Chester County Press 03-04-2026 Edition

Kennett Square Borough Council accepts resignation, gains junior council member

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Kennett Square Borough Council lost one council member and gained one junior council member among other agenda items during the March 2 meeting at Borough Hall. What was described by Council President Bob Norris as the lowlight and highlight, respectively, of Monday

night’s meeting, council member Elea McDonnell Feit’s resignation was reluctantly approved unanimously and Aspen Carroll was also unanimously appointed as the council’s newest junior council member.

Feit, who has served as a member of council since January of 2024 and was reelected in November of 2025, shared that she

originally planned to serve the full term in office but received an unexpected professional opportunity at The Ohio State University.

“Ellie, it has been an honor to serve with you,” said Norris. “You’re always well-read, you’re always prepared. You’ve been incredibly objective and very, very active in spite of your scheduling and teaching commitments and

Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board handles a full agenda

By Connor Lydon Contributing Writer

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board addressed several important issues and discussed a variety of topics during the Feb. 18 meeting. The meeting began with the board’s recognition of Sharon Tober, the head of custodial staff at Pocopson Elementary School, who is set to retire this May after 35 years of service in the district, including 25 years at Pocopson Elementary. Several of the school board members expressed their thanks to Tober.

Following Tober’s recognition, the student representatives to the

board highlighted several upcoming events at Unionville High School, including the school’s production of Newsies the musical, the indoor color guard and indoor percussion squad will be hosting competitions on March 14 and March 21, respectively. Additionally, Patton Middle School’s musical will run the first weekend in March and the Chadds Ford P.T.O. will be hosting its annual art show on March 14, with the student representative emphasizing the importance of the sale to fundraising for the school.

Furthermore, the student representatives highlighted the recent induction

so forth. We will miss you dearly, that’s for sure.” Feit is the second resignation of the year following former council member Julie Hamilton’s resignation in January and subsequent replacement by Michael Bertrando. The deadline for those interested in filling Feit’s vacancy is March 19. More information can be found on the borough’s website.

While council may be down one member, they gained a new junior member in Carroll. The borough resident and sophomore at Stone Independent School in Lancaster has become a regular attendee at council meetings and related events over the past few months. Carroll was the only applicant for the position and the only person to hold the position since it

was previously held by current council member Juan Tafolla in 2024.

“I think local government is pretty cool. I can actually have a say in swaying the votes of meetings by putting my voice into the mix,” Carroll said. “I like to be able to make an impact and it’s fun to get out in my community.”

While Feit and Carroll’s

Large crowd enjoys Kennett Winterfest

The 14th annual event featured good beer, live music, and lots of food and fun for everyone

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

Kennett Collaborative

held the 14th annual Kennett Winterfest beer festival for a recordbreaking crowd this past Saturday. Over 2,000 attendees crowded the Borough Hall parking lot to sample beers from 60 different breweries and enjoy the entertainment of the day.

Mary Lou Baily, development manager for Kennett Collaborative, shared that entertainment was a focus for this year’s Winterfest.

“We’ve been trying to up the experience,” she said.

“We’ve been trying to add new and exciting musical guests and vendors.”

This year’s event featured 11vendors offering everything from dog training,

Photo by Gabbie Burton

This year’s event featured 11vendors offering everything from dog training, to hot sauce, to jewelry all available for sale, and three musical guests who provided the soundtrack for the day’s events. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

Oxford Arts Alliance receives grant for Tween Art Club, seeks other funding to expand offerings

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

The Oxford Arts Alliance has been awarded funding from the Justamere Foundation in support of its Tween Art Club. The club is an afterschool visual arts program designed specifically for youth between the ages of 10 and 14.

The Justamere Foundation’s mission is to find those areas that are

under-served by traditional resources and see if they can make a bigger difference with direct involvement. Solutions might involve grants, nontraditional scholarships or simply making the right connections. They focus on four main areas of need in the community: arts education, childhood literacy, trade education, and veterans resources. The Oxford Arts Alliance received an arts education

grant, but it is important to note that when the Alliance seeks and receives a grant, they are also introducing other community agencies to sources of funding or grants that might serve their needs, too.

The Tween Art Club provides structured, supervised, and meaningful after-school creative opportunities during one of the most important stages of youth development. Meeting weekly, students

build technical art skills while gaining confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging through guided instruction and personal expression.

The program was developed in response to a critical need in the Oxford community, particularly for middle-grade students who are often too old for earlychildhood offerings but not yet ready for teen programs. With many local families facing financial challeng-

es, access to affordable enrichment and consistent supervision is essential. Through monthly themes, participants explore drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, printmaking, and digital art. Students work toward building portfolios and presenting their work in a public showcase, reinforcing pride in accomplishment and encouraging long-term engagements in the arts.

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to hot sauce, to jewelry all available for sale. But the biggest entertainment of the day came from the three musical guests who provided the soundtrack for the day’s events.

The Blank Pages, a poprock band out of Newark Del., The Tisburys, an indie-rock band from Philadelphia and Jake Dillon, otherwise known as Delco Donny to his social media following, performed covers of popular songs with distinct Delco twists.

With the main stage continuously rocking, beers were easily flowing for everyone in attendance.

Per recommendation from The Tisburys, Troubles End Brewing was a mandatory stop to start the day. The Collegeville-based brewery featured two beers, a pilsner and a stout, for the long line of attendees. Brewer Zach Svoboda shared his thoughts of the festival and the unique festival fashion.

“It’s a great festival and people always come out,” Svoboda said. “It’s like a pretzel necklace fashion show. I go to a lot of brewfests like this, but I’ve never seen pretzel necklaces like the ones here.”

The extravagant pretzel necklaces tradition continued at this year’s Winterfest with another pretzel necklace contest as well as a vendor stall from ACE Hardware offering smoked and seasoned pretzels for those lacking in the snackable attire. The best-dressed competition also continued at this year’s event with attendees dressed up in kilts, lederhosen, onesies and other creative fashion statements.

When asked why he decided to wear a kilt to the event, Sean Willis simply asked, “Why not?” Willis, who is from Exton, shared that this was his fourth time at Winterefest, and he said it is the “best festival of this kind in this area.”

Sean Redding, who donned a cat-patterned sweater, was a first-time attendee at Winterfest along with his friend Dan Cellucci. The pair came from West Chester to create content for their Youtube

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of James Smith into the Ches-Mont League Hall of Fame. Smith was recognized for his successful career coaching track and field at Downingtown West and his subsequent work coaching track and field at Patton Middle School.

As a part of the school director comments portion of the meeting, school board member Jody Allen extended a happy Lunar New Year, happy Ash Wednesday and start of the Lenten sea-

and social media account, Yardline Sports. Their friend, Matt Kohl, who’s full title is President of Beer Ops for Yardline Sports, is a veteran of the event and was intent to show his friends a good time.

“Last year I got dangerous, so I’m trying to do the same thing,” Kohl said.

While some attendees certainly drank more than others, the positive atmosphere coupled with record-breaking attendance left some breweries out of beer before the day was done, including the highly recommended Hipster Catnip from La Cabra Brewing in Berwyn and popular local spot, Stubborn Goat Brewing in West Grove, among others.

Another local favorite, Victory Brewing Company, featured two of their Kennett Taproom bartenders, Avery Lemasters and Katelyn Weldon, at their tent serving beers to some familiar faces and new customers alike.

“It’s good for customer service. We see our locals here and it’s nice to see a familiar face and be recognized,” Weldon said. “Its a great turnout, the weather is nice and everyone is having a good time.”

Lemasters added, “This is our first time working this event and it’s been a super-positive experience.”

In all, the day was highly successful for the Kennett Collaborative team and local beer enthusiasts alike.

“We are really grateful for our volunteers and sponsors,” said Kennett Collaborative executive director Daniel Embree. “The more that this event grows, the more we are able to serve the community throughout the year.”

son, as well as a happy beginning of the month of Ramadan to all those who celebrate. Subsequently, Vice President of the board Erin Talbert announced that the UCFSD Community Scholarship Fund has begun its fundraising season. Talbert explained that she and those running the scholarship hope to increase its reach to a more diverse group of outstanding students. She urged those in the community to give to the fund, if possible, as the program is run solely through donations.

Talbert also discussed how the district is adapting to new science requirements from the state level. Talbert stated that two programs are being test-run to accommodate those changes and will be voted on in April. She also offered an update on the school district’s developing policy on artificial intelligence.

“We brought together the best that was given to us,” Talbert said. “[We] created something that we thought worked for UnionvilleChadds Ford.”

She added that the school

district would be having professional development sessions to make sure faculty are as prepared as they can be, highlighting the iterative process of learning and growing from educators. Her final point came with the acknowledgment of an upcoming vote for the purchasing of new software equipment for the school district, adding that it will take some work to get a full grasp on how it functions.

that lies ahead in making various digital platforms accessible to a wide variety of students, faculty and community members.

After Elks completed her discussion items, her colleague on the board, Brian Shartz, raised a point of discussion regarding the moving meetings to alternative settings. Shartz said that he “want[ed] to reserve the right to object to the change to all meetings being here at the district office.”

Next, the school board approved items brought forth by board member Dr. Rashi Akki to purchase a new rough terrain vehicle (RTV) as well as high school gym equipment. Both costs were already included in the budget, and cost approximately $27,000 and $20,000, respectively.

Susan Elks, a school board member, recapped some points of discussion from the work session on Feb. 9, and stated that the district is working on meeting new accessibility requirements slated for April of 2027. She stressed the importance of the work

He added, “I always felt that there was a little bit different feel, and a little bit different style of engagement that happened when we were in the off-site locations, and I wanted to make sure that we weren’t losing that.”

Akki agreed with Shartz, saying that there are intangible advantages of holding meetings in the fashion that they do.

Elks disagreed with her colleagues, saying that to increase engagement, community members needed to be met where they are.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Hoffman discussed the ongoing and complex process of planning and structuring reunification events, making sure that the district knows how to respond in case of emergency events. He said the importance of having specificity and clarity in power structures so as to increase effectiveness should there be a need. Hoffman also stated there would be upcoming drills to help those in the district practice what those instances might look like. Allen made the school board aware of State Senate bills 116, 974 and 1014, which tackle issues related to school districts, including Pennsylvania’s long-term care and workforce crisis, dual enrollment through community education councils as well as Bell-to-Bell bill personal device restrictions. The State Senate approved these bills and the legislation has now moved on to the State House.

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news were appropriately recognized at the meeting, the biggest ticket item on the agenda came in the form of an application to the Zoning Hearing Board about 313 W. Cypress St., a currently vacant Santander Bank building. Campbell Broth3rs Enterprises LLC., which owns the property, hopes to demolish the building to build a twostory apartment building featuring 18 apartments and 37 parking spaces. The application to the Zoning Hearing Board is to allow the impervious coverage of the lot, which currently sits at 74% as it is a commercial space, to remain near that percentage despite becoming a residential space where zoning

ordinances limit impervious coverage to 60%.

While the decision is ultimately up to the Zoning Hearing Board, council had a discussion on whether or not to submit an opinion on the matter. Norris expressed concerns over the plan seeming too dense for the area.

“I would suggest to the Zoning Hearing Board that it’s just too dense,” Norris said, “18 apartments on that lot with all that parking, to me, I would try to get it down a little bit—but that’s just my opinion.”

Comments from council members were interrupted by a member of the public, Charla Watson, who took the microphone to voice her opinion that it is not appropriate for council members to express opinions or have discussion on items under purview of the Zoning Hearing Board.

through creativity.”

Funding from the Justamere Foundation helps ensure the program remains accessible to families across income levels and supports high-quality instruction, supplies, and a safe learning space.

“We are deeply grateful to the Justamere Foundation for investing in Oxford’s young people,” said Vanessa Ross, president of the Oxford Arts Alliance. “This support allows us to create a place where tweens feel seen, supported, and empowered

The Alliance is seeking a variety of grants to continues its mission to provide inclusive arts education and cultural programming.

One source of the funding is the Les Paul Foundation, which inspires innovative and creative thinking by sharing the legacy of Les Paul, a musician, sound engineer, and inventor. The activities highlighted are meant to encourage learners to use Les Paul’s story through the areas of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.

Another source of funding is the Wallace Foundation, which believes arts edu-

Additionally, other members of the public made comments about density concerns, lack of green space at the property and parking.

Council ultimately decided to remain neutral and not submit an official opinion on the matter to the Zoning Hearing Board. Council also did not submit an opinion on the second Zoning Hearing Board application for 115 N. Broad St. the old police station for an indoor golf simulator and wine bar.

Additionally, council unanimously approved the 6th annual Kennett Flash Summer Rooftop Concert Series happening each Saturday from June 20 to Aug. 29 and the 41st annual Mushroom Festival slated to return from Sept. 11 to 13.

Other developments at the meeting included tabling the request from the Public Safety Committee for a

cation is important for its own sake. Arts education also has other benefits— it can help children build empathy, forge social bonds, and improve behavior and cognition.

When the Oxford Arts Alliance paused and began looking to relocate to a new home, it gave Ross an opportunity to talk to people in the community and to learn what they were looking for the Alliance to do.

“We have reached out to Lincoln University and we had great conversations with them about how we can work with them,” Ross said. “They are an important resource in our community and I am excited to see what

crosswalk at Union Street and Fairthorne Street.

Items unanimously passed by council included the maintenance bond and dedication agreement for Kennett

and

“We will continue to grow, build our staff, and seek grants to make sure the Arts Alliance is available and accessible to everyone in the community.”

~ Vanessa Ross, president of the Oxford

we accomplish together.”

She expects them to help her to create a full program which will include the study of black history, black artists and black music.

“I think that would work well with our mission,” she said. “I’m particularly interested in teaching our students how to paint in the style of black artists.”

Ross is very excited about the Arts Alliance’s

move to the Oxford United Methodist Church.

“We now have an amazing amount of parking that is accessible for everyone. We also have more space for art and music programs. It is really a win-win situation,” she said.

Ross has been bringing in more instructors, and she feels the community is much more involved than it was before.

“We will continue to grow, build our staff, and seek grants to make sure the Arts Alliance is available and accessible to everyone in the community,” Ross said. “We will also be working on our website to make it easier to see and join the programs we have planned. For more information on the Arts Alliance, you can contact Vanessa Ross at 610-467-1800.

Save Big Elk Creek group expresses concerns over DCNR’s Master Plan for Big Elk Creek State Park

Save Big Elk Creek, a community-led organization dedicated to protecting the natural integrity of Big Elk Creek as a low-impact preserve, expressed serious reservations regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ recently unveiled Master Plan for Big Elk Creek State Park.

While the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) describes the plan as a balanced vision for visitor access, recreation, conservation, and education, with physical improvements affecting less than 0.5% of the park’s acreage, the document falls short of the commitments made to the community and the explicit terms under which the land was acquired.

Save Big Elk Creek, which was co-founded by Anteia Consorto and Carmela Ciliberti, participated in good faith in the DCNR-imposed Task Force process, which was initiated after community opposition to DCNR’s initial November 6, 2023 proposal that included extensive development such as a large visitor

center, a bath house, a maintenance building, cabins, RV campsites, and significant infrastructure. That opposition prompted a January 10, 2024 Town Hall agreement— endorsed by DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn— to form a community-led advisory group involving appointments from local townships, Chester County Commissioners, and state legislators, with a clear mandate to restore trust and protect the land’s preserve status. Instead, DCNR unilaterally created a Task Force under its control, appointing a DCNR employee as chair, predetermining a development-oriented process, limiting meeting frequency and access, and closing sessions to the public. This approach disregarded the collaborative spirit promised at the Town Hall and undermined community input.

The final Master Plan, a 100-page document, dedicates only one paragraph to the critical question of preserve status. Despite strong advocacy from many Task Force members—including Save Big Elk Creek—to incorporate “Preserve” in the property’s name and

align management with the adjacent White Clay Creek Preserve, DCNR has merely committed to “considering” it after completing a Cultural Resources Management Plan. The current placeholder name “Big Elk Creek State Park” does not reflect the land’s intended purpose.

Chester County taxpayers and the Mt. Cuba Center provided nearly 80 percent of the $32.2 million acquisition cost—over $25 million—expressly to place the land in Pennsylvania’s environmental public trust as an extension of the White Clay Creek Preserve. As trustee, DCNR has a fiduciary duty under Pennsylvania trust law to conserve and maintain the corpus prudently, loyally, and impartially, as affirmed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation v. Commonwealth (161 A.3d 911, Pa. 2017). DCNR is therefore required to manage Big Elk Creek as an extension of the White Clay Creek Preserve, in accordance with the express purpose for which the land was acquired.

The proposed devel -

opments, including a combined park office and visitor center and education facility of approximately 4,500 square feet (described by DCNR as “small” but comparable to average or medium-sized centers, far larger than DCNR’s smallest at 2,400 square feet), a 2,500 square feet maintenance building, multiple parking areas, new trails, and other infrastructure represent over 7,000 square feet of new construction. This directly risks degrading the preserve’s natural resources, in violation of DCNR’s duty to prevent and remedy such impacts.

Additional unresolved concerns include the following:

• DCNR’s disregard for township positions on locally owned trails and parking, despite promises to collaborate;

• DCNR’s mislabeling of public roads as trails pose a danger to park visitors;

• Potential environmental harm from wastewater management systems such as drip irrigation or spray fields;

• The plan’s failure to meaningfully incorporate Task Force comments, despite requests for input. It is important to note

that this Master Plan is a guideline and vision document—not a final, approved design or construction plan. It is not set in stone. The community still has meaningful opportunities to influence the outcome of this project through continued engagement, coordination with elected officials, and active participation in any future planning or permitting processes. Your voice remains powerful and can help shape a truly lowimpact, preserve-focused future for Big Elk Creek.

“I’m proud of how far we’ve come through community engagement and vigilance,” Consorto said.

“We will need to remain actively involved as planning and implementation proceed, working with our elected officials to ensure Big Elk Creek remains low-impact, day-use only in perpetuity. I have not given up on achieving full preserve status for the land and will continue my efforts to permanently protect our home. Please join us in continuing to Save Big Elk Creek.”

Ciliberti added, “This Master Plan does not acknowledge or align with Big Elk Creek’s preserve status as intended by the

donors and taxpayers who funded its protection. DCNR’s approach prioritizes development over the fiduciary duty to conserve this irreplaceable natural asset. But this is not the end of the story—the community can still impact the outcome.”

Save Big Elk Creek calls on DCNR to honor the original intent of the acquisition by re-designating the property as Big Elk Creek Preserve, scaling back proposed developments to minimal levels consistent with day-use preservation, and rebuilding trust through genuine collaboration with the community and townships.

Save Big Elk Creek urges elected officials, donors, and the public to demand that DCNR fulfill its role as a prudent trustee of Pennsylvania’s environmental public trust. Taxpayers, conservation donors, and future generations deserve unwavering protection of this land—not its gradual commercialization.

For more information, to get involved, or to stay updated on opportunities to provide input, visit www.savebigelkcreek.org or the Save Big Elk Creek page on Facebook.

Honoring Smith

In 1976, the same year that the United States celebrated its Bicentennial, Gary W. Smith joined the Chester County Economic Development Council. Within two years, he was named CEO of the organization, and in that role his job was to expand the Chester County Economic Development Council’s role as an economic development engine.

The numbers tell quite a story about how much the Chester County Economic Development Council has expanded under Smith’s leadership. During his tenure, the council has secured over $275 million in external funding for more than 420 projects ranging from regional economic revitalization and industry partnerships to workforce development. The organization helped to create over 175,000 new jobs and assisted in retaining more than 190,000 existing jobs, and brokered more than $13.5 billion in commercial financing loans.

Now, here we are 50 years later, and the United States is about to celebrate its 250th anniversary, and Smith is receiving another accolade for his long and distinguished career at the Chester County Economic Development Council. On May 28, Smith will be the 2026 inductee into the development council’s Chester County Hall of Fame, when business, civic, community and legislative leaders from across the region will gather to celebrate Smith and his tremendous impact on the economic growth and vibrancy of the county and region. It is a welldeserved honor.

Invest in what you value

This newspaper, of course, has come out in favor of efforts by the U.S. Congress to pass the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act and other bipartisan legislation aimed at helping newspapers and news organizations. Federal legislation has fallen short of final adoption several times thus far, but now state lawmakers here in Pennsylvania are considering legislation that would strengthen local journalism through fellowships and grants to news outlets. State Rep. Chris Rabb introduced legislation that will create and fund a Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium (CIC), which will distribute public dollars in the form of grants to local newsrooms and organizations focused on filling the most critical information gaps facing Pennsylvanians. The CIC, modeled after a successful bipartisan New Jersey program that has distributed over $10 million in public funds for local news, will be an independent body outside of the state government to ensure editorial independence, protect against government interference, and allow it to raise private philanthropic dollars from local, state, and national foundations.

Rabb has also introduced legislation to establish a state fellowship program for local news, placing early-career journalists in community newsrooms across the state to strengthen reporting capacity where it’s needed most. This fellowship program has been successfully piloted in California, New Mexico, and Washington State recently, and has placed reporters on the ground in communities that have seen local coverage eliminated in the past two decades.

You have to invest in what you value, and efforts to save local journalism should be supported.

‘Bell-to-Bell’ bill would give students a muchneeded break

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed the bipartisan “Bell-to-Bell” bill that would establish statewide standards to restrict the use of cell phones by students during the school day. The State Senate’s vote took place just hours after Gov. Josh Shapiro renewed his support for the legislation during his annual budget address on Feb. 3. Proponents of the bill say that restricting the use of cell phones by students will create a better and safer learning environment for students.

This bipartisan legislation under consideration would prohibit students in public schools from using or possessing a cell phone during the school day. Students would be required to secure their phones in a way that prevents access until the end of the day, with exceptions for certain emergency and medical needs approved by local school officials.

We could all use a break from our cell phones, especially students who are still growing and developing. Pennsylvania should join the ranks of the more than 30 states that restrict cell phone use in schools and approve the “Bell-to-Bell” bill.

Administration’s stance on vaccines could lead to large victories for Democrats

By Howard Dean

Democrats didn’t just experience a “blue wave” in last November’s offyear elections – we saw a “blue tsunami.” Across the country, Democrats won elections that many experts expected to be close – from gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia to smaller local races in purple counties – in landslide victories.

One issue stood out as a quiet but powerful driver of those victories: vaccines.

Since Donald Trump returned to office, he and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have injected chaos and confusion into America’s vaccine system – and in doing so, handed Democrats a winning political issue.

That reality should be front of mind for Democrats as we head toward the midterms.

The coming campaign season follows a deeply troubling year for public health. The United States surpassed 2,200 measles cases last year amid ongoing outbreaks nationwide – the highest total in 33 years. At this rate, the country is likely to lose its measles elimination status,

a hard-won achievement we have maintained since 2000.

Rather than addressing this crisis, the Trump administration has doubled down on attacks on vaccines. The president has floated unfounded claims and reckless proposals, including breaking up the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine – a move that would require additional doctor visits, force new formulations, and ultimately reduce access. He has also ordered health officials to overhaul long-established vaccine schedules without any credible scientific justification.

At the Department of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr. reshaped the nation’s top vaccine advisory panel and replaced its members with handpicked conspiracy theorists. The reconstituted panel is now advancing changes to routine immunizations and childhood vaccination schedules that lack any scientific basis.

Just last month, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended delaying hepatitis B vaccines for infants – a change that offers no safety benefit and would almost certainly

lower vaccination rates. Now, he’s overhauling the childhood vaccine schedule, putting millions of kids at risk of contracting preventable diseases.

Future recommendations could jeopardize insurance coverage for vaccines or undermine federal vaccination programs altogether.

But this agenda runs directly counter to what voters actually want.

Polling consistently shows that Americans— Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike— value access to FDA-approved vaccines and trust guidance from their physicians. According to Trump’s own 2024 campaign pollster, 85 percent of Americans believe vaccines save lives.

Support for childhood vaccines in particular remains high among Republican and swing voters. Nearly 75 percent of Trump voters and 80 percent of swing voters support the MMR vaccine. Roughly 60 percent of Trump voters and 70 percent of swing voters support both the hepatitis B and TDAP vaccines.

A survey by the Partnership to Fight Infectious Disease found that about 70 percent of Americans are worried about falling childhood vac-

cination levels, and nearly 90 percent of parents with children under 18 recognize the importance of following doctors’ recommendations.

Put simply, there’s nothing controversial about vaccines. They enjoy broad, mainstream support.

That reality has turned the Trump administration’s vaccine agenda into a major political liability for the GOP.

By politicizing routine immunization, the administration has elevated vaccine policy into a defining midterm issue – and positioned Democrats as the party of science, competence, and steady health leadership. Polls already show that voters trust Democrats more than Republicans on vaccines.

The path forward for Democrats is clear: continue championing evidence-based vaccine policy and standing with the physicians Americans overwhelmingly trust. If we do, we may be headed for another blue tsunami.

Howard Dean is the former chair of the Democratic National Committee and former governor of Vermont. This article was originally published by Newsweek

State Sen. Malone introduces bill to reduce demand for puppy mills

State Sen. James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) announced that he has introduced legislation, Senate Bill 1190, to reduce market demand for puppy mills by establishing humane pet retail standards.

As a companion bill to State Rep. Jeanne McNeill’s House Bill 1816, the legislation would end the issuance of permits for pet retail facilities that acquire dogs, cats, and rabbits from high-volume commercial breeders.

Puppy mills are inhumane, high-volume commercial breeding facilities that frequently prioritize profit over the well-being of animals. Many pets born in puppy mills have congenital and acquired medical issues that can last a lifetime, imposing unexpected veterinary costs on owners and overwhelming the shelter system.

SB 1190 and HB 1816 would help protect families purchasing pets and support responsible breeders and

shelters who already meet high standards of care.

“Pennsylvania, and Lancaster specifically, have a puppy mill problem,” said Malone. “These facilities are forcing dogs to breed under inhumane conditions. They’re overwhelming the shelter system and producing dogs that often have genetic and other health issues, which are costly and devastating for owners.

Rep. McNeill’s legislation is a common-sense way to reduce the market demand for these inhumane operations by encouraging pet retail stores to source their puppies and other pets from reputable breeders and shelters. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will join me

in supporting this legislation, so we can get it passed swiftly in both chambers.” Pennsylvania ranked among the top four states in the Humane World for Animals’ 2025 Horrible Hundred report. The report warns customers about common problems at puppy mills, including sickly or emaciated dogs, animals exposed to extreme heat or cold, and dirty kennels. The 2025 report cited two puppy mills in Lancaster County.

SB 1190 and HB 1816 would align Pennsylvania law with eight states and 500 localities in the U.S. with similar laws, including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Allentown, Easton and Wilkinsburg.

Delaware Nature Society is hosting the area’s first Maple Sugar Festival

The Delaware Nature Society is introducing the area’s first Maple Sugar Festival, a family-friendly community event recognizing the tradition and education of maple sugaring. Maple sugaring at Ashland brings this practice to life through hands-on experiences, from tapping a maple tree to seeing, smelling, and tasting sap as it transforms into syrup. The festival celebrates the history, science, and simple joy behind one of nature’s sweetest traditions with delicious pancakes and live music from The Sugar Maples.

The Maple Sugar Festival will take place on Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ashland Nature Center at 3511 Barley Mill Road in Hockessin.

Highlights will include hands-on maple sugaring demonstrations as educators take groups for hands-on demonstrations of tree tapping and col-

lecting sap. There will be fresh maple syrup tasting and a pancake breakfast is included with a ticket. Guests will enjoy a performance by the Sugar Maples, an Americana and soulful folk trio with a strong emphasis on tight, sister-like harmonies and strings. The event is also an opportunity to visit with local community vendors, as local artists will be selling their crafts. There will be a nature scavenger hunt, crafts and activities for children, and a campfire with s’mores.

There are two timed entries available—one at 9 a.m. and one at 11 a.m. Registration is required. Maple Sugaring demonstrations take place

throughout the day, with sessions announced in person.

About the Delaware Nature Society

The Delaware Nature Society was founded in 1964 and connects people and nature to create a healthy environment for all through education,

conservation, and advocacy. As the state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, the society supports local communities in protecting the environment through land preservation, wildlife conservation, and watershed stewardship. The Delaware Nature Society manages more than 2,000 acres of land, including four nature pre-

serves, and operates four educational sites. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers, staff, and interns, there are year-round programs in education, conservation, and advocacy that continue to thrive and expand. For more information about the Maple Sugar Festival, visit https:// DelNature.org/events.

There will be live music at the event.

YMCA of Greater Brandywine announces leadership additions

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) announced the addition of two accomplished leaders who will help advance the organization’s mission and strengthen its impact across Chester County.

Dave McNamara joins the association as vice president of facilities and Valeria Tenreiro has been named executive director of the Oscar Lasko YMCA.

With a professional background spanning higher education, the nonprofit sector, and construction, McNamara brings extensive experience in facilities management, strategic planning, and operational leadership to YGBW. Most recently, McNamara served as senior associate vice president of facilities management at West Chester University.

In his new role, McNamara will oversee facilities strategy and operations across YGBW’s nine branches and program centers, ensuring safe, welcoming and high-quality

spaces for members, staff and the community.

“Dave joins our organization at an exciting time,” said chief branch operating officer Terri Edgar. “We just celebrated the reimagining of our Oscar Lasko branch this month and are preparing to unveil a new outdoor pool at our Lionville Community YMCA this summer. Our facilities team often works behind the scenes but they are critical to keeping our branches and programs up and running for our community. We’re thrilled to have Dave’s leadership to

guide us forward.”

McNamara is a member of the Coatesville YMCA and is dedicated to the Y’s mission. He previously served as a volunteer coach when his sons participated in youth sports. He earned his bachelor of science degree in commerce and engineering from Drexel University and his MBA from Philadelphia University.

Tenreiro joins YGBW as the executive director of the Oscar Lasko YMCA, and brings more than 17 years of experience in the YMCA movement. She

served at YMCAs in New York, New Jersey and California.

Tenreiro began her YMCA journey in health and wellness leadership roles before advancing into senior executive positions. Throughout her career, Tenreiro has partnered with Y-USA and national organizations on initiatives supporting youth development, chronic disease prevention, mental health and cancer survivorship.

“I am deeply inspired by the Y’s commitment to strengthening communities and creating welcoming

spaces where everyone belongs,” she said. “Being able to support individuals and families in their growth, health and wellbeing inspires me every day.”

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Tenreiro is a strong advocate for cultural diversity, inclusion, and partnership. She brings a collaborative leadership style and a passion for advancing health and wellness initiatives to the Oscar Lasko YMCA and the broader YGBW association. In her role as executive director, she will provide strategic leadership focused on community impact, operational excellence and staff and member experience. Together, McNamara and Tenreiro bring a powerful combination of mission-driven leadership and operational expertise to YGBW. Their experience and passion will help advance the Y’s commitment to strengthening communities and serving individuals and families throughout Chester County.

DARLENE EVANS

Darlene (Naumowich) Evans passed away at her home in Avondale on February 16, 2026. She was 79.

She was the spouse of the late Howell Evans.

Darlene was born in Wilmington, Del., the daughter of Paul Naumowich and Lillian (Pierce) Naumowich.

For 25 years, Darlene was the events coordinator at the Chadds Ford Inn in Chadds Ford.

In her spare time, Darlene enjoyed cooking and was known for making excellent pierogies and chicken and dumplings. She was also a talented baker and baked beautiful cakes that looked like they came from a professional bakery. Darlene also enjoyed gardening and had a lifelong love of horses, having grown up with them as a child.

Darlene will be remembered for being a loving wife and mother.

Darlene will be missed by her daughter-in-law for her dancing in the kitchen, her generosity, and for her love of cats.

Darlene is survived by her daughter-in-law, Kristine “Tina” Throckmorton, her sister, Paulette Baker, her grandchildren, John and Tim Ryan, and her nephew, John Baker.

In addition to her parents and late husband, Howell Evans, she is predeceased by her son, Steven Throckmorton.

Darlene’s service took place at Unionville Presbyterian Church on Feb. 27.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. in Kennett Square.

To read her full obituary, visit www.griecofunerals.com.

CARL H. WALLING, JR.

Carl H. Walling, Jr., of Landenberg, passed on February 26, 2026. He was 80. He was born in Revere, Mass. and grew up in Brookhaven, Pa., where he was a member of the first graduating class of Sun Valley High School in 1963. After high school, he attended PMC (Widner) and graduated with a degree in engineering. Carl then went to work for Dupont as an engineer, serving in many positions around the U.S. and Mexico. He remained with the company his entire 39-year career.

He was a member of Christ Church Christiana Hundred in Greenville, Del. Carl is survived by Barbara, his wife of 58 years, his sons, Carl (Emily) and Ray, and his brothers, Michael and John.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Carl Walling.

Services will be private. Interment will be in the Christ Church Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Avon Grove Charter’s Gallow named a top student

Ginetta Gallow, a student at the Avon Grove Charter School, has been selected as Avon Grove Lions Student of the Month in recognition of her leadership, service, and commitment to her school community.

Gallow serves as vice president of both Student Council and Class Council and has been an active member of the high school athletic department since her freshman year. As a junior, she earned the role of captain of the girls’ soccer team and has partici-

pated in nearly every sport offered for girls at Avon Grove Charter School.

Gallow is also deeply committed to service, volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross, Project C.U.R.E., Orphan Grain Train, and the SPCA, while also supporting school events. She is known for her positivity, strong work ethic, and genuine desire to help others—values she plans to carry into her future career. She credits Avon Grove Charter School and

its teachers for continually encouraging her to grow, challenge herself, and strive to be better than she believes possible.

Courtesy photo Ginetta Gallow, a student at the Avon Grove Charter School, has been selected as Avon Grove Lions Student of the Month. Ginetta Gallow and her mother are pictured with Avon Grove Charter School assistant principal Mark Miller and Avon Grove Lions president Debbie Bollenbach.

Nearly 300 Chester County residents apply for SEPTA Senior Discount Cards

Nearly 300 local senior citizens will soon be saving money on SEPTA trips after State Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s office helped them apply for SEPTA Senior Key Cards. Through the SEPTA Senior Fare program, which is funded by the

Arts

The Cecil County Arts Council’s March exhibit is titled “Sign of the Times” and will be on display at the Arts Council gallery, located at 135 E. Main Street in Elkton, Md., from March 6 to 27.

The “Sign of the Times”

Pennsylvania Lottery, seniors 65 and older ride the SEPTA transit and regional rail system for free in Pennsylvania. Trains to and from New Jersey and Delaware using a senior card are charged at half fare. At a recent event at the

Chester County Library in Exton, Comitta’s team assisted 284 seniors in applying for their free SEPTA Senior Key Cards.

“Whether it’s getting to a doctor’s appointment, running errands, visiting family, or taking a day trip to the city, SEPTA Senior Key

Cards help our residents get wherever they need to go,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “My office is always ready to help our older neighbors obtain their cards, and I am grateful to the team at the Chester County Library in Exton for welcoming us for this event.”

In addition, Senator Comitta’s staff connected residents with other state resources and programs that can help.

Seniors who couldn’t attend but are interested in applying for a free card or renewing their existing one, can contact Senator Comitta’s office at 610-692-2112 or pasenatorcomitta.com/contact. Appointments are available at either her West Chester district office or one of eight monthly outreach office locations.

Council announces March gallery show, silent auction to benefit local pooch

opening reception will take place at the gallery from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 6. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature light refreshments and live music by the band 6 Feet Apart. The reception will also

feature a silent auction of works by Elkton artist Lexi Price. Price, who won the People’s Choice Award at the Arts Council’s 2024 juried show, is auctioning several original pieces to help defray the cost of veterinary care for her beloved

dog, Buffy. Her works, which range from sculptures to paintings to engraved mirrors, are bright, colorful and focused on animals.

Founded in 1977, the Arts Council is dedicated to presenting, promoting and sustaining the arts in Cecil

County. It offers free, family-friendly gallery shows featuring regional artists, weekly and monthly arts programming and special events focused on veterans, students, the elderly and people with disabilities. In 2025, the Arts Council awarded

almost $100,000 in grants and scholarships to local artists, businesses and students. For more information about the “Sign of the Times” exhibit and silent auction, visit the Arts Council’s website, follow on Facebook or call 410-392-5740.

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Limestone Properties, LLC, 1020 Broad Run Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 will be blasting on their Surface Mine Permit located on Old Baltimore Pike, Avondale Borough, Chester County. The blasting will take place Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. All interior permit area roads leading to the proposed blast area will be monitored or closed at the time of blasting. An air horn will give short bursts three (3) times before detonation and one (1) long blast after detonation. Possible conditions that might prevent blasting at times announced in the blasting schedule are as follows: rain, lightning, wind or other atmospheric conditions, possible breakdown of blasting company equipment or illness of personnel and operator of public safety.

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, March 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, April 20th, 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. 26-3-45

Writ of Execution No. 2025-06317

DEBT $120,685.21

All that certain piece or parcel or Tract of land situate in Township of West Marlborough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, and being known as 238 Clonmell Upland Road, West Grove, Pennsylvania 19390.

SEIZED AND TAKEN IN EX-

ECUTION AS THE PROPERTY

OF: Daniel Garrison Thomforde

Tax Parcel # 4807 0009000

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Truist Bank VS DEFENDANT: Daniel Garrison Thomoforde

SALE ADDRESS: 238 Clonmell Upland Road, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MCCABE WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC 215-790-1010

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Storage First Kennett Square 328 W Mulberry St Kennett Square PA 19348 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. This sale will occur as an online auction via www.storagetreasures.com on 3/19/2026 at 10:00 AM.

Jacqueline Campbell tester unit #49; Edwin Ford unit #56

This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Bid4Assets.

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.

2P-25-3T

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, March 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, April 20th, 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. 26-3-53 Writ of Execution No. 2025-08189 DEBT $241,600.36

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOROUGH OF BOROUGH OF ATGLEN

SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF: JAMES E. WRIGHT III and ASHLEY S. WRIGHT

Tax Parcel # 7-3-147.9

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: JAMES E. WRIGHT III & ASHLEY S. WRIGHT

SALE ADDRESS: 540 Ridge Avenue, Atglen, PA 19310

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-6271322

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

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, April 20th, 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. 26-3-64

Writ of Execution No. 2025-06376

DEBT

$59,773.39

2P-25-3T

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, March 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, April 20th, 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. 26-3-54

Writ of Execution No. 2025-00788

DEBT $470,786.36

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOROUGH OF ELK TOWNSHIP

SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF:

MICHAEL D’ANNUNZIO

Tax Parcel # 70-04-0018.03F

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK s/b/m HUDSON CITY SAVINGS BANK VS DEFENDANT: MICHAEL D’ANNUNZIO

SALE ADDRESS: 5 Peacedale Court, Elk Township, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C. 215-627-1322

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.

2P-25-3T

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, March 19th, 2026, at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, hereditaments and appurtenances, situate in the Borough of Atglen, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Subdivision Plan, Pennington Farms, made by the Design Coalition, Architects-Planners, Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, dated 4/24/1984, last revised 8/3/1984, recorded 1/9/1985, in Plan File No. 5381, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the Southeasterly side of Ridge Avenue, said point of beginning also being a corner of Lot No. 7, as shown on said plan; thence extending from said point of beginning along the Southeasterly side of Ridge Avenue, North 81° 40’ East, 103.24 feet to a point a corner of Lot No. 9; thence extending along same, South 8° 26’ 22” East, 154.46 feet to a point on the Northwesterly side of a proposed 20 feet wide Sanitary Sewer Easement; thence extending along same, South 81° 33’ 38” West, 103.24 feet to a point a corner of Lot No. 7; thence extending along same, North 8° 26’ 22” West, 154.65 feet to the first mentioned point and place of BEGINNING.

BEING Lot No. 8 as shown on said plan.

BEING known as 502 Ridge Avenue, Atglen, PA 19310

BEING THE SAME PREMISES which Hennessy Brothers, Inc. and Lawrence F. Welsch by Deed dated 2/13/1989 and recorded 2/14/1989 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 1433, Page 198, gra11ted and conveyed unto Douglas T. Delestienne and Sharon N. Delestienne.

Tax Parcel # 7-3-147.11

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential property

PLAINTIFF: TRUMARK FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

S/B/M TO KEYSTONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION VS DEFENDANT: Douglas T. Delestienne a/k/a Douglas Delestienne & Sharon N. Delestienne a/k/a Sharon Delestienne

SALE ADDRESS: 502 Ridge Avenue, Atglen, PA 19310

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. 2P-25-3T

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF THOMAS F. COLLIGAN a/k/a THOMAS F. COLLIGAN, JR., DECEASED.Late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to LAURIE O’CONNOR, EXECUTRIX, 18743 Dembridge Dr., Davidson, NC 28036, Or to her Attorney:ANITA M. D’AMICO D’AMICO LAW, P.C. 65 S. Third St. Oxford, PA 19363 2P-18-3T

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Kenneth H. Greever, Deceased late of London Britain 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 Judith Greever, Executrix, 100 Fox Drive, Landenberg, PA 19350 or to their attorney John W. Richey, Esq., The Tannenbaum Law Group, 600 West Germantown Pike, Suite 400, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. 2P-25-3T

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Barbara E. Adams, also known as Barbara Ellen Edwards Adams, late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above-named Barbara E. Adams, having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Tracy Adams Kirk, Executrix c/o Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire Address: 208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 381 Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838 3P-4-3T

PUBLIC NOTICE

Travetti Advisory, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Weltman, Weinberg & Reiss Co. 520 Walnut Street Suite 1355 Philadelphia, PA 19106

3P-4-1T

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, March 16, 2026, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance authorizing the exercise of the power of eminent domain to acquire certain property interests for the construction of the Oxford Borough Niblock Alley Project, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may

be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN PROPERTY INTERESTS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OXFORD BOROUGH NIBLOCK ALLEY PROJECT. SECTION 1. Authorizes and directs the Borough Solicitor to take all actions required to acquire and effectuate the Necessary Property Acquisitions, pursuant to the power of eminent domain, to acquire fee title to, or leasehold or easement interests in, the properties (or any portions thereof) listed on Exhibit “A” to the ordinance, which include 1017 S.F. +/- of UPI #6-4-230, 63 S.F. +/- of UPI #6-4-231, 323 S,F. +/- of UPI #6-4-232, 795 S.F. +/- of UPI #6-4-234, 1599 S.F. +/- of UPI #6-4-235, 1621 S.F. +/- of UPI #6-4-236, and 6557 S.F. +/- of UPI #6-4-254, for the construction of the Oxford Borough Niblock Alley Project which will benefit the public and the Borough’s citizens by supporting economic development including providing potable water infrastructure, making stormwater improvements, improving Niblock Alley, a Borough road, and other public improvements.

SECTION 2. Authorizes and directs the Borough Solicitor and Borough staff to take all such action as may be necessary and appropriate to implement the ordinance.

SECTION 3. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 4. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 5. Provides for the renumbering of ordinance sections as part of codification of the ordinance.

SECTION 6. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC

Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 3P-4-1T

BID NOTICE

Sealed proposals will be received by the Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County, Pennsylvania at 372 Rose Hill Rd, West Grove PA 19390, until 11:00 AM on March 31, 2026 for the following: **SURFACE TREATMENT**

As Per Section 470 of Pub 408, CRS-2PM, Single App, # 8 Aggregate80,072 sq. yd.

As Per Section 470 of Pub 408, CRS-2PM, Single App, # 7 Aggregate28,460 sq. yd. As Per Section 480 of Pub 408, E3M, Double App # 8 Aggregate 1,000 sq. yd. As per Section 472 of Pub 408, Quick Set Polymer Modified Fog 61,765 sq. yd. ** ULTRA THIN BONDED WEARING COURSE** As Per Section489 of Pub 408, Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing Course Gradation B 24,778 sq. yd. **PAVING IN PLACE** There are extensive paving

West Chester University Swimming & Diving teams win titles at 2026 PSAC Championships

Golden Rams dominate four-day meet in York, Pa. with standout performances from Kolos Nagy and Greta Saville

West Chester University’s Swimming and Diving program capped another leading performance at the 2026 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Swimming Championships, with both the men’s and women’s teams claiming conference titles inside the York YMCA Graham Pool in York, Pa.

The Golden Rams men’s team won their fifth consecutive PSAC title and 27th straight championship in which they participated, claiming the program’s 38th overall conference title, which is the most of any school in PSAC history. The women’s team extended their own remarkable run, winning their fifth consecutive PSAC title and 19th straight championship in which they have competed, claiming the program’s 23rd title overall, secondmost in conference history. Both teams led their respec-

tive leaderboards from start to finish over the four-day event.

Head Coach Steve Mazurek credits the teams’ success with their physical and emotional training regimen.

“We spend a lot of time working on the dry side of things,” Mazurek said.

“Our belief is that we want to go into that championship with a deeper understanding of ourselves. We do communication drills, and something called the Circle of Trust where we talk about team values, and each person gets a chance to share their story with the team. We start with statements of gratitude and respect. No one swims alone. That’s a win for us.”

“Winning conference championships with both programs year after year is a testament to the philosophy that coach Mazurek has developed,” said Terry

Beattie, the director of athletics. “He focuses on cultivating leadership and character to produce a culture of which others want to be a part. He spends a lot of time on dry land workouts and talking as a team. He credits these values, along with a steadfast devotion to training the right way, as ingredients to winning titles. That is what you witness at the conference meet each season.”

Senior international business major Kolos Nagy of Szazhalombatta, Hungary, capped an extraordinary collegiate career at the PSAC Championships, winning four individual titles and earning Swimmer of the Meet honors. Nagy won the 200 Backstroke in 1:46.74, setting a new meet record, and the second meet record he broke during the championship. His 11th career individual conference crown cements his legacy at WCU.

For Nagy, the bonds he’s forged at West Chester have meant everything to him.

“What makes West Chester stand out is mostly the team culture,” he said. “We spend so much time with each other that it becomes like a brotherhood. We enjoy spending time with each other outside of the pool, too. We’re always hanging out, and that’s a big part of why we all love it.”

As he prepares to graduate this spring, Nagy hopes to one day cheer on WCU just as many former WCU swimmers do.

“A lot of alumni were at the meet this week,” he said. “Getting to meet all of them was great and hopefully I can come back for some meets in the future.”

On the women’s side, freshman pre-occupational therapy major Greta Saville of Mordialloc, Australia, won three individual titles

at the championship meet, including a first-place finish in the 1650-yard freestyle in 17 minutes, 0.37 seconds to open the final night of competition. Saville also anchored the 400 freestyle relay alongside Michalina Jasinska, Sam Heiland, and Lava Piuva, helping the foursome to a third-place finish.

Far from home and family, Saville said the team has given her something irreplaceable.

“Swimming definitely helps because we’re all so close as a team,” Saville said. “I find that I really rely on them for day-today life. We see each other twice a day and go through hard sets together, and we also all eat together. We’re so close as a team it makes me feel like I have a family over here. They basically are my second family. I’m so grateful to have such a great team.”

Mazurek traces the team’s

deep culture to a decision made during the COVID19 pandemic, when the program used the time away from competition to invest in its people.

“We put together a leadership curriculum during that time,” he said. “Because we didn’t compete that year, we decided to invest in team culture, and every year that we’ve come back, we’ve refined it and added to it.”

Mazurek said the program’s culture never stops at the pool deck. Instead, it will now prepare the team for what’s ahead. Both programs will now await the NCAA Division II Swimming & Diving Championships, with Saville and WCU swimmers Lenya Ryan, Paul Demsey, and Marti Rosell Diez earning bids to the national meet scheduled for March 11 in Evansville, Ind. Nagy is an alternate for the competition.

Three attorneys elevated to shareholder for Unruh Turner Burke & Frees

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees announced that Amanda J. Sundquist, Kristen Wetzel Ladd, and Ryan M. Jennings have been elevated to shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

“The promotions reflect the depth of talent, leadership, and dedication these attorneys bring to our firm and our clients,” said John K. Fiorillo. “Amanda, Kristen, and Ryan have each demonstrated a strong commitment to the firm’s values, client service, and long-term growth.”

Sundquist focuses her practice on education and municipal law, as well as

land use and zoning. She advises school districts, municipalities, authorities, and other governmental bodies on matters essential to daily operations, including policy and ordinance development, personnel and student issues, public records compliance, and contracting. In her land use practice, Sundquist guides developers, businesses, and homeowners through zoning and development approvals, bringing a well-rounded perspective shaped by her experience representing both public and private interests.

Ladd concentrates her

Amanda J. Sundquist

practice on creditors’ rights and remedies, representing institutional lenders in collections, asset recovery, loan workouts, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and related litigation in state and federal courts. Known for her responsiveness and results-driven approach,

she has recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of her clients and is valued for her ability to protect assets while delivering efficient, costeffective legal solutions.

Jennings practices in the firm’s Zoning & Land Use and Municipal depart-

ments, representing private, corporate, and municipal clients in a wide range of regulatory, governmental, and litigation matters. He regularly appears before courts and municipal bodies at all levels and is recognized for his strategic advocacy, thorough preparation, and practical approach to complex legal issues affecting both public entities and private development projects.

Together, the new shareholders reflect the firm’s continued investment in strong leadership and exceptional client service.

Avon Grove’s Mellott named a Student of the Month

Kylee Mellott has been named the Avon Grove Lions Club Student of the Month from the Avon Grove High School. She is the daughter of Katrina and Greggory Mellott of Avondale.

Kylee’s school activities include photography (3 years), lacrosse and field hockey (4 years), basketball (3 years) and ice hockey (1 year).

Mellott is an active member of the community. She participates in lacrosse goalie training. She referees youth and Intermediate lacrosse games, and she

volunteers to help with the recreational youth lacrosse practices.

She has earned Distinguished Honors all 4 years of high school. She is the captain of the lacrosse and field hockey teams. In 2024 and 2025, she was invited to the USA National Team Development Program Combine. In 2024 and 2025, she was also awarded the First Team All-State and All-Area for field hockey. In 2023 and 2025, she was awarded Second Team All-ChesMont,” and in 2024, she

was awarded the First Team All-Ches-Mont for lacrosse.

Mellott plans to attend Johns Hopkins University where she will continue her academic career and her lacrosse career as a Division 1 athlete. She plans on studying to be a photographer or videographer, or to obtain a medical sales degree.

The teachers who have influenced Mellott the most are Mrs. Polin for inspiring her to stand up for what she believes and Mrs. Carlin for helping her to build her confidence.