Chester CountyPRESS
www.chestercounty.com
Covering Avon Grove, Chadds Ford, Kennett Square, Oxford, & Unionville Areas
Volume 157, No. 5
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
$1.50
Juarez-Lara, Jr. sworn in as new Oxford Borough Council member By Betsy Brewer Brantner ber in this borough council’s Contributing Writer history. After he finished his first meeting, he said that he The proud family of Raul saw it as a great opportunity. Juarez-Lara, Jr. looked on as borough council sees it as a he was sworn in as an Oxford great opportunity as well— Borough Council member by a chance to have a more Mayor Phil Harris last week. diverse government to repIt was a momentous occa- resent the people of Oxford. sion for all to watch as the Latinos make up over 30 first Latino was sworn in to percent of the population of the Oxford Borough Council. the borough, and the swearHe is also, at the age of 20, ing-in of the first Latino the youngest council mem- does take one major accom-
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plishment off the council’s to-do-list. Borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said, “I am eager to work with him. He is excited about this opportunity. He loves Oxford, and wants to do something for the community.” In other business, Police Chief Sam Iacono reported to council that the police department received training in CPR and First Aid,
Alumni and staff celebrate Patton Middle School golden anniversary By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
Dozens of Charles F. Patton Middle School alumni and administrators gathered Friday to pay tribute to the building’s golden anniversary and the founding principal whose name it bears. The school opened 50 years ago alongside the high school in East Marlborough Township to make room for the expanding population of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. In the intervening years it has been led by four principals in succession and gained widespread ‘Inspired’ brings together reputation and accolades for the work of a sculptor and enhancing the education of his students...1B young adolescent students.
Chester County farmers earn accolades at Pa. Farm Show...5A
In 1992, the year he retired, Patton was honored at a surprise unveiling ceremony when it was announced the school henceforth would be named for him. He died in 2014. Welcomed to last week’s anniversary event were students who attended in 1973 and those who worked there at the time. Among the celebrants as well were two of the original teachers, Carol Little and Ray McKay. The three principals who followed Patton are Bruce Vosburgh, 1992 to 2012, Tim Hoffman (now assistant superintendent), 2012 to 2017, and Steve Dissinger, 2017 to present. Each spoke during the celebration.
and will be certified for the next two years. He thanked Continued on Page 2A Photo courtesy Bill Fitzpatrick
Oxford Borough Council welcomed a new member. Pictured are, from left to right, Oxford Mayor Phil Harris, borough manager Pauline Garcia-Allen, Raul Juarez-Lara, Jr., Guadalupe Olvera, Eduardo Juarez, Raul Juarez, Sr., and Mireya Juarez.
FROM OUR LENS A Longhorn comeback
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Unionville Girls Varsity basketball coach Fred Ellzy gathers with his team during a third quarter timeout that saw the Longhorns overcome a first-half deficit to beat Great Valley, 42-34 on Jan. 26. For a complete game summary and additional photos, see Page 4A.
Continued on Page 2A
Owners to sell Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery
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By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer From the time Brad and Lele Galer first opened Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery in Kennett Square in 2011, it has consistently built a superb reputation for its many gifts, given to those who have come to admire them. On the slightly tilting canopy of its vineyard, the winery has consistently delivered top-notch varietals that have not only graced the dining room tables of its patrons, but earned the accolades of Photo by Billy Kyle, Atmos Imagery The 7.4-acre Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery in Kennett Square is currently up for wine critics and been the recipient of over 150 awards sale for a listing price of $3.395 million.
Continued on Page 3A
Lincoln University Concert Choir performs at Gov. Shapiro’s inauguration By Chris Barber Contributing Writer
© 2007 The Chester County Press
at competitions around the country and the world. From the rustic design of its interior tasting room to the sweeping views from its outdoor decks, Galer has become one of the county’s premiere destinations for wine and conversation, as well as a major contributor to the emerging wine industry in southeastern Pennsylvania. “We have always aimed to make Galer homey, artistic and pleasing, so that when you sit down with a glass of wine, it becomes an experience,” said Lele Galer. “We tried a lot of ideas in the beginning, but it always
The Lincoln University Concert Choir lit up the stage for former state Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s inauguration as Pennsylvania’s new governor on Jan. 17 in Harrisburg. They performed “America the Beautiful” arranged by Ryan Nowlin and “I Sing Because I’m Happy” arranged by Rollo Dilworth. “The choir was thrilled to
be invited to perform at this prestigious and momentous occasion. After the cessation of live performance opportunities during COVID-19, this occasion felt particularly triumphant and celebratory for the choir,” said Victoria Pitre, an assistant professor of music, director of choral activities and director of opera workshop. The University’s choir is no stranger to acclaim and audience excitement. Pitre reports the Lincoln
University Concert Choir members serve as ambassadors for the university by building relationships with communities, touring extensively, and performing recruitment concerts at churches of all denominations and K-12 schools throughout the country. Some of the choir’s most recent tours have included performing in Los Angeles, California, Atlanta, Georgia, and its international debut in South Africa.
The choir has also been asked to sing the National Anthem at home games for professional sports teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Eagles. The choir was also invited to participate in the HBCU Choral Festival at Norfolk State University. On Jan.16, the choir performed at the 22nd annual Celebration of MLK Day, sponsored by the Martin Victoria Pitre leads Luther King Community of the Lincoln University Continued on Page 2A
Concert Choir.