Chester County Press 03-28-2018 Edition

U.S. Rep Ryan Costello will not seek re-election to 6th District seat

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In a decision that will likely further tilt the balance of power in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. to the Democratic Party, Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello of the 6th District has announced that he will not seek reelection in November.

With his decision, Costello joins a long list of House Republicans who are leaving Congress, including 22 who have announced their retirement, and some others who are seeking other political pursuits or have resigned their position. Costello’s decision represents the latest notch in the belt of a re-energized Democratic Party, both nationally and in Pennsylvania – who are seeking to supplant Republicans in both Washington D.C. and in Harrisburg.

Oxford Area Sewer Authority still can’t pay $1.2 million in past-due loans

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Oxford Area Sewer Authority’s financial picture has improved, but not to the point where it can make good on approximately $1.2 million in debt-service payments that were missed in 2016. The Oxford Area Sewer Authority Board met on Monday night, and the ongoing efforts to resolve the financial situation dominated the discussions.

The sewer authority recently sent a letter to its four member municipalities seeking to get them to pay the debt-service that is owed. The responses were varied. million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that was taken out seven years ago. The four member municipalities all responded to the Feb. 22 letter.

A little background on the financial situation:

projected, and the sewer authority wasn’t able to meet its financial obligations. Instead of notifying the member municipalities in a timely fashion, as is required in the terms of the agreement, sewer authority officials waited until the middle of the year to take meaningful steps to fix the financial situation.

While Costello and other Republican leaders in the state decide whether or not to keep Costello’s name on the May primary ballot – he had until March 27 by 5 p.m. to decide – the news of Costello’s dropping out of the race coincides with a whirlwind of controversy that

Much of the conversation was focused on a letter dated Feb. 22 that the Oxford Area Sewer Authority sent out to the four member municipalities—Oxford Borough, Lower Oxford Township, East Nottingham Township, and West Nottingham Township—asking that the municipalities meet their obligations of paying off the two debt-service payments that were missed on a $27

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Eve 6 named to headline The Connective Festival

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On March 20, mere hours after the Chester County Press posted on its Facebook page that the California-based, charttopping band Eve 6 was named as the headline act at The Connective Festival on Aug. 4 in Oxford, the news reverberated around social media. By March 21, the post had received over 12,000 visits, a number that is still climbing. Now made up of bassist

and lead singer Max Collins, guitarist Jon Siebels and drummer Tony Fagenson, the band formed in 1995 as Yakoo, then Eleventeen. In 1998, the newly-named Eve 6 (www.eve6.com) issued the self-titled Eve 6, attaining platinum success with hit singles “Inside Out” and “Leech,” the former capturing the No. 1 spot on the Modern Rock charts and crossing over successfully to pop/Top 40 radio. More widespread recognition came with gold-selling sophomore effort Horrorscope

in 2000, which spawned radio gems “Promise,” “On the Roof Again” and Top 40 smash “Here’s to the Night.” The band made appearances on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” and “TRL with Carson Daly.” The band then released the more experimental It’s All in Your Head in 2003.

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At the time the loan was secured, the four member municipalities agreed to back the loans, with each municipality accepting responsibility for a portion of the debt-service payments in the event that the sewer authority could not make those payments in a given year. Oxford Area Sewer Authority officials, at that time, offered assurances to elected officials in Oxford Borough, East Nottingham, West Nottingham, and Lower Oxford that the revenues would be sufficient to cover the debt-service payments, and the municipalities would not be put in a position to cover the sewer authority’s financial obligations. The sewer authority has the ability to raise its rates, so any revenue shortfalls could be addressed before the municipalities were on the hook. But by 2016, the number of new connections to the sewer system had fallen way behind what had been

The sewer authority voted to increase rates by 30 percent in July of 2016, which has helped stabilize the finances moving forward. The sewer authority was able to make full debt-service payments in 2017, and is on track to do so again in 2018.

The sewer authority parted ways with Ed Lennex, the executive director at the time the loan was initially taken out and at the time the debt-service payments were missed in 2016, and retained David Busch of Keystone Alliance Consulting to run the day-to-day operations of the sewer authority.

The sewer authority board, which is comprised of two representatives from each of the four member municipalities, is almost entirely new from 2016. While there is a new board and new leadership, and the sewer

U-CF School District announces tentative four-year agreement with Education Association

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The details are still being worked out, but a tentative agreement is in the works between the UnionvilleChadds Ford School District and the Unionville Chadds Ford Education Association (UCFEA) for a four-year contract extension. The board will vote on the agreement at their April 16 meeting.

The “Early Bird Tentative Agreement” with the Education Association was

Dumas Sapp & Son:

announced at the March 19 school board meeting, and is available online, although the final language is not yet posted. The four-year extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the UCFEA begins on July 1, 2019 and continues through June 30 of 2023. The agreement calls for a 2.99 percent increase in base salaries for the district’s 338 professional staff members. Payment for supplemental contracts would increase Continued on Page 2A

70 years in the same small town

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In order to better understand the very simple reason that Dumas Sapp & Son is celebrating its 70th year in Oxford this year, one would first need to negotiate the purchase of a motor vehicle from a modern-day dealership.

Upon arrival, the potential buyer is swept up in a tidal wave of personal attention, shown a fleet of vehicles and ushered to a desk, where the number crunching begins. And then, as if by reflex, the sales associate suddenly vanishes, numbers in hand, into some anonymous place,

to speak with some other associates who will always remain anonymous.

In contrast, there have been no hidden figures or back room mathematics at the Oxford dealership since Dumas Sapp first opened his original location in 1948, and whenever a potential buyer stops by, he or she speaks with either owner Kenneth Sapp or sales assistant John Paxson. If there’s a maintenance issue, technician Lex Weeks is there to help them.

“We’ve never done that at any time,” said Sapp, who has been associated with the dealership since 1996, and purchased the business

from his father in 2003. “I work with every customer we have right at this desk, and we always contact them a few days after they make the purchase, just as a follow-up to make sure they’re satisfied with everything.”

Dumas Sapp & Son has done business this way for generations of Oxfordians, selling over 15,000 vehicles in that time, and its 40-vehicle lot is a never-ending showcase of once- and twice-owned cars, pickups, vans and SUVs. To best illustrate the degree of customer loyalty that the company has enjoyed, Sapp estimated that about 50

authority is now able to make the annual debt-service payments and balance its budget, there has been little progress in making good on the $1.2 million in past-due loans. The sewer authority has a work-out agreement with the USDA, reached in 2017, but as of now it doesn’t appear as if the sewer authority will be able to pay the past-due amounts without having the member municipalities cover the obligation.

Oxford Area Sewer Authority board member Frank Lobb said at the meeting on Monday night that Busch and the board have done a good job of balancing the books, especially considering the hole that they started with. But now it’s time for the sewer authority to get the member municipalities to meet its obligation.

“That will let the sewer authority go forward with a good set of books,” he said.

However, sewer authority board member John Schaible did not agree. Scahaible said that it was premature to pass the buck to the municipalities, and the sewer authority should explore the possibility of selling its office building on Third Street and look at other options before relying

on the municipalities to pay off the debt.

Busch said that there are discussions with the USDA on a regular basis. The sewer authority can’t raise rates enough to make up the $1.2 million. And the proceeds from the sale of the office building and 35 acres of land wouldn’t be sufficient to cover the debt, either.

“We are not going to be able to cover the $1.2 million with the sale of assets,” Busch said.

The four member municipalities are in a difficult situation. When the municipalities agreed to back the USDA loan, Oxford Borough accepted 44 percent of the responsibility for the debt, while East Nottingham Township accepted 28 percent of the debt.

Lower Oxford Township accepted 16 percent of the total, leaving the remaining 12 percent for West Nottingham Township.

The four member municipalities had a range of responses to the letter from the sewer authority.

“We have four letters and each letter is unique,” Busch said.

West Nottingham Township officials responded that the township would pay its share of the full pastdue debt-service payments by the August deadline.

office and 35 acres of land.

The demand for payment, Oxford Borough said, is premature until the sewer authority completes all the terms of the work-out agreement.

Of the four municipalities, Oxford Borough and its residents will be hardest hit if the sewer authority does end up relying on the municipalities to make good on the debt. Oxford Borough accepted 44 percent of the responsibility for the loan, by far the largest, and the borough already has the highest tax rate of any municipality in the area. The borough doesn’t have the tax revenue streams that the surrounding townships have, and the townships don’t have some of the fixed costs that the borough has—such as operating a full-time police department. Additionally, the largest percentage of rate-payers who saw increases in their sewer rates live in the borough.

Connective Festival...

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Eve 6 disbanded in 2004, returned for numerous tours in 2007 with a new lineup, and finally reunited with all three original members in early 2011. They signed to Fearless Records in the spring of that year, and released their long-awaited fourth album Speak in Code, containing the singles “Victoria” and “Curtain,” in April 2012.

In 2012, the band toured in support of Speak In Code, including stints with the All American Rejects and Everclear, and a headlining tour throughout the U.S. The song “Lost & Found” was released as an advance single three months prior to the album’s release.

Officials from Lower Oxford Township and East Nottingham Township indicated that the township would be agreeable to paying the agreed-upon percentages of the current payment on the loan that is due in June of 2018, leaving the sewer authority to pay the past-due loans—essentially they want to pay half of the total amount now, and leave the other half to see how things develop.

In its response, Oxford Borough took a much stronger stance, arguing that the sewer authority has not yet met all the requirements in the work-out agreement with the USDA, such as selling the Third Street

Most of the people in the audience at the meeting were either residents or elected officials from Oxford Borough. Borough manager Brian Hoover said that the sewer authority should sell the office building, which would reduce the amount of the loan that the municipalities would be responsible for. Hoover also said that he didn’t understand why the sewer authority isn’t considering selling the whole system.

Busch said that the sewer authority is still exploring a possible sale, and a recent meeting with Delcora, the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority, went very well.

Borough council president Susan Lombardi suggested that it might be beneficial for elected officials from the four member municipalities to hold a meeting to discuss their options before the next step is taken.

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

Speak In Code is a work with deep personal significance for Collins, who has weathered his share of personal adversity. The album is a testament to coming out okay on the other side, with friendships still intact.

“In some of the songs frustration is a theme. I was sort of looking at difficult personal relationships with a humorous spin in some places, and with more earnestness in others,” Collins said. “The title [Speak In Code] is a lyric from ‘Curtain,’ and there was something kind of evocative about it. In that song, I’m referring to being newly sober and just feeling like an open nerve, feeling freaked out, having people and life being sort of overwhelming. It’s almost like people are speaking a language you don’t understand.”

The band members have spent the last few years focusing on individual projects, while always making time to hit the road and bring the music to the fans. In 2014, the band was featured on the Summerland tour with Everclear, Soul Asylum, and Spacehog, and then in 2015 on the Under the Sun tour with Sugar Ray, Better Than Ezra, and Uncle Kracker.

The appearance by Eve 6 will headline a festival that will offer an all-day potpourri of musical variety that will include country music, world music, local musicians and a Battle of the Bands. Headlining the country stage will be recording artist John King (www.johnkingcountry.com), a rising star in the industry, whose debut radio single, “Tonight Tonight,” earned him his first Top 40 hit and was heard by millions of NFL fans and used to highlight CBS network’s Thursday night football throughout the 2014 season. In addition to his rising success as an artist, King is also earning national recognition as a songwriter. In early 2016, King experienced his first No. 1 hit with a song called “We Went” recorded by artist Randy Houser. King co wrote the song with friends, Matt Rogers and Justin Wilson and received a 2016 ASCAP Songwriter Award for the song’s success. Headlining the local

music stage will be Moe Blues (www.moebluesband. com), a Lancaster Countybased funk and blues band led by dynamic performer Kevin Gannon, and featuring Albie von Schaaf on guitar and Jeff Shoemaker on drums. Joining Moe Blues will be Philadelphia-based Bethlehem and Sad Patrick (www.besadmusic.com), who combine soaring vocals, sparse, melodic guitar and driving percussion to deliver powerful songs of love, faith and commitment. The festival’s Battle of the Bands will be a performancebased competition held at the 2018 Connective Art and Music Festival, where several bands will compete for the title of “Best Band.” The band chosen for the title will be the opening act for Eve 6 on the festival’s main stage. To learn more about The Connective Festival, visit www.connectivefestival.org.

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

Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, PA19317

Ample Parking PennsburyAntiqueMall.com Both Levels Thursday - Monday 10-5

100 Dealers by 1 percent per year, and the current hourly pay rate of $42 per hour would be maintained. Work is ongoing to add an optional Qualified High Deductible Health Plan/ Health Savings Account plan option for the district’s medical plan participants, at a cost impact for both the Education Association

members and the board that is equal to the current Base Medical Plan.

If approved, the district’s total salary and wages cost in 2018-19 would be

$27,993,730, increasing in 2019-20 to $29,057,776. Looking ahead, total salary and wages would be $29,772,378 in 2020-21, $30,457,853 in 2021-22, and $31,081,183 in 2022-23.

Adding in the cost of benefits, the total cost to the district in 2018-19 will be $38,597,195, increasing to $44,454,218 in 2022-23.

For updated information, visit www.ucfsd.org.

has inherited by association since being elected to represent the 6th District in 2014.

Unlike many of his Republican colleagues in the House of Representatives who have remained mostly silent, Costello has been an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, criticizing Trump for threatening to veto a Republican-sponsored omnibus spending bill, a bill he later reluctantly signed. But it wasn’t just Costello’s assessment of Trump’s unpredictability and vacillations as a president. In his remarks to a local newspaper, Costello said that his decision not to run again stemmed in part from the endless controversy that has surrounded Trump since his 2016 election, that has been reflected in a thinning lack of popular support for Trump among Americans. It has led many in state and national political circles to predict a “Blue Tsunami” trend of voters going Democratic in state and national elections this November.

Referring to Trump’s latest snafu – news that his operatives paid off adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the wake of the 2016 presidential election to keep silent on Trump’s alleged tryst with Daniels – Costello

said that in the wake of this latest firestorm, combined with the difficult passage of the omnibus bill, “it’s very difficult to move forward in a constructive way today,” he told the newspaper.

Over the first months of 2018, Costello was caught directly in the political cross hairs of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision to redraw the state’s congressional map for 2018. After it was reconfigured, the new map dramatically altered Costello’s district and will now encompass all of Chester County, and widen north to include parts of Berks County and the City of Reading.

The redrawing of the district lines dramatically changed a map that had helped push state Republicans to a substantial 13-5 lead in the congressional delegation. In response, Costello was highly critical of the change, saying that the Pa. State Supreme Court violated the U.S. Constitution.

Costello joined several of his colleagues in the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation in a statement they issued soon after the Supreme Court ruling, calling it “a misguided decision” and “an unfortunate example of the judicial branch inserting itself into the core functions of the legislative branch.”

“Today’s Congressional maps were draft-

ed and approved by both Republicans and Democrats,” the statement read. “It also comes on the eve of a midterm election. An orderly electoral process is an essential function of our Democracy.”

There has been speculation that a third factor may have contributed to Costello’s decision not to seek a second term in Congress: The emergence of likely Democratic challenger Chrissy Houlahan, a Devon mother of two daughters and a U.S. Air Force veteran, whose platform engages hot-topic issues like affordable healthcare, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, environmental protection and women’s health.

Houlahan was one of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s initial “Red to Blue” candidates and has received numerous endorsements from Pa. Senator Bob Casey, the Chester County Democratic Committee, several union organizations and many elected officials in the region.

This January, Costello wrote on his Facebook page that he had witnessed two individuals enter his home property, take photographs of his home and intimidate his wife. He claimed that the two individuals were associated with Houlahan, who then countered back to Costello’s accusations on

Dumas Sapp...

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and I have built up over the years, and it’s what we’ve always extended to everyone.”

While the company’s original tire clock may pay homage to its beginning, Dumas Sapp & Son comes with all of the modern-day conveniences that customers search for. Its website includes a complete inventory of all current vehicles for sale – with photos and details – as well as an

her own Facebook page by writing “this incident had nothing to do with me.”

The West Goshen Police Department later said that no crime had been committed.

Subsequently, constituents who posted comments on Costello’s Facebook page that were critical of the congressman’s accusations were blocked, and their comments were deleted, which prompted an investigation by the ACLU to determine whether the action was a violation of the First Amendment.

Last April, the ACLU went after Costello for choosing to forbid the recording of a public town hall meeting he attended, and for attempting to deny constituents from carrying cell phones into the meeting, in order to

online vehicle request form, that allows potential customers to request the exact vehicle they are looking to purchase.

In addition, every car sold comes with a free and comprehensive CARFAX vehicle history report.

There are two cars currently on display in the showroom of Dumas Sapp & Son that help define the company’s longevity and commitment to quality.

The first car, a white 1963 Corvair, shines in near mint condition, while the second, a 1994 Buick LaSabre, is

record or video the proceedings. The ACLU warned Costello that it “won’t stand for any attempt to impede on people’s rights or shroud the workings of government in secrecy, simply because a Congressman is afraid of democracy.”

Since arriving to Congress in January 2015, Costello has concentrated much of his political focus on returning control over education policy to parents and teachers; reducing taxes on Pennsylvania’s life sciences innovators; and seeking methods to stimulate health coverage to employees and families. He also reestablished the House Land Conservation Caucus, and served on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, where he introduced H.R. 27, the Ensuring VA

marked with a sign that boasts of its more than 500,000 miles driven over the course of its life.

“Our new slogan is, ‘70 Years in the Same Small Town,’” Sapp said. “I think that’s a perfect way to define where we are, who we are, and what we will remain.”

To learn more about Dumas Sapp & Son, visit www.sappqualitycars. com.

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

Employee Accountability Act, which was the first bill to pass the House in the 115th Congress. Last Congress, he introduced H.R. 3936, the VET Act, to create a more veteranfriendly process for filing claims and receiving assistance. The VET Act passed the House unanimously on June 21, 2016. Earlier this month, Costello, who co-chairs the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus, received the U.S. Representative of the Year Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society for his work in Congress to support those living with MS and their families.

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

Davis awarded for years of service

On Feb. 24, Gerry Davis received the Pio Zappasodi Congressional Fire Service Award. Davis was nominated by the Bethel Township Hose Company No. 1 in Bethel Township, Garnet Valley. He is a 58-year life member of the fire company, having joined in 1960. He started his first tenure as Chief from 1968 to 1975. He also served President and Safety Officer before serving his second tenure as Chief from 1997 to 2001.

In 1997, he was appointed Bethel Township Fire Marshal, a position he held until 2002.

In 2002, he relocated to Oxford, where he continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter for the Union Fire Company of Oxford. There, he has held the positions of Assistant Chief, Safety Officer, and was a member of the board of directors. He is a US. Army veteran, an elder in the Presbyterian Church,

and a lifetime member of the Delaware County Firemen’s Association.

In 2012, Davis was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. He has spoken at numerous fire departments, stressing the importance of maintaining clean personal protective equipment and educating firefighters on the Pennsylvania Act 46 of 2011, the Firefighter Cancer Presumption Law, which designates cancer as an occupational disease for firefighters.

New Environmental Council to be started in East Marlborough

By John Chambless Staff Writer

A new advisory council will be voted on by the East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors on April 2. The Environmental Advisory Council will focus on environmental issues.

The ordinance specifies that the group, which will have three to 11 members, will report to the supervisors on environmental issues within the township, the protection and preservation of natural resources, and possible uses of open land in the township.

The group will advise the Planning Commission, park and recreation boards and elected officials on the protection, management,

promotion and use of natural resources, including air, land and water resources. The members will be appointed to three-year terms by the Board of Supervisors, and must be residents of the township.

Council members will not be paid. The group is expected to identify environmental problems or matters of concern in the township, and to recommend plans and programs to the appropriate agencies for the promotion and conservation of natural resources. The group may also have a voice in possible uses for open lands, and will promote a community environmental program to foster ideals of conservation. The council is also

responsible for keeping an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, such as flood-prone areas, wetlands, swamps, and areas of steep slope and wooded areas. The group will submit minutes of their meetings to the Board of Supervisors, which may occasionally appropriate funds for expenses incurred by the council.

The supervisors will vote to approve the new council on April 2 at 7 p.m. at the East Marlborough Township Building (721 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). For more information, visit www. eastmarlborough.org.

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

Sheriff’s Office tees up for golf fundraiser

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 25th Annual Sheriff’s Community Golf Classic on May 14. The tournament will take place at the Downingtown Country Club golf course from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event have helped to fund a variety of community programs. Over the years, those programs have included D.A.R.E., Kids Safe, Deputy Phil, Bullying Hurts, Eddie Eagle Gun Safety, Safe Kids Car Seat program and the TRIAD program, which was created to protect senior citizens.

In 2006, proceeds began

to help subsidizing the Chester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. Ten K-9 teams offer expertise in drug detection, bombsniffing, arson detection, cadaver location and more.

Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh said she appreciates the community support the annual golf tournament has received, especially now that the K-9 Unit, which operates primarily with donated funds, has proven to be such a valuable community resource.

“Our K-9 services have been recognized for their professionalism and efficiency, which has resulted in their

services being requested by numerous townships, county, state and federal agencies,” Welsh said. “We are pleased to work with law enforcement in Chester County and beyond.”

This year’s tournament currently has several openings. The cost, which includes lunch and a dinner buffet, is $650 for a foursome or $175 for an individual. Those who don’t golf can support the event by just attending the dinner, a steak and lobster buffet, for $75 per person. For more information or to register, contact Kathy Brady Shea at kbradyshea@chesco.org or call 610-344-6860.

Families learn about science and technology

Ever made elephant toothpaste? Want to take a drone for a spin? And what kid doesn’t love slime? Attendees of the Avon Grove School District Penn London Elementary School Family Night experienced that and more during a recent science, technology, robotics, engineering, arts and math (STREAM) event.

“My wife and I are both engineers, so this event is near and dear to us,” he said. “It’s important to us to get our children interested at a young age.”

STREAM is emphasized in

On March 16, families attended the free event for a night of discovering, creating and collaborating. In its third year, the event is organized by the school’s PTO. Tom Coleman, parent of first-grader Claire and third-grader Evelyn, appreciated the chance to introduce his children to STREAM concepts.

teaching and learning throughout Penn London Elementary. Principal Dr. Holland said, “Science, technology, robotics, engineering, art and math are integrated at all grade levels as appropriate to our students’ instruction. STREAM is an avenue to prepare our students to be 21st-century learners.”

After receiving a piece of candy from a robot, kindergartner Mason Natividad shared that this isn’t his first time interacting with a robot, stating that he has played with them in school. His father, Richie Natividad (also parent of second-grader Riley), was interested to learn more about how the topics were taught in the classroom, adding, “We came tonight to learn more about what the school district has to offer and are especially interested in the STREAM projects.”

In addition to the 40 National Honor Society high school volunteers, local experts were on hand to present interactive exhibits, including the Delaware Nature Society, West Grove Library, AGHS Robotics Club, Applied Control Engineering, Pennock’s Bridge Technical High School and others.

Avon Grove School Board addresses a variety of items on full agenda

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Policy changes, committee reports, an update to the special education comprehensive plan, and the recognition of high school students who advanced in the National Merit Scholarship program topped the Avon Grove School Board’s agenda on March 22.

School board member Herman Engel, who serves on the district’s Finance and Budget Committee, offered an update to the school board about the committee’s most recent work. The Finance and Budget Committee reviewed the proposed expenditures in the 2018-2019 budget, and how those expenditures compared to spending in the current year’s budget. Engel also updated the school board about Tower Health’s efforts to secure relief from property taxes for Jennersville Hospital. Tower Health purchased that hospital in Penn Township, as well as four other hospitals in the region, in 2017. Previously, when the hospitals were under the ownership of for-profit Community Health Systems, the hospitals paid taxes to school districts, like any other

business would. However, Tower Health is seeking relief from the property taxes. Engel noted that three school districts that would be significantly impacted by a tax status change for the hospitals— Avon Grove, Coatesville, and Phoenixville—have requested a meeting with the CEO of Tower Health, but that meeting has not have been scheduled as of yet.

The school board rejected, by a 5-4 vote, the second reading of a policy pertaining to operating guidelines for committee activities. School board members Bill Wood and John Auerbach expressed concerns about some details in the policy, particularly one aspect of it that would allow school board members to participate in meetings remotely, utilizing technologies that are now readily available. Wood, Auerbach, Charles Beatty, Lynn Weber, and Rick Dumont all voted against the second reading of the policy.

The nine Avon Grove students who earned the National Merit Finalist and National Merit Commended designations were also recognized. Avon Grove High School’s National Merit Finalists for 20172018 are Zachary Aman, Nicholas Chastain, and Bryce De Muth. The school’s National Merit Commended students are Devin Trinter, Joseph Snyder, Meredith Raughley, Regan Pavlock, Michael Gidaro, and Isabella Currie.

Avon Grove High School principal Scott DeShong explained that out of the 1.5 million students who take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, only about 50,000, or 3 percent, score high enough to earn the designation of being National Merit Commended students.

DeShong said that the nine students have all made an impact on the Avon Grove school community, and he expects them all to leave a legacy at the post-secondary schools that they will be attending next.

Students involved with AGtv, the high school’s television studio, talked about the wide range of experiences that they have had while producing content that is viewed by the school community.

Jeremy Curtis and Cale Hilbolt outlined the update to the school district’s Special Education Comprehensive Plan. The comprehensive plan is a compliance document that the state requires school districts to file.

Curtis, the district’s director of pupil services, explained that the comprehensive plan talks a lot about staffing and offers a blueprint for the district’s special education plans.

Hilbolt, Avon Grove’s director of special education, said that the district is working very hard to offer inclusive

programs so that Avon Grove can keep as many special education students as possible in the district’s schools, rather than having them be out-placed and educated elsewhere.

The number of special education students who are being educated outside of the district’s schools has been reduced from more than 50 in recent years to 40 for the current school year. The district is looking to reduce that number even further in the future.

“We are trying to educate every special education student as best we can,”Hilbolt said. Curtis said that the special education comprehensive plan will be available to the public for review. The goal is to have it approved and signed off on by superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese and school board president Tracy Lisi on April 26. Shannon Oakes, a student representative to the school board, talked about the studentled walkout at the high school that took place on Wednesday, March 14. The walkout was timed to coincide with similar demonstrations at schools across the country to raise awareness about gun violence in schools in the aftermath of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, when 17 people were killed.

Oakes explained that at Avon Grove High School, students were allowed to walk out of their classrooms and into the hallways and other secured areas from 10 a.m. to 10:17 a.m. as a tribute to the Parkland victims. The students were completely silent during the tribute, and each minute one student would walk through the hallway to the office to read the name of a victim and provide a few details about the victim.

Oakes said that the students were very respectful, and having absolute silence in the school was a different experience.

“It was truly amazing,” she said.

Oakes noted that the student-led activity was coordinated with the school’s administration, and was very orderly. She said that it was very important for the students to participate because it helped with the countrywide effort to raise awareness and support for school safety. The next in a series of facilities planning meetings will take place at the Fred S. Engle Middle School on Tuesday, April 3. Another facilities planning meeting is set for Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the high school. Then, on Thursday, April 26, the school board will hold its next regular meeting at 7 p.m. at the Avon Grove Intermediate School.

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

Letter to the Editor

The six minutes that will change the world

Come mothers and fathers / Throughout the land And don’t criticize / What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters/ Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly aging / Please get outta’ the new one if you can’t lend your hand For the times they are a-changin

Bob Dylan, The Times They Are A’ Changin’

About halfway through Emma Gonzalez’ beautiful, searing and mostly silent speech given before the hundreds of thousands who gathered near the U.S. Capitol at the “March for Our Lives” rally in Washington, D.C. on March 24, a reporter for the Chester County Press looked into the eyes of the young woman he saw on his television. Under the enormous weight of the moment, with the nation and the world watching, she repeated the names of each of the victims of the Parkland shooting of Feb. 14 and the things they would never be able to do again.

“Everyone who was there understands,” she said. “Everyone who has been touched by the cold grip of gun violence understands. For us, long, tearful, chaotic hours in the scorching afternoon sun were spent not knowing. No one understood the extent of what had happened.”

Then Emma Gonzalez quieted the entire world. Fighting back tears, she held her gaze like a warrior for a period of six minutes and 20 seconds and did not utter one word and soon, her silence became a wordless invitation to join her. We stared into the same injustice of murdered schoolchildren. We reflected on the massacres of Parkland and Sandy Hook and Virginia Teach and countless other acts of violence in our country. We raged against the callous machine of our nation’s elected officials and National Rifle Association shills, whose tired cacophony of sidestepping excuses and reasoning has only rejected the argument to enforce regulation of military-style firearms, instead of initiate it.

Finally, we saw what Ms. Gonzalez lived at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Feb. 14, when she and other students were held in the school auditorium for two hours while a madman with an AR-15 blew away 17 of her classmates and teachers.

In the silence, we asked ourselves, What would we do? What if those were our children?

In the one month since the shooting, Gonzalez and her schoolmates have galvanized their voices into a nationwide drumbeat of action, while at the same time they have been criticized by the political right wing of politics and the press. They have been accused of not being students at the school, but “crisis actors,” hired to sell the idea of firearm regulation. They have been severely and wrongly accused by the NRA and gun owners of attempting to dismantle the Second Amendment. Gonzalez herself has been the subject of disgusting comments made by internet trolls.

And yet nothing, not even the most powerful of dissenters, has been able to move her.

Gonzalez is a part of a new generation of Americans, many of them born after September 11, 2001, who are surging forward with defiance, often in the face of adversity, in order to keep NRA money from influencing politicians, while forcing the hand of elected officials to pass responsible gun laws. This month, the Florida Legislature passed a bill called the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which raises the minimum age for buying firearms to 21, establishes proper waiting periods and background checks, provides a program for the arming of some teachers and the hiring of school police and bars potentially violent or mentally unhealthy people arrested under certain laws from possessing guns.

Look into the eyes of this young woman and you will see a new conversation beginning, the war sword of defiance passed down to a hero in ripped jeans and a buzz cut and a militant jacket emblazoned with the words, “We Call B.S.” Look into the eyes of this woman and you will see the arc of the moral universe, once again bend toward justice. It is the world that your children will inherit.

About halfway through Emma Gonzalez’ speech last Saturday, in those minutes when the world seemed to retreat deep into itself, the Chester County Press reporter looked into the face of the young woman on television, and he saw the next America. Silence, he thought, has never sounded so profoundly graceful.

Kennett Township’s huge property tax increase and a resident’s quest to get answers

Letter to the Editor:

Imagine my shock when I opened the tax bill for Kennett Township last week. Next to my normal Real Estate and Library charge of $82 each was a new, gigantic charge of $780 listed as Township Emergency Services. This new tax was a whopping increase of 475% over my previous year’s bill! After confirming with Lisa Moore (Township Manager) that the tax was not an error by Berkheimer, I asked who approved the increase. Moore indicated that the township’s three supervisors, Scudder Stevens, Whitney Hoffman and Richard Leff, voted for the tax increase during the December 2017 Township meeting. I sent an email to Scudder Stevens expressing my dismay over such an outrageous tax increase. His response, though timely, was astonishing.

Stevens said, “the tax increase you write about was the first tax increase in fifty (50) years.”

Really? The statement, though technically true as it relates to the Real Estate Tax, is very misleading. After much research, the facts are that in 1968, the township only had one tax on residents, a .4 mill Real Estate Tax. In 1995, a .2 mill Library Tax was added, increasing the residents’ taxes 50%. This tax revenue passes directly to the Library and the township does not receive those funds. Then, in 1998, taxes skyrocketed when the Kennett School System enacted a 1% Earned Income Tax, of which 50% went directly to the township. This windfall of revenue to the township effectively increased the residents’ township tax dollar obligation an incredible 300%. In 2005, a new Open Space Tax of .2 mills was added, then in 2006 the township added another

Open Space Tax of .25% Earned Income, increasing the township’s portion of the Earned Income Tax 50% (.5 to .75).

Clearly these tax increases are contrary to Stevens’ statement that this is the first tax increase in fifty years. In 2009, the Open Space Property Tax of .2 mill was eliminated, then in 2011, the Real Estate Tax was reduced from .4 mills to .2 mills. As of 2017 the total Property Tax was .4 mills just as in 1968, however, the township also has new taxes of .75% Earned Income. To determine the increase in the taxpayer’s burden, a oneto-one comparison is only possible using today’s average assessment of $253,732 and household income of $85,104 for 1968, 2017 and 2018. Taxes have increased 633% by 2017 and another 65% from 2017 to 2018 (1968 - $101, 2017 - $740, 2018 - $1,222). In the 2016 financial statements, residents paid the township $313,638 in Property Taxes, and then paid an additional $3,039,034 in Earned Income Taxes. Stevens’ statement that taxes haven’t increased since 1968 is both misleading and completely wrong.

I’d also like to address the reason for the new Emergency Services (EMS) tax. This tax covers both Fire and Police services, which have been paid for from the General Fund. The cost for Fire has remained generally flat over the last five years at approximately $450,000, with the exception of some large one-time charges in 2014 and 2015. Changes have occurred in police costs. In 2007, the township added its first full-time police officer, augmenting the Pennsylvania State Police, which has provided this service to Kennett and other townships for years. In 2012, a second officer was

added, then in 2013 they added a part-time officer. In 2015, one part-time and two more full-time officers were added. Each year thereafter the department has grown. Today’s township police force has eight full-time and two part-time officers. The cost of police coverage has risen from $297,546 in 2013 to a budgeted $1,008,000 in 2018 – an increase of 239% in five years under the current board of supervisors. According to Stevens, the Police were previously funded “through frugal and careful fiscal management.”

As for the new EMS tax, Stevens stated “… the vast proportion of the expense presented by the police department and the EMS Commission were covered by the regular funding; however, there was a small amount of expenses that was not. It was clear that a tax increase was required...” How could a 1.9 mill tax increase be “a small amount of expenses?” Stevens stated that “we also structured the budget so that the money allotted to police, fire and emergency medical services was set out clearly.” If this was not a new, gigantic tax increase, but just a more refined view of the expenses, then why didn’t some other taxes go down (specifically Earned Income), to offset the EMS line item increase?

Do we really need a Township Police Department of this size? I’m a big law-and-order person and have the utmost respect for police, fire and emergency personnel. They have a very tough job. Were the State Police doing an unsatisfactory job, and does our crime rate justify the change? Police Chief Nolt provided me with township crime statistics for 20152017. The number of serious crimes were very low in 2015 (Homicide-0, Sexual

Assault-2, Robbery-1) and remained low through 2017, though they have increased some. All crime incidents which totaled 3,450 in 2015 have risen each year to 5,519 in 2017. This is perplexing, as I would have thought the crime rate would have dropped with the advent of a full-time police force. The response time when police are called has improved, dropping from two hours to a few minutes. The question is – do we really need such a large township police force? If yes, then something else needs to go, perhaps starting with Open Space, which is clearly a luxury and not a necessity. Perhaps the most troubling of all is Supervisor Scudder Stevens attitude towards the new tax increase. At no time in his email to me did he show any empathy for the added financial burden to the residents. He believes that “Kennett Township has been fiscally responsible” and “we have done it at the cost of a very modest tax increase…” This is definitely not a modest tax increase. What’s next, an “infinitesimally tiny increase” of 10% next year?

As township taxpayers, we expect our elected officials to spend our money reasonably and with respect for the burden taxes place on us. The township tax is just one of hundreds of taxes and fees we pay, including school, state, federal and others. Whether you attend the next township meeting, call the township office or send an email to the supervisors, your opinion is important. For information on how to contact the Kennett Township, visit their website at https://kennett.pa.us/. Let your voice be heard!

Phyllis Recca Kennett Township resident

Domestic violence bills by Killion and McGarrigle earn bipartisan votes in Senate

The Pennsylvania Senate passed several major domestic violence bills, including landmark legislation sponsored by Senators Tom Killion (R-9th) and Tom McGarrigle (R-26th). The bills, which provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence, all received bipartisan unanimous votes.

Senate Bill 501, sponsored by Sen. Killion, was among the bills approved in the Senate. This bill will require for the first time in Pennsylvania the relinquishment of all guns by individuals who are the subject of Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, and this must be done within 24 hours. The legislation also dramatically shortens from 60 days to 48 hours the time defendants convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence must surrender their guns.

Killion’s bill also bans Pennsylvania’s unsafe practice of allowing friends and family members outside

of abusers’ households to store firearms surrendered by these individuals. This change in the law will make it impossible for abusers to retrieve their guns and commit further acts of violence.

Sen. McGarrigle’s legislation, Senate Bill 502, makes it easier for the court to extend a PFA order when an abuser is released from custody. Specifically, it extends any existing protection order for 90 days after the defendant has been released from incarceration. In addition, under the measure, the victim will not be required to show that the defendant engaged in a new threatening act to gain this protection.

“Domestic violence sidetracks victims from pursuing fulfilling, productive lives. It creates disastrous role models for children who witness it – giving children a twisted lesson on how adults are expected to behave, and what victims are expected to endure,” said McGarrigle. “These

efforts will help put an end to domestic violence in Pennsylvania.”

“Today’s action by the Senate is an important step in providing much-needed protections for victims of domestic violence,” said Killion. “My legislation will keep guns out of the hands of abusers. It will save lives,” he added.

Other domestic violence bills co-sponsored by Killion and McGarrigle and passed by the Senate today include:

Senate Bill 1011 amends the state Constitution to creating a crime victims “Bill of Rights.” Marsy’s Law will ensure that victims of violent crime must by law be treated with respect and dignity by the criminal justice system. Courts must consider the safety of victims and families when setting bail and release conditions, and family members must have legal standing in bail hearings, pleas, sentencing and parole hearings.

Senate Bill 449, also

known as Tierne’s Law, clarifies existing law that allows judges to use risk assessment tools when setting bail in domestic violence cases. These tools have proven to be effective in predicting an abuser’s odds of re-offending and creating a dangerous circumstance for victims.

Senate Bill 500 for a law enforcement official to accompany a victim to his or her residence before or during the service of a PFA order.

Senate Bill 313 makes it easier for domestic violence victims to remove the name of an abuser from a shared telephone plan.

Senate Bill 919 allows domestic violence victims who live in public housing to be relocated to another unit.

Senators Killion and McGarrigle are hopeful the package of domestic violence bills will be considered in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and then sent to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature.

Oxford Area High School teacher receives Heart of Learning Award

Oxford Area High School mathematics and computer science teacher Scott

Wooddell is the Oxford Area School District’s recipient of the 2018 Citadel Heart of Learning Award sponsored by Citadel Federal Credit Union and the Chester County Intermediate Unit. The annual award recognizes the outstanding job Chester County’s teachers perform in educating and caring for our young people.

Prior to coming to Oxford, Mr. Wooddell was a high school and middle school teacher in the Baltimore County Public Schools for 12 years. During his 13 years at OAHS he served as chairman of the math department and for five years coordinated the academically talented programs at both the high

school and Penn’s Grove School.

Wooddell currently teaches AP Calculus BC, Introduction to Computer Science, Computer Science Essentials, which is part of the high school’s grantfunded Project Lead the Way STEM curriculum, and AP Computer Science. He is the Oxford Area School District’s Teacher on Assignment: Technology Services and is well known among district staff for his weekly Tech Tip Tuesday e-mails.

Wooddell coaches the boys’ tennis team and the high school’s team in the Chester County Academic Competition. He is a co-adviser to the OAHS chapter of National Honor Society.

In addition to the award, Wooddell received $500 for

classroom use. He is one of 15 finalists for the county Heart of Learning Award, which will be announced at the annual awards banquet in May.

“Scott consistently will go the extra mile for his students and Oxford Area High School,” said Principal James Canaday.  “He is always willing to accept a new challenge and grow as a professional.  Scott is just one example of many of the fine educators that we have here at OAHS.”

Wooddell grew up in Bel Air, Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and a master’s degree in mathematics education from Towson University. He and his wife, Dolores, live in Rising Sun, Maryland and have two children, Nathan and Sarah.

Oxford Borough Council approves resolution calling for Pa. to allow speed timing equipment

Mayor and council laud interim police chief Scott Brown

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

While discussions about the parking garage project topped the agenda for the March 19 meeting, Oxford Borough Council also handled a number of other items that night.

Oxford Borough Council approved a resolution urging state lawmakers to allow municipal police to use speed timing equipment. Pennsylvania’s current regulations only allow the State Police to utilize radar for traffic enforcement, not local law enforcement agencies.

Pennsylvania is the only state in the U.S. that does not allow its municipal police to use radar, and municipalities have long advocated for a change. Radar is the most accurate and modern method of enforcing local speed

limits. However, any time legislation is introduced that would allow municipal police to also use the speed timing equipment, it gets bottled up in committee in Harrisburg.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell said that it is definitely time to allow municipal police departments to utilize speed timing equipment.

“This needs to be done,” she said. Russell is involved with the ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance, and she said that the speed timing equipment could help police identify more people who are speeding, which could in turn lead to identifying someone involved with human trafficking.

Mayor Lorraine Durnan Bell issued a proclamation intended to raise awareness about sexual and domestic violence.

In her report to

borough council, Bell outlined the activities of the Oxford Borough Police Department for the last month. Bell and Oxford Borough Council lauded Corporal Scott Brown, who is serving as the interim police chief, for his work leading the department. The police department went a full month without any overtime being necessary.

Borough resident Andrew Atkinson, a former council member, was appointed to serve on the Civil Service Commission. In order to serve in that role, Atkinson had to step away from the borough’s vacancy board. The vacancy board is only convened when Oxford Borough Council is deadlocked on a vote to fill a vacancy.

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

Oxford Library to unveil POW/MIA Remembrance Table on March 29

The Oxford Library’s Veterans Room is getting a new addition. A special POW/MIA Remembrance Table is set to be unveiled to the community on Thursday,

March 29 at 9:15 a.m.

The remembrance table will honor all those who served in the U.S. military and were listed as missing in action or became prisoners of

war. The short ceremony to mark the unveiling of the remembrance table is open to the public. The library is located at 48 S. 2nd Street in Oxford.

New fund benefits Boy Scouts and Stroud Center

Boy Scouts of all ages will now have more opportunities to spend time in the outdoors, getting their boots muddy and becoming stewards of their local watersheds.

As a result of a gift from brothers Greg, Barry, Keith, and Ray Bentley, the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America and Stroud Water Research Center are expanding their partnership to offer additional outdoor and environmental STEM programs.

Stroud Center director of education and Eagle Scout Steve Kerlin described the partnership as “a natural fit for the two organizations. Boy Scout programs offer leadership development, and many conservationrelated badges, awards, and service projects align with the mission of the Stroud Center to promote knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration.” Stroud Center programs for Boy Scouts will build upon successful pilot programs for scouts and award-winning boots-in-the-water school programs.

“We are in the business of changing lives, and this generous gift from the Bentley brothers will help us accomplish that,” said Scout executive Charles E. Rogers, Jr., of the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America.

“We were overwhelmingly surprised when Greg announced the $55,000 gift establishing the Thomas P. Bentley Muddy Boots Program during the Scout’s Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, which recognized Greg Bentley for his significant and enduring contributions to Chester County.”

Greg Bentley shared stories and pictures demonstrating the impact of his family’s experiences in scouting as the driver for this gift to establish the Muddy Boots Fund. He noted that he is especially fond of his time spent outdoors, and hopes this fund will help more youth of today’s digital age spend time outside learning about and protecting the environment. Bentley said “Scouts has given me and my family a love of the outdoors. With this fund, we want to encourage boys not only to love, but to understand nature.”

Expanded Stroud Center programs for Boy Scouts will feature day and

overnight programs at the Stroud Center, investigating stream and watershed health that include fun, hands-on educational activities such as night hikes to search for freshwater eels, collecting and identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates, water chemistry experiments, stream habitat assessments, and service projects including planting and monitoring of riparian forests.

Other opportunities for scouts include: Eagle Scout projects, William T. Hornaday conservation award projects, Cub Scout activities, many Boy Scout merit badges, special conservationrelated awards, training and assistance for summer camp staff and adults, realtime stream sensor stations on Boy Scout properties, future programming at the new CCCBSA PARC site in Exton, potential creation of a STEM Careers Explorer post for young adults 14-20, and many more ideas that will be discussed and collaboratively planned by Chester County Boy Scouts and Stroud Center education staff. Contact the Stroud Center at educationprograms@ stroudcenter.org or the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America at development@cccbsa.org for more information, or to register for a Muddy Boots Boy Scout Program, visit https://stroudcenter.org/ education/scouts.

DRUG DEALER ARRESTED

A 35-year-old Nottingham man is in Chester County Prison after being arrested on multiple drug charges. Michael Thomas Coldiron, who lived on Maple Drive in West Nottingham Township, had been arrested in 2017 for drug delivery resulting in a death, drug possession with intent to deliver, and theft. He had been out on bail.

Over the past several months, he was under investigation for other drug offenses, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. On March 16, police executed a search warrant on his home and found cash, heroin, suboxone, marijuana and thousands of pieces of drug packaging. Coldiron was charged with felonies including drug delivery, possession with intent to deliver, and criminal use of a communications facility. He was arrested and arraigned, and bail was set at $1 million cash. He was taken to Chester County Prison. The investigation is continuing.

DRUG AND GUN CHARGES AT OXFORD

HIGH SCHOOL

On Jan. 26, an 18-year-old student at Oxford High School arrived in the morning and several staff members smelled marijuana on his clothing. He was brought to the office and told that his vehicle, locker and bookbag would be searched. The student told staff that they would find a shotgun and ammunition in his vehicle. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale was contacted and officers saw a

shotgun on the seat of the car. After gaining permission to search, police found two shotguns, ammunition, two metal grinders containing marijuana, a glass pipe, a metal pipe and a digitial scale. The student was charged with possession of weapons on school property, and drug possession.

HEROIN OVERDOSE

On Feb. 23, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale EMTs found Anthony David Guizzetti, 30, of Landenberg, passed out in his car in the Oxford Walmart parking lot after a heroin overdose. He was revived with Narcan and taken to Jennersville Hospital. Drug paraphernalia was found in the car. He is facing drug charges.

BURGLARY

Kennett Square Police are investigating a burglary in the 500 block of Richards Road on the afternoon of March 15. Stolen was $400 in cash, a $155 check, a Sony Playstation and controllers, a watch, and a Mac Book valued at $1,240. The investigation is continuing.

DUI AND DRUG CHARGES

Miguel Colon Jr., 34, of Kennett Square, was arrested and charged with DUI and drug charges after he was found to be passed out in a vehicle. On Feb. 25 at 1:03 a.m. on Cedar Woods Circle in New Garden Township, Southern Chester County Police on patrol saw a Mazda backed into a parking spot, with its headlights on and engine running. When they attempted to rouse the driver, Colon, he was unresponsive and appeared to be passed out.

MONEY STOLEN FROM BUSINESS

Kennett Square Police

reported that $318 in cash was stolen from a business in the 100 block of West State Street between Feb. 18 and March 12. The investigation is continuing.

DRUG CHARGES On Feb. 18, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale stopped a Dodge Dakota for a burnedout tail light in New Garden Township, but the driver and three passengers fled. The driver was caught after a brief chase. Police searched the vehicle and found 11.6 ounces of marijuana in sealed bags and a digital scale that had marijuana residue. The driver, Andre Ceja, 22, of Lincoln University, is facing drug charges.

BURGLARY

A home in the 700 block of Chambers Rock Road was burglarized between March 16 and 19, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Someone used a ladder to reach the second floor and pried open a window. Police said $390 in cash was stolen. The investigation is continuing.

ASSAULT Darrel Wayne Dorsey, 35, of Lincoln University, was charged with assault after he argued with a woman at 151 Conards Mill Road in New London Township on March 6, threw a laptop computer at her, pushed her to the ground and choked her with his hands, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

BURGLARY

A homeowner recently told Pennsylvania State Police Avondale that a deep freezer and china cabinet had been removed from a home at 1731 Limestone Rd., Upper Oxford Township, sometime between Aug. 21, 2017, and Jan. 14, 2018.

Penn State researchers tackling mushroom phorid fly infestations

Working with mushroom growers and residents in southern Chester County, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is ramping up ongoing research efforts to alleviate mushroom phorid fly infestations in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Swarms of the tiny flies associated with mushroom production in two Chester County townships have besieged residents in rural developments in recent years, especially in late summer and fall. The phorid fly infestations also damage mushrooms, limit crop yields and make the job of picking mushrooms onerous.

“We have a really strong team of researchers working on this and they are exploring every sensible, reasonable avenue for controlling phorid flies,” said Rick Roush, dean of the college.

“Unfortunately, it’s a very difficult problem, but we are committed to finding a way to provide some relief for the residents.”

Roush, who was director of the integrated pest management program for the state of California from 2003 to 2007, is optimistic that Penn State research ultimately will solve the phorid fly problem -although he thinks it may take a few years. And solutions are critical, he noted, because Pennsylvania leads the nation in mushroom production. The state’s 67 mushroom farms last year produced 586.5 million pounds of mushrooms, representing 64 percent of domestic mushroom production.

The research team from the

Entomology Department has been studying the problem for several years, according to team leaders Tom Baker and Nina Jenkins. They are taking a multi-pronged approach to solving the problem, seeking to provide relief to residents in the short term and eventually prevent mushroom phorid fly populations from building up in mushroom houses.

“We are trying to come up with something as soon as possible,” said Baker, Distinguished Professor of Entomology and Chemical Ecology. “We’re taking a comprehensive approach that involves both longterm solutions dealing with the fly larvae, while at the same time, trying to devise some short-term remedies inhibiting the movement of adult flies.”

The mushroom phorid fly problem was triggered in 2012 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ruled that an insecticide mushroom growers had used successfully for decades to control the pest -- diazinon -- could no longer be used in mushroom production because of its toxicity.

“Mushroom farmers now have nothing they can use to control these flies,” said Jenkins, research associate in entomology.

“There are a number of chemical products that could be effective in killing the larvae that can’t be used with mushrooms because they are not permitted by the EPA for use in mushroom crops. It is a complicated challenge because anything that you add to the compost can be

Researchers are hopeful that the work by Penn State experts will ultimately solve the phorid fly issues.

taken up by the mushroom.”

Researchers are testing biopesticides that have been registered for use with other crops but could have potential for controlling larval development in mushroom compost, Jenkins said. She called it “a long shot” but explained that it could be relatively easy to have a biopesticide’s label extended for use in mushroom production if one was found to be effective at halting development of phorid fly larvae.

Baker mentioned a number of strategies under consideration to reduce adult phorid fly movement that hold promise for giving relief to residents. But none likely will be employed in the near term until they have been evaluated this summer and fall by researchers.

The strategies include low tech methods -improvements in screening and sealing of cracks and gaps in walls between growing rooms and in outside walls of mushroom houses -- as well as novel technology such as installing pesticide-treated “eave tubes” developed originally by Penn State entomologists

to channel and kill malariacarrying mosquitos in Africa. Researchers also will investigate complex chemical ecology efforts, such as deploying pheromones to confuse male flies and prevent them from mating.

To intensify and expedite experiments, researchers established a mushroom phorid fly colony at the Penn State Mushroom Research Center. It is likely the only such experimental colony in the world, and maintaining a consistent and active colony has been surprisingly difficult, Jenkins admitted. However, the effort has paid dividends.

“We started from zero with no clues, but we have been able to make progress on getting a pheromone identified, and we think we are very close,” Baker said. “The reason that this is important is that we would like to be able to perform mating disruption, which has been successful in many other insects in field crops, apple orchards and in other agricultural applications around the world that I have been involved with.”

If the pheromone disorients

male phorid flies inside the mushroom-growing rooms, they can’t mate with the females during the period when they emerge, Baker explained. That would keep the population from building up inside mushroom houses. If the populations of adult flies can be kept low through the early part of the year, then the problem of so many flies invading the residential areas could be prevented.

“We are still not quite sure why the flies are so keen to get out, but they are,” Jenkins said. “We have had a Ph.D. student working with mushroom growers and residents over the past two years, providing them with traps and tracking the flies’ movements.”

“We are only now starting to see whether anything even has an effect, so we have a lot of testing to do. Even if we find something that looks very promising, after we demonstrate efficacy, we also have to do toxicity testing -- because whatever you add to the compost could impact the mushroom crop.”

Penn State mushroom research is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the American Mushroom Institute.

She cautioned that longterm solutions will not come quickly. Even a label extension of a biopesticide will take a year to get through the Environmental Protection Agency, and EPA scientists will require all the data to support that beforehand. Because Penn State has enjoyed complete cooperation from the mushroom industry and unlimited access to mushroom houses, the timeline could be compressed slightly.

Tuesday Talks with Dick Winchester

The Oxford Library is hosting a series of programs called Tuesday Talks with Dr. Richard Winchester on the first Tuesday of the month through May.

Winchester is a retired history professor who taught and served as the vice president of academic affairs at Lincoln University. He will give three dynamic and informal talks about history during the programs.

The next Tuesday Talks program is scheduled for

April 3, and the focus will be on some of the most important documents in U.S. history, including the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

On May 1, Winchester will talk about the turbulence of 1968, and events that impacted the U.S. that year.

All the programs begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public.

The Oxford Library is located at 48 South 2nd Street in Oxford.

Celebration of life to be held on April 28 in Wilmington

Mitch Lyons: A retrospective

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

All anyone ever needed to know about the artist Mitch Lyons could be found during an interview he gave to Landenberg Today magazine nine years ago, in words that crystallized his work as an artist and defined his restless spirit.

The magazine was developing an article in celebration of the life of local artist and longtime Landenberg resident Bernie Felch, who had died on Oct. 30, 2008 at the age of 83. During the course of speaking with Felch’s artistic contemporaries, a similar refrain was heard: Talk to Mitch Lyons. Lyons met the reporter at the Landenberg Store on a spring morning in 2009. Sitting on a picnic bench in front of the store and nursing a cup of tea, he spoke with reverence about the way that art, and the pursuit of it, served as both a compass and an obsession for Felch. He continued to search for words and then, suddenly, Lyons

unveiled the secret that he and Felch and artists like them all have. He had recently seen a particular shade of light blue that had been haphazardly painted on an overpass near Route 52 in Wilmington.

“The color has been in my mind ever since,” Lyons said. “I can’t get rid of it. It stays with me. I have returned to that bridge so many times, but I have to remake it on my own, and then I have to use it ... and I don’t know why.”

For Lyons, who died on March 5 at the age of 79, an obsession with finding the right colors remained steadfast throughout his entire artistic life, a career that spanned more than 60 years and made him one of the preeminent painters and ceramic artists of his time.

Born in 1938 as the third son of Benjamin Lyons and Anna Swartz, Lyons attended Girard College, a home for fatherless boys, after the death of his father. He later earned his MFA in ceramics from Tyler School of Art, and his BFA in graphics from

the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

His work is in numerous private and public collections throughout the United States, including the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Woodmere Museum, American University, the University of Delaware, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Noyes Museum, and the Biggs Museum.

Whether it was seen in a ceramic bowl or a painting, the strokes of Lyons’ work were uncompromising, bold and fleshed out through an innate sense of curiosity. Throughout his life, he shared his skills as a teacher, mentor and friend. He taught at West Chester University, Moore College of Art, Rowan University, Alfred University, and the University of Delaware. He also visited several countries as a lecturer and teacher, leading

Chester County Studio Tour features 154 artists in 64 studios

Art collectors, enthusiasts and novices will have two full days in May to meet some of the best artists in their Chester County studios, observe the creative process and to purchase their distinctive creations.

“The Chester County Studio Tour grows in popularity each year and this year will be the best ever,” said Jeff Schaller, artist and show coordinator. “The public will have a unique opportunity to see the creative process as many studios on the tour will feature works-in-progress and artist demonstrations. The tour has something for everyone, from the first-time art buyer to the seasoned collector, in a wide range of mediums and prices.”

This year 154 artists in 64 studios will exhibit different mediums such as painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clay, glass, paper and fiber. All the artists will be on hand to talk about their work and meet buyers and browsers alike. The 2018 Chester County Studio Tour is free and open to the public on May 19 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and May 20 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visit www. chestercountystudiotour. com for a map, artists and studio listings and catalogue. Handicapped accessible studios are marked on the studio pages in the catalogue and on the website. Email

hundreds of workshops in the U.S., Canada and the Dominican Republic.

As a member of the Sister Cities Connection Project, Lyons traveled with the exhibition to Italy, England, Germany and Sweden. He was a recipient of a Pennsylvania Council of the Arts Visual Arts Grant.

“Viewing Lyons’

prints could be compared to viewing the interior walls of an old house being demolished, when layers of paint and wallpaper reveal the stratum of lives lived, lives changed and the elements of time and history,” said Jenine Culligan, associate curator for exhibitions at the Delaware Art Museum.

A celebration of life for Mitch Lyons will be held on April 28 at the Delaware Contemporary (200 S. Madison St., Wilmington, Del.), from 5 to 8 p.m. To learn more about Mitch Lyons’ lifetime of work, visit www.mitchlyons. com.

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

The Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point, on April 1 at Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842, is a spring tradition for many families, as well as horse racing enthusiasts. This is the 76th anniversary of the races, making them the oldest of all the point-to-point races in the Delaware Valley.

info@countystudiotour.com or call 610-942-9629 for further information.

Visitors are encouraged to design their own self-guided tour with the catalogue and map, which can be downloaded from www. chestercountystudiotour.com.

The County Collector Series, sponsored by Otto’s Mini & Otto’s BMW, will be offered again in 2018. The public can collect an original framed 6-by-6-inch piece of art for $75. A photo of each work in this series is included in the catalogue and displayed on the website.

The Chester County Studio Tour was created by Jeff Schaller, painter and tour organizer.

The Brandywine Hills races have remained a casual, family-oriented event. Leashed dogs are welcome. Admission is as low as $20 a carload, and there are plenty of kids’ activities planned.

The course provides good visibility for spectators to watch the horses gallop while they negotiate challenging jumps along the rolling course. Premium parking spots along the final approach to the finish line are ideal for a tailgate party, or lunch can be purchased from Hickory House Catering.

The gates open at 10 a.m., with the children’s pony races kicking off the action at 11 a.m. Then it’s time for the pro jockeys to ride.

Five timber races – ladies, novice, heavyweight, open and foxhunter – are each run over a course of 17 jumps on the approximately three-mile course.

Another highlight of race day is the raffle for an assortment of prizes. Tickets are $10, with prizes including a one-week stay in AikenSouth Carolina, original artwork, Devon Horse Show box seats, a carriage ride, and numerous dining gift cards. Ticket holders do not have to be present to win. Radnor Hunt continues as the presenting sponsor.

Michael Tillson, master of foxhounds at Radnor, said, “Radnor Hunt is honored to continue the tradition of fox hunting in the Brandywine Valley, and also honored to support the tradition of the Brandywine Hills Point-toPoint races. We look forward to another exciting race day in support of open space.”

Visit www. brandywineredclay.org or call

for more information or to purchase parking

and/or raffle

KATHLEEN MARIE CORBY

Kathleen Marie Corby, 64, of Kennett Square, passed away on March 22 at Chester County Hospital following a year-long battle with cancer. Born in 1953 in West Chester, she was the daughter of Michael J. and Grace Neidlein DiFilippo. She was the loving wife of Nicholas D. Corby, Jr., with whom she shared 36 years of marriage. She is survived by a son, Nicholas D. Corby III and his wife Patricia Corby (nee Furlong); two grandchildren; a brother, Albert M. DiFilippo and his wife Ruth of Rehoboth, Del.; sisters Michele DiFilippo of Kennett Square, and JoAnne Tighe of Avondale. She was predeceased by her brother, Thomas DiFilippo. She was a loving aunt to Stephanie Murray, Kristen DiFilippo, Matthew DiFilippo, Jamie Allen, Jessica DiFilippo, Ashley Sweeney, Joseph Tighe, David Frampton, Elizabeth Ann “Nan” Frampton, Joyce Walters, Christopher Frampton, Ginger Madonna, Daniel Frampton, Justin Corby, Bennett Corby and Mary Catherine Corby. She was also the great-aunt to eight.

Kathy called Kennett Square home for her entire life. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1973 and went on to work at several local businesses. She was a personal care assistant at Friends Home in Kennett Square for the past 10 years. Her main joy in life was spending time with and taking care of her family, and her residents at Friends Home. She also enjoyed rides in the country with her husband, fashion, shopping for stylish clothes, shoes and bags, and her vacations to Ocean City, Md., with special friends.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. March 28 at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Kathy’s memory to Friends Home, 147 W. State St., Kennett Square, PA 19348. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares. com.

MARGARET N. KENNEDY

Margaret “Peg” N. Kennedy, 82, of Clifton Forge, Va., passed away on March 23 at her son’s residence. She was the wife of Benjamin F. Kennedy, who passed away in 2000, and with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Born in West Jefferson, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Roy V. Nance and the late Jennie Newsome Nance. Peg was an accountant at Hewlett-Packard, retiring in 1996, with over 30 years of service. She enjoyed watching TV, doing puzzles, and being with her family and friends.

She is survived by one son, Jeffery A. Kennedy and his wife Patricia of Landenberg; two sisters, Dorothy Jacobs and Vivian Horner, both of Florida; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren. Peg was predeceased by one son, Michael F. Kennedy; and two infant brothers.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. March 29 at the Kemblesville United Methodist Church (1772 New London Road, Kemblesville). Her funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GARY FALLON

Gary Fallon, 79, of Wilmington, Del., succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, with his wife and two daughters by his side, on March 14 at Arden Courts, where he had resided for 15 months.

In the final days of the disease, Gary’s true self remained – he was polite and kind to the end. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susan (Thomas); daughters, Elizabeth Fallon (Kevin Ross) and Jennifer Anderson (Ross Anderson); two granddaughters; his sisters Linda Williams and Diane Burchell (Robert); his sister-in-law, Claudia Clayton (Jay); and nieces and nephews.

Born in South Gibson, Pa., Gary served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-59 and the Naval Reserves for another three years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg State College and a master’s degree from Temple University. He began working as a speech therapist in Chester County and spent 35 years with the Christiana Care Health System, retiring as the Director of the Speech and Hearing Center. Always an athlete, Gary played baseball and basketball in high school. As an adult, he played club volleyball, bowled competitively, and took up running in his forties. He often could be found in the fitness center at the Western YMCA. After retiring from Christiana Care, Gary became an avid golfer and was a member of the Newark Senior Center Golf League. Gary was a quiet, reserved and private man whose greatest commitment was to his family. He never missed a swim meet, school play or concert. He adored his granddaughters. This is how he will be remembered.

The family thanks the caregivers and staff at Arden Courts for their skill, kindness, compassion and laughter. Memorial contributions may be made to The Swank Memory Care Center, Christiana Care, Office of Development, 13 Reads Way, Suite 301, New Castle, DE 19720 (https://christianacare.org/donors). To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. griecocares.com.

JUNE KATHLEEN SHEPHERD

June Kathleen Shepherd (Kitty June), 90, of Oxford, passed immediately into the arms of her Savior on March 19 at Jenners Pond in West Grove, surrounded by family and friends in the loving arms of her husband.

She was the wife of William W. Shepherd, with whom she shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Norristown, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Mary Hallowell Stoops. June was a physical education teacher from 1950 to 1958 at Oxford Area High School. She was a beloved field hockey coach and girls basketball coach. She was a member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on the Fellowship Committee and was the chair of the Flower Committee. June was also a member of the Oxford Research Club, where she managed the Second Season Shop. June enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, camping, reading, flower gardening, knitting and music.

She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Kathleen S. Book (Bruce) of Quarryville, and Suzanne S. Hamlin (James) of Oxford; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alice Harvey of Sellersville, Pa. She was predeceased by her son, Robert S. Shepherd; and sister, Jacqueline Heimer. A funeral was held March 24. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bethany Christian School, 1137 Shadyside Rd., Oxford, PA 19363.

KATHRYN DEFAZIO MASTRIPPOLITO

Kathryn DeFazio Mastrippolito, 96, passed peacefully on March 21 at Pocopson Home in West Chester, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

She was the wife of Nick Mastrippolito, Sr., with whom she shared 76 years of marriage. Born in Carbondale, Pa., in 1922, she was the daughter of the late Ralph DeFazio and Theresa Sirrianni DeFazio. Kathryn was a member of St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church of Kennett Square. She attended Benjamin Franklin High School in Carbondale, where she was known to “pound out the notes.” She played the piano until recently and loved to sing, especially old show tunes. Kathryn worked in the family mushroom growing and canning business until retirement.

The family would like to thank all the family and friends who helped us during this long transition until her passing. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Nick Mastrippolito, Jr. (Joanne), Robert Mastrippolito, Sr. (Ernesztina Molnar), and Kathryn Kealy (Thomas); nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-greatgrandchildren; and many niece and nephews. She was predeceased by one brother, Anthony DeFazio; and two sisters, Angela DeFazio and Maria Barrese.

A funeral was held March 27. Burial was in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www. griecocares.com.

March 28

Joseph’s People meeting The next monthly JP West Grove meeting for the unemployed/underemployed will be on March 28 at 6:45 p.m. in the Parish Life Center of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). The presenter will be Tom Rhoads, discussing how to prepare for a career exploration and successful job

March

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

West Grove) invites the community to a Good Friday service on March 30 at 7 p.m. An offering will support the GSR 2018 multichurch effort towards the “Getting Ahead” initiative. Visit www.westgroveumc.org or call 610-869-9334 for more information.

April 29

Handbell benefit concert Avondale Presbyterian Church in Avondale will host the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble on April 29 at 3 p.m. A donation will benefit hurricane relief efforts. Visit www. wilmingtonhandbellensemble. org for more information.

The Chester County Press

April 7

Trafficking victims and the law

Delaware County Deputy District Attorney Michael Galantino will speak at the monthly meeting of ACE (Advocating, Collaborating, Educating) Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance of Oxford on April 7 at 9:30 a.m. Galantino will present “The Human Trafficking Victim and the Law.” The meeting is at the Oxford Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford). Refreshments will be served at 9 a.m., followed by the one-hour presentation. Call 610-9320337 for more information.

April 8

Cat adoption fundraiser

The “Catstravaganza” fundraising event will be held April 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kennett Area Senior Center. The event benefits the Treetops Kitty Cafe cat adoption program in Kennett Square. Refreshments will be served. Tickets are $20. Details are available online, or email treetopskittycafe@gmail. com or call 610-925-2908.

April 8

Record Collectors show

The Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway East, Route 30, next to Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster) will host the Keystone Record Collectors Music Expo on April 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dealers will be selling and buying records, CDs, DVDs and other music collectibles. Admission and parking are free. Visit www.recordcollectors.org, or call 610-932-7852.

April 8

Benefit fashion show Lola’s Boutique will host its first annual fashion show, “Spring into Summer,” on April 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Vista Ridge, located at Ware Presbyterian Village (1162 Kensington Lane, Oxford). The show will highlight many designers to raise funds and awareness for two local nonprofits., the Oxford Women’s Club and Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary. The event previews the newest collections from Brighton, Liverpool, and Plume and Thread. Local models of all ages will take to the catwalk, wearing collections of formal, casual, cruise and some business wear. Show highlights include an appearance by Mrs. Pennsylvania, Valerie Ross, door prizes, giveaways, raffles and more. Light fare and refreshments will be served. Guests will take home a swag bag. Tickets are $25, cash or checks only at Lola’s Boutique during regular business hours, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, call 610-467-0774.

April 14

The Rogues The Friends Folk Club will present the Celtic band, The Rogues, on April 14 at 8 p.m. The concert will be at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). The band, formed in 1994, has produced 10 albums and two DVDs. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items, which will be donated to the local area food cupboards. Tickets are $15 and will be available at the door (children 12

and younger are free). Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be sold. For more information, call 610-869-8076 or visi therogues.com.

April 20

Charlie Zahm concert

The Octorara Covenanter Presbyterian Church (1188 Valley Rd., Quarryville) will host a concert by Celtic vocalist Charlie Zahm on April 20 at 7:30 p.m. He will be joined by harpist Kendrah Tozzo, a member of the Brandywine Harp Orchestra, and bagpiper Thompson McConnell, a member of the Ulster Scottish Pipe Band. Refreshments will be served at intermission. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $8 for ages 12 and younger. Call 610-593-6989 for more information.

April 26

Lighthouse Youth Center’s spring banquet

On April 26, the Lightouhouse Youth Center will have the annual spring celebration banquet at Bethany Christian School. The banquet starts at 6:30 p.m., and includes a steak dinner and a program with youth testimonies, updates on the year’s activities, and plans for the future. To make the free reservations, contact the Lighthouse at 610-467-6000 or email tonya@oxfordlighthouse. 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 8 ‘Phyrrhic Victories’ at Bookplace Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) hosts a solo show by Joshua Schaefer, “Phyrrhic Victories,” through April 8. The gallery and book shop 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. Visit www. bookplaceoxford.com.

Through March 31 ‘Wonders of Water’ Mala Galleria (200 E. State St., Kennett Square) presents “Wonders of Water,” with works by Peter Quarracino, Madeleine Kelly, Sarah Yeoman, Jill Beech, Annette Alessi, Rhoda Kahler, Paula Mortensen and Meghan Bergman, through March 31. Call 484-883-5429, email Malagalleriaksq@ gmail.com, or visit www. malagalleria.com.

Through April 21 Francis Di Fronzo solo show

Somerville Manning Gallery (101 Stone Block Row, Greenville, Del.) will host a solo exhibition of paintings by Francis Di Fronzo through April 21. A reception with the artist will be held April 6 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m, including an Artist Talk at 6:30 p.m. Di Fronzo has received national attention as a featured artist in the popular television series “Better Call Saul” and his distinctive paintings that provide an uncomfortable

mix of nostalgia and lamentation of the postindustrial American landscape. Call 302652-0271 or visit www. somervillemanning.com.

April 6 to 28

Group show at Station Gallery

The Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) hosts new paintings and drawings by Rosemary Castiglioni, Jim Gears and Richard Chandler Hoff from April 6 to 28. There will be an artists reception on April 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. Call 302654-8638 or visit www. stationgallery.net.

April 13 to 15

Artists Circle Annual Show

St. Luke Lutheran Church (203 N. Valley Forge Rd., Devon) will host The Artists Circle Annual Art Show on April 13 from 5 to 9 p.m., April 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April 15 from noon to 4 p.m. Hundreds of framed artworks by

regional artists will be for sale, along with unframed originals and signed prints. The Artists Circle is a group of women artists from the suburban Philadelphia region who meet regularly to paint together, critique each other’s work, support each other’s endeavors and mount two annual shows. They include Judy Antonelli, Cheryl DeckerSauder, Pam McKee, Lin Webber, Wendy Scheirer, Connie Worth and others. Visit www.theartistscircle. net for more information. April 18 to May 2 ‘Impressions’ by Jacalyn Beam Barbara Moore Fine Art Gallery (1609 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford) hosts “Impressions,” a show of local landscapes and places by painter Jacalyn Beam, from April 18 to May 2. There will be a discussion with the artist on April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. Call 484778-5174 or visit www. barbaramoorefineart.com.

fbaker@defenderresorts.com

make payment without delay to WILLIAM P. LINCKE, EXECUTOR, 334 W. Front St., Media, PA 19063, Or to his Attorney: WILLIAM P. LINCKE, BEATTY LINCKE, 334 W. Front St., Media, PA 19063 3p-14-3t

ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF FRED P. PRATOLA, SR., DECEASED. Late of the Township of New Garden, Chester County, PA, LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to

the decedent to make payment without delay to ANGELA MATTOSCIO, EXECUTRIX, c/o Anita M. D’Amico, Esquire, 204 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348, Or to her Attorney: ANITA M. D’AMICO, D’AMICO LAW, PC, 204 North Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 3p-14-3t

NOTICE

The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 110 State Road- To hear the appeal of Avon Grove Charter School for a variance to construct a Maintenance Storage building. The applicant proposes to construct a 50’ x 20’ Maintenance Storage building that will encroach into the side yard setback. Section 27-603.7.C(3) of the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance requires a 60’ side yard setback. This property is in the Rural Residential (RR) District. William Grandizio, Chairman, Zoning Hearing Board 3p-21-2t

PUBLIC NOTICE

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Pursuant to §128.85 of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Title 7 regulations, GROWMARK FS, LLC. hereby gives notice of ground application of “Restricted Use Pesticides” for the protection of agricultural crops in municipalities in Pennsylvania during the next 45 days. Residents of contiguous property to our application sites should contact your local GROWMARK FS, LLC. facility for additional information. Concerned Citizens should contact: Michael Layton, MGR. Safety & Environment, mlayton@growmarkfs. com GROWMARK FS, LLC. 308 N.E. Front Street, Milford, DE 19963. Call 302-422-3002

Malvern Wrestling Club, Inc. has been incorporated under the provisions of the PA Nonprofit Corporation Law of 1988.

3p-28-1t

PUBLIC NOTICE

KUSHAL SHAH D.M.D. PC has been incorporated under the provisions of Chapter 29 of the Business Corporation law of 1988 as a Professional Corporation. Falzone & Wyler, 22 East Third St., Media, PA 19063

3p-28-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will

file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-176 Writ of Execution No. 2017-03976 DEBT $254,110.41

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of East Nottingham, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Final Subdivision Plan of Heritage Valley made by Crossan-Raimato, Professional Land Surveyors, New London, Pennsylvania, dated November 15, 1988 and last revised April 5, 1989 and files in Chester County as Plan # 9273-85 as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of East Ruddy Duck Circle and a corner of Lot No. 16 as shown on said Plan; thence extending along East Ruddy Duck Circle, south 83 degrees 57 seconds east, 60.08 feet to a point of curve; thence continuing along same on a line curving to the right having a radius of

SALE ADDRESS:

N.B.

of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County”

days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-189 Writ of Execution No. 2017-10031 DEBT $20,268.00

PROPERTY situate in the Franklin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 72-5-61.29

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association VS DEFENDANT: NANCY G. ODREN and MARK H. ODREN

SALE ADDRESS: 104 Thompson Circle, Landenberg, PA 19350-1519

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-192 Writ of Execution No. 2016-10674

DEBT $419,644.52

ALL THAT CERTAIN parcel of real property situate in Elk Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, according to a survey made by George E. Regester, Jr., & Sons, Inc., Registered Surveyors, dated February 28, 1973 last revised April 16, 1975 as taken from our Plan C-341 and being Lot # 23 on said plan.

BEGINNING at a point on the southerly line of Rocky Glen Road, 50 feet wide said point marking the northwesterly corner of this about to be described tract and also marking a corner of other land of Raymond L. Cashel, of which

Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all

in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-194 Writ of Execution No. 2016-10994 DEBT $357,762.06

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of Londonderry, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Plan of New Daleville made by Lake, Roeder, Hillard and Associates, Land Surveyors, dated January 26, 2004, last revised December 16, 2004 and recorded in Chester County Recorder of Deeds Office as Plan No. 17287 as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the northeasterly side of Nighthawk Lane, a corner of Parcel 1A on said Plan; thence extending along Nighthawk Lane north 72 degrees 52 minutes 54 seconds west 2.89 feet to a point of curve on the northeasterly side of Robinson Street; thence extending along same on the arc of a circle curving to the left, having radius of 122.00 feet, the arc distance of 95.79 feet to a point of reverse curve; thence extending along same on the arc of a circle curving to the right, having a radius of 20.00 feet, the arc distance of 30.01 feet to a point of tangent on the southeasterly side of Wrigley Boulevard; thence extending along same north 17 degrees 07 minutes 06 seconds east 38.35 feet to a corner of Lot 29 on said Plan; thence extending along Lot 29 south 72 degrees 52 minutes 54 seconds east 105.00 feet to a point in line of aforementioned Parcel 1A; thence extending along same south 17 degrees 07 minutes 06 seconds west 100.00 feet to the first mentioned point of beginning.

BEING Lot 30, on said Plan

BEING Parcel Number 46-2-223

BLR# 46-2-223

TITLE to said premises vested in Trevor Timm and Donna Marie Timm, husband and wife by Deed from NVR, Inc., dated 8/30/2007 and recorded 9/25/2007 in Book 7272 Page 1595

PLAINTIFF: Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) VS DEFENDANT: TREVOR TIMM and DONNA MARIE TIMM

SALE ADDRESS: 456 Wrigley Boulevard, Cochranville, PA 19330

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MARTHA E. VON ROSENSTIEL, ESQ., 610328-2887

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-195 Writ of Execution No. 2017-10340 DEBT $196,766.14

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Township of West Fallowfield, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, described as follows: BEGINNING at a stone in the Public Road, a corner of the Old Pleasant

or

DRIVER WANTED

which this was a part, being a corner of McMinn’s Lot; thence by land now or late of George Jebb, south 39 degrees 45 minutes east, 19.94 perches to a stone in the middle of the aforesaid public road; thence along the middle of said road, by land of George Jebb south 78 degrees 45 minutes west, 22.96 perches to the point and place of beginning.

TAX Parcel # 44-07-0008

BEING known as: 5 King Road, Cochranville, Pa 19330

BEING the same premises in which Hazel McLimans Finn, by her attorneyin-fact Hazel M. Rhodes, by Deed dated 04/28/1993, recorded 05/05/1993 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in Chester County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in Deed Book 3548, Page 1940 and at Instrument No. 031380, granted and conveyed unto Dennis L. Laub Sr., and Judy L. Laub, husband and wife.

PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Structured Asset Securities Corporation Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-RF2 VS DEFENDANT: DENNIS L. LAUB, SR. and JUDY L. LAUB

SALE ADDRESS: 5 King Road, Cochranville, PA 19330

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-197 Writ of Execution No. 2017-07866 DEBT $306,630.99

PROPERTY situate in Township of New London

TAX Parcel #Tax ID/UPI Parcel No. 71-01-0024.250/71-1-24.25

IMPROVEMENTS: a residential dwelling.

PLAINTIFF: Amerihome Mortgage Company, LLC VS DEFENDANT: STYVENS GEORGES

SALE ADDRESS: 206 Locust Drive, Lincoln University, PA 19352

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE

PROPERTY

Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 72-5-34.1

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., s/b/m to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. VS DEFENDANT: RUDY D. ARNOLD

SALE ADDRESS: 1833 New London Road, Landenberg, PA 19350

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-200 Writ of Execution No. 2017-05196 DEBT $157,303.63

PROPERTY situate in the Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 56-9-10

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo USA Holdings, Inc. Successor by Merger to Wells Fargo Financial Pennsylvania, Inc VS DEFENDANT: JON F. ANDERSON and GLORIA J. ANDERSON

SALE ADDRESS: 282 Reedville Road, Oxford, PA 19363-2504

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-234 Writ of Execution No. 2017-05629 DEBT $412,635.31

PROPERTY situate in the Franklin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 72-2-2.2

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Ameriquest Mortgage Securities Inc., AssetBacked Pass-Through Certificates, Series Arsi 2006-M3 VS DEFENDANT: ARTHUR W. PAVIGLIANITI and KAREN L. PAVIGLIANITI

SALE ADDRESS: 613 South Guernsey Road, West Grove, PA 19390-9600

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-236 Writ of Execution No. 2016-05319 DEBT $325,176.94

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in East Nottingham Township Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Plan of Darlington Hunt-Phase 1, drawn by Lake, Roeder, Hillard and Beers, dated 4/15/97, said plan recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 13892, as

the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 6022, Page 749, and Instrument #10357189, granted and conveyed unto James R. Dollinger, individual, in fee.

PLAINTIFF: U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Trust Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-BC4 VS DEFENDANT: JAMES R. DOLINGER

SALE ADDRESS: 101 West Sherwood Drive aka 101 Sherwood Drive, Oxford, PA 19363

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-273 Writ of Execution No. 2017-10127 DEBT $188,480.44

PROPERTY situate in the Kennett Square Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 3-4-160

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Santander Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: CHARLES E. THOMPSON, III

SALE ADDRESS: 424 South Union

Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348-3335

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-281

Writ of Execution No. 2017-07624 DEBT $274,162.77

PROPERTY situate in the Kennett Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 62-4-784

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: ARCHER A. OWENS and MARTHA D. OWENS

SALE ADDRESS: 705 Arbor Lane, Kennett Square, PA 19348-2592

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.

Make 2018 your year for a new career.

Be inspired to change the lives of your patients every day, and join the talented team of RNs, PCAs, and MAs practicing within the dynamic, highly advanced environment of Tower Health. In addition to a culture that promotes career advancement, you'll enjoy a diverse experience which offers training in new specialties and abundant opportunities to grow in your professional practice. Learn more and plan to attend one of our upcoming: RN, PCA & MA Meet and Greets

Tuesdays, April 3, 10, 17 and 24

8am - 10am and 4pm - 5:30pm Meet and Greets will be held at all Tower Health hospitals: Reading Hospital • 300 S. 6th Avenue • West Reading, PA

Brandywine Hospital • 201 Reeceville Road • Coatesville, PA

Chestnut Hill Hospital • 8835 Germantown Avenue • Philadelphia, PA

Jennersville Hospital • 1015 West Baltimore Pike • West Grove, PA

Phoenixville Hospital • 140 Nutt Road • Phoenixville, PA

Pottstown Hospital • 1600 E. High Street • Pottstown, PA

• Pre-registration is not required.

• Upon arrival at your facility of choice, ask for the HR Department at the front entrance.

Advancing Health. Transforming Lives. Tower Health is a strong, regional, integrated healthcare system that offers leading-edge, compassionate healthcare and wellness services across Eastern Pennsylvania. We bring together more than 11,000 dedicated team members, 2,000 nationally recognized physicians, specialists, and providers across 65 convenient locations. Together, our six hospitals and other entities offer a full range of medical care to millions of people. Here, we know that advancing the quality of care will transform the quality of life. For current openings and to learn more about us, visit: careers.towerhealth.org

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-229 Writ of Execution No. 2017-09050 DEBT $103,571.98

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot of land situate in Township of New London, Chester County, Pennsylvania

TAX Parcel No.: 71-02-0014.02C

PLAINTIFF: KeyBank, N.A. successor by merger to First Niagara Bank VS

DEFENDANT: TERI L. RIGBY

SALE ADDRESS: 778 State Road, West Grove, PA 19390

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: UDREN LAW OFFICES, P.C., 856-669-5400

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to “Sheriff of Chester County” within twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM.

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 3p-28-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Carolyn B. Welsh, the herein-described real estate will

be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, April 19th, 2018 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, May 21st, 2018. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 18-4-262 Writ of Execution No. 2013-08243 DEBT $168,677.30

PROPERTY situate in the Kennett Square Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 3-4-137

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Newlands Asset Holding Trust VS DEFENDANT: YVONNE B. MURREY

SALE ADDRESS: 413 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348-3227

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment

CHARLES W. OAS, SR.

Charles W. Oas, Sr., 84, of Kennett Square, died on March 19 at the Chester County Hospital in West Chester. He was the husband of Ann L. Morgan Oas, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage. Born in Chadds Ford, he was a son of the late Gustav and the late Marguerite (Tyson) Oas. Charles worked in the farming industry all his life in Chester County. He was also a well-known horse trainer. He loved horse races and fox hunting. In general, if he was hunting anything it was a good day for Charles. In recent years, he enjoyed golfing with the “Mountain Men” and would golf anywhere his friends would take him. When it came to family gatherings, a game of horseshoes was a special pastime.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, two sons, Charles W. Oas, Jr. (Karen) of Newtown Square, and Stephen F. Oas (Wendy) of Coatesville; two brothers, Frank Oas of West Chester, and John Oas of Florida; three sisters, Rebecca Quinn of Phoenixville, Jane Teter of Parkesburg, and Dorothy Banner of Maryland; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one son, Bruce; three brothers, Carl, Walter and Alfred; and four sisters, Jessie, Betty, Eleanor and Sara.

A funeral was held March 24. Interment was in Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Thorncroft Equestrian Center, 190 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares. com.

JESSIE DIBENEDETTO

Jessie DiBenedetto, 97, of Toughkenamon, passed away on March 18 at Twin Pines Health Care Center. She was the wife of Salvatore DiBenedetto, who passed away in 2015, and with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Born in Summit Hill, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Pietro Delaurentis and the late Nicoletta Del Pedio Delaurentis. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, and being with her family and friends. Jessie was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Avondale.

She is survived by one son, Vincent DiBenedetto and his wife Nancy of Toughkenamon; two daughters, Donna Ferroni and her husband Jim of Avondale, and Sandra Bock and her husband Charles of Toughkenamon; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two brothers and two sisters.

Her funeral and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, P.O. Box 709, Avondale, PA 19311. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

THOMAS PAGE

Thomas Page, 81, of Antioch, Tenn., passed away on March 20.

A native of Oxford, Pa., he was also a longtime resident of Chattanooga, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Howard Sturgill; brothers, Bobby Hanf, Stephen Page, Everett Page; and sisters, Blanche Doiron and Peggy DiGeronimo. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Kirk Page; daughter, Denise Page; grandchild, Amanda Smith; sisters, Emma Gardner, Pauline Roussey and her husband Paul, and Maybelle Page; brother, Frank Page and his wife Regina; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was a member of LaVergne First United Methodist Church. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. He was a retired aircraft mechanic and had worked with Capitol Airways for many years, along with Signal Aviation. He loved bowling and was an avid fan of Penn State. He was known for his sense of humor.

Memorial contributions may be made to LaVergne First United Methodist Church. An online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com.

FLAVIO CHIARADONNA

Flavio Chiaradonna, 78, of Coatesville, died on March 17 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Giuseppina Bruno Chiaradonna, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Born in Montella, Italy, he was the son of the late Nicola and the late Genoeffa (Carfagno) Chiaradonna. He served our country in the Navy. He enjoyed a long career as a Merchant Marine, retiring as Second Mate in 1984. Most of his career was working for Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO). He was a member of the Italian Sailors Club. He loved animals and reading, and was a history buff. Most of all, he cherished family time, especially with his grandkids.

Survivors include, in addition to his wife, one son, Ettore Chiaradonna of Coatesville; one daughter, Patrizia Chiaradonna of Chester Springs; three sisters, Anita Knoblauch and her husband Hans of Costa Mesa, Calif., Aurora Vitale and her husband Anthony of Philadelphia, and Maria Erskine of Guadalajara, Mexico; and four grandchildren.

A funeral was held March 22. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

GREGORY S. DOSS

Gregory S. Doss, 37, of West Grove, died on March 19. Born in West Chester, he was a son of Stanley A. and Donna (Swayne) Doss of West Grove. Greg was a 1999 graduate of Avon Grove High School and The Chester County Area Vocational Technical School. He was a mechanic for many years. Not only was it his career, it was his passion. Greg loved spending time with his sons, Austin and Mason, doing anything outdoors, especially when it involved dirt. He loved riding his ATV, the mountains, the beach and fishing. Survivors include, in addition to his parents, two sons, Austin Doss and Mason Doss, both of West Grove; one brother, Daniel A. Doss and his wife Alicia of Peach Bottom, Pa.; one sister, Hollie M. Doss of Honey Brook; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. March 30 at Christ Church at the Grove (1986 Newark Rd., Lincoln University). A memorial service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be held privately. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

ANGELO J. PERRONE

Angelo J. Perrone, 56, of Newark, Del., passed away on March 23, doing what he loved to do, playing Frisbee golf. Born in Wilmington, Del., he was the son of the late Albert Perrone, Sr., and the late May Lou Regener Perrone. Angelo worked for the U.S. Postal Service in New Castle, Del., for over 30 years. He enjoyed being with his family and friends, Frisbee golf, motorcycles, a variety of sports, and playing his guitar.

He was a member of the Four Seasons Motorcycle Club. Angelo is survived by his siblings, Albert Perrone, Jr., of Newark, Del., and his children Lauren and Jeffrey, Anthony Perrone and his wife Margie of Waterford, Conn., and their children Richard, Mindy and Anthony, Jr., Mary Jean Callahan and her husband Brian of Warwick, Md., and their children Felicia, Brian Jr. and Olivia, Arthur Perrone and his wife Cheryl of Avondale, Pa., and their children Arthur Jr., Alexis and Andrew; his girlfriend, Donna Painter of New Castle, Del., and her two children Ashley and Brian; and four grandchildren. He is also survived by eight great nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Andrew Perrone.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. March 30, and again from 10 to 11 a.m. March 31, at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square. His funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. griecocares.com.