Chester County Press 10-1-25

Township’s open house gauges residents’ ideas, concerns about proposed facility

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In September of 2024, Kennett Township officials began to address what has perhaps been their most consequential “elephant in the room” – the cramped headquarters of their police department, an office that is shoe-horned into the second floor of the Kennett Township Building.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 6, township Manager Alison Dobbins and Director of Public Works

Ted Otteni gave a presentation that introduced a feasibility study and three different design scenarios for a proposed new police facility that had been created by Ambler, Pa.-based GKO Architects. Following discussion with the board, the

township chose to explore the potential of constructing an 11,500-square-foot facility that will include “hard areas” like a sally port, an evidence and prisoner processing area and holding cells on one side of the building, and “soft areas” that will include a front lobby, department offices and upgraded facilities for the entire police staff.

While the project is still

very much at the drawing board stage and no final decision has been reached on whether a new police facility will be built, the township’s plans have called for the inclusion and input of its residents, and on Sept. 24, it held an open house that created a forum for feedback and included a tour of the police department’s current offices.

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London Britain Township celebrates its 300th anniversary

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

After receiving a charter given to him from the King of England to establish a colony in the New World in 1681, William Penn named that colony Pennsylvania, and in 1725, London Britain Township was organized from a tract of land belonging to the London Company of Great Britain – a generous and vital wedge of land that is bordered by Maryland on the south and Delaware on the east.

On Sept. 27, before a steady stream of several hundred residents, the township paid homage to the township’s 300th

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Photos by Richard L. Gaw Ashley Price of 810 Woodworks poses at London Britain Township's 300th anniversary celebration on Sept. 27.

It’s the

end of an era as Filacheck’s Furniture owners plan retirement

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Filacheck’s Furniture has been serving the needs of the community for nearly 70 years. Now, the time has come for its owners to plan their retirement.

It’s really the end of an era for the owners of Filacheck’s, and many long-time customers and friends are stopping by to say good-bye to Bob and Deb Filacheck—and to pick up a bargain.

According to Ethel Day, who has been employed at the store for 27 years, customers have always trusted Filacheck’s Furniture for their quality.

“I will miss working here and customers will miss the quality of the furniture they can buy here,” Day said.

The community has trusted Filacheck’s Furniture to deliver quality furniture and the customer always had a

Bob and Deb Filacheck, the owners of Filacheck’s Furniture, are planning their retirement so that they can spend more time with their family, including their grandchildren. Excited about this transition is grandson, Chase.

variety of choices in fabric and design to choose from. On one recent Sunday morning, the store at 343 East Baltimore Pike in West Grove was quickly filling with customers shortly after opening for the day when some of the family members talked about the planned retirement.

Bob and Deb Filacheck will be staying close to the community that they have served for so many years, but as grandson Chase said, “We’re going to the beach more.”

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be Muggles the pony, who will be there all Old tradition, new fun: Unionville Community Fair to return Oct. 3-5

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

three days to lead carriage rides.

Musser, to whom this year’s fair is dedicated, said that she has been participating and giving her energy to this beloved Unionville tradition for just about every one of her 82 years. She said at one point she thought she was actually there in a prenatal state when her mother – a former fair queen -- was pregnant. Musser later found out that that was the particular year the fair was cancelled as a result of World War II. Through those years of being

recognized as the heart and soul of the fair, however, Musser is credited with handling locations, bringing new ideas to the table, and maintaining the strong connection with the area’s agricultural community, among other things.

Indeed, the theme this year is “Cultivating the Future,” with the hope that young people will grow in their appreciation of agriculture the way plants grow to their maturity. Musser said the fondest memory of her leadership of the fair is when several of the local farmers came to her in the face

Kennett Police Tour...

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Police Chief Matt Gordon said he was impressed – but not surprised – at the open house’s attendance, which saw a steady stream of residents throughout the event.

“Any time you talk about a potential $10 million purchase, it gets people’s attention,” he said. “The photographs are one thing, but in opening up the doors to our current offices, the reality of it tells the entire story. Our facility is unsafe and when this building was designed, the police department was an afterthought. Trying to conduct a police department in the day and age of best practices and the need for accreditation, it becomes a real struggle to meet these standards.

“We would like to see ourselves in a more modern facility if we could.”

The estimated $10 million cost of the new facility –which is proposed to be built adjacent to the Township Building - will include design and engineering, construction, furnishings and fit outs, as well as contingency and escalation costs. In order to finance it, the township plans to use $2 million of its existing funds, establish a 25-year bond for $8 million, and consider raising the township’s per household property taxes by $152 a year, based on a 2025 average assessed value.

Township resident Ron Stellon said that the township should pursue less-costly solutions for its police department.

“I am frustrated with the data the township presented that shows that the township’s population has grown by about 50 percent in the last 20 years, but the township’s [police] staffing has increased by over 400 percent,” he said. “I really

question how the township is being managed, along with a proposed tax increase for a $10 million expansion I am not sure that we need.

“I think the supervisors need to do a much better job in managing the budget, and I think there are alternatives for the space they need in the short-term. I worked for private industry for many years, and we didn’t build new buildings every time we needed more space. Are there rental opportunities somewhere in the township or in Kennett Township or in Kennett Square for office space? Can we use modular buildings at a much cheaper cost? I really want to get some answers as to why we need this $10 million building.”

Township Supervisor

Patricia Muller said that the purpose of the event was to demonstrate the urgent need to explore the possibility of expansion.

“This is the whole point of tonight’s gathering – to show people why we need to expand and reconfigure our police department,” she said. “We have put walls up that people thought weren’t possible [in the police department]. We have two to three people utilizing office space that had been reserved as a copy room.

“We have tried for years to hold the line on police facility expansion, and at this point in time, we have looked at all of the other options available to us, and this [proposal] seems to be the only viable option left that makes sense.”

Muller emphasized that the proposed police facility remains in concept form only, and that there may be several more iterations of designs to come, but before any final decision is reached, each stage will be funneled through township residents for feedback.

“Our residents are part of the equation,” she said. “We are constantly looking for their input about what they want. We don’t want to over-build, but by the same token, we don’t want to under-build. If we underbuild, we’re not laying any kind of framework for the future.”

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

London Britain Celebrates...

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anniversary with a celebration at Nichols Park that featured 50 vendors, live performances, food and beverage vendors, demonstrations and citations delivered by State Rep. John Lawrence and Chester County Commissioner Eric Roe.

“When our organizing committee first put out the call for vendors and sponsors, it was amazing how many people responded,” said event organizer

Heather Sachs, the wife of supervisor Brian Sachs.

“There are so many creative people in London Britain Township, and I am thrilled by just how many of them wanted to be here. We’re just this little chunk of land by the tristate marker, but 300 years is a big deal.”

“My family moved here in 1989 into an historic property, and we lived in the carriage house, and immediately, I was so taken by having a little piece of history here,” said board chairperson Ailleen Parrish. “We’re the connector between the Fair

Hill Natural Resources and the White

Preserve. We are blessed by the history of this township.

“It gets in your blood, almost as if it’s your child.”

The following members of the London Britain Township Event Committee organized the event: Gail Bobish, Adam Brady, Bob Clark, Kieran Francke, Mary Hanley, Mike and Debbie Karasek, Bill Masalanka, Brian and Heather Sachs and Lynn Zbranak.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.

New Garden man faces humantrafficking charges

Pa. Attorney General and the State Police announced charges last week alleging that a Chester County man forced two girls to do grueling work on a mushroom farm for little or no pay

A New Garden Township

man is facing charges that he forced two juvenile female immigrants to work long hours on a local mushroom farm with little or no compensation, threatening to have the girls punished or deported if they strayed from him.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Human Trafficking Section and the Pennsylvania State Police investigated the alleged crimes before announcing the charges against Ramiro Caal Jolomna last week. He is charged with felony counts of trafficking in individuals and involuntary servitude and related offenses.

Jolomna was arraigned and bail was set at $1 million.

According to the investigation, the girls, who are ages 14 and 17, were charged “debts” by Jolomna after he brought them into the country. The victims were kept out of school, and subjected to long work days and seven-day work weeks, and received very little compen-

sation or none at all, officials allege.

“This is a disturbing set of facts involving a man preying on vulnerable girls who wanted to make an honest living and help their families back home,” Attorney General Sunday said.

“Labor trafficking, while not as often in the headlines, is cruel and dehumanizing behavior that forces victims into a routine of helplessness and silence.”

The 14-year-old girl was brought to Pennsylvania from Mexico and forced to work 16-hour shifts during seven-day work weeks, only to have her paycheck signed over to Jolomna and his wife. The girl was also forced to perform domestic chores, such as cleaning Jolomna’s house.

Jolomna brought the 17-year-old girl into the country as a sponsorship and subjected her to similar conditions. The girl wanted to provide for her sick father and other family back home in Guatemala, but after Jolomna took the majority

of her wages, she had very little money left.

Major Serell Ulrich, the director of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said, “This coordinated effort between the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General underscores our commitment to protecting victims, holding traffickers accountable, and ensuring the safety of communities across the Commonwealth.

“This arrest reflects the continued commitment between both agencies to dismantle criminal networks, safeguarding victims and upholding the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth.”

Filachecks retirement...

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Deb Filacheck confirmed that and said that they were anxious to spend more time at the beach and with their grandsons.

Bob Filacheck recalled working for Filacheck’s when his uncle still owned it. Back then, the store was located on Route 202 at the state line. He and his wife have been married for 52 years and have worked full time at the store over that period.

“We’ve worked together for 52 years and we’re still happily married,” he said.

They do plan to move into a retirement community, but they are still deciding on which one. He is happy to have his children and grandchildren living close by.

Bob said he has no hobbies yet and joked that his wife tells people that “she will farm me out to anyone that needs help.”

Bob said, “The Lord has been good to us. We will give back. I may take a little side job or do some volunteer work. We will get more involved in church and maybe some local organizations. I don’t think my body is going to let me sleep in.”

“I enjoyed what we did,” he said. “We always had fun. We are both pranksters. We always wanted our customers to feel comfortable. We didn’t pressure anyone. Most people would come in in four to five times before they made a purchase. We felt we were very fortunate to have a successful store. We will miss our customers but I know we will find new adventures.”

The Filachecks plan to stay in the business into December or January. They are still doing special orders for the next couple of weeks and items will be sold off the floor.

Bob said that they have no regrets.

“When we started, we worked five nights a week until 9,” he explained. “We did see our customer base changing.”

Bob added, “I’m proud that our furniture was all North American products.

We had 1,000 fabrics to choose from. Some customers could design their furniture. Our customers were 45 or older. We worked with a lot of residents from retirement communities. They weren’t afraid of good quality.”

One thing is sure— the community will miss the Filacheck family and Filacheck’s Furniture. They will be a hard act to follow. Times have changed the way that people shop for furniture, but the community will miss the quality and choices available at Filacheck’s.

Bob reminded everyone, “We will be here until December or January. For a stress-free experience, stop in. Before you buy furniture, check Filacheck’s.” For more information, you can reach the store at 610-869-3351 or visit the website at filachecksfurniture.com.

The case will be prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Zachary Wynkoop from the Human Trafficking Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. AM I OKAY TO DRIVE? BUZZED DRIVING IS DRUNK DRIVING

The Filachecks have a place at the shore at Cape May. They are both from Cape May and, as Bob tells it, they met at a department store. He was a stock boy and she was a candy girl. They expect to travel locally, but they will miss the people that they served.

Chester County Press

Unionville Community Fair

Continued from Page 1A

of increasing out-of-town vendors and stereotypical celebrations elsewhere.

“They told me, ‘We want to thank you for bringing the farm to the fair,’” she said.

She added she feels that the Unionville Fair is unique in that regard.

She also remembers the first year of the move to the Landhope property from the high school when an alleged raccoon came in the night after judging and ate the winning cake.

And just as the fair organizers have brought on a few new animals, they try each year to find additional features that will enchant the visitors.

One change is the notable fair queen selection pageant. It will be a week earlier this year at the Unionville Elementary School, where it has been held since its beginning.

Another new addition, the Sunday morning parade of tractors, will add honors for the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s history with drivers (and perhaps the tractors themselves) attired in garb of red, white and blue. This occurs at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning so get there early. Last year, a very successful tailgate party was added to the Thursday night offer-

the evening.

ings in the lead up to the fair. It is returning this year with plans in store to consolidate the parking area of cars that are competing for the prize of the best display. The centerpiece of the fair, and the actual connection to the original corn show that started this event 101 years ago, is the produce and craft display contest tent. Judging takes place on Oct. 2, and prizes are awarded.

The competitions have expanded greatly through the years, adding art, photography, needle-crafts and canning to the mix of competitions.

Some judges from the past year reported an expansion in the food-canning competition, which they attributed to people staying at home more during the COVID-19 pandemic and preserving their own, homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Still, as visitors walk into the tent, they can every year smell the aroma of corn and alfalfa, which has been with the fair since the beginning.

Another continuing event that is very popular and elicits excitement is the cow-milking contest.

This attraction pits representatives of the three elementary schools against each other for the quantity, and then goes on to find the most skilled adult competitor in this event in the next round.

Musser said there is an effort to find one or more adults of local fame or rec-

ognition to participate in this round.

More recognizable events are the return of the old car show, the haunted house, scores of food vendors and tents full of goats, llamas and cows.

The recently added beer and wine stand will be open on Friday and Saturday, as well as a STEM competition among students.

As always, there are plenty of pumpkins, acrobatics, children’s events and bands.

The location of the fair is on East Street Road in East

Marlborough, at the intersection with Route 82. More than a century ago, the fair started at what is now the Unionville Elementary School.

There is no admission fee, but parking is $5 for cars with one driver, and $10 for cars with passengers. The fair’s hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information and to stay up to date on all the Unionville Community Fair activities, visit www.ucfair. org.

Making the grade

The new Engle Education Center officially opened in West Grove on September 17, and it seems as if this new addition to the educational infrastructure will be a major asset for Chester County schools.

The Chester County Intermediate Unit has transformed the former Fred S. Engle Middle School into a state-of-the-art education center that will house a variety of programs that will meet some of the educational needs in the county. The Engle Education Center is an additional location for the Child and Career Development Center, a preschool program encompassing preschool special education services, Head Start, and Early Head Start, and the Avon Grove District Office. The Engle campus offers specialized services in autistic support, emotional support, life skills support, and multiple disabilities support. Students also receive integrated therapies such as occupational, physical, and speech-language services in a safe, accessible environment.

As a growing county, the need for these services is increasing now and will likely continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

Chester County’s population is projected to increase by 6.9 percent by 2050, according to the Pennsylvania State Data Center. This projected population increase will coincide with rising educational and mental health needs for students.

Enrollment in Chester County’s Preschool Special Education programs has jumped significantly in recent years, growing from 2,391 students in the 2020–2021 school year to 3,535 students in 2024–2025.

The new Engle campus allows students located in southern Chester County to stay closer to their school communities for a variety of important services, and consequently they can be more engaged in extracurricular and family activities. Districts are increasingly turning to the Chester County Intermediate Unit for support as developmental and mental health challenges intensify among learners. The Engle Education Center is a clear home run for students in the 12 school districts that are served by the Chester County Intermediate Unit. If the new Engle Education Center can make the grade when it comes to providing support to students who need it the most, then those students will also be able to make the grade as they progress through school.

Gerrymandering proves why Congress desperately needs term limits

By Andy Dinniman and John Eichelberger, Pennsylvania State Chairs for U.S. Term Limits

Every ten years, Americans brace themselves for a political spectacle that plays out not in town halls or debates, but in backrooms and courtrooms: redistricting. This process, which is supposed to ensure fair representation, has devolved into a cynical game where politicians carve up neighborhoods like pieces of pie to guarantee their own re-election.

We are seeing it unfold once again in Texas, California, and across the country. Whichever party is in power manipulates district lines to entrench its incumbents, silence opposition, and make elections meaningless. It has become a bipartisan sport, with Republicans and Democrats alike guilty of protecting their own.

But here’s the truth most politicians won’t admit: gerrymandering is just a symptom. The deeper disease is the culture of careerism in Congress. Incumbents who stay in Washington for decades will always find ways to tilt the playing field. That’s why America needs congressional term limits. Today, out of 435 seats in the U.S. House, only 27 or 28 are considered genuine toss-ups. That means more than 90 percent of congressional elections are essentially decided before voters even walk into the voting booth.

Think about that. In the world’s oldest constitutional republic, where free and fair elections are supposed to be our bedrock, fewer than 30 House races nationwide are truly competitive. For most Americans, the outcome in their district is a foregone conclusion. Gerrymandering has locked them out.

This is not what the founders intended. Our system was built on the idea of citizen legislators—men and women who would serve for a season, represent their neighbors, and then return to private life. Instead, we now have politicians who treat their seats like lifetime appointments, using every trick in the book to preserve their careers.

Gerrymandering is the tool, but incumbency is the problem. Once politicians get comfortable in Washington, they begin to see their district not as a community they serve, but as turf they own. District maps become weapons to protect themselves and their friends.

The result is a Congress that looks less like a representative body and more like a private club. Senior members hold onto power for decades, becoming more responsive to special interests, lobbyists, and party bosses than to the people who elected them. And because their districts are safe, they rarely face serious competition.

Pennsylvania knows this story all too well. Our state has been the epicenter of multiple high-profile redis-

tricting battles, with maps challenged and overturned in the courts. Each time, politicians promise reform. Each time, voters are left with the same frustration: the system is rigged to benefit those already in power.

Term limits are the one reform that directly addresses the root of the problem. If members of Congress knew their time in Washington was limited, they would have no incentive to gerrymander, no reason to cling to power at all costs, and no ability to build the kind of entrenched political machines that corrupt the system.

Instead, they would be forced to focus on what matters: serving the people, solving problems, and delivering results before returning home. Term limits would break the cycle of careerism, bring fresh voices and new ideas into the system, and restore accountability.

Most importantly, term limits would return power to the people. Voters wouldn’t have to rely on politicians to draw “fair” maps — they would know that, sooner or later, every seat would open up and every voice would have a chance to be heard.

Some reforms divide Americans. Term limits unite us. Polls consistently show overwhelming, bipartisan support. Republicans, Democrats, and independents all agree that Washington is broken and that politicians should not be allowed to serve for life.

In Pennsylvania, support

My Lafayette travels

is sky-high. Voters across the political spectrum understand instinctively that power corrupts, and unlimited power corrupts absolutely. They know that Congress, left unchecked, will always put self-preservation ahead of public service.

This isn’t about left or right. It’s about right and wrong. And it’s about whether our government will continue to serve the people—or whether it will remain a closed club for career politicians.

The gerrymandering battles in Texas, California, and elsewhere have made one thing clear: as long as incumbents control the rules, the rules will always favor incumbents. Reforming maps is necessary, but it will never be enough. The only way to break the stranglehold of career politicians is to enact congressional term limits.

As State Chairs for U.S. Term Limits here in Pennsylvania, we see firsthand the frustration of voters who feel powerless and voiceless in a system stacked against them. We hear it from Republicans in rural counties and Democrats in our cities. People want their government back. It’s time to deliver. By passing a constitutional amendment for term limits, we can finally restore the principle that government exists to serve the people— not the politicians.

Gerrymandering proves our elections are broken. Term limits are how we fix them.

Lessons learned while spreading the word about an American Hero

By Bruce E. Mowday

On a bright and sunny summer’s day in August 2024, I had the honor of joining members of the American Friends of Lafayette escorting our own Lafayette from Staten Island to Manhattan. A crowd joined us in our parade on Broadway. The weekend included a reception at the French Consulate, a book signing at the city armory where I signed my book on the Frenchman under his portrait, and dinners and programs on Lafayette's life.

Two hundred years before my trip, tens of thousands of people gathered in New York City to greet our American hero. As Chuck Schwam of the American Friends of Lafayette stated, “If you think the Beatles received a great reception in New York City, it wasn’t close to the one Lafayette received.” In 1824, Lafayette was America’s guest, invited by our government. The United States was giving our Revolutionary War hero his long overdue moment in the sun. His trip was sched-

Chester County Press

Steve Hoffman...............................Managing

Richard L. Gaw...............................Associate

Chris Barber.............................Contributing

Betsy Brewer Brantner...........Contributing

Marcella Peyre-Ferry..............Contributing

Gene Pisasale...........................Contributing

Monica Thompson Fragale....Contributing

Brenda Butt......................................Office

Tricia Hoadley........................................Art

Sherry Hutchinson......................Graphic

Alan E. Turns...........................Advertising Director

Teri Turns...............................Advertising Executive

Helen E. Warren....................Advertising Executive

Gabbie Burton.........................Contributing Writer, ....................Digital Marketing and Media Specialist

uled to conclude after four months. He stayed 13 months as all 24 states of the union wanted to show appreciation for the sacrifices made by the young Lafayette during our American Revolution.

For the Bicentennial Celebration, the American Friends of Lafayette, under the guidance of Schwam and Alan Hoffman, organized more than 300 events in the 24 states where Lafayette visited. The Bicentennial Celebration was a momentous undertaking by a non-profit organization with dedicated members numbering less than 1,000. The organization’s membership greatly increased during the bicentennial. Important partnerships were forged, especially the DAR, the Masons and America’s 250th. The Bicentennial Celebration was an overwhelming success.

The final bicentennial events took place last weekend in Washington, D.C. The weekend marked Lafayette’s return to France 200 years ago aboard a new Navy vessel named Brandywine. The battle of Brandywine played a pivotal role in Lafayette’s life and the founding of the United States. On September 11, 1777, Lafayette shed his blood for American independence as he was wounded during the battle at Chadds Ford, Chester County.

Who was this American hero? Unfortunately, I’ve discovered too many

Americans can’t answer this question. At the age of 19, Lafayette defied his king and left his family to fight for American independence. He was a wealthy teenager who wanted to volunteer. He spent part of his fortune for his belief that everyone should be free. He was a man ahead of his time and he suffered while adhering to his beliefs, spending five years in prison during the French Revolution.

The Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration just didn’t happen. Years of planning by American Friends of Lafayette leaders and committee chairs took place. Volunteers spent countless hours planning and executing plans for the events.

Some were large, including the kickoff celebration in New York City, while others were smaller but still grand. To be sure, there were obstacles to overcome. From small glitches, such as gridlocked New York City streets and a lost carriage in another New York State city, to larger funding issues, all were overcome.

I was an early recruit as chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. More than 60 people joined our committee as we executed an October 2024 celebration in Chester and then a two-tier event on the field of Brandywine at Thornbury Farm and a Lafayette Ball at the Chester County History Center on

July 26, 2025. An early goal of the national bicentennial organization and our local committee was education. We conducted an essay contest for students.

During an early committee meeting, our group identified the lack of a non-fiction book for students and young adults. Thus, Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest was published. With the help of the DAR, more than 1,300 books were distributed.

Celebrating Lafayette’s life seemed like a “no brainer,” especially since the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States takes place next year. No so. Too many governmental entities, business organizations and individuals were less than enthusiastic about our approaches to join in the Lafayette celebration. Chester County’s history is important to this country. There is a dedicated, but not overly large, group in the county that realizes the importance of preserving our history. While disappointing, the lack of historical spirit was not surprising. Our educational system has failed to teach the important lessons of history.

My small effort included 40 events in eight states where I gave a presentation on Lafayette during the 13 months. Not all of my appearances were part of the official American Friends of

Lafayette (AFL) celebration, but I took part in AFL events in New York City, Claymont, Del.; Chester, Pa.; the French Embassy in Washington, DC; Yorktown, Va; Annapolis, Md.; Louisville, Ky; Jeffersonville, Ind.; Lancaster, Pa.; Schenectady, N.Y.; Chadds Ford, Pa.; and West Chester, Pa. I even was the MC of several of the celebrations. The time has come for AFL officials to take a breath and enjoy a well-earned respite. The next challenge for the Lafayette enthusiasts is to continue educating America about the Frenchman. America 250th educators will face the same challenge after July 4, 2026. We all should remember Lafayette as on the day after spilling his blood for our freedom, he was on his way to becoming an American hero.

Bruce E. Mowday was chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. He authored more than 25 books, including three on Lafayette and the battle of Brandywine. They are September 11, 1777; Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Young Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest. He is a member of the Chester County 250th committee. For more information on Mowday, see www.mowday.com. To contact Mowday, write to mowday@mowday. com.

28th annual Kennett Brewfest on tap this Saturday

The 28th annual Kennett Brewfest will take place this Saturday, Oct. 4, and attendees can enjoy tastings from a lineup of more than 85 carefully selected craft breweries plus vendors, food trucks, live music, and more in Kennett Square.

The event is sponsored by Wistar Motors this year.

“I never would have believed that the Kennett Brewfest would become such a big tradition in Kennett Square but after 28 consecutive years, it really is true,” said Jeff Norman, the founder of the event.

Norman credited the breweries and patrons who return year after year for making this event a success—and a tradition for so many.

“I’m amazed by the breweries that constantly tell me how much they look forward to our event, and the loyalty of our patrons

The event will feature 85 breweries and non-alcoholic options, too

is unmatched," Norman said. "It has now spanned a generation!"

Craft breweries

Kennett Brewfest will feature an impressive lineup curated by Norman and showcasing a diverse range of craft beers, ciders, and meads from Pennsylvania,

Delaware, New Jersey, and beyond. Highlights include local favorites like Braeloch Brewing and Victory Brewing Company in Kennett Square, renowned names like Cape May Brewing (Cape May, N.J.) and Big Oyster Brewing (Lewes, Del.), and world-class breweries such as Hill Farmstead Brewery (Greensboro, Vt.), consistently ranked among the best in the world.

The Kennett Brewfest gets rave reviews from everyone from first-time attendees to longtime craft brew aficionados for the high quality selection of breweries that take part in the event.

Expanded non-alcoholic options this year

At Kennett Brewfest, both regular admission and non-alcoholic ticket-holders may sample non-alcoholic beers from top brands like Athletic Brewing, Guinness, and Sierra Nevada in addition to the signature zero-proof

mocktail created by Sundry Mornings and provided by Designated Driver sponsor Chatham Financial. Sipp Happens Events will be on site serving custom non-alcoholic drinks from their stylish converted horse trailer. The expanded options makes the nonalcoholic ticket the perfect option for those who prefer to skip the alcohol without missing out on the experience.

Live music and entertainment

For more than 20 years, Carl Filipiak has energized Brewfest audiences with his electrifying guitar work and genre- blending compositions. Leading the Jimi Jazz Band, he delivers a dynamic fusion of jazz, funk, blues, and rock that keeps the crowd moving.

Vendors

Kennett Brewfest features an incredible vendor line up to complement the brews, including 2 Fat Guys,

Shimpys BBQ, Lobster Rolls & More, Humpty’s Dumplings, Madis on a Roll, Dough Sweet, Dia Doce, Creme, and Buona Foods, The Original Fried Mushrooms.

In addition to great food and drinks, there will be a variety of unique retail vendors, including Brixxy & Co’s Handmade pet accessories and Boundless Permanent Jewelry—perfect for commemorating your Kennett Square experience. Brewfest fans can purchase brand-new limited edition festival hats and t-shirts.

“From first time attendees to long time aficionados, we always get rave reviews about the uniqueness and high quality selection of amazing breweries at Kennett Brewfest,” said Kris Gabbard, chair of Kennett Collaborative. “We attract fan favorites and new brew start-ups making this a can’t miss event. As a long time brewfest attendee, it’s great to know that Kennett Brewfest is more than beer. We’re including

more non-alcoholic options to welcome everyone to come and enjoy a great autumn day in Kennett together. And every ticket sale supports community programming in Kennett Square, from the Memorial Day Parade to the Holiday Village Market and Holiday Lights Parade.”

Event Details

• Date: October 4, 2025

• Time: 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Location: 600 S Broad Street Kennett Square, PA 19348

• Tickets: kennettbrewfest.com

• DefConn (VIP) Ticket: $100

• Regular Admission: $65

• NA Ticket: $25

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit kennettbrewfest.com or follow the Kennett Brewfest on social media at @kennett.brewfest. Ticket proceeds support Kennett Collaborative’s community programming.

Delaware Art Museum awarded major grants to advance groundbreaking Pre-Raphaelite scholarship

The Delaware Art Museum (DelArt) has been awarded a $65,000 planning grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and a $2.5 million implementation grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to advance two major initiatives centered on Pre-Raphaelite art and scholarship. These prestigious grants mark a significant milestone in DelArt’s renewed commitment to its internationally renowned Bancroft Collection of PreRaphaelite art—the largest and most comprehensive collection of its kind outside the United Kingdom.

Recent highlights of the Museum’s ongoing dedication to the art movement include the 2022 exhibition “A Marriage of Arts & Crafts: William and Evelyn De Morgan,” the 2023 blockbuster “The Rossettis,” organized in partnership with Tate Britain, and the 2024 launch of a collaborative technical and conservation project supporting the museum’s forthcoming 2027 Simeon Solomon exhibition. The NEH Scholarly

Editions and Translations Grant is the only award given by the federal agency this cycle to an institution in Delaware. Funding will support the planning phase of an ambitious international project to locate, transcribe, annotate, and publish the letters of May Morris (1862–1938).

A pioneering British artist, designer, and editor, Morris was closely associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. She was a daughter of William Morris, widely regarded as a leader in “art embroidery,” and a passionate advocate for women’s creative work. Her unpublished letters are dispersed across archives in the UK, US, and Europe, including major holdings at the British Library, the William Morris Gallery in London, and the Huntington Library in California, among others. DelArt will serve as the institutional host for this significant international research initiative, which aims to advance scholarship on May Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement. The project is jointly led by Dr. Margaretta S. Frederick, DelArt’s curator emerita of

the Bancroft Collection, Rowan Bain, principal curator of collections and Programme at the William Morris Gallery, and Anna Mason, head of collections & public engagement at the Museum of the Order of St John, London. This team will foster transnational collaboration and produce two major outputs: a print publication of Morris’s letters and a freely accessible digital archive hosted by the William Morris Gallery.

In late 2024, DelArt received a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative. The aim of the national initiative is to support museums and other cultural organizations as they strengthen their capacity to provide fair, accurate and balanced portrayals of the role religion has played and continues to play in the United States and around the world, to explore themes of religion and spirituality in its exhibitions, programs and collections.

DelArt is using its grant to present several exhibi-

tions. Among them is a groundbreaking 2027 show, “Simeon Solomon: Queer and Jewish in Victorian London.” Curated by Dr. Sophie Lynford, DelArt’s Annette WoolardProvine Curator of the Bancroft Collection of Pre-Raphaelite Art, and Dr. Roberto C. Ferrari, Curator of Art Properties at Columbia University, this will be the first American museum exhibition dedicated to Solomon.

The artist’s life and career still astonish many today. For nearly fifteen years Solomon worked in the orbit of the Pre-Raphaelite and Aesthetic movements, receiving sustained critical attention for his Judaic subjects. By the mid-1860s, he was exploring same-sex passion in his art.

Following arrests for homosexual crimes in 1873 and 1874, Solomon was rejected by the art establishment in which he had previously thrived. For his three remaining decades, he lived precariously, suffering from alcoholism and homelessness, yet his artistic output remained prolific.

Dr. Lynford explained the significance of a major show on Solomon: “In histories of Victorian art, Solomon’s robust oeuvre was consistently downplayed and, in many instances, entirely omitted. This has led to a gap in the appreciation and understanding of his work. DelArt’s exhibition redresses this omission, foregrounding Solomon’s Jewish faith and his homosexuality as essential to his contributions to Victorian art.”

Additional projects will be funded by the Lilly Endowment, which will engage DelArt’s British, American, and contemporary art holdings as well as

its significant library and archival collections.

“These generous grants from the NEH and Lilly Endowment will allow us to reach new communities, deepen scholarship, and share powerful narratives that continue to resonate today,” said Molly Giordano, executive director of the Delaware Art Museum. “Our work on May Morris and Simeon Solomon, in particular, reflects our commitment to bringing to light untold and marginalized stories in eras both past and present.” For more information about upcoming exhibitions and programs, visit www. delart.org.

ROWLAND CLEGG GERSEN

Rowland Clegg Gersen passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was 86 years old. Rowland shared 57 years of marriage with his wife, Andrea Conlon Gersen. Rowland is survived by three children, Ted Gersen (Kelly) of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Joe Gersen (Alicia) of Bethesda, Maryland, and Alison Gersen (Brandon Butler) of Charleston, South Carolina, as well as five grandchildren, Jack, Molly, Teddy, Cora, and Amelia.

Rowland graduated with honors from Kennett High School class of 1957. He played varsity basketball, baseball, and soccer. After high school, Rowland graduated from Lehigh University in 1961. He was drafted into the army and served two years as a member of the Military Police. Rowland began his career in finance and worked for Price Waterhouse, The Franklin Mint,

and later was hired as the 7th employee and Senior Vice President at QVC. During his time in Pennsylvania, you could find Rowland coaching soccer, playing tennis at Kennett Country Club, cheering on his children’s swim teams, or working on the board of directors at the West Chester YMCA. Rowland was a season-ticket holder to the Philadelphia Eagles (GO BIRDS!), loved spending time sitting on the dock in Avalon, and he was a master at grilling a perfect steak. Rowland and Andrea built a home on Callawassie Island in Beaufort, South Carolina and later moved to Charleston. Rowland will be remembered for his integrity, leadership, and passion for the people and things that he loved. Rowland was predeceased by his parents, Rowland Clegg Gersen and Margaret Brinton Gersen, and his sister, Jane Gersen Gilchrist. The family will hold a private celebration of life honoring Rowland in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

REEVES WILSON HAWKS

Reeves Wilson Hawks, 81, passed away on September 28, 2025 at Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley E. Hawks (2014), with whom he shared 41 years of marriage. Born in Bel Air, Md., he was the son of the late Leo Wilson Hawks and Thelma Mae Hawks.

Reeves spent most of his school years in Oxford and graduated in 1962. He attended Goldey- Beacom School of Business and spent one rotation in the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Florida.

He worked most of his life at Artesian Water Company in Newark, Del. and he and Shirley also lived in the city. Together they were faithful members of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Reeves is survived by his sisters, JoAnn Blackburn of Quarryville and Cleo Freese (Glenn) of Willow Street, a brother, Gary Hawks of Asheville, N.C., and several nieces and nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace.

Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

For

Friends and family may visit from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery in Newark, Del.

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

Chester County Press

Local News

Road Rally in Oxford this Saturday

Looking for some weekend fun with family and friends? It is time for the fifth annual Road Rally sponsored by the Oxford Educational Foundation. The Road Rally is appropriate for all ages to enjoy and takes place on Saturday, October 4. A road rally is not a race, but rather a timed drive following directions that will take you to places around the Oxford area. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the bell tower at 301 South Fifth Street in Oxford.

Along the way, you will learn about the local stories pertaining to this year’s theme of Libations and Spirits. Learn why a Philadelphia newspaper called the death of a local man to be the first of its kind in colonial America. Just who was (or is) Octoraro Eddie? Which tavern was once involved with the Underground Railroad?

Can you name the Oxford doctor who wrote a scary tale about a “swift peter”?

All these stories and more are included in the history of spirits (both liquid and ghostly) in this local area that accompany the rally route.

This two-hour event is held rain or shine as participants travel through this beautiful countryside. Receiving cash prizes, the winners are those that finish closest to the correct time with accompanying photos. What do you need? Just the registration fee of $30 along with gas in the tank, a navigator, and a cell phone. Come prepared to join in the laughter and smiles as

The Oxford Educational Foundation’s Road Rally will take place this SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. at the bell tower at 301 South Fifth Street in Oxford

you challenge yourself on following directions and the speed limit. Whether you are along for the ride, a ghost-story enthusiast, a history aficionado, or just looking for a unique adventure, join the Oxford Educational Foundation for the annual event and enjoy this beautiful corner of the county.

The Oxford Educational Foundation offered a special thank you to the sponsors and contributors who make the Road Rally possible, including WSFS Bank, Groff’s Printing, First Resource Bank, Cameron’s Ace Hardware, Landhope Farms, Herr’s, Hostetter Grain, CCRES, Oxford Area Foundation, Univest Bank, Meridian Bank, DeFrank Automotive, Oxford Feed

Calendar of Events

Oct. 3

Oxford First Friday

Get your game-day spirit ready and join everyone downtown for Oxford Mainstreet’s October First Friday—themed Oxford Tailgate! From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy an evening filled with community fun—shop local businesses, grab delicious food, and soak in the festive tailgate atmosphere before heading over to Oxford Area High School’s Homecoming football game to cheer on the Hornets. If football isn’t your thing, stick around for the Cheer Tunnel (a crowd favorite) and watch as the oldest Oxford alum gets crowned as King and Queen. It’s the perfect way to kick off a Friday night in Oxford: fun, food, friends, and football. As a reminder, children under the age of 18 are not to be dropped off or attend First Friday without parents or guardians present.

October 11 and 12

Artists of Landenberg Studio Tour

The Artists of Landenberg Studio Tour will take place on Oct. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will allow Landenberg residents and visitors to enjoy a free, self-guided studio tour of nine artists, all located within a short drive of each other. A total of 28 artists will display, for sale, original paintings in many styles and mediums, jewelry, wood works, ceramics, fabric art, glass, note cards, prints and more.

October 11

Movies in the Park

The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Movies in the Park series continues with a showing of a Halloween-themed movie in the Oxford Memorial Park. The movie will begin on Saturday, Oct. 11 starting at 6:30 p.m.

October 18 and 19

2nd Annual Crossroads Festival

The 2nd Annual Crossroads Festival will take place over two days on Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19. On Saturday, the Oxford History Center will host a free family-friendly celebration featuring craft vendors and music workshops for children of all ages. Then, on Sunday, Oct. 19, five musical acts will perform during a music festival at the Barn of Nottingham. Proceeds from the music festival will support the ongoing mission and programs of the Oxford Area Historical Association.

October 30 Oxford Halloween Parade

The Oxford Halloween Parade will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30 starting at 6:30 p.m. It’s one of the biggest and spookiest and fun nights of the year as the parade route travels through downtown Oxford. There is no cost to participate.

and Lumber, Edward Jones, KVIS and COE Insurance, McCormick Orthodontics, Fitchett Chiropractic, First Citizens Community Bank, Fulton Bank and contributors John Kozakowski, Dr. Ray Fischer, Neuchatel Chocolates and Dansko. For more information, go to www.oxfordeducationalfoundation.org.

Legals/Classifieds

Full job description

Placement & Career Services Developer

Summary Purpose for the Position:

To create and build strong relationships with area employers/organizations, through marketing PathStone Training and employment Program that will provide ongoing opportunities of employment for farm workers and other targeted groups. To assist, support, encourage and motivate customers through the training and employment process. This position operates within the framework of a team concept to accomplish the goals of delivering excellent customer service including career discovery and development, job placement and retention, emergency, support, and referral services. Demonstrated technical and interpersonal skills and /or marketing skills with specific emphasis on the issues of hard to serve populations

Requirements (Education, Experience, Certification, Knowledge, Skill): High School Diploma

• Up to 3 years of training and proficiency in job placement/development, development of training (skills and academic) and outreach/ recruitment OR 1 year demonstrated marketing experience.

• Demonstrated experience providing services to target population through linkages with other community resources and/or agencies. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish)

Position Responsibilities:

Maintains and monitors complete and accurate records and files on all participants.

• Compiles, interprets, analyzes and submits field office data in a timely manner.

• Updating of IFDP, contracts, monitoring reports, termination paperwork. Initiates and organized labor market studies for quality job development.

Furnish updates on employment and training participants in case management records and meetings

Analyze and interpret assessment results, participant assessment results, and employment barriers to formulate employment and training plan of action.

• Disseminates program information to employers and service agenda as well as serve on committees and boards to represent target populations and PathStone

• Attend all required PathStone trainings for program and individual development

Conducts outreach and recruitment to identify eligible participants

• Conducts job development to secure and create training and placement opportunities for participants

• Participants fully in case management meetings. Development and maintenance of written individual client transition plans in IFDP Develop relationship with clients to ensure buying

• Collaboration with agency representatives, community groups, and area employers to determine appropriate employment trends

• Make recommendations to supervisor concerning field office actions/changes including services deemed appropriate for participant’s goal accomplishment.

Exhibit full understanding of T&E programs operated including measures, goals and other specific program requirements.

Working Conditions/Environment:

• Include flexible work hours, including evenings and weekends, extensive travel.

Transportation Requirement:

Position requires automobile, driver’s license and insurance.

PUBLIC NOTICE

A Land Patent in Chester County, PA is being perfected upon Rural Route 25 Bills Way in Landenberg. Anyone interested in challenging this claim by November 10, 2025, do so at AmericanMeetingGroup.com/ mccaffrey 9p-10-8t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE, Dorothy M. Antes, DECEASED. Late of the Township of Lower Oxford, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Executor: Milford L. Antes, c/o James Clark Associates 277 Millwood Road Lancaster, PA 17603, Attorney: Neil R. Vestermark 9p-24-3t

PETITION FOR THE INVOLUNTARY TRANSFER OF VEHICLE TITLE

In the Court of Common Pleas, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Civil Action No. 2025-07994MJ, In RE: 1967 Pontiac2 Door Cp., Vin: 233077P238452 ORDER: And now, this 28th day of August 2025, upon consideration of the attached Petition and upon motion of John Townsend, a hearing is scheduled for the Petition for Involuntary Transfer of Vehicle Title. The hearing is set for November 13, 2025 at 9:30 am before the Honorable Mackenzie W. Smith in Courtroom 15, Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania 9p-24-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF DAVID W. LINDSTROM, DECEASED. Late of Londonderry Township, Chester County, PA

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY

on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to DIANE D. LINDSTROM, EXECUTRIX, c/o Joseph A. Bellinghieri, Esq., 17 W. Miner St., West Chester, PA 19382, Or to her Attorney: JOSEPH A. BELLINGHIERI, MacELREE

HARVEY, LTD., 17 W. Miner St, West Chester, PA 19382 10p-1-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Conrad, M. Kathryn, DECEASED. Late of Honeybrook Township, Chester County, PA

LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Michael R. Kern, Executor, c/o Good Law Firm, 132 West Main Street, New Holland, PA 17557

10p-1-3t

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 online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 16th , 2025 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, November 17th , 2025. 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. 25-10-261 Writ of Execution No. 2019-10682 DEBT $282,472.75

ALL THAT CERTAIN MESSUAGE AND TRACT OF LAND SITUATE IN THE BOROUGH OF WEST GROVE, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIN SET AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTER LINE OF GUERNSEY AVENUE AND CENTER LINE OF THE PHILADELPHIA & BALTIMORE RAILROAD; THENCE EXTENDING ALONG THE CENTER LINE OF RAILROAD NORTH 60 DEGREES 20 MINUTES EAST 127.9 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE LEAVING RAILROAD AND ALONG FORMER LAND OF ELLA T.G. PUSEY, SOUTH 10 DEGREES 41 MINUTES EAST, 156 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE BY THE SAME LAND FORMERLY OF ELLA T. G. PUSEY SOUTH 60 DEGREES 20 MINUTES WEST, 181.3 FEET TOA POINT IN THE CENTER LINE OF GUERNSEY AVENUE; THENCE EXTENDING ALONG SAID CENTER LINE NORTH 8 DEGREES 19 MINUTES EAST 164 FEET TO THE FIRST MENTIONED POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING .553 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS.

BEING THE SAME PREMISES WHICH J. MICHAEL BOVE, JR. AND MARY LOUISE BOVE, HIS WIFE BY INDENTURE DATED 08/16/1966, AND RECORDED IN THE OFFICE FOR THE RECORDING OF DEEDS, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF CHESTER, AFORESAID, IN DEED BOOK AND PAGE D-37/800, GRANTED AND CONVEYED UNTO HOWARD R. HOOSIER AND JEAN S. HOOSIER, HIS WIFE, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETIES, IN FEE.

Tax Parcel # 5-3-28

PLAINTIFF: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee of RMF Buyout Acquisition Trust 2021-HB1 VS

DEFENDANT: Judy Melendez

Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Randy S. Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Richard E. Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Ryan Hoosier Known Surviving Heir of Michael Hoosier, Deceased Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, Nicole Eichelberger aka Nicole A. Bunting Known Surviving Heir of Michael Hoosier, Deceased Heir of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier, and Unknown Surviving Heirs of Jean Hoosier A/K/A Jean S. Hoosier

SALE ADDRESS: 115 Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 9p-24-3t

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 online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 16th , 2025 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, November 17th , 2025. 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. 25-10-268

Writ of Execution No. 2025-01673

DEBT $46,143.46

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, Hereditaments and Appurtenances,

SITUATE in the Parkesburg Borough, County of Chester, and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a plan for HeinemanRitter Partnership, made by Stapleton & Leisey Professional Land Surveyors, Coatesville, Pa., recorded in Plan #13415 and bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of West Bridge Street said point being a corner of Lot No. 1 as shown on said plan; thence extending from said beginning point along West Bridge Street, South 5 degrees, 49 minutes, 0 seconds

East, 15.88 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 3 (House No. 6); thence extending along the same South 85 degrees, 5 minutes, 0 seconds West, 188.23 feet to a point in line of land of Jay C. Hayes, Jr., thence extending along the same North 5 degrees, 49 minutes, 0 seconds West, 15.88 feet to point, a corner of Lot No. 1 (House No. 2) aforesaid, thence extending along the same, North 85 degrees, 5 minutes, 0 seconds East, 188.23 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

UNDER AND SUBJECT to an approximate four (4) foot wide water main easement (the “Easement Area”) in favor of the Grantor, their successors and assigns, as described and provided for in a Water Main Extension Agreement between Grantor and the City of Coatesville Authority.

AND FURTHER UNDER AND SUBJECT to the right of the Grantor to dedicate their interest in and to the Easement Area to the City of Coatesville Authority to construct, reconstruct, maintain and renew the utility facilities constructed in the Easement Area such as, but not necessarily limited to, water and sewer lines and their appurtenances.

BEING the same premises which Neil Heineman and Martin Ritter, t/a Heineman-Ritter Partnership, by deed dated January 13, 1997_and recorded January 22, 1997 at Book 4132, Page 1631 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of Chester County, PA, granted and conveyed unto David W. Lurty and Susan K. Lurty, husband and wife, in fee.

Tax Parcel # 08-05-0003.010

PLAINTIFF: Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC VS DEFENDANT: David W. Lurty and Susan K. Lurty

SALE ADDRESS: 4 West Bridge Street, Parkesburg, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 610-2786800

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

9p-24-3t

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 online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 16th , 2025 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, November 17th , 2025. 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. 25-10-283

Writ of Execution No. 2022-09914

DEBT $126,890.99

ALL THAT CERTAIN messuage and lot or parcel of land situate on Pa. Route 842 West Marlborough Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania being Parcel ‘’A’’ on plane of property owned by the late Alfred H. Powell, Jr. and Phyllis M. Powell, and by Alfred H. Powell, III bounded and described according to a survey made by George E. Regester, Jr. and Sons, Inc. Registered Land Surveyors, dated February 27, 1974, and being Plan P-358, as follows to wit:

BEGINNING at a point set in the title line of Pa. Route 842 leading on the easterly direction of Upland and westerly direction to Pa. Route 841, said point marking the northeasterly corner of this about to be described tract and northwesterly corner of land of Parcel ‘’B’’, about to be conveyed to Donald E. Mitten from Alfred H. Powell, Jr. and Phyllis Powell, his wife, said point of beginning being se North 86 degrees, 40 minutes, 14 seconds West, measured along said title of Pa. Route# 842, marking the northeasterly corner of land of African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Northwesterly corner of land of Walter F. Wicks, Jr. 321.41 feet to said point of beginning; thence leaving said point of beginning and leaving said title line of Pa. Route #842 and by said land of Parcel ‘’B’’, South 03 degrees, 19 minutes, 46 seconds West, 162.80 feet to an iron pin set for the southeasterly corner of this and set in line of remaining land of Alfred H. Powell, Jr.; thence by said land Alfred H. Powell, Jr. the following two (2) courses and distances, to wit:

3- North 86 degrees, 40 minutes, 14 seconds West, 113.47 feet to an iron pin.

4- North 03 degrees, 19 minutes, 46 seconds East, 162.80 feet to a P.K nail set for the northwesterly corner of this and set in the title line of said Pa. Route #842; thence by said title line, South 86 degrees, 40 minutes, 14 seconds East, 113.47 feet to a point being the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

CONTAINING 0424 Acres, of land, be the same more or less.

BEING the same premises which Tina M. Powell n/k/a Tit1a M. Carroll, by Deed dated February 5, 2003, and recorded in the Chester County Recorder of Deed on February 24, 2003, in Book 5580, Page 1803, granted and conveyed unto John P. Primiano, in fee.

Tax Parcel # 48-7-27.1

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee for the WAMU Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-PR2 VS DEFENDANT: John P. Primiano

SALE ADDRESS: 253 Clonmell Upland Road, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT, LLC 215-851-842

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time of the on-line sale. Payment must be made via Bid4Assets. The balance must be paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale via Bid4Assets. KEVIN D. DYKES, SHERIFF 9p-24-3t

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 online auction via Bid4Assets, by accessing URL www.bid4assets.com/ chestercopasheriffsales, on Thursday, October 16th , 2025 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, November 17th , 2025. 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. 25-10-285

Writ of Execution No. 2017-06157

DEBT $387,891.42

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of New Garden, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania bounded and described according to a Plan of ‘’Sherwood Pines’’ Sections I and II, made by George E. Regester, Jr. and Sons, Inc., Registered Land Surveyors, Kennett Square, PA, dated 4/6/1982 and last revised 7/7/1982 and recorded 12/1/1982 in Chester County in Plan No. 4203, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the cul-de-sac, at the end of Little John Circle, at a corner of Lot No. 19 on said Plan; thence extending from said beginning point along Lot No. 19, South 06 degrees, 50 minutes 33 seconds East, 176.82 feet to a point on the Northerly right of way line of the Route 1 By-pass; thence extending along the same, the two following courses and distances; (1) South 83 degrees 09 minutes 27 seconds West, 115.20 feet to a point and (2) South 89 degrees 29 minutes 00 seconds West, 183.86 feet to a point, a corner of Lot No. 1; thence extending along the same, North 67 degrees 03 minutes 18 seconds East, 185.75

Kennett HS Homecoming showcases a week of events, celebration

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

The staff, students and graduates of Kennett High School capped off Homecoming Week, Sept. 22-27, with a dance, a parade and a convincing football victory.

Much of the celebrating came together at halftime in the football game on Friday evening when 10 royalty finalists were introduced, and Morgan Carter and Blake Beyer were named this year’s Homecoming Queen and King. Their crowns were bestowed at

mid-field, and they posed for pictures by friends and the press.

While that last full week of September was dubbed “Homecoming,” with the widespread implication that graduates were welcome to return, the celebrations included even the youngest kindergarten kids accompanied by parents or grandparents who helped them along what was likely their first parade appearance of their lives.

The homecoming parade, which preceded the Friday night football game, was

somewhat quick but held many marchers.

The Kennett High School Marching Band led off with their usual “Sweet Caroline,” and the musicians were followed by the blue-clad cheerleaders waving their pompoms. The band members also brought with them in their march the ship-like paraphernalia that was to shortly be the prop for their halftime show.

The student classes followed from the very youngest through elementary students gathered with their respective school building mates. That included much cheering and waving.

The high school classes then presented floats conceived of and decorated by the members of each high school class, and each class chose a different theme to compete. There were lots of balloons and bright colors on those adorned convertibles and trucks. The winning float, announced at mid-game, was the sophomore creation.

Bringing up the rear of the parade were five cars carrying the 10 chosen members of the royal homecoming court riding in pairs.

As she usually does, Superintendent Kimberly Rizzo Saunders joined the marchers, handing out Kennett School-promoting stickers.

Among southern Chester County high schools, Kennett is the only one that sits squarely among its neighborhoods. The march by the band, cheerleaders and others appropriately and conveniently took a few turns through the surrounding streets and back to the school, enabling several thousand neighbors to watch them and cheer them right from their homes or a quick walking distance.

Then, later, as the first half of the football game against Sun Valley ended with Kennett far ahead, the band presented its intermission show.

The theme was that of pirates, and the music

The Oaks Ministry Announces Leadership Transition as Part of Growth-Focused Expansion

Oxford, PA — October 1st, 2025 — The Oaks Ministry, a

whose purpose is to provide hope, healing, and restoration for

announced a strategic leadership transition that reflects its expanding

deepening community impact.

At the end of 2025, our beloved Founder and Executive Director, Robin Martin, will be stepping down from her day-to-day leadership role. Robin’s vision and obedience to God’s call gave life to The Oaks nearly a decade ago, and her legacy is one of compassion, faith, and transformation. We are thrilled to share that Robin will remain deeply involved in the ministry through her ongoing service on our Board of Directors and as our Community Outreach Ambassador.

The Oaks is also pleased to announce that Lauren Arnold will become it’s next Executive Director, beginning January 1, 2026. Lauren joined the team this year as Strategic Director and brings over 25 years of experience in social services, including leading The Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking Program in Wilmington, DE.

“Lauren is uniquely equipped to lead The Oaks into its next season,” said the Board President, PJ Scheese. “Her background in trauma-informed care and Christcentered leadership makes her the right person to help us grow while staying grounded in our mission.”

The Oaks Ministry plans to expand its housing capacity, deepen partnerships, and launch new initiatives that serve more women and families across the region.

“This is not just a leadership change—it’s a mission amplification,” PJ shared.

“Robin built a strong foundation, and Lauren is ready to carry that vision forward.”

Supporters are invited to come to hear from leadership at 9am on October 18th at Waterway Church in Oxford, PA. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more or support the ministry, visit https://theoaksministry.com.

About The Oaks Ministry

The Oaks Ministry seeks to partner with women in their journey towards healing, offering Christian-based, holistic, trauma-informed care in transitional housing. We endeavor to foster resilience and empower individuals to reclaim their lives and achieve their God-given potential.

Taylor scores 3 TDs in Blue Demons’ victory

Kennett crushes Sun Valley, 44-7 before Homecoming crowd

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The momentum that entered Kennett Stadium last Friday may have come from the conclusion of Kennett High School’s annual Homecoming parade through the streets of Kennett Square Borough, but the true engine of its ferocity came from the 4-1 record the Blue Demons football team brought to its game against visiting Sun Valley.

As was proven on Kennett’s home field, that ferocity would be unstoppable.

Behind Hunter Taylor’s three touchdowns, a steady performance by quarterback Garrett McCracken and a shut-down defense, the Blue Demons soundly defeated the Sun Valley Vanguards, 44-7 to jump their overall record to 5-1.

The Blue Demons entered the game looking to avenge their only loss of the season – a 31-10 defeat against Bayard Rustin on Sept. 19 – and on its first possession of the game, they began to do so, with an 85-yard drive that ended when Gavin Ritch broke a tackle and ran 57 yards for a touchdown that gave Kennett a 7-0 lead with 5:14 left in the first quarter.

Inheriting the ball on their own 20-yard line, the

with a commanding 44-7 win before a large

Vanguards coughed up the ball on third-and-nine that was recovered by Andrew Sharpeta with 5:04 remaining in the quarter and set up a 30-yard field goal by Shay Barker with 2:18 remaining to give Kennett a 10-0 lead. Sun Valley’s only scoring of the game came on its next possession, when Zion Cauthorn ran back a kick-off – tiptoeing down the far sideline and eluding would-be tacklers – for a

take-it-to-the-house TD run that tightened the score at 10-7 with two minutes left in the first.

Yet, Head Coach Lance Frazier’s squad did not arrive at their home field sporting a 4-1 record by accident, but on the quiet assurance of McCracken and the strength of its key playmakers, one of whom is running back Matthew Reidenberg, who wrapped up a 56-yard possession

with a five-yard TD run that gave the Blue Demons a 17-7 lead with 9:15 left in the second quarter.

Taylor – another offensive sparkplug – scored the first of his three touchdowns on a 20-yard pass from McCracken with 5:25 left in the half. On Sun Valley’s next set of downs, Taylor scored his second TD when he caught a deflected pass by Vanguard quarterback RJ Scharrer and ran in for the

score with 5:11 left in the first half that gave Kennett a 31-7 lead.

Throughout the game, the Blue Demons defense hounded Scharrar, and at no point was it more effective than late in the second quarter, when Hayden Schumaker and Will Caputo sacked Scharrar for big losses that killed the Vanguards’ only serious scoring threat.

With the game clearly in hand, Kennett tacked on a few more scores in the second half, the first of which came when McCracken again found Tayor for a 48-yard touchdown with 8:50 left in the third quar-

ter that extended the home team’s lead to 38-7.

With the ball at the Sun Valley 24-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, Kennett cemented their victory with a three-yard touchdown run by Riedenberg with 10:42 left in the game.

With the win, Kennett leads the Ches-Mont Conference with the highest number of wins and will look to expand on their victory total when they travel to Chichester on Oct. 3. Still winless on the season, Sun Valley will host Bishop Shanahan on Oct. 3.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.