Chester County Press 03-22-17 Edition

Seven candidates enter Kennett Square Borough Council race

So far, four democrats and three Republicans have filed for the May primary election. Four seats will be filled in the general election

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

There are seven candidates—four Democrats and three Republicans—who have already filed for the primary election in May. With four seats up for election, all those who have filed for the primary election may earn a spot on the general election ballot, but voters will have some difficult choices to make come November, when seven or eight candidates will be vying for four seats on council.

Borough council president Dan Maffei is seeking his third term on council. Maffei, Matthew McGill, and Gregory Deveney are all Republicans who have filed for the primary election.

LaToya Myers, Ethan Cramer, Peter Waterkotte, and Brenda Mercomes are making a bid for the Democratic nomination.

Myers and Cramer both currently serve on Kennett Square Borough Council after being appointed to fill vacancies at the start of 2016.

One incumbent council member, Geoff Bosley, decided not to seek another term this year. During his tenure, Bosley has served on the borough’s Finance and Budget Committee, which has kept a tight rein on expenditures.

Maffei pointed to the stewardship of the borough’s financial resources as a reason that he is seeking a third

Leon Spencer

named

Chamber’s

Outstanding Citizen of the

Year

‘We all breathe the same air’

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

When Leon Spencer, the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year recipient for 2016, was informed of his distinction, it was not through the usual channels of communication. There was no congratulatory letter in the mail, no

Forum to help navigate school-to-future path for students and their parents

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The following kitchen table scenario takes place every day, from Chadds Ford to West Chester to Downingtown to Oxford to Kennett Square, and everywhere in between. After dinner, a husband and wife sit down with their teenage son or daughter, to begin to lay the foundation for his or her future. They’ve read the tea leaves; while the concept of marching off to a four-year college immediately after high school may not be appealing to their son or daughter, he or she has demonstrated an early aptitude for computers, or electronics, or automotive repair, or cosmetology or engine technology, or early childhood care and education.

So the process begins, to find a place where these students can pursue their passion while also receiving real-world experience in their field of choice, a full high school education, and certifications that can serve as a springboard to either higher education, or directly into a career.

At thousands of kitchen tables across southern Chester County, the solution has often been the pursuit of another option: Chester County Technical College High School, at its branches in Downingtown, Phoenixville

phone call from Chamber president and CEO Cheryl Kuhn, and certainly no dinner; that will take place on March 24 at Longwood Gardens, before hundreds of the community’s top movers and shakers.

Rather, Spencer learned of his honor another way.

The people he works with at the Technical College High School’s Pennock’s Bridge

campus in West Grove, in conjunction with the SCCCC, simply set him up. It was a diversion carved from genius. Several staff members at the school took Spencer on an unnecessary tour of the school’s engine technology center, cornered him with pressing questions, and created a mock situation that called for his mediation.

U-CF School Board approves expenses for renovations

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Some big-ticket items were quietly and unanimously approved at the March 20 meeting of the UnionvilleChadds Ford School Board, which was held at Chadds Ford Elementary School.

After a presentation about student involvement in a STEM science fair at the elementary school, district superintendent John Sanville said, “It’s clear from the kids’ work in those projects why Chadds Ford Elementary is a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. There’s some really tremendous work being done by the kids and the staff.”

Voting was swift and unanimous for a list of items related to ongoing renovations at district schools:

A mower purchase for

Canine Partners for Life breaks ground on major expansion project

The Marian S. Ware Program Services Center is the first phase of a planned $8.5 million expansion

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

range of disabilities, broke ground on phase one of a planned $8.5 million expansion on Thursday, March 16.

Marian S. Ware Program Services Center will be the hub of CPL’s program activities, according to executive director and founder Darlene Sullivan. The renovated and expanded facility on Faggs Manor Road will house all the staff except for the kennel staff, and will include interview rooms for both applicant and volunteer interviews, multiple accessible restrooms,

$24,645.75; Replacement door hardware throughout Hillendale Elementary School for $39,540; New carpeting for Hillendale Elementary for $31,339; New carpeting for Unionville and Pocopson elementary schools for $14,634.30; Exterior lighting for Hillendale Elementary and Patton Middle School for $17,689.72; Repair and resurfacing of tennis courts for $31,000; Roofing repairs for Chadds Ford Elementary, Patton Middle School and Unionville High School for $318,983.13; Replacement of lockers at Patton Middle School for $89,568.

In addition, the board

Local

additional 8,000 square feet of space.

This campaign is about respect and appreciation for the needs of the people who we serve,” said Sullivan. “As Canine Partners for Life continues to grow and improve, it is imperative that our applicants, students, graduates, volunteers, and staff have a facility where they can learn and work in a space that is respectful of their individual needs and unique situations.”

The March 16 groundbreaking was attended by dozens of CPL staff members, volunteers, and supporters. State Rep. John Lawrence said that Canine Partners for Life is something of a hidden treasure in the community, and has a far-reaching impact. Sullivan founded Canine Partners for Life in 1989, and at that time the service dog industry was still in its infancy. Service dogs were primarily used to assist people in wheelchairs back then.

Today, the CPL staff and volunteers help train canines to partner with people from around the United States who suffer from a wide range of physical, neurological, and cognitive disabilities, including muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cerebral palsy, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, spinal cord injuries, strokes, seizure disorders, arthritis, spina bifida, Parkinson’s Disease and more. Canine

Partners for Life has grown into a national leader in the assistance dog industry, and has placed dogs in homes in 45 states. More than 650 service and companion dogs have been placed with people who need them since 1989.

According to Janie Cramer, the current president of CPL’s board of directors, there are approximately 400 volunteers who assist the organization— just one illustration of how important many people consider CPL’s services to be.

Cramer is currently in her second stint on the board of directors. She was a pediatric nurse who worked with many disabled children during her career, and believes very strongly in the organization’s mission. She has raised nine puppies herself, and has seen the difference that a service dog or an alert dog can make in a person’s life. There is a growing need for service and companion dogs that have been trained at CPL. The new Services Center will set the stage for a second phase of an expansion that will allow CPL to increase the number of canines it can train by 20 or 25 dogs annually. There is a big difference between training a family pet and training a service dog. Canine Partners for Life has developed a comprehensive training program for the dogs that takes two years to complete. Alert dogs and service dogs must have very specific characteristics in order to be successful. A person might be relying on a service dog to assist in an emergency—perhaps even a

life-and-death situation. The service dogs are trained to be gentle, consistent, and focused on their partner.

As people who have partnered with one service dog return to the organization for successor dogs (their second, third, or fourth service dog from CPL), they are always moved to the top of the waiting list, causing new applicants to be faced with waits of up to five years to receive a dog.

Sullivan explained, “Our facility cannot support further growth to meet the needs of our clients until we address critical facility improvements and expansion.”

Sullivan said that they knew this expansion would be necessary as far back as 18 years ago. CPL officials have been discussing and planning for the expansion for more than a decade.

“We’ve been working on the preparation for this project for 11 years,” Sullivan said. “It has taken us 11 years to get here. We’ve been talking for years about moving dirt, and now we’re finally moving dirt.”

Sullivan told those gathered for the groundbreaking that she has often referred to Marian S. Ware as the organization’s fairy godmother. Ware was widely known as a philanthropist and activist who supported many charities, including a number of initiatives that supported the advancements of women’s causes, medical and scientific research in diabetes and Alzheimers disease, and charities which provided services for people with special needs. She

passed away at the age of 91 in 2008. Her husband was the late Congressman John H. Ware III. Their daughter, Marilyn Ware of “The Woods” Charitable Foundation, gave generously to help make the Marian S. Ware Program Services Center a reality.

According to Sullivan, it will take about eight months to complete the construction work on the project, which means that, if all goes well, the facility should be open by the end of the year.

As construction begins on the Marian S. Ware Program Services Center, CPL will continue the fundraising effort to secure the remaining $3.1 million to begin phase two of the campaign—build-

ing a new training center. Construction on the Mollie and Minor Barringer Training Center, featuring the Copeland Training Room, is expected to begin as soon as the Marian S. Ware Program Services Center is complete.

CPL officials emphasized that the entire expansion project would not be possible without the generous support of donors, including lead donors Mollie and Minor Barringer, Mr. and Mrs. Gerret van S. Copeland, Marilyn Ware of “The Woods” Charitable Foundation, the estate of Lisa Moseley, the Longwood Foundation, Crystal Trust, Mr. and Mrs. David Twing, C. Victoria Kitchell, Phil and Daphne

Reese, and the Marian S. Ware Fund.

C. Victoria Kitchell, the chairperson of the fundraising campaign, expressed her excitement about the project. “Thanks to the support of our major donors who have made this campaign project possible, CPL’s future is secure and we can continue providing independence to individuals with disabilities. We hope everyone will join in our excitement, follow our progress, and spread the word to help us secure the remaining $3.1 million.” To learn more about Canine Partners for Life, visit www.k94life.org.

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

On his way to settle one issue, Spencer entered a classroom and there they were, waiting for him: Kuhn, his wife Kathryn, school principal Dr. Brian Hughes, assistant principal Paul Siever, school officials, as well as Chamber chairman John Jaros and members Joan Holliday, Jim Horn, and Dave Haradon. Jaros then told Spencer that he had been selected as the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Several students who were there to witness the announcement broke into applause.

“I’m not normally a speechless kind of person, but I was speechless,” Spencer said. “There was nothing that I could say except, ‘Thank you.’”

With the award, Spencer joins an elite list of 50 local leaders who have been the recipients of the Citizen of the Year honors from the Chamber, which include Haradon in 2015, Holliday in 2014 and Horn in 2008. The award is given annually to a member of the community who unselfishly contributes to the community’s quality of life and displays exemplary volunteer efforts that demonstrate vision, leadership and citizenship that positively impact the southern Chester County region.

To the thousands of community leaders and residents who have rolled up the sleeves with Spencer over the past several decades, word of his recognition has been met with the highest of praise. The resume, after all, speaks for itself: Since he returned to Kennett Square in 1991 after several years in Ohio, he has been a member and vice president of the Kennett Consolidated School Board; president of the Chester County Intermediate Unit Board of Directors; secretary of the board for the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley; board member for the Southern Chester County United Way and Kendal-Crosslands Communities; mayor of the Borough of Kennett Square from 1999 to 2010; vice chairman of the Chester County School Authority; supervisor for the Chester County Head Start program; member of the board of the Chester County Regional Education Service; president of the Kennett Square Borough Council; co-owner of Pro Musica Studio in Kennett Square; and a School To Careers specialist for the Chester County Technical College High School’s Pennock’s Bridge campus.

He is also a vocal instructor; a choir director for the MLK Choir; a solo performer; bassist/vocalist for the ensemble known as SydeTwo; and lead vocalist for the R&B band Goodfoot and, when time permits, serves as the public address announcer for Kennett High School sports.

“My primary emphasis of this award is for everyone else who will be in the room [at the awards ceremony],” he said. “I am nothing without other people. When I look at what I have been able to do -- accomplishments, if you will -- they were never done alone, ever. They all required the presence of other people.

“The expression ‘No man is an island’ is absolutely true. It’s the result of a collective spirit.”

Born in Wilmington, Spencer grew up in Kennett Square during the 1950s and 60s, during a time when the lines of segregation had permeated the core of America, and seeped into his hometown. His family was the only African-American family in a two-and-a-halfmile radius of his home. He visited a “Negro” barber, attended a “Negro” church, and yet, he attended Kennett High School which had by then become a raciallymixed school. Throughout his childhood, his parents Luella and Leon, his grandparents, as well as teachers and pastors, all stressed the power of integration.

“What I garnered from those influences was the importance of being a mainstream sort of person,” he said. “As a result, I learned to accept the fact that while we may look different, and while we may have different inflections in our speech, that in essence, we are all the same.

“The message was clear to me. We all breathe the same air.”

The foundation that has ultimately paved -- and defined -- Spencer’s life was borne out of irony, and traced to a time, many years ago, when he was a naysayer, the type of person who habitually pointed the root of problems at an imaginary group named “They,” as in, “They ought to fix that,” and “Don’t they know that this is wrong?”

One day, the realization that he had become an armchair quarterback hit him.

“I struck me that there was no reason for me to talk about what ‘They’ ought to do, if I wasn’t willing to do it myself, to stick my neck out and be a part of the solution instead of griping about the problem,” he said. “If I have the ability to be involved and choose not to be, I’m not fulfilling my God-given talent. I see things that need to be done, and I decide that I want to be a part of the solution.”

Rather than sift through opportunities like choosing from a menu, Spencer, soon after returning to his hometown 27 years ago, dove headlong into them and he shows no signs of letting up. His calendar is an inkedup scribble of obligations, places to see and people to meet with, that take him into the local thickets of politics, music, education, special events and volunteerism.

He is driven, he said, by

a lingering, incurable itch to get things done, and connect people to people. In his words, Spencer said he does not “sit well.”

He is a public figure, and because of it, or perhaps as a result of it, his actions and deeds are often put before the firing line of public opinion, heard loudest when he was the mayor of Kennett Square, and during his years on the Kennett borough council. At his last Kennett borough council meeting last December, Spencer stood up to an attendee who disagreed with him. He turned to his faith, which he calls his “protective shield.”

“As I looked back on it, if the man who got in my face got into dire straits, my faith tells me that I would pick him up and take care of him,” he said. “That’s what gets me through. A good friend of mine once told me that when I go into a meeting, ‘Go in prayed up.’

“I have always made a point to do just that. I don’t know what I am going to encounter, but if I go in ‘prayed up,’ there’s always direction given.”

Of all of the titles that Spencer owns -- politician, musician, choir leader, public address announcer, board member -- the affiliation that best suits him is “teacher.” For the past six years, his work at the technical high school has allowed him to support the dreams of young people who he calls “some of the best people in the world.”

“In any area of my life, it has always come to down to teaching -- the gift to direct and guide people and not talk at them, but to them,” he said. “For instance, the MLK Choir will never produce anything of quality if the person directing them talks at them. Teaching is about engaging others. Once a choir member feels that they are a part of the process, you end up with

What they’re saying about Leon Spencer:

“Leon Spencer’s commitment to the residents of Kennett Square has been of great benefit in uplifting people’s spirits, bringing fair and sincere decision making to government and being an encouraging presence in the community. His public speaking at Chamber events, new initiative ribbon cuttings, eulogies, is always clear and inspiring. Leon communicates life’s positive vision through music as he leads the Kennett Community Choir at the yearly MLK Breakfast, Christmas caroling at the Kennett Tree Lighting ceremony, many student choral groups and his funky band, Goodfoot.

“In serving as Kennett Square Mayor and Borough Council President, Leon brought a balanced, resident-oriented perspective, and worked closely with the police department and other agencies with positive encouragement. He is, and has been, everywhere in the community, always greeting everyone with an encouraging smile.”

Dennis Melton, Kennett Square architect

“I love Leon Spencer, because he is a man of the highest integrity. He lives by his core values and Christian beliefs, while inspiring others to do the same. For many years, I have joined Leon with the Kennett Community Choir and with Christmas caroling on the streets of Kennett. He is the Music Man of Kennett Square, leading the community in harmonization.”

Joan Holliday, Bridging the Community

“I have so much respect for Leon in his personal and his professional life, that it’s hard to articulate. He brings an incredible, can-do, positive and vibrant attitude every day that he shares with our students. His connections in the communities that we serve are an unbelievable value to our students. In helping our students prepare for the transition from school to the workplace, he brings in leaders from business and industry to interview students prior to these students even leaving our school.”

Dr. Brian Hughes, Principal, Technical College High School’s Pennock’s Bridge campus

a beautiful, harmonious production.”

When Spencer steps to the podium to deliver his remarks at next Friday evening’s ceremony, he will thank many people, but no mention of any name will be more important than Kathryn’s.

“Kathy’s the answer to so many positives for me,” he said. “She is the greatest support I have. She accepts the fact that I am seldom at the dinner table. She accepts the fact that I am doing the things I am doing, because I see a need to do them. She accepts the fact that I am not willing to slow down. She accepts the fact that I am not interested in retirement.”

At this stage in his life, Spencer said that he does not seek recognition, titles, or even the gift of being named Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

“I need to pay attention to what I am told my direction ought to be,” he said. “It’s

Uncle Irvin...

The major stakeholders of the Route 1 and Route 796 project are Penn Township (Red Rose Inn), R.J. Waters (the shopping

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

Continued from Page 1A center in Jennersville) and Beiler Campbell (which owns the open corner lot).

Act 209 forces their financial contributions subject to property liens.

Mason stated recently that a consultant has been hired for design work, while another has been retained to work on the financial shares of the stakeholders.

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

Board OKs McMahon Associates, Inc. for intersection re-design

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Ask several drivers and vehicle passengers who frequently traverse the roads of southern Chester County to name their least favorite intersection in the area, and chances are that many will answer the same way, and with little hesitation.

It’s Baltimore Pike and Newark Road, in Toughkenamon.

Repairing the troublesome intersection has been on the improvement to-do books of PennDOT for many years and a frequent talking point at New Garden Township meetings, but mostly, it’s discussed at the moment a motorist arrives at

the intersection’s hodgepodge of narrow lanes and confusing signage, and often in language best described as “salty.”

On March 20, the New Garden Board of Supervisors decided that enough is enough.

By a unanimous vote, and after a 30-minute presentation, the board awarded McMahon Associates, Inc. the job of re-designing the intersection to include better signage, dedicated ADA-compliant sidewalks, shared lanes and wider turn and vehicle through lanes.

Referring to an 12-page document sent to township manager Tony Scheivert on Feb. 16, Stephen C. Giampaolo, McMahon Associates, Inc. regional highway design

services leader, ticked off a list of eight tasks the firm will undergo in order to complete the project, which will include environmental studies; a topographic survey; traffic signal design; environmental permitting; utility coordination; rightof-way coordination; a final design and approval stage; and preparation of bid documents and final design concepts, that will then be used to advertise the project for construction, which Giampaolo said is projected to be shovel-ready in 2019.

The project’s area of re-design – and eventual re-construction – will go north and south on Newark Road about 500 feet, and about

800 feet in both directions on Baltimore Pike.

The total engineering costs in order to prepare the intersection for shovel-ready work will be $466,700. If additional engineering is needed, the cost would increase by about $200,000.

The township would have to request proposals from other engineering firms to conduct inspection of McMahon Associates, Inc. design and engineering.

The firm has been working with the township on a proposal for a grant that, if awarded, is expected to account for most of the costs related to the intersection project.

The board also gave

Paradocx Vineyard expansion project approved by Franklin Board of Supervisors

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The Franklin Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an expansion for Paradocx Vineyard at their March 15 meeting, clearing the way for a second-floor event room, a new patio and walkways, and a parking area at the winery. There is no date yet set for the beginning of construction. During the meeting, the supervisors discussed the upcoming Great American Cleanup, which is scheduled for April 22 (rain date April 23). Township resident Cyndi Yurkovich and her sons, Nick and Eric, have volunteered to head the community cleanup again this year.

Yurkovich’s Brownie scout troop got the township involved in the cleanup six years ago. The board discussed how to publicize the event. This year, the township will be sending out a hard-copy township update to residents, and the event will be publicized in that. There are about 40 yard signs that will be placed around the area, and there will be a publicity effort on Facebook. Home owner associations will be contacted to encourage them to not only clean up their subdivisions, but also the roads that border them. The board also unanimously approved issuing a hunting license to the Franklin Sportsman’s Association (FSA) to allow

for hunting on the township preserves during the 20172018 hunting season. Board chairman John Auerbach noted that the FSA provides a benefit to the township by performing numerous public service projects during the year, saving the township money for the work.

In a discussion of the 2017 Road Program, the board identified the following roads as part of this year’s program:

Laurel Bridge Road, South Guernsey Road and guiderails on both of these roads will be completed using Liquid Fuels monies; Auburn Road will be repaired using Impact Fee monies;

The balance of Auburn Road, Conard Mill Road,

approval to a request by Pleasantville Farms, LLC, to seek modification to Natural Resource Protection standards, for the purpose of building two mushroom buildings on an 11.1-acre site between Starr Road, Penn Green Road and Santilli Road in Landenberg. The project will include the demolition of an existing mushroom building; modification of steep slopes on the property; the development of two access points to the property; and the addition of increased stormwater and graywater capability.

Many of the approved modifications resulted from consultation with – and recommendations from

Parsons Road, Hilltop Road and Hess Mill Road are also part of this year’s road program.

At this time, the board will move forward with the Liquid Fuels roads as soon as PennDOT approval is received. Road closures will be posted on the township website and on the township Facebook page. Signs will be posted on the affected roads to notify residents in advance that road construction is going to take place.

Updated information is posted on www. franklintownship.us.

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

BASEBALL FIELD DAMAGED

Sometime between March 9 and 12, someone drove a vehicle onto the baseball field at Avon Grove High School, causing about $2,000 worth of damage to the field and some equipment, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Daniel Wetzel at 610-268-2022.

SEXUAL ENCOUNTER FILMED

-- the township’s Planning Commission. In other township business, Kristie Wyatt was appointed to the township’s Comprehensive Plan Update Committee; and Priscilla Jordan and John Corbett were appointed to the township’s Park and Recreation Committee.

Southern Chester County Regional Police Department Chief Gerald Simpson said that the annual police officer awards ceremony will take place on April 13, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at the township building.

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

GAMES STOLEN

On Feb. 22, Nicholas Manocchio, 26, of Bensalem, was charged with theft by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Manocchio took three Playstation 4 games and a controller from the home of a West Grove man.

COUNTERFEIT

MONEY

On March 9 at 9:43 p.m., two unidentified men entered the Walgreen’s drug store in East Marlborough Township and purchased a $295 Green Dot Visa Gift Card. The three $100 bills used were later found to be counterfeit. Anyone with information is asked to call Trooper Ryan Ard at 610-268-2022.

On Jan. 11, three men from Cochranville conspired to make a video of a sexual encounter with a 28-year-old-woman from Cochranville without her knowledge. The recording was sent to a 34-year-old Cochranville woman, who posted it online without the victim’s consent. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale are investigating.

Town meeting regarding Oxford parking garage set for April 11

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Oxford Borough officials are planning a public meeting to discuss the proposed parking garage and transportation center project. The public meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11 at the Ware Chapel on the campus of the Ware Presbyterian Village. It starts at 7 p.m.

At Monday night’s council meeting, borough council president Ron Hershey said that the public meeting will be an opportunity for borough officials and the consultants

working on the project to make a presentation for the community.

“This is more of an informational meeting than anything else,” Hershey said, explaining that it would also be an opportunity for residents and business owners to share their questions or opinions about the project.

A rendering of a parking structure in downtown Oxford.

Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund—that total more than $1 million. The entire project is projected to cost approximately $5.7 million.

would boost the access to public transportation for residents and workers in town.

Over time, the project has evolved to include a transportation center that

A parking study completed in 2015 recommended the construction of a 377-space parking garage to address the borough’s long-term parking needs. Proponents of the project believe that the parking garage will facilitate economic development in the business district. The lack of available, convenient parking has hindered the town’s efforts to attract a larger employer or anchor business to the downtown district.

So far, Oxford has secured two significant grants—one through the Chester County Community Revitalization Program and another through the Pennsylvania

Borough officials are considering including a new—and much-needed— administration building in the parking garage project. There would be significant savings on design and construction costs by doing so. The borough was gifted more than $1 million for a new borough hall by the anonymous donor who, for years, provided gifts for expenditures that the

borough wouldn’t be able to afford on its own. A major emphasis of the public meeting will likely be whether the borough can secure the rest of the funding for the project without having to raise taxes on residents who already have one of the highest millage rates in the region.

More information about the project is available on the Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. website at www. downtownoxfordpa.org.

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

Oxford Borough Council receives update about efforts to sell public sewer system

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Joel Brown, a member of the study committee that is exploring options for the public sewer system that is currently operated by the Oxford Area Sewer Authority, provided a brief update about the committee’s progress to Oxford Borough Council at the meeting on Monday night.

One option that the committee has been exploring is the possible sale of the entire sewer system. The wastewater treatment plant was extensively upgraded to meet the long-term needs of the area. Brown said that five entities have expressed some level of interest in acquiring the sewer system.

The Oxford Area Sewer Authority is owned by its four member municipalities— Oxford Borough, East

Nottingham Township, West Nottingham Township, and Lower Oxford Township.

The sewer authority is facing significant financial issues after falling behind on the debt-service payments on a $27 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That funding was used to increase the capacity and modernize the wastewater treatment plant.

The sewer authority blamed its revenue shortfalls on the fact that purchases of Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs) that were submitted by the municipalities when the sewer authority updated its Act 537 Plan six years ago. The sewer authority board voted last July to raise rates by 30 percent. But even with the sizable increase, the sewer authority is still facing significant revenue shortfalls that could continue into the future.

In order for the sewer authority to secure the $27 million loan, the four member municipalities had to agree to back the loans, with each municipality accepting a portion of the debt-service payment in the event that the sewer authority could not make its debt-service payments in a given year. Oxford Borough accepted 44 percent of the financial responsibility, followed by 28 percent for East Nottingham, 16 percent for Lower Oxford, and 12 percent for West Nottingham. With the municipalities facing the real possibility of having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to keep the sewer authority current with its debt-service payments, a committee was formed to explore the possibility of selling the entire sewer system.

The study committee has compiled a list of items that they would like a potential buyer to consider as part of the sale. Brown explained that the price that a potential buyer would pay for the sewer system is important, obviously, but it is not the only consideration. Brown said that it’s essential that they get enough funding to pay off the outstanding portion of the loan. Beyond that, they also want any potential new owner to be able to make the necessary investments in the system.

Brown said that some of the considerations that have been discussed include the installation of public sewer lines along Baltimore Pike, which would allow for more users to connect to the system and boost revenues.

The member municipalities would maintain control over

all zoning and land-use decisions. The purchasing company must also adhere to all the provisions of the Act 537 Plan.

The Study Committee would like to get an assurance from the purchasing company that the existing rates won’t increase for rate users for a minimum of three years, and that there would be no more than a five-percent increase during the first ten years.

The study committee would like the purchasing company to continue to employ those employees who operate the wastewater treatment plant for as long as possible.

Specific terms of an agreement between the four member municipalities and the company purchasing the sewer system would need to be worked out once a potential buyer has been

selected from among those entities that have expressed interest.

In other business at the March 20 council meeting, Mayor Geoff Henry issued a proclamation recognizing April as “Pennsylvania 811 Digging Month.” Pennsylvania has established a telephone number—811-that can be called before any digging is done to ensure that no underground utilities will be damaged as a result of the digging. Residents, developers, contractors, or anyone else who may be moving earth are encouraged to dial 811 at least three days before the project is set to start. The proclamation is reminder of the 811 service’s benefits.

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

Council race...

Continued from Page 1A

term on council. He first ran for council in 2009, when the borough was still grappling with the effects of the Great Recession.

“In my time on council, we have weathered and thrived through the Great Recession. We have paid down debt inherited from previous administrations and built up a small cash reserve that did not exist before,” Maffei wrote in an email about his candidacy. “We sought and secured numerous grants to rebuild streets and sidewalks, upgraded our Public Works facility to its new location. We attracted new, thriving businesses to town with major private capital improvements that have bolstered our tax base without burdening the school district.”

Maffei said that two large developments, Victory Brewing and Magnolia Place, expanded the borough’s tax base without adding new students to the school district. Borough officials have also maintained communications with developers interested in the former NVF site to ensure that the borough gets the best improvements possible for residents as a result of that property being developed.

“Communications with our neighboring townships have improved dramatically and we are collaborating on common issues more effectively than ever before,” Maffei added. “I also personally spearheaded the successful effort to replace the Historical Commission and Architectural Review Board with the more streamlined and less onerous Historic Preservation Ordinance to protect the small town fabric that residents and visitors have come

to know and love about Kennett Square.”

According to Cramer, his experiences since being appointed to fill a vacancy on council have helped him see firsthand how elected officials can serve their constituents.

“I’ve come to understand the meaning of representative democracy on a whole new level this year,” he said. “I’m proud to have sponsored our antidiscrimination ordinance, which itself came from the Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs that I initiated. I’ve taken an active role in emphasizing community policing and in the search for the new police chief, and I’ve worked hard to support Kennett Fire Company No. 1 as our region works through an emergency services re-organization plan.

“It’s been a remarkably active year in council, and I’ve often taken the lead on behalf of the constituents who need us to function well as a local government. I feel the pressure to take real action that makes life better here and, though it sounds like a cliché, I do feel honored that I get to be at the table speaking for people I care about in a town I love.”

In addition to the council races, this is also the year that the mayoral race will take place in Kennett Square. Kennett Square mayor Matthew Fetick is seeking a third term in that position.

As of the time that this issue went to press, Fetick was the only one included on the county’s list of candidates for mayor for the primary election. That list of candidates is still unofficial.

The primary election will take place on May 16.

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

School future...

Continued from Page 1A and West Grove.

On March 30 at the Pennock’s Bridge campus in West Grove, the school will swing open its doors and give prospective students and their parents the opportunity to learn how to turn interests into potential careers at “Bridging High School to Future,” from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The forum will invite representatives from TCHS, local colleges and area school districts, as well as leaders in the many industries that TCHS partners with. In addition, current students and instructors will introduce families to the school’s 21 different programs through tours and classroom demonstrations.

“The forum will engage parents in their student’s education, and empower the student to know that he or she can take control of the opportunities that lay ahead,” said Paul Siever, vice principal of the Pennock’s Bridge campus. “In most cases, when a TCHS student is here, he or she will find that they’re a lot further ahead of the game

U-CF renovations...

Continued from Page 1A unanimously approved a bid award for new buses to Wolfington Body Company in the amount of $230,350.

Board member Jeff Hellrung, who led the meeting in the absence of board president Vic Dupuis, reported on last week’s meeting of the Curriculum and Educational Technology Committee, which for the first time has been made available online for the public’s viewing.

“There was discussion of the Chromebook and Canvas Learning System initiative,” Hellrung said. “This year we

by the time they leave here, because they can put on their resume they have already been exposed to college level courses, transferable college credits, learning certifications, as well as learning job and career skills, so that they are employable when they graduate.”

The timing of the TCHS event – and the increasing value of a technical high school education – coincides with another talking point, one that has hit the family kitchen table conversation broadside over the past decade. From the 1984–1985 enrollment year to the 2014–2015 enrollment year, the inflation-adjusted cost of a four-year education, including tuition, fees, and room and board, increased 119.5 percent for private school and 124.7 percent for public school.

Translated, the cost of sending a student to a private college has skyrocketed to an average of more than $60,000 per year, and the projected cost of an elite four-year college for a student graduating in 2018 could soar as high as $334,000 for a four-year

rolled them out throughout the middle school. In short, the initiative is meeting all of our learning objectives. It’s being very favorably accepted by teachers, students and parents. We’re going to roll this out to the high school next year, for the freshman class only. So this year’s eighth graders will take their Chromebooks to the high school. If it’s as successful year by year as it has been so far, the program will expand until it covers grades six to 12.”

Hellrung also reported on the district’s new Uprise initiative to further engage families with special-needs students. The meetings have drawn “administrators, teachers, parents of students with

degree. The national average cost of attending a four-year public college is over $28,000 per year.

It’s not only about costs, it’s about economic uncertainty. Recent numbers from the Economic Policy Institute indicate that unemployment rates of young high school and college graduates remains elevated today, largely due to disproportionate increases in unemployment during periods of labor market weakness, such as the Great Recession of 2008, which has contributed to the longest, most severe period of economic weakness in more than seven decades.

Further, the Institute’s findings stated that the share of young graduates who are “idled” by the economyneither enrolled in further schooling nor employedremains elevated in the wake of the Great Recession. This indicates that many graduates are unable to pursue a college education or get more work experience.

In light of these statistics, a TCHS education has joined “high school-to-college” and “high school-to-work” as a valuable third option for local

disabilities, and the group has put together an advisory committee that meets monthly,” Hellrung said. “Families are invited to come and network with each other and get information about projects that impact their students. It’s a wonderful initiative, and well received.”

Regarding the delayed school start time initiative, Hellrung said that “by delaying the high school and middle school start times by 25 minutes, it would be the least disruptive option” for families and schools, while giving teens more time to sleep in the morning. “This would also involve a 15-minute delay for the elementary schools,” he said. “During

families, and it’s a conversation that TCHS administrators are beginning earlier every year. Pennock’s Bridge principal Dr. Brian Hughes said that the school has been inviting elementary school students for tours, which include demonstrations of the work being done.

“It gives these youngsters exposure, not only to the school, but to career readiness, and it’s in accordance with the state’s 339 Plan, that encourages school districts to implement career awareness,” Hughes said. “Not only are we bringing in students to tour and have an experience, our students are also going out to schools to perform demonstrations at schools throughout southern Chester County.”

For more information about the TCHS Pennock’s Bridge campus forum, call 484-2375325, or e-mail admissions@ cciu.org. TCHS’ Pennock’s Bridge campus is located at 280 Pennock’s Bridge Road, West Grove, Pa. 19390.

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

March, the administration is taking this recommendation to the community to get feedback. At the end of that process, the administration will consider their recommendation to the board for next year. It’s still open to some adjustments based on feedback, but the plan is that at our work session on April 17, we’ll hear from the administration about their final recommendation. Then we’ll ask the school board for a vote on April 24.”

More information about district activities is available at www.ucfsd.org.

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

The time is up, and the time is now

On Feb. 23, 2015, the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to enter into negotiations to purchase the 178-acre Green Valley Farm, a generous splotch of land in the township, for $2.3 million, for the purpose of placing a conservation easement on it.

Supervisor Steve Allaband, former supervisor Betty Gordon and Richard Ayotte voted in favor of the purchase. Supervisors Patrick Little and Randy Geouque voted against it.

That was more than two years ago, and the negotiations to transfer ownership of the property to the township are still incomplete, trapped in a torturous tangle that has held township taxpayers as financial hostages, hijacked the finances of the Open Space Review Board, and reduced its elected officials from decision makers to enablers, forcing them to accommodate the slog of delays.

The acreage is currently owned in part by former supervisor Warren Reynolds, who began discussions with the township’s Open Space Review Board more than two years ago, for the purpose of preserving the land in perpetuity.

The property, eight contiguous parcels, is located north of Route 41 and is bordered by Penn Green Road on its western edge, Old Baltimore Pike on its northern border, and the area behind the commercial and residential development along Newark Road, on its eastern edge.

At the time of agreement, the acquisition of the property was to be paid for out of the township’s Open Space Fund, whose account balance then stood at $2.27 million, with an annual revenue of about $400,000. The initial payment would comprise 37 percent of the total cost for the easement, to be followed by installments to account for the remaining 63 percent of the total cost.

From the evening it received its very first approval, the negotiations for Green Valley Farm have been a kick-the-can-down-the-road, stop-and-start, one-step up-and-two steps- back spectacle. These delays have been exacerbated by the fact that Warren is serving a prison sentence, and his brother John is incapacitated and incapable of managing his own affairs. Thus, the deal is now in the hands of the Orphan’s Court in the City of Philadelphia, a division of the Philadelphia Judicial System which serves to protect the personal and property rights of all persons and entities who are otherwise incapable of managing their own affairs.

While there must be consideration for the delicacy of these circumstances, we must also weigh them against the fact that at this time, there is no clear timeline for the completion of the negotiations for Green Valley Farm. In politics, patience is a gracious and often necessary virtue in the sausage making of negotiation, but when patience becomes manipulated and held captive, it amounts to a gross thievery, and while the negotiations between the township and the Reynolds family have not seen the transference of even one dime, New Garden Township is being robbed before its very eyes.

It is time for the township to dedicate its generosity to a more pressing need; another group of individuals; another historical patch of property; another cause.

It is time for the New Garden Township supervisors to come to a vote, and pull the plug on its purchase of the Green Valley Farm.

Letter to the Editor:

Well, it’s March, the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. The month, according to Dickens, when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold. These days, of course, March is the month of the NCAA college basketball tournament, and all the wagering that goes with it. (The odds of getting a perfect bracket have been estimated at 1 in 9 quintillion!) Nevertheless, according to the American Gaming Association, Americans will bet close to 10 billion on their brackets of choice this March, and businesses will lose another $4 billion on all the time wasted talking about it! March, the month of opposites, is also National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Problem gambling, often

cited as the most hidden of addictions, impacts around 2 to 3 percent of the population. That doesn’t sound like much, and it certainly isn’t getting the publicity that drug and alcohol addictions get, but 2 or 3 percent adds up to about 15,000 people in Chester County with a gambling problem. That’s 15,000 people who are regularly spending their hard-earned cash on scratch-off tickets, (there’s a new design this month, Fast Play, where you don’t even have to scratch), or on one of the 3,500 slot machines at Philadelphia’s leading casino, Parx, or at the table games at Valley Forge Casino Resort, only a few miles away. That’s 15,000 people who can drive a few miles to Delaware, just across the state line, and legally gamble on NFL football a dozen different ways. Problem gamblers are hard to detect. There is no stink

Letter to the Editor

Mayor: Parking garage and transportation center project will boost Oxford’s economic development

An open letter to Oxford Borough residents, taxpayers and business owners: project can be funded and maintained from revenues generated by the garage and other metered lots within the borough, and not burden me with additional taxes.

I am writing to inform you that I have decided to fully support the parking garage and transportation center. As mayor, I believe that this project will be in the best interest of Oxford’s economic development. As a taxpayer, I believe that the

The figures I have reviewed have convinced me that the project is viable and can

be sustained without an increase in taxes.

Borough council will be holding a public meeting on April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Chapel (Hunsworth Room) at Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 East Locust Street. The purpose of the town meeting

is to discuss the project, how it will be funded, and answer any questions. I encourage everyone to attend this important meeting.

Donze and Rafferty were both recommended by the party, not endorsed

Dear Uncle Irv:

My correspondence to you is in reference to your March 8 opinion article on the local judicial elections. For many years, I have been a huge fan of yours, and have enjoyed many of the countless articles that you have published. Thank you so much for all that you have done for our area. What concerns me about your piece regarding the local judicial races is the misrepresentation that you

published regarding Mrs. Donze. Donze was not endorsed by the Republican Party on Feb. 16. Donze and Rafferty, two of the five candidates were both recommended by the party in by a vote of 16 to 13. Neither candidate could achieve enough votes to be endorsed. While I respect your right to make a personal recommendation based on whatever criteria you choose, I do not condone twisting facts to make it appear as though Mrs. Donze received more sup-

port than she earned. While I don’t have a dog in this fight, as they say, I can tell you that Mr. Cox and Mr. Rafferty are both honorable men as well. Attorneys as local judges always seems to be a problem because they always treat the job as though it were part-time. Mrs. Donze is the only candidate thus far who I have heard spreading rumors regarding other candidates, and that is a major turn-off for me. While I don’t know whom I will support, I can tell you that I do not

Guest Column

like the nonsense that I am hearing thus far, and neither will the other voters. We can only pray that this will not be another Trump-type election in our own backyard. Hopefully, you will do your homework and correct your article.

Marcellus money and the Pennsylvania Legislature

By State Rep. Greg Vitali D-Delaware/Montgomery

There are 203 lobbyists registered as working for the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania – coincidently one for each state House member.

The gas industry spent more than $7 million last year and more than $60 million since 2007 on lobbying in Pennsylvania. Despite this spending, not a single Pennsylvania legislator was listed on any natural gas industry lobbing expense report as being the recipient of a gift, hospitality, transportation or lodging in 2016.

These are some of the findings of a report my office recently completed entitled: “Marcellus Money and the Pennsylvania Legislature: An Analysis of the Most Recent Pennsylvania Campaign Finance Reports, Lobbying Reports and Ethics Statements Relating to Natural Gas Drilling.”

Extensive research by Common Cause of

of booze (although many have a drinking problem), no needle tracks or pin point eyes. You can lose all your money on gambling, lose your home, your job and your family, but you can’t overdose. On the other hand, a high percentage of problem gamblers have attempted or contemplated suicide, and most are deeply in debt and depressed with untreated physical and mental disorders. Unlike other addictions, there’s no medically assisted treatment, no methadone or suboxone, no Narcan. But, like other addictions, there’s a lot of stigma—it’s not something you can really talk about, not something to share at the water cooler when filling out your bracket. Problem gambling often goes undetected. Hospitals, clinics, and treatment centers rarely do a screening for the disorder.

Pennsylvania and the Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania was the starting point of this report.

In addition to the large sums of money spent on lobbying, the natural gas industry also made significant political contributions to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. In 2016, the industry gave about $900,000 in campaign contributions to Pennsylvania legislators. Most went to House and Senate Republican leadership who control the flow of legislation in Harrisburg, It is not surprising that legislation and regulations opposed by the gas industry stalled again last year in Harrisburg.

The natural gas severance tax was first proposed by Gov. Edward Rendell in 2009. It would provide much needed revenue for the Commonwealth. Despite overwhelming public support, the Pennsylvania legislature failed to approve it yet again last term.

Pennsylvania will lose approximately $153.4 mil-

Warning signs—the inability to stop, severe financial losses, borrowing money to gamble, arguing over time spent—are often ignored. Less than 10 percent seek treatment, many don’t even think they have a problem. “I’ve got a money problem, not a gambling problem!” Gambling has been normalized. It’s more acceptable than smoking. Indeed, it’s no longer gambling. It’s entertainment!

But for those 15,000 or so gamblers in Chester County with a problem, there is help by calling 1-800- Gambler, yes that little blip at the end of countless casino and lottery commercials, actually works. There is someone on the other end of the line. Someone who knows about the problem, someone who can direct the caller, gambler or family member, to help. There are treatment providers, there are preven-

lion in 2016 by not having a natural-gas severance tax, according to the state Department of Revenue.

Pennsylvania remains the only major natural gasproducing state without a severance tax.

In addition to costing taxpayers money, the influence of the gas industry has also put public health and the environment at risk.

Conventional drilling regulations (12 Pa. Code Chapter 78) were proposed almost six years ago. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission found these regulations to be “in the public interest.” Yet they have been repeatedly stymied by the drilling industry.

These common sense regulations would, among other things, protect water-quality standards and require the quicker and better cleanup of spills. Unfortunately, last year the General Assembly passed legislation blocking their implementation (Act 52 of 2016).

The severance tax and conventional drilling regula-

tions are just two examples of the gas drilling industry’s undue influence on the Pennsylvania legislature. This will continue until Pennsylvania revamps its lobbyist disclosure and campaign finance laws.

Pennsylvania should enact a total ban on gifts to legislators from lobbyists. We are only one of 10 states that allow this.

Pennsylvania also should set limits on the amount of contributions given to elected officials. We are just one of just 11 states that do not have contribution limits.

Improving Pennsylvania’s antiquated campaign finance website would be the easiest reform to implement. Upgraded search capabilities would allow easier tracking of political contributions. Gov. Wolf could do this right now. My report can be viewed at: www.gregvitali.com.

State Rep. Greg Vitali (D., Delaware/ Montgomery) represents the 166th Legislative District.

tion programs funded by the county, there are support groups (GA, Gamblers Anonymous holds numerous meetings across the Delaware Valley) So if you have a problem, or have a family member with a problem, March, the month of change, may be your month to spring forward. Make the call, talk about it, have the conversation, don’t let a problem with gambling ruin your life or the life of someone you love. CALL 1-800 GAMBLER.

Owen Powell Volunteer facilitator with the Pro Act Family Education Program in Chester County.

Bayard Taylor: A life of accomplishment

By Gene Pisasale Correspondent

Bayard Taylor was born in Kennett Square on Jan. 11, 1825. James Monroe was President. It was the “era of good feelings.” The nation had been victorious in a second war against England and rebounded with a decade of peace and prosperity. Two major issues would hold the country’s attention over the next 40 years: western expansion and exploration… and slavery. One contributed to its greatness and economic strength, the other to its near collapse. The former topic captivated Taylor starting in his early years, leading him to become a poet, lecturer and the best known travel

writer of his era. Taylor’s life from the very start seemed inextricably linked to important events in our heritage. The house he was born in was just a few steps from where British and Hessian troops camped before the Battle of the Brandywine. Six months after Taylor came into the world, the Marquis de Lafayette visited nearby Chadds Ford, strolling terrain he’d defended as part of General Washington’s army. That site would later be the subject of one of Taylor’s first commercial writing efforts, an article describing his trek exploring the grounds where the battle occurred. Although his father was

a successful farmer, Taylor displayed little inclination toward agrarian pursuits. Early on, he was attracted to books, reading at age four and writing poetry by seven. In 1837, the family moved to West Chester. This gave him an opportunity to attend the region’s best schools—Bolmer’s Academy and subsequently the Unionville Academy. The latter institution spawned notable talent: future historian J. Smith Futhey, co-author of History of Chester County and sculptor William Marshall Swayne, who would go on to create

acclaimed busts of Taylor and another American— Abraham Lincoln. Joe Lordi comments in his book, “The First One Hundred Years: Bayard Taylor and Libraries in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania” that although Taylor did not pursue a college education, he was a

paintings of local landscapes. This combination of skills served him well in the years ahead as he depicted in words and images the numerous sites he explored in travels around the world. The first step on his momentous journey was into the offices of the West Chester Village Record, the newspaper where Bayard became an apprentice. He later corresponded with Rufus W. Griswold, editor of Graham’s Magazine, who encouraged Taylor to publish his poems, some of which had already appeared in the Saturday Evening Post. This resulted in Taylor’s first book-- “Ximena, or, the Battle of the Sierra Morena, and Other Poems” in 1844. He was just 19 years old. The book provided his first income as a published author.

A book titled “The Tourist in Europe” by George P. Putnam captured Taylor’s

attention and fanned the flames of his desire to see foreign lands. Bayard’s cousin Franklin Taylor encouraged him to accompany Franklin and Barclay Pennock on a trip to Europe. Bayard persuaded personnel at the Saturday Evening Post, the United States Gazette and Graham’s Magazine to fund his adventure in exchange for accounts of his travels. As he was about to leave New York, he met someone who would help his rise to fame: Horace Greeley, editor of the New York Tribune. An exciting trip through England, Germany and Italy ended up changing the course of Taylor’s life. His letters to the editors were printed and gained wide popularity with a public eager to learn of other cultures. After he returned to the U.S., Taylor published his writings in 1846 in “Views A-foot, or, Europe Seen with Knapsack

and Staff.” The book went through twenty-four editions in the first thirteen years. In 1847 Taylor started work as an editor for both Union Magazine and the New York Tribune. At the Tribune, Horace Greeley asked him to review a submission by an unknown writer. “Now you must do something for this young man. His name is Thoreau. He lives in a shanty at Walden Pond… and he must be encouraged.” Taylor later toured New England, where he met James Russell Lowell, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and John Greenleaf Whittier. He reported on a speech given by one of the most esteemed politicians in America: Senator Daniel Webster of

Massachusetts. The collaboration with Greeley took Taylor to the next level of his career. When gold nuggets were discovered near Sutter’s mill, the nation was changed forever. Tens of thousands ventured out West to join the California gold rush. Greeley directed Taylor to cover the event. In June 1849, he sailed to California. Over the next five months, he visited gold mining operations and locations around the state. His return trip through Mexico brought terror. He was robbed by bandits and abandoned in the desert, but survived and detailed his experiences in 1850 in “Eldorado, or Adventures in the Path of Empire.” In the preface, he states: “… California during

the latter half of the year 1849 was as transitory as it was marvelous… shifting phases of society… growth and progress…” The book was an immediate success. At 25, he’d established himself as a gifted travel writer, much in demand to an interested public. “Eldorado” remains in print today, 167 years later. It is one of his most enduring works.

With his two travel books, Taylor gained invaluable experience as a chronicler of fascinating places and diverse cultures. Over the next 28 years, he visited numerous other countries, cementing his reputation as the most talented author and lecturer of his era in describing the sights, sounds and tastes of places around

the globe. Gene Pisasale is an historian and author based in Kennett Square. His nine books focus on the Chester County/Mid-Atlantic region. Gene’s radio show “Living History” runs every Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. on WCHE AM 1520. His latest work is “Alexander Hamilton: Architect of the American Financial System.” He can be reached via e-mail at Gene@ GenePisasale.com. For more information, visit his website at www.GenePisasale.com.

(Editor’s note: This is part one of three-part series about the life of Bayard Taylor. The next two installments will be published in the coming weeks.)

Artists work magic with metal at Arts Alliance

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The sculpture show that opened last weekend at the Oxford Arts Alliance aims high and succeeds, with richly rewarding work that will spark your imagination and stretch what you thought were the limitations of metal as an artistic medium.

Every part of “Reconstructed Materials,” which continues through April 15, has merit –and several pieces are exceptional achievements.

The monumental “No Hoof, No Horse,” by Rob Sigafoos, manages to encapsulate the grace and power of the equine shape with a dramatic curve of steel, an empty bridle and a perfect recreation of leather in steel. Smaller but equally dramatic is his “Planting Time,” in which

steel tendrils wrap around a stone, with one tiny shoot splitting the rock by poking into a crevice. Sigafoos also works magic with “Balance,” which has a steel chain and angled spike base seeming to hold a boulder in mid-air.

Katee Boyle’s richly nuanced “Stone” – a crown-like object sitting

on a copper scroll imprinted with indistinct text – packs a novel’s worth of subtext. Her “Noble” is an otherworldly crown atop three roughly laced pillows, and her “What Remains” is a metal bow wall piece that’s wrinkled, scorched and scuffed – a well-worn memento of a once-happy time.

Lele Galer’s “Guardian” is a totem-like figure wearing fragmented armor, battered but noble. Her “Guardian Angel” tabletop piece is more literal, but still packs a dramatic punch with the figure’s fluttering metal garment.

Stan Smokler’s “Caged Botany” isn’t just a technical triumph of

entwined circles of steel, but it makes a wry point about trying to cage plants, as one tendril pokes out above the suggested limitations of the box it’s in. Smokler’s “Landscape” is a wall piece that’s rich with texture and circular shapes, while his untitled pedestal piece is a menacing triangle of lethal-looking spikes jutting out in all directions. Equally notable is Joe Charma’s “Broken

The power of ‘Thank you’ Kennett Square is the center of a movement of gratitude

By John Chambless Staff Writer

It began with one woman’s wish to adopt an attitude of thankfulness.

And on March 18, all of Kennett Square was invited to join in.

The Thank You Project was the brainchild of artist Roberta Little, who lives in the borough and exhibits her mixed-media constructions at Mala Galleria. On her website, Little explained the background of what may become a regional movement.

“While vacationing during the holidays, it came to me that verbally expressing appreciation might not be enough to

convey our gratitude for all the gifts we had been given,” Little wrote. “I enlisted my grandchildren and their friends to help create a video or slide show of “thank you” photographs. The excitement and teamwork drove this project to creative levels beyond expectations. Kids arranged socks, shoes, sugar, wrote in the snow, on a napkin, arranged paper cups, yarn, pretzels. When the finished product was presented at the end of our stay, smiles, laughter abounded. We shared a lasting memory with deeper meaning for each of us.

“My intention for 2017

March 23

‘Peep Show’

Oxford Feed & Lumber invites all backyard poultry fans to Union Fire House (315 Market St., Oxford) on March 23 for their first Peep Show. There will be 20 rare varieties of chicks available for purchase that evening only. Registration, along with light fare, begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation by Nutrena at 6 p.m. Chick sales begin at 6:30 using a lottery system, as well as a limit, to make the purchasing process as fair as possible. Some of the varieties that will be available include Silver Spangled Hamburg, BlackBreasted Red Phoenix, Cinnamon Queen, Black Sumatra, Dominique, Delaware, Buckeye, and Black Jersey Giant. For reservations, visit or call Oxford Feed & Lumber at 610-932-8521.

April 2

Brandywine Hills

Point-to-Point

The Myrick Conservation Center (Route 842, between Unionville and West Chester) will be the site of the Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point on April 2. Gates open at 11 a.m., and the first race is at 12:30 p.m. There will be pony races for young riders, and then a full day of steeplechase competition, along with children’s activities, raffles, facepainting and more. Dogs on leashes are welcome. General admission is $20 per carload. Visit www. brandywineredclay.org for more information.

April 3

Community breakfast

The Kennett Area Senior

Center (427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square) opens from 7 to 9 a.m. for the Walnut Street Café Community Breakfast on April 3. The community is invited. Tickets for Senior Center members are $5.75 (non-members $6.75). Proceeds benefit KASC senior programs.

April 11

‘Easter Parade’ tea

The Kennett Area Senior Center (427 S. Walnut St., Kennett Square) holds its monthly tea party on April 11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The theme is “Easter Parade.”

Ladies are encouraged to wear their favorite Easter bonnets. There will be tea sandwiches, desserts and fine teas. The cost is $10 for members and $12 for non-members. For reservations, call 610-444-4819.

April 22

Chicken barbecue Russellville Grange 91, on Route 896, one block north of Route 10, will host a chicken barbecue on April 22 from 3 p.m. until sold out. Patrons may dine in or take out. The meal includes

half a chicken, potato salad, pickled cabbage, applesauce, beverage, roll, and dessert. The meal is $10 ($6 for children), and half a chicken only is $6. Call 610-255-5418 for more information.

Kennett Flash schedule

The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www.kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: John Eddie and His Dirty Ol’ Band (March 24, 7 and 9:30 p.m., $25 and $28); Jeffrey Gaines with Ben Arnold (March 25, 8 p.m., $22 and $25); Stand Up at the Flash with Todd Chappelle, Steve Ziegler, Buddy Harris, Marc Staudenmaier and others (March 30, 8 p.m., $12 and $14); Mike Keneally and Beer for Dolphins (March 31, 8 p.m., $25); Seventh Sojourn: The Moody Blues Experience (April 1, 8 p.m., $18 and $22); Open Mic with Karter Jaymes (April 2, 7 p.m., $4); Too Pretty For Parties, Recording Club and Ryan Casey (April 7, 8 p.m., $10 and $14); Shytown (April 8, 8 p.m., $15 and $18); Peter Bradley Adams with LullanNAs (April 9, 7 p.m., $15 and $20); Arlen Roth (April 11, 8 p.m., $23 and $26); Better Than Bacon improv comedy troupe (April 13, 8 p.m., $12 and $14); First Impression: Progressive Classic Rock Tribute (April 14, 8 p.m., $20); The Melton Brothers with

Dan May (April 15, 8 p.m., $20 and $24); Hot Bijouxx (April 20, 8 p.m., $20); The Spring Standards (April 21, 8 p.m., $20); Beatlemania Again (April 22, 8 p.m., $30 and $35); Heather Maloney (April 23, 7 p.m., $15); Local H with Boxcar (April 27, 8 p.m., $16 and $19); A Night With the Kid: The Music of Michael Davis (April 28, 8 p.m., $16 and $20); Tret Fure (April 29, 8 p.m., $20).

Reactors Comedy Club schedule Reactors Comedy Club (in the Wyndham Gardens Hotel, 1110 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills) hosts live comedy on weekends. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 8 p.m., and shows start at 9 p.m. Call 267374-0732 or visit www.

reactorscomedyclub.com. The schedule includes: Jay Black and Tyler Rothrock (March 24 and 25); Moody McCarthy and Glen Tickle (March 31 and April 1).

Longwood Gardens concerts Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) will host the following concerts this summer (tickets are on sale now): The Savoy Company performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance” (June 9 and 10, 8:30 p.m., $29); Josh Ritter (June 18, 7:30 p.m., $25 to $45); Delaware Symphony with pianist Peter Serkin (June 25, 7:30 p.m., $37 to $67); Natalie Merchant (July 5, 7:30 p.m., $56 to $86); Dianne Reeves (July 11, 7:30 p.m., $33

to $53); The Brandywiners present “Beauty and the Beast” (July 27 to 29 and Aug. 3 to 5, 8 p.m., $30); Chick Corea Elektric Band with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m., $55 to $85); Del McCoury and David Grisman (Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., $35 to $55); the Kennett Symphony (Aug. 19, 7 p.m., $40 and $45); Julieta Venegas (Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m., $39 to $59). Visit www. longwoodgardens.org. To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@ chestercounty.com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

Through April 2

Plein-air landscapes at Bookplace

Plein-air paintings by Lisa BurgerLentz will be on display at Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) through April 2. The bookstore and art gallery is open Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Call 717-715-4775 or visit www.bookplaceoxford. com.

Through March 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, through March 31. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www.stationgallery.net.

Through April 14

‘Reconstructed Materials’

The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) presents “Reconstructed Materials,” a show of metal sculpture, through April 14. 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.

Dreams,” a wheel that’s been severed and is twisting away from the viewer; and Jeffrey Bell’s “Fragile Earth,” which places a fractured planet atop a series of gears, providing an interior view of a melted landscape and delicately painted clouds on the inside of the sphere. Bell also shows a sinuous octopus balanced on a shard of sea floor in “Guardian,” and his huge floor piece, “3 Moons,” abstracts its shapes to dramatic effect.

William Spiker’s “Big Horn” is a gigantic horned skull made up of hundreds of tiny metal rectangles, and his “Vulcan Punk” is a fanciful boat with all kinds of details rendered in welded steel.

In the front windows of the gallery, you’ll be lured in by Katee Boyle’s wonderful child-size dress rendered in forged steel that has an ancient patina.

Lisa Fedon’s “Inside Out” is a huge column of steel topped with a house, from which descends a long, curling slide to a tunnel below. Also in the window, William Spiker’s “Blue Hen” is a dazzling, multifeathered bird with an arresting gaze.

Also notable are Karen Delaney’s small tower sculptures. They’re like buildings from a Dr. Seuss book, overlooking small globes that provide colorful counterpoints and don’t give up their secrets easily.

“Reconstructed Materials” continues at the Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) through April 15. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays until 8 p.m. Visit www.oxfordart. org for more information.

More than 40 artists at Delaware show

More than 40 regional artists are exhibiting at this weekend’s Spring Art Show, being presented by the Delaware Foundation for the Visual Arts, at Holy Angels School in Newark.

The featured artist is Larry Anderson, who will have a spotlighted exhibit at the school, which is at 82 Possum Park Rd., Newark, Del. The show is open March 24 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. for a reception

with refreshments and free beer tastings by Twin Lakes Brewery (admission $5); March 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (admission $3); and March 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (admission $3).

DFVA is a nonprofit organization, and funds raised by the sale of artwork in the show helps to fund a scholarship program for students pursuing a career in the arts. For more information, visit www.DFVA.org.

Wayne Art Center slates classes

The Wayne Art Center’s Adult & Children’s Spring Classes begin on April 17.

Children’s classes run for five or six weeks, ending on May 20. Adult classes run for seven to eight weeks, ending June 10. Courses in painting, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography, cooking, and printmaking are being offered for people of all ages and skill levels. Adult classes are held throughout the day and into evenings, with a diverse selection of workshops scheduled on Fridays and weekends. Children’s classes will be held weekdays after school, as well as on

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com. Photos by John Chambless is to post a new photo each day for Thank You Project,” Little continued. “I form

weekends.

New adult offerings include “Portraits in the Garden” with Garth Herrick, “A Structured Approach to Drawing and Painting” with Claudia Rilling, “Off the Beaten Path: Plein Air Painting” and “Twilight Thursdays: Plein Air Painting” with Martin Campos, “Garden Art: Handbuilding for the Great Outdoors” with Karen Sacks, “Raku” with Laura Demme, and “Assemblage” with Diane Collins. Children’s classes include “Fashion Illustration” with Cathy Darlington, “Mudworks” with Marsiella Catanoso and Rosemary Campellone, and “Digital

the words ‘Thank You’ with found objects, food items, etc., then photograph it and post the picture on a Facebook page. By taking a few moments each day to spell these words physically, gratitude fills my heart with feeling and purpose.”

On March 18, both Little and Mala Galleria owner Stella Scott began taking Little’s idea to a larger scale.

“We are encouraging everyone to participate in Thank You Project Kennett Square,” Little wrote. “It is simple, costs nothing, and your expression of gratitude will be posted publicly! Let’s prove gratitude mushrooms in our community. If we work together, the Borough of Historic Kennett Square may garner attention as the birthplace of Thank You Project.”

Photography” (for ages 10 and older) with Laura Ducceschi.

Spring 2017 exhibitions and programs include:

Teen Works, March 25-April 29, opening reception on March 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Young at Art, March 25-April 29, opening Rreception on March 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Summer Art Camp Open House, March 25 from noon to 1 p.m.

Ceramic Innovations, April 1-April 29, Artist’s Talk April 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. Opening reception,

April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Essential Earth Exhibition, April 1-April 29, opening reception, April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Plein Air 2017, May 15- June 24, preview party May 13, 6 to 10 p.m.

Reflections

Photography, May 15-June 24, opening reception, May 18, 5 to 7 p.m.

To learn more about winter classes, workshops, exhibitions, and upcoming events, call 610-688-3553, or visit www.wayneart.org.

To participate in the launch, business owners are asked to use any language, and arrange objects to spell out “Thank You,” then take a photo and post it to social media, tagging Thank You Project. There is a Facebook page (www. facebook.com/pg/rlittleart/ posts/), as well as Instagram (#thankyouproject1), and a website that gives background on the project (www. thankyouprojectksquare. weebly.com).

On the website, Little writes, “I was asked who I am thanking. Perhaps this exercise in meditation is similar to the concept of Tibetan prayer flags. I’m putting my gratitude out into the universe. This appreciation is all inclusive most days, but sometimes I think of one small thing, person, place or event. I am living today in purposeful gratitude.”

Contributors are asked to post a limited description of their photos in one to two sentences, and include a first name, last initial and city and state. More than 50 local business owners and service providers have agreed to take part in the Thank You Project, according to Scott.

“Please help us spread the word,” the project website states. “Make signs, write ‘thank you’ in your windows. Let’s bring attention to our unique community. Our next phase will be to invite all service groups and residents of Kennett Square to join our Thank You Project.”

Participants are asked to contact Roberta Little at robertalittleart@gmail. com, or Scott at malagalleria kennettsquare@gmail.com to let them know how many people are participating.

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

JOSHUA R. WARD

Joshua Richard Ward, 33, of Newark, Del., previously of southern Chester County, died on March 12 in Newark. Born in West Chester, he was a son of Joseph Ward of Cochranville, and Kelly (Massey) Stanton and her husband James of Millsboro, Del. Josh was a 2001 graduate of DelCastle Technical High School in New Castle, Del. He was a service writer at the TA Travel Center in Elkton, Md. He loved working on cars. He won the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Championship for the state of Delaware in 2001. He then participated in the national finals in Washington D.C., where he placed as a top finisher. He also loved four-wheelers, anything with motors and being on the water. Growing up, he was very close and appreciated his relationship with his grandparents. In addition to his parents, Josh is survived by his maternal grandmother, Sheila Massey of Millsboro, Del.; his son Joshua Jr., and the mother of his son, Amy Ball; three brothers, Jeremy Santucci of Rising Sun, Md., Bryan Ward of West Grove, and Brandon Ward and his fiancee Jennifer Wilhelm of Toughkenamon; two sisters, Rebecca Ryan and her husband Michael of Newark, Del., and Brittany Ward of New London; his niece, Addy, and his nephew, Dane. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Shirley B. Ward and Ronald L. Massey. A funeral was held March 18. Contributions in his memory may be made to www.gofundme.com/joshs-funeralsonseducation-fund. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ANGELA DAWN TIPTON

Angela Dawn Marie Tipton, 37, of Kennett Square, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 13.

After fighting a courageous battle for the last 12 years with numerous health complications, she can finally rest painfree. Born in Wilmington to Jesse R. Tipton and Lori D. Tipton-McGinnis in 1979, she was a graduate of Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography, and worked as a graphic designer before her illness.

She is survived by her parents, Jesse R. Tipton of Hockessin, Del., and Lori D. Tipton-McGinnis (Randy) of Cochranville, Pa.; sisters Alicia M. Tipton of Nottingham, Kristina D. Tipton-Balcazar (Sergio) of Kennett Square, and Jessica L. Tipton of Lancaster. In addition, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including her Goddaughter Jasmine, Alyssa, Isaiah, Elijah, Josiah, Brandon, Jacqueline, Godson Kristopher, Jordan, Ayden and Avery. Angela’s nieces and nephews were her pride and joy, and she truly cherished every moment she spent with them. She was predeceased by grandfather, Adgie Tipton; grandmothers, Sharon Berkowitz and Nancy Rice; as well as several aunts and uncles.

A visitation with friends and family will be held at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), on March 22 from 6 to 8 p.m., and March 23 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

March 22

Joseph’s People meeting

The monthly Joseph’s People meeting for the unemployed/ underemployed will be on March 22 at 6:45 p.m. in the parish life center (lower level) of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd.). The guest speaker will be John Colgan, director of professional outreach at Jennersville Regional Hospital and JP West Grove Chapter Leader. His presentation will be titled “MD Save: New Healthcare Alternative Assists You With Saving Money.” March 25 Lenten retreat

Enhance your Lenten experience with a day for reflection on March 25 in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall (Route 10, Oxford), from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day will include communal prayer, reflections, conferences, quiet meditation time with harpist and closing ritual. Refreshments will be served at 8:30 a.m., and lunch is included at noon. Free-will donations will be accepted. Registration is requested but not required. Register by calling 610932-5040 (ext. 1). For online registration, visit www.sacredheart.us and navigate to the Adult Faith Formation Page located under “Faith Formation” in the menu bar. Fill out your name, phone number and email and click submit. Deadline for registration is March 21.

TARA LYNNE KELLY WALTZ

Tara Lynne Kelly Waltz, 45, of Kennett Square, passed away on March 9 at her residence.

She was the devoted wife of Timothy M. Waltz, with whom she shared nine years of marriage. Born in Wynnewood, Pa., she was the daughter of Edward Kelly of Royersford, and Joy Meliori Cionci of Denver, Pa. She attended Downingtown High School. Tara was an owner of an antique business, and enjoyed Washington Capitols Hockey, antiques, vacations at the beach in Topsail Island, homemaking, and being with her family and friends.

Tara is survived by, in addition to her husband, one son, Robert James Bender III and his girlfriend, Molly L. Smith of Kennett Square; one daughter, Lynne Marie Bender of Wilmington, N.C.; two stepdaughters, Ashley N. Waltz of Philadelphia, and Heather A. Waltz of Hollywood, Fla.; and one grandson, Nicholas A. Waltz of Kennett Square. She is also survived by her maternal grandmother, Anne D. Meliori; several aunts, uncles, and half brothers and sisters.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 17 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Lifeline Baptist Community Church, A Lively Hope, 230 Nutt Road, Phoenixville, PA 19460; or to the Kennett Community Wrestling Club, 107 Quail Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

WILLIAM J. GRANT

William J. Grant, 79, of Chadds Ford, passed away on March 15 at Virtua Hospital, Voorhees, N.J.

He was the husband of Janet Huyett Grant, who passed away in 2012, and with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late William and Edith Himes Grant.

He was a program manager/engineer at Boeing in Ridley Park, Pa., retiring in 1998 after 40 years of service. He was also a volunteer at SCORE, providing free small business advice. He was a member of St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Chadds Ford, and the American Helicopter Society, and was a graduate of Villanova University. Mr. Grant enjoyed going to the Brandywine River Museum and traveling with his wife and family.

He is survived by two sons, Robert J. Grant and his wife Robyn of Seattle, Wash., and Steven M. Grant and his wife Kathlynn of Voorhees, N.J.; one sister, Nancy Stickles of Delaware County, Pa.; and six grandchildren, Jessica, Hannah, Austin, Richard, Erik and Kelsey.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9 to 9:45 a.m. March 23 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church (160 Ridge Rd., Chadds Ford). His funeral mass will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Brandywine River Museum, C/O Director of Development, Brandywine Conservancy, P.O. Box 141, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; or to the American Diabetes Association, 150 Monument Road, Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieoccares.com.

DOMINIC A. DELLA VALLE

Dominic A. Della Valle, 87, of Kennett Square, died on March 13 at Neighborhood Hospice. He was the husband of Antonietta Bottini Della Valle, with whom he shared 68 and a half years of marriage. He was born in Newark, N.J., to Antonio and Theresa Della Valle, who taught him the values of self-determination and hard work that served him and his family for the rest of his life. He was blessed with three children, Barbara Nesbitt, Robert Della Valle, and John Della Valle; as well as five grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Angelo Della Valle; and a sister, Dora Crisasulli. He was predeceased by one son, John Della Valle; and one sister, Camille McAuliff. Mr. Della Valle led a storied career, beginning as an aircraft mechanic, and earned his way into the field of mechanical engineering. From there he fulfilled diverse roles in sales, management, and as an entrepreneur for businesses such as Pacific Airmotive, Robertson Photo Mechanics, Image Control systems, and DuPont. All the while, he was building four homes for the family to live in during any free moments he had. Although he retired at 62, he never truly stopped working. In his later years he resumed work as an aircraft mechanic when he wasn’t flying or taking on consulting projects.

A funeral was held March 20. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Patrick’s Church, 205 Lafayette Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

Online condolences maybe made by visiting www. griecocares.com.

EVA B. FERGUSON

Miss Eva B. Ferguson, 93, of Hockessin, Del., passed away peacefully on March 3. She was born in Fredericksburg, Pa., in 1923. She was a lifelong farmer who enjoyed the tranquility of a simple life tending to her animals. She also enjoyed sewing, especially needlepoint, and spending time with her friends. She is survived by her close friends, Mary Anne and Richard Steel, and Michelle and Stanley Pedante. Services will be held privately. To send online condolences, visit www.rtfoard.com.

April 2

Men’s Lenten breakfast

All men are invited to Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) for the 54th annual men’s Lenten breakfast on April 2. The morning begins at 7 a.m. with worship in the sanctuary, followed by breakfast in the fellowship hall. Call 610-932-9698 or email oumcsecretary@gmail. com for more information. May 6

‘Attic Treasures’ The “Attic Treasurers” sale

takes place on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grove United Methodist Church. There will be used books, jewelry, snacks to go, and household items. Light refreshments are available. Call 610-348-0421 or visit www.grovechurch. org.

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.

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage. For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

Baltimore Raven John Urschel

Baltimore Ravens football Guard/Center

John Urschel, who is pursuing his doctorate in math at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), visited Penn London Elementary School March 10 to talk with students about the importance of problem solving and perseverance.

Penn London parent Sebi Cioaba, an Associate Professor in the Math Department at the University of Delaware,

knew Urschel was visiting the University and helped to facilitate the visit to Penn London. Both Cioaba and Urschel are involved with many outreach activities to promote math to young people.

Penn London first and second graders, as well as some of the school district’s middle and high school athletes, got a chance to play math games and interact with Urschel. Students asked

Students stayed up all night to raise money for charity on Feb. 24.

Kennett

High School raises over $45,000 for cancer research

On Feb. 24, approximately 300 Kennett High School students stayed on their feet from 8 p.m. Feb. 24 to 6 a.m. Feb. 25 for Mini-THON, an event to raise money for the Four Diamonds Fund to benefit pediatric cancer research and families whose children are battling the disease.

Hosted by the school’s Humanitarian Club, the Mini-THON raised over $45,000, more than tripling the amount raised last year.

Modeled after Penn State’s Dance Marathon, Kennett’s event featured ten hours packed with fun activities, music, and food for participants. New this year, Kennett High School raffled off a car to benefit the Four Diamonds Fund.

Event chair Austin Maxwell said, “Cancer kills more children in

the U.S. than any other disease. And only 4 percent of cancer research dollars go toward the study of childhood cancers. So, here at Kennett, we’re teaming up to help families with children battling the disease.”

Faculty advisors for the event were Tom Brientnall, social studies teacher; Lisa Teixeira, KHS librarian and Humanitarian Club moderator; and Erin McDonnell-Jones, English teacher. Both McDonnellJones and Brientnall are Penn State graduates and former THON participants.

Student organizers were led by senior event chair Austin Maxwell, along with junior co-chairs Erin Duffy and Anna Wilson, and Humanitarian Club seniors Molly Adelman, Michael Bellino, and Jackie Tucker.

the 25-year-old whether math helped him to play football, and Urschel said that strategy and problem solving skills does impact his performance on the field.

Urschel, who received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math from Penn State University (with 4.0 grade point averages), told the students that his love of math was inspired by his parents who played math games and did puzzles with him. He also talked about the importance of perseverance, and students were surprised to hear he’s worked on some math problems for years.

Urschel lives frugally, driving a Nissan hatchback. At 6-foot-3 and more than 300 pounds, he is one of the NFL’s most popular backup offensive lineman, according to ESPN. Urschel has been featured in news stories in publications like the Wall Street Journal and even in national commercials. He’s also been named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list in the field of science. At the age of 25, he’s the second youngest on the list, and the only one who plays professional football.

Oxford Educational Foundation awards professional grants

Continuing the commitment to support its local school district, The Oxford Educational Foundation (OEF) awards professional grants of up to $1,500 four times a year. All staff members in the district are eligible to submit ideas and plans for innovative materials that are beyond the scope of the school district. The OEF recently announced this year’s winners of the first two rounds of professional grants. They are as follows: Jordan Elementary Bank School (kindergarten)

Guidance counselor

Kimberly McCardell will use OEF funding to purchase “Calm Down Caddies” to help students when they are upset or angry.

Reading specialist diane harris will use her grant to bring a children’s author to meet with kindergarten students and conduct a workshop titled “Rockn-Roll into Reading and Writing.”

Hopewell Elementary School (grades 5 and 6)

Kelly Midkiff has been awarded a grant to purchase five iPad Minis to use to advance the new science and math curricula. Both of the new series provide technology for lessons including virtual labs, audio versions of the text, and interactive lessons.

These lessons are provided across all reading levels. In addition, Midkiff has been awarded a grant to purchase six standing desks. Using an OEF grant last year to purchase standing desks led to better behavior, confidence, and focus in her students.

Allison Hutchinson will use her OEF grant to purchase Action Magazine for grade five English classes. The magazine will be used to motivate students and help with the reading of non-fiction texts.

STEM teacher Mark Neff will use his grant to purchase 3Doodler pens to facilitate the creation of original designs through the collaborative efforts of students. He has been awarded another grant to support the STEM Expo whose purpose is to expose students to careers involving STEM (Science, Math, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The purchase of seven document cameras have been approved thanks to grants written by Rosemary Guarino, Denise Hicks, Jessica Hubbard, John Barcus, and Courtney Shahadi. The projectors will be used in both fifth and sixth grade classrooms to enhance teaching and interactive lessons for students.

Oxford Area High School (grades 9 to 12)

Biology teacher Michele Brooks will purchase equipment to involve her students in the study of forensics with dissection and magnetism materials.

Anne Marie Anderson and Craig Carlough will take their biology students on a field trip to Wallops Island, Va. to explore marine coastal ecosystems. Their grant will help fund this program. The ten grants listed above bring the total funding awarded by the OEF so far this school year to $10,355.21. Two more rounds of grants will be awarded before school ends in June.

If you are inspired by the activities outlined above and wish to support the OEF in its mission to encourage innovative programs with the awarding of grants, donations are gratefully accepted. If you are interested in more direct involvement in the success of Oxford students, you may find that volunteering and mentoring will bring a smile to your face—and a student’s. Information about donations, volunteering, and mentoring are available at oxfordeducationalfoundation. org or by emailing Dr. Ray Fischer, OEF executive director at rfischer@ oxfordeducatioinalfoundation. org.

with

9.5 mm

1.5 inches and

course. Remove the

berm currently installed on the north edge of the road from the eastern side of the Woodcrest Rd intersection to 156 Paschall Mill Road (from STA 18+10 to STA 34+55) and replace in-kind. At the Woodcrest Rd intersection, 20 feet of Woodcrest Rd (heading north from Paschall Mill Rd) should also be milled and overlaid with a small asphalt swale sloped along the northern shoulder of Paschall Mill that will eliminate ponding and promote surface flow to the west along the shoulder of Paschall Mill Rd. The double solid yellow line and white stop bar at the Baltimore Pike intersection shall be repainted at the existing locations. White pavement markings

shall be installed on 40 foot intervals to indicate the proposed double yellow line location and shall be approved by the Township Road Master prior to painting.

2. Pennview Drive; STA 00+13 to STA 16+90 (1,677 lineal feet)- Mill & OverlayMill existing roadway 1.5 inches and overlay with 9.5 mm wearing course. Remove the asphalt berm currently installed on the western edge of the road between the driveways of 14 to 18 Pennview (from STA 02+65 to STA 05+00) and replace in-kind. 3. Ledum Run Road; STA 00+00 to STA 15+46 (1,546 lineal feet)- Mill & Overlay with Drainage Improvements- An underdrain shall be installed immediately flush to the northern edge of the roadway from the existing inlet near Rt. 896 to immediately west of the driveway at 2 Ledum Run Rd. The underdrain should measure 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep and should be lined with a lightweight geofabric on the sides and bottom. The underdrain shall be backfilled with AASHTO #1 stone with a 6 inch perforated rigid HDPE pipe (or equal). There are 9 locations where the underdrain will be required to be installed underneath existing driveways. At these areas, the underdrain should be overlaid with 4 inches of modified stone and 2.5 inches of a 9.5 mm wearing course. The 6-inch pipe of the underdrain should be hard-tied into the existing inlet near Rt. 896. Mill the existing roadway 1.5 inches and overlay with a 9.5 mm wearing course. Following placement of asphalt, both stop bars shall be repainted at their existing locations. All prices shall include sweeping, tack coat (including vertical edges), notching paving joints at all paved driveways and intersections (notch depths must be a minimum of at least the nominal maximum aggregate size), raising all manhole, water valves, and similar flush with new roadway grade, traffic control with flagmen as required, sealing all pavement joints with an AC-20 hot seal application, repainting traffic markings with either a waterborne or epoxy paint in accordance with PennDOT Pub 408 Section 962 or 964, respectively, and restoring all disturbed lawn areas with topsoil, seed, and straw matting as required. All roadway subbase material and bituminous asphalt material is to be properly compacted with a minimum of three passes of a 10-ton smooth drum roller utilizing vibration. All unconfined pavement edges must be thoroughly compacted with either a hand tamper or lute. All 19 mm binder course and 9.5 mm wearing course bituminous asphalt material should be a Superpave mix design. Contractor to submit

mix design to Township Engineer for review and approval prior to paving. All excavation spoils must be hauled off site and disposed of accordingly. Contractor is required to review project with the Road Master. PA prevailing wages apply. Contractor required to submit Public Works verification form. Roadway must be paved in one pass to eliminate center joint. Bids will be accepted until and opened at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017. They will be presented for review and qualification to the Board of Supervisors at their Regular Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

The Township reserves the right to reject any and all bids or any part of the bid or to waive any minor discrepancies in the Bid specifications when deemed to be in the interest of the Township. Specifications may be obtained at the Township Office Monday through Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

3p-15-2t

BID NOTICE

Penn Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania is accepting sealed bids for Snow Removal in the Township for the 2017-2018 season. Bid packages are available at the Township Building, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390. BID NOTICE/ BID ADVERTISEMENT Penn Township, Chester County is requesting bids from qualified Contractors for Snow Removal. This includes furnishing all labor, equipment and materials required to satisfactorily, and safely conduct snow removal. The Township reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids in whole or in part and to waive any informality the Township may determine necessary. In awarding a bid, the Township may consider, but not be limited to, any of the following factors: qualifications, price, experience, solvency, safety record, financial standing with the Township, warranties, references, insurance bonding, compliance record, delivery date, and past and present service of Contractor. Contractors shall be current on all amounts due to the Township prior to the Township entering into any contract agreement. The Township’s Bid Specifications are available at the Township Office or by email directed to office@penntownship. us. Bids will not receive consideration unless submitted in accordance with the following instructions: Proposals must be signed, sealed, and plainly marked: Penn Township Snow Removal Bid 2017-2018. There will not be a mandatory pre-bid meeting; however, written questions should be directed by mail or email to Karen Versuk, 260 Lewis Road, West Grove, PA 19390 or kversuk@ penntownship.us. Bids will be accepted until and opened at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017. They will be presented for review and qualification to the Board of Supervisors at their Regular Meeting scheduled on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

MARYALICE COOK UNDERWOOD MOORE

Maryalice Cook Underwood Moore, 73, of Lugoff, S.C., formerly of Kennett Square, died on March 13. She was the wife of William Charles “Bill” Moore, with whom she shared 12 years of marriage, and the late Paul Joseph Underwood, Jr., who died in 1992 and with whom she shared 30 years of marriage. Born in Chadds Ford, she was a daughter of the late Francis Christopher Cook and Bessie Irene Cole Cheyney.

Maryalice is survived by her husband; daughter, Mary Kristie Underwood of Philadelphia; sons, Paul Joseph Underwood (Lucinda) of Farmington, Utah, and Francis Christopher Underwood, Sr., of Fairfax, Del.; grandchildren, Emerald Wilson, Jordan Wilson, Anthony Susi, Matthew Underwood, Talitha Underwood, Laura Underwood, Francis Underwood Jr., Cailin Underwood and Sawyer Underwood. Maryalice was predeceased by her sisters, Jane Wylie, Grace Slyder, Mabel Romanowski, Virginia Robinson, Marie Ruoss; and her brother, Jesse Cook.

A funeral was held March 21. Interment was in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

JEFFREY M. PHILLIPPE

Jeffrey Mark Phillippe, 38, of Kennett Square, died on March 15 in Chadds Ford due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on his way to work. Born in West Chester, he was a son of Mark and Margaret (Laffey) Phillippe. Jeffrey was a 1996 graduate of Kennett High School, and attended Penn State University and West Chester University. He was an inventory specialist for Office Basics Inc., in Delaware County. He was a diehard Philadelphia Sports fan. He loved his family, friends, his dog Molly Brown, and especially cherished spending time with his first-born niece, Makayla. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him but he will not soon be forgotten.

In addition to his parents, Jeffrey is survived by two brothers, Timothy and his wife Heather of Oxford, and Stephen (fiancée Megan Shinn) of Kennett Square; three nieces, Makayla, Ashlyn and Mia; one nephew, Brayden; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his lifelong brother-like friend, Kevin Reagan. He was predeceased by his beloved grandparents George and Gertrude Laffey, and Earett and Geraldine Phillippe.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. March 24 at the VFW Post 5467 (704 W. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square). Interment will be held privately. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

BROMLEY E. JACOBS II

Bromley E. Jacobs II, 47, of Lincoln University, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 16 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a courageous battle with lymphoma.

He was the husband of Denise Jackson Jacobs, with whom he shared 24 years of marriage. He was the son of Dennis G. and Geraldine Pratt Jacobs, of Warwick, Md. Bromley was a senior finance specialist at SAP America, Newtown Square, for the past 18 years. He was a member of the Assumption BVM Church in West Grove. He was an avid boater. He also enjoyed hiking, cooking, camping, kayaking, and spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by two sons, Tim Jacobs and Sean Jacobs, both of Lincoln University; one daughter, Kristen Jacobs of Lincoln University; one sister, Kim Walker and her husband Linn of Morgantown, W.Va.; his brothers-in law, sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Team CMMD Foundation, 750 West Lincoln Highway, The Commons at Oaklands, Exton, PA 19341. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares. com.

ROBERT M. ABERNETHY, SR.

Robert M. “Toby” Abernethy, Sr., 83, of Kennett Square, passed away on March 10 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester. He was the husband of Marie Marenco Abernethy, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Julian C. and Margaret Christy Abernethy. Toby served as a corporal in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955 before starting his entrepreneurial career with an automotive service station in West Grove. He went on to own and operate several businesses over his 61-year career, including an upholstery shop and body shop in Kennett Square, Abernethy’s Trash Removal (later United Waste Systems), and Abernethy’s Auto Body. He discovered a passion for golf in 1978, enjoying many years as a member at the Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, and never missed the first week of hunting season in Potter County, Pa., but his greatest love was spending time with his family and four adored grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Toby is survived by two sons, Robert M. Abernethy, Jr., and his wife Wendy of Avondale, and Barry J. Abernethy of Avondale; four grandchildren, Robert M. Abernethy, III, Kevin E. Abernethy, Hayley Abernethy and Charles Abernethy. He was predeceased by five brothers, Pat Abernethy, John Abernethy, Bill Abernethy, Charlie Abernethy and Paul Abernethy; and one sister, Catherine Abernethy.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. March 24 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His service and burial will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

LOUISE MARIE DYER

Louise Marie Dyer, 87, of Oxford, passed on March 16 at Twin Pines Nursing Home in West Grove.

She was the wife of the late George Francis Dyer, Sr., with whom she shared 62 1/2 years of marriage. Louise lost her husband and companion in 2007. Born and raised in the Oxford area, she was the daughter of the late Horace and Mabel Anderson Milburn. Louise was a member of the Allen AME Church, Oxford. She served as an Honorary Missionary Steward, member of the choir, and served wherever the needs arose. She was employed as a home domestic worker for most of her life, retiring in 2004 after 20 years of service to the late Senator Ware Family. Louise enjoyed cooking, playing bingo, Bible reading and especially her family.

She is survived by five sons, George Dyer, Jr. of Lancaster, Donald Dyer of Nottingham, David Dyer of Harrisburg, Raymond Dyer of Lancaster, and Wayne Dyer of Oxford; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Elsie Twyman of Oxford. She was preceded in death by a son, Mitchell Levi Dyer.

A service will be held at 11 a.m. March 22 at the

Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

TROY T. SHATLEY

Troy T. Shatley, 77, of Rising Sun, Md., passed away on March 19 at home.

Born in Chilhowie, Va., he was the son of the late Richard and Hattie Owens Shatley. He was the husband of Naomi Ruth Brack Shatley, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. He was employed with Frezzo Brothers in Avondale as a truck driver. He was a member of the Full Gospel Apostolic Church in Kennett Square. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Troy T. Shatley, Jr. (Leah) of Canton, Richard E. Shatley of West Grove, Chris Shatley of New Providence; two daughters, Mary Graver (Rev. William) of Bel Air, Md., and Deborah Shatley of Rising Sun, Md.; three grandchildren, Brittany Presberry, Brock Graver and Jeremy Shatley; one great-grandchild, Liona Presberry; three brothers, Mont Shatley of Lincoln University, Guy Shatley of Kingston, and Kermit Shatley of Smithport; and two sisters, Jean Caraballo of Landenberg, and Emma L. Good of Nottingham.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. March 22 at the Full Gospel Apostolic Church (430 E. South St., Kennett Square), where friends and family may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in Christ Community Fellowship Cemetery, West Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, 86 Pine St. Oxford, Pa 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

ANNA RUTH WARD

Anna Ruth Ward, 85, of Nottingham, passed away on March 13 at Calvert Manor in Rising Sun, Md. She was the wife of the late John W. Whisman. Born in Clifton, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Roby Levi and Bessie Jones Ward.

She is survived by three children, John Whisman, Jr. (Sharon) of Christiana, Pa., Patricia Diane Pierce (Roger, Sr.) of Oxford, and Charles Levi Whisman (Nancy) of North East, Md.; one stepdaughter, Donna Parsons of Oxford; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and one sister, Opal Wyatt of Troutdale, Va. She was preceded in death by two sons, Danny Whisman and David Whisman; six siblings, Florence Icenhour, Mary Pennington, Pearl Bowers, J.D. Ward, Frances Brewer and Fred Ward; and one stepdaughter, Peggy Bove.

Funeral services were held March 20. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

HANNAH ANN PAUL

Hannah Ann Paul, 104, of Oxford, formerly of Philadelphia and Barrington, N.J., passed away March 16 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. She was the wife of the late Alfred Paul. Born in Collingdale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Franklin and Hannah Pedrick Howell. She loved to read and sew. Hannah was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and wife.

She is survived by three children, Robert Paul of Avondale, Carole Bessette of Stuart, Fla., and Judith Prendergast of Leesburg, Fla.; six grandchildren; and ten greatgrandchildren. Services are private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Oxford, PA

Experienced Parts Counter Representative

1+ years of experience performing service repairs, valid drivers license required.

Responsible for selling, receiving, and delivery of parts and accessories. In addition performs in-store customer service, overall organizational promotion, and stocking duties.

1+ years dealership experience selling equipment, automotive or related parts, High School Diploma or equivalent experience . Lawn & Garden Service Technicians

Performs basic diagnostics, service repairs and maintenance work on customer lawn and garden, handheld 2 stroke equipment, and dealer-owned turf equipment.

These positions offer comprehensive salaries professional training and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, life and 401K