Chester County Press 01-29-2020 Edition

Police are investigating a violent assault in West Grove

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The police are looking for the man responsible for a violent physical and sexual assault that took place in the 100 block of Columbine Drive in the development of West Meadows in West Grove on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 22.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department immediately time of the incident. The victim told police that at approximately 4:44 p.m., she answered her front door and saw the suspect, who was dressed as a home contractor. The suspect was let into the residence under the guise of being there to complete recent home repairs. The victim was on the phone with a relative at this time.

According to police, the suspect is a bald, white male with a heavy build who is estimated to be in his mid-fifties. At the time of the assault, he was wearing a light blue shirt with a dark blue name tag with white piping with the name “Jeff” embroidered on it. The victim, a female in her early twenties, was alone at the residence during the

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Soon after adopting its 2018 Comprehensive Plan, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors used a grant through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to fund the development of the Streetscape and Transportation Improvement Plan for the Village of Toughkenamon.

To help steer the plan, the township formed a committee of stakeholders in an effort to guide ideas to improve transportation and ‘We don’t want to be Avondale or Kennett Square’

mobility, create a diversity of housing opportunities, enhance aesthetics and attract investors. Because it was proposed that the plan would lean heavily on input from residents from Toughkenamon and New Garden Township, representatives from McMahon Associates and Thomas Comitta & Associates have conducted three open houses – all in Toughkenamon – that have brought these ideas and people together to evaluate existing conditions in the village and develop transportation and land-use

Continued on Page 4A

The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was physically and sexually assaulted by the perpetrator. Police are actively investigating the incident with the assistance from Chester County law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office.

The police urge the public to contact the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department if they reside in the development of West Meadows and either observed unusual activity or are in possession of home video surveillance.

A day after the incident, West Grove mayor Stephen Black issued the following statement:

Once the man was inside the home, he physically assaulted the victim and she lost consciousness. The relative on the phone heard the victim screaming and called 911. Within a minute of being dispatched, police arrived on the scene and located the victim inside the residence. The victim was treated and transported to Chester County Hospital.

Continued on Page 3A

A forensic sketch artist was employed by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department and produced the following likeness of the suspect in this attack. Anyone with information about the attack is encouraged to contact the police immediately.

Kennett Square Borough promotes one police officer, honors other officers during ceremony

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Borough promoted police officer Christopher Gravina to the position of corporal and also honored several other police officers for a variety of accomplishments during a council meeting on Jan. 20. Police Chief William Holdsworth led the presentation of awards. When he introduced the Officer of the Year Award winner, Holdsworth explained that, “The purpose of this award is to recognize one officer for their excellence, dedication, determination and commitment to the Kennett Square Police Department and the Kennett Square community that they serve.”

After fire, local home furnishings store assists The Center for Change

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

This past summer, licensed professional counselor Winden Rowe officially opened The Center for Change at Kennett Square, as its director.

The concept, one she had imagined for several years, was now located at the Willowdale Town Center: a collaboration of counselors and adjunct treatment professionals who support individuals, couples and families in their recovery from the effects of stress and trauma.

On Jan. 3, however, Rowe’s dream, now imagined, was suddenly on hold.

An early-morning fire ripped

The police chief added that the Officer of the Year Award has special meaning because it is not presented based solely on one person’s nomination, but by a collective vote of the award recipients’ peers, supervisors, and the Chief of Police.

“This award,” Holdsworth explained, “is not just about the officer who arrests the most people or issues the most traffic tickets.” He added that the award is presented to a police officer who demonstrates professionalism, understanding, and patience, and also shows compassion toward people and dedication to the oath of office for which they swore to uphold their duties as a police officer.

Holdsworth then presented

the 2019 Officer of the Year Award to Jacob Andress. Andress’ work with the Kennett Square Police Department was further illustrated when Holdsworth presented him with a Certificate of Merit, one of several that were handed out during the ceremony.

Holdsworth explained that Andress responded five times over two weeks to calls involving a U.S. Army veteran who was struggling with both PTSD and chemical dependency. Andress was able to form a bond with this Kennett Square resident, and because of that the resident started getting help.

“With the assistance of Officer Andress, during times that he was both on

Continued on Page 2A

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

The Oxford Area School District’s contract with Oxford Transportation, Inc. was tabled at the Jan. 21 school board meeting until next month. The current contract ends in June of this year.

The Oxford School District provides bus transportation to almost 4,000 students within the Oxford School District boundaries, including those on regular and special needs buses, field trip buses, and athletic buses.

The district transports to two Avon Grove Charter School campuses, Sacred Heart Catholic School, Bethany Christian School, West Fallowfield Christian

School, Upland Country Day School, Landerberg Christian Academy and Chester County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania and Mt. Aviat Academy in Childs, Md. The Transportation Department consists of approximately 40 people, which includes drivers, mechanics, and supervisors. In other business, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Margaret Billings-Jones, presented a technology update to the board. She explained that the district’s Wi- Fi updates have been completed at no cost to the school district, and Shawn Mellinger has been hired as the new director of technology, starting this month.

and off duty, this resident was able to receive inpatient treatment in order to start the recovery efforts,” Holdsworth explained.

Police officer Mark Todd received a Certificate of Merit as a result of an incident when he responded to a call of a person who was in cardiac arrest.

Holdsworth explained, “While working a patrol shift, Officer Todd was dispatched for a subject in cardiac arrest. It was then reported the medical emergency was possibly the result of an opioid overdose. Following the quick response of Officer Todd and medical personal, Naloxone, commonly referred to as “Narcan,” was administered to the subject.”

This reversed the effects of the opioid overdose.

“Due to the quick response of the first responders,”

through Sovana Bistro and Nicholas Anthony Day Spa – located adjacent to the Center for Change – causing considerable damage to both businesses. While the severity of the fire was not as glaring at The Center, the lingering smoke and residue damaged furnishings and made it impossible to conduct business.

After meeting with the property owner at the historic cottage in the Willowdale Town Center, Rowe was able to establish a temporary location for The Center

Holdsworth explained, “the patient was able to survive the medical emergency.”

A Certificate of Merit was presented to police officer Francis Toth for his work on a July 2019 access fraud case. During the investigation, Holdsworth explained, “Officer Toth was able to develop several suspects of interest in the investigation. During the course of a thorough investigation, a search warrant was obtained and served at a residence. As a result of the search warrant, six additional theft investigations were able to be cleared out, pending arrest, along with several additional criminal charges being filed.”

Certificates of Merit were also presented to Gravina and Corporal Kenneth Rongaus for their collaborative work on two separate incidents.

Holdsworth explained, “In February of 2019, Cpl. Rongaus and Det. Gravina

less than a week after the fire. There was only one component of the business that was missing before becoming fully operational: furniture.

“Because there was such a quick change process to undergo, I put a post on social media asking if anyone had any furniture they could provide us,” Rowe said. “My primary concerns were obviously being able to continue providing quality patient care, and being able to provide professional work spaces for my colleagues.”

Deanna Johnson, the owner of Marche – a home furnishings store on State

were advised by patrol officers about the report of suspected abuse of a child. Through further investigation, Kennett Square detectives were able to identify the perpetrator of the abuse. With the assistance of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Chester County Detective’s Child Abuse unit, the subject was subsequently arrested within one day of receiving the report and a confession to the initial crime was obtained. Several other juvenile victims were identified though the investigation. Criminal investigations into these separate incidents were also investigated, leading to additional charges.”

Additionally, Gravina and Rongaus were recognized for their work on a case in which a borough resident died of an overdose, and a year-long investigation of those who were responsible was started.

“In December of 2018,” Holdsworth explained,

Street in Kennett Square –saw Rowe’s social media post that detailed the damage done at The Center for Change in the aftermath of the fire. Johnson then contacted Sheila Sanford, a community herbalist with White Moth Wisdom, to assist her in finding furnishings for The Center’s temporary location.

“In true Winden form, she stepped up to the plate, and as a trauma professional, she immediately went forward to find solutions,” Johnson said. “I told Sheila that the best way to help this community is to help Winden and her team, because they are responsible for helping

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“the Kennett Square Police Department was dispatched for a drug overdose. Patrol officers and detectives arrived on scene and found the victim deceased. Throughout a year-long investigation conducted by Det. Gravina and Cpl. Rongaus, several suspects were identified in the drug delivery resulting in the death of the victim. With the assistance of the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Chester County Detectives and the Aston Township Police Department, several arrests for possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and drug delivery resulting in death have been filed.”

Next, Holdsworth presented the Chief of Police Award of Achievement to Gravina.

This award, the police chief explained, is intended to honor those officers who continually go above and beyond to help the police department. Holdsworth

so many people in their personal lives and businesses and families.”

Sanford and Johnson spent two days gathering furnishings from customers and consignment shops from Chester County to the Main Line, and with the help of others – which also included a donated couch from Yoga Secrets in Kennett Square – the temporary offices of The Center for Change were back in business.

Johnson knows firsthand about how a setback can shut down a business. In 2019, Marche was the victim of two floods – one on March 5 that contributed to

outlined several ways that Gravina demonstrated outstanding achievement and continuous contributions to the success of the Kennett Square Borough Police Department.

The highlight of the ceremony was the promotion of Gravina to the position of corporal. Council mem-

the loss of tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise – and the second on Aug. 5 that forced the store to close until it was reopened last November.

the police department. Cramer also said that the promotion is well-deserved.

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

“The beauty of her generosity is that I didn’t need to go into any backstory with her. She’s a woman. She’s a business owner. She gets it.”

“I am a part of this community, and I feel that when people are struggling, you should help, if you can,” Johnson said. “Only by helping others rise above these struggles and trials can we be stronger together. I just thought it was something I had to do.”

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

“When circumstances like that arise, there is quiet moment where the activity silences; it takes a minute to connect again,” Rowe said. “I learned that Deanna could relate very much to what it feels like to face unanticipated upheaval, and knows how jarring it is; how isolating and overwhelming it can be. In those moments, no matter how put together you are, you lose a foothold on your internal resources. I think that what Deanna really tapped into was a result of the problems she herself has had at her business.

Assault...

Continued from Page 1A

Dear West Grove

Community,

Regarding the tragic incident that occurred yesterday in our community, we understand your concerns and wish for more information on what occurred. That information will be released by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department when available and appropri-

ate. Please keep in mind that this event has occurred with one of our neighbors. I am asking everyone to be extraordinarily mindful of posting suppositions, conjectures and rumors. This investigation will take time, and our police force is using every resource available to work the case as thoroughly and diligently as possible. Most importantly, I am asking that you please take into consideration the family’s wishes of privacy at this

time. Please keep them in your thoughts. Thank you If anyone has any information or video surveillance from the area between 4:15 p.m. and 4:50 p.m. please contact the SCCRPD at 610-268-2907.

Sincerely, Mayor Stephen Black

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

K-9 Marley quickly making his mark in Sheriff’s Office

Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox introduced K-9 Marley, the newest member of the office on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Following a training period, the 18-month-old Labrador retriever will replace the recently retired K-9 Melody as the courthouse comfort dog.

K-9 Marley, who is partnered with Sgt. Janis Pickell, followed the same path to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office as K-9 Melody. He received training at the Seeing Eye in Morristown, N.J., a renowned guide dog facility. Occasionally, dogs do not meet the Seeing Eye’s specific requirements for service and become “career change” dogs, frequently finding a productive home in law enforcement or search and rescue.

Sgt. Paul Bryant Jr., who heads the CCSO K-9 Unit, said he was pleased that K-9 Marley became available days after he called the Seeing Eye center to inquire about availability. He said demand for K-9 Melody’s services more than tripled during her tenure of more than four years at the Chester County Justice Center. Pickell, one of K-9 Melody’s handlers, said she expected the transition to full-time K-9 comfort duties would be seamless. “I’ll be

continuing my contacts with the Crime Victims’ Center, judges and attorneys,” she said, adding that the goal is to ensure that participants in court proceedings have a productive outlet to defuse tensions.

“I’m grateful that my first hire was a lovable K-9,” said Maddox. “I look forward to Marley being a source of comfort for participants in court proceedings for years to come.”

K-9 Marley received a warm welcome from

She also confirmed that iPADS have been distributed to all students in grades 1 through 12. Kindergarten students will receive their iPADS by the end of January.

Billings-Jones presented charts illustrating how many technology requests have come through each building’s help desk since the beginning of the year. The greatest number of help tickets exceeded 250 and were from the high school during the month of September.

A new software mobile app, Blackboard, was also introduced to the district, which allows teachers and coaches to contact students and their families through their smartphones and tablets. This will keep parents, students and the entire community engaged with the latest student academic information, news and alerts.

The Raptor badging system being used district-wide has also been upgraded. The system is used to check the identity of visitors as they enter each of the buildings in the district. The upgrade was free to the district. New features include a report that is immediately generated in the event of an emergency or evacuation, which lists all the visitors in the building. This system will also aid with early dismissals of students or in checking in and out for appointments.

the entire office, where employees are also looking forward to watching him in action. In the meantime, their challenge will be to avoid interrupting K-9 Marley’s training regimen. During that period, deputies may need training to resist the natural impulse to pat Marley on the head.

Oxford Borough seeking participants for committees

Oxford Borough is seeking resident, taxpayer, and stakeholder participation in the committees that guide the work of Oxford Borough Council. Some of the committees have been working for years, while a few are newly formed.

If you have a skill, talent, and/or time to share with the borough, you are invited to

go to the Oxford Borough website and complete a simple application. Applications may also be obtained at Oxford Borough Hall, the Oxford Public Library, or the offices of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.

The following committees that are open to residents of the borough include the Finance, Police & Public

Safety, Special Projects, Local Traffic Advisory, Codes, Community Outreach, Comprehensive Planning, Environment, Sidewalks, and Diversity and Inclusion.

Committees will meet monthly or bi-monthly, depending upon the scope of work, needs of the borough, and the desire of the committee members. At least

ANNUAL MEETING

NOTICE is hereby given that on the 20th day of February, 2020, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Vista Ridge Auditorium at Ware Presbyterian Village (1162 Kensington Lane), in Oxford, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the Board of Directors of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., will hold their Annual Meeting. This and all Board Meetings, which occur on the third Thursday of the Month beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the above location, are open to the public. The public is

entitled to attend, and time will be given for public comment.

Veteran honored at school board meeting

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

In an ongoing effort by the Oxford School Board to recognize veterans, 96-year-old Dick Quinn, a World War II veteran, was present at the January 21 meeting to lead everyone in a salute to the flag. Quinn was born in Schuykill Haven, Pa. and graduated from high school in 1941. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7 of that year, and America’s entry in World War II, Quinn enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the Naval Armed Guard. Quinn served as a gunner aboard USS Carolinian from May of 1943 to April of 1944, the USAT Thomas H. Barry from April of

1944 to March of 1945, and the USS William Crane Gray in April and May of 1945.

After his military service, Quinn worked for Goodyear for 32 years, and he and his late wife Connie were married for 73 years. They raised two sons, Richard and Jack, and have four grandchildren – Mark, Melissa, Jacqueline and Kenneth and six greatgrandchildren, Kevin, Jake and Kylie, who are students at Oxford and Gabriel, Gavin and Gabriella. Quinn will celebrate his 97th birthday on April 8. School Board President Joseph Tighe said, “On behalf of the School Board and Administration, I want to thank Mr. Quinn for his service to our nation and his contributions to the Oxford community.”

two council members will be on each committee. The committees have no voting power. They are simply a steering vehicle to educate and aid the council in the decision-making process.

Toughkenamon...

Continued from Page 3A

strategies.

The meetings have yielded several big and small solutions: finding ways to curb traffic congestion; discussing how to increase the amount of pedestrian and bicycle use and how to lower the amount of cut-through traffic; discovering more opportunities for public parking; developing civic open spaces for public use; and generating ideas for creating a community identity.

Eventually, the Toughkenamon Streetscape & Transportation Improvement Plan will create a mixed-use business corridor along Newark Road, Baltimore Pike and Main Street that will include sidewalks, safe routes to public transportation, crosswalks, pedestrian amenities, ADA considerations, landscaping, a park, and overall beautification of the village.

The revitalization of the village is expected to coincide with PennDOT’s project to improve the intersection of Newark Road and Baltimore Pike, which received a $2 million grant in 2018 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Multimodal Transportation Fund.

While several officials involved in the project believe that public input continues to drive the plans for the village, several Toughkenamon residents who attended the New Garden board’s Jan. 21 meeting told the supervisors, “Not so fast.”

A presentation by Toughkenamon resident Suzanne Snajdr spelled out several criticisms of the

Toughkenamon Streetscape & Transportation Improvement Plan, starting with the belief that the plan’s vision of improvement is stacked in favor of benefitting developers and business owners, and not the people who actually live there.

Snajdr wasn’t alone; she told the board that she has acquired the signatures of 38 Toughkenmon residents – some of whom were in attendance at the meeting -who have signed a petition stating that they are opposed to the plans to revitalize the village.

Snajdr said that by drastically changing the infrastructure and zoning of the village to allow for retail and residential growth, it would allow for “a large influx” in the village. Further, she said that the plans were not fully made public until the direction of the project already had made a substantial imprint, most visibly seen in the three public meetings it has held with area residents.

‘Late to the game’

Speaking for several neighbors who were in the audience, Snajdr said, “We as residents of Toughkenamon are late coming to the game, and we were blissfully unaware, and we woke up after the second public meeting in September and have since been digesting this.”

Snajdr said that she had only attended the Dec. 9 public meeting, which was held at a community meeting room behind the Harvest Ride Winery. She was told about it by fellow residents who had attended the public meeting in September, when

the discussion of adding oneway streets in the village was discussed between planners and residents.

“That was the spark that lit up the town,” she said.

Saying that “we like our town the way it is” and “that it is our village, and our place of residence,” Snajdr told the supervisors that she and other Toughkenamon residents are opposed to any ideas that would potentially change the identity of the village. Specifically, she rejected any ideas that would “encourage” potential businesses to occupy first floor space along Newark Road; and the addition of apartment buildings and town homes, which she said would increase absentee landlords and add to an imbalance of renters and owners in the village.

Rather, Snajdr said that she and her fellow neighbors recommend that development occur “naturally,” and not as a part of a plan that forces Toughkenamon to change and serves as an open-door invitation to developers.

Snajdr said that she and her neighbors are also opposed to the inclusion of sidewalks along Baltimore Pike towards Center, Main and Reese streets, as have been specified in the village plan. The village’s streets are too narrow to accommodate sidewalks, she said, and if streets are widened to accommodate sidewalks, it would result in sidewalks being placed too close to residences.

“It just feels like it is going to be paving us over and making us look more like a city environment,” she said. In the audience, a 40-year Toughkenamon resident

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echoed the sentiments of Snajdr’s criticism about the proposed inclusion of sidewalks. “We don’t need any sidewalks,” he said. “It’s a little village and we want to keep it as it is. We don’t want to be Avondale and we don’t want to be Kennett Square. How many people have been hit by a car walking down the street in Toughkenamon? As far as I know, it’s zero.”

Snajdr said that she and her neighbors believe that the plan to revitalize Toughkenamon should require all new development to have adequate off-street parking on their own property, and that on-street parking should only be allowed for temporary use.

Snajdr also called the proposed playground area specified in the plan “very uninspiring” and a “box check” in the plans to revitalize Toughkenamon, and one that doesn’t meet the needs or interests of young children. She also encouraged the plan to stay away from promoting the Village of Toughkenamon as a site for large-scale events and festivals, which would cause several streets in the village to be temporarily blocked off.

On Jan. 21, Snajdr shared her concerns with Township Manager Tony Scheivert and representatives from McMahon Associates and Thomas Comitta & Associates. She said it is her intention to incorporate the ideas she expressed into the plan.

As specified in a Jan. 6 letter from Scheivert to Toughkenamon residents and business owners, there will be

a presentation about the plan on Feb. 18 at the township’s board of supervisors meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Township Building, and that the final Toughkenamon Streetscape & Transportation Improvement Plan is due to be completed in April 2020.

Monitoring the health of Somerset Lake

In other township business, Bill Ward of the Somerset Lake Committee gave the board an update of the progress being made by a stream monitor that was funded by the township and installed in the Broad Run Creek in May 2018, in order to measure the overall health of the water that feeds Somerset Lake.

The monitor, located just before Broad Run passes under Buttonwood Road and enters Somerset Lake, measures water depth, sediment levels and conductivity and is archived on continuous data transmission. The use of the stream monitor is the latest step in the committee’s goals to reduce sediment levels and increase oxygen levels in the 28-acre man-made lake that had an original depth of 29 feet when it was built in 1966 and whose depth now

registers 16 feet.

In addition, a watershed study conducted several years ago also discovered that the lake was filled with an excessive amount of nutrients and blue-green algae, leading to sediment that now takes up about half of the lake’s volume.

In recent years, the committee has made several efforts to clean up the lake, that have resulted in the installation of an aeration system in 2015, bacterial treatments in 2017 and the installation of plants near the watershed in 2018 that are meant to stave off the amount of damaging algae that can have a negative effect on the lake.

While the committee will continue to discover methods of reducing inorganic and organic sediment, restoring the lake’s shorelines and controlling additional stream bank erosion over the next five years, the inclusion of the stream monitor, Ward said, will be used to evaluate future changes in the watershed, based on stream bank erosion.

“In conclusion, we believe that the stream monitor has told us some very interesting things about how Broad Run Creek responds to rain events, and provides us with a tool to document and detect future change in the watershed, whether for the good or the bad,” Ward said. In order to make way for a developer to implement plans for the Ways Lane area in Kennett Square, Boy Scout Troop 53 of Kennett Square will soon have to leave its current meeting house at the old Italian-American facility on Ways Lane, after seven years of occupancy.

It was announced during a presentation by the troop’s scoutmaster Chuck Weed that the township has reached an agreement with the troop to provide the lower level of the Township Building for future meetings to be held there, beginning in March. The lower level currently contains materials belonging to the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department.

“We can really clean that basement up and make into a place that the Boy Scouts can use,” Scheivert said.

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

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Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board approves preliminary budget

By Monica Fragale Contributing Writer

The UnionvilleChadds Ford School Board approved a preliminary 2020-2021 budget at its regular meeting on Jan. 21 that calls for a possible tax increase of 4.42 percent for Chester County residents and 7.55 percent for Delaware County residents if the revenues and expenditures remain the same as current projections.

School district officials still have more than four months to work on the spending plan.

A final budget will be presented for adoption at the June 15 regular board meeting,

according to Finance Chairwoman Rashi Akki.

According to board documents, the preliminary budget “has traditionally been the ‘worst case scenario’ look at the coming year’s budget … it represents the maximum increase deemed necessary and allows the school board the maximum flexibility in preparing and adopting the final General Fund budget in March through June.”

There are several millage increase scenarios that the board can consider, according to a budget workbook that is available on the school board website. The one with the highest increases proposes $93.6 million

in expenditures, no cuts to the preliminary budget, and a need for $1.28 million in exception dollars. The scenario with no tax increase would require $3.4 in cuts to the preliminary budget and no need for exception dollars. The maximum expenditures without exceptions would be $91.7 million and require a 4.78 percent tax increase in Delaware County, a 1.51 percent tax increase in Chester County, and a weighted average increase of 2.18 percent.

“We still have a lot of time to fine-tune it,” Akki said of the budget. The school board has a budget meeting on the calendar for May 4 at 7 p.m.

PA House votes on package of bills to combat scourge of human trafficking

State Rep. John Lawrence attended a news conference in the Capitol in observance of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and announced the unanimous passage of several bills to draw attention to the issue and provide law enforcement with better tools and enforcement capabilities.

“Pennsylvania ranks tenth in the country in human trafficking, and unfortunately Southern Chester County is not immune to the effects of this reality,” said Lawrence. “U.S. Route 1, Route 41, and Route 30 are known corridors for the movement of vulnerable individuals, especially women and

children. Our close proximity to multiple major metropolitan areas only compounds the problem.”

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar worldwide industry that exploits vulnerable and often marginalized individuals into forced servitude involving sex or drugs.

Rep. Lawrence joined lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to pass legislation increasing the penalty for patronizing a human trafficking victim and the trafficking of infants to a firstdegree felony. The legislation also expands the list of actionable offenses allowing for expert testimony on the dynamics of sexual violence.

Separately, additional legislation passed to strengthen penalties for prohibited activities that, if committed, would constitute the crime of unlawful contact with a minor. Human traffickers tend to exploit their victims’ vulnerabilities and make them dependent. Risk factors include runaway or homeless youth, recent migration or relocation, substance use, and mental health issues. To report suspected human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733).

Drug take back program is beneficial

At a recent Kennett Square Borough Council meeting, Police Chief William Holdsworth reported that 621.8 pounds of outdated and unwanted medications had been collected in the borough last year through the drug take back program.

The Kennett Square community is a little bit better off today because those prescription drugs have now been safely disposed of.

It’s been nearly two decades since the Drug Enforcement Administration established a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to address a crucial public health issue—the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs. Some police departments and even pharmacies have started collecting unwanted prescription drugs year-round, making it even more convenient for people to dispose of their unused, expired, and unwanted medications.

There are a number of risks involved with allowing medications to lay around in the medicine cabinet.

Studies have shown that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

When children, in particular, start to abuse prescription drugs, it is often the medicine cabinets of family and friends where they obtain them.

Prescription drug abuse can often lead to more trouble, including the use of deadly street drugs. For example, OxyContin abuse can lead to heroin abuse because they are both opiates.

Prescription drugs can also be improperly disposed of, and when this happens the pharmaceuticals can be present in drinking water supplies.

Leaving unused medications laying around also opens the door for secondary crimes as burglars steal the prescription medications from a home and then sell them to a drug pusher.

When local law enforcement agencies started taking back these medications, it helped prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths by giving people a safe way to discard unused and unwanted medications. This helps reduce the risk of prescription drugs being abused.

While there are no easy answers and certainly no cure-alls to address the drug problem in the U.S., the effort to take back the prescription medications is one way to address a serious public health issue.

During the first 18 years of the National Drug Take Back initiative, an astounding 12,699,456 pounds of drugs—that’s 6,349.7 tons—have been collected. There’s no way to quantify how many overdose deaths have been avoided as a result of these efforts.

Properly disposing of prescription drugs is an easy way to make a difference in the fight against drug abuse.

Local farmers encouraged to apply for agriculture grant program

State Rep. Christina Sappey recently encouraged local farmers, prospective farmers and those involved in the agriculture industry to apply for a new Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program that will preserve farms.

Created by the 2019 Pennsylvania Farm Bill, which was enacted with Sappey’s support, the program helps recipients create or obtain plans for business and management strategies, transition of ownership and operation, diversification, farm expansion, and

maintaining the long-term economic viability of farms.

“As our population in Pennsylvania ages, it is important to proactively address succession planning to ensure farms remain farms once their owners retire,” Sappey said.

“These grants will help preserve farmlands, promote local agriculture economy and prevent unwanted development.”

The deadline to apply is April 3. The application can be found at https://www. esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login. aspx

Chester County Press

Support charter school law reforms that are being discussed in Pa.

By Lisa Lightner

It’s school choice week, meaning school choice proponents across the state will be filling social and traditional media with their usual talking points.

While that is happening, I want the average Pennsylvania taxpayer to think about not just school choice, but “tax choice.” That is, I want you to know where your “school choice” taxpayer dollars are going. In particular, the taxpayer dollars spent on special education in Pennsylvania.

Traditional Public Schools (TPSs) educate approximately 92 to 93 percent of all kids with IEPs in the state. Of all the special education students enrolled in Pennsylvania charter schools, more than 60 percent of them fall into either the Specific Learning Disability (SLD) or Speech-

Language Impairment (SLI) categories that are defined by IDEA. Those two disability categories have the lowest per-pupil expenditures. In other words, those special education students are the least expensive to educate.

Not only do the TPSs have more than their fair share of students with IEPs to educate, they have the more expensive ones. Pennsylvania has a threetier funding system for special education. This formula was developed over several years by different groups of stakeholders. It was written and passed with the intent of schools receiving special education funding based on the actual disabilities of the students.

While we know that charter schools take in mostly Tier 1 kids, they still receive Tier 2 funding. This is because, despite the

Special Education Funding Reform Commission coming up with a Fair Funding Formula, the law specifically prohibits the Commission from even talking about applying the formula to Charters. They are funded using the old system, which was a flat amount regardless of the child’s disability. In other words, our own laws see to it that they are overpaid for special education students.

Lobbyist-influenced legislators have created this scenario, and Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable students, disabled children, are suffering because of it.

Without transparency, we don’t even know, nor are they required to report, where the excess funding goes. How much excess funding? As much as $200 million per year. A 2014

PASBO report revealed that

charters were overpaid by $200 million in special education funding, yet they are not required to account for it.

Why do Pennsylvania charter schools get to play by their own set of rules? Why are they exempt from Right-to-Know laws? Follow the money. Since Pennsylvania laws allow for charters to be privatelyrun, there is lots of money to be made. And there is no shortage of campaign and other donations flowing into PACs to make sure that this happens. It’s time for change. Pennsylvania has some of the most ridiculous and unfair charter school laws, with virtually no accountability to where our tax dollars are going. It’s time for change. Support Governor Wolf’s charter reforms.

More than 433,000 children would benefit from a high-quality

early child care and education system in Pennsylvania

New research estimates that a “values-based” early child and education (ECE) system would benefit Pennsylvania’s children, teachers, and parents. A comprehensive publicly financed system that compensates educators fairly would serve between 433,000 and 571,000 children and employ between 180,000 and 243,000 teachers.

The report, from Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and the University of California, Berkeley’s Center for the Study of Child Care Employment (CSCCE), explains that many proposals for ECE reform have focused primarily on improving access and affordability for families, but have ignored the elephant in the room: ECE is substantially “funded” through low teacher pay and inadequate supports for ECE teachers—who are primarily women, specifically women of color.

The authors find that ECE teachers with a bachelor’s degree are paid 22 percent less than their colleagues in the K-8 system. And the poverty rate for early educators is 17.6 percent, nearly twice as high as for Pennsylvania workers in general (9.2 percent) and 13.6 times as high as for other teachers (1.3 percent).

“Policymakers and other stakeholders in Pennsylvania have an opportunity to disrupt this problematic status quo and ensure that Pennsylvania’s system has the funding it needs to work effectively for children, families, and teachers,” said Stephen Herzenberg, Executive Director of the Keystone Research Center. “A values-based early child care and education system will help create a skilled and stable ECE workforce, support children’s well-being, while removing barriers to work and increasing earnings among parents.”

Despite low early educator pay, care still costs too much for families. Parents currently spend about $42 billion on early care and education, while the federal government spends just $34 billion. Earlier analysis found that the average annual cost of infant care in Pennsylvania costs $11,560, or $963 per month. This is just $2,974 less per year than in-state college tuition (which averages $14,534 per student).

Infant care for one child takes up 17 percent of a median family’s income in Pennsylvania and a minimum wage worker in the state would need to work full time for 39 weeks just to pay for child care for one infant. A new system that draws more heavily on public financing would not just have the capacity to provide high-quality early care for more children, but would also lessen the burden that parents’ face under the current system.

The annual cost of a fully phased-in high-quality and comprehensive ECE system for Pennsylvania ranges from $13.4 billion to $18.3 billion, or $31,000$34,000 per child, which do not account for the resources that are already invested in this system. The federal government already pays Pennsylvania about $861.3 million annually, and parents in the state collectively pay $1.5 billion.

“Pennsylvania would benefit tremendously by making a serious investment in early care and education, but it requires a seismic shift in our priorities,” said Diana Polson, policy analyst at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.

“By paying early child care educators in line with their K-12 peers, we hope to create opportunities that offer a pathway to the middle class—rather than poverty—for those who do the crucial job of teaching our young children.”

Avon Grove cagers fall to Great Valley, 60-44

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

“Basketball is a game of runs,” said Avon Grove head basketball coach Ikeem Mayes, just moments after the Red Devils lost to visiting Great Valley, 60-44, in a ChesMont inter-divisional game on Jan. 25. “They made a run. We made a run, but in the end, they made one more run than we did.”

If in fact the adage is true, then Great Valley’s run –one that the Red Devils could not overcome – took place in the first quarter, when the Patriots took advantage of Avon Grove’s cold shooting to jump out to an 18-7 lead, mostly on the inside game of 6’ 5” senior center Josh Stehle, who poured in 8 of his 11 points, and the shooting of forward Will Frederick.

Avon Grove was held scoreless until two free throws by Tyler Newman finally put the Red Devils on the board with 5 minutes left in the quarter. Down by 11 at the start of the second quarter, Avon Grove found its offensive fire on the power of the three-point shot, as Matt Gallagher, and Reece Zeigler pumped in one apiece and Connor Lewin hit two to account for 12 of the team’s 13 second quarter points.

Just as Avon Grove was about to go into their locker room down by just ten at halftime, the Patriots’ Julian Steinbrenner launched a last-second three-pointer that gave Great Valley a 33-20 lead.

In order to stave off a scoring run by Great

Valley midway through the third quarter, Mayes called a time out to encourage his team to do what it does best – play defense. Complimented by buckets by Newman, Tim Brown, Ben Houghton and Aidan Violette, Avon Grove forced Great Valley into several turnovers. It wasn’t enough, as the Patriots began the fourth quarter ahead, 50-32, on their way to a 16-point victory. “We pride ourselves on our defense, and today, we had their moments when we showed flashes of good things, and then we also had moments when the communication on defense just wasn’t there,” Mayes said. “Our communication is what is key for us, and we didn’t demonstrate good habits on that.” In addition to Frederick’s 17 points, Great Valley was led by Steinbrenner with 15 points, followed by Stehle and Julian Thomas with 11 points, respectively. On the other side of the floor, Avon Grove was led by Newman’s 13 points and

Avon

divisional 60-44 loss to visiting Great

Zeigler’s 10 points.

Now 8-8 overall in the Ches-Mont American division, Great Valley traveled to Unionville on

Jan. 28 and will travel to Downingtown West on Feb. 1. The loss dropped the Red Devils to a 4-12 overall record on the

season, which will continue with a visit to West Chester East on Jan. 28 and a home game against Downingtown East on

Feb. 1.

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

Brantley Gilbert announced as the third headliner of three-day country music festival

Citadel Country Spirit’s three headliners have been now been announced. Country music superstar Brantley Gilbert joins Dierks Bentley and Chris Young to headline the third annual Citadel Country Spirit USA, a spectacular three-day country music festival coming to Chester County’s Brandywine Valley from Aug. 28 to 30. The festival will again be held at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds.

Gilbert, who made his mark as a professional songwriter, moved into the big leagues with his “Just as I Am” album in 2014

Dierks Bentley and Chris Young had previously been announced as headliners for the third annual Citadel Country Spirit USA festival and has gained popularity ever since.

Distinguished by a new-fashioned style of traditional country, his music is rooted in the country-pop and arena music fusions of the 1990s, receptive to sly, modern R&B as well as electronic flair. Recently, he followed up his No. 1 single, “What Happen in a Small Town,” with the release of “Fire’t Up” from his No. 1 album, “Fire & Brimstone.”

Heralded as a Great American Festival Experience, Citadel Country Spirit USA will feature 20 country music

acts performing nearly 30 hours of live music on two stages – 14 nationally recognized artists on the GMC Sierra Stage and popular up-and-comers on the Citadel Rising Star Stage. WXTU is the festival’s media partner.

Citadel Country Spirit USA’s three-day schedule and remainder of the lineup will be announced at a later date.

While music is the main attraction, attendees are treated to a celebration with like-minded country music fans, an array of activities and fanfare, a wide selection of food vendors, restaurants, libation establishments and lounges for socializing and

having fun.

Hosted by the Chester County Conference &

Visitors Bureau, approximately 20,000 fans from across the country attended the festival in August 2019.

Citadel, one of the largest credit unions serving the Greater Philadelphia area, is the festival’s title sponsor for the third consecutive year. As a local financial institution focused on “People Helping People,” Citadel is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves through events such as Citadel Country Spirit USA.

Tier 2 three-day passes are on sale now. Tier 2 prices start from $239 plus fees. Single-day tickets will be available after all entertainers in the lineup are announced. Purchase reserved, pit and general admission three-day passes and preferred parking online at www.countryspiritusa. com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849. Again in 2020, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Festival sponsors include Citadel, Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, the Tri-State GMC Dealers, Stoltzfus RV’s and Marine, Main Line Animal Rescue/ Pennsylvania SPCA and Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show.

AVONDALE

Avondale Presbyterian Church 420 Pennsylvania Avenue

610.268.2919

www.avondalepc.org

St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother 8910 Gap Newport Pike

610.268.0296

www.stgabrielavondalepa.org

KENNETT SQUARE

Bethel AME Church

300 E. Linden Street

610.444.2974

www.bethelameckennsq.org

Bible Evangelical Church of Kennett Square

500 E. Cypress Street

610.467.1081

www.bibleevangelicalchurch.org

Episcopal Church of the Advent 401 N. Union Street

610.444.4624

www.adventks.org

First Baptist Church of Kennett Square

415 W. State Street 610.444.5320

www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com

Greater Works Ministries 553 Rosedale Road 610.444.5581

www.gwministries.net

Kennett Square Missionary Church 408 Bayard Road 610.444.0867

www.kennettsquarebaptist.com

Kennett Square Presbyterian Church

211 S. Broad Street

610.444.5255

www.pcks.org

New Garden Memorial U.A.M.E

309 E. Linden Street

610.444.3357

www.uamechurch.org

Second Baptist Church of Kennett Square

132 S. Willow Street

610.444.0885

St. Patrick Catholic Church

212 Meredith Street

610.444.4364

PAUL H. MEHNE

Paul H. Mehne, 95, of Mendenhall, Pa., died on Jan. 21 at Linden Hall, Kennett Square. He was the husband of Doris R. Mehne, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage until her death in 2014. Born in Ossining, NY and raised in Valhalla, NY, he was the son of Carl A.P. and Janet M. Mehne. He graduated from White Plains High School and Clarkson College of Technology, Potsdam, NY, with a chemical engineering degree. He worked for the DuPont Company for over 37 years, beginning at the Jackson Laboratory, Deepwater, NJ. In 1949, he transferred to the Experimental Station, Wilmington, Del., where he supervised the Pressure Research Laboratory of the Central Research and Development Department, retiring in 1985. He served his country in the European Theater during World War II, in the Chemical Corps, U.S. 3rd Army. He was a member, trustee, elder, and treasurer of the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, and a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, American Chemical Society, Sigma Xi, the Research Society of America, American Society for Metals, and a volunteer with Meals-on-Wheels, with Cub Pack and Troop

WILLIAM G. BEMIS

William Griscom Bemis, 95, of Oxford, passed away on Jan. 22. He was the youngest of eight children born to the late Elias Harrison Bemis and Daisy Hutchins Bemis of Granville, NY. As a young man of 15, Bill won a blue ribbon at the Oxford Community Fair in 1941 for his workmanship in woodshop. He spent his teenage years working at the Ice Factory in Oxford with his brother-in-law Walter Ewing, making blocks of ice to deliver to local farms for their ice boxes. Elias Harrison Bemis was a Democratic candidate running for Oxford Borough Council when he died suddenly when Bill was 17. Bill left Oxford High School and went to work for the Acme Market until he was drafted in the U.S. Army. He served in WWII. He was assigned to the 26th Infantry Division, 390th AAA Aw Company D. of General Patton’s 3rd Army. As a machine gunner on a half-track vehicle, he was a participant in the three-week Battle of the Bulge. Letters between him and his family show a boy who became a man dealing with heartache and loss, who missed fishing with his brothers, and being in Munich, Germany. He almost died during the war, battling pneumonia. Bill Bemis earned the American Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, and the

www.stpatrickkennettsquare.org

Unionville Presbyterian Church 815 Wollaston Road 610.347.2327

www.unionvillepresbyterianchurch.org

Willowdale Chapel 675 Unionville Road 610.444.2670 www.willowdalechapel.org

WEST GROVE and SURROUNDING AREAS

Assumption BVM Church 300 State Road 610.869.2722

www.assumptionbvmwestgrove.org

Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene 240 State Road 610.869.9500 www.avongrove.church

West Grove Presbyterian Church 139 W. Evergreen Street 610.869.9458 www.westgrovepres.org

West Grove United Methodist Church 300 N. Guernsey Road 610.869.9334 www.westgroveumc.org

Willowdale Chapel–Jennersville 111 Vineyard Way, Jennrsville 610.444.2670 www.willowdalechapel.org

Landenberg United Methodist Church

205 Penn Green Road, Landenberg 610.274.8384 www.landenbergchurch.com

Christian Life Center 125 Saginaw Road, New London 610.869.2140 www.CLCFamily.church

New London United Methodist Church 1010 State Road, New London 610.869.8129 www.umc.org

St.

World War II Victory Medal.

After the war, he returned to working at Acme Market and joined the Oxford Fire Department Police in 1947. He met his first wife, Mildred Creasy, at the Acme Store and married her on Oct. 29, 1946. He became a proud father to Donna Kay Cole. He remarried on Dec. 11, 1971 to Jean Baker and remained married until

24, Boy Scouts of America, and on various Kennett Township projects, including the Historic Commission. Paul was predeceased by his wife, Doris Longfritz Mehne, his son, Paul R. Mehne, and his sister and four brothers, Virginia Clark, Albert R., Carl P., David W., and Douglas Q. Mehne. He is survived, by his son Rob (Katie) of Sycamore, IL, daughter-in-law Carol Mehne of Havertown, Pa., three grandchildren and their spouses: Meredith Mehne (Brian Yowell) of Missoula, MT, Amy Sanitate (Vito) of Havertown, Pa., and Jeff Mehne (Kate) of Kalamazoo, MI, five great-grandchildren, Noelle Sanitate, Max Mehne, Sawyer Yowell, Zoey Mehne, Lucy Mehne and step-great-grandchildren Landen and Tucker Yowell, as well as sister-in-law Carol P. Mehne, Sherman, CT and many nieces and nephews. Paul will be fondly remembered for his love for his family and country. He had a special interest in gardening, history, wildlife, and birds, especially raptors.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, where family and friends may call at 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service. Interment will be at the Union Hill Cemetery, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be sent to The Memorial Fund, The Presbyterian Church of Kennett Square, 211 S. Broad St., Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Jean’s death in 2002. He continued his career with GM Motors of Wilmington, Del., working on the assembly line and retiring in 1982. Due to his frugality, he saved every penny he earned, and enjoyed traveling with his wife Jean. His hobbies included fishing and bird watching. He was an excellent carver of walking sticks. He once was told he was a good man, his response was, “I try to be.” Unable to continue to live by himself in 2017, he entered Country View Manor, an assisted living facility in Quarryville, Pa., where he became a companion to Mary Reisinger. He was granted an honorary degree from Oxford High School in 2018 due to his service to the community and nation. He was a Mason of good standing and resided at the Masonic Village of Elizabethtown for his later years, where he thoroughly enjoyed the people he met there.

He was a lifetime member of Union Fire Company, No. 1, Oxford, Oxford Lodge #353 F. & A. M., Sachem of the Ocklokonee Tribe #212 I.O.R.M., Improved Order of Redmen, Oxford, lifetime member of the Strasburg Sportsman Assoc., past president of the Octorara Sportsman Club, a lifetime member of Roy W. Gibson Post #535 American Legion, Oxford and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #5467.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Jean Louis Baker (daughter of Harry M Baker and Alice Cordelia Wicks); his siblings, Mildred Ewing, Herbert Horace, Milton Harrison, Sylvia (infant), Viola Sidwell Connolly, Anna Mae Irwin, and Wilson; his paternal grandparents, Horace Allen Bemis and Harriet Vanguilder of Granville, NY and his maternal grandparents, Herbert Hutchins and Susan Dayton of Middletown Springs, Vermont; His greatgrandchild, Eleanor Lily Ayers. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Kay Cole; two granddaughters, Jennifer Cole Ayers (Geoff) & Karen Cole Fletcher (Jonathan); Four great-grandchildren, Malcolm Cole Ayers, Cole Isaac Fletcher, Amelia Iris Ayers, and Cordelia Rose Fletcher. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 27 at the Oxford United Methodist Church, Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery with full military honors.

Kennett

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Oxford United Methodist Church or Oxford Masonic Lodge, 245 N 3rd St, Oxford, PA 19363. Arrangements handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Now through Feb. 2

‘The Glass Menagerie’

The Phoenix Theatre presents performances of “The Glass Menagerie” with show times on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Feb. 2. The performances take place at SALT Performing Arts, 1645 Art School Rd, in Chester Springs. “The Glass Menagerie” is a beautifully haunting memory play by Tennessee Williams. The play is an intimate portrait of a young man reliving his past to make sense of his present. Ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for students. Visit thephoenixtheatrepa.ticketleap. com/the-glass-menagerie/ for ticket information or to purchase tickets.

Feb. 6

Local authors at Oxford Library

Mike Roth and Stan White, two local authors, will introduce their latest historical work, which explores general merchandise stores of Lancaster County. The event begins at 6 p.m.

Feb. 6

Workshop on creating a digital media kit

The Palette & The Page (120 East Main Street in Elkton, Md.) will be hosting a workshop with Meredith & Brandon Boas of GrungeMuffin Designs about creating a digital media kit on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. A digital media kit is a package of information that highlights you, your business, or your brand, and explains why other businesses, publishers, or creatives should work with you. In this workshop you will be shown media kit examples and learn how to create a digital media kit in Powerpoint. Students will use their laptops

during the workshop and be given a mock media kit that can be used as a skeleton to build upon. Students are encouraged to come prepared with their digital logo, work samples, mission statement, and facts about their business or services to begin building their kit. Students will be given an outline with many ideas about what to include to continue working on their kits after the workshop. Grunge Muffin Designs is a multimedia design studio located in the heart of the tri-state area of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. For more information about this workshop and others at The Palette & The Page, visit www. paletteandpage.com or email patti@thepaletteandthepage. com.

Feb. 7

First Friday in downtown Oxford

Celebrate First Friday in downtown Oxford from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Many stores and restaurants will be open late. More details are available at downtownoxfordpa.org.

Feb. 7

The Harlem Wizards

The world-famous Harlem Wizards basketball team will be bringing their fantastic, high-flying game to Unionville High School on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. Come out to see a squad of Unionville-Chadds Ford all-stars competing against the Wizards. The doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at harlemwizards. com. The event is being hosted by the Unionville-Chadds Ford Education Foundation.

Feb. 13

Galentine’s Day Tea at The Market at Liberty Place In honor of female friendship, The Chester County Master Gardeners

will host a Galentine’s Day Tea and Succulent Charms Workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at The Market at Liberty Place, 148 W. State St in Kennett Square. Attendees can relax as Master Gardener Ruth Osborn gives a short presentation on caring for succulents and how to make teacup succulents to take home. The cost to attend is $25 and proceeds benefit the Chester County Master Gardeners. Participants need to register by Feb. 12 online at https:// extension.psu.edu/galentinetea-and-succulent-charms.

Feb. 29

Kennett Winterfest

Kennett Winterfest, featuring winter brews from more than 60 unique craft breweries, live music, and food trucks will take place Saturday, Feb. 29 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Ticket price includes unlimited tastings of delicious craft beer. Food is payas-you- go (food is not included in the price of admission). More information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found at kennettwinterfest.com.

March 28 through May 3 Spring blooms at Longwood Gardens

Relish being outdoors as Longwood’s 1,100 acres herald the arrival of spring. Enjoy the award-winning outdoor bulb display, culminating in a rainbow of more than 250,000 spring bulbs blooming in our famed Flower Garden Walk and Idea Garden. Flowering trees, shrubs, and other burgeoning blooms herald the arrival of spring throughout the landscape.

Kennett Flash schedule

The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists in its intimate venue. Tickets are available in

advance at www.kennettflash. org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. Upcoming shows include: Stackabones with Apache Trails (Jan. 31, $14 advance tickets and $18 tickets on day of show); Rust—A Tribute to Neil Young (Feb. 1, tickets $25 or $20 in advance); Solar Federation (a tribute to Rush) and Tarkus (a tribute to Emerson, Lake, and Palmer (Feb. 7, $20 tickets); Dave Mattock and Funktap (Feb. 8, $23 tickets or $18 in advance); Better Than Bacon Improv (Feb. 13, tickets $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show) brings its award-winning interactive comedy to Kennett Square; Raymond the Amish Comic (Feb. 14, tickets are $22 or $17 for advance tickets); The Hoppin’ John Orchestra brings a pre-Mardi Gras party (Feb. 15, $15 for advance tickets and $20 on the day of the show); John Németh, a top blues musician and modern soul singer (Feb. 20) comes to the Kennett Flash; Know Return, a tribute to Kansas, and Fooling Ourselves, a tribute to Styx (Feb. 21, tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show); Sarah Borges & The Broken Singles (Feb. 22, $18 tickets); Hadley presents Films & Words-Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (Feb. 23, free show with RSVP); Filo Betto, featuring members of Kategory 5 will appear with Juliana Danese (Feb. 28, $20 tickets in advance and $25 on the night of the show).

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

Delaware Art Museum announces exhibition of Helen Mason and Margo Allman

from March 21 through Sept.

For more than 50 years, Margo Allman and Helen Mason have challenged traditional expectations for contemporary art in the greater Wilmington area. The Delaware Art Museum is celebrating these two pioneering artists with Layered Abstraction: Margo Allman & Helen Mason, a Distinguished Artist Series retrospective in its premier exhibition gallery space from March 21 through Sept. 6.

Both Allman and Mason have dedicated their artistic careers to exploring the infinite possibilities of abstraction. Margo Allman’s work was first exhibited at the museum during its 43rd Annual Delaware Show in 1956. Since then, Allman has participated in countless juried and curated shows at the Museum and throughout the region. Her prints, paintings, and sculptures, which are inspired by nature, bring form to the invisible. Layered Abstraction will feature more than 50 of Allman’s works

of art, including her early 1950s avant-garde prints; her sculptures in marble, wood, concrete, and synthetic fiber from the 1970s and 1980s; her signature series of ovoidal paintings; and her graphic drawings dating from 2004 to 2019.

Helen Mason, who arrived in Delaware in 1967, has exhibited at the Delaware Art Museum and played an active role on the Delaware State Arts Council— all while teaching generations of students at the Tatnall School in Wilmington. Materiality is a consistent inspiration for Mason, as is Minimal art and the Japanese techniques of layering, bundling, gathering, knotting, and folding. Layered Abstraction will feature more than 80 works of art by Mason, including her jewelry, paintings, and ceramics from the 1970s through today.

Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances scheduled at the Delaware Art Museum.

GAME CHANGER

Something grand is happening here. For more than 125 years, we’ve been looking toward the future. Unafraid to embrace the unknown, always willing to bring our best to conquer the next challenge. As part of the region’s #1 health system, Chester County Hospital is evolving, growing and changing, while keeping our uniquely compassionate care intact. Bringing expansive technological advancements and access to new treatment options, right here to you. It’s one more reason why your life is worth Penn Medicine.

PA 17557 1p-22-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of, Peters, Carl T, dec’d., Late of Coatesville , 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, Gail A. Nelson, Executrix, c/o Hope Bosniak, Esq., Dessen, Moses & Rossitto, 600 Easton Rd., Willow Grove, PA 19090, Dessen, Moses & Rossitto, 600 Easton Rd. Willow Grove, PA 19090. 1p-22-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF ELSIE M. GROSECLOSE aka ELSIE MARIE GROSECLOSE , DECEASED. 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 Co- Executors: Larry F. Groseclose and Carl J. Groseclose, c/o Matthew J. Canan, Esquire, The Law Offices of Matthew J. Canan, 137 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 510, Oxford,

PA 19363. Attorney: Matthew J. Canan, Esquire, The Law Offices of Matthew J. Canan, 137 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 510, Oxford, PA 19363, Telephone No: (610) 932-9464, E-mail: matthew@cananoxfordlaw. com 1p-29-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Martha S. Smith, aka Smith, Martha S. DECEASED, late of Coatesville, PA. Letters of Administration 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 Laura A. Bradley, Administratrix, c/o David W. Crosson, Esq., Crosson & Richetti, LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18101. Attorney: Crosson & Richetti, LLC, 609 W. Hamilton St., Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18101

1p-29-3t

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE: Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Parks and Recreation Board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2020 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. The public is invited. 1p-29-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF WILLIAM L. PAGE, DECEASED. Late of the Township of Londonderry, 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 TIMOTHY LEE PAGE, EXECUTOR, 2295 Timber Lake Rd., Pocono Lake, PA 18347, Or to his Attorney: MICHAEL J. LYON, LYONS DOUGHERTY LLC, 6 Ponds Edge Dr., Ste. 1 Chadds Ford, PA 19317 1p-29-3t

INCORPORATION

NOTICE

TENDER LOVING CARE SOBER LIFE has been incorporated under the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988. 1p-29-1t

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 7:30 p.m. except in the Month of December when they will meet on the 3rd Wednesday at 7:30PM. Meetings are held at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. The New Garden Township Open Space Review Board will meet month on the Third Tuesday of each month at 7PM at the New Garden Township Municipal Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. The New Garden Township Historic Commission will meet on the 1st Monday of each month at 7:30PM at the New Garden Township Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. The New Garden Township Park and Recreation Board will meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 5:00PM at the New Garden Township Building, 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. 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.

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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 20th, 2020 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 23rd, 2020. 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. 20-2-65

Writ of Execution No. 2018-10606 DEBT $215,241.40

ALL THAT CERTAIN piece or parcel of ground with the improvements thereon erected, situate in the Township of West Nottingham, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, known and numbered as 101 Aarons Lane, bounded and limited as follows, to wit: Tax ID Parcel No. 68-06-0141.060

PLANTIFF: Eastern Savings Bank, FSB VS DEFENDANT: Dean A. Sullins

SALE ADDRESS: 101 Aarons Lane, Nottingham, PA 19362

PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: JSDC LAW OFFICES 717-533-3280

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-29-3t

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 20th, 2020 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 23rd, 2020. 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. 20-2-70 Writ of Execution No. 2016-00689 DEBT $166,421.96

Property situate in the KENNETT SQUARE BOROUGH, CHESTER County, Pennsylvania.

BLR # 3-3-2023

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: Residential Dwelling

PLANTIFF: CitiMortgage, Inc. VS DEFENDANT: James N. Vann, in His Capacity as Executor and Devisee of The Estate of James N. Stafford & Keith N. Stafford, in His Capacity as Devisee of The Estate of James N. Stafford

SALE ADDRESS: 136 North Walnut Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348-2936

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The bal-

ance 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-29-3t

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 20th, 2020 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 23rd, 2020. 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. 20-2-74

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 No. 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

Oxford Rotary honors Powell, Arnold, and Humphrey as Seniors of the Month

The Oxford Rotary Club recently honored three Oxford Area High School students as its Seniors of the Month for November and December.

Cameo Powell was honored as the club’s second Senior of the Month for November after she was unable to attend the club’s November meeting, when Christian McCartney was honored as a Senior of the Month. Joshua Arnold and Leah Humphrey were honored as Seniors of the Month for December.

Cameo, daughter of Kerry and Larry Powell, is a twoyear member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society

and the LEOs Club, where she serves as liaison to the Oxford Lions Club, its sponsoring organization. She has sung with the high school’s Bella Voce female ensemble for two years and appeared in last year’s spring musical production of “Seussical.”

Cameo was a four-year member of the volleyball team and will be starting her fourth season on the softball team, playing third base, catcher and outfield. Cameo is extensively involved in activities at her church, serving on two mission trips in the United States and one trip abroad. For the past four years she has been the

Legals

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 23rd, 2020. 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. 20-2-83 Writ of Execution No. 2019-06501 DEBT $627,627.38

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, Situate in Kennett Township, Chester County and State of Pennsylvania bounded and described according to a Plan of Hayfield Lane, made for Jack and Kathryn Massau by Regester Associates, dated 02-21-1996 and recorded as Plan No. 13455. The

youth representative to her church district’s leadership council, for the past two summers has been a group leader for her church’s community basketball camp and is also a Vacation Bible School instructor.

Joshua, son of Antje and Gary Arnold, is a two-year member of the National English Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society, and a three-year member of the high school’s team in the Chester County Academic Competition.

Joshua told the club members that he is very interested in the sciences and after graduation hopes to pursue a career in the

property is more fully described in a Deed dated 3/13/11, and recorded 3/21/11, in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in Chester County in Record Book 8145, page 1119, from John R. Morrison and Debra K. Morrison to Piotr Nowak and Marzena Nowak.

Tax Parcel No. 62-4-306.9

PLANTIFF: Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB VS DEFENDANT: Piotr Nowak & Marzena Nowak a/k/a Marzenna Nowak

SALE ADDRESS: 102 Hayfield Lane, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

PLANTIFF ATTORNEY: WILLIAM J. LEVANT, ESQ. 610-941-2474

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-29-3t

field of research. In college he plans to major in chemistry and physics with a possible minor in meteorology.

Leah, daughter of Denise and Tim Humphrey, is a two-year member of National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society, where she serves as vice president after serving a secretary in her junior year, and is chair of the tutoring committee. She is a three-year member of the Spanish National Honor Society and fouryear member of the Helping Hands Community Service Club.

Leah trains in a variety of styles of dance at KMC Dance in Kennett Square, where she also teaches

classes for Voyager-level students. She also takes guitar lessons at the Oxford Arts Alliance.

After graduation Leah plans to attend college to study neuroscience or psychology.

Abigail

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Chester County offers a Fresh Start for Diversion program juveniles upon reaching the age of 18

Thanks to a new service offered through the Chester County Court system, any juveniles who successfully complete a diversion program, and are qualified to have their record expunged, will have their record expunged upon turning 18 years old.

The move is the result of recommendations by Chester County’s Juvenile Probation Office, and is made in consultation and cooperation with the Chester County Clerk of Courts Office, District Attorney’s Office and Chester County Courts.

This innovative Chester County service applies to all eligible juveniles who turned 18 on or after Aug. 1, 2019.

“The typical profile for youth who participate in one of our diversion programs, which allows them to avoid an adjudication of delinquency, is first time offenders who have committed a relatively minor offense, and are assessed as low risk for reoffending,” said Don Corry, Chester County’s Director of Juvenile Probation.

“Currently, juveniles who complete a diversion program can initiate the expungement process after six months have passed since their supervision ended if they have remained out of the criminal justice system,” said Yolanda Van de Krol, Chester County’s

Clerk of Courts.

“Most juveniles don’t take this action and then find that information on their non-adjudicated record may impact applications for college, for jobs or even for renting apartments. The information is sealed in our office, but it can get out by other means.

“Expungement at the age of 18 helps those young people who made one minor, yet still illegal, mistake put the past behind them as they move on to higher education, employment and become contributing adults in society,” added Van de Krol.

Examples of the type of records that will be expunged for first time offenders who successfully completed a diversion program include misdemeanors such as criminal mischief, criminal trespass or disorderly conduct.

It is estimated that this new service will lead to 100 to 150 additional expungements a year, but the system being put in place means the new service will be absorbed within the existing responsibilities of the Clerk of Courts Office and the other offices. No additional staff will be added.

Prior to formally filing an expungement motion of an18 year-old to

the Court, the Juvenile Probation Office will determine eligibility, provide the motion to the District Attorney’s Office, and if there is no objection, the order will then be submitted to the Court for consideration.

If the Court approves the expungement, the Clerk of Courts Office will then send a certified copy of the expungement order to all agencies having been involved with the juvenile.

Similar to the County’s state-wide Clean Slate program that seals but does not expunge records, this expungement service for non-adjudicated juveniles will not require any action by the juvenile to initiate the process, and will not include followup correspondence to juveniles whose records have been expunged.

“Also along the lines of the Clean Slate legislation, this expungement service for juveniles is valuable for counties like ours, where the unemployment rate is low,” noted Van de Krol. “It will ensure those looking for jobs or looking to go to college who did not realize the importance of expunging their records will not have any additional stumbling blocks in their way, and will keep an unfortunate onetime misdemeanor from becoming a much longer ‘sentence’ that prevents good job opportunities.”

Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Chester/Delaware) announced that the Office of the State Fire Commissioner is awarding grants to fire, ambulance and rescue squads statewide, including several in Chester and Delaware counties.

The grants, which are being awarded through the 2019-20 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. The program is

solely from state gaming proceeds.

“Most communities in our Commonwealth rely on our emergency services personnel to save lives and property,” said Barrar. “I am pleased to know that fire and ambulance companies in the 160th Legislative District will receive grants totaling nearly $133,000, which will assist them in serving our communities.”

The grant recipients are as follows: