Chester County Press 04-01-2026 Edition by Ad Pro Inc.

Phorid fly virtual meeting provides updates on mitigation efforts

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

State Rep. Christina Sappey hosted a Phorid Fly Virtual Community Update on Monday, March 23 with State Rep. John Lawrence and State Senators John Kane and Carolyn Comitta. The virtual call also included members of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State University researchers and questions from the public. Both the Department of

Agriculture and the Penn State team gave updates on their efforts and research to help support southern Chester County communities in their fight against phorid fly infestations.

“I just wanted to acknowledge the importance of this issue,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “We recognize, certainly, it has implications for the mushroom industry in Pennsylvania, there are economic threats the phorid

fly poses to growers, but we’re also deeply aware of the issue of the interface between growers and the community and that has been part of our guiding effort here to address the issue and to find ways to contain and suppress the phorid flies in in the area.”

Redding announced that the department is issuing a revised quarantine order after the last order was issued in February of 2025. The new order is

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Middle school project draws questions from residents in UnionvilleChadds Ford

By Connor Lydon Contributing Writer

The school board of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District held more discussions about the future of the Charles F. Patton Middle School and several other important developments during the monthly meeting on March 23.

Despite the board not holding a vote with regard to the middle school, several citizens made their concerns known regarding costs and potential tax increases.

The meeting was hosted by Chadds Ford Elementary to

commemorate the school’s 100-year celebration. The meeting began with Chadds Ford Elementary Principal Danielle Clark addressing the board. She highlighted the recent success of the school’s art show, as well as taking a moment to highlight members of their faculty. Clark gave a shoutout to Michael McGarvey, the school’s technology teacher, who received the Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching award. Both McGarvey and Chadds Ford Elementary received $1,000 dollars to be used in

Volunteers clear the trash along Red Clay Creek

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

An estimated 700 volunteers, many of them family groups, braved the morning chill to pick up trash along the Red Clay Creek on Saturday. The annual Red Clay Valley Cleanup was started and has continued under the leadership of the Brandywine-Red Clay Alliance for more than 30

years. It began as an effort to collect old newspapers, but now gathers anything that litters the area around the stream.

Scout troops and a large number of students from Kennett High School, among others, pitched in, including the Walk in Knowledge, a service and leadership club under the leadership of Loretta Perna at Kennett High School. Students at all pub -

lic high schools in Pennsylvania are now required to accumulate volunteer points through their high school years as one of their requirements for graduation. The Red Clay Cleanup is a popular destination for that service.

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seeking trash.

Oxford’s ‘It Girl’ coffee

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

A new coffee phenomenon has taken Oxford’s “it girls” by storm. Posted on the Instagram stories of loyal friends and fans, a coffee concoction with a pink sticker reading “Early Girly Club” and a cheeky, double entendre latte name has drawn the attention and curiosity of local coffee lovers. With no physical storefront but a recognizable product and a growing customer base, Early Girly

Club has grown larger and faster than its creators could have imagined. The idea for Early Girly Cub came from Alejandra Marquez after a trip to Mexico with family where she tried a banana syrup matcha and thought the syrup would taste good in a coffee. When Marquez came back from Mexico, she started making her own banana syrup from scratch and using it in lattes, naming it the BBL, banana bread latte. Marquez started giving out coffees

to coworkers and friends including her friend from high school, Kelly Green –a former coffee hater.

“I just don’t like anything but the BBL, it tastes like

Early Girly Club has grown larger and faster than its creators could have imagined. Early Girly Club hosted a Valentine’s Day drop at Morpht Fitness in West Grove which combined their love for the gym with their coffee and community.

Photo by Chris Barber Cleanup volunteers ventured into the creek itself

Photo by Gabbie Burton

Phorid fly...

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extended to the entirety of the county rather than just New Garden and Kennett townships as the previous order focused on. The previous order required farms to perform a heat treatment process called “steaming-off” which raises the internal temperatures of the growing houses to a point where phorid flies and larvae could not survive. In addition to steaming off, the new order requires growers to use one of five possible secondary treatments.

The five possible secondary treatments include insecticide nets, adulticides, predatory mites, parasitic nematodes and the exclusion and inclusion method.

The new quarantine order also features more stringent accountability protocols including mandatory monitoring, documentation and record keeping. Additionally, the department is hiring a staff member to be in Chester County, in contact with the growers in order to support compliance efforts.

The department is also allocating $1 million to help financially support growers in adopting the new and required mitigation practices.

Redding shared that the quarantine order was signed that day, Monday, March 23, with the order being

Middle school...

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the classroom and around the school, respectively.

Clark further highlighted the Environment Club’s greenhouse initiative in partnership with Master Gardeners of Chester County. Championed by fifth grade teacher Ms. Doyer, the program is said to foster an environment where children can learn about environmental stewardship as well as prioritizing purposeful play.

Another group of students were invited to speak highlighting the positive impact the program has had on its members and the student body.

During the Student Representatives Report, the representatives highlighted upcoming events such as the Spring Fling Dance. They thanked the facilities staff for their support in making events run smoothly. Furthermore, the board members were thanked by the student representatives for visiting the schools to encourage reading-based events. They concluded by promoting the P.T.O. Derby Night Out fundraiser taking place on April 17. When the floor was opened to public comment, several local residents voiced their concerns to the board regarding the plans for the middle school. Most of those who spoke held similar grievances, citing issues with transparency,

posted to the Pennsylvania bulletin on April 4 and the first report from growers due on April 10.

Dr. Michael Wolfin, assistant research professor from Penn State, provided results from his research and studies on some of the mitigation efforts, including the parasitic nematodes, predatory mites and insecticide nets.

In the nematode study, Wolfin and his team had 12 pairs of rooms, one control room and one nematode room, at different farms over the span of three years. They collected fly counts from each room and observed the ratio of emerger flies, or flies from eggs laid in the room, to invader flies, flies coming from outside the room.

The nematodes attack larvae, ideally leading to a decrease in emerger flies.

The nematode study found a 36 percent lower fly emergence in nematode rooms compared to the control rooms. Nearly 60 percent of growers in the county used nematodes in 2025.

“This is the first intervention that reduces phorid larvae on the farms so this was a big deal in mushroom [Integrated Pest Management] in general,” Wolfin said. A similar experiment used predatory mites in nine paired rooms at different farms across a two-year span. Results found a 43

a lack of clarity, potential planning and legal missteps, as well as the potential the project has to trigger an Act 1 referendum on a budget because it would exceed the state limit for a tax increase in a given year.

“Over a year ago, the district pledged to open and honest communications, transparency and frequent updates. That hasn’t happened,” said Mike Ashmore, a resident of Chadds Ford. “The only details we have now are the result of Right-to-Know Law requests…and they’ve raised more questions than they’ve answered.”

Others making public comment offered similar concerns and called for explanations and further transparency.

The originally projected figure for how much the school district would be able to spend on the middle school project was $120 million. Since then, projections of costs have ballooned to around $167 million. At that point, the project could prompt a large tax increase and trigger an Act 1 referendum in which the school district’s residents would have to vote whether or not to approve the tax increase. As it stood at this point in the meeting, several residents warned that they would not only oppose the Act 1 referendum, they would actively organize others to vote no as well. After public comments

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percent lower fly emergence in mite rooms compared to control rooms.

A third experiment compared larvae found in unwrapped compost to compost wrapped in insecticide nets. An example provided by Wolfin showed the wrapped compost has 28 larvae while the unwrapped compost had 1,645 larvae. Additionally, Wolfin explained that these compost examples were left outside near the swarms people see in the community and not on a mushroom farm.

The Penn State team then implemented nets on farms by covering doors and picking lights in the treated nets and found a 52-percent reduction in phorid fly adults in rooms with nets compared to rooms without nets.

After research was presented public comment began with one community member asking when they will be able to see a decrease in flies. Dr. Troy Ott from Penn State said it will depend on the adoption techniques and successful implementation by the farms. Redding emphasized early intervention in mitigation efforts in order to see best results but neither team could provide a definite timeline on when phorid fly infestation will go down. Redding said that the goal is to see some improvement this year.

were made, the board began to address the public’s concerns. Before the meeting took place, a voting item that would have approved further design planning was changed to a discussion item and the vote was pushed back. This gave some space for the board to talk through some of their options.

“I think the pause is not just good for us [the board], it’s also good for the community,” said board member Dr. Rashi Akki when speaking about the change. “There is also an inflationary piece that goes along with the cost of the project and hence taking the cost of the project to $167 million is something that we need to get comfortable with, or think about and

“I feel for the community, I understand the growers have been equally as frustrated with this,” Redding said. “That is our goal. We want to help solve this problem and we’re going to work hard to do it.”

At the end of the meeting Rep. Lawrence shared his concluding thoughts on the update and thanked both the

make sure we’re all on the same page.”

Along with their conversation that occurred later in the meeting, the board members clarified that the scope of the project had not changed. The clarification was made with regard to the higher price point which was explained to be a result of inflation and additional site work.

Board member Jody Allen said that renovations to the middle school building would not offer a practical solution to the issues that the district is facing.

“Simply bringing all the systems up to date on the existing building will never meet the needs of our current students, and will specifically not meet the needs of our most

Penn State and Department of Agriculture teams.

“I’m always hesitant to speak for another elected official, but I do think I can say this evening that I speak for everyone on this call, that we thought it was very important to make these leaders – and these really are the top people in academia and in government

vulnerable [special education] students,” Allen said. “That’s why we’re here talking about a new building as opposed to simply renovating the old building that already exists.”

The board further highlighted that there would still be “off-ramps” in the development process, even if the next step were to be approved.

Regarding voting items that the board handled during the meeting, the school board approved adding five new classes to the high school course catalog. The new classes include engineering the guitar one and two, principles of A.I., as well as light, sound and set production one and two. This update to the course catalog was made in hopes

here in Pennsylvania when it comes to agriculture – directly available to provide an update, right from the horse’s mouth, so to speak, on where things stand,” Lawrence said. “I can tell you that there is bipartisan support, not just from the legislators on this call, but from our colleagues across the state to continue this critical research.”

of giving students a wider range of chances for career development. The board’s new policy on A.I. was also passed, as was the replacement of water fountains to the tune of $33,350. In addition, the installation of a native garden was approved for $9,930. The proposal was made with Green Ridge Landscaping Inc. and will feature four trees, 38 shrubs, and 102 perennials that are native to the region. A large part of the motivation for the garden was to honor the native Lenape people—the school campus rests on their ancestral land. The hope is that the native garden will honor their living legacy and create an environment for students to learn about native plants.

Photo by Chris Barber

Square on Saturday.

Red Clay Creek...

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When the volunteers arrived in the early morning, they were given their instructions for location, green trash bags and bright green vests.

Brandywine-Red Clay executive director Jim Jordan said he was pleased with the turnout and the trash haul this year. He added that he was especially hopeful for the outcome of assigning younger children to safe trails.

“We encourage young kids to utilize trails, and they will see the trash and are less likely to litter as

they grow up,” he said.

When the clean up was all over, they had filled two

30-yard Dumpsters, equat-

ing to 70 cubic yards of trash.

The variety of objects found was somewhat different from last year –especially the tires.

Last year, they counted 530 of them – some dumped en masse in singular places. This year there were only 78 tires.

Jordan said those tires will be recycled and shredded, and then used as coverage for landfills.

Some other objects that showed up were golf balls and beer cans, which Jordan said out-numbered soda cans 25-to-1.

Jordan also said the project could not have been possible without the help of the townships and 12 different trucking companies that contributed their service to the effort.

The 13-mile-long Red Clay Creek is very much the waterway of Kennett Square. It moves through the borough and nearby townships by way of two branches. It ends with a meeting at the White Clay

A Cleanup volunteer ventures into deep brush looking for trash.

A group of volunteers sets out to find trash in the park.

Members of local Boy Scout Troops return bags filled with trash they picked up.

Photos by Chris Barber

Walk in Knowledge club members gather around Brandywine Red Clay Stewardship and Facilities Manager Carl Hutchinson in preparation for their pickup walk.

This team of trash seekers found a pipe in the field.

Creek in northern Delaware.

The Red Clay Valley Cleanup has evolved over

the years to include Anson B. Nixon Park, Walnut Street, East South Street near the baseball fields and the Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin.

Coffee...

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a whole different coffee,” Green said.

After Marquez, 28, and Green, 30, took a trip to Texas this past October where they tested and tried as many coffee shops as possible, the pair came home and knew they had to start expanding Marquez’s coffees to a larger audience. They started their instagram account on Halloween and have since reached over 600 followers.

“Everyone would see us posting and they wanted to try it so that’s when [Marquez] came up with Early Girly Club,” Green said.

Marquez, Green and their friend Gina McCutcheon, 31, who makes homemade sourdoughs through her Instagram @simply.sourdoughs to sell alongside Early Girly Club coffee, are all Oxford High School graduates and from the same friend group. They all explained how the name has multiple meanings to them and their friends.

“Early Girly can mean so much to everyone and I kind of just added the club part to it just because I thought it would bring community together and that’s basically what we’ve been doing, is just like a girlhood,” Marquez explained. Without a storefront, Early Girly Club relies on sched-

State lawmakers make progress on paid leave legislation

Courtesy photo

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed the Family Care Act, HB 200, in a bipartisan 107-92 vote. The legislation would establish a statewide paid family and medical leave program. State Sen. Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Caucus Chair), the prime sponsor of the Senate companion bill, SB 906, is pictured celebrating the progress on the legislation. HB 200 now advances to the State Senate, where it will be assigned to committee.

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uled drops at their houses or their gym for people to come and buy their favorite drinks. Their first drop occurred on Black Friday and they’ve hosted two more since then.

The trio explained how the strong group of women around them has supported them through every drop and been welcoming to new customers joining the community.

“We did coffee drops at my house and I think that’s where the big girlhood started too,” Green said. “We would do them early in the morning and people would pick up orders but all the friend group would come over and everyone was involved and everyone was helping and it was more of a hangout for the girls.”

In addition to their emphasis on girlhood and friendship, Marquez, Green and McCutcheon want Early Girly Club to have a focus on health and wellness as well.

“We’re all very early girls,” Green added. “We get up, we gym, we’ve always been into the wellness thing and that’s also the other point of

the Early Girly Club.”

Early Girly Club hosted a Valentine’s Day drop at Morpht Fitness in West Grove which combined their love for the gym with their coffee and community. McCutcheon emphasized the gut health benefits of sourdough and the quality ingredients she uses, as well as Marquez who explained how their drinks use organic milk, including a signature walnut milk in the BBL, and homemade syrups without artificial flavors or preservatives in order to further prioritize health.

While not necessarily for health benefits, Early Girly Club also uses “nugget” ice which they buy in bags from the Parkesburg Chick-fil-A as they said it is the “perfect ice” for their lattes. They also use reusable heartshaped straws in their drinks and have a sticker with their logo on every cup, further showing the effort and care they put into creating a unique and aesthetically pleasing product.

“I will say I take so much pride in it,” Marquez said. “I’m not saying my coffee

is the best, but I will say that you can definitely tell the difference between the syrups that we make and then the ones that you get at Starbucks or Dunkin.”

Early Girly Club added two new flavors for their March 28 drop including a fresa latte and a berry muffin latte and have plans to continue expanding their menu and reach. They shared that the ultimate goal for Early Girly Club would be a wellness studio where they could combine their passions and careers through workout classes, mental health resources and, of course, coffee.

For now, their wellness studio dream remains further down the line as the trio continue to focus on their separate careers, Marquez as a nurse, Green as a social worker and McCutcheon as a teacher. Balancing their full-time jobs with a blossoming business isn’t easy, but the friends always emphasize just how much

fun they are having doing it.

“We know this can be successful,” Green said. “It’s just getting to the point of when it’s the right time for us to make the next move but for now we’re just really having fun with it as a hobby.”

In addition to their scheduled drops, Early Girly Club can also be booked to work events and all three women can make coffee orders throughout the week when available for those who direct message them on Instagram.

While the past five months have been a whirlwind of unexpected success in their coffee endeavor, the focus for the three women and their goals for Early Girl Club lie far beyond just coffee.

“We really want everyone to be able to be involved,” Green said. “That’s the biggest part of Early Girly, that we love girlhood and we love empowering other women.”

Photos by Gabbie Burton

Kelly Green, Alejandra Marquez, and Gina McCutcheon are the women behind the Early Girly Club coffees.

Quality of life

Chester County residents have long enjoyed a good quality of life, and one ingredient of that is the coordinated efforts by many people and many groups to help preserve and protect open space. The county recently announced open space preservation funding opportunities through the Preservation Partnership Program. The application period for this program’s 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-PPP-Manual.

Approximately $2 million is available for selected projects. This program has resulted in the preservation of over 20,000 acres in Chester County since it began in 1989. A “Quality of Life” citizen survey conducted in 2023 revealed that local residents considered open space a top priority, second only to emergency services and the county’s 9-1-1 system. The preservation of farmland and open spaces is important to the quality of life that Chester County residents want, and efforts to continue to make progress should be applauded.

Register and then vote

The last day to register to vote in the Primary Election is now about a month away—May 4 is the last day for Pennsylvania residents to register to participate in the upcoming election.

The gubernatorial race will get top billing in the state during this off-year election, and Pennsylvania voters will also choose a lieutenant governor and representatives in the State House. On a more local level, voters will be selecting committee people to serve in key roles for the political parties.

This page has long advocated for all residents to vote. Your vote matters. You matter.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Make your plans to vote. The last day to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 12.

The General Election will then take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

An example of why voting is important

One illustration of why voting is important is the failure on the part of the State Legislature to take meaningful action on Pennsylvania’s wholly inadequate minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since 2009. The logical thing to do would be to have small, incremental increases so that the state-wide minimum wage is connected, on some level, to the rate of inflation. The Pennsylvania State House recently passed legislation that would increase the minimum wage in the state to $15. This is the third time that the State House has approved legislation to increase the minimum wage, but the legislation hasn’t been approved by the State Senate. Any well-compensated state lawmaker who votes against the legislation to increase the state minimum wage should, in turn, be voted out of office. Enough is enough.

War in Iran is unnecessary

Letter to the Editor:

I am appalled at the possibility of sending U.S. soldiers to fight in Iran.

I am afraid of how many men and women will die,

and how many more will be wounded. I am certain that fighting Iran is not worth the blood of our soldiers, and I am stunned that our leaders have not learned the lessons of Afghanistan and

Iraq. I am anticipating getting mired in a war that we cannot win and that will drag on for years.

I am shocked to discover that We the People of the United States are powerless to

stop this disaster. I am pleading with you to raise your voices in opposition to this unnecessary war against Iran.

Anita Bower Nottingham

The collateral damage of war

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

On February 28, coordinated military operations by the United States and Israel began against Iran. Less than a month later, a total of 13 U. S. service members have died during the conflict with Iran, and that number will continue to grow. The pain of losing a family member or friend to war is beyond description, and that pain lasts forever. It doesn’t stop when the war is over. And there are no words that can bring comfort to a person that has lost someone to war. There is a term “collateral damage” that is intended to be a catch-all phrase for other losses brought on by war. The term “collateral damage” is defined as the unintentional or incidental death, injury, or destruction of non-combatant civilians, property, or infrastructure during military operations. It refers to unintended harm caused when targeting lawful military objectives. This

damage is “considered lawful” under international law if it is not excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage, a principle known as proportionality.

If that definition sounds cold and detached, it is. Somehow that phrase, “collateral damage” makes the destruction of war sound less personal. But war is personal and the collateral damage often affects us more than we expected.

Approximately 3.2 million people have been internally displaced in Iran following the start of that conflict, according to the UN refugee agency. The majority of those displaced are fleeing Tehran due to airstrikes, with many moving to smaller urban and rural areas. This number is rising as the conflict continues. But that is Iran. It is usually more difficult for people in this country to realize the collateral damage in another land. However, the recent war is also hurting the United States in a variety of ways.

Perhaps the most obvi-

ous is how it is playing out with the U.S. economy. In just a week, the cost of gas has increased $1 or more a gallon. Before the war, the cost was under $3 per gallon for regular gas, but now the price is close to $4 or more per gallon depending on where it is purchased.

Reuters reported that 55 percent of Americans are feeling the financial impact from rising gas prices, and 87 percent expect further gas price increases amid Iran conflict. Rising gasoline prices are already starting to bite U.S. household finances and Americans overwhelmingly expect fuel costs will keep climbing as the Iran war crimps global oil supplies, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found.

In the Tuesday-throughThursday poll, 55 percent of respondents in the Tuesdaythrough-Thursday poll said their household finances had taken at least “somewhat” of a hit from the increases in gas prices. Among those seeing an impact, 21 percent said their finances were affected “a great deal.”

To create further problems for local residents, in the state of Pennsylvania the high gas tax (roughly 58 cents per gallon) will contribute significantly to the overall costs of gas. But when minimum wage in Pennsylvania is $7.25 per hour, it’s not a stretch to see how that will affect those that work in service areas that typically receive a lower wage. Persons working jobs such as retail or food service will be doubly impacted. They already have a low wage so getting to work will cost more. And when work is on the front lines, particularly at grocery stores, they may feel the wrath of shoppers who don’t want to pay more for anything. Suddenly, the term collateral damage hits home. The war is hurting the economy and there is no clear end in sight. Like it or not, we are a global economy and when you hurt one country you will hurt your own country, too. It may be a war in Iran, but it is a war on everyone. We are all collateral damage.

Legislation would require disclosure of AI use in political advertisements

State Sen. Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) announced that she will introduce legislation that will require political advertisements to disclose if artificial intelligence was used in their creation.

“Voters deserve to know when images and videos that they are viewing have been manipulated by artificial intelligence,” said Williams. “Clear disclosure of the

use of AI tools can help protect our elections from misinformation and misrepresentation. Transparency and truth in political advertising is another key step in restoring the public’s faith in our government.”

New apps and programs have made it incredibly easy for individuals to create generative AI with just a few clicks. These images are already taking

over social media. A 2024 Harvard study showed that AI-generated images were among the most popular posts on Facebook, but that many users seemed unaware that these photos had synthetic origins.

Given this significant uptick in popularity, it is not surprising that AI-generated images and video have bled into the political world and political advertising. A 2025 study by the American Association of Political Consultants found that a clear majority of political consultants and ad-makers use AI tools on a daily basis. While not always malicious, these tools pose real harm and the opportunities to present misinformation or deceive the public are abundant.

Twenty-six states have already enacted laws that would regulate the usage of AI in political advertising and campaigns. All signs point to AI-generated political content reaching an

all-time high as the midterm elections approach. As part of this effort to strengthen the elections, increase transparency, and restore public trust, Sen. Williams is also introducing a package of legislation to modernize Pennsylvania’s Election Code. This package includes legislation that would:

• Protect election workers from harassment, intimidation, and doxxing;

• Increase transparency and security requirements for voting machine vendors;

• Create the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act;

• Allow counties to process and pre-canvass mail-in ballots before Election Day.

“Together, these bills will give voters the accurate information they need to cast their votes safely and securely,” said Williams.

“We can fight false information and rebuild public trust in our democracy.”

Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens

Spring returns in brilliant color at Longwood Gardens during Spring Blooms, a delightful display that is on view now through May 3. The season began in late March with emerging blooms from hardy bulbs, crocus, and forsythia, followed by the arrival of soft pink cherry blossoms in early April. By mid-April, more than 150,000 tulips and other spring bulbs are expected to reach peak bloom along the iconic 600-footlong Flower Garden Walk (weather permitting).

Throughout the season, flowering magnolias and dogwoods paint the landscape with spring pastels for a breathtaking seasonal display.

The season features extended hours to enjoy the beauty of spring on special “Tulip Tuesdays,” April 21, 28, and May 5, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and extended evening hours until 9 p.m. on April 18, 19, April 24 to 26, and May 1to 3.

In Longwood’s Meadow Garden, Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), Carolina silverbell (Halesia carolina), and flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) bloom in harmony with nature. Elsewhere, guests can stroll past whimsical topiaries, climb grand treehouses, and wander serene woodlands as spring quietly emerges.

“Spring is one of the most beautiful and fleeting seasons at Longwood Gardens,” said Dan Sekowski, associate director of outdoor landscapes.

“Our horticulturists are exploring creative ways to showcase bulbs and other spring blooms, from naturalizing species tulips across a sweeping lawn in the Idea Garden to vibrant layered displays of color and texture. Each area presents a different idea that changes as the season progresses.”

In the Idea Garden, innovative plantings offer fresh inspiration and beautiful backdrops for spring.

Experimental combinations, a sweeping bulb lawn, and vibrant containers filled with flowering bulbs create a dynamic landscape that evolves throughout the season. In the Hydrangea Room garden a sea of alliums and daffodils (narcissus) are interrupted by clusters of dark-leaved ninebark (Physocarpus

opulifolius), towering eremus (Eremus), and snapdragons (Antirrhnum).

Adding to the seasonal experience, Longwood’s fountains return in the Open Air Theatre beginning April 18, followed by the Italian Water Garden on April 25. The Main Fountain Garden shows return May 8. Inside the Conservatories, spring unfolds in vibrant color and fragrance. In the West Conservatory, extraordinary plants captivate with bold forms, brilliant hues, and unexpected textures. Guests can see the striking variety of giant kangaroopaws (Anigozanthos) and the dramatic blooms of Tower-of-Jewels (Echium wildpretii). Delicate South African bulbs, including Cape Cowslip (Lachenalia) add moments of botanical beauty. Colorful new additions to the West Conservatory this season include stock Matthiola (Mathiola ‘Katz Apricot’), Wart-stemmed Pincushion (Leucospermum ‘Goldie’), and foxglove (Digiplexis ‘Illumination Flame’).

Inside the East and Main Conservatories, springs’ classic fragrances fill the air as freesia (Freesia) and campanula (Campanula) bloom. Hanging baskets of honeybells (Hermannia pinnata) perfume the space, while hydrangeas (Hydrangea) and foxgloves (Digitalis), bring vibrant color to walkways and displays above. Timeless fuchsia (Fuchsia) varieties such as ‘Mrs. Marshall’ and ‘Traudchen Bonstedt’ grace walkways, while cascading baskets of ‘Lord Beaconsfield’ draw the eye upward.

Outside of Longwood’s spectacular conservatories, spring unfolds. The Bonsai Courtyard displays a masterful selection of between 50 and 60 deciduous trees leafing out in perfect scale and proportion alongside flowering cherry trees. From the end of March through April 27, a vibrant selection of blooming Kurume azalea bonsai will be on display.

After exploring the gardens, guests can extend the experience with seasonal dining at 1906, Longwood’s signature restaurant. At 1906, beautifully crafted dishes celebrate the flavors of the season using ingredients from Longwood’s Ornamental Kitchen

Garden and local purveyors. Guests can enjoy an elegant lunch when the Gardens are open, along with spring dinner service during extended hours Friday through Sunday evenings beginning April 18.

Reservations are required and can be made at longwoodgardens.org/dine.

On Thursday, April 23, there will be a special Duckhorn Vineyards 50th Anniversary Wine Dinner. The experience begins with a cocktail reception of small bites and featured wines. Following special remarks and insights from P.J. Alviso, Vice President of Winegrowing at Duckhorn, the evening includes a beautifully curated four-course menu from Longwood’s culinary team that’s thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from the Duckhorn portfolio.

The season of growth also brings new programs and learning opportunities from classes for gardening enthusiasts, to lectures, interesting reads, and more. See all events and programs at longwoodgardens.org.

General admission tickets for Spring Blooms are $35 for adults, $31 for seniors (ages 65 and over), $26 for Active U.S. military and veterans (with valid ID), $20 for youth (ages 5 to 15). Children ages four and under enter for free. Visit longwoodgardens.org for more information.

Photo courtesy Becca Mathias for Longwood Gardens

There are lots of beautiful scenes at Longwood Gardens.

Photo by Scott Hummel for Longwood Gardens

The Square Fountain at Longwood Gardens.

Photo by Carol DeGuiseppi for Longwood Gardens Spring returns in brilliant color at Longwood Gardens during Spring Blooms.

Photo by Amy Simon Berg for Longwood Gardens

The Flower Garden Walk can be enjoyed this spring.

Photo courtesy Carol Gross for Longwood Gardens

The sweeping lawn of the Idea Garden.

VIRGINIA BAULT GARVINE

Virginia “Ginny” Bault Garvine passed away in West Grove on March 17, 2026. She was 85. Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of William V. Bault and Florence May Bault (née Stewart). She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard W. Garvine.

Ginny is survived by her children, Randolph E. Garvine and Marcia Andrea Bergner; her daughter-in-law, Samantha Kology Garvine; her cherished grandchildren, Lucille Mae Garvine, Evelyn Mary Garvine, and Josephine Virginia Garvine; and her brother, William V. Bault of Grass Valley, Calif.

She was a 1958 graduate of Cecilian Academy in Philadelphia. Ginny carried a lifelong love of learning and exploration. She had a deep appreciation for art and

studied it in the 1970s, a passion that remained with her throughout her life.

Her years at Jenner’s Pond were filled with friendship and laughter. She was an active member of the community, serving on the library committee for a decade, including time as its chairman. She also worked in the Heron’s Nest gift shop.

Ginny had been a member of First Presbyterian Church of Newark, Del. since 1977.

Ginny was a compassionate person who often served as a caregiver to family members, always guided by a strong sense of right and wrong. As a mother, she was consistently loving, supportive, and deeply proud of her children and grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home in Kennett Square. To read her full obituary, please visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Obituary submissions

ROSEMARIE PATRONE

Rosemarie (Cleary) Patrone, 87, of West Chester, passed away on March 20, 2026 at the Chester County Hospital.

Born on Easter Sunday in 1938 in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late John Cleary and the late Rose (McDevitt) Cleary.

She and her husband, the late Phillip Patrone, shared 64 years of marriage.

After meeting at a Holy Cross dance, it became clear Rosemarie and Phil were made for each other. They complemented one another throughout their lives, and they enjoyed going out to dinner and traveling.

Rosemarie will be remembered for her love of the beach, for her infectious laugh, her warm smile, her devout Catholic beliefs, and for her pride in her Irish heritage. She will also be remembered for her deep love of her family.

Rosemarie is survived by her son, Michael Patrone, Michael’s wife, Jun, and his daughters, Riley (Ryan) and Leah (Jeremy) Jennings; her son, Phillip Patrone, his wife, Michelle (Chronister), and their two sons, Sam (Allie) and Alex. In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by her siblings, John “Jack” Cleary and Helen Powell.

You are invited to visit with Rosemarie’s family from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 7 at Saint Agnes Catholic Church at 233 W. Gay St. in West Chester. Her mass will take place at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Birmingham Lafayette Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Grieco Funeral Home. To read the full obituary, visit www.griecofunerals.com.

Emma C. Halstead

Keely W. Griffin

April 2 and 3

Calendar of Events

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 24

3rd Annual Arbor Day for Arborists Newark is celebrating trees and the individuals dedicated to their care. Join in for the Arbor Day for Arborists event on Friday, April 24 from 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Rittenhouse Park in Newark, Del. This event will highlight how Newark Parks and Recreation Department manages the conservation and maintenance of trees on city-owned land. Participants include Davey Tree Experts, Miller Tree, Brandywine Trees, Stein Trees, Bartlett Tree

Experts and more. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 302- 366-7000 or visit www. newarkde.gov/play.

April 24

The Art of Golf 2026

Tickets are now on sale for The Art of Golf 2026, the Cecil County Arts Council’s fourth annual golf tournament. Golfers can join as an individual or as a foursome. The tournament will take place at Patriots Glen Golf Course on Friday, April 24. The event starts at 8 a.m. with registration, breakfast and free access to the “Launch Zone” driving range. Tournament play begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start, and continues until the awards luncheon at 2 p.m. Golfer packages include a breakfast sandwich, cart, greens fees, refreshments and access to raffles, 50/50, contests and door prizes. There will also be a traveling beer cart during play and a stationary Bloody Mary and Screwdriver bar with breakfast. Sponsorships are available for local businesses. Sponsors receive recognition at the tournament and on our website and social media page. For more information about The Art of Golf 2026, including tickets or sponsorships, visit the Arts Council’s website, follow us on Facebook or call 410-392-5740.

April 25

3rd Annual Earth Day Weed War

Volunteer with the City of Newark’s Parks & Recreation Department and local volunteer naturalists for a day dedicated to Park Land Stewardship on Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lewis Park. Parks staff and local naturals will work with volunteers to remove non-native and invasive plants from park land. This event emphasizes the importance of conserving natural resources through collaboration among the public, Newark Parks and Recreation, and the Conservation Advisory Committee. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 302- 366-7000 or visit www.newarkde.gov/play.

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 sell-out 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

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.

May 30

Spring Clean Out and Flea Market Sale

It’s time to clean out your garage, attic or basement and join other flea marketers for the City of Newark Parks and Recreation Department’s New Spring Clean Out Sale. This “bargain buy” event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the George Wilson Center. If you are interested in participating in the Spring Clean Out Sale as a vendor, please complete the registration form on our website at www.newarkde.gov/ play. All vendors will receive a letter with directions for set up a week ahead of the program. For more information, please contact the Recreation Office at 302-366-7000 or register online at www.newarkde.gov/play.

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.

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

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, May 18th, 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. 26-4-71 Writ of Execution No. 2015-06920 DEBT $135,576.05

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOR-

OUGH OF KENNETT TOWNSHIP

SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF:

DOROTHY N. MRAZ A/K/A

DOROTHY C. MRAZ A/K/A

DOROTHY N. CONNOLLY and FREDERICK P. MRAZ

Tax Parcel # 62-2J-3

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: Dorothy N. Mraz A/K/A Dorothy C. Mraz A/K/A Dorothy N. Connelly & Frederick P. Mraz

SALE ADDRESS: 9 Woodchuck Way, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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.

3P-25-3T

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within-mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes, the hereindescribed real estate will be sold at public on-line auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, April 16th, 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, May 18th, 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. 26-4-73

Writ of Execution No. 2025-01417

DEBT $148,054.87

PROPERTY SITUATE IN NEWLIN TOWNSHIP

SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF:

ANTHONY J. OBARA A/K./A

ANTHONY J. OBARA, JR.

Tax Parcel # 49-1-35

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing VS DEFENDANT: Anthony J. Obara A/K/A Anthony J. Obara Jr.

SALE ADDRESS: 901 Brandywine Creek Road, Unionville, PA 19375

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

3P-25-3T

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

SALE NO. 26-4-75

Writ of Execution No. 2024-09693 DEBT $286,451.52

ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOTS OR PIECES OF GROUND SITUATE IN THE KENNETT TOWNSHIP, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: Tax Parcel # 62-4-129.2

PLAINTIFF: LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC VS DEFENDANT: GRETA L. DENNY, IN HER CAPACITY AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA N. STEEL; GREGORY T. STEEL, IN HIS CAPACITY AS HEIR OF BARBARA N. STEEL; UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS, CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE, OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER BARBARA N. STEEL

April 16th, 2026, at 11AM.

SALE ADDRESS: 623 Rosedale Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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

3P-25-3T

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

SALE NO. 26-4-76

Writ of Execution No. 2015-01455 DEBT $149,507.56

PROPERTY SITUATE IN BOROUGH OF KENNETT TOWNSHIP

SOLD AS THE PROPERTY OF: DOROTHY N. CONNOLLY and FREDERICK P. MRAZ

Tax Parcel # 62-2J-3

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: a residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: M&T BANK VS DEFENDANT: Dorothy N. Connelly & Frederick P. Mraz

SALE ADDRESS: 9 Woodchuck Way, Kennett Square, PA 19348

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

3P-25-3T

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

SALE NO. 26-4-89 Writ of Execution No. 2025-00430 DEBT $522,661.98

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land situated in the Township of Kennett, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being more fully described in Deed dated September 17, 2018 and recorded in the Office of the Chester County Recorder of Deeds on November 20, 2018, in Deed Book Volume 9846 at Page 1372, as Instrument No. 201811640239. Tax Parcel # 62-6-40.15

PLAINTIFF: US Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust

DEFENDANT: Edward C. Wuchter

SALE ADDRESS: 208 Gregg Lane, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: HLADIK, ONORATO & FEDERMAN, LLP 215-855-9521

3P-25-3T

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

SALE NO. 26-4-93 Writ of Execution No. 2025-06305 DEBT $54,279.71

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot, piece or parcel of land with the improvements thereon erected,

situate in Franklin Township, Chester County, State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described in accordance to a Final Subdivision Plan of Heather Hills, section 1, made by George E. Regester and Sons, Inc., Kennett Square, PA dated September 19, 74 and recorded on March 08, 77, as Plan Nos. 915917, as follows, to- wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the North Westerly side of Highland Drive (at 50.00 feet wide), at a corner of Lot No. 16; thence extending from said Beginning point along Lot No. 16, North 56 degrees 48 minutes 53 seconds West, 226.27 feet to a point in line of Lot No. 14; thence extending along the same and partly along Lot No. 4, North 02 degrees 24 minutes 46 seconds East, 76.22 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 5; thence extending along the same, North 24 degrees 00 minutes 29 seconds East, 110.00 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 18; thence extending along the same and along the center line of a 15.00 feet wide drainage easement, South 54 degrees 05 minutes 26 seconds East, 290.40 feet to a point on the Northwesterly side of Highland Drive; thence extending along the same, the (2) following courses and distances: (1) South 35 degrees 54 minutes 34 seconds West, 145.00 feet to a point of curve and (2) on a line curving to the left, having a radius of 325.00 feet, the arc distance of 15.45 feet to the first mentioned point and place of BEGINNING

BEING Lot No. 17

BEING Lot No 17 as shown on said Plan.

BEING the same premises conveyed to: Michael Barry, as sole owner, under Deed from Cody Hoffman, dated 03/16/2020, recorded in the Chester Recorder of Deeds Office on 03/18/2020 in Deed Book 10123, Page 1075.

Tax Parcel # 72-2-71.14

PLAINTIFF: Sun East Federal Credit Union VS DEFENDANT: Michael Barry

SALE ADDRESS: 207 Highland Drive, Landenburg, PA 19360

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: M. JACQUELINE LARKIN, ESQ. 610-615-1550

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

April 16th, 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, May 18th, 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. 26-4-97 Writ of Execution No. 2024-06325 DEBT $149,217.03

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, Hereditaments and Appurtenances, situate in the Township of West Nottingham, County of Chester, state of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a plan of property of Nottingham estates, made by Tatman & Lee Associates, Inc., Wilmington Delaware, dated 5/16/1988 in plan file no. 8707, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the Northerly side of Pine Top Drive, said point being a corner of Lot no. 12; thence extending from said beginning point along Pine Top Drive, the (2) following courses and distances, (1) on the arc of a circle curving to the right, having a radius of 25 feet the arc distance of 21.03 feet to a point and (2) South 57 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 134.93 feet to a point, a corner of lot# 14; thence extending along same, North 33 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 272.33 feet to a point in line of remaining lands of Helen W. Reid; thence extending along same north 67 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds east 197.07 feet to a point, a corner of lot no. 12; thence extending along same South 23 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 233.32 feet to a point on the Northerly side of Pine Top Drive, being the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING lot no. 13 as shown on said Plan

BEING THE SAME PREMISES WHICH Edward J. Campbell and Dawn R. Campbell, husband and wife, by Deed dated 7/31/2003 and recorded 10/09/2003 at Chester County, Pennsylvania in Record Book 5928, Page 2344, granted and conveyed unto Woody Jackson, in fee.

Tax Parcel # 68-6-2.3N

PLAINTIFF: The Bank of New York Mellon, f/k/a The Bank of New York, successor in interest to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Trustee for Structured Asset Mortgage Investments II Inc., Bear Stearns ALT-A Trust, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2005-7 VS DEFENDANT: Woody Jackson

SALE ADDRESS: 213 Veterans Drive, Nottingham, PA 19362

Young scientists compete in the 2026 Chester County Science Research Competition

Young scientists from across Chester County once again met for the chance to showcase their knowledge and engage in friendly rivalry at the 2026 Chester County Science Research Competition (CCSRC), organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

On Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11, the Church Farm School in Exton hosted over 369 students from 50 schools, who displayed their love of science across 15 different categories, including botany, computer science, engineering, and more.

The CCSRC, which is sponsored by Church Farm School, CCRES, and the Children’s Fund of Chester County, offers two opportunities for students to share their scientific findings: the Dr. Lucy Balian Rorke- Adams Fair is for students in grades 6-12, and the Dr. Jonas Salk Fair is for students in grades 4-5.

This year, the Rorke-Adams Fair included 54 volunteer judges, while the Salk Fair included 41 volunteer judges, each offering unique expertise from a variety of backgrounds across many industries.

At both fairs, students

presented the results of months-long research projects as judges asked questions and offered valuable feedback. After each student was interviewed, the judges deliberated in category-based groups and determined this year’s winners.

After a full day of competition, both the Rorke-Adams Fair and the Salk Fair concluded with an open house in the evening, where students and their families had the opportunity to browse all the projects. During the Salk open house, students who placed in each of the 15 categories received their awards while accompanied by their family and friends.

Among the many outstanding works on display at the Salk fair, the judges called special attention to Sadie Bryan from Beaver Creek Elementary School, whose presentation titled “Can You Hear Me Now?” was awarded Best of Fair.

Dr. Delfi Krishna, a volunteer judge with a degree in chemical engineering, said, “This is such a great experience, and I can’t thank the CCIU enough for pulling this together. The students learn so many hard and soft skills, like

the scientific method and how to design and experiment, and collect data, but they also learn the most important soft skill, which is critical thinking. In the age of TikTok and YouTube, to do proper research and develop opinions based on critical thinking by looking at every different angle before coming to a conclusion, is incredibly important today.”

“I loved being able to teach people about our

project. We really love chemistry, so getting to conduct the experiment was one of my favorite parts,” said Aania Kawade, a student at Brandywine Wallace Elementary. “I love explaining all the science and why something worked, or why this works instead of that. Getting to share that with the judges was really exciting.”

Hitha Srinivasa, Aania’s project partner, shared the same enthusiasm. “I love

science, and this fair gave us the chance to really dig into it,” she said. “I love space, and my grandfather was a rocket scientist in India, so I would love to be a rocket scientist for the United States one day.” When asked if they could see themselves pursuing careers in science, both girls answered without hesitation.

“Of course,” they said in unison.

“This competition transforms students,” said

Kathy Gurnee, special events coordinator for the CCIU. “Hundreds of young minds from across Chester County come together to showcase their ideas, build confidence, and connect with peers who share their curiosity. They don’t just learn about science, they become scientists.”

To learn more about the CCSRC, visit www.cciu. org/science-fair or contact Kathy Gurnee at 484-2375098 or KathyG@cciu.org.

TCHS Brandywine takes first place at Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition

For the first time in school history, Technical College High School (TCHS) Brandywine claimed the top spot at the Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition (Tech Comp). Seniors Konnor Blevins of Downingtown West High School and Jackson Trostle of Coatesville Area Senior High School earned first place on March 6. The road to first place began in December, when proctors arrived at TCHS Brandywine — one of just 12 qualifying schools in the region — to administer a written exam. Out of approximately 280 students who took the test, Blevins earned the single-highest written exam score in the entire competition. He and Trostle were selected to represent their school in the hands-on finals, and they delivered.

In preparation for competition day, the pair trained alongside industry professionals from their sponsor, Del Toyota in Thorndale, including service director Matt Johnson and technician Brent Murray, gaining

real-world experience that you simply can’t get from a textbook. Blevins also brings extra experience to the shop floor through his co-op work at The Jp Shop in Chester Springs, his father’s automotive business.

At the competition itself, the stakes were high and the bar was even higher. Competitors rotated through 11 demanding workstations covering everything from electrical diagnosis and air conditioning to following precise manufacturer service information, with two industry judges scoring each one. One station simulates a job interview, a reminder that today’s top technicians need interview experience just as much as technical. Blevins and Trostle rose to every challenge. As first-place winners, Blevins and Trostle each earn their choice of a full scholarship to Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Automotive Training Center (ATC), or Lincoln Tech, setting them up to turn a passion for cars into a full-time career.

For Trostle, the win carried meaning well beyond the trophy. “Winning Tech Comp means a lot to me,” he said. “Not only did I get to show off my skills and abilities, but it also opened the opportunity to go to schools that I would’ve been unable to go to due to cost, and I also got to realize how much I’ve improved as a new technician in the past few years.”

Blevins said Tech Comp represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “Tech Comp means a lot to me,” Blevins said. “It gives automotive students a chance to strive in their work and showcase the skills we’ve developed in the program. After three years of training, we finally get to show what we’ve worked so hard for.

Winning Tech Comp is a huge achievement, and it means a lot to look back and see how far I’ve come.”

TCHS Brandywine Automotive Service Technology instructor Ryan Kuhnle said the win reflects the strong team culture he has worked hard to build. “I try to make my class

SALE NO. 26-4-98 Writ of Execution No. 2023-05438 DEBT $517,329.87

Property to be sold is situated in the Township of Kennett, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Tax Parcel # 62-5-67.35

like a team,” he said. “I tell the 10th and 11th graders to look at these seniors, learn from them, and strive for this level of achievement. The seniors put their time in, and their classmates cheered them on. We celebrate the wins and the losses of this program.”

And when it comes to explaining how a firstplace finish happens, Kuhnle stated, “This stuff doesn’t happen by accident. Success doesn’t just appear to these boys. They took advantage of the learning opportunities every single day.”

As for what the moment means to him, Kuhnle keeps the spotlight exactly where he thinks it belongs, on his students. “This competition speaks more to them than it does to me,” he said. “They’re willing to learn every day and put the work in to accomplish these things.” He’s already looking ahead: “The first of many.”

TCHS principal Dave Purdy gave the students praise by stating, “I am extremely proud of Jackson and Konnor. Their achieve-

ment speaks to outstanding technical ability, great work ethic, and a willingness to explore problems and solve them. Konnor and Jackson also embodied the concept of ‘team’ as they bring different skillsets to the table. Their ability to rely on each other led to this accomplishment. Like all competitions, great teams also have great coaches. Konnor and Jackson are outstanding technicians and young men, but Mr. Kuhnle has consistently coached them up!”

Photo courtesy of Tech Comp / Anthony Torcasio TCHS Brandywine seniors Konnor Blevins and Jackson Trostle celebrate their first-place finish at the Greater Philadelphia Auto Technology Competition alongside their instructor, Ryan Kuhnle.

Courtesy photos

Sadie Bryan, Beaver Creek Elementary School, wins Best of Fair in the 2026 Chester County Science Research Competition.

Aania Kawade and Hitha Srinivasa, Brandywine Wallace Elementary students in front of their science fair project at the 2026 Chester County Science Research Competition.

Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale to offer 300 varieties

The annual Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale, held online on April 11 and 12, will feature more than 300 varieties of native plants— including more than 100 new offerings. From classic favorites to unique and hard-to-find selections, each native species will bring beauty and biodiversity to gardens, backyards, and patio pots.

Shoppers can preview plants online beginning April

6. Online shopping begins on April 11 for members of nonprofit Natural Lands, which owns and manages Stoneleigh, and April 12 for non-members. At check out, shoppers will select a pickup time for April 25 or April 26 at Stoneleigh: a natural garden in Villanova. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted for payment.

During plant order pickup, shoppers can browse a selection of additional plants, connect with fellow

plant lovers, seek gardening advice from our experts, or simply enjoy a spring day at Stoneleigh.

Many plants sell out quickly, and Natural Lands members get to shop a day early. Join by April 10 to get the first opportunity to buy popular plants at natlands. org/join.

Stoneleigh—one of more than 40 properties cared for by nonprofit Natural Lands—opened its garden gates to the public in May of 2018. The garden provides joy and well-being for tens-of-thousands of guests every year through inspiring displays of native plants in a magnificent former estate in Villanova.

“Our mission is to celebrate the beauty and importance of the natural world and inspire the cultivation of native plants for the benefit of all,” said Ethan Kauffman, director of Stoneleigh. “So many

of the plants we feature at our annual sale are growing at Stoneleigh as a way to inspire guests to incorporate natives into their own gardens.”

Native plants are plants that occur naturally in a specific region and have evolved there for thousands of years. Natural Lands encourages home gardeners to choose native plants over their exotic counterparts for the following reasons:

• They are beautiful in both a natural and formal setting;

• They provide seeds, fruit, and caterpillars to feed birds and other wildlife;

• They support native pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and hummingbirds;

• They are well-adapted to our local climate and conditions;

• They represent the unique floral identity of our region.

In addition to the annual Stoneleigh Native Plant Sale, the public can learn more about native plant species growing at Stoneleigh at natlands.org/nativeplants. The website includes a freeto-access database of plants to know and grow with photos and descriptions.

Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported— has preserved more than 137,000 acres, including 40-plus nature preserves and one public garden totaling more than 23,000 acres. About five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection.

Fraundorfer and Marker named Oxford Rotary Students of the Month

The Oxford Rotary Students of the Month are Oxford Area High School seniors Anthony Marker and Abigail Fraundorfer. Marker is the son of Lisa and Chris Marker. He is a member of the National Honor Society and the National English Honor Society. He plays on the varsity basketball

and varsity soccer teams. His main hobby is sports. Anthony plans to major in finance, and he is looking at two colleges that he would like to attend after graduation—Villanova and North Carolina State. Fraundorfer is the daughter of Tracy and Adam Fraundorfer. She is a member of the Helping Hands

Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the National Honor Society, and the National English Honor Society. She also participates for the Unified Swim Club, Oxford Field Hockey, the Unified Track Team, and the Empower Field Hockey Club. Her hobbies include hiking, fishing and working out at the gym. She is also a waitress at the Sawmill Grille. and Anthony Marker, and Abigail

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