Chester County Press 03-01-17 Edition

Initial designs for new police facility unveiled

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

For the first time, those who attended the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 21 got to see the first sketches of a dream in the making.

Sean Goodrick and Jason McGuire of the Wilmingtonbased architectural design firm Tevebaugh Associates gave a presentation that essentially cracked open the doors to the planned facility on Route 41 that will eventually serve as the headquarters of the newly formed Southern Chester County Regional Police Department. Using preliminary floor plans – designed from scratch through consultation with Police Chief

Jason McGuire of the architectural design firm Tevebaugh Associates gave a presentation at New Garden Township on Feb. 21 that displayed initial designs for the new police facility that will become the headquarters of the newly formed Southern Chester County Regional Police Department.

Gerald Simpson and Deputy Chief Michael King – Goodrick and McGuire walked the audience

Patton Middle School principal promoted to district position

Timothy Hoffman will serve out his term until the end of the school year

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Patton Middle School principal Timothy Hoffman has been named the new District Director of Curriculum and Instruction in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, and the school board approved his hiring at their Feb. 27 meeting.

Hoffman will serve out his year at the middle school while transitioning to his new position, which pays $155,000 per year. The hiring process for a new principal to replace him will begin soon.

District superintendent John Sanville said there were more than 50 applicants for the Curriculum Director position, from inside and

outside the school district.

“I can tell you that on every step along the way, Tim was the leader,” Sanville said.

“After a rigorous process that had four interviews, we are happy to have Tim on board. There’s a lot of folks at the middle school who are sad and sorry to see him go, but we are thrilled that we still have him here in the district.”

Board member Jeff Hellrung noted that with recent staffing shifts in the district, “the net effect in salaries will be within about 1 percent once we fill that last position, compared to what we had before. So there will be no significant budget implications for these four recent changes, which hopefully are complete.”

During public comment,

through what will become an 11,716-square-foot, single-story, L-shaped facility

Police recommend solutions for speed, traffic on Newark Road

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On Feb. 21, Gary Liska stood before the New Garden Board of Supervisors and gave them a brief summary of his professional career, which has required him to move several times.

He told them that of all of these places, the home where he lives with his family now – on the 300 block of Newark Road in the township – by far the most dangerous of all of them.

“I say that with certainty,” he said.

Liska had come to the board meeting to speak on behalf of his neighbors,

many of whom have complained that Newark Road is no longer a country road that begins in Hockessin and ends just south of Coatesville. It has become a speedway of cars and trucks – an Autobahn for New Garden Township. Last year, Liska took his complaint to Gerald Simpson, chief of police for the new Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, who put together a study in order to provide recommendations on how Newark Road can be improved.

Sgt. Joseph Greenwalt, who headed the study, told the supervisors that his

Tapping into tasting

former school board member Holly Manzone addressed the board. “Dr. Sanville, last month, in recognition of school directors month, you said ‘I’ve been working with the district since 2007, and with very few exceptions, I can tell you that the folks who have sat around this table have been really hard-working, dedicated people,’” Manzone said. “I would like to know which school directors have been less than honest and hardworking, and on what basis

Interest in new kindergarten program soars in Avon Grove

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Avon Grove School District will be launching its new full-day kindergarten program to start the 2017-2018 school year, and so far families in the community are expressing a lot of interest in the program.

At the Feb. 23 school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese informed the school board that so far there have been 222 registration appointments for the full-day kindergarten program. For the sake of comparison, there were 145 registration appointments at this time last year.

The district has been working for months to get parents to register their children for kindergarten early this year so that the transition from a half-day to a

full-day program goes as smoothly as possible.

Marchese said that the number of registration appointments so far indicates that there is increased interest in the full-day kindergarten program.

District officials have discussed implementing a full-day kindergarten program for a long time, but it was just within the last two to three years that the concept gained momentum. The district’s top administrators want to offer full-day kindergarten to students because it will provide increased instructional time and learning opportunities for students. The additional learning opportunities will benefit students who have under-performed early in their academic careers, and give them a stronger foundation to build on as they move through the elemen-

tary grades. Avon Grove will now be able to offer more interventions and supports to young learners who might otherwise fall behind in their academic growth.

By offering full-day kindergarten, Avon Grove will have a competitive program with charter schools and private schools in the area. District officials expect enrollment to grow as a result of the kindergarten program.

In other business at the meeting, the Avon Grove School Board approved a new dual enrollment agreement with West Chester University.

Marchese explained that the agreement will offer another good option for Avon Grove students. High school students will be able to begin earning college credits by taking courses

you impugn the character of those individuals.

“Throughout your tenure as superintendent, you’ve been plagued with complaints about bullying,” Manzone continued. “Do you even understand what bullying is? You can learn about it through the Olweus program that we have been spending thousands of dollars on. What you’ll find is that physical bullying is obvious, but there is also verbal bullying and social bullying, which includes

things like spreading rumors about someone, or embarrassing someone in public. Your comment about school directors falls into this category.

“But it is not an isolated incident,” she continued. “There are plenty of examples. Maybe your comments were not intended to be hurtful. Maybe they were just a thoughtless choice of words. As the leader of this fine school district, you are in a position of power. If it’s

State surcharge should spare regional police

By Uncle Irvin

I’m no fan of Gov. Tom Wolf, but he has come up with a worthwhile tax for municipalities without a local police force.

The state’s going broke. Republican legislators will not raise broad-based taxes, the state police budget is constantly rising because crime is increasing in rural/suburban areas covered solely by the state police, and local supervisors are not setting up their own or regional police forces at a fast enough pace.

The preferable alternative is that supervisors set up their own local force, or more appropriately, initiate regional forces

like New Garden/West Grove just did. Large, growing townships, like London Grove, Penn, and East Nottingham, need local policing right now. All these townships are sitting on large tax ratables and miniscule millage, and demanding more of the state police. Under Gov. Wolf’s plan, these townships will be paying annual taxes and have no control over the state police. They need to wise up and set up their own forces, remaining in control and offering residents better, more responsive police. Kennett and East Marlborough townships should re-explore

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to begin construction in 2018, on the site where the now-closed New Garden Township Police Department’s barracks and temporary offices are located.

The facility will include a 400-square-foot lobby and a 540-square-foot community multi-purpose room; a secure administration area, which will include offices and a conference room; a detective bureau area and interview and testing rooms; storage and locker rooms; and holding cells and two sally ports for transportation of the incarcerated and storage of vehicles retained as evidence.

Tevebaugh Associates is not coming to the design of this new police facility wet behind the ears. An awardwinning firm, it designed the 128,000-square-foot

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observation of Newark Road -- in particular, the expanse between Route 41 and Broad Run Road -- was that it is riddled with a confusing inconsistency of miles-per-hour signage, exacerbated by a high volume of traffic, dangerous curves and hidden driveways.

The speed limit in this portion of Newark Road changes three times in the quarter-mile distance between the 500 block and the 300 block, Greenwalt observed.

“If you go back to the area of Route 41 and Newark in the 700 block, it starts out as 45 miles per hour,”

Paul J. Sweeney Public Safety Building in New Castle, Del., which houses all public safety operations in New Castle County; and the 22,000-square-foot public safety building in Rehoboth.

Goodrick said that the formation of the facility’s design came from several meetings he and McGuire had with Simpson, King and members of the regional unit, as well as visits to the New Castle County public safety facility, and conversations with the Newark Police Department, where Simpson once served.

For now, the new facility will comfortably be able to accommodate the 23 officers and administrators who make up the regional police department. While the initial step in the formation of the department called for the merger of the New Garden and West

he said. “As you continue southbound and get into the 400 block, it slows down to 40 miles per hour. When you get into Mr. Liska’s block, it drops down to 35 miles per hour. If you go all the way to the 100 block, as you near Delaware, it does just the opposite.

“In my opinion, to the people passing through, it provides them with a lot of inconsistencies, and it makes it very hard for us to enforce speed limits, because in a quarter mile, the speed limit changes three times.”

Greenwalt suggested that the supervisors encourage PennDOT to establish Newark Road as 35-mileper-hour zone from Route

Grove units, the backburner goal of the unit is to expand, by welcoming other local police departments into the regional policing concept.

So, is the new facility being designed to accommodate that projected growth?

“[What if] all of a sudden, as a regional police entity, we add a couple more municipalities,” supervisor Randy Geouque asked. “Will we be adding on another few million dollars [to the cost of expanding the facility], in order to accommodate ten more officers?”

Adding an additional municipality’s force to the regional unit would fit well within the current design, Simpson told Geouque.

“Where we may be adding [officers], we will not be taking away from the interior space that

41 southbound to Route 7 in Hockessin. Greenwalt also recommended the purchase of a speed monitoring signage device near the 300 block of Newark Road, that can indicate to drivers what speed they are driving. He said that the advantage of the signage -- which is estimated at $3,500 for a battery-powered sign and the $4,200 for a solar-powered sign -- is that they can be moved to different locations along Newark Road.

“If we put it in the 400 block, and someone comes whipping down, sees the signage, and sees that they’re driving 48 miles per hour in a 35-mile-anhour zone, they’re going

we need,” Simpson said. “I feel confident that the floor plan that we have is good for encouraging other partnerships in the regional police, for some time.”

Before construction begins, McGuire said that the former site of the New Garden Township Police, now closed due to mold infestation, will be demolished and the temporary police facility – connected trailers – will be moved off the site. Simpson said that while the new facility is being built, the regional unit will use temporary space.

McGuire said that the design and construction for the facility will go out for bidding this summer, and estimated that construction should be completed by October 2018

“This has been a long process for the officers,” Simpson said. “In the six

to pump the brakes before they get to the 300 block,” he said.

A one-week traffic study conducted in 2016 by the New Garden Township police reported that 34,000 vehicles drove past the 300 block of Newark Road during that time, and of that number, 7.8 percent exceeded the required speed, to the point where the township police could issue a speeding ticket. The combined average speed of those vehicles was 43 miles per hour.

Simpson said that last year, the police engaged local residents in a discussion about the traffic along Newark Road, and many of their complaints also

years I’ve been here, the most energy we’ve put behind this has been in the last six months. Jason and Shawn have been very helpful in taking the information we’ve given them and putting it into the right format. I wish to thank them for the work we have in front of us, and the work we have already done.”

In other township news, Carin Bonafacino, the founder and facilitator the New Garden Growers Market, said that the 13th season of the market will begin on May 6 and run until Nov. 19, at its existing location on Route 41. Bonafacino said that she will remain as an advisor for the market, and will hand the week-to-week organization of the market to Heather Sachs, Sarah Carmody and Becca Logan, beginning this year. Public Works director

centered on the flip-flop of miles-per-hour signage along the road and the need for a stop sign at Broad Run Road and Newark Road.

“The matter of inconsistency is a question I have in relation to the townships that surround us,” Simpson said. “It almost seems that when you get to our location, Newark Road certainly has the curves and gradings to it, which makes for interesting obstacles for motorists. I’m sure it was decided years ago, but there is no consistency to it.

“As you get up to Toughkenamon, the 25-mile-per hour markers make sense, for a denselypopulated area with school buses and businesses, but

Kenneth Reed told the supervisors that the New Garden Township spring clean-up will be held on April 21 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the New Garden Township maintenance garage, on 8934 Gap-Newport Pike. Reed said that the clean-up will not accept hazardous waste or electronic equipment.

Board chairman Pat Little presented township resident Stan Lukoff with an official proclamation declaring Lukoff as the recipient of the township’s 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Little also presented supervisor Richard Ayotte with recognition for his service as board chairman last year.

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

you don’t see the same on the southern end of Newark Road.”

Simpson, who told the supervisors that the department will submit a full report of the Newark Road traffic study to the township soon, said that one of the top priorities of the new regional police department will be to address vehicle speeding throughout the township. The supervisors recommended that township manager Tony Scheivert and Simpson contact PennDOT, in order to come up with a solution.

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

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OK for you to say hurtful things, then why should our kids be held to a higher standard? Olweus will also tell you that bullying is also about power. Information is power, and you control what information the School Board receives. They base their decisions on what you choose to tell them, and they often jump to your defense when you are criticized or challenged. We can solve the bullying problem in this school district, but only if we can show that bullying will not be tolerated or practiced by the highest levels of district administration.”

Later, during board member comments, School Board president Victor Dupuis, who was listening by phone to the meeting, alluded to the reason for Manzone’s departure from the board, when she went to a home to see if a family lived inside our outside the school district. “Bullying does come in many forms. In some cases, it can be board members who camp out at the houses of residents and pretend they know better about residency rules and harassment to the point that they actually have to involve the police,” Dupuis said. “Sometimes it’s verbal bullying, where

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School board vice president Brian Gaerity noted that students can earn college credits at a very reasonable cost compared to what they will pay once they are fully enrolled in college. It will cost about $600 for a student to take a three-credit-hour course.

“That is a great deal for students,” Gaerity explained.

The school board voted to continue its agreement with the PFM Group for financial advisory services. Part of the PFM Group’s responsibilities will be to ensure compliance with Dodd-Frank reforms and the Consumer Protection Act of 2010, as well as the MSRB regulations that are in place in the municipal securities market.

The school board also approved a multi-year contract with Direct Energy for transport of the district’s supplied natural gas.

The school board approved a list of resignations, retirements, leaves, and appointments. Included were the retirements of Carl Benson, a teacher at Avon Grove High School, and John Stahl, a teacher at the Fred S. Engle Middle School. Both teachers will be retiring at the end of the current school year.

In his report about the Finance Committee, Gaerity said that the committee continues its work on the budget for the 20172018 school year. At the most recent meeting, the Finance Committee focused on revenues in the spending plan. Gaerity said that there are a lot of unknowns with regard to what the district will receive in state subsidies for the 2017-2018 school year. He noted that there are several proposals being considered that would dramatically change how Pennsylvania’s public schools are funded. A move away from reliance

people can make comments and perhaps not recognize how much is actually being done by the administration, because they have not had a conversation with the administration about what’s going on with bullying in the district. So I would encourage anyone who has concerns to continue to come forward. I think that Dr. Sanville and his team have done a marvelous job of addressing this issue. I think they will continue to do so.”

Also during public comment, East Marlborough Township resident Jean Best told the board, “I’ve been concerned about the programs and the spending I’ve been seeing. As a taxpayer, I’m concerned to see if these programs make sense. First, the Chromebooks [laptop devices being issued to students in the district].

Back on Jan. 21, I asked how much the first year cost, what the projections were for the next five years, as well as the metrics. And while I did receive a lovely 39-page Powerpoint presentation that talked about this, I still don’t know what the cost is, and what it is going forward.

“The International Baccalaureate was another program that was up for discussion. I understand it’s on hold, but there’s been no one coming to these

on property taxes with a shift toward higher taxes on income and a higher sales tax has been discussed, but no legislation has been introduced during this session as of yet. Dramatic changes in how schools are funded have been discussed before, but the State Legislature has not come close to getting such legislation approved.

“The devil will be in the details of any proposal,” Gaerity said, explaining that it’s just as likely that nothing will change as it is that there will be a significant change in how schools are funded. The next Finance Committee meeting is scheduled for March 21.

In his facilities report, school board member Jeffrey Billig informed his colleagues that State Rep. John Lawrence was in attendance at the most recent Facilities Committee meeting to talk about proposed improvements to the intersection of Old

meetings saying, ‘Let’s do it,’ plus a previous board looked at it years ago, and it still wasn’t needed. You haven’t said no to it, yet, so these are still valid comments. My final one is this ropes course. It’s $100,000, and when it was approved as a curriculum change, there was the one lump sum. But again, there was no cost projected to year two, three or four. So this is a ropes course that is going to only benefit one grade at a time, roughly 350 kids. I’m not a fan of asking for forgiveness instead of permission for something like that. It seems like something needs to be done to benefit more of the students for that amount of money.”

The board unanimously approved two expenditures that were discussed at last month’s work session.

The Patton Middle School rooftop HVAC unit will be replaced by Reynolds Energy Services at a cost of $2,378,700, and a storage building will be built at Hillendale Elementary School at a cost of $16,639.

During a discussion of pending legislation affecting the district, Hellrung said, “We had a discussion at the work session about legislation from Harrisburg that seems more likely this year than it has in years past. This legislation would eliminate the school proper-

Baltimore Pike and Route 796. The school district owns property not far from the intersection. The township has secured more than $1 million in funding from the state for intersection improvements, which will pay for about half of the project. Billig explained that Penn Township officials have decided to pay for the rest of the costs for the intersection improvements, and the township wants to utilize a traffic impact fee on new developments in the township to recoup some of the costs.

Billig also reported that the district is continuing to work toward obtaining approvals from Penn Township for modular classrooms at the Penn London Elementary School

ty tax, in favor of increased state income taxes and state sales taxes. There is a general feeling around the board and in school boards across Pennsylvania that we may not be able to raise sufficient money for our educational programs if this would happen. There’s concern about ceding local control to Harrisburg, which some of us think has not been the most responsible in supporting and funding education. If we lose the ability to do property taxes, individuals and businesses would not pay property tax. There would be a $2.7 billion windfall to businesses, which would no longer have to pay property tax. We talked in our work session about joining many other school districts and passing a resolution opposing this legislation.”

Board member Robert Sage added, “Following the work session, the administration provided an approved resolution from the Downingtown School District on this same issue. I marked that up, and edited it to focus on two points: That we prefer local control of funding, and that taking that away would limit our ability to have local control and decide the appropriate level of taxation in our community. The second point is to ensure that we maintain the flexibility, as a board,

campus. The modular classrooms will be necessary to accommodate the full-day kindergarten program at Penn London Elementary School.

The school board formally accepted donations that were made by anonymous donors during the holiday season. An anonymous donor made a donation of $1,135.65 to pay off the past-due lunch account balances at Penn London Elementary and Avon Grove Intermediate School. Then, an anonymous donor made an additional donation of $1,510 to clear the past-due lunch accounts at Fred S. Engle Middle School and Avon Grove High School. The past-due accounts had accumulated over more than one school year.

Uncle Irvin...

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a regional venture with Kennett Square Borough. Both townships now have small, inefficient forces with

nowhere near 24-7 coverage. Southern Chester County is becoming more suburban and less rural every day, and this trend will never end. Rather than have the state do it for you, supervisors and residents ought to do it themselves.

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

to meet needs as they arise, so we don’t need to go to Harrisburg to get a change made.”

Board member Gregg Lindner said he would like to rework the wording of the resolution, and suggested posting similar resolutions for public viewing on the district’s website to get public comment while the board considers the formal wording. Sanville said, “I try to stay neutral, but I do feel that as a board, we can probably all agree that SB 76 is not good for our community. It’s good that we’re united in the concept that this would not be good for our district.”

Hellrung added that the proposal “seems attractive to some at first, but it’s not a spending reduction or a

The meeting began with a sneak preview performance by Fred S. Engle Middle School students of the play, “The Sound of Music.” The performances of the show took place over the weekend.

Commenting on the rarity of getting a sneak preview of a show, as well as the superb performances by the students, school board president Bonnie Wolff said, “This was a very special treat for us. We don’t get

tax reduction – it’s a tax shift that would relieve businesses of an estimated $2.7 billion in taxes that they pay now, but in effect making Harrisburg a sort of super school board, with control over finances. I hope that we’re not going to get too hung up on the language, and will keep the central point in mind. Let’s get some input from the community and think about this.”

The board will discuss the resolution next month in their public work session. For more information about district events, visit www.ucfsd.org.

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

this very often.” The next Committeeof-the-Whole meeting is slated for 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 in the Avon Grove Intermediate School’s audion. The next regular meeting will take place on Thursday, March 23 at 7 p.m., also in the Avon Grove Intermediate School’s audion.

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

Helping families escape the trap of ‘over-parenting’

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Julie Lythcott-Haims had a message for all the super-involved parents in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District on Feb. 23: Step back. Take a deep breath. Let your kids do it themselves. And when the urge strikes to do your child’s for them, don’t.

Lythcott-Haims is the author of the book “How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Over-Parenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success,” which was promoted as a community-wide reading project before she appeared at the Unionville High School auditorium to discuss her work.

“When I heard you guys had done this, I was thrilled to come and be part of the conversation,” she said in her opening remarks. “Did any of you get a text from your kid, suggesting you come here tonight? So the task for you is to go back home and say, ‘All right I listened to that lady. Why did you want me to?’ If your kid texted you, asking you to come, they are trying to open a conversation with you about something. Button your lip, and sit on your hands, and listen as your kid starts to explain. That’s one of the very best things we, as parents, can do -- listen to our kids.

“I didn’t set out to be a parenting expert,” LythcottHaims said. “I have a son, Sawyer, who’s a senior in high school. I should be home with him, over-parenting him in this final semester,” she added as the audience laughed. “I also have a daughter, Avery, who’s a sophomore in high

school. Now, think back to yourself, unfolding into yourselves, at 18, 20, 22. It’s a process that can be ugly before it’s beautiful, right? But we all must go through it.”

The book emerged from a decade as Stanford University’s Dean of Freshmen, when “I began to see this phenomenon we called helicopter parenting, or over-parenting. I began to see the encroachment of parents into the life of the university,” Lythcott-Haims said. “This has led to things like GPS tracking of your children, like they’re endangered rhinos. Then there is the excessive hand-holding. This is the parent who treats parenting as if they are the concierge: ‘What can I do to make your childhood more pleasant, honey?’

“Or the parents would call and say, ‘We are displeased with the grade that the organic chemistry teacher gave our daughter, and we would like to talk with him about it.’ They’re confident that if they can just get in there and have a conversation with the professor, they can achieve the higher grades they achieved in grades K through 12. If you have a senior now, and you’re waking them up every morning, you are functioning as their alarm clock. How do you expect them to wake themselves up in college? When we do it all for them, it’s very lovingly intended, but they emerge without skills.

“Why are we doing this?”

Lythcott-Haims said. “We have a lot of fear about the world out there, and we try to control outcomes on their behalf to be sure they make

it to the destination we have in mind.

We achieve short-term goals when we over-parent, but it comes at this longterm cost to our children’s sense of self. Although we are motivated by this fierce love, we end up depriving our kids of the chance to develop self-efficacy. That’s not self-esteem. It’s a core psychological concept that is basically, ‘I do, therefore I am.’”

Lythcott-Haims shared her own life experience of trying to get her infant son into the right nursery school five days after he was born, and extending to the idea that, “When our kids have been told ‘Don’t talk to strangers,’ they can’t talk to store clerks. They can’t talk to people on the sidewalk. They can’t talk to the faculty at college, because we’re all strangers, and they’re bewildered and frightened.”

Close to tears, LythcottHaims recalled meeting with a young woman at Stanford who was being pushed into becoming a doctor, getting a 4.0 and miserable because she was overbooked and not pursuing the path she wanted. “Love the kid you’ve got, not

the kids you have in some fantasy world,” LythcottHaims said. “Not the kid you think will live out your expectation of what you think you should have become.”

The experience started Lythcott-Haims on her path to her book. “I began to unpack this phenomenon we have going on in our country, which I call the check-listed childhood,” she said. “We want to make sure our kids attend the right schools – like this one,” she said, looking around the large auditorium. “We want to be sure they’re in the right lane at the right school. And we want to be sure they’re getting the best possible grades in all of those classes. That means tutoring, experts, specialists. We are sitting with them, night after night, saying, ‘When are we going to do your homework?’

“Then there’s all the standardized testing and all the effort that goes into perfecting their scores. And all the sports we want them to do. And the activities they’ve got to pursue, and the accolades and awards we hope they’ll achieve. ‘Don’t just join a club at Unionville, why don’t you start a club, because colleges want to see that?’ And the

community service. Check the box to show you care about others.

“We hold our kids to a level of perfection that none of us would have been able to achieve as a child,” LythcottHaims said to warm applause from the audience.

“Because of that, our kids never learn how to struggle, how to cope with struggle, how to rebound, because we’re always there to make it better,” she said. “We end up treating our children as if they are little bonsai trees. We end up with something that is a lovely replica of a child we have created, and we say to our friends, ‘Look at my child. Look what I’ve done. Look at my little masterpiece.’”

Lythcott-Haims pointed out that online grade-tracking programs, such as Power School, “are like a stock ticker – are they up? Are they down? I think things like Power School are ruining our children in terms of school and their relationship with their parents today. Imagine when you got home from work, and the people you love the most look at you and say, ‘How was that meeting today? Did it go better than than meeting yesterday? Are you going to do better tomorrow?’ That’s how our kids feel. It’s taking a toll.”

Citing 2013 survey results from 100,000 college students on 153 campuses, LythcottHaims said, “84.3 percent reported being overwhelmed. Sixty-five percent reported being sad. Fifty-one percent felt overwhelming anxiety. Forty-six percent felt that things were hopeless.”

Overly involved parenting

“isn’t about lifting our child to the summit, planting a flag in their hand and calling it an accomplishment. They must make the journey, largely by themselves. Just because you want your kid to be something that you weren’t, that’s not good. That’s what therapy is for.”

Offering a path forward, Lythcott-Haims said, “If you think you might want to change things up in your house, here are three things you can stop doing:

“You can stop saying we when you mean your son or daughter. ‘We’re on the travel soccer team.’ No you’re not. Two, stop arguing with the authority figures in your kid’s life – teachers, coaches, referees. Not every point must be argued. I’m saying to teach your kids to advocate for themselves. And third, stop doing their homework.

“Try a one-week experiment. Say, ‘I know I’m usually obsessed with your homework, but I want to back off for a week.’ Parents tell me there’s more laughter in their homes when they do this. You can talk to your kids about something other than grades and homework and scores. You get to take an interest in them as human beings.

“This isn’t neglectful parenting,” she said. “It’s giving them a longer and longer leash every year, so that when they’re 18 or 20, you can let go and have confidence. And, more importantly, they can have confidence.”

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

SCCCC names Leon R. Spencer, Jr. as 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Chamber will honor Spencer at 50th annual dinner on March 24 at Longwood Gardens

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce has named Leon R. Spencer, Jr. its 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The Chamber will honor Spencer at its 50th Annual Dinner on Friday, March 24, at Longwood Gardens at 6:30 p.m. In the picturesque setting of Longwood’s Conservatory, the annual dinner attracts business and community leaders for an evening of live entertainment, dinner, dancing and silent auction. Tickets are $175, with sponsorship opportunities available. To purchase tickets and to learn more, visit www.scccc.com.

A highlight of the Annual Dinner is the presentation of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.

The Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award recognizes individuals who unselfishly contribute to the community’s quality of life and display exemplary volunteer efforts demonstrating vision, leadership, and citizenship that positively impact the Southern Chester County community.

This year, the Chamber will honor Leon R. Spencer, Jr. as its 2016 Citizen of the Year for his decades of service to the community.

“I am surrounded by so many incredibly wonderful people! Service to them is the greatest way I can honor the One who made me. Thanks be to God,”

Spencer shared on the day he was told of his selection for the prestigious award.

“Leon Spencer, Jr. is an exemplary example of community service,” said Cheryl Kuhn, President of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

“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 50th Annual Dinner.”

Leon Spencer, Jr. is a graduate of Kennett High School.

He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Muskingum College (University) in New Concord, Ohio and attended Westminster Choir College, Princeton, New Jersey for graduate coursework in choral conducting, Renaissance music, and vocal pedagogy. He was a public school music teacher and church music director in central Ohio and served on the boards for the Council of Boy Scouts, Big Brothers and Kiwanis Club, all in Licking County. Spencer returned to Chester County in 1991 and soon became a member of the board for the Kennett Consolidated School District where he served as vice president and

was president of the board for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. He was supervisor for the Chester County Head Start program. He was also the mayor of the Borough of Kennett Square from 1999 to 2010, served as Vice President of the Borough Council, and served as vice president of the Chester County School Authority (CSSA) and served on the boards for the Chester County Regional Educational Service (CCRES), the Kennett Boys Choir and Kendal/ Crosslands Communities.

Currently, Spencer is the School To Careers Specialist for the Technical College High School, Pennock’s Bridge campus, in West Grove. A co-founder of Pro Musica Studio (1995), he is a vocal instructor and an active performing musician. In addition to being a solo performer, he is bassist/vocalist for the ensemble known as SydeTwo and is lead vocalist for the R&B band Goodfoot.

The Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award has been presented annually since 1968. Past recipients of this prestigious award include: 2005 Kathleen Lafferty, 2006 Doris Haley, 2007 Eva Verplanck, 2008 James T. Horn, 2009 Michael R. Walker, 2010 Janice Taylor, 2011 Terence Farrell, 2012 Stacie A. Kucera, 2013 Ken Goddu; 2014 Joan Holliday; and 2015 David Haradon.

Downingtown student wins Chester County Spelling Bee

“E-s-t-r-e-p-e.”

With those seven letters, Sid Sharma nabbed the championship title at the 2017 Chester County Spelling Bee. During the event, 51 students from 51 schools spelled their way through 246 words. As the last student standing, the Downingtown Middle School seventh grade student has earned a trip for two to Washington, D.C., to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May.

Additional congratulations go to the former two-year champion, taking second place this year, Aakash Narayan from Great Valley Middle School; third place winners Ritish Kodali from Kathryn D. Markley Elementary School and Lineesha Kamana from the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center; and to all 51 students who competed in the Chester

County Spelling Bee. Each student earned their position in the bee by winning their individual school’s spelling bee, meaning each speller that took the stage was already a champion in their own right. Students prepared by studying Scripps-provided word lists and practicing at home. Sharma took preparations a bit further, looking up definitions from the word lists and having his parents quiz him on both spelling and definitions.

The considerable spelling talent in the room was evident as students spelled through the provided word lists and moved on to additional words, many of which they had never seen or heard. After 16 rounds of semifinals, Sharma noted, “When we got to the words off the list, I had to wing it and just do my best. I was extremely nervous and

shaking the whole time.” But his nervousness and preparation paid off. “I feel amazed,” he said. “I never expected this would happen. It feels great to win!” Sharma also received the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award certificate for a 2017 United States Mint Proof Set award, a one-year subscription to MerriamWebster Unabridged Online and a one-year subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica Online. The second-place winner received a MerriamWebster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 11th Edition, a $50 Amazon gift card and a Bananagrams game. Third place winners took home a Bananagrams game and a $25 Amazon.com gift card. The 2017 Chester County Spelling Bee will be available for viewing on the CCIU website at www. cciu.org/spellingbee in early March.

CHESTER COUNTY HOSPITAL SAVED MY LIFE. TWICE.

When I was born three months premature at Chester County Hospital, they saved my life. 60 years later, they saved my life again by helping me beat prostate cancer. After thoroughly researching hospitals in the region, I was most impressed by Chester County Hospital. The fact that it’s my hometown hospital was a bonus. The day before Christmas, I was able to ring the bell signaling I had finished treatment. What a gift! Today I’m cancer-free and that’s worth Penn Medicine. Hear my story: ChesterCountyHospital.org/AbramsonCancer

Oxford Area School District honors J. Marshall Thompson, a longtime administrator and teacher

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Oxford School Board adopted a resolution at its Feb. 21 meeting honoring J. Marshall Thompson, who served the school district for 34 years—from 1927 to 1961.

Thompson was recognized for his work as a school administrator and teacher. The resolution lauded him for “his patience, loyalty, and empathy toward his coworkers” that served as an example for others to emulate. He was also commended for his strong moral character and high ethical standards, as well as for his commitment to the school district. In addition to his duties as a principal and teacher, Thompson also coached soccer, baseball and basketball. He was inducted as a member of the Oxford Area High School Sports Wall of Fame in 2007.

School board president Richard Orpneck said that district employees came across a portrait of Thompson in a storage area of one of the school buildings. Cindy Thompson, the granddaughter of J. Marshall Thompson was on hand to accept the portrait so that it can remain in the family’s possession from now on.

In other business at the meeting, the school board approved a calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. The school year is set to begin on Aug. 28. The district will

have a break for students and teachers from March 26 to March 29, followed by the official holiday from March 30 to April 2. The last student day would be tentatively set for June 8, 2018, according to the calendar that was approved.

Superintendent David Woods talked about some of the property tax reform ideas that have been discussed by lawmakers in the state capital. One such idea is Senate Bill 76, which would replace each dollar of funding for schools raised through property taxes with money raised through an increase in the income tax rate and an increase in the sales tax rate. Specifically, Senate Bill 76 would increase the earned income tax rate from 3.07 percent to 4.95 percent, and the sales tax would increase from 6 percent to 7 percent. The sales tax would also expand to include more items.

Many Pennsylvanians

believe that relying on property taxes to fund public schools is an unfair system that is particularly hurtful to senior citizens or people on fixed incomes. Many of those same people have argued that shifting to an income tax or a sales tax would be more equitable because the burden would fall on those who have a better ability to pay. If you earn more money, you will pay more in taxes toward the funding of public schools. State lawmakers have discussed the need for property tax reform for a long time, but a consensus on a plan to shift the tax burden has never been reached.

Woods explained that district officials posted a letter to district residents on the website explaining their views on eliminating the property tax. The letter explains that while the Oxford Area Board of School Directors is by and

large supportive of property tax reductions, there are still concerns about Senate Bill 76.

“Between income tax, earned income tax, sales tax, and property tax, many residents—especially those on fixed incomes—are left searching for relief,” the letter states.

The letter goes on to point out that the superintendent and other leaders of the district have a responsibility to make the community aware of the implications of anything that could put the school district at risk. The letter explains that Chester County school districts, on average, received 22.1 percent of their budgets from the state. That would increase to 82 percent if Senate Bill 76 were approved as is. With Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget issues—the state’s revenues are lagging far behind projections, the pension systems remain underfunded, and actually balancing the budget is a year-to-year challenge— there are reasons for concern if public schools were so reliant on the state for funding. It would significantly shift control of schools away from local residents and move it to the state.

“We are troubled by Senate Bill 76,” the letter stated. “There is no doubt that tax reform is badly needed....Chester County, in particular, has a reputation for strong public schools. We take great pride in our

education and in the success of our students.”

Woods urged district residents to research the implications of Senate Bill 76, if it gets reintroduced, or any other legislation that would potentially shift the tax burden. He said that residents should share their opinions on the legislation with the state lawmakers who represent them in Harrisburg.

School board member

Robert Tenga offered a report about the Chester County School Boards Legislative Council. He explained that the proposed state budget was recently unveiled, and it includes an overall increase for funding for public schools. Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed budget increases basic education funding by $100 million, or 1.7 percent. There is also a $25 million increase in proposed funding for special education, and $250 million in Ready To Learn block grants, which is the same amount that is in the current fiscal year budget.

In his report about the Intermediate Unit and Technical College High School, board member Howard Robinson

informed his colleagues that the Chester County Intermediate Unit is working on finalizing its budget for the next fiscal year. The Intermediate Unit is not increasing the costs that school districts pay for the core budget, the occupational education, or marketplace education services on a per-pupil basis for the next school year.

Robinson explained that Oxford will likely be sending a few more students to the Intermediate Unit next year, so the overall amount of funding that Oxford sends to the Intermediate Unit will increase slightly. He estimated that Oxford spends about $2 million annually on the variety of programs and services that the Intermediate Unit provides to its students. The school board will meet again on Tuesday, March 14 for the monthly work session. The next regular meeting is slated for Tuesday, March 21. Both of those meetings will take place at 7 p.m. in the Administration Building.

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

New leadership at New Garden Growers’ Market

The avenue of inconsistency

On a recent afternoon, the driver of a newer model, four-door sedan – let’s call her Margaret – veers off of Route 1 northbound to the Toughkenamon exit that leads to Newark Road. She has a medical appointment in the Pike Creek beyond Hockessin area in less than a half hour, and she believes taking Newark Road would be not only be a more as-the-crow-flies route, it would also allow her to enjoy the scenic, rolling hills of southern Chester County. She makes a right-hand turn onto Newark Road, and travels southbound, past farms, the New Garden Flying Field and through the intersection at the bottom of the hill that connects with Old Baltimore Pike – all the while observing the 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. She continues along at this pace until she crosses the Gap-Newport Road intersection and then, as if by magic, the speed markers change nebulously, frequently – nearly at every bend – from 35 to 30 to 40 and back again. It seems as if there is no rhyme or reason for their placement and their order. As Margaret drives, she is met by other drivers coming from the opposite direction, many of whom seem to her to regard these speed limits as friendly and unenforced suggestions. She’s right; it’s not just about speed signage. Several residents who live along Newark Road have layered their complaints to the new Southern Chester County Regional Police Department by saying that the road is not safe. They have reported excessive speeding and reckless disregard for the township residents who are raising families within a hair of the racetrack that the road has become.

As Margaret drives to her appointment, she is not only a confused motorist, but the latest casualty of Newark Road – New Garden Township’s avenue of inconsistency – a victim of oversight that falls in the hands of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation [PennDOT] to repair, immediately.

There is hope for the future of Newark Road, however. The new police department, under the direction of chief Gerald Simpson, has completed a study of Newark Road’s traffic flow, which concurs with what the local residents have been saying.

Sgt. Joseph Greenwalt, who headed the study, suggested to the New Garden Board of Supervisors last week that they encourage PennDOT to establish Newark Road as 35-mileper-hour zone from Route 41 southbound to the Delaware border. Further, in order to quell excessive speeding along the road, he recommended the use of a speed monitoring signage device near the 300 block of Newark Road, that can indicate to drivers what speed they are driving. Greenwalt estimated that it would cost $3,500 for a battery-powered sign and the $4,200 for a solar-powered sign – small change for a township that is set to capitalize on the sale of its sewer system, to the tune of $29 million.

Like many country roads that connect with Route 1, Newark Road has become a tributary that connects its residents to schools, commerce, travel and work. While there continues to be attention given to explore ways of widening the road near the New Garden Flying Field -- largely for the purpose of attracting new businesses -- there is little emphasis on improving its southern end, largely thought to begin at the Route 41 intersection and end at the Broad Run Road intersection.

We strongly encourage the township’s supervisors to invest in this signage, and work with PennDOT to create a consistent, 35-mileper-hour speed limit over the course of that troublesome stretch. The primary mission of any township or municipality supervisor is to explore and implement ways to ensure the safety of the residents who elected them. Regarding the future of Newark Road, it is time for the New Garden board -- Steve Allaband, Richard Ayotte, Randy Geouque, Michael Loftus and chairman Pat Little -- to see that mission through.

Regarding the column about Kennett Square Borough invading privacy

Letter to the Editor:

Reprehensible.

I know of no better word to describe the behavior of a few ethically-challenged borough residents...and Uncle Irvin, who collaborated with them.

Believing that there was a serious security breach in the borough’s on-line utility payment system, they did not report it. Believing that personal information of every borough resident

was exposed, they sat on the information in hopes of a ‘Gotcha!’ moment to accuse the borough of mismanagement.

They knowingly and willfully put all of us in the borough at risk, not for a day, but apparently for weeks.

Who does something like this? If you are the first one to see a house on fire, do you sit down, pull out a stopwatch and wait to see how long it takes for the first fire truck to arrive...

just to make a point?

Uncle Irvin was a knowing accomplice to this reprehensible act. He, too, knew about the website malfunction many days before it was revealed at a borough council meeting. He needs to re-calibrate his ethical compass.

Letter to the Editor:

As Mayor of Oxford, it is my belief that residents and taxpayers should be periodically informed of the work of our police force. This is a chart of all police activity for the fourth quarter of 2016. For more information on police services please visit www.oxfordboro.org/police-department and www.oxfordboro.org/ mayor. I also want to let you know the Oxford Police Department is located at 57 N. 4th St. The telephone number is 610-998-0032. For emergencies, please continue to call 911. If you would like to receive free, trusted text and email community service and public

safety notices from the Police Department please register at www.nixle. com. I would also like to remind you that the Police Committee meets the sec-

Finally, let me point out that no sensitive information (like credit card numbers or social security numbers) was ever at risk, and all the information that was exposed is public information, easily obtained by anyone who processes an open records request. Shame on the perpetrators and shame on Uncle Irvin who colluded with them.

(P.S. I write this as a Borough resident, but I also serve as a member of the Kennett Square Borough Council.)

An open letter to the taxpayers and residents of Oxford

ond Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Borough Hall. My office is located in the police station. As always, please feel free to contact me anytime at

610-998-0032.

Rising prescription insurance costs have me fearing for my son’s future

As parents, we are instinctively driven to protect our children and shield them from the dangers life can bring.

You can imagine the concern I had after I learned my son Cole would be living with hemophilia for his entire life. My world changed forever.

Hemophilia is a condition that prevents a person’s blood from clotting normally. At five months, Cole was diagnosed with one of the worst forms called Hemophilia A-Severe, which can often cause internal bleeding issues from injury.

Since his diagnosis, we’ve tried every medication and treatment available to help give Cole as normal a childhood as possible. Today, Cole is prescribed a specific “specialty” biologic to keep his condition under control. This is a drug for which there are no generic alternatives. As a result, our medical bills are extremely expensive, totaling upwards of $70,000 a month for Cole alone. Luckily, our family qualifies for support from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) –Pennsylvania’s program to provide health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. For now, Cole’s medical expenses and prescriptions are covered by CHIP completely, but the program is only valid until he reaches age 19.

For this reason, I’ve spent the better part of the last 11 years advocating for people like my son who need better access to prescription medications through affordable insurance plans. Even with health insurance safeguards enacted through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the cost of prescriptions is skyrocketing. People like me pay for and are covered by their insurance premiums, but for patients with chronic conditions, simply having insurance isn’t enough. The state of our nation’s health care is up in the air with a new administration in office. Now I wonder, will any of us be able to find policies we can afford in the future? And if we can afford the policy, will the coverage be enough? Will my son be able to live a normal life past the age of 20?

Lawmakers are starting to take notice of the significance of this issue, thanks in part to an October 2016 hearing in Harrisburg to discuss a Senate proposal that seeks to limit out-ofpocket costs on specialty medications like the ones my son needs to maintain his quality of life. This hearing was a positive first step in shedding light on the larger issue of affordable prescription coverage, a problem that unfortunately affects thousands of Pennsylvanians today.

I testified at this hearing on my son’s behalf, because I’ve seen firsthand

how broken our insurance system can be. Similar legislation has already passed in neighboring states like Delaware. These common sense laws were met with little resistance from the insurance industry, because the benefits are so obvious. It is my hope we can duplicate those efforts here in Pennsylvania. No one should have to choose between paying for life’s necessities and paying for their prescriptions. Cole, now an active 11-year-old, is thriving on his medication and I fear

for what his life would be like without it. We have started a new legislative session. Please join me in urging lawmakers to support legislation that provides residents with increased access to medications through more affordable insurance pricing. We must work together to find a solution for all Pennsylvanians. Kim Hamstead is a resident of Landenberg. She has been advocating for hemophilia patients with The National Hemophilia Foundation since 2008.

Oxford students partner with McCormick Orthodontics to promote a positive environment for everyone

Last fall, school counselors took approximately 30 students from the middle and high school for a training to bring the club Aevidum to the Oxford Area School District.

Aevidum is a club started by high school students in Lancaster County who felt that students needed more support when dealing with mental health concerns and suicide prevention. Word spread like wildfire, and now there are students from all over who are taking a stance to promote mental health and suicide awareness.

At Penn’s Grove Middle School, Aevidum is led

ASSAULT ARREST

On Dec. 18 at 9:26 p.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale responded to a report of an assault at the Walgreen’s drug store at 600 Gap Newport Pike in London Grove Township.

Jose Ryan Chavez, 25, of Oxford, was arrested at the scene for punching and kicking a 52-year-old woman from Massapequa, N.Y., and then strangling her into unconsciousness.

Chavez was also found to have driven to the location while intoxicated.

MAIL STOLEN

Several pieces of mail were stolen from the mailbox of a home at 1869 Flint Hill Road in Franklin

by Rebecca Heichel and Kathy Doherty. The Penn’s Grove Aevidum club has taken a stance against bullying and is promoting a positive environment where everyone feels included. The students lead the group and decide what they think their peers will enjoy and will be most effective in their school.

The middle school students kicked off the club by leading a pep rally. McCormick Orthodontics partnered with the Aevidum group and celebrated National Compliment Day on Jan. 24.

“As an office, we had discussed bullying. We

Township on Jan. 25, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

THREE SOUGHT IN FORGERIES

Pennsylvania State Police Avondale are investigating three people in connection with deposits of forged money orders into several bank accounts in the area.

Between Jan. 25 and Feb. 9, a 22-year-old man and 22-year-old woman from Lincoln University, along with a 20-year-old woman from Philadelphia, were seen depositing the fraudulent money orders. The investigation is continuing.

OVERDOSE LEADS TO ARREST

On Feb. 16, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale responded to 1015 West Baltimore Pike in Penn Township for a report of

hear about it so frequently from parents and patients as teeth are one of the many things kids are bullied for,” explained Dr. Michaela McCormick of McCormick Orthodontics. “When we learned about the group, it made so much sense that we could make an impact too, so we asked if we could be their partner, their community representative. We believe that, with kids inside the school and our team in the community, this message can go further and can reach more people.”

McCormick Orthodontics provided t-shirts with compliments for all students in the group and for their own

a heroin overdose. Donald

Ray Gentry II, of Lancaster County, was found to have an active bench warrant in Lancaster County. He also had heroin and paraphernalia. Criminal charges were filed and he was taken to Chester County Prison.

VANDALISM AT CHURCH

On Feb. 7, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale responded to Manor Church, at 508 Street Road in Londonderry Township, for a report of vandalism. A storage building at the church had been spray-painted with “No Facist USA.” Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

DOMESTIC ASSAULT

On Feb. 14 at 11:45 p.m., officers from the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department

staff to wear on Compliment Day. Both groups spread compliments to others all day long. The students created compliments on Post-It notes and placed them on the classroom doors for students and teachers. A group of Aveidum students delivered chocolate bars and thank-you notes to the school crossing guards for helping to keep everyone safe. The McCormick staff had a compliment wall for all of their patients to write a compliment for someone in their life.

Students are currently planning an activity for each month for the remainder of the year.

responded to the 200 block of Walnut Street, where a woman told them that David Medley, 40, of West Grove, had been angry that she had “been out” and had punched her several times in her head and chest. Medley was arrested for aggravated assault, simple assault and harassment. Bail was set at $50,000 and Medley was taken to Chester County Prison.

DUI

On Jan. 28 at 3:46 p.m., Southern Chester County Regional Police checked the well-being of a man sleeping in a vehicle with the engine running in a parking lot in the 300 block of Scarlett Road. Jose Gomez-Cruz, 21, of Nottingham, was found with an open bottle of beer in the center console of his car. He was found to be DUI, arrested, processed

and released pending a court appearance.

On Jan. 27 at 4:14 a.m., Southern Chester County Regional Police stopped a car being driven erratically on Gap Newport Pike and Limestone Road and found the driver, Conner Herbert, 25, of Bear, Del., showed signs of intoxication. An open bottle of bourbon was on the passenger side floor, and a prescription for Herbert that indicated the medication could impair driving was also found. He was taken into custody for DUI and taken to a hospital for a blood draw. He was later charged and released on his own recognizance.

Kim Gordy, 57, of Newark, Del., was arrested for DUI on Jan. 29 after crashing his car into a bridge rail on Marshall Bridge Road in Kennett Township,

according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

Elizabeth Lamotte Clark, 64, of West Grove, was involved in a one-car crash on Dec. 23 on Street Road in West Marlborough Township. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale determined that she was DUI. She was taken to a hospital for evaluation and charged with DUI.

Alisha Marie Rausch, 26, of Rising Sun, Md., was arrested for DUI by Pennsylvania State Police after a traffic stop on Feb. 4 at 2:55 a.m. on Route 1, north of Route 272.

On Jan. 9 at 3:10 p.m., Jordan Grier, 28, of West Chester, drove into a parked car at Gum Tree Road and Five Points Road and was found to be DUI, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

Brew fans flock to Kennett WinterFest

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

From its title to the snowflake prominently displayed in its logo, the fifth annual Kennett WinterFest, held Feb. 25 in the Genesis HealthCare parking lot, was anticipated to be its usual frozen self, packed with beer aficionados wearing cut-off gloves, double layers and huddling against the cold.

And yet, as the event settled into the second of

its nearly four-hour length, ticket holders huddled, but it wasn’t against the cold. With temperatures in the 70s and with a threat of a shower looming, more than 850 beer lovers – dressed more for a summer festival than a winter one – gathered nearly shoulder-to-shoulder under two large tents, and enjoyed tastings from more than 60 craft breweries, with occasional visits to Abuelita’s Empanadas, Dia Doce, Natalie’s Fine Food, The Polish Connection,

Southbound BBQ, Bespoke Bacon and D’s Nuts. Live music was provided by Shady Groove.

Sponsored by MacElree & Harvey, the event was also sponsored by Servpro, Genesis HealthCare, Waywood Beverage and Republic Services.

The annual event serves as a fundraiser for Historic Kennett Square.

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

Tracing the course of American art in a time of transition

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The massive changes in American art between 1870 and 1950 are the focus of a wide-ranging new exhibition at the Brandywine River Museum of Art, “From Homer to Hopper: Experiment and Ingenuity in American Art,” which opened on Feb. 25.

Drawn from The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., the show moves thematically through a

time when American art – initially derided as a pale imitation of the work of the European masters – emerged as a dynamic force and broke free of its Continental roots. The Phillips Collection, which was founded in 1918 by Duncan Phillips, is astonishingly forwardthinking, and must have been a considerable shock to the system.

The show begins with “Romanticism and Realism,” when artists began forging their own

directions by tweaking established artistic norms.

Thomas Eakins’ “Miss Amelia Van Buren” (circa 1891) conveys the model’s personality and introspection rather than merely her likeness.

The “Impressionism” section contains the glowing “The High Pasture” by Julian Alden Weir, with its warm, sunny expanse of lawn and foreground shadow, capturing warmth without focusing on any one element of the

scene. There is also “The Emerald Pool” (1895) by John Henry Twachtman, which has a flat, semiabstract style. Childe Hassam’s “Washington Arch, Spring” (1890) has a delicate pastel tone and glorious light, but captures both a highsociety lady promenading in her finery and the street sweeper who is scooping horse manure in the gutter.

Maurice Prendergast’s “Fantasy” (1917) has an

Through April 13

Free tax help

The Kennett Area Senior Center (427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square) offers a free tax preparation service with AARP Foundation volunteers, through April 13. Call 610444-4819 for an appointment.

Free tax preparation help is available to anyone, especially those over 50 who can’t afford a tax preparation service.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., by appointment only. Call 610-444-4819 or visit www. kennettseniorcenter.org.

March 1

Belly dancing class

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) hosts instructor Lauren Zorica teaching a belly dancing class for the public

on March 1 at 7 p.m. She will teach basic movements that provide exercise as well as emotional benefits to all ages. The program is free and open to the public. Call for reservations by Feb. 24 (610-932-5244).

March 4

ACE meeting

Chester County Assistant District Attorney John V. Rafferty will speak about prosecuting human rights violations on March 4 at 9:30 a.m. for ACE (Advocating, Collaborating, Educating) Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford. Refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. at the Oxford Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford). Call 610-932-0337 for more information.

March 3 to 31

‘Waterlines’ by Terry Anderson

The Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) presents “Waterlines,” featuring paintings by Terry Anderson from the Brandywine Watershed to the Canadian Near North, from March 3 to 31. There will be a reception with the artist on March 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www.stationgallery.net.

March 17 to April 14

‘Reconstructed Materials’

The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) presents “Reconstructed Materials,” a show of metal sculpture, from March 17 to April 14. There will be an opening reception on March 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. There are 12 artists exhibiting, including Lele Galer and

Stan Smokler. Visit www. oxfordart.org for more information.

March 24 and 25

Chadds Ford Art Show Founded in 1949 by Betsy Wyeth, the popular Chadds Ford Art Sale & Show features works by more than 70 professional artists from the Brandywine Valley and beyond. The 68th annual show will be held on March 24 and 25 at Chadds Ford Elementary School. On March 24 from 7 to 10 p.m., there will be a free opening night reception and sale (adults only), with live music and hors d’ouevres. On March 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the artists will be displaying their work. There will be live music and a raffle drawing at 3 p.m. For more information, visit cfes. ucfsd.org/artshow.

March 4

Water Jump Ball

The Willowdale Steeplechase will host a black tie fundraising event, The Water Jump Ball, on March 4. Named for the jump on the Willowdale race course, the Water Jump Ball will be held in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens. There will be a dinner, dancing to the rock and soul music of the ten-piece band The Funsters, and silent bidding on items including a stay at a 15-bedroom Italian castle in the Dolomites and dinner for four at Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan. Proceeds fund the races, which raise money for Willowdale’s three beneficiaries: 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 tickets, visit www.willowdale.org or call 610-444-1582.

March 5

Community gathering

The Oxford Friends Meetinghouse will be the site of a community gathering for silent meditation and breathing on March 5 from 2 to 3 p.m. Everyone in the community is invited to take part in the non-denominational event. Call 610-888-5001 for more information.

March 10 and 11

‘Lion King, Jr.’

Charles F. Patton Middle School (760 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square) presents “Lion King, Jr.” on march 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., and March 12 at 3 p.m. in the newly renovated auditorium. The cast consists of Patton Middle School students, and the show is directed by Cathy Quigley

of Carousel Performing Arts Center in Kennett Square. Tickets at the door are $10 for students and seniors, and $15 for adults.

March 11

Celtic folk music

The Celtic American folk band Rizzetta’s Tones will perform on March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church in Parkesburg, with a program of Celtic music, Celtic dancing, pipers and refreshments. All proceeds will benefit the Parkesburg Library. Suggested donation is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6 to 17. For reservations, call the Parkesburg Library at 610-857-5165.

March 12

Family concert

The Kennett Symphony of Chester County will present “Music From The Inside Out” at its annual Family Concert on March 12 at 2 p.m. at Henderson High School Auditorium in West Chester. Families will discover the building blocks of music and how they work together to produce unforgettable moments. Following the performance, the symphony will offer its popular Instrument Zoo, during which children can meet and greet the musicians of the Kennett Symphony and try out the instruments. All tickets are $5 per person, and seating is reserved. Visit www. kennettsymphony.org or call 610-444-6363.

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.

Kennett Flash hosts StringSongs for master class and concert March 3

The Kennett Flash will offer a concert and master class with special guest StringSongs on March 3. The master class will be held at 4:30 p.m., and the concert will be at 8 p.m.

This event features internationally renowned musicians and educators Tim Farrell, Michael Manring and Pat Robinson, known collectively as StringSongs. The band blends folk, jazz, fusion, rock, new age and world music with engaging sound structures, positive energy and buoyant improvisations.

StringSongs has performed live on “Echoes,” broadcast internationally on Public Radio International, and appear on “Echoes Live 21,” a collection of the best live performances on the show. Their music has appeared on soundtracks, broadcast and internet radio, as well as in-flight audio.

Tim Farrell is a renowned finger-style guitarist, composer and educator who won Best Instrumental in the International Acoustic Music Awards and was on the artist roster of Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour for 13 consecutive years. Farrell has performed and taught at prestigious music festivals in Montreal, Memphis, Newport,

London, Woodstock and many more. Farrell has shared the stage with notable musician such as Les Paul, George Benson, Rick Wakeman and Jean Luc Ponty.

Michael Manring is hailed by many as the world’s leading solo bassist. He was named Bass Player of the year in Bass Player Magazine and is a two-time Grammy nominee who has recorded and performed with everyone from John Gorka and Michael Hedges to Suzanne Ciani and Thomas Dolby. Manring performs and teaches at bass festivals and events in the U.S., Italy, Brazil, Japan and many more. Pat Robinson is a Grammy Award-winning producer, composer and pianist. He has appeared on recordings and on stage with artists as varied as members of The Hooters and Trout Fishing In America to Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. He won a Grammy for Best Children’s Album and has been nominated several times. He teaches piano, arranging, ensemble performance and recording technology in several private institutions.

The Kennett Flash is at 102 Sycamore Alley in Kennett Square. Visit www.kennettflash.org.

TREVOR D. ELVIN, JR.

Trevor D. Elvin, Jr. (“Skip”), 64, of Lewisville, Pa., passed away on Feb. 22 as a result of an automobile accident.

He was born in 1952 in West Chester, to the late Trevor D. Elvin, Sr., and Esther P. Elvin. Skip was born and raised in Unionville. After graduating from Unionville High School, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany as a Military Police Officer from 1972-1974. He proudly retired as a foreman from PennDOT after 35 years. He also served as Road Master for Penn Township. Skip was an avid car enthusiast. He enjoyed the muscle car era during the late 1960s and 1970s. Later in life, he enjoyed street rods and collectibles. Growing up, Skip and his family spent a lot of time at White Crystal and Hollywood Beach, which created his passion for the Upper Chesapeake Bay. He also enjoyed spending time on the North East River as an avid boater, where many will remember him as “Mayor of the Flats.”

Skip is survived by his loving companion, Susan; brother, David Elvin and his wife Joan of Kennett Square; and their children Colleen Elvin of Arlington, Va., and David Kristopher Elvin of Kennett Square; Curtis Mason, Sr. of West Grove, a cousin who Skip considered to be a brother; sister, Carol Hollister of Phoenixville and her children; several cousins; and many friends.

A celebration of Skip’s life will be held on March 3 at 11 a.m. at R.T. Foard Funeral Home (111 S. Queen St., Rising Sun, Md.). A visitation will be held beginning at 10 a.m., as well as Thursday, March 2, from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will take place after the service at Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to “Chesapeake Bay Foundation” and sent in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD 21911. To send an online condolence, visit www.rtfoard.com.

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PAUL E. YODER, JR.

Paul E. Yoder, Jr., 75, of West Grove, died on Feb. 26 at his home, surrounded by family.

He was the husband of Nancy Yoder (nee, Getta), with whom he shared 50 years of marriage. Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Paul E. Yoder, Sr., and Caroline (nee, Hildebrand). Paul joined the U.S. Army in 1959, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. After three years in the Army, he joined the Pennsylvania State Police in 1964. Originally stationed at the Somerset Barracks, he was transferred to the Avondale Barracks in 1973 until retiring as a Detective Trooper in 1990. After retiring from the State Police, Paul was elected as local constable for West Grove.

Surviving him, in addition to his wife Nancy, are three daughters, Paula Dixon of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Lori Dunn of Toano, Va., and Carol Priestley of West Grove; and six beloved grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 a.m. to noon March 2 at the New London Presbyterian Church (1986 Newark Road, Route 896, New London). His funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www. griecocares.com.

JAY R. MINSHALL

Jay Roland Minshall, 96, formerly of Avondale and recently a resident at the Friends Home in Kennett Square, died on Feb. 21 at Linden Hall from congestive heart failure.

He was the husband of Jeanne LeFevre Minshall, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage. Born in a log house in New Garden Township, he was the son of the late Chandler Pennington and the late Grace Gregg Minshall. Starting in the one-room Greenwood School near Rosedale, Roland graduated from Kennett High School in 1938 and later from Drexel University with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. He became a registered professional engineer. In the 1950s, he was a tractor and machinery dealer located south of Kennett Square. Following a family boat trip to Florida and a few short jobs, Jay worked at the Haveg Research Center in Marshallton, Del., which was later acquired by Hercules, Inc. In 1982, he retired from the Hercules Engineering Department.

During his life he was a member of several civic and fraternal organizations -- the Boy Scouts as a Cubmaster and Scoutmaster, Chief of the Octoraro Lodge, president of Chester County Farm Equipment Dealers Association, commander of the Wilmington Power Squadron and all the offices in the Kennett Masonic Hall Association.

He was a part-time mate on various tug boats and subsequently passed exams to become a licensed captain. Part-time bus driving for the Kennett Area Senior Center and later for Hagley Museum both enabled and interfered with Jay maintaining his old wooden boat, built in 1948.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Tom, Susan Clark and Bob in the local area, Kay in Northeast Md., Ann Brown of Las Vegas Nev., Dot Smith of Salunga Pa.; 11 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren; and a brother, William Thomas Minshall of Franklin, Tenn.

A viewing will be from 9 to 10:45 a.m. March 4 at the Longwood Funeral Home of Matthew Genereux, (913 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square). A Masonic service will be at 10:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Kennett Masonic Lodge or Friends Home in Kennett Square.

CLAYTON J. CASHWELL

Clayton J. Cashwell, 83, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 19 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

A man who was not shy about expressing his likes and dislikes, Clayton’s favorite pastimes included yard work, long destination-less drives in the country, and being asked his opinion. Born for retirement, after Clayton left his career in insurance, he fully enjoyed the quiet life with his wife of 57 years, “Miss Vivian” Cashwell (née Franks). The two of them met at Elon University and shared a love of college basketball -- from different sides of the court when Duke and Carolina were playing.

In addition to his wife, Clayton is survived by daughter Amy Cashwell, her husband Rob Maresca, and their two sons Troy and Clay; and son John Cashwell, his wife Meredith, and their son Rob. The greatest happiness of Clayton’s entire life was his three grandsons. As they would race, screaming, through the house, he would sit back with a smile and say “this is great.”

Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

March 11

Pancake and omelet breakfast

Shiloh Presbyterian Church (42 S. Fifth St., Oxford) presents a pancake and omelet breakfast for the community on March 11 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tickets at the door are $7 for adults, $5 for ages 4 to 11, and free for ages 3 and younger. Call 610-932-9256 for more information.

March 17 and 18

Children’s clothing and equipment sale West Grove United Methodist Church will hold its annual Children’s Clothing and Equipment Consignment Sale on March 17 from

ENCOURAGES

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and March 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a large selection of spring and summer children’s clothes, shoes, coats, toys, books, baby items and equipment. On Saturday, many items will be half price. This sale benefits the early childhood and scholarship programs at the Children’s Morning Out and Preschool Program of the church. For more information, call the church office at 610-869-9334. Easter egg orders The Oxford United Methodist Church will be making handmade, decorated, individually boxed Easter eggs, with an ordering deadline of March 5. Peanut butter, coconut cream, butter cream or chocolate nut may be ordered by calling 610-932-4556. The eggs may be picked up at the Church Fellowship Hall (Market and Addison streets, Oxford) on April 5 between 3 and 5:30 p.m.

Social time for singles Singles & Others Loving Opportunities to Socialize (SOLOS) will meet at West Grove Presbyterian Church (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove) on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall adjacent to the church. SOLOS has a mission of fostering Christian friendships and enjoyable activities for single people or married people whose spouses are not available for many social activities. The group is not intended to function as a matchmaking group. For reservations, email wgpres139@yahoo.com, or call 610-869-9458.

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WILLIAM R. ADAMSON

William Richard Adamson, 89, of Oxford, passed away on Feb. 21 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Winifred Pemberton Adamson, with whom he shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Trenton, N.J., he was the son of the late William and Mary Ann Seifritz Adamson. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II. William was employed for 28 years with Boeing Vertol in Ridley Park, and later with Miller Edge in Jennersville in the Quality Control Department. He was a member of the Roy W. Gibson Post No. 535 American Legion in Oxford. He enjoyed puzzles and writing poetry. William always had a joke, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife; two sons, Jeffrey B. Adamson (Cindy) of Pen Argyl, Pa., and Richard D. Adamson (Cheryl) of Kutztown; one daughter, Mona E. Coldiron (Larry) of Oxford; eight grandchildren, Jared, Tina, Columbus, Donovan, Portia, Alex, Matthew and Daniel; and five great-grandchildren, Grace, Connor, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Gavin.

Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675; or Brandywine Valley SPCA, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SHERYL KATHLEEN VENUTO BERGEY

Sheryl Kathleen Venuto Bergey, 65, of West Chester, passed away at her home on Feb. 23. Born in 1951, she was the daughter of Joseph and Kay Venuto. Sheryl graduated from Villanova University in 1973, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Shortly after graduation, she married Richard Bergey. Sheryl and Richard had been married for 43 years and have been inseparable. Sheryl enjoyed many family trips to Stone Harbor, N.J., and abroad over the years. She loved watching the Eagles, Phillies and Villanova. Sheryl was an avid reader, and lover of crosswords and puzzles. Sheryl was dedicated to faith and morality, the pursuit of knowledge and making the lives of those around her better. Her

generosity and selflessness extended to many areas, including working with children at the St. Patrick’s school and providing extensive support to charities and to the church. Sheryl’s faith and love brightened the lives of everyone she encountered.

Sheryl’s greatest passion and love was to her family, and she is survived by her husband Richard; her four children, Heather, Meredith, Brett and Brad; her granddaughter, Emma; and her mother, Heather.

A visitatino will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 1 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Sheryl’s funeral mass will be held on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square).

The burial service will be in private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 (www.diabetes.org). Online condolences may be made by visiting www. griecocares.com.

JAMES A. CONNER, SR.

James A. Conner, Sr., of Avondale, passed away on Feb. 29 after a brief illness.

Born in 1927, Jim was the son of Jennie Ostensen and James F. Conner. A lifelong plumber, he retired from DuPont (Louviers). He was a wonderful storyteller, wickedly funny, and loved making people laugh. He will be remembered for that and his smile, his kindness, his “way with words,” and always singing (or whistling). He enjoyed many, many summers with friends and family at Treasure Beach in Fenwick Island. Jim was a member of the Avon Grove Lions Club and was extremely active (Lion of the Year several times and top ticket seller for events and raffles most of the time) for many years. His love of dogs made him especially interested in their support of Canine Partners for Life. A proud veteran, he was drafted in 1945, served in the United States Army and Army Air Force and was honorably discharged as a Corporal.

Jim adored his family. He is survived by his wife, Jane (Entriken); daughter Betsy; sons David and wife Candy, and Andy and wife Kate; daughter Sallie and partner David Pollard; sister Marie Gregg; sisters-inlaw, Graceanne Sellitto, and Col. Barbara Entriken (USMC retired); grandchildren J. Clark Conner, Drew and wife Amanda Rush, Grace Rush, Jac (James Andrew III) Conner; many nieces and nephews; and a faithful companion for many years, his dog, Lady Sarah. Jim was preceeded in death by his sister, Helene DiCarolis Poore.

A service was held Feb. 27. Interment was at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Avon Grove Lions Club, 600 N. Baker Station Rd., West Grove, PA 19390. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JEANNETTE E. MEEDER

Jeannette E. Meeder, 82, of Nottingham, formerly of Ogden, passed away on Feb. 23 at Jennersville Regional Hospital in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late Glenn O. Meeder, Sr. Born in Ridley Park, she was the daughter of the late Edward Grueninger and Elsie Heron McGinley. Jeanette enjoyed family dinners, baking, solitaire, watching game shows and playing rummy cube with her grandchildren.

She is survived by two sons, Glenn O. Meeder, Jr. (Donna) of Glen Mills, and Kenneth B. Meeder (Julie) of Drumore; two daughters, Donna L. Lamonica of Wilmington, Del., and Charlene Mazepink (Joseph) of Nottingham; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Charles McGinley of Broomall and Francis McGinley of Newtown Square. She was preceded in death by a son, Michael E. Meeder; and a grandson, Kenneth Meeder, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. March 1 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Bethesda United Methodist Cemetery in Holtwood. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ALAN P. WINKS

Alan P. Winks, 88, of West Grove, passed away on Feb. 22 at Neighborhood Hospice.

He was the husband of Hilary Westlake Winks, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage. Born in Croyden, England, he was the son of the late Alan F. and Ann Winks. He was a self-employed accountant. He was a member of the British Officers Club of Philadelphia, and the Royal Horse Artillery and Honorable Artillery Company, both in England. He enjoyed golfing, reading, writing, soccer, cricket, tennis, and being with his family and friends. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Jeremy Alan Winks of West Chester; one daughter, Jane Smith and her husband Geoff of England; two stepdaughters, Alison Graham Bertolini and her husband David of Fargo, N.D., and Elizabeth Graham of West Chester; one brother, David Winks of England; one sister, Margaret Worley of England; and one grandson, William Beckett Bertolini. His services will be held in England at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

Full-time Teller

Louviers FCU has an immediate opening for a full-time teller. This position includes working with members to meet their financial services needs through processing transactions and suggesting products or services. The successful individual will have demonstrated the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with members as well as process financial transactions quickly and accurately. We offer competitive pay as well as a dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. Only candidates with good credit will be considered. Background checks will be performed for qualified candidates. Interested candidates, please email your resume to info@louviers.com.

Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-3-170 Writ of Execution No. 2016-07647 DEBT $86,645.91

PROPERTY situate in Borough of Oxford

TAX Parcel #: 69-07-0086.010

IMPROVEMENTS: a residential dwelling.

PLAINTIFF: Quicken Loans Inc. VS DEFENDANT: SHERRY SOTO

SALE ADDRESS: 501 Wacousta Court, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-627-1322

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 2p-22-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-3-184 Writ of Execution No. 2016-03860 DEBT $578,129.06

PROPERTY situate in the Kennett

Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 62-7-53

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Nationstar Mortgage LLC VS DEFENDANT: ALEXANDER DAVID PENNY, IN HIS CAPACITY AS EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF H. DONALD WIDDOES

SALE ADDRESS: 10 Nine Gates Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317-9258

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 2p-22-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-3-191

Writ of Execution No. 2016-00640 DEBT $584,421.70

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Township of New Garden, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a subdivision plan for “Candlewyck at New Garden” (PIA Tract), made by Nave Newell, King of Prussia, PA, dated 04/26/2000, last revised 04/30/2001 and recorded 06/14/2001 as Plan No. 15798 as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the southeasterly side of Honey Locust Drive (50 feet wide), said point being a corner of Lot No. 77 (as shown on said Plan); thence from said point of beginning extending along said drive the two following courses and distances: (1) north 10 degrees 31 minutes 16 seconds east, 130.87 feet to a point of curve; (2) on a line curving to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, an arc distance of 31.42 feet to a point on the southerly side of Candlewyck Drive (50 feet wide); thence extending along said drive, south 79 degrees 28 minutes 45 seconds east, 110.00 feet to a point, being a corner of Lot No. 109; thence leaving said drive extending along Lot No. 109, south 10 degrees 31 minutes 16 seconds west, 150.87 feet to a point in line of Lot No. 77, being a corner of Lot No. 109; thence extending along Lot No. 77, north 79 degrees 28 minutes 44 seconds west, 130.00 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

TAX ID: 6004 04800000

BEING the same premises which Sharp Road Farms Inc., by Deed dated 6/12/06 and recorded 6/29/06 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 6884, Page 686, and Instrument #10663701, granted and conveyed unto Richard E. Staehs and Jo-Anne Staehs, husband and wife, in fee.

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as Trustee, for Carrington Mortgage Loan Trust, Series 2006-NC4 Asset-Backed Pass-Through Certificates VS DEFENDANT: RICHARD E. STAEHS and JO-ANNE STAEHS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY – INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

SALE ADDRESS: 131 Candlewyck Drive, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, 610-278-6800

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 2p-22-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201

West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-3-193 Writ of Execution No. 2015-10924 DEBT $191,367.66

ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of improved ground with buildings erected thereon situate on the south side of Market Street, northwest of the intersection of Market Street with South Fifth Street in the Borough of Oxford, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, according to a survey by N. M. Lake & Associates, Inc., Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, Oxford, Pennsylvania, being Lot No. 2 on Plan No. 86153, dated January 26, 1987, last revised February 4, 1987 and described as follows:

BEGINNING at a point set in the northerly curb line of Market Street marking the northeast corner of this and the northwest

CONTAINING

BEING UPI No. 6-5-191.1

THE improvements thereon being known as 426 Market Street, Oxford, PA 19363

BEING the same premises which Josie L. DeCormis, by Deed dated 7/28/2006 and recorded 9/26/2006 in the Chester County Clerk’s/ Register’s Office in Deed Book 6963, Page 2061, granted and conveyed unto James P. Yetman, in fee.

PLAINTIFF: Selene Finance, LP VS DEFENDANT: JAMES YETMAN

SALE ADDRESS: 426 Market Street, Oxford, PA 19363

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: SHAPIRO & DeNARDO, 610-278-6800

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 2p-22-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-3-197 Writ of Execution No. 2013-00284 DEBT $294,435.26

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or land situate in Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania

TAX Parcel No: 58-08-0049 & 56-080052.010

PLAINTIFF: First Niagara Bank, N.A.

VS DEFENDANT: MEGAN ZARZYCKI, IN HER CAPACITY AS CO ADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. RUSSELL, CATHERINE B. RUSSELL, IN HER CAPACITY AS COADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. RUSSELL, LORRAINE RUSSELL HAGY, IN HER CAPACITY AS CO-ADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. RUSSELL, UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, & ALL PERSON, FIRMS OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER THOMAS J. RUSSELL, DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, & ALL PERSONS, FIRMS OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM OR UNDER THOMAS J. RUSSELL, DECEASED C/O

Brandywine Show...

Continued from Page 1B

upholstery-like texture and a primitive style that must have been much-derided in its day. On the other hand, Winslow Homer’s “To the Rescue” (1886) powerfully depicts the force of nature as three wind-whipped figures on a beach are dwarfed by rolling surf.

The show moves into depictions of modern America in works such as “Sunday” (1926) by Edward Hopper, which evokes stillness and something of an ominous mood. That could come from our modern viewpoint, since we know that the Great Depression was just around the corner.

The raw power and expanse of the ocean in “Storm Voices” (1912) by Paul Dougherty engulfs the viewer in the scene, and Rockwell Kent’s “The Road Roller” (1909) combines majestic clouds and a thick blanket of snow as a team of horses pulls a huge roller

over a hill to make the road navigable.

John Sloan’s “Clown Making Up” (1910) is a quiet backstage view of a white-faced clown working on his stage makeup by candlelight.

The bold, solid shapes and contours of Georgia O’Keeffe’s “Large Dark Red Leaves on White” (1925) and the sinuous shapes of “Ranchos Church, No. 11, NM” (1929) are instantly recognizable, but moments like the stylized land and spiral sun in “Red Sun” (1935) by Arthur Dove will come as a surprise.

City life is explored by several artists, such as the clean, pure shapes of “Boat and Grain Elevators No. 2” by Ralston Crawford, and the hard-edged, overlapping shapes of “Skyscrapers” (1922) by Charles Sheeler. Edward Hopper’s “Approaching a City” (1947) has his trademark cityscape devoid of human presence, and an ominous railroad tunnel that does nothing to invite

Writ of Execution No. 2014-04213 DEBT $158,089.29

A. WOOD a/k/a JEROME WOOD UNKNOWN HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, ASSIGNS, AND ALL PERSONS, FIRMS, OR ASSOCIATIONS CLAIMING RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST FROM

ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land with the dwelling thereon erected, situated in the Borough of Parkesburg, County of Chester and State of Pennsylvania, known and designated as No. 518 West Second Avenue, bounded and described as follows to wit:

the viewer. Next to it is John Sloan’s “Six O’Clock, Winter” (1912), a perfect depiction of a bustling New York City crowd, a shadowy elevated train track and dots of artificial light against an almost-dark sky.

In the “Memory and Identity” section, you’ll find “Hoosick Falls in Winter” (1944) by Grandma Moses, and Horace Pippin’s interior scene “Domino Players” (1943). Among the most striking works in this section is John Kane’s city view, “Across the Strip” (1929), a richly detailed expanse of brick tenements, then factories, then a hillside dotted with houses in the background.

Moving into abstraction, “Deer in Sunset” (1946), by Karl Knaths, distills the animals into gestures of black paint in a jumble of rich green foliage. The symbolic objects in “August Still Life” by Morris Graves have broken free of their table and rise up in an expressive arc.

“Egg Beater No. 4,” by

Stuart Davis, takes its subject completely apart, and in “Maritime” (1931), Karl Knaths distills the essence of a day of sailing into simple lines and shapes, and a blue expanse of deep ocean water.

You’ll come away from this exhibition with a deep appreciation of how artists and works you are familiar with dovetail with pieces by artists you may never have heard of. And you’ll also be thankful that Duncan Phillips championed these artists during a crucial time of transition for American art.

This exhibition will surprise you, and that’s always a good thing.

“From Homer to Hopper” continues at the Brandywine River Museum of Art (Route 1, Chadds Ford) through May 21. Visit www.brandywinemuseum. org, or call 610-388-2700 for more information.

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

Legals

granted and conveyed unto Jodi M. Knox and Jason E. Knox.

BEING known as: 518 West 2nd Avenue, Borough of Parkesburg, PA 19365

PARCEL No.: 8-5-196

IMPROVEMENTS: residential property.

situate

‘Skyscrapers’ (1922), by Charles Sheeler.

IMPROVEMENTS: a residential dwelling.

PLAINTIFF: M&T Bank VS DEFENDANT: ASHLEY T. REEF

SALE ADDRESS: 34 Inniscrone Drive, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: KML LAW GROUP, P.C., 215-627-1322

made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 2p-22-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-3-182

BEGINNING at a point in the center line of Second Avenue, formerly Highland Avenue, a corner of land of Mae V. Connell and distant two hundred fifty-six feet westwardly from the west curb line of Culvert Street extending, measuring along the center line of Second Avenue; thence along said Connell’s land south ten degrees twenty-three minutes east, one hundred ninety-five feet to a point in the center line of Spruce Alley; thence along the same north seventy-nine degrees thirty-seven minutes east, twenty-four and fifty-four one-hundredths feet to a point, a corner of land of H. Boyd Cowan and Mary M. Cowan, husband and wife; thence along the same and passing through the center of the middle dividing partition between the house erected on the lot herein conveyed and the house erected on the lot immediately adjoining it on the east, north ten degrees twenty-three minutes west, one hundred ninety-five feet to a point in the center line of Second Avenue aforesaid; thence along the same south seventy-nine degrees thirty-seven minutes west, twenty-four and fifty-four one-hundredths feet to the place of beginning.

CONTAINING four thousand seven hundred eighty-five square feet of land, be the same more or less.

BEING the same premises which Mark A. Parker and Dawn C. Porter f/k/a Dawn c. Dunlap, husband and wife, by Deed dated 08/17/2009 and recorded 08/19/2009 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for Chester County in Deed Book 7753, Page 386,

PLAINTIFF: Bank of America, NA Successor by Merger to BAC Home Loan Servicing, LP FKA Countrywide Home Loans Servicing VS DEFENDANT: JODI M. KNOX and JASON E. KNOX

SALE ADDRESS: 518 West 2nd Avenue, Borough of Parkesburg, PA 19365

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. 2p-22-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, April 17, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions

Darragh and Griffin named Seniors of the Month at Oxford Area High school

Oxford Area High School

students Riley Darragh and Sean Griffin were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for January.

Riley, daughter of Ronni and Tim Darragh, is a member of National Honor Society and an avid artist and dancer. She was a member of the track and field team as a sophomore and is considering a return to the

team this spring. Riley told the Rotary members that she had always intended to pursue a career in art and design, but during her sophomore year became extremely interested in criminal justice. This fall she will enroll in the Honors College at West Virginia University to study criminology and psychology with the intention of pursuing a career with the Federal

Bureau of Investigation.

Sean, son of Dani Beavers and Gerald Griffin, is a twoyear member of the National English Honor Society, volunteering as a peer tutor for English and helping coordinate the chapter’s annual book sale.

Sean began playing cymbals in the Marching Band as a freshman and currently plays snare drum. He has served as leader of the drum

section for two years.

In his sophomore year Sean appeared in the musical production of Cinderella and will play the Dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors,” to be presented on March 3 and 4.

After graduation Sean will attend college to major in business, and has been accepted to the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Alabama and West Virginia University.

Mastronardo signs to play lacrosse at Widener University

Kennett High School

senior Ashley Mastronardo has signed a National Letter of Intent to play lacrosse at Widener University.

Ashley has had a very successful athletic career with the Kennett High School girls lacrosse team as well as her club team, Sepa

Lacrosse. A thoughtful and dedicated player, Ashley has played an important role in Kennett Consolidated School District’s lacrosse program for six years. In addition to lacrosse, she is also a member of Kennett High School’s field hockey team.

Ashley is not only a stellar athlete, but also a dedicated student. Her successes on the field follow her into the community where she is a Big Sister in

High School’s newest afterschool mentoring program, as well as a youth field hockey and lacrosse coach.