Chester County Press 01-27-2021 Edition

Fire hits Victory Brewing, adjoining apartments in Kennett Square

By Chris Barber Contributing writer

Residents throughout Kennett Square reported hearing and feeling the jarring explosion that proceeded a fire at a brewery and apartments in the 600 block of West Cypress Street on Monday evening.

The blaze at Victory Brewing Company and the apartments above the brewery was first reported at around 6:28 p.m., and soon emergency responders from throughout the area were on hand to assist the Kennett Fire Company in battling the blaze.

The brewery was not open at the time of the incident

Explosion jolts 600 block of West Cypress Street Monday evening and residents from the apartments that are located above the first floor of the building were evacuated, as were neighbors in the nearby homes.

As of 8 p.m. on Monday, no injuries had been reported and it did not appear that any EMS units were actively rescuing people.

Firefighters at the scene were warning onlookers to avoid areas where there were gas lines underneath the road surface.

As long as an hour after the first call, there was still smoke billowing from the building and flames coming out a second story window. A fire company report

Outdoor pool, outdoor movie theater

Garden moving forward with two ideas for St. Anthony in the Hills

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Over the last several years, New Garden Township and its Board of Supervisors have spearheaded efforts that have positioned the town-

ship as a true game changer in the world of local government – high point moments that have included the recent sale of its outdated wastewater system for $29.5 million, the construction of the new home for the Southern Chester

County Regional Police Department and the preservation of additional township land.

Another one of the achievements -- their $1.5 million purchase of the 137.5-acre St. Anthony

Unionville-Chadds

Ford School Board approves Longhorns as new high school mascot

By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing Writer

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board unanimously adopted the Longhorns as the new high school mascot at Monday’s board meeting.

A committee of students, staff, alumni, and community members helped narrow more than 500 suggestions for a new mascot down to two – the Longhorns and the Stampede, according to U-CF School Board President Jeff Hellrung.

Students at the high school, as well as eighth graders at Patton Middle School, were also asked about their preferences, and almost 70 percent of them favored the Longhorns moniker, according to a story by high school students Jenna Ahert

and Olivia Kenyon that was read at the school board meeting.

“An intricate aspect of selecting the Longhorn was acknowledging and honoring the community’s history,” Kenyon said.

The article that both students wrote now appears on the district’s webpage and will be published by the Unionville Post, the high school’s student-run newspaper, in February.

The Longhorn name evokes memories of the King Ranch, for many years a working cattle ranch between Unionville and Coatesville whose spring roundup would draw locals to watch the wrangling, Kenyon explained.

“Each April from 1946 to 1974, cattle arrived in Chester County by train and

New Garden announces distribution of proceeds from sewer sale

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Even before the proceeds from the nearly $30 million sale of its sewage system were forwarded into New Garden Township’s account in late December, specula-

tion ran rampant as to how the township would distribute portions of that big pay day, and to whom.

At their Jan. 19 online meeting, the Board of Supervisors sliced up a bit of those proceeds in the form of major contributions and necessary

payments. At the time of the transaction’s closing on Dec. 21, 2020, the final agreement of sale came to $29,756,567.05, which was wired into the township’s account, and also stipulated that the $3.58 million remaining in the township’s Sewer

Authority account would be placed in the township’s capital fund.

From that dollar amount, the township plans to funnel $21,774,761 back into the township’s investment portfolio, for possible use over the next decade to 20 years. The sum is expect-

ed to draw an annual one percent return in interest – about $210,000 a year. The township will then allocate $2,307,871 toward expenditures, which will include $250,000 for St. Anthony in the Hills; $238,000

Continued on page 4A

KAPA plans improvements for soccer fields in the park

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

A presentation by the Kennett Area Park Authority (KAPA) topped the agenda for Kennett Square Borough Council during the meeting on Jan. 19.

Richard Lyon, the chair of KAPA, explained that the conditions of the soccer fields in the Anson B.

Nixon Park have declined to the point where the Southern Chester County Soccer Association has moved on to other fields in the area. When the Southern Chester County Soccer Association wasn’t using the fields, they were usually open to the community. There has been noticeable settlement of the fields which has led to the decline

in quality. Last year, Lyon explained, KAPA members met with officials from the Southern Chester County Soccer Association, the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA), and Kennett Township manager Eden Ratliff to try and come up with a solution for the declining condition of the fields. The site was previously a landfill. Total

remediation for the soccer fields is estimated to be more than $250,000.

Anson B. Nixon Park is owned and operated by KAPA. When the Southern Chester County Soccer Association found other venues to use, KAPA lost a significant source of revenues.

Lyon was joined by KAPA board members John Gaadt, Mark

McGreevy, and Nancy Ayllon-Ramirez, all of whom talked about how the KAPA board believes there is a strong need for recreational soccer fields in the community, and they outlined some options on how KAPA can proceed. Lyon explained that the KAPA board has approved a preliminary redesign that would have them develop

St. Anthony in the Hills...

Continued from Page 1A

in the Hills in 2018 – is in the works to spin off into even more success, with the planned rebirth of two longdormant attractions, that are very likely to be up and running again this year under independent management: the St. Anthony in the Hills pool and, just beside it, its outdoor ampitheater.

At its Jan. 19 online meeting, the board voted unanimously to enter into an agreement with the Splash Swim Club, a private member swim club in Marple Township, to first restore and then operate the outdoor pool facility – which will include the development and management of an adjacent restaurant.

Township Solicitor Bill Christman said that progress on the refurbishing of the facility will begin immediately, and that the goal of the company is to be fully operational and open by Memorial Day weekend this year. As part of the agreement, Splash, LLC will pay the township a $2,000 fee to operate the facility, assume all liability and repair costs required, oversee that all safety codes are met, and sell memberships, which will include discounted fees for New Garden Township residents.

At its last meeting, the board authorized the township to work with the members of Splash, LLC to come up with a lease agreement, which is now in the last stages of approval, with minor insurance concerns still to be ironed out.

The township has received concept drawings for the project.

As part of the ongoing discussions between the township and JP Morgan Chase in the proposed plans for of White Clay Point mixed-use develop-

Soccer fields...

Continued from Page 1A

ment – the southern part of which borders St. Anthony in the Hills -- the township is seeking to acquire the land necessary to develop an entrance to the property along Reynolds Road, which would provide vehicle access to the pool facility.

“We were faced with [this option] or having to tear the thing down,” said Pat Little of the township’s decision to enter into an agreement with Splash, LLC. “It would cost a lot of money for us to rip out the pool and the building where the restaurant is, and still not be able to provide an asset for the residents of the township. They’ve already done this once, they’ve done a very good job and the people that use it are very happy.”

A new concept in a ‘staycation’

Since it first opened during Memorial Day Weekend in 2019, the Splash Swim Club in Broomall has been utilized as a 13-acre retreat that takes its inspiration from tropical locales and the ambience of country clubs. Targeted toward individuals and families, the club’s amenities include an Olympic-sized heated pool, a food truck with ice cream service and a coffee bar; a 2,000-square foot pavilion deck; and The Wave, a restaurant that features indoor and outdoor seating, a menu that ranges from jerk chicken nachos to ribeye steak to health food options and a lounge that features music and large-screen televisions. Behind the restaurant, members can use the basketball court, a landscaped wiffle ball field, and a gaming room filled with Xbox stations.

According to its website, six-month membership packages at the Splash Club in 2021 start at $61.67 a month for an individual

two, high-quality irrigated sports fields on about three and a half acres of the 15 acres of land. Another approximate one-third of the 15 acres would be set aside for a meadow, woodlands, and pollinator gardens, while the remaining one-third of the land would be used for community agricultural crops. There is even an opportunity for an educational outreach component for the community agricultural crops.

Lyon explained that the concept for the natural habitat and agricultural cropping areas was inspired by the movie “Kiss the Ground” since farmland can not only be used for food production, but can also have a positive impact on climate change through carbon recapture practices. While there is a lot of excitement about the potential for the meadows and gardens in the park, an essential component of the planning is ensuring that there are two good sports

member, $83.33 a month for two members, and $135.83 a month for memberships of five or more people.

Private cabanas are also available for a fee that includes towel service, waitress service and a reserved parking spot.

Outdoor movies at the ampitheater

The board also heard a presentation by John DiEleuterio of the Wilmington-based Main Light Industries, Inc., who discussed a concept that would permit a four-person partnership -- that includes DiEleuterio -- to show outdoor movies at St. Anthony’s Greek-style, 2,000-seat outdoor ampitheater, beginning as early as this spring.

He said that facility is “an amazing space with amazing potential.”

“We want to start out by gaining support from the community, gaining sponsorships and partners to take the necessary steps to rebuild the structure that we need to do, as well as take the appropriate COVID-19 precautions, knowing the environment that we will be in for the foreseeable future,” DiEleuterio told the board on behalf of his three partners. “We have a lot of great ideas and given a blessing from all of you, we’d like to move forward with those ideas. We’re just looking to grow with the park.”

Founded in 1981, Main Light Industries, Inc. is a provider of most entertainment related equipment including lighting, special effects and video to professional production companies around the world.

DiEleuterio told the board that he and his partners were led to pursue the outdoor movie concept at St. Anthony in the Hills soon after COVID-19 began to take a big chunk out of the

fields at the conclusion of the renovation project. A preliminary estimate of the renovation work on the sports fields is about $100,000. Lyon said that they are working to put the project out to bid and then they will have a better idea of the actual costs.

KAPA asked Kennett Square Borough Council to consider enacting a fee-inlieu ordinance that would generate revenues that could be allocated for park improvements. As part of the land development process, a Pennsylvania

earning potential for companies who provide technology and services for live events.

“When COVID hit, the industry changed,” he said. “Our industry was [supporting] concerts, trade shows and Broadway. In March, we had about 20 employees, and now we’re down to about five employees. This is a shift in thinking. All of us in this industry have had a lot of time to think, and when we saw this space, it entered into our heads that it was the natural progression of where we would like to go.”

DiEleuterio said the first steps will be for the fourperson group to incorporate and then give a formal presentation to the New Garden board, which would include their plans for refurbishing the infrastructure of the ampitheater in order to convert it into a usable space. He said among the many components in the rehabbing of the facility will be pest control, removing overgrown brush and plants, installing upgraded guardrails and improving bathroom facilities – as well as complying with all safety requirements.

municipality may require the developer to dedicate land to the municipality for park and recreation purposes. When it might not be possible to dedicate land, a fee-in-lieu of that dedication is possible.

Council president Brenda Mercomes asked borough solicitor Michael Crotty to research fee-in-lieu ordinances.

Meanwhile, Lyon said, KAPA will be making a presentation to Kennett Township.

Council member Peter Waterkotte said that it would be a shame if residents didn’t have a place to play soccer in the borough.

Council member Ethan Cramer said that he’s had some discussions with KAPA about the situation prior to this meeting, and he encouraged the board members to make the presentation so that borough officials had a full understanding of the situation. Lyon said that the impor-

“We would work with New Garden Township every step of the way,” he said. “We have a handful of decent ideas for doing things within the space, from movies to progression into live music, live theater and church services. We would start out small and progress to larger events.

“I am in full confidence we can do this.”

“[The partners] all have different backgrounds –some in sound and lighting, some in sales and some in the marketing aspects of the events,” said Jaimie Watts, one of the partners.

“Between the four of us, we’ve been doing everything from logistics to implementation to the creative process for the past 15-plus years.”

The board voted unanimously to have the partners proceed with their plan, which is scheduled to be formally presented soon.

Two initiatives also high on residents’ ‘wish list’

The momentum of these two initiatives to become a reality this year are proving to overlap generously with

tance of the park and its offerings can be seen every day by the large number of people who visit it.

“The park is an incredible part of this community,” Lyon said. “Our goal is to serve the community as best we can.”

SGR begins work on borough manager search

Council member Doug Doerfler reported that Strategic Government Resources, Inc. (SGR), the firm enlisted to facilitate a search for a new borough manager, has started its work by interviewing council members, borough staff members, and other stakeholders. This is being done in preparation for advertising the vacancy.

New commission member

Kennett Square Borough Council approved the appointment of Dwayne

the “wish list” priorities that many township residents have expressed for the property. The township is currently working on a master plan for the park with York-based YSM, a landscape architectural committee specializing in park and recreation design and planning. On Sept. 23, 2020, YSM and the township co-hosted an open house at St. Anthony in the Hills for local residents, and invited them to provide their creative input for how the township’s newest park should be used.

In the “existing facilities” category, the residents’ top priorities were for the township to renovate the property’s amphitheater and its outdoor swimming pool, as well as refurbish its miniature golf course.

The general public will continue to have opportunities for input throughout every stage of the master plan, beginning in early 2021, when an early draft plan for the park will be shared with the public.

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

Bradley to the borough’s Human Relations Commission. Bradley, who has an extensive background in the corporate world, has been a resident of Kennett Square for 29 years.

Kennett Fire Company earns praise

During public comment, resident John Thomas lauded the work of the Kennett Fire Company. Thomas said that firefighters recently responded to a fire not far from where he lives, and he was able to see their work firsthand. They put out a fire at a row house and prevented it from spreading to other homes, Thomas said.

“They did a wonderful job on something that could have been tragic,” Thomas said.

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

Fire...

Continued from Page 1A

issued Tuesday morning confirmed that no one was injured during the incident. The cause of the fire and explosion is still under investigation.

Responders came from Lancaster, Chester and Delaware counties. At one point there were 59 units at the scene.

The extent of the damage from the explosion and fire is not yet known.

Victory Brewing posted the following on its social media pages Monday evening: Tonight, around 6:30 p.m. there was an explosion and fire in the 600 block of W Cypress St in the building where the Victory Brewing Company - Kennett Square taproom is located. Our taproom was closed for business today, so no cus-

tomers or team members were in the building at the time of the incident. We now have a team on site and are working with the fire and police departments to gather information around this unfortunate incident. We

are not aware of any injuries that were uncovered during the initial investigation. We will continue to work with authorities and with the Red Cross to learn more about what occurred this evening and how we

can help our neighbors in the building who have been displaced. For now, we are praying for the safety of those involved and want to thank the first responders who quickly arrived on site, safely aided in the evacu-

School mascot...

Continued from Page 1A

were corralled and sorted by cowhands,” Kenyon said, reading from her and Aherts’ article. “The annual five-day spring roundup … characterized by three hours of cattle wrangling each morning, a spectacle that attracted the locals who sat on the fences, eager to watch the exciting and heroic TV westerns come to life.”

When the land was sold in the 1980s to the Brandywine Conservancy, Ahert and Kenyon wrote, it sparked a land conservation moment that attracted the attention of the country.

“The longhorn still strongly portrays the values of the community through its characteristics as a species,” Ahert said, reading the students’ words. “Because each longhorn differs greatly in its size, color, horn length, and personality, the longhorn embodies the community’s diversity.”

Students presented the school board with small bronze statues of the longhorn.

In August, the board voted to begin a search for a new mascot. Iris Creative created the imagery and branding for the new Longhorns mascot.

ation of the building and are working to control the fire. We will update you as

more information becomes available to us during the investigation.

Attorney John K. Fiorillo elected president of the Chester County Bar Association

John K. Fiorillo has been elected President of the Chester County Bar Association (CCBA) for 2021. Fiorillo was elected during the annual membership meeting which was held virtually on Dec. 3, and included the ceremonial passing of the gavel. Fiorillo’s tenure became effective Jan. 4.

“It is a great honor to lead and serve this organization whose roots stretch back far into our county’s and nation’s history,” Fiorillo said. “I look forward to later this year when, once it is safe to do so, we can re- commence in-per-

son events and re-engage on a personal level with our great membership and the community we serve.”

In his third decade of practice, John is the co-chair of the Litigation Department and chair of the Creditor’s Rights Department at Unruh Turner Burke & Frees. He is the first member of the firm to become president of the CCBA. He also serves on the firm’s Executive Committee. John concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, creditor’s rights, business litigation and real estate tax assessments. He has been named

to the Pennsylvania “Super Lawyers” list consecutively since 2010 and has been recognized as a “Top Lawyer” by Main Line Today magazine multiple times.

John has been a member of the Chester County Bar Association since 1995. He served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2012 through 2014 and again from 2016 to the present and has served as secretary, treasurer, and vice president of the CCBA leading up to this year. John is also a Zone 9 delegate to the Pennsylvania Bar Association House of

Delegates.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business, John received his law degree from Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law. John is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Unruh Turner Burke & Frees is a Pennsylvania law firm with 21 attorneys and offices in West Chester, Phoenixville and Paoli. The firm is dedicated to providing clients with the extraordinary representation and service that they require to succeed in today’s

sophisticated and competitive regulatory and business environment and in their personal lives. UTBF’s clients range from individuals and entrepreneurs to major corporations, and include governmental entities, financial institutions and non-profit organizations. The firm advises on business and tax law; commercial and real estate transactions; business and creditors’ rights litigation; wealth preservation, estate and trust planning and administration; labor and employment law; municipal and school law; and zoning and land use.

US Digestive Health (USDH) is proud to announce that West Chester Gastrointestinal Group (WCGI) has joined our family of practices. With this superb addition, USDH is now Pennsylvania’s largest and most experienced gastroenterology group.

As a result of this union, our West Chester patients will continue to receive the same responsive treatment from the doctors and support staff they know and trust. Better yet, all USDH patients will benefit from a greater scope of specialties, the depth of our combined expertise and resources, and our continued commitment to give each patient and family the time, attention and care they deserve. We invite you to visit us online at westchestergi.com

for the Toughkenamon Streetscape Improvement Plan; $35,000 for the continued clean-up of the Broad Run Creek; $210,000 for the development of the Scarlett Road Trail; and an additional $1,574,371 that will be directed toward depreciation expenses.

The township will also direct $5,417,369 of the sale toward paying off loans, including $4,577,368 to pay off the total costs for the construction of the facility now occupied by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department. Additional reimbursements will include $665,000 for the cost of Phase II of the expansion of New Garden Township Park; and $175,000 for the township’s sewer revenue fund.

Board chairman Pat Little said that other potential expenditures in the future may include the improvement of the Newark Road-Baltimore Pike intersection; the Newark Road Main Street initiative; the development of the Reynolds Road Trail; the design and construction of the Sprout Trail; and the rehabilitation of the Egypt Run and Bancroft bridges.

The distribution figures proposed during the presentation were for budgeting purposes only, and the final amounts may change as the distribution process continues.

Local

Garden Township Sewer Sale Proceeds Distribution*

Kennett Library to receive $100,000 annually for next five years

During their presentation, the board approved an annual $100,000 contribution to the Kennett Library and Resource Center for a period of the next five years. The payment will be rolled into the library’s campaign fund that is currently raising the costs needed to pay for the library’s new $15 million, 29,257-square-foot facility in Kennett Square, which is set to begin construction in March and be completed in December of 2022.

The five-year, $500,000 total contribution from the township to the Kennett Library, while sizable, still falls short of a nonmandatory payment option that was proposed by the library to the municipalities the library serves in 2019.

Under the guidelines of the proposal, New Garden Township would make an annual contribution of $241,478 over a threeyear period to the library’s capital campaign – totaling $724,433 – that would

account for about 4.8 percent of the costs needed to construct the new facility.

The township, however, did contribute to the library beginning in 2017, when by a vote of 1,014 to 651, a referendum was passed by township residents in November of that year that created an annual dedicated tax of about $20 per household that generates an additional $80,000 in annual revenue to the library.

“I know it’s not the full amount that the library is requesting, but I think it’s a good place to start at least, and maybe in the future if we have more money, or if we get a windfall, maybe we can reexamine [the amount of the township’s distribution],” said supervisor David Unger.

Jim DeLuzio, the township’s representative on the library’s board of directors, thanked the supervisors for their contribution.

“Anything towards constructing our new Kennett Library and Resource Center will see every penny utilized for the benefit of our community,” he said.

The board also approved the allocation of up to $50,000, that will be used to pay for the upgrade of zoning and codes software that will be used by township administration.

Nearly five-year journey to distribution

Arriving at the distribution of proceeds from the sale of its wastewater system was a long time in waiting – nearly five years, in fact.

In August of 2016, the township’s Sewer Authority and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc. (now Essential Utilities, Inc.) entered into an agreement to purchase the township’s sewage system for $29.5 million. On June 29, 2017, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved Aqua’s application.

Finalizing the agreement of sale, however, ran into a more than four-year buzzsaw of negotiations, legal snags, lawsuits and other delays that involved the township, the PUC, the Bureau of Investigation

and Enforcement, the Commonwealth Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The delay reached its peak in Oct. 2018, when the PUC’s Office of Consumer Advocate sued the PUC in Commonwealth Court, claiming that the sale of the township sewer system would lead to a severe escalation of rates among Aqua customers not only in New Garden but across Pennsylvania.

Subsequently, the township sent a notice to all wastewater system rate payers in the township that signified that the long journey to finalize the sale was coming to a close. On Feb. 21, 2018 the notice stated, Aqua filed the proposed final settlement with the PUC for the completion of the sale, pending final approval from Hon. Administrative Law Judge Steven K. Haas and the PUC.

The last hurdle in the final approval of the sale

was to allow for parties who were opposed to the transaction the opportunity to submit written comments to the PUC before April 8, 2020, which were to be reviewed by the PUC before the sale could become final.

Getting to the finish line of the agreement, however, has been well worth the wait, Little said.

“After we got through doing our budget for 2021 and going through this process, it’s fair to let the residents know that the township is in very good financial shape,” said Little, who gave credit to past and present supervisors, township managers and department heads. “I know we are in the top two or three percent of [municipalities] in the state, so [there are] a lot of accolades for that.”

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

Public nature preserves and parks are worth the investment

The announcement that the Brandywine Conservancy and Oxford Area Foundation are partnering to acquire 577 acres of the Glenroy Farm to establish a publicly accessible nature preserve on a stunning property in southern Chester Country is certainly good news. Generations of local residents will be able to enjoy the nature preserve along the Octoraro Creek as a result of the partnership.

The new nature preserve in southern Chester County is in an ideal location, and the public open space promises to provide exceptional recreational and educational opportunities for the community, and will also have lasting positive effects on the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.

The property for the public nature preserve was acquired from the Thouron family, and the acquisition was made possible by grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Chester County Preservation Partnership Program, the Oxford Area Foundation and the Brandywine Conservancy. Everyone benefits from this kind of collaboration to preserve open space. Public nature preserves and parks are worth the investment.

On Jan. 19, the Kennett Area Park Authority made a presentation to Kennett Square Borough Council about the decline in quality of the sports fields in Anson B. Nixon Park.

The Kennett Area Park Authority owns and operates the Anson B. Nixon Park. The Kennett area has been growing, especially in the last two decades, and there is a lot of development pressure with a finite amount of land. The Anson B. Nixon Park is a treasure, and it needs to be protected and enhanced whenever possible.

The Kennett Area Park Authority has some preliminary plans to make improvements to the park that include two sports fields along with natural habitat and agricultural cropping areas. Funding for park improvements is always a challenge, but we hope that the Kennett Area Park Authority can work with Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township and find a way to secure the funding that is needed for the improvements.

Parks and public spaces are an important part of any vibrant community. Parks and other protected lands offer many benefits—everything from improved water and air quality to safe habitats for wildlife to places where people can connect with nature and enjoy recreation. Parks can be the center of an entire community. Investments in public nature preserves and parks are worth it.

Pre-registration for COVID-19 vaccination now open to Chester County residents

Re sidents of Chester County can now pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine by completing a form found on the Chester County Health Department’s COVID-19 web page.

The form for all individuals age 16 and over who live and work in Chester County can be found at www.chesco.org/covidvaccine.

Completion of the form registers a person’s interest in receiving the vaccine, and the information provided helps the Health Department to place each individual into the Phase 1A, 1B, 1C and Phase 2 categories. The recent change in Phase 1A groups, announced earlier this week by the PA Department of Health, led the Chester County Health Department to revise its original preregistration survey, moving it away from just Phase 1A and 1B, and opening pre-registration to all who

live and work in Chester County.

Chester County Health Department Director Jeanne Casner said, “The information we have collected for everyone who has already pre-registered their interest in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine remains in our database. But because of the Commonwealth’s changes in Phase 1A groups, we are asking everyone who falls into the group defined as ‘age 16-64 with medical conditions’, to complete the form again, to ensure they are moved to Phase 1A.

“Everyone who has submitted, or will be submitting a pre-registration form will receive a confirmation of receipt, and will then receive regular updates on the status of vaccine distribution in Chester County – until such time as they are asked to schedule a vaccination appointment,” added Casner.

The Chester County Health Department continues to process the impact of the recent changes made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, moving those over the age of 65 and those 16-64 with certain medical conditions into Phase 1A.

This change adds more than 90,000 eligible people to Phase 1A in Chester County. On average, the Chester County Health Department has received 2,000 doses per week, and in total, the county has been averaging receipt of 6,000 doses of the vaccine each week, divided among all providers.

“The increase in Phase 1A eligibility hasn’t come with an increase in vaccine doses,” said Casner.

“In fact, we have been told there will likely be vaccine shortages, and just this week we only received half of our requested doses –

2,500 instead of 5,000.”

The shortage of vaccine is not exclusive to Chester County. All other regions within the Pennsylvania – and the nation – are currently affected by the lack of vaccine supply. The Chester County Health Department opens appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine based on the availability of vaccine to administer. Additional vaccination sites – beyond the current site at the Chester County Government Services Center in West Chester –have been secured and will begin operating over the next few weeks, but only as vaccine supplies allow. For Chester County’s comprehensive COVID-19 information and updates, including testing locations and times, data and mapping, as well as vaccine information, go to www. chesco.org/coronavirus.

Deadline for education fund is nearing

Alma Newlin Educational Fund 2021 scholarship applications are available; the deadline for grants is Feb. 28

The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County, which administers the Alma Newlin Education Fund, is reminding students of the pending deadline for submitting applications for the one time undergraduate health care scholarship.

The purpose of the scholarship is to assist 1) graduating high school

seniors who are preparing for careers in the human health care field; 2) adult students seeking higher education in human health care; or 3) previously awarded students in undergraduate studies, seeking post-graduate education in human health care.

The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a

generous bequest from Mrs. Alma Newlin, a longtime resident of Kennett Square. Areas of intended fields of study awarded in the past include nursing, radiation technology, occupational, physical and speech therapies, pre-med, pre-dentistry and other related human health sciences. The scholarship considers students who reside in

the Avon Grove, Oxford, Kennett, Octorara, and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts, and carry a 3.0 unweighted GPA. Applications are available online at www.HWFSCC. org under the Funding link. The deadline for returning applications is February 28, 2021 (all required documents postmarked on or before February 28).

Recorder of Deeds makes land records dating back to founding of

The Chester County Recorder of Deeds announced this week new public online access to search for recorded documents dating back to the county’s founding.

For the first time, land documents, including recorded deeds and mortgages, ranging from 1994 back to the 1600s are available for public access digitally.

Recorder of Deeds Chris

Pielli, Esq., partnered with records management company Info Quick Solutions, Inc. (IQS) to make these images available online. The documents were scanned for historical preservation as part of a previous project.

“This was one of our big initiatives since I was elected as the new Recorder of Deeds. We are very pleased to now offer this great benefit to the

Chester County Press

Chester County available online

public, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Pielli. “The website provides instant access to the records available in the Recorder’s office.”

The public can search and view all images for free and the images can be printed or downloaded for $0.50 per page.

You can access the

records at https:// searchiqs.com/pachs/.

The Recorder of Deeds is the county-elected official responsible for managing the repository

for real estate records, military discharges and other official documents in Chester County. The office recorded its first deed in 1688.

The FDA can help patients with rare diseases

By Bob Sanders

When I was just 18 years old, I was diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, a rare disease that causes seizures, extreme fatigue and other life-altering complications.

About 80,000 Americans live with hypoparathyroidism. And right now, they’re suffering even more than usual.

That’s because the FDA pressured the manufacturer of the only FDA-approved hormone treatment for hypoparathyroidism and pulled it off the market in September 2019 due to safety concerns with the drug’s delivery device. Ever since, patients have seen their symptoms dramatically worsen.

Box 150, Kelton, PA 19346.

It’s time for FDA officials to realize how profoundly debilitating this condition is, stop dragging their feet, and give patients additional and better treatment options.

Hypoparathyroidism occurs when the parathy-

roid glands -- located on the thyroid glands in people’s necks -- are either removed, injured, or can’t produce the parathyroid hormone for genetic reasons. Patients with this condition often experience unstable and fluctuating calcium levels. When blood calcium levels drop too low, patients can experience “calcium crashes,” a dangerous complication that causes people to have seizures or act delirious. Sadly, these calcium crashes are all too common -- almost 70 percent of hypoparathyroidism patients have experienced a calcium crash in the past year. My own daughter, who also has hypoparathyroidism, has been rushed multiple times to the ER due to calcium crashes.

Hypoparathyroidism is mentally taxing as well and can cause significant “brain fog.” Many patients can’t hold down normal jobs.

For decades, the only treatment option was a

combination of calcium and active vitamin-D supplements. Finding the right balance is extremely difficult. Too little can lead to calcium crashes, but too much can cause organ calcification.

Then, in 2015, everything changed. The FDA approved the first parathyroid hormone therapy -- called Natpara -- as an adjunct therapy for hypoparathyroidism to be used with supplements.

For a few brief years, our lives changed. Patients felt their conditions were better controlled for the first time ever. But last year, the FDA raised concerns about the possible danger of small rubber particles from the delivery device contaminating the drug, leading the manufacturer to take the treatment off the market through a voluntary recall.

Gaining -- and then losing -- an effective treatment has been gutwrenching for people with

hypoparathyroidism.

Frustratingly, it’s unclear when the manufacturer will be allowed to reintroduce Natpara to the broader market. For the foreseeable future, the overwhelming majority of patients are stuck with supplements as a standard of care treatment. The FDA has done an amazing job of granting rapid preliminary approvals and authorizations of treatments for COVID-19. It’s time for the agency to show that same urgency for Americans suffering from hypoparathyroidism -- by bringing Natpara back to market and giving all patients access to new and promising medicines that have been proven safe in clinical trials. There’s no reason for these patients to suffer any longer.

Bob Sanders is chairman of the Hypoparathyroidism Association. This piece originally ran in The Washington Times.

Gaadt honored as the National Wildlife Federation’s first-ever featured artist

Award-winning local artist and graphic designer Suzanne Gaadt has been selected by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as their first-ever featured artist.

Seven years ago, Gaadt started her small business, Give A Fig, to celebrate nature, create art from the heart, and give back.

The NWF website is featuring a selection of Gaadt’s Give A Fig cards.

To “Give A Fig” means to care, and Gaadt’s work, business model, and personal ethos express her care for people and for the world in which we live.

When Gaadt applies ink to a page, her creations refuse to lie flat. Birds, woodland and sea-faring creatures, and even trees, flowers, and mushrooms all leap to life and draw the observer into a world infused with joyful imagination, humor, and hope.

Gaadt’s creations reflect a deep knowledge of the natural world and its mysteries, even as they engage in playful possibilities. A great blue whale shimmering with jewel-like swirls bears a jaunty violin-playing p enguin through the waves. A cheerful bear rides a bright-red Vespa p ast the Colosseum. Celtic flourishes express the age-infused wisdom of a tree, tiny hidden creatures burrow, bees buzz.

In her four “Tree of Life” illustrations, for example, Gaadt captures the complex cyclical beauty of the earth and the community of nature gathering in each season around a tree that sustains, and is sustained by, these creatures. In winter, a hare observes a partridge and four calling birds roosting in a pear tree as a deer feeds on fallen fruit. A subtle background of whimsical snow-like swirls and stars provide both depth and further movement.

The cool, calm palette is soothing—not the bleak mid-winter that cloaks souls in sadness but rather a natural season of paring down as nature rests. Each of these four illustrations invites, and rewards, a second look to discover more of Gaadt’s whimsical and thoughtful details.

The depth in Gaadt’s works springs from many things—including her insatiable curiosity about, and deep respect for, the world in which we live; careful research and meticulous attention to light, movement, and detail; rich life experiences and relationships; and nature- and artfocused travel around the globe.

Following Nature’s Path

Gaadt, who has worked for years as an awardwinning graphic designer

while also nurturing other creative projects, has been reflecting recently on this season in her own life. From this present vantage point she’s able to discern the labyrinth-like design in the paths she’s taken to arrive where she is, in a season where her gifts and passions converge.

She grew up walking mountain trails, visiting parks, and identifying birds and wildflowers in her native Bucks and Chester counties and further afield.

“I grew up before smartphones and we only had a small black-andwhite TV,” she said. “We read books, and we spent a lot of time together as a family and a lot of time outside as well. And we went to lots of museums, especially fine arts museums and historic sites.”

Her parents instilled in her, and in her brother and sister, the importance of living an authentic life, honestly, and of giving back. All of these experiences kindled her enduring love of history and travel, but it’s her deep connection with nature that brings these other interests together.

As a teen, Gaadt spent a lot of time at a favorite spot by a forestringed pond, watching and absorbing, drawing birds, trying to capture the way the light filtered through the trees in her sketchbook and with her camera. In college, she had a summer job at a nature center creating exhibits and leading educational activities. She was involved in an early project to bring back Eastern Bluebirds and eagerly kept tabs on the first nesting pair of bald eagles on the Chesapeake Bay.

Gaadt’s first job after college, at an advertising and marketing firm, was a good experience, she said, but she had been raised to value the authentic life, and quickly realized it wasn't what she wanted to spend her life doing.

After a cross-country road trip with friends, she returned to the East Coast and accepted a position in the curatorial department at the Brandywine River Museum. She loved working with their collections, and soon she also fell in love with a senior planner at the Environmental Management Center (now the Brandywine Conservancy). She and John were married, and in 1994 she started her own business, designing for the arts and the environment. Her biggest clients over the years have been horticultural businesses, museums, and nonprofits working at this intersection of art, history, and nature.

Gaadt’s husband now runs Gaadt Perspectives, an environmental and land-use planning firm in Chadds Ford. The Gaadts have passed their love

of nature, art, playing music, and world cultures on to their children as well. Their daughter Giulia is studying history and international relations at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and their son Ian is a freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Giving A Fig

Gaadt started Give A Fig because she wanted to move away from doing everything on a computer and get back to doing more by hand, like drawing and painting. She loves the tactile experience of writing and sending personal cards, and the ways that cards connect people and bring joy and comfort. Gaadt has designed her own Christmas card each year since she was in high school. Like a seed planted in rich local soil, Give A Fig has been growing over the past seven years. Gaadt started with cards in a few shops and gradually expanded her local and regional market as well as her product line, which now includes stationery, textiles, and home decor.

Being as environmentally conscientious as possible is key to the Give A Fig mission. Every card, notebook, tea towel, and pillow is produced in the U.S. using high quality FSC-certified recycled paper, soy-based inks, and 100 percent cotton fabrics and beautifully presented without excess packaging, and Gaadt’s studio is powered by wind and solar. Gaadt gives the same attention to the detail of her production as she does to her designs. She has her cards printed in a way that minimizes the amount of paper that’s cut off, for example, and in a necessary COVID concession she packages cards in a sleeve but inserts four cards in each instead of just one.

Give A Fig is a homegrown labor of love that’s grown recently as a result

of the National Wildlife Federation honor as well as hiring a salesperson to represent her work throughout the MidAtlantic region.

“I try to stay balanced and optimistic,” she said. “It’s very important to me to stay true to my mission and continue to source really good quality materials that are also environmentally sustainable.”

A consistent practice of gratitude is evident in Gaadt’s life and work. She cheers on other artists, friends, family, and change-makers and gives back whenever she can. Giving a percentage of Give A Fig’s profits to organizations that support the arts and the environment completes this circle of caring—for nature, for those who appreciate her work, and for generations to come. Recently, she contributed her time to the development of Anson B. Nixon Park's riparian buffer project, which is part of the park’s ongoing stream restoration efforts.

Her husband John serves on the Kennett Area Park Authority (KAPA) Board, and the park is a local treasure where Gaadt

finds peace and inspiration year-round.

Locals have an opportunity to enjoy Gaadt’s work at local artisan fairs including the Kennett Holiday Village Market and KBC’s Holiday Art Shop. Her cards are available in Kennett Square at Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop, at Harvest Market in Hockessin, and at Newark Natural Foods and the Newark Art Alliance.

Gaadt was also delighted to be able to add Give A Fig tea towels to Ann Vaughn’s Taste of Kennett holiday gift basket, a creative COVID-friendly pivot that supported multiple small businesses and artisans.

“We were so lucky to have Suzanne’s tea towels included in our holiday delivery box,” said Vaughn, the founder of Taste Kennett Food Tours. “Her unique designs added a personal, hometown feel. She’s participating with us again for our February Community Love box, offering a notebook designed with one of her love themes. She is so talented and we are so excited for her selection

as a featured artist for NWF.”

Mrs. Robinson’s Tea Shop carries almost a full line of Give A Fig products, including her newest design, “Tea for Two.” And that design is the perfect example of how the characters she brings to life often come into being. “I wanted to design something special with tea,” she said, “but I wanted to mix it up and make it my own. I didn’t want to do the typical mouse in a teacup.” Inspired by the Peter Pan quote “Would you like an adventure now, or would like to have your tea first?” Gaadt brought two adventurous little mice to life, one swinging from a branch while pouring tea for the other, sitting primly on a mushroom. “When I showed the design to Marlene Robinson, she christened them Teacup and Saucy.” Gaadt laughed. “It was symbiotic—a very cool collaborative effort. It’s so much fun when people get what I’m doing and love it too.”

To learn more about Suzanne Gaadt and purchase her products, visit www.gaadt.com.

GLORIA J. HOWARTH

Gloria J. Howarth, 90, of Cochranville, passed away peacefully on Jan. 14 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. She is the loving and devoted wife to the late Alfred Howarth of Las Cruces, N.M. (and formerly of Avondale, Pa.) who predeceased her on Dec. 31, 1997.

Born in Allentown, Pa. on July 16, 1930, not long after the beginning of the Great Depression and then orphaned at a young age, Gloria lived a remarkable life as a happily married wife, mother and grandmother. She was always very loving, kind, patient, and generous. She is the daughter of the late Earl H. and Lovie E. (Ahn) Ferry.

In addition to raising a family with her late husband Alfred, Gloria enjoyed both flower and vegetable gardening and loved to be busy outside working in the yard. She enjoyed helping Alfred with all his building projects and they were always together. Gloria also loved all kinds of music and taught herself to play the keyboards.

She had many adventures traveling by RV across the country with her family. Gloria loved the southwest and resided there with her late husband until his passing. In 1998, she returned to Pennsylvania to be near her three grandchildren, whom she treasured dearly. Gloria always had a smile for everyone and encouraged her family and friends by always being positive and helpful. She also loved animals.

Gloria is survived by her three daughters, Christine A. Fahey of Las Cruces, N.M., Frances E. Mellinger of Coatesville, Pa., and Diana M. Hendrickson-Aiello (and son-in-law Russell J. Aiello) of Cochranville, Pa., and two grandsons, Mickey D. Hendrickson Jr. and Zachary W. Hendrickson, and one granddaughter, Gloria R. Mellinger, who was named for her.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Twin Pines for their kindness, care and compassion for Gloria all the time that she was there, especially in her final hours.

Even though she will be missed very much, it is of great comfort in knowing that Gloria’s passing puts her at peace and reunited with her husband Alfred and into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The family will honor her memory privately. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home in Kennett Square.

REBEKAH ANN NICARRY

Rebekah Ann Nicarry passed away on Jan. 11 at the age of 42. She lived in West Grove for most of her life. She was born on July 11, 1978. Rebekah was a beloved daughter of Thomas and Phyllis Nicarry, and sister to Andrea, Anthony, Adrian, and Benjamin.

Rebekah was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis and her brother, Adrian. She dearly loved all her family.

Rebekah fought diabetes her whole life, and sadly, in 2009, she found out that her kidneys were no longer functioning. This required her to undergo dialysis until, in October 2010, her cousin, Kristen Nicarry Salter, lovingly donated one of her kidneys to Rebekah. The transplant provided her with several years of relief, but unfortunately, she lost her battle on Jan. 11.

She graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1997 and then attended Lincoln University to pursue her goal of becoming a teacher. After graduation, she worked at Kendal-Crosslands in the human resources department. She also cleaned offices, and did landscaping, but most of all she was a caregiver. She loved her work as a caregiver and continued doing this for as long as she was physically able, even volunteering to sit with elderly family members of several friends in her church’s congregation. Despite her poor health, she loved to care for others and prepared many meals for them, which she really enjoyed doing.

She had a great love for animals, and her favorites were birds. She had several ducks and chickens that she named after her family and friends. She was very creative and loved to paint, to craft, and make greeting cards, which she generously shared with her many friends.

The love she had for her family, friends, and animals, was only surpassed by her love for her creator, Jehovah God. This love moved her to dedicate her life to him and she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on May 9, 2004. As her love for Jehovah and people grew stronger, she became a regular pioneer, devoting more time to the ministry. Her love motivated her to talk to everyone she could about the hope of a better life in the new world, where sickness would be no more. As her health declined, she took advantage of the opportunity she had to preach to all the medical professionals and patients she met while receiving her treatments.

Rebekah always kept a smile on her face, no matter how she was feeling. She loved to entertain the friends in the congregation by organizing gatherings of all kinds—to share a meal, to play games, to go on train rides, to visit museums, and more.

You are warmly invited to the memorial for Rebekah Nicarry on Jan. 30. A slideshow presentation will begin at 2:30 p.m., and the discourse will start at 3 p.m.

The Zoom Code is 895 2022 5083, and the Passcode is 751601. The call-in number is 312-626-6799

If possible, when signing into Zoom, please include your name so the family can have a record of your attendance. Thank you.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.

Psalm 34:17

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

KEVIN CLYDE TENNANT

Kevin Clyde “Buck” Tennant, 71, of Oxford, passed away Jan. 22 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del. Born in Morgantown, West Va. he was the son of the late Clyde and Helen Moore Tennant.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany.

Buck was employed in the automotive field.

He is survived by his companion, Linnea Raffaele of Oxford; one brother, Kenny Ralph Tennant of West Va.; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Fire Co. No. 1 Oxford, 315 Market St., Oxford, Pa. 19363 or Medic 94, Southern Chester County-EMS, PO BOX 8012, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

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

NORMA B. HERB

Norma B. Herb, of West Grove and formerly of Mifflinburg, Pa., passed away on Jan. 16. She was 99. She was the wife of the late Gurney Herb.

Born in Stanley, Wisc., Norma was the youngest of eight children born to the late Charles and Atta Quick Agin.

Norma was employed as a bookkeeper for the Naval Yard in Norfolk, Va. and was formerly employed as a tax collector in Hartley Township in 1982.

She was in the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot Dept. of the Navy, Lodge #39 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.

Norma was also a member of the National Quilting Association, and one of her quilts was hung in Gov. Dick Thornburgh’s home in 1985.

She enjoyed knitting and quilting.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by an infant son.

The family would like to thank Twin Pines Health Care Center and Brandywine Hospice and caretakers, Linda Herb Shiplet and Charles Bogus, both of Oxford.

A service was held on Jan. 22 at the Lincoln Chapel Cemetery in Laurelton, Pa.

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

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

CLARENCE ‘PAT’ WALLER

Pat Waller, age 83, was called from this life on Jan. 19 while he was at his home and surrounded by his family.

He was the husband of Teresa Zunino Waller, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Roctor Waller and Mazzie Vaughn Waller. Born in Galax, Va., his family moved to Elkview, Pa. as a young boy.

After graduating from Avon Grove High School in 1956, Pat enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1957 to 1959. At the time of his discharge, he was a specialist (E-4), part of the 101st Airborne division. When he left South Korea to fly home, he stopped over in Hawaii on the day it became the 50th state in 1959.

He bought the Pacific Gas Station in Avondale in 1961, which is where he met his wife, Teresa. Pat enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his nephews.

He worked for General Motors for over 30 years and he never once took a sick day. He became a Catholic on April 7, 1996. He enjoyed being a part of the Building and Maintenance Committee at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale, and served as an usher on Saturday evening Mass.

A self-taught handyman, Pat liked painting as well as doing various projects around the house. He also enjoyed helping others. In recent years, he enjoyed visits with his friend Mike Testerman at his auto shop.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Christina Marie Waller, and his sisters, Hazel Waller, Helen Edwards, Lucille Paisley and Glenna Osborne.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Patrice Leonard and Catherine (Larry) Tornari, and his grandchildren, Mazzie Rose and Joshua David Miller.

Services and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, Pa. 19311.

Arrangements are being handled by the Longwood Funeral Home & Cremation of Matthew Genereux (www.longwoodfuneralhome.com).

ROSE C. MILLER

Rose C. Miller (nee O’Reilly), a resident of West Grove, passed away peacefully on Jan. 17. She was 89. She was the wife of the late Francis A. Miller, who passed away in 2013, and with whom she shared 58 years of marriage.

Born in Sharon Hill, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Francis J. O’Reilly and the late Frances Quinn O’Reilly.

She was a devout Catholic and was a member of Assumption BVM parish in West Grove.

Rose will always be remembered for her love for everyone. She treated everyone the same and warmed them with her wonderful smile. The family enjoyed hearing Rose’s childhood stories of how she was a tomboy and would scare her childhood friends—mainly the boys—with her antics. She remarked often, “I am not a sissy” and “God knew what he was doing when he gave me all boys so I never had to raise a teenage girl.”

Frank and Rose would often say, “not bad for a couple of concrete kids” at the conclusion of their stories.

Rose’s three favorite words were “It’s all good.” Her family will miss her terribly, but they will find comfort in knowing that she and Frank are together again.

The family would like to thank the staff of Willow Tree Hospice for their care and compassion in her final days.

She is survived by her seven sons, Joseph of Phoenixville, Michael (Dale) of Parkesburg, John (Nancy) of Nottingham, Christopher (Dawn) of Gilbertsville, Stephen (Ella) of Newark, Paul (Lora) of Oxford and Robert of Avondale. In addition, she is survived by 18 grandchildren, 6 greatgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial mass and burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the charity of your choice.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

Obituary submissions

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty.com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

that are segregated on a basis of race, color, creed, or national origin. The Drawings, Specifications, and other contractor documents are on file and open to the public for inspection during normal business hours at the office of the OWNER, New Garden Township, 299 Starr Road, Landenburg, PA 19350. Prospective Bidders are encouraged to contact Jon Martin for review of documents at 610-268-2619 for information on where the documents are located within their office and any special procedures for accessing the documents. These documents are also available for review at the office of the ENGINEER, CDI-Infrastructure, LLC dba L.R. Kimball, 615 West Highland Avenue, Ebensburg, PA 15931, Telephone: 814-419-7874. Contract documents, proposal forms, and drawings may be obtained from the ENGINEER electronically at no cost to Bidders. If the Bidder would like hard copies of the documents, they may be obtained upon a deposit of $50.00 to the ENGINEER, this amount is non-refundable. All inquiries should be directed to the Project Manager, Cameron Mock, PE at 814-419-7872 or via e-mail at cameron.mock@LRKimball.com. Bids shall be prepared and submitted on the prescribed forms in accordance with the instructions contained in the Instructions to Bidders and General Provisions of the Project Manual. New Garden Township expressly reserves the right to accept or reject any of all bids or to waive any informalities in the same. Each bidder must deposit with his/her proposal a bid security in an amount equal to at least 10% of the Base Bid. Said security shall be in the form and subject to the conditions given in the General Provisions. No Bidder may withdraw his/her bid within 120 days after the actual date of opening thereof. The successful Bidder must

enter into an Agreement and furnish a Contract Bond and evidence of required insurance within fifteen (15) days after notification of acceptance of such proposals, all as more specifically required in the Contract Documents. New Garden Airport BID NOTICE CDI Infrastructure, LLC, dba L.R. Kimball Airport Way Waterline Extension Project 00020-2 NGT.L000360.EB19 Any contractor submitting a bid on these projects hereby certifies, indicates and acknowledges that he has a license and meets all the qualifications required by the statutes of the state and subdivision in which the work is to be performed. Chairman or Authorized Representative 1p-27-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE New Garden Township Board of Supervisors 2021 Work Sessions The New Garden Township Board of Supervisors will hold quarterly work session meetings on the following dates in 2021 – Monday, March 1st; Monday, June 7th; Tuesday, September 7th and Monday, December 6th at 5:00PM. All meetings will be held on Zoom conference software with log on details becoming available on the Township website, www.newgarden.org on the Friday before the meeting. In person meetings will resume as restrictions allow at the New Garden Township Building at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Anyone needing special accommodations in order to participate in or observe the proceedings should contact the New Garden Township Office at 610-268-2915 to discuss how best to make such accommodation.

1p-27-1t

REVISED PUBLIC NOTICE

NEW GARDEN TOWNSHIP BOARD AND COMMISSIONS MEETING SCHEDULE The New Garden Township Planning Commission will meet

monthly on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. except in the Month of November and December when they will meet on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:00PM. The New Garden Township Open Space Review Board will meet monthly on the Second Tuesday of each month at 7PM. The New Garden Township Historic Commission will meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM. The New Garden Township Park and Recreation Board will meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:00PM. All meetings will be held on Zoom conference software with log on details becoming available on the Township website, www.newgarden. org, the Friday before the meeting. In person meetings will resume as restrictions allow and notification will be made of the same. Anyone needing special accommodations in order to participate in or observe the proceedings should contact the Township Office at 610-9322915 to discuss how best to make such accommodation.

1p-27-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Saphronia M. Oldaker, aka: Saphronia Melvina Oldaker, Late of Landenberg , New Garden Township, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Linda M. Sampson, Executor, 192 Saw Mill Road, Landenberg, PA 19350 1p-27-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Naaman E. King, Late of Atglen , Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Register of Wills has granted letters, testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Conrad King, Executor, 15 N. Spruce Street, Lititz, PA 17543 Or Attorney: Neil A. Rice, Esq., C/o Legacy Law, PLLC, 15N. Spruce Street, Lititz, PA 17543 1p-27-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Marian E. King, Late of Atglen , Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Register of Wills has granted letters, testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Conrad King, Executor, 15 N. Spruce Street, Lititz, PA 17543 Or Attorney: Neil A.

Rice, Esq., C/o Legacy Law, PLLC, 15N. Spruce Street, Lititz, PA 17543 1p-27-3t BID NOTICE

PENN TOWNSHIP BUILDING

GROUNDS MOWING AND LAWN CARE SEASON TERM: APRIL 1, 2021 THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2021

General Specifications

Penn Township intends to receive proposals for Mowing and Lawn Care for the Season Term: APRIL 1, 2021 through November 30, 2021 with an optional addendum of Seasonal Mulching and Planting. All bids shall be submitted on the official form provided by Penn Township. All bidders must walk the sites included in the grounds mowing and lawn care contract with Penn Township Facilities and Grounds Maintenance Technician, Danny Peters, prior to bidding. Danny Peters can be reached at 610-869-9620 or 484-753-2081 or by email at danny.

Stakeholders engaging in plan to increase community access to technology

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Throughout its six-year tenure as one of the most influential resources for providing a hand up to underserved populations in the region, every project that the Southern Chester County Opportunity Network (SCCON) has entered into begins by introducing a simple community need.

At its Jan. 21 online presentation entitled “Crossing the Digital Divide,” the need was far from simple: How to increase access to technology – internet access, in particular -- to parts of our community, especially now when they truly need it.

Moderated by SCCON volunteer Jim Mercante, long-time advocate Joan

Holliday and Kennett

Township Supervisor

Whitney Hoffman, the onehour presentation invited representatives from several local municipalities, as well as technical directors from the Unionville-Chadds Ford, Kennett Consolidated, Avon Grove and Oxford Area school districts.

Although the problem of spotty digital infrastructure is a global one that pervades healthcare, government and the economy, those in attendance at the meeting focused most of their attention locally, to those most at risk: schoolchildren.

In the four primary school districts in southern Chester County, entire pockets of students living through a hybrid-based education are seeing their learning suffer from not being able to

keep up with their virtual classrooms due to poor broadband connections, or none at all.

Mercante praised the “heroic” work of local school districts during COVID-19, who are providing internet support through technology help desks, ZOOM meetings and in-person teaching for students. To illustrate their commitment, he told the story of one technology representative who recently entered into a home, only to find a child attempting to access the internet on a laptop computer that was balanced on a folding chair. The district was able to get a desk for the child, as well as in-home support.

“I can’t say enough about how amazing it is for families in our area – from

Local historian leads virtual library event

Phoenixville Public Library celebrates the start of Black History Month by hosting a free virtual presentation, “The History of African Americans in Phoenixville”, on Monday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. Local historian Ryan Conroy will be the speaker. Find out how African Americans have played such an intricate role in Phoenixville’s history, starting in the 1830s with the arrival of some of the first families and continuing into the population growth of the 1950s.

Learn about individual members of the community and their amazing stories, including athletes, community leaders and those involved in the Underground Railroad.

Please join in the discussion of this history while viewing rarely seen photographs. This talk will be dedicated to the memory of Donald Coppedge.

This event is free and open to the public and will take place online via Zoom. Registration is required at https://ccls.libcal.com/calendar/Phoenixville/AfricanAmericans-Phoenixville or by calling 610-933-3013 x132. E-mail mpinto@ccls. org for more information.

Continued from Page 4B

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

Threshold Athletic Coaching, with its principal place of business at 521 Kimberton Rd., Phoenix- ville, PA 19460. The application has been (or will be) filed on: Tuesday, December 15, 2020. The name(s) and address(es) of the individual(s) or entity(ies) owning or interested in said business: Threshold Athletics LLC, 521 Kimberton Rd., Phoenixville, PA 19460. 1p-27-1t

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name KH Photography, 634 Cambridge Rd, Honey Brook, PA 19344 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 12/09/2020 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Kimberly Horst, 634 Cambridge Rd, Honey Brook, PA 19344. 1p-27-1t

Kennett Square to Oxford – to have these dedicated people help in these really trying times,” he said. It’s not just the lack of bandwidth that is at the forefront of the problem, but a lack of education, he said.

“We need equitable access, reliability, affordability and resources to help with virtual technology learning,” Mercante said. “There is a technology gap among more than a few members of our community. In terms of understanding how to use technology, some have not actually turned on a computer before.”

From the time the pandemic arrived last March, SCCON began an acrossthe-board plan to address the need to develop a robust and modern technology infrastructure that would extend to its underserved populations. Last May, it formed an education discovery group and created three committees: one that developed learning pods in the community that would put virtual learning into the hands of students, now in place at Chatham Financial; a second that created a parent education committee that connects social service agencies with families, to teach them the basics of computer technology; and a third that formed a consortium of technology experts in the area.

SCCON’s work isn’t ending there.

To get a better picture of where the problems exist, the network is collecting

Legals

was one of three presenters at “Crossing the Digital Divide,” an online presentation held on

discuss the need to strengthen

region’s technology infrastructure, particularly to

communities.

data through the use of a mapping tool that will determine where the key technology “dead zones” exist. In addition, the group intends to seek solutions through communication with service providers; spearhead efforts to broaden the reach of their work by making similar presentations to other municipalities and agencies throughout Chester County; and recruit volunteers to help develop a long range strategic plan.

“How do we even the playing field?” Hoffman asked. “It’s going to end up that our citizens who are most vulnerable will not have

access to applying to jobs online, or getting access to government information, or access to health appointments by telemedicine.

“All of the communication channels that are now changing because of COVID will transition to the post-COVID world. The common denominator to all of this will be to have a robust, modern infrastructure, and we can only get there if we identify where the problems are.”

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

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

1p-27-3t

Pursuant to the requirements of section 1975 of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988, notice is hereby given that LEMUS FINE ART, INC. is currently in the process of voluntarily dissolving. Delaney & Scott, P.C., 1528 McDaniel Drive, West Chester, PA 19380 1p-27-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester

INVITATION TO BID NEW POCOPSON TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATION BUILDING Pocopson Township, Chester County will be receiving sealed bids for the New Township Administration Building Project in accordance with the Bidding Documents. The Project consists of a new, two-story, free-standing building and related site work to house the township administration functions, as well as a public meeting room inclusive of finishes, mechanical, plumbing and lighting systems. The location of the project is at 650 South Wawaset Road, West Chester, PA 19382. Separate Fixed-Fee Bids for General Construction Contract, Plumbing Construction, HVAC Construction, and Electrical Construction will be received for the work. Construction is anticipated to commence the week of March 29, 2021. Bidding documents will be available beginning on February 3, 2021, at 1:00 P.M., local time. Bidding documents will be issued electronically. Bidders must register with the Architect, GKO Associates, in order to receive Bidding Documents. Bidders shall email Susan Feenan susan@gkoarchitects.com to register. Bidders must indicate the name and address of their Company, work discipline, contact name and contact email. Upon completion of registration, Bidders will be given a link to access the documents. Questions regarding the bid shall be emailed using Request For Information format to susan@gkoarchitects.com. GKO Architects will issue electronic copies of Addenda to all registered Bidders. A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting / Walk-Through will be held outside on February 10, 2021, 1:00 P.M., local time, at the project site. The walk-through will be conducted with strict adherence to all Covid-19 safety guidelines as recommended by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention. All attendees must wear a face mask and remain a minimum of six feet apart for the duration of the walk-through. Bids shall be delivered to the current Pocopson Township Administration Building, located at 740 Denton Hollow Road, West Chester, PA 19382. Bid must be received by 1:00 P.M., local time on February 22, 2021. Late bids will not be opened. Bids will be opened and read aloud on February 22, 2021 at 2 P.M., local time, and streamed via a live, publicly accessible video conference. A web link to the video conference will be made available on the Township website. The date, time and place of bid award will be announced at the bid opening. Award of the Contracts, if the Contracts are awarded, will be to the lowest responsible Bidder for each type of work. However, Township reserves the right to reject any and/or all Bids on any basis the right to waive informalities or irregularities in a Bid received, and/or the right to accept a Bid which is in the Township’s judgment in the Township’s best interests, as permitted by law. No Bids may be withdrawn for a period of 60 days after the opening of Bids. Bids shall be accompanied by bid security in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check or bid bond in an amount of ten percent (10%) of the Base Bid submitted, made payable to the Township, as a guarantee that the Bidder will, if awarded the Contract, enter into a Contract with the Township in accordance with Bid submitted and the Contract Documents. Each selected Prime Contractor will be required to provide a Performance Bond and a Payment (Labor and Materials) Bond, each in the amount of 100-percent (100%) of the Contract Amount in a form acceptable to the Township. This project is subject to prevailing wage. Prevailing Wages Project Rates issued by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry will be required.

County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 22nd, 2021. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 21-2-10

Writ of Execution No. 2019-02165 DEBT $146,620.64

ALL THAT CERTAIN , MESSAGE, LOT OR PIECE OF LAND SITUATE ON, IN THE BOROUGH OF ATGLEN, COUNTY OF CHESTER, STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED, AS FOLLOWS, TO WIT:

All that certain lot or piece of ground situate in the Borough of Atglen, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Subdivision Plan of Property of James E. Brown, made by the Design Coalition Architects & Planners dated May 4, 1985 and recorded November 4, 1985 in Chester County as Plan File N. 5873 and being more fully described as follows, to wit:

Beginning at a point in the bed of Valley Avenue, said point also being the Southeast corner of Lot No. 2 as shown on said plan; thence extending from said point of beginning, leaving the bed of Valley Avenue and continuing along Lot No. 2, North 02 degrees 25 minutes 00 seconds West, 265.02 feet to a point along lands of the Penn Central Railroad; thence extending along same, North 81 degrees 09 minutes 00 seconds East 75.00 feet to a point; thence extending South 02 degrees 25 minutes 00 seconds East 264.40 feet to line in the bed of Valley Avenue South 80 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West 75.00 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

Being Lots No. 3 and 4 as shown on said Plan.

Being UPI Number 07-03-0019

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO JAMES P. STAUFFER AND JULIE E. STAUFFER, HUSBAND AND WIFE WHO ACQUIRED TITLE, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY, BY VIRTUE OF A DEED FROM ELIZABETH W. BROWN, WIDOW, DATED OCTOBER 29, 1999, RECORDED NOVEMBER 3, 1999, AT INSTRUMENT NUMBER 0088727, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 4661, PAGE 1757, OFFICE

OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

PLAINTIFF: The Money Source Inc VS

DEFENDANT: James P. Stauffer & Julie E. Stauffer

SALE ADDRESS: 645 Valley Avenue, Atglen, PA 19310

PLANTIFF 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. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 1P-27-3T Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 22nd, 2021. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 21-2-11 Writ of Execution No. 2020-02213 DEBT

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground with improvements thereon, situate in the Township of Upper Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to the plan of property made by Regester Associated, Inc., dated September 12, 1988, and revised September 23, 1988, and on file as Plan No. 8612, to wit: BEGINNING at a point in Public Road T-353, known as Street Road, a corner of land now or late of Nathan P. and Sondra E. Morgan, thence along the same North 19

CONTAINING 2.146 acres more or less.

BEING Chester County Tax Parcel 57-3-31.1

PLAINTIFF: Sun East Federal Credit Union VS DEFENDANT: Charles D. Bennethum Jr.

SALE ADDRESS: 174 Collamer Road, Oxford, PA 19363

PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: WILSON LAW FIRM 610-566-7080

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 4PM. FREDDA L. MADDOX, SHERIFF 1P-27-3T Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, March 22nd, 2021. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.