Chester County Press 01-11-17 Edition

Schoen resigns from London Grove board

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The short, sporadic and controversial tenure of Raymond W. Schoen as a London Grove Township Supervisor has come to an end.

A one-sentence letter of resignation sent by Schoen to the township on Dec. 29 essentially severs all of his ties to the township as an elected official, one that saw him elected to the board on Jan. 1, 2016 –after running unopposed – for a six-year term that would have extended until Dec. 31, 2021.

“Please accept this letter as my notice of resignation, effective immediately, from the Township Board

of Supervisors,” Schoen wrote.

During his time on the board, Schoen’s appearances at public meetings were largely infrequent and nearly devoid of active contribution on his part. His absences often left a traditional five-member board – which also include Richard Scott-Harper, David Connors, Michael Pickel and Robert Weer –to vote on township issues with no possibility for a tie-breaker in the event of a split vote.

Schoen’s inconsistency on the board was upstaged early last year, when on Feb. 10, he was formally taken under arrest by the Birmingham Township

Continued on Page 3A

New look, new direction

The newly-formed Southern Chester County Regional Police Department officially began operations on Jan. 1, with a fleet of newly-marked vehicles, crisp new uniforms and a new graphic identity to mark their beginning.

On Jan. 12, the pub-

Oxford Borough Council likely to reconsider EMS funding cuts

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

In the latter part of 2016, Oxford Borough Council decided to give less funding than was requested to the Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford and the ambulance division, and to eliminate all the annual funding— approximately $8,000—for Southern Chester County EMS, which provides advanced life support services for a coverage area that includes 18 municipalities throughout southern Chester County. The decision on the funding was part of the borough’s efforts to control spending and approve a budget for 2017 that would not increase taxes on borough residents.

Now, after meetings with officials from the Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford, the ambulance division, and Southern Chester County EMS, Oxford Borough

Council will likely revisit those funding decisions at the January 16 council meeting. It is expected that borough council will take action to restore funding to the Southern Chester County EMS.

Council president Ron Hershey read from a prepared statement at the meeting on January 9, explaining that the borough council is trying to be diligent about finding costsavings whenever possible, because the tax burden is heavy on borough residents.

“We already pay the highest millage rate in the county,” Hershey explained. “We thought this was one place among many that we could cut. We’re in a difficult situation sometimes. We’re trying to do our best.”

Union Fire Company

No. 1 of Oxford asked for $55,000 from the borough, while council

decided to allocate $50,000 for the upcoming year.

The ambulance division requested $22,000, while council allocated $10,000 for 2017—less than the approximately $12,000 that had been allocated in 2016. Officials from both the fire company and ambulance division provided additional information and explanations about why the additional funding is necessary to continue to provide the much-needed services to the community.

Oxford’s ambulance division, like Southern Chester County EMS, must continually accept much less from insurance companies and Medicare and Medicaid than the amount that they bill for their services. Additionally, both the ambulance division and the fire company are finding it more difficult to rely on volunteers for the work

lic is invited to the new department’s oath of office ceremony in the gymnasium at the Kennett Middle School, 195 Sunnydell Road, Landenberg, beginning at 7 p.m. The event will also include the reading of proclamations thanking the many people who assisted in the merging of the New Garden Township and West Grove police departments.

U-CF School Board approves expulsion of three students for knife incident

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The first work session for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board after the holiday break was a busy one, with a combination of a big-ticket budget approval and the very rare announcement of the expulsion of three students.

During the personnel portion of the Jan. 9 meeting, which usually deals with routine hiring issues, the board voted to approve the expulsion of three former Unionville High School students, identified only by their student numbers. Immediately after the meeting, at 10 p.m., district superintendent John Sanville sent an email to parents and the community, giving some background on the expulsions.

“This evening, the Board of School Directors approved the expulsion of three Unionville High School students who violated our weapons policy,” Sanville wrote. “In early December 2016, a knife was brought onto school property. After investigation by the UHS administration, it was determined that three students were involved in this incident. The investigation indicates that this knife was not intended for use in an act of mass violence – but rather related to an interpersonal student matter. While no students were injured, and the incident was handled swiftly, professionally, and peacefully, it was a disturbing and unnerving experience.

“Unionville High School is a safe, protected, collaborative learning

By Uncle Irvin

It is now 2017, and the Kennett library is virtually the same as in 1973, when my family moved to the Kennett area. Forty-three years have passed and the population of the Kennett area has more than tripled, with no increase in the size of the library or it’s parking capacity. All that has been accomplished is purchasing a large, expensive building lot in Kennett Township and creating grandiose architectural drawings for a building that would have cost millions more than could ever have been funded, and so was

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Geoff Henry, who has served as the mayor of Oxford Borough since 2006, announced this week that he will not be seeking a fourth term in the November election. At the end of 2017, he will have completed 12 years in office, tying him for the longest tenure as mayor of Oxford.

Henry, who frequently refers to Oxford as the “Best Small Town in America,” said that he was thankful to serve the town, and that he enjoyed working with so many people who had a desire to improve the quality of life for borough residents through the years.

“I look back at the last 12 years and it’s been a good run,” Henry said. “It was a difficult decision, but after 12 years there’s a time to

Johnstown, Pa. and moved with his family to Oxford in 1978. Since then, he has been very active in the community, serving on borough council for six and half years, four of which were as president. He was an active member and past president of the Oxford Rotary, served as chair of the Oxford Area Civic Association, chair of the Oxford Area Sports Boosters and until his resignation in December of 2016 he was chairman of the Oxford Area Recreation

Authority and the Oxford Borough Planning Commission. He is also an elder of the Oxford Presbyterian Church.

Henry was elected to his first term as mayor in November of 2005, and took office in January of 2006, succeeding Mayor Harold Gray who also served 12 years in office. The most important duty of a mayor in boroughs like Oxford is to oversee the operations of the police department, and Henry has excelled in this role, thanks in part to his good collab-

oration with Police Chief John Slauch and the officers in the police department. Slauch has been the only police chief that Henry has worked with during his time in the mayor’s office, and many of the full-time officers have also been with the department for a long time.

Henry said that he leaves office proud of the work accomplished by the Oxford Police Department in keeping the community safe.

“We’ve been able to maintain a stable police department, and the officers know the borough. I believe the police have done a good job of being visible in the community,” Henry explained of a department that has a dozen full-time officers and five part-time officers. “I feel good that you can walk down the streets at any time of the day and feel safe in Oxford.”

In addition to his mayoral duties pertaining to the police department, Henry was also an effective advocate for Oxford, working to bring various businesses and organizations and people together for the betterment of the community. He organized town hall meetings to tackle issues like the heroin epidemic. He was a reasoned voice during borough council meetings. He has frequently issued proclamations to raise awareness about different issues.

One of the initiatives that he spearheaded was the introduction, in 2007, of the Citizen Recognition Awards to honor those citizens whose service to the community has helped make Oxford a better place to

Oxford Borough’s mayors

• John H. Ware III (elected in 1956) In 1961, the title of the position officially changes to mayor.

• Lewis B. Cauffman (1962)

• John I. Watson (1966)

• Francis L. Maule (1970)

• John W. Roberts (1975)

• Paul E. Andriole (1982)

• W. Donald Pierce (1990)

• Harold Gray (1994)

• Geoffrey L. Henry (2006)

live and work. The awards have recognized the efforts of dozens of business leaders, borough employees, churches, and non-profit organizations through the years.

Henry established a good working relationship with the various borough council members who have led Oxford since 2006. Borough council has permitted Henry to share his opinions on a wide range of issues, and when a situation called for it, Henry would take a position—even a difficult one.

In the aftermath of several school shootings in 2011 and 2012, mayors across the country were supporting a national effort to crack down on illegal guns.

Henry encouraged Oxford Borough Council to join other towns in support of a resolution that called for common-sense solutions to reduce gun violence. He then worked with council member John Thompson on a resolution that was agreeable to everyone on council.

In late 2013, Oxford Borough Council approved a budget for 2014 that necessitated a tax increase of one-half of one mill, from 11.50 mills to 12 mills. Henry felt that the burden on taxpayers was already too great, and after careful consideration, he felt like he had no choice

abandoned.

The library now has only a new name, a new president and board of directors. It used to have a very competent librarian who quit because of bickering, particularly with Kennett Borough Council. The new president, Tom Swett, was president once before, from 1988 to 1992, when he accomplished the status quo.

Mr. Swett sent me a

but to veto the budget— even though he knew that council was likely to vote to override the veto.

“I struggled with that long and hard,” Henry said.

“I felt strongly enough to stand by my convictions, and I’m not sorry that I did it.”

With the borough facing serious budget constraints, he also donated his mayoral salary of approximately $1,500 back to Oxford, and he continues to do that each year.

The mayor also encouraged borough council to spend more time working on the budget each year to make sure that spending is kept as low as possible, and in the last few years there has been much more public discussion about the spending plan.

Henry established a website and Facebook page for the office of the mayor, and he utilized the website and social media to send out important information to residents and business owners. He helped develop a website for the police department. He was also instrumental in having the Borough register with NIXLE, which is a free service used to make residents

aware of events and emergency situations.

“I tried to provide as much information as I could to the public on a wide range of topics,” Henry said.

With nearly a year left in office, Henry hopes to continue to work on helping to resolve the heroin epidemic, which impacts not just Oxford, but communities large and small throughout the U.S. He said that he might organize one or two town hall-style meetings to discuss the drug issue, and to bring the various groups and organizations together so that everyone has a better understanding about the resources that are available. Even though he is not seeking another term as mayor, Henry will continue to be a tireless advocate for Oxford.

“I do want to take some time off,” he said. “I want to stay active, but in some other capacity.” He may also endorse a candidate for mayor in the November election if there is a candidate that he thinks would do a good job in office.

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

Upland

Dittmer and Company

G. Guizzetti and Sons

Legacy Solutions, Inc.

Mike Moyer, State Farm

Perfect Impressions

It was a grand night with thousands coming out to ring in the new year. Over 1,300 pounds of canned goods were collected for The Kennett Food Cupboard.

letter this holiday season, which I assume went to every library member in the area. The letter basically stated that “all is well” at the library and asked for a donation before year’s end! Since I live in East Marlborough Township, all property owners pay an annual dedicated millage as part of our municipal taxes. Most other municipalities do the same. If and when Swett asks for a donation to fund a new, larger facility with ample parking, I -- as well as most people in the Kennett area -- will give generously. Just look at the Kennett YMCA. The library board, by its inaction, has not led the library forward.

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

Continued from Page 1A

that they do. The ambulance division has a paid staff now to provide nearly 24-hour, seven-day-a-way service to the Oxford area.

Bob Hotchkiss, the CEO of Southern Chester County EMS, attended the January 9 meeting to answer any follow-up questions from council.

Hotchkiss talked about how the organization receives much less than what it bills, particularly from Medicare and Medicaid patients. He said that Southern Chester County EMS depends greatly on funding from municipalities—this kind of funding now accounts for more than one-third of the total budget.

“Every dollar is important to us... to not have a downturn in operations,” Hotchkiss explained.

13 of the 18 municipalities fund Southern Chester County EMS at 100 percent of what they request, including all the municipalities surrounding Oxford. Oxford Borough usually funds less than half of the requested amount from Southern Chester County EMS even though there is a high call volume. “We answer about 3,000 calls each year, and Oxford Borough has the highest number of calls,” Hotchkiss said. “We’re in the borough more than any other municipality.”

The Jan. 9 council meeting was a work session with no votes planned, but several council members indicated that they were prepared to take another look at the funding levels for fire and EMS services for 2017.

ambulance officials helped explain the need for more funding.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell said that borough council members did not intend any disrespect, and did not want to seem unappreciative of the services that are provided by the firefighters and emergency responders.

Council member John Thompson raised the possibility of instituting a dedicated tax that would be utilized specifically for fire and ambulance services. The borough’s Finance Committee may have some preliminary discussions about such a tax. Council could opt to place the decision on whether there should be a dedicated fire and ambulance tax on a referendum and let residents decide.

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

According to Hotchkiss,

Schoen resigns...

Continued from Page 1A

Police on a triple count of criminal trespassing, theft and receiving stolen property, for his involvement in the alleged stealing of firearms from a Birmingham Township home in December 2015.

The charges filed against Schoen stemmed from an incident that was reported to Birmingham Township Police by township resident John Fraser. As detailed in the official police description, Fraser noticed that a gun case beneath his bed -- one that held a Beretta Weatherby Mark V Deluxe SC682 and a shotgun -- was missing. Following a search of the house, Fraser opened his gun safe -- located in the closet of the master bedroom -- and found that a single bolt action from the rifle was also missing. Fraser told police that prior to departing for vacation with his wife, Mae, that he had hired Schoen -- who identified himself as a tax accountant and a pet sitter through his website -- to watch the family cat while the Frasers were away. Fraser told police that Schoen was given a key to the residence and its alarm code.

On Feb. 3, Fraser contacted the township police to inform them that he had spoken with a representative from Miller’s Gun Shop in New Castle, Del., where he had originally purchased the firearms in 1998. The police report stated that Lawrence Hudson, the general manager of the shop, informed police that a white, middleaged male had visited the store in late December, carrying a Beretta Weatherby Mark V Deluxe SC682 and a shotgun, in a Beretta gun case.

Hudson later identified Schoen from a lineup of

Council member Sue Lombardi said that the additional information from fire company and

eight photographs, circling and identifying Schoen as the man who possessed the firearms. Hudson told the police that Schoen had entered the store with the guns with the intent to sell them to the store owner, at a value more than what they were valued at. There was no transaction, and Schoen then left the store carrying the guns.

Accompanied by a search warrant, members of the township police entered Schoen’s home in London Grove Township on Feb. 10 and, after a thorough search of the home, found both the Mark V Deluxe and the shotgun, and later identified both guns as stolen.

Schoen was then placed into custody and transported to State Police Avondale, and later released on his own recognizance. He was formally arraigned on March 17.

Soon after Schoen’s arrest, his future on the board became a hot topic among residents in attendance at board meetings. At the March 2 meeting, they asked William Lincke, an attorney with the Media firm of Beatty Lincke and the township’s solicitor, about the possibility of the supervisors voting to remove Schoen from the board. Lincke responded by saying that because

Schoen’s arrest was a criminal process being conducted by the District Attorney’s office, “It is something with which this board has no involvement,” he said. “This board has no ability to take action as a result of what may or may not happen, and that process is just getting staged.

“The theory accepted as law is that those who are elected by the people serve for as long as they are eligible to serve, and that can only be contested in this kind of a process at the end of such a proceeding and requested only by the District Attorney’s office, not by this board. There is no vote that this board can take in order to make any change to affect the seat of a sitting supervisor. It is not in their hands. This is a function of the State constitution.”

One resident asked Lincke if the general public has the legal right to ask the board for Schoen’s resignation.

“Legally, there is no impediment to your asking,” Lincke replied. “It’s not something that you normally see, and I don’t see that it’s good policy, because people are not making judgment relative to this case. People who are charged – until they’re convicted, you don’t know whether or not they’re guilty of what

Downtown Newark Partnership

deal for $22. “Newark is a dining destination because of the people who are in it,” said chef Robbie Jester of Stone

they’re charged for. In the mean time, the taxpayers have determined that this individual is to perform public duties, and until that person is convicted, it’s certainly not a practice to have boards vote to ask for resignations. It happens, rarely.”

For nearly that last nine months, Schoen’s case has become a legal series of starts and stops, dotted with pre-trial hearings and criminal trial extensions in Judge Patrick Carmody’s courtroom at the Chester County Courthouse. Records in the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County state that on nine occasions between July 11 and Dec. 15, “granting motion to continue the trial” was awarded in Schoen’s case. On Dec. 19, Carmody denied the request for a pre-trial motion, and an official trial has been scheduled for Jan. 23 at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.

With Schoen now off the board, the search is on for a replacement who, if appointed, will serve the portion of the unexpired term extending to Jan. 2, 2018.

Supervisors asked to comment on Schoen’s resignation declined to go on the record for this story.

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

Volunteers needed for emergency management team

Oxford Regional Emergency Management (OxREM) and the Chester County Health Department have been working with the Oxford Area School District to implement a program to provide critical medication to area residents in case of a pandemic or other disaster.

The Penn’s Grove Middle School, at 301 S. Fifth St., will be used as the Point of Distribution (POD).

Setup and operation of the POD is a significant effort and requires 150 volunteers to meet its objective of dispensing medication to 30,000 residents within 72 hours.

While leadership of the different function teams is provided by local school district staff, police, fire, and emergency management, the rest of the participants are volunteers.

Several of the positions do require some medical experience or qualifications, but most do not require any specific skill, just willingness to help the community.

The teams that are set up by function are:

Greeters – Welcome citizens to the POD and keep them moving towards the appropriate entrance and/or POD line, identifying handicapped, foreign language, or other special needs situations, and providing POD information forms.

Line Staff – Answer questions and provide instructions

while citizens are waiting in lines at the POD.

Screeners – Asking basic family and/or medical questions that will enable proper dispensing of medications and/or vaccines (medical experience preferred).

Dispensing – Providing medications and/or administering vaccines (medical experience required). Administrative – Provide general administrative support.

Translators – People with foreign language skills to assist citizens who may not speak English.

Other – Runners, loading/ unloading, support to traffic control, etc.

In the event of a pandemic or other disaster, volunteers and their families will be provided required medication at the start of the process. Anyone considering volunteering is welcome to attend an information session on Jan. 10 at the Penn’s Grove Middle School at 6 p.m. Another information session will be held at Penn’s Grove Middle School on Jan. 24 at 4 p.m., and will include a simulation exercise.

If you are unable to attend either session, you can still volunteer by contacting Suzanne Curtis at the Chester County Health Department at 610-344- 6083 or emailing SCurtis@chesco.org.

Overton to speak at Spirit of Giving Luncheon

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Doug Overton, a Philadelphia basketball legend and coach of the Lincoln University men’s basketball team, will serve as the guest speaker of this year’s Spirit of Giving Luncheon. The event, which is held to support the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center, will take place at noon on Monday, January 16—Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The community is invited to attend the luncheon.

Each attendee is asked to make a $35 donation to the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center. The Spirit of Giving Luncheon was started by community leaders and business people who wanted to raise funds

for the Neighborhood Services Center, the Oxford non-profit that helps less fortunate families in southern Chester County. The luncheon was initially held around Christmas—a time of particular need in the community, but through the years, the Spirit of Giving Luncheon has continued to evolve. In 2008, the Oxford Area School District joined as a partner in the event, and began hosting the luncheon on the school campus. In recent years, the event has been scheduled to coincide with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The donations that are collected, and supporting an agency like the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center honors Dr. King’s legacy of community

Courtesy photo

Since 2008, the Oxford Area School District has partnered with community leaders on the Spirit of Giving luncheon. In addition to hosting the event, the school district’s staff and students help out. Pictured are a few of the students who volunteered at last year’s luncheon.

service.

All the proceeds from the event will be used by the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center to provide nutritious food, financial assistance for housing,

heating, utility services, and health care assistance for individuals and families in need. The Neighborhood Services Center has been serving the community since 1971.

Jim McLeod, one of the organizers of the event, expressed his gratitude toward Overton for serving as the guest speaker.

“We are thrilled and so grateful to have Coach Overton as our keynote speaker this year,” said McLeod. “I have been a big fan since he played for La Salle in the Big 5.”

Overton, an 11-year NBA veteran, will be available for autographs at the luncheon. Local basketball fans will recall that he played alongside Bo Kimble and Hank Gathers on a Dobbins Technical High School team that won a city championship. He went to play guard at La Salle University before being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1992. During his pro career with the Pistons,

Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers, he scored 2,253 points in 499 games. This is the 27th annual Spirit of Giving luncheon, and it will be held at the Penn’s Grove Middle School cafeteria.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www. ocfordnsc.org/donateform/donate or checks can be made payable to the Neighborhood Services Center on the day of the event. Cheryl McConnell can also be contacted at the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center at cmcconnell@ zoominternet.net.

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

Franklin Township Board of Supervisors reorganizes for 2017

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The Franklin Township Board of Supervisors reorganized for the new year on Jan. 3, with a unanimous vote to retain John Auerbach as board chairman for 2017. Auerbach thanked the board members for their confidence in him and their compliments on his leadership.

The board also voted unanimously to elect board member Penelope Schenk as vice-chairman of the board.

The following were unanimously appointed

as officials, engineers and consultants for the township: Joan McVaugh as township manager and treasurer; Sharon Norris as township secretary; Lamb McErlane as township solicitor; LTL Consultants as township general and traffic engineer, township building inspector/ zoning officer and code enforcement officer; and AECOM as township sanitary engineer. Brent Van Lith was appointed to a four-year term on the Planning Commission, Harold Walls was reappointed to a one-year term as the Emergency Management

Coordinator, Lou Mandich was reappointed to a fiveyear term on the Historical Commission, Paul Lagasse and Lou Mandich were reappointed to five-year terms on the Historical Architectural Review Board, Bill Finch was appointed to another threeyear term on the Zoning Hearing Board, and Resolution 2017-01 was approved, setting the fees and salaries of township engineers and consultants.

Resolution 201704, outlining the costs involved in doing business within the township, was also adopted. The board discussed reviewing

the fees at a later date, because the zoning officer has pointed out some areas where the township is not charging the full cost of processing the permit and performing the inspections.

The 2017 meeting schedule was adopted. Board of Supervisors meetings will be held on the third Wednesday of every month beginning at 7 p.m. Planning Commission meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. Historical Commission meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month beginning at 7

p.m., as needed. Historical Architectural Review Board meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month immediately following the Historical Commission meeting, as needed. Emergency Management meetings will be held the first Monday of every month beginning at 7 p.m., as needed.

Auerbach made a motion that one of any of the five supervisors be the voting delegate at the PSATS Annual Convention in April in Hershey, and that at least two supervisors should attend.

Auerbach also discussed Act 172, which allows

townships to provide tax relief for volunteer fire and emergency service personnel. London Grove enacted this relief at their last Board of Supervisors meeting. Board members were in favor of the idea, and Auerbach said he will continue to research what is involved, and how much relief the volunteers are offered, and the process going forward. For updated information about the township, visit www.franklintownship.us.

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

environment where all students are treated with respect and dignity,” Sanville continued. “Any threat to this atmosphere will always be dealt with firmly and fairly. Punitive and corrective actions will be used as needed. When appropriate and legally permissible, you will be notified. In this case, we delayed notification in order to fulfill our obligation to protect the due process rights of

our students and to work collaboratively with law enforcement on an open police investigation.

“I would like to commend the actions of a number of UHS students who heard rumors of a weapon and quickly told administrators,” Sanville wrote. “It is just this kind of sensitivity, vigilance, and readiness to report an alarming situation that made all the difference.

… Today we share with you the consequences of bad decisions, but the second half of the year is

now upon us and we move forward.”

As part of the 2017-18 budgeting process, the board approved a preliminary budget at the work session. Total appropriations will be $85,519,633. Adoption of the preliminary budget is expected on Feb. 13, with adoption of the final budget and the levying of real estate taxes to take place on June 19.

The school calendar for the upcoming year, which is always the focus of intense scrutiny by families and school staff, is posted

U-CF School Board member Michael Rock resigns over ethnic intimidation issue

By John Chambless Staff Writer

A simmering dispute over what he sees as the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board’s inaction over concerns from minority families in the district led to the abrupt departure of board member Michael Rock at the board’s Jan. 9 meeting.

Reading from a statement, Rock said, “I remain stunned and dumbfounded by our continuing unwillingness to honor the heartfelt requests from several of our minority parents who asked us, following the [presidential] election, to send a letter to everyone in our community condemn-

ing in no uncertain terms the intimidation of our minority students, and offering our strongest commitment to support diversity and tolerance,” Rock said before resigning.

Rock criticized district superintendent John Sanville, saying that Sanville told a parent, “There is nothing the district can do to address their concerns in the absence of a specific and formal complaint that would be handled by our bullying policy,” Rock said.

Board president Victor Dupuis said that Rock should have formally submitted his concerns instead of resigning abruptly. Dupuis reiterated that the district has stated repeatedly that it is opposed to bullying or intimidation.

Rock said that he had hoped to remain on the board through the end of his term in 2017.

“I can not and will not serve on a board that does not have the common decency to comfort our minority parents in these trying times – especially since it is so easy to do,” Rock read from his statement. “There are times when it is important to stand up to racism and bigotry, even the quiet and unspoken kind that we are experiencing here, and say, ‘No.’ So I offer my resignation from the board.”

A replacement board member is expected to be selected in the coming weeks.

online for public input. The district is seeking the public’s suggestions for any changes to the calendar. A vote to approve the final

calendar will be held at the board’s next meeting, on Jan. 23. Visit www.ucfsd. org for the proposed calendar and more information

Curtis Mason, longtime Penn Township chairman, remains at the helm

By Nancy Johnson Correspondent

At the Jan. 3 reorganization meeting for the Penn Township Board of Supervisors, the board did virtually no reorganizing. Instead, they adhered to the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Curtis Mason was once again named chairman with a unanimous vote by the board, with Victor Mantegna absent. Mantegna also maintained his seat as vice-chairman. The Planning Commission, Zoning Hearing Board, legal counsel, engineers, and maintenance and office staffs will all remain the same in 2017.

Operations manager Karen Versuk said, “We’ve just received a big grant for the park acquisition from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. That’s over $1 million with the two grants.”

This recent grant of $686,600 -- like the $400,000 one obtained several months ago from Chester County -- places no restrictions on the township regarding the design of the park, but is intended to defray some of the $1.4 million Penn spent to acquire the 43.07-acre parcel for an active park.

The board discussed Pennsylvania Act 172, which, if adopted by the township, would allow them to enact a tax credit against the tax liability of volunteers for fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies. “It gives volunteers an incentive,” explained supervisor W. “Radar” O’Connell. “It may only apply to a half-dozen or so firefighters who live in Penn Township.”

Versuk said that London Grove Township recently adopted Act 172, while Oxford Borough elected not to. The Penn supervisors agreed to take the first step by advertising their intent to adopt the ordinance.

There was also considerable discussion about the pipeline work by Easter Shore Natural Gas that is expected to be done in Penn Township soon.

“We have to make sure we get plenty of escrow money and inspect all of the fill products,” Mason said. “And we are going to video every inch of that road before any construction work starts. We have very little rights, and have to watch it from the beginning.”

“They’re not going to be happy with us,” added roadmaster Don Urban with a chuckle.

O’Connell said, “Every time they cut an entrance in, they have to get another permit.”

“They have not yet put in a permit,” Versuk said. However, there have been several calls to the township office, and office staff was told the starting point would be 326 Sunnyside Rd. In other business, the supervisors agreed to purchase two automatic external defibrillators (AED), one of which will be kept in the Municipal Building, and the other in the township’s truck. The staff and some of the supervisors are already trained on AED use. The cost of the two units, with pediatric pads for use on children, was $2,359.96.

The Penn History Harvest is slated Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Township Building. The Historical Society is seeking items such as photographs, or writings about schools, farms, government and local places, donated for future display. The items can also be photographed or scanned if people want to keep the originals. The Historical Society would also like to record oral histories from residents who can describe life in Penn Township in an earlier time.

East Marlborough appoints board members and schedules for 2017

CHARGES FOR NUDE PHOTOS

By John Chambless Staff Writer

East Marlborough Township got ready for 2017 with a reorganization meeting on Jan. 3, approving a long list of appointments to township offices.

The board voted unanimously to reappoint Richard Hannum, Jr., as chairman of the Board of Supervisors for 2017, as well as John Sarro as vice-chairman.

Board member Robert Weer nominated Hannum and said after the vote, “I want to publicly thank you for your leadership this past year. I don’t always agree with you, but I appreciate your dedication,” he added, smiling.

Sarro also thanked Hannum, saying, “We’ve had a lot of changes in East Marlborough Township, and we all think you’ve done a great job.”

The board approved the dates of their meetings for the upcoming year, selecting the first Monday of each month, with the exception of July and September due to holidays falling near those dates. The July meeting will be held July 10, and the September meeting will be held on Sept. 11.

A resident asked during public comment about the former firehouse building at the entrance to the new Unionville Park. Asbestos inside the building was discussed, and Cuyler Walker, chairman of the township Planning Commission, said no decision has been made about the fate of the building, although demolition has been suggested. He said that whoever is contracted to perform the work will adhere to all guidelines regarding asbestos removal, as required by law.

The board voted to approve the members and terms of the Planning Commission, Historic Commission, Zoning Hearing Board and Historic and Architectural Review Board, as well as the Building Code Appeals Board.

Frone Crawford announced that the appeal by the owners of Whitewing Farm will occur on Feb. 7 at Commonwealth Court

Laurie Prysock was appointed township manager, secretary and treasurer by unanimous board vote. Other appointments included Jeff Simpson (public works director and roadmaster); Robert Clarke (police chief, emergency services coordinator and assistant fire marshal); Frone Crawford (township solicitor); United Inspections (building inspector and codes enforcement); Traffic Planning and Design (traffic planning engineering); and Glackin Thomas (planning consultant).

in Philadelphia. The former bed-and-breakfast near Longwood Gardens has been the subject of complaints from several neighbors after the owners started hosting outdoor weddings at the facility. Years of legal wrangling will decide whether such events will be allowed, and Crawford wanted to make the public aware of the upcoming court date.

Walker suggested emailing neighbors who had signed up for notification about the ongoing case, and Prysock said she will follow up with contacts about the hearing, which is open to the public if they choose to attend. Crawford said that the case will be heard on Feb. 7, with a court decision to be handed down in “three to four months,” he said. Although the case could theoretically be passed on to the State Supreme Court, “that doesn’t seem likely,” he said.

Upcoming 2017 meetings of the Board of Supervisors are scheduled: Feb. 6, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 10, Aug. 7, Sept. 11, Oct. 2, Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. in the Township Building (721 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). Visit www.eastmarlborough.org or call 610-444-0725 for more information.

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

A 70-year-old Honey Brook woman was charged by Pennsylvania State Police with taking nude and partially nude photos of three women, ages 42 to 66, and showing them to other people without consent. A police report was filed on Jan. 3. The woman was not identified.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG CHARGES

On Nov. 26 at 2:47 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale stopped Basil Tariq Beyah-Patterson, 31, of Elkins Park, for DUI on Route 1 and found a large amount of marijuana in the car, drug paraphernalia and $3,235 in cash. He was arrested on charges of DUI and drug possession with intent to deliver.

TIRE STOLEN

Overnight on Dec. 17, a tire was stolen from a vehicle that was parked in front of 180 Fernwood Road in Cochranville with a ‘For Sale’ sign on it. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale have no suspects.

TRAIL CAMERA STOLEN

Sometime in December, a Stealth Cam STC-PX14X trail camera was stolen from the property of a Landenberg resident, at 9 Hunting Hills Drive in Franklin Township. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Ryan at Pennsylvania State Police Avondale, 610-268-2022.

ROBBERY ARREST

Marcus Irving Hector, 18, of Avondale, was arrested on an outstanding warrant at

his residence on Dec. 23 by West Grove Borough Police and Avondale State Police. Hector had been charged with robbery and related offenses, in connection with an incident on Nov. 3. During a confrontation in the area of 106 Prospect Avenue involving a group of male youths, Hector is alleged to have shoved a juvenile victim to the ground and removed a backpack from the victim by force.

TEACHER’S PHONE

STOLEN AT SCHOOL

On Dec. 9, a 15-year-old boy stole a teacher’s cell phone from a classroom at Oxford Area High School, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

ASSAULT AND FLEEING

On Nov. 17, Darrell Antwan Thomas, 32, of Nottingham, allegedly struck a 25-year-old Oxford woman in the head, causing injury. A short time later, the victim called Pennsylvania State Police Avondale to report that Thomas was driving behind her car. Police tried to stop Thomas, but he drove south on Route 796. Charges of simple assault and fleeing a police officer were filed against him. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

DUI

On Dec. 11 at 8:27 p.m., Kevin Michael Snyder, 29, of West Grove, was arrested for DUI on Route 1, north of Route 41, by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

On Dec. 20 at 3:14 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale conducted a traffic stop in Parkesburg Borough and found that Deric Deondre Wilson, 21, of Parkesburg, was DUI and

in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

On Nov. 25 at 5:22 p.m., a West Grove Borough Police officer saw a driver commit several traffic violations on Route 1 north of Route 841 and stopped the vehicle. The driver, Jeffrey David Nugent, 27, of West Chester, was arrested for DUI. A search of the vehicle revealed drug paraphernalia.

On Dec. 9 at 6:30 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale found Tony Nathaniel Whisman, 33, of New Providence, Pa., unconscious in the driver’s seat of his vehicle, which was stopped on Catamount Road and Widdowson Road in Lower Oxford Township, with the engine running. He was charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

On Nov. 26 at 12:29 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale stopped a vehicle on Route 1 at Route 52 for traffic violations and arrested the driver, John Michael Gree, 51, of Oxford, for DUI.

On Dec. 12, Kennett Township Police responded to a crash at Kaolin and East Hillendale roads and found that the striking vehicle had fled the scene. Police stopped the car in the 600 block of Chandler Mill Road and found that the driver, Artemio Zavala, 53, of Wilmington, was DUI. He was arrested.

On Dec. 4, just before 3 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale stopped a car driven by Rebecca Palmer, 41, of Oxford, on Route 1 for traffic violations. She was found to be DUI and arrested and released pending a court hearing.

Letter to a young journalist

Chances are, this editorial was given to you – clipped out of this week’s edition of the Chester County Press and placed on your desk or, more in keeping with the digital age, sent to you as a link – by someone who has heard about your aspirations to enter the field of journalism.

Maybe, from your byline in the school newspaper, or your poems and essays and short stories in the school’s lit magazine, they’ve been inspired to act on the very questions you ask yourself: “How do I make my mark?” “Where do I begin to find the roads that will lead me there?” If you’re looking to tuck your goals within a formula, or plug your aspirations into a destination package, journalism offers none of them, especially with the current, fluctuating state of the industry, but if you’re set on this -- as we expect you are -- we’re willing to lend a hand.

Always, always, think out of the box. Although most of us have come through qualified journalism programs, a tour of newsrooms will also uncover former teachers, clergy, attorneys, musicians, poets and filmmakers, each of whom bring the tools of their experiences to the business of telling news. It’s a rich pageant of diversity. Open that book of inclusiveness, and keep it open.

Read everything. If you are not reading at least four to five legitimate [non-fake] news sources a week, find another career. Journalists are incorrigible news junkies, and we read everything. If the only way to get you to a newspaper or online news source is through the sports page, continue to scan the box scores first, but then pore through everything else: culture, politics, business, technology and the opinion page. Know the classic novels but also the best-selling books. Aim to know a little about everything. Thomas Jefferson wrote that “a well-informed electorate is a prerequisite to democracy,” but the majority of our electorate doesn’t read much now. Consequently, your job title will also be that of an educator to a busy public.

Ask the second question. George Orwell wrote, “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed. Everything else is public relations.” More and more, the world’s news sources have become the equivalent of a Snuggie blanket, intended more to comfort rather than inform; to satiate but not puncture; to promote rather than to investigate. Don’t give in to it. Every piece of information you will sort through as a journalist owns stories beyond its facts. Find them. Ask questions, and then ask more questions. Journalism is full of PR hacks who win trophies for editorial excellence, but they do nothing to further the cause of finding truth. In the face of brazen acceptance, be brazen, and for God’s sake, be slow and right rather than fast and wrong.

Don’t believe anyone when they tell you ‘Journalism is Dead.’ You’re coming into journalism at what could become its finest hours. If anything, we are becoming more empowered, by our ability to tell the news, and by the number of tools we have to work with. It will test you and inspire you; it will ask you to make sense of a world of increasing and debilitating dysfunction. It will ask that you explain the consequences of global and capital power in the hands of a few. It will bring you to the borders of hatred and atrocity; and it will force you to rise above the muddy waters of distrust in your profession from the country you live in. Just keep working.

Several years ago, a Chester County Press staff writer was on assignment from a regional magazine to interview two oceanographers at the University of Delaware, who were studying the mating habits of the blue crab along Delaware Bay. One evening, the writer found himself in a small motor boat at four o’clock in the morning with the two oceanographers, more than seven miles off the coast of Lewes. For more than three hours, he watched the oceanographers search with flashlights for the female blue crab in the pitch black water. As he watched the grayish images of the oceanographers working in the near darkness, the irony clicked in the writer’s mind. Everyone on that tiny boat was there to search for something they felt compelled to know more about. Finally, the writer broke the simmering silence.

“What is it about the blue crab that compels you guys to leave your families in order to jump in a boat at four in the morning?” he asked.

The ocean clucked at the sides of the boat, as the older oceanographer answered.

“For the same reason you’re out here with us, asking questions,” he said, waving the rays of his flashlight back and forth. As his answer hung in the soggy air, he continued.

“Chances are, no one who becomes an oceanographer gets rich doing it. They don’t become famous. But we keep doing it, and why? It’s probably because that despite all of the hard work done in the quiet places, there is one thing that we’re guaranteed of...That we will have the complete joy of spend our lives chasing our curiosity.”

Wherever your journey will eventually take you – whether it be on air, on line, or in print – we invite you to let your own curiosity serve as your guidepost and your center.

Now go chase it down.

State Rep. Lawrence and Act 89

Letter to the Editor:

In December 2013, the state legislature in Harrisburg passed a tax increase on the sale of gasoline at the wholesale level, with the additional dollars dedicated to transportation improvements. The law passed, but only after an unusual bipartisan push led by some heavy hitters like former governors Tom Ridge and Ed Rendell. Even Uncle Irvin was on board for this idea.

The result was Act 89, and these new dollars have resulted in some local impact. They helped fund the repaving of the

Route 1 bypass in the Oxford area, as well as the ongoing road work adjacent to the old Red Rose Inn property.

We now learn in the Chester County Press (Dec. 21 edition) that the revenue from Act 89 is also behind the grant just received by Oxford Borough to underwrite the construction of a parking garage. In its account, the Chester County Press reported the “sincere appreciation “ of council president Ron Hershey for the help given to the project by State Sen. Andy Dinniman and State Rep. John Lawrence. The Chester County Press

concluded its tribute to the legislators by picturing each of them on Page 4A.

My problem with this cheer leading is that John Lawrence voted against Act 89. He justified his vote back then with the argument that the tax increase would be passed on to the pump, and thus raise the retail price of gas for all consumers.

Your readers will note that just the opposite happened, and the price of gas, in fact, declined dramatically.

Dinniman voted for Act 89 and took some heat for it in his successful campaign for reelection

on Nov. 8. Lawrence, on the other hand, received heartfelt praise from his loyalists in 2013 for standing strong against a tax increase. The chorus included at least one letter in support that the Chester County Press printed in those days. Now, three years later, Lawrence gets effusive congratulations for the projects that Act 89 advances. Go figure! It takes a skilled Harrisburg politician to reap a rich round of applause for a harvest when he does not take the risk of even planting the seeds.

Richard Winchester

Volunteer fire and ambulance companies need to be funded

Letter to the Editor:

Elected officials have to stop the age-old practice of placing their own value on the cost of fire and ambulance services. Each fire and ambulance company tends to service an average of five to eight municipalities or boroughs each. Each company tends to have one or two municipalities that somehow justify underfunding the requested amount each year and that has to stop immediately, especially for volunteer companies.

The special thing with the volunteer fire community is that they just don’t save lives and personal property. They sacrifice money out of their own pockets to buy their own equipment, gas to drive to and from the fire company, and most importantly they sacrifice time away from their family without getting paid. And don’t

forget about the hours of training and certifications, so that when they do respond they are at their best. Finding and retaining volunteers is becoming increasingly difficult. What will municipalities and boroughs do when their volunteer fire company has to become a fully paid one? How much do you think that will cost you then? Let me tell you, your annual contribution could skyrocket from $10,000 or $50,000 per year up to $1,000,000. Salary, pension, and benefits for each person are a huge expense.

It is the legal responsibility of the municipalities and boroughs to supply these emergency services to their residents. The fire companies do not legally have to do what they do. Some elected officials today act as if the fire companies are an expense they can just negotiate with, or arbitrarily justify

paying something less.

The cumulative negative effect that attitude is having on our very own region is seriously hurting us all. The monies that these companies are shorted are made up by pulling from long-term capital plans, pushing much needed purchases off and denying our local volunteers the equipment they need to do their job. And the stress of all the negativity these volunteers have to deal with is getting old.

I am of the opinion that any community that does not pay the requested amount from their fire or EMS company should not receive service. Let these communities’ “leaders” find a different service or form their own company.

If you are an elected official and do not agree with the amount that is being requested, deal with it in a respectful and responsible manner. Form an

ad hoc committee with your regional partners and work out the issues together, and stop disrespecting and demoralizing our shared emergency services. The West Grove Fire Company communities recently formed an ad hoc committee, and it was extremely productive. In the coming months, I will be putting out an effort to bring together the Medic 94 region to review and discuss this very issue. I hope all municipalities and boroughs will be participating, especially those who do not fund. Thank you to all emergency services and law enforcement who serve our communities. I am proud to serve on the Board of Supervisors in London Grove, a community that respects and values your service.

Chester County Commissioners announce 2017 organizational leadership

First all-female leadership in Chester County’s history

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline was elected Chair of the Commissioners during this morning’s Board of Commissioners organizational meeting. It is her first time to serve as Chair. Commissioner Kathi Cozzone was re-elected vice chair.

This election marks the first all-female County Commissioners leadership in Chester County’s history. Commissioner Cozzone nominated Commissioner Kichline as Chairman, and Commissioner Terence Farrell, outgoing Chair, nominated Commissioner Cozzone as Vice Chair. The votes of the threemember board were unanimous.

Commissioner Kichline was sworn in as Commissioner in December 2014 following an appointment by the judiciary of the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County. She was elected Chester

County Commissioner in November 2015.

Commissioner Kichline commented, “It is a great honor to serve as chair and I thank Kathi and Terence for their confidence in my leadership. Together we will continue the collaborative work that allows us to govern effectively and that sets the high standard of services and programs for the taxpayers and families of Chester County.”

Commissioner Cozzone noted, “This Board will continue to work with a purpose to protect our vulnerable populations, to balance growth and preservation, and to keep our citizens healthy and safe. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Michelle and Terence as Vice-Chair of the Board.

Commissioner Farrell said, “It has been my pleasure to serve with Michelle and Kathi over the past few years. The mutual respect that we have as Commissioners

allows us to continue our focus on the best interests of our 500,000plus residents, which is achieved through exceptional service, innovation, transparency and accountability.”

RICHARD L. VAN NORMAN, SR.

Richard L. Van Norman, Sr., 86, of Oxford, passed away on Dec. 30 at home.

He was the husband of Alice (Becky) Van Norman. Born in Bethlehem, Pa., he was the son of the late Ralph and Mary E. Geary Van Norman. Richard lived most of his life in Oxford. He was a member of the Union Operator Engineers of Baltimore. He was also employed as a carpenter, mushroom grower and farmer. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and going to sales and auctions.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Richard L. Van Norman, Jr. of Lancaster, Jason Droz (Rachel) and Robert Droz, all of Oxford; two daughters, Lois Miller of West Chester and Mary Ibrahim (Rey) of Oxford; 13 grandchildren, Lizzy Carns, Lexy, Jessica, Tristan, Braiden Droz, Alex Powell, Megan Ibrahim, Gabby Ibrahim, Sarah Sivels, Matt Wilson, Rob Pryor, Chris Wilson and Kathy Fischer; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Van Norman; and daughter, Wanda Wilson.

Funeral services were held Jan. 5. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

KAREN L. SLOAN

Karen L. Sloan, 68, of Millsboro, Del., formerly of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 3 at the Suburban Community Hospital.

She was the wife of William M. Sloan, with whom she shared 18 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late George and Lorraine Bell Lindecamp. Karen was a waitress at Kendal at Longwood for 20 year, retiring in 1999. She was member of the West Grove United Methodist Church. Karen enjoyed doing word search puzzles, watching the ponies at Assateague Island, sitting on the beach with her feet in the ocean, cookouts for the neighbors, and being with her family and friends. She was known for making cinnamon buns at Christmas and giving them to her family and friends.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Michael P. Ford of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Jennifer L. Rodriguez of Atlanta, Ga.; one brother, Robert Lindecamp (Gary Webb) of Fenwick Island, Del.; and seven grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, George Lindecamp.

Her memorial service was held Jan. 10. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Grove United Methodist Church, 300 N. Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www. griecocares.com.

ROSE MARTELLI ANDERSON

Rose Martelli Anderson, 87, of Kennett Square, passed away on Jan. 1 at the Jennersville Regional Hospital. She was the wife of Edward R. Anderson, who passed away in 1976, and with whom she shared 21 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Luca and Josephine Galante Martelli. She was a secretary at Lau Electronics in Kennett Square for 20 years, retiring in the late 1990s. Prior to working at Lau Electronics, she had worked for Bell Telephone Company, Pocopson Home, the Unionville Inn and Connor’s Pharmacy. Rose enjoyed cooking, helping others, making others laugh, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by two sons, Roy Anderson and his wife Pamela of Kennett Square, and Edward R. Anderson, Jr. of Collegeville; two daughters, Josephine Clay and her husband Don of Elkton, Md., and Genevieve Byrne and her husband Gary of Springfield, Pa.; one brother, James Martelli of Downingtown; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Rose was predeceased by two brothers, Anthony Martelli and Daniel Martelli; and two sisters, Gilda Raffaele and Louise Falcone.

A funeral was held Jan. 7. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ALBERT E. FRANK, JR.

Albert E. Frank, Jr., 79, of Cochranville, passed away on Jan. 5 at his residence. He was the husband of Elizabeth “Jane “ Miller Frank, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Albert E. Frank, Sr., and the late Elizabeth Mills Frank. He was a self-employed mechanic, operating Al Frank Truck Repair. He had, in earlier years, worked for Airborne Air Freight and Charlie Frank Excavating. In the past five years, he operated a van service, working for the Amish community, which he greatly enjoyed and where he made a lot of new friends. He was a 25-year member of the Avon Grove Lions Club, where he had served as a past president. Al enjoyed volunteering at the Avon Grove Lions Club, refurbishing tractors, tinkering in his shop and the outdoors.

In addition to his wife, Al is survived by two daughters, Debora J. Young and her husband Steve of London Grove, and Linda Frank-Funk and her husband Rick of Valley Lee, Md.; two sisters, Marie Miller and Carol Walker, both of Virginia; two brothers,

George Frank of New Providence, Pa., and Fred Frank of Chestertown, Md.; three grandchildren, Samantha Wood, Daniel Hilferty and John Hilferty; one greatgrandson, Steven Miller; and two special friends, Doug Miller of Estes Park, Colo., and Mark Wilson of Christiana, Pa. He was predeceased by one son, Albert E. Frank, III, who passed away in March, 2016; two brothers, Charles Frank and Edward Frank; and one son-in-law, John Hilferty.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 14 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His funeral service will follow at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 North Baker Station Road, West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

ROBERT STUART SWANSON, SR.

Robert Stuart Swanson, Sr., 94, of Kennett Square passed away on Jan. 4 at Jennersville Regional Hospital. He was the husband of Marian Jones Swanson, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Stratford, N.J., he was the son of the late John and Joan Murray Swanson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. Robert was a self-made man. He owned and operated, with his son, Robert, Jr., the Robert S. Swanson Company in Kennett Square, established in 1947. He was a past member of the Kennett Square Lions Club, and member of Kennett Square Golf and Country Club. When Robert was only 6 years old, his parents passed away, and he was raised by the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Whittle, Esq., of Kennett Square.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Robert Stuart Swanson, Jr. (Isabel) of Kennett Square; one daughter, Joan Swanson Johnson and the late Daniel Johnson of Palm Bay, Fla.; four stepchildren, James Lees of Waterville, Marianne Rogers (Charles) of Waterville, Pattianne Root (Bob) of Newark, Del., and Catherine Lees of Lancaster; three grandchildren, Kathy, Michael and Tara; four great-grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; and one sister, Nancy Grubb of Cape May, N.J. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Esther Brackin Swanson.

Services will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made Boys Town, PO Box 6000, Boys Town, NE 68010; or Jenner’s Pond Benevolent Fund, 2000 Greenbriar Ln., West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Get your yearly dilated

KIM LOUISE RINGLER

Kim Louise Ringler, age 60, of West Grove, died on Dec. 22 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Tom Wurm, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Abington, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Warren E. Ringler Jr. and Delores (Mattern) Ringler of Elizabethtown, Pa. Kim earned her bachelor’s degree in library science and English from Shippensburg State College, and her master’s degree in library information systems from the University of Pittsburgh. She was the director of the Avon Grove Library for over 22 years. She helped lead the move from the older downtown location to the new facility. She was also a talented artist, exercised regularly and loved doing genealogy.

Survivors include, in addition to her mother and husband, two sons, Tim A. Wurm of West Grove, and Tom A. Wurm of Murphy, N.C.; one daughter, Erica L. Wurm of Bainbridge, Pa.; one brother, Warren Ringler III and his wife Marilyn of Springfield, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Foulk & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. (200 Rose Hill Rd., West Grove). A service celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be in Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Avon Grove Library. Make checks payable to Avon Grove Library and mail to117 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove, PA 19390. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www. griecocares.com.

CHARLES A. BLAKEY

Charles A. Blakey, 75, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 4 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

He was the husband of Janet Pollock Blakey, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the son of the late Charles A., Sr. and Florence Schank Blakey. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was employed for 25 years as a welder for Sun Ship in Chester. Charles retired in 2008 after 14 years of service with Goodhart Sons, Inc., in Lancaster. He was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford. Charles enjoyed gardening.

He is survived by his wife; one son, Eric C. Blakey (Kathy) of Wilmington, Del.; two daughters, Eileen E. Blakey of Smyrna, Del., and Carrie N. Meyer (Steve) of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Antoinette Vass (Micah) of Bear, Del., Kevin Blakey and William Blakey, both of Oxford; two great-grandchildren, Jeremy Vass and Austin Vass; and two sisters, Mary Corbi of Clifton Heights and Bonnie Razzi of Upper Darby. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Ellen M. Blakey.

Funeral services were held Jan. 7. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Bethany Christian School, 1137 Shadyside Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

LAURIE ANNE SICKO-SZOKE

Laurie Anne Sicko-Szoke, 59, of Kennett Square, died on Dec. 24 at Pembrooke Health & Rehabilitation Center in West Chester, after a battle with renal failure and multiple myeloma.

Born in Hoosick Falls, N.Y., and raised in Niskayuna, N.Y., she was the beloved daughter of the late John and the late Laura (Eycleshimer) Sicko, and stepdaughter of the late Suzanne (Randals) Sicko.

She graduated from the State University of New York Oneonta and went on to work at the Wolfeboro School System in New Hampshire as a teacher. She then worked as the Director of Outreach Programs for the Silver Bay YMCA, located in the Adirondack Mountains, for many years and never lost her love for the area. She served as an extension educator with Penn State Extension Chester County since 1985 and made a difference in many lives throughout Chester County. During her career, Laurie worked with volunteers, leaders in business and industry and interagency networks to secure a funding base that has raised significant financial resources to expand 4-H programs for under-served and under-represented youth in Chester County. Laurie was a recipient of many awards and recognitions. Her kindness and positive energy touched many lives. She was an advocate for holistic healing, and taught yoga and fitness classes.

She was predeceased by her life partner, Juan Avila, in 2007. She is survived by Juan’s son, Anawim and Allegra Avila and their children, Ava, Ora, Camellia and Vera; her spirit daughters, Maria Navarrete-Olvera and Elizabeth Garduno; her sister, Stephanie O’Neil and her husband Brian; their children Liam, Madeleine, Maeve and Genevieve; one brother, John Sicko; a stepbrother, Will Randals and his wife Mercedes; a stepsister, Margaret Kotes and her husband John, and their children, Emma, Julia, and Molly; and her cousin Joy Plumme.

A celebration of life was held Jan. 5. Contributions in her memory may be made to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family visit www.griecocares.com.

MARY GOUGE MILLER DAVIDSON

Mary Gouge Miller Davidson, 97, of Oxford, went to her rest on Dec. 30 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. She was the wife of the late Lester William Miller, who died in 1959, with whom she shared 13 years of marriage, and the late Charles Davidson, who died in 1999, with whom she shared 35 years of marriage. Born in Jonesboro, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late West Grove dairy farmer David Gouge and the late Abbie (Tipton) Gouge. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Leota Miller of Tennessee, and Elsie Mae Kilby of Kelton, Pa.; four brothers, Hoy Gouge, Nelson Gouge and Geter Gouge, all of West Grove; and Lonza Gouge of Delaware. She is survived by her son, Howard Lee Miller, and his wife Barbara Lea of West Grove; one granddaughter, Trisha Lea Coe of Wakefield, Pa.; and three great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Michael Coe, Luther Charles Coe and Samantha Lea Coe, all of West Grove; as well as many nieces and nephews.

During Mary’s early years, her brothers would frequently bring home fish and game for the girls of the house to prepare for dinner. This resulted in Mary and Elsie becoming excellent cooks. Their holiday feasts will be missed by all who were lucky enough to enjoy them. The family was never able to determine who made the best pies. Mary began her working career with the West Grove Knitting Mills and retired many years later from NVF Company in Kennett Square. She never strayed from her farming background and enjoyed her huge vegetable garden and flower beds until her age and health required her to move to Ware Presbyterian Village. She was a longtime, dedicated member of the Kelton Church of Christ. A funeral was held Jan. 5. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

KATHRYN L. MARTINEZ

Kathryn L. “Kitten” Martinez, 54, of West Grove, passed away peacefully on Dec. 29 at Suburban Community Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Hector Martinez, with whom she shared 40 wonderful years. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Bessie Walker. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she loved doing her crafts, listening to music, and cuddling her cat, but most of all her she had a special love for her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband; daughter Carmen Martinez (Eddie Padillia) of West Grove; son, Hector Martinez Jr. (Beckie Martinez) of Wilmington, Del.; and ten grandchildren, Izac, Arianna, Cazi, Kirin, Romeo, Xavier, Malaysia, Robbie, Madalyn, and Analeasea. Funeral services were held Jan. 4. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

EDITH WISE KEGG

Edith Wise Kegg, 91, of Kennett Square, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 2 at home, surrounded by many of her family.

Born and raised near Delta, Pa., Edie was the daughter of the late Walter A. and Clara (Wiley) Wise. She graduated from Delta High School in 1940 at the age of 15 and enrolled at Shippensburg State Teacher’s College. She majored in business education and taught business subjects for 26 years, four at Kennett High School and 22 at Unionville High School. Edie and her husband, Ray, were founding members of Willowdale Chapel, where she was an active member all her adult life. After retiring in 1981, Edie and Ray enjoyed spending many winters in their motor home in Florida. Edie also delighted in gardening, reading, serving her Lord Jesus and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

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Edie is survived by her loving husband, Raymond E. Kegg, with whom she celebrated 70 years of marriage on Aug. 17, 2016. She is also survived by one brother, Wilmer E. Wise and his wife Isabel; her children, Alan L. Kegg and his wife Jean of Hatfield, Pa., Joyce E. Pinkham and her husband John of Middletown, N.J., Larry R. Kegg and his wife Carolof Chesapeake, Va., Linda R. Vavro and her husband Jeffery of Strongsville, Ohio, and Karen A. Hess and her husband Ray of Kennett Square; 15 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers, Paul W. Wise and W. Ross Wise; and her sister, Ruth King. A celebration of Edie’s life was held Jan. 6 at Willowdale Chapel. Memorial gifts may be made to Willowdale Chapel, 111 Marshall Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

Kennett Square resident Meredith Langer helps her clients communicate, with lettering that seems dipped back in time

The cursive beauty of a simpler time

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

To accompany calligrapher Meredith Langer on a walk through Kennett Square is to see her aesthetic influence on the town. Her work is everywhere: The sign above Mala Galleria is hers. The script font logo of Nomadic Pies?

Hers. Signage at the Farmers Market, or on sandwich boards, or advertising special events? All hers.

“My work is an answer to the pushback many in our contemporary society feel that believes we need to get back to that way of life,” said Langer, 29, who has operated Merely Mere, her calligraphy company,

on a full-time basis since 2015. “There is something nostalgic about taking that extra moment and writing a handwritten sentence. It’s very simple and beautiful, and it means so much more than just receiving a text message.”

After graduating in 2006 from Sanford School in Hockessin, Langer – who grew up in Chadds Ford – majored in art at the University of Mary Washington in Fredricksburg, Va., where she took classes in drawing in various mediums, with a focus on textiles, photography, and theater design.

During college, she took a summer job at the then newly opened Terrain

at Styers in Glen Mills, and continued to work there during the next few summers. If college served as a place of art training, then Terrain became her artistic baptism, one that merged art and commerce.

In her seven years there, Langer created special events, pop-up shops, and organized road shows for the company, while also serving as its special projects manager.

Tapping into her education, she also became Terrain’s resident sign maker, and quickly developed a signature style of sharp and readable lettering.

While at Styers, she first dipped her ink pen into calligraphy, using a paintbrush and canvas to develop a roadside sign promoting an upcoming wedding. Using the wedding invitation as a guide, Langer copied the fonts, letter by letter. She read books about calligraphy, and watched online tutorials. Slowly, what had once been just another part of her expanding capacity at Terrain was becoming a true skill.

“I began to discover the nuances of each letter, and what gives each letter its

own identity,” she said. “For instance, where the down stroke was thicker, and how big the loop was in the letter ‘e.’ I was becoming inspired.”

Langer’s experience at Styers served as a natural springboard for Merely Mere, her company that she began while still at Terrain. Her calligraphy is not just limited to invitations. She burns her words into several other mediums, such as leather used for custommade bags, as well as custom signage, invitations, cyanotypes, wood burnings, and design work for weddings, special events and storefronts.

It’s an add-on to an already busy calendar that, in the past year, has also included coordinating the holiday pop-up shop on State Street in Kennett Square, and organizing the Kennett Holiday Village Market at the Creamery this past December.

The basis of Langer’s talents – and her business – is found in her constant tinkering with the tools of her trade. There is discovery, she said, in testing angles and finding new curvatures in each image.

“It’s about tweaking and changing, and exploring

each letter in order to increase its legibility, but also it’s being able to make each letter more playful,” she said. “It’s very romantic when you finally get the angles right, when it’s flowing and things are moving and the you have the right paper, the best ink and the perfect paper.”

To learn more about Meredith Langer, visit her Facebook page, “Merely Mere,” her website at www. merelymere.com, Instagram at @merelymere, or e-mail her at mere.merelymere@ gmail.com

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

Through Feb. 1

Avon Grove Seniors

The Avon Grove Seniors meet on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the West Grove Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove).

There is a covered dish meal every third Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to the following activities: storyteller Diane (Jan. 11); covered dish (Jan. 18), game day (Jan. 25), bingo (Feb. 1). Call 610-255-4477 for more information.

Jan. 11

Nutrition for seniors

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) invites the community to attend a free presentation focusing on “Healthy Eating on a Budget” on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Licensed dietitian nutritionist and registered dietitian, Carol Sweeney, will discuss the importance of good nutrition and choosing healthier foods that offer the most nutritional value. She will offer suggestions for meal planning and making

healthy, low-cost meals. For reservations, call 610-9325244 or email oxsrctr@ zoominternet.net.

Jan. 21

Old Timers Baseball Banquet

The 37th Annual Kennett Old Timers Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Red Clay Room of the Kennett Fire Company. Tickets are $36 and can be purchased at Burton’s Barber Shop (105 W. State St., Kennett Square), or by calling 610-444-9964. The guest speaker will be Chris Wheeler, longtime broadcaster and Phillies ambassador.

Jan. 28

All Out 2017 Hike

On Jan. 28, Stroud Preserve will be the site of a hike by Natural Lands Trust. Hike scenic trails on your own or join a guided walk to learn about the history and wildlife of this property. After the hike, enjoy sweet treats with Natural Lands Trust staff and volunteers. Natural Lands Trust is

teaming up with REI’s All Out 2017 campaign to inspire everyone to get outside. The hike will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Stroud Preserve (454 North Creek Road, West Chester). The event is free. Visit www.natlands.org for more information.

Feb. 5

Basket bingo fundraiser

The Wakefield Ambulance Association Super Bowl Bingo will be held Feb. 5 at the Quarryville Hoffman Building in Quarryville. There will be baskets from Longaberger Baskets and Pampered Chef. Doors open at noon and games start at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information or to reserve tickets, call 717-529-2856 or 717-548-2541.

Feb. 12

Chocolate Lovers Festival

The Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival will be held Feb. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Kennett High School (100 E. South St., Kennett Square). Connoisseur

tickets allow early admission from noon to 1 p.m. Hundreds of chocolate treats, including cakes, brownies, candies, cookies and cupcakes, will be available for tasting at this festival benefiting United Way of Southern Chester County. General admission of $10 per person includes six tastings ($30 for a family of four). General admission parking is $5. Connoisseur tickets allow are $25 per person or $45 for two people (includes beverages and parking). Visit www. KennettChocolate.org.

Feb. 25

Kennett Winterfest

Tickets are on sale for the Fifth Annual Kennett Winterfest on Feb. 25

from 12:30 to 4 p.m. in downtown Kennett Square. The tented event features brews by dozens of regional breweries, as well as food trucks, and live music by Shady Groove. Tickets are $60 (designated driver tickets $15). Visit www.kennettwinterfest. com for tickets and more information. 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: JC Brooks with the GTVs (Jan. 13, 8 p.m., $20 and

$23); Chicago tribute band Chicago 9 (Jan. 14, 8 p.m., $25 and $28); open mic with Matt Sevier (Jan. 15, 7 p.m., $4); Rolling Stones tribute band Dead Flowers (Jan. 20, 8 p.m., $16 and $20); comedian Big Daddy Graham (Jan. 21, 8 p.m., $25 and $30); Felicia Berrier, Olivia Rubini, Julia Johnson and Kat Sottung (Jan. 22, 6 p.m., $10 to $14); Stand Up At the Flash with Chris Coccia, Missy Grynkiewicz, Chris Stenta and Jeremy Hall (Jan. 26, 8 p.m., $12 and $14); Kategory 5 plays the ‘70s (Jan. 27, 8 p.m., $15 and $22); Kategory 5 plays the ‘80s (Jan. 28, 8 p.m., $15 to $22); Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires (Feb. 2, 8 p.m., $12 to $14); Apache Trails with Couple Days (Feb. 3, 8 p.m., $12 to $15); Dukes of Destiny (Feb. 4, 8 p.m., $18 to $22); Dave Matthews tribute band Crowded Streets (Feb. 10, 8 p.m., $18 to $22); Sin City Band with guests (Feb. 11, 8 p.m., $15 to $18); Yes tribute band All Good People (Feb. 18, 8 p.m., $17 to $20).

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

Jan. 14

Pancake and omelet breakfast

Shiloh Presbyterian Church (42 S. Fifth St., Oxford) presents a public Pancake & Omelet Breakfast on Jan. 14 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Community Outreach Center. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 11, free for ages 3 and younger. Call 610-932-9256.

Jan. 25

Joseph’s People meeting

The next monthly Joseph’s People for the unemployed/ underemployed will be on Jan. 25 at 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Life Center (lower level) of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). The guest speaker will be Ed Samuel, a senior executive career coach, who will discuss “The Seven Must Do’s for Interviewing.” Visit www. josephspeople.org for more information.

Jan. 28

Buffet breakfast

Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) hosts its monthly buffet breakfast on Jan. 28 from 7 to 10 a.m. The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage and bacon, roasted potatoes, dried beef gravy and specialty breads. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10. Everyone is welcome. Call 610-9329698 for more information.

all persons having claims or demands against the said Estate to make known the same, all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment immediately, without delay to: Peter Vergos, Executor 117 Scroggy Road Oxford, PA 19363

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ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is

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PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T proposes to modify an existing facility (new tip heights 95’) on the building at 2 W. Market St, West Chester, PA (20160921). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties. 1p-11-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE Vacancy on London Grove Board of Supervisors The London Grove Board of Supervisors is seeking a qualified elector who lives and has lived in London Grove continuously for more than one year and who is interested in filling a vacancy on the Board of Supervisors. This individual will serve on a five-member board to serve the portion of the unexpired term extending to January 2, 2018. Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest summarizing your experience to London Grove Township, ATTN: Terry Woodman, 372 Rose Hill Road, Suite 100, West Grove, PA 19390. Or email interimmanager@ londongrove.org on or before 4:00 p.m. January 20, 2017 1p-11-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, February 20, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-1-35 Writ of Execution No. 2016-00925 DEBT $153,648.80

ALL the right, title, interest and claim of John R. Winters and Charlean Winters of, in and to:

CLASSIFIEDS

Auctions

1997 Toyota Camry vin

#4T1BG22KXVU135111 to be sold

Janurary 18, 2017 @9:00 am. Chew’s Towing, Inc. 722 Market Street, Oxford, PA 19363

1993 Toyota Corolla vin # 2T1AE08E9PC023975 to be sold

Janurary 18, 2017 @9:00 am. Chew’s Towing, Inc. 722 Market Street, Oxford, PA 19363

2004 Chevrolet Tahoe vin #1GNEK13V24J271758

Pyle, P.C. , 64 South 3rd Street, Suite1 Oxford, Pa 19363

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ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary on the Estate of John C. Merges. JR., Deceased, late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, PA. have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims or demands against the said Estate to make known the same, all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment immediately, without delay to Fay A. Kelly, Executrix, 113 Kensington Lane, Oxford, Pa 19363 Or to her Attorney: Kenneth R. Pyle, Esquire

The Law Office of Kenneth R. Pyle, P.C. , 64 South 3rd Street, Suite1 Oxford, Pa 19363

ALL that following described real estate situate in the Kennett Township, County of Chester Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Having erected thereon a dwelling known and numbered as 402 N Walnut Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 Deed Book 417, Page 444, Parcel Number 62-03-0050.

PLAINTIFF: LSF9 Master Participation Trust VS DEFENDANT: JOHN R. WINTERS and CHARLEAN WINTERS

SALE ADDRESS: 402 N Walnut Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KERI P. EBECK, ESQ., 412-434-7955

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. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 12p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, February 20, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-1-31 Writ of Execution No. 2015-06480 DEBT $71,168.67

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, with the buildings thereon erected, situate in the Borough of Parkesburg, County of Chester, and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows, to wit: BEGINNING at a

along lands late of Hannah A. Wilson, deceased, 361 1/2 feet to a post in the north line of Academy Street or Chapel Avenue aforesaid; thence south 75 1/4 degrees west along the north line of said street or avenue 100 feet to the place of beginning.

CONTAINING 36,150 square feet of land.

BEING the same premises which Andrew M. Cuomo, Secretary of Housing and urban development, by Deed dated 11/13/1997 and recorded 12/04/1997 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 4268, Page 914, granted and conveyed unto Erick Barsness and Eugene Barsness. And said Eugene Barsness departed this 10/28/12 and Erick Barsness departed this life 04/17/14 vested the title solely in unknown heirs, successors, assigns and all persons, firms or associations claiming right, title or interest from or under Erick Barsness, deceased, by rights of surviorship.

BEING known as: 147 Chapel Avenue, Parkesburg Borough, PA 19365

PARCEL No.: 8-4-16

IMPROVEMENTS: residential property.

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER ERICK BARSNESS, DECEASED

SALE ADDRESS: 147 Chapel Avenue, Parkesburg Borough, PA 19365

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: POWERS, KIRN & ASSOCIATES, LLC, 215942-2090

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. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 12p-28-3t

will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, February 20, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-1-26 Writ of Execution No. 2016-00223 DEBT $164,530.40

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot of land together with the improvements thereon erected.

SITUATE north of First Avenue, in the Borough of Parkesburg, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at the southwest corner thereof, a point in the middle of a 28 feet wide right-of-way for a roadway and located 170 feet northward from the middle of

BEING Tax UPI No. 8-4-87.1B.

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff,

BEING the same premises which Robert L. Doyle and Rhonda L. Topper, by indenture dated 10-15-04 and recorded 10-29-04 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds

BEING the same premises which Robert L. Doyle,