Chester County Press 03-11-2026 Edition

Carillo resigns from Kennett School Board

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Kennett School Board

member Lenda Carillo, who represents the borough on that governing body, submitted her resignation at Monday night’s meeting.

Carillo was elected to the school board in 2021. Throughout her time on the board, she has been a strong supporter and advocate of the students at the schools with Hispanic backgrounds.

Carillo said she is moving to Oxford. Members of the school board must live in the area that they represent on the board. Carillo will continue her employment in Kennett Square. At the meeting, she was recognized with the gift of a school bell.

The board is now accepting applications for her replacement. The school board will interview candidates soon and then vote to fill the vacancy at the next

meeting in April. All applicants must be a resident of Kennett Square’s Region A.

connection with advisory organizations to assure that the students will be safe in

In other business, Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders announced that the student trip, which will take 55 pupils to China, has been delayed one week to March 15, as a matter of caution in consideration of the political climate.

Board President David Kronenberg said later that the school board and district staff have been in

her seat on the board because she is moving out of the school district.

Oxford Borough Council approves policing policy

It stipulates that the borough’s law enforcement officers and resources shall not be engaged in the enforcement of non-criminal federal immigration laws

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer Oxford Borough Council

adopted Resolution #14162026 establishing an official policy that the borough’s law enforcement

officers and resources shall not be engaged in the enforcement of non-criminal federal immigration

Back in bloom!

Photo courtesy Longwood Gardens

The rare Himalayan blue-poppies are back at Longwood Gardens and on view for a limited time inside of the historic Main Conservatory. Native to the cool, misty slopes of the Himalayas, blue-poppies are seldom cultivated outside their natural habitat. The blooms are on view Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until March 26. For more details, visit longwoodgardens.org.

laws at the council meeting on March 2.

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen explained, “We were looking for something to deal with federal and civil immigration issues. It was important that it wasn’t provocative. We typically look at other municipalities to see what has worked for them.”

Resident Ken Sapp questioned what the ordinance would do.

“What if an illegal citizen has a criminal warrant here?” Sapp asked.

Police Chief Sam Iacono said, “I don’t have the right to bring you in to check your legal status. That is not for us to decide. As a police department, we help everyone. That is in everyone’s best interest.”

The resolution has been placed in full on the borough’s website at oxfordboro.org. The following is included.

What the Resolution Does:

Prohibits the Borough from entering into agreements, including participation in the federal 287(g) program, that would authorize local police officers to enforce federal civil immigration law on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Prohibits the use of Borough resourcesincluding personnel, time and funding - to assist with civil immigration enforcement activities. Clarifies that immigration status alone is treated as a civil matter, not a criminal offense under Pennsylvania law. Affirms the Borough’s commitment to focusing local law enforcement resources on local public safety priorities, including the investigation and prosecution of criminal activity.

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West Grove woman creates ‘blessing bags’ for homeless in Philadelphia

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

When Stacey McMann was traveling in and out of Philadelphia for work 10 years ago, she couldn’t help but notice the struggles and the suffering of homeless people lining the streets during her commute. Simply noticing their condition was not enough for the West Grove resident. She felt compelled to help.

“Growing up in Chester County, it was really my

first time to be spending a significant amount of time in downtown Philadelphia and seeing how many people were living on the street,” McMann said. “I would see so many folks that were homeless and wish there was something more that I could do to help their situation.”

McMann, who grew up in Parkesburg, found the idea of blessing bags on social media and felt inspired to begin her MSSN:Share blessing bag

project. Blessing bags, as McMann described, are Ziploc or paper bags full of useful essentials including socks, food, hygiene products, money and notes of encouragement that are then distributed to homeless people.

“When we first started doing this, we were trying to collect toiletries from hotels,” McMann said. “We were using Ziploc bags and you couldn’t fit so much in the bag.”

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Chester County appoints three new leaders for key roles

The Chester County Commissioners appoint new county administrator, acting deputy county administrator, and an acting prison warden

The Chester County Board of Commissioners appointed Erik Walschburger as the new chief clerk and county administrator.

“In his 15 years with Chester County government, Erik has established a record of hard work and skilled leadership,” said Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of

Commissioners. “He’s the right person for this job, and I’m excited for him to lead our county administration.”

Walschburger assumes the county administrator position after serving four years as deputy county administrator and chief operating officer. During that time, he was also the acting county administrator for seven

months. He began his career with Chester County in the District Attorney’s office in 2008, holding several key positions and earning recognition as Chester County Prosecutor of the Year in 2018.

“I’ve seen the positive impact that Erik has on the mission, and on the people with whom he works,”

said Commissioner Marian Moskowitz.. “His extensive knowledge of county operations, spirit of collaboration, and effective management style will set a high bar and inspire our employees to reach it.”

With Walschburger moving into the county administrator role, the County Commissioners have named Howard Holland as the acting deputy county administrator for operations. Holland has served as the warden for Chester County Prison since early 2024, after holding the position for eight months in an acting capacity. He has earned accolades for the improvements he has

‘This

is a tragic day for all of us’

Pennsylvania State Police honor Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., who was killed during a March 9 traffic stop near Honey Brook

The Pennsylvania State Police honored fallen Corporal Timothy O’Connor Jr., releasing more information about the dedicated officer who was killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop on March 9.

Corporal O’Connor was assigned to the Troop J Embreeville Station. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania State Police in September of 2010 as a member of the 131st cadet class. Upon graduation, he was assigned to Troop J, Avondale, and in October 2016, he joined their Criminal Investigation Unit. In March 2022, he

Key roles...

Continued from Page 1A

implemented at the prison during his tenure.

“I have always advocated for improved government processes, and I’ve been particularly pleased by the changes Mr. Holland has undertaken at the prison,” said Commissioner Eric Roe. “I’m happy to have him join our leadership team, and I look forward to his continued contributions as a manager and leader at the county level.”

Prior to his position as warden, Holland spent nearly 30 years working in law enforcement as a police officer, special county detective, and advisor to the Chester County Prison Board of Inspectors. He served seven years as the chief of the Downingtown Borough Police Department. In addition to Walschburger and Holland, Chester County’s senior

Policing policy...

Continued from Page 1A

What the Resolution Does Not Do: Prevent federal agents from conducting lawful operations within the Borough.

Prohibit cooperation with federal authorities in criminal investigations.

Interfere with the enforcement of criminal law at the local, state or federal level.

The Resolution affirms that Borough police officers will not serve as federal immigration agents for purposes of civil enforcement. It reflects what has always been policy and practice in the Borough and is consistent with Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (PLEAC) requirements. Oxford Borough remains committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every resident.

The resolution is intended to help ensure that local law enforcement resources, and

transferred to Troop J, Embreeville, and in July 2022, was promoted to corporal and continued serving at Troop J, Embreeville.

Corporal O’Connor was 40 years old and became the 105th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in the line of duty. Corporal O’Connor leaves behind a wife and daughter.

“This is a tragic day for all of us. We have lost a dear member of our family, a hero and member of the Pennsylvania State Police,” said Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens,

Acting Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “Our hearts remain with Corporal O’Connor’s wife, daughter, and family. We ask for everyone’s continued prayers to help them during this devastating time.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Corporal O’Connor’s honor.

“Pennsylvania tragically lost one of our finest when State Police Corporal Tim O’Connor was killed in the line of duty. My heart breaks for Corporal O’Connor’s wife Casey, their young daughter, and their entire

family,” said Gov. Shapiro. “Lori and I mourn with the Pennsylvania State Police family and with all of our law enforcement partners. I’ve directed flags across our Commonwealth to be lowered in honor of Corporal O’Connor. May his memory be a blessing.”

“Last night we lost a distinguished protector of the Chester County community,” said Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe, the Chester County District Attorney. “We grieve the loss of Corporal O’Connor and share our deepest condolences with his family.”

Corporal O’Connor had

management team includes Megan Moser, deputy county administrator for customer experience.

Moser joined the county in 2025, after leading the design and development of customer experience initiatives at multiple federal agencies, municipal government, and academia. Over

Borough resources generally, remain focused on core public safety and service requirements. We want and need all residents to feel safe reporting crimes, cooperating with investigations, and engaging with local law enforcement regardless of immigration status.

In other business at the meeting, Beth Uhler, Pennsylvania director of the Center for Watershed Protection presented a stormwater and MS4 update to Oxford Borough Council.

Uhler explained, “This is a five-year permit that protects water quality. The borough needs to make sure they are doing what is required of this permit.”

MS4 is an acronym for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. It is a publicly owned, regulated system of conveyances, including roads, catch basins, curbs, gutters, and pipes, designed to collect and transport untreated stormwater runoff

the past several months, she has led the development of a detailed action plan to support the Department of Voter Services, and initiated other process improvements.

As Holland assumes his role as acting deputy county administrator, the Prison Board of Inspectors

to local water bodies.

MS4 permits, mandated by the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, require operators (municipalities, universities, or departments of transportation) to implement programs to reduce pollutant discharges.

The borough’s is located within the Chesapeake Bay’s purview which makes it even more important to protect the water discharge.

Every MS4 permittee has to report to DEP annually, has to educate the public about the program, and post water quality reports on the borough’s website, on Facebook and in the borough newsletter.

Uhler said that the borough has completed a project at the Community of Love Church wetlands. They are currently installing rain garden bump-outs on Mt. Vernon Street in a grantfunded project. A bump-out is a landscaped extension of the street curb. Runoff water is directed underneath the system to be stored, infiltrated, and absorbed by plants, such as grasses,

has appointed Brian Sheller as acting warden of the Chester County Prison.

Sheller has been the deputy warden since early 2024. Prior to serving in that role, he spent more than 30 years as the chief of the Parkesburg Borough Police Department. During that time, he graduated from

perennials and shrubs. The plantings will be installed as weather permits.

Uhler said, “We have almost completed our inventory of problems. We will do an inspection of the public works systems. The borough is in good shape at this point and has completed employee training.”

More information on MS4 and the Mt. Vernon project is available on the borough’s website.

Iacono presented the police report to Oxford Borough Council.

“For the month of January. we had 525 calls for service and three criminal arrests,” he said.

The police department has ordered a new vehicle and council will receive updates on that. The police chief also disclosed that there is no new information on the county radios, but they will start putting them into police vehicles.

The Pennsylvania State Police held an After Action Review at Lincoln University following the shooting incident last September. The Oxford Borough Police Department will be kept in the loop on new developments regarding the plan.

responded to a report of an erratic driver in the area of Walnut Road and Compass Road in Honey Brook Township. Corporal O’Connor located the vehicle within minutes and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township, Chester County. This was at approximately 8:24 p.m.

As Corporal O’Connor approached the vehicle, the driver immediately opened fire from inside the vehicle, striking the 15-year Pennsylvania State Police veteran from the driver’s side of the vehicle.

Kennett School Board...

Continued from Page 1A the light of possible international relations threats.

The cost of the trip is being carried by a third party, so the students have to only pay for their own insurance. They are being hosted by a school in China and will be performing a chorus concert with their musicians.

The board also approved student trips for the chorus and for student trips to France, Germany and Italy.

Rizzo Saunders also

the FBI National Academy, served as President of the Chester County Police Chiefs Association, and was on staff at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus.

“The board is focused

“I had an event a few weeks ago and ten mayors in the county and County Commissioner Josh Maxwell attended,” Harris said. “We focused on ICE when it hit Phoenixville. We discussed our police policies in real time, how we prepare and what messaging we are sending out. It is important that all residents understand they have equal access to the police. If an issue comes up, we want them to know they can call 911and we will go assist them. We discussed how we get messaging out. We want to put together a joint statement and a proclamation.”

Borough Solicitor Stacey Fuller reported that she is continuing to work on a waterline agreement for a property bordering the borough. She is also working on the Niblock Alley grant and the legalities that go with it.

The gunman then exited the vehicle, walked a short distance, and fatally shot himself with a semiautomatic pistol. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Corporal O’Connor was transported to Paoli Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The gunman has been identified as Jesse Nathan Elks, age 32, of Honey Brook.

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop J Major Case Team and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office are investigating this incident.

spoke proudly of several student achievements.

Aydriane Bowden recently won the long jump at the state meet and is ranked second in the nation in the pentathlon. The high school girls’ swimming team just earned the championship. Additionally, twelve KCSD chorus members were chosen for the PMEA Regional Chorus and Iris Wells qualified as a National Merit finalist.

Rizzo Saunders also praised the Stem Night on March 5, which attracted more than 1,000 visitors.

on cost-effective service delivery, meaningful collaboration with our many partners and community organizations, and employee empowerment,” said Maxwell. “This team is going to do great things.”

approved Resolution #1417-2026 amending the 2026 fee schedule and also authorized the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. special event permit application for the Cinco de Mayo event on May 1 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The event will be moved to Oxford Feed and Lumber.

Also approved was a MECO Construction Inc. pay application No. 3 in the amount of $82,548.90 and pay application No. 4 in the amount of $363,477.60 for the Mt. Vernon Street “Dig Once” Project.

Council also authorized a letter of support for the Oxford Area School District’s grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program to support HVAC system improvements at Nottingham Elementary School.

The police department has received two new applicants for upcoming police testing, Iacono said.

Mayor Phil Harris told council that he has been trying to organize a meeting with other mayors in the county.

Garcia-Allen delivered her report. She updated the council on the parking garage and the newly installed gates. There is more information on the website about parking in the garage and other parking lots in the borough. She also thanked the Public Works Department and all borough employees for their assistance with the parking garage. She explained that, in the event that anyone has an issue while leaving the parking garage, there is a 24-hour call button at the exit gate.

Oxford Borough Council

Council also discussed the parking requirements in the TC1 District, water department tapping fees, the driving direction regulations on Niblock Alley and the policy for streaming council meetings. The council room is now equipped with audio-visual capabilities, which means streaming of meetings will continue to be discussed in the future.

The next Oxford Borough Council meeting will be held on March 16 at the Borough Hall.

Local

Blessing bags...

In the 10 years since she began her blessing bags, McMann has grown the project to include more and bigger bags and increased fundraising efforts.

McMann said she now uses large paper bags to fit three compartments for hygiene products, winter essentials and food. She does about three to four drops of 25 bags each per year, focusing on the Center City area. McMann said that the growth of the project was aided by social media and community support.

“It started out as an idea that my sisters and my mom really encouraged. They jumped right in and started helping me put together bags and source things from their friends and communities for the bags,” she said. “We’ve had neighbors, friends, and co-workers help. I have had some support from church groups, but it’s been just a private operation. It’s been made public through social media.”

In 2023, McMann began receiving support on the project from her friend, Diana Mazzei, who McMann described as her “road warrior.” Mazzei’s efforts include bringing in additional donors, assisting on drops and becoming the chef of the project, providing homemade sandwiches for each drop including turkey gobblers for Thanksgiving and grilled ham and cheese for Easter. Thanks to Mazzei’s efforts, McMann shared that operations were able to double since her inclusion three years ago.

McMann explained that due to the operation being

mostly independent, she primarily funds the project herself. In 2023, McMann started creating and selling jewelry and magnets to help ease the financial burden and raise additional funds for the bags. McMann finds inspiration for her products through her love of live music and her favorite band, Goose, letting their music influence her jewelry and magnet designs.

“The people that purchase a lot of the jewelry and the magnets that I’ve designed tend to be from a community of people that follow this band and love the jam scene and live music,” she said.

“It’s interesting how this community in particular cares deeply about people that aren’t even in their state sometimes, or their network so I’ve been grateful and blessed I tapped into that because that wasn’t really part of the plan.”

McMann shared that sales for the jewelry and mag-

nets have spread all across the country and far beyond just the Chester County and Philadelphia communities she is a part of.

“There are so many people that want to help, and it’s funny because they’re not even connected to the Philadelphia area or the folks around Chester County,” McMann said.

“It seems that everybody knows somebody that could use a little help.”

Though everyone may know someone in need of a little help, McMann is able to help them directly and connect with them.

McMann said she finds joy in this experience, even admitting that she can feel selfish at times because of how fulfilling she finds the work to be. Though she shared the work is not always easy and the emotional toll can be heavy,

over the 10 years of giving out blessing bags, McMann has made unforgettable memories and shared connections with people she would have otherwise never known, making it all worth it.

“There’s this one person in particular, her name is Rose, and I remember that because my mom’s name is Rose, and she has got the biggest, brightest, megawatt smile you’ve ever seen,” McMann said. “Every time I see her now it just strikes me how you can have so much and not share a smile like that with a stranger. Here this lady has nothing and she’s truly grateful to receive these items. She made a big impression on me.”

McMann is currently planning her next drop of blessing bags for Easter with a new magnet design

Homeowners in Pa. pay the 13th most in property taxes in U.S.

A new study on behalf of Construction Coverage has identified the U.S. cities, counties, and states with the highest effective property tax rates in the nation.

America’s housing market has entered a period of recalibration after the frenzy of recent years. While the acute shortages and bidding wars have mostly cooled, affordability remains a stubborn challenge. Home prices are still hovering near record highs, though their growth has slowed significantly, now trailing general inflation on average rather than

outpacing it. Meanwhile, interest rates have stabilized but remain elevated compared to historic lows, continuing to exert pressure on borrowing costs for aspiring buyers. While existing homeowners have largely benefited from high prices in the form of equity gains, they also face their own set of challenges. For one, many are effectively “locked in” to their homes, having secured low-interest mortgages before rates began climbing. For these homeowners, relocating often means choosing between downsizing to a less expensive property or absorbing significantly higher month-

ly payments on a new loan. Another factor is property taxes. Typically calculated as a percentage of a home’s assessed value, property taxes remain a growing burden even as the market cools. Because tax assessments often lag behind real-time market data, many homeowners are still seeing their bills climb as local governments play catch-up to the massive value spikes of the early 2020s. Consequently, even in a slower market, property tax bills in many areas continue to rise, squeezing homeowners regardless of whether they have a fixedrate mortgage or own their property outright.

To address this issue, certain states have implemented mechanisms to protect homeowners from runaway tax increases. As of 2025, 18 states, including California, Florida, and New York, and the District of Columbia have assessment limits that cap how much a property’s assessed value can increase annually. While these limits help shield homeowners from the full impact of rising home prices, they also deter long-time owners from moving and contribute to significant disparities in property tax burdens across the U.S.

to help raise funds and plans to include grilled ham and cheese sandwiches in the bags to mark the holiday.

Moving forward, McMann plans on continuing the bag drops quarterly and is working on building a website. Additionally, McMann hopes to secure 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for MSSN: Share in order to reach more people in need.

Though McMann may just be one person, trying to aid a vast and systemic issue, she has managed to create an impact. Though it has taken hard effort and personal sacrifice, McMann acknowledges that whatever difficulty she faces pales in comparison to the difficulties the homeless

communities are facing. Being able to share her love and peace with others who need it more is what McMann described as her motivator.

“I really feel, in our culture today, there’s this movement to protect your peace,” McMann said. “I don’t believe that. I believe that peace is meant to be shared. If you withdraw from the situation, you’re just keeping it moving full speed. But if you are willing to move toward love and toward chaos, you can make such an impact.” For more information or to contact Stacey McMann regarding how you can help, email mssnshare@ gmail.com.

Former fire marshal found guilty of unlawfully shooting at a car

Timothy Hubbard, 50, was found guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and other related charges following a four-day bench trial before the Honorable Judge Allison Bell Royer. At the time of the inci-

dent, Hubbard was the appointed fire marshal for Charlestown Township.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Hubbard responded to the scene of a fire investigation and subsequently identified someone he sus-

pected was involved in setting the fire and tried to confront them. When the person started to drive away, Hubbard allegedly gave chase and fired a gun at least two times into the rear window and trunk of the vehicle and in the

direction of the driver. Hubbard then used his car to repeatedly strike the suspect’s vehicle and block him from leaving the area. According to officials, when Hubbard was later asked by state troopers about what

occurred during the confrontation, the defendant misrepresented what happened.

“The Pennsylvania State Police investigation demonstrated that the defendant, Timothy Hubbard, shot at someone without justification,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe. “Being a fire marshal does not give him a free pass to endanger others.” Hubbard will be sentenced on a later date.

Broad coalition urges Gov. Shapiro to convene leadership talks on cannabis legalization in 2026

Civil rights and criminal justice leaders call for five-party discussions to establish a clear, collaborative path forward

Following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s inclusion of adult-use cannabis legalization in his state budget proposal for the third consecutive year, a broad coalition of Pennsylvania stakeholders, including civil liberties advocates and criminal justice reform leaders, sent a formal letter to the governor, urging the administration to prioritize adult-use cannabis legalization this year by convening formal “five-party” leadership discussions to finally deliver this long-overdue reform.

The coalition is requesting that the Governor’s office bring together Democratic and Republican leadership from both the House and Senate’s four caucuses in five-party talks to establish a clear, collaborative path forward in 2026. “Doing so would align Pennsylvania

with national trends, advance economic and workforce goals, and most importantly, end the unnecessary criminalization of Pennsylvanians for simple cannabis possession and use that the public overwhelmingly agrees should no longer be punished,” the letter states.

While multiple bipartisan adult-use legalization bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate, the coalition argues that Pennsylvania continues to fall behind.

“As surrounding states implement adult-use cannabis programs, the Commonwealth is losing out on thousands of good-paying jobs, hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and significant economic development opportunities—benefits that are instead flowing

across our borders. This competitive disadvantage grows more pronounced with each year of inaction.”

The letter also emphasizes that the repeated failure to enact adult-use regulations and meaningful decriminalization continues to impose profound human costs.

“Tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians are still arrested, jailed, or otherwise entangled in the criminal justice system each year for non-violent cannabis offenses—conduct that is legal and unpunished in nearly every neighboring state.”

The letter, sent to Gov. Shapiro on Feb. 5, was signed by the following organizations: ACLU of Pennsylvania, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, Doctors for Drug Policy

Reform, Last Prisoner Project, Law Enforcement Action Partnership,

Marijuana Policy Project, Pennsylvania Prison Society, the Public

Defender Association of Pennsylvania, and Straight Ahead.

Rolling down the tracks

Our nation’s new athletic icons

In the weeks that have followed Megan Keller’s backhanded gem of a goal in overtime that gave the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team the gold medal at the recent Winter Olympics – the program’s third gold and first since 2018 - it would be interesting to measure the increase in sales of hockey equipment for girls throughout Chester County, and indeed, all over the nation.

Similarly, it may be worth an inventory check of local sporting goods stores to gauge the number of sales of girls’ figure skates – or perhaps a jump in skating lessons – following the majestic Olympic performances of Alysa Liu and Amber Glenn.

Further still, could there be an uptick in interest in alpine skiing by girls following the gold medal effort by Breezy Johnson, or for slalom skiing in the wake of Mikaela Shiffrin, and have we shelled out enough praise for the courage and resilience of 41-year-old Lindsey Vonn to overcome serious injuries to even attempt to compete?

One must have sequestered oneself in a catacomb of silence over the past several weeks not to have witnessed the majestic talent displayed by our women’s Team USA members at the MilanCortina Winter Games. They did not just define these games with their high-altitude energy; they infused their performances with the poise of a veteran and the enthusiasm of a child to completely dominate the Games. From overtime nail-biters to ballerinas on ice, the American women took home 17 medals, including six golds, while the U.S. male athletes won four golds and 12 total medals.

What happened in Italy is a mere reflection of an athletic movement in this country that is – at long last – evening the playing field and in some respects, tilting the pendulum in favor of women. The facts are found within the plain truths of records: U.S. women have won more golds and more medals than U.S. men for the past four consecutive Summer Games, going back to the 2012 London Olympics. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, U.S. women won 65 percent of the 40 gold medals won by Americans, and won 68 medals overall, as compared to the men, who left France with 52 medals.

If the recent Olympic games have served to shine extraordinary focus on the increasing success of women athletes in the United States, it’s a mere microcosm of what we continue to see here at home. On Jan. 30, a sold-out crowd of 20,000 jammed the Xfinity Mobile Arena in nearby Philadelphia to see Unrivaled, a fast-paced three-on-three women’s professional basketball league.

A look at the bedroom walls of hundreds of young girls’ rooms from Oxford to Chadds Ford will no doubt reveal the posters of WNBA stars, each of whom have become household names in homes where girls’ youth basketball is played. In direct contrast to the modern NBA game of endless three-point attempts, matador defense and load management days off, the WNBA has been drawing record crowds to see its top talent provide sound and consistent team play.

Currently, 16 members of the women’s Olympic hockey team play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which was formed in 2023 and now features an eight-team league that has seen a dramatic increase in attendance, including breaking several records for attendance this season.

Need more proof? Look at the youth playing fields of Chester County. Over the last several years, girls’ participation in youth sports continues to rise significantly, while boys’ involvement shows a slight decline.

If there is one intangible responsible for the rise in the popularity of women’s sports, it is not found on a playing field but in the court of fairness and free speech. What icons like Billie Jean King spoke out about generations ago is now the beneficiary of larger megaphones, and with each new female athletic hero comes a new voice, championing the cause of women in an American society still being proliferated by a pro-male jockocracy. The open door has not just Title IX to thank; more women athletes are stepping up to the mike to sound off on the lingering inequalities between men and women in our society.

They have become our nation’s new role models – strong, resilient and proud - at a time when young women all over Chester County and the United States yearn for heroes who look like they do. Their images hang in our daughters’ bedrooms like testaments to power, and they have changed the landscape of American athletics forever.

Let the sunshine in: Restore transparency to Pennsylvania government

By William M. Cotter

National Sunshine Week, March 15-21, is a time to highlight the importance of open, transparent government and to call attention to actions that place those principles at risk. Pennsylvanians deserve to know what their elected school and township supervisor boards, borough councils and other agencies plan to discuss and vote on at public meetings. The Sunshine Act ensures that level of visibility.

At least it did — until last year when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court opened the door for far more government business to occur without prior public notice. In a split ruling, the high court struck down the requirement that public boards give citizens at least 24 hours’ notice of items to be acted upon at a meeting. Local government agencies praised the ruling as a time- and money-saver. But for citizens, journalists and some lawmakers, it set off alarm bells.

“It’s an invitation for abuse and Pennsylvanians will suffer as a result,” said Melissa Bevan Melewsky, media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

“The Supreme Court has opened Pandora’s Box. The public won’t know what’s coming until it’s too late,” said State Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-Bucks/ Lehigh), the plaintiff in the lawsuit that triggered the decision.

The case stemmed from a school board’s ratification of a teacher contract that never appeared on the meeting agenda — something that now is legally allowed to happen. State Senate Bill 1150 and state House Bill 2146 have been offered to restore guardrails to the Sunshine Act. They tighten exceptions to the 24-hour advancenotice rule by ensuring last-minute additions to an agenda are reserved for true emergencies or insignificant matters. In its current form, the House bill would permit a few additional exceptions to the 24-hour requirement.

A separate, but equally critical measure is state House Bill 1291, which updates the Pennsylvania public notice law to ensure citizens receive timely notice before government decisions are made.

The bill would keep public notices in news publications and require them to be posted on the

statewide public notice website, publicnoticepa. com. Some local governments have wanted to move these notices to municipal or county websites that are often difficult to navigate, seldom visited, and rarely updated. Pennsylvanians would be forced to scour dozens of government websites just to stay informed about what’s happening in their communities. Local news publications provide a convenient, one-stop resource for all public notices.

If governments controlled public notices, agencies would be able to revise, replace or remove notices without scrutiny, undermining the integrity and reliability of the record. News publications provide a verifiable public record that cannot be quietly altered or removed. They reach audiences far beyond the few people

who actively monitor government websites. This independence ensures public notices are broadly disseminated, durable and transparent. It preserves the public’s confidence in the integrity of the process.

When Florida allowed government agencies to publish public notices on their county websites, the damaging results were decreased attendance at public meetings, decreased citizen input in government matters, and no increase in visits to government websites. That outcome runs directly counter to the good government goals celebrated during Sunshine Week. Florida’s mistake must not be repeated in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association and its members fully support legislation that restores limits on excep-

Underage

tions to the 24-hour notice rule and preserves the independence and accessibility of public notices by keeping them in established news publications. Transparency is good for government and good for citizens. We call on state lawmakers to let the sunshine in so the public can witness what its government is doing, participate before decisions are made, and hold officials accountable.

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association represents print and digital news organizations across the commonwealth. A central part of PNA’s mission is to uphold the First Amendment and defend the free flow of information to and from the press.

William M. Cotter is the President and CEO of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.

‘Telling Your Story’ workshop empowers local advocates

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

The Fund for Women and Girls in conjunction with The Alliance for Health Equity held a “Telling Your Story” workshop on Thursday, March 5 at The Alliance for Health Equity headquarters in Coatesville.

The workshop focused on teaching participants how to use their personal stories and lived experiences to improve their advocacy work.

The workshop was led by Blake Emmanuel, the director of advocacy and policy at The Fund for Women and Girls, and Kevin Ressler, the president and CEO for The Alliance for Health Equity, and was attended by local nonprofit leaders and advocates.

“Empowerment is so important,” Emmanuel said. “For us it’s about getting folks who might not normally do advocacy to think about it differently.”

Emmanuel explained the idea for the workshop came from her paid family leave advocacy group, where she received questions on an action item she sent out asking participants to “tell their story” and people feeling unclear on how to do so. Ressler shared his inspiration, saying that nonprofits are often used as a scapegoat for failings in policy and business and wants nonprofits and advocates to make themselves heard to combat those harmful narratives.

“In my experience, professionally and personally, if you don’t tell your story,

“I just want nonprofits to meet with their legislators and share the stories of the impact that they’re having.”

“

~ Kevin Ressler, the president and CEO for The Alliance for Health Equity

someone else will tell your story,” Ressler said. “I would rather be in control of my narrative than victim to someone else controlling my narrative.”

Emmanuel began the workshop with an overview on advocacy versus lobbying and how to appropriately use the two methods in nonprofit work. Emmanuel focused a majority of the lesson on how to communicate to legislators and influence policy decisions.

“A lot of times we are talking about policymakers, elected officials, folks who are in positions of power and I think a lot of us are guilty of assuming that they know,” she said.

“Nine times out of ten, you have more experience than the folks that you’re advocating to so take a level of empowerment out of that.”

Emmanuel emphasized that each person in the group has usable experience, perspective and a “why” behind their work that can be used through storytelling to aid their advocacy. Emmanuel gave strategies for effective storytelling including being authentic, staying focused and concise, balancing emotions and how to avoid exploiting themselves or others.

“Taking that personal experience, professional experience and using it in your advocacy, making things humanized, it just makes a world of difference,” Emmanuel said.

Additionally, Ressler taught a lesson on digital advocacy and showed methods of incorporating

media into advocacy work.

“One of the things I like to do with nonprofit organizations is help them think about how they approach the media,” Ressler said.

“So what we’re talking about here, when we’re talking about storytelling, is really about controlling your own narrative.”

Ressler then coached and interviewed a volunteer from the group, Isabel Rush of Querencia Doula Services, in an example of a video clip attendees can replicate to use on their websites and social media to communicate their work and stories to a larger audience.

Ressler prompted Rush to share what her business is, how she feels it can help people and to share a story of someone who has been positively impacted by her work. The video

was filmed and edited for the group to watch at the end of the workshop.

After the workshop was over, attendees completed a worksheet that guided them step-by-step in crafting their story to use later on in their advocacy. Attendee Brianah White, a crisis counselor at the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County in Coatesville, shared her thoughts on the workshop.

“The event intrigued me because I like learning about things that have meaning. I’m not a very quantitative type of person, I like quality information and things that are more meaningful,” she said. “I really enjoyed it. It was very informative.”

Though the event focused on the positives and left attendees feeling empowered in their advocacy, the

struggles involved in advocacy work were not to be overlooked. From lack of funding to fighting against opposing interests, there was no question that the work is and will continue to be difficult. Ressler hopes getting advocates to tell their stories effectively will improve their outcomes.

“I just want nonprofits to meet with their legislators and share the stories of the impact that they’re having,” Ressler said. “I often like to say nonprofits exist where government can’t and business won’t. So, when we are continually faced with problems that are created in a vacuum of others who could solve it and then we are underfunded and then we are blamed for not solving it, we’ve got to change the dynamics of that.”

LCH expands access to health care in Oxford location

LCH Health and Community Services has added a health care provider to the Oxford Health Center staff. With this addition, the Oxford location has increased appointment hours, improving access to care for patients.

Ayanna Sangster, CRNP, recently transferred from the LCH Kennett Square Health Center to the Oxford Health Center, located at 14 S. 3rd Street in downtown Oxford. LCH Oxford now has three providers on staff and offers additional extended Thursday hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Patients who live or work near Oxford will experience improved availability for appointments for primary care, family medicine, and behavioral health.

Sangster joins Amanda Birdwell, CRNP, and Boris Cordova-Canas, CNRP, MSM, APRN, FNP-C, to provide affordable healthcare services to LCH patients in Oxford. Sangster will continue to uphold LCH values and is committed

to delivering person-centered, integrated care in the Oxford community.

“Oxford is a special community with a wonderful mix of families, many with complex and evolving health needs,” said Sangster. “I’m proud to help expand access to medical care in Oxford and the surrounding communities.

I’m grateful to work alongside Amanda and Boris as we continue delivering patient-centered care to the families we serve.”

Patients who visit LCH in Kennett Square will continue to experience excellent integrated care from any of the five providers in that location. All three LCH locations, conveniently located in Kennett Square, Oxford, and West Grove, deliver acute and primary care, as well as other health care services, to families and individuals throughout the Southern Chester County region.

“Ayanna is a valued member of the LCH team, and our Oxford patients will benefit from her compassionate and knowledgeable approach to care,” said Joseph A. Greco, MD,

Chief Medical Officer. “As soon as we recognized the need for more appointment availability in Oxford, we made it a priority to move an experienced provider into that location. Our goal is to continually improve access to quality, fair care, and that means increasing staff and hours in the communities where our patients live and work. We are proud to be able to respond to this growing need for services in the Oxford office.”

LCH is accepting new patients in all three locations. Bilingual services and Telehealth appointments are also available to all LCH patients. LCH works with most insurance providers and offers affordable care on a sliding scale fee schedule. To schedule an appointment at LCH Oxford, call 610444-7550 or visit https:// lchcommunityhealth.org/ health-center-oxford.

Courtesy photo LCH Health and Community Services expands access to healthcare in Oxford. Pictured from left to right are Boris Cordova-Canas, Ayanna Sangster, and Amanda Birdwell.

BERNICE MOESER

Bernice Moeser, of Oxford, passed away suddenly on February 24, 2026 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. She was 78. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Anna Eisenberg and the late Harry Eisenberg.

Bernice was the heart of the family, and she was endlessly caring, selfless, and full of love. Family meant the world to her and she stressed the importance of family every single day. She adored her two sons and cherished her grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Her laughter could brighten a room and the Italian in her allowed her love to be shown best in the kitchen where she made sure everyone was fed, whether you

were hungry or not. Being around her meant feeling safe, cared for, and supported. Her home and her heart were always open. There will truly never be anyone else like her. The love she effortlessly poured into her family and those who were lucky enough to know her will continue to live on in their hearts forever.

Bernice is survived by her two sons, Keith Moeser and Steven Moeser; two granddaughters, Alexis Moeser and Avrie Moeser; three grandsons, Charles Moeser, Kyle Moeser, and Zion Moeser; two greatgranddaughters, Braelyn Moeser and Scarlett Moeser; and one great-grandson, Brooks Byler.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (484-734-8100) of Kennett Square.

To share a memory with her family, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

Obituary submissions

March 11

Calendar of Events

Bridging the Community meeting

The next meeting of Bridging the Community takes place on Wednesday, March 11 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Kennett Friends Meeting, 125 W. Sickle Street, Kennett Square.

This is an open meeting with no membership, just good hearts who want to discover ways to “bridge” resources with needs. At the meeting, you will also discover ways to get involved by learning about the community and volunteer opportunities in the area. The group has met every other month, in various locations in town, since 1998.

Bridging the Community meeting builds community through first hearing from attendees about what they have to offer or the needs they have, then taking time to talk to each other, and finally coming back and sharing with the group the “bridges” that were made.

Please come and bring your resources and needs to “bridge” with others. You may also bring a new idea of an activity you would like to start in the community, and are looking for others to join you. More information is available at bridgingthecommunity.org.

March 11

International Book Collection Open House at Kennett Library

The International Book Collection Open House at Kennett Library will take place on Wednesday, March 11 at 4 p.m. The event features books for children, teens, and adults in 45 languages from around the globe. Explore everything from bilingual picture books and short language-learning stories to full-length novels in their original languages, including Gogol in Russian and Miyazaki in Japanese. Nearly half of the collection is bilingual, making it perfect for language learners, multilingual families, and curious readers alike. The event is a good time to Come to the library, wander, taste, read, and discover.

March 12

SCCCC Business After Hours

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s March After Hours Happy Hour takes place at Victory Brewing-Kennett Square on Thursday, March 12 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. More details are available at www. scccc.org.

March 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.

March 14

Superunknown at the Kennett Flash

On March 14, the Kennett Flash presents a show by Superunknown, a solo Chris Cornell tribute show. This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. More information is available at kennettflash.org.

March 14

Oxford Eagles Club Bingo

The Oxford Eagles Club Bingo game for March will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 14. Hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary, the event includes bingo, raffle baskets, a 50/50 cash raffle pulled at the end of play, and bar specials and food. The doors open at noon. Game play starts at 2 p.m. The cost is $20 for a game pack (10 games) and there is a $5 cover-all black out ticket. The Oxford Eagles Club is located at 410 South Street in Oxford.

March 21

Beatles tribute at the Kennett Flash

The Kennett Flash presents a performance by Love You To, a tribute to The Beatles, on Saturday, March 21. This is an all-ages show. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. More information is available at kennettflash.org.

March 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 January, 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 March 27 Wine and Dine will be at The Wellwood in Charlestown, featuring fiber and recycled material artist Colleen Tiefenthal. 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.

March 28

Easter Egg Hunt in Oxford

Bring your children to the annual Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Easter Egg Hunt in downtown Oxford on Saturday, March 28 at 10 a.m. The Easter Bunny will be available for photos, too. Full details about the event can be found at www.oxfordmainstreet.com.

March 28

First Annual Bunny Run in Downtown West Chester The Care Center Foundation, a West Chester nonprofit organization, will host its first annual Bunny Run on March 28 at 8 a.m. starting at Church and Market Streets.

The 5K run and 2K walk will bring together runners, walkers, families, and community members for a spring event benefiting at-risk families in West Chester. All proceeds support CCF’s mission to provide safe, high quality childcare and education while connecting families to resources that help them move toward stability. Participants are encouraged to lace up their sneakers and join a morning of movement and fun. The Easter Bunny will be on site for photos and to greet runners at the finish line. The event promises a lively atmosphere and a strong sense of community. Visit www.carecenterfoundation.org to learn more about the foundation, ask about sponsoring the event, or if you or someone you know needs support.

March 28 and 29

The Easter Festival at Milburn Orchards

Enjoy a farm fresh breakfast with the Easter Bunny and then head to the Easter Festival in the Big Backyard at Milburn Orchards for egg hunts, hayrides, and more farm fun. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around at breakfast and inside the festival. The festival hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Online tickets are required for breakfast, and online tickets are discounted and recommended for festival admission. Visit the farm for all the Easter fun, shop for Easter goodies and novelties in the Farm Market, enjoy specialty treats on The Deck, and make springtime memories with the whole family. For more details, visit MilburnOrchards.com or follow Milburn Orchards on Facebook and Instagram (@MilburnOrchards) for updates.

April 2 and 3

The Easter Festival at Milburn Orchards

Enjoy a farm fresh breakfast with the Easter Bunny and then head to the Easter Festival in the Big Backyard at Milburn Orchards for egg hunts, hayrides, and more farm fun. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around at breakfast and inside the festival. The festival hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Online tickets are required for breakfast, and online tickets are discounted and recommended for festival admission. Visit the farm for all the Easter fun, shop for Easter goodies and novelties in the Farm Market, enjoy specialty treats on The Deck, and make springtime memories with the whole family. For more details, visit MilburnOrchards.com or follow Milburn Orchards on Facebook and Instagram (@MilburnOrchards) for updates.

April 3

Ladies Night Sip, Shop, & Social

Enjoy a night out with the girls on Friday, April 3 starting at 6 p.m. Highlights include a fresh flower bar, massages, eyebrow waxing, a scent bar, libations, jewelry, and more. Event will take place at The Hook at 45 South Third Street in Oxford. More details are available at www.oxfordmainstreet.com.

April 5

83rd running of the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point

The 83rd running of the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point will take place on Sunday, April 5. The event features fun and exciting pony and horse steeplechase races and many children’s activities. The gates open at 11 a.m. and the first race is at noon on the grounds of the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center at 1760 Unionville-Wawaset Road in West Chester. Food is available on-site for purchase. Admission is by the carload and parking costs begin at $40 for general admission parking. Proceeds benefit the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance’s environmental eduction, watershed conservation, and land preservation programs. More event details are available at www.brandywineredclay.org.

April 9

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.

April 17

Vermeil, Celek to be honored in West Chester

On Friday, April 17, the Chester County History Center will host an exclusive award ceremony and fundraising dinner honoring Coach Dick Vermeil and Brent Celek. Vermeil is the legendary NFL coach whose passionate leadership style revolutionized professional football. Celek is the former Philadelphia Eagles tight end whose grit and loyalty embodied the spirit of championship football for the Birds. The special guest for the evening is Merrill Reese, the legendary voice of the Philadelphia Eagles. Even if you are unable to join us at this year’s History Maker Awards, you can still support the work of the Chester County History Center. Your gift helps preserve and share the stories that shape Chester County. The Chester County History Center invites you to join the History Maker Circle with a gift of $25 or more. All Circle members will be recognized in the event program. All gifts are fully tax-deductible and directly support the history center’s mission, including exhibitions, archives, and educational programs.

April 24

Kennett Library’s third annual Starlight Soiree

This year, the Kennett Library is tipping its hat to the Roaring Twenties because no one can resist a little glamour, a touch of vintage flair, and a party with panache. The Starlight Soiree, now in its third year, directly supports the library’s innovative programs and essential operations, ensuring that the Kennett Library remains a vibrant center for learning, creativity, and community growth in the community. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

April 30 through May 17

Milton Theatre presents ‘Nunsense 2: The Second Coming’ Following the massive success of the original production two years ago, the Little Sisters of Hoboken are

officially returning to the Milton Theatre stage. This time, the convent is bringing a local flair like never before, featuring a powerhouse “all-Delaware” cast of regional favorites. After Nunsense became a mega-hit for the theatre, demand for a sequel was sky-high. Fans of the original won’t want to miss Nunsense 2, which promises twice the laughter, more irreverent musical numbers, and the same chaotic energy that made the first show a sellout sensation.

Performance Schedule The sisters are taking over Milton for a limited engagement of 17 shows, running from April 30 through May 17. Visit miltontheatre.com for complete information.

May 1

Cinco de Mayo Block Party in Oxford

Enjoy a block party-style First Friday event in downtown Oxford on Friday, May 1. There will be great food, live entertainment, vendors, and more. Activities will be centered around the area outside the Oxford Feed & Lumber. More details are available at www.oxfordmainstreet.com.

May 14

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.

May 16

Newark Garden Tour

Visitors can explore private gardens filled with fresh spring flowers, inviting paths, and enchanting artwork during the 2026 Newark Garden Tour, sponsored by the Newark Arts Alliance. The tour features local gardens, artwork, food trucks, and a farmer’s market. The Newark Garden Tour takes place on Saturday, May 16. The rain date is Sunday, May 17. Visit www.newarkartsalliance. org/newark-garden-tour for updated information or to purchase tickets.

June 5

Sidewalk Sessions

Enjoy an evening of live music in downtown Oxford starting at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5. There will be a variety of artists performing on sidewalks and porches throughout Oxford. Bring your own chair and enjoy the performances. Visit www.oxfordmainstreet.com for more information.

September 22 to November 1

‘The Addams Family The Musical’

A comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, “The Addams Family” is the magnificently unhinged hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams is the ultimate princess of darkness and has fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family... a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 or visit the website at WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

November 17, 2026 to January 3, 2027

‘Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical’

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she desperately tried to conceal take control and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happygo-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, “Frozen: The Broadway Musical” is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance and finding the real meaning of true love. In the awe-inspiring production, discover twelve new songs written especially for the musical alongside beloved classics such as “For the First Time in Forever,” “Do you Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let it Go.” For information on season subscriptions, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 or visit the website at WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

If you love them enough to sit through their favorite movies, then surely you’ll check to make sure they’re in the right car seat.

If you love them enough to sit through their favorite movies, then surely you’ll check to make sure they’re in the right car seat.

NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat

SALE NO. 26-3-64

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.

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 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 men -

tioned 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 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/chester-

copasheriffsales, 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

Writ of Execution No. 2025-06376

DEBT $59,773.39

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

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 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

Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing Course Gradation B 24,778 sq. yd. **PAVING IN PLACE**

There are extensive paving specifications which are available with bid package Prevailing wage applies to Paving in Place & must be Penn Dot Prequalified Prime Contractors Super Asphalt mix design wearing course 9.5mm @ 1 ½”

78,130 sq. yd.

Super-pave scratch or leveling 9.5 mm @ 1” 2,000 tons

Super-pave scratch or leveling 19 mm @ 2.5” 1,200 tons Mill and Fill Base Repair 5” depth, width varies width 25 mm

1,000 sq. yd.

Milling before paving at 1” depth

35,000 sq. yd.

Milling before paving at 1.5” depth

32,130 sq. yd. MPV-600 Paving fabric

3,300 sq. yd.

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

BID NOTICE

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.

Liquidated damages apply at the rate of $885.00 per calendar day. Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Municipal Cooperative and may be obtained by calling 610-3450100, or by emailing skinsey@ londongrove.org. Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked “Bids Paving & Surface Treatment”. A performance bond or certified check in the amount of 100% of the contract shall be furnished by the successful bidder within 20 days after the contract is awarded. Member municipalities reserved the right to reject any or all proposals. Bids will be opened at the London Grove Township Public Works Building, 374 Rose Hill Rd, West Grove, Pa 19390 at 11:00 am on 03/31/2026. Bids may be delivered to the London Grove Township Building at 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove PA 19390

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/chester copasheriffsales, on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Protho notary and in the Sheriff’s Of fice, 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.

Tax Parcel # 7-3-147.11

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**

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential property

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

Shane Kinsey Municipal Cooperative of Southern Chester County 3P-4-2T Public Notice JBFIT Foundation has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended.

PLAINTIFF: TRUMARK FI NANCIAL CREDIT UNION

As Per Section 470 of Pub 408, CRS-2PM, Single App, # 7 Aggregate28,460 sq. yd.

Peter Giangiulio, Esquire Giangiulio & Assocs. P.O. Box 567 Unionville, PA 19375 3P-11-1T

S/B/M TO KEYSTONE FED ERAL CREDIT UNION

DEFENDANT: Douglas T. De lestienne a/k/a Douglas Deles tienne & Sharon N. Delestienne a/k/a Sharon Delestienne

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**

Auction Notice 2015 Kia Optima Vin# 5XXGM4A72FG377460 to be sold on March 4 2026 @ 9:00 am. Chews Towing, Inc 722 Market Street Oxford, PA 19363 3p-11-1T

As Per Section489 of Pub 408,

SALE ADDRESS: 502 Ridge Avenue, Atglen, PA 19310

Heckert named to Management Committee at Gawthrop Greenwood

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC, a regional law firm with offices in West Chester and Greater Wilmington, has named Wilmingtonarea family law, probate and real estate attorney and partner Carl W. Heckert to the firm’s Management Committee.

“As a lifelong Delaware resident with more than 35 years of experience, Carl is the ideal partner to represent the needs of our thriving Greenville office and its highly valued clients as we move forward,” said Stephen R. McDonnell. chair of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Management Committee

and a partner who leads the firm’s Litigation Department.

Heckert serves alongside McDonnell as well as management committee member Patrick M. McKenna, a partner and shareholder who practices in municipal law, real estate and land development.

Heckert is a respected and long time practitioner of divorce litigation and mediation. His family law practice includes divorce, property division, custody, child support, alimony and protection from abuse. He is also a Certified Family Law Mediator in Delaware following the state’s inau-

gural certification program by the Family Court of the State of Delaware as well as the Delaware State Bar Association. He was elected secretary of the Delaware State Bar Association’s Family Law Section during the esteemed organization’s 100th anniversary year.

In addition, Heckert’s business law practice specializes in settlements and refinances of both commercial and residential real estate in all three of Delaware’s counties. Heckert has represented individuals and small to mid-sized businesses through real property purchase and sale.

Heckert has served as

an adjunct professor at Widener School of Law –Delaware campus and he teaches litigation. He has also led Continuing Legal Education courses in family law matters including custody, protection from abuse and representing an unwilling minor as a guardian ad litem. He is a member of the Delaware Bar Association and the Melson-Arsht Inns of Court.

Named to The Best Lawyers in America, Heckert received his law degree from Widener University School of Law. He holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Delaware.

Fox Rothschild collects essential supplies for Chester County families in need

Fox Rothschild’s Exton office extended meaningful assistance to families served by the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (DVCCC). Team members collected essential supplies and monetary donations that will help meet immediate needs for individuals and families seeking safety and stability. DVCCC provides free and confidential services to adults and children who are

survivors of domestic abuse. The organization offers emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy and prevention education across the county. Its programs focus on safety, long-term independence, and breaking cycles of abuse through direct support and community outreach. This initiative aligns with Generation Fox, the firmwide community service program, which has contrib-

uted more than $1 million to organizations that support and empower youth.

Courtesy photo Fox Rothschild’s Exton office donated essentials to local families served by the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County. This effort aligns with Generation Fox, which empowers youth across the country.

Chester County Library launches new U.S. Passport acceptance service

The Chester County Library recently announced that community members are now able to apply for a U.S. passport directly at the library. This new service reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to providing convenient, highvalue resources for residents of Exton and the surrounding region.

The new service became available on March 2.

“This new service expands access and offers a convenient local option for residents who need to apply for a passport for both personal and business travel,” said Melissa Straka, information & reader services

manager at Chester County Library.

Passport renewals, it should be noted, cannot be processed at the library. All passport renewals must be completed online directly through the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.

gov.

The library only accepts in-person applications submitted using Form DS-11 which include the following:

• First-time U.S. passport applicants;

• Applicants under age 16;

• Applicants whose previous passport was issued before age 16;

• Applicants whose passport was lost, stolen,

damaged, or issued more than 15 years ago.

Library staff members, trained as official passport acceptance agents, will guide applicants through the in-person submission process to ensure all materials are complete and accurate, helping to provide a smooth and efficient experience.

Applicants are asked to arrive fully prepared for their appointment by reviewing detailed requirements and guidelines at http://www.chescolibraries.org/using-the-library/ passport-services.

The mission of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries is

provide informational, educational, and cultural services to the residents of Chester County so that they

Johnston joins the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation’s Board of Trustees

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) announced that Dr. Janet Johnston has joined its Board of Trustees. She joins a board of dedicated individuals committed to supporting Thoroughbred health and welfare by funding scholarships, educational programs, and equine research with a priority to make racing safer.

“I am deeply honored to join the TERF Board of Trustees,” Johnston said.

“Horses have been a core part of my life since childhood, and my career has been shaped by a commitment to improving their health and well-being. I look forward to contributing to an organization that shares this mission.”

“Janet is just a wonderful addition to our Board of Trustees, and we are grateful she has accepted our invitation to further the goals of TERF,” said Dr. Kathleen Anderson, DVM, co-chair

of TERF. Dr. Anderson’s board co-chair, Dr. James Orsini, DVM said, “Janet has over 35 years of equine expertise encompassing emergency and critical care innovation, advanced surgical practice, and extensive leadership roles in veterinary education and community organizations.”

Janet graduated from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine before moving to Kennett Square to com-

plete a rotating internship in large animal medicine and surgery at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. She went on to complete dual residencies in large animal internal medicine and large animal surgery, becoming board certified in both specialties. In 1989, she founded the Center’s large animal emergency and critical care service, the first stand-alone large animal emergency service in the nation.

Janet also serves on the Philanthropic Engagement Council at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she helps engage alumni and donors and advocates for advancing veterinary care—particularly in areas that support the health and welfare of horses and other large animals.