Chester County Press 02-04-2026 Edition

Local fire companies face a growing range of challenges

By Winthrop Rodgers Contributing Writer

make up the historic district have common attics where fire can spread easily and heavy smoke had been spotted from the roofline. Firefighters in full gear

walked calmly and purposefully toward apparent danger.

“If a fire gets in, it doesn’t take that long to go from one end to the other,” Longwood Fire Chief A.J. McCarthy told the Chester County Press in an interview back at the firehouse.

Fortunately, the fire on State Street that day was only a minor incident. Some food packaging had gotten too close to the grill at a restaurant and began to smolder, causing the

smoke to go up a vent to the roof. In the end, there was no damage or injuries, but highlighted the everpresent need for a robust fire service.

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Photo by Winthrop Rodgers Fire companies respond to an emergency call on State Street in Kennett Square last fall. One challenge that fire companies face is being able to respond promptly to emergency situations, no matter when they arise.

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Kennett area photographer Karl Leck is gearing up for the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show,

awaiting the event’s showing and judging of an image he has submitted.

His print “Laurel Hill” was accepted by a photography judging panel for this

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Kennett Square’s youngest-ever council member digs into the business of the borough

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

When Juan Tafolla made history this past November as the youngest-ever elected official in Kennett Square history at just 19-years-old and with a record-breaking number of votes, the bar was set to a new high. With his sights set on tackling the borough’s hot-button issues including the NVF

site, affordable housing and fire and EMS services, the council member has his work cut out for him.

However heavy the burden of hard work may be, Tafolla doesn’t show it. Instead, his drive and passion easily shine through, showing a dogged determination and sense of clarity that explains his early rise to community leadership.

“I was always interested in

having a career in government as my second option, but it didn’t become my full thing that I wanted to do until I was in 10th grade in high school,” Tafolla said.

“I talked to my grandpa and uncle. We did a trip to Mexico, and we had a conversation about politics, and it made me realize that I think this is my way to give back to the town that I grew up in and the town that gave

us opportunities.”

Tafolla cites his family as a major source of inspiration in his passion for public service.

“I have some family members and family lineage that are in politics and public service,” he said. “I always joke around with people and say it was that gene that was waiting to be activated in me.”

Tafolla, now 20, gradu-

ated from Kennett High School in 2024 and has lived in Kennett for almost his entire life, moving from Delaware as an infant. He shared how he feels the community has shaped his views and aspirations.

“I saw the town grow from the 2010s to 2020,” he said. “We had big waves of Hispanic or Latino people, and seeing those two

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‘I don’t know who we are anymore’ Immigration attorney shares challenges in wake of nationwide ICE escalation

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

While our local communities here in southern Chester County are certainly no stranger to the presence of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), recent developments happening in Minnesota and in the federal govern-

ment have placed them front and center in the national conversation. Immigration attorney Lindsey Sweet of Sweet and Paciorek, LLC in Avondale recently sat down with the Chester County Press to discuss the escalation of ICE activities and the legal and local impacts these developments have.

Chester County Press : How log have you been practicing immigration law, and why did you choose immigration law as a career?

Sweet: This is my 17th year practicing immigration law. I am the granddaughter of German Jewish refugees that came to the United States fleeing persecution,

and I have always seen it as my need to provide refuge and a safe place to be for immigrants seeking refuge in this country. I also have worked with the immigrant community in Chester County since graduating from college.

I’ve lived in Mexico. I’ve worked for the Chester County migrant education program. There was the combination of my own personal background, with the knowledge that the needs of this community were also great, both for those seeking refuge, but also those seeking to remain here in a safe place and work and live and prosper in the same way that my family also wanted to.

“Everybody that’s involved in the

department, their main goal is the customer service of

tecting the community,” McCarthy said. “It is making sure that when you call, you get the appropriate help in the appropriate amount of time — every time.”

The fire services in Chester County deliver on this promise, but they face a growing range of challenges. They must fund, staff, and equip a blended volunteer-career force with the tools they need to keep people safe, while responding to the needs of a growing and changing community.

They are also dealing with an increase in the number of calls for services. The three fire stations involved in the Kennett Fire and EMS Regional Commission (KFERC), Longwood, Kennett, and Po-Mar-Lin, responded to 4,494 combined fire and EMS calls in 2017.

In 2024, they responded to 5,014 incidents, a 11.57

increase in just a few years.

Nearby fire departments like West Grove and Avondale are seeing the same dynamics at work.

Avondale Fire Chief Guy Swift attributed the increase largely to population growth in the area, although other factors are in play including the presence of medical facilities and senior living facilities.

The pressure of having to respond to more calls exacerbates more fundamental issues.

All of the local fire departments operate as non-profit organizations, rather than governmentowned entities. While all of them receive significant amounts of public money from the municipalities that they serve, they must search for additional funding from grants in order to ensure they have the resources to work effectively. This balance can be tricky. Swift said that Avondale Fire Department is on a strong financial footing and works well with the municipalities that fund it, including Avondale

Borough, New Garden Township, and several other nearby communities.

“But it’s taxpayer money. You have to be able to justify your spending because [municipal leaders] have to be able to justify giving you the money and the increases you may be asking for,” he said.

“We apply for every grant possible,” he continued. “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you go and ask somebody and say, I need help with this project and I need X amount of dollars, they could tell you no. But they could also say, ‘here’s a check.’’’

Over at Longwood, McCarthy estimated that about half of the money coming into the company comes from grants, fundraising, and a few insurance reimbursements, while the remainder is from local municipalities.

“I can say that we’re fortunate because we have dedicated municipal officials that work with us on a monthly basis,” he said. But funding remains a persistent challenge.

A major driver of cost increases for fire departments in Chester County and across the country is equipment, with the prices of vehicles and other specialized tools mounting in recent years.

“When we first bought our old home fire truck, back in the mid-1980s, I remember it was about $83,000,” Swift said. “A Class A pumper right now is $1.1 million to $1.2 million. A new ambulance is going for probably $425,000.”

The growing cost of fire

apparatus is caused by a range of factors. This includes the price of materials like aluminum and components like computer chips, tariffs on those goods, inflation, and recent federal government regulations related to engine design. Increased demand for equipment from around the country and supply delays are also driving up prices.

More insidiously, there is also concern about the consolidation of the fire apparatus, ambulance, and emergency services industry with just a few companies dominating the market. Cities like La Crosse, Wisconsin and Augusta, Maine have sued major manufacturers, including Oshkosh, REV Group, and Rosenbauer America, accusing them of price fixing. The issue has even started to attract attention from Congress.

Riding Lessons for adults and children

Even once a truck is ordered, it can take several years for it to arrive. Individual fire companies must make do in the meantime.

“You just gotta wait,” Swift explained. “You put your order in and you have three years to try to raise the money. You have to plan a little bit more with your apparatus replacement.”

Despite these challenges, the fire chiefs felt like they were well-equipped to respond to the emergencies that they face.

“We’ve always tried to make sure that we had upto-date equipment, that it was in good working order, that it met current needs,” McCarthy said. He added that he and his staff have put in a lot of work into finding ways to ensure that municipal officials understand the reasoning behind proposed capital and equipment purchases, and that the fire companies are doing what they can to keep cost increases in check.

For example, all the firehouses now buy their personal protective equipment from the same manufacturer, which helps with compatibility, but also results in discounts from bulk purchases.

The local fire companies are also dealing with fundamental changes to staffing. Historically, they have worked on an all-volunteer

model, where members of the community pitch in their time on shifts at the fire station.

Dylan Blackburn is a 23-year-old volunteer at Longwood, who joined four years ago. He was inspired to join by his father, who was an assistant chief at the company.

When not on duty at the firehouse, Blackburn works as at a marketing services company. But on call, he usually sits in the front seat of his truck coordinating with all parts of the team to ensure they have the information they need to respond to the situation at hand.

“We love to help people. We love to help our community,” Blackburn said. “The people that you’re going to meet here [at the station], they share that same willingness to help and drop everything and it’s just a great community.”

Yet an all-volunteer arrangement is increasingly untenable in Chester County amid social and economic changes. In the mid-2010s, local fire departments began to rely on more career firefighters and EMS technicians to fill gaps in their 24/7 operations. This change added staffing costs to the departments’ ledger that were not present when

it was purely a volunteer force.

“Getting people to come volunteer their time is not easy today,” Blackburn said. “They have families to feed and families to spend time with. When you’re working more and you’re going to kids’ games and that kind of stuff, it just it eats away at your time in the firehouse.” Swift estimates that about 60 percent of firefighters at Avondale are volunteers, while 40 percent are career. The EMS side is almost all career technicians.

Despite the presence of more paid firefighters on the force, the connection that the volunteers have with the community remains an important hallmark of local firehouses and its non-emergency activities. In October, the Po-MarLin Fire Department hosted an open house at the fire station. Turnout was good with lots of families stopping by, despite competition with a Philadelphia Eagles game on TV. The adults chatted with station staff and children took turns climbing in and out the trucks.

A few weeks later, Avondale raised $9,500 by hosting a barbecue and shredding event at the firehouse. The homemade mushroom salad and the firehouse’s specialty chicken were highlights.

Not only are these events good opportunities for the firefighters to get to know their neighbors, who might need their help someday, but it is also an opportunity to pitch volunteering opportunities.

“There’s not really a feeling quite like serving your community,” Blackburn said. “I would just recommend that young people get involved and try it out.”

Leck...

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year’s show. He said that he sent two images digitally to the Flower Show in October and was advised by email on Jan. 6 that one was accepted.

There are eight categories of photo subjects to choose from, he said. The subject specification he chose is “a black and white photo of a historical or old cemetery or tombstone.” Each photograph must contain obvious plant material.

“‘Laurel Hill’ uses infrared and fisheye lens to show a cemetery in light and shape beyond human vision,” Leck added. “This is my first year entering photography at the Flower Show. I spent time carefully viewing last year’s photography exhibit and noted the high quality and originality of the accepted entries. For my two entries, I chose images that I thought fit the category and were original in concept. Experience has taught me that eye-catching

Immigration attorney...

Continued from Page 1A

If ICE has always been in the area, and you said that you’ve been practicing for 17 years now, has there been a moment in your career so far that compares to this one?

There were whispers of this during the first Trump administration. There was like a testing of the waters and justice prevailed, and then that was the end of it.

I think the difference now

originality is needed to get judges attention. Of course, that method can backfire if the image is out of the judges’ comfort zone.”

While the dominant theme of the show’s exhibits is historically flowers and decorative horticulture, the show in recent years has added photography for both adult and youth.

Leck, 80, has been engaged in photography for most of his adult life. He has traveled internationally and earned many awards.

is that the attack is not just on immigrants themselves but there’s also a changing of who the judges are that are hearing these cases. The motions to suppress arrests that we have filed under this current administration have been denied. So, the backstop that was there during the first administration appears to no longer be there. But yes, we saw how this could have gone under the prior administration, but it was stopped by the court system.

Going back to what you

He remains a member of many photographic groups and owns a daunting collection of equipment.

Leck’s lifelong absorption with, talent for and excellence in photography have always been with him. He continually keeps up with advances in equipment and techniques that can help create better images.

At the University of Delaware Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, he teaches the Fun Photography workshop of interesting

were saying about the “backstop” being gone, what are some implications of those changes and new rules that you are now dealing with in your work?

There were two cases that came out from the Board of Immigration Appeals that limited the immigration judge’s right to grant

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photography techniques. He almost yearly takes photo trips in the United States and abroad.

“My favorite trips were to six summer Olympic Games from 1976 to 2000 where I primarily photographed equestrian sports and also everything else I saw at these wonderful international gatherings,” he said.

He is also a life member of the Delaware Photographic Society and is a willing advisor to amateur

photographers.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is one of the most widely known, loved and attended shows in the world. This year, the dates are from Feb. 27 to March 8. Feb. 27 is the member preview day.

The show is held in the Pennsylvania Convention Center and it is easy to access from the west-

The

according

document,

1829 when

in a

That one-day exhibition showcased fruit. The first recorded theme was “Riviera” in 1960. This year’s theme is “Roots.”

Tafolla...

Continued from Page 1A

communities work hand by hand, borough-wise and in politics, it shows me diversity is valuable and getting to experience that in this town, I think, definitely helps in my career down the line.”

Additionally, Tafolla shared how this perspective and experience in town will help him in his new council role.

“Almost half [the borough’s] population is Hispanic, and being Hispanic on council helps me as well,” he said. “Being here for a while and growing up here, I think it makes me feel closer to our residents.”

Although Tafolla has prior experience with borough council, having served as a junior member of council in his senior year of high school, he is now a month

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release from custody if someone is detained. At this point, because of that limited jurisdiction by the immigration judge, we’ve had to go above the immigration judge’s head to the federal district court and get a federal district judge to issue release.

into his new and more official role and is learning to balance his goals and expectations with the reality of serving in local government. Most recently, council unexpectedly faced the recent resignation of two council members and the process of filling the vacancies.

“One member resigned during my first meeting, and we’ll be accepting a second one, so the resignations came as a shock,” he said. “We had amazing candidates and doing the whole vacancy process, I think was surprising to me. I didn’t expect to do that in my first two months on council.”

Expectations and responsibilities

However, Tafolla is not only balancing expectations but balancing responsibili-

If the case is rigged from the beginning and you were never going to release him, even if I had a right to ask you to release him, then kind of what is the point?

ties. On top of his council position, he also works part time as a legal assistant and is in his second year of college at West Chester University, where he is majoring in political science.

“I think a lot of people ask me, ‘How do you manage your schedule?’ I ask myself that, too,” he said. “I’m just good at balancing things. I think it’s just natural for me to balance work, council, school and my personal life.”

In order to do it all, some sacrifices must be made. For Tafolla, that means he doesn’t have the typical, carefree 20-year-old’s college experience.

“Now that I’m a public figure, parties are out of the door,” he said. “I’m probably missing out on something, but I’m happy with what I’m doing. I look at my responsibilities as

making an impact on oth-

ers, which outweighs any regrets I may have for not living the life of a typical 20-year-old.

“But we’ll see once I turn 21,” he added with a laugh. For others his age who similarly have lofty goals and may not mind skipping some parties to achieve their aspirations, Tafolla shared some words of advice.

“I feel that if I can do it, you can do it as well,” he said. “If you work hard for something, you’re most likely to get it. I think I proved that during this race. I was door knocking every day and I really put a lot of time into this, and at the end of the day it ended up going well. Believing in yourself and putting in the hard work pays off.”

While things may look different for Tafolla compared to his peers in college and his peers on council, he

feels positive about his first month as a council member and is looking forward to all the work to come.

“My first 100 days are going to be getting used to things, seeing how things

flow and talking to people,” he said. “It’s been going great right now.”

To contact Staff Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.

What has been happening is, in some cases, the federal district judges are just ordering release, and in other cases, they’re ordering the immigration judge to hear a bond hearing. In those bond hearings, the judges are then saying, “I’ll listen to your arguments, but this person is still a danger to the community. There’s still a flight risk, and I’m going to deny bond based on those.” So even though the judge is abiding by this order, the whole point of the order was to have this person released under a bond that was appropriate for their flight risk. But the judges are saying, “I’m still not going to release you,” so it’s kind of like it doesn’t matter.

That’s the concern. We’re going through all of these motions without ever having a chance of winning, that everything is stacked against us from the beginning. And ICE knows that the Department of Homeland Security knows that, they’re banking on that. It’s like two parties in this process are working together to make sure that no one ever wins.

While the current media focus of ICE is in Minneapolis, what has been happening in terms of its presence in Chester County?

So far, we really have been blessed to have a longer standing relationships with Enforcement and Removal Operations in Philadelphia and they have been abiding by the rule of law and we haven’t seen what we have been seeing in Minnesota. I fear, or kind of know, that a lot of that has to do with the numbers, and that

there just aren’t enough ICE agents or other federal law enforcement agents that are working together with ICE in order to do these mass operations in the community. If that were to change, I don’t doubt that we would see the exact same thing here that we are there. Right now, I think we’re blessed that there aren’t the numbers of agents and this is not –politically yet – it’s not our turn, but I don’t doubt that’s coming, but it’s a question of, “In what capacity?”

How often do you hear about raids in the area? What is the scale that we’re at?

We hear about targeted enforcement actions every day, from social media or clients calling. We hear about them routinely at the Magisterial District Court locally. In fact, it’s almost expected at this point that ICE will be present when there is criminal court in session. The numbers of people being detained are still limited. It’ll be one or two in a targeted enforcement action. We’re not seeing the mass levels of the kind of collateral arrest Immigration attorney...

that we’ve seen elsewhere. It definitely seems to still be targeted based on criminal contact or an old removal order that has yet to be executed. So that’s a distinction between what we’re seeing locally and what we’re seeing elsewhere.

Say someone’s family member was detained by ICE and they contact you. What happens next?

The initial thing would be to do a consultation with the family member that has the most information about them to determine their history. Did they already have contact with ICE or Customs and Border Patrol at entry many years ago? So that I can determine what remedies are available to them.

I would never just take a case without having enough information to make sure that it’s worth fighting, because it’s not always worth fighting. That’s the realization that sometimes it’s really difficult for families to understand that this battle was lost 20 years ago when your family member was removed at the border with Mexico, and

unfortunately, your family member has been operating as a fugitive for the past 20 years, maybe without even knowing it. Once we do take on one of those cases, we have to act very quickly. It’s really fast. It’s a question of making sure that it’s worth the time and effort and money to move quickly, because not all cases can be won.

What are someone’s legal rights when it comes to ICE?

I guess that’s part of the concern that we had at the beginning of the conversation is that there were rights that I believe are still true and that are held by every person that is physically in the United States, which is the right to due process, to have your case heard before an unbiased arbiter before you’re removed from the United States, the right to not be subject to unlawful searches and seizures, law enforcement not enter a private residence without having a judicial order. However, the boundaries of that are being pushed right now. That is still the law, but ICE is operating outside

of that law. All of these well-established rights that we thought were unable to be changed because they were clarified under the Constitution and its amendments are now being put into question. So that’s why our footing is a little unstable right now, but the bottom line is even if someone is detained unlawfully, they still should have a right to due process and to have their case heard in a court system that is not rigged against them from the beginning.

If these agencies are operating outside of the law, what can you do? This entire country is based on the rule of law. What is this nation based on? It’s based on the rule of law. The Constitution is the basis for this country and if that’s no longer being respected or it is questioned and there’s no backstop from the judicial system, I don’t know who we are anymore.

To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.

Chester County Economic Development Council’s 22nd Annual Economic Outlook highlights themes that point to overall economic growth

After a year of economic uncertainty related to tariffs and persistent inflation, attendees of the 22nd Annual Economic Outlook, presented by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), found reasons to be optimistic. The event took place on Jan. 23 at Penn State Great Valley, offering attendees insights into the economic forecast for 2026.

“The annual Economic Outlook has served as a vital resource for attendees, whether they are business leaders who need to make informed decisions or residents who want to have a clearer understanding of the economic forces shaping their daily lives,” said Mike Grigalonis, CCEDC President and COO. “If you’re running a company, managing your retirement savings, or simply trying to understand what the economy means for your household, the insights shared at this year’s Economic Outlook provide

the context to move forward with confidence.”

The 22nd Economic Outlook saw the return of renowned financial experts Patti Brennan, CFP, CFS, CTS, CEPA, CES, the founder and CEO of Key Financial, Inc., marking her 20th year participating, and Dianne P. Manges, Senior Investment Manager, Truist Institutional Wealth – Endowments. Both speakers identified reasons to be hopeful, yet also cautious for the year ahead.

“The economy is going to do well, but the markets are going to do so-so,” said Brennan. “We’re not going to see 20 percent returns, I don’t think this year, for several reasons. Companies are making a lot of money, but there’s a very high bar for them to exceed. So for them to continue to grow at the rate that they have been is probably not realistic.”

Manges said, “We expect an uptick in economic growth in 2026. That’s fueled from a few differ-

ent sources, and one is that there’s an incredible amount of tax incentives coming through this year that will benefit both businesses and consumers.”

Manges specifically noted tax refunds in 2026 could be akin to another stimulus check for consumers, who represent the largest part of the economy. She added that “even on the business side, pro-growth tax savings are coming through that will be very favorable for businesses and the concept of capital

spending.” She also noted that Federal Reserve rate cuts, wage gains outpacing inflation, and continued AI and tech-led spending will also lead to positive growth. Brennan noted that “consumers are actually in good shape. The total net worth of the consumer in America is $197 trillion, whereas their debt level is $21 trillion.”

However, Brennan added that “student loan delinquencies have gone up, along with car loan delinquencies. The reason, she said, is that:

“people are just still spending like crazy, and they’re not paying attention to their own personal finances as closely as they need to.”

On inflation, Manges said that it should level out around 3 percent, while wages and average hourly earnings are growing around 3.8 percent to reflect positive real growth for consumers.

Adding additional insight on Artificial Intelligence and technology, Brennan said, “unlike the dot com era, I do not believe we are in a bubble. Mag7, those companies except Tesla, are earning net profits of a million dollars per day.”

On a local level, Brennan applauded the Chester County Commissioners for passing a 2026 budget that did not raise taxes.

Brennan said that while hiring has slowed down, workers should know that “their jobs are not going to be replaced by AI, but jobs are going to be replaced by someone who knows how to use AI.”

A few things that we love right now

With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, here is a look at a few things that we love at the present moment.

State Sen. John Kane, who represents municipalities in Delaware County and a few here in Chester County, recently announced $7.2 million in transportation and infrastructure grants for a variety of projects throughout Senate District 9. Included in that funding is $300,000 for Kennett Square Borough for security and control improvements, and $700,000 for comprehensive improvements for streets, sidewalks, and parks in Avondale Borough. Avondale Borough is also receiving $415,252 for critical water pipe replacement. These kinds of investments in infrastructure are well worth it. A small municipality like Avondale Borough doesn’t have the revenues necessary to make critical—and expensive—infrastructure upgrades. Kudos to our local lawmakers—State Rep. John Lawrence, State Rep. Christina Sappey, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, and Kane—for working to ensure that Southern Chester County receives its fair share of state funding for local projects. For a long time, this area didn’t receive its fair share of funding. We love the results that Kane, Comitta, Sappey, and Lawrence have produced.

We also love the work of the United Way of Southern Chester County, which has made a big, positive impact on the local community. During its most recent fiscal year, the United Way of Southern Chester County invested $329,480 into 16 programs that serve the community. That funding helped 20,876 neighbors—struggling families in the community who received essential support at a critical time. The United Way of Southern Chester County also served 3,016 neighbors by investing $176,280 across seven different programs focused on building youth opportunity and lifelong learning. Another $144,240 from the United Way of Southern Chester County was distributed to eight programs dedicated to the comprehensive health and wellness of the community. These initiatives, which address both physical and mental health, served 2,590 neighbors. That all adds up to a big impact. If you can, support the current United Way of Southern Chester County campaign at unitedwayscc.org.

We were also heartened by the announcement by Handi-Crafters that the organization recently received a $100,000 private gift—the largest individual gift in a decade. Handi-Crafters Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities. A generous $100,000 contribution provided by Andrew Bentley will directly support Handi-Crafters’ mission to provide vocational job training, competitive integrated employment opportunities, community socialization, and essential support services for more than 250 individuals annually throughout Chester County. Handi-Crafters is currently in its 65th year of community partnership, innovation, and impact.

Looking ahead a few weeks, we’re eager to see the results of the 2026 THON Weekend, which is a strong stand against childhood cancer. THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, and is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. The year-long initiative culminates in a 46-hour dance marathon every February in which hundreds of Penn State students will stay on their feet for a continuous 46 hours. We hope that this is the most successful year yet for this philanthropic event.

Frigid Digit Winter of ’26

By Marie-Louise Meyers

Just when we figured no more triggered blizzards no more skiing or skating, no vernal pools awaiting; no more ponds filled to the brim in Spring, nothing to negotiate with unending Earth’s warming trend when the atmospheric river froze up, stopped here in January.

Snow showers that never

let up, once treasured, our fears rebounded with ice as a final measure as if a loving cup overfilling must be preserved under the new cloud network undeserved spreading out like a white surplice above any doubts, but we were no longer willing recipients of the cold that settled in to our chagrin.

Every once in a while Nature has to test Its mettle

Are we fantasizing or aggrandizing?

The road is a ribbon of solitude between the ice-encrusted embankments.

The hunters are a No Show in the snow globe, the buck is back with his rack in tow, the white mink looking like an ermine fits right in as does the snow shoe rabbit, and the skunk with colors

reversed; the cougar still sight unseen flying over tree branches as if sentient dreams rehearsed.

While I am trapped in the white expanse locked in the embrace of snow and ice praying there will not be a close encounter, found out but well-preserved during the thawing out!

Report: More hospital closures likely without increased support

Analysis finds Pa. hospital funding falls behind peers, recommends policies to stabilize care

More than a dozen Pennsylvania hospitals could be at risk of closing over the next five years without policies to align hospital payments with their cost for providing care, a report by a national consulting firm found.

The analysis by Oliver Wyman, commissioned by The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), finds that operating a hospital is more challenging in Pennsylvania than elsewhere, largely because the commonwealth lags behind peer states in adequately funding hospital care. Fewer than half of the state’s hospitals are operating with sustainable margins—37 percent are operating with a loss—and 25 have closed statewide in the past decade.

Without intervention, as many as 12 to 14 more hospitals could close over the next five years, adding 22 minutes to Pennsylvanians’ average drive to the nearest

hospital and costing $900 million in lost wages due to job losses, the report projects. Rural hospitals are especially at risk as they serve a greater share of Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients.

“Without timely, targeted state support, many Pennsylvania hospitals will struggle to maintain existing services or make the necessary investments in workforce, technology, and infrastructure that Pennsylvania needs,” the report noted.

The report identifies actions to improve Medicaid reimbursement, reform medical liability rules, and streamline administrative requirements as the greatest opportunities for state policymakers to help stabilize hospitals.

While federal cuts enacted through last year’s reconciliation bill will significantly worsen hospital reimbursement, the report finds that Pennsylvania hospitals

are already at risk due to chronic underfunding.

Medicaid reimbursement in Pennsylvania is 11 percentage points lower than the national average. The state’s Medicaid program—which provides health coverage for nearly 1 in 4 Pennsylvanians— already pays hospitals only 71 cents, on average, for each dollar they spend providing care to enrollees.

“This expert analysis underscores the urgent need to safeguard access to the care communities depend on,” HAP president and CEO Nicole Stallings said. “We cannot have healthy, vibrant, and competitive communities in Pennsylvania without strong, financially stable hospitals. HAP stands ready to work with policymakers to ensure hospitals can sustainably serve their communities.”

HAP is advocating for investments in the 2026–2027 state budget to better align hospital payments with the cost of providing

Guest column

care. Additional key findings from Oliver Wyman’s report include the following:

• In addition to their structural deficit, Pennsylvania hospitals are strained by the highest per-resident cost of medical liability payouts in the nation ($43), a projected shortage of 22,000 nurses by 2028, and outdated hospital regulations.

• Pennsylvania hospital and health system average bond ratings (A for systems, BBB+ for hospitals) are much lower than the national median (A+ for systems, A- for hospitals), signaling greater distress.

• Collectively, Pennsylvania hospitals are absorbing a $3.3 billion shortfall between operating expenses and net patient revenue. By 2030, without improved funding, Pennsylvania hospitals’ collective margin is projected to decrease from 2.9 percent to between -3.3 percent and -10.8 percent.

Surgical patients deserve access to acupuncture

By Dr. Stephanie Cheng

America’s opioid crisis touches nearly every family. Roughly 5.7 million Americans live with opioid use disorder, and about one in three adults say they or someone in their family has battled addiction.

As an anesthesiologist, I see one of the main entry points into opioid use every day: surgery. Powerful painkillers are routinely prescribed to manage surgical pain, even though they carry a high risk of dependency.

For years, many physicians have been searching for ways to reduce reliance on these drugs. My own work has focused on an approach that does exactly that -- intraoperative acupuncture. Unfortunately, patients who want this option are often prevented from receiving it -- not because the science is lacking, but because outdated regulations stand in the way.

Surgical procedures place enormous stress on the body, and managing pain effectively during and after

an operation is critical. The technique I developed, known as the CHENG Protocol, is performed once the patient is already under anesthesia. Small needles are placed at specific points on the ear associated with pain, inflammation, anxiety, fear, and memory. In some cases, the treatment also involves gentle electrical stimulation. The process does not disrupt the surgery in any way.

The results, however, can be significant. Intraoperative acupuncture has been shown to lessen post-surgical pain and reduce the amount of opioids patients need during recovery.

In one of my studies involving knee replacement patients, 65% of those who received acupuncture were able to stay on a low-dose opioid regimen during the first month after surgery. Among patients who did not receive acupuncture, only 9% achieved the same outcome.

Despite these benefits, many anesthesiologists are unable to offer this treatment. The primary barrier

is regulation. Acupuncture training rules differ widely from state to state. In New York, South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana, physicians are required to complete as many as 300 hours of acupuncture coursework. Some states further limit which programs qualify, making it difficult for working physicians to meet the requirements. New York, for instance, mandates that at least 200 hours be completed through stateapproved programs that are often inaccessible or impractical.

Elsewhere, the rules are vague or inconsistent. States like Montana and New Mexico lack clear guidance, while Hawaii prohibits physicians from practicing acupuncture altogether. These restrictions make it extremely difficult for anesthesiologists to incorporate a targeted, evidence-based therapy into surgical care.

There is reason for optimism. Legislators have begun introducing bills to modernize these laws. In New York, one proposal

would amend education statutes to allow clinicians without full acupuncture credentials to perform auriculotherapy -- or ear acupuncture -- under narrowly defined conditions. Such a change would allow anesthesiologists to complete focused training specific to intraoperative acupuncture, rather than enrolling in a months-long general program. Patients could begin benefiting from this approach much sooner. Other states should consider similar reforms. Intraoperative acupuncture is not a fringe treatment or an untested idea. It is a precise, research-backed tool that can reduce opioid exposure and improve surgical outcomes. Patients are asking for better options. Physicians are ready to provide them. State laws should not stand in the way.

Stephanie Cheng, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist and medical acupuncturist at Hospital for Special Surgery and creator of the CHENG Protocol.

Wright’s Barn Shoppes: One-of-a-kind offerings from 60 vendors

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

A visit to Wright’s Barn Shoppes is a great way to spend a cold, winter day.

There are 60 vendors set up in this beautifully refurbished barn at 3616 Limestone Road (Route 10) in Parkesburg. The displays are beautifully set up and the shops are easy to browse through. You might want to pack a lunch, because you could be there for hours.

It’s not just for people who want to buy—although you will want to buy with so many interesting items for sale. Wright’s Barn Shoppes is for people who enjoy going through their grandparents’ attics or for the recycling artist who wants to repurpose an old window or an old door. And

it’s certainly for those who are looking for something unique. With offerings from 60 vendors to choose from, you will find something in your price range.

The on-site guide for the shoppe is John Bramble and he is part of the charm of the place. He will welcome you and give you a brownie he just baked. He also is well-versed in absolutely everything and, trust me, if you don’t see something you are looking for, he can find it.

If you are really lucky, you might run into Nancy Sheehan who is John’s sidekick. Sheehan handles the social media and is also a vendor herself.

“We just celebrated our six-year anniversary in November,” she said. “The shoppes are just filled with amazing finds. I myself sell furniture, antiques, and

more. David and Maria Wright are the owners of the property and are very cooperative with us.”

The second floor of the barn houses Belle Rustique which is a showroom for farmhouse furniture and they also do custom orders. It is fun just to stroll through if you are a collector of, say, Fiesta Ware. Or maybe you are looking for an old tool that might actually look good on your wall. And if it is a rocking chair you are looking for, they have a one-of-a-kind rocker that is actually a piece of art you can relax in. If you are a crafter, like some of us, you can get lots of new ideas for projects. Or you can buy a one-ofa-kind handmade creation.

It is probably the one place even non-shoppers would like to visit. Be sure and ask where all the rooms are because you don’t want to miss any. But beware—few people can just come to look and

There is a lot of jewelry available at

not buy. You may not even know you always needed something, but when you find it at Wright’s Barn Shoppes, you’ll know it’s something you don’t want to live without.

It would be hard to list everything they have, but here is a sampling of what you can find: furniture, chandeliers, costume jewelry and estate jewelry, rabbits, chickens and bunnies statues, dishes like your mama used back in the day, beautiful old doors, farm implements, and Eldreth pottery. And that is just a small sampling of what is available.

It is a great way to get in some exercise with a long, leisurely stroll through the shops. The barn is huge and you may even get lost, but you will find your way back to the cashier with your selections. You will also meet some great, helpful people—peo-

Chester County Library System launches annual customer satisfaction survey

The Chester County Library System (CCLS) is inviting community members across its 18 locations to share their voices and help shape the future of library services. The annual customer satisfaction survey is now open and will remain available through Feb. 27. Community members can participate by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CCLS2026.

CCLS is committed to continually improving and transforming its services to meet the evolving needs of Chester County residents.

Feedback from this survey plays a vital role in guiding decisions, enhancing programs, and ensuring that libraries remain responsive, innovative, and community-centered.

CCLS executive director Joseph Sherwood emphasizes the importance of community input. “Identifying resources that people want, need, and use is something libraries focus on,” Sherwood said. “We perform an annual customer survey and use that information to determine those needs. Libraries are

constantly evaluating the services they provide for job seekers, business development, social interaction, educational support, and so much more. Our libraries remain flexible and adaptable. Our audience spans the entire community— from parents with young children to teens, adults, seniors, and everyone in between.”

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. Insights gathered will help CCLS and its member libraries contin-

ue to provide exceptional value and service to library users, local organizations, and the broader Chester County community.

CCLS encourages all residents—regular library users and newcomers alike—to participate and share their perspectives. Your input directly influences how the library system grows, adapts, and supports the community in the years ahead.

The mission of the Chester County Library System ensures that every resident has access to

ple who have their own locations in Wright’s Barn Shoppes and take their turns working there.

Many shoppers make return visits and bring friends and family who will also fall in love with things they never knew they needed.

Don’t think of it as shopping. Think of it as taking a trip back to your youth, or visiting a museum. It is like that. It is educational and there is no admission. For more information, check out their Facebook at WrightsBarnShoppesLTD or call 610-857-2982.

CLARENCE LEON WEBSTER

Clarence “Sky” L. Webster, 79, of Oxford, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on January 27, 2026.

Born in Chester County on June 22, 1946, Clarence was the son of the late Clinton and Helen Webster. In 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. His service remained a significant source of pride throughout his life.

Clarence graduated from Oxford Area High School in 1965, and he went on to build a remarkable 43-year career at Lincoln University. Known as a true “jack-ofall-trades,” he contributed to the campus community as a grounds crewman, boiler plant operator, and events and programs setup coordinator. His dedication and reliability made him a cherished member of the Lincoln University family. After retiring, Clarence continued serving his community as a crossing guard and bus aide for the Oxford Area School District.

Clarence enjoyed simple pleasures—playing cards, spending time at Delaware Park for the horse races, and most of all, being surrounded by his loved ones. His presence brought warmth, humor, and comfort to everyone who knew him.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories through his children: his son, Michael Webster of

Oxford, and his daughters, Comea Webster of Newark, Del., Shavon Webster of Oxford, and Crystal Webster of Newark, Del. He is also survived by two grandsons, Sergio Lebron, Jr. of Newark, Del. and Xavier Webster of Oxford, two sisters, Patricia “Patty” A. Webster of Newark, Del. and Mary Webster of Oxford, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will carry his memory forward.

Clarence was preceded in death by his longtime companion, Susie Boyer; two grandchildren, Joseph M. Williams and Michael Lebron; his sisters Helen J. Lee and Jean “Mikey” Webster; and his brothers Robert “Preach” Henderson, William “Billy” P. Henderson, Samuel “Sammy” L. Henderson, Eugene “Jo-Jo” Webster, and Guy Thomas Webster.

A Homegoing Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Mary Dod Brown Memorial Chapel, 1570 Baltimore Pike, Lincoln University, Pa., where friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Interment with military honors will be held in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Repass will be at Shiloh Presbyterian Church.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Always Best Care and Penn Medicine Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

BARBARA ANN HAHN

Barbara Ann Hahn (formerly Reed), a resident of Nottingham, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her family on January 30, 2026.

Barb was born in Pottsville, Pa. on Nov. 19, 1948 to the late Blanche and Robert L. Reed. She had a passion for gardening with her father, singing in her church choir with her mother and sister, and performing in the school plays.

She studied chemistry at Penn State University where she met the love of her life, the late W. Alan Hahn. The two married and moved to Oxford, where they raised three children and many poodles.

Barb continued to garden, keeping a beautiful landscape around her home. She ran her own aerobics business, Barb Hahn’s Workout, and she enjoyed puzzles, games, books, crosswords, the Phillies, and movie nights.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family role as a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a natural caregiver who selflessly opened her home to friends and loved ones in need throughout her entire life. She fostered an environment of love, humor, honesty, and gratitude.

She is survived by her three children, W. Alan Hahn, II (Shannon Ciarlone) of Nottingham, Alaina Jennings (Duane) of Nottingham and R. Michael Hahn (Melissa Paolercio) of Landenberg; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Craig Reed.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Oxford SILO Community Gardens - https:// share.google/4BB0q4THfRTJ7D7Me.

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

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

February 10

Calendar of Events

Program: The abolition of slavery in Revolutionary Pennsylvania

On Feb. 10, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Chester County History Center presents a talk by professor Nicholas Wood, who explores the origins, passage, and implementation of the nation’s first abolition law: Pennsylvania’s 1780 Gradual Abolition Act. Chester County residents were divided, with some petitioning for abolition, while others were against abolition. Black Pennsylvanians helped ensure the law’s passage and enforcement through their resistance, negotiations, and petitioning. Nicholas P. Wood is an associate professor of history at Spring Hill College (Mobile, AL) and the author of Let the Oppressed Go Free: Abolitionism in Colonial and Revolutionary America, published by the University of Pennsylvania Press in 2025. His essays have appeared in venues such as Pennsylvania History, the Journal of the Early Republic and the William and Mary Quarterly. For more information about this and other programs, visit mycchc.org.

February 11

International Day of Women and Girls in Science

On Feb. 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science will honor the trailblazing women shaping science for International Day of Women and Girls in Science—past, present, and future. Explore stories of inspiration, creativity, and achievement in STEAM, and celebrate the women and girls who are inspiring discovery and advancing the world of nature and science. Visit www.delmns.org.

February 12

Kennett Flash Jazz Jam

The Jazz Jam is back at The Kennett Flash. This event features a jazz concert from stellar local jazz artists followed by a jam session where the host invites musicians in the audience to join them on stage. It is an all-ages show that starts at 7 p.m. The doors open at 6 p.m. More information is available at kennettflash.org.

February 13 to March 8—

each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only Longwood Gardens presents Garden Glow Longwood Gardens is offering visitors a chance to see the gardens come to life in a way never seen before with this new, luminous evening experience. With Garden Glow, visitors can follow glowing paths of luminaria as they guide you through an evening of discovery. Explore floral masterworks bathed in colors that reveal plants’ hidden details. See the intricate details of bonsai take on an otherworldly dimension as they glow with captivating intensity. Step into a West Conservatory transformed into an ethereal dreamscape. Outside, thousands of shimmering, biodegradable sparks float like fireflies dancing at dusk or stars drifting within reach. Garden Glow takes place each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 5

p.m. to 10 p.m. More information and tickets available at longwoodgardens.org.

February 14

Author conversation and book signing with Gene Pisasale Avon Grove Library’s Local Authors Live series continues at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 14 with an author conversation and book signing with Gene Pisasale. What if you could go back 200, 250 or 300 years and meet all the interesting people and experience the fascinating events which shaped our heritage? Pisasale’s 12th book, “Sandy Flash and the Trail of History” takes you back in time to meet William Penn, famous botanist Humphry Marshall, the “Last of the Lenni-Lenape” Indian Hannah, artist Benjamin West, notorious highwayman James Fitzpatrick (a.k.a. ‘Sandy Flash’), Signer of the Declaration of Independence Thomas McKean and Kennett Square’s most famous son Bayard Taylor. Crafted as an historical novel, but set in the present day, “Sandy Flash and the Trail of History” is a beautifully illustrated hardcover book with over 130 color images showcasing the history of the southeastern Pennsylvania region and its famous personalities going back 300 years, bringing readers ‘up close’ to people who shaped our country’s history. The Avon Grove Library is located at 117 Rosehill Avenue in West Grove. Visit avongrovelibrary.org for more information.

February 20

Frogs in Milk perform in Kennett Square

The Kennett Flash presents Frogs in Milk, a psychedelic rock band based in Newark, Del. Frogs formed playing Grateful Dead cover sets, but the chemistry between the members quickly evolved into a force capable of its own creative output. A studio album is upcoming, and live releases will be posted for hopefully every show as they happen. The group will perform at the Kennett Flash on Friday, February. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. More information is available at kennettflash.org.

February 24

The life and art of Horace Pippin

The Chester County History Center will present a program on the life and art of Horace Pippin on Feb. 24. Whether discussing his art or his life, Horace Pippin defies definition. Born in West Chester in 1888 before growing up in New York, Horace Pippin returned to the town of his birth when he married Jennie Wade Giles in 1920. The course of his life was deeply influenced by grievous emotional and physical wounds he received during service in World War I, which inspired him to express his pain through his self-taught art. Between 1938 and his death in 1946, Pippin earned worldwide recognition for his folk art style and powerful use of color, leading art critic Alain Locke to describe this Chester County artist as “a real and rare genius.” The speaker for the event is

Jennifer Green, who serves as director of education for the Chester County History Center. She has conducted research and written for websites like ExplorePAHistory. com and the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia, and is the author of two books about the dark history of southeastern Pennsylvania.

February 27

Cecil County Arts Council offers fine art and fine dining

Join the Cecil County Arts Council to sample some of Cecil County’s best food and support the arts at the monthly Wine and Dine for the Arts events. On the fourth Friday of February and March, the Arts Council will be hosting four-course dinners with wine pairings at a series of Cecil County restaurants. Each event will feature a local artist exhibiting and selling their artwork. Featured artists at Wine and Dine events keep 100 percent of the profits of their sales that evening. The Feb. 27 Wine and Dine will be at White Oak Manor in North East and feature photographer Christina Peters. Wine and Dine for the Arts tickets cost $65 and can be purchased online through our website. All Wine and Dine dinners start at 6 p.m. For more information about the 2026 Wine and Dine for the Arts dinners, and to buy tickets, visit the Arts Council’s website, follow them on Facebook or call 410-392-5740.

February 28

Kennett Winterfest

The 14th annual Kennett Winterfest returns on Saturday, Feb. 28 with a full day of music, craft beverages, and community celebration in Kennett Square. This year’s musical lineup offers a range of styles from indie rock and pop-rock to crowd-pleasing covers, appealing to a broad audience. The Tisburys, Blank Pages, and Delco Donny are performing. Attendees can enjoy a full day of live music alongside craft beverage offerings from over 50 breweries, cideries, and meaderies. Kennett Winterfest takes place from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 600 S. Broad Street in Kennett Square. Ticket proceeds support Kennett Collaborative’s community programming.

Tickets for regular admission are $60. For more information on tickets, schedules, and festival details, visit www. kennettbrewfest.com.

February

28

Riot Act, a tribute to Pearl Jam

Riot Act, a tribute to Pearl Jam, presents a special twoset evening featuring a full acoustic set followed by a full electric set on Sunday, Feb. 28. Since coming together in 2023, Riot Act, Philadelphia’s premier tribute to Pearl Jam, has continued to bring the raw energy and passionate performances of the grunge icon to audiences all across the East Coast, including a sold-out show at The Kennett Flash last year. The doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. More information is available at kennettflash.org.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF ANGELINE ROSE

OWENS a/k/a ANGELINE OWENS, DECEASED. Late of London Grove 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 CHARLES J. OWENS, EXECUTOR, c/o Duke K. Schneider, Esq., 17 W. Miner St., P.O. Box 660, West Chester, PA 19381-0660, Or to his Attorney: DUKE K. SCHNEIDER, MacELREE HARVEY, LT., 17 W. Miner St., P.O. Box 660 West Chester, PA 19381-0660 1p-21-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Wallace William Dean, Deceased Late of Chester County, PA, Letters of Testamentary on the above Estate having been granted to the Executor, Dorothy Joyce Rudzewick, all persons indebted to the Estate are requested to make payment, and those having claims to present same without delay, to Brian F. Levine, Esquire. Brian F. Levine, Esquire Levine Law, LLC Attorney for the Executor, 22 E Grant St., New Castle, PA 16101-2279 1p-21-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Joseph Herman Schauble, Deceased late of Tredyffrin Twp., Chester County, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Patrick J. Schauble, Executor, 254 Lantern Lane, Gulph Mills, PA 19428 or to their attorney John P. McGuire, Esq., 552 Ridge Road, Telford, PA 18969.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of CAROLYN ANN PARK, a/k/a CAROLYN A. PARK, late of Chester Springs, 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 JOHN J. PARK, as Executor, of 894 Mount Eyre Road, Newtown, PA 18940 c/o William D. Brick, Esq. Brick & Patel LLP 600 Fifth Ave., 14th Floor, New York, New York 1020. 2p-4-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF HAZEL L. PROPST, DECEASED. Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA

LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION CTA 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

Legals/Classifieds

without delay to KAREN M. PROPST, ADMINISTRATRIX

CTA, c/o Carolina R. Heinle, Esq., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707, Or to her Attorney: CAROLINA R. HEINLE MacELREE HARVEY, LTD. 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100 Hockessin, DE 19707

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ESTATE NOTICE

Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of ANNE E. REEDER, late of Downingtown Borough. All persons having claims or demands on the Estate are requested to make them known, and all persons indebted to the said decedent are requested to make payment without delay.

JOSEPH G. BORST, c/o The Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Personal Representative. Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Attorney.

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ESTATE NOTICE

Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of ELAINE J. TYSON, late of Caln Township. All persons having claims or demands on the Estate are requested to make them known, and all persons indebted to the said decedent are requested to make payment without delay.

RONALD T. TYSON & CAROLE L. TURANSKY, c/o The Law Firm of Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Personal Representatives. Barry S. Rabin, 797 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 13, Downingtown PA 19335, Attorney. 2p-4-3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Oxford Borough has scheduled the following public meeting for February 10, 2026: The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Borough of Oxford Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, PA. If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the public meeting and require auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodations to observe or participate in the proceedings, or you have questions, please contact the Borough Manager at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated. By: Pauline Garcia-Allen Borough Manager 2p-4-1

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold its 2026 monthly meetings on the first Non-Holiday Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the Elk Township Building, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville PA 19351 unless otherwise specified in the following schedule; the meeting dates are as follows: February 9th, March 2th, April 13th, May 4th, June 1st, July 6th, August 3rd, September 14th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7th. If you are a person with a disability and wish to attend these meetings and require auxiliary aide, service, or other accommodation

OR ANY PART THEREOF.

to participate in this meeting, please contact Elk Township at 610-255-0634 to discuss how we may best accommodate your needs.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

PENN TOWNSHIP BUILDING

GROUNDS MOWING AND LAWN CARE

SEASON TERM: APRIL 1, 2026 THROUGH NOVEMBER 15, 2026

General Specifications

Penn Township intends to receive proposals for Mowing and Lawn Care for the Season Term: APRIL 1, 2026 through November 15, 2026 with an optional addendum of Seasonal Mulching and Planting.

All bids shall be submitted on the official form provided by Penn Township. All bidders must walk the sites included in the grounds mowing and lawn care contract with Penn Township Senior Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Technician, Danny Peters, prior to bidding. Danny Peters can be reached at 610-869-9620 or 484-753-2081 or by email at danny.peters@penntownship. us.

Each proposal shall be clearly marked on the outside of the envelope as such and shall be addressed to the Board of Supervisors, Penn Township Municipal Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The name of the item for which the proposal is submitted must also be indicated on the outside of the envelope in the lower lefthand corner.

Proof of insurance and proof of workman’s compensation to be provided with proposal.

A list of references and recent projects including name and telephone numbers of current and prior clients for whom they have done work must be included.

Prices shall be quoted without Federal Excise or Transportation Taxes or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Sales Tax as the Township is exempt from taxes. The Township reserves the right to reject any and all proposals or any part thereof or to waive any minor discrepancies in the proposals or specifications when deemed to be in the interest of the Township.

Failure of the bidder to sign the proposal or have the signatures of an authorized representative or Agent on the proposal in the space provided may be cause for rejection.

By submitting its proposal, the bidder agrees to enter into a contract with the Township to furnish the quantity of materials or services listed at the unit price or prices quoted.

Items bid shall meet specifications prepared by the Township, and upon request, the bidder shall make available to the Township samples, technical specifications and information in regard to their materials. A complete proposal package is available at the Penn Township Municipal Building at 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA during regular business hours 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday or by calling the office at 610-869-9620. Bid packets are also available on the township website which is www.penntownship.us. Any bidder may withdraw their proposal at any time. PENN TOWNSHIP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY BIDS

Proposals will be OPENED by the Township Secretary on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 @ 10:00 a.m. for possible consideration by the Supervisors at the Board of Supervisors Meeting at the Township Building at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. 2p-4-2T

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 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, March 23RD , 2026. 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. 26-2-37

Writ of Execution No. 2025-06424

DEBT $229,059.44

Property situate in the BOROUGH OF WEST GROVE, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania, being

BLR # 05-07-0125

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A, QUICKEN LOANS, LLC VS DEFENDANT: JASON WEAVER A/K/A JASON H. WEAVER

SALE ADDRESS: 13 Winterset Court, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC 844856-6646

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 1p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 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, March 23RD , 2026. 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. 26-2-38

Writ of Execution No. 2025-05214

DEBT $58,946.91

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground located in the Borough of Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania, according to a plan made by G.E. Register, Jr. & Sons, surveyors, August 5, 1966 more particularly described as follows:

BEGINNING at an iron pin set at the intersection of the Northly line of Richards Road, 45 feet wide, with the Easterly line of North Walnut Street, 33 feet wide, said iron pin marking the Southwesterly corner of the about to be described tract; thence leaving said point of beginning and by the Easterly line of said North Walnut Street, 33 feet wide, North 14° 57’ 26” West, 147.82 feet to an iron pin, marking the Northwesterly corner of this and the Southwesterly corner of Lot No. 18; thence said Easterly line of said North Walnut Street and by Lot No. 18 of the Kennett Heights Development, North 71° 18’ East, 73.23 feet to an iron pin set for the Northeasterly corner of this and a Northwesterly corner of Lot No. 20; thence by said Lot No. 20, South 18 ° 42’ East, 147.50 feet to an iron pin set on the Northerly line of said first mentioned Richards Road, 45 feet wide; thence by said Northerly line of said Richards Road, South 71° 18’ West, 82.88 feet to the first mentioned point and place of BEGINNING.

CONTAINING 11,516.80 square feet of land be the same more or less.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Joseph Ralph Gomez, by Deed dated 4/4/2025 and recorded 4/4/2025 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 11359, Page 2254, granted and conveyed unto Carmen Perez Gomez.

Tax Parcel # 3-3-96.2

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential property

PLAINTIFF: CITIZENS BANK, N.A. S/B/M TOA CITIZENS BANK OF PENNSYLVANIA VS DEFENDANT: Carmen Perez Gomez a/k/a Carmen Gomez

SALE ADDRESS: 501 Richards Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LAW OFFICE OF GREGORY JAVARDIAN, LLC 215-942-9690

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets.

KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 1p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL

www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, February 19th, 2026 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, March 23RD , 2026. 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. 26-2-39 Writ of Execution No. 2024-06096

DEBT $291,611.09

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE BOROUGH OF AVONDALE, COUNTY OF CHESTER AND COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA: Tax Parcel # 04-01-0182

PLAINTIFF: LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC VS DEFENDANT: EARL ATLEY, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF ELEANOR V. ATLEY A/K/A ELEANOR ATKLEY; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS, CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER ELEANOR V. ATLEY A/K/A ELEANOR ATLEY

SALE ADDRESS: 203 New Street, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 855-225-6906

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets.

KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 1p-28-3t

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County awards $3.27 million to expand emergency housing for families

The Chester County Department of Community Development (DCD) has awarded $3,270,000 to Friends Association for the creation of a new 10-unit non-congregate emergency housing facility in West Chester. This funding is the largest single award ever made by DCD and is funded entirely by federal and state grants.

With the opening of the new shelter, Chester County’s total family shelter capacity will increase from 16 to 26 units, removing all families from the emergency housing waitlist and reducing to zero the number of families with children sleeping outside or in cars.

The award includes $566,656 from the Community Development Block Grant CARES Act, $124,850 from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Pennsylvania Housing

Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program, and $2,578,494 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program – American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP).

“Chester County is investing in solutions that are both compassionate and effective,” said Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners.

“By leveraging federal and state funding, we made the largest single housing investment in the history of our Department of Community Development, delivering real and immediate impact for families in need.”

Non-congregate housing provides families with private living spaces and their own bathrooms, as well as shared laundry facilities. Friends Association repurposed a vacant building on Paoli Pike in West Chester, located near public transportation and a grocery store. The building also serves as their primary office location, making supportive services easily accessible to residents.

gregate shelter delivers all three, providing fully accessible, private units and the supportive services families need to move forward.”

“Families experiencing homelessness deserve dignity, privacy, and stability,” said Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. “This non-con-

“As temperatures plummet and winter storms roll in, I’m reminded of how important the work of the Friends Association is.

Because of this new building, 10 families will have shelter and an opportunity to get back on their feet. Homelessness isn’t a problem unique to big cities. It happens right here in bucolic Chester County, too. We are committed to eliminating homelessness and helping families find stable housing. This project gets us one step closer.” Visit the Friends Association website for more information. If you are at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, dial 211 to contact the Human Needs Network of Chester County.

State Sen. Kane announces over $6.1 million in funding for community projects throughout the 9th Senatorial District

State Sen. John Kane (D–Chester/Delaware) announced more than $6.1 million in Local Share Account (LSA) grant funding awarded to municipalities, counties, authorities, and nonprofit partners throughout the 9th Senatorial District, supporting critical investments in infrastructure, public safety, emergency services, environmental restoration, and community facilities.

“These investments reflect what strong partnerships and responsive government can accomplish,” said Sen. Kane. “I congratulate every awardee and thank our local leaders for their commitment to improving quality of life. From safer roads and upgraded firehouses to flood mitigation, environmental restoration, and community services, these projects will strengthen our

neighborhoods and help ensure our communities are prepared for the future. I’m proud to continue fighting for resources that benefit the people of the 9th District and the Commonwealth.”

The funding will support road paving, emergency service upgrades, fire and EMS equipment, sewer and stormwater improvements, public works equipment, environmental restoration, community service facilities, and public safety technology across Chester and Delaware Counties.

The projects that were awarded funding include the following:

• Avondale Borough: Road paving and ADA curb improvements—$150,000;

• City of Chester: Multidepartmental municipal fleet replacement— $882,050;

• Longwood Gardens

(via Chester County EDC): Visitor Center security enhancements— $200,000;

• Chester Township: Public works equipment upgrades—$200,000;

• Delaware County: LED lighting retrofits at the Delaware County Emergency Services Center building located in Middletown Township—$150,000;

• Delaware County Economic Development Corporation: Purchase and installation of information kiosks to be used in Chester County—$198,147;

• Aston Township Fire Department: Renovating the second floor of the site station to improve emergency response, requested by the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority— $575,763;

• Neumann University: Fred P. Meagher Theater

and gallery renovations requested by the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority—$283,392

• Franklin Township: Stream restoration in the Franklin Preserve—$250,000;

• Lower Chichester Township: Volunteer firehouse renovations—$300,000;

• Middletown Township Sewer Authority: Fair Acres Pump Station upgrades—$454,604;

• Nether Providence Township: License plate readers to enhance public safety—$28,000;

• Parkside Borough: Ambulance purchase for emergency medical services—$224,100;

• Southern Delaware County Authority: Sanitary sewer I&I improvements—$300,000;

• Upland Borough: Reese

Center Regional Emergency Management Headquarters upgrades— $415,000;

• Upper Chichester Township: Public Works wheel loader purchase—$100,000;

• West Chester Borough: Fire engine replacement serving multiple municipalities—$818,576;

• Teachers’ Teammates Inc.: Delivery van to expand school supply distribution countywide— $67,943. Sen. Kane emphasized that these awards were made possible through close collaboration with members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who advocated for projects in their districts.

He thanked Representative Leanne Krueger, Representative Christina Sappey, Representative Lisa Borowski, Representative Carol Kazeem,

Representative Craig Williams and Representative Chris Pielli for their partnership and leadership in helping secure this funding for local communities.

“These projects are the result of teamwork,” Kane added. “Working alongside our House colleagues ensures that local priorities are heard and funded, and that state resources are directed where they will make the greatest impact.” Local Share Account grants are funded through gaming revenues and are designed to support economic development, public infrastructure, and community enhancement projects across Pennsylvania. For additional details regarding these grants or other state resources available to municipalities and organizations, residents should contact the respective award recipients.

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Gawthrop Greenwood, PC, a regional law firm with offices in West Chester and Greater Wilmington, has promoted commercial real estate and business attorney Gordon W. Prince to partner.

“Gordon has quickly risen to become a valuable and trusted resource for many businesses in southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Stephen R. McDonnell, c hair of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Management Committee.

“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to shepherd Gordon from #1 in his law school class, to the accomplished attorney, well-respected business leader and impressive men-

Prince named partner by Gawthrop Greenwood

tor to future attorneys you see today.”

As a business and commercial real estate attorney, Prince ensures clients stay compliant with evolving regulations while supporting a broad range of transactional and general business matters, including business formation, the drafting and negotiation of contracts and corporate governance. He also leads buyers and sellers through all stages of commercial real estate transactions as well as business sales.

Prince joined Gawthrop Greenwood in 2019, shortly after graduating from Widener University Delaware Law School, and was quickly called upon to

guide businesses large and small through COVID-19 federal and state business support programs. He was named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2024, 2025 and 2026, after undergoing rigorous review and confidential evaluations by top attorneys in his field. He has also been named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars.

Prince is a member of the Chester County Bar Association and Pennsylvania Bar Association, as well as the Maritime Law Association of the United States. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Chester County families get a head start on summer plans at the 2026 Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair

While Chester County is bundled up under freezing temperatures and snowy skies, families are already looking ahead to warmer days and kicked off their summer planning early during the 2026 Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair held on Jan. 22 at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU).

Hosted by the CCIU and sponsored by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services and the Children’s Fund of Chester County, the 14th annual event welcomed nearly 50 local organizations offering a wide range of summer opportunities. From traditional summer camps to educational enrichment programs, arts and crafts experiences, and sports organizations, the fair offered something for children of all ages and interests.

“The Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair is all about access and connection,” said Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the CCIU.

“Bringing so many camps and programs into one place gives families the chance to explore possibilities they may not have considered otherwise. It’s rewarding to watch parents and children engage directly with local

organizations that offer meaningful, fun, and educational experiences that can shape a child’s summer in positive ways.”

Open to the public and free to attend, the event empowered families to connect in person with camp representatives, ask questions, and gather information in a single, convenient setting.

By bringing dozens of programs together under one roof, the fair helps families eliminate the need to navigate multiple websites and outreach efforts, making it easier to discuss options and plan for the months ahead.

“It’s much easier because I was able to visually see what each camp has to offer and interact with the people who are experts in it,” said parent attendee Brad Kutney. “It was much more personal and felt safer as a parent to speak to camp representatives in person.”

Other parents agreed, including first-time attendee Katy Lang, who emphasized, “It’s really important to talk to the camp representatives because you want to get a feel for who will actually be taking care of your child, rather than just looking at a website.”

Attendees also appreciated the hands-on and interactive experiences available throughout the evening. “I

was excited to watch my daughter experience her first chemical reaction at the Science Explorer Camp table,” Kutney said. “It gives us a lot to think about, but it simplifies the process because we’ll be able to make a choice quicker and plan our summer earlier.”

During this year’s Summer Adventures Camp

and Activities Fair, attendees enjoyed a reprieve from the cold of winter with upbeat music and a variety of interactive activities and promotional items offered by vendors, helping keep children engaged while parents gathered information. For camp providers, the event offered valuable opportunities to build rela-

tionships with families and fellow organizations.

“This is probably the number one place to be if you are a camp representative in this area,” said Damon Beatty, camp director at ACAC West Chester. “We have had more engagement this year than I think we’ve ever had.

Parents are willing to stop and talk and really want to

get information about the camps in attendance.”

The night concluded with fun giveaways, including vendor and attendee raffles for Amazon gift cards. To learn more about our annual Summer Adventures Camp and Activities Fair or for a list of participating vendors, visit www.cciu.org/ summer-adventures.