of the American Mushroom Institute. He was active in a lot of local activities.

Joe enjoyed hunting, golfing, playing horseshoes, Bocci Ball and watching all sports. He especially enjoyed being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Joseph P. Versagli, Jr. (and his wife Carol) of Landenberg and Robert J. Versagli (and his wife Marje of Coatesville); one daughter, Donna Hopkins (and her husband Michael) of West Grove; two sisters, Lena Cocciolone of West Palm Beach, Fla. and Emma Lattanzio of Landenberg; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

The family’s hearts are hurting. “Pop Pop” was such a special man. He had a natural ability to make you feel like the most important person in a crowded room. He loved his family fiercely – all while making everyone outside his tight circle feel like his family, too. Undoubtedly, to have known Pop Pop is to have known unconditional love. The family will cherish the memories and will forever keep him in their hearts.

His services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please help out a family who may be struggling during this time by making their holidays a little brighter.

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

SYLVIA LETO FAWCETT Sylvia Leto Fawcett, 95, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully on Dec. 22 at the Jennersville Hospital in West Grove.

Sylvia was a daughter to Jennie and Oreste Leto of Kennett Square. She was one of ten Leto children.

Sylvia is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Theodore Fawcett, her sisters Rosalie Leto, Mary Leto, Hilda Leto Smith and her brothers Joseph Leto, Charles Leto, Oreste Leto Jr, and Frederick Leto.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Fawcett, her grandchildren, Brian and Matthew Kirkland; her only great-grandchild, James Theodore Kirkland whom unfortunately she only got to know virtually; her brothers Victor Leto and Robert Leto; and 15 nieces and nephews who knew her fondly as “Aunt Syl.” Sylvia was born and raised at the family homestead in Kennett Square and spent her first year of education in the Kennett Consolidated School District’s one-room schoolhouse. She grew up on a farm, the daughter of an immigrant mushroom grower, helping her brothers feed the chickens, milk the cows, and pack mushrooms bound for produce markets in Philadelphia and New York City.

She had fond memories of the times Grandmom and Grandpop Leto took a break from farm life to spend a summer day with her siblings and cousins at Crystal Beach, Md. Sylvia graduated from Kennett High School, Class of 1943, and went on to complete her RN nursing degree from The Memorial Hospital of Wilmington, Del., where she earned the title Supervisor of the Accident Ward.

Sylvia met her future husband as a young child. Ted was born and raised in New York City and spent time with his aunt in Kennett Square as a young boy, becoming a close family friend of the Leto clan.

Sylvia married Ted, the love of her life, on June 17, 1950 at St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square. Their wedding reception was held outdoors at the farmhouse (“down home”) where she grew up. They began married life together in Indiana, where Ted worked as a mechanical engineer, but they moved back to Pennsylvania to be close to family before their only child was born. They lived in Springfield, Pa. from the 1960s until moving to the Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in 2002.

Sylvia was an accomplished golfer, bridge player and bowler, enjoyed playing piano, dancing, traveling, solving crossword puzzles and cryptograms, cross stitch, and sewing Halloween costumes for her daughter. She and Ted were members of the Overbrook Golf Club in Bryn Mawr, Pa. where they enjoyed socializing with close friends for many years.

Sylvia cherished spending weekends and holidays with her family in Kennett Square, her in-laws in New York City and their lifelong friends (Barbara’s godparents) in Walpole, Mass. Sylvia and Ted traveled to Europe many times – visiting family in Italy, playing golf in Spain, touring the sights in England, France and Switzerland.

Sylvia had a knack for writing poems to commemorate momentous occasions for family and friends’ milestone birthdays and anniversaries. She was a wonderfully kind, caring and generous “Mom Mom” to her two grandsons. When asked for three traits to describe herself, she responded “Creative,” “Loyal” and “Family- oriented.”

Sylvia was cherished deeply by her late husband, daughter and grandchildren, her siblings, nieces, and nephews, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

You are invited to visit with Sylvia’s family from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (COVID PRECAUTIONS APPLY) on Wednesday Dec. 30 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 N. Union St. Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

A private funeral service will follow with entombment in Cathedral Cemetery in Wilmington Del. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Jenner’s Pond Benevolent Fund at https://www.jennerspond.org/about-us/giving/ gift-in-memory/ or 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

Arrangements are by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100). To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

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MARGARET E. POWERS Margaret E. Powers, a resident of Kennett Square, passed away on Dec. 27. She was 102.

She was the wife of the late Harley L. Powers.

Born in Carneys Point, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Martin and Emeline Allaband.

She is survived by one daughter, Nettie Bartoli of Avondale, two sons, Harley, Jr. of Kirkwood and Gary of Unionville. She is also survived by three grandsons, two granddaughters and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Mark Powers.

She liked making a garden, cooking, sewing and housekeeping.

She was a member of the Kennett Rescue Auxiliary for many years.

There is a graveside service planned for Saturday, Jan. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

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

EMEDIO D. IANNI Emedio D. “Meets” Ianni passed away peacefully on Dec.19 with his loving wife Mary and oldest son Samuel by his side.

He was the husband of Mary V. (Bagnato) Ianni, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Born in 1931, Meets resided his entire life on Penn Green Road in Landenberg.

He was the son of the late Samuel and Eleanor (Sperlunto), Ianni.

A graduate of Kennett High School, Meets proudly served his country, which he greatly loved, in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

Meets was the owner and proprietor of E&M Ianni Mushrooms in Landenberg and retired in 2016. In addition to being a skilled mushroom grower, Meets served his community for over 74 years as an active member of the Avondale Fire Company, which he loved. During that time, he served in various positions, including chief engineer, and holds the record for most tickets ever sold for the annual Fire Company Spaghetti Dinner and chicken barbecues. He rarely missed a call in his younger days, and was always happy to see his name at the top of the mostcalls-made list each year.

Meets also worked part-time for many years at New Garden Township and enjoyed keeping the roads tidy, especially during a snowstorm.

Meets was an avid Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan and was tickled when the Birds finally won the Super Bowl. Another of his passions included being an enthusiast of all things John Wayne and Clint Eastwood and was always up for a good western or war flick. While he enjoyed his daily visits to Dunkin’ Donuts to see his friends, and, in earlier days, Bunnys, Meets was most happy to spend time at his beach house in Lewes, Del. He worked hard on that house and enjoyed taking care of the yard, grilling large amounts of chicken and steak, and hosting his family and neighbors.

Always smiling and rarely complaining, Meets was a man of high integrity. If you asked him for help, he would help.

If you needed to borrow something, it was yours. When a house was on fire or a hay pile burning, he left his work to try to save yours regardless of weather or conditions. That kind of commitment deserves gratitude. Anthony Bourdain said, “Skills can be taught. Character you either have or you don’t have.” Character is what exemplified Meets’ life.

Meets loved country music, especially Johnny Cash. If you can, please say a prayer and play some Johnny to honor the life of Meets Ianni.

He is survived by two sons, Samuel (Karen) Ianni of Landenberg and Anthony (Janet) Ianni of Golden, CO, and a sister Grace (Ianni) Ciaffoni of West Chester.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Ianni of Landenberg. Meets was also very proud of his three grandsons, John, David (Caitlin), and Adam Ianni, and was thrilled to spend time with his great-granddaughter, Emma Grace.

Services and a funeral were held on Dec. 28. Burial was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Avondale Fire Company, New Truck Fund, 23 Firehouse Way, Avondale, Pa. 19311, or to Saint Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, Pa. 19311.

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

WILLIAM R. LANDMESSER, JR. William (Bill) R. Landmesser, Jr. passed away on Dec. 16 at Wilmington Hospital while under the care of Season’s Hospice. He was 89.

He was the devoted husband for over 43 years of the late Virginia (Smith) Landmesser.

He was born in East Orange, N.J. on Oct. 10, 1931, the son of the late William R. Sr. and Louisa (Hochuli) Landmesser.

Bill graduated from Summit High School in Summit, N.J. and continued his education at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. He graduated in 1953 with a degree in industrial and labor relations. Before entering the workforce, he served as first lieutenant in the Army infantry stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. While he was in the reserves, he began his career as an employee relations manager, first working for Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corporation in Pittsburgh and in Albany, N.Y. He later worked for TIMET (Titanium Metal) in Ohio and ended his career with ICI Americas Inc. in Wilmington, Del., retiring in 1987.

When he wasn’t working, Bill was active in the Kennett Square community. He was a longtime active member of the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church and the Lions Club. He served as a board member for the library, the Senior Center, and the Kennett Run Committee. He was a Kennett Elementary classroom mentor, a small business counselor with SCORE, and he volunteered time at the DuPont Children’s Hospital.

In his free time, he continued to take classes at the the University of Delaware's Academy of Lifelong Learning.

He enjoyed his summers in the Adirondack Mountains, and also liked visiting Longwood Gardens, reading, oil painting and spending time with his family.

Bill is survived by his children, Timothy Landmesser (Margaret), Peter Landmesser (Patricia) and Susan Augustine (Stephen); his grandchildren, Beau, Scott, Travis, Calla, Kinsey, and Andrew, and three greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Bloomer, nephew David, and niece Lynda.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 11 a.m. at the Kennett Square Presbyterian Church, 211 S Broad St, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, those wishing to attend are asked to sign up by going to https://pcks.churchcenter.com/registrations/ events/667370.

Services can also be viewed by going to the church’s YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/-U-m-1FK1NM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the Kennett Library, 216 E. State St., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

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

Obituary submissions The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www. chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

4B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

Legals ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Gary B. Lillmars, Lillmars, Gary B. late of Pottstown, PA., LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION for the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Margaret Lillmars, 724 Ridge Rd., Pottstown, PA 19465, Administratrix. Lawrence M. Frangiosa, Esq., 675 North Lewis Road, Limerick, PA 19468 12p-16-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Emily L. MAIER, DECEASED. Late of East Marlborough Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Michael A. Maier, ADMINISTRATOR, 105 Hadley’s Mill Run, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Elle Van Dahlgren, Esq., Elle Van Dahlgren

Law, LLC, 20 Montchanin Rd., Ste. 1000, Greenville, DE 19807.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Connie Dolan, Late of West Grove, Penn Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Debora Dolan-Blubaugh , Executor, 1507 Old Orchard Rd, Media, Pa 19063 12p-16-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Steven E. Rosner, Rosner, Steven E. late of Chesterbrook, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Steven A. Segal, Esq., Segal & Company, LLC, 261 Old York Road, Suite 823A, Jenkintown, PA 19046,

Executor. Segal & Company, LLC, 261 Old York Road, Suite 823A, Jenkintown, PA 19046 12p-23-3t

INCORPORATION NOTICE

NDL Fine Cuisine, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988.

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NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Oxford Borough Council will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, January 11, 2021, commencing at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending the Chapter 1, Administration and Government, of the existing Code of the Borough of Oxford, a caption and summary of which follows. The complete text of the ordinance can be examined at the offices of the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, or by contacting treasurer@oxfordboro.org or 610-9322500 and requesting a copy.

To minimize public exposure to COVID-19 and maintain social distancing, this meeting will be conducted via Zoom, an online video conferencing service. The Zoom platform allows participation both by video and telephone.

Information on how to join the meeting will be available on Borough website at www.oxfordboro.org in advance of the meeting and will be posted at the Borough Building or you may call the Borough directly at (610) 932-2500. No in-person attendance at the Borough Building will be permitted. To submit comments or questions prior to the meeting, email virtual@oxfordboro.org, deliver written comments to the drop box in front of Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, or call (610) 932-2500 by 12:00 pm. on Monday, January 4, 2021.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1, ADMINISTRATION AND GOVERNMENT, PART 3, APPOINTED OFFICIALS, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD. SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 1, Administration and Government, Part 3, Appointed Officials, Subsection A, Borough Manager, by deleting it in its entirety and replacing it with new Subsection A, Borough Manager, which includes the following subsections: §1-301 Creation of Office, which creates the office of Borough Manager and states it may be abolished at the discretion of Borough Council §1-302 Appointment, which establishes the appointment of Borough Manager by majority vote of Borough Council and the term of such appointment §1-303 Compensation, which requires the determination of Borough Manager salary by Borough Council at the annual meeting at which the budget is adopted

§1-304 Qualifications, which sets forth the criteria for selection of a Borough Manager §1-305 Bond, which provides specific requirements for Borough Manager bond §1-306 Removal of Manager, which sets forth the procedure for the Borough Manager’s removal from office by Borough Council §1-307 Powers and Duties, which enumerates the powers and duties conferred upon the Borough Manger by Borough Council, subject to removal or revision by ordinance §1-308 Absence or Disability, which provides for the designation of a Borough employee who shall exercise the powers and duties of the Borough Manager during a period of absence or disability by the Borough Manager §1-309 Delegation of Powers by Mayor, which provides that the Mayor may, with the approval of Borough Council, delegate non-legislative and non-judicial powers and duties of the office of Mayor to the Borough Manager §1-310 Relationship of Borough Council to Manager, which provides the manner in which administrative matters, directives and assignments are conveyed to the Borough Manager from Borough Council.

SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 4. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, P.C., Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 12p-30-1t

NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Oxford Borough Council will hold a virtual public meeting on Monday, January 11, 2021, commencing at 7:00 p.m., prevailing time to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending the Chapter 21, Streets and Sidewalks, of the existing Code of the Borough of Oxford, a caption and summary of which follows. The complete text of the ordinance can be examined at the offices of the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, or by contacting treasurer@oxfordboro.org or 610-9322500 and requesting a copy.

To minimize public exposure to COVID-19 and maintain social distancing, this meeting will be conducted via Zoom, an online video conferencing service. The Zoom platform allows participation both by video and telephone.

Information on how to join the meeting will be available on Borough website at www.oxfordboro.org in advance of the meeting and will be posted at the Borough Building or you may call the Borough directly at (610) 932-2500. No

in-person attendance at the Borough Building will be permitted. To submit comments or questions prior to the meeting, email virtual@oxfordboro. org, deliver written comments to the drop box in front of Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, or call (610) 932-2500 by 12:00 pm. on Monday, January 11, 2021.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 21, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, PART 7, SIDEWALK CONSTRUCTION AND REPAIR, SECTION 21-702.1, INSTALLATION OF SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND/OR GUT TERS TO SERVE DESIGNATED AND SPECIAL PRIORITY AREAS; SECTION 21-703, REPAIR BY PROPERTY OWNERS FOLLOWING NOTICE; SECTION 21707, DETERMINATION OF SCOPE OF WORK; AND SECTION 21-713, DEVIATIONS FROM PLAN, OF THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD. SECTION 1. Amends §21-702.1, Installation of Sidewalks, Curbs, and/ or Gutters to Serve Designated and Special Priority Areas, to replace all references to “the Borough Manager or the Codes Official or” and “the Codes Official or Borough Manager” with “the Code Enforcement Officer.”

SECTION 2. Amends §21-703, Repair

by Property Owners Following Notice, to replace references to “the Borough Manager or the Codes Official or” with “the Code Enforcement Officer.”

SECTION 3. Amends §21-707, Determination of Scope of Work, to delete the provision in subsection (1) for the Borough Manager to inspect and determine scope of reconstruction or repair work for a part or parts of sidewalks, curbs or gutters if the Code Enforcement Officer is unavailable; and to amend the provision in subsection (3) to provide for a Council review of a property owner request to overturn the decision of the Code Enforcement.

SECTION 4. Amends §21-713, Deviations from Plan, to provide for regulations regarding deviations from plans to be developed in consultation with the Borough Engineer.

SECTION 5. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 6. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 7. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, P.C., Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 12p-30-1t

INCORPORATION NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Articles of Incorporation for a Corporation were filed with the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the purpose of creating a

business corporation which has been incorporated under the provisions of the Corporation Law of 1988. The name of the corporation is Homefloormax, Inc., 40 Lloyd Avenue, Suite 108A, Malvern, PA 19355 and was filed by Brian W. Walsh, Esq., 707 Grant Street, Suite 2200 Gulf Tower, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

New Garden Township Reorganization Meeting The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors will hold their annual reorganization meeting on Monday, January 4nd at 7:30PM, virtually, using ZOOM meeting conference software. The meeting will begin promptly at 7:30pm and log on information can be found on the Township website Friday before the meeting. The Board will also consider any other business that comes before them. Anyone needing special accommodations in order to participate in or observe the proceedings should contact the Township Office at 610268-2915. Kathryn Parlier, Township Secretary 12p-30-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, January 21st, 2021 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, February 22nd, 2021.

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

SALE NO. 21-1-5 Writ of Execution No. 2019-03448 DEBT $368,284.40 PROPERTY SITUATE IN THE TOWNSHIP OF PENNSBURY TAX PARCEL # 64-1-212 2018-2 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling PLAINTIFF: New Residential Mortgage Loan Trust VS DEFENDANT: Perry Camerlengo, Jr. aka Perry J. Camerlengo, Jr. aka Perry Camerlengo & Zarouhi Sara Camerlengo SALE ADDRESS: 1608 Cheryl Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348 PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-627-1322 N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 12p-30-3t

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

5B

Chester County Press

Local News Holiday spirit overflows at Avon Grove Library The holiday spirit of giving was in great supply this year at the Avon Grove Library, thanks to the generous donors who filled dozens of Christmas stockings for area children in need.

The stockings were collected as part of the Avon Grove Christmas Basket Program, a community-wide initiative by Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in West Grove to assist needy families. Avon Grove Library participates by giving out empty Christmas stockings.

Participants pick a stocking, choose a child’s age range and gender, stuff the stocking with appropriate gifts, then return it to the library.

This year the response was three times as great as it was in 2019. Patrons donated 93 filled stockings in all, contributing to a merry

Christmas for dozens of local children. For the first time the library also collected non-perishable food items to distribute, as well.

Once Avon Grove Library announced on Facebook that it would again be collecting stockings this year, word quickly spread via the library’s social media channels. Rooted, a shop that supports over 200 artists by selling their wares, joined in by offering to serve as an alternate drop-off location for stockings.

Before long the library bin began to overflow with donations, and the staff soon found themselves surrounded by colorful symbols of Christmas spirit.

The Avon Grove Christmas Basket program served over 395 families this year, many of whom were impacted financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courtesy photos

The Avon Grove Christmas Basket program served over 395 families this year, many of whom were impacted financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a year when the reminder of the kind and news has been anything but generous spirit that marks cheery, this is a wonderful the Avon Grove community.

Daghir honored as Lions Club Student of the Month Joseph Daghir has been named the Lions Club Student of the Month for December. He is a student at Avon Grove High School and the son of John and Laura Daghir of Landenberg.

Joseph’s list of school activities includes serving as vice president of the National Honor Society and co-president of FBLA. He is also on the leadership council of AMC Math Club and takes part in the SocialEmotional Learning

Program, Robotics, and the Freshman Mentoring Program.

Joseph has been involved with his community by volunteering with Boy Scouts of America Troop 18 and being an Avon Grove Education Foundation board member.

Joseph’s honors include Eagle Scout, AP Scholar with Distinction, College Board Rural and Small Town Scholar, Top 10 of 2021 Class, FBLA State Qualifier for Economics and Intro to Business

Math, AP Economics Award, AP Chemistry Award, Health Award, Intro to Business Award, Honors Biology Award and academically he has achieved Distinguished Honors throughout High School.

Joseph plans to study engineering and enter a career that explores product development and computer-aided design.

The teachers he has most been influenced by are Ms. Cahill, Mr. Habbart, Mrs. Penn and Mrs. Shrake.

Courtesy photo

Joseph Daghir has been named the Lions Club Student of the Month for December.

Transformation Yoga Project appoints Dolberry as executive director Transformation Yoga Project (TYP) in Kennett Square recently announced the appointment of Adrienne Dolberry as executive director of the non-profit organization, which serves people impacted by trauma, incarceration, and addiction through trauma-sensitive, mindfulness-based yoga programs and education.

“Adrienne is a well-known figure in Philadelphia’s wellness community with many years of experience studying the foundations of trauma and the practices proven to build resilience,” said TYP Board President Nicole Anderson. “She has made teaching and promoting these tools throughout Philadelphia her life’s work.

Adrienne’s passion to serve communities impacted by the criminal justice system and substance use disorders is unmatched, and we look forward to her leadership.”

Dolberry will lead an effort to expand programming directed at those reentering their communities following incarceration. TYP’s ability to offer in-person programming at congregate facilities such as prisons and recovery centers has been severely curtailed during COVID-19, and her significant experience in offering online programming will help bridge the gap, according to Anderson.

“We view recovery from trauma as a shift in perspective and lifelong behavioral changes,” explained Dolberry. “Our programming is driven by

the recognition that individuals have the power to take their well-being into their own hands, and TYP exists to provide the education and practical tools to support them along the way. At the same time, it’s important that our organization better reflects the communities we serve. How we show up for others requires us to recognize and correct our lack of representation and unconscious biases—allowing ourselves to truly support empowerment and liberation for all.”

Transformation Yoga Project serves people at nearly 60 facilities in the greater Philadelphia and Delaware regions, including prisons, community reentry programs, hospitalbased inpatient treatment centers, outpatient substance use disorder centers, court diversion programs and area schools. In 2020, TYP facilitated over 3,300 classes for more than 21,500 participants. The organization also offers four to six annual educational/training programs and professional development for individuals working with populations impacted by trauma.

Concurrent with Dolberry’s appointment, Nicole Anderson was elected president of Transformation Yoga Project’s six-person board of directors. Michael Huggins, TYP’s founder and board president since 2004, will assume the role of board treasurer after growing the organization to be one of the largest trauma-focused

Patrons donated 93 filled stockings in all, contributing to a merry Christmas for dozens of local children.

Obituaries Continued from page 3B

SONIA ANN ROUMANIOTIS Sonia Ann Roumaniotis, 60, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 19 in Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pa. She was the wife of Sotos Roumaniotis, with whom she shared 28 years of marriage.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Myrtle Humen Sullivan.

Sonia resided in Oxford for the last 16 years. She formerly resided in various locations in both the U.S. and Canada.

She was graduating in May of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Lincoln University.

Sonia was employed with Lincoln University as an administrative assistant for 16 years.

She enjoyed her artwork and traveling.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Alex and Nathan both of Oxford; one sister, Pam Luscombe of Cochran, Alberta, Canada; and two brothers, Chris Sullivan of Vancouver, Canada and Dave Sullivan of Edmonton, Canada.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Susan G. Komen, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380.

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

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

WILLIAM T. FULTON, JR.

Courtesy photos

Dolberry will lead an effort to expand programming directed at those reentering their communities following incarceration.

Nicole Anderson was elected president of Transformation Yoga Project’s six-person board of directors.

service organizations in the Philadelphia area.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve those impacted by trauma as well as to the entire team for their dedication to yoga service,” said Huggins.

“This is the right time for me to step back and support new leadership as we develop innovative ways to serve under challenging circumstances.”

Transformation Yoga Project has announced the appointment of Adrienne Dolberry as executive director of the non-profit organization, which serves people impacted by trauma, incarceration, and addiction through trauma-sensitive, mindfulness-based yoga programs and education.

Dolberry replaces outgoing executive director Kate Bollo Ferris, who will remain involved with the organization as she continues to support Philadelphia-area non-profits.

To learn more about TYP, visit Transformation YogaProject.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

William T. Fulton, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, went home to be with his Lord on Dec. 19 at Reading Hospital. He was 96.

He married Ella E. Melrath Fulton on June 18, 1947. They shared 73 years of marriage.

Born in Colora, Md., he was the son of the late William T., Sr., and Helen McVey Fulton.

Bill graduated from Oxford High School, class of 1943, and he lived in Oxford at the time of his passing.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, William served in central Europe during World War II as a member of the 17th Airborne Division.

Bill was employed with NVF in Kennett Square for 42 years.

In his younger days, Bill would rather play baseball than eat or sleep. His love for baseball and football continued all his life.

He enjoyed following his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their sport endeavors.

Listening to bluegrass music and watching NASCAR were other enjoyments in his life. He loved working on the family farm.

Truly, he was a part of the Greatest Generation, passing on his work ethic and love for family to the entire family. He will be greatly missed and will always be in his family’s hearts.

Bill leaves his wife, four children, Joan Baker, Ronald Fulton (Tammy), Sandra Hall (David), and Bethany Freeman (John) to cherish his memory. He will be missed greatly by 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Ronald Baker.

Services and interment are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Union Fire Company No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363.

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

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

6B

CHESTER COUNTY PRESS

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2020

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