Chester County Press 11-26-2025 Edition/Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Shoppers' Guide

Victims identified in Nov. 21 incident

Three dead following police chase and crash in Avondale

By Gabbie Burton Contributing Writer

A police chase in Avondale on Nov. 21 ended in a fatal crash on Gap-Newport Pike (Route 41) when the fleeing vehicle crashed into a tree, killing all three occupants inside. The deceased were identified on Monday as Devon Hargraves, 35, Gershad Andre, 33, and Larry Wilmer, 36, all from Wilmington, Del. State police from the

Avondale station attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 1:21 a.m. after seeing the vehicle commit multiple traffic violations in the area of East 3rd Street and Garner Drive, according to a press release. After the driver of the vehicle failed to pull over, a pursuit began which ultimately ended in the fatal crash about 3.5 miles away between Sunny Dell Road and Limestone Road. That segment of Gap Newport Pike was closed for about

eight hours Friday morning while emergency services worked in the area. It re-opened just before 10 a.m.

While state police shared that the Troop J Major Case Team is conducting an investigation into the incident, questions are left

Continued on Page 2A

Courtesy photo Three men were killed on Nov. 21 after the vehicle crashed into a tree along Route 41.

Avondale and West Grove fire companies approve historic plan to merge

The merger will result in the formation of a single fire department serving ten municipalities across southern Chester County

Two of Chester County’s oldest fire companies – the Avondale Fire Company and the West Grove Fire Company – approved a plan to merge into a single fire department at meetings held on Nov. 22.

The approval of the historic merger is the result of more than 18 months of meetings and discussions

between the fire companies, municipal officials and experts, which concluded in votes by each company to approve the recommended plan.

A new, not-for-profit organization will now be formed to provide fire, rescue and EMS emergency services to areas currently served by the Avondale and West

Trump: ‘SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH’ Houlahan, other lawmakers

encourage

military to defy illegal orders

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania joined with five other elected officials on Nov. 20 in recording a video that called on U.S. military personnel and intelligence officials to refuse to follow any orders that break the law or violate the U.S. Constitution.

In a 90-second video, Houlahan, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin joined U.S. Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chris

Deluzio of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire – all military veterans and former intelligence officials – in delivering the following message:

“We want to speak directly to the members of the military and the intelligence community who take risks each day to keep America safe. We know you are under enormous stress and pressure right now. Americans trust their military, but that trust is at risk. This administration is pitting

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Grove fire companies. The yet-to-be-named fire company will cover more than 120 square miles across portions of southern Chester County, becoming the largest fire district in the county.

In a joint statement, the presidents of the two companies commented on the approved merger plan.

“This is a historic moment

for both companies and for the community in this portion of southern Chester County, as we have secured a more efficient and effective plan to provide emergency services now and for the future,” said Guy Swift, president of the Avondale Fire Company and Neil Vaughn, president of the West Grove Fire Company.

“With the support of municipal officials and the participation and endorsement of our members, two historic fire companies with a combined 259 years of emergency service will now come together, committed to safety, guided by integrity, and rooted in community.” Under the merger plan, Continued on Page 2A

Oxford Borough facing tax increase for 2026

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

After difficult budget discussions, the proposed tax rate in the Borough of Oxford could jump by 6.16 percent, increasing the millage rate to 14.5 mills.

“The Finance Committee discussed the budget extensively,” Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said at a recent meeting. “The committee recommended the increase. We have significant challenges and will have to do a millage

increase of .0841 which will bring the current rate to 14.5 mills.”

Oxford Borough Council authorized the advertising of the ordinances related to the budget and the establishment of a new millage rate for 2026.

Municipalities do not always get the information they need in a timely manner. Officials know this to be true, so as the year goes on, they are studying the budget to keep a careful eye on the budget numbers for each department. In the case of Oxford Borough,

officials did not receive the real estate evaluation until recently. They had hoped the total assessed value of properties would have increased more, but the year-to-year increase was just 1.25 percent.

Treasurer Arlene Harrison did a deep dive into the real estate collection and discovered that the collection rate was good. However, the costs of a lot of services and products used by the borough have increased more than the total assessed value of real estate in the borough.

Garcia-Allen said, “We have the third highest millage in the county with Parkesburg coming in first and Coatesville second.”

There are a number of items having a significant impact on the borough’s budget, including increased costs for fire and emergency management services, rate increases for water from the Chester Water Authority, and stormwater issues on Public Works property. The costs of services have risen across the board, and there are large unfunded mandates related

to MS4 requirements. It is difficult to know when an unfunded mandate will hit a municipality. Sometimes, municipalities get a heads-up when a mandate is coming, but what they do not receive is funding for the mandate. The MS4 program in Pennsylvania is an unfunded federal mandate that requires municipalities to manage and reduce stormwater pollution from the storm sewer systems to comply with the Clean Water Act. Because the

Crash...

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unanswered in the meantime, including how fast the vehicle was traveling and what exactly the initial traffic violations were.

While community members and family of the deceased wait for more answers, GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to

Fire Company

merger...

Continued from Page 1A

the new fire company will operate as a single membership organization, overseen by a single administrative and operational leadership team and board of directors, and will continue to operate all four fire stations. Both companies will currently operate as “combination”

Oxford Borough tax increase...

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federal and state gov-

ernments do not provide sufficient funding for the required infrastructure upgrades, engineering, and management plans, municipalities must pay for these costs themselves, often through stormwater fees or other local taxes.

The MS4 program must include public education and outreach, public participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, post-construction runoff control, and pollu-

help support funeral costs for the deceased.

“Regardless of past mistakes, the man we knew cared deeply for his family and friends, was a great father, a loving man, a devoted son and brother, and so much more than the headlines,” wrote Wilmer’s mother on his GoFundMe page. “He was someone who brought

fire departments, meaning they have both volunteer and career first responders – those volunteer members and career employees will be retained and come together as the new organization is formed. The merger plan includes combining the fire departments and associated ambulance and fireman’s relief associations into a single organization.

It is expected that the necessary steps to form a new organization and com-

tion prevention and good housekeeping.

The costs for engineering, infrastructure upgrades, and the creation and implementation of management plans fall directly to local municipalities. To fund these requirements, municipalities must either raise local taxes or, more commonly, implement stormwater fees. These fees are often charged directly to residents and businesses to pay for the required stormwater management. How funding for these expenses will be determined is part of an ongoing legal battle involving the Borough of West Chester

laughter, care, and strength to those who knew him.”

In a GoFundMe page devoted to Andre, he was described as having an “infectious smile” and a kind heart. His page also shared that he has a third child on the way and was excited about “becoming a father” again. Additionally, it stated that he was overcoming addic-

plete the merger will take approximately 12 months, which includes time for approvals by the necessary state and county agencies and courts, which review the creation and merger of non-profit organizations. During this next period, the two fire departments will continue to operate independently while deepening their existing partnership. Pending approvals, the new fire department and leadership are expected to be in

and The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that West Chester’s stormwater fee was an unlawful tax, but this decision was appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and is a critical case for how municipalities can fund stormwater management requirements.

The Borough of West Chester imposed a stormwater fee on properties, including West Chester University, to fund its obligations under the state’s MS4 permit program. The university challenged

tion and making great strides in recovery.

“He was determined to turn his life around, and those close to him witnessed his strength and commitment to becoming the best version of himself,” it read. “He was winning that battle and had so much to live for.”

Hargraves was described by his family on his

place in January of 2027. Formed in 1887, the Avondale Fire Company serves Avondale Borough, New Garden Township and a portion of Franklin, West Marlborough and London Britain townships with a fire station along Route 41 in Avondale. In 2024, Avondale responded to 538 fire and 1883 EMS emergencies. Operating since 1904, the West Grove Fire Company serves a portion

the fee, arguing it was an unlawful tax, not a fee for service, and that the borough lacked the authority to impose it.

The Commonwealth Court sided with the university, stating that the fee was a tax because it did not correlate with the benefit received and was not a “fee for service” in a transactional sense. That court case continues.

In other business at the council meeting, Pastor Larry Powell from the Oxford Church of the Nazarene, addressed council regarding a building permit. He was replacing a roof and said he wasn’t aware he needed a building permit for that.

“I just wanted to say that I didn’t knowingly not get a building permit,” he said.

Garcia-Allen said he would unfortunately have to pay a fine, per the ordinance.

Oxford Borough Police Chief Sam Iacono presented his report to council, explaining that the department had 576 calls for the month. He also said that the Oxford Police Department provided assistance at the Lincoln University Homecoming event when a shooting occurred.

“We did get compliments for the good job we did during that. We assisted Chester County detectives with body cameras,” he said.

On a lighter note, Iacono told council that Sgt. Chris Coverly talked about the history of the Oxford Police Department at Ware Presbyterian Village

GoFundMe page as a father to three and stepfather to one. He was said to have a warm spirit and an unforgettable presence.

“Devon wasn’t just loved – he was truly felt,” wrote his family. “He cherished his family above all else.

Devon loved dancing, laughing, rapping and playing around, always bringing joy to anyone

of Franklin and London Britain Townships, and all of New London, Penn, and London Grove Townships, and West Grove Borough. It also provides EMS services for the southwest portion of Londonderry Township.

West Grove operates three stations –in West Grove Borough, along Route 896 in New London, and at Nichol Park along 896 in London Britain Township.

In 2024, West Grove responded to 863 fire and

recently.

Iacono also expressed concern over the passing of Corporal Donnie Myers, who had worked for the Oxford Police Department for 29 years. He said there will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

Mayor Phil Harris said that the annual toy drive will be handled differently this year. It is usually held on Christmas Eve, but Santa will be coming into Oxford by train on Nov. 29. He will be in the borough from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will be handing out toys from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Oxford Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller reminded council members that they will be voting on advertising the updated property ordinance.

She added, “It does include chickens and bees in the borough with certain stipulations.”

She also explained that she continues to work on Sycamore Crossing and the Commercial Use and Occupancy Permit.

Garcia-Allen explained to council that she and employees are revamping the newsletter that is sent out with the water bills. They will be working with OMI and a media company to defray the costs of the newsletter. They are proposing a 12-page newsletter, front and back, with content from OMI and the borough. The cost will be divided between OMI and the borough. More information will be forthcoming.

Garcia-Allen also noted that the Pennsylvania state budget had been finalized

lucky enough to be near him.”

State police shared that the investigation into the chase and crash is ongoing and more information will be shared as it becomes available.

To contact Contributing Writer Gabbie Burton, email gburton@chestercounty.com.

3663 EMS emergencies. Over the past year, the Avondale and West Grove fire companies were assisted in this effort by Rob Brady of ROBB Consulting, a leading expert in emergency services organizational mergers, consolidations and strategic planning. Those services were funded by a grant made possible through the efforts of Pennsylvania State Sen. John Kane.

and approved, months after the initial deadline.

“State Senator Comitta’s office reached out to us about grant applications we applied for. Hopefully, we will hear something soon,” she said.

Oxford Borough Council approved the following:

• Authorization to advertise the budget notice and schedule adoption of the 2026 budget for December 15, 2025;

• Authorization to advertise the ordinance establishing the millage rate for 2026;

• Authorization to advertise amendments to Chapter 2, Animals, of the Oxford Borough Code, to add new Part 2, Beekeeping, and new Part 3, Domesticated Chickens;

• Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. Special Event Permit Application for the Santa Train event on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on the rail line and in the parking lot of Oxford Feed & Lumber. This event also coincides with Small Business Saturday;

• Letter of Support for St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church’s request to the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund (PHARE) to support the redevelopment of an underutilized home on church property into transitional housing;

• Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificate of Appropriateness for 640 Market Street;

• Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) determination for 114-116 E. Locust Street. It was noted that the $600 fine for building without a building permit is the owner’s responsibility.

• MECO Construction, Inc. pay application No. 1 in the amount of $46,383.75 for the Mt. Vernon Street “Dig Once” Project.

• Oxford Arts Alliance Special Exception Zoning Application for 18 Addison Street (Oxford United Methodist Church). The applicant is seeking zoning relief for the following: a variance to allow a trade school and a variance to permit two principal uses on the property.

our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens. Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home.

“Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. We know this is hard, and it is a very difficult time to be a public servant – whether you are serving in the CIA, the Army, the Navy or the Air Force – your vigilance is critical. Know that we have your back. Because now, more than ever, the American people need you to stand up for our laws and our Constitution.

Don’t give up. Don’t give up. Don’t give up the ship.”

‘Punishable by DEATH’

On his Truth Social Post, President Donald Trump immediately condemned the six Democratic lawmakers for their message, first posting, “This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand.

SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!!

LOCK THEM UP???

President DJT” and in a second post, he again condemned the video, equating it to “SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR, punishable by DEATH” and called for the lawmakers to “be arrested and put on trial.”

One day later, Trump rescinded his comments.

“I think they’re in serious trouble,” Trump said in an interview, referring to the six lawmakers. “I would say they’re in serious trouble. I’m not threatening death, but I think they’re in serious trouble. In the old days, it was death. That was seditious behavior.”

In the aftermath of criticism, Houlahan, Kelly, Slotkin, Deluzio, Crow and Goodlander released the following joint statement:

“We are veterans and national security professionals who love this country and swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. That oath lasts a lifetime, and we intend to keep it. No threat, intimidation, or call for violence will deter us from that sacred obligation.

“What’s most telling is that the President considers it

Local

punishable by death for us to restate the law. Our servicemembers should know that we have their backs as they fulfill their oath to the Constitution and obligation to follow only lawful orders. It is not only the right thing to do, but also our duty.

“But this isn’t about any one of us. This isn’t about politics. This is about who we are as Americans. Every American must unite and condemn the President’s calls for our murder and political violence. This is a time for moral clarity. In these moments, fear is contagious, but so is courage. We will continue to lead and will not be intimidated.”

The daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Houlahan grew up in a military family that saw her father and grandfather fly P3 aircraft in the same Navy squadron. She earned her engineering degree from Stanford with an ROTC scholarship that launched her service in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves and later earned her M.S. in Technology and Policy from MIT.

In the days since the video was released, speculation on whether military personnel can in fact refuse orders has come under great scrutiny. As contained in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), each member of the military takes an oath of enlistment, stating that they “will obey the orders of the President of the United States.” Further, Article 134 of the code prohibits “all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses” such as burglary, murder, assault, rape and property destruction.

However, while the UCMJ stipulates that mili-

tary personnel must obey lawful orders, if an order is deemed “manifestly illegal” and violates the U.S. Constitution, U.S. law or exceeds the issuing authority, they have a legal and ethical obligation to disobey those orders.

While the video did not make specific references to illegal orders being made by the President, it was circulated at a moment when U.S. military personnel and several U.S. allies are questioning whether recent strikes against suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean are legal, and whether it is legal to send troops to U.S. cities, who have been deployed to Washington, D.C., Portland, Ore., Los Angeles and Chicago.

‘Sycophants and enablers’

In the days since the video was released, Houlahan has received a strongly mixed reaction of comments on her Facebook page that has shown little signs of slow-

ing down.

“You provided no documentation proving wrongdoing,” one comment read. “You are simply one of those who will continue to do whatever is necessary to ensure the failure of this administration. It’s all about you and your party, not your constituents. You are backpedaling because of backlash. We are not buying it for a minute.”

On Nov. 24, the page posted an audio recording of supporters from several states - including the Sixth District of Pennsylvania - who had made phone calls to her office, complimenting Houlahan for her participation in the video.

“I will continue to speak up for you, because you continue to speak up for me,” one caller said.

While she is receiving encouragement from several of her constituents, Houlahan said that she has not received the same support from her colleagues in Congress.

“People were up in

Bomb threat reported at Houlahan’s West

Chester district office

Spokespersons for U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, and Rep. Chris Deluzio, a Western Pennsylvania Democrat, reported that the legislators’ district offices had been targeted with bomb threats on Nov. 21, just one day after Houlahan and Deluzio joined with other Democratic lawmakers in a video that urged military personnel and the

intelligence community to refuse illegal orders.

All six are military veterans or members of the intelligence community.

Early Friday evening, a spokesperson for Houlahan posted on the representative’s social media account that her district office in West Chester was the target of a bomb threat.

“Thankfully, the staff there as well as the office

in Washington, D.C. are safe. We are grateful for our local law enforcement agencies who reacted quickly and are investigating,” the post said.

A spokesperson for Deluzio posted on his social media that the representative’s district offices were also targeted with bomb threats.

~ Richard L. Gaw

arms understandably and appropriately about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, but it has been crickets here in Congress about this,” she said to reporter Anna Cabrera of MSNow on Nov. 22. When asked if she had heard from anyone in Congress, Houlahan replied, “Not one. Not one.”

In a Nov. 20 message posted on his social media page, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro defended Houlahan and DeLuzio — members of his state’s congressional delegation –and condemned Trump for calling for violence against the lawmakers.

“Not only has the President failed in his responsibility to lead this country — he is actively encouraging political violence once again, ratcheting up the real risk of danger to our elected leaders and deepening the

divides in our country,” Shapiro wrote. “The sycophants and enablers the President surrounds himself with are quick to condemn language like this when it suits their political purposes — but in moments like this, they remain silent.”

“I strongly reject this dangerous rhetoric,” wrote Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman about President Trump’s response to the video. “Do not threaten Members of Congress. Republican or Democrat. It’s deeply wrong with no exceptions—ever.”

To date, Pennsylvania Dave McCormick, a West Point graduate, has not made any public statements regarding the content of the video.

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

Sappey bill would force local mushroom industry to comply with testing, standards

H.B. 2034 passed 23-3 in Pa. House Agricultural Committee and now heads to House floor

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Pennsylvania H.B. 2034

– an act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes and intended to hold the mushroom industry to higher standards for quality and safety – passed by a vote of 23-3 at a Pa. House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meeting on Nov. 17.

All Democrats on the committee voted in favor of the bill, and nine of the 12 Republican committee members – including Rep. John Lawrence (13th District) - voted “Yes.”

Those rejecting the bill were Reps. Stephanie Borowicz, Joe Harris and Tom Jones.

While edits are still expected to be made to prevent “unintended consequences,” the bill will now proceed to the House floor for further consideration, where it will await a final vote.

If H.B. 2034 does proceed to becoming law, it will require mushroom growing and composting operations to submit their plans for phorid fly and Hydrogen Sulfide mitigation to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA); require the PDA to conduct random inspections of mushroom operations in order to assure that they are complying with safety standards; and authorize the PDA to administer fines to mushroom operations that are not in compliance with their plans or are found not be in compliance after inspection,

In addition, $3 million would be appropriated to the PDA to administer this plan.

Introduced by Rep. Christina Sappey (158th District), the bill aims to strengthen the PDA’s oversight and enforcement authority over mushroom growing composting operations, most specifically in southern Chester County,

where local mushroom farming operations have come under severe criticism by area residents for taking what many critics have deemed a cavalier approach to the practice of eradicating phorid flies emanating from mushroom houses and maintaining a healthy air quality free from pollutants like Hydrogen Sulfide.

Over the past several years, Sappey has held policy meetings, toured several mushroom farms throughout the county, sponsored public town hall meetings and met with mushroom growers –all with the intention of enacting best management practice procedures for the industry. During her remarks to fellow House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee members, she said her goal is to help the DPA “gain more oversight and enforcement in indoor agriculture, and to nurture a better relationship between the mushroom and composting industries and Pennsylvanians living in close proximity to these operations.”

Over the last decade, she said many businesses and residents in the southern part of the county continue to experience negative impacts of phorid flies in their homes and offices.

“Roughly ten years ago, phorids began leaving mushroom farms at the end of the growth cycle, seeking warmth and a place to reproduce before dying,” she said. “Residential neighborhoods in proximity to mushroom farm operations began experiencing swarms of phorid flies inside their homes, particularly in warmer weather.”

‘From the public’s perspective, living with phorid flies is a nightmare’

While there have been efforts to reduce phorid fly quantities – most notably by Penn State University’s Department of Entomology,

through the use of spray, screen and netting treatment experiments – the problem still exists, said Sappey.

“Unfortunately, after several years of unimaginable numbers of flies tormenting residents in an ever-increasing number of municipalities, PDA responded by issuing a quarantine order for two of the most heavily impacted townships [New Garden and Kennett] early in 2025,” she said. “This quarantine is still currently in effect, and it has required growers to steam off growing rooms and if they cannot afford to purchase or repair necessary equipment, grant funding was set aside for these operations.”

Sappey told her board members that “from the public’s perspective, living with phorid flies is a nightmare. I have heard from hundreds of residents during my tenure depicting life with these flies. They swarm homes by the thousands. They cover walls and ceilings. They fly into the faces of adults and children. They cover toothbrushes. They burrow in your food.

“One young mother crying to me over the phone recently explained what it is like to see these flies in her newborn infant’s eyes and mouth.”

Some ‘bad actors’ have been allowed to operate without repercussions

In committee, Sappey also discussed the impact of Hydrogen Sulfide on neighborhoods that border mushroom facilities and the severe damage they are causing to household appliances. Several complaints brought to the attention of New Garden Township led to the township developing a partnership with Dr. Lorenzo Cena, an environmental professor at West Chester University, to conduct a study of the air quality in the township in the vicinity of mushroom

operations.

On Sept. 4, 2024, Cena shared the study’s findings before Sappey and other state health regulatory officials, revealing that Hydrogen Sulfide levels were 33 times higher than the recommended levels established by the DEP during particular periods of the year.

“To be fair, large amounts of private industry money and taxpayer money has been spent to study phorid fly and Hydrogen Sulfide levels in southern Chester County,” Sappey said.

“The industry is aware of the problems, and most of the mushroom operations in Chester County follow best practice management, but like problems of this nature, there exists some bad actors who have fueled these issues and have been allowed to operate without repercussions.”

Addressing the increasing numbers of phorid flies and high Hydrogen Sulfide levels at mushroom farms, Sappey said, is limited by a lack of regulatory enforcement over the industry, which the bill, if ultimately passed, would provide on the state level. In an interview with the Chester County Press , she said these proposed checks and

balances will help put regulatory markers in the sand.

“It’s not necessarily forcing the industry to do more or do something exponentially different,” she said.

“We’re really giving the PDA more authority for oversight and enforcement – the ability to fine and do random inspections.

Having [mushroom growing operations] submit their integrated pest management plans and being inspected occasionally helps the industry, but it also helps keep everybody on the same page.”

‘We have no alternative but to co-exist’

In committee, Sappey told her fellow members that the issue has led to an “untenable” situation in parts of the 158th District where residential neighborhoods are near mushroom growing operations.

“We have no alternative but to co-exist,” she said. “It is not my intent to injure an industry, which I should point out has been warned for years that they can check themselves or have the government do so.

Residents have often shared with me that they do not resent the industry and they respect [the industry’s] right

to do business and provide for their families and workers too, but they cannot be permitted to operate at the expense of their neighbors’ quality of life and wellbeing, both of which we are sworn on oath to protect.”

Sappey told the Chester County Press that she has communicated with one local mushroom grower following the approval of the bill in committee, who told her that there needs to be significantly increased communication between the DPA, the mushroom growers and legislators.

“I have tried to explain to other legislators what this billion-dollar industry means to southeastern Pennsylvania and to the Commonwealth,” she said. “It is a unique industry, but we have unique challenges in southern Chester County that other areas that grow mushrooms in this country do not, and we need to get to the bottom of that.

“It is time to ramp up – yet again - our efforts around this, and I think the communication between the department [PDA] and the industry could be improved.”

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

Giving and gratitude

Thursday is Thanksgiving and it is a good time of the year to demonstrate your gratitude for the blessings that you have received by helping others.

There are a lot of neighbors in need right here in southern Chester County and organizations like Kennett Area Community Service or the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center are on the front lines when it comes to helping those in need.

A contribution of food or money to one of these organizations is a good way to help others during the holiday season.

The federal government shutdown, and the subsequent disruption of SNAP funding, caused economic hardship for millions of Americans, including thousands of people here in Chester County. Food cupboards received more donations during the shutdown, but the requests for assistance from these food cupboards also skyrocketed. With the winter months ahead, and many families struggling to keep up with the rising costs of food and housing, these organizations will be hard-pressed to meet all the needs.

The KACS Food Cupboard is located at 136 West Cedar Street in Kennett Square. For more information, or to make a donation, visit KACSimpact.org.

The Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center is located at 35 North 3rd Street in Oxford. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www. oxfordnsc.org.

The United Way of Southern Chester County provides support to dozens of nonprofit organizations in the area, and one gift to the United Way (unitedwayscc.org) is another way make a positive impact on the community.

The big impact of Small Business Saturday

We encourage everyone to shop local and support small businesses on Small Business Saturday— November 29.

Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support small businesses. Here in southern Chester County, we’re fortunate to have many wonderful small businesses, especially in the downtowns of Kennett Square, Oxford, and West Grove. The owners and employees of these small businesses make important contributions to the communities. The holiday season is very important to the success of small businesses and local restaurants. Everyone should support independent businesses on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season.

Help for working Pennsylvanians

State lawmakers recently approved a Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit aimed at providing some help to working Pennsylvanians who are being squeezed by rising food costs and prices for everyday essentials.

The Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit was included in the 2025-26 state budget, and was authored by our local State Rep. Christina Sappey.

It is estimated that nearly one million working Pennsylvanians will benefit from this state-level tax credit on their personal income taxes.

Sappey said that any Pennsylvania household that qualifies for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit will qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which will be 10 percent of the federal EITC amount that household receives. That amount could range from $400 to more than $1,000 depending on family size and income.

Sappey said the EITC is widely regarded as the most successful anti-poverty program of the last 50 years. Pennsylvania now joins 31 other states that have their own state tax credit to enhance the federal EITC’s impact.

In 2026, state lawmakers should work to finally raise the minimum wage in Pennsylvania.

Guest Column

No veteran should go hungry

By Coleman Nee DAV National Commander and Marine veteran

According to U.S. government data and recent policy studies, nearly 25 percent of America’s veterans live either below the federal poverty level or paycheck to paycheck, with little margin for unexpected expenses.

To get by, many adopt emergency-level budgets. But even the harshest austerity measures may not be enough. Life at the bottom still costs money. Mortgages and rent must be paid. Vehicles are needed to reach work or medical appointments. So, what can be cut? Too often, it’s food—eating less or sacrificing nutrition. Tragically, many veterans and their families face this choice every day.

The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that 7.5 percent of veterans—about 1.5 million—are hungry or food insecure. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that

those ages 65–74 are now most at risk, a shift from only a few years ago when 55- to 64-year-olds faced the highest rates.

The picture grows bleaker in subgroups. Nearly one in five women veterans, many raising children, report food insecurity. More than a third of disabled working-age veterans struggle to feed themselves. These aren’t abstractions—they’re neighbors, family and friends.

VA disability benefits are often treated as unearned income for the purposes of means testing in some federal programs. But these benefits were never meant to be treated as a paycheck. They were designed to offset the extra costs of living with a disability.

In programs where they are counted toward income limits, this classification can unfairly block many veterans from receiving assistance through programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

SNAP can provide essential short-term relief, adding

protein, vegetables, and fruit to meals. Yet because disability benefits often push veterans over the income threshold too many are excluded. According to RAND, only 4.9 percent of food-insecure veterans in the U.S. received SNAP assistance in 2023.

It is a failure of our system when individuals who served this country bravely and honorably—so that others could pursue the American dream—now face malnutrition and hunger.

On Veterans Day, crowds gather to give speeches and host parades honoring those who wore the uniform with fierce pride. But veterans can’t eat their pride.

On Thanksgiving, we sit down to abundant meals of turkey, vegetables, and homemade desserts, raising a toast to those who secured our freedoms, but veterans can’t eat our thanks.

Veterans stood up for us; now it’s our turn to stand up for them. Through awareness, advocacy, and community support, we can work toward a future where all veterans live safe, healthy lives—free from hunger. Now that’s something to give thanks for.

Coleman Nee is a serviceconnected disabled Marine veteran currently serving as National Commander of DAV (Disabled American Veterans). He previously held positions as Massachusetts Secretary of Veterans’ Services and on DAV’s National Executive Committee.

Rather than simply thanking veterans for their service, we can show our gratitude through meaningful action. Immediate steps taken today can make a difference—from supporting or volunteering with trusted organizations like DAV’s Volunteer for Veterans program, to helping at local veteran food pantries and nutrition centers, or urging elected officials to ensure veterans and their families do not go hungry through efforts like DAV’s Commander’s Action Network. These frontline actions have a direct and lasting impact on veterans’ lives.

The Impersonal Touch of AI

By Marie-Louise Meyers

Have you recently entered an office or a waiting room where everything was changed and rearranged as if entering a new age of gleaming sterile technology losing the comfortable feeling of having been there before.

You feel like a stranger in the land of Oz or should I say, AI

where you are measured and weighed not for your human factors, but in every other way as if your life depended on your score card, the Healing Arts turned into speculative measures soon to be discharged. measure by measure into a directory where Something else is in charge.

You feel blind and deaf as if you’re being led into an illegible format, handed a tablet instead of the usual forms to fill out by hand with a stylus to perform the necessary marks as if reborn into another more sanitized, no-touch age with a skeletal staff at best, hardly there to do the task before you though you

seem clueless how to begin the task.

Better bring someone younger with you more adept at the impersonal mechanism to guide you through to the final page of endeavor.

What is absent is the old comfortable feeling renewed you once had, inviting a new century where AI has begun to permeate every aspect of our lives. The personal data is gradually changing abruptly into the impersonal under the auspices of new means of keeping books meaning your so-called permanent records after a year are destroyed.

Suddenly awakened, you have to start all over again as if a new patient.

The only thing we can hope for is that behind the arsenal that awaits us firing questions via a computer is a pervious human who ultimately cares about your heart and soul since you have come to them for their aid.

Will empirical knowledge be totally replaced by scientific data?

Will even the attitude of the

Chester County Press

patient figure into over-all assessment, the human aspect prevail over all the unrelated and unparalleled details?

Now assume you are elderly and no longer a rapid learner, and feel overwhelmed by the changes transpiring. Will you be reduced to being an outlier to their fluid practice or need someone assigned to take up the cudgel for you leaving you feeling as if you’re out of the picture?

When just getting around and dealing with the newly introduced pragmatic tools of living are difficult enough, how do you suddenly escalate to the New Age without losing your way? Is there a solution in the midst of these rapid changes, do you feel at a loss without a map to guide you if you are capable of reading the small nondescript print advising you? How do you begin again to make a connection with every new invention when the old familiar strat-

egies will be left behind. Who will pick up the lost sheep left behind? Will the costs sky rocket to support this new pervasive life form which promote these transitions which peak so you’re out on the street without the means looking for a handout to transport you through. You can’t go back, you’re in a trap! Don’t say it won’t happen, it already has, the instruments of change invading every aspect of your life.

Will the personal touch be lost like Mail no longer delivered to your door, will newsworthy newspapers already disappearing be replace by what? Perhaps the Senior Centers located in all parts of the country have to take on a new specialty instead of just revering memories of the past, making the elderly feel comfortable as they age, instead paving the way for Seniors to embrace the No Touch Future!

Holiday Light Parade attracts thousands to Kennett Square

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

The folks in and around Kennett Square were clearly ready for a little Christmas fun in recent weeks.

They got it in the form of the 2025 Holiday Light parade last Saturday, Nov. 22. Thousands of spectators crowded the streets from lower Broad to the west end of State Street. They cheered the procession as brightly decorated vehicles paraded through town –more than 100 of them – during the better part of two hours. Those who watched were

stacked as many as five- or six-deep on the sidewalks.

Many spectators arrived an hour early or more, placing their deck chairs alongside for easy watching of the parade. They brought their children, bought souvenirs, waved to Santa and applauded the lighting of the town tree. It was not unusual to see children as young as toddlers – and even infants – wrapped in blankets, perched on the sidewalks or in their parents’ arms. There was lots of picture-taking. The audience was not just local, either. Many admitted to coming from outside the immediate Kennett

Square area or could be heard discussing how they arrived from outside routes.

One visitor from Virginia said he and his wife arrived in southern Chester County for the weekend because the region has so much to see, including Longwood Gardens, Brandywine Museum of Art and Winterthur Museum.

The parade this year was sponsored and planned by Kennett Collaborative, the nonprofit that joins with many different community partners to promote and implement local programs and events.

For the 2025 parade, the organization sent out

publicity advertising this parade as its longest ever and arriving a weekend earlier in November to engender a longer shopping season.

Kennett Collaborative even proclaimed the coming visitation by the Philadelphia Mummers’ Woodland String Band. Indeed, the string band did appear, strumming their banjoes and accompanying with their saxophones to “Jingle Bells.”

Meanwhile, the 100 or so vehicles that lumbered through town were swathed in multiple strings of colored lights.

Among the participants

were trucks, cars, dancers, musicians and performers.

Some of them showered their audiences with storms of artificial snowflakes.

Santa Claus representatives Fran and Andrea Durynski brought up the end of the parade to light the town tree in the rear of the 1918 Buick convertible driven by Lou Mandich and accompanied by this wife, Barbara.

Durynski said later she enjoyed the trip.

“We saw a lot of work that went into those floats. We got to see a lot of them because we brought up the rear,” she said.

This nighttime event has

grown through the decades since the days when the late Mike and Carol Berzon rode into town in a carriage behind a pair of horses to perform the tree-lighting. In recent years, the holiday parade has appeared to match the annual Memorial Day Parade in terms of popularity and attendance. The local celebrations continue this coming Saturday, Nov. 29, when Santa Claus rides into town on the Santa Train with a collection set up for the Marines Toys for Tots. The Santa Train will be making stops at the towns throughout southern Chester County.

Nancy Allaband, 85, passed away at her residence in West Nottingham Township. She was a loving mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend. She was born in Lancaster County and was the daughter of the late L. Onyx and Mary Alice Coates Poole. Nancy was a birthright Quaker. She was a 1958 graduate of Oxford High School.

Nancy spent her early adult years as a stay-home mom to her four children in Kennett Square and worked in the mushroom business with their father, William Allaband, Jr. As the children grew older, she worked at the family mushroom houses, and then as a waitress at the Unionville Tavern and the Chadds Ford Inn. She then enjoyed a rewarding career in banking for many years. She moved the family to West Chester in 1978 to be closer to work, where she also volunteered as a member of the Banquet Committee at the Fame Fire Company of West Chester which was close to home for her.

After the children reached adulthood, Nancy moved to Glen Hardie in Wayne, Pa., where she enjoyed the social life and playing golf. She landed a job in the early 1990s

NANCY CAROL ALLABAND

at Sun Pipe Line as the inventory accountant. She retired in 2007. After retiring, she moved to Nottingham to be closer to family and friends.

She was an auxiliary member of the American Legion Post 194 in Rising Sun, Md. She had also been a member of the Oxford Lions Club, and had served as its secretary in 2018-2019. Since moving back to Nottingham and Oxford, she could often be found at wing night at the Legion with her two sisters, and sometimes her daughters, or at Wayvine, enjoying an evening of good music, delicious wine and the company of family and friends. Nancy loved gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She made many trips to visit Nan, Jr. and Michelle and her family as they both spent time in the U.S. Air Force. Her first trip abroad was to visit Michelle and her family while they were stationed in England. While in London with Nancy, Jr. and Sue, they were all greatly surprised to stumble upon the Queen’s birthday parade. The next trip was with Nancy Jr., Sue, Bruce and Billy to Rome, Italy. Billy was on the U.S. Deaf Olympic Tennis Team. Rome was amazing, however, she was so proud to see her son walking out with his team and participating in the opening ceremonies. For her 65th birthday in 2006, Billy, Bruce and Nan took

Nancy on a grand vacation around Europe. They visited Amsterdam, Brussels, Bruges, Paris and the Burgundy wine region of France.

She is survived by two daughters, Michelle Foster and her husband Sam, of Biloxi, Miss. and Nancy Allaband, Jr. and her wife, Sue Westfall, of Morgantown, Pa.; and two sons, Billy Allaband and his partner Bruce Bailey, of Wilmington, Del. and Tim Allaband and his wife Jennifer, of West Chester, Pa.; and one sister, Mary Jane Krimmer and her husband Rich, of Oxford. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, and two cats, Baby and Monster, although she called them both Baby. She was predeceased by two brothers, Donald Poole and Robert Poole and one sister, Betsy Tome. Services were held on Nov. 22 at Eastland Friends Meetinghouse in Nottingham. In memory of Nancy, donations may be made to Eastland Friends Meetinghouse or the Pancreatic Cancer research charity of your choice.

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

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Annual Chester County College Fair offers postsecondary options for high school students

Chester County families gathered at United Sports in Downingtown on Oct. 27 for the annual Chester County College Fair, organized by the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), sponsored by CCRES Educational and Behavioral Health Services, and powered by StriveScan.

“The Chester County College Fair brings everything families need right to their doorstep,” said Jay Della Ragione, special events coordinator for the CCIU. “Instead of spend-

ing months visiting different campuses, parents and students can explore dozens of options in one evening right here in Downingtown. I’ve seen families walk in feeling overwhelmed and leave with real clarity about their next steps. It’s incredible to watch students connect with schools they might never have considered and get their questions answered face to face.

“That’s what makes this event so special; it takes something that can feel really daunting and makes

at the 2025 Chester County College Fair had the opportunity to engage one-on-one with representatives from a from a variety of schools and other postsecondary institutions who were happy to discuss admissions requirements, campus life, and more.

it manageable and even exciting.”

“The college fair benefits everyone because it gets students excited about the potential of seeing themselves in college,” said college representative Brandon Rodriquez Torrento of John Carroll University. “It’s a great time to ask questions and get excited for post-graduation.”

With representatives from over 160 higher education institutions all under one roof, students and their families had the opportunity to explore everything from two-year community colleges and four-year universities to military programs, nursing schools, trade schools, and special education pathways.

For the second year in a row, the Chester County College Fair offered the Transitioning Beyond High School early hour program. Open to students with disabilities and their families, this unique program gave attendees the opportunity to learn about inclusive higher education programs, as well as how to access disability supports and have individualized conversations with university representatives.

“The Transitioning Beyond High School early hour session provided a calm, focused environment where students with disabilities and their families could have meaningful conversations without the crowds of the full college fair,” said Meaghan Stolnis, training and consultation specialist for the CCIU, who helped organize the early hour

program. “It offered direct access to representatives who understand inclusive higher education and could discuss specialized support services, accommodations, and individualized pathways.

“For many families navigating this transition, the personalized attention and expert guidance provided by this program are truly invaluable.”

Attendees to the early hour session and college fair were able to tour their options from coast to coast in one evening and talk to representatives about admissions requirements, academic offerings, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and campus life. The event was powered by StriveScan, which enabled instant information exchange between attendees and representatives,

offering a way to connect without having to fill out forms.

Maura McCann, high school student and firsttime college fair attendee, described the event as a “big learning experience,” emphasizing that each interaction with different representatives gave her an opportunity to learn about aspects of college life, from how housing works to student/teacher ratios. She went on to explain that the face-to-face element of the fair made the experience more personal compared to if she were to interact with the same representatives over email.

“This fair allowed my daughter to interact with the representatives,” said John McCann, Maura’s father. “It empowers the parents to kind of step away and let their student have the

one-on-one interaction to be prepared to take those next steps in college.”

As the evening came to a close, families left the fair with new insights, connections, and a clearer sense of direction for the future.

The event highlighted the CCIU’s commitment to supporting every student’s postsecondary journey, whether that path leads to college, career training, or specialized programs designed to meet individual needs.

The Chester County College Fair is organized by the CCIU on behalf of Chester County students and their families.

For more information about the Chester County College Fair and other CCIU special events, please contact Jay Della Ragione at JayD@cciu.org or call 484-237-5053.

AgConnect seeks nominations for Best of Chester County Agriculture Awards

Who in Chester County’s agriculture community inspires you? Now is your chance to celebrate them.

AgConnect recently announced the inaugural Best of Chester County Agriculture Awards, recognizing the individuals shaping the future of local farming and agriculture innovation.

From emerging young farmers to women leaders and community champions,

these awards honor those driving excellence and positive change in Chester County’s agricultural landscape.

Nominations are open in three “Best of” categories: • Young and Emerging Farmer: Showcasing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

• Woman in Agriculture: Celebrating women making a lasting impact in farming and agriculture-related

industries.

• Community Impact in Agriculture: Recognizing individuals whose work strengthens and supports the local agricultural community.

Nominations will remain open through Dec. 13.

“Chester County’s agriculture thrives because of the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes,” said Greg Newell, chair of AgConnect’s Executive

ANITA P. BOWERSOCK

Anita P. Bowersock, 96, of Cochranville, went to her heavenly home on Nov. 19, 2025.

She was the beloved spouse of the late Herbert P. Bowersock, Jr., with whom she shared 45 years of marriage.

Born and raised on a farm in Phoenixville, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Mary Brownback Funderwhite.

Anita was a retired office manager and volunteered for the township as a bookkeeper.

She was a member of New London Baptist Church where she participated as a Sunday School teacher and a volunteer for Manna. She helped with numerous outreach programs.

She was a loving mother to three children, Ronald L. Bowersock of Lewes, Del., Herbert P. Bowersock, III of Wilmington, Del. and Mary Anne Tait of Hockessin, Del., and a devoted “Mom Mom” to five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her son, Russell W. Wambold, Jr., a daughter, Susan M. Ochs, and nine siblings.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 at New London Baptist Church, 226 Pennock Bridge Road, West Grove. Services will begin at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow the service at Faggs Manor Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the New London Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com) in Oxford.

Advisory Committee.

“These awards give our community the opportunity to hear about their amazing efforts and celebrate those who feed, grow, and enrich our county every day.”

If you know someone whose dedication, innovation, or service to agriculture deserves recognition, nominate them today. Visit [http://www.goagconnect.org and click on the Awards page to submit your nomination. Winners will be announced in 2026 and honored at a special AgConnect celebration.

for AgConnect’s Best of Chester County Agriculture Awards are now being accepted.

YVONNE WALTERS

Yvonne Walters, a resident of Oxford, passed away on Nov. 16, 2025. She was 69.

Born on Oct. 6, 1956, Yvonne was known for her faith, strength, generosity, and the love she poured into her family throughout her life. Yvonne is survived by her husband, Mark Walters, her son, Kris Raser of Elkton, Md., her daughter, Mandi Bickel of North Andover, daughter-in-law Karen Raser and son-in-law David Bickel. She was a devoted grandmother to Molly Raser, Pierce Raser, Caden Bickel, and Nolie Bickel. The grandchildren brought Yvonne immense joy.

She is also survived by her sisters, Joan Perry (Basil) of Rising Sun, Md. and Becky Vines (Scott, deceased) of Oxford, and her brother, Terry King (Alisa) of Greenville, Va., along with extended family and many friends who will feel her loss deeply.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Donna King, and her sisters, Doris King and Angie Weaver Wylie.

Yvonne will be remembered for her resilience, her caring nature, and the unwavering support she offered to those she loved. Her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 24 at Moore’s Chapel Global Methodist Church in Elkton, Md. Interment was private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Yvonne to the Music Ministry of Moore’s Chapel. Yvonne dedicated her time and talent to honoring God through her gift of music.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

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

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Anna Dorothy Lewis

Late of Honey Brook , 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 Lynda Reid, Executrix, 368 WilmingtonWest Chester Pike, Glen Mills Pa 19342 11p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Norma Lois Dunn, Deceased late of East Bradford Twp., Chester County, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Dayna L. McElroy, Administratrix, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson & Richetti LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 301, Allentown, PA 18101. 11p-12-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Maryllewellyn Pennington aka Mary Pennington, Late of Honeybrook,, 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 Marchael Gill, Executrix, 2E. Highland Rd. Parkesburg, PA 19365, 11p-12-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, December 15, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, of the Oxford Borough Code, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 22, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT, BY DELETING AND REPLACING THE CHAPTER IN ITS ENTIRETY. SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, by deleting the chapter and replacing it, in its entirety, with new Chapter 22, Subdivision and Land Development, which

Legals/Classifieds

includes the following sections: Part 1, Introductory Provisions, which includes: Article 10, Title and Purpose; Article 11, Jurisdiction and Applicability; and Article 12, Definitions; Part 2, Development Configurations, which includes: Article 20, Block and Lot Standards; Article 21, Mobile Home Park Standards; and Article 22, Open Space and Natural Resource Conservation; Part 3, Design and Improvement Standards, which includes: Article 30, General Standards; Article 31, Streets, Circulation, and Multimodal Access; Article 32, Landscaping and Screening; Article 33, Outdoor Lighting; Article 34, Residential Building Design; Article 35, Nonresidential Building Design; and Article 36, Town Center Building Design; and Part 4, Administration and Review Procedures, which includes: Article 40, General Application and Review Procedures; Article 41, Applications and Materials; Article 42, Plan Review Procedures; Article 43, Approved Plan and Improvement Procedures; and Article 44, Administration and Amendment.

SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 4. Provides for the renumbering of ordinance sections as part of codification of the ordinance.

SECTION 5. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 11p-19-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled on Monday, December 15, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, will conduct a public hearing to consider and possibly enact an ordinance amending Chapter 27, Zoning, of the Oxford Borough Code, the caption and summary of which follow. The full text of the ordinance may be examined at the Chester County Law Library, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania and the Borough Building at the above address during regular business hours. Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AS AMENDED, CHAPTER 27, ZONING, BY DELETING AND REPLACING THE CHAPTER IN ITS ENTIRETY.

SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 27, Zoning, by deleting the chapter and replacing it, in its entirety, with new Chapter 27, Zoning, which includes the following sections: Part 1, Introductory Provisions, which

includes: Article 10, Purpose and Establishment; Article 11, Zoning Map; Article 12, Nonconformance Standards; and Article 13, Definitions; Part 2, District and Use Regulations, which includes: Article 20, Districts Established; Article 21, District Use Regulations; Article 22, District Area and Bulk Requirements; Article 23, Additional Use Regulations; Article 24, General Regulations; Article 25, Alternate Development Configurations; Article 26, Flood Hazard Overlay (FHO) District; Part 3, Design and Development Standards, which includes: Article 30, General Standards; Article 31, Parking and Loading; Article 32, Landscaping and Screening; Article 33, Outdoor Lighting; and Article 34, Signs; and Part 4, Administration and Review Procedures, which includes: Article 40, General Application and Review Procedures; Article 41, Permits and Certificates; Article 42, Conditional Uses; Article 43, Special Exception; Article 44, Variances and Appeals to the Zoning Hearing Board; Article 45, Administration and Enforcement; and Article 46, Amendments.

SECTION 2. Provides for the severability of unconstitutional or invalid provisions of the ordinance.

SECTION 3. Repeals ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with any provisions of this ordinance.

SECTION 4. Provides for the renumbering of ordinance sections as part of codification of the ordinance.

SECTION 5. Provides that the amendment shall be effective as by law provided.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 11p-19-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of BARBARA S. STOLTZFUS . 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 Merle W. Stoltzfus, Executor, Katelyn M. Haldman, Esquire, Legacy Law, PLLC, 147 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 11-19-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF SUSAN E. BARTH, DECEASED. Late of New London 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 ANNE BERRY, EXECUTRIX, c/o Carolina R. Heinle, Esq., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707, Or to her Attorney: CAROLINA R. HEINLE, MacELREE HARVEY, LTD., 724 Yorklyn Rd., Ste. 100, Hockessin, DE 19707 11p-19-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Council of the Borough of Oxford will meet on Thursday, December 4, 2025, commenc-

ing at 7:00 p.m., at the Borough Building, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania, to hear the following: THE CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION OF COLLEEN BOROUGHS. The property is 55 S. 3rd Street, UPI No. 6-4231. The property is owned by EBHI Investments, LLC, and is located in the C-3 – Central Business District of the Borough. Colleen Boroughs, a tenant of the property, seeks conditional use approval pursuant to §27-2009 (Conditional Use Procedures and General Standards) and §27-902.B (Uses Permitted as Conditional Uses) of the Oxford Borough Zoning Ordinance to permit the operation of an Indoor Arcade on the property, in accordance with the standards of §27-1323 (Arcade) of the zoning ordinance, and any other such relief deemed necessary by Borough Council. All persons desiring to be heard may attend and be heard. If you are a person with a disability wishing to participate in the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough at 610-932-2500 to discuss how your needs may be best accommodated. OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 11-19-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxford Borough Council, Chester County, Pennsylvania, at a public meeting scheduled for December 15, 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m., to be held at the Borough Building, 401 Market Street, Oxford, PA, will consider and may enact the following Ordinance Fixing the Tax Rates for the Year 2026. Copies of the ordinance can be obtained at a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Borough Building during normal business hours.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF OXFORD, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, FIXING THE TAX RATES FOR THE YEAR 2026. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, as follows:

SECTION 1. Pursuant to the authority provided in the Local Tax Enabling Act, 53 P.S. §6924.101 et seq., and the Borough Code, 8 Pa. C.S. §1301, et seq., a tax is hereby levied on all real property within the Borough of Oxford subject to taxation for the fiscal year of 2026, as follows: Tax Rate for General Purpose 14.501 Mills

SECTION 2. The reason for the tax levy is to provide revenue for general borough purposes. The estimated revenue to be derived from the tax during 2026 is $2,908,368.25.

SECTION 3. If any sentence, clause, section or part of this ordinance is, for any reason, found to be unconstitutional, illegal or invalid, such unconstitutionality, illegality or invalidity shall not affect or impair any of the remaining provisions, sentences, clauses, sections or parts hereof. It is hereby declared as the intent of Borough Council that this ordinance would have been adopted had

such unconstitutional, illegal or invalid sentence, clause, section or part thereof not been included herein.

SECTION 4. All ordinances or parts of ordinances conflicting with any provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed insofar as the same affects this ordinance.

SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect as of January 1, 2026 as by law provided.

If you are a person with a disability wishing to attend the aforementioned meeting and require auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to observe or participate in the proceedings, please contact the Borough secretary to discuss how your needs may best be accommodated.

OXFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL, GAWTHROP GREENWOOD, PC, Stacey L. Fuller, Solicitor 11p-19-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

BOROUGH OF OXFORD ZONING HEARING BOARD

The Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Oxford will meet on Wednesday December 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the meeting room of Borough Hall, 1 Octoraro Alley, Oxford, Pennsylvania to conduct a hearing and possibly make a decision on the Application of Oxford Arts Alliance for a property owned by Oxford United Methodist Church located at 18 Addison Street, Borough of Oxford. The property is improved with buildings and parking used as a place of worship. The Applicant proposes to rent building space from the owner to teach music and art lessons. The Applicant is requesting variances to permit the music and art lessons use and a second principal use on the property. The property subject of the Application is located in the R-2 Residential Zoning District. If you are a person with a disability and require an accommodation to attend or participate in the hearing, please contact the Borough at 610-932-2500. 11-26-2t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF STEPHEN LOUIS

RZUCIDLO a/k/a STEPHEN L. RZUCIDLO, DECEASED. Late of Upper Oxford 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 MAKSIM I. PANOV, EXECUTOR, c/o April L. Charleston, Esq., 60 W. Boot Rd., Ste. 201, West Chester, PA 19380, Or to his Attorney: APRIL L. CHARLESTON, THE CHARLESTON LAW FIRM, 60 W. Boot Rd., Ste. 201 West Chester, PA 19380 11p-26-3t

INCORPORATION

NOTICE

SWS GP, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Lamb McErlane PC, 138-140 W. Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 11p-26-1t

NON-PROFIT

INCORPORATION

NOTICE

Main Line Mural Arts, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988, as amended. Buckley, Brion, McGuire & Morris LLP, 118 West Market St., Ste. 300, West Chester, PA 19382 11p-26-1t

NOTICE

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION MEETING, SEWER EXTENSION BALTIMORE PIKE SOUTH ASSOCIATION TO THE MEMBERS OF SEWER EXTENSION BALTIMORE PIKE SOUTH ASSOCIATION: Harold and Ruth Ann Roney, James Hancock and Paul Kavanagh, Pursuant to 15 Pa.C.S.§5972(a)(1), the members as the controlling body, will hold a meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 208 East Locust Street, Third Floor, Oxford, Pennsylvania to consider the voluntary liquidation of all assets, payment of all outstanding debts and/or obligations, dissolution of the business, process for windingup the business wound up, the standards and procedures for the distribution of any net assets, and such other action am may properly come before the meeting. The members may, by majority vote to determine the above issues, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ELIGIBILITY OF ACTIVE OR INACTIVE MEMBERS OF RECORD AS DETERMINED ON THE DATE OF THIS MEEING, AND/OR PAYMENT OF SOME OR ALL OF THEN REMAINING ASSETS TO A CHARITABLE ENTIY.

Date; November 24, 2025, R Samuel McMichael, R Samuel McMichael, Esquire, Attorney for Sewer Extension Baltimore Pike South Association 11p-26-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Franklin Theodore Orne aka Franklin Orne aka Franklin T. Orne, Deceased late of the Borough of Oxford, Chester County, PA. Letters of Administration on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Tracey Orne, Administratrix, c/o John R. Lundy, Esq., Lundy Beldecos & Milby, PC, 450 N. Narberth Ave., Suite 200, Narberth, PA 19072. 11p-26-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Timothy Charles Tart, Deceased, late of Landenberg, New Garden Township, Chester County, PA. Letters Testamentary on the above estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims against or indebted to the estate should make claims known or forward payment to Ralph DiRosato, Executor, 212 Penn Green Rd., Oxford, PA,, 19363 11p-26-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

The Elk Township Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Meeting to Adopt their Budget on December 1, 2025 at 6:15pm in the Elk Township Building located at 952 Chesterville

First Downingtown Teacher Academy grads hired by area school district

Two of the Downingtown Area School District’s newest teachers this fall, Lauren Klunk and Leah Cramer, began their journey to their new positions while still in high school.

As students in the first Downingtown Teacher Academy cohort with Delaware County Community College (DCCC), they were able to earn 13 college credits, experience field observation opportunities in Downingtown Area School District (DASD)—and obtain a guaranteed interview for a contract position with the District upon earning their Pennsylvania Department of Education Instructional I certificate.

The Downingtown Teacher Academy is a one-year high school dual enrollment program designed to give high school students a jump start

on a career in Pre-K-12 education. For eligible high school seniors, it is currently offered at no cost to the students’ families, thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor to DCCC.

“It is an innovative, grow-your-own solution to the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania, and a definitive statement from DASD that we are invested in nurturing the next generation of talented educators,” said Troy Podell, Ed.D, the district’s supervisor of teaching and learning.

“We’re incredibly proud of Leah and Lauren, and the full-circle moment that welcoming them home to Downingtown is for our whole community.”

Through afternoon classes at DCCC’s Downingtown Center and full participation in high school life, students in the Downingtown

Teacher Academy benefit from comprehensive educational experience. Alongside the 13 college credits from DCCC, students earn a total of four credits toward their DASD diploma for the coursework, all with the highest GPA weighting offered by the district, according to Dr. Podell.

The Downingtown Teacher Academy is just one of DCCC’s Structured Pathways programs, which consist of courses agreed upon with the high school/ school district and the college. Students do a specific course sequence, and they graduate high school with 13 college credits—without missing any of their high school senior year experiences.

“Thanks to our partnership with DCCC, we are building a pipeline program for hiring good teachers,” Dr.

Podell said. “In future years, we’re looking forward to welcoming home more of our young people who themselves had great experiences in DASD schools, to provide amazing experiences for the next generation.”

In addition to the Downingtown Teacher Academy, DASD offers multiple other Structured Pathways Dual Enrollment programs with DCCC. These include a 12 DCCCcollege-credit career exploratory program and numerous healthcare certifications, and the Downingtown Advantage Program in which students can earn 20 college credits during their senior year in DASD. Most compelling of all, students in DASD have a pathway to earn an associate’s degree alongside the high school diploma, granting them junior status in

Classifieds/Legals

their first year out of high school at most colleges and universities.

The economics of higher education no longer support the “traditional” four-year model, Dr. Podell said. “The cost/benefit math for the four-year degree is no longer in the favor of the child. When you look at the U.S. Department of Education data, you are not in the black on your bachelor’s degree until you’ve been working full-time for 15 years.

“My mission is to bend that cost curve back in the kids’ favor. All collegebound students need to take dual enrollment classes.”

In partnership with Delaware County Council, DCCC also offers the Future Educators Certificate of Competency, whereby high school juniors can now attend the College at no cost and earn up to 38 credits toward an associate degree in education. For more information, visit dccc.edu/ dualenrollment.

‘A Scrutiny Mutiny’ opening night draws large crowd to work of 52 artists

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

New exhibit at The Hook Experiment runs through Jan. 16, 2026

A new exhibit that is bringing a consortium of 52 artists together burst onto the Chester County scene on Nov. 21, as “A

Scrutiny Mutiny” opened at The Hook Experiment in Oxford to an opening reception that was crowded with admirers, not only for its collection of talent but its overall theme. Defined as “a collective

exhibition staging a visual revolt against systems of control, surveillance, and internalized judgment,” the

exhibit is a juried, global collective show that is inviting artists all over the world to illuminate how human beings are seen, measured and shaped by institutions, society and by each other.

The exhibit focuses much of its attention on the subjects of surveillance and rebellion; bodies under scrutiny; internal uprising; and historical and political scrutiny.

Curated by artists Vicki Vinton, Lisa Baird and Constance McBride, “A Scrutiny Mutiny” will be open through Jan. 16.

The Hook Experiment is located at 45 South 3rd Street, Oxford, Pa. 19363. To learn more, visit www. thehookexperiment.org.

The exhibit’s gallery hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation awards

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation (TERF) recently awarded $5,000 to the MidAtlantic Horse Rescue Inc. (MAHR) for Thoroughbred-only clinics. MAHR’s mission is to rescue Thoroughbreds from feed lots and kill pens and transition horses directly off the track. After quarantine and careful evaluation, horses are adopted into lov-

ing homes as sport horses and pets.

“Funding from TERF will allow MAHR to provide a series of three to five thoroughbred only clinics at the farm throughout the year,” said Beverly Strauss, co-founder and executive director. “Each clinic will feature a well-known established trainer focused on thoroughbreds, and offer training for all levels of

riders and horses, from inexperienced amateurs to junior riders to older adults and to current professionals. We thank TERF for their continued support.”

In alignment with their mission to support and promote equine education by supporting organizations that are educating the public on the proper care of horses, TERF offers their financial assistance. MAHR

Jordan Bank students receive eye screenings

plans to continue their Thoroughbred-only clinic series at the farm with wellknown professionals. These clinics are free for MAHR graduates and low cost for all other thoroughbreds. This gives incentives to adopters to adopt a thoroughbred from MAHR, as well as giving MAHR the opportunity to see adopted horses and their

ers on a regular basis. It also spotlights the many wonderful qualities of thoroughbreds as sport horses.

TERF’s grants reflect the values set forth by founders Herb and Ellen Moelis. TERF’s current Board includes co-chairs Kathleen Anderson, DVM and James Orsini, DVM, Lynne Cassimeris, Ph.D., Margaret Duprey, Roy

To learn more, or make a tax deductible donation in support of the Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation, please visit www.terfusa. org.

Impact Your Community

SHOPPING LOCALLY, DURING THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND, FUELS AN IMPORTANT ECONOMIC ENGINE IN YOUR COMMUNITY. SMALL, INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES ARE MORE LIKELY TO, IN TURN, PURCHASE GOODS AND SERVICES FROM LOCAL SUPPLIERS AND DISTRIBUTORS, HIRE A LOCAL WORKFORCE AND TO DO BUSINESS WITH LOCAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, THE LABOVITZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA AT DULUTH SAYS. HERE’S MORE ON GIFT SHOPPING LOCALLY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

SHOPPING LOCAL AND JOB CREATION

The American Independent Business Alliance says 48% of each purchase at a local, independent business was recirculated locally compared to less than 14% of purchases at chain stores. Shopping at local, independent retailers, therefore, returns more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the local economy than chain competitors. Meanwhile, shopping online generates almost no economic benefit outside of the delivery person. Local spending benefits local schools. It’s one of the most important sources of tax income for local and state governments, particularly schools. Callaway Bank says about 47% of school revenues come from state funds and 45% from local governments, both of which are dependent

on the taxes paid by local retailers.

GREEN BENEFITS

Shopping local is better for the environment. Local businesses tend to have shorter supply chains, which results in a smaller carbon footprint than international companies. The reduction in transportation lowers carbon emissions and local businesses may be more attuned to the environmental concerns of their community.

STRONGER SOCIAL TIES

Buying from local, independent retailers fosters a sense of community and strengthens social ties, the North Jefferson Chamber of Commerce says. Local businesses are often owned by residents who want their community to do well. They support local events and sports teams, contribute to com-

munity initiatives and more, creating a supportive community where people feel a sense of belonging and support.

KEEPING COMMUNITIES UNIQUE Local businesses can be the beating heart of

the community, giving each town its own unique character and charm. By supporting local shops, customers can prevent

their communities from becoming homogenized by the options offered at big, impersonal retail chains.

AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SHOPPERS’ GUIDE

Hitting Holiday Markets

MANY SMALL BUSINESSES DON’T HAVE PERMANENT LOCATIONS AND, INSTEAD, RELY ON EVENTS SUCH AS HOLIDAY MARKETS TO SELL THEIR GOODS. HERE’S HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF VISITING THESE EVENTS.

COME PREPARED

Many holiday markets are outdoors rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather. In colder climates, layer up with hats, scarves and gloves. Wear closed-toe shoes, especially if the market is in a field or other non-paved area. Bring a tote bag for your purchases or for carrying layers as the day warms up.

CHECK THE WEBSITE

If the market has a website or a social media page, check for any restrictions such as pets or outside food or drinks. You may want to bring cash in smaller denominations as some vendors may not accept cards or digital payments such as Venmo or CashApp. Also note any instructions for parking and the hours the market opens and closes.

LOOK FOR UNIQUE ITEMS

Take the opportunity at these markets to snag

some local specialty foods or handmade crafts. If you see something, go ahead and purchase it as some of these goods are oneof-a-kind or may sell out quickly. Ask the people working booths if negotiations are acceptable before trying to talk them into any kind of deal. Don’t be afraid to ask the owners about how their items are made.

MAKE A DAY OF IT

Plan a day of fun for the whole family. Many markets have food vendors and music events as well as kids’ activities such as games or face painting. Be patient navigating festive crowds and traffic and obey event managers’ instructions. Try to keep up the good cheer as some booths and vendors may have long lines.

SOME MARKETS TO VISIT

If you don’t have holiday markets in your community, here are a few to consider traveling to:

•Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Carmel, Indiana. A traditional German market with ice skating, music and demonstrations.

• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, San Francisco. Four acres

of California becomes Victorian London with people dressed in traditional regalia.

•Savannah Christmas Market, Savannah, Georgia. This market is in a former power plant that is now an

entertainment venue.

•Texas Christkindl Market, Arlington, Texas. Another traditional German festival that offers crafts and festive entertainment.

• Christmas in Natchez, Natchez, Mississippi. This

market highlights the historic antebellum architecture of Natchez, Mississippi.

•The Holiday Market at Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.This market features small artisan and boutique brands.

AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SHOPPERS’ GUIDE

Gifts that Give Back

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS A GREAT TIME TO GIVE BACK. YOU CAN DO THAT AND GIVE A GIFT AT THE SAME TIME BY DONATING IN THE NAME OF YOUR INTENDED RECIPIENT. HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO MAKE TWICE THE IMPACT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

GIVING TO A CHARITY

Choose a charity or organization that is dear to your recipient’s heart and donate in their name. Some groups have a way to notify the recipients for you, but otherwise, write a heartfelt note saying that you’ve made a donation for them. Consider a local animal shelter, humane society or other group for the animal lover in your life. For naturalists, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant trees in someone’s name. Local food banks, churches and other groups are also good bets. If you’re having trouble finding the right organization, use a website such as Charity Navigator, GiveWell or ActBlue to find organizations that make a good use of money and support good causes.

ANGEL TREES AND OTHER GIVING

A popular way to benefit your community around the holidays is by sponsoring a gift for an underserved

family in your area or in your recipient’s area. Reach out to local school systems, churches and charitable organizations who identify families who need extra support during the holidays and ask how you can help. Include a list of the items you purchased to help, or maybe a picture of the wrapped presents if the organization asks you to wrap the gifts. It can be a lot of fun to shop for gifts for these families, but make sure you’re getting items they actually asked for and need. Double check sizes, colors and other specifics to make sure these families can use the items you’re purchasing. Nationally, you can give to programs such as Toys for Tots, a charity run by the Marine Corps Reserve. You can donate money directly, or drop off new, unwrapped toys at designated locations during the holiday season. In addition to playing Santa during the holidays, Toys for Tots also supports foster children and literacy programs all year around.

Give the Gift of Membership

Gifting Local Delicacies

MANY COMMUNITIES HAVE DELICIOUS LOCAL SPECIALTIES, AND THESE TASTY TREATS CAN MAKE EXCELLENT HOLIDAY GIFTS. LOCAL GOODS OFFER A TASTE OF YOUR HOME AND CAN REMIND RECIPIENTS OF THE GREAT TIMES THEY’VE HAD THERE. HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO PACKAGE AND SEND HOMEMADE LOVE FROM YOUR HOME TO THEIRS.

CHOOSING WHAT TO SEND

You want to send items that are shelf-stable or nearly so and can endure the rough nature of holiday shipping. Perishable items can be shipped, but should be packaged appropriately and shipped as quickly as possible in appropriate temperatures.

CHOOSE APPROPRIATE PACKAGING

Use new, sturdy boxes that fit the items you’re shipping snugly inside. For items that need to be kept cold or cool, pick insulated containers. Wrap each item individually with plastic wrap or foil and fill any empty spaces with packing materials such as packing peanuts or bubble wrap. If the items can leak, double bag them in watertight plastic bags. Use packing tape to seal the box securely. If you’re using a cooler, UPS advises you to enclose it in a sturdy, new corrugated box as well. Then seal all the seams with pressure-sensitive packing tape.

SHIPPING FRUIT

If fruit is on your shopping list, UPS says to remove damaged or blemished fruits before packing. Choose a shipping container based on the type of fruit and how much fruit you’re sending. Wooden crates and trays work well for oranges and hard fruit, UPS says, and plastic containers or great for small, soft fruit. Look for molded trays for anything that might bruise easily, such as pears. Bear in mind some states don’t allow fruits and vegetables to be shipped into them. Your local shipping store can help you with any rules and regulations. Whatever you’re sending, alert the recipient that it’s coming so they can be on the lookout for your gift in the case of weather or porch pirates. Mark food as perishable goods on the outside of the package and choose the most expedient shipping method you can. UPS advises a maximum transit time of 30 hours for perishables, either UPS Next Day Air or 2nd Day Air. Avoid shipping on a Friday when the package could sit over the weekend.

TYPES OF MEMBERSHIPS TO LOOK FOR

There are a lot of different subscriptions or memberships your friends and family might enjoy that go far beyond the sock-of-the-month club. Look for digital or online subscriptions, such as for courses, magazine or newspaper subscriptions, or platform memberships from YouTube or Patreon.

A more traditional gift is a membership to a club or organization that brings a variety of benefits to the

recipient, such as AAA or a local museum or zoo.

Memberships for a museum or zoo usually include free visits, special events and discounts on merchandise and are great options for a family with children that could use something to do.

Around the holidays, there may be discounts or additional items available, such as experience packages or other merchandise. Keep an eye out for deals, particularly on Small Business Saturday or Giving Tuesday.

AND SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SHOPPERS’ GUIDE

HOW TO GIVE A SUBSCRIPTION OR MEMBERSHIP

You might not even have to leave the house. Many subscriptions or memberships can be purchased and gifted online. Just look for a gift option on the website and choose the appropriate membership tier and recipient information. A lot of the platforms will allow you to add a personalized note. You may be notified when the recipient opens or uses your gift.

If you need to physi-

cally give a gift, consider packaging it as a themed present. For instance, give a membership to the local zoo with stuffed animals for the children and a pair of binoculars for animal spotting. A theater membership could come with popcorn and boxes of theater candy.

Other subscriptions and memberships to look for include:

Monthly or other regular box deliveries. For the foodie, look for Raw Spice Bar’s The Spice Adventure starting at

$15 per month. They’ll get small-batch spices and recipes to use with it. Ipsy, TheraBox and other beauty boxes include makeup and skin care products. Then there’s the old standby: The Book of the Month Club, starting at $59.99. Zoo, museum and park memberships. Contact their local zoo or museums to ask about tiers of family memberships, or opt for a state park pass.

The America the Beautiful National Park Pass is $80 and includes park admis-

sion for the pass owner and passengers in their non-commercial vehicle. Movie memberships. Several movie theater chains, such as Regal’s Unlimited, AMC Stubs A-List and the Cinemark Movie Club offer memb erships that allow recipients to view a certain number of movies per month. There may be restrictions for specific formats, such as IMAX movies, but some come with perks such as discounted concessions and other rewards.