Oxfordian Fall 2018 Edition

Letter from the President

Hello, fellow Oxfordians and neighbors.

I continue to be extremely grateful to be able to serve the Oxford community. I see wonderful things happening and I am truly encouraged by the growth in this little borough.

I like the ongoing discussions and back and forth of people sharing ideas of what we should and should not be doing. Where we should be going and not going. When you have people willing to sit down and talk, it is a democratic society at work and great things can happen.

As President, I seek to garner the opinions of all those involved with the Chamber to see what we support and what we, as an organization, don’t.

I drive through downtown Oxford and see the fresh plants growing in beautiful containers, the hanging ferns at the “OTE,” the lovely Melrath flowers nestled throughout downtown that say we are open and inviting you to come on in. Little signs of love everywhere.

Many people don’t know exactly what the Chamber of Commerce does, but I will be glad to let you know. The purpose of the Chamber is to advance the commercial, industrial and collective civic interests of the Oxford trades areas. To assist the local businesses in their growth endeavors.

How does that happen? Well, it is when businesses are willing to share their successes with others to make them better. When one business is successful, it make life better for the neighboring businesses.

When one business owner experiences a problem, it is very likely that they are all suffering in some meaningful way with the same problem. Whether it is traffic or mosquitoes that are impacting one business, the solution is likely going to be beneficial for a majority of the businesses. Therefore, working together to hear how one business solved their problem could save another business countless hours, and as you have heard, time is money.

I see the signs of new businesses opening soon. The refurbishments of buildings along 3rd Street that are no longer dilapidated and in need of repair. They have found new

owners and those owners are giving them the love and attention they need.

Oxford just had a very successful Music and Arts Festival in the middle of downtown and I have heard from others “outside of Oxford” that they are excited to know that it was here and that it will be happening again next year. We had a rock band on the main streets of Oxford! This town is coming back to life.

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that the Chamber has been putting on the Halloween Parade for nearly 50 years?

Did you know the Chamber awards three students per year with a $3,000 scholarship to attend a Pennsylvania college or trade school?

Did you know that the Chamber is now going into its third year of having a Jerome Rodio 5K, which raises money to support our local veterans?

Did you know that many of the local businesses sponsor students to attend the Annual Legislative Breakfast, where students can ask questions directly to our elected local and state government officials?

How does this happen? It is because of local businesses giving back to the community. It happens when businesses put their money where their mouth is, and are willing to support the community. Working together, we can do great things.

Advertising in the Oxfordian is another way that local businesses can have a lasting impact on their business and the local community.

As always, I would like to give a big “Thank you” to all of the local businesses who continue to be a member of the chamber because it shows that you are a supporter of Oxford and want to help make us the best small town in America. Thank you for your support!

Any local business interested in joining the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is welcome to attend our monthly board meetings, which are held the second Tuesday of the month at Vista Ridge on the Ware Presbyterian Village campus at 8 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there!

Eric Maholmes Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce President

Oxfordian Fall/Winter 2018 Table of Contents

FEATURE ARTICLES

8 ....Sunset Park

16 ....Connective Festival

22 ....Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation

26 ....Kacie’s Cause

40 ....Studio Blush

66 ....Ware Presbyterian Village

74 ....Hart Road Pottery

80 ....Shop Local

MEET

OUR MEMBERS

30 ....Baer Electric, LLC

38 ....Daisy Mae Printing

62 .... Oxford Area Recreation Authority

72 ....Judy Hastings Salon

88 ....Unionville Equine Associates

90 ....Oxford Center for Dance

IN EVERY ISSUE

4 ....Letter from the President

34 ....Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI)

44 ....Chamber Directory

56 ....Oxford Historical Association

64 ....The Oxford Library

82 ....Oxford Borough Manager

92 ....Oxford Arts Alliance (OxAA)

OXFORDIAN COMMITTEE

Angie Thompson Lobb – Cameron’s Hardware

Helen Warren – Chester County Press

Doug Fasick – Chiropractic Services

Crystal Messaros – Herr Foods

Chris Grove – OACC Executive Director

Kim Jarvis – Citadel Credit Union

Eric Maholmes – Flowers Baking Co. of Oxford, Inc.

Penn Township dedicates historical marker in tribute to Sunset Park

On eve of his 100th birthday, Lawrence Waltman was honored for his dedication to a venue that served as an outdoor cathedral of country music for generations

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Beneath a large white tent that nearly butted against the flow of traffic along Jennersville Road in West Grove last Sunday evening, about 120 Penn Township residents and patrons of country music gathered to pay tribute to a venue that stood near the site for 55 years, and while the legacy of Sunset Park flooded memories and elicited some tears, those in attendance reserved their heartiest thanks for the man who made Sunset Park possible – Lawrence Waltman.

On Aug. 12, the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, in partnership with the Penn Township Board of Supervisors and the township’s Historical Commission unveiled an historic marker honoring Sunset Park, an open-air ampitheater that served as one of the nation’s most prominent country music venues from 1940 to 1995, and drew a Who’s Who of country and bluegrass music legends.

Following tributes to Waltman and Sunset Park, an historical marker sign was unveiled on Jennersville Road at Waltman Lane that reads:

SUNSET

PARK

One of the premier music venues outside of Nashville, the park featured many of the biggest stars of country and bluegrass. Operated by the Waltman family from 1940 to 1994, it supported the transition from pre-WWII “hillbilly music” to the nationally popular country music genre. Featured artists included Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis and Bill Monroe. Live unreleased recordings of major performers have been preserved.

As Rep. John Lawrence looks on, State Sen. Andy Dinniman reads a proclamation to Lawrence Waltman, at an Aug. 12 ceremony that unveiled an historical marker that honored Sunset Park in West Grove, a prominent country and bluegrass venue that the Waltman family operated from 1950 to 1995.

The signage is one of 2,600 state historic markers in Pennsylvania.

“Recently, I came across a June 2017 Rolling Stone Magazine list of the 100 greatest country music artists of all time,” said Scott Steele of the township’s historical commission, who organized the event and served as its master of ceremonies. “Rolling Stone ranked the top five, starting with number one, Merle Haggard, (followed by) Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and the Carter family. All five played the stage here at Sunset Park, some multiple times.”

Steele said that the dream to build a stage to serve as a platform for the musical genre began in 1939, when “Uncle Roy” Waltman and his son Lawrence hired Amish carpenters to build a performance stage in an eight-acre grove of trees on the edge of the family’s 98-acre dairy farm. It opened in the spring of 1940, and for the next several decades, came to be known as the nation’s most prominent country music venue outside of Nashville and hosted the likes of Dolly Parton, George Jones, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, George Straight and Waylon Jennings.

Steele told the audience that having a place to house the growing demand for country and bluegrass music was a welcome sight for the influx

Scott Steele of the Penn Township Historical Commission organized the ceremony and served as its master of ceremonies. of southerners, who migrated north during World War II to work at the GM-Chrysler plant in Delaware and on farms in southeastern Pennsylvania.

“These transplants, who were part of what was called the Appalachian Migration, could find a little bit of home in the small concert venue, a few miles north of the Mason-Dixon Line,” Steele said.

What began as a performance refuge for many emerging country music artists who were looking to escape the glare of the Nashville music scene eventually evolved into subsequent generations of musicians, who longed to play at Sunset Park because their idols once did. Two of those artists were Randy Travis, who drew over 6,000 fans to the venue in 1987, and Grateful

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An oral history of Sunset Park

With the permission of Scott Steele of the Penn Township Historical Commission, the following are excerpts from Steele’s opening presentation at the formal dedication of the Sunset Park historic marker on Aug. 12, that provide a history and retrospective of this local cultural landmark.

“In 1928, dairy farmer G. Roy Waltman sold two small farms in Upper Oxford Township and moved his family to a larger farm here in the heart of the farming community of Penn Township, Chester County. A decade later, with the lingering

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Sunset Park Marker

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Rose and her husband Danny Elswick performed at the historical marking ceremony and later at “Sunset Park Day” at Penn Township Park.

Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, who visited Sunset Park in 1964 as a 21-year-old, in order to see his bluegrass hero, Bill Monroe.

Lawrence and his wife Hazel, who married in 1943, took over the operation of the park when Roy died in 1957, and the Waltman family became synonymous with Sunset Park, which also included their children Anita, Larry and Donald, and later, the fourth generation of the family, who also assisted during concerts.

The ceremony was opened by Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, and also included a country music tribute by Maria Rose and her husband Danny Elswick, who performed “Sunset Park,” an original song written by Rose. During her performance, emotions got the

better of Rose, who sang the song’s last lines through tears.

The real hero of the ceremony, however, sat in the shade of a John Deere vehicle beneath a tree and watched speaker after speaker pay tribute to him and the musical era he created.

Looking at Waltman, Steele said, “Lawrence Waltman is 99 years, eleven months and 25 days old. On Aug. 17, Lawrence will turn 100. What an honor it is to have you and your family here, as we celebrate your tremendous contributions to the community and honor the Sunset Park legacy to country music.”

Other speakers congratulated Waltman on the occasion of his upcoming birthday and his contributions.

After introducing Lawrence and his three children, Curtis Mason, chairman of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, said, “They’re the ones who kept Uncle Roy’s dream alive and going for 55 years. They created and maintained with love a special place in the hearts of so many that reminded them of their home down south.

“It seems everybody has a Sunset Park story, and even music greats like Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash came to

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Sunset Park History

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effects of the Great Depression still having an impact on the profitability of his farming operation, G. Roy decided to combine his love of music and his flair for marketing and promotion and supplement his farm income by constructing an entertainment venue.

“So in 1939, Roy and his son Lawrence hired Amish carpenters to build a stage and concession stands in an eight acre grove of trees on the edge of the Waltman’s 90-acre dairy farm. They finished off the open air seating with makeshift benches constructed of sawmill planks on cinder blocks and hand built picnic tables.

“Sunset Park officially opened in the spring of 1940. The first year of operation featured cowboy crooners along with a variety of novelty acts; comedians, magicians, acrobats and dance troupes. But with an influx of southerners into the area to work in the munitions plants in Maryland, on the GM and Chrysler assembly

lines in Delaware, in construction of the Conowingo Dam in Lancaster County and on the farms in southeastern Pennsylvania, the demand for country and bluegrass music grew. These transplants, who were part of what was called the Appalachian

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Sunset Park Marker

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Penn Township, all of whom were here because of Uncle Roy and Lawrence.”

Finishing with the quote, “Preserve your memories/Keep them well/What you forget you will never retell,” Mason said, “Today is our way of making sure that [Sunset Park] will never be forgotten.”

State Sen. Andy Dinniman remembered visiting Sunset Park on the 50th anniversary of the venue, and recalled that the Country Music Association presented Waltman with a gold record for his contributions to country music. Referring to Rose’s song, Dinniman said that Sunset Park now serves as a place of memories.

“I think that if we all listen real hard today, we can hear that music, can’t we?” Dinniman said. “We can hear all of those performers. We can hear the joy of the crowds as they came here. I urge you before you leave this place, to open your ears to what Sunset Park was all about – to the joy it meant to be here.

“There was a time here in this county where we could all come together, where ‘Republican’ and ‘Democrat’ didn’t mean one thing or another, or whether we were young or old, or black or white. What mattered was that we all came

here together, without alcohol or drugs, and because the Waltman family gave us a venue [where] we could all celebrate the best of what this country, and what this county, was all about.”

Dinniman presented a citation to the township, and then left the podium, walked over to Waltman and presented him with a citation that honored him on the occasion of his 100th birthday and his contributions to Sunset Park.

Additional speakers included State Rep. John Lawrence; Ken Woodward, retired Oxford High School principal and president of the Oxford Area Historical Association; Pastor Jim Mundell of the West Grove United Methodist Church; Dr. William Lewis, commissioner of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; and Victor Mantegna, vice chair of the Penn Township Board of Supervisors.

Following the ceremony, the township held “Sunset Park Day” at Penn Township Park, that featured follow-up performances by Rose and Elswick, and Paisley and his band, as well as carnival rides and games, a moon bounce and food and treats by Hood’s BBQ, Kona Ice and the Plum Pit.

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

Sunset Park History

Continued from Page 11

migration, could find a little bit of home in the small concert venue a few miles north of the Mason Dixon line.

“There were three shows each Sunday from spring to fall. The early years were not easy for Uncle Roy, as he became known in the music industry. The first couple years were not profitable and in year five Waltman ran head-on into local opposition. In May 1945, in response to numerous complaints from the religious leaders of the community and local temperance groups, G. Roy Waltman was arrested by the Chester County District Attorney, and charged with “maintaining a public nuisance.”

“The community members were opposed to Waltman operating the park on a Sunday, objected to the use of loud speakers, concerned about the large crowds and alleged disorderly conduct on behalf of the concertgoers. Waltman would pay his $500 fine and then headed over to West Chester to hire the best lawyer he could find. Waltman would win his case and continue hosting the Sunday shows.

“The early stars of the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s came to

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the open air amphitheater of Sunset Park, because it gave them a break from the dark honky tonks of the south, and out from under the bright lights of Nashville. Many stars would leave Nashville after a Saturday night performance at the Grand Ole Opry for the 750-mile drive to Pennsylvania, in order to play at Sunset Park the next day. The younger, rising stars came to Sunset Park in the 70’s and 80’s with a desire to play on the same stage as their country music mentors. In 1987, an attendance record was set when over 6,000 fans arrived to see a young country star named Randy Travis. Overflow parking had to be moved to the adjoining farm fields and the Waltman’s lost a few acres of soy bean production.

“During afternoon breaks in the feature show, the families would socialize over a picnic lunch, while local and regional “pickers” gathered on the edge of the adjoining farm field with their guitars, fiddles, banjos and mandolins to make music.

“It was at one of these Sunset Park parking-lot jam sessions, in the spring of 1964, that 21 year-old Jerry Garcia,

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Sunset Park History

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who had traveled from California in a 1961 Corvair to see his bluegrass hero, Bill Munroe, met a mandolin player from New Jersey, named David Grisman. Jerry Garcia was a student of bluegrass and while still headlining in the Grateful Dead, started a bluegrass group with Grisman, with accomplished musician Garcia on banjo.

In the early days, the performers arrived in old station wagons, with instruments strapped to the roof, but by the 1980’s, this mode of transportation was replaced by tour buses befitting a star. One performer even arrived by helicopter. In 1982, Texas born country star Gene Watson was in Paris, Texas when he realized he was scheduled to be on stage at Sunset Park that weekend.

“He chartered a plane into New Garden Airport, but upon arrival, Watson could not find taxi service in Southern Chester County to drive him out to Jennersville. So he asked a helicopter flight instructor if she could give him a lift to West Grove. She told him he was too late for the main show and besides she did not think Lawrence Waltman would like her to land at the Park with the show in progress.

“Gene laughed and said, ‘Honey, I’m sure he won’t mind because I am the main show.’ After landing in a nearby farm field Watson jumped out of the helicopter and arrived on stage as his band played their second number.

“G. Roy Waltman’s son Lawrence and his wife Hazel took over ownership and operation of Sunset Park, when G. Roy died in 1957. Lawrence and Hazel’s marriage and partnership was one grounded in country music.

Hazel was a mandolin player in the Sunset Park house band, the North Carolina Ridge Runners that began playing at Sunset in 1942. Lawrence and Hazel married in 1943. Sunset Park would continue to be a family affair with Lawrence and Hazel’s daughter Anita and two sons, Larry and Donald, and later the 4th generation Waltman grandchildren, who helped operate the concession stands and work the sound booth.”

To learn more about the Penn Township Historical Commission, visit the Penn Township offices at 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, Pa. 19390, or call the township at 610-869-9620.

Second Connective Art & Music Festival set for Aug. 3, 2019 in Oxford

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Although there have been no formal calculations crunched in order to determine the exact number of visitors who attended the first Connective Art & Music Festival held last month in Oxford, it is estimated that the population of the town grew by about 6,000 on Aug. 4.

That’s a number that firmly gives evidence that the festival was not just an event. Rather, it was nothing short of a happening – a streetfest gala of music, art, food, and fun that helped put Oxford on the local and regional map as an emerging hub of community, culture and commerce. It was a landmark of moments and forever photographs: Gallery Row on Locust Street. The artwork from the youngsters at the Lighthouse Youth Center, proudly displayed at the Oxford Arts Alliance. The colors of painted faces and the sound of homemade musical instruments, up

and down Third Street. The electric pulse of local bands and the finale, a rousing set performed by headliner EVE6.

Yet, for the most movers and shakers of Oxford who helped to make the festival successful, there is very little resting on laurels among them, and the reason is quite simple: They’re already planning for the second Connective Art & Music Festival, scheduled for Aug. 3, 2019. The First Friday event in Oxford on Aug. 2 will serve as an integrated lead-in to the festival.

“Our goal starting out was to try and make this an annual event, but we needed to make sure the first festival went off well,” said Mary Lou Baily, Main Street Manager of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. “For a first-time festival, we thought it was a success, and the town felt busy but not overly-crowded, and there was a nice flow between the many activities that were going on throughout the day.”

“We do many events throughout the year, so

we were confident that we, along with the Oxford Arts Alliance, could pull off an event of this caliber, but we were happy to know that every piece of it ran so smoothly.”

While the festival’s two primary organizers were Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. and the Oxford Arts Alliance, the core planning committee also consisted of six volunteers who spent over a year dedicated to pulling off the Connective, Bethany Atkinson, Allie King, Dan Meixell, Bruce Mowday, Melissa Pacella and Neeley Spotts. The downtown business owners, Oxford Borough, the Oxford Police, Fire and EMS departments and other town leaders supported the festival from the beginning, which only added to the success of the day. There were also more than 170 volunteers who contributed a total of 1,200 hours on Aug. 4 alone.

Although the Second Annual Connective Art & Music Festival is still a year away, festival organizers will create a similar schedule using the same template as this year’s event, with new artists, musicians and participating organizations. The musical line-up will include three

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Connective Festival

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stages showcasing a diverse line-up that will include local and regional bands, world music and a Battle of the Bands competition; a Gallery Row that will feature artists and art workshops; and activity tents that will offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy demonstrations and participate in kids’ activities.

The goal of the second Connective Festival will duplicate the intention of the first, which is to create an annual event that highlights the growing artistic community in Oxford, while also exposing its vibrancy to people who live outside the region.

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Connective Festival

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“Our original concept was to connect neighbors, businesses and different groups together, but making it large scale enough to draw people from out of town,” Baily said. “We learned that for many who attended, it was their first time in Oxford. That was one of our goals, to introduce first-time visitors to Oxford, and Oxford put on a good show for them. We hope to see them back.”

“The Connective Art & Music Festival is unique in the fact that it is family-friendly, but there are interactive activities for people of all ages to do. From young toddlers to teenagers and parents and families, it appealed to everyone. During the EVE6 concert, many families who attended said it was the first time they were seeing a live rock show with their kids.”

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

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Local organization makes a big impact by supporting by pediatric cancer research research

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Eli Seth Matthews inspired an entire community with the courageous way that he lived his life while suffering from a form of pediatric cancer known as Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Seven years after Eli passed away, the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation and a still-growing army of “Eli’s Warriors” carry on the mission to support the fight against pediatric cancer through a series of events each year—car shows and horseshoe tournaments and distance runs and dodgeball tournaments and Eli’s Ride For A Cure, as well as Eli’s Celebration. These events are not only reminders that Eli’s indomitable spirit lives on, but also fundraisers to boost the efforts to find a cure for pediatric cancer.

years to more than $250,000.

In an email, Druley explained the importance of the pediatric cancer research that the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation helps support.

“Without Eli’s Warriors—in the community of Oxford and all around the country—we would not be able to accomplish all that we have,” said Paul Matthews, who leads the foundation named after his son. “I am truly blessed by our community. The town of Oxford is full of so many wonderful and giving people that continue to support our mission with enthusiasm and excitement.”

Earlier this year, Paul Matthews said, he was able to present another donation to Washington University School of Medicine, where Todd E. Druley, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of pediatrics, genetics, and developmental biology. The latest donation brings the total funding that the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation has been able to contribute through the

“As a pediatric oncologist myself, I have sat at the bedside of far too many children who, like Eli, have lost their battle against cancer, which remains the number-one cause of disease-related death in children,” Druley wrote. “While there have been some wonderful advances in the treatment of pediatric leukemia, there has been painfully slow progress at understanding the true genetic causes of pediatric cancers and identifying new treatments aimed specifically at pediatric cancers. Because pediatric cancer is a rare disease, many of the new treatments we have to offer were designed for adult cancer and have limited utility in children.”

Druley oversees a genomic research laboratory at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, an institution that has a long history of innovation and discovery in cancer genetics.

“My team seeks to better understand why children get cancer in the first place,” Druley explained. “They have fewer mutations than adults and their mutations are not ‘stronger’ than adult mutations, but they occur at important periods of normal childhood development and that intersection needs to be carefully explored. My team, in collaboration with the international Children’s Oncology Group, is also developing new methods for tracking mutations throughout leukemia treatment and bone marrow transplantation with 100 times more sensitivity than previously available.”

Those who knew and loved Eli will never forget the joy and bravery with which he lived his short life. One enduring illustration of the impact that he made on others is that his parents, Paul and Ruth Ann, Eli’s brother Austin, and a determined army of other family and friends continue the work that Eli himself started, staging numerous fundraising events each year to secure money for the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation. While Eli was still in school, he would often plan events that other students in the Oxford schools could participate in to help in the fight against pediatric cancer. Eli was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Nov. 15, 2007, when he was just six years old. After an initial round of treatments, the cancer went into remission and for two long and joyous years, Eli and his

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family enjoyed his improved health. But the cancer returned in October of 2009, when lymphoma was detected in his right optic nerve.

Eli underwent eight rounds of radiation to both optic nerves to ensure that the leukemia would not spread or form on the left optic nerve as well. Because of complications, he spent almost a full month in a pediatric intensive care unit. Next, Eli suffered from posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and went blind two days before Christmas in 2009. Eventually, his eyesight returned, one of several miracles that Paul says his son experienced during his short life.

On April 27, 2010, prior to a stem-cell transplant, Eli endured nearly three hours of full-body radiation. This was followed by heavy doses of chemotherapy to help his body prepare for the stem-cell transplant that he needed. Eli’s road to recovery was grueling. During an endoscopy, his stomach was perforated and he started losing blood internally. A massive hematoma temporarily closed his stomach off and he could not eat. The hematoma eventually went away, but at one stretch he was in the hospital for 113 days.

Making it through the difficult days made the good ones even sweeter for the Matthews family. Eli made it home to celebrate the fall of 2010—a time that included Halloween, Austin’s 14th birthday, Thanksgiving, Eli’s own tenth birthday—and his family particularly enjoyed having Eli home for Christmas and New Year’s Day. Paul and his wife remember the Christmas of 2010 as the best Christmas they ever had as a family.

Then, just a few weeks later, Eli would return to the hospital to find the cancer had returned. On Jan. 20, 2011 at 5:15 a.m., Eli went into the arms of Jesus. The courageous way that he faced his disease inspired everyone who knew him. He never stopped believing, which is why, throughout his battle with his illness, his supporters adopted the “bELIeve team” name, incorporating Eli’s name with the word “believe.”

A lot of good has been accomplished in honor of Eli through the foundation named after him. In addition to the significant donations that have been made to support childhood cancer research at the

Washington University School of Medicine, the foundation has also funded $13,000 in Eli Seth Matthews Scholarships at the Oxford Area School District. The organization has raised $7,000 for Roberta’s House, a grieving camp held in Northeast, Md., and $6,000 for the A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children’s Music and Arts Department.

The hope of Eli’s Warriors is that a cure for pediatric cancer can be found and, one day soon, mothers and fathers will never again have to tell a child that he or she has cancer.

Druley explained, “For many years, my group has been generously supported by the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation with the single joint mission of finding a cure for pediatric leukemia through improved understanding and treatment that moves us away from these toxic poisons that were developed over 40 years ago. Without such generous support from Paul and everyone at the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, we would not be able to employ a strong team of young scientists or conduct the expensive types of experimentation needed to achieve our goals. We are very grateful to Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation for their consistent and heartfelt support.”

Help the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation

Funding for children’s cancer research is limited, so the contributions that are made in Eli’s memory make a difference. If you wish to donate to the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, the address is P.O. BOX 33 Oxford, PA 19363. If you wish to come up with your own fundraising idea to help fight childhood cancer in Eli’s memory please e-mail Paul Matthews at BraveEli@zoominternet.net Visit www.BraveEli.com to make an online donation or to link to YouTube videos highlighting Eli’s life and the work of the foundation.

Oxford chapter of Kacie’s Cause offers light in the darkness

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Tracey Norcini knows first-hand the pervasive nature of the drug crisis in Chester County. In her work with the Miller Law Offices in West Chester, the legal assistant has come into contact with too many families who have been torn apart by addiction.

Norcini recently launched an Oxford chapter of Kacie’s Cause, a group which began immediately after the 2013 heroin overdose death of Kacie Erin Rumford. Kacie’s father, Andy Rumford, has thrown himself into running a drug overdose awareness campaign that has spread Kacie’s name far and wide.

“I became aware of Kacie’s Cause when a town hall meeting was scheduled at the Octorara High School,” Norcini said recently. “At that meeting, a friend of mine, Betsy Gillen, pledged to begin a Parkesburg chapter of Kacie’s Cause. Betsy’s son, John, died of an overdose. I knew John well. I first met him when I was a Bail Officer covering the District Court in Coatesville. I helped him apply to, and be accepted to, the Drug Court program. Unfortunately, he did not complete the program.

“When I left the Drug Court program for private law, the Gillens followed me to Miller Law, as John had received new charges. We helped them secure a bed at the Caron Foundation for John. Again, fate intercepted as I spoke at the church service at the Caron Foundation while John was a resident. I had no idea that Betsy was involved with Kacie’s Cause. As soon as I found out she needed volunteers, I was in.”

After seeing a clear need for a local branch, Norcini met Andy Rumford. “I met Andy once I became involved with Kacie’s Cause,” she said. “He told me many times how much Kacie loved animals. I happened to own a very ornery mini-horse named Abe. I began to work with him and he quickly became a celebrity. He is absolutely amazing and loves children. He appears at many events wearing his Kacie’s Cause T-shirt. The kids pledge to say no to drugs and in return get to sign his T-shirt. He loves his job.”

Norcini hasn’t lived in Oxford long, but “I immediately realized how large the need was for drug awareness through my job,” she said. “The criminal docket in Oxford is one of the highest in the county. From what I have seen, a huge portion of the crime is directly related to substance abuse and mental illness. As of today, the criminal docket for 2018 is at 336 cases.”

Nationwide, statistics show that about 46 Americans die every day from prescription opioid overdoses. That’s about two deaths every hour, or 17,000 people every year. At least 8,200 people die every year from heroin overdoses. That’s because the gateway drug to heroin is predominantly the prescription painkillers that fill every medicine cabinet in America. Young people sneak the forgotten pills, and when those run out, the cost of heroin is so low, it’s the next step.

There is a tangle of issues surrounding addiction –frustrated parents kick out addicts, who turn to theft to support their habits, increasing overall crime rates. Homelessness can lead to needle sharing, disease, or

prostitution. The vast majority of prisoners nationwide are jailed for drug offenses, or for crimes related to feeding a drug dependency. After someone has a record, employment is non-existent, or limited to minimum-wage jobs. Surveys have shown that children start experimenting with drugs at the age of 12. The downward slide toward cheap and easily available heroin – which can be smoked, snorted or injected – is often the next step. By the time someone shows the first sign of a problem, it can be too late.

“I believe that this issue has reached epidemic levels all over the country,” Norcini said. “In my opinion, education and hard work are the keys to helping people overcome addiction. My goal is to bring Kacie’s Cause to every community event I possibly can.

“I would love to forge a relationship with schools to bring a program to educate children on the dangers and consequences of addiction,” she continued. “I believe that Oxford did not have nearly enough resources in connecting people with drug and alcohol services. People had no way to obtain Narcan unless they traveled outside the community. Kacie’s Cause can help. We have the ability to connect people with services, support groups, Narcan, and people that care.”

The Parkesburg chapter of Kacie’s Cause offers a “Substance Abuse in the Family” program to children in grades K to 12 that have substance abuse in their families. Norcini would love to add the program to Oxford schools.

“We are just getting the Oxford chapter off

the ground,” she said. “At this time, I am building a team of hardworking, caring people to fight this epidemic. I have a small group currently that is working at community events, but we need more manpower.”

Continued on Page 28

Kacie’s Cause

Continued from Page 27

To spread the word about the Oxford chapter, Norcini has brought Kacie’s Cause to First Friday events, town hall meetings, and to the Oxford Chamber of Commerce. “We are building a relationship with the Lighthouse Youth Center, and we have had many speaking invitations at support groups, and Narcan trainings. We are always glad to come and speak to any sort of group that is interested.”

Despite the magnitude of the problem, Norcini feels that groups like Kacie’s Cause are making a difference. “I believe that the county has really taken this epidemic seriously,” she said. “There are many, many group efforts spending countless hours battling this disease. The County Drug and Alcohol Department is a huge asset to the community. The director lives right here in Oxford.

“However, we can always do more,” she said. “The problem is bigger than anyone can imagine. Every person that you meet has been touched by this in some way. Everyone knows someone that is addicted or has lost someone. But there is always hope. People do recover

and change the world!”

The Oxford chapter of Kacie’s Cause is a non-profit 501 C3 that runs solely on donations. For more information, search Facebook for Oxford Chapter-Kacie’s Cause.

Meet Our Member: Baer Electric, LLC

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

Steve Baer has operated his own business as an electrician since 1997. “We started in Delaware County, then we moved out to here in 2001 and have been here ever since,” Baer said. “I started it on my own, and now it’s a family business. My wife Michelle’s in the office, our son Parker is 16, he works for us during the summer. Our daughter might be there some day. She’s 11, so there’s time.”

Baer and workers Rob Logan, Kevin Dymond and Jon Arthur are prepared to take on any type of electrical job – small or large – residential or commercial. “We’ll do individual homeowners or we’ll do new construction for custom homes, or commercial property,” Baer said.

While Baer is prepared to address all your electrical needs, there is one area where he has exceptional experience. “We specialize in home stand-by generators or any type of generator for commercial use,” Baer said.

Baer Electric, a Power Pro Elite Dealer for Generac generators, is the one to turn to, to make sure homes and businesses have power they can depend on when the neighborhood’s lights go out. Not only do they install new generators, but they also offer Generac generator annual maintenance and are certified through Generac to do all warranty repair work on generators.

The best time to get a generator installed is when you don’t need it. “The business is somewhat storm driven, but some people will be a little proactive and not wait for that storm or for winter season to come in. That seems to be when everybody worries about losing power,” Baer said.

“A good reason to be proactive is sometimes our schedule is three to four weeks out,” Michelle Baer said. “If we can, we’ll do whatever we can to help people out.”

Baer is able to help clients select the right generator for their needs and their budget.

“Generator sizes vary, depending on if you want to power your whole house or just certain circuits, like your refrigerator and your heater. We can do whatever the customers want and can afford,” Steve Baer said. “We go out and do a consultation to see what they have, and then we can go over the different options that they have.”

“Some people just want to do the essentials, other people want to do everything,” Michelle Baer said.

Baer Electric normally has 15 generators of various sizes in stock, along with parts for fast service.

With the proliferation of big-box stores, some homeowners prefer to do their own electrical repairs, but may find that the job is harder than it looks.

“They make everything look so easy, and it’s not always the case. We do have some customers call and ask for advice,” Baer said. Baer Electric is licensed in the state of Pennsylvania and fully covered by insurance.

New developments are coming rapidly in the electrical field, including the switch to energy-saving LED fixtures and even outlets that can be controlled by your computer.

“There’s the Alexa system and smart outlets with USB ports right in them. There’s so many options out there nowadays,” Michelle Baer said. “There’s a lot of new smart technology coming out.”

“Any more, you’re not putting in switches, you’re putting motion sensors in. It a huge savings for commercial buildings,” Steve Baer said. “You have to keep up on it, the same way you keep up with the building codes.”

Baer also has experience with solar power systems, and will work with a panel installer to size and wire the interconnection for a home solar system.

Steve Baer started working in the electrical field when he was just 14. As a summer job, he was helping his older brother, who was a carpenter, on a school building project. The electrician on the project needed a helper, so Baer started carrying lighting fixtures for him, then began helping to put them in place.

“I worked for that same guy until I was 27 years old. I worked for him, and then went to school at night to complete my apprenticeship,” Baer said.

Baer enjoys the variety of the job. “You meet so many different people and so many different homeowners,” he said.

He is also committed to the Oxford area. “We love it. At first, when we moved here we would travel back to Delaware County for work. Over the years we see the value of making it more local.” Baer said. “You meet more people, you get more involved in things. We like being a part of the community.”

Most of Baer Electric’s work is within an hour of Oxford, including many businesses in Oxford and for the Borough of Oxford, maintaining the street lights. In 2017, he was a presenter for Career Day at the Nottingham School.

Baer also has a closer relationship with his employees Arthur, Dymond and Logan. “They’re not just employees, they’re good friends. To be able to have that and watch them grow with us, it’s just a good feeling at the end of the day,” he said. “There are other electricians in the area. We don’t see them as competition. We’re all here for the same thing and there’s plenty of work out there.”

For more information, visit www.baer-electric.com or call 610-932-6302.

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OOxford Mainstreet, Inc., recognized as 2018 Main Street America affiliate program

xford Mainstreet, Inc (OMI) has been designated as an affiliate Main Street America program by the National Main Street Center.

Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of nationally recognized Main Street America affiliate programs in recognition of their commitment to achieving meaningful improvements in downtowns and commercial districts across the country using the Main Street Approach.

“It is my privilege to recognize this year’s 299 Main Street America affiliate programs,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. “Their commitment to helping advance strong local economies, and to being a part of a national movement of like-minded community changemakers is truly powerful. Main Streets are the heart of our communities, and these Main Street America programs truly strengthen the economic, social, and cultural fabric of their entire communities.”

Program for Main Street, while the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) provides funding and management of Main Street in Pennsylvania.

“This recognition is a testament to the importance of the Main Street approach. The foundation of OMI’s success has been maintaining a clear vision and path for a vibrant downtown, in a way which others can follow,” said Brian Wenzka, Executive Director of OMI. “In support of that vision is a well-organized, comprehensive revitalization plan that is kept as a road map to accountability and measurable progress. Though we adjust our strategies and direction from time to time, the organization never loses focus on the destination. And doing the work that is laid out in the plan is what is leading to progress.”

In 2017, Main Street America programs generated $4.48 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,211 net new businesses, generated 30,294 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,737 historic buildings, and clocked 2.7 million volunteer hours.

OMI’s performance is annually evaluated by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC), which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that are committed to comprehensive revitalization and achieving meaningful community outcomes. PDC serves as the official State Coordinating

As a recognized program through PDC, OMI is also seeking Keystone Main Street Designation, ensuring the organization follows the principles of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Approach. This designation includes transformation strategies organized around the four points of Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization, plus the notable addition by DCED of a fifth point –Organizational Sustainability.

Organized in 1999 by a group of area business leaders, merchants, local officials and volunteers, the mission of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. is to serve as the catalyst to unify and collaborate with supporting organizations to promote and foster economic growth and stability within the Business Improvement District (BID) and surrounding

areas, while preserving Downtown Oxford’s rich historic and cultural identity. As an independent 501(c)(3), non-profit organization, OMI is committed to improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike by making Downtown Oxford a more attractive and enjoyable place to live, work, play and shop.

Oxford joined the Pennsylvania Main Street program in 2003 and followed their Four Point Approach to main street revitalization. The original Mainstreet program was a five-year term culminating with the decision to develop a BID program (Business Improvement District) or to disband the Mainstreet program.

In November 2007, property owners in the proposed BID voted to adopt the BID program where as each property owner in the BID district is assessed a BID tax based on their property value. In 2013, the property owner’s again chose to keep the BID district for another five-year term. And for a third time in 2017, an unprecedented 96 out of 98 property owners in the BID supported the extension of the BID assessment tax for another 5-year term, contributing approximately $40,000 a year to OMI for revitalization efforts. Combined with strategic financial development strategies, OMI’s annual budget for 2018 yields an impressive $395,000 in direct administrative and programmatic resources that are invested in revitalization efforts for Oxford.

As a measurement of success, 28 new businesses have opened in the BID since 2012, translating into 190-plus new jobs. In addition, Downtown Oxford also boasts a total of 34 merchants that have maintained their presence for five or more years. Oxford’s First Fridays in the downtown have also gotten off to a great start, with record attendance of about 4,000 people for each of the May and June events. The first annual Connective Art and Music Festival that was held on August 4th was likely the largest event of its kind, or any kind, held in downtown Oxford. It attracted over 6,000 attendees, with many being from distant zip codes. As a joint partnership with the Oxford Art Alliance, this day-long event hosted Gallery Row art vendors, art demonstrators, a local stage, world stage, and a main stage hosting five hours of country music and headliner EVE6 later in the evening.

“Oxford has a surprisingly strong foundation in the arts and an emerging art scene. We are excited to leverage our rural sense of place as a bright spot for the arts in southern Chester County,” said Wenzka. “And due to the overwhelming success of the first year, we have already committed to year two.”

He went on to note that the volunteer support was unprecedented with 141 volunteers tackling over 350 specific tasks and responsibilities, and totaling to over 630 hours. “This event simply could not happen without all the committed and engaged volunteers,” he said.

Continued on Page 36

Once a month, for the majority of the year, people fill the streets for First Friday and other special events. Downtown Oxford continues to become the sense of place for the surrounding rural areas, with some traveling from as far away as four hours for larger events. The first annual Connective Festival showed that attendees from the Philadelphia region outnumbered local attendees by 2:1, helping substantiate Oxford as an immerging art and cultural scene.

Oxford Mainstreet

Continued from Page 35

In addition to creating experiences that are helping make Oxford a destination, OMI has been instrumental in physical improvements in downtown. As partners for progress, the Borough and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., secured the necessary matching funds, including state and federal funds through DCED and HUD for the phased series of improvements to Market and South Third streets, completed in 2008, 2011 and 2013. The projects involved streetscape and infrastructure improvements, bulb-outs and crosswalk installation. PennDOT coordinated improvements to Market Street including the installation of traffic signals, upgrades to LED lights, and putting in a new pedestrian crossing system. “Businesses, property owners, and developers want to invest in communities with the infrastructure that will help them be successful, support their efforts, and where local leadership demonstrates they are a partner for progress.” explained Wenzka. OMI has also administered or partnered with the Borough on numerous façade and streetscape grants for downtown improvements, and most

recently, helping secure over $4 million in funding for the proposed Multimodal/Borough Hall project and related street improvements.

“Over the last 10-year period, over $2.3 million has been invested in direct revitalization efforts by OMI, and our work is far from done,” said Wenzka, adding that the organization has outlined its goals for the next five-year period which include Complete Streets initiatives, walkability, dealing with traffic calming and truck traffic, neighborhood revitalization efforts such as the Elm Street program, pocket parks, embracing diversity, and strengthening community engagement. “But we must have an economic engine to fund our needs in the neighborhoods, and the Main Street Approach has been instrumental to getting us there,” he said.

Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. Today, it is a network of more than 1,000 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through

preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have leveraged more than $71.35 billion in new public and private investment, generated 583,869 net new jobs and 131,974 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 267,800 buildings. Main Street America is a program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Meet Our Member: Daisy Mae Printing

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

When you visit Daisy Mae Printing, you won’t find Daisy. The owner is Day Marie Iseminger. “My grandmother used to call me Daisy May; that’s where Daisy May comes from,” she said. “While it’s my store name, it’s not technically my name, but I answer to it.”

Daisy Mae Printing is your hometown shop for all your printing and party needs. Printing services are vital to every business, and Daisy Mae is able to cover every job you need, no matter how big or small.

“We do all kinds of business printing, business cards, copying, scanning, and printing out pictures,” Iseminger said.

“People who just need one copy of something, they come in and we usually handle them right away. Unless there are things that need to be ordered to complete the job, most jobs are done in two or three days.”

In addition to the normal printed items that go along with an event or party, Daisy Mae offers party accessories, such as balloons.

“We could be your one-stop shop for party supplies. We can do all your invitation work. We can also, especially if it’s a wedding, do all your table cards, escort cards, balloons and party favors,” Iseminger said. “Some people, when they do parties, will do water bottle labels. There’s many, many things we can do.”

Iseminger is an Oxford native who has a commitment to her community. Daisy Mae Printing works closely with local organizations. Services include bulk post card printing, event programs and much more. “We do a lot of stuff for the high school sports and local non-profits, churches and various organizations,” she said.

For customers concerned with costs, Iseminger is happy to discuss options so you can find the best product for your budget. “I can tell them the lowest cost version, and other options,” she said.

Looking at printing from a creative angle, there’s a vast array of items that can be created for all occasions.

Graduations, birthdays, holidays, sports events, and every other special occasion can be enhanced with customized invitations, favors, and decorative items. Iseminger is able to print vinyl on glass on site for promotional items and other special occasions.

Printing services are not limited to ink on paper. A largeformat printer is available for the creation of banners and posters, and printing on metal is a very versatile service that can be done on site. “We do a lot of labels, stickers and magnets. We have done vinyl that will go on cars, wedding favors, and gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen. Recently we did 200 keychains,” Iseminger said. “We get a lot of customized requests. I got a request for note pads, and now we do notepads because I researched it.”

Iseminger can even help customers who need assistance with design. “We do lots of design items, but we also have people who order things online and send them to us, or we have companies that need a design for a logo,” she said.

On top of the high quality products, Daisy Mae offers the best in personalized service. Iseminger makes extra efforts

to help her customers, including providing change for the parking meters so they can park right in front of the shop. Even though the shop is not normally open on Sundays, she is willing to be there by appointment if someone needs to pick up balloons or party supplies on a weekend.

“A lot of people do plan in advance. I don’t have hours on Sunday, but you don’t want to get latex balloons on Saturday because they won’t last until Sunday,” Iseminger said.

Iseminger’s background is in the business world, where she was a financial analyst. When she moved into doing printing work on her own, she found her work was soon in demand. “I was getting more and more calls for things. Oxford Mainstreet wanted me to get a store front. I looked at things on my own, they gave me suggestions, and when this store opened up, I contacted the landlord,” she said.

Born and raised in Oxford, she remembers when the building on Third Street, near Hodgson, was a craft store, and before that it was the home of the electric company. Later it became the home of J and K Slightly Touched. “I used to come here all the time when it was the craft store. A lot of people remember it from different things, it depends on when you were here,” she said.

“It’s a great fit. It’s a great opportunity. I really wasn’t looking for something this big, but I was able to fill the spot up.”

Iseminger is well known in Oxford, and is the president of the Football Boosters. “I’m very community oriented. I do a lot of things for a lot of organizations. If people come in, I can provide help with some kind of a fundraiser,” she said. “I love Oxford. I grew up here. I’m involved in the community. It is nice to be close to home.”

Daisy Mae Printing and Design, LLC is at 119 S. Third St., Oxford. For information, visit www.daisymaeprinting.com or call 610-467-1989.

Studio Blush expands to new, larger location in Oxford

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

In less than three years, Tara Miller’s Studio Blush became one of the most popular and distinctive salons in the area. While Miller liked the cozy, welcoming feel of Studio Blush’s first location in Oxford just fine, it quickly became apparent that the 350 square feet of space at the location on South Third Street wouldn’t allow the salon to continue to meet the needs of the growing number of clients. Miller and her husband, Shane, identified the property at 520 Lincoln Street as the best location for the salon’s new home. A ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of Studio Blush took place on July 11, with State Rep. John Lawrence and members of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce among those in attendance for the special occasion.

With approximately 1,600 square feet of space, Studio Blush’s new home offers enough room for all the services that Miller wants to provide—and is an extremely comfortable environment for guests. It is designed to make people feel at home. The salon’s former location had three chairs for haircuts, while the new location now has six.

There is a spa room and a beverage bar, too. There’s even a

fireplace prominently featured in the reception area to complete the warm, inviting feel.

“One thing that I wanted to keep,” Miller explained, “is the coziness of the space. I never want it to feel like a salon. I want it to feel like home.”

Miller has fond memories of tagging along with her grandmother during regular appointments at a hair salon in Cecil County, Maryland, so she has long understood the importance and value of a hairstylist who does quality work.

“I’m definitely a hairdresser at heart,” said Miller. “I love the people that I meet doing this. I like that I can help people feel good about themselves.”

She explained that she likes being a hairstylist so much that, even after more than 20 years of experience in the business, it still took

Continued on Page 42

Studio Blush

Continued from Page 41

years of encouragement from her husband in order for her to decide to open her own salon. By the time she opened Studio Blush, she had some very specific ideas of what kind of salon she wanted. She had made a lot of acquaintances in the business through the years, and was very pleased when a some very talented hairstylists wanted to join in the new venture.

According to Miller, Studio Blush’s success can be attributed to the team of eight highly trained professionals that she has assembled at the salon. The stylists work diligently to keep up to date on the latest trends. They also pride themselves, Miller said, on customizing the look for each client.

“When designing hair styles, we take into consideration our client’s lifestyle, in the end creating custom colors and haircuts for each of our guests becomes a unique experience,” Miller explained. “I feel that my team is very good at meeting those individual needs.”

Kim Bruhn is a talented stylist who is a part of the Studio Blush team. Miller explained that she and Bruhn have been working side by side for the last ten years, and it was great to have her be interested in joining the Studio Blush team.

“She’s an incredible hair cutter,” Miller said. “She has an uncanny ability to make people feel like family.”

Kelly Eshelman is in charge of guest services, and Miller said that she plays a vital role in ensuring that guests are happy during the stay and when they leave.

“She is amazing with clients,” Miller said. “She anticipates the needs of our guests. She keeps the hairstylists informed about what our guests might need.”

One example of how Eshelman might assist a hairstylist is by finding out if a guest is coming off a bad experience with another salon. The goal of everyone at Studio Blush is to ensure a positive experience for each client.

“The teamwork that we have is really unique—I’ve never seen anything like it,” Miller said proudly. “We’re all willing to help each other to make sure that we achieve the best we can every day.”

In addition to a wide variety of hairstyling options, Studio Blush is in the process of expanding its skincare and spa services, and will be offering facials, waxing, brow tinting, body waxing, and other spa services.

Coloring hair is one of the most popular and important services offered at Studio Blush. Miller is an American Board Certified Hair Colorist.

“We truly color to keep the integrity of the fiber of the hair,” Miller explained.

The expansion to a larger location has allowed Studio Blush to expand its skincare and spa services, with Julianna Huggard offering facials, waxing, brow tinting, body waxing, and other spa services.

The fact that Studio Blush expanded to meet demand in just the first three years speaks volumes about the work that is being done. Operating her own business has been quite a learning experience, Miller said, and one that she is glad that she took on.

“I’m probably the happiest I have ever been,” she admitted.

Miller said that she and her husband believe that it has been very important for their teenage daughter, Sierra, to see them start this business because it illustrates that a person can accomplish whatever they want as long as they are willing to work hard. Sierra recently joined the Studio Blush team as a guest coordinator.

“Maybe she can take some of these lessons and make them work for her,” Miller said.

Studio Blush is open from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about Studio Blush or to make an appointment call 610-467-0772 or visit the website at www. studioblush.net.

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor @chestercounty. com.

OXFORD CHAMBER MEMBER DIRECTORY

Fall/Winter 2018

Accounting / Financial

ABCPA Accounting Services

610-322-2424

www.ABCPAservices.com

Cyron and Company

484-770-8796

www.Cyroncpa.com

Diamond State Financial Group

David Tate, CFP® 484-885-0682

www.dsfg.com

Edward Jones Investments

610-998-9046

www.EdwardJones.com

See ad pg. 73

Fenstermacher and Company, LLP

610-444-1215

www.fandco.com

See ad pg. 85

Forresters Financial 215-568-2078

www.foresters.com

Innovative Financial Results, LLC

484-680-0745

www.InnovativeFinancialResults. com

Nawn & Co, CPA’s Ltd.

610-268-5501

www.longcpas.com

See ad pg. 76

PRIMERICA – Charlie Delp

610-388-2573

Marilyn Har tman Sullivan, Bookkeeper 206-941-2606

TBRE Consulting Company

484-365-5570

www.tbreconsulting.com

TM Business Solutions 717-203-4425

Wells Fargo Advisors/ Christine S. Gordon

610-310-2846

www.wfadvisors.com/ Christine.S.Gordon

Woolard, Krajnik, Masciangelo, LLP

610-932-4225

www.wkco.com

Advertising / Newspaper/ Printing

Ad Pro, Inc./Chester County Press

610-869-5553

www. chestercounty.com

Daisy Mae Printing and Design 484-362-7116

www.DaisyMaePrinting.com

Signs for Success 484-584-5607

www. SignsforSuccesspa.com

Agriculture

Atlantic Tractor

610-932-8858

www. atjd.net

Hostetter Grain, Inc.

610-932-4484

www. HostetterGrain.com

See ad pg. 43 Oxshire Farm 610-932-2982

Architecture / Engineering/ Land Planning

Concord Land Planners

610-932-5119

Government Specialists, Inc. 610-932-5563

Ragan Engineering Associates, Inc. 610-255-3400

Appliance Repair

Pro-Tec Service Inc.

610-932-7878

www.pro-tecservice.com

Artist/ Art Gallery / Art Instruction

Artwork by Melinda 610-299-6634

www.ArtworkbyMelinda.com

Oxford Arts Alliance, Inc. 610-467-0301

www. OxfordArt.org

Automotive

Collision Zone, Inc.

610-932-8330

www.CollisionZoneinc.com

See ad pg. 54

Country Chrysler Dodge - Jeep 610-932-0500

www.countrydodge.com

See ad pg. 49

Dumas Sapp & Son 610-932-8564

www.SappQualityCars.com

See ad pg. 27

Harry Tillman Automotive 610-467-1330

www.htauto.net

Houser’s Family Auto Center 610-932-3945

Jeff D’Ambrosio Chevrolet 610-932-9090

www.jeffschevy.com

See ad pg. 48

Jennings Auto Repair, Inc. 610-932-3288

www.jennings-auto.com

Michael Cole Enterprises 610-869-9130

www.michaelcoleenterprises. com

McComsey Automotive LLC 484-368-6503

Oxford Goodyear 610-932-0988

www.OxfordGoodyear.com See ad pg. 18

Oxford Sunoco 610-932-5686

www.OxfordSunoco.com

Banking

BB&T Bank

610-998-1540

www.bbt.com

See ad pg. 13

Citadel 610-466-6608

www.CitadelBanking.com

See ad pg. 71

Coatesville Savings Bank 610-932-7756

www.CoatesvilleSavings.com

See ad pg. 29 & 63

Fulton Bank, N.A. 610-932-2100 www.FultonBank.com

Meridian Bank 484-568-5000 www.MeridianBank.com

Sun East Federal Credit Union 610-485-2960 www.SunEast.org

WSFS Bank

610-998-0414

www.wsfsbank.com

Beauty/Barber/Hair Salon

Alluring Images Hair Studio 610-932-9308

www.alluringimageshairstudio. com

See ad pg. 91

Color Cut and Curls Inc. 610-932-7834 www.colorcutcurls.com

Flips Barbershop

610-467-1670

Judy Hastings Salon 610-932-9566

www.hastingssalonweebly.com

See ad pg. 36

NEKO Beauty Studio 484-502-4810

www.NEKOBeautyStudio.com

Studio Blush

302-593-8871

www.studioblush.net

Chiropractic

Chiropractic Services

610-932-9061

www.ChiropracticCenterOxfordpa.com

See ad pg. 86

Fitchett Chiropractic 610-869-3222

www.FitchettChiropractic.com

Churches

Avondale Presbyterian Church

610-268-2919

www.AvondalePC..org

Community of Love Lutheran Church 610-998-0282

www.CoLLutheranChurch.org

Oxford Church of the Nazarene 610-932-2584

www.OxfordNazarene.com

Oxford Presbyterian Church 610-932-9640

www.OxfordPresbyterian.org

Oxford United Methodist Church 610-932-9698

www.oxford1851.org

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church

610-932-8134

www.StChrisOxford.org

Cleaning Services/ Restoration

A Helping Hand

484-756-1674

www.Cleaning4me.com

Bobs Window and Cleaning Service

610-932-4418

Fiber Brite Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning

610-932-8886

www.FiberBriteLLC.com

ServPro of Kennett Square/Oxford 610-268-8620

www.ServProKennettSquareOxford.com

See ad pg. 55

Rainbow International of Chester County 610-910-4077

www.ChesterCountyRestoration. com

Oxford Cleaners

610-932-9666

www.OxfordCleanersUSA.com

Computers / Consulting

digiTEK Computer Services

610-467-1200

www.digitekcomputerservices. com

Grater Solutions, LLC 484-423-4245

www.gratersolutions.com

Lemmtec 931-224-8502

www.lemmtec.com

Construction / Contractors

Cedar Knoll Builders

610-932-5719

www.CedarKnollBuilders.com

See ad pg. 5

DiPilla Brothers, Inc.

610-932-2630

www.dipillabros.com

See ad pg. 3

Dr. Concrete Surgery & Design 610-345-0855

www.drconcreteusa.com

See ad pg. 32

E Squires Paving

610-932-8810

www.SquiresPaving.com

See ad pg. 43

JFR Contracting

610-255-1471

www.jfrcontracting.com

See ad pg. 11

Harbor Stone Construction Co 610-467-0872

www.HarborStoneCC.com

See ad pg. 91

Install Solution

610-467-0686

www.myinstallsolution.com

See ad pg. 37

Nowland Associates 302-731-1333

www.NowlandAssociates.com

Dental / Orthodontics

Hendrix Orthodontics

610-869-5850

www.SuperiorSmiles.com

McCormick Orthodontics

610-932-2917

www.MccormickOrthodontics. com

Oxford Dental Associates

610-932-3388

www.OxfordSmiles.com

Oxford Family Dentistry 610-932-9580

www.OxfordSmileMakers.com

See ad pg. 95

Education

Barnsley Academy

610-932-5900

www.barnsleyacademy.com

See ad pg. 59

Bethany Christian School 610-998-0877

www.bethanychristian.org

See ad pg. 73

Cecil College 410- 287-1000

www.cecil.edu

See ad pg. 14

Lincoln University 484-365-7391

www.lincoln.edu

Oxford Area School District

610-932-6600

www.oxford.k12.pa.us

Oxford Educational Foundation 610-932-7200

www.oxfordeducationalfoundation.org

Sacred Heart School 610-932-3633

www.shsoxford.us

Electric

Baer Electric LLC

610-932-6302

www.baer-electric.com

See ad pg. 30

BobKat Electric LLC 484-473-0045

Dolinger Electric Inc. 610-932-8200

www.DolingerElectric.com

Emergency Services

Southern Chester County EMS, Inc. 610-910-3180

www.sccems.org

Union Fire Company #1 610-932-2411

www.UnionFire.com

Florist

Buchanan’s Buds & Blossoms, Inc.

610-932-8339

www.buchanansbudsblossoms. com

Funeral Home

Edward Collins Funeral Home, Inc. 610-932-9584

www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com

See ad pg. 14

Continued from Page 45

Furniture/Reclaimed

Architectural

The Barnyard Boys

717-548-5000

www.barnyardboys.com

See ad pg. 28

Martin Furniture and Mattresses 717-786-7373

www.martinfurniturepa.com

See ad pg. 15

Robert Treate Hogg Cabinetmaker Shop 717-529-2522 www.rthogg.com

Government

Borough of Oxford 610-932-2500

www.oxfordboro.org

Commissioner Terence Farrell 610-344-6151

www.chesco.org

East Nottingham Township 610-932-8494

www.eastnottingham.org

Senator Andrew E. Dinniman

610-692-2112

www.senatordinniman.com

Health

Break Away Farm Fitness 717-529-2259

www.breakawayfarmfittness.com

See ad pg. 70

CrossFit Thunder Hill

610-998-9348

www.crossfitthunderhill.com

Gracefield Counseling 267-772-0148

www.gracefieldcounseling.com

Golden Light Wellness Center

610-932-9511

www.goldenlightwellnesscenter. com

See ad pg. 68

La Comunidad Hispana

610-444-7550

www.lacomunidadhispana.org

Make Time For Massage 610-324-6375

www.maketimeformassage.com

See ad pg. 25

Pro-Active Muscle Therapy, LLC

610-932-8888

www.pro-activemuscletherapy. com

The Salt Hut

484-321-8007

www.thesalthut.com

Write-Well Handwriting Clinics & Occupational Therapy Ser vices

610-932-9511

www.write-wellhandwritingclinics.com

See ad pg. 68

Hospital

Jennersville Hospital

Tower Health

610-869-1000

www.jennersville.towerhealth.org

Insurance

Allstate The Jennersville Insurance Agency

610-345-1345

www.agents.allstate.com/usa/pa/ west-grove

See ad pg. 59

Auto Tags Plus 610-932-4000 www.quickautotagsplus.com

Garcia-Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc.

610-932-4935

www.nationwide.com/garciatayloragency

KVIS & Coe Insurance Services

610-932-9350

www.Kviscoe.com

See ad pg. 93

Stahl & Company 866-680-0951

www.pahealthcoverage.com

The Surance Group, Inc.

610-932-3360

www.Surancegroup.net

Yerkes Insurance, Inc.

610-869-4065

www.Yerkesinsurance.com

See ad pg. 12

Landscape & Plants

A-1 Mulch 610- 932-7420

www.A1Mulch.com

Carter and Son Lawncare, Inc. 610-932-5703

See ad pg. 79

Cedar Springs Landscape Nurser y Inc. 610-932-8827

www.CedarSpringsinc.com

Howell’s Lawn and Landscape 610-842-1683

www.HowellsLawnandLandscape.com

See ad pg. 39

Huf Landscaping 610-932-3426

www.HufLandscaping.com

Lawn Commander Lawn Care LLC 484-680-1137

Valley View Perennial Growers, Inc. 484-883-0303

www.valleyviewpg.com

Lawyer

D’Amico Law, P.C. 610-444-4555 www.damicolawpc.com

Eichman Law, PLLC 484-734-0378

www.EichmanLawGroup.com

Ira D. Binder, Attorney-at-Law 484-643-3325

See ad pg. 39

Law Office of James Clark 717-464-4300

www.jamesclarklaw.net

See ad pg. 84

Law Office of Matthew J. Canan

610-932-9464

www.CananOxfordLaw.com

McMichael, Heiney & Sebastian, LLC

610-932-3550

Miller Law Group 610-840-8400

www.MillerLawpa.com

See ad pg. 9

Manufacturer

Baltic Leisure Co, a division of Penn Sauna 610-932-5700

www.balticleisure.com

Custom Machine and Design 610-932-4717

www.custommachinedesign.com

Flowers Baking Company of Oxford, Inc.

610-932-2300

www.FlowerFoods.com

See ad pg. 83

Herr’s Snack Factory 610-932-6400

www.herrs.com

See ad pg. 2

Mitchell Mechanical –M2 Welding 610-932-5002

www.M2welding.com

Scalewatcher North America 610-932-6888

www.scalewatcher.com

See ad pg. 96

Shelton Pallet Company

610-932-3182

www.sheltonpallet.com

See ad pg. 77

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company

610-932-4200

www.scotts.com

Continued on Page 51

Continued from Page 46

Moving Services/ Storage

TLC Moving Services

610-268-3243

See ad pg. 13

Oxford Mini Storage 610- 932-9111

www.OxfordMiniStorage.com

See ad pg. 20

Non-Pro

ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford

610-932-0337

See ad pg. 79

Amazing Tails, LLC 717-288-7190

www.AmazingTails.org

Chester County SCORE 610-344-6910

www.chestercounty.score.org

Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation

610-945-4423

www.BraveEli.com

Fraternal Order of Eagles #2666 610-932-9943

Kacie’s Cause Oxford 610-998-9585

www.KaciesCause.com

Lighthouse Youth Center 610-467-6000 www.OxfordLighthouse.org

Lions Club of Oxford www.lionwap.org/oxfordpa

Oxford Area Historical Association

www.OxfordHistorical.org

Oxford Area Neighborhood Services

610-932-8557 www.OxfordNSC.org

Oxford Area Senior Center

610-932-5244

www.OxfordSeniors.org

Oxford Library Company 610-932-9625

www.OxfordPublicLibrary.org

Oxford Mainstreet Inc. 610-998-9494

www.downtownoxfordpa.org

Rotary Club of Oxford 610-256-5794

www.OxfordRotary.org

UNITE, Inc

888-488-6483

www.unitegriefsupport.org

Optometrist

Miller Eye Care

610-869-4200

www.MillerEyecareOnline.com

Oxford Family Eyecare

610-932-9356

www.OxfordFamilyEyecare.com

See ad pg. 6

Painting

Jones Painting

610-908-4515

www.JonesPainting.net

Photography

Jennifer Zduniak Design & Photography 610-955-4131

www.jzdesignandphoto.com

Physical Therapy

ATI Physical Therapy www.ATIpt.com

Avondale 610-268-5333

Jennersville 610-869-2200

Kennett Square 610-335-1410

Oxford 610-932-6338

West Grove 610-869-5792

NovaCare Rehabilitation

610-932-3619

www.NovaCare.com

Plumbing / Heating / Cooling/ Fuel

Alger Oil and Propane Inc. 610-932-4104

www.AlgerEnergy.com

Cameron’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 610-932-2416

www.CameronsPHC.com

See ad pg. 50

Chelsea Heating & Air 610-268-2200

www.ChelseaAir.com

See ad pg. 21

D&D Golder 610-932-6305

www.DandDGolder.com

Leon C. Landis, Inc. 717-786-2188

www.LeonLandis.com

Oxford Plumbing & Heating, Inc. 610-932-9503

www.OPHinc.com

See ad pg. 47

Potchak A/C Inc. 866-322-8849

www.Potchakac.com

See ad pg. 76

Rapid Repair LLC 484-880-3369

www. Rapidrepairsllc.com

Real Estate

Becky Burnham, Realtor RE/MAX Excellence 484-643-2405

www.BuyfromBecky.com

See ad pg. 33

Beiler-Campbell Realtors 610-932-1000

www.beiler-campbell.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Service – Kelli Brandenberger/ Colleen Davis 717-786-1300

www.SellwithmeKellib.com

Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach/ Patrick Curran 610-656-7382

www.jpatrickcurran.com

Inspection Services Group, LLC 484-324-4500

www.Isgroup-llc.com

Oxhaven Apartments 610-932-3700 www.Oxhaven.com

Recreational

Jennersville YMCA

610-869-9622

www.YMCAgbw.org

Oxford Area Recreation Authority 610-314-3783

www.treasoara.wixsite.com/ oxfordrecreation

Oxford Center for Dance 610-932-3267

www.oc4dance.com

See ad pg. 20

Oxford Karate Institute 610-998-0044

www.OxfordKarateInstitute.com

See ad pg. 69

Wyncote Golf Club 610-932-8900

www.Wyncote.com

See ad pg. 27

Restaurant / Specialty Food and Beverages

Ball and Thistle Pub 610- 624-6802

www.Wyncote.com

See ad pg. 27

Bellybusters Sub Shoppes 610-932-5372

Bog Turtle Brewery 484-758-0416

www.BogTurtleBrewery.com

See ad pg. 86

Flickerwood Wine Cellars & Twisted Treats 610-932-9498

www.Flickerwood.com

Continued from Page 51

Kilby Cream

410-658-2614

www.KilbyCream.com

See ad pg. 42

Kreider’s Market, Inc

717-529-6944

www.KreidersMarket.com

See ad pg. 36

La Sicilia Pizza Pasta Grille 610-998-9889

www.laSiciliaPA.com

Neuchatel Swiss Chocolates

610-932-2706

www.NeuchatelChocolates.com

Nottingham Inn Kitchen and Creamer y 610-932-2778

www.NottinghamInn.com

See ad pg. 2

Octoraro Hotel & Tavern

610-467-1939

Pat’s Select Pizza and Grill

610-998-9191

www.PatsSelect.com

Rise N Grind

443-309-8814

www.RiseNGrindCafe.com

Rita’s Water Ice of Oxford

610-932-2523

www.RitasFranchises.com/ Oxford

Saw Mill Grill

610-467-1909

See ad pg. 7

Toot Sweets

610-467-1900

www.TootSweetson3rd.com

See ad pg. 89

The Ugly Mutt

610-888-7462

See ad pg. 41

Wholly Grounds

443-466-6859

Retail

All American Overhead Door Inc.

610-932-4999

www.AllAmericanOverhead.com

Bookplace 717-715-4775

www.bookplaceoxford.com

Cameron’s Hardware & Supply, Inc.

610-932-2416

www.CameronsHardware.com

See ad pg. 50

Cricket Wireless

610-467-0356

www.CricketWireless.com

G & F Carpet/Flooring America

610-932-8724

www.g-fCarpet.com

See ad pg. 94

Hart Road Potters

610-932-6241

www.hartroadpotters.com

Honeysuckle Trail Country Crafts

610-932-7734

www.HoneysuckleTrail.com

Keen Compressed Gas Company

610-998-0200

www.KeenGas.com

Landhope

www.landhope.com

Limelife Planners 614-406-5892

www.LimelifePlanners.com

Lola’s

610-467-0774

www.Lolason3rd.com

See ad pg. 63

The Maroon Hornet Comics and Collectibles

610- 757-5819

Martin Appliance 717-786-7373

www.MartinsAppliance.com

See ad pg. 15

Millstone Jewelers

610-932-0366

www.MillstoneJewelers.com

Outback Trading Company 610-932-5141

www.OutbackOutlet.com

See ad pg. 24

Oxford Feed and Lumber 610-932-8521

www.OxfordFeedLumber.com

See ad pg. 31

Oxford Odds and Ends 610-932-5858

See ad pg. 29 Pickled Pickles 410-808-5507

RNJ Plaques & Engraving 610-932-4763

Soap Bucket Skin Care and Candles 484-808-5507

www.SoapBucketSkincare.com

The Junction Consignment Shoppe 484-614-1937

Retirement Community

Ware Presbyterian Village 610-998-2400

www.WarePresbyterian.org

Service

Armstrong 877-277-5711

www.ArmstrongOneWire.com

See ad pg. 53

Brandywine Septic Services, Inc. 610-869-0443

www.BrandywineSeptic.com

See ad pg. 4

Hastings Glass 610-932-2540

www.hastingsglass.com

Howett’s Screen Printing and Embroidery610-932-3697 www.Howetts.com

Lloyd Shetron Termite and Pest Control

610-470-7287

www.LSPestControl.com

Martin Water Conditioning 717-786-7373

www.MartinWater.com

See ad pg. 15

P.L.Y Business Solutions 610-724-3238

www.pamelayerkes. com/1stepfunding

Trucking

C. W. Boyd Trucking, LLC 610-467-1770

LT Trucking

610-932-2702

Veterinary

Elk Creek Veterinary Services

610-467-1488

www.ElkCreekVeterinary Services.com

See ad pg. 10

Keystone Animal Hospital 610-932-2093

www.KeystoneAnimal Hospital.com

See ad pg. 60

Oxford Veterinary Hospital 610-932-8757

www.OxfordVeterinary Hospital.com

Unionville Equine Associates PC 610-932-6800

www.UEAvet.com

Viking Power Products

610-255-3332

www.VikingPowerProducts.com

Oxford Borough welcomes Iacono as new police chief He brings 32 years of experience in law enforcement to the new job

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Sam Iacono officially became the new police chief of Oxford Borough on Monday September 10 as he was sworn into office during a ceremony that was held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church’s community room to accommodate the large crowd.

Dozens of law enforcement officials from throughout the county joined a large crowd of Oxford residents, business owners and elected officials to celebrate Iacono’s selection as the new police chief of the 16-officer police department that serves a community of approximately 5,200 residents.

“We, as a town, are so pleased that you are joining this great police department,” said Oxford Borough Mayor Lorraine Bell.

Before he was hired as Oxford’s new police chief, Iacono served as a police lieutenant with the West Chester Borough Police Department. There was a large contingent of police officers from Iacono’s former department at the swearing-in ceremony, and Iacono referred to his colleagues from West Chester as his second family.

“To have the support of all these Chester County police officers, to have the support of the former police

department and the new police department—it’s amazing,” Iacono said. “It really means a lot.”

During his 32-year law enforcement career, Iacono worked his way up through the ranks with the West Chester Police Department, serving as a patrol officer, sergeant, and lieutenant. He was involved in all aspects of community policing—ranging from patrol operations and criminal investigations to police training and working on the narcotics division.

Iacono is already somewhat familiar with Oxford Borough because he lives with his wife and children in East Nottingham Township. He pledged to serve Oxford and its residents well as he leads the police department. “I am fully committed to giving everything I have to this police department,” Iacono said. “The top priority of the Oxford Police Department will always be public safety. I am looking forward to not just leading the Oxford Police Department, but being a part of it. It’s going to be an honor to work with the men and women in the Oxford Police Department. I am more than honored to be serving as your police chief.”

To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@ chestercounty.com.

Spotlight on The Oxford Hall

By Gail Roberts

Vern and Ediene Ringler’s Oxford Hall proudly stands at the corner of Third and Market streets, having played an important part in Oxford’s history.

The first floor has housed the Post Office, a bank, law offices, restaurants and many retail businesses. This building was originally constructed after a number of Oxford’s citizens met on Jan. 11, 1864 to form a joint stock company, the Oxford Hall Association, whose purpose was to build a hall.

Rev. Samuel Dickey was the president. The original stockholders, who each purchased 20 shares of stock at $25 per share, were Rev. Samuel Dickey, Dr. James Palmer, Ebenezer Boyd, William C. Worth, J. Carpenter, Alexander McCormick, Pusey J. Nichols, Rev. John Miller Dickey, and Thomas Boland. There were other shareholders as well. At the meeting, the shareholders agreed to purchase the property at the corner of Delaware and Central Avenues, what is now Third and Market streets.

The property was purchased from Robert Murdaugh for $3,900. A

brick general store occupied the site at the time, and was run by the firm of Powley and Boland. This building was torn down so that the Oxford Hall could be constructed. The Hall’s Italianate style was designed by Philadelphia architect Isaac Hobbs. Local contractors Nathaniel Hudders and Thomas Sloan oversaw the building process, which cost $18,000. The original design included a clock tower. The tower and clock faces were erected but no clock mechanisms were ever installed. The tower was removed in the 1920s because of weather damage and water leaking into the building. The clock faces are still stored in the attic.

Local photographer Alexander McCormick used this tower, which he called the “Sky Parlor,” to take pictures of the surrounding area. These pictures still exist today and are collector’s items. McCormick, who had originally established a photography gallery in 1862, set up his photography studio on the third floor shortly after the Hall was

built. He concentrated on portrait photography and was one of only a few portrait photographers in the area, so people came from miles away to have their pictures taken. Beginning in the 1870s, McCormick also offered picture framing and copying and enlargement services.

In 1866, the Carhart Brothers of Zion, Cecil County, Md., bought out the firm of Pusey and Boland, which had continued to operate their business out of the new Hall.

In 1893, Frank E. Brown purchased the interest of one of the Carhart brothers, and in 1897 acquired the whole business. Mr. Brown had the first floor remodeled in 1915; there were new show windows and a shoe room installed that year. The F.E. Brown Company was a successful business until after World War I. Mr. Brown was known for introducing new innovations, such as the phonograph, to local customers.

In January of 1926, Mr. Brown sold the business to

Continued on Page 58

Oxford Hall

Continued from Page 57

M.S. Goldstein from Baltimore. In 1931 Mr. Goldstein rented the store to the J.J. Newberry 5 & 10 Cent Store chain. Newberry’s made alterations to the building and construction issues delayed the opening of the store. The grand opening of the new store was in February of 1932. In the 1940s, Newberry’s enlarged the building on the Market Street side. Mr. Goldstein purchased an additional building on Market Street and the walls of the original Hall building were opened to make the addition possible. A 1949 newspaper article shows Dr. Guy T. Holcombe, Oxford Burgess, cutting the ribbon to open the J.J. Newberry annex. This annex connected the building which now houses Sawmill Grill to the Oxford Hall. An eight-foot-wide underground walkway connects the basement of the original Hall building to the basement of the Sawmill Grill portion. This walkway was probably put in so that Newberry’s could easily move merchandise which was delivered on Third Street to their annex. Newberry’s was closed in 1975 when the store had a “Lost Our lease, Everything Must Go” sale. In 1976, the Hall building was sold to Emil Freeman. He owned and operated the Montgomery Ward Catalog Store until the end of 1985.

William Burling came to Oxford from Philadelphia in 1877. He was a master tinsmith but established Burling’s Hardware store, which was on Market Street where the Sawmill Grill is located today. This is now a part of the Oxford Hall building due to the Newberry annex, but wasn’t during Burling’s time. Burling’s Hardware closed in 1934. Examples of Mr. Burling’s tinsmith work can be seen at the Oxford Area Historical Association’s Archives building on Locust Street.

Before the Newberry addition, an alley circled the Oxford Hall on the South and East sides. In the early 1920s, Louis Spinnato, known to some as “Louie the Banana Man,” ran a fruit and produce business in the alley on weekends and holidays. In 1934, he leased the building which had housed Burling’s Hardware from Mr. Goldstein. On Saturday, Sept. 8, 1934, he opened his new business. Apparently there was a large turnout for his opening, despite the fact that it was a rainy day. He sold vegetables, fruits and nuts.

One of the original purposes of the Hall was to provide a place for entertainment for the Oxford community. In 1876, a Centennial Celebration was held at the Hall. Oxford citizens dressed in colonial costumes and gave performances. They told the story of the Boston Tea Party, and tea was served.

The second floor of the Oxford Hall was designed for entertainment, with no posts to obstruct an audience’s view. The 30-by-75-foot room was designed to seat 375 people. The ceiling of the second floor and the floor of the third floor were, and still are, supported by iron rods and turnbuckles, which are tied into the roof timbers which support the slate roof. The second floor was used for concerts, plays and social events over the years. Traveling professional entertainment groups performed there. Newspaper clippings from the past advertise: a performance by the Oxford Orchestra in 1867; a lecture on “The Brain and its Operations”; a magician and ventriloquist performance in 1867; the first

concert of the Oxford Harmonic Society in 1879; “The Kinematographe,” which was used to project animated scenes, in 1897 for an admission price of 15 to 85 cents; and the 21st graduation of the Oxford High School senior class in 1900. In 1902, the F.E. Brown Company took over the space in the second floor because there was no longer a demand by the community for its use. The second floor was converted into apartments in the 1930s.

The third floor was used for a lodge hall and the photography studio. The Oxford Masonic Lodge No. 353 was located on the third floor from 1865 to 1896. The raised speakers’ platforms from the organization can still be seen.

Even the basement of the Oxford Hall has served a number of purposes. It was once used for the Borough Police lock-up area. The Winchester family operated a restaurant in the basement. In 1881, W.K. Hanvey ran a “Ladies Restaurant and Confectionary,” which was known for its “celebrated ice cream.” Many years later, during the Cold War, the Oxford Hall basement was designated by the Oxford Civil Defense as a potential shelter, and was stocked with sealed water containers, crackers, medical supplies and radiation detection equipment. In 1986, Vern and Ediene Ringler purchased the

Oxford Hall. The Chester County Industrial Development Authority, whose purpose was to create jobs, approved the purchase and restoration project and made it possible for the People’s Bank to borrow money interest free. The bank made a 20-year loan to the Ringlers. They had obtained a copy of Issac Hobb’s architectural rendering of the proposed Hall building to assist them in the architectural integrity of the restoration of the building. During the restoration process, many layers of paint were removed, as well as aluminum storm windows. The Ringlers found the Cleveland Wrecking Company in Sharon Hill, which salvaged architectural artifacts such as brackets similar to the ones that had decorated the ground floor of the Hall. They purchased 34 of these. A plaster Corinthian capital was purchased from an architectural supply company in Chicago and was used as a model to form 16 fiberglass capitals for the ground floor façade.

The Ringlers opened Ediene’s, a fine jewelry store, in 1988. This store remained open until the fall of 2013, when Millstone Jewelers took its place.

Many other retail ventures have been housed in the Hall building. The section where Toot Sweets exists

Continued on Page 60

Oxford Hall

Continued from Page 59

today has been home to Shirley’s Clothes Line, the Petey Possum bookstore, Country Kids (children’s clothing), Serendipi - Tea Room, Bride by J, and Candy Case. LeAnne Blevins had a salon in the neighboring section of the building. Shear Creations followed, as well as Stillwater Fibers and Limelife Planners.

As mentioned previously, Burling’s Hardware used to operate where the Sawmill Grill is now. That section of the Hall building has also been occupied by Louie Spinnato’s business, Newberry’s, Emil Freeman’s Montgomery Ward in the upper part of the building, and Bob Townsend’s jewelry store on the lower level. At one point, Emil Freeman brought in G & F Carpet, which was there when the Ringlers bought the building. Restaurants followed: Hong Kong Chinese, Peppercorns, the Muse, and Downtown Pasta, all before the Sawmill Grill.

The Oxford Hall has provided a place for people to meet, shop, dine and be entertained for many years. Located on the corner of Third and Market

in the main part of town, it stands as a reminder of Oxford’s past, thanks to the efforts by the Ringlers to maintain the dignity of this structure.

Note: There is currently an exhibit featuring the Oxford Hall in the OAHA Archives building on Locust Street.

Oxford Area Recreation Authority

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

Halloween hauntings for fun and screams can be found Oct. 18, 19, and 20 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Oxford Area Regional Park (900 W. Locust St., Oxford). Now in its third year, the hayride through the Haunted Park is good fun for all ages, and an important fundraiser for the park and the Oxford Area Recreation Authority (OARA).

“Each year we try to make it a little different. We hope to have some surprises for the public this year,” said OARA Chairman Chip Benke.

This year, the format has changed somewhat, with gentle scares for the youngest visitors offered at the beginning of Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The first two wagons on Friday and Saturday evening will also be kid-friendly. After that, the site goes to full fright, with scares for all. Tickets are $10 per person, or $8 each for children ages 10 and under.

The Halloween Haunted Hay Ride is one of several events that take place at the park throughout the year. In the spring, a free Pitch Hit and Run competition is held, as well as Kids to Park, a free event designed to encourage children to get outdoors and play.

“The Recreation Authority has gotten involved in putting events on for the community. We haven’t done that before,” Benke said.

Throughout the year, the park trails are used by walkers, while the baseball field and multipurpose field provide opportunities for local sports teams to practice and play.

“We’re doing programs to incorporate active and passive recreation,” said Michael Watson, East Nottingham Township Supervisor and OARA board member. “We’re working with the youth sports programs to try to make the most uses of the fields. At the same time, we’re doing programs to incorporate the community feel to it, so it’s not all

about sports. It’s about bringing everybody out from the community.”

The baseball field has recently been upgraded with a new scoreboard and portable mound, making it usable for both softball and baseball.

“As far as the baseball field, it’s had some down time the last couple of years, but it seems to be picking up again, especially with the softball,” Watson said. “They seem to be getting good use out of it. Pitch, hit and run seems to be a spark in the spring to segue into the season. It’s awesome to see them out there.”

More than just ball fields, the park features a pavilion that may be reserved for large gatherings, or families to enjoy a private picnic on the grounds at any time.

Just added this year is the new dog park, with sections for large and small dogs. The dog park features amenities such as agility obstacles and a real fire hydrant, donated by Oxford Borough. Owners can rest on the benches and watch the dogs play or enjoy the raised-bed gardens in the dog park vestibule.

To help maintain the dog park, the Authority is selling personalized bricks as a fundraiser, now through the end of the year. The bricks are a way to memorialize a favorite pet, remember a family member or leave a message for the community. Bricks may be purchased online or by filling out forms available at the Oxford Public Library and various businesses around town. In the spring, the engraved bricks will be among those used as pavers in the dog park vestibule.

Park supporters may also contribute when they visit by adding change to the decorative parking meters placed near the baseball field, at the pavilion, and in the dog park vestibule. Donated by Oxford Borough, the outdated parking meters have been painted in bright colors and repurposed to accept donations to help support the park.

The Recreation Authority is a multi-municipal, governmental organization with representatives from Elk, East Nottingham, Lower Oxford, West Nottingham and Oxford

Borough. Member municipalities currently pay just $1 per capita per year to support the work of the authority. Municipalities assist by providing police coverage, trash removal, materials and other services. On their tight budget, OARA maintains the park and makes plans for the future.

“We oversee three parcels, and two of them have yet to be developed,” Benke said. “It’s exciting that we can oversee and start planning two more parcels for the community.”

The park and the remaining two parcels were originally part of the Ernest Gray farm, and are separated by

roadways. Parcel 2, located off Oaks Road is a rolling site, with a small creek and tall, established trees. The Authority hopes to retain the natural beauty of the site while adding features for the entire community to enjoy.

Ideas that have been discussed for Parcel 2 include a natural ampitheater, natural playground, fitness trail, bike trail, horseshoe pits, and tennis courts. A small parking area is already in place off Oaks Road, along with picnic tables.

Parcel 3, located off Wedgewood Road and nearest to the activity of Oxford Borough, is envisioned as a site for two more playing fields to meet the growing needs of local youth sports teams.

The OARA Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings for the remainder of this year will be held at the Lower Oxford Township Building.

To keep up with events and new features at the park, like Oxford Area Recreation Authority on Facebook, or visit https://treasoara.wixsite.com/oxfordrecreation. There you will also find a link to an event page where there will be highlights of last year’s Haunted Hay Ride, and previews of this year’s scares to come.

Growing at the library

By Carey Bresler

The Oxford Library is the perfect place for growing ideas and feeding your mind. You can use library resources to learn new skills, expand your vocabulary, and research any topic. However, the library is also offering some growing opportunities that might feed you in a more nutritional sense. Every Friday until November, the Chester County Food Bank Fresh2You Mobile Market will be in the library parking lot,

Population Served: ....25,814

Customer Visits: ........74,497

Total Circulation: ....117,373

Total Programs: ..............583

Program Attendance: ..8,170

Data gathered from the Oxford Library 2017 Annual Report:

offering fresh, locally grown produce. The truck will be at the library from 10 a.m. to noon with healthy fruits and vegetables, and ideas for including them in your diet.

Every week, the market brings a $5 Weekly Recipe Bundle, which includes all the ingredients to prepare a quick, tasty meal for you and your family. The friendly staff and volunteers from the Chester County Food Bank are generous in sharing a taste of one of their yummy dishes, and with their suggestions and tips on using the produce they sell. For more information on the Fresh2You Mobile Market and other Chester County Food Bank initiatives, visit https://chestercountyfoodbank.org.

The Oxford Library Herb Garden is another way the library is helping to spice up your diet. These container gardens are located by the Western Terrace entrance of the library and are freely available to all. Please stop by the desk to borrow a pair of scissors and snip or trim from the outer leaves. The herbs currently growing are cilantro, chives, marjoram, basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, chocolate mint and lavender.

Finally, as we transition from the growing season to the holiday season, we would like to let you know about two holiday-themed programs at the Oxford Library. First, we are offering a Make and Take Thanksgiving Class on Nov. 16 at 4 p.m. All attendees will create a centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table using seasonal flowers and a pumpkin. For ages 8 to 14. Registration is required, and space is limited.

The second event is our Annual Elves Workshop and Santa Story Time on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24. While you are out shopping, children can stop by the library to make and take a gift item for a loved one for the upcoming holidays. Santa will also be stopping by at 1 p.m. to share one of his favorite stories. Please bring a canned good or non-perishable item in exchange for the craft. These items will be donated to Neighborhood Services.

For information on upcoming events and programs at the Oxford Library, visit www.oxfordpubliclibrary.org, or give us a call at 610-932-9625.

Progress, in th name of care

heWith a new apartment complex now open, Ware Presbyterian Village now turns its attention to the renovation of its Nursing and Rehabilitative Center

TBy Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

o the individuals and families who call Ware Presbyterian Village home and receive care and services there, the continuing care retirement community in Oxford offers a continuum of connections and activity. One that draws its mission from the belief that the future is not that far off a place.

Throughout its winding and cozy streets, Ware’s Christian mission of understanding, compassion and creating a sense of belonging is achieved one resident at a time, by engaging the body, mind and spirit of every resident. As part of Presbyterian Senior Living, Ware Presbyterian Village – under the vision and direction of Senior Executive Director Katherine Hershey – believes that promoting a positive, nurturing environment needs to be supported by an appropriate infrastructure designed and programmed for those it serves.

Last October, Ware Presbyterian Village completed the expansion of Westminster Place at Ware, a complex of market rate and tax credit apartments on Lancaster Avenue. The building is the first of its kind to offer a hybrid of rental apartments (31 units) and apartments that are part of the continuum of care (30 units).

The spacious, well-designed apartments include electric, individually controlled heat and air conditioning, kitchen appliances, an in-unit washer and dryer, water, sewer, trash, and ample free parking. With Westminster Place complete, Ware Presbyterian Village is now focusing on the $12 million, phased renovation of its Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, which will take place over the next two years. The refurbishment of this level of care will create

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a more intimate and welcoming environment for residents and families who utilize the center, which provides short- and long-term nursing services, as well as memory care. Ware Presbyterian Village, Nursing Care Center has the ability to care for up to 137 individuals.

The center’s renovation primarily focuses on updating an aged infrastructure built around a traditional medical model of care to one that is refreshed with modern design, more community and resident space, as well as designed for a social model of care.

Greg DeSarro, Health Center administrator shares, “It’s been intentional through new leadership, culture change initiatives, and [Executive Director] Kate Hershey’s vision to develop a five-star Health Center. We want to strive for excellence in all we do. Our Residents, their families, and our Team deserve the absolute best and the refreshment of our building will assist us in taking one additional step closer to this goal. When someone enters a health center, there can be a lot of fears, simply because individuals don’t know what to expect.” shares DeSarro. “If we are able to provide the care and services an individual needs

in a warm and welcoming environment, were confident it will be a great experience.”

For Director of Sales and Marketing, Doug Wise, the addition of a new apartment complex and the renovation of the health and rehabilitation center is summarized with one simple and powerful goal: To help individuals achieve wholeness of body, mind and spirit.

To learn more about Ware Presbyterian Village, visit www. presbyterianseniorliving.org/ware-presbyterian-village.

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

A Continuum of Care

Within its four neighborhoods, the Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at Ware Presbyterian Village provides the following services:

• Activities and Social Events

• Chapel

• Chaplain Services (for all of our residents and families)

• Hospice Care

• Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation

• Long- and Short-Term Skilled Nursing Care

• Speech Therapy

• Occupational Therapy (to assist individuals with adaptation to their social and physical environment)

• Physical Therapy (to restore function for individuals who have experienced neuromuscular or skeletal dysfunction)

• Point of Care Resident Information System

• Private and Semi-Private Rooms

• Respite Care

• Social Services and Discharge Support

Thank you to the local businessesand organizations that sponsored the 2018 Movies in the Park series. We are grateful for your support in bringing free family movies to Downtown Oxford.

Judy Hastings Salon

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

Few businesses last as long as Judy Hastings Salon, which is starting its 40th year in Nottingham. There are many factors contributing to the salon’s longevity, but perhaps the greatest one is the friendly customer service that makes clients feel like part of the family.

The staff includes owner and stylist Judy Hastings; stylists Blaire Arnold, Deb Eshelman and Kimberly Smyth; manicurist Elaine Pinno; and receptionists Cheyenne Blakeley and April Miller.

The atmosphere is that of a warm and welcoming family where everyone works well together. “I have really been super, super lucky with the people that have been with me,” Hastings said. “We all get along and we have a good time together. We all help each other and learn from one another.”

Clients are treated like family as well -- a philosophy that keeps people coming back. “We do a lot of families. It has always been word of mouth. We’ve gotten a lot of new people in that have gone on Yelp and we’ve

got good reviews,” Hastings said. “This is a relationship business. If you like the way somebody does your hair, but you don’t connect personally, you may not want to come back. We care about people. We’ve been through deaths, births -- these people are family.”

For special occasions, there are special services. “We offer wedding parties. We do travel to weddings if they get hold of us early enough,” Hastings said. “When we have a wedding party here, we close to everyone else and we cater to that party.”

Hastings and her staff keep up with the latest in products and newest looks, and they often attend classes and have education in the salon. Nail tech Elaine Pinno offers a variety of nail services, pedicures, parrafin treatments, and is a certified reflexologist.

An additional feature that Hastings is very enthusiastic about is the makeup line. “Not a lot of salons do makeup. Kim and I have both been traveling out to Kansas City to be trained in the Mirabella line of makeup,” she said. “Since I am their salon ambassador, I am responsible for making sure that the education occurs, and we have many fun events.”

To expose clients to the makeup line, they receive a Mirabella Minute as a part of their visit to the Salon. “When you come in and get your hair done, we want to leave you with the finished look. We want to put maybe a little bit of lipstick, maybe a lit bit of blusher, eyebrows. It’s not a full makeover. It truly is just a minute or two, just something to freshen your face,” Hastings said.

Sometimes the makeup people are wearing will be disturbed in the process of washing their hair. When their hair is done, Hastings completes the look with just a bit of makeup so that they leave with the complete effect of their new style.

Related to the Mirabella line, the salon periodically holds special makeover events. “It’s a fun evening where our guests learn how to get that radiant, glowing look with our mineral-based, gluten-free, talc-free, makeup line,” Hastings said. “We also offer our guests a rewards card. Every hair and makeup product purchased counts and when the card is filled they receive $20 in free products.

“I have a passion for skin care and makeup,” she said. “After working with a few cosmetic companies over the past few years, I finally found a company that I believe in, that is completely committed to education, which was of utmost importance to me.”

Hastings also makes client education a part of her regular services. “The first thing I ask them is, ‘What do you want to do with your hair? How do you want to work with your hair? Are you willing to put time in on your hair?’”

Hastings said. “I try to teach people. I have them facing the mirror because I want them to watch what I’m doing, to watch how I’m using the small brush as I’m blowing it dry. Watch how I’m sweeping your bangs over. Often I give them the brush or the blow dryer, because I want to see if they can do it.”

Giving complete service is what Hastings strives for. “We have packages like the sugar scrub scalp massage,” she said. “We’re always trying to find what pampers somebody. You can go anywhere and get a haircut, but to me, it’s about the experience. I want people to have an experience here. I want to get them a free cup of coffee or tea, maybe a glass of wine, and there is always a fun baked treat available. We want our guests to feel welcome and feel like they are part of our salon family.”

Judy Hastings Salon (490 West Christine Road, Nottingham) is open weekdays, three nights a week and on Saturdays. For information visit the Facebook page for Judy Hastings Salon, or at www.hastingssalonweebly. com. Call 610-932-9566. Messages may be left at any time for a quick reply on the next business day.

The continuing story of Hart Road Pottery

After the departure of company founder David Eldreth, business is as strong as ever

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The surrounding farmland hasn’t changed much since the day a former mushroom processing facility north of Oxford became a thriving pottery business, but Hart Road Pottery is continuing a long tradition of excellence.

Founded as Eldreth Pottery, the company had a big transition last year when founder David Eldreth retired and turned his attention to being a painter. In his place is Dan Watt, who has been with Eldreth since the days when the company had only four employees.

Watt was working at Pfaltzgraff Pottery, and Eldreth met him there during a tour of

Hart Road Pottery

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the facility. Eventually, Watt asked him for a job, and the addition of engineering expertise helped the company take a big step toward mass production.

The products at Hart Road Potters have a distinctive aesthetic that buyers around the world love. While rooted in traditional American redware and salt-glaze pottery, there’s a whimsy that runs through everything, and the functional cookware and decorative items look great together.

The company has always been run like an extended family, and designers are free to innovate products, and come in when they want, as long as the work gets done. That has been helpful for employees as they raised children, and now some of them have grandchildren.

Recently, Dan Watt answered a few questions about the new Hart Road Pottery operation, and the many ways in which it is humming along as strong as ever.

What was your role in the company when it was under David Eldreth?

Dave and I started the business, here at 902 Hart Road, 31 years ago. He provided the finance and artistic talent, while I provided the technical know-how, based on my 14 years of pottery experience at Pfaltzgraff Pottery in York. We matched skills to make Eldreth Pottery a success.

When did you learn that he was leaving? How long until he actually turned things over to the new team?

Dave sat across from me at lunch in October 2017, and regretfully informed me that we were closing at the end of the year. After I suggested that I could continue the business, with employees’ consent, we started to plan for that. The new business began in January 2018.

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Hart Road Pottery

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Did you decide to change the name of the company, and why?

I had not considered a name change at first. But, since no Eldreth family members were to be involved in the new business, I understood their reluctance to have the business continue under the family name.

Who are the new leaders?

Our employees, many with 25 or 30 years with us, are the leaders. I am a part of a team comprised of wonderful artists who love their work, and support employees who take pride in our product. Our office manager, Sylvia Justice, is an indispensable asset who keeps things humming.

Are there changes planned in production or in styles of products offered, or are you leaving things as they are for the most part?

As production manager for 31 years, with mostly the same talented employees, it would be foolish to change too much. We are a continuation of the Eldreth tradition, with new product and design ideas.

Will you still carry pieces by David Eldreth in the product line?

As Hart Road Potters, we can no longer produce any of the Eldreth carved figures, such as Santas and snowmen. We are doing our own designs, carvings and products. We continue to do plates, bowls, mugs, etc., that you would expect at any pottery, and have developed new items.

Will there be a Santa this year?

Yes! We have our annual Santas and snowman in the stores, for sale now. Our salt glazed Santa was designed and carved this year by our artist Anne Donaldson, redware Santa by artist Dan Fager, and snowman by artist Lauren Snyder.

What has the transition been like so far?

We have had wonderful, positive comments from folks who come into the stores. We are hoping for a strong fall and Christmas season.

Does this seem like a new company, or an extension of the former successful operation?

In general, since we have the same artists and employees, the same production facility and retail stores, I’d say that it feels like not much has changed.

For more information, call 1-888-811-4313 or visit www.hartroadpotters.com. The Oxford location is at 902 Hart Road, Oxford, and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of the facility are available.

The Strasburg location is at 246 N. Decatur St., Strasburg, and is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The power of shopping local

By Christine Grove Executive Director Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce

In Pennsylvania, there are close to 1 million small businesses, according to Office of Advocacy’s Small Business Profiles. Firms with fewer than 100 employees have the largest share of small business employment.

It is not easy to be a small business owner. The job is 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our small business owners invest time, talent, money, and emotion to pursue the dream of being a business owner. It has been said it is the hardest “job” one could ever have.

So why do so many risk the incredible unknown and take the plunge? Is it the desire to be their own boss, share their craft with others, build a business from the ground up, or the ability to share their passion with the community?

The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become a holiday of sorts, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Small Business Saturday celebrates the local merchants! But really, shouldn’t we be celebrating our small business owners yearround? After all, it is our “main street merchants” that contribute to the quality of life in our community. These neighbors of ours, who have risked a steady paycheck to open their dream, are supporting their community by giving back -- and giving back in a HUGE way. You will see the names of these businesses as sponsors of downtown events,

non-profit fundraisers and free community programs.

This year, the Oxford Chamber had a record 31 sponsors for Movies in the Park! These are businesses and community organizations giving back so that the chamber could be the catalyst in offering free movies for Oxford families. Just as many contribute anonymously, donate their time serving on boards, or volunteer with our local organizations, schools, and churches. Their hard-earned dollars are not only feeding their families and growing their businesses, but they give back in a way that is humbling. Why? Because they love this little town we call home.

A few years ago, there was a nationwide campaign called the 3/50 project. It challenged locals to support their brick-and-mortar businesses by patronizing three local establishments and committing to spend $50 a month. What resonated with this campaign is that it wasn’t just a Saturday in November, it was ongoing support for small businesses.

I think our local owners would agree that it would be very difficult to shop for everything at small businesses, but could we, as a community, take the pledge to support (at least) three small businesses every month?

Letter from the Borough Manager

By Brian Hoover

Oxford of old had many immigrant visionaries who created the community we call Oxford, giving it the spirit to grow and survive.

From 1833, when Oxford was the stopping point of a twoday trip to Baltimore, to the mid-1800s, when the town was rebuilt after the Civil War, to the trials and tribulations of the 20th century, visionaries have driven the growth and expansion within the borough. From the economic recession of the 1980s, when boarded-up storefronts were a common sight, to the prosperous expansion of the borough today, Oxford has relied on these visionaries to make it what it is today, and what it will become in the future.

The fear of change, or changing things, is called metathesiophobia. It is often linked with tropophobia, which is the fear of moving. The origin of the word metathesiophobia comes from Greek meta, meaning change, and phobos, meaning fear. We hear from residents and non-residents of the Borough of Oxford that they would like to see Oxford as it was. Taking a snapshot in time, is that the Oxford of the 1940s, a bustling town with many stores? Or is it the Oxford of the 1980s, when boarded-up storefronts were a common sight?

Let’s take a look at what has changed and decide from there if the expansion of today will provide current and future residents of the Borough of Oxford with the economic viability to prosper.

Currently, the borough is in an expansion phase, driven by resident visionaries and immigrants to the borough from locations outside of its borders. Why do they come, why do they care, and who are they? People move to the borough because of the services that are offered, the school district, parks, businesses, police protection, restaurants, the smalltown feel, and opportunity. They care because they want the opportunity to live, work, shop and eat in the downtown and to be part of the future of Oxford Borough. To answer the question “Who are they?” you need to look at past, current and future residents, all of whom immigrated to Oxford at one point in time, for many of the reasons listed above. Without these visionaries, there would be no First Friday events such as the popular annual car show, no Halloween parade, no Connective Festival, no restaurants, and no breweries; no reason to come to Oxford Borough. But let’s not focus on the negative side of growth; let’s focus on the positive side. In the last two years, over 235 homes have sold, providing the borough with many new residents and increased revenue. Currently, there are over 80 new homes scheduled to be built in the borough. That,

along with the continued expansion at Ware Presbyterian Village, will bring new residents and visionaries who will drive the future of Oxford into the 21st century. In addition to the current residential expansion, over 35 new businesses have opened and remained in business over the last five years. The future will be based on the ideas, needs and visions of our residents, businesses and investors, new and old.

We at the borough have worked diligently to offer our residents and businesses services that they can access through the borough offices. We currently offer a large selection of discount amusement park and attraction tickets, the opportunity to pay your water bill online, curbside yard waste recycling, and responsive Police and Code Enforcement Departments. We are constantly reviewing vendor contracts and working to find opportunities to save the borough residents and taxpayers money. As evidenced from the above, Oxford purchased its street lights from PECO last year, saving the borough over $36,000 annually in electric costs. Additionally, we are now working to upgrade those streetlights to LEDs in an effort to provide better lighting and more energy savings.

Change happens every day in the borough. Over the last two years, we have reviewed and updated our building permit fees and inspection process to remove the taxpayer support that it had been receiving.

With these changes, the Codes Department is now selfsustaining. This, along with the change to the Residential Rental Inspections, which are completed annually, has improved the process, better protecting our transient population and providing a safer living environment for all at no cost to the taxpayers of the borough.

Have you noticed the changes to the sidewalks in the borough? Currently, there are over 1,000 rental properties in the borough that are being inspected. However slow the process may seem, sidewalks and curbs are being addressed during the rental inspections, and at the time of the sale of any property, sidewalks and curbs are required to be brought up to code. This is an effort to make the borough a safer and more walkable community for our residents.

While change may be difficult, by understanding the benefits change brings, it may be embraced and the fear removed. In the future, we will have to choose from many different paths that will affect Oxford, however, the economic growth of the borough depends on the path and the vision that we decide to follow.

Oxford Borough will never be what it was, good or bad. Oxford will be what it becomes. That choice is up to the visionaries of today.

REQUIREMENTS

BENEFITS

A proud history of saluting veterans in Oxford

Oxford has a long and proud history of community members serving in the military. This is evident by the Hometown Hero banners on the downtown flagpoles from Memorial Day through Veterans Day, the Veterans Room at the Oxford Library, a permanent display at Oxford High School for graduates who have served, and, just north of town, the Oxford Cemetery is the final resting place for more than 1,250 veterans.

On the third Saturday in December, more than 1,400 communities will participate in Wreaths Across America. The project was started 26 years ago, when a Massachusetts wreath company trucked their extra wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery for placement on veterans’ graves. Oxford has participated for seven years and is the largest Wreaths Across America event in Chester County. Volunteers place more than 1,300 wreaths in Oxford Cemetery, Buelah Baptist Cemetery, Calvary Road and Friendship Road cemeteries.

Visiting Oxford Cemetery is a walk through history. Veterans from every war, battle or conflict since the American Revolution are buried there, including two Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Weathered limestone tombstones and slate markers date back to the 1850s.

Oxford’s Wreaths Across America is supported by the community. Wreaths can be purchased online, and volunteer trucking companies bring the wreaths from New England to Oxford. The Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Fraternal Order of Eagles, American Legion, Young Marines of Lancaster County and others join in promoting the sale of the wreaths, unloading the wreaths from the trucks, the wreath laying ceremony, and placing the wreaths on the graves.

Last year Gold Star Mom Jill Hardy was the ceremony’s keynote speaker. Her son, Corporal Brandon Hardy, an Octoraro High School graduate, was killed in the line of duty in Iraq in 2006.

Mark your calendar for Dec. 15 to participate in the wreath laying ceremony. What a wonderful family event to respect, teach and honor our military. All ages are welcome to attend and participate.

For information on purchasing a wreath or volunteering for the event, please visit their website, www. WreathsAcrossAmerica.org or their Facebook Page, Wreaths Across America Southern Chester County.

For additional information on the Hometown Hero Banners, please contact John Thompson at JThompson@oliverhvac. com or 610-633-6924

Oxford American LegionRoy W. Gibson Post 535

Monthly Post No. 535 meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Oxford Senior Center on Locust Street in Oxford.

Wreaths Across America

December 15, 2018

12 Noon

Oxford Cemetery

220 N 3rd St., Oxford, PA

HB

Families interested in purchasing a Hometown Hero Banner the cost is $150.

Information needed for the banners include: Picture in uniform Name

Rank Branch

Military action, ie WW1-2, Korea, Vietnam

Sponsors names

Sponsors phone number, address and email address

Contact : John Thompson

334 Nottingham Ave Oxford, PA 19363

JThompson@oliverhvac.com

610-633-6924

Unionville Equine Associates

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

Unionville Equine Associates (UEA) is dedicated to meeting the needs of all horse owners, from routine veterinary care to specialized medicine and surgery.

They feel it’s important to deliver the best care possible for horses and owners, and to be an integral part of the community. They have a state-of-the-art facility at 25 Webster Lane in Oxford for surgery and inpatients, but they are also an ambulatory practice that travels to farms, providing excellent care around the clock.

Drs. Steven Berkowitz, Patricia Blakeslee, Christine Foster, Mark Donaldson and Jill Acland are partners at UEA. In all, there are 10 veterinarians, along with 11 support staff, who work together to make sure your horse

receives the best care possible.

“We have extensive diagnostic services and we have veterinarians that cover a broad range of talents, from surgery to lameness exams to reproduction. We cover all facets of equine veterinary service,” Blakeslee said.

Other services available are chiropractic and acupuncture, dentistry, shockwave and laser therapy, ultrasonography and an in-house laboratory for bloodwork and cultures.

UEA is prepared to treat horses of any size, breed, age and discipline. The practice sees equine athletes in every style of riding and driving, from the top levels of international competition to pleasure ponies and Amish workhorses.

While providing top-quality care for horses, effective communication with the horse owners is also important. “We try to emphasize excellent customer service. We are customer oriented,” Acland said.

That goes for the entire staff at UEA. “We like horses, we like horse people and I think that shows. We have a lot of compassion for our patients and our owners,” Donaldson said.

“We like to be good listeners. We listen to our clients and we want to know what’s important to them,” Berkowitz said.

Always at the cutting edge, Unionville Equine veterinarians have the latest technologies available to them,

including digital endoscopy, ultrasonography and radiology. The Lameness Locator by Equinosis uses small, wireless, body-mounted inertial sensors and a tablet PC to aid in the diagnosis of subtle lameness that would otherwise be very difficult to determine. It is quick, easy and noninvasive. The sensors send data to the PC for analysis that details the severity of lameness and the timing of peak pain in the stride of each limb.

Most surgeries performed at UEA are elective, but they are also ready to treat complex injuries, colics and other emergencies. The facility includes a surgical suite for cases requiring general anesthesia, and also an area for standing surgeries.

One of the main concerns with surgery in horses is the anesthesia. Standing surgical procedures avoid recovery issues and have the added benefit of keeping the horse in a position where it may be easier to assess and treat problems.

The veterinarians at UEA make a point of being involved in the community. They can be found working at horse shows, assisting non-profit animal welfare and therapeutic organizations, serving the Amish com-

munity, and serving on the boards of community service organizations.

The practice is also involved in teaching. Their externship program attracts veterinary students from all over the U.S. and some foreign schools who wish to be exposed to a wide variety of cases. Here they learn diagnostic and treatment protocols which provide them with a realistic example of a successful equine practice.

The internship program is open to two graduate veterinarians and is designed to provide a well-rounded educational experience to develop more advanced skills in the management of complex problems. Here, they hone their skills in examinations, diagnostics, radiology, ultrasonography and client communication. The diversity of cases helps the interns develop advanced skills for their future careers, whether it is primary care, medicine, sports medicine or surgery.

Continuing education for owners is also periodically offered, with a variety of clinics and seminars on horse healthcare issues.

For more information, visit the website at www.ueavet. com.

Meet Our Member: Oxford Center For Dance

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

Taking dance lessons is a memorable experience for youngsters. The lessons provide exercise, self-discipline, appreciation for music, and lots and lots of fun. At the Oxford Center for Dance, Inc., there is even more, with classes in all forms of dance, and for all ages –from young children through adults.

Oxford Center for Dance, Inc. (OCD) has been in the Oxford area for 33 years, introducing and training students who wondered, “What is dance?” In the beginning, OCD trained dancers in ballet, tap or jazz. Today, the scope of the school has expanded to offer more types of dance and more performance opportunities.

An interested dancer has access to a wellrounded schedule. The involvement in parades, competitions and different dance performances is proof that the school takes pride in its wellrounded dancers.

Classes are offered in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, lyrical, modern, hoofing tap, improvisation and Irish dance. There are also classes in karate and Zumba. For the youngest children, ages 18 months to 3, there is Toddler Time Fun with Friends on the first Tuesday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Instruction is available for students at all levels, whether they are interested in a professional career to simply dance for the enjoyment of the art. Performance opportunities are available for all ranges and skill levels, with both competitive and recreational performing companies

For students with a serious interest, Oxford Center for Dance periodically offers master classes where students have the opportunity to learn from a master of a particular dance style. Guest instructors for these special classes come from all across the United States.

Director Dina Gazzerro-Kinney has been teaching in the Oxford area for 29 years.

She has danced as a principal dancer with the Delaware Dance Company. In 1975, she was accepted at the School of Pennsylvania Ballet. After placing first in the 1976-77 World Youth Festival of the Eastern United States, she entered Point Park College in Pittsburgh to study dance.

Gazzerro-Kinney’s students have been accepted at such major schools as The School of the Pennsylvania Ballet, The School of the Hartford Ballet, The Boston Ballet School, The Briansky Saratoga Ballet Center, The Baltimore School of the Arts, The Burklyn Ballet School, Vermont, and The Pacific Northwest Ballet in Washington.

In 1994, two students auditioned and were awarded summer scholarships to Joffrey Ballet in New York and Gus Giordano Jazz School in Detroit.

In the summer of 1994, Gazzerro-Kinney attended the teacher seminar held in Hilton Head, S.C. sponsored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society and in 1995 she attended the teacher seminar at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, Pa.

In 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, her Advanced students were chosen to perform in the televised Fourth of July parade and the Thanksgiving Day parade in Philadelphia. Most recently her students have won silver and gold medals in the “Starpower” competition held in Lancaster and have traveled to Disney World to dance in Tommorrowland. OCD students also performed on the boardwalk in Wildwood, N.J., and most recently three dancers were invited to Las Vegas to participate in the Showcase of the Dancers Rock Convention.

For more information, visit www.Oc4dance.com or call 610-932-3267.