Chester County Press 06-01-2016 Edition

Flying with History Avon Grove School Board set to approve final budget on June 9

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Avon Grove School Board will adopt the final budget for the 2016-2017 school year at its next meeting on Thursday, June 9. The school board previously approved a proposed final budget of $87.8 million. Projected expenditures have dipped slightly, to approximately $87.7 million. A tax increase of 3.1

A vote on full-day kindergarten could also take place that night percent will be necessary to balance the budget if it is approved as is. The millage rate would increase from 28.1570 mills to 29.0400 mills.

School board vice president Brian Gaerity said during his Finance Committee report at the May 26 school board meeting that the 2016-2017 budget is still a work-inprogress as officials work to finalize the budget.

The Felony Lane Gang reaches Chester County

Finance Committee meetings are slated for Tuesday, May 31 and Tuesday, June 7. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. In the Avon Grove Intermediate School audion. The June 7 meeting is tentative.

Bonnie Wolff, the school board president, said that they expect to adopt the final budget on June 9. There is also a possibility, Wolff said, that the school Continued on Page 3A

Residents warned to play it safe in presence of new gang

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

During a recent board of supervisors meeting at a local township, a man stood up in the back of the room and told the story of his wife, a teacher at a local school, whose vehicle had its windows smashed in. Her purse, which contained all of her most valuable personal information, had been stolen. He had come to the township meeting searching for answers, assistance, or maybe just to articulate to township leaders the feeling of violation that he and his wife had been living with since the incident.

He told the board that he had heard speculation from some colleagues that the robbery was done in the fashion that is traced to The Felony Lane Gang, an organization of cons and criminals whose thefts have gained notoriety along the East Coast. Based in Florida, the gang has been in operation for the past several years, and during that time have been responsible for stealing -and cashing in -- tens of millions of dollars, resulting from criminal activity. Traveling in rented vehicles, gang members pinpoint areas generally frequented by women -gyms, sporting events,

parks, shopping malls and day care centers. Specifically, they look for purses and wallets in the vehicles, which often contain identification such as driver licenses, checks, debit cards and other financial data.

Gang members then recruit females -- prostitutes and/or drug addicts -- to assume the identities of the theft victims in order to cash stolen checks belonging to other victims, and are often fitted with wigs so that they create appearances similar to the photographs of the victims.

Rather than make transactions in the bank itself, fraudulent check cashers

use the farthest lane from the bank building – generally referred to as “the felony lane.”

While the township’s police chief, present at the meeting, told the man that while the robbery was still under investigation, it would be speculative to draw a direct line to the actions of The Felony Lane Gang. The man’s story, however, had already written the line in the sand, a line that has been drawn in stories just like his, throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

By John Chambless Staff Writer

a self-described typeA person with a long career of giving 100 percent to everything he’s done, Don Mann is learning to slow down and focus his energy on smaller tasks after a stroke last year stopped him in his tracks. Mann, 68, has lived in Landenberg since 1996. His resume is remarkably diverse, including stints in the Air Force, as a research scientist for the Army, as a munitions designer for the Army, as a sales manager, and as the head of a purchasing consulting group with MBNA Bank, where

he specialized in cost efficiency measures.

All those years, he was also focused on his faith, as the author of several books, including “OK, God, Now What?” and as the leader of an online support group and faith resource at CovenantPeaceMinistries.

com. If you spend any time with Mann, his boundless energy and can-do attitude come through loud and clear. He has needed that attitude – and his rock-solid faith – to rearrange his life since Sept. 16, 2015.

He started his day with an online prayer meeting through his website. “I got up from the chair, and

my leg was a little numb,”

Mann said during an interview at his home last week.

“And my arm was tingling, like it had gone to sleep. But that didn’t register anything with me, so I went out and I worked in the yard, dug up trees and stuff.

That night, my wife said,

‘What’s wrong with you?’

She noticed I was limping. I said, ‘I just stove myself up today. It’ll work out.’ That’s what I thought.

“The next day, I had to take my grandson to a track meet down in Dover. At that time, I had a pickup truck with a manual transmission. And my left leg didn’t work. So it was a rather brutal, jumpy ride to get over to my daughter’s house.

“I was getting the idea

that things were wrong,” Mann said. “This was lasting a long time. When I got to my daughter’s house in Hockessin, I could still function. My daughter took one look at me, and my face was drooping and I was tilting to the left side. She’s a nurse, so she sat me down and called 911.”

Mann was as Christiana Care Health System for three days, “pretty well bedridden,” he said. “It got worse as I laid in bed. More things were dying in my head. The trajectory of a stroke may take a week to have its full impact. It shuts a lot of things off, and the body then fights to get blood to the parts that are in trouble. One of the things that happens right away is

that your blood pressure goes through the roof as your body is trying to push blood into these areas, and your blood sugar spikes. Your brain is trying to save you.”

After being stabilized, Mann was sent to rehabilitation for three weeks, and eventually to outpatient care at Christiana Care Family Medicine at Springside in Newark. On his first day, back at the hospital, he had shared a room with Lewis Lott, who had been admitted to the hospital on the same day as Mann, having also suffered a stroke. He was a professional guitar player, and Mann had been a lifelong musician as well, often leading worship bands in church.

Mann remembers slurring his words for a day or two, and not being able to move the fingers on his left hand. “I’m left-handed,” he noted. “But I’ve always been somewhat ambidextrous, so now I’m right-handed for the time being.”

Mann’s stroke affected his motor functions, and “when I wiggle the fingers on my left hand,” he said, demonstrating the action, “I can feel the muscles tightening up in my lower arm.” Those motions are precisely the ones involved in playing guitar.

For his new friend, Lott, the circumstances were more dire. As a touring musician, he could no longer sing clearly, and he couldn’t remember how to play the songs he used to know by heart. The two men bonded over their struggles and worked to encourage each other as they fought

back against the effects of their strokes.

“It’s been eight months now, and as of January or February, I no longer need a daily nap,” Mann said.

“I had a brain injury in my 40s after ear surgery, when I couldn’t keep my balance.

If I shook my head, I’d pass out. So I learned to respect when I was out of gas and had to lie down.”

The stroke has challenged his passionately driven style of living, but Mann doesn’t feel that it was a divine warning to slow down.

“Many people think that God uses the devil to get messages to you. I think that God’s waiting for you to stand up and teach the devil a lesson,” he said.

“But the bottom line is that I did slow down, whether I wanted to or not.”

Things that Mann had taken for granted – like simply lifting his leg to wash in the shower – became arduous tasks that his wife, Cindy, had to assist him with.

Mann continues a grueling regimen of daily exercises and therapy to strengthen his left side. “I used to do 100 push-ups every morning,” he said.

“Now I can’t do the full motion – I have no control in going down – but I do modified movements.”

Every time he picks up a guitar, or the bass he has switched to because it’s not as taxing, he is working muscles that have been weakened. The mental demands of playing music are good therapy, but challenging, he said.

“I used to be able to play guitar without looking down at the strings,” he said. “Now I have to look at the strings and remember what I’m doing and read the music. But I’m getting to be able to play longer. I can practice for an hour, twice a day.”

While he and Lott were working together on physical therapy, they were given a goal – to play a concert for the Christiana Care Rehabilitation Services stroke survivor support group. “From March to May, that was our focus,” Mann said. He and Lott worked out a 20-minute set that they presented to the small group on May 20. The event was filmed, and will serve as an inspiration for other stroke survivors.

“Lewis can’t sing like he used to,” Mann said, “so that left me to play bass and sing. I think it went pretty well,” he said of the concert. “The audience didn’t hear anything wrong,

anyway.”

Mann said he and Lott are ready to perform a concert for any other groups that might be interested, and they’re working on adding more songs to their repertoire.

As a writer and lecturer, Mann was verbally skilled to begin with, but after his stroke, writing “became labor,” he said. “My brain wasn’t working as sharply as before. I had to go back and double-check what I had written to make sure what I wrote was intelligible.”

He has nothing but praise for everyone at the University of Delaware’s physical, speech and occupational therapy program. “I was over at the Star Center in Newark the other day, being assessed for stroke studies. It’s No. 1 in the nation for physical therapy,” he said. “Through this opportunity, I’ve met the nicest people on the planet. At Christiana, at Wilmington Rehab and at Springside – they’re all absolutely wonderful people. Encouraging, knowledgeable, professional. They understand how to work with you, tailoring your therapies to what you can do. ... My first goal after the stroke was to write my name, then to work on a computer keyboard, then to play guitar,” Mann said. “I’m nowhere near where I used to be, but I’m getting better.”

He credits his rapid recovery to his constant connection with God.

“Without a doubt, I credit it all to the power of prayer,” he said. “I’m living proof. I’m improving four times faster than anybody like me. When I was laying in the hospital in Wilmington, on the third week, I had nurses come in who had seen me the first week, and they said, ‘We thought you would never move that leg.’ The therapists at Springside said, ‘You’re pushing us. Every time you come in, you’re better than you were before. We have to keep ahead of you.’

“Every day, I’m rewiring my brain,” he said. “I just have to keep at it. I believe that if I had a brain scan today, there would be less dead area than three days after my stroke.

“There have been lots of answered prayers,” he said with a smile. “Lots of answered prayers.”

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.

‘Student of the Year’ from Avon Grove Charter

Budget...

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board will vote on whether to move forward with a fullday kindergarten program on that same night.

The district’s administrative team has been working out the details of a full-day kindergarten program since last fall. Initially, the goal was to transition from a half-day to a full-day kindergarten program for the 2016-2017 school year. Now, Avon Grove officials are working on implementing the program for the 2017-2018 school year. The board was deadlocked, 4-4, on the previous vote on the full-day kindergarten proposal.

With the end of the school year quickly approaching,

This year’s recipient of the “Student of the Year Award,” presented by the Avon Grove Lions Club, is Avon Grove Charter School senior Daniel Zunino. He is accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Zunino, with president David Priebe and principal Bryan Brutto. Daniel is an outstanding student leader within the AGCS community. He is president of the Student Council, captain of the Academic Competition Team, volunteers in the local community, and is enrolled in an academically rigorous schedule. He was chosen for exemplifying Avon Grove Charter School’s principles of leadership and service.

the school board approved a number of retirements, resignations, and requests for leaves.

Dr. Margaret Sharp, the assistant superintendent, is retiring at the conclusion of the current school year on June 30.

“We will miss Dr. Sharp,” Wolff said. “She accomplished a lot for the school district.”

There are no immediate plans to fill the assistant superintendent position, Wolff said. District officials have not yet made a decision about whether they want to keep the assistant superintendent position as it is or assign duties to other members of the administrative team.

A number of teachers in the district are retiring or

BURGLARY AND ASSAULT

On May 15 at 12:20 a.m., a man was seen fleeing a residence at 224 China Circle in Penn Township. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale later determined that he had taken several items from an unlocked vehicle in the garage. The homeowner drove around the neighborhood and found a suspicious vehicle that fled at a high rate of speed. The victim followed the car and tried to block its path, but the driver struck the victim’s car and fled northbound on Route 896. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING

Pennsylvania State

Police Avondale charged an Oxford man on May 16 in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a Chester County woman. Police said Idelfo Robie Simon Reynoso, 33, of Oxford, entered the home of the woman illegally, struggled with her and was forced from the property. He was later arrested for felony attempted kidnapping, burglary, simple assault, harassment and public drunkenness.

CAR STOLEN

Overnight on May 17, a red 1997 Honda Civic with Pennsylvania registration JRH-1966 was stolen from a parking lot behind Avondale Apartments at 200 First St., Avondale. Anyone with information is asked to call Pennsylvania

resigning at the end of the current school year: Sherry Gillolly, a high school teacher; Theresa Hamilton, a Penn London teacher; Frank McCue, a high school teacher; Joan Shaw, an intermediate school teacher; and Rebecca Stanzik, a high school teacher. Lynn Engle, a teacher at the Fred S. Engle Middle School, is also retiring.

The school board also approved a number of appointments, including naming Christie Snead as the assistant principal of the Fred S. Engle Middle School. Snead, currently a math teacher at the high school, will begin the new position on July 1. The assistant principal position opened up when Patrick Hogan resigned.

State Police Avondale at 610-268-2022.

THEFTS AT AVON GROVE HIGH SCHOOL

On May 12, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale investigated the thefts of multiple cell phone cases at Avon Grove High School. A student, a 16-year-old girl from West Grove, was charged with stealing the cases from a locker room at the school.

Daniel Carsley, the district’s business administrator, was designated as the treasurer of the school district for a one-year term from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Carsley will also serve as the district’s rightto-know officer for that same period. The school board approved an agreement with the Chester County Intermediate Unit for network engineering and management services for $118,000 for a year. The agreement is effective on June 15. The school board will meet again on Thursday, June 9.

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

DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

FOUND On May 14 at 3:30 p.m., 11 empty Zip-Loc baggies and one empty Zip Loc baggie containing blue wax paper were found on the side of Garden Station Road at Hilltop Road in London Grove Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The materials are commonly used to package heroin for sale.

In the last year, the gang has been suspected of –and named – in numerous thefts in the region. On March 1, Tredyffrin Police responded to the Wendy’s near the Valley Fair Mall, when a firefighter called police after seeing a person changing registration plates on two motor vehicles. Arriving police units attempted to speak with the occupants, who were driving a gray Dodge Journey SUV and a black Chevrolet Suburban SUV.

ens of identity documents to include credit cards and driver’s licenses were seen being thrown over the chain link fence but recovered by police.

In total, law enforcement took seven suspects into custody, most of whom live in Florida. Charges against the suspects include aggravated assault of a police officer; fleeing or eluding police; receiving stolen property; ID theft; access device theft and criminal conspiracy. The suspects are being held in the county prison after failing to post $300,000 each.

Chief Lydell Nolt. “What I am concerned about is that we have these incidents that don’t normally fit the method of operation of thefts from vehicles. These happen one at a time, randomly, with the thieves operating in and out, quickly.

“We can’t connect anything to the gang until we are able to arrest anybody. The only thing we can do is connect the methods of their operation to these crimes. Does that link them? No, but it does give us an idea as to what’s occurring.”

testament to the growth of the crime organization, Cowdright said the perpetrators of these crimes are not from Florida, but working out of Delaware and New Jersey.

“This is a crime of financial gain,” Nolt said. “If we can cut off the financial gain, we can stop the criminal activity. Right now, they’re not only able to find vehicles that are unlocked and accessible, they’re able to find the banking institutions that will accept transactions.”

ship with the departments in New Castle County and the other agencies,” he said.

“We’re constantly trying to ID these subjects. We’re letting all of our networks know when an incident of this kind takes place, so that every agency can get their officers to know what’s going on.”

The driver and occupants of the Suburban avoided police orders and drove from the scene, striking an occupied, marked Tredyffrin Police cruiser. It then exited on to East Swedesford Road. The same black Suburban struck the same marked police cruiser a second time on Swedesford Road at West Valley Rd. The pursuit continued northbound of Route 202 then eastbound on Route 76. Heavy traffic forced all cars to stop just prior to the Belmont Ave exit where the black Suburban stopped as it struck an assisting marked Pennsylvania State Police cruiser.

Two occupants of the Suburban fled and were taken into custody after a foot pursuit, one of which ran across all lanes of the Schuylkill Expressway, and over the shoulder into the Schuylkill River. Two other occupants of the same Suburban were taken into custody where it stopped. In the area where the Suburban was stopped, doz-

Subsequent investigation recovered more than 20 documents, including driver’s licenses, identification cards and stolen checks belonging to regional identity theft victims. Several victims that were contacted have confirmed that their belongings were stolen from child care centers and other locations that connect the underlying thefts with the gang.

Sergeant Keith Cowdright of the New Garden Township Police Department said that in the past two years, the department has attributed at least two cases of theft in the style of the Felony Lane Gang, to the gang itself.

Financial institutions have to step up and make the vetting process more difficult, Nolt said. He recommended that banks require all customers to provide fingerprint verification before making financial transactions.

Nationally, the Felony Lane Gang Task Force’s Facebook page has more than 6,000 followers, and serves as a hotline to report crimes, a forum to share ideas, and it posts surveillance camera shots of potential thieves.

Although it is too soon to confirm the connection between the usual raft of car thefts in the area and the Felony Lane Gang, these incidents are a clear reminder to local residents that Chester County has become a prime piece of real estate for their criminal operations.

“The difficult part of this is that because there’s a lot of open cases, such as thefts from vehicles and thefts of ID and financial documents -- it's hard to say how many are linked to this gang and how many are just through normal thefts,” said Kennett Township Police

One of those crimes occurred at a day care center in the township, when a checkbook and other personal identification items were taken out of a purse that was parked near the day care center.

The checks from the checkbook were later cashed at a bank in Allegheny County, Cowdright said.

“They’re stealing the checkbooks in one county, and cashing them two counties away,” he said. “They steal items from cars in the early morning and early evening times. They’re stealing checks and identification, and use both to write checks from one victim to the identification of another victim, and cash the checks on that account.”

To date, the department nor any other area law agency has been able to arrest any suspects. As a

“The biggest problem is that were finding is that victims have left purses and wallets and personal items that contain financial information in plain view, in locked or unlocked cars,” Nolt said. “The most important thing they can do is contain these items in the trunk or take them along, and get them out of plain sight.”

Both locally and nationally, efforts to curtail the Felony Lane Gang are well underway. Cowdright said that the New Garden Police Department is working with several other law enforcement agencies -- such as the Chester County Detectives and police units throughout Delaware to identify possible crimes connected to the gang.

“We are very fortunate that we have a good relation-

In the event of a Felony Lane Gang-type theft, the task force recommends that victims immediately alert their bank to the identity theft and make sure the bank flags the account for warnings of any attempt to deposit or withdraw from the account; cancel all credit cards and keep all phone

Uncle Irvin...

Continued from Page 1A Gang... Continued from Page

chased Penn Township’s system.

numbers and current card numbers available; file a police report in the jurisdiction where the cards were stolen and keep police up to date on fraudulent activity on the accounts; and call the three national credit reporting organizations -- Equifax, Experian and Trans Union -- and put a fraud alert on their name and Social Security number.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty.com.

New Garden supervisors are essentially negotiating with only one company, and have lost substantial leverage with them.

Former New Garden Township Manager Spence Andress, a former environmental waste consultant, is a member of New Garden Sewer Authority’s Board and will carry a heavy load because of his expert status. Even with Andress’s expertise, New Garden may have to rely on outside consultants to assure a fair deal, including price and future fees for customers.

However, it would be a big plus if New Garden could come up with another potential buyer.

(Uncle Irvin’s column is his opinion only, and is not a news story.)

by Steven Hoffman

Raffle benefits Relay for Life of Oxford

Area School District track. The Curvy Sundancers members organized this particular raffle.

to benefit the Relay for Life of Oxford. The winner of the raffle was J. Gambill, who took home about $175 for having the winning ticket. Henry is pictured with Mary Farkas, Robin Baum, and Marsha Spencer, members of the Curvy Sundancers, one of the many teams participating in the Oxford Relay for Life event that is slated for Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 at the Oxford

The Relay for Life of Oxford was the recent recipient of a Citizen Recognition Award because of its efforts in supporting the national Relay for Life campaign. The Relay for Life of Oxford has already raised more than $900,000 in its history for the cause.

“We all have family members or close friends who have been affected by cancer,” Baum explained.

Avon Grove School Board approves four-year pact with administrators

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Avon Grove School Board approved a new fouryear Act 93 agreement with the district’s administrators. The pact was approved by a vote of 8-0.

School board president Bonnie Wolff said that the deal takes effect on July 1 and covers 24 administrators in the district.

The new deal includes salary increases of 1.5-percent in the

first and second years of the agreement, and two-percent increases in the third and fourth years. The school district will see some savings as a result of the new deal. There are changes to the administrators’ core health care and prescription program that will save the district money in each year of the four-year agreement. Administrators will now participate in a Personal Choice high deductible/ integrated prescription health

care program.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that is mutually beneficial to both the district and its administrators,” Wolff said. “Our administrators do an excellent job of leading and managing our schools.”

Wolff added that the new agreement includes salary ranges for each position based on a comprehensive analysis that was completed in the fall of 2015. The agreement also allows administrators the

opportunity to earn bonuses based on “meritorious performances” during the second, third, and fourth year of the agreement. On average, the salary increases in the new agreement, as well as state-mandated increases in pension costs, will equate to 2.9 percent increases annually over the four-year agreement.

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

United Way partners with Food Bank to collect peanut butter and jelly

The United Way of Chester County is sticking to its commitment of raising awareness and donations for the second annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive benefitting the Chester County Food Bank, going on through June 3.

The shared mission between the partnering non-profits helps expand their reach during summer months, when food pantry supplies are low. Peanut butter and jelly is selected as the food of choice because of

its mass appeal, versatility, and protein, vitamins and minerals. Last year, the community provided 2.5 tons of peanut butter and jelly items through localized collection drives at churches, schools, service organizations and companies. The community is invited to get involved again this year to collect peanut butter, alternative spreads such as soy, almond, and sunflower butters, and jelly through the drive closing date on June 3. United Way of Chester

County’s CEO, Claudia Hellebush, said, “We’re honored to partner with the Chester County Food Bank again this year to help raise awareness about the growing need of food donations and other ways the community can get involved to help break the cycle of poverty and hunger in Chester County.” Donations should be dropped off at the Chester County Food Bank on June 3 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 650 Pennsylvania Avenue in Exton

(Eagleview Corporate Center). Stick around for an official weigh in of your total pounds collected and find out if you’re the leading team

Dinniman proposes electronic billboard legislation

State Sen. Andy Dinniman said that he is drafting legislation to establish guidelines for the placement of the large electronic and digital billboards that are appearing alongside roadways and near neighborhoods throughout Chester County.

“I have been contacted by constituents voicing numerous concerns about these digital billboards, most recently the two-sided one located on Route Bypass 30 in Downingtown,” Dinniman said. “It is my job to stand up for the residents of Chester County on issues like this, which directly impact their quality of life.”

In Downingtown, residents of North Lake Drive recently met

with Dinniman to discuss the impact the billboard is having on their lives, particularly in the evening and night hours when its lights shine into their homes.

One North Lake Drive resident, Bobbi Jo Broomell, described the billboard as being “too bright” and looking like “a huge movie screen in the sky.”

“You have to see this to believe it. Just travel off 113 down Farmhouse and you enter into another galaxy,” she wrote in an e-mail to Dinniman. In recent years, residents in both Phoenixville and Lower Oxford have also expressed concerns regarding the light pollution, traffic safety, and other issues related to such billboards.

In 2012, the Phoenixville Zoning Board ruled against a challenge to its ordinances, which would have allowed such a sign to be constructed along Nutt Road. Last January, the Lower Oxford Supervisors approved an ordinance allowing a video billboard along Route 1, but residents and officials continue to debate the future of such a project. Meanwhile, large electronic billboards have been erected on Route 202 in East Goshen and in Concord Township near the Delaware Border.

Dinniman, who during his time as Chester County commissioner served as one of the principal architects of the

county’s award-winning open space program, said he was compelled to act to protect Chester County’s investments in open space, residents’ quality of life, homeowners’ property values, and other lighting and environmental issues.

“Chester County has invested millions of dollars in preserving our open spaces and scenic vistas. To let huge, digital billboards overrun the countryside would be contrary to all our efforts to protect our region’s rural charm, natural viewsheds, and local communities,” he said. “We are seeing these signs proposed near residential neighborhoods, as well as some of the last bastions of agricultural open space in the county.”

Dinniman, who serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said he was in the process of drafting legislation that would require municipalities to do the following when considering or approving proposed digital or electronic billboards: Consider and update lighting concerns regarding a proposed electronic billboard’s lighting impact on local residents and neighborhoods; take into account the potential impact on open space and the preservation of open space viewsheds; consider the potential loss of real estate property value on nearby homes and businesses; and consider vehicle accident

rates on roadways and study a proposed electronic billboard’s potential to distract drivers.

Dinniman also said his legislation will change the permit process by which PennDOT approves such “off-premise” signs. Under his bill, PennDOT will be required to include local municipalities in its site review process before granting any such permits on its rights of way.

“Right now, municipalities can regulate such electronic billboards, but not completely ban them,” he said. “Local leaders deserve to have a seat at the table when PennDOT is considering approving such an application. After all, we are the ones that live here.”

Together

We’re

As Oxford’s Chief of Police, I pushed my body hard for years. With arthritis in nearly every joint, I couldn’t stand, walk or drive for long periods — much less enjoy hiking and camping. I knew I needed a knee replacement, but was afraid of the pain of recovering from surgery. So I went to Chester County Hospital. There, my orthopaedic surgeon, the nursing team and convenient on-site rehab helped me get my life back in motion — and free of pain.

My life is worth Penn Medicine. Hear my story at ChesterCountyHospital.org/Ortho or call 610.344.3451.

Plotting the true shape of their genius

In the course of a year, the Chester County Press makes its footprint in every conceivable crevice and crack of the community you live in, from politics to culture; from classrooms to meeting rooms; from the worst of humanity to the very best of it. It is safe to say that no news story that affects Chester County is left unreported, just as it is safe to say that among these many stories, perhaps our favorite moments are when we attend the commencement exercises Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford and Unionville high schools.

They are both a culmination and a beginning. They act to close doors behind them, and open new ones to an uncertain future. They are the fervency of celebration, dotted with the language of hope. The photographs that best describe the magnitude of these occasions are too often the ones we never publish, and the stories we write that tell of the pomp and circumstance fail to mention the hundred tender moments that are captured by the reporter’s eye.

If you are attending a graduation ceremony at any of these high schools in the next few weeks, look closely and you will see these photographs flicker by you: A teacher, dressed in full regalia, is barely able to contain her pride in seeing that special student – the one who finally listened to her and came to realize his potential – pass by with diploma in hand. When she first knew him, the student was a renegade, defiant and ignorant of the magic he had buried inside of him. She cajoled him. She pushed him. She took the talents he was given, ones that he did not know were even there, and placed them in front of him like gifts, like a blank canvas filled with color.

Growing up in North Carolina, Donovan Livingston was that student. He was disruptive in class. He talked too much. He was in the seventh grade when his teacher, Ms. Parker, made a decision that would alter the boy’s entire life. Rather than chastise him or simply shut him down, she inspired Donovan to put all of his excess energy to the best use.

In his commencement speech to the School of Education at Harvard University recently, Livingston referred to his seventh-grade teacher, in an address that is already being called one of the finest of its kind ever delivered. “She introduced me to the sound of my own voice,” Livingston said. “She gave me a stage. A platform. She told me that our stories are ladders that make it easier for us to touch the stars.”

Rather than raising their voices over “the rustling of our chains,” Livingston said, teachers should take the chains off of their students. “Un-cuff us,” Livingston said. “If you take the time to connect the dots, you can plot the true shape of their genius, shining in their darkest hour.”

At each of the four commencement exercises the Chester County Press will be covering this year, our stories will shine considerable light on the graduates. Our photos will depict their happy faces as they look out into the audience for their parents and families. You may be in that crowd soon, and if so, we invite you, for only a moment, to recognize the Ms. Parkers of your life or your child’s life. There will always be the top students, in any school, whose course in life is self-guided and self-assured. And yet, the best teachers are those who believe that their highest calling is to find those students who exist on the periphery, help them up and point them in the direction of inconvenient places that offer both challenge and reward.

As Donovan Livingston said, “No, sky is not the limit. It is only the beginning. Lift off.”

Chester County Press

A response to Uncle Irvin’s column

Letter to the Editor: Uncle Irvin is barking up the wrong tree again.

Hint: It ain’t the “ mill-

age” that fills the coffers of Kennett Township. Kennett Township’s property tax is minimal. Thanks to the new board of supervisors, the financial information is now public, transparent and easily accessible on their website. Check it out at www.Kennett.twp@

kennett.pa.us.

The time to enact fair funding formula is here

By State Sen. Tom Killion 9th Senatorial District

Last week, I offered an amendment to HB1552 that will bring greater fairness to school funding throughout Pennsylvania – ensuring all our schools and students have access to a quality education. I was proud to help advance the work of policy makers and education advocates by offering legislation that included the Basic Education Funding (BEF) Commission fair funding formula.

The state Senate overwhelmingly approved House Bill 1552, with my amendment, to make permanent a fair funding

formula established by a bipartisan commission. The bill is now awaiting action in the House of Representatives.

The formula was created by a 15-member bipartisan BEF Commission. The commission held 15 hearings over 11 months and heard from more than 110 individuals including superintendents, school board presidents, business leaders, nonprofit organizations and parents before making their recommendations.

The formula it developed will provide a more consistent and predictable indication of the amount of state funding a school district will receive each year based on a funding ratio,

determined by a transparent set of factors, from the total state spending on education.

Making this formula permanent is vital because it will remove politics from state school funding decisions, directing money to school districts based on objective and transparent factors, such as student enrollment, the needs of the student population, school district wealth and capacity to raise local revenue.

This ensures that in addition to funding education adequately, we are also accountable for the way those tax dollars are spent. This is a crucial goal, and one that I have been working toward with education

advocates. We want to ensure that the money Pennsylvanians pay is distributed fairly throughout the state – based on hard data and not political whims.

Pennsylvania now has a bipartisan, Basic Education Funding formula for K-12 that recognizes poverty, personal income, home values, number of students, and fairness. We need to make the formula permanent so that our schools have fair and predictable funding they need to best serve students in our communities. The hard work has been done and we have reached consensus on this important issue. The time to enact a fair funding formula is here.

The case for limited government

By Lee H. Hamilton

It has been 35 years since Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural speech as President — the one in which he said, “In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” Over that time, hostility toward government seems only to have grown, led by politicians and embraced by millions of Americans. In this most recent presidential campaign, Republican candidates outdid one another in calling to abolish the agencies they were running to lead, including the IRS, the Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Energy.

I find all this troubling. Not because I think those agencies — or the government as a whole — are faultless, but because I don’t see how a democratic society and market economy can function without an effective government. Capitalism and a representative democracy may need to function separately for this nation to be strong, prosperous, and free, but they also need to work together.

In fact, I’d argue that limited government is more often part of the solution than it is a

problem. It funds core functions — infrastructure, basic research, the court system, education, anti-crime efforts, national security — that allow private markets and the private sector as a whole to flourish. It sustains national parks, interstate highways, libraries, medical research, the air traffic control system and other services that make this a vibrant society.

It strives to protect Americans from hazardous food and drugs, unsafe workplaces, discriminatory employers, and toxic polluters. It has played a key role in asserting fairness for minorities, women and the most vulnerable people in our society.

This is not to say that government does not overreach, or that it always performs as it should. On occasion, its leaders make poor and misguided decisions; its legislators, however well intentioned, create wasteful and unneeded programs. And every time something like this happens, there are many of us waiting to bash government.

When it performs as it should, on the other hand, few people notice and even fewer of us stand up to defend it.

But let’s get real here. What’s the alternative?

We’re not going to do away with government, give unfettered free rein to the market, and hope that someone decides to try to make a go of delivering core services. Nor are we going to go all out and establish government ownership of the means of production. Instead, we have to make the sometimes comfortable, sometimes uneasy co-existence of the market and the government work.

So it’s crucial for our political leaders to hit a pragmatic note and strive constantly to find the right balance between the two. To debate and then establish in clear terms where government should and should not be active. To test what works and what does not and then pursue the former and shut down the latter. To work hard to wring duplication out of the bureaucracy and rigorously pursue efficient, effective, and accountable government. To make sure that enforcement of the law is both tough and fair. And to recognize that their focus on policy needs to be balanced by a focus on effective management and implementation of programs.

The fact is, government has not changed much in size over the decades. For the last 50 years, federal

net outlays have fluctuated between about 16 and 20 percent of GDP, with the occasional dip below or spike above. The total federal workforce stood at 5 million in 1964 and 4.2 million 50 years later. Whether it’s a Republican or a Democrat in office, government doesn’t seem to be going away. Nor, really, do most people seem to want it to. As a politician, you can always get applause for quoting the old Thoreau line (which he in turn paraphrased), “That government is best which governs least.” But start listing what government does that affects people’s everyday lives, and you’ll see members of that same audience nod their heads in agreement. It’s the balance between limited government and the private sector that it’s our job constantly to assess, debate, and get right.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar, IU School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice, IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Training session on emergency management held in Oxford

OxREM (Oxford Regional Emergency Management) hosted a training session for elected officials on emergency management on Thursday, May 26 at Union Fire Co. No. 1. The training was conducted by members of the Chester County Department of Emergency Services, and presented the fundamental requirements to ensure

an effective emergency management program for each municipality.

Elected or appointed officials are ultimately responsible for protecting citizens and those visiting their jurisdiction. Each municipality is required to have an emergency management program that includes a trained Emergency Management Coordinator, an Emergency Operations

Plan, and an Emergency Operations Center.

The training session was attended by elected officials and representatives from East Nottingham Township, West Nottingham Township, Oxford Borough, Lower Oxford Township, Upper Oxford Township, Elk Township, Oxford Area School District, Union Fire Company, Atglen Borough, and West

Fallowfield Township. OxREM is a committee comprised of the Emergency Management Coordinators of the six municipalities in the Oxford Area School District, as well as representatives of the School District and Lincoln University. To request information about volunteering with OxREM, go to www.oxrem.org/ contact.

Avon Grove breezes to playoff win, 7-0 Balint: 14 strikeouts, one hit allowed

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Just moments after he spoke to his players following his team’s crushing 7-0 victory over Central Bucks East on May 27, Avon Grove head coach Mike Deluzio leaned against the protective fence of the dugout. Although it was just the latest rung climbed in a season of many rungs, the moment deserved reflection, and Deluzio spoke eloquently about his team.

“This is something we talked about from the

beginning, of creating an atmosphere and a chemistry that developed into a ‘no-die’ culture,” Deluzio said. “At first, people didn’t all buy into the system, but day by day, game by game, it started to seep in. As they bought into the system, they realized that the system will carry them, and this is the end result.”

Behind pitcher Maggie Balint’s 14-strikeout, onehit performance and a timely collection of clutch hitting, the No. 2-seeded Red Devils moved to the semifinal round of the

PIAA District 1 Class AAAA playoffs, against No. 19-seed West Chester East on May 31. (The game began too late for this edition.)

As has generally become the working plan of this year’s Avon Grove team, all Balint’s teammates need to do is get her one run and she’ll take care of the rest. A look at the game’s line score demonstrated a shared responsibility on offense, as eight Red Devils recorded at least one hit, but Allyson Wallauer’s double in the third may have been the most important hit.

After Megan DeFeo and Balint knocked backto-back singles with two away in the third inning, Wallauer clubbed a double to right-center to score two against Central Bucks West starter Theresa Haus. The Red Devils tacked on three more runs in their fifth,

that began with Meghan Nolan’s lead-off double. Nolan then went to third on DeFeo’s sacrifice bunt. Balint was then hit by a pitch and replaced by designated runner Becca

LeStourgen. Wallauer’s drag bunt down the third base line was ruled a fair ball, sending LeStourgen to third. She then came in to score on a sacrifice fly by Rachel Butler. A single by Camryn Laterza then drove in Wallauer, and that gave Avon Grove a 5-0 lead.

In the sixth, a two-out bloop single by Butler drove in the final two runs for Avon Grove.

In what was her final game on Avon Grove’s home field, Balint was spectacular on the mound, striking out eight of the first nine batters to the plate and not giving up a walk the entire game. Her only trouble came in the fourth, when Hailey Aspinal led off the inning with a triple to right field.

But in true Balint fashion, she left Aspinal helpless at third, as she mowed down the next three hitters on strikeouts.

“We knew that we had one of the best pitchers – if not the best pitcher -- in the state, with Maggie,” Deluzio said. “What we asked the girls to do was play a role. We gave them a role, we explained that role to them, and then we asked them to fulfill that role. It’s all about doing what you need to when you’re up at bat to make our team winning, whether it’s bunting or running the bases. You need to do your job. This is a team.”

To

Vintage cars motor through the area as part of a tour

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

It was a truly amazing sight.

One vintage antique car after another pulled into the parking lot of Basciani Foods on Penn Green Road on Monday, May 23. The cars were spiffed up and shining under the mid-May sun, and their owners—members of the Horseless Carriage Club of America—were beaming after an enjoyable ride through the gorgeous Chester County countryside.

“These are beautiful roads and the scenery is gorgeous,” commented Gil Fitzhugh, a Morristown, New Jersey resident who drove his 1912 Buick—he owns the smallest of the three sizes that were manufactured that year—to the location.

When everyone arrived at Baciani Foods to get a look at a mushroom facility in the heart of the Mushroom Capital of the World, there were 170 people in 80 vintage cars.

Helen Turner was riding with her husband, Lee, in a 1910 REO that they’ve owned for the last ten years.

The car was manufactured by Ransom Eli Olds, a pioneer of the automotive industry who is known for

the REO and Oldsmobile brands. She said that the vintage car owners were traveling as part of the HCCA National BBC Tour.

“It’s an annual event,” Turner said, explaining that the tour started with a visit to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Pa., a day earlier. The vintage car owners began Monday with a visit to Basciani Foods before moving on to the Iron and Steel Museum in Coatesville before heading back to Strasburg. Visits to the Hershey, Pa., northern Delaware, and York, Pa. areas were also a part of the four-day long tour.

The Turners, who reside in Glen Mills, were very familiar with the Chester County roads and this area. The vintage car owners came from all over the country to be a part of this tour. There was even one car owner from Canada, and another from Great Britain.

“I made one wrong turn in Ohio and I ended up here,” joked Wayne Funk, a Michigan resident.

The tour stopped at Basciani Foods because of a connection that Turner made with the business at the Mushroom Festival over a decade ago.

“I couldn’t bring all these people here and not go to a mushroom place,” Turner said, referring to Kennett Square’s status as the Mushroom Capital of the World. She said that Basciani Foods was extremely accommodating during the visit.

Turner said that she and her husband really enjoy

not only this tour, but being a part of the Horseless Carriage Club of America.

“We really enjoy the camaraderie and riding on these beautiful back roads,” she said.

The Horseless Carriage Club of America defines “horseless carriage” as any gas, steam, or electric motor vehicle built or manufactured prior to Jan. 1, 1916. The goal of the Horseless Carriage Club is to preserve the originality of the automobiles, or to restore the automobiles to

their original condition, so that they can be used for driving and completing tours to promote the preservation of their historical value.

The cars attract attention wherever they go, and the car owners love to talk about them.

Fitzhugh has owned his 1912 Buick for about 15 years, and most of the restoration work has taken place in the last three. He explained that while he loves taking the car out for a fun drive, it can be challenging, too. There are no power

assists for a car that was manufactured more than one hundred years ago. The cars are started by a hand-crank, the steering is stiff, and there are only rear-wheel brakes. It takes some effort, but the experience of driving a vintage car is well worth it. Each car has its own unique way of handling, Fitzhugh said.

“I have four antique cars, and they all drive differently,” he said.

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

New Garden Flying Field to host historic aircraft

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

There was a time in America when being a passenger on an airplane was reason for a small celebration. Those who boarded came dressed for a wedding or a coronation, as if to reciprocate for being given the gift of a miracle that was still in its infancy.

One of those airplanes they boarded was the Ford Tri-Motor, created by Henry Ford and nicknamed “The Tin Goose,” which took its first flight in 1929. From June 9 to 12, those who attend “Fly Into History” at the New Garden Flying Field will be given a ride on that same airplane.

In association with the Flying Field and Garnet Ford of West Chester, EAA Chapter 240 is sponsoring a full weekend of flights aboard the historic aircraft, as well as several other activities and events. On June 10, wrapped around a full display of antique cars and historic aircraft, Chapter 240 will host a barbecue lunch and then a pot luck dinner early that evening, which will be followed by an evening of 1940sera swing dancing in the flying field’s main hangar, sponsored

by Take The Lead Dance Studio. On June 11 and 12, Chapter 240 will host its “increasingly famous” pancake breakfast to start the day, and offer tours of the chapter’s hangar, followed by a barbecue dinner. The Flying Field’s Future Aviators program will give kids a chance to get in the cockpit with flight simulator demonstrations, as well as show the Disney animated film, “Planes” at the Flying Field’s new visitors center.

The 15- to 30-minute flights will take off from New Garden, head north toward Longwood Gardens, and then turn south toward Wilmington. The aircraft will then fly over the Delaware River and south toward the top of the Chesapeake Bay, and then return to the Flying Field.

From 1926 to 1933, Ford Motor Company built 199 TriMotors. In 1930, the Tri-Motor was leased to Cuban Airlines, where it inaugurated air service between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The plane was later flown by the government of the Dominican Republic. By 1950, the plane was returned to the United States, served as a crop duster, and eventually became used for air show rides.

Representatives from Chapter 240 had been in conversation with the EAA national group in Wisconsin, who informed them that they had the opportunity to bring the Tri-Motor to New Garden as part of a country-wide tour.

“We want our passengers to appreciate history, for aircraft like this that have a real history to them, when they were built in the 1940s and used for training in the U.S. Air Force, giving pilots their first taste of aviation, which led them to jets, and later to fighting roles,” said Chapter 240 president Mike Parry. “It’s a cycle of information that we consistently need to be putting in front of people.”

“The great thing about these flights will be that passengers won’t just climb in the airplane,” said Chapter 240 vice president Bud Swenson. “They will have an opportunity to get a briefing about the plane, and what they’re expected to see. It will be a flight of awareness.”

The event reflects the New Garden Flying Field’s recognition of aviation history.

“Everything we do, through the Young Aviators Camp, the EAA Chapter 240 and the Young Eagle flights, is about sharing our passion for flight,” said New Garden Flying Field manager

From June 9 to 12, the New Garden Flying Field will host

will offer passengers the

Jon Martin. “It all started with someone going on a ride on an aircraft like the Ford TriMotor on a grass runway, so it’s really no accident that we have a lot of vintage aircraft here to acknowledge that history.”

The “Fly Into History” event is just one part of a continuing series of activities planned for the Flying Field this year. It will serve as the host of the Chester County Balloon Festival from June 24 to 26; the Festival of Flight on Aug. 20 and 21; and

to

the popular Future Aviators Camps in July and August.

“We’ve been working with Jon and Court Dunn – the head of the flight school – to form a triangular form of connection between the Flying Field, the flight school and Chapter 240,” Parry said. “We continue to keep the spiral of information going between the three of us.

This year, we’ve started a youth program here at the chapter, to get children to understand the A-to-B points of navigation.

It complements what Jon and Court are doing.”

The Ford Tri-Motor seats ten passengers. Flights are $70 for adults and $50 for children. Book in advance at www. flytheford.com, or at the event. The New Garden Flying Field is at 1325 Newark Road, Toughkenamon. For more information, visit www.eaa240. org.

To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@ chestercounty.com.

June 4

Home & Garden Tour

The Kennett Library presents the Home and Garden Day Tour of historic buildings and gardens in the Kennett area on June 4 from 10

a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www. historickennettsquare.com for details.

June 4

Community Breakfast

The community is invited

to share free breakfast on June 4 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Unionville High School cafeteria. This event coincides with the running of the annual Relay for Life Event, hosted at Unionville High School starting June 3 at 6 p.m. UnionvilleChadds Ford administrators will be helping at the breakfast. June 5 Family program at museum The Brandywine River Museum

of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) offers free admission all day on June 5. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be family entertainment. There will be an attempt by the Give and Take Jugglers to cross the Brandywine ion a wire at 1:30 p.m., after a juggling show at noon. Ballet X will perform at 1 p.m., and there will be family art activities. For more information,

call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywinemuseum.org. June 8

Spaghetti dinner

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) will hold its spring take-out spaghetti dinner on June 8. The menu will consist of spaghetti with meatballs, tossed salad with dressing, dinner roll and homemade dessert. Dinners can be picked up

between 3 and 6 p.m. The cost is $7. Call 610-9325244 to reserve dinners.

June 12

Music Expo

The Keystone Record Collectors monthly Music Expo will be held at the Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway east, next to Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster) on June 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dozens of dealers will be selling

music memorabilia, records and CDs. Free admission. For information, call 610932-7852 or visit www. recordcollectors.org.

To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@ chestercounty.com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

A barn full of art that goes beyond the ordinary

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The huge, historic barn on Route 926 in Kennett Square is impressive any time of year, but for one weekend each summer, it’s packed with artworks that go well beyond the usual barnsand-bridges stereotype of Chester County art.

“Abstractions,” to be held in the barn at Scarlett Thicket Farm on June 4, is a unique gathering of artists who push the boundaries, and the chance to see their work in one place is an open-ended invitation to explore.

This year’s show, hosted by Peter Welling, features paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works displayed against the burnished wood walls of the barn. From 2 to 7 p.m., you can mingle with the artists and discuss their work – or take home a treasure. This year’s artists are Denis Beach, Katee Boyle, Dev

Devereux, Lele Galer, Eo Omwake, Frances Roosevelt, Stan Smokler, Vicki Vinton and Peter Willard. Dennis Beach, based in Wilmington, Del., creates multicolored plywood sculptures. Repeating simple geometric shapes in single works of art, the artist creates minimalist sculptures that suggest highly abstracted natural forms and function.

On her website, sculptor Katee Boyle writes that she “is a visual storyteller. Keep in mind, some work is not quite so literal and different readers might not get the same story. That’s OK. As long as you get something.”

Galer, a sculptor and painter, writes on her website, “I am an oil and encaustic painter who uses a bright palette and expressionistic brushwork. I am particularly interested in color, mass and texture. My encaustic work uses primarily photographic images that I have taken

and incorporated into a deeper world of wax, color and texture. I have been working in welded steel, making abstract sculptures with found and bought steel in relief or standing. My sculptures range in size from 6 inches to 10 feet.”

Omwake, a longtime contemporary artist, writes of his work, “I am conservative, in that I believe in classic painting. Yet, I also believe in pushing the boundaries of what art can be. … Art is about expression.”

Smokler’s steel sculptures recall the visual wit and cunning assemblages of Picasso and Gonzalez, as well as the American voices of David Smith and Richard Stankiewicz. Out of these sources, he has developed a unique palette, applying industrial cast-offs, “found objects,” to create sculptures which deliberately deny their past history in order to

serve a new formal purpose. Vinton writes, “I like using anything but a brush to apply my materials, and the more tactile the better. It is the touching, scraping, coaxing, and basic unpredictability of it all that I enjoy. … I am intrigued and fascinated with the ideas of time passing. Whether it be an aged piece of paper, caked cracked paint on a board, rusted iron or the late afternoon dappled sunlight in a grove of trees. It all means something has happened and still can. Time is not stagnant.”

The barn at Scarlett Thicket Farm is at 284 W. Street Rd. (Route 926), Kennett Square. From Route 82 going north, turn left at Route 926, and the barn is one mile on the left.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.

Through June 12

American Landscapes

The Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) will exhibit “The Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting” through June 12. The exhibition, drawn from the New-York Historical Society, features works by artists of the Hudson River School from the 1800s. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 610-388-2700 or visit www. brandywinemuseum.org.

June 3 to July 16

‘Bold Color, Vibrant Light’

Longwood Art Gallery

(200 E. State St., Kennett Square) hosting “Bold Color, Vibrant Light,” featuring original art by a new artist to the gallery, Heather Davis, from June 3 through July 16. Davis

is a plein air artist whose subject matter is primarily landscapes of places in Chester and Bedford counties. An artist reception will be held on June 3 from 6 to 9 p.m. during the First Friday Art Stroll, with wine and cheese, and live music by Alexander Weir (fiddle) and Erin McGuire (keyboard). For more information, call 610444-0146 or visit www. longwoodartgallery.com.

June 3 to July 31 Art at Metamorphosis Metamorphosis Wellness Center (331 E. State St., Kennett Square) is participating in Kennett Square’s First Friday Art Stroll on June 3 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring artwork by Dottie Randazzo and Pamela Skwish. Call 610444-8020 or visit www. metamorphosiswellnesscenter. net.

Remembering those fighting cancer, and those we have lost, at Relay for Life

By John Chambless Staff Writer

There are moments at any Relay for Life when those who have been affected by cancer –patients and family members alike – can pause and look around, and realize that they are not fighting alone.

Each year, Unionville High School hosts a Relay for Life overnight event, and this year’s will be on Friday, June 3, beginning at 6 p.m. The fundraiser for the American Cancer Society features somber remembrances as well as an all-night party where people who have pledged to walk stay out on the track throughout the night.

In the morning, the community and participants are invited to a free breakfast in the nearby school cafeteria from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. that’s sponsored and run by Unionville-Chadds Ford School District administrators. So far, teams and individual participants have raised well over $15,000 for the Cancer Society, and the public is encourage to come out for the start of the event and donate to the cause.

A 6 p.m. high-energy kickoff on Friday celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer. At 7 p.m., there will be

a ceremony for survivors, who take to the track for the first lap as they are cheered on by the crowd. Then there’s a dinner for survivors and their caregivers in the Survivor Tent.

From 4 to 8:30 p.m., the public is invited to come and see the silent auction items, and bid until 8:30 p.m. The winners will be announced by 9 p.m.

At nightfall, around 9 p.m., one of the event’s highlights is the Luminaria Ceremony, as bags with candles inside are lit around the edge of the track. Bags are purchased by families and loved ones as tributes or encouragements, and are decorated before being lighted.

During the night, participants sleep in tents on the field, and get up at appointed times to walk around the track as music keeps everyone energized for the effort. When the event closes at 7:45 a.m., there’s a ceremony to commit to continuing the fight against cancer. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. For more information, or to donate or sign up for the UHS Relay for Life, contact Stephanie Glancey at: stephanie.glancey@cancer.org, or call 717-397-3745.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.

Brandywine River Museum of Art schedules June events

At the Brandywine River Museum of Art, the attractions go beyond just the art on the walls. Each month, the museum schedules a wide range of family events, including the following:

First Sundays for Families: Creativity!

Sunday, June 5, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission all day.

Daring feats and dazzling performances are part of a salute to creativity. The Give and Take Jugglers will attempt to cross the Brandywine on a long wire at 1:30 p.m. (following a juggling show at noon), and enjoy a performance by Ballet X, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, at 1 p.m. Plus, enjoy family art activities. Free admission all day.

Museum programs

“Terra No Longer

Incognita” gallery talk

Wednesday, June 1, 2 p.m.

Discover paintings by

eminent American artists such as William Merritt Chase, John La Farge, Martin Johnson Heade and others introduced to the museum by the recent Richard M. Scaife bequest, in a talk by Amanda C. Burdan, associate curator. Free with museum admission.

Collecting the Hudson River School lecture

Thursday, June 9, 6 p.m.

Explore the history of collecting Hudson River School paintings in this lecture presented by Sarah Cash, associate curator at the National Gallery of Art in the Department of American and British Paintings. Her presentation will include examples from the recently re-installed American landscape painting galleries at the National Gallery, which now incorporate works from the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s collection. The Museum will open at 5:30 p.m. with the program at 6 p.m. followed by a reception. $20.

The Plein Air Approach

gallery talk

Wednesday, June 15, 2 p.m.

Explore varied artistic practices in landscape painting by artists whose work is featured in the Richard M. Scaife bequest such as Albert Bierstadt, John Kensett, John La Farge, William Merritt Chase, and Julian Alden Weir, in a gallery talk led by Virginia O’Hara, curator of collections. Free with museum admission.

Art-making programs

Plein Air at Kuerner Farm

Sunday, June 5, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“Evening at Kuerners,” Tuesday, June 21, 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Artists working in all mediums are invited to explore the Kuerner Farm to sketch, paint or photograph, and gain insight into Andrew Wyeth’s creative process on an optional guided tour. Participants will meet in the museum parking lot before driving to the

farm. Water and bathrooms are available at the site. Participants are responsible for providing all art materials. $20

Creative Escape: Nature Prints Wednesday, June 22, 6 to 8 p.m.

The latest project in our popular program features a hands-on printmaking activity inspired by the exhibition “Flowery Thoughts: Ceramic Vases & Floral Ornament at Winterthur.” Participants will follow simple instructions to carve a linoleum block and create a nature-themed canvas tote. No experience necessary. come to one or both programs and enjoy. The cost includes art materials and light refreshments. BYOB. $25

Family Programs

Fairy House Workshop-A Magical Event Saturday, June 18, 9:30 a.m. to noon Celebrate the beginning of summer and the magic

of the natural environment by making a fairy house for your garden. Natural materials will be provided to create an enchanting home. There will also be fairy-themed critters for sale during the workshop hours. All ages are welcome. Adults, $20; children, $15.

Exhibitions

The Poetry of Nature: A Golden Age of American Landscape Painting, through June 12

Highlighting works by artists of the Hudson River School, this exhibition is organized by New-York Historical Society from its vast holdings of works by the Hudson River School. Paintings by George A. “Frolic” Weymouth, through June 8

Displayed works by the accomplished artist and founder of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, George A. Weymouth (1936-2016). Imagine Brandywine,

through June 5

Featuring art by students from Harlan Elementary School in Wilmington, Del.

New Terrains: America Paintings from the Richard M. Scaife Bequest , through November 6

Presenting over 25 important works of American art from Richard M. Scaife, a Pittsburgh philanthropist and former trustee of the Brandywine. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 65 and older, $6 for students and children ages 6 and older, free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. The museum is open daily (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit brandywinemuseum.org.

Sweet prom memories for CCIU students

“Sweet Dreams,” the theme of the 10th annual prom at the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Child and Career Development Center (CCDC), became sweet memories for the nearly 150 students and guests who attended the event on May 13.

Dressed in their finest, students and guests enjoyed dinner, prepared by the Culinary Arts instructor Lana Lindenmuth and the school’s culinary arts staff, and danced in the school gymnasium. Transformed by CCDC staff, the gym became a supper club ballroom with decorations and special lighting.

For CCDC student Mark Rapley, it was his fourth prom, but he said it never gets old. “I have fun,” he said. “I get to dance with my friends. I get to see old friends. And, I like dressing up.”

The excitement of the students was not lost on CCDC principal Dr. Susan Mateka, and Jessica Mazzoli, an English as a second language teacher and the prom coordinator for the past 10 years.

“Our students face so many challenges and hard work on a daily basis to have a positive school experience,” Mateka said. “The prom is our opportunity to

show the students how much we care, how important they are to us and that they deserve to enjoy the same types of activities as their peers attending typical schools.”

Operated by the CCIU, the CCDC is a center-based program for students with differing abilities. Serving children ages 5 to 21 with a range of disabilities, the CCDC has approximately 430 students.

It was Mazzoli who brought the off-campus prom back to CCDC 10 years ago. “The prom used to be off-site,” Mazzoli said. “We had to rent space. The kids had to pay (more) to attend. Students didn’t always know where the location was and for some it was a challenge to get there. Having it here is cost effective. The students have better access and they know where they are going.”

Mazzoli said she knew moving the prom was the right decision in 2006 when an 18-year-old student from Coatesville Area School District attended the prom. He was a big kid, but unassuming and “never talked much” in school. However, he came up to Mazzoli at the end of the night to thank her. “He loomed over me and leaned down and said he wanted

to tell me something,” Mazzoli remembered. “He said it was best night of his life. That’s when I knew we’d do it here every year.”

To have a successful prom each year, Mazzoli said she relies on 20 to 25 staff volunteers from the CCDC. The horticulture teacher, Mike Walls, acts as the DJ, keeping the music playing and the students up dancing all night. Chris Paladino, the CCDC’s literacy center specialist, and Glen Schoener, whose wife Cheryl is a high school Life Skills teacher, acted as photographers for the night, snapping student memories. The behavioral staff provided security and assisted in the parking lots.

The prom also serves as an opportunity for community involvement. Walls recently attended a corsage-making class at Longwood Gardens. When other workshop attendees learned why he was there, they donated all the corsages they had made in class to the prom effort. Pulse Beauty Academy in Downingtown closes on the day of the prom and provides free hair and makeup for all of the girls.

Mazzoli said she wouldn’t be able to coordinate such a first-

class event without the wholehearted support of principal Mateka. “She’s so wonderful,” Mazzoli said. “She’s a consistent advocate and supporter of the prom and anything that makes our kids feel like everybody else. The students are priority number one.”

“It truly is a magical night put together by dedicated staff volunteers,” Mateka said. “It is such a joy to see the faces of our students when they first see their gymnasium transformed into a beautiful venue designed just for them. They love getting dressed up, dancing with their friends and putting aside their

Oxford Area High School honors Students of the Month

Oxford Area High School held a breakfast to recognize the school’s Students of the Month for April. Each month, teachers in selected departments nominate underclassmen for this honor, with the final selections made by the school administration.

Students of the Month are chosen based on criteria including demonstrating an effort and desire to learn; involvement in school and classroom activities; respect for all school policies and personnel; concern for the school community and friendliness and support for other students. The following Students of the Month for April were named after being nominated by members of the English and special education departments.

Carlos Arboleda, freshman:

Carlos’s favorite subject is math. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and exercising. His favorite thing about OAHS is “the positive student-teacher interaction and friendly environment.”

When Carlos learned he was a Student of the Month, “It

changed my perspective on my school work, and has made me want to be Student of the Month again.”

Jonathan Cordova freshman: Nominating teacher Geralynn Hurley said, “Jonathan consistently demonstrates effort in his Literacy Seminar class. He helps other classmates and takes pride in his work.”

Sally Cornette, freshman: Sally’s favorite subject is English. In her spare time, she enjoys being with friends and playing with her puppy. Her favorite thing about OAHS is the wide variety of elective courses. When Sally learned she was a Student of the Month, “I felt really happy and glad that one of my teachers acknowledged my hard work and effort.”

Kirsten Johnson, freshman: Kirsten’s favorite subject is English. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. After graduation, she would like to attend Delaware County Community College to begin studying for a career working with children.

Courtesy photo

Oxford Area High School recently named its Students of the Month for April. Seated from left are sophomore Avery Dworek, junior Ginger Bradbury and freshmen Sally Cornette, Carlos Arboleda and Jonathan Cordova; standing from left are sophomore Logan Wolfe, freshman Kevin Stackhouse, juniors Tyler Swick and Joshua Walters, freshman Kirsten Johnson and principal Christopher Dormer.

games when the weather is colder. When he learned he was chosen as a Student of the Month, “I was surprised because I wasn’t fully aware how I got nominated or who had nominated me at the time.”

Logan Wolfe, sophomore: Logan’s favorite subject is math. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball and softball. After graduation, she would like to study to become a physician’s assistant. When she learned she was a Student of the Month, “I was very happy. I have never gotten it before and it is very exciting!”

certification in elementary and special education. “Ever since I gave up my dolphin trainer dream in preschool I have wanted to be a teacher,” she said.

Tyler Swick, junior: Tyler’s favorite subject is history. When he is not working at Loch Nairn Golf Course, he likes to spend time with friends and play ice hockey. After graduation, he would like to study for a law career. When Tyler learned he was a Student of the Month, “It felt good and I was very pleased to have made a good enough impression on my teachers to be chosen.”

Avery Dworek, sophomore: Avery’s favorite subjects are math or English. “Math is fun because each problem is like solving a puzzle,” he said, “and English just comes easy to me.”

In his spare time, Avery likes swimming outdoors during the summer and playing video

Kevin Stackhouse freshman: Nominating teacher Niki Kelley said, “Kevin is a model student in my English 9 class. He is consistently outstanding in performance and is always attentive to the lesson. Kevin takes an active role in his education by asking questions and seeking answers. He is very mature and respectful and an all-around joy to have in class.”

Ginger Bradbury, junior: Ginger’s favorite subject is biology. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her family, playing the piano, singing, playing indoor field hockey and photography. Her favorite thing about OAHS is the teachers. “I love that I can ask any of them for advice or help,” said Ginger. “I have been blessed with teachers who are not only good teachers, but excellent humans as well.” After graduation Ginger would like to attend the Honors College at Millersville University to earn a dual

Joshua Walters, junior: Joshua’s favorite subject is history. In his spare time, he likes to be with friends, play video games and read about history. After graduation, “I would like to do something that involves history, like being a professor or an archaeologist.” If he could add anything to OAHS, “I think a debate club would be cool, and provide people who might want to get into politics a chance to get practice debating points.”

EVELYN M. ATKINS

Evelyn (Mallamas) Atkins, 80, of New London, went home to be with our Lord on May 29 at her home. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Atkins, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Beckley, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Paul and Evelyn Mallamas. Evelyn was a member of the Christian Life Center in New London. She was active with the Ground Zero Youth Ministry of the Christian Life Center for many years. More recently, she has been a supporter of the Ground Zero Master’s Commission of Marlton, N.J.

She is survived by two sons, Matthew S. Atkins of New Jersey, and Rev. Michael S. Atkins and his wife Christine of New Jersey; and one sister, Margaret Miller of Aston. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Tony V. Mallamas and Paul Mallamas, Jr.; and five sisters, Jeanette Mallamas, Edith M. Kobelia, Frances M. Pack, Madeline C. Reichenberg, and Genevieve MiMarcello.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on June 3 at the Christian Life Center (125 Saginaw Rd., New London Township), where friends and family may call from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Ground Zero Master’s Commission, P.O. Box 703, Marlton, NJ 08053. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

J. SCOTT POWELL

Buxton, J. Scott Powell, 57, passed away suddenly on May 19 while working on the ship S.S. Alpena in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.

He was born in Wilmington Del. Scott’s early years were spent with his mother, Patricia Powell, in Moorestown, N.J., and later went to live with his father in Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of Avon Grove High School. Scott later graduated from the Maine Maritime Academy in 1982 with a degree in Nautical Science, and continued his education at Southern Maine Community College, where he participated in an accelerated Marine engineering program. His career as a Merchant Seaman took him

all over the world, but the place he most wanted to be was in Maine with his family. Scott’s greatest joy was being with his family. He also enjoyed hunting, skiing, snowmobiling, mowing his lawn and any other activity that took him outside.

He is survived by his wife, Tammy L. Powell; a daughter, Gabrielle E. Powell; and a son, Wyatt R. Powell; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. His father and stepmother reside in Florida. A funeral is scheduled in Maine on June 11. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in his memory, consider The Scarborough Fish and Game Association, PO Box 952, Scarborough, ME 04070.

HELEN LOUISE VAUGHAN

Helen Louise (Pinky) Vaughan, 78, of Oxford, passed away on May 21 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md.

She was the wife of Edward C. Vaughan, Sr., with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late William and Lona Miller Keys. Helen was a member of the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband; three sons, Edward C. Vaughan, Jr. (Wendy) of Oxford, James W. Vaughan (Brenda) of Peach Bottom, and Theodore Vaughan (Kathy) of North East, Md.; two daughters, Sandra Shephard (Joe) of Rising Sun, Md., and Betty Portwood (James) of Coconut Creek, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Charles Keys and J. Earl Keys, both of Nottingham, and Vernon Keys of Colora, Md.; and three sisters, Opal Goad of Rising Sun, Md., Patricia Temple of Nottingham, and Dorothy Van Dyke of Rising Sun, Md. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Jimbo Portwood; one brother, Joseph Keys; and four sisters, Zola Tharp, Ruth Fogleman, Villa McCardell and Tressie Wilson.

Funeral services were held May 24 at the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church, 303 West Christine Rd., Nottingham, PA 19362. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ELAINE D. KELLOGG FLING

Elaine D. Kellogg Fling, 79, of Honey Brook, formerly of Kennett Township, died on May 18 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester. She was the wife of Philip R. Fling, with whom she shared 34 years of marriage. She graduated from Haverling High School. She then moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked for the Navy Department. She married F. Lawrence Daly and then moved to Seattle, Wash. After eight years, they transferred to Chester, Pa., with the Boeing Company. Elaine then married Philip and lived in Kennett Township. She worked for Kennett Township for several years, volunteered at the Kennett Senior Center Bookstore, and after 30 years they moved to Tel Hai retirement community in Honey Brook. Elaine was a member of the Southern Chester County Historical Commission and Historical Society. She enjoyed reading and had a library of many books. At Tel Hai, she volunteered at the library and the Honey Brook library. She enjoyed many trips with the family Airstream trailer throughout the United States and Canada. Survivors include, in addition to her husband, sons Russell Daly (Joan) and Kevin Daly; a stepson, Steven Fling (Beth), and a stepdaughter, Valerie Tolentino (Rob). She has two grandsons, and eight step-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Gary Kellogg and William Barlow; sisters, Sandra Grievson (Robert), Barbara Dunston (Kenneth), Georgia Boring (Todd), and Glenna Greens (Thomas); and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Philip and Donald; and sisters Ronica and Marie.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 4 at St. Michael Lutheran Church (109 E. Doe Run Rd., Unionville). A memorial service celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to The Care Assurance Fund at Tel Hai, PO Box 190, Honey Brook, PA 19344. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares. com.

LOIS S. GRIFFITH

Lois S. Griffith, 81, of West Grove, passed away on May 20 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove. She was the wife of the late Roger L. Griffith. Born in Green Mountain, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Bill and Rhoda Street Sturgill. Lois retired from the mushroom industry in Kennett Square. She attended Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed shopping. Lois was a loving person and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She is survived by two sons, Steven R. Dimiris of Wilmington, Del., and Randy C. Griffith of Knoxville, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Alyssa Dimiris, Alexa Dimiris, Nicole Dimiris, Zachery Dimiris and Amanda; one brother, Burly Sturgill (Maxie) of Johnson City, Tenn.; two sisters, Betty Miller (Cecil, Sr.) of Newport News, Va., and Grace Canfield (Vic) of Gloucester, Va.; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by 13 siblings. Funeral services were held May 25. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ANGELO MASCIANTONIO

Angelo Masciantonio, 88, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 24 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

He was the husband of Domenica Di Medio Masciantonio, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Civitella Messer Raimondo, Italy, he was the son of the late Nicola Vincenzo and Filomena Masciantonio. Angelo owned and managed a farm in Italy, and served in the Italian Army from 1945 to 1947. He also worked in the coal mines in Belgium and in the auto industry in Germany. He brought his family to Kennett Square in 1966. He initially worked in the mushroom industry, then as a gardener at Winterthur. He then went to work as an assembler at General Motors in Wilmington, Del., where he retired in 1996 after 25 years of service. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in Kennett Square. He enjoyed gardening, music, the outdoors, and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Mario A. Masciantonio and his wife Ann of Avondale; one daughter, Filomena Elliott and her late husband John of Avondale; and three grandchildren, Laura, Angela and David. He was predeceased by one brother, Francesco Masciantonio; and one sister, Rosaria Di Guglielmo

A funeral was held May 28. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

FRANCIS MORAN

Francis “Pat” Moran, 92, of Kennett Square, died on May 29 at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby, Pa.

He was the husband of the late Mary Lou Myers Moran, who died in May of 2014, and with whom he shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, he was the son of the late Charles T. and the late Mary Jane (Crawford) Moran. Pat served our country during World War II in the Navy. He worked for many years as a truck driver for Mushroom Transportation and Gilbert Peirson Green houses. He was a member of the American Legion, the VFW and the Kennett Area Senior Center. He was one of two surviving members of his childhood group called “The Patch” where he enjoyed playing all types of sports with his buddies. He was a Phillies fan and enjoyed collecting Lionel model trains.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Pat Moran, Jr. (Giovanna) of Kennett Square, and George W. Moran (Mary Alice) of Wilmington, Del.; one daughter, Mary Anne Moran of Kennett Square; one sister, Marian Johnson of West Grove; four grandchildren, Brian Price (Amanda) of Virginia, Travis Price of Arizona, Alicia and Nicholas Moran of Delaware; and two great-grandchildren, Amelia and Eleanor Price. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a sister, Ann Fiore.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 2, and from 8:30 to 9 a.m. on June 3, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His mass of Christian burial will be 9:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square). Interment with full military honors will will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

HARRIS L. COOPERMAN

Harris Lee Cooperman, 88, of Kennett Square, died on May 13 at Crosslands Community in Kennett Square. He was the husband of Esther Leeds Cooperman, with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Daniel and Rebecca (Fidler) Cooperman. After graduating from Philadelphia’s Central High School, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University in 1949, where he rowed with the varsity crew team for three years. After being drafted during the Korean War, he was trained as an instructor in the operation and maintenance of tactical artillery, and selected to teach at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he first had the opportunity to work in a well-equipped machine shop. He returned to Philadelphia after the war, joining the firm of Max Levy and Company, a manufacturer of half-tone screens and etched plates for the graphic arts industry. After responding to a request from RCA to design a specialized camera that could reduce full-size circuitry plans for miniaturization, he founded HLC Manufacturing in 1964, a business focused on the production of reduction cameras, and on related precision instruments. He held a number of patents relating to his work. After selling his business to Kidde Industries, he later became a vice president in the corporate finance department of the First National Bank of Maryland in Baltimore.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three children and their spouses: Emily T. Cooperman of Philadelphia, Morris L. Cooperman of Haddon Township, N.J., and Hannah B. C. Bray of Parkville, Md.; a granddaughter, Claire T. Bray; and five step-grandchildren, Katharine S. Thomas, and Elise, Michael, Bernadette, and Becky Trendler.

A memorial gathering will be held in the William Penn Room of Crosslands in Kennett Square at 2 p.m. on June 4. Interment will be held privately. Contributions in his memory may be made to Philabundance. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. griecocares.com.

TEDDY G. FOX

Teddy Gene Fox, 65, of Oxford, passed away on May 29 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

Born in Boone, N.C., he was the son of the late Cluster A. and Margaret Cornett Fox. He refinished antiques, and restored both furniture and old clocks in his earlier days. He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping, antique furniture and animals. Teddy loved his family and friends. He was at his most happy having a cookout during nice summer days. Ted never passed a yard sale during the yard sale season. Teddy bravely fought his long illness with courage and hope.

He is survived by two brothers, Allen Fox of Oxford and Jerry White of Taylorsville, N.C.; and Dolores Cornette, his best friend and caregiver.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. June 2 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford, PA, 19363), where friends and family may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the funeral home to help with expenses. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

LUKE A. BACCINO

Luke Anthony Baccino passed peacefully from this world at home on May 28, surrounded by all his loving family. He was 3. Luke’s infectious smile brought joy and happiness to all who saw it, whether it was family in everyday visits or strangers at the mall or supermarket. No one could pass by Luke without returning a smile of their own. There was hardly ever a moment when Luke was not happy and smiling, and one’s day would always brighten upon just seeing him. Luke had a wonderful sparkiness about him and would always tell you what was on his mind and what he wanted and when. Nothing held him back. His creativity and desire to be the center of attention was never clearer than when he choreographed his own dance routine while also singing along with his most cherished “Frosty the Snowman” singing Christmas card.

Luke’s family would like to thank Dr. Andrew Walter, his team, and all the wonderful nurses at A. I. DuPont Hospital and Dr. Robert Lustig and all the wonderful nurses of the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. All the medical professionals who cared for Luke during his battle treated him so compassionately, like a member of their own families, and cannot be thanked enough for all they did for Luke and his family. Luke embraced his caretakers and the countless trips to the hospitals and actually looked forward to seeing them there.

Luke is survived by his parents, Nicholas and Melinda Baccino, and brother Cole, of Landenberg; Godparents Erik West of Wilmington and Marilyn Baiardi of West Chester; grandparents Janet Baccino of Kennett Square, Linda Pizzini of Kennett Square, and Sonny and Gloria Pizzini of Landenberg; uncle Ron Pizzini and his wife Kathy of Landenberg; uncle Lee Pizzini and his wife Joan of Landenberg; and cousins R.J., Jacqueline, Nathan, Alexa, and Sara. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Frank Baccino; and his aunt, Jacqueline Baccino.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. June 5 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square), and again on June 6 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church (8910 Gap Newport Pike, Route 41, Avondale) beginning at 10 a.m. Luke’s funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in Luke’s memory to the Nemours/ Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803 (or call 302-651-4389 or visit http://www.nemours.org/givingtonemours/waystogive/rememberhonor.html); or the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 324 S. 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (or call 215-590-1000 or visit http://www.chop.edu/giving/ways-to-give). Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Marion L. Butler having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Herbert F.Butler, III, Co-Executor, Virginia B. Reef, CoExecutor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363

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NOTICE

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations for Chester County, Pennsylvania (All Jurisdictions) The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a Preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report, reflecting proposed flood hazard determinations for various communities within Chester County. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. Technical information or comments are solicited on the proposed flood hazard determinations shown on the preliminary FIRM and/ or FIS report for various communities within Chester County. These flood hazard determinations are the basis for the floodplain management measures that your community is required to either adopt or show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. However, before these determinations are effective for floodplain management purposes, you will be provided an opportunity to appeal the proposed

information. For information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, as well as a complete listing of the communities affected and the locations where copies of the FIRM are available for review, please visit FEMA’s website at www.fema.gov/plan/ prevent/fhm/bfe, or call the FEMA Map Information eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

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Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate.

Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter SALE NO. 16-6-429 Writ of Execution No. 2015-00546 DEBT $529,060.68

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in East Marlborough Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, described in accordance with a Record Plan of Lareserve made for Robert Bruce Balbirnie by Momenee-King Associates of Ardmore, PA dated 3/27/1984 last revised 11/20/1984 and recorded in Plan #7590 and described as follows, to wit:

TAX I.D. #: 61-05B-0060

PLAINTIFF: New York Community Bank VS DEFENDANT: STEPHEN N. KARAS AND DONNA K. KARAS

SALE ADDRESS: 100 Mougins Circle, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania 19348

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, P.C., 215790-1010

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm.

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

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By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter

SALE NO. 16-6-438 Writ of Execution No. 2015-07933 DEBT $211,006.57

PROPERTY situate in the Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 6-5-122 IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, NA VS DEFENDANT: FABIOLA BEDOLLA, CESAREO BEDOLLA, ADOLFO BEDOLLA, and ROBERTO BEDOLLA

SALE ADDRESS: 540 New Street, Oxford, PA 19363-1532

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By

PROPERTY situate in the London Grove Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 59-8-116

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Financial Pennsylvania, Inc. VS DEFENDANT: ROBERT J. CHIPMAN a/k/a ROBERT CHIPMAN and MICHELLE M. CHIPMAN

SALE ADDRESS: 474 State Road a/k/a, 474 East State Road, a/k/a 474 State Road a/k/a, 474 East State Road, West Grove, PA 19390-8953

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PHELAN HALLINAN DIAMOND & JONES, LLP, 215-563-7000

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions

Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in the Township of Franklin, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and descried according to a Record Plan, Lexington Point Subdivision, prepared for Keystone Custom Homes, by Fioravanti, Inc., Consulting Engineers & Contractors, dated 5/16/2000 last revised 8/23/2007 and recorded in Plan Book 18276 Page 1, as follows, to wit:-

TAX I.D. #: 72-02-0151

PLAINTIFF: Navy Federal Credit Union

VS DEFENDANT: TODD M. RAYMOND and JULIE A. RAYMOND

SALE ADDRESS: 155 Janine Way, West Grove, Pennsylvania 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, P.C., 215790-1010

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of

III and KARA P. RAFFERTY

SALE ADDRESS: 47 Mystery Rose Lane, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: STERN & EISENBERG, P.C., 215-572-8111

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the withinmentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter

SALE NO. 16-6-488

Writ of Execution No. 2015-07631

DEBT $146,999.48

ALL THAT CERTAIN messuage or tenement and two tracts of land, now described as one tract by S.J. Janney, Surveyor, situated in the Borough of Oxford, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows, viz;

TAX I.D. #: 06-09-0153

PLAINTIFF: Bank of America, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: CHRISTOPHER BURNS and ELIZABETH BURNS

SALE ADDRESS: 123 8th Street, Oxford, Pennsylvania 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, P.C., 215790-1010

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter

SALE NO. 16-6-468 Writ of Execution No. 2015-11377 DEBT $205,663.82

ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in Lower Oxford Township, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described in accordance with a Two-Lot Subdivision Plan prepared for Robert Wagoner by Concord Land Planners and Surveyors, Oxford, PA, dated October 12, 2000 as last revised March 7, 2002 and which Plan is recorded as Plan No. 16183, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point of curve on the title line in the bed of Conner Road (T-329) which point makes a common corner of this premises and land now or late of United Mobile Homes of PA., Inc.; thence extending from said

PUBLICAUCTION

beginning point along the said title line in the bed of Conner Road the two next following courses and distances, viz: (1) along the arc of a circle curving to the left having a radius of 1117.61 feet the arc distance of 145.50 feet to a point of tangent and (2) north 63 degrees 40 minutes 00 seconds east 44.33 feet to a point, a corner of this premises and Lot No.

3A; thence extending along the same south 22 degrees 11 minutes 04 seconds east 280.73 to a point, a corner of this premises on line of land now or late of United Mobile Homes of PA, Inc., aforesaid; thence extending along the same the two next following courses and distances, viz: (1) south 74 degrees 25 minutes 29 seconds west 206.60 feet to a point, a corner of this premises and (2) north 18 degrees 52 minutes 25 seconds west 253.21 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING Lot No. 3B on the above mentioned Plan. Also known as Parcel Number 56-4-51-5A

BEING the same premises which William Donald Robinson and Jeanette R. Robinson, husband and wife, Wagoner Custom Contracting Inc. (Equitable Owner), by Deed dated 9/22/03 and recorded 10/2/03 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 5919, Page 350, granted and conveyed unto Richard A. Maitre, a single man, in fee.

PLAINTIFF: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association VS DEFENDANT: RICHARD A. MAITRE

SALE ADDRESS: 370 Conner Road, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DaNARDO, 610-278-6800

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter

SALE NO. 16-6-485

Writ of Execution No. 2015-06417

DEBT $202,975.63

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot of land situate at the northeast intersection of Pa. Route #10 and Township Road T-355, in West Fallowfield Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, designated as Parcel “C” on survey made by John W. Chambers, Registered Engineer, dated 7/28/65 drawing number 222, bounded and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a nail in the center line of Pa. Route #10, said point of beginning being north 16 degrees 25 minutes east, 162.30 feet to the point of intersection of center lines of Pa. Route #10 and Township Road T-355,

SELLINGTHE COLLECTION OF THE LATE JOSEPH R. TOMLINSON Sat. June 11~ 9 th AM 243 LITTLE BRITAIN RD. S., NOTTINGHAM, PA19362

also, being the northeasterly corner of Parcel No. “D”, and the southwesterly corner of Parcel “C”; thence continuing along the center line of Pa. Route #10, north 16 degrees 25 minutes east 150 feet to a nail, the southwest corner of land now or late of John E. Repsher, et ux; thence leaving said road and passing over an iron pin set in the easterly side thereof, and by land now or late of said John E. Repsher, et ux, south 67 degrees 49 minutes east 291.90 feet to an iron pin set in line of land now or of H.B. Jr., and E. F. Bramble; thence by land now or late of H.B. Jr., and E.F. Bramble, south 22 degrees 23 minutes west 180 feet to an iron pin, the northeast corner of Parcel “D”, about to be conveyed to Harold T. Mendenhall, Jr., and Juanita Mendenhall, his wife; thence by Parcel “D” and passing over an iron pin set in the easterly side of Pa. Route #10, north 61 degrees 11 minutes west 274.55 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

CONTAINING 1.062 acres of land, more or less.

PARCEL # 44-07-0109.01B

PREMISES being: 2021 Limestone Road, Cochranville, PA 19330-9795

BEING the same premises which Mona Coldiron and Larry A. Coldiron, wife and husband, and Jared Albert by Deed dated October 28, 2004 and recorded December 6, 2004 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 6351 Page 1247, granted and conveyed unto Jared Albert, as sole owner.

PLAINTIFF: Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Argent Securities Inc., Asset-Backed PassThrough Certificates, Series 2004W11, c/o Ocwen Loan Servicing, LLC VS DEFENDANT: JARED ALBERT

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of the sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash,certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. and the balance made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. thereof, within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2pm. 5p-25-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced Thursday, June 16, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Sheriff’s Office, 201 West Market Street, Suite 201, West Chester, Pennsylvania a schedule of distribution on Monday,July 18, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter

SALE NO. 16-6-432 Writ of Execution No. 2015-11935 DEBT $141,771.88

PROPERTY situate in Township of East Nottingham TAX Parcel #69-05-0021.090

1969PlymouthRoadrunner 1931ModelAFord 1930ChevroletSedan 1934Ford2TonStakeBody 1946Ford2Ton StakeBody 2011ChevySilverado1500Pick-Up 1978 Chevy1500 1991ChevySilverado1995ChevySilverado1976ChevyMonte Carlo

IMPROVEMENTS: a residential dwelling.

PLAINTIFF: Nationstar Mortgage LLC VS DEFENDANT: KIMBERLY L. KACHEL and WILLIAM KACHEL aka WILLIAM P. KACHEL, III

SALE ADDRESS: 1067 Lees Bridge Road aka 85 Lees

AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS :,38,000mi.,383C.U.Engine,Hurst4-Speed,1Owner,All Orig.“AsFoundCondition”; “Restored”; ,FlatHeadV-6,Was BeingRestored; TruckRestored,FlatheadFordV-8Engine; Truck,Restored,V-8Flathead; ,2WD,6Cyl.,3,913mi.; 4x4,400C.U.V-8; 4x4; 4x4; :JD1104x4CompactDieselBackhoe;NHT15104x4,diesel;Ford900 Tractor“OlderRestoration”;Massey-Ferguson85Tractorw/Loader;PTODrivenD.R.ChipperShredder; CountryLine5’3pt.FinishMower;CountryLine4’ScraperBlade;3pt.2BottomDearbornPlow;2013 KeystoneCarTrailer,7,000GVW;CycloneRake;CraftsmanLawnTractor;WhiteRearTineRototiller;1974 SidewinderBoatw/Trailer; :EarlyMobileOilSigns;Lg.PlasticChevronSign;Adv.Oil Cans;AutomotiveBooks;NewHollySingle&DoubleBarrelCarburetors;VariousRadiators;WheelDollies; BeadBreaker;FrameJack;JackStands;:Snap-OnToolChest;VariousStackableToolBoxes;Lg. Assort.HandToolsIncl.WrenchSets,SocketSets;Clamps;BodyHammers; PneumaticTools;VariousCordlessTools;JackStands;AirCompressors;FloorJacks; “New”9000lb.Winch;ATVLifts;BenchGrinders;BenchVises;Sm.GasGenerator; 8”DrillPress;FiberglassLadders;DrillBits;Transit;Ant.StencilCuttingMachine; PortableAirTanks;LincolnStickWelder;DeltaPlaner;ChopSaw;SandBlaster; DewaltMiterSaw;RadialArmSaw;CraftsmanBandSaw&JigSaw;StihlChain Saws;EchoWeedEater;VariousGardenTools;Scaffolding;RouterTable

John M. HessAuction Service, Inc. AY000253L 717-664-5238 or877-599-8894 www.hessauctiongroup.com

Kennett High School Future Business Leaders head for

Kennett High School’s

FBLA E-Business Team and individual competitors in Business Law, Securities and Investments, and Impromptu Speaking advanced out of state competition to the Future Business Leaders of America National Conference and Competition, to be held in Atlanta from June 29 through July 2. According to the FBLA website, “competitive events at the National Leadership Conference . . . prepare students for successful careers in business by providing opportunities to apply classroom concepts in a workforce-simulated competitive environment.”

The E-Business Team of Anna Colamarino, Kelsey Jernegan, and Alena Rybarczyk (all sophomores) placed second in the state level competition held April 11 through 13 in Hershey. At the national level, the team will have to present a “slightly tweaked version” of their prize-winning E-business website. The event requires students to “create a website for a banquet hall (to be used for wedding receptions, engagement parties, and any

type of celebrations or business presentation meetings).”

The website must include an interactive calendar, photo gallery, and contact page with the ability to reserve the hall and pay online. The team decided to create their banquet hall inside Longwood Gardens.

Anna said, “We decided it would be cool. Longwood is a great landmark in our town. We’re all from Kennett, so we can bring a little of Kennett into our presentation.”

“The state leadership conference was a very cool experience, so I expect Nationals to be just as great,” added Alena.

And, Kelseysaid, “I thought FBLA was going to be more ‘academic,’ but it turned out to be social. We’ve met a lot of fun and inspiring people.”

The team has a great deal of experience working together: Anna and Alena play on Kennett’s tennis team together, Kelsey and Alena run track, and Kelsey and Anna are both on the swim team. All three are also involved in a wide range of other extracurricular activities.

Sophomore Jake Kalscheur qualified for the national

competition by placing third at the state level in Business Law.

Jake will have to demonstrate his expertise on a 60-minute test evaluating his knowledge of contracts and sales; property law; business organization; agency and employment law; domestic/personal law; negotiable investments, insurance, secured transactions, and bankruptcy; consumer protection; product/personal liability; computer law; and the legal system.

Jake said, “I was inspired to enter the Business Law event, at least in part, based on my interest in the law. It has been a great experience, and I’m looking forward to Nationals.”

Besides being involved in FBLA, Jake plays on the golf team and participates in mock trial. He is interested in pursuing a career in either engineering or law.

Junior Zachary Hrenko earned his trip to Nationals by placing fourth in Securities and Investments in Hershey. Like Jake, Zach will have to demonstrate his understanding on a 60-minute test covering topics in investment fundamentals, personal investing, retirement and estate

planning, the financial services industry, financial assets and marketing, financial services regulation, the stock market, and mutual funds.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity. The club provides an excellent way to break into the world of business and finance. I’m excited to compete and represent Kennett at the national level,” said Zach.

Zach will be the senior drum major of Kennett’s marching band this fall. He also participates in a wide variety of activities, including Model UN, Academic Team, and GSA.

Casey Bruno, a graduating senior, gained his spot at Nationals by placing fifth in Impromptu Speaking. When he competes in Atlanta, Casey will be given only ten minutes to prepare a four-minute speech on one or more FBLA goals. He will not be permitted to use electronic devices to prepare or present; his only support materials will be two index cards provided to him by event judges. His speech will be evaluated on content, organization, and delivery.

Casey explained, “I’m proud to be able to represent my school, joining my fellow competitors. I’d like to thank my lit. teachers and Mr. Kotz for giving me the tools and the confidence to display my speaking ability at the national level.”

Casey also participates in several activities, marching band, the musicals, and the robotics club among them. He will head to Temple University this fall, potentially majoring in bioengineering.

Elk Ridge Elementary School first-graders are big eagles fans

The students in Laura James’ first grade class at Elk Ridge Elementary School recently held a fruit and vegetable sale fundraiser to adopt the Bald Eagles at the Philadelphia Zoo in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces past and present. As part of the project, the students created an “Honor Wall” with pictures of the many people who have touched their lives in some way through their service to our country.

The students began the project by conducting research to find interesting facts about the Bald Eagle, learning that the Bald Eagle is the symbol of America and is a very powerful and interesting bird. They viewed a webcam stream almost every day to study newly-hatched eagles and wrote down their discoveries in an “Eagle Observation Journal.”

The students wrote and read very persuasive letters to Principal Herbert Hayes

explaining why the class would like to host a fruit and vegetable sale in the school lobby. They created informational posters to place around the school so that others could learn about the eagles.

The students also learned how to advertise their ideas. As the sale approached, they designed fact-filled speeches that were read to the entire school.

On April 6, the students took turns throughout the day selling nutritious foods to students and staff members.

“They had to count money and make change, allowing them real world experience with these important skills,” said Mrs. James.

Through the sale, the class raised $390 toward adoption of the Bald Eagles. They will visit their adopted friends when they take the annual first grade field trip to the Philadelphia Zoo in May.

“They will get a bird’s eye view of their stewardship,” said James.