Chester County Press 04-17-2019 Edition

Lombardi and Thompson not seeking reelection in Oxford Borough

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Primary Election is now less than five weeks away. In Oxford Borough, two of borough council’s longest-serving members—Sue Lombardi and John Thompson— have decided not to seek reelection this year.

Lombardi, who currently serves as council president, is finishing up her twelfth year on council. Thompson, meanwhile, has served two terms and is finishing up his eighth year on council.

“I think two terms is enough for me,” Thompson said before the council meeting on Monday night.

Thompson said that he is proud of how borough council members have worked collaboratively on a wide variety

of issues during his time on council. He noted that while some people think that elected officials from the different political parties don’t work well together, his experience was that borough council members always set aside their party affiliations to do what was best for the borough.

Thompson said that the hiring of Brian Hoover as a borough manager and Sam Iacono as the new police chief are accomplishments by council that he is particularly proud of.

The construction of a new multimodal transportation center is another project that Thompson is proud to be a part of during his time on council.

Lombardi, like Thompson, said that while she enjoyed her time serving the borough,

Continued on Page 3A

Fire company demonstrates skills at community event

Ian Dargitz chose a Kennett Fire Company recruiting day for his Eagle project

By Chris Barber Correspondent

Kennett Fire Company firefighters showed off their skills and equipment at a public event on April 13, thanks to efforts of their Chief and an aspiring Eagle Scout.

Ian Dargitz, 17, a junior at Kennett High School, said he was pondering what to

select as an Eagle Scout project when a friend mentioned that the Kennett Fire Company – and fire companies in general – are always in need of more volunteers.

The friend suggested he go and talk to then-Chief Chris Plumley.

“He told me there are not enough volunteers. In fact, it’s epidemic nationwide.

… We had a few meetings and it became an event,” Dargitz said. Together, they planned a full afternoon of demonstrations so the public could see what it means to be a firefighter. As a secondary goal, he said, they hoped some of the people who stopped by to watch would have an inclination to sign up.

Continued on Page 6A

Kennett School Board enlists CCIU to facilitate superintendent search

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Kennett Consolidated School District superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti announced two months ago that he will be retiring when his current contract expires in January of 2020. That means that the district will soon need to take on the task of finding Tomasetti’s

replacement—the first superintendent search in over a decade for a school district that has an impressive record of stability at the top.

School board president Joseph Meola announced at the school board meeting on April 8 that the board has enlisted the help of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)

to facilitate the superintendent search. Numerous school districts in the county have turned to the CCIU for this service, especially in recent years. Meola explained that board members recently met with the team from the Intermediate Unit to discuss how they can assist with the superintendent search. After that discussion, Meola

Green Woods Swim Club at 60: Honoring its past, reconstructing its future

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In 1958, a newly-formed committee met to discuss the possibility of canvassing Kennett Township to find the perfect place to form a club for the community that would be highlighted by an

in-ground pool. Eventually that group, headed by Helen Paterson and Mary Ellen Snyder, found that precious spot, located 100 yards south of the intersection of routes 1 and 52, on Maple Lane in Chadds Ford. With the work of volun-

teers and contractors, the Green Woods Swim Club was formed in 1959, and for the past 60 years, families and swim clubs have come to know the 25-meter, L-shaped pool as a place to compete, share the summer sun, and as a seven-acre

explained, the school board unanimously agreed to enlist the Intermediate Unit.

On its website, the Chester County Intermediate Unit touts the fact that, as a Pennsylvania K-12 public regional educational service organization, it has a vested interest in placing the best candidate in each and every district for which it conducts a search—unlike

other national and for-profit search companies.

The CCIU website includes the following on the page dedicated to superintendent and executive searches: “As an integral member of the Pennsylvania Public School System and as a member of a statewide network of intermediate units, CCIU staff is aware

Annual race to be held on May 11

‘Run like it’s 1989’: Kennett Run celebrating its 30th anniversary

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In 1989, the World Wide Web was invented, although it took years before most fully understood how it worked. Brick by brick, the Berlin Wall came down, and the cultural phenomenon that would later contribute to our vocabulary – a television program known as “Seinfeld” – was first aired.

In 1989, runners paced around tracks, pathways and roads wearing headbands and brightly colored attire, resembling extras in a fitness video.

Now, 30 years and more than $1 million in funding later, the Kennett Run, in preparation for its 2019 race on May 11, decided to go back in time. In celebration of the special anniversary of the race – which was first run on April 21, 1990 – the Kennett Run organizers created a marketing campaign called “Run like it's 1989” that celebrates not only a longgone era, but honors those whose commitment to their community has become an annual Kennett Square tradition.

The mastermind behind the idea was Kennett Run race director JJ Simon, who kicked off the theme in January at the Kennett Area YMCA, during early registration for this year’s event. Continued on Page 2A

In 1989, a small group of enterprising leaders in Kennett Square began talking about starting a running event that would raise annual funding for dozens of local organizations.

refuge that's come to serve as the rec room for hundreds of families in Kennett Square, Chadds Ford and beyond.

Now, as the club prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a grand opening on May 25, it does so with the necessary evil of bringing its past into its future.

The pool is in the first stage of a two-year renovation process that will refurbish the 60-year-old structure, and also give the Club's grounds a touch-up. The first stage, currently in progress, will include structural repairs and improvements that will fix leaks and cracks, add new coping and tiles, and create a new set of steps that will lead to the pool on its most shallow end. In 2020, the pool will receive upgrades to its filtration system, and the club will purchase new cleaning equipment, including a new automated pool vacuum.

As of last week, the tile and coping installation and repair has been completed.

The painting of the pool –which will include swim lanes and other markings – is expected to begin on May 1 and be completed by the middle of May.

The cost of the renovation is estimated between $105,000 and $120,000, and is being funded through small increases in membership fees, and from the club's operating budget and reserves. The project is being conducted

by Downingtown-based Vision Pools, Inc., and the work of member volunteers.

Over the past five years, the club's Board of Directors had been addressing the need to fund a complete renovation of the pool, and realized over time that a “band-aid” approach to the pool's maintenance was no longer viable.

“Every year, we'd do a leak detection system every fall, where a scuba diver would dive in and detect where all of the existing and potential leaks were in the pool,” said Jay Marsh, pool and grounds co-director, who has been a member of the Green Woods Club for the past seven years.

“We'd then patch those leaks every year, but the nature of concrete is that it will crack somewhere, and although we were solving the problem, we were never really getting to the core of the problem.”

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The club currently has a membership of 285 “bonds” (individual and family) that's not only drawn from Kennett Square and Chadds Ford, but as far west as Jennersville and as far east as North Wilmington. For those who are interested in joining, the club also maintains a healthy wait list for future members, “but by the time construction on the pool is completed, anyone who does join will have an opportunity basically to join a brand new pool,” said grounds and pool co-

director Amy Calhoun, who has been a member with her family for the past four years. “We consistently maintain a wait list, and are in the process of offering membership to those on the list already. However, we are actively accepting applications with the potential of membership for this season, so I encourage anyone interested to fill in an application as soon as possible.”

The club also offers an August membership to those who are currently on the wait list, which allows

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families and individuals the opportunity to “try the pool on for size” for an entire month.

While the signature definition of the Green Woods Swim Club is that of an intimate family gathering encircled by tall trees and privacy, it's also known for its swim team, which has introduced thousands of youngsters to the benefits of swimming and to the thrill of competition against other area club teams. Each year's team consists of swimmers from 4 to 18 years of age, who are divided among age groups. Practices are held five mornings a week through the end of July, and all swimmers compete as a team.

“From every age, our coaches work their practices around everybody's needs, so that each swimmer is grouped with their peers and their friends,” said Christina Sinton-Gorman, swim team coordinator and former board member.

“While we've offered competition and helped develop those who have gone on to swim at the collegiate level and the Olympic trials, we pride ourselves on the belief that swimming is a lifelong skill. That's what our coaches really try to instill in our kids.”

A lifelong member, Sinton-Gorman called the Green Woods Swim Club “one of the best kept secrets in the community.”

“It's the simplicity of it that our members love,” said Sinton-Gorman, whose children have been members their entire lives. “You're outside with the greenery

and nature that surrounds us, along with family and friends. My kids began to make friends here when they were toddlers, and they all remain friends to this day. There's a feeling of the extended family here.” Marsh, Sinton-Gorman and Calhoun do not anticipate that the May 25 re-opening at the Green Woods Swim Club will look anything different than what they and their families have come to enjoy every year. While it likely won't include a cut-the-ribbon opening ceremony on its new pool, they anticipate that several families will contribute to a pot-luck dinner at the club's pavilion, while board members flip burgers and hot dogs.

“I can close my eyes and hear the diving board bounce, the water splashing, the kids laughing, families chatting and an occasional lifeguard whistle going off,” Sinton-Gorman said. “I can't wait to hear it all again in a few weeks.”

“I think a few of us may stand at the front gate and welcome everyone back, and tell them, 'Come see what we've done,'” Marsh said.

The Green Woods Swim Club is located at 9 Maple Lane in Chadds Ford. To learn more about the club and to get on its wait list, visit www.greenwoodspool.com. The club is also accepting applications for lifeguards for its 2019 season.

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

Kennett Run...

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“As we were signing people up, I kept remarking that people should be dressed like it’s 1989, and so we brought in some music from the period to hype up the theme, as well,” he said. “It was a big success, one that was appreciated by everyone from the 50 year-old dad to the 8-year old girl. So I thought, ‘Let’s make this our theme, get out our old headbands and tube socks and go completely retro.’”

With the assistance of Two Stones Pub and Fig Industries, Simon and Board members Becky Devestine, Steve McManus and Gail Chase posed for a photograph in the cloak of the period, and the marketing campaign was underway. (The campaign advertisement appears in the Spring 2019 edition of Fig Kennett.)

“The more I thought about it, the more I was convinced that I wanted to promote the theme to everyone involved,” said Simon. “Since the start of the campaign, I’ve seen three or four other running events in the area whose themes are also diving into the past. Many of us – the Baby Boomers and the Gen-Xers -- are getting nostalgic for those pre-internet and cell phone days.”

While the campaign has a little fun at the expense

of some past fashion faux pas, it’s also a nod toward the Kennett Run’s origins, and those who were responsible for making the annual race a reality, said Kennett Run Charities President B. Christopher Daney.

“The Kennett Run brings out local runners and walkers, but it also raises the awareness of the many non-profit organizations and the work they do for so many people,” Daney said. “It’s also reflected in what we as an organization do as our primary mission – to give back to those organizations, and subsequently, our community.”

In ceremonies held at the Genesis Healthcare atrium lobby on Oct. 11, 2018, Kennett Run Charities, Inc. awarded nearly 50 local organizations a total of $66,000, which included a $15,000 grant that went toward trail improvements in Anson B. Nixon Park that included landscaping, asphalt paving and the elimination of erosions and drainage problems. Daney gave a lot of credit to Kennett Run volunteer Mark Piacentino, who worked with a local contractor to engineer the project.

“Anson B. Nixon Park is a focal point of Kennett Square, and it’s used all year round by so many people and events, so it gets a lot of wear and tear,” Daney said. “The trail project was something

In celebration of the Kennett Run’s

Kennett Run Charities, Inc.’s board

1989, the year the annual race was first

that Kennett Charities really wanted to put its time and effort into, in order to make the park safer for runners, walkers and anyone else who visits there.

“One can go out there now and see these improvements. This is our way to give back to the community.”

Over the last few months,

Another

the 2019 Kennett Run Facebook page has been slammed with posts from several runners entered into this year’s race who want to get into the act, so Simon is anticipating that the 1989 theme will be seen everywhere on this year’s course. He’ll even give out awards for best dressed individual;

Borough re-election... Continued from Page 1A

it was the right time to step aside.

“It just seemed like the right time to stop,” Lombardi said.

She mentioned the streetscape improvements that the borough has undergone, the project that resulted in a new police station, and the parking garage project as some of council’s accomplishments that she is most proud of during her

three terms in office.

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress,” she said. Her favorite part of serving on council was working collaboratively with the other council members to improve the borough.

With Lombardi and Thompson deciding not to seek another term, the only incumbent on the ballot will be Peggy Ann Russell. There are a total of three council seats up for election this year and eight candidates who have filed so far. The Democrats include Russell, Kathryn Goodley

Cloyd, and Marybeth Rizzo Moore, while the Republicans are Mary Lou Baily, Joseph B. Emhof III, Philip Harris, Joseph Martinelli, and Michele Rich-Ianieri. With three seats up for election, there could be three Democrats and three Republicans who emerge from the Primary Election and earn spots on the ballot for the General Election.

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

husband-and-wife duo; and group, and a limited number of tube socks and headbands will be handed out during the registration period.

To learn more about this year’s Kennett Run and to register, visit www.kennettrun.net.

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

“Many are writing that they’re currently rummaging around, looking for their old running clothes,” he said. “I’m also encouraging our board members and volunteers to dress like it’s 1989. It will be slightly ridiculous, but a lot of fun.”

Superintendent...

Continued from Page 1A

of the challenges facing our public schools and the skills, qualities and leadership traits necessary to lead our schools in the 21st century. As a part of a statewide network, we are aware of the demographic, social and economic diversity of our great state, and the unique characteristics and challenges of each of our school districts. The Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Superintendent Search Services prides itself on providing comprehensive search services tailored to the needs of each school district.”

Meola said that the Kennett School Board members were confident that the CCIU’s assistance would be very beneficial during the upcoming search.

“The CCIU has been an excellent partner to the school district for many, many years,” Meola said.

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

Commissioners file suit against Sunoco over pipeline construction

Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell, as well as the County of Chester, last week filed a civil lawsuit against Sunoco Pipeline LP regarding the Mariner East pipeline project.

The commissioners and the county are seeking a permanent injunction against Sunoco relating to the company’s disregard of the language of supplemental permanent easements located on county-owned property in West Whiteland Township.

The civil lawsuit formally requests that the court issue a permanent injunction prohibiting Sunoco from constructing the Mariner 2 pipelines on permanent easements located on the Chester County Library and Chester Valley Trail properties in West Whiteland Township. Specifically, the lawsuit notes Sunoco’s intent to undertake “open trench” construction for Mariner 2 on the Chester County Library property without county permission and in the absence of any temporary construction easement.

This legal action follows the County Commissioners’ February notice of termination to Sunoco Pipeline LP of two temporary easements, and their announcement to intervene in the Flynn et al. v. Sunoco Pipeline LP proceeding

before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.

On April 5, Sunoco informed the county that it would begin construction of the Mariner 2 pipelines on the Chester County Library property, via traditional open trench method.

Chester County Commissioners’ chair Michelle Kichline said, “At a site meeting last Friday between county staff and Sunoco representatives, it became clear that Sunoco was going to proceed with the open trench method of installation at the Chester County Library property without providing written justification or county permission. This action violates the terms of the supplemental permanent easement.

“Normally, when it comes to the installation of pipelines, municipal and county governments are restricted in our options to regulate,” Kichline continued. “State regulators and legislators have essentially made us powerless to stop the process. But in this instance, the county, as the landowner, has the right to insist that Sunoco follows the terms of the supplemental permanent easement to the letter of the law. By Sunoco not agreeing to follow those terms, I have concerns that they may place our citizens at risk. Sunoco must understand that the county owns this

property and we have the right to ensure as they cross county land that adjacent neighbors and our citizens are not adversely affected in any way.”

Commissioner vice-chair Kathi Cozzone said that the Commissioners “believe that Sunoco will be unable to construct the Mariner 2 pipeline on the County Library property within the existing 50-foot right of way and in a manner which ensures public safety and welfare.

“By Sunoco’s unauthorized action to begin construction, we deemed it necessary to file this lawsuit to ensure that any construction across county property is done properly and does not adversely impact the surrounding neighborhoods,” Cozzone added.

County Commissioner Terence Farrell said, “As the stewards elected to protect and safeguard the public safety of our citizens, we will do everything within our power to ensure that the pipeline project is being constructed as to not place the public at risk. Now that Sunoco is crossing county property, we are able to formally petition the Court of Common Pleas and request the issuance of a permanent injunction prohibiting Sunoco from constructing the Mariner 2 pipeline in a manner that could place our citizens in jeopardy.”

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Kennett Beautification Plant Sale set for April 27

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The good work of the Kennett Beautification Committee is already visible in Kennett Square, and the community’s opportunity to support the efforts to bring color and beauty to the borough is quickly approaching.

The popular annual Kennett Beautification Plant Sale is coming up on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and proceeds from the event allow the Kennett Beautification Committee to purchase flowers to plant throughout the town—a tradition that dates back 54 years.

Each year, on the last Saturday in March and the last Saturday in May, between 20 and 25 members of local garden clubs come together to plant 40 barrels and 16 large containers of flowers throughout the town. In addition to the barrels and containers, the Four Seasons Garden Club plants flowers at the Kennett Police Station and the Genesis Walkway. Under the direction and watchful eye of Craig Rybinski, volunteers help maintain the War of 1812 Memorial Garden on East Cypress Street. The Spade and Trowel Club plants and maintains the garden near Waywood Beverage.

It takes a lot of work throughout the year, but the combined efforts result in a much more beautiful

Kennett Square. The seeds for the Kennett Beautification Committee were planted in 1965, when Everett Miller, the director of Longwood Gardens, joined Anne Scarlett, Wally Taylor, and Ruth Marshall to form a committee to undertake beautification efforts for Kennett Square.

The Four Seasons Garden Club and The Spade & Trowel Club have helped lead those efforts through the years.

Bill Reynolds, a Kennett Square native and owner of Pratt’s Greenhouse, has

given many hours of his time to work with JoAnn Donlick, the Beautification Committee Chairperson, to pick colors and cultivars that will work well in a suburban setting. Reynolds delivers the flowers on the planting days, as well as on the day of the annual Kennett Beautification Plant Sale. Once the flowers are planted, the Borough of Kennett Square staff assists by watering the barrels and containers as needed to keep them healthy and hydrated.

Kennett

Beautification

Continued from Page 4A

This year’s theme is “Horticulture is for everyone.” Horticulture is the art and science of growing and caring for plants. Plants play an important role in the beautification of landscapes, including rural, urban, and recreational areas. Sociologically, horticulture improves how people utilize plants for human purposes— including everything from food consumption and environmental protection to erosion control and horticultural therapy for the treatment of patients.

The annual Kennett

Beautification Plant Sale enables the Kennett Beautification Committee to purchase plants and flowers for its beautification efforts. The sale takes place in the Genesis Walkway. Annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, native plants, grasses, hanging baskets, plants to attract bees and butterflies, dahlia bulbs, and donated plants will be available for sale. There will also be demonstrations on how to create a container planting, as well as hanging baskets for sale and Merchant Wheel of Fortune prizes. The plant sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

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Fire Company...

Continued from Page 1A

The project, Dargitz said, involved more than him asking the firefighters to reenact what they do at a call. He had to get publicity out, design a schedule, solicit contributions for snacks and handle the logistics of a public event. Before and after, he had to file plans and reviews to the leaders who would be awarding the Eagle Scout honor.

The afternoon began with a demonstration of how to enter a locked dwelling. Chief engineer Corey Panzram offered visitors the chance to break down a door with fire company tools on a mock building entrance. He did not have many takers until suddenly people gathered around him, eager to take a chance. Some watchers cheered when the volunteers broke through.

The demonstration of the so-called Jaws of Life was next. The vehicle rescue crew dismantled three wrecked cars with pneumatic devices as Plumley

explained they had to be specially trained for the task, and that they always had an EMT on hand to supervise the operation and keep the occupants of the vehicle as safe as possible.

Later, the firefighters demonstrated their tools, including the tower, the tanker truck and the hoses.

Several families who brought their young children discovered that the youngest among them were most interested in the dials and gadgets of the trucks –or, as Plumley called them, “big tool boxes on wheels.”

The children were invited to take a seat in the cabs of the trucks.

Later, quite a few people tried spraying the fire hoses. To their surprise, the flow of water was so strong that even the heartiest among them found them difficult to handle.

Other demonstrations included the tanker truck and a water rescue with the company inflatable raft.

Inside the firehouse were pizzas, sandwiches, bottled water and cookies -- all donations from local

businesses.

On site, in addition to the visitors from the community, was newly appointed Chief, Bruce Mitchell. He is a 38-year veteran of the Kennett Fire Company and has served for eight years as Chief in past years. He is now beginning his new term and was scheduled to be sworn in at the Kennett Square Borough Council meeting on Monday.

Chief Plumley said the Saturday event was just one

more way to get the word out that the fire companies need more volunteers.

“When they think of being a firefighter, they think ‘I get to go into burning buildings,’ but everyone is welcome here, and we have jobs for everyone,” he said.

The Kennett Fire Company has a roster of between 30 and 35 members. He added that the loss of volunteers is a phenomenon nationwide, not just in the local area.

Plumley said that Kennett and the neighboring fire companies serve as backups when needed to make up for diminishing sizes of crews. The

Company operates out of the fire house on the east end of the borough, just off Cypress Street along Dalmatian Lane. It has been in operation since

Kick stands up for a cause

On Saturday, May 4, beginning at 10 a.m., a local motorcycle group called the Keystone Cruisers for Christ – a local chapter of the Fellowship Riders -will be embarking on a tour of the Chester County area and beyond that will take them on a 70-mile trip through several covered bridges and along miles of countryside that announce the beginning of spring.

It’s the riding group’s 7th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Missions.

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, or if there is anyone you may know who is, here is an invitation to join them on that journey, one that will not only traverse the infrequently traveled roads of our part of the world, but raise funds for the Manna Ministry at the New London Baptist Church in West Grove, that provides nearly 300 families in the community with access to food, clothing and personal items, free of charge.

The sight of riding headlong into a pack of motorcyclists is an often intimidating one, and the full-throttle sound of dozens of engines all whirling at once can interrupt our conversation, our peace of mind or pop any small bubble of tranquility, but if you ever encounter such a group coming at you, Keystone Cruisers for Christ President Johnny Tucker said that it’s a sure indicator that it’s a ride being done for a charitable organization. It’s the roaring noise of selflessness, and for the Keystone Cruisers for Christ, these rides – joined by others – have become their spiritual calling.

For the Keystone Cruisers for Christ, it’s a case of ‘Have cause, will ride,’ and their thunderous sound of compassion can be heard from Pennsylvania to Delaware. Members have participated in charitable rides that have raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics Delaware; Unsheltered International, which provides eyeglasses for underprivileged individuals; and for the last several years, the group has participated in the Angel Tree Program, by delivering Christmas gifts to 19 children whose parents are currently incarcerated.

Registration for the 7th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Missions on May 4 will begin at 8:45 a.m. at the New London Baptist Church, and the ride will start at 10 a.m. The suggestion donation will be $15 for a single rider and $25 for each couple. All riders will receive a complimentary lunch, and door prizes and a silent auction will be featured after the ride. Contributions have been provided by Chester County Tire & Auto, Motorcycle Outpost, Hannum’s Harley-Davidson, New London Auto Repair and many other local businesses.

Tucker recently told the Chester County Press that not every motorcyclist seen on the road belongs to a band of outlaws, and the continued dedication of groups like the Keystone Cruisers for Christ and others like them is proof positive that Tucker’s comment is spot-on correct. On May 4, along 70 miles of a journey, there will be a thunderous sound made by a motorcycle group – and their friends who join them –that will ring joyously in the spirit of giving.

To learn more about the New London Baptist Church and the 7th Annual Ride for Missions, visit www. newlondonbaptist.org. New London Baptist Church is located at 226 Pennocks Bridge Road in West Grove. To learn more about the Keystone Cruisers for Christ, visit them on Facebook, or email them at keystonecfc@outlook.com.

Letter to the Editor

Avon Grove Community for Strong School’s logo is too great to resist

Letter to the Editor:

It has come to our attention that Carmela Ciliberti, a candidate for the Avon Grove School Board, has replicated and utilized the Avon Grove Community for Strong School’s (AGCSS) logo for her campaign.

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but not when it causes confusion.

We are concerned that the public is being misled into mistakenly believing that AGCSS approves of, or sponsors, Ms. Ciliberti’s candidacy, or that her candidacy is affiliated with

AGCSS. In addition, her use of this replicated logo constitutes trademark dilution and depreciates the significant goodwill associated with the AGCSS logo.

AGCSS is a non-partisan local advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness around Avon Grove School District (AGSD) decisions and ensuring our community is accurately informed about and involved in our schools. AGCSS has over 1,200 supporters, many active volunteers, and community engagement with our work continues to grow. The choice of this cam-

paign tactic from Ms. Ciliberti is entirely disheartening. When it comes to school board elections, not only are voters paying attention, but the 5,100 Avon Grove school children are watching as well. Moreover, as taxpayers, we depend on our school board directors to provide principled oversight for the community’s financial investment in our schools. Ms. Ciliberti’s actions demonstrate questionable ethics, integrity, and judgement.

This public statement is our request to Ms. Ciliberti to immediately remove the

replicated logo from her digital and printed materials, and refrain from copying any past or future logos, graphics, or content created by Avon Grove Community for Strong Schools. We do not want to see our small local community further confused, manipulated or misled.

Carolyn Hammerschmidt Avon Grove Community for Strong Schools (Avongrovecommunity. org and Facebook.com/ avongrovestrongschools). Franklin Township resident

Add these ‘stars’ to your list of friends

Letter to the Editor:

When you spend decades in the same community, you realize who your friends are. Not the friends in your social circle. The friends whose work makes your community work. There is a group of real ‘stars’ - in every community – hundreds of them across the county. They’re the elected and appointed officials who guide land

use in every township and borough, backed up by dedicated professionals. These ‘stars’ aren’t in it for the money – the majority of them are volunteers. And they sure aren’t in it for the glory – it’s a tough job they do, mostly unseen. At Chester County 2020, we call them The Citizen Planners. Think about it! If every tabloid celebrity vanished overnight, would

anyone even notice? But if we didn’t have our Citizen Planners, so much of what we need and what we take for granted here in Chester County would stop dead in its tracks.

Remember, land use isn’t just about building permits. Land use is about transportation, public health and safety, and the financial stability of the place we call Home.

During Chester County 2020’s annual reception on

April 25 this year’s stars, David

will be honored for their decades of work making the County a better place to live. Let’s all attend to recognize their important contributions to our community. For information and to register, go to www.CC202.org.

State Senate Committee approves Sen. Boscola’s redistricting bill

The Senate State Government Committee approved Sen. Lisa M. Boscola’s (D-Northampton/ Lehigh) statewide redistricting reform legislation.

The measure would amend the state’s constitution to establish an 11-member independent citizen’s commission to redraw Congressional and state legislative district maps. It would require significant

public input, apply sound map-drawing standards and establish a fair process for final map adoption.

The bill (Senate Bill 22) now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Boscola provided the following comment: “You cannot reform government without reforming the redistricting process. I am committed to seeing this more equitable process become law.

Senate Bill 22 would separate politicians from the actual map-drawing process. Voters should choose their elected leaders, not the other way around.

I fully understand that a difficult road lies ahead and that many of my colleagues will attempt to amend or derail this proposal. I hope the public and advocates remain vigilant and continue to demand

Commentary

that we change the system. It is imperative that a reformed process be in place by the fall of 2021 (following the 2020 census).

“This important committee vote moves the potential for real redistricting reform one step closer to a people’s vote. Reforming our redistricting process will help strengthen representative democracy in Pennsylvania.”

Tax Day 2019 finds a tax system skewed to the rich and powerful

By Frank Clemente

Tax Day, when we settle our personal accounts with Uncle Sam, is also a good day to take account of our tax system overall. That’s especially true this year, when the first tax returns prepared under the new rules of the Trump-GOP tax law are due. We should be asking whether our system is fair, whether it raises the revenue we need, and whether it promotes economic growth and equality.

The answer to all three questions is, unfortunately, no. The tax code, already full of loopholes for the wealthy and corporations, was laden with even more by the new tax law. That law will also add nearly $2 trillion to the national debt, endangering services like Medicare, Medicaid and education, as well as vital new initiatives like lowering healthcare costs and improving road and bridges.

And the Trump-GOP tax cuts is doing little to promote economic growth, but a lot to promote economic inequality, even as the gap between rich and poor reaches Gilded Age proportions.

Over 20 percent of the Trump-GOP tax cuts are estimated to have gone to the wealthiest one percent of Americans last year. And once

the law is fully in effect eight years from now, the imbalance will get even worse: 83 percent of the benefits will go to One Percenters. Big profitable corporations got a 40 percent cut in their tax rate. And the new tax rate on the foreign profits of U.S. companies is only half the domestic rate, creating big incentives to shift jobs and profits offshore.

Republicans desperate to enact their skewed-to-therich tax plan assured the American people the tax cuts would pay for themselves.

Wrong. The federal budget deficit jumped by almost $100 billion in the first quarter of the current fiscal year alone compared to the same period last year, before the Republican tax law went into effect. Contributing to that growing budget gap was a nearly one-third drop in corporate tax receipts. Rather than reverse all their tax giveaways to the wealthy, Republicans want to make up the shortfall by cutting public services working families rely on—while, incredibly, cutting taxes on the wealthy even more. In his recently released budget, President Trump proposed slashing $1.4 trillion from Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while cutting taxes by $1.1 trillion,

once again mostly to the benefit of the rich.

Trump doesn’t just want to cut the ACA’s budget—he wants to eliminate it altogether. That would cost 20 million Americans their health insurance, while taking away the protection for 130 million people with preexisting medical conditions who would pay more or not be able to afford insurance without the ACA.

Big winners from the ACA repeal are the wealthy, along with prescription drug firms and health insurers, whose steadily rising prices squeeze the same families facing reduced public services. That’s because they’d no longer pay $600 billion in taxes to help people afford insurance.

President Trump promised workers would benefit from the corporate tax cuts, guaranteeing that working families would get a $4,000 boost in wages. Nearly a year-and-a-half later, according to a tally by Americans for Tax Fairness, only four percent of employees have seen any increase in their compensation tied to the tax cuts, and the great majority of those payouts have been onetime bonuses, not permanent raises.

Corporations aren’t spending their tax savings

in any significant way on increased investment, either. Where the dollars are really going, predictably, is into the bank accounts of powerful CEOs and wealthy shareholders. Corporations have announced over $1 trillion in stock buybacks since the Republican plan was signed into law. These boost the price of stocks, and most stock is owned by the wealthy.

So, a Tax Day review of our tax system yields troubling results. But we can fix that. Congress can begin by repealing the tax cuts for the rich and corporations in the recent GOP tax law. Then it can start closing all the other special loopholes inserted in our tax code over the years by the wealthy and well-connected.

Those cost us trillions of dollars in public revenue we need to fulfill solemn promises we’ve made to ourselves, like Social Security and Medicare, as well as invest in our future through bold new investments. Once those loopholes are closed, on some future Tax Day we can count ourselves proud participants in a fair share tax system.

of Americans for Tax Fairness.

Avon Grove Leo Club helps the Easter Bunny

The Avon Grove Charter School Leo Club, sponsored by the Avon Grove Lions, recently held their annual egg hunt for the students at the Charter School Early Learning Center. The Easter Bunny also helped with the event. The children participated in an egg scramble, and played games with the Leo Club members.

$97,300 in scholarships awarded by foundation

The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County has announced the awarding of 34 Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarships to students residing in the five local school districts of Avon Grove, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford, and Unionville/ Chadds Ford.

The scholarships, totaling $97,300 this year, are designed to assist students in preparing for careers in the health care field. Award values are currently $1,000 to $5,150. This year’s award winners plan to study for a variety of careers, including nursing, medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, dentistry, biomedical engineering, nutrition,

pharmacy, optometry, and occupational, physical and speech therapy.

All recipients must have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be human health care educationbound students either in undergraduate studies or pursuing advanced degrees. Each applicant is eligible for one undergraduate and/ or one post-graduate award at this time.

The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a bequest from Mrs. Alma Newlin, who lived in Kennett Square.

Alma Newlin Scholarship recipients: Avon Grove

Gwendolynne Eckert – Nursing

Rachel Lee – Physical Therapy

Connor Shockley – Pre-med

Avon Grove Charter

Rachel Kornacki – Nursing

Jordan Raschi – Pre-med

Anastasia Rzucidlo – Nursing

Hannah Thornton –Occupational Therapy

Catherine Wyatt –Occupational Therapy

Kennett

Emily Augustine – Nursing

Julia Bradley – PA

Ginger Charnichko – Nursing

Alexandra Hughson – Pre-Optometry

Rachel Hyzny – Nursing

Rhea Jiang –Biomedical Engineering

Shannon McDonald – Nursing

Sydney Mentzer – Nursing

Rayann Nicewonger – Psychology Octorara Ylenia Brucchieri – Nursing Kelsey Cunningham – Nursing Alaina Davis – Nursing

Ashleigh McKenna – Pre-med Oxford

Alexi Cabrera – Nutrition

Reese Canaday – Nursing

Alondra Popoca – Nursing

Adam Warren – Psychiatry

Unionville-Chadds

Ford

Luke Cowart

– Pre-Med

Sarah Dietz

– Psychology/ Neuroscience

Bryce Halsey

– Pre-pharmacy

Emily Holmes – Nursing

Taylor Lindsay – Kinesiology/ Occupational Therapy

Julia McDonnell – Pre-med

Alexandra Rizaldi – Pre-med

William Starnes – Pre-med

Sophie Wilks – Pre-med/Pre-dental

Avon Grove lacrosse is off to a strong start this season

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

You can tell a lot about a team based on how it responds to the inevitable setback.

Avon Grove lost a game to Manheim Township— currently one of the top-ranked teams in the state—last Saturday, but less than 48 hours later, the Red Devils came roaring back with 16-5 win over Unionville in a home game on Monday afternoon.

Head coach Eric Jackson said that he was pleased with how his team bounced back after its first loss of the season.

“We had a tough game against Manheim Township on Saturday, but I think we responded well,” Jackson explained. “We try to never let the highs get too high, or the lows get too low.”

Avon Grove came out with a strong offensive attack against Unionville, scoring twice in the opening minute as Jackson Muller and James Chastain contributed early scores. Avon Grove pushed the lead to 8-1 by the end of the first quarter with a solid team effort on offense and defense.

Unionville battled back, cutting the lead to 8-3 early in the second quarter, but Avon Grove was able to score in bunches, and added three goals in about three minutes of play in the latter part of the second quarter to push the lead to 11-3.

Avon Grove was able to execute its game plan on offense and defense, and the Red Devils controlled the flow of the game as a result.

“I think we had good, smart play today,” Jackson said. “We played with good energy.”

Unionville struck early in the third with a goal in the opening minute, but once again Avon Grove scored in bunches, netting three goals in under a minute of play to push the lead to 16-4. The final score was 16-5.

A victory over Unionville improved the team’s record to 8-1

The victory improved Avon Grove’s record to 8-1 on the season. This squad has been here before. The team has been consistently excellent under Jackson, especially during the last decade, when Avon Grove has captured several ChesMont League crowns, two district championships and a state championship in 2017.

Jackson noted that this year’s squad isn’t the most experienced because so many seniors graduated last year, but the players are working hard to continue the program’s winning tradition.

“I’m proud of the team,” Jackson said. “A lot of the guys who didn’t have experience going into this season are starting to figure things out. I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2019

Artists add works throughout Tyler Arboretum

Beginning on May 11, Tyler Arboretum in Media asks visitors to look at nature in new ways in its outdoor summer sculpture exhibit, “Gateways to Nature.”

“With this exhibit, we’re inviting visitors to join us on a sculptural journey around the Arboretum,” said Tyler’s communications manager, Gary Bloomer.

Karen Delaney is a featured artist in the exhibit, with one sculpture on view, “Grand Arch.” Delaney has been a sculptor for three decades. She has exhibited internationally but finds the art community in the Brandywine/Delaware Valley region to be inspiring and fulfilling.

“My sculptures are a product of my fascination with the tensions and harmonies created by manipulating form, space, and line,” she said. “I have endless ideas and am wholeheartedly devoted to expressing all of them in steel and other complementary materials.”

Karen makes sculpture and paintings in her West Chester studio.

Kennett Square artist Lele Galer will have four sculptures

in the “Gateways of Nature” show, including three kinetic kaleidoscopes. “The idea behind these is stained glass in between spokes in industrial wheels, set on posts with ball bearings so that they can be twirled,” Galer said. “It’s an idea I’ve had for a long time and this was a good place for it, because it adds a big pop of color to an otherwise steel-colored sculpture, and it is in an area where children visit, so it is fun and interactive.

“The big one is called ‘Passion,’” Galer continued. “It’s a large, 8-by-8-foot steel welded and forged sculpture of a heart that is covered in clematis Passion Flower vines. I always wanted to make a stylized passion flower, so here was my chance. It fit the area of the arboretum, as this zone is full of white flowers and is the main area where their wedding/ bridal photos are taken. I really enjoyed creating a heart that was specific to place, and Tyler is a very beautiful place for my work.”

Galer said the staff was helpful along the way, “including the drop-off day where staff and volunteers helped offload the 200-pound sculpture and place it.”

The other artists and makers included in “Gateways to Nature” are:

John Parker, “Bengal Tiger,” “Imperial Elk,” and “Flora Duet”

J.D. Scott, “Wind Tunnel”

Lisa Fedon, “Safe Haven”

Matthew Harris, “At the Garden’s Door” and “Breaking Loose”

Parris Bradley, “Washing Nature”

Roy Wilson and Ann Hopkins Wilson, “Prayer Wheels”

Roman Tybinko, “Iconostasis” Williamson College of the Trades, “Diamond Doorway” Susan Benarcik, “Conditioned to See” Vanny Channal, “Steel Buck,” “American Eagle” and “Steel Mantis” Tyler’s docent volunteers will lead tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information on the exhibit, visit www.tylerarboretum.org/ gateways-to-nature.

The land that became Tyler Arboretum was purchased from William Penn in 1681. Today, Tyler provides a natural sanctuary for visitors interested in horticulture, history, and the natural world. With 650 acres of meadows, wetlands and unbroken forest, and more than 17 miles of hiking trails, Tyler is open every day. Visit www.tylerarboretum.org, or call 610-566-9134.

An evening of murder and suspense for Oxford Library supporters

Stories of suspense and evil deeds will be in the spotlight during the second Oxford Noir At A Bar event on May 8, with proceeds benefiting the Oxford Public Library.

“I can tell you, it’s gonna be messy. The largest evening of carnage ever in Oxford.

We hope to see a lot of you there … as innocent bystanders,” said Gary Zenker, emcee for the event and one of the

13 authors who will be reading their short stories of suspense, crime and murder.

Gary is the creator of Noir At A Bar, which holds bi-annual readings at Timothy’s in West Chester. He also runs two local writers groups, the Main Line Writers Group in Wayne, and the Wilmington-Chadds Ford Writers Group in Glen Mills. The groups focus on helping writers

better their craft, publish their work, and establish strong relationships with other writers.

“The Noir events are a way to connect authors and their stories to the audience,” Zenker said. “Jay Kennedy is secretary of the Oxford Library Board of Trustees and came to a Noir reading in West Chester. He thought that it would be great to do one in association with his library. A few

months later, we made it a reality.”

The first event, held last year, attracted a capacity crowd.

“Our authors come from the five-county area,” Zenker said. “Most are published authors, and all are donating their time to raise funds for the Oxford Library. For many of them, it isn’t even their local library. But they all recognize this as a great cause.”

“Bringing readers and authors together is at the very foundation of the Library’s core mission,” noted Carey Bresler, library director. “We normally do it through printed books and other media. Here’s an opportunity to do it with the actual authors -- 13 of them in one room. We are excited to host this event once again.”

Local authors include Tony Conaway, Kendall

Tickets for the event, being held at the Octoraro Hotel, are $15 and include a buffet meal. For reservations, call the Oxford Library at 610-932-9625 or email oxfordlibrary@ccls.org.

ROBERT W. VROOM

MARYANN G. VROOM

Robert William Vroom, 89, and wife Maryann Gloria Vroom (née Shannon), 86, of Lady Lake, Fla., formerly of Perth Amboy, N.J., and Staten Island, N.Y., together passed away on April 7 and April 6, respectively. They were happily-married for 68 years and lovingly remained together in death.

Both born in Staten Island, N.Y., Robert was the son of the late Frederick and Augusta (née Bovenizer) Vroom and brother of the late Frederick J. Vroom. Maryann was the daughter of the late John and Stella (née Miller) Shannon and sister to the late Eugene Shannon and Walter Shannon.

Together they were devoted spouses, parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. They are survived by their two sons, John J. Vroom and wife Deborah of Lincoln University, and Robert F. Vroom and wife Sharon Borrelli of Belle Vernon, Pa.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Robert was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a loyal member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 in New Jersey and New York, retiring in 1993 after 65 years of dedicated service, as well as a member of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida, and the American Legion Veterans Memorial Post 347, Lady Lake, Fla.

Maryann was an avid reader and enjoyed watching old Westerns side-by-side with her husband, Robert. She was a proud homemaker and loved spending time with her family.

A private funeral service and interment will be held at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford). Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

RUBY JEWEL TRIVETT

Ruby Jewel Trivett, 79, of Oxford, passed away peacefully in her home on April 9. She was the wife of the late Carson Lee Trivett, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. Born in Fanrock, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Bernie and Ella Spurlock Frye. Ruby was a caregiver for 42 years. She loved helping others in any way possible. She was a born-again Christian who loved the Lord and lived by faith. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her three best friends, her daughters, Donna Kay Trivett of Oxford, Lola Jean Boyd of Nottingham and Julia Lynn Mitchem of Oxford; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Melony McGrady; one brother, Donald Frye; son-in-law, Donnie Ray Mitchem of Oxford; two grandson-in-laws, Robert Magee and Ronald Hart; and one grand-daughter in law, Heather Boyd. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, four sisters, two brothers, and one granddaughter.

A funeral was held April 15. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

JEANNIE M. PREECE

Jeannie M. Preece went home to be with the Lord March 29, peacefully at home with family, after a long illness. She was the wife of the late Jay S. Preece. Born in Chester County, she was the daughter of the late Vernon and Edna Mae Martin Mackey. She was an active member of Safe Harbor Baptist Church in Cochranville. Jeannie loved children and was a foster parent to over 205 children.

She is survived by her children, Robbin Preece of Fort Worth, Texas, Jeanna Preece of Oxford, Ashely Humphrey of Fredonia, Pa., Sean Preece of Leola, Pa., Patrick Preece of Dover, Del., Christina Smith of Elkton, Md., Autumn Stanley of Washington D.C., Adam Preece of Oxford, and Andrew Preece of Oxford. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her sons, Vernon and Randy Preece; and granddaughter, Danna Lunger.

A memorial service was held April 13. Interment was private. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

CLYDE C. BROWN

Clyde C. Brown, 90, of Nottingham, passed away on April 11 at Jennersville Tower Health Hospital, West Grove.

He was the husband of Jean Wallace Brown, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Nottingham, he was the son of the late Horace C. and Virginia Pless Brown. Clyde was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He was employed with Aberdeen Proving Grounds and retired after 40 years of service. Clyde enjoyed gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Joni Irons (Greg) of Downingtown, Sharon Kennedy (Alan) of Oxford, and Kimberly Eshelman (Andrew) of Lancaster; one son, Daniel Brown (Mary) of Oxford; ten grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Norman Brown of Nottingham; and two sisters, Shirley Montgomery of Fremont, Calif., and Helen Matyas of Berlin, Md. He was preceded in death by a brother, Delmar Brown.

A funeral was held April 16. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

WILLIAM A. FINNEN, JR.

William A. Finnen, Jr., 89, of West Grove, passed away on April 7 at Penn Medicine Hospice, West Chester. He was the husband of Jane Abernethy Finnen, who passed away on Feb. 7, 2019, and with whom he shared 65 years of marriage. Born in Union , N.J., he was the son of the late William A. Finnen and the late Lillian Steigerwald Finnen of Landenberg. Bill served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force, and was a Korean War veteran. He had 34 dedicated years of service with AT&T and retired in 1987.

He served the community of Penn Township for 55 years, as Township Secretary from 1960 to 2015 and as Township Supervisor from 1972 to 2015. Bill and his wife, Jane, provided the township with its first home in the basement of their house, where public meetings were held and the business of the township was conducted. They were known to provide baked goods and coffee for every meeting.

In May of 2004, Bill was recognized by the Pennsylvania State Association of Townships and entered into the Supervisor Hall of Fame for his service to community. At that time, he stated in an interview that he believed it was his job to “work with the people, listen to the people, and provide a service to the people.”

During his tenure, the township grew from a farming community of 960 people to a suburban community of 5,511. During his tenure, the township built a township building, a ten-acre park, and developed into the commercial hub of southern Chester County, including a thriving business district, shopping center, hospital, YMCA, and multiple age-restricted housing developments. Even in retirement, he remained an active member at various township events, such as the annual picnic and served on the Planning Commission, Historical Commission and Friends of Penn Township.

Upon his retirement, the Penn Supervisors re-named the Penn Township Community Room the Finnen Community Room to honor their years of service and contribution to community

He was a member of the Swayne, Campbell, Testa, VFW Post No. 5467 in Kennett Square, and the Avon Grove Lions Club. He enjoyed gardening, farming and traveling, was a history lover, and was an avid fisherman and hunter. His passion was to serve others.

He is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Sylvina and her husband Michael of West Grove, and Dianne Swenson and her husband David of West Grove; one brother, Edward Finnen of Elkton, Md.; one sister, Margaret Richardson and her husband Monte of Landenberg; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by one granddaughter, Stacy Sylvina Connell.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. April 17 at the Penn Township Building (260 Lewis Rd., West Grove). His memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

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

7 to 10 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, roasted potatoes, specialty breads and more. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10 at the door. Call 610-932-9698 for more information.

April 27

BBQ

Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) will hold its annual barbeque fundraiser on April 27. The meal, prepared by Hood’s BBQ, includes a serving of barbequed pork, two sides and cornbread. Drivethrough pickup is from 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $14 and on sale at www. westgroveumc.org. Sales are in advance only, and end April 21. Call 610-869-9334 for more information.

April 28

Free Concert First Baptist Church in Oxford (552 Market St.) will be hosting a free concert with Caitlin Jane on April 28 at 3 p.m. All are welcome. Call 610-932-2949.

April 27

Grange Community Day

On April 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Russellville Grange will hold a Community Day at 245 Old Limestone Rd., Oxford. There will be many local vendors and non-profits with booths, a silent auction and bake sale. A hoagie sale will also be held in the dining hall. Grange members will be on hand to discuss what the grange does, and how to be part of the organization. Regular public meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Russellville Grange Main Hall at 7:30 p.m.

April 27

Friends Folk Club

The Friends Folk Club kicks off its 33rd season with The Ronstadt Brothers on April 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The band presents a fresh take on the traditional Southwestern and Mexican songs of their family’s heritage while offering innovative original material to millennials discovering the treasure of roots music. The concert will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford). Doors open at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. Bring nonperishable food items which will be given to the local food cupboards. Tickets are $15 (children 12 and younger free). A food truck will be serving beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information and reservations, call 610-869-8076.

May 26

Car show

The 40th annual Chester County Car Show will be held Sunday, May 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Oxford. There will be antique cars, classics, muscle cars and Mustangs. The event will have a food court, flea market, DJ

entertainment and door prizes. May 26 to Sept. 28

Fireworks and Fountains

Tickets are on sale for the 2019 season of Fireworks and Fountains shows at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square. Each evening combines a different genre of music, followed by coordinated fireworks and a lighted fountain show. Tickets are $43 ($48 for members), and $53 for reserved seating. Reserved seating allows you to select your seat, then arrive to your chair placed and waiting for you. Visit www. longwoodgardens.org. The season schedule includes: To Philly, With Love (Sunday, May 26 at 9:15 p.m.); Star Spangled Spectacular (Wednesday, July 3 at 9:15 p.m.); The Piano Men – Billy Joel and Elton John (Saturday, July 20 at 9:15 p.m.); Swan Lake (Saturday, Aug. 10 at 9:15 p.m.); Night at the Movie II (Sunday, Sept. 1 at 8:15 p.m.); Queens of Soul – Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and others (Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8:15 p.m.).

June 8

Upland School reunion

Upland Country Day School in Kennett Square is hosting an all-school reunion on Saturday, June 8. There will be an evening gala with dinner and dancing under a tent beginning at 6 p.m. The entire Upland community is invited -- alumni, parents, former parents, and faculty. For more information, call 610-444-8114 or visit www. uplandcds.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.

Tribute

to 1960s folk music slated in Oxford

The Friends Folk Club, along with St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, have announced the return visit of Celtic balladeer Charlie Zahm, with Tad Marks on fiddle, May 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert, to be held will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (116 Lancaster Pike, Oxford,) is a tribute to folk music of the 1960s, along with John Denver’s hits.

Zahm is one of the most successful performers on the Celtic festival circuit, weaving Scottish and Irish

history for all members of the family. Proceeds from this concert will benefit St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church. Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food items which will be given to the local area food cupboards.

Tickets are $15 (children 12 and younger free). The M n M Catering LLC Food Truck from West Grove will be on site at 5:30 p.m. with food for sale. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. For more information or reservations, call 610-869-8076.

Oxford’s Connective Festival named ‘XPN Welcomes’ event

Philadelphia-based, member-supported radio station WXPN has recognized the 2019 Connective Art & Music Festival as an official “XPN Welcomes” event, and is lending its support to the festival in its sophomore year. As the exclusive radio sponsor for the Connective Festival, WXPN will promote the event through on-air and online mentions, as well as at other WXPN events. In addition to bringing the people of Oxford together, the organizers of the Connective Festival hope it also serves as a way to promote Oxford’s growing artistic and cultural vibe to the region.

Festival organizers recently announced their headliner as Blind Melon, and revealed main stage acts, with additional stage lineups to be announced. Tony Derrico, assistant director of the Oxford Arts Alliance and Connective Festival co-chair, said, “WXPN has a long-standing and well-deserved reputation for discovering new and significant artists. One of our goals is to introduce Connective festivalgoers to new and unique groups that they may not have heard before, and we are thrilled that our lineup already features multiple artists that have been lauded by

XPN, including Trout Fishing in America, Ali Awan, Swift Technique, The National Reserve, and others. We are extremely proud to be connected to such a wellrespected organization and are grateful for their support.”

The Connective Festival will feature more than music. In addition to multiple stages with diverse lineups and a variety of street performers throughout the festival grounds, Gallery Row will house 30 visual artists, and an additional 10 artisans will be showcased in the World Market, a new addition to this year’s festival. Themed tents

featuring demonstrations and activities for kids and adults, and a variety of interactive music and art opportunities will be available for guests to experience.

“The festival has so much to offer for all ages to enjoy,” said Allie King, development director for the festival. “One $10 ticket is an allaccess pass to 12 hours of festival activities and performances. It’s a great bargain for families, especially since kids under 5 get in free.” The event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019. Tickets are available through the festival website, www. connectivefestival.org.

The colors of nature by Frank DePietro at the Station Gallery

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Artist Frank DePietro has the advantage of living in a home on the Longwood Gardens property, surrounded by spectacular plant life, and it’s easy to see how much he enjoys the shapes of waterlily leaves, and the way light reflects off the still water surrounding them in the pools at Longwood.

His solo show, “Ephemeral,” at the Station Gallery in Greenville, Del., is a vivid exploration of shades of green and delicate blooms. DiPietro captures, with uncanny accuracy, the way water pools in the hollows of the lilies, and he puts the leaves into stark contrast against a background of blue sky reflected in the mirror-smooth water.

“Ephemeral” certainly describes the fragile blooms and silky leaves throughout the show. The way light reflects, or passes through, flower petals gives many of the paintings a striking, nearly three-dimensional quality. It’s a sleight of hand that DePietro achieves without any apparent heavy reworking of the oils he uses. Close inspection of the canvases reveals his pigments are as silky as the leaves he depicts.

His smaller oils of leaves –toned and pitted and imperfect – have his distinctive trompe l’oeil technique, and a glow that makes them pop out of their backgrounds.

“From Chartreuse” is a

symphony of green-to-russet tones, and “Leaves No. 1” looks like you’re seeing them suspended in a clear autumn sky. “Lotus No. 14” shows a gentle, curving leaf shape that’s open to an expanse of sky.

In his artist’s statement, DiPietro writes, “My paintings are inspired by close observations of the natural world. They display a quiet, meditative quality, contemplating our connection with nature as organic beings and part of the cycle that renews all organic life. I attempt to capture ephemeral moments on canvas in a crisp and technically sharp manner, with a mindfulness of modern compositional concepts inherent to the medium of painting. They are reflections of the relationship to the changing notion of what nature is and what meanings our relationships to it have given us.”

Taken as a group, the paintings in “Ephemeral” surround you with lush, natural greens and sky blues –like a trip through Longwood Gardens on a crystal-clear day.

“Ephemeral,” new paintings by Frank DiPietro, continues at the Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) through April 27. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www. stationgallery.net.

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

Despite 8-4 defeat, Kennett’s Ebaugh rings up 12 Ks

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

While Kennett High School students enjoyed the first day of their Spring break – and likely a few had escaped to warmer climates for the week – the school’s varsity softball team took on Downingtown West on April 15 in weather conditions that could most delicately be described as frigid, but most accurately thought of as sublimely frozen.

While the scattered few in the stands and the players in the dugout sat huddled in blankets against the unforgiving cold, they watched the visiting Whippets defeat the Blue Demons 8-4, on the strength of three hits by catcher Cait Coker and the lights-out relief pitching by

Natalie Beebe, who tossed four innings of shutout ball that lifted the team’s record to 8-1, placing them atop the Ches-Mont standings.

They also witnessed the continuing emergence of freshman pitcher Genevieve Ebaugh who, despite absorbing the loss, gutted her way through seven innings and registered 12 strikeouts.

Despite Ebaugh striking out the side, Kennett was touched for two “freebie” runs in the top of the first inning. With one out, Coker walked, stole second and moved the third on a single by Taylor Posner. Coker came in on a wild pitch, who was followed by Posner, who scored on a passed ball that gave the Whippets a 2-0 lead.

Continued on Page 8B

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without delay toCarolyn Stoner, ADMINISTRATOR Or Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 4p-10-3t

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS

Estate of Muriel B. Jefferis Late of West Bradford Township, PA, LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION 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 George H. Jefferis, II, ADMINISTRATOR Or Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 4p-10-3t

ESTATE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Letters

Testamentary in the Estate of Elizabeth LePatourel Powell , Deceased, late of London Grove Township, West Grove, Chester County, PA, Estate have been granted to the undersigned. All persons having claims or demands against the said Estate to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment immediately, without delay to Kerry Kalmbach, 109 W. Linden Street, Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania 19348 4p-10-3t

ADMINISTRATOR NOTICE

In the Matter of the Estate of TERESA SUE FRAGLE, late of East Goshen Township, Chester County. Notice is hereby given that letters of administration upon the Estate of said decedent have been granted to the undersigned. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands against the same will make them known without delay. James J. Fragle, 903 S. Main Street, DuBois, PA 15801 4p-10-3t

ADVERTISEMENT FOR GRANT OF LETTERS Estate of WALTER E. WEIDNER, Deceased. Late of West Bradford Township, PA, LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the above Estate

NAME, Docket No, 2019-01660-NC. AND NOW, this 7th day of February, 2019, upon consideration of the Petition and upon motion of Ryan Christopher Knight a hearing is hereby scheduled for : the 6th day of May, 2019, at 9:30 am in Courtroom #11,

CLAUDE J. WATSON

Claude J. “June” Watson, 91, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 12 at Penn Medicine Hospice.

He was the husband of Virginia Roark Watson, who passed away in 2013, and with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Mountain City, Tenn., he was the son of the late Claude Watson and the late Winnie Graybill Watson. Claude worked in the mushroom industry and in various paper mills in Delaware. He retired in 1986 after 18 years of service at the Curtis Paper Company in Newark, Del. He enjoyed vegetable gardening, outdoor landscaping, helping others, and being with his family and friends. He is survived by one son, John F. Watson and his wife Melissa of Hockessin, Del.; one daughter, Christina Watson of Smyrna, Del.; and one grandson. Claude was predeceased by one daughter, Sheila Watson Knotwell; one son, Kenneth Watson; two brothers, Jay Watson and Walt Watson; and one sister, Beatrice Taylor.

A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on April 22 at the Kuzo Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square. His funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be the Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Claude, a contribution may be made to the Penn Medicine Hospice, 400 East Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

ANNA MARTELLI

Anna Martelli, 98, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 12 at Linden Hall.

She was the wife of Anthony J.

“AJ” Martelli, who passed away in 2004, and with whom she shared 45 years of marriage. Her first husband, John David Burke, passed away in 1953. Born in Northbrook, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Delmar Shaw and the late Tressa Smith Shaw Oatman. She was a member of the Toughkenamon Presbyterian Church, and a life member of the Kennett Senior Center, where she worked in the kitchen and assisted with crafts. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, baking, traveling, and being with her family and friends. She was a homemaker. In her earlier years, she had worked at the NVF Company and Powell Mushrooms.

She is survived by one son, Peter G. Martelli, Sr., and his wife Denise of Toughkenamon; one daughter, Ruth DiBenedetto and her husband Francis of Wilmington, Del.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one brother, John Shaw; one sister, Ruth Eaby; one daughter, Barbara DiFilippo; and one granddaughter, Angela DiBenedetto Matt.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. April 18 at the Kuzo Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square) Her funeral will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com. Obituaries

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Classical music series set in Delaware

The new Serafin Ensemble, “The Serafins,” consists of internationally acclaimed performing artists (string, wind, piano and vocalists) devoted to collaborative chamber music performances of repertoire for up to eight players.

The ensemble evolved from the former Serafin String Quartet and continues the nearly two-decade-long Serafin legacy of commitment to presenting small ensemble repertoire.

The Serafin Ensemble roster of artists includes: Kate Ransom, violinist and artistic director; Amos Fayette, violin; Hal Grossman, violin; Luke Fleming, viola; Charae Krueger, cello; Guang Wang, cello; Miles Brown, double bass; Victor Santiago Asuncion, piano; Eileen Grycky, flute; John David Smith, horn; and Augustine Mercante, countertenor.

In May, Serafin String Quartet will perform its final concerts at The Arts at Trinity on Sunday, May 5 at 4 p.m., and The Music School of Delaware on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. The Milton Theatre in Delaware presents Serafin Ensemble for their first concert on Sunday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m.

The Serafins May concerts are designated as National Chamber Music Month events. The month-long series of performances, residencies and chamber music events showcases ensemble music of all styles, including early, classical, jazz, and world music. For more information, visit www. serafinensemble.org.

Upcoming Serafin

concerts

Sunday, May 5, at 4 p.m. -- The Arts at Trinity presents Serafin String Quartet

Beethoven String Quartet in e minor Op.59, No.2 and Dvorák String Quartet in Eb Major, Op.51

Trinity Episcopal Church, 1108 N. Adams Street, Wilmington, Del. Free, donations welcome

Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. -- The Music School of Delaware presents Serafin String Quartet & Friends

Performances by Serafin String Quartet; Amos Fayette, violin; Genia Maslov, violin; Luigi Mazzocchi, violin; Kate Ransom, violin; Maria Rusu, viola; and Liliya Maslov, piano Program includes Enescu Nocturne Ville d’Avrayen, Grieg Violin Sonata in C minor, Op. 45, Schumann String Quartet in A major, Op. 41, No. 3 and Shostakovich Five Pieces for two violins and piano

Wilmington Branch, 4101 Washington St, Wilmington, Del.

Tickets: $10 adults, $5 seniors/students; proceeds benefit the Anthony G. Simmons Scholarship Fund and Annual Scholarships

Sunday, May 19, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. - The Milton Theatre presents Serafin Ensemble

Featuring performances by Kate Ransom, violin; Amos Fayette, violin; Luke Fleming, viola; and Charae Krueger, cello Program includes Haydn Duo for violin and viola; Gaspar Cassado Preludio-

Fantasia (A Zarabanda) for solo cello; Max Reger Sonata for Solo Viola; Lipinski “Caprice” Op. 29, No. 3; Leclair Duo for two violins in e minor; and Beethoven String Quartet in C Minor, Op. 18, No. 4. The Milton Theatre, 110 Union Street, Milton, Del.

Tickets are $17-22, available for purchase at http://bit.ly/2sT1gdb

Serafin Summer Music -- June 20-30

Eight performances by 18 artists presented at The Music School of Delaware in partnership with The University of Delaware Department of Music

Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m. - BOHEMIAN

GEMS

Dvorák “Sonatina” in G Major, Op. 100 for violin and piano

Smetana “Two Pieces From My Native Land” for violin and piano

Dvorák “Terzetto” in C Major, Op. 74 for two violins and viola

Smetana String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor “From my Life”

Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. - IT’S CLASSIC!

Michael Haydn Duo No. 2 in D Major for violin and viola

Beethoven Piano Trio Op. 1, No.1

Schubert song set for countertenor, piano

Schubert “Trout” Quintet for violin, viola, cello, bass, piano

Saturday, June 22 at 5 p,m. - FRIENDS and MENTORS

Brahms Sonata in A Major, Op. 100 for violin and piano

Schumann “Fairy Tales” for clarinet, viola and

piano Niels Gade Sonata in D Major for violin and piano

Dohnanyi Piano Quintet No.1 in C Minor

Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. - OUT OF BAVARIA Mozart D Major Quartet for flute, violin, viola, cello

Reger Sonata in G Minor for solo viola Schumann “Fantasy Pieces” Op. 73 for cello and piano Brahms Piano Quartet in G Minor, Op. 25

Thursday, June 27 at at 7 p.m. - FRENCH FORAY Leclair Duo in E Minor for two violins

French Song Set Faure Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15

Friday, June 28 at 7 p.m. - THE THREE B’s Bach G Minor Sonata for solo violin

Beethoven String Quartet in C Minor, Op. 18, No.4 Brahms Piano Trio in C Major, Op. 87

Saturday, June 29 at 5:00 p.m. - RUSSIAN ROMP

Khachaturian Trio for clarinet, violin, piano Arensky Trio in D Minor, Op. 32 for violin, cello, piano

Borodin Piano Quintet in C Minor

Sunday, June 30 at 4:00 p.m. - FINALE FIREWORKS

Brahms Sextet in Bb Major, Op. 18 for two violins, two violas, two cellos

Tchaikovsky “Souvenir de Florence” for two violins, two violas, two cellos

Softball

Continued from Page 5B

After a scoreless second, D-West tacked on three more runs in their half of the third inning. A walk to Meghan Sinkus was followed by Coker’s single and a walk to Posner that loaded the bases. Sinkus scored on a passed ball, Coker came in on a single by Morgan DeFreitas and Posner scored the Whippets’ fifth run on a ground out by Beebe. In the top of the fourth, Coker lined a two-

out double, and scored when the throw to nab her steal attempt of third was overthrown.

The Blue Demons mounted their only offensive effort in the bottom of the third, when they touched D-West starter Audrey Wright for four runs on five hits that began with an overturned call on an infield grounder by Jordan Barish, which was followed by three consecutive hits by Amber Kahrs, Shannon Harvey and Ebaugh. After Ainsley Albert reached base on an

outfield error and Hannah Slicer singled in the Blue Demons’ fourth run of the inning, the Whippets got out of the inning on a double play in the infield.

Replacing Wright in the fourth, Beebe ripped off four scoreless frames against Kennett and surrendered just two consecutive singles by Barish and Kahrs in the seventh. On the offensive side of the Whippets’ ledger, the club scored twice in their sixth on a walk to Carly Grandizio and singles by Sinkus and Coker.

With the loss, Kennett fell to 5-3, but remains in the thick of the Ches-Mont standings, trailing D-West, East, Bishop Shanahan and Downingtown East. The Blue Demons take on East at home on April 17, and travel to Avon Grove on April 22. Downingtown West travels to Bayard Rustin on April 17 and returns home to face Boyertown on April 18.

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

Delaware Nature Society slates Native Plant Sale

The Delaware Nature Society will hold its annual Native Plant Sale at Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville, Del., on May 3 and 4.

The sale will be open on Friday, May 3, from 3 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Member Day is Thursday, May 2, from 1 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. This year’s theme is “Biodiversity: Beauty in Every Season.”

To promote biodiversity, or a variety of birds, pollinators and beneficial insects, a variety of food choices is necessary. Coneflowers will support butterflies and bees, but not hummingbirds and caterpillars. To add a splash of color and encourage biodiversity, consider planting coneflowers along with milkweed, cardinal flowers and a shrub or tree, which provide a variety of food sources for beneficial insects and wildlife.

The Delaware Nature Society is focused on improving local water quality, implementing sustainable and regenerative practices on working and natural lands, and protecting wildlife and

their habitats.

Native plants attract beneficial insects, like the fireflies which eat slugs.

Delaware Nature Society supports a diversity of habitats at their four sites -- Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, DuPont Environmental Education Center, and Abbott’s Mill Nature Center.

The Native Plant Sale is one of the group’s largest fundraisers. Proceeds support conservation and management of diverse habitats and protection of waterways. More than 30 percent of wildlife is vulnerable due to habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species. More than 330 varieties of native wildflowers, trees, shrubs, ferns and aquatic plants that will help attract and sustain pollinators are featured at the Native Plant Sale.

“By planting a diversity of native plants, you can help restore birds and bees and butterflies to your own little corner of the planet,” said Lori Athey, habitat coordinator. Visit www.DelNature.org/ NPS for more information and to view the Native Plant Sale catalog.

Tractor Supply sponsors demonstrations and special event

Tractor Supply Company is hosting its annual “Try Before You Buy” event on April 20, inviting customers in the Landenberg area to stop by and try a variety of power equipment products.

“Our goal is to ensure that every customer purchasing a piece of power equipment from our store walks out with the knowledge and confidence to use it,” said Allison Johnston, manager of the Landenberg

New Garden Township Park

Please check website for parking details prior to arrival.

www.brandywinebbq.com

BBQ Competition

Competitors will prepare ribs and chicken, judged by Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) for cash prizes and bragging rights.

Food Trucks including Victory Brewing Co. and Harvest Ridge Winery!

The Road Rancher

Uncle John's BBQ

22 BBQ

SwampTown BBQ

Natalie's Fine Foods On the Roll El Mercadito

Rita's Water Ice Baked of West Chester

Featuring great live bands - The Late Ambitions and Old 442! Activities for kids and teens

inflatable obstacle course

face painting

ladderball

corn hole

volleyball/badminton

gaga ball pit

Spikeball

kite flying

archery paintball to a target

giant checkers

giant bubbles

giant Jenga

Twister

hula hoops

a huge playground, and more

This amazing family event is hosted by the Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America and New Garden Township, and sanctioned and judged by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). Proceeds from this this event will help defray the cost of scouting for area youth through the Friends of Scouting Program. Specifically, this community fundraiser benefits scouts in the Kennett Consolidated, Unionville -Chadds Ford, Avon Grove, Octorara, Oxford and Cecil County School Districts helping them pay for uniforms, registration fees, camps, and leadership training. It also improves camps and awareness of scouting’s benefits.

For additional information on becoming a sponsor, buying wristbands in advance, and day-of-the-event parking, please visit www.brandywinebbq.com