Chester County Press 03-18-2026 Edition

The Francis Hotel and Suites opens in Kennett Square

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

by The Creamery. Square Roots Collective

is a Kennett Square-based non-profit that operates local businesses including The Creamery and the Artelo hotel and invests 100 percent of profits back into the community through initiatives that support organizations such as Voices Underground, the Kennett Trails Alliance, Anson B. Nixon Park, Family Promise and more.

The opening of The Francis, located at 205 South Union Street, adds another opportunity for

Square Roots to generate funding and continue supporting the Kennett Square community.

“It’s thrilling to see these tangible efforts come to fruition,” said Michael Bontrager, founder of Square Roots Collective.

Continued on Page 2A

Square Roots Collective celebrated the grand opening of The Francis Hotel and Suites

Veteran receives free home renovation from Thompson Creek Windows

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

The Thompson Creek Window Company House Proud Heroes program recognizes and rewards community-focused homeowners in the D.C. Metro area with up to 10 free, professionally installed, energy-efficient vinyl windows. This initiative aims to honor everyday heroes—such as teachers, veterans, and first responders—who improve their local communities. Seth and Lindsey Meyer were the recipients of the House Proud Heroes program. “Ten new windows were installed in our home to replace those that had lost their seal,” said Seth

Meyer. “We appreciate this award and really needed it.” Seth and Lindsey Meyer embody service, resilience, and partnership. A post-9/11 Air Force veteran, Seth has dedicated his life to helping others, first through military and defense work, and now through building a stronger veteran community in his hometown of Port Deposit, Maryland.

In 2024, Meyer founded the Dale Burger, Jr. American Legion Post 303, the first new post chartered in Maryland in more than 20 years. The post was named in honor of local Marine Dale Burger, Jr., who lost his life in Iraq in 2004. Seth and Lindsey navigated the charter process with minimal guidance

Continued on Page 3A

‘Our

Voice Our Story’ cabaret in Oxford celebrates women

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

In honor of Women’s History Month, Street Lamp Productions in Rising Sun, Md. hosted the “Our Voice Our Story” cabaret at The Hook Experiment in Oxford on March 14. The cabaret featured 10 women singing a selection of songs

that resonated with each of their stories and experiences in womanhood.

The sold-out event attracted around 120 guests including friends and family of the performers as well as local music lovers. Attendees enjoyed charcuterie cups, snacks from Herr Foods and wine and other beverages

from Flickerwood Wine Cellars, a sponsor of the night. Other sponsors of the event included Oxford Mainstreet, Vanessa Ross Cakes and the Oxford Arts Alliance.

Bethany Atkinson, the creator of the cabaret, said that the idea for the event came from her own musical theater background and her

experience growing up and being separated from performing arts as other areas of life took over.

“I grew up in the magical world of musical theater,” Atkinson said. “As a kid, you get to experience this and, as you grow up, it disappears. The magic disappears and you become a mom, you become a wife, you work, your profession and the opportunity of coming here onto a stage isn’t presented anymore.”

Additionally, Atkinson explained that when she was listening to music, she would hear her friends in different songs and asked them to perform those songs for her at the event.

Continued on Page 4A

Chester County announces open space preservation funding opportunities

Applications being accepted for the Preservation Partnership Program

The Chester County Parks + Preservation Department’s Open Lands division is now accepting applications for the Preservation Partnership Program (PPP). This program provides funding to municipalities and non-profit land conservation organizations to preserve significant natural, recreational, agricultural, historic, and cultural land resources.

“Preserving open space is crucially important to the

future of Chester County and is a tenet of the county’s strategic plan,” said Josh Maxwell, chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. “Initiatives like the Preservation Partnership Program allow us to partner with municipalities and conservation organizations to protect the landscapes and natural resources that make our communities special for those who live, work, and visit here.”

The application period for this year’s PPP grant cycle runs from March 1 to April 30. The application, instructions, and a list of previously funded projects are available online at https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/ View/82582/R38-PPPManual. Approximately $2 million is available for selected projects.

“Open space is essential in protecting clean water, supporting wildlife

“Everything we do – like The Creamery, the trails, Voices Underground, Artelo – they’re all tangible manifestations of some of our intangible objectives which is encouraging the community to work together to build the best community that we can be.” Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz and Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick thanked Bontrager and the Square Roots team for its work in the community during their remarks.

In her opening comments, Co-CEO Stephanie Almanza explained that Square Roots Collective owned the previously vacant property of The Francis and looked into the history of the building to decide what to do with it. When they found the stories the over 200-year-old building held, they knew they had to create a way to tell those stories to the community.

“When the Square Roots Collective team thought about what potential might be here, it really helped to listen to the building and tell its stories,” Almanza said.

“We learned that it was owned by a watchmaker. We learned that it

Preservation...

Continued from Page 1A

habitat, and providing places for outdoor recreation,” said Marian Moskowitz, vice chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “The Preservation Partnership Program empowers local municipalities and conservation groups to advance projects that will benefit residents today and for generations to come.”

The PPP grant program was created to enhance public access to open space and to implement county and municipal land-use policies as stated in the county’s comprehensive plan, Landscapes3. Preference will be given to projects that can leverage state, federal, or other external funding sources.

Commissioner Eric Roe said, “Chester County’s long-standing commit-

most likely housed British troops during the American Revolution. We learned that the place name of Kennett came with an early settler of the region named Francis Smith.”

Each of the eight rooms in the hotel tell one of those stories or celebrate another piece of Kennett Square history.

Room one, called the Watchmaker, tells the story of the house’s previous owner, Thomas Milhous. The room features a king-size bed, pull-out sofa, sitting room and full bathroom. The design of the room echoed its prior owner through concentric designs, books paying homage to Milhous’ birthplace

Open spaces like the

enhance the quality of

ment to land preservation is one of the many reasons residents value living here. Strengthening partnerships and exploring additional funding avenues ensures that these important and beloved landscapes remain part of our county well into the future.”

The Preservation Partnership Program has helped preserve over 20,000 acres in Chester County since it began in 1989. A

for

“Quality of Life” citizen survey conducted in 2023 revealed that preservation of open space remains a significant top priority for residents, second only to emergency services and the County’s 9-1-1 system.

For more information, including application and program guidelines, call Monica Mullaji at 610-344-6937 or email mmullaji@chesco.org.

of Ireland, clock art on the walls and rabbit motifs. Even the inclusion of rabbits in the room was intentional as the animal is crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, showing their own interpretation of time.

Brian and Megan Helmuth of Riverwards General Interior Design designed each of the eight rooms and emphasized the importance of the little details in each room to tell the stories without feeling too obvious or stiff.

“We spend a lot of time researching and taking a lot of care into everything, things people don’t even notice necessarily but might pick up on subconsciously,” Megan said. “There’s a lot of those elements that we play into that come through in a really soft way, and they feel organic and natural, but people won’t pick up on them as a literal translation of the story. We’re not making it feel like a museum.”

Additionally, each room features a miniature detail in the bathroom reflecting the theme of the room. Brian described the miniatures on each bathroom wall as a pop of whimsy and fun for those guests interested in finding and enjoying it.

Megan explained that they have been working on collecting pieces and designing each room for about two years. Each room features a custom bed frame that the couple designed themselves as well as locally sourced art, furniture and light fixtures the couple has been collecting for years that all come together to complete each room.

Room two, called the General, honors the Battle of the Brandywine that occurred not far from Kennett Square. Details in this room include the light fixture meant to look like buttons on an army coat and a china set room featuring Betsy Ross and Paul Revere that the couple collected before this project even began, but felt right at home in this room.

Other stories told through the rooms include the Gardener honoring the mushroom industry and gardening history of the region. The Legacy suite tells the story of the Kennett

Pennock family, which included everything from abolitionists to entrepreneurs to a New York Yankees pitching great.

The Founder room tells the story of Kennett’s founding and honors the Lenape tribes who first lived on the land, the founder of Pennsylvania William Penn, and Francis Smith, who ultimately named Kennett. Francis Smith is the inspiration for the hotel’s name.

The Educator loft is inspired by the teachers of Kennett Square and the educational history of the area. The Builder loft celebrates the diversity of Kennett and honors the Hispanic communities that have shaped the region.

The Abolitionist room, the only room with its own balcony, was one that the Helmuths took special care in planning. The room tells the important story

of freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad and the abolitionists who helped them.

“We wanted to be really sensitive and take care to make sure we weren’t being overly focused on the history of slavery, but highlighting the freedom that they achieved,” Megan explained. “Being authentic to that journey and the history of it, we took a lot of care and time to make sure it was right.”

In addition to the eight rooms, the hotel also features a courtyard with all landscaping and outdoor designs handled by Josh Cauffman of GreenRoots Design. The opening event celebrated the collaboration of all those involved with creating the hotel while honoring both the history and future of Kennett Square. By looking back through Kennett Square’s history, Square Roots Collective aims to improve the town’s future. While the hotel is only just getting started, the Square Roots Collective team is hopeful for its impact in continuing their community investment.

“There’s care running through every room, just like our town,” Almanza said. “It’s the same care that drives our Square Roots team to build ventures for the good of our region.”

Continued from Page 1A

and often self-funded early efforts, determined to create a home for veterans seeking connection, support, and purpose.

Lindsey Meyer is a physical therapy assistant and mentor who shares Seth’s drive to serve. She sits on the advisory board for the Cecil College PTA program, volunteers as a clinical instructor, and works to combat food insecurity through the local VFW kitchen.

Together, they also support Communities Helping Empower Patriots (CHEP), helping train veterans and at-risk community members in construction trades.

Katie Perugini, the director of communications for Thompson Creek Window Company said, “Their compassion extends beyond people. The cou-

ple has trained therapy dogs and dreams of opening a nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy for veterans and people with disabilities.”

Seth and Lindsey Meyer have been married 21 years and now are expecting a baby. Thompson Creek was proud to help the Meyer family prepare their home for this next chapter, ensuring it’s a place of comfort, warmth, and stability for their growing family.

Meyer was stationed in Nebraska during the war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Serving in the Air Force, he worked in the intelligence field and supported operations around the globe such as those in Africa, South America, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Lebanon.

“We worked at all hours, were on 24 hours alert supporting operations thousands of miles away,” he explained. He admitted it

was really difficult going back to regular hours when he left the Air Force.

He met his wife one month before he went to boot camp. Mutual friends introduced them. They stayed in touch while he was away in basic training. When he returned from that, they drove 1300 miles from New Jersey to Nebraska and were married in the Omaha courthouse.

Like most people serve, he had a hard transition back to civilian life.

“While serving, I saw beautiful and horrific things,” he said. “I came home and people that I knew were addicted to drugs. I came home to a much different place than I left. I was a different person. The military really changes your perspective.

Having Thompson Creek Windows help us out really changed our life. It meant a lot to me and my wife. She

is in school full-time and I have a small contracting company.”

It also meant a lot to him to start an American Legion Post named after Marine Dale A. Burger. Meyer is now able to focus on the post, the first new post chartered in Maryland in 20 years.

“We didn’t know how to open a new post, but we figured it out,” he said. “We are losing American Legion Posts at a faster rate than we are getting them. I think it’s very important because veterans of my generation are absent from these posts. I’m 41and I want people my age, those coming from [wars in] Iraq and Afghanistan, to be involved.”

For now, Seth and Lindsey Meyer are focused on family and the new post.

“We are trying to fundraise so we can have our own building,” he said. “Now, we use the facilities

Seth and Lindsey Meyer were the recipients of the House Proud Heroes program. The Thompson Creek Window Company House Proud Heroes program recognizes and rewards community-focused homeowners in the D.C. Metro area with up to 10 free, professionally installed, energy-efficient vinyl windows. This initiative aims to honor everyday heroes—such as teachers, veterans, and first responders—who improve their local communities.

at Post 8185 for our monthly meetings. If people want to donate they can call me at 443-947-0984. We are hoping we will get our post up and running soon.” To learn more about

Thompson Creek Windows Company House Proud Heroes Program, you can contact Katie Perugini, Thompson Creek director of communications, at 570-466-9722.

‘His work has made Chester County a safer community’

Chester County detective receives Child Advocacy Award

The Crime Victims Center of Chester County (CVC) presented Chester County detective sergeant Joseph Walton with the John J. Crane Child Advocacy Award during the second annual Show of Love Celebration event held at the Chester County History Center.

The John J. Crane Award was originally created by the Crime Victims Center Board of Directors in 1998 to honor and recognize the late John Crane, a Chester County prosecutor, for his amazing service to child victims and their families. Walton came to the Chester

County Detectives in the early 2000s after working with the Phoenixville Police Department as a detective sergeant. He started immediately in the Major Case Unit and the Terrorism Task Force before joining the Forensics Unit in 2003. In 2010, Walton volunteered to assist the Child Abuse Unit while working in forensics, and by 2020 he was promoted to sergeant of the Child Abuse and Computer Forensics Units. Throughout his career, Walton has had a substantial background in protecting the community, conducting thorough investigations,

and working collaboratively with partner agencies to secure justice for crime victims.

“We are lucky to have Detective Walton’s expertise and professionalism in the Chester County Detectives,” said Chester County District Attorney Christopher de BarrenaSarobe. “Simply put, his work has made Chester County a safer community.”

Chief Chester County Detective David Sassa said, “Detective Sergeant Joseph Walton works extremely hard every day as the supervisor of the Child Abuse Unit and the execu-

tive director of the Child Advocacy Center. He consistently puts victims first, ensuring that they and their families receive the support they need while pursuing justice.”

Courtesy photo

The Crime Victims Center of Chester County presented Chester County detective sergeant Joseph Walton with the John J. Crane Child Advocacy Award during the second annual Show of Love Celebration event held at the Chester County History Center. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Walton has worked to protect the community.

“What I saw in my girlfriends is amazing women who inside them, they have a star,” she said. “And tonight you’re going to see that inner star in all of these women and they have a story to share with you.”

When Atkinson approached Laura Woods, executive director of Street Lamp Productions with her idea, Woods explained that it would fit perfectly into Street Lamp’s existing cabaret series. Woods added that the decision to host the event at The Hook Experiment in Oxford felt right as many of those involved in the event are from Oxford, including Atkinson, Woods and some of the performers.

Performers included the director of the show and Woods’ daughter, Rylynn Woods as well as Bevin Gorin, Lannon Fritts, Natasha Faison, Donna

Gray, Anna Owens, Amanda Woolston, Judi Voorhees, Jamie DiMaio and Erin Smith.

Gorin, who’s from North East, Md., shared that she wanted to participate in the event because of the greater purpose she felt the event represents.

“It’s important to discuss women and women’s rights,” Gorin said. “It’s important to build community. America can make women feel so isolated so we need community.”

Owens, who is from Downingtown, shared that after high school she stopped singing for about 30 years before participating in a Street Lamp production earlier this year. Owens explained that she is one year cancer-free after battling lymphoma and joined the event because she wanted to do something for herself.

Voorhees, a resident of Oxford, said that she also stopped singing for many years as motherhood took a primary role in her life. Now, as she turns 50 this year, she wants to reconnect with the activities she once loved in her youth.

Gray said that she was excited for the event because of the significance of celebrating Women’s History Month and also because the event was taking place in Oxford. Gray, who has lived in Oxford her whole life, shared sentiments that were repeated by some of the other Oxfordians in attendance—they are all happy to see events like

these come to town. Gray opened the cabaret by singing “Home” from The Wiz to reflect her appreciation to the community.

Each performer sang at least two songs throughout the two acts of the show, mainly focusing on musical theater. The songs were personal and meaningful to the performers.

At the conclusion of the event, the performers and Atkinson took a bow on stage to a standing ovation from the crowd. Afterward, Atkinson expressed gratitude to the performers and everyone involved in making the event a success.

“It’s been an amaz-

ing night bringing out the community to celebrate women in all walks of life,” Atkinson said. “I just feel like people have so many hidden talents, and I think we just need to provide opportunities and venues for people to showcase that.”

Editorial Guest Column

In the line of duty

Investigators will do their best to piece together details about the tragic events that unfolded in nearby West Caln Township in Chester County on March 8. They might uncover some more facts about what happened, but it seems unlikely that the investigation will yield a rationale for the events that unfolded. That’s the thing about senseless violence. There is no rationale.

There are a few things that we already do know about some of the circumstances that led directly to the tragedy.

On the evening of March 8, O’Connor responded to a report of an erratic driver in the area of Walnut Road and Compass Road in Honey Brook Township.

O’Connor located the vehicle within minutes and, according to law enforcement officials, initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Route 10 and Michael Road in West Caln Township 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.

The gunman, later identified by police as 32-year-old Jesse Nathan Elks, then exited his vehicle, walked a short distance, and fatally shot himself with a semi-automatic pistol.

O’Connor, who was assigned to the Pennsylvania State Police’s Troop J Embreeville Station, is the 105th member of the Pennsylvania State Police to make the ultimate sacrifice by giving his life in the line of duty.

The tragic events are a reminder that the men and women who protect and serve put themselves at risk every time they show up for work.

O’Connor was hailed as a hero by leaders and law enforcement officials.

“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.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, who ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Corporal O’Connor’s honor, also talked about the importance of remembering O’Connor’s sacrifice in the service to the community.

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

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

When something terrible like this happens, it’s only natural to want answers. Why did this tragedy happen? Could anything have been done to prevent it?

Until the investigation is complete, here’s what we do know: Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Timothy O’Connor, Jr. died in the line of duty, and he died a hero.

No pitchers call their own strikes, and public notices require the same independence

By Sharon Sorg

Life is hectic. Keeping track of work, home and family commitments is challenging enough. Now imagine adding another task to your daily routine: checking multiple government websites just to find out what your local and state officials are planning to do.

You would have to monitor the websites of your school board, township supervisors, borough council, sewer authority, zoning hearing board, county commissioners and other government bodies that make decisions affecting your daily life.

That could become reality if lawmakers weaken Pennsylvania’s public notice law by allowing public notices to move from newspapers, trusted independent third parties, to government-run websites.

Some local officials favor bypassing newspapers in the public notice process. But allowing government agencies to control how the public is notified about their own actions is like letting pitchers call their own balls and strikes. They have a vested interest in the outcome of the decisions they make.

That interest may not always align with what taxpayers and the public need to stay informed and participate in government.

Pennsylvania’s newspapers agree the public notice system should be

modernized. The state’s 50-year-old Newspaper Advertising Act requires notices to appear only in printed newspapers. Today’s newspapers bridge the digital divide and deliver information both in print and online, reaching more readers than ever before.

That is why newspapers support Pennsylvania House Bill 1291, which mo dernizes the public notice system while preserving independent oversight.

Under House Bill 1291, public notices would continue to appear in printed newspapers and would also be posted on newspaper websites, where they would be free to access and easy to find.

The bill allows notices to be posted in online or free newspapers in communities where a traditional print newspaper no longer exists. It also requires newspapers to post notices on a centralized statewide website (publicnoticepa.com), allowing Pennsylvanians to review notices from across the commonwealth in one place.

Public notice laws are rooted in fundamental principles of open government and due process. Before government takes action, the public must have the opportunity to know about it and respond. Newspapers are not involved in the decisionmaking process. Their role is simply to inform the public and create an inde-

pendent, verifiable record of government action.

When the government entity making decisions also controls the notification process, that independence disappears. Notices could be altered, added, or removed after the fact, particularly when controversial decisions are involved. Even the possibility that this could occur undermines public confidence in government.

For most of this nation’s 250-year history, legislatures have entrusted public notices to independent newspapers for precisely that reason.

Research also raises concerns about shifting notices to government websites. When Florida allowed some local governments to move public notices from newspapers to their county websites, researchers from Yale, the University of Chicago, and Texas A&M found that public awareness and civic engagement dropped significantly. When notices were scattered across government websites, fewer people saw them and fewer participated in the process. That’s bad public policy.

There are also practical considerations. Many municipalities already struggle to comply with Right-to-Know Law requirements and other transparency obligations. Allowing agencies to create and manage their own public notice systems adds another administrative bur-

den, one with significant potential consequences. If a notice is posted incorrectly, removed too soon, or missed entirely, the public may learn about a decision only after it is made, and the agency could face costly litigation. By contrast, when notices are published in newspapers, the law requires notarized proof of publication verifying the process and the independence of the publisher, a permanent record admissible in court. That safeguard protects taxpayers and reduces disputes over whether public notice was properly given.

Government agencies are free to share notices on their websites or social media pages. But those efforts should supplement, not replace, publication through an independent third-party newspaper. Pennsylvania should modernize public notices without abandoning the independent system that has protected transparency and public participation for generations. Lawmakers should support House Bill 1291 and reject any proposal that would allow government agencies to control the public notice process.

Sharon Sorg is executive vice president of newspaper operations at Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. (CNHI) and chairwoman of the Pennsylvania News Association Board of Directors.

How Spring Arrives on the Scene

By Marie-Louise Meyers

First you hear the wind rattling your window pane, ratcheting and enlivening your bones, your breathe hollowed out by the ravages of winter, open to feel the turnover in the air, transformed when the breeze stirs you

to a hurried appeal to sense the fertile changes in the earth. It beckons and cajoles you, flirtatious it seems enters your dreams until it grabs ahold of you, removing every vestige of burying you in snow, ice and leftover leaves, afraid spring will never arrive.

The contract you made to enter the garden gates filled to the brim with a Dionysian strategy divined with natural impulses inspired by the sun invading the mind, while the rain gives you fulfillment for your plants to generate. Nature is a seamless inter-

vention which gives us the impetus, the right to feel ignited by the appeal, to reap the countless blessings, invading the pores of each fragile blossom promising even more in the space of hours it seems as the trees shoot endless parasols of green.

The Window of Opportunity

By Marie-Louise Meyers

Geese triangulate, a pair drops out of the rank and file, heads down to the pond where generations have spawned.

The wise ones continue, what foolish enterprise, only to become icebound, still reconciled to the task at hand, slipping and sliding along as I do all spring long on their feces.

I resent their interruption to my thought stream, still under the hood of winter’s mood, fears grounded in their defiling, I wind up the alligator in readiness to chase the offenders off our sacred boundary lines.

I ship it off the dock while it skitters and glides as they do but without the resolve to penetrate.

The geese so anxious for spring to arrive, let nothing deviate from their task at hand, needle-like claws dig in while water spills out bridging the gap between winter and spring while the fake alligator is in a stalemate when the rope binds it to its fate.

Too little or too late are my ministrations, for without gun blinds, Nature finds a way to propagate and fill the pond for generations to come.

AMERICA at 250

by

Our final war for independence

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

“The War of Revolution is won, but the War for Independence is yet to be fought.”

-Benjamin Franklin

One major struggle 214 years ago passed into the history books as something we’d rather forget than celebrate. It was sparked by acts of piracy on the high seas committed against American vessels, stripped of their cargoes and in many cases their sailors, some forced into servitude in the British Navy. When the USS Chesapeake was fired upon off the coast of Virginia, and four men were taken against their will, Congress called for action. After much debate, on June 18, President James Madison signed the paperwork. The War of 1812 had begun.

Britain purchased 80 per cent of our cotton and 50 per cent of all other U.S. exports so declaring war was a move many businessmen were strongly against. The American Navy was minuscule, facing a nation whose seagoing arsenal was 65 times larger. The Army was unimpressive, relying mostly on state militias. David versus Goliath? This was it. The early results were

not good for America. Fort Detroit was overwhelmed by the British. American troops evacuating Fort Dearborn were slaughtered by local Indians supporting English troops. An attempt by the Americans to retake Detroit ended in disaster, as did an attack led by explorer Zebulon Pike on York, the capital of Upper Canada.

Despite disappointments with the Army, America found success in an unlikely place—on the water. With nearby sources of oak, pine and spruce available, shipyards from Boston to Baltimore produced sturdy vessels which proved themselves outstanding in combat. Fells Point, Maryland was one area that spawned the swift-sailing clipper ships that successfully challenged British hegemony on the high seas. Delivering our first naval triumph in the War of 1812 was Captain Isaac Hull commanding the frigate Constitution. Approaching the British warship Guerriere , Hull ordered a devastating broadside. Although the Guerriere got off several cannon shots, the sturdy construction of the Constitution caused the balls to literally bounce off its heavily reinforced bow, giving rise to shouts of “Her sides are made of iron!”

With this victory, the

Constitution became known as “Old Ironsides.” Americans had several naval successes. Commodore Oliver Perry’s victory on Lake Erie against a large flotilla turned the tide in the northern territories. His yell, “We have met the enemy and they are ours!” became ingrained in American consciousness.

The British knew the Chesapeake Bay was a lifeline of food and commerce. With that in mind, on August 24, 1814, 2,600 British troops landed near Bladensburg, Maryland, overwhelming an enemy group more than twice their size. Americans were about to experience the horrors of war as they’d never seen before. The British entered Washington and set fire to the U.S. Capitol Building, the Treasury Department, the Library of Congress, the War Office and other facilities. President Madison fled into the countryside. His wife Dolley had servants remove the portrait of George Washington from the wall before enemy troops could steal it. English officers entered the White House, ransacked the place and torched the structure, toasting to their victory as the metropolis burned. This was a real low point for America.

It seemed only an act of God could save the city and its inhabitants, and He must have heard their calls. The area received a drenching rain, extinguishing the blaze, but the British then had a new target: Baltimore and the Fells Point shipyards nearby. U.S. Major George Armistead was the commanding officer at Fort McHenry. He wanted a nice flag for the Fort, saying “… it is my desire to have a flag so large that the British will have no difficulty in seeing it from a distance…”

Mary Pickersgill, a “maker of colors” got the

job, producing an enormous garrison flag measuring 30 feet by 42 feet. After the destruction of Washington, Armistead knew his stronghold would be next. The bombardment of Fort McHenry began early in the morning of September 13, with warships hurling more than 2,000 cannonballs at the citadel. Being held captive on a British ship nearby was Francis Scott Key. He took notes about the battle. For 25 straight hours, the offensive continued, bombs exploding all around the Fort, but only about onequarter of them reached their target. After expending thousands of rounds of ordinance to limited effect, the British withdrew. As they cruised away, one sailor noted in his diary that the Americans “…hoisted a splendid and superb ensign on their battery…” That flag would become the most celebrated symbol in American history.

Deeply moved at the sight of Fort McHenry’s survival, Key penned his famous poem. It was originally titled “Defense of Fort McHenry.”

A few weeks after the battle, a local actor sang Key’s poem in public for the first

time, calling it “The StarSpangled Banner.” During the Civil War, “The StarSpangled Banner” became a fight song for Union troops rallying around the flag. The U.S. Naval Academy adopted the poem as its anthem in 1889. In the following decades, the two together became endeared in the hearts and minds of Americans. Following an intense lobbying effort by civic and veterans groups, President Hoover signed legislation denoting “The Star-Spangled Banner” as our National Anthem in 1931. The unbreakable bond between the two was complete. The song that inspired a nation and the flag that inspired the song were now inseparable. Today the ban-

ner has its own room at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Lessons of the War of 1812

The War of 1812 was our first real test as a unified republic. Before it, we were a rag-tag collection of states; afterward, we had proved ourselves formidable in fighting against the most powerful country on Earth. We emerged a budding economic and military powerhouse—and never looked back. President James Monroe later established the “Monroe Doctrine”—“hands-off” by foreign powers in the western hemisphere. Perhaps the most important thing that emerged was a new maxim: Don’t bet against America.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. His 12 books focus mostly on the history of the Chester County/mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s most recent work is “Sandy Flash and the Trail of History,” showcasing the fascinating people, places and events of this region over more than 300 years. His books are available on his website at www. GenePisasale.com and also on www.Amazon.com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries for funeral homes and others with a connection to Southern Chester County for a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on wwww.chestercounty. com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

MARYANN TOMEO

Maryann Tomeo, a resident of Ocean View, Del. and formerly of Nottingham, passed away on March 12, 2026 at Complete Care at Brackenville in Hockessin, Del. She was 85. She was the wife of the late George John Tomeo, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Peter and Mary Mussellman Mooney.

Maryann worked as a nurse’s aid and caregiver for many years and for different organizations, including the Ware Presbyterian Village and Visiting Angels. She enjoyed reading and her pets, most recently a Chihuahua named Penny.

She is survived by her son, Gary J. Tomeo (Lynn McKernan) of Landenberg, and five grandchildren, Lily Tomeo, Abigail Tomeo, John Tomeo, James Tomeo and Jason Bias, and one great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by a son, John E. Tomeo, and one brother, Peter Daniel Mooney.

Services are private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Chester County one of six counties nationwide to host program focused on youth mental health

CIT-Y

addresses

Chester County is one of six counties nationwide selected by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Keystone to pilot the Crisis Intervention Team – Youth (CIT-Y) training program. The CIT-Y program — an extension of CIT (Crisis Intervention Team) training — was created to address the growing number of youth with mental health needs in the juvenile justice system. The first training was held March 4-6 and included more than 15 County departments, law enforcement

growing number of youth with mental illness in juvenile justice system

agencies, and community organizations.

“The CIT program benefits law enforcement, first responders, and community providers across Chester County,” said the Board of Commissioners in a joint statement. “Teaching effective and compassionate methods for handling the crisis needs of a young person, offers a critical opportunity to make a difference in their lives. We are honored to have been chosen by NAMI to be one of the pilot counties to implement CIT-Y programs across in the Commonwealth

Sharing Shamrocks

Third-graders recently took a field trip to visit the Luther

Penn Township. The Avon Grove Lions Club cubs helped color

the residents of the Luther House.

focusing on teens and youth. We hope that what is learned here can inform the expansion of CIT-Y.”

Run by the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, CIT-Y teaches law enforcement, educators, first responders, and community providers about adolescent brain development and mental health symptoms in youth, along with strategies for engagement and connection

to appropriate services and supports.

Department of Human Services director Pat Bokovitz said, “The staff in MH/IDD, especially MH/ IDD Children’s Mental Health Clinical Services coordinator Teyanna Brunson, have worked closely with NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania for a number of years and were thrilled to be chosen as a CIT-Y pilot program county. Chester County is committed to ensuring that

people with mental health issues are treated safely and with respect.”

Representing Chester County at the recent training were the Department of Drug and Alcohol Services, the Juvenile Probation Office, and the Human Needs Network. Other agencies included NAMI Chester County PA, Chester County ACEs Coalition, Community Care Behavioral Health, Chester County’s Teen Talk Line, Child Guidance Resource Center, PA State Police, Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care, The Arc of Chester County, the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, TransParent Support Group, JusticeWorks YouthCare, and the Maternal and Child Health Consortium.

State lawmaker plans election security legislation

State Sen. Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) announced that she will introduce a package of legislation to strengthen, protect, and modernize Pennsylvania’s Election Code. This package includes targeted reforms designed to increase transparency, combat false information, and support the people who keep our elections secure.

“The right to vote is central to our democracy, which is why it’s under constant attack,” said Williams. “Our county election divisions and neighborhood poll workers are dedicated public servants. But their jobs have

become increasingly difficult as our election laws have failed to keep pace with the changing landscape and ongoing threats to fair and free elections. My legislation will give election officials more flexibility to count ballots faster, expand protections for voters and elections workers, and outline restrictions to safeguard election systems from tampering and unauthorized access. By implementing these reforms sought by counties and election experts, we can begin to restore faith in our elections.”

Specifically, Sen. Williams’ package includes the following:

• Allowing counties to process and pre-canvass mail in ballots before Election Day. Since the passage of Act 77 of 2019 amending Pennsylvania’s Election Code, counties have been asking for the ability to open and process mail in ballots prior to election day. Allowing counties to perform these strictly administrative functions before polls open will lead to improved accuracy and timely reporting of results, eliminating the opportunities for disinformation.

• Protecting election workers from harassment, intimidation, and doxxing.

Election workers are our neighbors, friends, and fam-

ily members. They deserve to know that they are safe from threats while carrying out their duties. This legislation will provide criminal and civil penalties for intimidation or doxxing workers and officials and will set minimum safety and de-escalation training standards.

• Increasing transparency and security requirements for voting machine vendors. There have been major shifts in the private companies who provide voting equipment to our counties, even as the federal agency charged with securing our elections has been effectively dismantled, and billionaires

New inductees for Avon Grove High School Leo Club

Legals/Classifieds

3P-18-3T

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Dorothy Eileen Streleckis aka Dorothy Eileen Dougherty of Exton 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 Joseph Streleckis c/o Stephen M. Asbel of Reger Rizzo & Darnall, 2929 Arch St, Ste 1300, Phila, PA 19104. Please bill to 21-388.001

3P-18-3T

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

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate Notice for Ernest S. Lantz, deceased Late of the Township of Highland. 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 Executor(s): James L. Lantz and Diane K. Umble c/o James Clark Associates 277 Millwood Road Lancaster, PA 17603 Attorney: Neil R. Vestermark.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

The New London Township Planning Commission will meet for their Regular Planning Commission Meetings at 7PM on the following dates in 2026: February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, May 13th, June 10th, July 8th, August 12th, September 9th, October 14th, November 11th, and December 9th: in the New London Township Building located at 902 State Rd. New London, PA 19390. If you are a person with a disability and require special accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Township at 610-869-8658 no later than 3 working days prior to the meeting

3P-18-1T

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

The New London Township Planning Commission will meet for their Work Planning Commission Meetings at 7PM on the following dates in 2026: February 24th, March 31st, April 28th, May 26th, June 30th, July 28th, August 25th, September 29th, October 27th, November

24th, and December 29th: in the New London Township Building located at 902 State Rd. New London, PA 19390. If you are a person with a disability and require special accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact the Township at 610-869-8658 no later than 3 working days prior to the meeting.

3P-18-1T

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,

are buying unprecedented political influence. Taken together, these pressures pose a real threat to the future of our democracy.

• This legislation will require disclosure of any ownership stake of 5 percent or more in companies providing voting systems to Pennsylvania. It will also require annual independent cybersecurity audits, state access to vendor information, and publication of non-sensitive audit summaries for public review.

• Creating the “Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act” to protect voters from disinformation and harassment. This Act prohibits the

dissemination of knowingly false information about the time, place, or manner of voting with the intent to discourage turnout. It also requires that voter registrations be turned into County Boards of Elections no more than two weeks after the registration form was completed.

“Transparency and information security are paramount to restoring faith in our elections,” said Williams. “By giving our election workers and voters the accurate information they need to access the polls safely and securely, we can fight false information and rebuild public trust in our democracy.”

Get

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-18-2T

Natalie A.W. Leaf Fund scholarship application window is now open

Natalie Anne Wescott Leaf was a West Chester native and lifelong Chester County resident. She was born in 1903, and she believed in the value of education to raise awareness and develop skills. She spent 42 years teaching elementary school art. In the 1960s, Natalie set out to restore her parents’ 19th century home at 26 West Union Street in the borough of West Chester. She was dismayed to find a lack of craftsmen and artisans capable of the restoration work that she desired and valued. Upon her death in 1989, Natalie left the proceeds from the sale of the family home and her extensive antique collection to “help Chester County residents learn to use their hands as tools.”

Today, the Natalie A. W.

Leaf Fund offers scholarships toward training in heritage trades and restoration crafts. Focusing on women who live in Chester County, the aim is to expand women working in historic preservation and restoration trades—especially woodworking, carpentry, tile work, stone/brick work, plaster work, metal work, glasswork, and heritage landscaping.

Since its inception, the Natalie A.W. Leaf Fund has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 133 Chester County residents. These scholarships have supported individuals training to construct, restore or maintain heritage homes with an emphasis on creating lasting beauty. Scholarship awards are $2,500. All awards are made without regard to race, religion, national origin,

sexual orientation, gender identity, language, and political persuasion.

“Miss Leaf was a woman with ideas ahead of her time,” said Mitch Crane, Esq., a practicing attorney since 1977 who served six years as a Chester County Municipal Judge, ten years on West Chester Borough Council with two years as president. He handled Leaf’s estate to create the scholarship fund.

“I am glad her scholarship fund brings her dreams to life and supports those who live in Chester County,” Crane said. “Her vision still benefits Chester County residents four decades after her passing. That is the gift and joy of legacy philanthropy.”

Interested students are urged to apply by the April 15 deadline. Apply to the Chester County

Community Foundation online at https://www. grantinterface.com/Home/ Logon?urlkey=chester.

Questions should be directed to grants@chescocf.org or (610) 696-8211. To make a donation or

learn more about the Natalie A.W. Leaf Fund, please visit https://chescocf.org/fund/ natalie-leaf-charitable/.

Savor the Flavor of Newark

Newark Restaurant Week begins March 19

Food lovers are invited to savor the flavor of Newark during Newark Restaurant Week, which takes place from March 19 to March 25.

This week-long celebration of Newark’s vibrant dining scene gives residents and visitors the opportunity to experience exclusive menus crafted by some of the city’s premier chefs. For a limited time, partici-

pating restaurants will offer special prix-fixe menus, including two-course lunches for $20 and three-course dinners for $40. Each menu is designed to showcase seasonal ingredients, creative culinary techniques, and signature dishes that highlight the diversity and quality of Newark’s restaurant community.

Newark Restaurant Week

encourages diners to rediscover favorite neighborhood restaurants while exploring new culinary destinations across the city. From casual cafés and neighborhood favorites to upscale dining experiences, the event highlights the creativity and talent that make Newark a dynamic dining destination.

“We love Newark Restaurant Week,” said

Home Grown Café owner Sasha Aber. “Chef Andrew Thorne pushes the envelope to showcase his creativity. It’s a chance for Newark’s top chefs to showcase their considerable skills.”

To make it even easier to enjoy an evening out, the City of Newark will offer free parking after 5 p.m. throughout the week of the event, giving diners a

convenient way to explore downtown restaurants and businesses.

Participating restaurants include Ali Baba, Blue Crab Grill, Caffé Gelato, Deer Park Tavern, Del Pez Mexican Gastropub, Home Grown Café, Klondike Kate’s, Santa Fe Mexican Grille, Skipjack Dining, Taverna Rustic Italian, and The Greenhouse Gastropub.

Whether planning a lunch outing with colleagues, dinner with friends, or a special night out, Newark Restaurant Week offers an opportunity to enjoy exceptional cuisine at an outstanding value. Reservations are strongly suggested. Gratuity not included. For more information and menus, visit outandaboutnow.com/events/ newark-restaurant-week.

Chester Water Authority announces

2026 Public Water Warrior Award recipients

On behalf of Chester Water Authority (CWA), its Board of Directors, employees, and ratepayers, CWA recently announced that the recipients of the 2026 Public Water Warrior Award are Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe, and State Representatives Bryan Cutler and John Lawrence. The award recipients were formally recognized during the CWA Board of Directors meeting on Feb. 19.

The Public Water Warrior Award honors elected officials and others whose leadership, advocacy, and public service exemplify an unwavering commitment to protecting public water, ensuring affordability, and defending the interests of Pennsylvania residents.

At the time of the announcement, CWA extended its profound appreciation to Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moscowitz and Eric Roe for their extraordinary partnership throughout every phase of litigation.

Chester County’s attorneys appeared alongside CWA in arguments before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, as well as in related Commonwealth Court and federal bankruptcy proceedings. Their participation demonstrated the county’s

clear and vested interest in defending public utility ownership.

Beyond legal advocacy, the County Commissioners provided consistent public support, issued statements defending CWA’s mission, and formally recognized the Authority’s excellence in delivering clean, safe, award-winning water. No other group of elected officials in CWA’s service region provided such sustained, hands-on support — at times sharing in the legal and financial burdens necessary to defend public ownership. CWA’s ratepayers deserve to know that without the Commissioners’ continuous and tireless backing, CWA’s future could have been very different.

State Representatives Bryan Cutler and John Lawrence filed an amicus curiae brief before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court addressing the legal questions surrounding the attempt to seize or sell CWA assets. The brief argued that neither the City of Chester nor outside parties had unilateral authority to take such action, a position that was later reflected in the court’s ruling.

The two State Representatives’ involvement positively supported CWA’s position regarding its independence and the interests of the communities

it serves. Representatives Cutler and Lawrence were the only two state elected officials to submit this type of filing during this stage of the litigation. CWA recognized that their participation gave ratepayers a much brighter future.

While CWA’s legal battle has seen significant developments, the broader effort to protect public water ownership continues. Because of this, CWA’s mission remains clear—to deliver award-winning, affordable, high-quality water to the more than 200,000 residents and businesses across its service region. Like this year’s honorees, CWA is dedicated to the public good

and to protecting essential infrastructure from monetization or privatization efforts that could jeopardize affordability and local control.

The 2026 Public Water Warrior Award is a testament to the courage and resolve shown by these leaders in standing up to powerful corporate and lobbying interests in defense of Pennsylvania’s citizens.

“This award is a small token of our deep and sincere appreciation,” said Noël Brandon, the CWA board chair. “We are proud to recognize these officials as true Public Water Warriors and urge them to continue standing with ratepayers and the