Chester County Press 04-22-2020 Edition

Stay-at-home orders extended to May 8

As COVID-19 cases rise, Gov. Wolf to submit plan to ‘reopen’ Pennsylvania

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In his April 17 address to Pennsylvania residents, Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf said that he and his administration will roll out a plan to “reopen” the commonwealth, one “that respects the reality of the situation on the ground and works with our local, regional, and federal partners.”

Referring to it as “a plan for relief, reopening, and recovery,” Gov. Wolf unveiled “A Plan for Pennsylvania,” an initiative, he said, that will set citizens and businesses on a path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to protect life from the dangers of this deadly virus that will involve the partnership

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In his April 17 address, Pennsylvania

outlined “A Plan for Pennsylvania,” an initiative he said will set citizens and businesses on a path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oxford School Board discusses budget for 2020-2021 school year

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Oxford School Board reviewed several different budget scenarios for the 2020-2021 school year during the work session that took place on April 14. The school board members and several administrators utilized Zoom to conduct the public meeting.

Brian Cooney, the district’s business administrator, led the budget presentation. He explained that the district’s Finance Committee has been working through the various

budget scenarios in preparation for the school board to adopt a final budget before the June 30 deadline. The budgeting process was well underway for school districts like Oxford when the Coronavirus pandemic closed public schools in Pennsylvania for the remainder of the school year.

Cooney reported that the school district’s expenditures for the 2020-2021 school year are projected to be approximately $73.3 million. That’s approximately $2.7 million, or 3.92 percent, more than the bud-

get for 2019-2020, which was approved at $70.5 million. That year-to-year increase in expenditures makes a tax increase for 2020-2021 likely.

The district is seeing increases in costs associated with salaries and benefits as well as costs related to the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System (PSERS). There are also increases in special education costs and the tuition costs for students who attend charter schools.

Cooney outlined some of the possible budget

scenarios to support the spending plan that have been under consideration by the Finance Committee. One scenario would see Oxford increase the tax rate by 3.6 percent, which is the largest increase that would be allowed under the Act 1 Index limit for Oxford. Another scenario would see taxes increase by 2.6 percent. A third scenario looked at a 3 percent increase—a middle ground plan between 2.6 percent and 3.6 percent—while a fourth scenario would have no tax increase at all.

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West Grove Diner cited for non-compliance

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The West Grove Diner received an “Emergency Response” inspection by the Chester County Health Department last week, after it received two complaints that the restaurant had been neglecting Pa. Gov. Wolf’s order – issued on March 19 -- that limits all Pennsylvania restaurants to remain open for take-out

and delivery, in the wake of COVID-19.

The first complaint, which was received by the department by phone on April 7 and documented in the Pennsylvania Food Safety Reporting System, led to the Health Department informing the diner’s owner not to permit customers to dine in, as well as provided information about penalties that could come as a result of the violation.

Following a second phone complaint on April 13, the Health Department, accompanied by an officer with the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department, conducted an on-site inspection, which revealed that customers were observed dining in at tables and at the counter, and that the facility’s front windows were covered with brown paper.

All customers at the diner

were requested to vacate the premises, and its owner was informed that all dine-in service must cease immediately and until further notice.

As a result of this violation, the diner was issued a non-traffic citation that will be filed in local District Court, and a warning that if the governor’s no-dine-in order is not observed, that the diner will be issued a cease and desist order that

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Ball & Thistle Pub now open for take-out dining

New executive chef Jim Clarke has created a brand new menu for the Wyncote Golf Club’s restaurants

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Ball & Thistle Pub has reopened for take-out orders this week so diners can now enjoy slow-roasted pork ribs broiled and basted in barbecue sauce, a seven-layer lasagna, crispy roasted chicken finished with pan gravy and served with roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, and a wide variety of delicious creations prepared by award-winning executive chef Jim Clarke. Clarke was recently

noon to 7 every day.

By Frank Lobb

When our parents needed healthcare, their health insurance guaranteed them the care and coverage that offered the “best possible outcome” as determined by their doctor. Today’s health insurance is very different. It has been quietly changed to guarantee only the least expensive “legally acceptable outcome” for an average patient, as determined by an insurance company. Fortunately, the laws and contractual provisions that guaranteed our parents the best possible outcome and coverage haven’t changed. We just have to know how to apply them to get the care and coverage our parents could count on—and we are still owed.

Unfortunately, having a right to this care and coverage is one thing and accessing it is quite another matter. The entire healthcare industry, and particularly the healthcare insurance industry, gives every appearance of only being interested in making the system more complex, beyond our understanding and dramatically more expensive. Consequently, the Chester County Press will be publishing a series of articles aimed at helping our readers understand their health insurance and dispelling the mistaken beliefs that interfere with accessing the care and coverage we need and are owed. As Einstein observed, “You have to learn the rules of the game, and then you have to play better than anyone else.”

Given the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic, we believe there is no better time to help our readers learn the rules of the road that the healthcare insurance industry is using so that you are equipped to “play better.” The purpose of the series of articles is to equip each of you with enough information that you can avoid the roadblocks and misdirection the healthcare industry uses to deny the very care and coverage we rightfully expect from our health insurance. The second article in the series will appear in the April 29 issue of the Chester County Press and online at chestercounty.com.

Frank Lobb, a local resident and business owner, is the author of “How to Refuse Your Hospital Bill.” More information about this topic is available at his website at www.killabill. com, and Mr. Lobb can be contacted at lobbsanalyticalworks@gmail.com.

Wolf...

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of public health experts, agencies and stakeholders.

The specifics of the plan are expected to be revealed this week.

“I’m offering the framework of a plan to increase wages for all Pennsylvanians, enact better worker protections, expand paid sick and family leave policies, and increase safe, affordable, and highquality child care,” Gov. Wolf said in his address.

“We need to strengthen the unemployment and workers compensation insurance systems. Let’s expand student loan deferments to provide relief for individuals who are on the front lines.

“And we must expand rapid re-employment programs to support businesses and workers affected by mass layoffs.”

Using a six-point strategy, Gov. Wolf said the plan will:

1. Use a data-driven

approach to determine reopenings.

2. Abide by guidance and recommendations for employers, individuals, and health care facilities for assured accountability while reopening.

3. Make adequate personal protective equipment and testing available before reopening.

4. Use a monitoring and surveillance program that allows the commonwealth to deploy swift actions for containment or mitigation.

5. Keep protections in

place for vulnerable populations throughout the reopening process, such as limitations on visitors to congregate care facilities and prisons.

6. Limit large gatherings unrelated to occupations through the reopening process.

“We need to be careful and deliberate,” Gov. Wolf said. “We need the flexibility to react to new outbreaks. Unfortunately, we cannot flip a switch and reopen the commonwealth.

There won’t be one big day. We need to make smart, data-driven decisions. We can’t be impulsive. We can’t be emotional. We need to follow the science.”

Gov. Wolf’s “Plan for Pennsylvania” was introduced two days before an April 19 report by the Pennsylvania Department of Health that confirmed there were 1,215 additional positive cases of COVID19 recently reported in the state, which brings the statewide total to 32,284,

which now includes 1,112 deaths. Pennsylvania ranks fifth-highest in the nation in the number of reported cases of COVID-19.

Chester County remains one of the hardesthit of the 67 counties in Pennsylvania, all of which now have reported COVID-19 cases. The Health Department reported that there have been 839 positive cases in the county, 3,902 cases that tested negative, and 42 deaths from the virus.

State Secretary of Health

Candidate creates ‘Operation Good Neighbor’ food drive

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In an effort to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic, Richard Ruggieri, a candidate for the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives 13th District seat, recently created “Operation Good Neighbor,” an innovative food drive that is gathering food donations from community members through a pick-up service engineered by volunteers.

Under the pick-up system, Ruggieri and members of his campaign team drive to people’s homes to pick up donations that are stored in the mailboxes of those who wish to make donations. After pick-up, the

food is delivered to various pantries, and then made available to the families and individuals who live in the Avon Grove, Octorara and Oxford school districts

On Tuesdays, the food is delivered to The Bridge Food Pantry at Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene, for distribution to families in the Avon Grove School District. On Wednesdays, deliveries are made to the Octorara Food Cupboard for distribution to the Octorara Area School District; and on Thursdays, food donations are dropped off at the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center for distribution to those living in the Oxford Area School District.

The Operation Good Neighbor Food Drive will be collecting food every week throughout the Pennsylvania StayAt-Home-Order, and is delivered to food pantries

through safe and sanitary measures.

Begun two weeks ago, the initiative has already donated 750 non-perishable items to food pantries.

“I created ‘Operation Good Neighbor’ because I believe in neighbors helping neighbors,” Ruggieri said. “It’s a simple concept with a great impact. ‘Operation Good Neighbor’ began with inspiration from a childhood hero, Fred Rogers, who once said that when he was a boy and he would see disturbing images and news on television, his mother would tell him to ‘look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

For Ruggieri, a U.S. Air Force and Pennsylvania Air National Guard veteran, “Operation Good Neighbor” not only gives communities easy access to food, it does so during a time when schools are

closed, jobs are being eliminated, and when the fear of contracting COVID-19 through close contact with others at grocery stores is heightened.

“When the news of COVID-19 broke, my campaign team wanted to do something to help,” he said. “I believe leadership means honoring and serving your community, your

state, and your nation. I am grateful for what the military taught me — honor, service, sacrifice, teamwork and leadership.

“When I joined the Air Force, for the first time, I became part of something much greater than myself. I bring that same dedication to my community of District 13.”

To learn more about the “Operation Good Neighbor” initiative and to join, visit

www.RuggieriPA13.co m and click on the link for “Operation Good Neighbor.

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

Ceramics, Glass, Rare Books, Ephemera, OriginalArt, Quilts, Oriental Rugs, Linens

within the Department of Medicine at their

location to provide adult inpatient care in medical

units, intensive care units and emergency rooms. Will diagnose and provide non-surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of internal organ systems. Manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment. Refer patients to specialists when necessary.

Req’d: graduate of accredited school of medicine with Doctor of Medicine degree or Doctor of Osteopathy plus completion of medical residency training program. Must have valid PA medical license and be Board Certified/Eligible in Internal Medicine.

To apply, send CV to K. Castaneda, Tower Health, South Sixth Avenue and Spruce Street, M-325, West Reading, PA 19611, or by email to karen.castaneda@towerhealth.org. At Tower Health, we are an

of the

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Dr. Rachel Levine encouraged residents to remain vigilant in their efforts to combat the rising numbers, and stressed that mitigation efforts such as social distancing are working and that the goal of the department is to continue to provide as much data as possible in a timely manner.

“COVID-19 cases and deaths continue to rise in Pennsylvania, so now is not the time to become complacent,” she said. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families and our community. If you must go out, please make as few trips as possible and wear a mask to protect not only yourself, but other people as well.

“We need all Pennsylvanians to continue to heed these efforts to protect our vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our health care workers and frontline responders.”

Stay-at-home orders extended to May 8

On April 1, Gov. Wolf issued a statewide stayat-home order to all Pennsylvanians, as well as ordered the closing of “non-essential” businesses. On April 20, Gov. Wolf and Dr. Levine announced that the statewide stayat-home orders will be extended until Friday, May 8 at 12:01 a.m. – moving the order up from the original date of April 30.

The announcement comes at a time when the closure of all non-essential businesses has left a

severe wound in the state’s economy. In its March report, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) said that Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate rose 1.3 percentage points to 6 percent – even higher than the national rate, which rose nine-tenths of a point to 4.4 percent.

Despite the gloomy numbers, Gov. Wolf and Dr. Levine offered a silver lining in a cloud that has largely shuttered the state economy for the past several weeks.

“It is clear that our early and aggressive efforts to mitigate this spread of this highly contagious and deadly virus are working,” Wolf said. “While we begin to seek ways to move forward, it’s imperative that we continue to take strong precautions to protect Pennsylvanians and ensure that our health care system is not overwhelmed.”

“We are starting to see a downward trend in the number of positive cases throughout the state, which is definitely encouraging,” Dr. Levine said. “We need to proceed carefully to make sure the strides we’ve made in combatting this virus continue to move forward. Extending our statewide order until May 8 will ensure that we don’t overwhelm our health system, while helping our economy to recover.”

Under the extended order, all non-life-sustaining physical business closures will remain in effect and all life-sustaining businesses and state services will continue. Individuals

result in the suspension of its

Subsequently, a suspension of the diner’s retail food license will require the facility to cease all food operations, and that the Health Department will retain the diner’s retail food facility license until further notice. The food facility may continue to offer take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery in accordance with COVID-19 food facility guidelines. As of April 16, the brown paper was still affixed to the diner’s windows, and there were signs on the front door, observing that the diner

will be permitted to leave their residences for tasks essential to maintaining health and safety.

Construction, auto sales, curbside pick-up of spirits will restart on May 8

In deference to his plan -and as a sign that efforts to return Pennsylvania to normalcy are slowly underway -- Gov. Wolf announced on April 20 that beginning May 8, auto dealerships in the state will be allowed to conduct limited car sales and leasing operations, and that auto dealerships may continue to remain open for certain activities, such as repairs to passenger and commercial vehicles and sales of auto parts.

A phone call from the

In addition, public and private residential and nonresidential construction may resume statewide on May 8, in accordance with safety guidelines that will be issued by the administration. Construction projects already deemed life-sustaining may continue while adhering to social distancing, personnel limits and other guidance as announced by the administration.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has begun accepting orders by phone for curbside pickup of beer, wine and spirits at 176 locations throughout the state. Phone orders can be placed between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or until reaching a store’s maximum order capacity each

day. Curbside pickups will be scheduled from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. within a few days of order placement. Callers will be guided through each store’s unique inventory. There is a limit of six bottles per order, and credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. At pickup, customers will be required to present identification before the order is delivered.

These three limited steps forward, Gov. Wolf said, will be closely observed in the coming days and weeks to ensure that they do not result in a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, in which case the governor will use his authority under the emergency disaster declaration to resume restrictions to protect pub-

lic health and safety. While the slow lifting of business closures begins in conjunction with the launch of “A Plan for Pennsylvania,” Gov. Wolf said that the road to full recovery will not happen overnight.

“There is no magic wand to wave to get us there,” he said. “I will work, every day, to repair the damage this virus has caused and I am going to fight, every day, to keep Pennsylvanians alive. I want to get started on the work we need to do to build a new commonwealth and to get our lives back.”

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

brought on board as the new chef of the Wyncote Golf Club’s restaurants in Lower Oxford Township, and golf club president Jim Pepple is excited to unveil some of the offerings that will be featured on a brand new menu.

In addition to the barbecue ribs, lasagna, and roasted chicken, Pepple said that the selection of new entrees includes ribeye steak that is charbroiled with a demi-glaze and served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, beerbattered haddock filets that are hand dipped and fried until they are golden brown, and a combo featuring a half-rack of ribs with either a half-order of chicken wings or a quartered chicken that he thinks patrons will love.

The take-out menu also includes a nice assortment of burgers, salads, and appetizers that will please any family. A Kennett burger is topped with Swiss cheese and mushrooms from Kennett Square. The crab bruschetta includes lump crab meat, tomato concasse, fresh basil, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Appetizers include Wyncote wings, cheesesteak egg rolls that are house-made with Sriracha ketchup, local mushrooms stuffed with crab imperial, and more. Longtime favorites like the Wyncote Burger and a wedge salad topped with bleu cheese dressing,

Budget...

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Since projected expenditures outpace projected revenues for 2020-2021, the school district will need to balance the budget by utilizing a tax increase or dipping into its fund balance, Cooney explained. The smaller the tax increase, the more money the school district will need to pull from its fund balance.

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and its potential impact on school budgets.

Cooney pointed out that the state has not finalized its own budget for 20202021 so public schools don’t know what funding they will receive yet. Gov. Tom Wolf offered a proposed budget two months ago that included small increases in funding for

bacon, and diced tomatoes remain on the menu.

Pepple said that he gave Clarke the reins when it came to developing a new menu, although there was some collaboration as Pepple made sure to include the golf course superintendent, the special events coordinator and the pro shop director in discussions about the menu. They all had insights into what items had been popular with guests on previous menus. Clarke comes to Wyncote with the experience necessary to develop a fantastic menu. He was previously the chef at the Mendenhall Inn, and Pepple is looking forward to seeing what direction he will take Wyncote’s restaurants. The Wyncote Golf Club opened in 1993, and the highly acclaimed restaurants debuted in 2000.

Offering take-out orders is a small, but significant

public schools, but that was before the crisis hit.

Oxford School Board president Joseph Tighe noted that state budgets have been hit hard by the pandemic, and some states are seeking federal funds to help make up for revenue shortfalls.

Superintendent David Woods acknowledged the uncertainty about state funding until a state budget is adopted.

“Until we have an actual budget from the state, we have to do the best we can to project those figures,” Woods said.

Cooney added that the district tried to be as conservative as possible when making projections for the budget. For example, instead of counting on the hike in funding from the state, Oxford kept the funding level the same for its projections.

step toward normalcy for the Wyncote Golf Club, and Pepple said that he’s grateful that the Ball & Thistle Pub can once again serve the community. Offering takeout food allows Wyncote to bring back a significant portion of the staff that hasn’t been able to work since the Wyncote restaurants closed on March 19. The golf course remains closed as of now as part of the state’s plan to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Pepple is hoping that Pennsylvania golf courses will soon be able to open because they offer safe recreation for people where they have plenty of room to observe all rules about social distancing. At this time last year, when the restaurants and the golf course were all in full swing, there were 43 employees working at Wyncote, Pepple said.

The Ball & Thistle Pub is open for take-outs from

School board vice president Mark Patterson asked if the school district had adjusted its projections for revenues and expenditures based on the changes brought about by the pandemic. Cooney said that they had, but making such projections can be difficult. For example, the school district will presumably save some money on transportation costs because the buses stopped running in mid-March for the current school year. But balancing that out is the fact that funding from the state will decrease in 2020-2021 because one part of that state funding is based on actual transportation costs during the previous year.

So if Oxford’s actual transportation costs decline one year, it will receive less funding for transportation for the next school year. Additionally, the school

noon to 7 p.m. every day.

Orders can be placed by calling 610-998-1414 or by going to the Wyncote website. As a way to maximize the safety for the staff and customers, all orders must be paid for in advance with a credit card. Diners can drive up to the front door of the

district will be making less than projected on investments as a result of the downturn in the economy.

Concerns about local revenues and funding from the state could result in a higher tax increase than last year when Oxford adopted a budget with a 1-percent increase. School board member Howard Robinson asked if the Finance Committee looked at a possibility of a onepercent increase.

Cooney said that the district did not look at that specific option, but there was an option of no tax increase at all.

The business administrator explained that it was the recommendation of the administration to approve a proposed final budget with a 2.6 percent increase for 2020-2021.

Cooney outlined the impact that the vari-

clubhouse and pick up the take-out orders.

“I’m curious to see how this works,” Pepple said of the take-out dining. He added that they are really looking forward to the time when the restaurants can welcome their guests inside again.

ous tax increases would have on tax bills. For the owner of a home with a median assessed value of $126,598, a 3.6-percent tax increase would equate to an increase of $143 in the tax bill. A 3-percent tax increase would see the tax bill increase by $119 on average. A 2.6-percent increase would amount to a tax bill hike of $104 for the owner of a home at the median assessed value.

The school board was expected to approve the proposed final budget at its meeting on April 21. After that, the proposed spending plan will be available for public review and comment until a final budget is adopted.

The school board also reviewed the agenda for the April 21 regular meeting. That agenda includes an item that would authorize the high school band

“We are prepared to follow all CDC guidelines and safely spacing everyone out when we have the permission to do that again,” Pepple said.

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

to take a trip to Walt Disney World to perform. Tighe asked whether they should add language to the motion that would stipulate that the trip could only be taken if the pandemic is under control and it is safe for students.

Woods noted that the school district could always take action to stop an out-of-state trip if there was concern about student safety. The board was being asked to approve the trip now because outof-state trips need to be included in the school district’s insurance rider.

“We’ll certainly monitor the situation,” Woods said. The Oxford School Board will be meeting again on Tuesday, May 12 and Tuesday, May 19.

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

Now is not the time for tax increases

When school districts across the Commonwealth started work on their 2020-2021 budgets, many of them were anticipating year-to-year increases in costs. The economy was generally very robust, and most school districts were seeing year-to-year increases in revenues. Some school districts were certainly on target to include a tax increase to balance the budget for the next fiscal year.

And then, because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the world changed very quickly.

Now, school district officials have a daunting task of trying to project revenues and expenditures in that changed world. There is now a lot of uncertainty about school district revenues at the local, state, and federal levels.

State lawmakers had a lot of work to do on the state’s spending plan before the crisis arrived and the pandemic changed everything. When the governor unveiled the budget just a few short months ago, that robust economy meant that expenditure increases were likely. There is now a great deal of uncertainty about the full impact of the forced shutdown of most business activity. This much is certain: It is a very bad time to be raising taxes, and school district officials and state lawmakers need to do what they can to ensure that taxes don’t go up now.

School districts are sitting on millions of dollars of taxpayer money, and now is the time to dip into the fund balances in order to adopt budgets.

At the state level, all the rainy day funds and money set aside for discretionary spending should be utilized.

Millions of Pennsylvania families have been hurt by the crisis. Now is not the time for tax increases, period.

Kudos on a job well done

Kudos to Ware Presbyterian Village for organizing a parade for the residents one day last week. It was a nice way to boost everyone’s spirits. After all the quarantining and social distancing, we all deserve a parade right about now.

Book sheds light on Oxford’s history

Letter to the Editor:

The article “A Look at Oxford’s Commercial History,” by Steve Hoffman, which appeared in your March 25 issue, does great service by presenting a detailed description of a valuable source of information on a dynamic time in the community’s past.

Your readers may be interested to know that the 1894 publication on which the article is based, Oxford, a Representative Pennsylvania Borough, was issued by a group similar to a chamber of commerce with the purpose of promoting the town’s economic development. The optimistic note

that pervades the book, which Hoffman rightly cites, reflects the Board of Trade’s goal of attracting investment and residential growth as the nineteenth century was coming to an end.

Oxford, a Representative Pennsylvania Borough, is available online on Google Books, and can also be pur-

chased as a reprint from Amazon. Anyone with an interest in Oxford’s past will certainly enjoy the text and the numerous photographs in either format.

Former President, Oxford Area Historical Association

Essential workers are workers, not soldiers

Letter to the Editor:

The COVID-19 pandemic is frequently described in terms of war by the media and elected officials. The pandemic is referred to as a war on an invisible enemy. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is referred to as a body armor. Essentials workers are said to be warriors or soldiers in a battle on the frontlines. They are also called heroes for going to work. While these metaphors of war are common they have a dark side. War metaphors can

condition the public to see illness or death of essential workers as casualties of war rather than what they really are—victims of a public health failure.

While calling essential workers heroes is said with good intentions, you will find few workers who want to be called heroes. I am also a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and never met a fellow veteran who wants to be called a hero. Every nurse I work with tells me they are not heroes. What they really want is not praise, but proper PPE.

More disturbing has been some responses to nurses who demand proper PPE being told “That is what you signed up for.” That is not what any essential worker signed up for. They signed up to live and to serve. If a worker gets sick or dies they are no longer fulfilling their duties. They are either gone forever or become patients themselves. Essential workers are grateful for thanks but please think twice about referring to them as soldiers in a war. The best

thing to do is to work on getting proper PPE for everyone interfacing with the public. That may mean contacting employers, the media, or elected officials to highlight areas of need. Once this pandemic ends we need to work on ensuring we are better prepared for the next pandemic. Pandemics are public health problems, not wars. Essential workers are workers, not soldiers.

Legislation would halt business evictions and foreclosures

Senator Tom Killion (R-Chester and Delaware) introduced legislation last week, Senate Bill 1116, that would temporarily halt evictions and foreclosures of businesses affected by measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Killion’s legislation piggybacks on a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court order suspending residential foreclosures and evictions.

“Small businesses are vital to our economy

and an essential part of our communities,” said Killion. “The COVID-19 emergency has taken an unimaginable toll on them. Halting business evictions and foreclosures will make it easier for small business owners and the hardworking Pennsylvanians they employ to get back on their feet as we restart our economy.”

Restaurants and retail have been among businesses hardest hit by the emergency, Killion noted.

Dave Magrogan of West Chester owns and operates 10 restaurants throughout the region, employing more than 800 people. The shutdown order has forced him to lay off all but three of his employees. While several of his Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar locations initially remained open serving curbside and to-go meals, he has since closed his remaining restaurants.

Margrogan voiced his strong support for Killion’s legislation.

“Suspending defaults and evictions is critical to give restaurants, bars and other businesses a chance to get back on their feet and reopen,” said Magrogan.

“Sen. Killion’s bill would make sure business owners have something other than the goodwill and mercy of their landlord in trying to reopen and re-establish their business. I hope the bill moves and becomes law quickly.”

Enjoying significant bipartisan support, Senate

Guest Column

Bill 1116 has 15 co-sponsors, nine Democrats and six Republicans. It is a priority of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association (PRLA).

“The hospitality industry has been the most impacted by this crisis and the return to normal business operations will not be swift, our members have little to no revenue right now and we appreciate Senator Killion acknowledging this and introducing legislation that recognizes the time we

will need to recover,” said PRLA President and CEO John Longstreet.

“Mom-and-pop retailers and restaurants are as vital to the fabric of our communities as our schools and civic organizations,” said Killion. “Industry experts suggest one out of every five restaurants might never emerge from this crisis. That’s not acceptable. Pennsylvania must do what it can to give these businesses a chance to reopen and succeed.”

A Remote Learning Task Force is needed to address Pa. students’ needs

By Susan Spicka

For most Pennsylvanians, the COVID-19 pandemic became real on March 13 when Governor Tom Wolf ordered Pennsylvania’s schools to close. While there was resistance in many quarters, this action protected our children from illness, and protected their parents and

grandparents from this rapidly spreading, lethal virus. Soon after, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed legislation to provide stability and clarity for Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts. Schools remain funded at prepandemic levels; school employees remain on duty for teaching, counseling

Chester County Press

and food distribution activities; and the Secretary of Education has flexibility to respond quickly in the everchanging environment.

With this certainty, school leaders and educators sprang into action to transform, within days, to a new system of remote learning.

Consider the challengekeeping fidgety first graders engaged, helping fourth and fifth graders, old enough to feel their parents’ anxiety, remain interested in science and social studies, and keeping high schoolers on track for graduation.

We should acknowledge the urgency and creativity of teachers and administrators responding to this challenge.

We must also acknowledge the tremendous inequities in school districts’ ability to provide remote learning to students in Pennsylvania’s urban and rural school districts.

To address this problem we call on the Governor to immediately convene a Remote Learning Task Force of school officials and experts to ensure all school districts have the capability to provide remote learning to all students, including students with disabilities and English learners.

Students face two significant barriers to remote learning:

• In less wealthy communities, school districts struggle to provide even the most basic resources during the best of times and can’t afford to give each student a personal computer. The laptop or iPad that is standard issue in some districts is a distant dream in others.

• Many families can’t afford high speed internet service in their homes to connect students to materials and instruction. In rural communities, providers can charge $18,000 to connect a home, even when the next door neighbor has access. In Pennsylvania’s broadband deserts, high-speed Internet is simply not available.

There are bright spots. The Pennsylvania Department of Education has made online curriculum available to students at no cost and has partnered with public television stations to connect families with thousands of hours of educational programming.

School districts and intermediate units are finding creative solutions to help

students connect, experimenting with mobile hotspots and using school building parking lots as WiFi hubs.

These actions are extraordinary but they are not universal.

Vulnerable students will fall further behind. The parents who put themselves in harms’ way working long shifts in hospitals and warehouses can’t also be full time teachers. Studies are clear - children who don’t read on grade level by 3rd grade, or who are disengaged in 9th grade, are at great risk of academic failure.

The General Assembly should also swiftly enact Representative Curtis Sonney’s cyber education bill, requiring districts to offer three cyber options to students, including a district program and two provided by qualified vendors, including cyber schools. This approach maintains choice, creates competition to drive down costs and holds vendors accountable for the quality of instruction.

Districts that are providing full-time cyber education for $5,000 per child should not be forced to pay three times that amount for cyber charter schools.

Online learning is no substitute for everything that our local public schools provide students. And parents throughout the commonwealth recognize more than ever the value of the trained professionals who teach our students every day.

Still, we must recognize the unpredictable nature of this pandemic. The Remote Learning Task Force can start immediately to identify gaps in technology and instruction. Developing a comprehensive assessment of connectivity gaps will help school districts today and put Pennsylvania in a strong position to leverage potential federal funds.

The COVID-19 has exposed tremendous gaps in our healthcare system and has laid bare the tremendous inequities in our education system. We urge the Governor and lawmakers to take up this challenge now to protect our children from short-term illness and long-term injury from this pandemic.

Susan Spicka is the executive director of Education Voters of PA, a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan education policy and advocacy organization

Ware Presbyterian Village holds parade for residents

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

With a big assist from local firefighters, police officers, and first responders, the staff at Ware Presbyterian Village organized a parade to boost the spirits of residents in the community on April 16.

The parade featured fire trucks and ambulances from Union Fire Company No. 1 in Oxford, police vehicles from Oxford Borough and West Nottingham, and numerous cars driven by Ware staff members that were decorated with balloons and inspirational posters. Ware staff members also dressed up in costumes and danced and waved to residents as the parade moved through the community.

“The Ware residents and staff have gone above and beyond to keep themselves and each other safe and healthy during this time,” said David Nicholson, the executive director of Ware Presbyterian Village. “We are celebrating the con-

tinued efforts of many to reinforce positivity while there is so much angst and negativity all around us. We will grow stronger from all of this.”

Nicholson thanked the local emergency responders for their support with staging the parade. He said that the first responders thought it was important to participate to bring cheer and well-wishes to residents in the community.

Residents like Berta Rains really appreciated the parade and the efforts of those who planned and staged it.

“It was the sweetest thing for them to do this,” she said a few hours after the parade.

Rains explained that after more than a month of social distancing and following the rules to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, the residents do feel isolated. The parade helped. She added that the Ware Presbyterian Village staff has been very supportive of residents through all

this, doing everything they can to ensure that residents have what they need. It was particularly touching, Rains said, to have

local firefighters, police, and first responders take the time to be in the parade.

“Everybody felt so appreciative that they

would go through the trouble to put on a parade for us,” Rains explained.

“It made us feel really good to be in Oxford. It’s

JANE HANNUM BUFFUM

Jane Hannum Buffum, of Mendenhall, Pa., passed away unexpectedly on April 13. She was 72. She was a food writer for the Chester County Press, the Kennett Paper, and the Daily Local News and was a former hostess of the Culinary Corner for WCHE 1520 AM.

A 1965 graduate of Kennett High School, she attended Wilson College, The National Autonomous University of Mexico, and received her degree as the very first woman to graduate from Widener University (PMC Colleges).

“Jane was a wonderful and bigger-than-life person,” said Randall Lieberman, the publisher of the Chester County Press. “She will be remembered fondly for all she did in her community.”

Buffum served as chairwoman of the Mushroom Festival Amateur Mushroom Cook-Off for many years. She was a member of Philadelphia Woman’s Culinary Guild, a founding sponsor for the Brandywine Valley SPCA Forget Me Not Gala, and she was most fond of her work with the Kennett Library at Bayard Taylor Commons as a member of the special events committee.

“Jane was such a character and a wonderful member of the Committee,” said Wendy Lee Walker, who served on the Kennett Library Home and Garden Tour committee with Buffum.

Jane is survived by beloved son Robert Stephan Buffum II (Amber), granddaughters Jesse, Isabella, Sabrina, and Ariel, and grandsons Oliver, Adrian, and Sebastian.

Additionally, she is survived by her sister Sara Meadows (David) of East Marlborough Township, a brother Tom Hannum (Holly) of North East, Md., six nieces and nephews and their children.

A gathering in her memory is planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Kennett Area Community Service in her memory is requested. Condolences may be sent to R Buffum at P.O. Box 111 Mendenhall, PA 19357.

Thus says the LORD: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. Jeremiah 17:5

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IRIS M. SOTO

Iris M. Soto, age 81, of Kennett Square, passed away on April 12 at The Friends Home in Kennett, Linden Hall, in Kennett Square.

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Isidro Soto and the late Celia Gonzalez. Iris grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, NY, and lived there until 2010, with her sister Gloria Soto and her father, Isidro Soto, who passed in 2010 at the age of 103. Before moving to Kennett Square, Iris lived in Cranford, NJ for nine years.

Iris began an artistic career with Norcross Greeting Cards in New York City, then worked for a British advertising agency, BBD&O in New York City, and finished her 45-year career as a commercial graphic artist with the J. Walter Thompson Agency, also in New York City, retiring in 2003. While with J. Walter Thompson, Iris worked on the promotional art for many significant movies, including the theater posters for the first “Star Wars” film in 1977.

Iris was a member of the Soroptimist International, a worldwide women’s organization dedicated to helping women improve their lives. She did volunteer work for the Jewish Guild for the Blind in New York City, was a charter member supporter for the Women in Military Service for America Memorial, and volunteered and did artwork for the Society of the 173rd Airborne Brigade (U.S. Army).

She enjoyed many arts and crafts projects including knitting, making her own greeting cards, and designing clothing. Over her entire life, Iris enjoyed Broadway theater productions, visiting and financially supporting museums, and traveling throughout the United States and overseas. Iris loved sports, best of all professional soccer and her beloved New York Rangers hockey team, and she was a season ticket holder and officer in the Rangers Fan Club for many years. After she retired, Iris made hundreds of colorful scarves that she’d donate during the holidays to children who were seriously ill in the hospital. She was an ordained minister, a spiritual individual, frequently singing, and loved being with her family and friends.

Iris is survived by three sisters, Gloria Soto of Kennett Square, Isabel Soto (and her husband Richard Ehrlichman) of Avondale, and Maria Pereira of Cranford, NJ; one niece, Beatrice Pereira of Westfield, NJ, and other loving relatives. Her services will be held at a later date.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com. Arrangements are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove.

CRAIG ZNOTENS

Craig Mikel Znotens, 49, of Landenberg, passed away on April 9 at his residence. He was the husband of Kerri Snyder Znotens, with whom he shared 14 years of marriage. Born in Pottstown, Pa., he was the son of Mikel and Barbara Stetler Znotens of Harleysville, Pa.

Craig was an accountant at BNY Mellon Bank in Wilmington, Del.

He was a graduate of Souderton High School and Susquehanna University.

Craig was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Phillies and Eagles. He enjoyed brewing his own beer, eating German food and was an excellent cook. He also enjoyed collecting train sets and going to the beach.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by two daughters, Olivia Znotens and Sadie Znotens both of Landenberg; one sister, Lara Penny of Radnor, Pa.; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kathy and Bill Snyder of Ft. Myers, FL.

His Memorial service will be held at a later date.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square.

RICHARD D. PREWITT, SR.

Richard D. Prewitt, Sr., of Oxford, passed away at home on April 16. He was 81.

He and his wife Annabelle (Jones) Prewitt shared 58 years of marriage before her passing in 2019. Born and raised in Oxford, he was the son of the late Ivory D. and Arvilla Lutman Prewitt.

Dick was the former president of Prewitt’s Garage, Inc., where he worked with his brother, Bob for decades, serving the Oxford community. He devoted all of those years to provide customers with high-quality automotive service and outstanding client satisfaction.

He was an honorary member of the Union Fire Company No. 1 in Oxford.

In his spare time, Dick enjoyed hunting, cutting and splitting wood, lawn equipment repair, building large operational airplane models and spending time with his best friend and love, Ann, at their retreat in Breezewood, Pa. He is survived by his son, Richard D. Prewitt, Jr. and his wife, Beth of Centre Hall, Pa.; two grandchildren, Kimberly Ann Prewitt and her fiancé, Matthew Mosses of New Cumberland, Pa. and Brian R Prewitt of Boston, MA; two brothers, Robert Prewitt and his wife, Flossi of Oxford and Rodney Prewitt and his wife, Deb of Kirkwood, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Norma Bartram, and a brother, Ronald Prewitt.

Funeral services will be private at the Oxford Cemetery with the help of the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford.

A memorial of Dick’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Rd., Kennett Square, PA 19348, Union Fire Company No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, PA 19363 or Penn Medicine Hospice, 400 E. Marshall St., West Chester, PA 19380. Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Oxford, PA.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ENCOURAGES

JEAN Y. SWISHER

Jean Y. Swisher, 85, a resident of Conestoga View Nursing Home in Lancaster, Pa., went to be with her Lord on April 17. She was born in Lombard, Md. on the family farm of her late parents, John C. Duncan and Dora (Ray) Duncan. She lived most of her life in Oxford and Little Britain, Pa. She was the widow of Samuel F. Swisher.

Jean, was fondly known as Pat or Patsy to her friends and family. She was a loving mother and mom-mom. She was an avid gardener who especially enjoyed tending to her flower gardens. She truly had a green thumb!

Pat was a caring and loving person, tending to many in need. She would make food to share, and generously gave her time to others. She started her working career as a cab driver with her husband Sam in Oxford. She then worked as a machine operator for Kennetex Inc. in Kennett Square. She finished her career working at Herr Foods Inc. on the production line until retiring at age 78 after 30 years.

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In her later years, she enjoyed traveling with her brother Harvey across the United States.

She is survived by one daughter, Betty Haga and her companion, Dave Mowrer; two sons, Randolph W. Swisher, (and his wife, Delena), and Michael R. Swisher; five grandchildren, Barry Haga, Jr, Adam ( Kristi ) Haga, Autumn ( Ken ) Eller, Jordan Swisher, and Keri ( Jeremy ) Kuppinger; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her young son, Edward (Eddie) Swift; her siblings, John C Duncan, Jr, Harvey R. Duncan and Margaret (Peggy) Richardson; and son-in-law Barry Haga, Sr.

Those that knew her were greatly blessed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Wrightsdale Baptist Church Building Fund, 310 Little Britain Road South, Peach Bottom, PA. 17563.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, services will be private at Union Presbyterian Cemetery in Kirkwood, Pa.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

LOUIS G. HURRELBRINCK

Louis G. Hurrelbrinck, formerly of West Chester, passed away on the morning of April 17 at his home in Avondale. He was 85. He was the loving husband for more than 55 years of Roberta Jenkins Hurrelbrinck.

He was born to Louis L. and Margaret Rouzer Hurrelbrinck on July 18, 1934 in Baltimore, MD.

Louis attended Lansdowne High School, and following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Marine, he served his country in Korea. Upon discharge, he was awarded three Medals of Service.

After his military service, he attended Drexel University. Next, Louis took a job with Penn Central Railroad and became the manager of property taxes for Penn Central. He retired from his job.

During his retirement, he established his own business, Westtown Antiques. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and was a member of The Penn Oaks Country Club in West Chester for more than 40 years.

In addition to his wife, Roberta, he is survived by two sons, Scott F. Hurrelbrinck (and his wife, Kristi) of Jennersville, Pa. and Eric D. Hurrelbrinck of Wayne, Pa. In addition, he is survived by his four grandchildren, Zachary, Luke, Karlee, and Addison, who fondly referred to him as Do-Be-Do.

He was predeceased by his parents.

All funeral services will be private. Honorary contributions may be made in his name to the Brandywine River Valley Hospice, 121 Bell Tower Lane, Oxford, PA 19363. Arrangements have been made by the Foulk Funeral Home in West Grove. Please visit the online memorial by going to www.kuzoandfoulkfh. com.

Alma Newlin Educational Fund announces scholarship awards for local students

The Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County recently announced the awarding of Alma Newlin Educational Fund scholarships to talented students residing in the five local school districts of Avon Grove, Kennett, Octorara, Oxford, and Unionville-Chadds Ford. The scholarships, totaling $99,400 this year alone, are designed to assist students in preparing for careers in the health care field. Award values this year were $2,000 to $5,200.

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 pathology.

All recipients must have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be human health care education-bound 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 scholarship recipients include the following:

Oxford

Avon

The Alma Newlin Educational Fund was established in 1990 through a bequest from Mrs. Alma Newlin, who lived in Kennett Square. The Fund is administered by the Health and Welfare Foundation of Southern Chester County. Applications for next year’s scholarships may be obtained on our website at www. HWFSCC.org under the funding link. The Foundation asks that you please use only current applications for your submission printable after October 1 of each year.

David Opong

Tejis Ranganath

Ashley Willey

Octorara School District

Ilyssa

Unionville-Chadds

Chester County Press

Local News

Unionville High School receives national recognition for its commitment to music education

Unionville High School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

The SupportMusic Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, Unionville High School answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music-making programs, Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“The Unionville High School community is so honored to be recognized as a SupportMusic Merit Award recipient by the

NAMM Foundation,” stated Jimmy Conley, Unionville High School principal.

“This award acknowledges Unionville Chadds-Ford School District’s commitment to provide all students with access to the highestquality music instruction.

I would personally like to thank the Unionville High School Music Department members Jason Throne, Eddie Otto, and Leo Zumpetta, for their tireless commitment and countless hours that they spend with their music education students during the school day, and in our music extracurricular activities.”

This award recognizes that Unionville High School is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

“Music is essential to a child’s education,” stated

Throne, Unionville High School music teacher. “It helps them to develop language and reasoning, gives them discipline and is key to their creative thinking.

Music nourishes the human soul and gives students a way to build imagination and intellectual curiosity as

well as an outlet for their musical expression. We are thrilled to be able to share that love of music and performance with our students every day, and it is an honor to be recognized by NAMM for these efforts.”

Research into music education continues to

Dr. Antoinette Gomez named to Family Promise post

Dr. Antoinette Gomez has joined the staff at Family Promise of Southern Chester County.

Gomez was hired as the family services case manager to take programming and case management to the next level for the five-year old organization that has served more than 62 families who had no place to live as a family unit. Those families have benefitted from the many services and programs of the organization.

Gomez is a Chester County native who brings diverse experience working with families through roles in private practice and public social services agencies. She is an undergraduate of Pennsylvania State University, received her MSCW at the University of Denver and completed doctoral-level work at Argosy University with professional accreditations in marriage and family counseling, addictions and other counseling specialties.

“I enjoy helping families meet life goals,” said

Gomez. “ We build a community within our program as families work hard to establish a path back to their own housing that often requires job training, financial support and family support services.”

Already, Gomez has created family outings and made home visits to program alumni.

“We are thrilled to have the level of enthusiasm and dedication that Antoinette brings to Family Promise,” said Kim

demonstrate educational/ cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. After two years of music education, research found that participants showed more substantial improvements in how the brain processes speech and reading scores that their less-involved peers and that students who are involved in music are not only more likely to graduate high school, but also to attend college as well. Everyday listening skills are stronger in musically-trained children that in those without music train-

ing. Significantly, listening skills are closely tied to the ability to: perceive speech in a noisy background, pay attention, and keep sounds in memory. Later in life, individuals who took music lessons as children show stronger neural processing of sound; young adults and even older adults who have not played an instrument for up to 50 years show enhanced neural processing compared to their peers. Not to mention, social benefits include conflict resolution, teamwork skills, and how to give and receive constructive criticism.