Chester County Press 02-07-2018 Edition

Philadelphia Eagles defeat New England Patriots, 41-33

Local leaders react to Eagles’ Super Bowl victory

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

As Tom Brady's last-second, desperate heave into the end zone fell to the turf during last Sunday's Super Bowl LII, the collective hearts of Philadelphia Eagles fans back-flipped from absolute fear to jubilation. David had just defeated Goliath.

After a 57-year wait – a period when they watched their division rivals take home a total of 12 Lombardi trophies – Eagles fans were finally at the top of the professional football world, as a Nick Foles-led team beat the New England Patriots, 41-33, to earn their first Super Bowl championship.

From Chadds Ford to Oxford, celebrations flowed

through developments and on streets and in homes and watering holes, the culmination of which will take place this Thursday along Broad Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, when an expected 3 million people will attend the Eagles' victory parade.

Meanwhile, back in southern Chester County, Continued on Page 3A

An historic first in Kennett Square?

Photo by Steven Hoffman

Last month, LaToya Myers was selected to serve as council president by her colleagues on Kennett Square Borough Council. It is believed that Myers is the first woman to serve as council president in the borough’s history, although that lacks verification. Charla Watson, a lifelong resident of Kennett Square, said that she is certain that Myers is the first woman to preside over council. Myers, who has served on council for two years, said that she expects issues related to economic development to

top borough council’s agenda this year. Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township have partnered on economic development planning, including the hiring of an economic development director. The borough council members, township supervisors, and officials from Historic Kennett Square recently held the first joint meeting to discuss economic development opportunities. “We want to leverage our resources to enhance the area,” Myers said.

After decades of giving back to the community, McLeod receives a prestigious award

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

During the Spirit of Giving Luncheon on Jan. 15, Jim McLeod, one of the organizers of the event, talked about the importance of teaching young people about the value of giving back to the community.

Giving back is a subject that McLeod knows a lot about: He has been serving the Oxford community in a variety of ways for decades, starting before he even graduated from high school. Through the years, McLeod has done everything from serving on Oxford Borough

Continued on Page 4A

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce has named Jim McLeod as the 2017 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Cheryl Kuhn, the chamber’s president and CEO, Doug Doerfler, the chamber’s Chairman of the Board, and John Jaros, the immediate past chair, are pictured with McLeod.

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Before about 50 concerned citizens at the Friends Meeting House in Kennett Square on Feb. 3, the first meeting of Indivisible Kennett Square in 2018 centered much of its focus on ways that members can continue to support proposed legislation and court rulings aimed at elim-

inating gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. Indivisible KSQ was established in 2017 to empower local citizens to focus on weakening congressional Republican agendas while supporting Democratic opposition through informed local action. Supported by nearly 300 members, the group dedicated a large portion

Layout finalized for development coming to East Marlborough

By John Chambless Staff Writer

A slightly revised alignment of the proposed Villages at Northridge development was approved by the East Marlborough Board of Supervisors on Feb. 5.

The community of 54 units will sit on 22.6 acres on the north side of Route 1 and west of North Walnut Road, near the Everfast property on Gale Lane. The twin-home cluster configuration has been revised several times to allow more open space, with less impervious coverage.

Property owner Doug White and his representative went over the details of lot size and placement in response to suggestions

made by the township’s Planning Commission. The supervisors eventually approved the plan, which lays out the placement of the homes, but which will change slightly depending on the style of home purchased by each buyer. The board set a date for a conditional use hearing for the new owner of the former Brewster’s ice cream site on Route 1. The building will retain its current footprint but will be remodeled as a medical office. The facade will be altered, but the parking area will remain. The board will meet on Feb. 26 to discuss the new use.

Township solicitor Frone Crawford brought up Act 172, a state measure that

Continued on Page 2A

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Four years ago, when Serena Derderian, Clare McGovern, and Olivia Paoletti arrived as ninthgraders at Avon Grove High School, there were only modest expectations for the school’s swimming team. The talented trio knew each other from having competed together on the same club team, the Delaware Swim Team, and they knew that they would be joining a squad that already had some talented swimmers and divers, but Avon Grove had always found it difficult to win in the highly competi-

tive Ches-Mont League. So the expectations were definitely tempered.

“I think we felt like we had a strong team,” Paoletti explained. “We just wanted to win a few meets.”

The team did exactly that. The Avon Grove girls won a few meets. The newcomers really made a splash, setting personal records and then quickly surpassing those records. The team won a few more meets. Head coach Kelly Burk and assistant coach Chic McKnelly guided the team’s progress, charting a path for each swimmer to succeed in a way that was good for the

Development...

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would grant up to a 20 percent reduction in the township real estate tax for those who volunteer for local fire companies. The state has left enactment of the act up to individual townships. If approved by the supervisors, the act could affect next year’s taxes, Crawford said.

The tax rebate would affect volunteers for the Po-Mar-Lin, Kennett and Longwood fire companies and EMS services.

Planning Commission chairman Cuyler Walker said the rebate, while it would be appreciated, “is so small that representatives of the commission feel that it might be con-

of its first year to helping Hispanic families in the Kennett Square community who are affected by antiimmigration efforts and possible deportation.

The agenda addressed the 4-3 decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Jan. 22 that ruled in favor of redrawing the state’s 18 congressional districts. In an effort to eliminate gerrymandering in the Commonwealth, the state’s Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Tom Wolf and the state’s Republicancontrolled Legislature now have until Feb. 15 to draw new lines. If Wolf and Republican lawmakers can’t reach a consensus by Feb. 15, the Democraticcontrolled state Supreme Court will draw the lines itself. The deadline for prospective candidates for Congress to file with the state is in March.

As expected, several mem-

sidered insulting.”

Volunteers answer hundreds of calls each year for “a very small amount of money,” Walker said, “but the commission does feel that the refund would be a gesture of appreciation for the volunteers.”

There is no formal draft for adoption of Act 172 at this point, “but it is an opportunity to send a message to the fire companies that their time and service are appreciated,” Walker said.

Supervisor Robert McKinney reported on Bike Kennett, an advocacy group that has worked with Kennett Township and Kennett Borough to put together a plan for regional bike paths that would link the borough to Longwood

bers of the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation quickly issued a statement in opposition to the Supreme Court ruling, calling it “a misguided decision” and “an unfortunate example of the judicial branch inserting itself into the core functions of the legislative branch.”

Despite Republican opposition to the ruling, the United States Supreme Court announced on Feb. 5 that it will not block a state court ruling requiring Pennsylvania’s Legislature to immediately redraw its legislative boundaries.

“The U.S. Supreme Court correctly recognized that there is no reason to delay implementing the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s order,” Wolf said in a statement. “Now, all parties must focus on getting a fair map in place. Gerrymandering is wrong and we must correct errors of the past with the existing map. My team is ready,

The JUNCTION Consignment & More

Gardens, or to Walmart on Route 1, McKinney said. Crawford pointed out that a previous deal to install a bike lane along Route 82 was long discussed but ultimately rejected due to the estimated $2 million cost of moving utility poles for the bike lane.

“I know that Bike Kennett is looking to do a regional plan to link the Struble Trail to Valley Forge Park, for instance,” McKinney said, “and south into Delaware.”

The board agreed that they would be interested in hearing a detailed proposal from Bike Kennett and an estimate of costs.

Supervisor John Sarro reported on the township’s Safety Committee, saying that interest in putting raised crosswalks in

willing and able to work with the General Assembly to ensure a new map is fair and within the clear orders given by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.”

Indivisible KSQ volunteer Joanne Greenstein encouraged those in attendance to apply pressure on their legislators to support the passage of Pa. Senate Bill 22, a bipartisan proposal introduced by Sens. Lisa Boscola-(D) and Mario Scavello-(R) and Pa. House Bill 722, a bipartisan proposal introduced by Reps. Eric Roe, a Republican, and Steve Samuelson, a Democrat. Both bills propose to create an 11-member independent citizens commission, chosen by the state’s Secretary of State, to be in charge of both legislative and congressional redistricting.

The commission would include no current or recent elected officials, candidates, political party officials, or their aides or spouses would be eligible. Legislative leaders from both houses and parties would be able to strike a designated number of candidates from each pool. Further, the commission would establish transparent procedures, follow a strict timetable, and provide meaningful opportunity for public input prior to drawing plans and again before adopting final plans.

Greenstein said that as of Feb. 3, the two bills have received support from 103 members of the Pa. House of Representatives and 17 state senators. She also encouraged members to help in efforts to join Coatesville with the 16 local municipalities that have recently passed resolutions in support of the two bills. For

the village of Unionville is an ongoing issue. “Those engineering costs are pretty hefty,” Sarro said. There is also a substantial liability issue for the township if someone is injured in a crosswalk, said board chairman Richard Hannum, Jr. Hannum added that raised crosswalks are subject to damage from snow plows and are difficult and expensive to maintain. Speeding along Route 82 was also addressed, and Sarro said some success has been seen due to the lowering of the speed limit in the village of Unionville, as well as increased enforcement and ticketing. The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is working on improving the cross-

walks to the schools on Route 82, Sarro said. Walker added that Toll Brothers will be installing a crosswalk from Willowdale Chapel to the new residences being planned on the eastern side of Route 82.

Sarro said that he and Police Chief Robert Clarke attended a meeting about expanding parking at the schools, since families are sometimes parking along Route 82 and walking to evening events, creating a substantial safety risk.

He said that Unionville Elementary School has 22 acres of open land behind the building that is being studied as some sort of additional parking, possibly with a walking trail around the perimeter that could be linked to the new

Unionville Park. “They are investigating all the options,” Sarro said. The board also discussed a proposed ordinance establishing an Environmental Advisory Committee that would report on the impacts of proposed development on the environment. The group would make recommendations to the Planning Commission and ultimately to the Board of Supervisors. There will be further discussion of the ordinance in March. The commission would be made up of an as-yet undetermined number of township residents.

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

those in attendance who do not live in the Coatesville district, Greenstein suggested they reach out to the Chester County Association of Township Officials, to encourage them to encourage Coatesville’s elected officials to support the formation of an independent commission.

Wayne Braffman of the Kennett Area Democrats offered those in attendance what he called a “purely partisan perspective” to the anti-gerrymandering efforts currently underway, saying that while he acknowledges that the bills are receiving support from Republicans Roe and State Sen. Thomas Killion (9th District), neither has been able to get these bills to a hearing. He said their support of the bills “is flat dead phony.”

“[Killion] has known about these bills for a year, but has not been able to get a single hearing to mark the bill up in his own committee,” Braffman said. “It’s wonderful that Eric Roe is the sponsor [of the bill] on the House side, but he has not been able to get a single meeting to mark up that bill

on the House side. The politics of it? There is no way the Republican Party will allow [these bills] to go forward. There is no way that they will allow those hearings to take place.

“They know that this a wildly popular idea, that the public is in favor of getting rid of gerrymandering. It’s nice that they can say, ‘I’m a sponsor. I’m with you.’ Then they go home. Don’t give them a pass. If they can’t get the hearings, then these bills are worthless. They’re just toeing the party line. That’s just the brutal, political facts of it. Don’t let any of these folks off the hook. Let them know that their support is not enough. If they can’t get the bills to committee and to a vote, then we don’t need them.”

Greenstein said that while many in attendance may share Braffman’s viewpoints, she encouraged members to remain nonpartisan in their fight to eliminate district gerrymandering in Pennsylvania.

“Whereas some of you may have Wayne’s perspective, it’s not going to get us

anywhere if you approach people that way,” she said. “You have to look at it from a different perspective. Thanking Killion and Roe for [their support] to get the bill out of committee is a good idea.

“If we have an ‘Us versus Them’ thing, I don’t think we’re going to be successful. We need to thank them, and then keep up the pressure.”

Indivisible KSQ also addressed issues related to the impact of recent legislation on local residents affected by Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and guidelines related to the signing of petitions that are required for candidates to run for office in Pennsylvania. The group will host a petition signing party for local candidates at the Kennett Brewing Company on Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more about Indivisible KSQ, visit www.indivisbleksq.wordpress.com.

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

Continued from Page 1A

the Chester County Press asked a few of our friends in the news for their reactions to the long-awaited victory – and what it means to them, their family and the community.

Although Dr. Barry Tomasetti, Superintendent of the Kennett Consolidated School District, has only lived in Chester County for the past eight years, he has observed that the Eagles success this season has been infectious, contributing to the “positive climate that has developed in interactions with our students, their parents and staff members,” he said. “It has engendered a 'teamsmanship' and bonding among them all.

Tomasetti has also been impressed by the “brotherhood” feel of the Eagles' players in overcoming several season-ending injuries to several key players.

“This characteristic is what I believe pulled them through the adversity stemming from injuries to significant contributors,” he said. “It has been fun to witness their having fun with their underdog status

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whole team. On club swimming teams, an emphasis is placed on the performances of individual swimmers, but swimming is very musch a team sport at the high school level, where individual performances translate into points for the team. It takes a certain amount of selflessness for athletes to accept roles that are best for the team, and Burk and McKnelly didn’t have to worry about McGovern, Derderian, and Paoletti being team players. By the end of that season, Avon Grove had captured its firstever Ches-Mont League National Division crown.

Avon Grove’s swimming team has been consistently excellent ever since. While the initial goal might have been to win a few meets, Avon Grove far exceeded those modest expectations, posting a 34-0 record against league opponents.

The swimmers have completely rewritten the team’s record books. In March of 2017, Avon Grove captured a state championship.

To win the state title, Avon Grove had to overcome teams like North Penn, a perennial power that boasted nearly four times as many swimmers as the Avon Grove squad did.

Vanessa Robtison, the Avon Grove High School athletic director and one of the swimming team’s biggest supporters, noted that it had been four decades since an Avon Grove High School team had captured a state title in any sport before the swimming team did it in 2017. Robtison said that it took a team comprised of such good individuals to be the one to finally break through and bring a state championship back to Avon Grove.

“It’s a special group of kids and a special coach,” Robtison said. “They are outstanding young adults and they have a great rapport with the coach. They are tremendous students and representatives of Avon Grove.”

Even though Avon Grove has a comparatively small roster of swimmers, each member of the team made

and proving to the sports world that they are true champions.”

New Garden Township Manager Tony Scheivert said that the person he inherited his passion for Philadelphia sports teams sat beside him during Super Bowl LII – his father.

“Some of my earliest memories are with my dad celebrating the Phillies' 1980 World Series win and the 1985 Villanova national basketball championship,” Scheivert said. “For me personally, I am filled with both pride and relief, but also with great happiness, for a team that embodied the spirit of a region of passionate fans.

“I hope my daughters remember watching this game with family, and realize how special it was to be able watch it together. I am so grateful that my Dad was still here, so I could share the moment with him and my family.”

Southern Chester County Regional Police Chief Gerald Simpson began watching Eagles games with his father when he was a child, and even though his father elected not to watch the NFL this year for

valuable contributions during this run of success. McGovern, Derderian, and Paoletti formed the nucleus of the squad.

McGovern, the daughter of Harry and Patti McGovern of Landenberg, is a go-to distance swimmer for the team. Burk said that McGovern is a versatile swimmer who can compete well in many different events, depending on what the team needs.

“She is our quiet leader of the team,” Burk said.

McGovern will be swimming for the University of South Carolina.

Like McGovern, Derderian has proven time and again that she is willing to compete in different events based on what the squad needs. This was important to Avon Grove’s successful bid for a state title.

Burk also praised Derderian’s ability to lift up her teammates when challenges arise.

“Serena is our biggest cheerleader at our meets,” Burk said. “She knows how to lighten the mood and bring a smile to everyone’s face both before the meets and during them.”

Derderian is the daughter of Dikran and Michele Derderian of Avondale. She is heading to Tufts University after graduating from Avon Grove.

Burk described Paoletti, one of the elite swimmers in the state, as the rock and foundation of the team over the last four seasons.

Paoletti is the daughter of Rich and Vicki Paoletti of Lincoln University, and is heading to Yale University.

“This year, she is a team captain and I could go on and on about her,” Burk explained. “She is extremely humble and never takes anything for granted. Even when she is not feeling her best, she will swim with grit and determination to help the team.”

In a sport where the difference between success and failure can be measured in seconds, grit and determination can’t be undervalued.

One of the reasons for Avon Grove’s success has been the character of the individuals on the team— the swimmers have been shaped by both their suc-

personal reasons, Simpson called him after every game during the season.

“I would tell him that unlike any other year or

entire Philadelphia Eagles organization, to the City of Philadelphia and to the loyal fans!”

Calling the Super Bowl

generation to generation,” she added. “When I feel proud of my achievements or those of our community, I always think of her.

any other team, that this Eagles team was special,” Simpson said. “I believe that 'special' ingredient is best described as a team that is more like a family, devoted to something bigger than themselves, and when met with adversity is inspired to pull together to overcome and achieve the ultimate goal.”

In the closing minutes of Super Bowl LII, Simpson called his father and told him to turn the game on.

“He did and was able to witness something that is truly very special,” he said. “Congratulations to the

cesses and their failures.

“During your entire high school career,” Paoletti explained, “there are times when you struggle. Swimmers tend to be very hard on themselves. Persistance is so important.”

Even though Paoletti has enjoyed a lot of success in each of her four seasons at Avon Grove, she also knows what it’s like to struggle. When she went to compete in the Olympic trials between her sophomore and junior years, Paoletti’s times were not what she wanted.

“From that experience, I know that I grew as a swimmer and as a person,” Paoletti explained.

McGovern went through a trying experience during her freshman year when she needed to work on changing her swimming techniques. She was relegated, briefly, to a group with younger swimmers. Then, in the middle of the season, she cut her foot on a nail and needed six stitches to close the wound. She worked through the setbacks and by the end of the season was a key contributor to her team’s success.

“I think that made me mentally stronger,” McGovern said.

Derderian agreed, explaining that it’s very important to improve your mental strength to be able to push on when you feel like you’ve reached a plateau. Derderian explained that it can take a lot of training and hard work to make slight adjustments to swimming techniques to see even modest individual improvements. For Derderian, qualifying for states during the junior year was an achievement that made the hard work worth it.

Paoletti said that it can be very challenging to work hard and not see immediate results, but sometimes that’s what is necessary to improve as an athlete. Eventually, the results will materialize. She was able to win four individual PIAA gold medals and a state title as part of a relay team—and in the process of winning those medals produced a significant number of points for Avon Grove in the quest to win a team state title.

victory “an intense, fierce and powerful game,” Kennett Township Manager Lisa Moore said that the win is representative of what “unity” and “a sense of community” means.

“The Eagles' victory brought tears to my eyes, because I was so proud of our city, not only the amazing players but all of the fans. There is no other city with such passionate fans. It represents how unified we truly are, regardless of what is going on around us.

“My grandmother was the person who made sure the 'torch' was passed on from

“Doing that for the team was really important to me,” Paoletti said. Considering the extraordinary success that they’ve had as swimmers, and the enthusiasm with which they talk about the sport, it is hardly surprising that Derderian, McGovern, and Paoletti all love being in the water―and they’ve loved it for most of their young lives.

Paoletti has been swimming since the age of four, taking up the sport because her parents wanted all their children to know how to swim for safety reasons. McGovern started swimming at about the age of four. Derderian might have been about six when she first took up swimming. They’ve all put in a lot of hard work to achieve their success, but they’ve also received a lot of support through the years, starting with their families.

According to Robtison, that support has palyed an important role in the success of the swimming team. There are many club coaches, teammates on various club teams, as well as members of the Avon Grove community who helped along the way. The

Unfortunately, she is not physically with us, but she is always here.”

De scribing himself as a lifelong Eagles fan, London Grove Township Supervisor David Connors said that the Super Bowl victory removes the 'dark cloud' hovering over Philadelphia sports teams, “and finally provides a championship to our area,” he said. “Let's face it, the Eagles are the only team that matters in Philly. For me personally, this win means I may finally watch a game without that deeprooted feeling that we will

swimmers agreed that this support was very important to their success through the years.

All three of the swimmers also said that they were very proud to represent Avon Grove, especially when the team advanced to compete against not just the best squads in the area, but against the best teams in the entire state.

Now, as seniors, Paoletti, McGovern, and Derderian and looking to make one more push to compete at their highest level in state competitions. There are far too many factors that go into winning a state title as a team for anyone to reasonably expect that Avon Grove could repeat as state champions—there’s just too much good competition.

But that is definitely the goal that the Avon Grove swimmers have set for themselves as the post-season approaches.

“It would be cool to win again, so we are setting the bar there,” Paoletti explained. “We have a target. That’s our goal.”

Although their time together as members of the Avon Grove High School swimming team is nearing an end, all three are

lose. This year's Eagles were impressive in many ways, and they proved that football is the ultimate team sport.”

Calling the Super Bowl victory “a lifelong dream come true,” Chester County Press Publisher and Eagle fan Randy Lieberman said that the Eagles' victory is proof that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. It's been a long time coming, he said. “Philadelphia football has never been given the respect it deserves, but with this win it changes everything,” he said. “Football fans from all over now know we are for real.

“I have spent my whole life in the Philadelphia area, and Sunday football was and still is a time to come together with family and friends and cheer on the Eagles. That's what my Dad did, and that's what I do. Most years were incredibly disappointing, but we never gave up hope. I am happy that my whole family, and especially my Dad, got to see this victory.”

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

poised to start their collegiate careers in a very strong position as a result of all the hard work that they’ve put in.

“My working hard in swimming make sme want to work harder in the classroom and on other things,” McGovern said. “I think it will have a big impact in the future.”

Just one way to measure how good the Avon Grove swimmers are: Paoletti, McGovern, and Derderian have a combined high school GPA of 4.15― despite the fact that they train more than 20 hours per week to improve their swimming.

Burk said that all three swimmers are a perfect example of what a studentathlete should be. “They all balance their successes in the pool with their training while studying hard and upholding the expectations in the classroom,” Burk said. “All three will do what it takes to do what is best for the team.”

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

McLeod...

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task forces to sitting on a wide variety of nonprofit boards to organizing the Oxford community’s annual Halloween Parade. The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce is recognizing McLeod’s decades of service by naming him as the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award. He will receive the award at the chamber’s annual dinner on Friday, Feb. 16.

“Jim McLeod is an exemplary example of community service,” said Cheryl Kuhn, the president of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, when the award was announced. “His tireless work in our community and his ability and desire to bring people together to work toward a common goal is truly outstanding. We are proud to select him as this year’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year award recipient and look forward to honoring him at our 51st Annual Dinner.”

McLeod, the executive director of the Oxford Senior Center for the last 15 years, said that he appreciates the award.

“I am honored and humbled,” he said. “The announcement took me completely by surprise. My thanks to everyone involved for this honor. It is truly appreciated.”

Those who know McLeod say that the award is very much deserved.

His daughter, Shelley Meadowcroft, said that when she and her brother were growing up, they

knew that their father would always be willing to help out an organization in need if it meant that the Oxford community would be better off.

“Growing up, my dad was out at least one or two nights a week helping some group,” Meadowcroft explained. “Some people find their niche and help out one organization, but he volunteered with groups that touched on many different facets of the community. He taught us that being a part of a community means giving back to the community. Our mom was the same way―always doing things to help out.”

One of the organizations nearest and dearest to McLeod’s heart is the Oxford Neighborhood Services Center, which is the beneficiary of the aforementioned Spirit of Giving Luncheon. McLeod served two terms on the Neighborhood Services Center’s board of directors, and he and his wife, Mary, started the Spirit of Christmas Luncheon as a way to raise funds for the organization at a time of the year when people in the community needed the most help. The event evolved into what is known today as the Spirit of Giving Luncheon.

Through that effort and many others, McLeod has become well known for his service to the community.

“Jim has spent his life working to make Oxford a better place to live. That is evident by the long list of organizations he has been involved in, and continues to work with,” said Steve Roberts, the president of the Oxford Educational

Foundation. “When you want to know how to get something done in Southern Chester County, or who to talk to about an issue, Jim is the first person to see.”

Roberts credited McLeod with helping him in his volunteer role as president

He was a founding board member of the Jennersville YMCA of Greater Brandywine, serving for 30 years, including two terms as chairman. He oversaw fundraising and building for the Jennersville YMCA.

In 2014, McLeod was

of the Oxford Educational Foundation.

“Jim was the president of the Oxford Educational Foundation for seven years, and when he decided he could no longer continue in the position, I became the president,” Roberts explained. “He was a big help to me as I learned that role, and he continues to provide good advice.”

McLeod said that it was his father, Donald McLeod, who really set an example for him to follow when it came to community service.

“Dad was active with a number of service clubs in the area, including the Oxford Rotary Club,” McLeod explained.

McLeod followed that lead and started volunteering while he was still in high school. He summed up his attitude about community service by saying, “If I saw that there was a need, I would try to help with it.”

recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Oxford Area School District for longstanding service, including a memorial scholarship that was established in memory of his wife, and is presented each year to a graduating Oxford Area High School senior. He served on school district committees studying truancy and drop-out rates, served on the first Board of Directors of Oxford Educational Foundation, an organization that was started in 1994 for mentors and tutors, and to provide grants to bring innovative programs not funded through the budget. He also served as president of the Oxford Educational Foundation for seven years.

He is a member of the Fulton Bank Brandywine Division Advisory Board and has also served with the Oxford Rotary for 28 years. Involvement in the Oxford

Rotary is one of the ways that Dr. Raymond Fischer got to know McLeod so well through the years.

“I have known Jim for well over twenty-five years as both a friend and a colleague,” explained Fischer, the executive director of the Oxford Educational Foundation and a former superintendent of schools at Oxford. “As a lifelong resident of Oxford, Jim has shown his dedication to the community through his involvement in its many organizations. Jim is a willing, intentional volunteer who exemplifies the Rotary motto ‘service above self.’” McLeod served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Automotive Association, and was appointed to the association’s Legislative Committee. He served on Ford Motor Company Zone Dealer Council, representing Ford dealers in Pennsylvania and Delaware. He served nine years as chairman of American Red Cross Chester County Brandywine Division Disaster Action Team, assisting displaced fire victims. He sits on the Board and is Development Chairman of the Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services and eight years on the SCCOOT Board. McLeod joined various Oxford Borough task forces, Police Chief Search Committees, chaired the Borough’s Vacancy Board and was Chairman of the Civil Service Commission. He served on the Pennsylvania Legislative District 13 Advisory Board, Chester County Department of Aging’s Paratransit Advisory Council, and was

for a time the chairman of Oxford Area Regional Sewer Authority. He served on the Board of Directors of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, including two terms as president, and in 1986 was recipient of the Oxford Area Community Service Award. For the past 34 years, he organized the Chamber’s annual Halloween Parade. He is a member of the Oxford Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder and Deacon with the church. He is a member of the Oxford Athletic Association and served two terms as president.

Meadowcroft said that her father has always made a point to talk about the importance of giving back to the community. When McLeod was named as a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Oxford Area School District, he talked about the value of community service during the speech.

While McLeod is pleased to be receiving an award from the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, he emphasized that, “I don’t do any of these things for recognition.”

His friends are very pleased that he is getting the recognition after so many years of giving back to the community.

“I am honored to be associated with him, and I am ‘Oxford Proud’ that he has been chosen Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce 2017 Citizen of the Year,” said Fischer.

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

Lighthouse Youth Center in Oxford celebrates its 30th anniversary

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

With the school year in full swing, the end of January is always a busy time for the Lighthouse Youth Center. On any given weekday, the center hums with activity as children play basketball, enjoy a snack, or work on homework or take part in one of the many other activities that are available. But on Wednesday, Jan. 31, there was even more excitement than normal as the Lighthouse Youth Center celebrated its 30th anniversary of serving the Oxford community.

Buzz Tyson, the Lighthouse’s executive director, took in all of the excitement and smiled. There were a number of special games and activities related to the number 30 for the children to enjoy. One board featured pictures from the Lighthouse’s 30 years, and children were invited to guess the year that each picture was taken. There was a special meal for the children. State Rep. John Lawrence stopped by to read a proclamation that was approved by the State House honoring the Lighthouse and declaring Jan. 31 to be Lighthouse Youth Center Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Tyson explained that the center now regularly serves 333 children with its after-school and summer programming that includes everything from homework assistance and educational programming to recreational activities and college preparation assistance. Each day, the Lighthouse also provides a free afternoon snack and a free nutritious meal to youngsters in Oxford. The meals and programming are essential to the well-being of the low-income, at-risk youth that the Lighthouse serves. The Lighthouse is a para-church organization that strives to have a positive Christian impact on each person’s life.

Tyson, who is in his 23rd year as executive director, leads a small staff that includes Amy Perkins, the program and volunteer coordinator; Brent Hazelwood, Jeanie Hall, and Angel Torres, who are parttime program assistants; and Tonya Stoltzfus, who is a parttime administrative assistant.

The staff members are able to help make a difference in the lives of youngsters in a variety of ways.

Josue Gonzalez, a tenthgrader, said that the Lighthouse is a safe place to enjoy himself after school.

“I like hanging out with friends and learning about Jesus,” he said. “I come here every day.”

Cristal Zaragoza has been coming to the Lighthouse for about the last three years.

She credited Amy Perkins with helping her to return to school and to find a job after the birth of a child. Perkins also helped Zaragoza find a program for young moms. Now, Zaragoza is giving back by helping others—she works with younger students who

need help with homework, and she also assists Perkins with various activities.

Jose Salinas has been coming to the Lighthouse for about four or five years. His favorite activities include soccer and basketball. “It helps you. I do homework, I eat here sometimes. I get a lot of help from Buzz, Amy, and the volunteers.”

Tyson said that the Lighthouse is always in need of more volunteers, especially adults who could help children with their homework.

Cathy Witter is one such volunteer. She helps out every Wednesday with the games and homework that the students are working on.

“I really see a need for something like this in the community,” Witter said. “The kids have a need for a safe place to come.”

The Lighthouse staff is continually evaluating and updating its programs and offerings to meet the needs of young people in the area. The Lighthouse focuses a lot more on educational initiatives.

They have a learning hour throughout the week designed to help students complete their homework. They have an incentive program that encourages youngsters to do well in school. Another important educational initiative, Tyson said, is

providing tablets for students to use instead of laptops because the schools in Oxford are utilizing tablets, and it helps the children to do their schoolwork.

The Lighthouse is also looking to expand, from three to twelve, the number of

scholarships that it can offer to students as they graduate from high school and look to find a job or follow a career path.

Tyson said that the Lighthouse has always been blessed by supporters who have been willing to support their efforts.

“The community has always been a blessing to us,” Tyson said.

Tyson said that the time feels like it has gone by very quickly. It has been nearly three years since the Lighthouse moved into its new home on Commerce Street. Tyson said that one of the most rewarding parts of the job for him is seeing the youngsters grow up to be productive adults and knowing that the Lighthouse played a part in helping them along the way.

“It means a lot when I go around the community and see our alumni, and see that they are working locally and making a difference,” Tyson said. “Our time and energy has produced a lot of good fruit in the community.”

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

Chocolate Lover’s festival to feature work of professionals, amateurs and students

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On other days throughout the year, the Kennett High School gymnasium is filled with the sounds of busy feet running up and down a basketball court, maneuvering

on a wrestling mat or participating in gym class, but for one afternoon a year, the venue echoes with the sound of more than 1,000 chocolate aficionados clamoring for chocolate treats, including cakes, brownies, candies, cookies and cupcakes.

That day is about to arrive once more.

The 2018 Kennett Chocolate Lover’s Festival will be held on Feb. 11, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kennett High School gymnasium, and will feature sweet confection entries from over 200 professional, amateur and student bakers, who will all compete for bragging rights, ribbons and prizes by donating their best chocolate desserts to this event. The festival will benefit the United Way of Southern Chester County (UWSCC), which serves the needs of residents of four Pennsylvania school districts: Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford, and Unionville-Chadds Ford.

The UWSCC provides support to 26 different health and human service programs, and assisted more than 18,000 residents in southern Chester County last year.

For the first time, the festival will offer a Kiddie Korner, coordinated by Patton Girl Scout Troop #4705, that will feature face

painting, photos with fun characters sponsored by Schaen Photography, and cookie decorating crafts, for children ten years and younger.

General admission tickets are $10 each, or $30 for family of 4 (online discount only), an each ticket includes six regular tastings per person. Tickets are available online in advance by visiting www. kennettchocolate.org, or at the door beginning at 1:00 p.m. Parking for general admission is $5.00 per car. Additional tastings are available for $.50 each, and takehome containers will be available for purchase at $10 per container.

General admission ticket holders will be permitted to enter the festival at 1 p.m. Kennett High School Gymnasium is located at Kennett High School, 100 E. South Street, in Kennett Square. For additional information, call 610444-4357; or email info@unitedwayscc.org.

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

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Mercy’s Vessel

GPA Mobilization Ministries is part of an effort to utilize a boat to boost sending medical teams and evangelical teams to help the needy

by sending teams of medical professionals to provide much-needed care and medical supplies to impoverished areas. It’s expensive and timeconsuming to transport the doctors and nurses to those areas that need the medical clinics the most.

Church and the director of GPA Mobilization Ministries, is looking forward to the day when Mercy’s Vessel is launched.

Mercy’s Vessel is a ship that was purchased about four years ago as part of GPA Mobilization Ministries’ ongoing efforts to support the missionaries that are serving in areas from the Gulf Coast of the United States to the Islands of the South Caribbean

With the addition of a boat, GPA Mobilization Ministries could have a mobile medical clinic that will allow the medical staff to spend more time doing the very important work.

Moore has personally been on at least two dozen mission trips over the last decade. During these trips, he has seen many people, especially children, who need medical attention. In Panama, for example, he recalls seeing children who had never been able to be treated by a dentist, and who have many cavities as a result. He recalls seeing

a girl who was wearing a snow suit in 100-degree weather because it was the only decent clothing that her family had for her. Being able to help people in need is at the forefront of GPA Mobilization Ministries’ work.

“When we see what the children need, and we are able to give them what they need, that is an inspiration to help others,” Moore said.

“Over the last five years we have seen about 2,000 medical patients a year. We’ve had a handful of instances where we have saved a life because the doctors got there just in time and they were able to get a person to a hospital.”

Mercy’s Vessel, when it is launched, will increase the speed with which help can be provided. The dream of launching the Mercy Vessel is close to becoming a reality, and could be accomplished later this year. According to Moore, the ship will make it possible to reach thousands of people with the hope and help of the gospel each year. But it has taken a lot of work and a lot of effort to reach this point.

Ever since the boat was purchased several years ago, workers have carefully scraped and painted the ship, and undertaken the extensive renovation work that is necessary to make the boat suitable for its new purpose. GPA Mobilization Ministries fundraised to pay

for the complete refitting process, and about $50,000 is needed to complete the project.

Moore said that the estimates are that it will take about eight or ten more weeks of work to complete the work and get Mercy’s Vessel ready for use. The boat is currently at Yank Marina in Tuckahoe, New Jersey.

“They are close to finishing the work,” Moore explained.

Once the work on the boat is complete, it will house a fully equipped clinic and pharmacy for the medical teams. There will be dorms for 12 intern workers, cabins for eight crew members and staff, as well as a galley and a dining area. Evangelistic teams of up to twenty workers can visit two or three ports of call during each trip. This would greatly improve the ability to assist each missionary and give the workers a much broader view of missions.

Moore explained

that GPA Mobilization Ministries was started as a result of a strong desire to help the missionaries that are serving in Central and South America with the Gospel Preacher Association and other like-minded mission organizations. Some very dedicated medical professionals from the area, including Dr. David Rooney, a doctor with Southern Chester County Family Practice and nurse practitioner Judi Gawlikowski, have participated in many of the mission trips through the years. Individuals, businesses, and a lot of churches have helped with those efforts by providing the resources that are necessary to transport medical professionals and medical supplies to areas that need them.

“We feel that the Lord has really blessed us with the opportunity to be involved,” Moore said.

An annual dinner has been held for each of the

last nine years to raise money to support the work of The Mercy Project, which is the name of the various initiatives that are underway.

“It’s a big event for us,” Moore explained of the fundraising dinner, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15 at the Palm Court at the DoubleTree Resort in Willow Street, Pa. (formerly Willow Valley). The dinner is free, but you must request tickets that can be obtained by calling 610-806-6555. Monetary donations to support the completion of the work on Mercy’s Vessel would be greatly appreciated during the dinner.

Moore said that any help with the effort to launch Mercy’s Vessel is very much appreciated.

“We’re always looking for people to go on these trips, too,” Moore said.

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

A win for the ages

With all apologies to Vince Papale, the greatest Philadelphia Eagles Story Ever Told is no longer his.

The Eagles won their first Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 4, delighting the millions of fans who have waited—and waited—for their beloved team to win the big game.

Head coach Doug Pederson and his band of neversay-quit overachievers authored one of the most improbable, remarkable, and inspiring playoff runs in the history of team sports. Entering the season, few people gave the Eagles much of a chance to make the playoffs, let alone make a run at the Super Bowl title.

But in true Rocky fashion, this team defied the odds and their detractors.

A team comprised of unheralded veterans, unproven younger players, and a few unsung heroes piled up the wins, week after week. A free agent kicker stepped up to kick a game-winning 61-yard field goal for a win over a division rival. A group of unselfish running backs carried the load together, sacrificing their own statistics for the good of the team. A rotation of defensive players made just enough plays in big moments to win games. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia’s terrific, young quarterback put together an MVP-caliber season over the course of the season’s first ten games before suffering a seasonending injury. His backup Nick Foles, an extremely likable quarterback whose career to this point featured as many downs as ups, had briefly considered leaving the game last year so that he could go become a pastor. The team as a whole embodied the blue-collar spirit of the city in which they play. The Rocky-esque group refused to give up and refused to back down. Instead, the players grew closer and supported each other, always putting what was good for the team above what was good for one player. Lose one of the best young quarterbacks in the game at a crucial point in the season? No problem. Enter the playoffs as a top-seeded underdog facing the defending NFC champions? No problem. Face the top-ranked overall defense in the NFC title game—another game where you’re the home underdog? No problem. Take on the dynastic and villainous New England Patriots in the Super Bowl? No problem, of course.

On the game’s biggest stage, Foles, Malcolm Jenkins, Brandon Graham, Zach Ertz and so many others turned in performances that will live on in the hearts and minds of Eagles fans for generations to come as they dethroned the defending champions, 41-33, in a Super Bowl that ranks among the very best championship games ever.

The Eagles have had their share of great players through the years: Harold Carmichael and Reggie White and Brian Dawkins. They’ve had their share of good players, too: Brian Westbrook and Keith Jackson and Bill Bergey. They’ve had their share of inspirational players: Papale, at the age of 30, became the oldest rookie in the history of the NFL to play without the benefit of college football experience when he defied the odds and made the team in 1976. He went on to play wide receiver and special teams in 41 games between 1976 and 1978. His story is so good that it was the basis of a very good movie, “Invincible.”

But now even Papale’s story will have to take a backseat to the one written by the team that just won the Super Bowl for Philadelphia. This team, whose players are more likely to organize a group Bible study than to visit South Philly strip club, won—and they won the right way.

They played hard and they played for each other. They played for a city—an entire region, really—that desperately wanted its football team to win a title.

The Eagles’ fan base is nothing if they are not passionate and loyal, and for many in the area, it’s the love of the football team that are the ties that bind. For many thousands of families in the area, love of the Eagles is generational—it is passed down from father to daughter, mother to son, uncle to nephew. It is impossible, then, to overstate how improbable and important the Super Bowl victory is.

In the moments after the Eagles won their first Super Bowl, team owner Jeffrey Lurie summarized what the victory meant to the fan base by saying that the win meant “everything.” Indeed.

Thanks, to the Philadelphia Eagles for finally winning the Super Bowl, and thanks for reminding us what is so great about sports in the first place.

Letter to the Editor

End ‘Groundhog Day’ tax nightmare in Pa.

Letter to the Editor:

Groundhog Day is a popular tradition celebrated in Pennsylvania. It’s also personified by a movie in which a man finds himself trapped in a time warp, doomed to relive the same day over and over again until he gets it right.

Ironically, it’s that way every year for homeowners in Pennsylvania, who

are doomed with everincreasing property taxes as school districts estimate higher budgets. Legislators have allowed this regressive system to continue far too long.

But last year was different. In November, Pennsylvania voters sent a clear mandate to eliminate property taxes by passing a referendum allowing for a 100 percent homestead exclu-

sion on the property tax. Now a financial solution to replace the school property tax is needed.

The Property Tax Independence Act, HB/SB 76, would completely eliminate school property taxes, shifting the way schools are funded through an increase in the income tax from 3.07 to 4.95 percent, and increasing and expanding the sales tax from 6 to 7

percent. Passing this legislation would expand the tax base and ensure all working individuals contribute to education in accordance with their income, including visitors to the state. Call your state senator and representative and urge them to pass this legislation.

Residents should let Avon Grove School Board know how they feel about project

Letter to the Editor:

The article in the January 31 edition of the Chester County Press titled “Avon Grove School Board set to begin deliberating facilities options” is a bit misleading by omission. It says that “more Than 81 percent of Listening Post Participants Surveyed Support the Facilities Input Group Recommendation,” which implies to the quick reader that there is overwhelming support in the community for that option. It is not mentioned that 73 percent of the participants were teachers, staff, and students. This leaves 27 percent to be categorized as community members, but most of these were parents.

The exact number of parents vs. non-parents in this group was not published, but there were more parents by a wide margin. It has become common place that Avon Grove School District committees and surveys are overwhelmingly represented by school insiders, and that community members are not represented in proportion to their numbers. Part of the problem is getting community members to stay involved, which includes retirement communities that block such communications.

The Avon Grove School District is gearing up for a large capital expansion which they advertised as costing “$99 per year for five years, based on a home

at the median assessed value of $169,600.” Many people took this to mean that the total community cost was $495 per household and could not understand why people are against it. It is because the real cost is more like $100 per year increasing to $500 in five years, then continuing for another 20 to 25 years at $500 for a total cost of about $225 million, including interest. This hurts the fixed income segment of the community. The project does a lot of things that are not required, but are wish list items, especially given that the school district is performing well. Another omission from this article is that on Jan. 20 at the School Board Retreat, it was agreed

that a new option will be developed to renovate the existing schools, starting with the high school, and not involve a new school. So much more could be said.

To stay up to date, visit the avongrove.org website to get information on how to contact your school board representative. I encourage community members to voice your opinions to the school board. Get their email at the school district website and go to the Board of Directors page, then hover on the name of your board member and look in the lower left corner at the popup.

Five things you’re doing that are compromising your online safety

By Dr. Eric Cole

Just like we work to improve our physical health and well-being, it’s also vitally important to improve our cyber health and keep ourselves safe from online danger. Here are five easy fixes to keep yourself cyber safe this year:

1. What You’re Doing: Clicking in Emails

What You Should Be Doing Instead: Never click on a link or email attachment, ever! Think of email as a text-only method of communication because nothing else about it is safe. It was never meant for transferring files, and links are probably not what they appear to be. Remember that email is the number one method that the adversary uses to get you to do their bidding. Unless you absolutely know that the email comes from someone you trust, don’t click! And even if it does come from someone you trust, be cautious if the link appears unusual or out of character for them. It could be an adversary pretending to be someone you know. Think about every click as possible doom.

2. What You’re Doing: Using Only One Credit Card

What You Should Be Doing Instead: There are many credit cards without annual fees that will be

more than happy to extend you credit. I recommend having at least 3 or 4 different cards that you use for different purposes. Ask for a low credit line on each – I’m certainly not recommending that you run up big bills on multiple cards! But having a separate card for different types of transactions reduces your risk and the effort needed if one card gets compromised. For example, have separate cards for online bill paying, online purchases, dining and entertainment, and travel. Never use a debit card except at the ATM – you have far less fraud and theft protection from your bank than you do from the credit card companies. Finally, enable real time text message alerts on your cards so that you know every time your card is used and don’t find out at the end of the month when you see unusual charges.

3. What You’re Doing: Using One Computer For All Your Cyber Activity

What You Should Be Doing Instead: With the price of computers dropping rapidly, you can’t afford NOT to have a separate “high risk” computer for your online activities such as email, web browsing, and shopping. On your “low risk” computer you can minimize online activity to encrypted transactions such as with your bank or credit card company. Unfortunately, it’s

likely that you’ll get compromised in the near future and it could take a long time, if ever, to recover your personal and financial files. That effort and heartache will cost a lot more than a couple hundred bucks for the second computer.

4. What You’re Doing: Using Pubic WiFi Without a VPN

What You Should Be Doing Instead: Every time you log on to an unprotected public network, everyone e lse on that network can see your computer or device. It’s like running naked through the mall shouting “Look at me!” — you will most certainly get noticed. Cover up! There is a simple type of application called a VPN, which stands for virtual private network. It sounds fancy, but what it really does is create a private tunnel to the Internet that your device can use without being seen. Every time you want to connect to the Internet in public, you fire up your VPN and you become invisible.

5. What You’re Doing: Using Weak Passwords

What You Should Be Doing Instead: I’ve always recommended switching to pass phrases where you create a strong password from a phrase that you’ll remember but that no one can guess. This is great if you only have a

few passwords to remember, because you don’t want to use the same pass phrase for multiple sites. But some people have hundreds of passwords for home and work, making it impossible to create unique phrases for each one and remember which is which. In these cases, consider using a password vault that will generate strong passwords for each site you use. You only need to remember the master password/pass phrase to unlock the vault, and then it will fill in your unique passwords as you visit different sites. Remember to lock your vault after each session, or have it time out after a couple of minutes. Bottom line, be smart about how you handle your online activity. Even if you adopt only one or two of these tips, you’ll be taking a big step toward being cyber safe this year and beyond.

Dr. Eric Cole is CEO of Secure Anchor, former CTO of McAfee and Lockheed Martin, member of the Commission on Cyber Security for President Obama, the security advisor for Bill Gates and his family, and author of a new book, Online Danger: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones From the Evil Side of the Internet. For more information, please visit, www.onlinedanger. com and connect with Dr. Cole on Twitter, @ drericcole.

Views of the town and city at Mala Galleria

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Mala Galleria in Kennett Square opened “Around Town” last weekend, exploring the color, vibrancy and architecture of town and city living. The results are wonderful, and the show has a depth that will reward prolonged browsing.

Right off the bat, there’s “Cherry Street,” a museumworthy, three-panel collage by Teresa Haag that’s layered over Chinese newspapers. The little bits of text peek out here and there in the dazzling jumble of signs and red walls. It’s a showstopper. Make sure you read the text panel about the Dave Matthews contribution to the work. The watercolors by veteran artist Jack Giangiulio are unmistakable, each one a happy dance of tilted rooflines and walls, rendered in lush, vibrant hues that echo the rush and energy of city life.

Rhoda Kahler is a major contributor, with dozens of small stoneware slabs imprinted with letters and shapes and dabs of color to convey city architecture. They work in every scale, from only a few inches wide in “City Block” and “Gear City,” to the monumental,

17-piece “Mist,” which fits together like a jigsaw puzzle to become a room-filling statement piece. Kahler’s sculptures – “Bulb,” “Cloud” and “Vessel” – are just as strong, with wonderfully textured surfaces.

Marie Wolfington Jones has a collection of oil paintings of traffic and intersections that are –believe it or not – luminously beautiful. The sheen of the resin coating on them gives the works a startlingly vivid quality, and they command attention.

Sarah Baptist paints in a sketchier, looser style, but finds beauty in the same sort of jumbled suburban sprawl. Her small “Buildings” has an Edward Hopper quality, and her larger paintings of places you might not think are worth capturing – “Yetter’s Liquors,” “Lukens Steel” or “Beeman Alley,” for instance – are depicted with loving attention to detail.

Brad Earl, a professional architect from the Chester Springs area, shows his acrylic paintings of historic buildings and vintage movie theaters – both real and imagined – and they are uniformly wonderful. He clearly has a deep love for the way buildings used to be, and his paintings celebrate their timeless style

in warm, glowing colors. “Cyclone” is a fabulous view of the vintage coaster, and “The Titanic Grill” finds a humorous juxtaposition of swordfish sign and the model of the Titanic in the window.

Earl’s movie palace portraits, “Closed for the Season,” “Late Night at the Globe,” “Afternoon Matinee” and others, are nostalgic views painted with just the right amount of

detail. They are masterfully done, and – like many other pieces in this show – will almost beg to come home with you.

Mala Galleria (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) hosts “Around Town” through Feb. 24. Call 484883-5429 or visit www. malagalleria.com. To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.

Oscar nominated short films to be screened in West Chester

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester will host “Oscar Nominated Short Films,” featuring the year’s most spectacular short films in both Live Action and Animation categories on the theater’s big screen. For more than a decade, ShortsTV has proudly brought this program to audiences across the globe. This year, it will be shown in more than 500 screens. The viewing will be Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m., beginning

with the Animated Shorts category, which is expected to last approximately 90 minutes. After a short break, Live Action Shorts follow for an additional 90 minutes. The audience see all five nominees in each of the two categories. The full program is expected to conclude by 10:30 p.m. Free popcorn will be provided, with sandwiches, snacks and beverages available for purchase in the Uptown! Bar. Tickets are $20 for the full program of ten

movies, and filmgoers are welcome to come and go as they like throughout the evening. Oscar Nominees for all categories were announced in late January. “Short films every year are just an amazing way to see new things that are happening in film,” Cable Channel ShortsTV CEO Carter Pilcher said. “You can get a much better sense of new techniques, new ways of storytelling.

The thing about going to watch a group of short films like the Oscar

nominees, they’re the top of the heap. You’re seeing the young talent coming through with new approaches, and new approaches to old ideas.”

Ballots will make it possible to tally the West Chester audience’s votes so they can be compared to official results. Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is at 226 N. High St., West Chester. Visit www. UptownWestChester. org, or call 610-356-ARTS.

RAYMOND G. NATALE, SR.

Raymond “Ray” G. Natale, Sr., 91, of West Grove, passed away on Jan. 30 at his home.

He was the husband of Catherine “Renie” Boyd Natale, who passed away in 2014, and with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Darby, Pa., he was the ninth of 13 children born to Frank and Susan (Della Vecchia) Natale. Ray was drafted in the Army in June 1944, making him the fifth Natale son serving simultaneously in World War II. He was first sent to Camp Hood in Texas for basic training on a tank destroyer, after which he was sent to Fort Jackson, S.C., where he was part of the 659th Field Artillery Battalion, as a truck driver. He traveled to England, then France, being assigned to drive a weapons carrier to Germany, and then to the Battle of the Ruhr Pocket, for which he received a battle star. After returning home in June of 1946, he went on to complete his education and then enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police in 1950. He proudly first served in Lancaster and then the Avondale barracks until his retirement as a Corporal in 1979.

Ray is survived by one son, Raymond Natale, Jr., and his girlfriend Dee Oliffe of West Grove; one daughter, Catherine Abernethy and her husband Jim of Landenberg; two grandchildren, Taylor and Austin Abernethy; one sister, Anne Cripe of Chadds Ford; and one brother, Donald Natale of Oxford.

In addition to his wife, Ray was predeceased by ten siblings.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 10:45 a.m. Feb. 7 at Assumption BVM Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. In memory of Ray, a contribution may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares. com.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

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Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

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

DOROTHY ELEANOR HALL CROMWELL

Dotorhy Eleanor Hall Cromwell, 93, of West Grove, fell asleep in death on Jan. 29 after several years of suffering with dementia.

She was born in Monkton, Md., and met and married Ed Cromwell in 1940. Ed preceded her in death in 2004, after 64 years of happy togetherness. The two moved to the Avon Grove/West Grove area, where together they raised their family. Dorothy had so many happy memories with her marriage, her children and her faith in Jehovah at the top of the list.

They have eight children, four sons-in-law, two daughtersin-law, 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, nine great-great-grandchildren, and a whole host of nieces, nephews, and spiritual brothers and sisters.

In 1956, Dorothy was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She spent 61 years sharing with others the Good News of God’s Kingdom. As a result, she had many letters of recommendation.

A visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses (3470 Gap Newport Pike, Chatham). Her memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Jehovah’s Witnesses (www.jw.org) or to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 East Marshall Street, Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380. To view her online tribute or to share a memory with family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JOHN W. WREN

John W. Wren, 96, of Duncannon, Pa., passed away on Jan. 25 at the Stonebridge Health and Rehab Center in Duncannon. Born in 1921 in Philadelphia, John was the son of the late John W. and Laura (Hamilton) Wren. He was married to Virginia (Ginnie) C. Wren. They were happily married for 69 years. John and Virginia had two children – a daughter, Deborah Townley with husband Phil of Duncannon, and a son John, also of Duncannon. John and Virginia have four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. John has a sister Margaret Michener of Oxford. He will be remembered with love as a wonderful husband, father, brother and grandfather. John was a Sargeant in the U.S. Army, where he served from 1945-1947 in Frankfurt, Germany. He was a Quaker and member of the West Grove Religious Society of Friends. He was a member of the New London Masonic Lodge 545. He recently received his 70-year pin and was a 32nd degree Mason. He also served on the Avon Grove School Board for 12 years. John owned and operated J.W. Wren Signs in West Grove for over 50 years. His signs covered many parts of the tri-state area. John loved tennis, which he taught and played until he was 85. He also enjoyed traveling.

Services will be held at a later date.

HAZEL IRENE HOWERY

Hazel Irene Howery, 89, of Oxford, formerly of Cecil County, Md., passed away on Jan. 25 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove. She was the wife of the late Robert L. Howery and was preceded in death by her first husband, Fred Rother.  Born in Farmington, Md., she was the daughter of the late Edward and Emma Sherron Eklund. Hazel was a past member of Bethel Methodist Church in North East. She was employed as a school bus driver for Jacob Tome School in North East. She enjoyed antique collecting and riding on motorcycles.

She is survived by one son, Fred R. Howery (Vanessa) of Oxford; two daughters, Nancy Settle (William) of Ocean View, Del., and Sandra Gonzalez of North East, Md.; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; and three sisters, Dorothy Rother of Elkton, Md., Anne Biddle of North East, Md., and Pete Thompson of Lewes, Del. She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Wanda Rivera.

A funeral was held Jan. 31. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

DAWN MICHELLE SMILEY

Dawn Michelle Smiley, 50, of Newark, Del., passed away on Jan. 27 at Christiana Hospital. She was born in Wilmington, Del., to Carl and Joan Robinson on Jan. 1, 1968. She graduated from Christiana High School in 1986. Dawn worked as a computer technician for MBNA for 17 years, followed by several years in the retail industry. Dawn loved nothing more than spending time with her family. She especially enjoyed going to Disney World, trips to the beach, and the park. Dawn cherished time playing cards and board games with her children, nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband, William McKay Smiley of Newark; her children, William McKay, Wayne Ephraime and wife Rachael Pentecost Smiley, and Anna Louise; her parents, Carl Wayne Robinson and Joan Louise Webb Robinson; brothers Carl Wayne Robinson, and Dennis Fount Robinson, Sr., and wife Robin Burgess Robinson; nephews and niece Dennis Fount Robinson, Jr., Jake Taylor Robinson and Isabella Rose Robinson; sisterin-law Barbara Ann Dale; nieces Desarie and Shantell Dale. She is also survived by her grandmother, Virginia Pearl Campbell Webb; and aunts and ungles Gail Webb Lowe, Diane Webb Howe, Denise Webb, Charlotte Webb Cain, John D. Webb and Drs. Faye Robinson and Russell Gordon Doyle. A funeral was held Feb. 2. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Feb.

pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, fruit, roasted potates, dried beef gravy and more. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10. Call 610-932-9698 for more information.

March 3

Chocolate Festival

The Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) hosts the fifth annual Chocolate Festival on March 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. For $5, patrons will get six tickets, allowing six samples of chocolate treats (additional tickets are 50 cents each). Local bakers are encouraged to enter the contest, which will include cakes and cupcakes, cookies, candy and fudge, brownies and other desserts. Awards will be given. Call 610-932-9698 for more information.

Through April 27

Dance lessons

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 W. Locust St., Oxford) hosts dance lessons by Shirley Mackey on Feb. 16, March 2, 16 and 30, and April 13 and 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. She will teach an assortment of popular line dances such as the Electric Slide, Cha Cha, Boot Scootin’ Boogie and more. Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome. The cost is $5 per class/per person. Call 610932-5244 or email oxsrctr@ zoominternet.net.

Feb. 10

Kennett teachers take on Wizards Kennett School District teachers play the Harlem Wizards on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. in Kennett High School’s Reynolds Gymnasium. Doors open at 5 p.m. The Wizards are a performance basketball team that entertains the crowd with a variety of basketball tricks. Advance tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults at www.HarlemWizards.com. Tickets can also be purchased by emailing requests to khsminithon2018@gmail. com. Proceeds benefit Kennett High School’s MiniTHON, a club based that fundraises to support Four Diamonds, an organization dedicated to funding research for childhood cancer and helping afflicted families.??Feb. 11?Chocolate Festival?The Kennett Chocolate Lovers Festival will be held Feb. 11

Through Feb. 10

Lincoln Visual Arts Exhibit

The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts the Lincoln University Visual Arts Exhibit through Feb. 10. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.oxfordart.org for more information.

Through Feb. 24

‘Around Town’

Mala Galleria (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) presents “Around Town,” with city and town views by Teresa Haag,

from 1 to 3 p.m. (Connoisseur tickets from noon to 1 p.m.) at Kennett High School (100 E. South St., Kennett Square). There will be hundreds of chocolate treats including cakes, brownies, candies, cookies and cupcakes to benefit United Way of Southern Chester County. General admission is $10 per person, including six tastings ($30 for a family of four).

Parking is $5. Connoisseur tickets allow admission at noon. They are $25 per person or $45 for two people (includes beverages and parking). Visit www.KennettChocolate.org.

Feb. 11

Record Collectors show The Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway, Lancaster, next to Dutch Wonderland) hosts the monthly Keystone Record Collectors Music Expo on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dealers will buy, sell and trade music memorabilia, CDs and records from all eras. Admission and parking are free. Call 610-932-7852 or visit www.recordcollectors. org.

Feb. 16

One-man band

The Uptown! Knauer

Performing Arts Center (226 N. High St., West Chester) presents Frederick J. One Man Band on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Frederick plays piano and drums and sings simultaneously in a humorous evening of song.

Tickets are $15. The event is part of Philadelphia

Jack Giangiulio, Rhoda Kahler, Marie Wolfington Jones, Sarah Baptist and Brad Earl, through Feb. 24. Call 484-883-5429 or visit www.malagalleria.com.

Through Feb. 24 Group Show

The Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) hosts a show of paintings by Marlene Dubin, Elaine Lisle and Mary Ann Weselyk through Feb. 24. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www.stationgallery.net.

Feb. 11 to March 4 ‘Any Body’

Theatre Week. Visit www. theatrephiladelphia.org, www. UptownWestChester.org, or call 610-356-2787.

Feb. 19

Free CPR class

Longwood Fire Company is offering two free CPR classes on Feb. 19 at the station. Staff will be conducting the hands-only classes at 4:30 and 5:45 p.m. The station is at 1001 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square. The classes are open to the public and are free. Registering for the class is recommended but not necessary. To register, visit www.chestercountyhospital. org/wellness, email EMS@ longwoodfireco.com, or call the firehouse at 610-388-6880 or Chester County Hospital at 610-738-2300.

Feb. 24

Kennett Winterfest

Broad Street in Kennett Square will be the site of the annual Kennett Winterfest on Feb. 24 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. The event features unlimited beer tastings from 60 breweries, music by Shady Groove, food trucks and a warm-up tent. No one under 21 admitted. The event will be held rain, show or shine. Tickets are $60 ($15 for designated drivers). For tickets and more information, visit www.kennettwinterfest.com.

Feb. 24

Willowdale fundraiser JUMP for Willowdale, an exuberant evening in the spirit of Carnival, will be held Feb. 24 from 8 to 11

Bookplace Gallery (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) presents “Any Body,” a show highlighting the human figure, from Feb. 11 to March 4. Artists include Ruth Ansel, Lisa Bartolozzi, Jill Beech, Mark Bockrath, Marijke van Bucem, Reenie Chase, Alex Cohen, Gillian Pederson-Krag, Georgia Ellis, Harold Kalmus, Meinrad Lekie, E.M. Saniga, Steven Tanis, Vicki Vinton, and Denise Young. A reception will be held Feb. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. The gallery is open Friday

p.m. at the Yellow House on the steeplechase Grounds. Guests will enjoy music by DJ Freeze and silent bidding on a few special auction items. Proceeds from JUMP will help fund the Willowdale races, which raise money for the Stroud Water Research Center, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center, and Quest Therapeutic Services, Inc. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.willowdale.org or call 610-444-1582.

Feb. 28

Gardening class

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) hosts a gardening program with Steve Seivwright, a landscaper with 43 years of experience, on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. He will discuss the benefits of composting, correct watering methods, the importance of sunlight and using raised beds. For those that don’t have garden space, gardening in pots will be taught. The program si free and includes seeds for planting. For reservations, call 610-932-5244 or email oxsrctr@zoominternet.net.

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

through Sunday. Visit www. bookplaceoxford.com.

Feb. 16 to March 10

Paintings by Dave Eldreth

The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts a show of abstract paintings by David Eldreth from Feb. 16 to March 10. A reception will be held Feb. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. Eldreth will discuss his work in the gallery on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.oxfordart.org for more information.

Plunge

Some people hate winter and some people embrace it, but few celebrate the season like the people who take part in the annual Polar Plunge, which is scheduled Feb. 10 at the Brandywine Picnic Park in West Chester. This is the 10th annual event that’s hosted by the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance to raise awareness about their conservation work in the Brandywine and Red Clay watersheds. Since 2008, nearly 1,600 people have taken the plunge into the Brandywine Creek to raise nearly $140,000 to protect and conserve our region’s natural resources. The Polar Plunge is one of BRC’s major fundraisers to offset the cost of its environmental education programs reaching nearly 12,000 school students per year. The registration fee is $25 for students and $35 for adults. Participants also collect additional donations from friends and family in towards the clean water effort. The first 200 participants to register are guaranteed an official 2018 long sleeve T-shirt to commemorate the event. Team participation is encouraged. Prizes are awarded to: top individual fundraiser, largest group, group raising the most funds, best costume and special awards to recognize community service clubs.

The event starts at 10 a.m. with registration, with participants hitting the water at 11:30 a.m. It is held at Brandywine Picnic Park (690 S. Creek Road, West Chester). More information and registration is available at www. brandywineredclay. org.?The Polar Plunge is presented by Flyway Excavating, Inc. Support is also provided by Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning, Longwood Rotary/ Unionville High School Interact, WSFS Bank, Hickory House Catering, Brandywine Picnic Park, Meadow Springs Farm, Draper & Kramer Mortgage Co., Champion Specialty Advertising, Embreeville Mill, The Kennett Paper, Aztec Printing, Del Bittle Music, McGovern Septic Services, Solitude Lake Management, Christiana Truck Stop, Sotheby’s International Realty-Brandywine Fine Properties and Trail Creek Outfitters.

Volunteers sought for basketball league for children with disabilities

By John Chambless Staff Writer

A new community recreational basketball league for children with disabilities is taking its first steps this month, and the public is being asked to lend a hand.

Unionville-Chadds Ford School District

superintendent John Sanville sent an email to district parents last week outlining the new program and soliciting help.

“Our schools and our community are focused on a common aim of doing what is best for children,” Sanville wrote. “We feel strongly that every child needs space and time to grow, nurtured by great opportunities and loving support.”

The new program, which is being run by KAU Little League and Unionville Recreation Association, will provide an opportunity for children with cognitive and developmental disabilities, between the ages of 6 and 18, to play basketball. Each team will have an assigned

coach and volunteers.

The school district is looking for “Buddies” to assist team members at practices and games.

The season is just beginning and will last six weeks, until about March 17. Three games will be played at Kennett and three games will be played at Unionville facilities. Games will be played either on a Saturday or Sunday. Based on the enrollment numbers, teams will be matched or evenly distributed by age.

Sanville said that each game will require six volunteers, in addition to coaches. Needed are two referees (“preferably high school basketball players,” Sanville wrote), two scorers –one for the book and one for the time clock, and two game helpers. The helper will be on the court to guide and instruct players as needed.

The teams will practice once a week, either at Kennett or Unionville High School.

“Each game will be in

eight-minute quarters, with a running clock and an eight-minute half time,” Sanville explained. “Referees are instructed to call fouls but manage the flow of the game to the best of their abilities. Game basketballs will be supplied by the league.”

Each participant will get a jersey, and the league fee will be $25 per player.

“This is the first year for this program and we will need volunteers, coaches and supporters and sponsors to get this program up and running,” Sanville wrote, adding that students can get service hours for volunteering.

For more information, contact Matt Patterson at Kennett Conoslidated School District at 610613 8558, or John Daly of the Unionville Recreation Association at 302-650 9027. More information is also available at www. urasports.com.

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

Local champ ‘Moe Train’ places fifth in Wing Bowl

Sure, the Eagles winning the Super Bowl was one thing, but for Monty “Moe Train” Wiradilaga, the Wing Bowl on Feb. 2 was a pretty big deal, too.

The professional competitive eater, who lives in Kennett Square, managed to consume 250 chicken wings at the annual binge-eating blowout inside the Wells Fargo Center, but that wasn’t enough for victory. Molly Schuyler won the event for the third year, putting away 501 wings to take the championship and the $5,000 cash prize. Local hero Moe Train came in fifth.

About 20,000 people turned out for the competition that is always held two days before the

Super Bowl, and with Eagles fever burning brightly, the event was especially spirited – or debauched, depending on your point of view.

The final standings were:

Chester County District

Attorney Tom Hogan was joined by law enforcement from around Chester County on Feb. 2 for the annual law enforcement officer of the year awards ceremony, the LEO Award. The ceremony this year was in the Chester County Justice Center in West Chester.

This year’s LEO Award recipients were Tom Hyland and Ryan Murtagh. Hyland works for the Phoenixville Police Department. Murtagh works for the Parkesburg Police Department and the Downingtown Police Department.

Hyland and Murtagh received the LEO Award for outstanding work in fighting the heroin and opioid crisis. They were part of the team that led Operation Wildfire in Chester County, a targeted law enforcement sweep that arrested over 40 heroin/ opioid dealers throughout the county. Hyland and Murtagh, with the backing of their police chiefs, then continued their partnership, working with law enforcement throughout Chester County.

“Tom Hyland and Ryan Murtagh are well deserving of the LEO Award,” Hogan said. “Their hard work, teamwork and relentless intensity make them model police officers. They are a credit to their police departments and Chester County law enforcement.”

Detective Jim Ciliberto was named Chester County Detective of the Year. A veteran investigator for the Pennsylvania State Police before he joined the Chester County Detectives, he was the lead investigator in the Scotty McMillan murder case, where a 3-year-old was beaten to

death by his mother’s boyfriend and his mother. Ciliberto also has been a key investigator in multiple other child abuse cases and adult homicide cases.

Deputy District Attorney Erik Walschburger was named Prosecutor of the Year. He is the prosecutor in charge of all diversionary programs in Chester County, including Drug Court, Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition, Mental Health Court and Veteran’s Court. Walschburger was praised for his commitment, expertise, and compassion in handling these diversionary programs.

The West Chester Fire Department received a special District Attorney’s Commendation for their work in responding to the Barclay Friends Home fire. Firefighters responded to the blaze on Nov. 16 and were part of the team that saved 133 residents from the deadly fire. WCFD is comprised of three volunteer fire companies: Fame Fire Company, Good Will Fire Company, and First West Chester Fire Company. Former WCFD Chief Mike McDonald and current WCFD Chief Jonathan Stafford accepted the commendation on behalf of all of the responding firefighters.

“The firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who risked their lives to save the Barclay Friends residents from this fire showed the highest degree of heroism,” Hogan said. “We all appreciate their professionalism and bravery. It is even more impressive that they are allvolunteer fire companies, doing this work solely for the reward of protecting Chester County.”

Landenberg woman honored by School Nutrition Foundation

Landenberg resident Paula Angelucci, the child nutrition director of the Colonial School District in New Castle, Del., was one of only five professionals in the United States to be named a School Nutrition Hero for 2018, by the national nonprofit School Nutrition Foundation (SNF).

The SNF is dedicated to securing financial resources for education, professional development, scholarships and research in school nutrition. SNF focuses on providing the resources that educate and empower SNA members to provide highquality, low-cost meals to students across the nation to foster an environment where children achieve overall wellness and lifelong success.

Nominated by her peers, Angelucci was chosen by SNF to represent the many professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving the needs of school children and the community. She has worked for more than 30 years to provide a healthy environment for students of

IDENTITY THEFT

On Jan. 17, Kennett Square Police got a report of identity theft from a resident, who told police that after their parent passed away in early January, they began getting phone calls about purchases made and credit card applications submitted in their parent’s name. Apple called about a large purchase, Paypal thanked

the 14 schools in the Colonial School District (CSD). With her leadership, CSD won the Great American School Cooking Challenge in 2013. The district was also the first in Delaware to be awarded the USDA HealthierUS School Challenge Gold Award in 12 of the district’s 14 schools.

In addition to her role at CSD, Angelucci is also a steering committee member of the Food Bank of Delaware Anti-Hunger Coalition, where she works to ensure that local children and families never go hungry. The Food Bank of Delaware named Paula Advocate of the Year in 2016.

Over the years, she has combined her commitment to local food banks with her dedicated work in school food service at CSD. Paula initiated six new schoolbased food banks – more than any other district in the state of Delaware. Through her efforts, CSD was one of the first districts in the state to implement mobile feeding in the Summer Food Service Program. The

them for opening an account, two credit card applications were submitted to Kohl’s, a nightstand and dresser were purchased at Ginny’s Department Store, a credit card application was submitted to Barclaycard, applications for credit were submitted to Hot Topic, Overstock.com and Wayfair. The investigation is continuing.

DOMESTIC HARASSMENT

On Jan. 10, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale responded to a home in the

mobile “Colonial Care-AVan” brings lunches to four apartment complexes and the local farmers’ market during the summer months when students are out of school.

Angelucci also works with a non-profit agency, Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids, and has initiated five school gardens, as well as coordinates the highly regarded Farm to School Program, having received a USDA Farm to School Grant in 2015 and a “One in a Melon Award” for an outstanding Farm to School program in 2016.

“Paula never says no. She accepts any challenge to provide the best to the students she serves,” said Karen Giery, Delaware Department of Education Field Agent.

“Under Paula’s leadership, Colonial School District has one of the most robust Farm to School programs. Students at William Penn High School learn and participate in   farming at the state’s historic Penn Farm. Harvested products are utilized in Colonial’s cafeterias and highlighted by the nutrition staff. Paula also plans Farm to School events each year and invites the community leaders to participate.”  Angelucci and her peers will be recognized at SNF’s Celebration of School Nutrition Heroes, during School Nutrition Association’s 46th Legislative Action Conference in Washington, DC in March. The annual Celebration is SNF’s signature and sole fundraising event to support the Foundation’s education, research and scholarships for school nutrition professionals.

1000 block of Wickerton Road in Franklin Township, where they learned that a 35-year-old woman from Elkton, Md., had hit a 45-year-old Landenberg man with a car after the man had punched the woman in the back several times while she was sleeping. Charges of harassment were filed against each person.

CAR BREAK-INS

Two cars were burglarized in London Grove Township on Jan. 27, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Police said a car

at 128 Radence Lane was entered but nothing was stolen. Another car at 3 Wreath Lane was entered and about $100 in jewelry was taken.

BURGLARY

Overnight on Jan. 26, someone entered an unlocked garage in London Grove Township and took an air compressor. The burglar then went through an unlocked vehicle that was parked in the garage but took only some change, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

$37.99 peradult/$18.99 children 12 and under Seating times 5:30 & 7:00pm Featuring Champagne Hand Carved Prime Rib 5oz LobsterTail (Served toTable - 1 per person) Raw Bar - Local Bay Oysters•Top Neck Clams Sushi & Shrimp Lejon•Shrimp Scampi•Chicken Cordon Bleu Blackened Rockfish (with Lobster Cream Sauce) Fried Oysters•Mini Crab Cakes•Stuffed Crab Shells SeafoodAlfredo•Cod Imperial•Steamed Clams & Mussels Fried Shrimp•Coconut Shrimp Clams Casino•Broiled Oysters Potatoes &Vegetables Soup and SaladTable DessertTable Featuring: Cherry Crisp, Banana’s Foster, Strawberry Cheesecake for two Hand Dipped Ice Cream withToppingsTable

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PA 19465, Administrator. Charles Rick, Esq., Rick Linn, LLC, 933 N. Charlotte St., Suite 3B, Pottstown, PA 19464 1p-24-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Joseph P. Chamberlain, Grace R. Chamberlain and Glenda M. Patrick, Co-Executors of the Estate of Joseph G. Chamberlain, whose last address was Oxford, Chester County, PA. Any person having a claim to this Estate is asked to make same c/o R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, PO Box 296, Oxford, PA 19363.

1p-31-3t

INCORPORATION

NOTICES

CARSELLO ANESTHESIA SERVICES

INC. has been incorporated under the provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law of 1988. 2p-7-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Russell Thayer Landis, late of Penn Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Russell Thayer Landis having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Douglas Scott Landis, Executor c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 381 Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610-932-3838 2p-7-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Clara Jane Pletcher, late of Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said Clara Jane Pletcher, decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Scott N. Pletcher, Executor, c/o Emily K. Dietrich Witmer, Esq., Dietrich Witmer LLC, 221 W. High St. Suite 900, Bellefonte, PA 16823 2p-7-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Doris M. Bachman, also known as Doris Mae Bachman, late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Doris M. Bachman having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Richard A. Bachman, Executor, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire 208 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363 Phone: 610-932-3838

2p-7-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Robert A. McMillan, late of Penn Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Robert A. McMillan having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Jane Freeman, Co-Executrix and Ruth Ann Sumner, Co-Executrix, c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust St., P.O. Box 381 Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610-932-3838 2p-7-3t

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

ESTATE OF Harold J. Nichols, late of Oxford Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania, Deceased. Letters of Administration on the estate of the above named Harold J. Nichols, having been granted to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Attorney: Shaun E. O’Toole, 220 Pine Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101. 2p-7-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, 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 15th, 2018 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 19th, 2018. 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. 18-2-55 Writ of Execution No. 2015-09694 DEBT $1,085,103.97

PROPERTY situate in the Avondale

SALE

Chadds Ford Historical Society hosts fundraiser at Hank’s Place

On Feb. 11, the Chadds Ford Historical Society will be hosting their annual fundraising dining event at Hank’s Place restaurant.

The fundraiser, called “Hankering for History,” will be held from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A portion of the day’s sales will be donated to the society to support its mission of history, education and preservation.

The Historical Society will be in attendance throughout

Sunday’s event to share information about the Chadds Ford Historical Society and the history of the area. The Historical Society preserves several local historic buildings including the home of town namesakes, John and Elizabeth Chads. The Society also hosts popular programs and events like Tavern Talks and the Great Pumpkin Carve.

Hank’s Place is currently owned and operated by Katie

and Anthony Young. Known for their home-style cooking and frequented by both locals and visitors, Hank’s Place serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Hank’s Place is located at the corner of Baltimore Pike (Route 1) and Creek Road (Route 100) in Chadds Ford. For more information about the “Hankering for History” fundraising event, visitwww. chaddsfordhistory.org.

Hagley Museum hosts Valentine’s Day event

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with loved ones at Hagley Museum during Victorine’s Valentine’s Day event on Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors can enjoy making Valentine’s Day cards and crafts, writing Valentine verses with a quill pen, snacking on hot chocolate and gingerbread hearts, and having their picture taken with “Victorine du Pont.”

Visitors can also see how chocolate is made, with demonstrations taking place by Arden-based chocolate makers Double Spiral Chocolate.

Owners Stuart and Mhairi Craig will show visitors how they use cacao beans and unrefined cane sugar to create delicious, simple dark chocolate bars.

During Victorine’s Valentine’s Day, visitors are invited to stop in the Gibbons House to learn how food was

cooked and how families lived in the 19th century. Visitors can taste gingerbread hearts baked in the wood stove. In Hagley’s Power Plant building in the Powder Yard, visitors are invited to get creative at the hot cocoa bar with whipped cream, chocolate chips, and other tasty treats.

Hagley’s Valentine’s Day event celebrates the life and legacy of Victorine du Pont Bauduy (1792-1861), the eldest daughter of the DuPont Company’s founder, E.I. du Pont. Victorine spent time as superintendent of the Brandywine Manufacturers’ Sunday school during the 19th century. She lost the love of her life only ten weeks after her marriage, but she found love again in her passion for teaching.

In the Brandywine Manufacturers’ Sunday

School, visitors can experience what school was like in the 19th century. Lennie Spitale, a Hagley volunteer with vast knowledge about Victorine, will be in the school during the event to talk to visitors about this remarkable woman.

In the Power Plant, a Hagley volunteer will be dressed as “Victorine” and visitors will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with her. Visitors are encouraged to share their photos with “Victorine” to Hagley’s social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Victorine’s Valentine’s Day is included in the cost of museum admission and is free for members. This is a drop-in activity, and visitors are welcome to join the fun at any time from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.hagley.org for updates.

World Cafe Live unites with Uptown in West Chester

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center and World Cafe Live have announced a partnership, bringing classic artists to West Chester’s new theater. World Cafe Live is an independent music venue in the University City District of Philadelphia. WCL has been offering the best local, national and international artists on two stages since 2004. In early 2017, they announced the World

Cafe Live Presents initiative, bringing concerts and events to other venues in the region. Their first collaboration, Live at the Fillmore, is on Feb. 23. Recognized as the definitive tribute to the original Allman Brothers Band, Live at the Fillmore recreates their music and style with unparalleled authenticity.

Tom Rush follows as the second World Cafe Live/ Uptown! show. An American

music icon, Rush has had a profound impact on generations of artists such as James Taylor, Tom Petty, Emmylou Harris and Joni Mitchell.

More World Cafe Live at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center presentations will be announced. Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is near parking and restaurants at 226 N. High St., West Chester. Visit www.uptownwestchester.org, or call 610-356-ARTS.

Alma Newlin Fund scholarships available

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 graduating high school seniors who are preparing for careers in the human health care field; help adult students seeking higher

education in human health care, or go to 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 bequest from the 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 UnionvilleChadds 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 Feb. 28 (all required documents postmarked on or before Feb. 28).

Kennett Square woman wins ‘Foodtography’ contest

A Kennett Square woman has won the grand prize in Eggland’s “Best Foodtography” contest, taking home a $5,000 prize.

Lisa Keys, a former Food Network “Chopped” champion, won the contest with her Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie Bowl Cake recipe.

“Creating my Fruit & Yogurt Smoothie Bowl Cake recipe for the Eggland’s Best ‘Foodtography’ Contest has been so much fun, and I’m extremely excited to be named the Grand Prize Winner,” Keys said. “I’m a huge fan of Eggland’s Best.”

The contest challenged people to submit photos of their most delicious Eggland’s Best dishes. Lisa’s eye-catching cake was inspired by the latest trends in smoothie bowls. Fruit and yogurt smoothies are a popular dish in her household, so she decided to take it to the next level by creating a cake using Eggland’s Best eggs. “The number of top-quality submissions received in our first-ever ‘Foodtography’ Contest was astounding, and we are extremely pleased to congratulate Lisa Keys on being our Grand Prize Winner,” said Charlie Lanktree, President and

CEO of Eggland’s Best. “The contest showcased the talent of our EB fans, who appreciate the better taste, nutrition, quality, and freshness of Eggland’s Best eggs, that can make any recipe better.” Photos were judged based on photographic quality, creativity and originality. Semi-finalists winners were first selected, and then narrowed down to the top four finalists through consumer voting on the EB website. Eggland’s Best then called on fans again to help determine which of the four finalist photos would earn the title of Grand Prize Winner.

1st

•Grand Prize Basket from Harvest Market ($100 value)

•$110 Gift Card to Churrascaria Saudades Brazilian Steakhouse

•$50 Gift Certificate towards Furniture at Martin Furniture

•11x14 Canvas Print ($89 value) from Cardinal Camera

•2 passes to the 2018 Summer Concert Series at Paradocx Vineyard (over $200 value)

•Special Treetops Kitty Café Merchandise

•$50 Gift Card for Harvest Market

•$75 Gift Card to Churrascaria Saudades Brazilian Steakhouse

•$25 Gift Certificate towards Furniture at Martin Furniture

• from Cardinal Camera Fuji Intax mini 25 camera ($69 value)

•A Paradocx Wine tasting for 2 at Paradocx Vineyard ($40 value)

•A VIP pass for two from Treetops Kitty Café 2nd

3rd

• One Chocolate Bar every month for a Year from Harvest Market

•$50 Gift Card to Churrascaria Saudades Brazilian Steakhouse

•$25 Gift Certificate towards Furniture at Martin Furniture

•Premium photo book of your favorite photos ($49.99 value)from Cardinal Camera •2 free flights from the Market at Liberty Square or Paradocx Vineyard ($24 value)

•Frequent Feline "Fur"iend Rewards Card from Treetops Kitty Café