Chester County Press 06-29-2016 Edition

ChesterCountyPRESS

‘This case is not at all about a fence’

The fence stays: Judge rules in favor of Avondale couple

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

With permission from his neighbor Ryan Carpenter, Frank Charlton leads a reporter to the back deck of Carpenter’s home on Fernwood Drive in Bucktoe Manor, to introduce a white, six-foot-high protective fence that encircles threequarters of the property where Carpenter’s neighbors Keith Davis and David Ruth live with Ruth’s two nephews.

For most of the year, the majority of the fence is obstructed from view by high vegetation and tall grasses that separate the two properties by way of a small stream. On the day Charlton pointed to the fence, there was little

evidence to support the argument that Carpenter and a few of his neighbors have raised that refer to the fence as obtrusive.

And yet on Carpenter’s back deck, the reporter began to imagine the presence of the fence in the fall and winter months, when the vegetation has vanished and there is nothing to hide the fence from plain sight, when it becomes less of a fence and more of a winding, white, and undeniable presence.

The fence -- installed as a means of helping to protect Ruth’s nephews from their dangerous parents -- was against the code of the Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions and Easements for Bucktoe

Chester County Balloon Festival draws 25,000

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Blessed with seasonably great weather and a full itinerary of events, the tenth annual Chester County Balloon Festival drew an estimated 25,000 visitors to the New Garden Flying Field last

weekend.

The expanded three-day schedule included the flight – and illumination – of more than 20 hot-air balloons, whose appearance at the festival was highlighted by spectacular balloon glow shows throughout the weekend.

In addition, the festi-

val included plane and helicopter rides, scuba diving lessons, zipline rides, food and craft vendors, and remote control plane demonstrations.

The Hops & Grapes Wine and Beer Garden featured wines from Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery and

OASD extends contracts for superintendent, assistant superintendent for five years

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

When David Woods was hired to serve as the superintendent of schools of Oxford in mid-2013, one of the first important hires was bringing in Dr. Margaret Billings-Jones to fill the district’s number-two post. The two top administrators have worked collaboratively since then to help the district to review and align

its curriculum, enhance STEM education, invest in technology, and increase educational opportunities for students.

The school board has been satisfied with the administrative team’s vision, and the implementation of that vision, to the point where the board sought an early agreement on a five-year contract extension with both Woods and BillingsJones. The Oxford School

Board approved the contract extensions, effective from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021, at the June 21 meeting.

School board member Joseph Tighe said that the board was pleased to be able to extend the contracts of Woods and BillingsJones so that can continue the work that they’ve been doing in the three years since joining the school district.

“We think they are doing a great job,” Tighe said, adding that the contract extensions for the administrative team is a way to show support for the work that is being done district-wide.

“This is a testament to the support the board has for the programs they have put in place, and the vision they represent,” said school board president Richard Orpneck. “As we start implementing the third

By Uncle Irvin

School district business managers have already printed and sorted your property tax bills for the 2016-17 year. They will drool when they pop them in the mail on June 30, so you will get them in the mail on July 1 or

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State Trooper plans a day for special-needs residents

Sunny Day Camp is an offshoot of the successful Camp Cadet program

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The lessons learned and the experiences shared at Camp Cadet each summer will be brought to special-needs children and adults at Sunny Day Camp, scheduled Aug. 6 at Penn Township Park. Pennsylvania State Trooper Samantha Minnucci, who has been part of the Camp Cadet program for four years, came up with the idea for

year of the new curriculum, we felt we needed to keep consistency through the four-year program, and give it the stability it needs to be successful. Through hard work and cooperation from our talented teachers, staff and aides, the board believes we are on the right track to make our school district second to none.” Woods said that he was pleased by the school

Due to a technical difficulty, some of the copies of the June 22 edition of the Chester County Press did not include the new issue of Kennett Square Today magazine. As a courtesy to all our readers, we have included the magazine in this week’s Chester County Press. We apologize for the error and any inconvenience it may have caused.

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Harvest Ridge Winery, and beer from Victory Brewing Company.

June 25 drew more than 15,000 to a full day of events, which ended with a fireworks show over the flying field. Festival organizers kept careful watch over the weather forecasts for the weekend, largely because they feared a repeat of last year’s festival, which was affected by rain, thunder and heavy winds that cut short many of the balloon-related events.

“Aviation events are very dependent upon the

weather, and Saturday, the weather was picture perfect,” said Jon Martin, Flying Field general manager. “The balloons departed throughout the day. On Sunday, the weather was a little windy, so while the balloons were not able to launch, they remained tethered, and hovered over the airport. It looked spectacular.”

The festival dedicated proceeds from the event to the Chester County Hero Fund and other local community groups.

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

board’s faith in the leadership team’s vision for the district.

“I’m glad that we can continue to build on these initiatives,” he said. “We want to continue to put the kids first. It’s all about preparing the students for the next opportunity.”

Woods, who came to the school district having already served as a superintendent of the Riverside School District in Lackawanna County for about five years, said that he is proud of what the school district has accomplished with everyone working together. He emphasized the importance of teamwork.

“I’m not proud of anything that I’ve achieved here,” Woods explained.

“But we’re proud as a district of what we’ve achieved together. It’s the administrative team, the staff, the parents—it’s everyone working together.”

Woods said that he is pleased that the district has increased the educational opportunities for students through partnerships with Cecil College that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school through the Cecil College Early College Academy.

The district has also increased its focus on science and technology, including STEM programming that has been added.

The district has aligned its K-12 science curriculum. The district has invested in technology and established numerous community partnerships that benefit students.

Woods lauded BillingsJones for helping to develop a vision for the district, and then working with the building administrators and teaching staff to implement that vision.

“We work together on all things,” he said, “and we make a good team.”

Billings-Jones came to the school district with more than 20 years of experience

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the first Sunny Day Camp this year. The Camp Cadet concept was the vision of a Pennsylvania State Trooper in 1970, as a way to promote good relations between police and young people. The first Camp Cadet began in Butler Pa. Today, there are 26 different Camp Cadet programs throughout the state, including the one held locally at Camp Saginaw in Oxford.

The week-long camp combines the usual summer rituals – campfires, boating, swimming and plenty of chow – with lessons in regimentation, rigorous exercise and a just a taste of what being in the military is like.

“Anyone can apply as long as they fall under the criteria of being a Chester County resident and being between the ages of 11 and 13,” Minnucci said this week about Camp Cadet.

“We do not discriminate against anyone, but at the same time, we know how challenging the long, hot days full of exercise, plus a week-long overnight camp, are not for everyone. Also, our staff usually 20 troopers or law enforcement agents to 120 kids, which makes it very challenging to be able to be with someone one-on-one for a special need or disability. Sunny Day Camp is only a oneday event, and there will be numerous volunteers and

David Woods

in education, including ten as a superintendent. She has helped the district earn a number of grants, including funding to implement STEM programming. She has also led the district’s efforts to review and align

into it,” she said. “He has the biggest heart and has always been my numberone fan in my career choice. When I became camp director in 2014, Gabriel was eager to help me set up for the event. Once camp was over, he asked numerous questions about how it went and how he was so excited to one day be able to do Camp Cadet. Unfortunately, I knew that would not be possible for him due to him being over the age limit for camp, and also due to his special needs. A week-long overnight camp would be very challenging for him. I began to think of other options, and I couldn’t think of any, so I decided to start one.

“I wanted a program where no one would be left out of learning about the law-enforcement agencies which serve the community,” Minnucci said. “I came

the math, arts, and science curriculum.

“We’ve really taken steps forward in a lot of areas,” Billings-Jones said. She gave credit to the principals, assistant principals, and teachers in the district.

up with the name Sunny Day because Gabriel is a ray of sunshine in my life.”

The one-day event will include demonstrations by the police Canine Unit, a police helicopter and other vehicles, demonstrations by the Bomb Squad and SERT Team, games and a DJ. Lunch and snacks will be included. The event is free, but registration is required by visiting www.cccampcadet.org.

“The day will start off with registration, and then the participants and their families can tour all the emergency response vehicles and speak with police, firefighters, and EMS personnel,” Minnucci said. “Then a rotation of presentations will begin. This will give the participants a look into the wide variety of specialty positions of law enforcement and have some hands-on activities.”

“We are leading very good people,” she said, adding that Oxford is also a very supportive community, and the hard work of parents and, of course, the students, are important ingredients to the success of the district.

The event is held in conjunction with Chester County Camp Cadet board of directors and Special Olympics.

“Since this is the first year, I would love to reach the 50 to 75 mark,” Minnucci said of reservation goals.

“I know there are so many children and adults that have never been given this opportunity, so I would like to reach as many people as possible and continue to grow in years to come. We can handle more than 100, so if we can adequately spread the word, I believe that can happen.”

Sunny Day Camp is funded strictly by donations from individuals and businesses, separate from the donations that go toward Camp Cadet. Troopers and other law enforcement profession-

“The children are tremendous,” Billings-Jones said. “They are very interested in learning.”

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

als serve as counselors and donate their off-duty time.

“I believe that this experience will affect all those who attend, whether as a volunteer, an applicant, or a family member,” Minnucci said. “I can only hope that this event with brighten up lives and will be an enlightening, growing experience for all.”

Sunny Day Camp will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Penn Township Park (260 Lewis Rd., West Grove, PA 19390). Any questions can be referred to Trooper Samantha Minnucci at 610-268-2102, or Angie Robinson at 484-431-8637 (Special Olympics).

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

family members present, so we will then be able to give more one-on-one attention to those who may need it.”

Minnucci was inspired to start Sunny Day Camp, in part, by her younger brother, Gabriel.

“Gabriel has an amazing personality and lights up any room when he walks

Kennett Area Community Service unveils Resource Center to help local families

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

“We’re thrilled about the Resource Center,” Weiler said. “We never thought that we would need more space so quickly.”

She explained that when she joined the Kennett Area Community Service as its executive director in March of 2013, the first board meeting that she attended included a very serious discussion. The Kennett Area Community Service had just moved into its new home less than four years earlier, and it was already running out of space, especially for the operations of the Food Cupboard.

“We found out that there was a lot more poverty than we were expecting,” explained Robert George, the board president of the Kennett Area Community Service. “The needs were really staggering.”

In 2009, for example, KACS was helping 130 families each month with emergency assistance, but by 2014 that

while the organization also runs an Emergency Assistance Program that assists more than 1,100 individuals annually with rental payments, security deposits, utility bills and other necessities.

number had grown to 520 families—and KACS was utilizing all its available space at 136 West Cedar Street.

When the home that was located right next door, at 138 West Cedar Street, went up for sale, KACS officials knew that it was the perfect opportunity to expand. The effort to purchase the property and renovate it to suit the organization’s needs would take several years—and lots of help from a variety of sources.

KACS purchased the building in August of 2015.

“The

In addition to the funding through the Chester County Department of Community Development, KACS received help from the Longwood Foundation. Tri-M helped with the lighting and wiring in the building. MOBAC Construction handled a lot of the contracting work on the new facility.

The grant from the county helped immensely, amounting to nearly half of the funding necessary for the project.

County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone explained that the county was able to provide Kennett Area Community Service with a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant to help fund the acquisition of the property and some of the exterior improvements.

“Our residents who

need emergency help have somewhere to turn,” Cozzone said of the Resource Center.

Terence Farrell, the chairman of the Chester County Commissioners board, talked about the organization’s importance to the community that it serves.

“Chester County is pleased to play a part in supporting Kennett Area Community Service and the work that you do,” Farrell said.

County Commissioner Michelle Kichline observed the 100 or so people in attendance

are currently seeking permanent housing. There are expanded raised bed gardens for food.

and said that the turnout for the open house was an illustration of the support that KACS has in the community.

According to Weiler, the Resource Center provides additional space to KACS, allowing the organization to increase the amount of space dedicated to the food cupboard. This will help make the distribution of food more efficient.

The additional space will be used in a variety of ways by KACS. There are expanded case management offices where the staff can work with clients in a family-friendly but private environment, as well as more training and meeting space for KACS and partner agency programs. Bathing and laundry facilities are now available on-site for KACS clients who

There is also office space for partner agencies to deliver services on-site to the KACS client base. Some of the rooms in the building will be utilized by six agencies that Kennett Area Community Service actively partners with to provide services to families. KACS is also currently in negotiations with two other agencies who might also set up offices in the Resource Center.

“Our vision is to reduce poverty and we can’t do that without our partners and supporters,” Weiler explained.

She added that partnering with so many other agencies is part of the larger vision to focus much more on working with families to find a bridge out of poverty.

“We want to journey with the families as they work their way out of poverty,” Weiler explained.

The Resource Center represents an important next step in the evolution of KACS. Throughout its history, the organization has evolved to meet the changing needs of

the community. The Kennett Area Community Service traces its roots to 1954, when a man named Norman Connell provided the food for Christmas dinners to a handful of families in need. That effort continued and grew. Kennett Square resident Bill Buffington took over as the director in 1966, and for the next four decades he was the driving

“The

Oxford Borough Council to consider changes to sidewalk ordinance

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Sidewalks are once again a topic of discussion in Oxford Borough, and it appears as if officials could soon decide to make changes to some of the regulations in the sidewalk ordinance to address ongoing concerns.

Oxford officials have long wanted safe, well-maintained sidewalks throughout the borough for residents and visitors, and the sidewalk ordinance that is currently on the books was intended to increase the walkability in the borough. But there have been instances where the regulations in the sidewalk ordinance have been harsh or unfair to property owners.

At the June 20 meeting, the borough heard from John Costick, the owner of a home on Mt. Vernon Street who is seeking relief from the sidewalk ordinance. Costick is in the process of selling his home, and the potential buyer was also in attendance at the meeting. Under the regulations of the ordinance, sidewalks would be required to be installed on Mt. Vernon Street and Hillside Drive before the transaction could be completed. Hillside Drive is a dead-end street that leads to a private drive. Costick also pointed out that Hillside Drive is not on the borough’s master sidewalk plan.

The intent of the borough’s sidewalk ordinance is to ensure that sidewalks are installed throughout the borough so that one day all the sidewalks will connect to each other and pedestrians can walk safely anywhere they want. However,

there are some properties in the borough where installing sidewalks makes much less sense. When property owners are required to install sidewalks that lead to nowhere, borough officials are challenged to enforce the sidewalk ordinance.

Borough officials have said that they want to enforce the sidewalk ordinance in the fairest way possible to all property owners, and they have had offand-on discussions with the borough’s solicitor on ways to improve the regulations for the last few years. The request by Costick for relief from the sidewalk ordinance has prompted borough officials to prioritize making changes to the sidewalk ordinance.

“We’ve been dealing with the sidewalk issue for many years,” said council member Susan Lombardi, who serves on the Codes Committee that is frequently tasked with having some of the discussions about how the ordinance should be interpreted in a case-by-case basis. “There are extreme problems with our current ordinance. I struggle every time on the sidewalk ordinance. We need to make it right.”

To that end, the borough council authorized the advertisement of a public hearing to discuss some possible amendments to the sidewalk ordinance. Council also directed the Codes Enforcement Office not to enforce the existing sidewalk ordinance, including the regulation that requires property owners to have sidewalks installed before the sale of a property, pending the hearing on the new ordinance that is scheduled on Aug. 8.

Until that public hearing, the Codes Committee will hold a meeting each month to discuss the sidewalk regulations. If residents or property owners have thoughts about the sidewalk ordinance, now is the time to share them.

The borough is not repealing its entire sidewalk ordinance, but will instead consider some changes to certain portions of the ordinance.

John Thompson, the council vice president, said that he is concerned that the borough required others—including Flowers Foods—to install sidewalks in the last few years, even though in some instances those sidewalks do not connect to other sidewalks. He worried that it might not be fair to those property owners if the borough now stops enforcing the sidewalk regulations.

Lombardi, however, said that she has serious reservations about keeping the requirement to install sidewalks in all instances, whether it makes sense to have them or not.

“I don’t think it’s fair to spend our borough residents’ money on sidewalks that lead to nowhere,” Lombardi said. “I don’t know how we can justify that.”

Council member Randy Grace pointed out that none of these possible changes that would be under consideration relates to sidewalk repairs. Sidewalks still need to be repaired and maintained to ensure the public’s safety.

“We’ve got to do the right thing moving forward,” Grace said, explaining that this is the beginning of another conversation about sidewalks,

not the end of one. In other business at the June 20 meeting, Artie Anderson, the borough’s treasurer, was appointed to serve as interim borough manager, the borough secretary, the right-to-know officer, and several other positions until a new borough manager is named. Council members offered their sincere gratitude to Anderson for serving in these roles until a new borough manager is named.

Borough council member Gary Tozzo offered an update about the search for a new borough manager. Tozzo explained that the borough advertised the vacancy that was created when Betsy Brantner retired from the position effective in mid-June. Approximately 20 people initially applied for the position, and five people were called for interviews. Two of those candidates were called back for second interviews. Tozzo said that that’s where the search stands currently, and there could be further developments in the search process in the coming weeks. The borough undertook the search after seeking input from its solicitor and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.

Borough council voted to remove Richard Hannum as its representative on the Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board because of non-attendance at meetings. Council then appointed Randy Teel, a business owner and a former council member, to serve in that role.

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

Oxford man honored in dorm dedication ceremony

To honor decades of service and commitment, West Nottingham Academy dedicated and renamed its West Dormitory the George G. Heiney II ’63 Dormitory on June 11, in honor of alumnus George G. Heiney II, Class of 1963.

Heiney, a longtime Oxford resident, was honored at a formal dinner and dedication ceremony during Alumni Weekend with more than 100 alumni, friends, and community members in attendance.

The West Nottingham Academy Board of Trustees voted unanimously to dedicate the George G. Heiney II ’63 Dormitory, one of the Colora, Md., school’s four residence halls, to pay tribute to Heiney’s leadership and services as a devoted trustee from 1983 to 2014, board president from 1985 to 2009, and to celebrate his role as loyal alumnus, parent, and friend to the Academy.

“I’ve had the experience of working with extraordinary people to see that good things were accomplished,” Heiney said. During his time of service to the Academy, Heiney helped oversee seven additions to the campus, seven major renovation projects, and served with number of headmasters.

“It’s not the projects that you reflect on, but the people,” he said.

Heiney was joined by his wife, Betty; and his children, Andrew Heiney, Claire Heiney Moldovan, and Brett

Heiney, all alumni of the Academy.

“It was remarkable to have my family there, and many others I had not seen in quite some time. I’ve met so many wonderful people at the Academy,” Heiney said. Board president Paul McIntyre delivered an address. “We are proud to honor your decades of service to West Nottingham in this manner. Your legacy is well known, George, not just for your dedication and commitment, but for your efforts to engage others in a similar fashion, and to build upon the school we both love and serve,” McIntyre said. Heiney plans to remain active in the future of West Nottingham Academy as an Emeritus Trustee, assisting in board development, strategic planning, guidance, and fundraising.

Manor, laws governing construction in the development, and enforced by an affiliation of neighbors called the Bucktoe Manor Architectural Control Committee (ACC). On March 9, 2015, Carpenter, along with a few of his neighbors, filed a petition, claiming that the fence was in violation of the Declaration, and needed to come down.

For the next 15 months, the Davis-Ruth fence drew opposition that dipped into the ugly waters of vandalism and homophobic undertones. Davis and Ruth, a same-sex couple, found that portions of their fence were cut down twice by the use of a hacksaw.

The security system that had been installed was ripped from the ground five times. They heard homophobic obscenities yelled over their fence. Neighbors complained about the excessive barking of their dogs, and called the police on the couple several times.

On June 23, 2015, New Garden Police responded to a hate crime and criminal mischief complaint. Police observed damage to the two garage doors of the DavisRuth home. With red paint, one door was scrawled with the words “Get Out” and the second door had been painted with a derogatory term used to describe homosexuals.

The petition was about the fence and nothing else, neighbors insisted.

Finally, on June 9, Davis and Ruth, along with Carpenter, Charlton

and other Bucktoe Manor neighbors who filed the petition, met in the Court of Common Pleas before Judge Jeffrey R. Sommer. The plaintiffs repeated that they only wished to honor the laws of the Declaration of Covenants, Restrictions and Easements for Bucktoe Manor.

On June 20, Sommer, after hearing from both plaintiffs and defendants, gave his summary and ruled in favor of Davis and Ruth. In addition, he ruled in favor of the couple being allowed to install an in-the-ground pool on the property, granting them permission that had been previously been denied them by the ACC.

This case is not at all about a fence, Sommer said. “The evidentiary narrative which was developed both in direct and cross examination belied the ‘theme,’” Sommer wrote in his 18-page summary.

“We were ecstatic over the judge’s ruling and how he put it, from the standpoint that he could see the real issues that were going on,” Davis said last week. “We were thrilled about that. It is a battle we’ve won, but we haven’t won the war.”

Nearly from the start of his ruling, Sommer targeted the ACC for not having what he called “rules, regulations or procedures.”

“The original drafting of the regulation called for subsequent homeowners to create proper guidelines for various installations and construction within the development, such as instituting a hearing process for residents who wish to make structural changes on their property,” he wrote. “Mr.

Davis was never afforded any opportunity. That opportunity was denied because there was no ACC, there were no rules, there was no procedure and, in short, there was no due process.”

Sommer continued to hammer away at the ACC, speculating as to reasons why Davis’ application for a fence drew such opposition.

“One must pause to wonder, given the destruction of the Davis property and the profanity scrawled across his home in red spray paint, coupled with the absolute lack of any other required written application for a fence, if there is not a hint of selective enforcement present,” Sommer wrote.

“Judge Sommer, having said that this was more than just about a fence made us feel that he understood what we were trying to say,” Ruth said. “He got that there was something else, stemming from the problems we went through, that implied that there could have been a connection (between the overwhelming objection to the fence and the subsequent homophobic vandalism).”

“We knew that he was a fair and honest judge, and we were awarded that during our testimony, when all we had to do was speak to the truth,” Davis said. “The judge even commented about that during the hearing, when the other parties seemed to sound rehearsed.

“If I could give a quote back to (Judge Sommer), it would be, ‘It’s only about a fence,’” Charlton said. “I thought his narrative or wanting to make a play out of it was kind of disgusting.

I thought the verdict was fair, even though we lost. I understood it, but I know that the underlying theme of homophobia is simply not true.

“It didn’t come up in court for more than 20 seconds, and it never came up again, and for that to play such a big part in that ruling really made me question the judge.”

On the issue of determining whether or not the Bucktoe Manor Declarations were enforceable, Sommer said that they were not, using the rationale of poet Robert Frost’s poem “Mending Wall” as evidence, which contains the passage, “Good fences make good neighbors.”

In Frost’s poem, “a stone wall separates the speaker’s property from his neighbor’s, as the white fence separates Mr. Carpenter from Mr. Davis,” Sommer wrote. “Neither man ever thought to ask his neighbor what they were walling in and walling out. After being confronted, Mr. Davis made attempts to ease the concerns of Mr. Carpenter. Mr. Davis explained the need for the fence. Certainly, the cutting of the fence, the damage to the Davis property and the...spray paint message bolster Mr. Davis’ concerns.”

In an effort to enlist financial support, the couple recently kicked off a GoFundMe campaign, that raised nearly $6,000 in two weeks, through 116 private donations. In a letter dated June 8, attorney L. Theodore Hoppe, Jr., legal counsel for the plaintiffs, sent a letter to Mary Ann Rossi of MacElree Harvey,

Ltd., the attorney for the defendants, stating that the page contained “numerous false and defamatory allegations which have resulted in threats to my clients,” and requested that the page be taken down immediately.

The request was granted, and although the page remains inactive, Davis said that he has informed those who made donations that they had won their case.

Although Judge Sommer’s ruling leaned in their favor, Davis and Ruth believe that their victory has been a quiet one, solid only in its legalities which permit them to keep their fence and build their pool. The vandalism and homophobic slings and arrows that the couple have endured in the past could re-emerge in light of the decision, they said.

“If anything, we feel tense because we fear a retaliation because it didn’t rule in their favor,” Ruth said. “We don’t know what other van-

Uncle Irvin...

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dalism may happen, now that they know that they’re not the favored party.”

“What I guess was the most disappointing was Keith and David moved in here with kids, to what is truly a great neighborhood,” Charlton said. “When we first moved in here, it was like what you see on TV. Kids playing flashlight tag, July Fourth. It is a great place, and it disturbed me that a lawsuit happened here, one that had the underlying theme of homophobia.” Charlton was not certain whether or not there will be an appeal filed by the plaintiffs, but hoped that there will not be.

“It’s over,” Charlton said. “We are all adults. A judge made a ruling. The attorneys presented a very organized case. We all walked out of there saying, ‘Whatever the ruling is, it is.’”

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

thereabouts. These tax bills will be at record highs for every property owner, by two to four percent. Remember, you get less than one percent on your bank savings accounts. School teachers, meanwhile -- some of whom are your neighbors -- are rolling in clover, spending your tax dollars on vacations, because they don’t work a full 12-month year for their annual salaries and benefits, averaging about $90,000 per teacher. Moreover, no one knows how they perform in the classroom with their pupils, because no one, or no system, is in place to review them. Even kids who flip burgers get performance reviews.

American property owners are among the dumbest in the world to allow a system like this go on, taxing and spending more every year without restraint. School boards which pass the budget and raise taxes every year are “collective zombies” with no spines. Business as usual.

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

The closed-off open space of New Garden Township Editorial

On the evening of Feb. 23, 2015, after an hour-long discussion between elected officials that was both divided and accusatory, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors, by a vote of 3-2, entered the township into negotiations to purchase the 178-acre Green Valley Farm in the township for $2.3 million, for the purpose of placing a conservation easement on it.

At first glance, the investment seems, in principle, to be a very good one: Green Valley is home to the headwaters of four streams that converge to become Trout Run, an important tributary of the Wild and Scenic designated White Clay Creek, New Garden’s main waterway. It is the site of New Garden’s first organic farm, and maintains the best agricultural soils in New Garden Township. The acreage is a sanctuary to a great variety of wildlife including swans, great horned owls, osprey and bald eagles. Preserving the acreage in perpetuity assures that a residential real estate developer will never set foot on the land, which will guarantee that the rural urbanization that has invaded the township – seen in the form of cookiecutter developments throughout the area – will never happen there. As a consequence, school taxes could be held at bay.

And yet, in all of this splendor in the grass and meadows and vistas, one major component of this open space agreement – still on the table 16 months later – is that the very citizens who this conservation easement is intended for will never get to set foot on it. Under the terms of the agreement, there will no public access to the property. It is open space that has no intentions of ever being truly open.

The acreage is owned, in part, by former township supervisor Warren Reynolds, and has been in his family’s possession for more than one hundred years. It is to no one’s surprise that Reynolds would choose to work with the township – and not a commercial real estate conglomerate who would be able to offer far more money for the right to develop on the site. Throughout this tenure on the board, Reynolds was a known conservationist and tenacious protector of open space, and unafraid to get in the face of those entities who proposed massive commercial development in New Garden.

And so it is with great irony, given the past history of the Reynolds family serving as stewards of conservation, that the primary caveat of this open space negotiation does not call for public access to 178 acres. Although it is not the intention of the Reynolds family to do so, this decision brazenly defies the work being done by the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County, who helped create the Kennett Greenway and the Chandler Mill Nature Preserve, vast acreages that form an intricate and yet delicate trail stem that honors both our history and our natural habitat.

It undervalues the selfless acts of hundreds of volunteers who helped create the New Garden Trails – Mill Race, Laurel Woods and Landenberg Junction.

It defies the vision of the White Clay Creek Steering Committee, whose mission is to support the preservation, protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural and cultural resources of the White Clay Creek Watershed in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Most importantly, it binds the hands of the township’s Open Space Review Board, whose primary task is to solidify trail easements from property owners to develop trail networks throughout the township, as detailed in the 2009 New Garden Township Greenways Plan.

The fact that the negotiations for this deal have stalled have drawn the ire of some elected officials, but in retrospect, these delays may serve as a silver lining, one that gives the Reynolds family a chance to rethink the condition of their terms. Green Valley Farm lay in the vicinity of a connective tributary of trails, a network of nature that joins preserves to greenways from Landenberg to Kennett Square and beyond. Would it be too unreasonable to suggest carving out a five- to ten-acre corner of those 178 acres for a publicly-accessed perimeter trail, one that could form the latest link in a growing chain of conservation in New Garden Township and beyond?

May we ever see the Green Valley Farms Trail, joined some day to the other trails that have been forged before it?

Clearly, the dreams and aspirations of those associated with the many conservation groups in our community have helped make southern Chester County a desirable place to live and raise a family, and one that keeps the real estate developer’s hands from getting too close. Yes, to a very large degree – 178 acres’ worth – the preservation of the Green Valley Farm will contribute to that vision, and for that, the Reynolds family is to be thanked.

Yet, the truest measure of a conservationist is not to close off the doors of all he or she aims to protect, but to share these lands, in perpetuity, for future generations to enjoy. So we ask, what does the Reynolds family wish to be remembered more for – giving up their development rights at a substantial discount, or gifting a slice of their beautiful property for generations yet to come?

We should never take our liberties for granted

Letter to the Editor:

Originally observed on May 5, 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a group of Union veterans, Memorial Day is a day of honor and reverence to remember the soldiers who died fighting in our nation’s wars.

This past Memorial Day, millions of Americans used the long holiday weekend to travel to the mountains or the beach. Millions more drove to the nearest shopping mall to take advantage of the various holiday sales, while millions more attended a sporting event, or gathered with their friends to barbeque franks, burgers, or steaks on their grills.

Each year, recognizing

that most Americans will never have the opportunity to visit Normandy American Cemetery or St. James Cemetery in France, a group of French people formed an organization called “fleurs de la memoire,” or Flowers of Memory. As a gesture of respect, remembrance, and friendship, association members pledge to lay bouquets of flowers on the grave of an American soldier at least once a year, preferably on America’s Memorial Day, to remember the American soldiers who died during WWII in liberating France.

In the photograph that accompanies this editorial, eleven year-old Sara-Anne Bousquet proudly placed her flowers on the grave of her “adopted” soldier,

Leopoldville Disaster victim, Sgt. Charles F. Sullivan, from Worcester, Mass. She understood that the liberties we as Americans have received – which today, many of us take for granted – have been bought and paid for by the sacrifice

Chester County earns Distinguished Budget Presentation awards for 25 consecutive years

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has named Chester County as a recipient of its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year beginning 2015, marking a milestone 25 consecutive years that the County has earned this accolade. No other county in Pennsylvania has achieved this quarter century honor, and Chester County is one of less than 40 counties in the nation to have earned the award for 25 years or more.

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is presented to government organizations that have “pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America,” according to the GFOA. In a joint statement, County Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline said: “One of Chester County’s strategic priorities focuses on Governance – to pursue excellence through exceptional customer service, transparency, accountability and innovation. Chester County produces a budget document that explains how

Mark Rupsis, Chester County Chief Operating Officer, and Julie

every single dollar that the county receives is spent to support the services and programs that our citizens need. We value the GFOA’s endorsement of our annual Budget Presentation, and thank our staff for their diligence in preparing the budget document each year.”

Chester County Finance Director, with the latest in the collection of Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards that the County has earned consecutively over the past 25 years. Budget Presentation, in conjunction with our County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), provides our citizens with a great synopsis of county finances year after year, outlining what County departments do, and how they accomplish the many programs and services that are available to residents.”

Chester County Chief Operating Officer Mark Rupsis added, “These awards are a result of the exceptional work of our finance department and commissioners’ staff over the years. Chester County’s

Julie Bookheimer, Chester County Director of Finance said, “GFOA’s recognition of our County budget presentation throughout the years further highlights the County’s firm commitment to provide quality financial management and valuable information to the residents of this county.”

A letter from the GFOA announcing the award stated, “The award represents a significant achievement. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of government budgeting.” According to the GFOA, in order to receive the budget award, Chester County had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.

Jack London challenges State Sen. Dinniman to multiple debates

Candidate provides incumbent with more than 25 options for debate to having an honest discussion with Senator Dinniman and the voters of the 19th District.”

Jack London, a candidate for State Senate in Pennsylvania’s 19th District, challenged his opponent, State Sen. Andrew Dinniman, to a series of debates hosted by local news outlets and the League of Women Voters (LWV).

“For more than 10 years, Senator Dinniman has represented the 19th district, but has failed to really tell us where he stands on issues that matter to the region,” London said in a statement.

“The voters should demand that we answer their questions and not settle for answers solely through tweets, posts, and press

releases. That’s why I am asking Senator Dinniman to participate in series of debates throughout this campaign. There is stark contrast between Senator Dinniman and me. I’m a former police officer and professional athlete who built a career and small business over 20 years in the financial sector. Senator Dinniman is a career politician with zero private sector experience whose benefits and pensions are paid for by the taxpayers. Our past experiences form much different perspectives on the office, the district and the issues that matter most to residents, and I look forward

$700K raised through public and private donations

Land conservancy reaches funding milestone

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Over the past few years, the Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC) has been the recipient of some very good news, seen in the form of acquisitions and initiatives that have added acres of preserved land, seen the purchase of an historic bridge that is scheduled to be preserved, and the acquisition of a new home.

Last week, they received even more.

Through an accumulation of public and private donations totaling $700,000, the TLC’s Chandler Mill Nature Preserve and Interpretive Nature Center – both currently in the engineering and planning phase – are now fully funded and are anticipated to open to the public in 2017.

In addition to individual donations, the TLC received grants from the Welfare Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Starrett Foundation, the Fair Play Foundation, Crystal Trust, the E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation, the Marjorie L. and Arthur P. Miller Fund and the KEEN Effect.

“This is a great example of the courage and vision exemplified by everyone who came together in this public-private partnership, in order to protect the irreplaceable for the

entire community, to enjoy long after we are all gone,” said TLC executive director Gwen Lacy.

“These two initiatives form a microcosm of our work, and it reaches all of the tenets of the TLC: land conservation, historic preservation, environmental education and the stewardship of land conservation.”

“This will be, in a sense, a demonstration site of the work that we do,” she said. “People will be able to come and see those practices, and hopefully, be able to take those practices home.”

These projects are linked to the TLC’s commitment to save and preserve the Chandler Mill Bridge, which led to its 2015 acquisition of the bridge by Kennett Township; and the acquisition of the former Walnut Hill bed and breakfast as its headquarters.

The Chandler Mill Nature Preserve, located across the street from

TLC’s offices and near the Chandler Mill Bridge, is part of the largest contiguously conserved area in Kennett Township, with 500 acres of open space that contains some of the most biodiverse natural habitat in the region. Now open to the public, part of the funding will go toward the development of perimeter trails and the re-routing of additional trails; the continuation of riparian plantings in the preserve and the installation of rain gardens and pollinator gardens; and the construction of permeable parking areas, which will help prevent flooding runoff and erosion.

The Interpretive Nature Center, when completed, will serve as the educational centerpiece of the TLC. Located at the TLC’s headquarters, the center will include educational displays, maps, checklists and field guides -- all to educate the community about habitats

on the preserve and the importance of land and water conservation.

While the nature preserve and center await final design and construction, Lacy said that work has already begun.

“We have been able to get topographic surveys done for all properties in the area, a wetlands inventory, and an historic resources inventory completed,” she said. “The area is rife with history, so we wanted to make sure all of that was documented.”

The TLC is offering several nature programs throughout the summer, including a “Full Moon Owl Prowl” on July 22; a “Mysterious Moths” exploration on Aug. 5; and a “Common Nighthawk Watch” from Aug. 23-Sept. 3. For more information, contact the TLC education coordinator at 610-3470347, ext. 104.

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

U-CF School District studying International Baccalaureate program

By John Chambless Staff Writer

As part of a long-range study, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is considering the benefits of joining the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, as well as the AP Capstone program.

The IB program is offered in school districts around the country, and is held in high regard around the world.

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board heard a preliminary report last week on some preliminary findings.

The comprehensive, rigorous, two-year curriculum for high school students begins in the junior year. Students are encouraged to demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, both in the mastery of content and the development of skills and discipline. Often, the IB diploma will allow students to skip certain basic courses during the college freshman year.

The committee also evaluated the AP Capstone program as an additional or supplementary program. AP Capstone builds on the current AP program, adding two additional courses. AP Seminar is offered to juniors and AP Research is offered during the senior year. The two-course sequence provides students with the critical

thinking and research skills needed to succeed in college. Both IB and AP Capstone are two-year diploma programs with external assessments, critical thinking emphasis and long-term research, and allow for cross-curricular connections. IB is a more established program and is already well regarded. AP Capstone, however, initially fits with the current U-CF program. To become an accredited IB provider, a district must commit to a rigorous two- to three-year process. The district committee studying the two programs is favoring IB, because AP Capstone is a new and unproven program. One of the tasks ahead is studying the schedule at the high-school level. Some adjustments will need to be made to incorporate the IB program, if adopted. There is also a cost consideration.

Moving forward, the U-CF School Board will study the report submitted by the committee and work to include it in the 2016-2017 goal setting and planning process this summer.

For more information on district activities, visit www. ucfsd.org.

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

County gets notice of first confirmed case of Zika Virus

On June 21, the Chester County Health Department issued a news release announcing the county’s first confirmed case of Zika Virus by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This case involves a Chester County woman who had recently traveled to an area affected by mosquitoes carrying the Zika Virus. The patient, who is not pregnant, was not hospitalized and has recovered.

CASHIER ARRESTED

Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Maria Teresa Huichapa, 42, of Oxford, for retail theft after she was seen giving items away to customers at the Oxford Walmart store.

FIRE AT SCHOOL

A 16-year-old girl

admitted her involvement in starting a fire in a girl’s bathroom at Avon Grove High School on May 20, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

Charges of arson have been filed.

ASSAULT ARREST

Kenett Square Police arrested Nicholas Cerrato, Jr., 19, of Kennett Square, for simple assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and underage drinking after an incident that occurred on May 19 at 1 a.m. in the 100 block of West South Street.

Cerrato was found to have several outstanding bench

Upon confirmation, the Chester County Health Department advised her of protective measures to reduce the risk of further mosquito bites. The department is collaborating with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in a public health response to the Zika Virus, and has issued an alert to all county health

warrants and was released to constables for transport to Chester County Prison.

GUN CHARGES AFTER ASSAULT

On June 15, New Garden Township Police responded to the 100 block of Lavender Hill Lane for a domestic dispute. The victim had a cut on her hand. She said that Donald Jones, 53, of Landenberg, had thrown a glass which broke, causing her cut. She turned over a handgun to officers and said she wanted it removed from the home. Officers discovered that the gun had the serial number filed off and later arrested the owner, Jones. He was charged with altering or obliterating the ID number, simple assault and harassment. He was arraigned and released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

GO-KART STOLEN

Sometime between June 3 and June 6, someone stole a green Murray Explorer go-kart from outside a home at 16 Charles Drive in Oxford, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

care providers. The alert reiterated the importance of reviewing and following the testing and risk reduction guidance for Zika Virus.

To date, 23 cases of travel-associated Zika Virus have been confirmed in Pennsylvania. There are no locally acquired cases of Zika Virus in the state.

Chester County Health Department director Jeanne Casner reminded residents that there is minimal risk of contracting Zika from

PROWLER THWARTED

On June 7 at 5 a.m., a 22-year-old man at a home on Kathleen Drive in Landenberg saw a person wearing a ski mask on his property. The masked person was chased away. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

COUNTERFEIT CASH

On June 7, a counterfeit $20 bill was passed at a Sunoco gas station at 305 E. Baltimore Pike, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The U.S. Secret Service was contacted and an investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding counterfeit currency in the area is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

ASSAULT ARREST

New Garden Township Police arrested Jose Zavala, 32, of Kennett Square, on May 30 after responding to a call about a domestic incident. The victim suffered injuries to her nose and face, and told police that Zavala had argued with her, punched her in the face and shoved her, causing more

mosquitoes in Chester County. “For anyone traveling to countries affected by the Zika Virus, we urge caution and note that pregnant women in particular should avoid travel to affected countries,” she said in the June 21 statement.

“Here in Chester County, mosquito prevention starts with each and every one of us,” Casner said. “Protect yourself, your family, and your community from

injuries to her face. Zavala was arrested for assault and released on $35,000 bail while awaiting a preliminary hearing.

CITED AFTER FIGHT

Kennett Square Police cited Jose GutierrezQuintino, 22, of Kennett Square, for disorderly conduct, and Clifton Richard, 29, of Kennett Square, for public drunkenness after police got a report of two men fighting in the 500 block of South Walnut Street on May 22 at 5:06 p.m.

SIGNS STOLEN

Six road signs and posts were pulled out of the ground and stolen along Hickory Hill Road, south of Rogers Road in Elk Township, between March 23 and June 1, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

FUGITIVE ARRESTED

On May 31 at 10:08 a.m., Kennett Square Police arrested Ricardo ReyesMiguel (also known as Maximo Serrano-Martinez), 39, of Kennett Square, on a fugitive from justice warrant

Zika and other viruses by using screens on the exterior of your home, use insect repellent, eliminate standing water inside and outside your home and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.”

The Zika Virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, which is common in warm climates. Most people infected with Zika will not have symptoms,

out of Arizona. Unable to post cash bail of $15,000, he was taken to Chester County Prison.

THROWN OBJECT

DAMAGES CAR

On June 14, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale got a report that someone threw a hard object, striking a car being driven on Route 1 at Elkdale Road, damaging the windshield. Anyone with information about similar incidents in the area is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

DOMESTIC ASSAULT WITH KNIFE

On June 18, New Garden Township Police responded to the 100 block of Chambers Road for a report of an assault with a knife. The victim told police that he had argued with Shinai Davidson, 31, of Toughkenamon, at a party, and that she had cut his arm with a knife. Davidson returned to the home while police were present, and was arrested on assault and related charges. She was taken to Chester County Prison in lieu of $15,000

but for those who do, the symptoms are mild and last several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. These symptoms can include a rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis and fever. Less common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. For more information, and for links to CDC guidance on Zika Virus, visit the Chester County Health Department web page, www.chesco. org/health.

cash bail.

TRUCK DAMAGED IN THEFT

On June 6 at about 4 a.m., someone stole a debit card and key from a commercial vehicle parked at Larrabee Trucking, at 4271 Newark Road in Upper Oxford Township, then moved the truck and damaged another truck at the property, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

THEFTS FROM VEHICLES

On June 6, just before 9 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale got a report of the theft of about $3,410 from an unlocked work vehicle parked at 163 Woodland Road in East Nottingham Township. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

Two unlocked vehicles parked at 202 Foxbrook Drive and 103 Foxbrook Drive in Landenberg were broken into overnight on May 26, and items were stolen from inside both, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

Ball Drop benefits Upland alumni programs

There were 111 golf balls dropped by helicopter on the 18th hole of the golf course at the Kennett Square Country Club recently in a fundraiser to benefit Upland Country Day School’s Alumni programs. The Helicopter Ball Drop was part of the annual Upland Golf Outing. The pilot, local resident Buzz Marshall, donated his helicopter and flight time to drop the bucket of balls over the 18th flag just outside the clubhouse. Guests at the Country Club and participants in the golf outing purchased the numbered balls and prizes were awarded for both the

ball that landed closest to the flag and farthest from the flag. Upland alum and outing volunteer Caroline Young ‘13 rode in the helicopter and released the balls over the flag. The player who traveled the farthest to participate in the tournament, John Crane from North Carolina, Upland Class of ‘75, won farthest from the flag and Peyton Wylie, Upland Class of 20, won closest to the flag. Proceeds from the golf outing benefit the John M. Cleveland Scholarship program and the new Upland IDEA/STEAM center opening in the fall of 12016.

Verbanas receives Randy Sebastian Volunteer Person of the Year Award in Oxford

To celebrate the end of another successful school year, the Oxford Educational Foundation (OEF) partnered with the Oxford Area Education Association to host a breakfast for the professional staff, aides, and volunteers. At the event, Mrs. Ali Verbanas was given the Randy Sebastian Volunteer Person of the Year Award for her work with students in Elk Ridge School as a classroom aide and coordinator of events.

In addition, the John C. Pittenger Award was announced with a $10,000 grant awarded to Oxford Area High School toward the purchase of

an auditorium quality projector for the James S. Herr Auditorium in the high school. This projector will benefit both the school and the community with its use as it upgrades the ability of groups to use the auditorium for educational and entertainment purposes. Randy Sebastian and John Pittenger were both founding member of the OEF and instrumental in its set-up and continued success.

In addition, the OEF recently announced the awarding of the last set of professional grants for the 2015-2016 school year. The OEF offers professionals in the school district four opportunities throughout the year to apply for grants to fund materials and activities not currently in the school budget. This past May, two grants were awarded for the Nottingham

School building. Gwen Fancy received funding to purchase award-winning chapter books for the school library and Anna Krueger was awarded a grant for the purchase of three iPads to improve math and vocabulary skills in addition to enabling students to listen to leveled readers. Three grants were awarded to OAHS. Bill Kromer will purchase a professional grade router table to move the wood technology program in a STEM direction. Tish Foster’s grant is for the purchase of glasses for computer reading that will reduce the eye-strain for students suffering from concussions and migraines. The monies toward certification of CPR and First Aid courses are provided by a grant awarded to Karly Herb.

This fourth set of grants

above totaled $3,817.62 bringing the total for the 2015-2016 school year to $16,385.49. Adding that figure to the Pittenger grant brings the yearly total to $26,385.49 from OEF grants to the Oxford schools. The support of the local community provides the success of the OEF which is already looking forward to and planning for the next school year. Contributions are always welcome and the OEF invites the community to offer its support with donations that can be mailed to the OEF at P.O. Box 142, Oxford, PA 19363. Anyone who would like to be a volunteer is encouraged to contact Executive Director, Dr. Raymond A. Fischer, at 610-9327200. More information can be found at www. oxfordeducaitonalfoundation. org.

Dwight Wallace Memorial Motorcycle Run set for this Saturday

The Chester County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. will be holding its 27th annual Food Run to benefit the Neighborhood Services Center on Saturday, July 2. The group will gather in the parking lot of the Shoppes of Jenner’s Village at the intersection of Old Baltimore Pike and Route 796 at noon and will depart at 1 p.m. to deliver the

Allstate agent Ed Ennis recently presented Oxford Junior Football Golden Bears with a $1,000 grant as part of The Allstate Foundation’s “Agency Helping Hands in the Community” program. The program, which began in

food to the Neighborhood Services Center.

After the food run, there will be a ride to the Chester County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. picnic for everyone who participated in the collection of food.

Anyone interested in participating, or contributing, are asked to bring nonperishable foods and disposable diapers to the food collection. The Chester County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. Has organized this event in memory of the fallen members of the chapter for the last 26 years. The food run is a rain-or-shine event for motorcycles or cars. Everyone is welcome to participate. For more information, call 484-995-5514.

get $1,000 grant

2003, recognizes Allstate agents’ volunteerism within the community and provides financial support to organizations through The Allstate Foundation. Every Allstate agent who volunteers for a charitable organization in their community may qualify for this award. Agents who are honored with an Agency Helping Hands in the Community award can serve nonprofit groups in many capacities – as volunteers, mentors, program partners and leaders.

Concert to benefit the Laura Pattinson Memorial Scholarship

3 p.m. on July 3 at the Oxford Methodist Church in Oxford. The concert is free, with all donations going directly to the music scholarship. The scholarship fund was created in memory of Laura Pattinson, an Oxford Area High School band student who died in 1997. Because Laura was interested in studying music in college, her

family decided to create the scholarship in her memory to help Oxford students pursue college educations in music.

Hamilton, an Oxford Area High School graduate, was a recipient of this scholarship from 2008 to 2012, and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in music education in 2012. She recently graduated with a masters in flute performance from Ohio University in the Spring of 2016, and will be attending The Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music this Fall for her Artist Diploma in Flute.

She has achieved a great deal of success in both local and national competitions, including first prize in Ohio University’s 2014 Concerto Competition, first prize in the 2015 Delta Symphony

Orchestra Young Artist Concerto Competition Woodwind Division, first prize in the Rochester Flute association’s young artist competition and second place in the 2015 Lima Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Concerto Competition, and the Norfolk VA flute faire young artist competition.

Hamilton has also been a substitute performer with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, and is on the sub list for the West Virginia and Charleston symphony orchestras. She performed Carl Nielsen’s Flute concerto with the Ohio university Symphony orchestra in Fall of 2015. Additionally, she was awarded the National Federation of Music Club’s Ernest A Bluhm Flute Award in March of 2015.

Gary Smith celebrates 40th anniversary at Chester County Economic Development Council

Approximately 150 public officials, business leaders and well-wishers recently celebrated Gary W. Smith’s 40 years of service with the Chester County Economic Development Council.

They gathered at a reception at Milky Way Farm in Yellow Springs to recognize Smith for a career that began in 1976, when he answered a newspaper ad for assistant director at the organization. He went on to become CCEDC President and CEO.

Chester County Commissioners Terence Farrell, Kathi Cozzone and Michelle Kichline issued a citation in Smith’s honor, saying, “The Board of Commissioners, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, recognizes Gary Smith for four decades of passion and commitment to economic development, helping to shape Chester County into a thriving community that is recognized regionally and nationally as one of the best places live and work.”

As CCEDC President and CEO, Smith has pioneered many award-winning programs, secured more than $275 million in external funding for more than 420 projects, helped to create more than 175,000 new jobs and

County Economic Development Council

at the joke as he receives a kayak with a cow

Hanno Spranger, and Frank Krempa.

retained more than 190,000 existing jobs. During Smith’s 40-year tenure, the council has brokered more than $13.5 billion in commercial financing loans, and 8,000plus new businesses have been established. In addition to his leadership of the Economic Development Council, Smith has served as an ambassador for Chester County on many national economic development boards and agricultural agencies, and his efforts have been recognized by organizations including the Chester County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Council of Development Finance Agencies, and regional chambers of

commerce.

Mike Grigalonis, CCEDC’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “Gary is as passionate about his job and about Chester County today as he was the first day I met him in 1998. There is an endless list of things that I’ve learned from Gary over the years, but what stands out most is the satisfaction you can gain from helping companies grow and helping people succeed.”

Commissioner Farrell remembers meeting Smith about 20 years ago, when he was a realtor in Oxford and called Smith for advice on assisting in the sale of a mushroom plant.

“This was before I was Recorder of Deeds, before I

the

and CEO

Oxford area school district schedules free summer academies

The Oxford Area School District will offer free summer academies for district students during the month of July. Academies will include offerings in art, youth fitness, math, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and a Young Authors Academy.

not leading

was Commissioner, before I was anybody! But it didn’t matter to Gary. He took an interest in me and wanted me to succeed, and I think that’s indicative of his behavior with everybody. He just wants to help,” Farrell said.

CCEDC Board Chair Bill Bogle, President and CEO of Genesis Packaging Technologies, said, “We all know and marvel at the impact Gary has had on how this county has developed over the past 40 years. Seven of my eight predecessors are still actively involved in CCEDC, which is a testimony to Gary and what his has done. I am very thankful that this special anniversary fell on my watch.”

Academies will be open to students who were enrolled in grades 2-8 during the 20152016 school year, depending on the academy program content. All academies will be held at Hopewell Elementary School.

The academies are free to Oxford Area School District students. Parents must provide transportation for their child.

There is a maximum class/ group size scheduled and registrations will be accepted as received. Registration forms are available on the school district website at www.oxford.k12.pa.us

All completed registration forms can be returned to the main office of the registered student’s school or to the Administration Building, 125 Bell Tower Lane at Route 10, Oxford.

Academies will be held as follows: Art Academy - Monday,

July 11 to Thursday, July 28. Students in grades 3-5 will attend from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; students in grades 6-8 will attend from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Math Academy - Monday, July 11 to Thursday, July 28. Group times assigned by instructor based on instrument played and groupings available. Young Authors AcademyMonday, July 11 to Thursday, July 14. Students in grades 2-4 will attend from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; students in grades 5 and 6 will attend from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Youth Fitness AcademyMonday, July 11 to Thursday, July 14. Students in grades 3-5 will attend from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; students in grades 6-8 will attend from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Math Academy - Monday, July 18 to Thursday, July 21. Students in grades 2-4 will attend from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; students in grades 5 and 6 will attend from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. STEM Academy - Monday, July 25 to Thursday, July 28. Students in grades 3 and 4 will attend from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; students in grades 5 and 6 will attend from 10:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

Pondering America’s 240th birthday

By Gene Pisasale Correspondent

While many Americans take it for granted that our nation will always be strong as we approach the July 4th celebration, the Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence felt otherwise.

They recognized that the struggle for independence would be tortuous and the outcome was highly uncertain. Benjamin Franklin even joked about it: “We must all hang together, or we will surely hang separately.” Only about one-third of the colonists actively supported independence. Some members of the Continental Congress –including the respected John Dickinson of Pennsylvania –refused to sign the Declaration, feeling the move would lead to ruin. Dickinson is a good example of how principled, intelligent people had serious doubts about the direction our nation should take.

Although America won the war, the nation was basically a collection of independent states, held together loosely by the ineffective Articles of Confederation. We were also bankrupt, with tens of millions of dollars in debt, upon which the nation defaulted as it struggled to gain its footing. By the mid-1780s, it was clear the experiment in self-rule would end in failure without drastic changes. Congress needed more authority to make laws for all the states and levy taxes to pay its bills. As colonists had just fought a bloody war against a monarchy doing just that, the debate over a new direction was furious.

One man would lead the way. Alexander Hamilton came from a poor family in the West Indies. His father abandoned him when he was 10; his mother died a year later. From turmoil, he built his strength, working as an apprentice in a trading house. When the owner left for several months, Hamilton was granted authority over the entire operation, handling hundreds of ships carrying cargoes from around the world. Learning the

complexities of international trade, finance, currency exchange, commodities, personnel and inventory management, he became a master of these disciplines by the age of 15. After emigrating to the colonies and fighting for “the cause,” he served as George Washington’s most trusted aidede-camp, participating in the final victory at Yorktown.

Of all the delegates at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Hamilton was the only one who’d written eloquently about independence, put his life on the line to defend it and outlined a detailed plan to save the republic from disaster.

Hamilton’s numerous recommendations made their way into the final draft of the U.S. Constitution, where he detailed the powers of a central government to tax, regulate commerce, coin money, issue debt and other functions critical to the survival of any government. His words -embodied in Article I, Section 8 -- were the lifeblood of the Constitution and the saving grace for our nation.

Washington thought so highly of him, he made Hamilton Secretary of the Treasury. Despite repeated protests about his policies from Thomas Jefferson and others, Hamilton’s proposals became the cornerstones of our financial and economic system. Yet his warning against excessive debt was one lesson our nation didn’t seem to learn in the centuries that followed.

Forty years after this raucous debate, the last surviving signer of the Declaration, Charles Carroll, helped start another series of changes. On July 4, 1828, Carroll laid the cornerstone for the Baltimore and Ohio, the country’s first railroad. Combined with steamships and the telegraph, two new revolutions in transportation and communications transformed America. The republic was thriving, blessed with fertile soils, swift-flowing rivers and seemingly endless natural resources. Businesses

expanded as the country now had a banking system, a stable currency, free flow of capital and public securities markets, all of which supported robust industrial expansion.

Hamilton’s ideas triumphed over those of his detractors, including Jefferson, who hated banks and distrusted business. Yet the biggest test of all was still ahead, as a “peculiar institution” moved the nation to its breaking point. By the 1850s, America had been through financial panics and a war with Mexico, the latter of which caused an enormous expansion of territory and even more heated debates. Slavery existed widely in the southern states, but was largely absent in the North due to its more diversified economy. Plantation owners viewed slaves as essential to their way of life; abolitionists considered the practice an abomination. Despite a series of compromises, politicians failed to resolve the issue as slavery

to western

South Carolina seceded. A few months later, rebels fired the first shots in a conflict that nearly destroyed America.

The Civil War claimed two percent of the population, more lives than all other U.S. wars. Today the equivalent casualties would number an unthinkable six million people. The South’s economic base was demolished, but the North rebounded strongly. By 1895, the output of New York State alone was equal to that of all the southern states combined. The Confederacy ended in dismal failure, with distress for tens of millions of people, generating deep wounds that would take over a century to heal.

America was again resilient, experiencing vigorous economic growth from the late 1870s through the early 20th century (with some financial downturns), placing it in the top

tier of industrialized nations. In 1913 the country got a fully functioning, modern central bank with the Federal Reserve System, which took up its duties just in time for another calamity -- the Great Depression. We struggled for more than a decade through our worst financial catastrophe. Only after a rampup in industrial activity during World War II did the country rebound back to prosperity.

We saw more challenges in the following years: The assassination of a President, his brother and a major civil rights leader, a controversial war, a savings and loan crisis and the implosion of the real estate market. Government gained more powers to guide the ship of state, expanding its footprint into almost every aspect of our daily lives. While we were rescued from drowning, some people wonder whether the rights our soldiers fought for through several wars have been transferred from individuals … to the government.

What would the founders think of America today? Surely they’d be impressed with the

advances in technology, but also likely be stunned by the transformation of our way of life. Washington warned that only a virtuous people could survive as a nation. Jefferson argued that a republic couldn’t function unless its citizens were educated, well-informed on the issues of the day, and actively involved in their government. Madison felt a system of checks and balances was critical in preventing one group from gaining too much power. Hamilton recognized that the entire system would collapse if it could not generate revenue. Each of them had doubts regarding the longevity of this idea we call America, knowing that it would face unending challenges to its existence. Despite its many problems, our nation is still the envy of the world, evidenced by the millions of people who try to come here (legally and illegally) every year. What are they coming for? The same things the Founding Fathers fought to build: A stable government that respects human rights and a chance at a better life, with personal freedoms and the opportunity for success. With all the uncertainties, America’s future remains bright. It is up to us -- here and now -- to make sure that this experiment continues successfully for many generations to come. So Happy 240th Birthday, America! Long may the flag wave.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. He’s written nine books focusing largely on the history of the Philadelphia and mid-Atlantic region. His latest program is as a “Living Biographer,” portraying Colonel Alexander Hamilton. His website is www.GenePisasale.com.

Through July 27

Concerts in the park

Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square will be the site of free concerts this summer on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. There will be food and drinks for sale. Visit www.ansonbnixonpark.org for more information. The schedule will include: Rockabilly with the Bullets (June 29); Crossroads (July 6); Jane Lee Hooker (July 13); Mercury Radio Theater (July 20); Angelee (July 27).

July 1

First Friday in Oxford

Start the long Fourth of July weekend by enjoying Oxford’s First Friday event with an “America the Beautiful” theme. First Friday includes many activities and events that are taking place in downtown Oxford. Stores will be open late.

July 2 Freedom Fest in Nottingham Park

July 10

Record Collectors

The Keystone Record Collectors Music Expo will be held at the Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway east, Route 30, next to Dutch Wonderland) on July 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dealers will be buying, selling and trading records, CDs and music memorabilia. Admission is free. Call 610-932-7852 or visit www.recordcollectors.org.

July 15

‘Inside Out’ at Movies in the Park

The family-oriented “Movies in the Park” series returns to the Oxford Memorial Park on July 15 with a showing of “Inside Out.” The movie previews start at 8:30 p.m., with the main feature following. Concessions are available at the pavilion throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Admission is free. In the case of rain, the event may be canceled. Visit www.oxfordpa.org.

July 16

Community choir concert

The New London Community Choir, under the direction of Robin Bidwell, will present “A Tribute to the ‘60s” on July

The Freedom Fest at Nottingham County Park will be held on Saturday, July 2 from 6 to 11 p.m. Admission is free, but parking is $10 per car. Enjoy fireworks, a concert, plenty of activities and offerings from food vendors. There will snacks from Herr Foods, and festival foods served by vendors. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Canopies are not permitted. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited. For more information, call 610-9322589 or visit www.chesco.org/ ccparks.

16 at 7 p.m. in the Avon Grove High School Auditorium (257 State Rd., West Grove). The choir performs two concerts a year, is available to sing for local community events and recently sang for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The program will include songs by the Beatles, Beach Boys and Elvis, among others. Donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, call 610-869-8129 or e-mail newlondonumc@verizon.net.

Aug. 5

First Friday in Oxford

Enjoy food, music, and activities at Oxford’s First Friday event, which has a “Luau” theme on Aug. 5. The downtown stores will have extended hours and special sales from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8

Benefit golf tournament

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament on Aug. 8 beginning at 11 a.m. at Radley Run Country Club. Proceeds benefit the SCCCC High School Scholarship Fund. Individual golfers are $225 and foursomes are $825; hole sponsorships are also available. To register, visit www.scccc.com. The tournament includes a luncheon beginning at 11 a.m. and the tournament beginning at 12:30 p.m. A reception and scholarship

dinner conclude the day at 5:30 p.m. Visit www.scccc.com.

Aug. 19 Third on Third

Enjoy music, art, shopping and dinner on the third Friday of the month along Third Street in downtown Oxford. It is an opportunity for art lovers to view exhibits in an environment that caters to adults. Stroll Third Street for additional activities coinciding with the Arts Alliance exhibits. The hours are 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.downtownoxfordpa.org.

Aug. 19

‘Minions’

The family-oriented “Movies in the Park” series returns to the Oxford Memorial Park on July 15 with a showing of “Minions.” The movie previews start at 8:30 p.m., with the main feature following. Concessions are available at the pavilion throughout the evening. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Admission is free. In the case of rain, the event may be canceled. Visit www.oxfordpa.org.

Sept. 2

First Friday Car Show

Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., will be hosting its third annual car show as the First Friday event in September. More than 160 antique, classic, and modern cars are expected to be on

display. The hours are 5 to 8 p.m.

Through Aug. 3

Avon Grove Seniors

The Avon Grove Seniors meet Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the West Grove Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove). There’s a covered dish every third Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. The following activities are open to the community: visit WG Museum with Scott Steele (June 22); quarterly lunch at 11 a.m. (June 29); Frustration game (July 6); Tyler from Sen. Dinniman’s Office (July 13); covered dish (July 20, 11:30 a.m.); Crazy Bingo (July 27); bingo (Aug. 3). Longwood concert schedule Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) hosts a summer concert series. Tickets are on sale for these upcoming concerts: The Philadelphia Orchestra performing works by Handel, Mozart and Vivaldi (June 29, 7:30 p.m.); Chick Corea Trio (July 3, 7:30 p.m.); Natalia Lafourcade (July 6, 7:30 p.m.); Joey Alexander Trio and Time for Three (Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m.); Taj Mahal and Bettye LaVette (Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m.).

Visit www.longwoodgardens. org/summer-series. Kennett Flash schedule

The Kennett Flash (102

Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www. kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: Ranger Will and the Gifted Hicks (July 1, 8 p.m., $17 and $20); Open Mic with Elliott and Andrew from Vinyl Artifacts (July 3, 7 p.m., $4); Dead Flowers: Rolling Stones tribute band (July 8, 8 p.m., $16 and $20); The Legendary Wid with Doogie Horner and John Kensil (July 9, 8 p.m., $15 and %$18); Yarn (July 15, 8 p.m., $20 and $23); Better Than Bacon improv comedy troupe (July 16, 8 p.m., $12 and $14); Open Mic with host Billy Penn Burger (July 17, 7 p.m., $4); The Way Down Wanderers (July 21, 8 p.m., $12); Steal Your Peach: A tribute to the Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead (July 29, 8 p.m., $15 and $18); TVC15: David Bowie

Delaware Symphony gets $300,000 challenge grant

The Longwood Foundation has announced a $300,000 grant to the Delaware Symphony Orchestra (DSO) to support initiatives of its three-year strategic plan. The awarding of the grant funds is contingent upon the DSO’s securing another $150,000 in commitments toward this three-year plan, effectively making the Longwood award a “challenge” grant.

“This award provides a tremendous boost of confidence for the Delaware Symphony,” said DSO executive director Alan Jordan. “With this endorsement, the DSO is well poised to secure the additional funding required but, more importantly, to begin planning the expanded activities identified in our strategic plan. We are so grateful to the Longwood

Foundation for their support of our efforts.”

“The Longwood Foundation’s generous grant is a heartening endorsement of our efforts to make live classical music accessible for all,” said DSO music director David Amado. “I am so grateful to the Foundation for its generosity, its commitment to our community, and to our art.”

Longwood Foundation grants manager Joanne Reilly said, “Longwood Foundation is pleased to support the Delaware Symphony’s expansion efforts with this challenge grant. We believe in the cultural and economic importance of the arts in Delaware and the DSO is an integral member of the arts community.”

“We are looking for

the DSO to become Delaware’s Orchestra, with performances and educational outreach occurring throughout the state,” Jordan said. “Our plan also features the re-introduction of Family Concerts and outdoor performances, as well as expanded educational outreach, a new chamber ensembles program, and a partnership with the Ferris

School for Boys. We are also striving to increase the DSO’s relevance to communities and residents. The ‘Access for All’ value will be borne out through collaborations with social service and other non-profit organizations that can connect the DSO with underserved populations. Our desire is to remove the barriers, both real and perceived, to attending a DSO presentation.”

The Conestoga/Beneficial Bank merger is about creating better experiences for all of our customers, old and new. Here are just a few reasons why: The knowledgeable, personal service you’ve come to expect as a Conestoga customer is now available at 54 more branches and ATMs across the area.

Together we can offer you more of the latest in technology. Like highly secure EMV chip debit cards; Apple®, Android™ and Samsung Mobile Pay systems; Touch ID® logins, and more, all made simple and easy to use.

We’re both local, and together we intend to keep our local spirit. With decision making and services designed for those living and working in the Philadelphia area - in other words, designed for you.

ROBERT A. PIERCE

Robert A. Pierce, 73, of Newark, Del., passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on June 21. Born in 1942 in West Grove, he was son of the late John S. and Edna Mae (Steward) Pierce. Robert attended the Auburn Regular Baptist Church. He loved bowling with the Oxford League as well as playing softball for Hoffman’s Haven. Robert is survived by his wife of 41 years, Shirley A. Pierce; stepson, Josh Peirson; six siblings, Elmer, Kennedy, James, Boyd, Jane, and Joe; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John Pierce, Jr. A funeral was held June 27. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “NICU Helping Hands” and sent care of Tammy Milburn, 192 Booth Road, Elkton, MD 21921. To send condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.

CLARABELL J. SHOOP

Clarabell J. Shoop, 78, of Lincoln University, passed away on June 22 at her home.

She was the wife of Aaron M. Shoop. Born in Tuckerdale, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Edgar and Lillie Powers Thompson. Clarabell was a member of Ocklokonee Council No. 212 Degree of Pocahontas in Oxford, and was the Past Great Pocahontas of Pennsylvania, and member of the Union Fire Co. No. 1 Auxiliary. She enjoyed crocheting and loved the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team.

She is survived by her husband; one daughter, Judy L. Shoop of Downingtown; three grandchildren, Angela Sheets of Lincoln University, Missy Hodgden of Nottingham, and Sean M. Duffy of Downingtown; one great-granddaughter, Morgan Whitesell. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Patty A. Sheets.

A funeral was held June 27. Interment was in Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery in Russellville. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Betty Earhart Memorial Fund, c/o Kathy Clark, 18 Mason Dixon Dr., Rising Sun, MD 21911; or The Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

LORRAINE C. SPRINGEL

Lorraine C. (Hoag) Springel, 81, of Rising Sun, Md., formerly of Cochranville, died on June 26 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, where she resided since 2008.

Born in Tinicum Township, she was the daughter of the late William A. and Eleanor J. (Colson) Hoag, and wife of the late Anthony M. Springel. After graduating from Ridley Park High School in 1952, Lorraine held various bookkeeping and clerical positions in Lancaster and Chester counties until retiring in 1995. She was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Parish in Oxford, and was honored to serve as organist in the mid-1970s. She enjoyed playing piano, painting, camping, sewing, quilting, ceramics, arts and crafts, and listening to religious and polka music. She was known for hosting annual Thanksgiving dinners for extended family and friends, which included hayrides, collecting pine cones and show-and-tell for the children. For many years, she enjoyed vacationing in Ontario, Canada, with her family, as well as her brother and sister and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Anthony M. Springel; son, Anthony J. Springel; sisters, Rose Neff and Eleanor Del Grosso; and brothers, William (Billy) Hoag and Lawrence E. Hoag Sr. She is survived by her daughter, Bernadette Huss and her husband Ron Hurd of Newark, Del.; granddaughter, Lauren V. Springel and her fiancé Jeff Willis of Newark, Del.; grandson, Ethan M. Springel and daughter-in-law Theresa C. Springel, both of Rising Sun, Md.; and brother, Robert Hoag of Jacksonville, Fla.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. June 30 at Sacred Heart Church in Oxford, where friends may visit with the family beginning at 9:30 a.m. Interment will be in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Road, Oxford PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DORIS MARIE KING

Doris Marie King, 65, of Rising Sun, Md., formerly of Oxford, passed away on June 24 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun. Born in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late Robert S. and Donna L. Anderson King. Doris enjoyed music and attending church. She is survived by one brother, Terrence King of Greenville, Va.; and three sisters, Joan Perry of Rising Sun, Md., Rebecca Vines and Yvonne Walters, both of Oxford. She was preceded in death by her sister, Angie Wylie.

A funeral was held June 28 at Nottingham Missionary Baptist Church. Interment was in the adjoining church cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CATHERINE HELEN DIFILIPPO MCCREARY

Catherine Helen DiFilippo McCreary, 87, of Avondale, passed away on June 20 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, Pa. Catherine was born in West Grove. She was the daughter of the late Joseph DiFilippo and Mary Touquilio DiFilippo of West Grove. She was the loving wife of the late Leon Samuel McCreary, Sr., who passed away in 1969. He was the one true love of her life. Catherine retired at age 65 from Kendal-Crosslands Life Care Communities, and continued working as a companion to the elderly, and as a teacher’s assistant at Longwood Learning Center.

Catherine’s greatest love was her family. She is survived by three children, Marie Malchione (Peter) of Avondale, Leon S. McCreary Jr. (Terri) of Abington, Md., and Kathleen Bard (Tony) of Oxford; six grandchildren, Adrienne Malchione (Brad) of Oxford, Nathan McCreary (Tracy) of Fallston, Md., Nicole Allen (Rudy) of Cochranville, Katherine Maxwell (Brian) of Avondale, Brandy Batista of Abington, Md., and Cassandra Gray (Jason) of West Chester; ten great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Joseph DiFilippo of Avondale, and Dominick (Norma) DiFilippo of West Grove. Catherine was preceded in death by one brother, Anthony J. DiFilippo.

A funeral was held June 24. Burial was in Saint Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Masonic Village Employee Fund, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

FRANCES D. JACKSON

Frances D. Jackson, 84, of Oxford, passed away on June 25 at her home. Born in New London Township in 1931, daughter to Vincent and Lydia Janney, and sister to Shirley Queen, she was raised in Lewisville, Pa. She was an avid photographer of historical places in Oxford and neighboring townships, and of neighborhood scenes and people. From 1958 to 1961, she served as a Brownie Scout Leader, and neighborhood chairman of the Oxford Girl Scouts. In 1988, she and her sister compiled a book on the Janney Family, as well as other families in relation. In November of 2002, they also compiled a history of the St. John’s UMC of Lewisville, and a pictorial directory in 2003. Throughout her years she worked for Chrysler in Newark, Del., as well as a bookkeeper at Walton’s Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. A graduate of Oxford High School class of 1949, of which she was the vice-president, she served in that capacity for 50 years following graduation. She was an active member of the St. John’s United Methodist Church in Lewisville in early years, later joining the Oxford Presbyterian Church in 1958. She was a former deacon in the Oxford Presbyterian Church, a former member of the Oxford Research Club, the Oxford Senior Center, and the board of the Oxford Area Historical Association.

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religiouspagethat canhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/orbusiness.Thepage isupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelpwanted/ classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertisesonthePRESS churchpage. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 15

Survivors include her two sons, Randall Davis of Bayview, Md., and Steve Jackson of Oxford; grandchildren Joshua Davis, Jeremiah Davis and Travis Davis (sons of Mitchell Davis, deceased), Lauren Davis, and Rebecca Davis (daughters of Randall Davis); and nephews, Mark Pennington and Vincent Pennington of Delaware. She was predeceased by her first husband, Howard Davis; oldest son, Mitchell Davis; second husband, J. Robert Jackson; and sister, Shirley Queen. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. June 29 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ATTORNEY: MARTHA E. VON ROSENSTIEL, ESQ., 610328-2887

N.B.

(21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of

directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed 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, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 16-7-549

Writ of Execution No. 2014-07467 DEBT $436,268.23

ALL THAT CERTAIN, message, lot or piece of land situate on, in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described, as follows, to wit:

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described on a Plan of Lots for Inniscrone, Phases III-VI and recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 18662, as follows to wit:

BEING Lot #31, Phase V, as shown on said Plan.

BEING UPI Number 59-008-06650000

PARCEL No.: 59-008-0665-0000

BEING known as: 936 Aringa Way, Avondale, PA 19311

BEING the same property conveyed to Christina M. Wanner, unmarried woman, who acquired title by Virtue of a Deed from NVR, Inc., a Virginia Corporation Trading as NV Homes, dated March 28, 2012, recorded March 29, 2012, at Deed Book 8390, Page 1803, Chester County, Pennsylvania Records.

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. VS

CDL-A 1yr exp. 888-4069046 Teaching vacancies: Vocal/Choral, Early Childhood Special Education, Reading Specialist, Business & Information Technology, Middle School Mathematics, Special Education General Curriculum, History & Social Science, Mathematics, Journalism/ Theatre Arts, High School counselor, Electronics/Robotics, Earth Science, Spanish, Drafting, Reading Literacy, Alternative Education (Core subject endorsement required). To apply, visit www.pecps.k12.va.us and complete the online application. Prince Edward County Public Schools, Farmville, Virginia 23901 – 434-315-2100 - EOE

DEFENDANT: CHRISTINA M. WANNER

SALE ADDRESS: 936 Aringa Way, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI, LLC, 614-220-5611

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. and is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 6p-29-3t 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 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, July 21, 2016

Adoption

Miscellaneous

at 11AM prevailing time, the hereindescribed 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, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution

SALE ADDRESS:

Allsmeer Drive, West Grove, PA 19390-8801

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

Six Oxford students to attend National FBLA Conference

Six members of the Oxford Area High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) will attend the organization’s National Leadership Conference from June 29 to July 2 in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference will bring together 5,000 FBLA chapter members from across the United States who will participate in a week of workshops, competitions, sightseeing and social events. At the 65th annual Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference held this past April in Hershey, the team of seniors Jocelyn Golly, Julia Koehler and Emma Wilkinson qualified to attend the national conference after placing second in the Public Service Announcement competition. The Class of 2016 graduates will attend the conference for the second straight year, after competing in the Video Production category at the 2015 National Leadership Conference in Chicago.

Also qualifying to attend the national conference were juniors Zibby Harvey, first place for Job Interview; Ellie Murphy, second place for Future Business Leader; and Mikael Axelsson, seventh place for Spreadsheet Applications.

Twenty-one Oxford students were among the approximately 3,800 FBLA chapter members from high schools across Pennsylvania who attended the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference. The students qualified to attend and compete at the conference after placing first through fourth in competition at last fall’s Pennsylvania FBLA Region 9 Competition.

Also turning in excellent showings at the state competition, where scoring is separated by percentage points, were the team of Ellie Murphy

and sophomore Meghan Pitney, earning sixth place for American Enterprise; the team of seniors Alex Chavez, Amanda Hicks and Connor Hilaman, junior Natalie Giovan and sophomore Sarah Wilkinson, earning seventh place for Parliamentary Procedures; and the team of seniors Joe Barr, Shain Quigley and Rachel Rogevich, earning 10th place for Community Service.

“Students who finish in the top 10 of any of the competitive categories are considered to be among the best high school business students in Pennsylvania,” said Kimberly Webber, FBLA chapter advisor.

For their competition, Jocelyn Golly, Julia Koehler and Emma Wilkinson were required to create a public service announcement designed to promote the positive impact of high school athletics. “In light of recent events, a lot of sports teams have been portrayed in a negative light,” said Emma. “So our prompt was to make a PSA demonstrating how sports can serve to unite students and make for a better school environment.”

“We had a pretty clear vision from the start of what our PSA should be,” added Emma. “We wanted a lot of fast-moving footage from many of the sports we have at our school.”

The three students were all members of the cross-country team, and each used a GoPro camera to capture footage during practices. “Some days when we weren’t doing workouts with the team, we went around to all the fall sports practices as well as the football games to shoot scenes,” said Emma.

The team focused their video on five key words that appear in white text on a black background between the sports footage “The qualities we wanted to convey are team-

work, discipline, confidence, fitness and trust,” said Jocelyn. “The film clips served to highlight each of those words. For instance, for ‘trust’ we showed the cheerleaders doing a cradle move which requires complete trust between team members.”

Like the team’s entry in the Video Production competition at last year’s State Leadership Conference, the PSA contains no voiceovers, and a drum line beat was used for background music. “We thought using only text and music to accompany the images was very simple and effective,” said Julia.

Because last year’s video was several minutes in length, they could only show a portion of the film during their presentation to a panel of judges. With a 30-second public service announcement, the team had time to show the project in its entirety as well as talk about its concept and execution.

“Prior to running the PSA we highlighted three athletes who had been negatively portrayed in the media,” said Emma. “We actually got feedback from the judges saying they liked that we did that. Other groups just showed the video and then talked about it, so they liked how we addressed the issue first.”

“After the PSA was shown, each of us talked about the five highlighted words and shared our own experiences playing sports,” said Julia.

The PSA project began last September and was completed before Thanksgiving. The team members then collaborated on a script for their presentation to a panel of judges at the state level, which they agreed took the most time of any aspect of the project. “Fortunately we had something to fall back on from last year with the judges’ comments, and knew what we needed to focus on this year,” said Julia.

the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 W Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, August 22, 2016. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 16-7-567 Writ of Execution No. 2015-02241 DEBT $253,544.14

PROPERTY situate in the Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 58-4-46.9

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

“We learned that last year we sounded way too scripted during the presentation,” said Emma. “Last year each of us presented three long paragraphs from the script, so this year we reduced that to one sentence each. We think it came off as being much more natural and conversational.”

The state presentation took five minutes, with most of the Oxford FBLA members present to show their support. “We knew what it would take to qualify for the national conference this year,” said Julia, who will attend North Carolina State University to study human biology. “We were sort of on the borderline for qualifying last year but we made it. After being able to experience nationals we wanted it a lot more this time.”

“We actually had a hiccup during the presentation when we forgot a couple of lines and had to go back,” said Emma, who will attend Virginia Tech University to study biochemistry. “So we were really nervous at the closing ceremony where they announced the Top 10 winners and the state qualifiers. If we didn’t get a high finish we would have been kicking ourselves.”

When the team’s second place finish was announced, “that was like the best feeling in world,” said Jocelyn, who will attend Rutgers University to study nutrition. “To actually make it back after we wanted it so badly all year - nationals was definitely our goal.”

Ellie Murphy attended last year’s State Leadership Conference as a candidate for Pennsylvania FBLA Vice President at Large. Although she was not elected to the office, she decided to attend last year’s National Leadership Conference on her own as, she said, “a spectator.”

“I wanted to have the experience of going to nationals and learn what I needed to do to get there as a competitor,” said Ellie. “I went to a lot of workshops and met a ton of people from the Pennsylvania FBLA and various chapters from all over the country. I picked up different types of tips and hints that I think had an influence on how I placed at states this year and how I’ve grown in FBLA.”

the competition which involved a 15-minute follow-up interview. Her second place finish and national conference qualification were announced at the closing ceremony.

In Atlanta, Ellie will be required to participate in another interview. “The difference is that it will be much more crowded at the national competition,” she explained. “Participants will be interviewed in small cubicles with just a curtain separating them, so it’s going to be louder than during the state interview and probably much quicker.

So I’ll need to prepare for the event a little differently to avoid distraction.”

Zibby Harvey competed in the Future Business Leader event at last year’s State Leadership Conference, earning 10th place. She said that the Job Interview category was similar in many ways but also different.

“Job Interview is more about you rather than your involvement with FBLA,” said Zibby. “You have to know about the company you’re applying to and how you are going to contribute to the business environment, and what you would do in certain scenarios. I had no experience with scenario questions, so I had to think quickly on my feet and come up with a solution that was honest to what I would actually do.”

During practices, the questions were asked by Zibby’s parents as well as Principal Christopher Dormer and a professional headhunter whom Ms. Webber brought to the high school. “I didn’t want to practice so much that I sounded too much like a robot,” said Zibby. “I wanted to be very natural, honest and genuine in my answers.” Zibby’s preliminary interview took place before two judges. Advancing to the finals, she had a second interview of between 20-25 minutes before six judges.

“The question that almost stumped me was when I was asked to name the Director of Human Resources and I had to think back to whom I addressed my cover letter,” Zibby recalled.

“It was Dr. Terry E. Johnson, and that just popped into my head. I will never forget that!”

“It has been Dr. Terry E. Johnson forever!” noted Ms. Webber. Mikael Axelsson said the Spreadsheet Applications competition tested participants’ skills in using Microsoft Excel.

“They want to see how well you are able to use different formulas, create graphs and charts, and interpret different data and use it effectively in a business format,” he said.

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Ellie’s path to Atlanta in the Future Business Leader event began at the FBLA Region 9 competition, when she was required to submit a cover letter and resume and take part in an interview, placing first and qualifying for the state conference. On the first day of state competition, Ellie was given an hour to complete a 100-question multiple choice test, then had a 10-minute preliminary interview before a panel of five judges.

“They asked me why I wanted to be awarded Future Business Leader and had me choose one of the FBLA goals and talk about it,” said Ellie. “They also asked me what I wanted to do in the future and what our chapter had accomplished as far as community service and the annual state FBLA project.”

Ellie advanced to the finals of

Given the choice of applying for a permanent position or summer internship with the fictitious Merit Corp., Zibby decided to try for an internship in the Human Resources department. “I thought an internship correlated better with my resume and made more sense for me as a junior in high school,” she said.

As in the Future Business Leader competition, Zibby was required to submit a resume and cover letter prior to the state conference. In Hershey, she participated in a 10-15 minute preliminary interview where she was asked about the company based on preliminary materials provided to the participants.

“That information was limited, so there was not a lot of background to go in with,” said Zibby. “Mostly I prepared using a sheet of questions that are typically asked in job interviews.”

Mikael credited his excellent showing at the State Leadership Conference to what he learned in Ms. Webber’s Personal Computer Applications 1 class and former teacher Karen Rita’s Personal Computer Applications 2 class. “My older brother Davin qualified for the state conference in Spreadsheet Applications and recommended that I take the courses because they had had helped him get to the state level,” he said.

Mikael said the state-level test involved two parts, with the first involving creation of graphs and charts that was taken at the high school and the second a multiple-choice test taken in Hershey. He said the event follows a similar format at the national level.

“I won’t have to do as much as the other chapter members,” said Mikael. “That doesn’t mean I’ll have the most fun at nationals, but I’ll probably have the least stress.”