04-15-26 Chester County Press

Kennett School Board approves preliminary budget

The proposed spending plan includes a tax increase of 3.7 percent

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

The Kennett Consolidated School Board of Directors on Monday approved a final 2026-27 preliminary budget of $112 million, which includes a proposed tax increase of 3.7 percent for property owners.

Although the final vote on the item is not formal-

ly mandated until the June meeting, the board accepted what was deemed the “final” budget because they have now received notification of all the state and federal supports that need to be calculated in the figures. State support is up, but federal support is down by about 6 percent. Given the 3.7 percent increase, the average property owner in the district

whose property is assessed at about $180,000 will be paying $6,553 in school property taxes, which is $233 more than last year when the average tax bill was $6,320.

School district CFO Mark

Tracy said that district officials are still working to improve the budget figures and limit the potential tax increase as much as possible when a final budget is

adopted.

In other business, the board unanimously approved the appointment of Willa Hightower to fill the open position on the school board. The vacancy was created by the resignation last month of Lenda Corillo, who is moving out of the school district.

Hightower was not present at Monday’s meeting because she told them she

Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce honors Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual Awards Dinner Dance on April 11, and this year’s event proved to be a beautiful night full of awards, dining, a little wine and a lot of dancing. The dinner was held in the Barn at Nottingham and the Master of Ceremony was Dennis McCartney, president of the Oxford Chamber.

Johnny Johnston was the recipient of this year’s Citizen of the Year Award. Kathy Book, a longtime Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI) board member and community leader, presented the award to Johnston. Book spoke about the characteristics of the Citizen of the Year and how Johnston has repeatedly helped his community whenever needed. Through his volunteerism with OMI and all things Oxford, he has made a lasting impact on the community.

Jay Kennedy, an Oxford Library board member, presented the Business of the Year Award to the Sanders Team Realty. The Sanders Team Realty was founded by Jeff Sanders in 2018, and his wife

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would be traveling. She will represent Region A, which includes Kennett Square Borough. Each geographical region (A, B and C) has three representatives on the board. in her monthly report to the board, Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders announced the successes of the most recent field trips as well as a list of students who have been honored

beyond the local level for achievements. Students were engaged in three overseas field trips in recent weeks, including trips to China, Germany and Italy. She also praised students who excelled in various fields beyond the local level. The fields included wrestling, swimming and basketball. The board unanimously

Oxford officials discuss benefits of the Mobile Crisis Center

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Rachel Yudt, MRCT, the Mobile Crisis Center program director, spoke at the April 6 Oxford Borough Council meeting, and thanked Mayor Phil Harris for reaching out to them and working with them. This program brings mental health specialists to people in Chester County who have a mental health crisis.

Yudt explained, “988 is the phone number to call if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental crisis.”

When you call 988, this is what happens:

First, you’ll hear a message that gives you service selection options including Veterans (Press 1), Spanishlanguage (Press 2), or your local 988 Lifeline contact center.

A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves. Your skilled counselor will ask you if you are safe. After they ask about your safety, your counselor will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful.

From the state that call will go to the county and to the Mobil Crisis Team. The team will then go out to meet that person and make an assessment on their behavior health and make a determination if they need therapy.

Kennett Square Mayor holds livestream with Genesis building developers

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Kennett Square Mayor

Matt Fetick has organized a livestream Q&A session for Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. with the developers of the Genesis buildings. The livestream will allow community members to hear directly from the building developers, 9th Street Development Company, on their plans for the buildings, and to ask questions.

The two Genesis buildings, located at 101 E. State Street and 128 E. State Street, served as corporate headquarters for Genesis HealthCare which ran assisted living facilities nationwide before declaring bankruptcy in 2025. The new proposed uses of the buildings by 9th Street Development Company include retail use on the first floors with office space, medical office space and apartments planned for the 101 building and office space and apartments planned for the 128 building.

While the plans are not set in stone, Fetick explained that he believes the current plans are “by right,”

meaning the planned development in the buildings does not require any zoning or ordinance changes.

Fetick added that development is currently slated to begin mid-summer.

One issue that Fetick suspects to be of relevance to the public during the Q&A session is the issue of parking for the buildings. He explained that each use in the buildings, an office or apartments for example, requires a certain number of parking spaces that would need to be bought from the borough parking garage.

“A medical office, based on the number of square feet, has to have so many parking spaces,” Fetick said. “A restaurant has to have so many parking spaces, an apartment has to have so many parking spaces. So the use determines what type of or how much space they need. So, for them to meet their zoning requirements, they have to provide those parking spaces in the borough parking garage and purchase those at market rate from the borough.”

Fetick added that those spaces would be purchased from the borough on an annual basis, just as Genesis

did for its employees.

Any concerns or questions the public may have about the planned development including issues of parking can be asked at the livestream event. Fetick shared that the livestream is the second event of its kind in what he is calling a “community chat initiative.” The first was a phorid fly Q&A livestream.

“My goal is to offer a livestream opportunity at least every other month on a topic that's of relevance to the town,” Fetick said.

“Borough council meetings are not designed for a significant amount of back and forth. The council meetings are designed for the council to do their work and for the public to provide input or comments but it's not really designed to be collaborative.”

By providing a space for that back and forth dialogue, Fetick hopes community members will have their voices heard and questions answered.

“I wanted to give folks an opportunity where they don't have to leave home, they don't have to go out, but they can participate

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

The Oxford United Methodist Church is celebrating its 175th anniversary year in 2026 with a series of events to mark the milestone. The motto for the 175th anniversary is “175 Years: A Legacy of Grace, Love & Service.” Kicking off the series of events in February was a tour of the church’s beautiful stained-glass windows. A Ladies Tea and Quilt Show titled “Patchwork in the Pews” was held April 11 at the church, organized by the “Women in Faith” group. The event included good food and fellowship, with ladies from other area churches joining in the festivities. The highlight of the Oxford United Methodist Church celebrates 175th anniversary

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approved a memorandum of understanding for the assignment of a school resource police office to deal with incidences connected to state and federal law. This officer will be trained by the local police and will work in the schools. The duties of this police officer, according to the memorandum, will be to address only serious incidents and crimes.

School board President Dave Kronenberg announced the availability of a publication of issues that the combined representatives of local school districts have submitted for state legislative consideration.

He said not all of the issues would make it to the state level for legislation consideration. They are many and varied including possession/use of cell phones in schools, requirements for teaching cursive, and occasions for flag flying, among many others.

2004.

Oxford Chamber Awards...

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Corrie joined him in 2022. Together they have built a successful real estate team, which has a passion for helping others. They also have three children.

The Sanders Team was recognized for a strong commitment to their real estate clients, their involvement serving on several boards including the Oxford Area

Recreational Authority, Neighborhood Services Center and the Oxford Area Historical Association. Kennedy said, “Their popular Taco Bout it Tuesday serves as a spotlight on other businesses and non-profits, not their own. They are visible in the community and they support many non-profit organizations and events.”

LCH Health & Community Services is this year’s recipient of the the Organization of the Year Award.

Facilities Director Dave Brice talked about the progress that has been made on the construction of two new elementary schools in the school district.

New Garden is almost finished and is now undergoing final cleaning and installing facilities. Greenwood is in the process of getting mechanical devices and plumbing installed. The public will be invited to tour the buildings in August, Kronenberg said.

McCartney shared the incredible story of LCH over the past 53 years.

Twenty-four LCH staff members who were hiding in the lower level came forward to surprise CEO Ronan Gannon and the board members who were in attendance.

McCartney talked about the visionary start for LCH in Kennett Square 53 years ago and how the organization has grown and expanded to provide health care for everyone, including women’s health, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy services and more. Gannon accepted the award on behalf of the entire LCH team. Another important person during the Awards Dinner Dance was Angie Lobb, of Cameron’s Ace Hardware, who was recognized for serving on the Chamber Board of Directors since 2004.

The Oxford Chamber also thanked 1865 Photography, T & M Catering and the The Barn at Nottingham.

Chester County Sheriff’s Office appoints Creighton as captain

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office has appointed Kevin Creighton as Captain, bringing over 30 years of law enforcement experience to the agency.

Creighton joins the Sheriff’s Office following a distinguished career with the Pennsylvania State Police, where he mostly served as Captain and Director of Operational Training with the Bureau of Training and Education. In that role, he oversaw statewide training operations, supervised instructional staff across multiple facilities, and managed critical areas including use-of-force review, emergency vehicle incident analysis, and personnel accountability. Throughout his career, Creighton has held key leadership positions at every rank, including trooper, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. He has supervised large-scale patrol operations, led high-risk incident responses,

and directed academy training programs responsible for developing and maintaining operational standards across the agency.

He has also served on multiple policy and promotional committees, contributing to agency standards, curriculum development, and organizational governance.

Creighton holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Temple University and has been recognized by the Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner for leadership and service during major operations, including national level-security events and critical incident responses.

“Captain Creighton brings a strong background in leadership, training, and accountability,” said Chester County Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes. “His experience at the command level and his focus on operational standards will be a valuable addition to the Sheriff’s Office.”

COFFEES

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Van Steifel, a member of the team and certified recovery specialist, said, “We have a variety of qualified people working with us on this team that can get you the help you need.”

Yudt said, “We take them to Chester County Hospital and if we feel they will be safe we will transport them. We also call Chester County Dispatch and the police and they also may assist us. If necessary, we can call Emergency Management Services.”

Harris and Yudt agreed that in the two years the Mobile Crisis Team has been in service it has been a major improvement in delivering timely care and assessment to those with behavior issues.

Oxford Borough Police Chief Sam Iacono presented his monthly report to Oxford Borough Council.

“We have had 1,037 calls this year,” Iacono said.

“We had two girls hit in the crosswalk at the intersecMobile Crisis Center...

tion of Market and South Fifth Street. Both are out of the hospital, but one had substantial injuries which will require more time for healing.” He said that the investigation into the accident is continuing.

The police department has a Civil Service Test scheduled for April 18 and the police chief is hoping to add more names to the Civil Service roster. Iacono said that four officers on the police force will be eligible to retire.

“They will be able to retire, but we don’t know if they will. We are trying to build our ranks in the event that they do,” Iacono explained.

He said that two of his officers received training and are now part of a field force team which works with other teams when handling crowd disbursement when needed at other locations.

Iacono also explained that they had issued 21 traffic tickets for the month.

“I want to be clear. When we say we issued 21 traffic tickets that doesn’t mean we didn’t stop more

drivers,” he said. “The number of stops are higher. However, some people may be lost, have a medical issue or something else that means we might pull them over. But we don’t issue tickets to everyone we stop.”

In other business, Harris said that he issued a proclamation noting that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

SAAM is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the community to come together to talk openly about sexual violence and to support survivors, increase knowledge and awareness and identify strategies and resources to prevent sexual violence.

Oxford Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller reported that she is working with all the properties on Niblock Alley that will be involved in the Niblock Alley grant project.

“We are meeting with engineers regarding waterline agreements and other issues that impact property owners along that alley,” she said. “We hope to keep moving forward.”

Oxford Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen welcomed Terry Bonenberger to the position of borough secretary. She will be coming to the borough after having worked in the post office and at other municipalities.

Garcia-Allen said that the transition with the gates in the parking garage appears to be going smoothly. She hopes to gain numbers next week. The garage is free on all holidays.

Oxford Borough Council

approved the consideration of an application for conditional-use for 55 S. Third Street.

Council also signed off on the Oxford Borough Equal Access Pledge. Harris explained that this came out of the recent county-wide mayors meeting. The Equal Access Pledge states that the Borough of Oxford is committed to providing access and services to all people regardless of their immigration status, language spoken, race, religion, national origin, gender/ gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

Oxford Borough Council approved consideration of Ordinance #981-2026 authorizing the acquisition of certain property interests for the construction of the Oxford Borough Niblock Alley project.

Council approved a resolution #1418-2026 amending the Oxford Borough tapping fee.

Also approved was the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificate of Appropriateness for 401 Market Street, which is the former Borough Hall building.

Borough council signed off on the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce Special Event Permit Application for the Memorial Day Remembrance Walk on May 25, and the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Special Event Permit Applications for the Movies in the Park series on June 19, July 17, August 2, and October 3, the Village Market on

Thursdays from May 7 through October 22, the Sidewalk Sessions on June 5, the Hometown Harvest on August 7, the Car Show on September 4, and the First Friday events on October 2 and December 4. Also approved was the Special Event Permit Application for the Voices Underground Juneteenth Festival on June 21 from

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oxford Memorial Park. Oxford Borough Council approved the MECO Construction Inc. pay application No. 5 in the amount of $471,026.70 for the Mt. Vernon Street “Dig Once” Project.

The next meeting of the Oxford Borough Council will be held on April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Borough Hall.

Oxford United Methodist...

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tivities. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a handmade signature quilt, created to mark the anniversary year.

Over 70 quilts, from recent creations to vintage beauties were on display, showing the diversity of the quilt-makers’ artistry. Some of the quilts were crafted in traditional quilt patterns, while others departed from the structured patches to create unique pieces that carried personal themes such as sports or summer flip-flops.

The signature quilt hung in a place of honor beside an antique signature quilt from 1884 which also originated in the Oxford United Methodist Church.

Members of the church signed the blocks on the new quilt which also incorporated a fabric print of a painting of the church done by Patricia Reese, a local artist and church member.

Historical moments have been presented biweekly during church services. The congregation has also been singing an anniversary anthem written by Nancy Pedrick, a member of the Oxford Trio and one of the church’s past organists. A book of photos and historical information was printed and is being sold.

Upcoming events for this anniversary year include an organ recital by Pedric at 3 p.m. on May 17. The community is invited to enjoy an afternoon of good music while also learning about the history of the church’s pipe organ.

On June 27 the community is invited to enjoy the monthly breakfast and a history tour of the church. A Church Picnic and Homecoming Service will take place in the fall.

A citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Pa. House of Representatives acknowledging the 175th anniversary will be presented to the church at a future date which has yet to be determined.

The Oxford United Methodist Church is located at 18 Addison Street in Oxford.

Opinion

Editorial Guest Column

Celebrating a century of contributions

At the local level, the positive impact of the Rotary Club of Oxford can be seen all around—in the inclusive playground equipment at Oxford Memorial Park, through the support the Rotary provided to the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center food pantry, or in the financial support that the Rotary has offered to local nonprofits that serve on the front lines of helping those in need. At the global level, the Rotary Club of Oxford made contributions to Rotary International’s larger initiative to eradicate polio worldwide. Rotary International includes more than 1.2 million members in over 31,000 clubs across more than 165 countries, and since the landmark PolioPlus program launched in 1985, there has been significant progress toward eradicating polio worldwide. Cases of polio have declined by more than 99 percent, bringing the world to the brink of eliminating the disease. The Rotary Club of Oxford is celebrating a century of contributions to the community this year. A major event is planned for April 25 that will include a luncheon, entertainment, and information about local community projects. The club will also be recognizing community leaders from the past and present. The event will be held at Ware Presbyterian Village, Vista Ridge Pavilion, from noon to 2 p.m. The event will celebrate an organization that has played a vital role in the local community through both financial contributions and hands-on volunteer service.

Small

businesses make a big impact

One illustration of how small businesses, and small business owners, can make a big impact in the local community is the Sanders Team Realty, which was recently honored with a Chamber of Commerce award. Jeff and Corrie Sanders, the owners of The Sanders Team Realty, have managed to find success in business despite the many challenges that small businesses face. Jeff Sanders also lives with the military combat injury he suffered In battle in Iraq 21 years ago that robbed him of his legs.

In addition to their business, Jeff coaches football at Unionville High School and mentors youngsters at the Lighthouse Youth Center. Corrie is the board chairman of Oxford Neighborhood Services Center and coaches youth swimming. Both have earned praises for contributing their time and energies to benefit groups and individuals in need in the local community. This demonstrates how small businesses, and small business owners, make a big impact on the world around them.

A note to our subscribers

This letter is to inform you that this edition will serve as the last printed copy of the Chester County Press.

Since 1866, this newspaper has continually served the community of Southern Chester County. However after 160 years, we have made the difficult decision to no longer offer a printed version.

We will strive to continue serving our audience with access to our Life Magazine Series, and special event publications. Please call (610) 869-5553 if you have any questions.

Chester County Press

Steve Hoffman Managing Editor

Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Betsy Brewer Brantner............... Contributing Writer

Marcella Peyre-Ferry................. Contributing Writer

Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

Monica Thompson Fragale........ Contributing Writer

Sherry Hutchinson .......................... Graphic Designer

Alan E. Turns Advertising Director

Teri Turns Advertising Executive

Helen E. Warren Advertising Executive Gabbie Burton............................

To beat China, we need to double down on American exceptionalism

By Jeff Gerrish

China could soon overtake America as the world's biotech powerhouse. Such a development would have dire implications for our economy and national security.

In 2025, Chinese biotech companies inked over $135 billion worth of licensing deals with large pharmaceutical firms -- about half the global total, and nearly twice the value of licensing deals inked by U.S. biotechs. China also now conducts more clinical trials than we do. Chinese firms originate 30% of all new drugs in the global development pipeline, barely trailing America's 36% share.

Simply put, China's current capabilities nearly rival ours. And they've been increasing at an exponential rate for the past decade, ever since Beijing designated biotech as a critical industry and decided to spare no expense to promote progress.

Fortunately, China’s ascension isn't a foregone conclusion.

The Trump administration is already working to boost the industry -- both by streamlining the regulatory process and forcing trading partners to start paying market prices for American companies' drugs.

For instance, the administration recently pressured the United Kingdom to double its spending on new medicines as a share of GDP over the coming decade -- a seismic change that could increase U.S. companies' revenues by billions of dollars.

Yet some in Congress are contemplating a proposal that'd more than cancel out any gains that American biotechs reap from the Trump administration's reforms.

Lawmakers in both parties have sponsored legislation that'd tie U.S. drug prices to the lower prices that prevail in other developed nations, which for decades have used a variety of direct and indirect price controls and non-tariff trade barriers to artificially suppress drug spending.

These lawmakers believe that it's unfair that

American patients, insurers, and taxpayers must fund an inordinate share of the cost of developing new medicines.

And they're right. It's deeply unfair.

But their proposal wouldn't end the freeloading by forcing other countries to pay fair market prices. It would only implode America's biotech industry. Capping U.S. prices at the artificially suppressed levels in peer countries would reduce American drug companies' revenues by nearly half, according to the former acting chair of President Trump's White House Council of Economic Advisers. That, in turn, would force firms to slash future research and development spending by 48%.

Automatically tying U.S. prices to the levels set by foreign bureaucracies would also undermine American sovereignty -- and kneecap the Trump administration's ability to negotiate better trade deals, like the one it inked with the United Kingdom.

At a moment when Beijing

Opinion

is pouring resources into biotechnology, Congress should be working to keep America in the lead. That means strengthening the intellectual property protections that spur investment and working with the administration to cut red tape and make it easier for companies to research, develop, and manufacture medicines in America.

American capitalism made America's biotech sector the most powerful in the world. And while we face a very real threat from a rising China, there's every reason to remain optimistic. If we simply double down on our strengths -and avoid the pitfalls of price controls -- we can beat back this challenge and protect our economy, our national security, and our collective health.

Ambassador Jeffrey Gerrish served as the Deputy U.S. Trade Representative for Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Industrial Competitiveness from 2018 to 2020. This piece originally ran in Townhall.

Veterans are leading the way in healing – again

By Rob Lewis DAV (Disabled American Veterans) National Communications Director

By any honest measure, veterans have long been unintended pioneers in the advancement of medicine.

The unique realities of war and military service have forced innovation that later benefits civilians for generations. Modern triage systems emerged from battlefields where medical personnel had to decide, in seconds, who could be saved. Medevac transportation by helicopter increased survival rates in conflicts like Vietnam and later became a staple of civilian emergency medicine. Advances in trauma surgery, prosthetics, rehabilitation medicine and even treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder were accelerated because war left no alternative but to innovate.

that will eventually help the wider public.

The trauma surgeon who honed life-saving techniques in Iraq or Afghanistan eventually brings that knowledge into a civilian hospital. The battlefield innovations that once saved a wounded Marine often become the protocols that save a car crash victim decades later.

The same dynamic is unfolding with psychedelic-assisted therapies.

As author Michael Pollan observed while chronicling the modern psychedelic renaissance, these substances can allow people to see the mind “from a different vantage point,” loosening rigid patterns of thought that keep people trapped in trauma and depression.

therapies are safe, accessible and responsibly integrated into medicine.

But once again, veterans are helping lead the way.

Many are speaking publicly about their experiences. Others are participating in clinical trials. Still, others are advocating in Washington, D.C., and statehouses across the nation for thoughtful policy reforms that would allow those suffering from mental and physical health challenges to access emerging treatments under medical supervision.

Their efforts echo the long and often uncomfortable truth about our history: The lessons learned from war rarely stay confined to those who served. Again and again, veterans are asked to carry the burden of innovation first, forced to navigate new approaches to healing long before they are accepted by the broader medical community.

Today, veterans are once again on the frontlines of an advance in medicine— this time involving psychedelics—as they search for ways to address the invisible wounds of war: post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression and moral injury.

I saw this firsthand at the Psychedelic Science 2025 conference in Denver, where thousands of researchers, clinicians, advocates and policymakers gathered to explore the therapeutic potential of substances like psilocybin, MDMA and ibogaine. But what stood out most was an emerging voice.

Veterans.

Panel after panel featured former service members and their families speaking not only about trauma, but about recovery—about journeys through plant medicine that helped them process memories, reconnect and rediscover purpose.

That same reality reached a broader audience through the Netflix documentary “In Waves and War,” which follows veterans pursuing healing, breaking addiction and reducing the effects of brain injuries and PTSD through the use of ibogaine. The stories are deeply personal, but the larger theme is unmistakable: veterans are once again walking point in a space

Increasingly, the question is no longer whether these therapies hold promise, but how they can be responsibly studied and integrated into modern medicine. Unlike past medical breakthroughs, progress here will stall without public understanding, policy reform and responsible investment.

That’s one reason DAV (Disabled American Veterans) recently launched Mindscapes, a new online multimedia resource dedicated to psychedelic education and exploration. The platform brings together the voices of veterans who have undergone plant-medicine journeys alongside clinicians, researchers and mental health professionals working in the field. Mindscapes offers a place for veterans, families and the public to engage with credible information, hear real stories and participate in a conversation that is shaping the future of mental health care.

The timing could not be more important.

We are living in uncertain times and that’s pushing more people toward exploring new ways to address mental health, personal resilience and overall quality of life.

Psychedelic-assisted therapies may offer one such path.

Research from major universities and medical institutions suggests these treatments could help people process trauma, confront addiction and experience profound psychological insight. Much work remains to ensure these

Just as battlefield triage and medevac ultimately transformed emergency medicine, the knowledge veterans are helping generate today about psychedelic-assisted therapies could expand how we understand healing itself.

If history is any guide, the breakthroughs veterans are helping unlock today will one day benefit millions beyond the military community. But that future depends on what happens next, on whether we choose to learn, to listen, and to support thoughtful, evidence-based progress.

Veterans have once again stepped forward to lead.

The question now is whether the rest of us are willing to follow.

Rob Lewis is the national communications director for DAV (Disabled American Veterans). Lewis is a service-disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served as an award-winning staff reporter until he was honorably discharged in 1998. He continued his military service as a photojournalist in the Ohio Army National Guard until 2004. Lewis joined DAV’s professional staff in 2002 and has been national communications director since 2019. Learn more about DAV’s resources for veterans at dav.org.

Tender Ground exhibit explores vulnerability and environment

other artists and friends of friends,” McBride said. “It’s a very tight-knit community.”

trusting of the humans who are taking care of them. So that, to us, speaks to tenderness and vulnerability.”

place in transition, where land, memory, and image move at the same slow pace toward disappearance,” reads Hertzler’s statement.

offering unique works of art to the community.

“We want to bring something different to the community, and something exciting,” Vinton said.

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Tender Ground, a lens-based art exhibit currently on display at The Hook Experiment in Oxford, explores vulnerability, place and the environment through the works of four women artists based in the region.

The exhibit, which has been on display since March 21, will run through May 1 for local art enthusiasts and curious community members, giving them a chance to explore and immerse themselves in each of the artists’ works.

“What we were looking for and found with these four artists was this underlying theme of unrest and concern, a lot about

the environment,” said Constance McBride, a Hook Experiment board member and curator of the exhibit. “It’s an unstable footing, the ground is very shaky right now, and that's what's coming through in various ways with these four artists.”

The four artists include Lynda Schmid from Chadds Ford, Sarah R. Bloom from Narberth and Marnie Ellen Hertzler and Jonna McKone from Baltimore. Both McBride, The Hook Experiment founder, Vicki Vinton and board member and curator Lisa Baird are all artists themselves and explained their process of finding artists to include in the exhibits.

“We consider our artist friends to connect us with

In curating pieces for exhibits McBride and Vinton explained that they look for under-represented artists and are attracted to experimental work. They also shared that in putting together an exhibit they want to collaborate with artists and create something as a collective.

“I'll say it again, we're an artist-run gallery space and we want to treat other artists like we would want to be treated,” Vinton said. “We’re very open to what the artist’s vision is but they also want our feedback, too.”

“I think part of that is not being used to that,” McBride added. “That's what is making us stand out as a different kind of organization, putting the artist first.”

For the Tender Ground exhibit, each artists’ work varies greatly and contributes to the overall exhibit in their own unique ways. For example, Schmid’s work features photographs of horses taken from different angles that are then framed together, slightly askew, creating a disjointed image of the animal.

“It's a little bit about the fragility and the trust of the animal,” said Vinton. “In a lot of them you'll see the belly will be exposed which, with animals, is very vulnerable and it's also

Bloom’s work is a series of self-portraits where she poses nude from behind in decaying and abandoned spaces. In her artist statement Bloom writes that her work explores identity, visibility and what it means to age as a woman and states that she sees herself as an extension of the spaces she poses in. The vulnerability involved in nude self portraiture is obvious for viewers but Vinton and McBride elaborate on how Bloom’s work contributes to the themes of the exhibit.

“It's brave to expose yourself as an artist, period,” Vinton said. “She's just brave in her vision. That's the vulnerability, the tenderness and her body is her tender ground.”

Hertzler’s works titled “Material Study on Disappearance" and “Time Enough to Go” focus on Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay. The collection features items found on the beach of the island as well as disposable camera images taken by the residents which all depict the disappearance of the island as water levels rise and slowly wash away the home of the existing community, tying into both the vulnerability and environmental themes of the exhibit.

“Together, the images form a document of a

McKone’s work features chemigrams, a technique that uses photo chemicals on light sensitive paper creating abstract images. McKone used dirt and materials from the environment in her chemigrams, providing a literal interpretation to the Tender Ground exhibit.

“The work is about presence, absence, histories and futures contained within terrains,” McKone wrote in her description of the work.

“The prints are meditations that explode out of false territories, the gathering and storytelling process, environmental damage and the soil itself.”

Vinton and McBride explained that the response from the community for the exhibit has been positive and are enjoying the last few weeks of the exhibit before the closing reception on May 1. Moving forward, the pair want to continue

Mayor holds livestream...

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online from wherever they are and be able to just ask questions and get responses from the builders and to share anything that they would like to be able to share,” he said.

As much as this livestream is an opportunity for the community, it is also an opportunity for the developers to gain insight into their project.

“Sometimes, in a small rural community like this, people are afraid to walk into an art gallery and we really want to be as open and have our arms open for everybody.”

Vinton and McBride said that they hope to educate and stir the imagination of the community through their space. On the other side of things for the artists they collaborate with, the pair thoroughly emphasize the importance of supporting artists’ creative journeys and giving space to artists who may have never received it before.

“Part of our mission, is allowing artists to do experimental work and we're not afraid to put it out there for people to see,” McBride said. “What we want to do is offer space for people that are having maybe not so great a time getting their work out there.”

“It's an opportunity for them to directly speak to the residents and answer their concerns,” Fetick said. “If there are concerns that they need to address or that they want to address, they can start backing that into their plan and I think that's the important part.”

The livestream link is available on the borough website calendar. However, for those unable to make it, the stream will be uploaded to the borough website to watch at a later time.

In the Spotlight

Brandywine Museum of Art’s exhibition features a contemporary eye on still life

A new exhibition, Abundance/Excess: A Contemporary Eye on Still Life, will gather works by 10 contemporary artists who draw on the legacy of still life painting in their practice.

Still life has a long reputation as a genre for aesthetic experimentation, and the artists in Abundance/Excess continue in this tradition of exploration and play while also incorporating still life’s thematic emphasis on time, impermanence,

and the politics of bounty. The first section of the exhibition, “Abundance,” will feature contemporary artworks that interrogate the forms and distribution of wealth in American history, and to question how we buy and sell in the present. The second section of the exhibition, “Excess,” considers the environmental and social impacts of overconsumption. Many of the featured artworks incorporate discarded and repurposed materials, including bath

towels, trash-picked toys, and collaged grocery flyers. As a whole, the artists in Abundance/Excess use representations of fish, fruit, meat, and flowers to consider larger questions about the effects and consequences of industrial extraction and production.

Artists in the exhibition are Kate Abercrombie, Sungho Bae, Katie Butler, Ilana Harris-Babou, Nadia Hironaka and Matthew Suib, King Cobra, Tamara Kostianovsky, sTo Len, Cara Romero, and Misha Wyllie.

Upcoming programs and events related to the exhibition include lively discussions about “Abundance/Excess: A Contemporary Eye on Still-Life,” on Wednesday, April 15, Wednesday, April 22, Wednesday, April 29, and Wednesday, May 6. Each discussion takes place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Abundance/Excess: A Contemporary Eye on Still Life is curated by Kerry Bickford, the associate curator at the Brandywine Museum of Art. Support for this exhibition is provided by the Every Page Foundation and the Tuttleman Family Foundation.

The Brandywine Museum of Art features an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century Mill building with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine Creek.

The museum is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford. Current admission rates and hours of operation can be found at www.brandywine.org/hours. Guided tours of the Andrew Wyeth Studio, N. C. Wyeth House & Studio and the Kuerner Farm—all National Historic Landmarks—are available seasonally (for an additional fee), and advance reservations are recommended. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywine.org/museum.

Rotary Club

of Oxford kicks off 100th anniversary celebration

The Rotary Club of Oxford’s 100th Anniversary Celebration will be a year-long event beginning in Rotary Year 2026, with a major event planned for April 25. The event will be at Ware Presbyterian Village, Vista Ridge Pavilion, from noon to 2 p.m. It will include luncheon, entertainment, and information about local community projects. The club will also be recognizing community leaders from the past and present. The Rotary International—the world’s first and largest nonprofit service organization—was founded on February 23, 1905, when Paul Harris met with three friends in Chicago to promote

business fellowship. The name “Rotary” originated from the early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices.

The Rotary Club of Oxford was granted its charter on April 1, 1926. Its public launch followed on April 13, 1926, with a dinner at the Oxford Hotel. The club began with 17 members, and its first president was Charles C. Bear. In 1955, Rotary International adopted the Four-Way Test, conceived by Herbert J. Taylor. This ethical guide continues to shape Rotarians’ decisions in business, community, and personal affairs—Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it

build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

For a century, the Rotary Club of Oxford has played a vital role in the local community through both financial contributions and hands-on volunteer service.

Among its many initiatives, the club has recognized high school seniors for community service for more than 50 years, provided quarterly financial support to local nonprofit organizations, supported the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center food pantry, managed the Oxford Rotary Children’s Circus for many years, led the design, funding, and construction of inclusive

playground equipment at Oxford Memorial Park, a project valued at approximately $150,000, and contributed to Rotaplast International, supporting surgical care for children with cleft conditions in underserved countries.

Rotary’s global impact includes its landmark PolioPlus program, launched in 1985 to eradicate polio worldwide. Since then, cases have declined by more than 99 percent, bringing the world to the brink of eliminating the disease. The Rotary Club of Oxford has proudly supported this effort through significant contributions over the years.

Today, Rotary International includes more than 1.2 million

members in over 31,000 clubs across more than 165 countries.

Locally, the Rotary Club of Oxford continues its commitment to service through partnerships with the Oxford Area School District, supporting Interact and EarlyAct programs, as well as a Rotaract club at Lincoln University. The club also participates in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, having hosted and sent students abroad for more than 70 years, with participants from countries including Brazil, Romania, and Germany. For reservations to the April 25 event, please call Jim McLeod at 610-256-5794. The ticket cost is $25 per person.

CCIU officials honored at PASBO Conference

Two Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) officials, Joseph Lubitsky, the director of administrative services, and Wendy Arters, the transportation manager, were honored with awards at the 71st Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) annual conference that took place last month.

Lubitsky was named the recipient of the Gary E. Reeser Memorial Award, which is PASBO’s highest honor and is presented to

an outstanding member who exemplifies professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business. Recipients are also recognized for their meaningful contributions to PASBO, support of colleagues, and commitment to community engagement.

“I am sincerely grateful for this recognition,” Lubitsky said. “PASBO has been an important professional community for me and my colleagues. The Gary Reeser Award represents

some of the highest standards in school business and operations. This is truly a reflection of the entire Chester County Intermediate Unit team, whose professionalism and shared values allow us to serve students and school districts across the Commonwealth.”

“This recognition is a testament to Joe’s exceptional leadership, unwavering professionalism, and deep commitment to advancing the field of school business,” said CCIU executive direc-

tor Dr. George F. Fiore. “Joe’s impact extends far beyond our organization. He has mentored colleagues, strengthened systems, and elevated the work of school business officials across Pennsylvania. We are fortunate to have his expertise and vision guiding our work, and this award reflects the meaningful difference he makes for our schools, our partners, and ultimately, the learners we serve.”

Arters received PASBO’s David L. Nett Leadership Award. Arters was honored for her exemplary service and leadership in the school transportation profession, including her work as President of the Delaware Valley Transportation regional chapter during the 2025-2026 school year.

Sappey invites residents to free Senior Citizen Fair on April 18

State Rep. Christina Sappey is hosting a Senior Citizen Fair on Saturday, April 18. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the Unionville High School gymnasium at 750 Unionville Road.

The Senior Citizen Fair will include nearly 60 vendors providing information about state programs and services.

Health screenings, including blood pressure readings and hearing tests, will be offered. People 65 or older with a valid photo ID can apply for or renew a SEPTA Key Card.

The event will also include light refreshments and music performed by Unionville High School student musicians.

Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items for the Kennett Area Community Service Food Cupboard. Donations are not required to attend the event.

Registration is required. To RSVP for the Senior Citizen Fair, residents can contact Sappey’s office by calling 484-200-8264 or emailing RepSappey@ pahouse.net.

Calvert Grange plans yard sales and craft shows

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Much of the rich farmland that existed in the Pennsylvania and Maryland area may have been swallowed up by developments, but advocates such as the Farm Grange still exist to protect those few farms that are still providing us with their bounty.

Calvert Grange #424, a mere “stone’s throw away” from southern Chester County, was founded in 1953 in Calvert, Maryland, which borders on the states of Pennsylvania and Delaware. It is the only Grange in Cecil County.

The Grange has continuously fought for the rights of farmers and rural Americans everywhere, taking hometown words and policies to the steps of Congress year after year. If not for the Granges, farmers would have had to struggle even more to get fair prices for crops, milk, livestock and other agricultural products.

Based on reports from early 2026, American farmers are experiencing significant financial pressure, with farm bankruptcies rising 46 percent yearover-year in 2025 and 76 percent of economists declaring the crop sector in a recession. Despite federal aid, many face challenges from trade war tariffs impacting exports and rising costs, although some sectors have received billions in emergency assistance.

Tariffs have continued to disrupt international markets, particularly for soybean farmers, with some major buyers stopping purchases. When that happens it may hurt the farmer for years because those buyers will find other sellers.

Making a living off of farming has become increasingly difficult. Net farm income is forecasted to decline, with soaring costs for fertilizer and fuel. As of the end of March 2026, the ongoing war with Iran has caused major fertilizer shortages and soaring costs, with U.S. farmers facing a projected 2 million ton

shortage this spring due to blockades in the Persian Gulf. The crisis is fueled by disrupted supplies of critical nutrients (nitrogen, urea) that are vital for spring planting, particularly for corn.

Although farming and agriculture has changed tremendously in recent years, Granges continue to be a vital part of the entire community. It is impressive to see how active this particular grange continues to be and how it still serves the people of Cecil County.

Eleanor Cline, the president of the Calvert Grange said, “The grange continues to welcome new members and continues to maintain the building, which includes a new HVAC system. We have plans for more improvements in this building which serves people from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware.” Cline added, “Upkeep isn’t cheap but we feel we provide a great venue, for meetings, for family functions, plus yard sales and craft shows.”

One thing that brings crafters to this grange is being able to buy beautiful yarns or felting wool that come directly from local sheep, llamas, and alpacas.

If this hasn’t piqued your interest, the Calvert Grange will be selling food and beverages inside during the events.

The first yard sale of the year is coming up on April 25 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sales will take place inside and outside. Another yard sale will take place on August 15, when there will be a back-toschool theme to the sale.

Craft shows are scheduled for November 7 and December 5, with the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note all crafts that are being sold must be made by the seller. For more information on joining the grange, reserving the venue or signing up for events, go to calvertgrange.org.

“We are always looking for new members,” Cline said. “The grange is a great family experience and resource, plus we help farmers.”

Retired WCU faculty member explores redemption and life without parole in new book

A female inmate serving life without parole (LWOP) since 1972 painted the cover for Life After Life, a new book authored by Dr. Brian F. O’Neill, retired criminal justice faculty. The image shows a bridge linking a prison doorway to a community. The bridge’s building blocks display words meaningful for an incarcerated person’s journey to redemption such as self-awareness, mentoring, honesty, humility, skills, and family.

In Life After Life, O’Neill explores topics related to LWOP using case studies and interviews with those serving their time, some behind bars for 40 or 50 years. It details history, the Board of Pardons, juvenile LWOP, commutation, females sentenced to life in prison, victim perspectives, restorative justice, and several case studies. It is primarily centered on Pennsylvania, which leads the world in juveniles sentenced to life.

It was through teaching Inside/Out courses, in which traditional college students learn alongside the incarcerated in a prison classroom, that Dr. O’Neill established connections with “lifers,” those serving life sentences. “Lifers are a stabilizing force in prisons,” he said. “You see a fellowship among them. They help one another,” for example, in those classes.

He maintained connections with some of those individuals in his Inside/Out courses at Pennsylvania’s Montgomery County Correctional Facility and State Correctional Institution (SCI) Chester and interviewed them for his book. Life after Life explores recidivism and redemption by following some inmates who have been exceptions and have been paroled from life sentences.

O’Neill retired in 2024 after teaching at WCU for 26 years. While on the faculty, he took his students on tours of prisons, with the idea that “anyone working within the criminal justice system should see all sides of it, not just law enforcement.” In the spring 2024 semester, he organized a program that brought to campus nearly a dozen individuals whose lives in prison transformed them into agents of positive community change. The presenters — and some of the lifers in his book — demonstrate the power of redemption.

Dr. O’Neill also wrote, narrated, and produced El Padre y Los Homies, a radio documentary about Father Greg Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention program in Los Angeles, and brought Boyle to campus several times.

Life After Life is available on Amazon.

Obituaries

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Vermeil headlines Chester County's corporate sponsor reception

Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Dick Vermeil joined local business leaders and community partners at the Corporate Sponsor Reception on March 31 at the offices of Brumbaugh Wealth Management, located in Eagleview Corporate Center. The reception was held in appreciation of sponsors supporting the 2026 Chester County United Way Golf Classic, which will take place on April 27 at Penn Oaks Golf Club. The evening featured networking, hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and a special opportunity for sponsors to meet Coach Vermeil during a 75-minute reception designed to celebrate the partnerships that help strengthen the Chester County community.

Vermeil, a beloved figure in the Philadelphia sports community, built a legendary career in the National Football League. As head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, he led the team to the Super Bowl following the 1980 season. Over a 15-year NFL coaching career, Vermeil also led the St. Louis Rams to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV and guided the Kansas City Chiefs to an AFC West title. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of

Fame in 2022 and is widely respected for his passionate leadership, integrity, and ongoing commitment to philanthropy and youth-focused initiatives.

“Having Coach Vermeil join us for this special reception was an incredible opportunity for our sponsors and supporters,” said Christina Wagoner, senior vice president of financial

development at Chester County United Way. “His leadership, dedication to community service, and strong connection to the Philadelphia region made him the perfect guest to help us kick off this year’s Golf Classic. We are grateful for the partners who make this event—and the work we do across Chester County—possible.”

Centreville Layton School

Centreville Layton School is looking to continue its tradition of providing a summer program that offers targeted support to strengthen literacy and math skills through a challenging, dynamic, and therapeutic program. Every year, they welcome their own students, as well as students from local independent, parochial, and public schools from PreK through 8th grade.

Families seek Centreville Layton School for its well-rounded program that combines academic and recreational opportunities. The academic portion of the Summer Program is designed to review, enhance, and enrich academic skills so that students are prepared to start a new school year in the fall. Centreville Layton School prides itself on small class sizes, so each student receives the attention he or

she needs.

In addition to the academic portion of the day, their recreational program provides students the opportunity to develop their social-emotional skills while making new friends. Afternoon campers enjoy weekly trips to the pool and a full program of creative hands-on activities and recreational games to keep students active and engaged. Centreville Layton’s Summer Program takes place on their 20-acre campus in Centreville, Delaware. To

Brandywine Virtual Academy brings learning to life at Longwood Gardens

Students enrolled in Brandywine Virtual Academy (BVA) stepped beyond the screen and into nature during a recent in-person field trip to Longwood Gardens ahead of Earth Day. The visit offered middle school students the opportunity to explore environmental science, conservation, and plant biodiversity in one of the region’s most renowned educational gardens.

BVA is a fully online learning program operated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), and it incorporates in-person field trips into its instructional model to allow students to engage with course content through hands-on, place-based learning experiences at local educational sites. The Longwood Gardens trip reflects BVA’s commitment to offering meaningful learning opportunities that extend beyond virtual classrooms.

“Brandywine Virtual Academy teachers intentionally design learning experiences that balance the flexibility of online instruction with meaningful opportunities for students to learn together in person,” said Melonie Schmitt, BVA K-8 assistant principal. “Field trips like this allow students to make real-world connections to what they are learning online, deepen their understanding through hands-on experiences, and build relationships with peers and teachers in ways that truly enrich the virtual learning model.”

BVA Teacher Rebecca Chelius agreed, adding, “In an online environment, we often teach through models, simulations, and videos. A student can watch a video on photosynthesis, but standing in a conservatory where they can feel the humidity and see the variety of plants helps to shift science from a concept in their heads to something real right before their eyes. They stop seeing science as simply a school subject and start viewing it as a career path.”

During the visit, students explored indoor and outdoor gardens, observed seasonal plantings, and learned about sustainability practices, ecosystem stewardship, and the role botanical institutions play in environmental education. The experience complemented BVA science coursework while encouraging students to draw connections to concepts discussed online.

“The visit to Longwood Gardens helped me understand that condensation is not just in the clouds, it could also be on the edge of a greenhouse, for example,” said Joshua Nye, a seventh-grade Brandywine Virtual Academy student from Downingtown Area School District. “As we were walking through the greenhouse, I saw a bunch of water on the glass panels. Then I understood.”

Nye went on to explain that the field trip gave him an

opportunity to meet his classmates and make new friends, as well as cultivate a better appreciation for conservation efforts. “This visit really helped me as I now understand how much effort it takes to take care of the Earth,” he said. “At the same time, I realize that the payout is more than the cost. The payout is a wonderful garden for many people to explore, and I really think that kind of washes out the fact that it takes a while to clean up and take care of.”

As BVA looks ahead to the next school year, the program plans to offer even more in-person experiences that allow students to apply academic concepts, build connections, and engage beyond the virtual classroom.

BVA offers students throughout the state the opportunity to attend school virtually while earning their class credits and diploma from their sending school. Courses are developed and taught by locally based, Pennsylvania-certified teachers, and BVA curriculum aligns with Pennsylvania state standards. To learn more about BVA, please visit www.bva.cciu.org.