Chester County Press 06-07-17 Edition

Small step forward for big project in Kennett Square

Kennett Square Borough Council approves a memorandum of understanding with the library that will allow for architectural design work on a combined municipal building warmly received by some residents in attendance.

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Kennett Square Borough Council discussed a formal memorandum of understanding with the Kennett Library on Monday night, ultimately voting to approve it by a margin of 7 to 0, despite the fact that the proposed project was not

The memorandum of understanding pertains to a proposal to construct a new municipal building, in collaboration with the Kennett Library, that would serve as the home to a new library, a new borough administration building, and a new police station on the bor-

ough-owned Weinstein lot at the intersection of State Street and Willow Street. There would also be flexible space in the building that would be utilized for meeting spaces for community groups, as well as a metered parking structure that would accommodate more than 40 vehicles.

While the approval of the memorandum of understanding represents a new milestone in the effort to get a new library in Kennett Square—this is the first time that borough council has formally voted on this project—the facility itself is still a long way from being authorized by either borough council or the library’s board of directors.

Graduation day

Protecting the ‘Jewel in a Crown’

Community members form group to oppose planned cell tower in Landenberg

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

They have joined together for a cause.

They have formed a group and given it a name.

They have made a sign, and posted it throughout the community.

They have created a website.

They have gathered over 100 petitions.

During the late afternoon of June 5, nine members of the newly-formed Concerned Citizens of Landenberg sat around the dining room table in

Borough council’s approval of the memorandum of understanding establishes how the two entities will work with each other on the project, and allows the project to advance to the next phase, which includes architectural design work that would provide more realistic costs for the facility.

Both the borough and and the library will need

to work out the financial details for their share of the project, which currently has a projected cost of more than $16 million.

In the coming weeks, the library board will also consider approving the memorandum of understanding. Some language in this agreement still needs to be refined, including the portion of the memorandum of understanding that would provide both the borough and the library with the opportunity to abandon the project, and what costs each party would be responsible for as a result.

According to borough officials, the architectural design work could be completed as early as October, which would allow the

New sculpture installed by local artist in Kennett Square

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The first piece of public art in Kennett Square was installed on the morning of May 30 and formally dedicated on June 2.

“Kennett Squared,” by local sculptor Rob Sigafoos, now stands on the Genesis Walkway downtown, where

and the

munity.

the

Planning Code (MPC) to be

ed every ten years, the plan spells out objectives and resource allocations priorities for land use, transportation, recreation, open space and housing. It is expected to be finalized in 2018.

The township last updated its comprehensive plan in

2005. The open house meeting called for residents’ ideas on several of the township’s top priorities – and some would say, headaches –that are on the front burner of its objectives, such as residential and commercial growth; the preservation of open space, natural resources and historic landmarks; the revitalization of Toughkenamon; and continuing to improve and

Kennett Square...

Continued from Page 1A

borough council and library officials to make a decision about whether the project is viable at some point in 2018—perhaps early in the year. But that decision is still in the future as there are many details that need to be resolved.

Borough manager Joseph Scalise provided a brief description of the memorandum of understanding, explaining that it includes details about a wide range of issues—everything from the site information about the Weinstein lot to the creation of a condominium agreement so that the borough and library each own and maintain their portion of the building. The memorandum also addresses issues like the percent allocations for each entity based on square footages and the underground parking facility. The memorandum outlines how legal fees will be shared, and how the funding is divided as the borough and library seek and receive grants for the project.

At a May 30 special meeting (see sidebar story on Page 3A) about the proposed municipal building, borough officials outlined some of the details about the proposed facility, including the borough’s level of participation in the project. At the conclusion of that meeting, the borough’s Finance Committee was asked to determine if the borough’s participation could be financed without

raising taxes.

Council member Wayne Braffman, who serves on the borough’s Finance Committee, led the committee’s presentation on Monday night. The presentation focused on an “all-in” option where the borough opts to engage fully in the project as it is described in the visioning study, and an option where the borough completely opts out of the project.

The impact of the “optout” option on the borough is obviously more straight forward: The borough could expect to spend about $300,000 to pay for maintenance costs on the existing administration building and police station in the next three to five years.

Braffman noted that opt-

Local News

the Ways Lane property that it already owns in neighboring Kennett Township.

Next, Braffman detailed how the borough would finance the “all-in” option. The borough’s portion of the construction costs is projected to be $6.2 million.

Kennett Square will be able to apply $314,000 from the value of the borough-owned Weinstein lot as a credit toward its share of the construction costs of the project—that obligation then shifts to the library.

If the borough’s portion of the project costs $6.2 million, subtracting the $314,000 from that total means that the borough will need to secure about $5.8 million in funding for its share. Any grants that are received for the project—

the police station—that can be sold, with proceeds used to offset the borough’s share of the costs of the propoposed facility. Borough officials expect that the sale

“Where I was a ‘no’ vote a short time ago, I am now a ‘yes’ vote.”

~ Council member Wayne Braffman

ing out of the project defers a new borough hall and police station, and both are needed as the current facilities are inadequate. The costs of eventually building those facilities are not known.

If the borough opts out of the project, the library could still decide to construct the facility on the Weinstein lot—or not. The project may not be viable for the library to undertake on its own, which raises the possibility that the library would then consider building on

and borough officials are optimistic that state and county funding would be available—would decrease the amount that the borough would need to finance. If the borough sought to secure the full $5.8 million through a bond issue, with a 3.54 percent interest rate for 30 years, the annual debt-service payment for Kennett Square would be $320,000.

Additionally, Kennett Square owns two properties—the current borough hall on Marshall Street and

‘Kennett

“It will be the first public art piece in Kennett,” Sigafoos said of the new installation during a recent interview. “I didn’t want to do something so radical that people wouldn’t get it. I worked with the borough and the Sculptor... Continued from Page 1A

people there.

“Now, there’s a big move to do more public art in Kennett. What I want to do is copyright the image of this new sculpture and lease it to Kennett for $1 a year, with the provision that any money that comes from it – if it ends up on T-shirts and coffee mugs, that kind of thing – that

money goes to support public art in Kennett by Chester County artists,” Sigafoos said. “There’s a tremendous amount of incredibly talented artists in this county. We don’t need to import people from New York. We have so many artists here that it’s well worth promoting their work.”

of the current borough hall and police station will bring in about $1.4 million, total. Obviously, those buildings can’t be sold until the new facility is completed. According to Braffman, the plan is for the borough to take out a three-year bridge loan in 2019 for the $1.4 million that will be brought in from the sale of the buildings. It will cost about $42,000 each year in interest payments during those three years. Once the buildings are sold, the bridge loan will be repaid.

So how does the borough pay for the project without having to raise taxes?

Braffman explained that in 2019, the borough will pay off debt that produces a cost-savings of $300,000 each year. The debt-service payment on the new facil-

Uncle Irvin...

Continued from Page 1A Systems, to the group that owns the Reading Hospital, along with Phoenixville Hospital, Pottstown Hospital, and Brandywine Hospital.

Presumably, Jennersville will still be much like it is, but will funnel patients to Reading for procedures and operations it does not perform, and will still be the location of many doctors’ offices.

Since my move to southern Chester County in 1970, Jennersville has

ity is estimated to be about $320,000. To make up the $20,000 difference, the borough will apply $22,000 from the parking revenues generated from the parking spaces at the new facility.

Braffman emphasized that the borough has taken “reasonable, fair, and conservative” estimates of construction costs, soft costs, interest rates related to the project.

“All these numbers are soft until we go on to the next phase,” Braffman explained.

He concluded his presentation by saying that the Finance Committee believes that the financing can be arranged without raising taxes on borough residents.

Once the Finance Committee report was complete, there was a lengthy question-and-answer session that evolved into an extended public comment session. While several people spoke in favor of the proposed plan, most of the two dozen or so residents who spoke or asked questions seemed to be very skeptical of the proposed plans, specifically the borough’s portion of the facility.

Most of the comments

been transformed into a front line medical center.

It has been a sponsor of the Jenner’s Pond retirement community, as well as the operator of a Water and Sewage treatment facility, which still serves the Jennersville community under another operator.

focused on the costs of the project, and the potential impact it will have on borough residents in the future.

Borough resident John Thomas cautioned that the borough’s expenses – for example, the costs of operating the police department – will continue to climb well into the future, and the borough won’t have adequate revenues to pay for those costs. He said that there are streets in town that need repairs, which should be a focus. Some residents questioned the appropriateness of the Weinstein lot for such a large facility when other sites in town might be more appropriate. Others raised issues with why borough officials weren’t considering other potential sites.

A few residents criticized the borough for not seeking more input from people who live in Kennett Square, and several people suggested that the borough should put the issue on the ballot and let the borough residents decide the project’s fate via a referendum.

As the meeting stretched into its fourth hour, council members debated the memorandum of understanding, with several members emphasizing that it is the

Uncle Irvin, who lived in Kennett Square, drove to the emergency room on his way home from the Chester County Press day in the 1970s, and waited for a couple of hours to have an appendix removed by a team of surgeons who had just removed a bullet from a state policeman. The Jennersville Regional Hospital was, and still is, important to southern Chester County’s growth and prosperity, and we wish it well on its new mission.

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

next, necessary step to fully analyze whether the project is viable. Moving on to the architectural design phase means that real money will be spent, but it does not obligate either the borough or the library to move forward with the project. The library will need to undertake a significant capital campaign.

“We’re not making a commitment of spending $6.2

million tonight,” said council member Jamie Mallon. “We need to get some answers to these questions. This is just the next step.” He added that there will be opportunities for further discussion and input from borough residents before a decision is ultimately made.

“We don’t embark on this looking for an exit ramp,” Mallon said, “but there is an exit ramp.”

Council member Geoff Bosley noted that the borough is in a much stronger financial position than it was even a few years ago. He talked about the need for the project, pointing out that there have been discussions about a new library for twenty years, and this is an opportunity to keep the library in the borough. Additionally, the municipal project also addresses the

need for both an administration building and a police station, and the facility will serve the borough for a very long time.

Braffman said that initially he was personally skeptical that the borough would be able to develop a plan to fund the project without having to raise taxes.

“I now believe that it’s doable,” he said. “Where I

was a ‘no’ vote a short time ago, I am now a ‘yes’ vote.”

Council member Ethan Cramer said that he, too, was initially skeptical about the borough being able to fund the project without burdening taxpayers. He said that he is convinced that the borough needs a police station and a borough administration building, as well as the library, and the proposed project can be

undertaken in a way that is financially responsible.

“I think it’s good planning on our part to say that we need to replace those two buildings,” Cramer said. A few minutes later, council unanimously approved the memorandum of understanding.

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

Special meeting focuses on how Kennett Square Borough will finance project with library

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Kennett Square Borough Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, May 30 to discuss the joint project with the Kennett Library that would result in the construction of a facility that would serve as a new library, a new administration building, and a new headquarters for the borough’s police department.

“This is a meeting for public discussion,” council president Dan Maffei explained at the onset of the meeting. Maffei emphasized that there would be no action items on the agenda—the purpose of the meeting was simply to have a discussion about the proposed project and to receive a presentation from the borough’s Finance Committee on how Kennett Square Borough’s portion of the project might be paid for.

Before the Finance Committee presentation, attendees had the opportunity to make public comments.

Albert McCarthy, a borough resident and the former police chief, said, “This is a really sensitive issue considering the cost. I think the library needs to be improved, but not at a cost of $10 million.”

McCarthy also expressed concerns about costs for a new administration building and police station, and offered several suggestions of other potential sites in town. He said that there are some residents in Kennett Square including senior citizens on a fixed-income, who can’t afford a heavier tax burden.

“We need to decide if this is a want or a need,” McCarthy said.

Clara Saxton, who serves on the borough’s Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB), asked if the project will be presented to the HARB before it is approved.

Next, borough manager Joseph Scalise outlined some basic details about the project. He noted that the Kennett Community Center Visioning Study was presented to the public at an April 25 meeting. The Visioning Study included details about the concept for the design of the building and the estimated costs for the project. The project would include a borough hall, a police station, a 300-seat auditorium that officials said could best be described as flexible space, and a parking structure for approximately 45 spaces.

Borough council is in support of the new library being built on the boroughowned Weinstein lot at the intersection of State and Willow streets, Scalise noted, but it must be determined to what extent the

borough will be involved with the project. Scalise explained that the Finance Committee analyzed three different options: first, the borough participates fully in the project as it was described in the study; second, the borough decides to participate in the project, but only builds the minimum necessary to move the borough hall and police station into the building; and, third, the borough decides not to participate in the project at all, but the library still constructs their facility on the Weinstein lot.

The Finance Committee analyzed the “all-in” option and determined that it would cost about $6.5 million in construction and soft costs, $500,000 in soft costs, and another $250,000 in soft costs before construction. For this option, it would cost the borough $386,000 per year for 25 years to repay the costs of the project. That’s assuming a 3.565 percent interest rate. The borough could bring in about $1.4 million on the sale of assets to help offset some of the costs of the project.

The second option, meanwhile, would cost about $5 million in construction and soft costs, $400,000 in soft costs, with $150,000 in soft costs required prior to construction. This option would cost the borough about $293,000 annually to make the debt service payments. However, the borough was asked by library officials not to consider this as an option in advance of the June 5 borough council meeting because the library would not be able to move forward with the project, as it was described in the

visioning study, unless the borough fully participates. The costs of the parking structure and the flexible space would be too much for the library to do on its own.

If the borough opted not to participate in the project at all, it would cost about $300,000 over the next three to five years for

in grants, including funding from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“I think this is a terrific concept,” said Bosley. He noted that in the current administration building, they can’t even hold public meetings because of a lack of space. The police facilities are not where they services.

“We’re not going to need to raise taxes in order to do it. We’re not going to take police officers off the street in order to do it,” Bosley said. “This is not going to be an insurmountable challenge.”

Council member Wayne Braffman said that he’s not sure that council can

“I think it’s a win for everybody—it’s a win for the library, it’s a win for the community.”

~ Kennett Square Mayor Matthew Fetick

the necessary maintenance to continue to operate the existing borough hall and police station. Again, if the borough ultimately chooses to opt out of the project, the library would need to reevaluate the entire plan to determine if the Weinstein lot, with its limitations, was still a viable option.

Scalise and council member Geoff Bosley, who serves on the borough’s Finance Committee, talked about some of the benefits of doing the project with the library. There is considerable cost savings for both the borough and the library because they will be sharing some of the costs on the preliminary work that will be necessary before construction begins. Additionally, because it is a cooperative effort with two public entities, the project has much more potential for grants. Scalise said that they are optimistic that as much as $4 million to $5 million might be available

should be, either, Bosley said, and there have been discussions about a new library for more than 20 years.

“Our buildings are outdated and expensive to run,” he explained.

Bosley envisioned the combined administration building and library as a true community center.

“On the day it opens, it will become the most important building in town,” Bosley said, explaining that it would serve the community’s needs for 50 to 75 years.

Scalise said that the borough is in a good financial position to undertake a project like this now, because Kennett Square has managed to reduce its debt from about $26 million to about $9 million since 2000.

Bosley said that the borough should be able to add the debt service payments into the annual budget without needing to make dramatic cuts to existing

be certain that taxes won’t increase at some point in the future because revenues that might have been spent on something else are instead being used to pay the debt service on the proposed facility. Council member Jamie Mallon said that borough officials would need to be careful with budgeting to make sure that the costs of the project don’t go up.

“It’s incumbent upon us to manage this project well,” Mallon said.

Council member Ethan Cramer, who said that he hasn’t made up his mind about the borough’s participation in the project yet, pointed out that in 20 years people will be looking back on the decision and deciding whether it was the correct one or not.

“We could fail to take advantage of an incredible opportunity, but we could also put ourselves in a

financial position that we don’t want to be in. We have a fiduciary responsibility to do this right,” Cramer said.

Council member LaToya Myers picked up on some of the concerns expressed by residents about the potential costs of the project. She noted that there are people in the community who are struggling, and might not be able to stay in their homes if taxes increase.

Mayor Matthew Fetick praised the current library board for making more progress on the effort to get Kennett Square a new library than has probably been made at any point in the last 20 years. He also talked about the need to keep the library in the borough where it needed most by residents who depend on its resources the most.

Fetick said that if the borough can afford to add a facility that will be the home of the administration building, the police station, and the library, and can do so without raising taxes, it would be the responsible thing for the elected officials to do.

“If we can do it within the existing revenues, it would be irresponsible not to do it, Fetick said. “I think it’s a win for everybody—it’s a win for the library, it’s a win for the community. We could have a phenomenal facility within our budget.”

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

Silent auction benefits Camp Dreamcatcher

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

A luxurious one-week vacation at the Horizon Blue Villa in Cannes, France, a stay at the Glad Tidings vacation home in Cape May Point, New Jersey, and a football helmet autographed by New England Patriots Tom Brady, Dont’a Hightower, Devin McCourty, and Matthew Slater top the list of items available during a silent auction at Camp Dreamcatcher’s annual fundraiser on Sunday, June 11. The event, which also includes a buffet dinner and drinks, takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Red Clay Room in Kennett Square.

Patty Hillkirk, the executive director of Camp Dreamcatcher, said that another highlight of this year’s fundraiser is an appearance by psychic medium Joseph Tittel, who is donating his services for the evening. Tittel uses his unique gift to connect people with loved ones who have passed on. Hillkirk explained that Tittel, who has worked as a psychic medium for more than 20 years, hosted the annual event for Camp Dreamcatcher back in 2013.

“I am thrilled that Joseph is coming back to help us out at our annual event,” Hillkirk said. “When he hosted our event in 2013, I was amazed by the specific information he provided to our guests. Most people went in skeptical, but within a few minutes they were impressed. His ability to tune into messages and offer information with clarity and respect is remarkable.”

Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at www.campdreamcatcher. org or by calling Camp Dreamcatcher’s office at 610-925-2998.

Hillkirk said that she’s very excited about the auction items that have been generously donated by Camp Dreamcatcher supporters.

In addition to the stay in a villa in Cannes, the vacation in Cape May Point, and the autographed helmet, the silent auction includes weekend getaway packages, tickets to Philadelphia sports teams, assorted Vera Bradley items, a wide variety of gift baskets, and pieces of art from a collaborative art project that includes art created by the children served by Camp Dreamcatcher and local artists. The local artists involved in the collaboration are Susan B. Myers, Mimi Peterson, Peter Willard, Vicki Vinton, and Barbara Neville. The auction even includes items for children, such as tickets to the Splash Zone Water Park as well as Camp Saginaw Day Camp gift certificates.

Camp Dreamcatcher now provides year-round programs for children.

Hillkirk said that the annual silent auction had previously been held in the spring, but they moved it this year to June, just two months before the weeklong camp session that takes place between Aug. 20 and 26. Proceeds from

the silent auction will be used to support this year’s camp session, which is free to youngsters. As many as 130 children who are impacted by HIV or AIDS will attend this year’s camp. The exact number of attendees is dependent on fundraising between now and then. So far, 80 children have already registered to attend the camp. According to Hillkirk, it

costs approximately $500 to sponsor each child who attends the camp session. There will be a lot of new offerings at this year’s camp, including a new equine therapy session and a wilderness therapy program. Ken Pienkos, a professor, will be offering a creative writing class for youngsters. Additionally, the children at the camp will be helping Drexel

University’s College of Medicine launch an app that was developed to help people with HIV or AIDS. The sponsors of the silent auction include the Braun and Fineberg Families, Griffin and Mason, Oxford Area

Dansko, Kennett Lions Club Morning Branch, The Dream Team, Aardvark

Pest Control, AM Skier Insurance, Kravet, and Pagnotta Engineering, Inc. To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.

New Garden future... Continued from Page 1A

grow the township’s intricate trail system.

Moderated by town planner and architect Tom Comitta and municipal planner Jennifer Reitz, the interactive meeting – through the use of magic markers, maps and color-coordinated stickers – allowed residents to specify their favorite points of interest in the township, as well as the top locations that they would like to see improved, by marking up an overhead map of the township. While the resulting number of favorite places varied greatly, the areas that residents felt needed to be improved resulted in a generous overlap.

A few residents expressed the need to re-open the historic Landenberg Store, which closed two years ago, after years of frustration expressed by its last proprietor over the refusal of the store’s owners to properly address hazardous septic conditions at the store. Some in the audience expressed their frustration about the lack of “gateway” attractions that could serve as visual “welcome mats” to visitors who enter the township – either off of Route 7, Route 41 or on Newark Road near the Route 1 interchange. One resident called for the addition of traffic lights at all township schools, while another asked that the township consider providing more trails that connect to New Garden Township Park. However, it was the sev-

eral intersections and turns that connect with Newark Road that topped the list of concerns: at Route 41, Hillendale and Buttonwood roads and Baltimore Pike. the township waits on PennDOT to address the Newark Road and Baltimore Pike intersection, the board of supervisors awarded McMahon Associates, Inc. on May 20 the job of re-designing the intersection of Route 41 and Newark Road to include better signage, dedicated ADA-compliant sidewalks, shared lanes and wider turn and vehicle through lanes.

The design will also include include environmental studies; a topographic survey; traffic signal design; environmental permitting; utility coordination; rightof-way coordination; a final design and approval stage; and preparation of bid documents and final design concepts, that will then be used to advertise the project for construction, which is projected to be shovelready in 2019.

The project’s area of re-design – and eventual reconstruction – will go north and south on Newark Road about 500 feet, and about 800 feet in both directions on Baltimore Pike.

The total engineering costs in order to prepare the intersection for shovel-ready work will be $466,700.

Residents were then given five mock $20 bills and asked if they were in charge of the township’s budget, where would they allocate their funding to. Again, responses to the exercise varied greatly, while several in the audience said that historic restoration, improving

Chester County Press

Local News

trail systems, and preserving open spaces should be among the township’s top spending priorities.

Prior to the presentation, residents discussed their ideas with members of the comprehensive plan committee, using various maps of the township as visual guides. Above a map of Toughkenamon, Kristi Wyatt placed the ideas expressed to her by residents: Sidewalks, street plantings, connector trails, improvements to the Tower Center, coffee shop, First Friday events, kids’ playground.

“I’ve worked in New Garden for 20 years and lived here for nine years,” Wyatt said. “It is important to make sure that the people are getting what they need and what they want and to make Toughkenamon a point of destination and a place for them to come. We

will put all of this together and come up with a plan over the next year or so and what we’re going to do to implement these ideas, and how they will happen.”

McMahon Associates project manager Natasha Manbeck McMahon spoke to residents beside a map that detailed the various roads and highways that slice through the township. top priorities is the intersection of Baltimore Pike and Newark Road, the intersection of Newark Road and Route 41 – as well as the entire Route 41 corridor. out of all of the transportation needs that’s the area of most concern to residents. focused on the transportation needs in the township and provide a plan for how the township should address these needs going forward.

Township Manager Tony Scheivert said that the forum opened the door for public

comment, input and buy-in for the next ten years.

“When people get together, a lot of ideas come out that maybe the Comprehensive Plan committee is missing, and maybe there are a few things we hear tonight that we haven’t considered before,” Scheivert said.

Board Supervisor Steve Allaband said that forums of this kind help sharpen the focus of the township’s priorities, and lead to results.

“During the last comprehensive plan that the township had in 2005, we had the same public vision public meeting, in order to get residents’ input, and what came out of that was an overwhelming call for more open space,” Allaband said. “So the board then put a referendum out that called for making open space a priority. Today, a little more than 13 percent of the township is preserved as open

space, with increased funding dedicated toward open space.

“Another concern expressed by residents in 2005 was to improve police coverage in the township, and now we have a 24-7 police coverage, and have formed a regional police department.”

Eliciting resident input on the township’s comprehensive plan update was not limited to the May 31 meting. Beginning this week, residents will be able to fill out a survey on the township’s website, www.newgarden.org. Once tallied, the results will go into calibrating residents’ concerns and ideas and, subsequently, will be reflected in the final comprehensive plan update.

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

East Marlborough board votes to support gerrymandering reversal

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Pennsylvania’s Seventh Congressional District has been called “one of the ten most gerrymandered districts in the country” by The Washington Post, and it is the focus of a state House Bill that seeks to end the practice of drawing up convoluted districts for political advantage.

On June 5, an overflow crowd at the East Marlborough Board of Supervisors meeting showed strong public support for the bill.

East Marlborough Township is part of the Seventh District, an unwieldy tract that includes parts of the Philadelphia suburbs, most of Delaware County, portions of Montgomery County, Chester County, Berks County, and Lancaster County. The district ranges from blue-collar and workingclass households in the southeastern portions of Delaware County to rural Berks and Lancaster counties to the affluent households of Chester County.

House Bill 722 in the Pennsylvania State Legislature seeks a change in the method for establishing voting districts in the state, and advocates an end to gerrymandering.

Ron Whitaker, who leads a bipartisan advocacy group called Fair Districts PA, was at the Board of Supervisors

meeting with a crowd of supporters. He introduced several township residents, including Basil Moss, who said, “Rep. Eric Roe was a primary Republican co-sponsor of the bill. I have heard him discuss the issue, and it seems common sense – why wouldn’t you want to do this?

“Recently, I drove up to Reading to visit an old friend up there,” Moss said. “I lived in the Reading area back in the 1970s, but I felt like I was going to the other end of the world when I was up there. It struck me when I was up there, ‘This is still the 16th Congressional District.’

“Now, Rep. Lloyd Smucker is up there as one of the congressional representatives. But there are three other congressional representatives serving that county. They all happen to be Republican, in a county that’s majority Democratic,” Moss said. “Mr. Smucker is representing a large, lowincome, urban area in Reading. It has one of the poorest school districts in the United States. He also represents the entire East Marlborough Township, which has high-income suburban residents and one of the top-ranked school districts in the state. His prime constituency is there in Lancaster County.

“I think we need to do the guy a favor,” he said as the crowd laughed. “I don’t think there’s any way he can look at himself in the mirror every day

and say he’s going to do justice to that diversity in geography, that diversity in cultural demographics. A lot of townships have already joined this effort, and I hope you can agree to support it as well,” he said.

Whitaker said, “I think we can agree that gerrymandering is a bad thing. Three months ago, a study was published that put Pennsylvania in the top three states for gerrymandering. Last month, there was an article published in Fortune magazine that bumped us up to No. 1. Gerrymandering is intended to create safe districts and safe seats for politicians.”

Such sprawling districts create inertia, Whitaker said. “Voters come to realize that their votes don’t count, so they stop voting. People who might run against those politicians have to consider that it’s going to be very expensive, and they’ll probably lose, so they step aside. What we get is a populace that doesn’t vote, politicians that don’t care, and candidates that can’t afford to run. That’s not Democracy.”

House Bill 722, and a similar bill in the State Senate, have widespread bipartisan support, according to Whitaker and others. “Both are bipartisan. Both recommend the creation of an independent counsel to do the redistricting,” Whitaker said. “A lot of

townships have signed on to do away with gerrymandering. Through the public meetings and town halls we’ve had, we have met hundreds of East Marlborough citizens and voters. We have petitions signed by 431 of them, and 197 through an online poll.”

Supervisor Eddie Caudill said, “After hearing all of you speaking about it, I’ve changed my mind and I’m in favor of signing this.”

Supervisor Robert Weer agreed, saying, “I agree that we were reluctant to open a can of worms about this, but hearing what these people say, I am ready to sign this petition.”

Board chairman Richard Hannum said, “You guys have done a great job in the community and in providing a voice. I would say that both sides of the fence – whether you’re right or left – have been guilty of this. The challenge for the board is what does this mean when other grassroots organizations come to us? They also have what they think are powerful stories for their issues. What we don’t want to do is open up the door to groups that may be conflicting with what the board wants to do.

“I had a great discussion with Rep. Roe in understanding his passion behind the bill,” Hannum continued. “I also had a nice conversation with Mr. Whitaker about what you are doing with Fair Districts PA. You guys

have presented a very passionate case, and that goes along with us as a board.”

Supervisor John Sarro added, “I don’t get too involved in national politics – I prefer to work on local issues. But both parties have taken advantage of gerrymandering, and I agree we should support this.”

The supervisors voted to endorse the resolution as the crowd applauded and cheered.

In other business, the board heard a summary of recommendations from township engineer Jim Hatfield regarding requirements for reducing stream sediment. As part of regional MS4 restrictions, the township is obligated to reduce the volume of runoff entering local streams.

The township has four watershed areas, Hatfield said. Two drain to the Brandywine, and two drain to the Red Clay

Creek. Fortunately, the township was an early adopter of more stringent stormwater ordinances from 1984 to 1995, and many developments in the township already have systems in place. Hatfield recommends checking the systems in several developments to make sure they are working properly, and counting those systems into the mandated 10 percent reduction in stream pollutants from the township.

The five-year process of assessing and improving stormwater runoff systems is estimated to cost about $70,000 beginning in March 2018 and continuing through March 2023, Hatfield said. The board endorsed Hatfield’s proposal, moving it forward to the planning stage.

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

Letter to the Editor

Oh, the speeches you will hear

Every year at this time, the Chester County Press attends the commencement exercises for four high schools: Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford and Unionville.

Beginning at their respective commencements and extending over the course of these next few months, these students will likely become submerged in a tidal wave of advice from parents, grandparents, older siblings and Twitter. Some of it will stick; most of it will not. As has become our yearly ritual, the Chester County Press went searching for words of advice spoken at some of this year's commencement exercises by some of our nation’s most recognized and respected individuals.

To the graduates of Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford and Unionville high schools, may the following words help guide your bright futures.

“My fear of failure never approached in magnitude my fear of ‘What if?’ What if I never tried at all...? It helps to try to enjoy the process without succumbing to the pressure of the result. Trust your gut; keep throwing darts at the dartboard. Don’t listen to the critics and you will figure it out.”

Will Farrell, comedian and actor

“Today, my advice for you is to take a page out of the Goldilocks story. Watch out for virtues that burn too hot, not just too cold. If you want to be resilient, find the right amount of generosity and authenticity and grit.”

Adam Grant, Wharton School management professor and coauthor of “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy”

“Ignore the silly ‘30-under-30’ list that the Internet throws at you before you’ve even had your morning cup of coffee. Those will be the bane of your existence post-graduation, trust me. Trust me. Comparing yourself to others’ success only slows you down from finding your own.”

Actress Octavia Spencer

“My generation was going to change the world. We started some things. But you’ve got to finish them. We got civil rights and voting rights passed. Now gerrymandering and voter suppression is taking it away. We started women’s rights and LGBTQ rights; you’ve got to finish it. You’ve got separation of church and state behind you, but be aware the biggest threat to this country is religious extremists, some foreign, mostly domestic. We established environmental protection, and now the environment is under attack like never before. You know the future is green. I know the future is green. You’ve got to finish the job.”

Steven Van Zandt, guitarist for the E-Street Band

“These great scientists, public servants, and activists cannot be bothered with building their Instagram followers, or how many views they get on Youtube … But they are the real influencers. Their work makes us healthier, safer, more enriched, and more intelligent.”

Singer Pharrell Williams

“You will have good days and you will have hard days. Go through all of them together. Seek shared experiences with all kinds of people. Write shared narratives that create the world you want to live in. Build shared hope in the communities you join and the communities you form. And above all, find gratitude for the gift of life itself and the opportunities it provides for meaning, for joy, and for love.”

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg

Legislators, hunger-fight leaders push Pa. ‘lunch shaming’ ban

State legislators and leaders in the fight against hunger spoke at a Capitol news conference this week about bipartisan legislation that would stop “lunch shaming” in Pennsylvania schools.

The term includes a wide variety of practices by a school to embarrass a child whose family is behind on their lunch payments, such as:

• ordering cafeteria workers to throw away the hot lunches of children who owe money – “yes, this actually happens!” said state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., the lead sponsor of the House bill to ban lunch shaming (H.B. 1403);

• making the children work to pay off the debt; and

• publicly stigmatizing a student who cannot pay for a meal or who owes a meal debt by, for example, requiring that the child wear a wristband or hand stamp.

“These things often result in children being humiliated and embarrassed in front of their peers. These things often result in tears.

Of course we all want parents to stay current on their children’s lunch accounts, but publicly shaming the child to collect that debt is shocking and completely unacceptable. And we need to help parents to apply if their kids qualify for free or reduced-price lunches,” Bullock said.

“Lunch shaming is coun-

terproductive. It is cruel. And it only hurts a child’s ability to learn. Under my bill, based on a recently enacted New Mexico law, these practices would be banned and schools would be required to direct communications about a student’s meal debt where they belong, to a parent or guardian,” Bullock said.

“No one’s child should get bullied for their lunch money – it’s not OK when the school does it, either.”

Stacy Koltiska has firsthand experience with lunch shaming. She made national news last fall when she resigned as a cafeteria worker due to a lunch shaming policy at the Canon-McMillan School District in Washington County.

“When I heard my school district was implementing this new policy, I was shocked and horrified. As a mother of three and a Christian, I couldn’t imagine something so inhuman. Our children have a hard enough time growing up in today’s world with peer pressure and cyberbullying, so for a school to shame and humiliate children over a lunch is unimaginable. Schools should be protecting our children, not humiliating them,” Koltiska said.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, D-Allegheny, lead sponsor of the Senate bill (S.B. 709) to stop lunch

shaming in Pennsylvania, said, “At some point, it became OK for some school districts to allow children to be bullied for circumstances far beyond their control – it’s unconscionable and unacceptable.

“My legislation in the Senate sets the bar where it always should have been, preventing anyone from ever singling out a child, especially for their ability to pay for lunch. No one can stamp them, make them wear a bracelet, or require them to do chores to eat. We need to be providing support to families in need, not targeting their children.”

Rep. Dan Miller, D-Allegheny, said, “An overdue lunch bill must not mean an empty belly, and no kid should be publicly shamed as a way of sending a message to parents.”

Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, said, “Practices such as throwing away a lunch because of the balance on a student’s account can harm and humiliate a hungry child, who has no control over the situation. Schools need to work directly with parents on lunch payment issues. Our kids come to school to learn, and they shouldn’t have to worry about being stigmatized or going hungry at lunchtime.”

Jane Clements-Smith, executive director, Feeding Pennsylvania, said, “At Feeding Pennsylvania, we know the struggles of mak-

ing ends meet because our member food banks serve nearly 2 million people annually, half a million of whom are children. For many of these children, school lunch is one of the only guaranteed meals of the day. We are proud to support Representative Bullock and Senator Costa’s legislation which addresses the impact that lunch shaming has on children and families who are already facing so many burdens in addition to finding enough money for lunch.”

Glenn Bergman, executive director, Philabundance, said, “Philabundance provides food to 90,000 people each week, and one third of those individuals are children. We know how detrimental childhood food insecurity is and we must do our best to collaborate to ensure these children receive the food they need. Our kids should never have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or whether or not they are going to be shamed for their lack of funds to pay for school meals. We are grateful to Representative Bullock and Senator Costa for introducing legislation that would be a step forward in banning the horrific practice and helping in the fight against hunger.”

H.B. 1403 and S.B. 709 are in the House and Senate education committees, respectively.

Sheppleman is the independent candidate for District Judge

Stephen Sheppleman is the independent candidate running for District Judge of District Court 15-3-05 that serves the Borough of Oxford, the townships of Penn, Elk, East Nottingham, West Nottingham, Upper Oxford, Lower Oxford, and New London.

Sheppleman is a retired police officer with 20 years of law Enforcement and courtroom experience. He is a resident of Penn Township with Nicole, his wife of 12 years, and their children John, Jenna, and Jacob. Both Stephen and Nicole are heavily involved in volunteer work within the community and the Avon Grove School

District. Sheppleman has completed the Magisterial District Judge Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts, The U.S. Department of Defense Academy, U.S. Department of Justice Academy and is a graduate of the Temple University Police Academy.

Sheppleman has chosen to run as an independent because he believes that a judge should be one that’s neutral and detached from any party affiliation.

“My opponent has stepped away from his own political party and cross-filed to run on both the Democrat and Republican ticket,” Sheppleman said. “This is

a political strategy that will assure his appearance for the general election. As an independent, my promise to the community is to never play politics. Rather, I will remain neutral and detached from any affiliation. I will be a judge that will take the facts of each case and apply the law to it. I will keep integrity, compassion, fairness, and justice for all in the courtroom.”

Unlike the primary election, where an elector can only cast a vote for candidates in their party, the general election allows all registered voters to vote for anyone that’s on the ballot.

“I am inviting independents,

Kennett Education Association recognizes top students

The Kennett Education Association (KEA) held its 26th Annual Scholarship and Awards Reception on May 30 to recognize outstanding students for their academic merit and school citizenship.

The KEA is the profes-

sional organization of teachers, librarians, guidance counselors, school nurses, and school social workers of the Kennett Consolidated School District. Each year, members of KEA select students from different levels and

disciplines for recognition for their academic achievements and school citizenship qualities.

Receiving awards for their accomplishments at the elementary level were fifth graders Sadie Maxwell and Bryan Calderon (Bancroft Elementary School), Emerson Wolff and Owen Orpello (Greenwood Elementary School), and Sahana Shivakumar and Martin Hernandez (New Garden Elementary School). These students were awarded certificates and $50 book gift cards.

Recognized for their performances at Kennett Middle School were eighth graders Alondra HerreraEsquivel and Rio Jeffrey King, who received certificates and $100 book gift cards.

Earning accolades at the high school level for

KEA award winners for the 2016-17 academic year.

excellence throughout their high school careers in their disciplines were seniors Jacqueline Tucker (business education), Lydia Pebly (English) Juan Martinez (fine arts), Zachary Hrenko (mathematics), Yvonna Liszewski (music), Gemma Erickson (social studies), Madison Brown (technical arts), Cullen Abelson (sci-

ence) and Henry Shattuck (world languages). Each of these awards carried with it a check for $200.

Association president Michael Kelly presented the most prestigious award of the evening to senior Lydia Pebly, who will be pursuing a teaching career.

Kelly presented Pebly with scholarship money in the amount of $5,000 to be paid over her four years of college.

A reception hosted by KEA followed the presentations.

Kelly congratulated Lydia on winning the KEA Award in not only 5th grade and 8th grade but also two times that night. He also welcomed Lydia into the profession.

Teal Rickerman’s home on Watson Mill Road, sharing a single motivation: To save a pristine portion of their hometown from the planned construction of a 130-foot cellular communications tower 1511

Yeatmans Station Road – on the site of the Little Stenning Farm – by Eco-Sites, LLC, a Durham, N.C.-based supplier of wireless and infrastructure solutions. The property is owned by Anthony J. Santoro and Renee L. Santoro, and is located within the R-1 Residential Low Density Zoning District.

The proposed tower would be built of galvanized steel, and will be of a monopine design -- a monopole disguised as a pine tree. In addition to its base height of 125 feet, the tower will include a five-foot high lightning rod at its top, and will be approximately the same height as many trees that border these properties. If built, the tower will be placed in the center of a horse riding rink, and will be clearly visible from nearly every home in the Nivin Lane-Watson Mill Road vicinity.

Reactions at the meeting ranged from concern to outrage.

“I am devastated by this,” said Julie Rickerman, whose home backs up to the farm where the cell tower would be built.

“It’s such a beautiful area, and this would become the tallest structure in New Garden Township by about 30 feet, and you’re going to put it smack dab in the middle of a field?” said Jerry

Green.

“It doesn’t meet the structure of what the preserve is about, and to have a tower visible from the preserve or outside of it, is just not fitting,” said John Starzman. “Our property values are going to go down, and [New Garden Township] is going to have to make up the money, somehow, perhaps by raising taxes.”

The voices heard at the meeting were far from the only ones heard recently.

Public opposition to the planned cell tower was first heard at a formal conditional use hearing at the New Garden Board of Supervisors meeting on April 17, and as the township gears up for a follow-up hearing on June 19, opposition to the planned cell tower has intensified.

Last month, the group solicited the input and evaluation of Patterson Schwartz Real Estate to determine what effect the Eco-Sites cell tower would have on the property values of homes in its proposed vicinity. The word from Patterson Schwartz sales manager and real estate broker Tim Carter was not good. In a letter to members, Carter wrote that the location of the tower, within the R1, Residential Low Density Zoning District, “would be uniquely detrimental to neighboring home values.”

“Homes near the [White Clay Creek] Preserve derive and enjoy their value from rural surroundings without commercial intrusion and endless views of pristine woodlands,” Carter wrote.

“At 130 feet high, the proposed cell tower would be

Chester County Press

Local News

an aesthetic disaster for the neighbors.”

The news got worse. Carter wrote that for homes that are near a cell tower, property values could decrease as much as 20 percent, based on studies published by the National Association of Realtors.

“Although it’s true that some studies conclude to the contrary, I believe your rural, low-density neighborhood will not only experience a negative visual impact, but buyers may be concerned by the perceived health risks of living so close to a cell tower,” he wrote. “In my opinion, there are other geographic locations in the Landenberg area that would less negatively impact residential property values.”

The potential hazard of the cell tower, the group believes, is not just an economic one. It could have a dangerous effect on the local environment, as spelled out in its new website – www.

movetower.com -- which has already gathered more than 100 signatures from concerned neighbors.

“The White Clay Creek Preserve possesses outstanding scenic, wildlife, recreational, and cultural value,” the website’s statement reads. “It is home to over 90 species of birds and provides habitat to over 100 varieties of migratory birds, including American Bald Eagles; birds of conservation concern, and rare plants, including three endangered, one threatened, and two rare plant species.

“Those birds, and accordingly, the habitat, would be at risk if the tower is built in the proposed location. Studies show that communication towers negatively impact the health of birds and wildlife, not only those living in the vicinity, but also those that migrate through the area.

Furthermore, Congress has designated White Clay Creek as a National Wild

and Scenic River.

“It is imperative that the Creek be preserved for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations to come.”

At this point, there is speculation that the decision to approve or reject Eco-Sites’ application may not be reached after the followup hearing on June 19, but either way, the fate of the cell tower will ultimately come down to the vote of the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors. On its website, the Concerned Citizens of Landenberg encourage the board to “consider using an alternative location and alternative technologies that would better serve the needs of all members of our community to provide safe mobile phone coverage without adverse environmental and economic impacts to our citizens.”

A well-thumbed sentiment in the community has given Landenberg poor marks for its current cellular reception, and that a cell tower such as what is being proposed would greatly alleviate the problem. However, Nivin Lane resident John Kuhn – who works in the telecommunications industry and has retained an attorney to represent him – is not buying the argument.

“There are going to be so many solutions in the very near future, that it makes no sense to hurry this thing through when technology is moving at the pace that it is,” he said.” There is new technology coming out through the cable infrastructure – and through Comcast in particular – where they’re offering phone service for $45 a month if you are a subscriber for Comcast and have internet capability.”

Those in opposition to the proposed construction of the cell tower hold an ace in the hole that is torn directly from the township ordinances. Under Chapter 200, Article XXII, the township has set parameters for natural resource protection in order to “protect the public health, safety and welfare by minimizing adverse environmental impacts,” which are intended to:

a) Define and delineate selected natural resources in the township and establish natural resource protection standards;

b) Conserve valuable natural resources within the township in accordance with the township’s 2005 conservation plan; and

c) Ensure that greenway areas – as identified in the township’s Greenways Plan and Phelps Property Plan of 2009 -- are protected as important natural features for the benefit of the public.

For several generations, the Rickerman name has been synonymous with the family’s efforts to preserve Landenberg as a conservation mecca. Jonathan Rickerman spent part of his childhood helping out at the Little Stenning Farm. He would run around the hills and pastures, and remembers watching his family work extensively to keep the land as wild as possible to retain it as a habitat for animals. He saw his mother who, along with others, stood up to the DuPont Company in successfully opposing the company’s interests in damming the river for profit. Her efforts led to the preservation of a river valley and the establishment of the White Clay Creek Preserve.

“Now we’re going to have a proposed cell tower that [if built], will be prominent across a good portion of that whole broad valley, so that anywhere you live in the area, you will see that tower,” he said. “You have people who have spent their good money to live in this beautiful area, and now you’re going to have this fake, hideous tree 20 to 50 feet above the woods, that will be seen over hilltops as far as you can see.”

At one point during the meeting, Dave Rickerman pointed to a map of the area on an iPad, and ran his index finger along a thick patch of green and stopped at the exact center of a pasture, indicating where the proposed tower would be located.

“You’re talking about this whole view here being harmed by this ridiculous tower on the top of the hill, all the way down, and every home in nearby neighborhoods who are in sight of it,” he said. “It’s a jewel in a crown that has not been mutilated and industrialized. There need to be some places that remain sacred.”

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

Saluting the senior class

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Two days before the Oxford Area High School seniors officially received their diplomas, they received something else—lots of cheers and adulation.

Following the dress rehearsal for the graduation ceremony on May 31, the seniors were loaded on to school buses and taken for a tour of each school building—Jordan Bank, Elk Ridge, Nottingham, Hopewell, and Penn’s Grove—as the younger students in the district lined up outside to

cheer the seniors as the buses drove by. Many of the youngest students in the district were holding signs congratulating the seniors on their achievements. Led by a police escort, the buses also drove through the center of town, where people lined up on Third Street to give the seniors even more good wishes.

This was the second year in a row that the high school seniors were bused through the district so that they could be showered with cheers. The element of surprise might have been missing in the second

Oxford Library hosts Volunteer Fair

Meet representatives from local agencies that need your help

The Oxford Library is hosting a Volunteer Fair from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14. The Volunteer Fair will give local residents an opportunity to meet representatives from agencies in the community that need volunteer help and to learn how they can make a difference through their volunteerism.

Some of the agencies and organizations expected to take part include ACE Anti-Human Trafficking Alliance

of Oxford, Canine Partners for Life, Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, Inc., Oxford Arts Alliance, Oxford Educational Foundation, Oxford Area Historical Association, Oxford Library Company Friends, Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., Neighborhood Services Center, and SILO.

The Oxford Library is located at 48 S. Second Street in Oxford. For more information, visit the library’s website at www. oxfordpubliclibrary.org.

year, but that didn’t mean that the seniors enjoyed the ride through Oxford any less.

As one senior yelled jubilantly through the

bus window, “We’re graduating!” To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.

Oxford Area High School’s Class of 2017

Daniel Alexander

Hayley Lynn Allport

Diego Alvarez Lopez

Jake Salvator Amoroso

Alysa Nichole Anderson

Samantha Lynn Anderson

Ana Isobel Arboleda

Elmer Dabid Arroyo

Mikael Josef Axelsson

Gloria Ayala

Cesar Ayllon-Bernal

Monzerath Baeza Magana

Jacob Ryan Barlow

Christopher Francis Beadle

Megan Lexie Beird

Gisselle

BeltrandelRioReynoso

Nolan Walker Benke

Natalie Rose Bernstein

Bhieem T Curtis Billups

Virginia Elizabeth

Bradbury

Jackson Charles Bridges

Dylan Joseph Broadway

Mykhail Damian Brown

Troy Edward Brown

Jarvis Landis Bryant

Sarah Michelle Buckley

Joshua Nicholas Bunel

Gina Lee Burnette

Destiny Nicole Butler

Joseph Theodore Butler

William Henry Byerly

Jason Connor Byrd

Michael Kelly Cadwalader

Aaron Joseph Cahill

Juan Manuel Cano Lopes

Lucas Vincent Cappelli

Emma Rose Cardinale

Nicholas Allan Carter

Joseph Lawrence Casey

Ryan Kyle Casey

Jenifer Castaneda

Noah Anthony Chambers

Matthew Isaac Chavez

Brendan Anthony Chew

Luis Jiovanni

Cisneros-Guzman

Robert Martin Civitella

Michael Thomas Clarke

Lauren Nicole Coalson

Marlyn Contreras-Martinez

Amanda Nicole Cooper

James Edward Corbin

Jonathan Andrew Costello

Cameron John Coverly

Dylan Robert Coyle

Ethan Taylor Crescenzo

Eden Xaviera Crowley

Victor Manuel

Cuevas-Hernandez

Morgan Curl

Caitlyn Rose Darczuk

Riley Nicole Darragh

Robert Davis

Timithy William Davis

Zachary James Davis

Sidney Morgan Dawkins

Rachel Lorraine Degler

Matthew Garrett DeHaut

Brooke Nicole Dillard

Gabriella Nicole DiLossi

Rachel Marie Litwa

DiRosato

Alecia Michelle

Dominguez

Brian Lee Dorsey

Evan Robert Dougherty

Gabrielle Alexis Durso

Carlee Eifert

Tiana Marie Ely

Rodrigo Escoto Renteria

Kevin Jesus Estrada Zurita

Nysia Marie Faber

Isabella Marie Figueroa

Jany Estefania Fores Rojas

Lauren Danielle Florio

Kayla Renee Flynn

Daniel Fonseca Davalos

Robert E Fontaine

Emily Grace Frame

Raudel Franco-de-Santos

Joshua Grant Freese

Samantha Taylor Frick

Erika Lizbeth Galarza

Bello

Jacob Leonard Gane

Fernando Garcia Rios

Esmeralda Garduno

Bo Daniel Giberson

Jacob Joseph Gilley

Jared Keegan Giovan

Natalie Danae Giovan

Alondra Elizabeth Gomez

Torres

Tianna Christine

Gomez-Stewart

Tatiana Gomez-Trinidad

Estrella Gonzalez-Gomez

Ryan John Alexander

Gordon

Anthony Michael Gourdier

Natasha Marie Gouty

Joshua Joseph Graff

Hailey Elizabeth Griffin

Sean Arther Griffin

Cole David Gruver

Melanie Ann Guerrera

Chelsea Marie Guina

Eric Warren Gundrum

Amanda Grace Gunzel

Anthony Guzman Tristan Mathew Haight

Hannum

Reginald Harris

Hartert

Evan Michael Hartman

Elizabeth Rose Harvey

Rebecca Abigail Hayes

Jordan Ashley Henderson Brooke Marie Hendrickson

Hunter Joseph Hendrickson Michael Wayne

Grace Alice Hennessey Christian John Hernandez-Bedolla Reilly Martel Herrera

Herrera-Gutierrez Cameron Hays Higginbotham Jacob Bailey Higgins Sydney Elisabeth Hildebrandt Sarah Justice Hill Kyle Thomas Hung-Thai Hoang

James Thomas Hobbs

Llewellyn Holmes

Lee Hotchkiss

Shea Hudson Jayden Alphonso Hudson Jack Edward Huggard

Impriano

Erin Nicole Long

Ryan Matthew MacNeil

Shane David MacQuaid

Colton Allen Magargal

Julia Michelle Maglio

James Joseph Malkowski

Allison Grace Malone

Michael James Manata

Miranda Leigh Marchiani

Jose Carlos Marin

Harrison David Marr

Melissa Joy Martin

Rhiannon Madison Mathers

Alexia Evanalesta Matos

Denice Meyers

Oxford Area High School’s 137th commencement ‘A world of opportunities awaits us’

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

With “Pomp and Circumstance No. 1” playing, the 306 members of Oxford Area High School’s Class of 2017 entered the school gymnasium filled with their family and friends to celebrate an important milestone in their young lives. June 2, 2017, would be a day that they will never forget, and over the course of two hours, as Oxford Area High School’s 137th annual commencement took place, the students fondly looked back at their time together and optimistically looked toward the future.

“Tonight, we celebrate the Class of 2017 for their dedication and determination,” said senior class vice president Brendan Chew during his welcome address. “We move, after this evening, on to the next chapter of our lives.”

Chew thanked his teachers for their help and support through the years, and he was also the first of several speakers to talk about the importance of the support from family that the members of the Class of 2017 received on their way to graduation night.

“I can’t thank you enough. Mom and Day, I love you,” he said.

Student Council president Elizabeth Harvey asked all members of the audience who served in the military to stand so that they could be recognized.

Next, she asked the members of the Class of 2017 who are entering the military to stand so that they, too, could be recognized.

Natalie Giovan, the senior class historian, told her classmates that they have big choices ahead. They will choose careers and become nurses, servers, broadcasters, or politicians. But they will

also choose to be happy and successful—or not.

“A world of opportunities await us,” Giovan said. “It is your choice, and your choice alone, to be successful.”

She then quoted former high school principal Christopher Dormer when she said, “Graduates, make it a great day, or not. The choice is yours.”

High school principal James Canaday encouraged the graduates to pursue work that they love to do, and then to work as hard as they

can. He quoted president Thomas Jefferson when he said, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”

Mikael Axelsson, the class salutatorian who will be attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, spoke fondly of growing up in Oxford. He noted that many students picked up the books for the summer reading program at the Oxford Library, which dates all the way back to 1784.

Looking out at his

classmates all wearing Oxford’s colors—what Axelsson referred to as a sea of maroon and white— he said, “We are all Oxford proud.”

He encouraged his classmates to reflect on their past to improve their future, and to always believe in themselves.

“If you think that you can,” he said, “you will. Never give up on your dreams and do what your heart tells you to do.”

Axelsson quoted from coach Herb Brooks’ pregame speech to the U.S. Olympic hockey team when they were facing the Soviet Union in the medal round of the 1980 Olympics when he told his

classmates, “This is your time! Now go out there and take it!”

Class valedictorian Bailey Myers, who will be attending Penn State University to study astrophysics, summed up the momentous occasion that a commencement ceremony is when he said, “This is one of the most important milestones in our lives. We will go out into the world not as kids, but as adults.”

After Myers concluded his remarks, it was the moment that the students had been working toward for more than twelve years. Oxford Area School

June 9

Line dancing class

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) invites the community to attend a line dancing class on June 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Instructor Shirley Mackey will teach an assortment of popular line dances. This class is free and open to beginners and experienced dancers. For reservations, call 610-932-5244 or email oxsrctr@zoominternet. net.

June 11

Record Collectors show the Keystone Record Collectors Music Expo will be held at the Continental Inn (2285 Lincoln Highway east, Route 30, next to Dutch Wonderland) on June 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dealers will be selling and buying records, CDs and music memorabilia from all eras. Free admission. Call 610-932-7852 or visit www. recordcollectors.org.

June 14

Spaghetti dinner

The Oxford Area Senior Center (12 E. Locust St., Oxford) will hold its spring take-out spaghetti dinner on June 14. The menu will include spaghetti with meatballs, tossed salad with dressing, dinner roll and homemade dessert. Dinners can be picked up between 3 and 6 p.m. for $7. Call 610-9325244 to reserve dinners.

June 17 and 24

Vegetable breeding workshop

A two-day vegetable breeding workshop will take place on June 17 and June 24 from 9 a.m. to noon at North Star Orchard (3226 Limestone Rd., Cochranville). Attendees will learn everything necessary to start breeding their own vegetable varieties in their home gardens. Participants will spend time in the garden making crosses of several vegetables. Once the seeds are harvested and dried later in the season, workshop attendees can receive their share of the seeds in the mail. Register at https:// northstarorchard.com/details/ vegetable-breeding-workshop or call 610-593-0314

June 24

Sin City Band

The Friends Folk Club will host an unplugged performance by The Sin City Band on June 24 at 7:30 p.m. at Oxford Friends Meeting (260 S. 3rd

St., Oxford). The Sin City Band has been playing Americana, roots and folk music throughout the Delaware Valley since 1974. Tickets are $15 (children 12 and younger free). Call 610-869-8076.

Kennett Flash schedule

The Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square) hosts regional and national artists. Tickets are available in advance at www. kennettflash.org, or at the door. Snacks and beverages are sold, or guests can BYOB. The schedule includes: Craig Bickhardt with Michael G. Ronstadt and Beaucoup Blue (June 9, 8 p.m., $20 and $23); Stephen Kellogg and the South West North East, with Native Run (June 10, 7 and 10 p.m., $25 and $30); Jim Beard and Jon Herington of Steely Dan (June 15, 8 p.m., $30 and $35); The Wonderful Winos featuring Vini “Mad Dog” Lopez (June 16, 8 p.m., $25 and $28); Edgardo Cintron and the Inca Band: Tribute to Santana (June 24, 8 p.m., $20 and $24); Rusty Blue with Horizens and 46 Sherman (June 30, 8 p.m., $10 and $14).

Reactors Comedy Club schedule

Reactors Comedy Club, in the Wyndham Garden Hotel (1110 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills) presents live comedy on weekends, with shows Fridays at 9 p.m., and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call 267-374-0732 or visit www. reactorscomedyclub.com. The schedule includes: Comedy Competition featuring Buddy Harris, Meghan Goetz, Nick Kupsey, Jeff Roser, Michael Lancer, Dave Primiano and Glen Freezeman (June 9); Joe Larson (June 10); Comedy Competition featuring Tony Parlante, Andrew Lane, Christian Mangual, Marc Staudenmaier, Rick Cotter, Jon Koppel and Casey Kuftic (June 16); Comedy Competition with Chris Pless, Ron Palandro, Natalie Levant, Frank Koppel, Erik Terrell, Dan Mahon Sr., and Eddie Gallagher (June 23). Longwood Gardens concerts

Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) will host the following concerts this summer (tickets are on sale now): The Savoy Company performing Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance” (June 9 and 10,

8:30 p.m., $29); Josh Ritter (June 18, 7:30 p.m., $25 to $45); Delaware Symphony with pianist Peter Serkin (June 25, 7:30 p.m., $37 to $67); Natalie Merchant (July 5, 7:30 p.m., $56 to $86); Dianne Reeves (July 11, 7:30 p.m., $33 to $53); The Brandywiners present “Beauty and the Beast” (July 27 to 29 and Aug. 3 to 5, 8 p.m., $30); Chick Corea Elektric Band with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (Aug. 9, 7:30 p.m., $55 to $85); Del McCoury and David Grisman (Aug. 15, 7:30 p.m., $35 to $55); the Kennett Symphony (Aug. 19, 7 p.m., $40 and $45); Julieta Venegas (Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m., $39 to $59). Visit www.longwoodgardens. org. To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.

Art and elegance at Galer Estate to benefit Oxford Arts Alliance

Jazz vocalist Wendi Grantham will perform during the Oxford Arts Alliance Garden Party on June 16.

Inspired by the works of Henri Matisse, the Ninth Annual Oxford Arts Alliance Garden Party will be held on June 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery (700 Folly Hill Rd., Kennett Square).

The evening will be highlighted by live music from jazz vocalist Wendi Grantham. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres from Brandywine Prime, wines from Galer Estate, music and dancing, and

displays by local artists Albert Mazzone, Dan Boxler, Dave James Beck, Jill Beech, Judy Petersen, Karen Delaney, Laurie Murray, Lele Galer, Lisa Fedon, Rachel Romano, Rob Sigafoos, Stan Smokler and Vicki Vinton. Tickets for the event, which is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Oxford Arts Alliance, are $60. Information and reservations are available at www. oxfordart.org.

Through June 16

Student Art Show

The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts the Ninth Annual Student Art Show through June 16, featuring works by students in Oxford Area School District schools, Bethany Christian School, Sacred Heart School and home-schooled students. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www. oxfordart.org.

Through July 15

Dan Miller Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) presents “Small Worlds,” featuring works by Dan Miller, through July 15. The store/gallery is open Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. Call 717-715-4775 or visit www.bookplaceoxford. com.

Through June 30

Linda Celestian at Mala Galleria

Mala Galleria (206 E. State St., Kennett Square)

hosts works by Linda Celestian, “Confluence,” through June 30. Celestian, a Delaware-based artist, views nature as a metaphor for human experiences and emotional states of being. Her paintings and sculptures imitate the organic flow of nature and natural formations, drawing inspiration from aerial photography, the ocean, lakes of her childhood, and the creek in her neighborhood. Visit www. malagalleria.com.

Through June 30

Summer group show

The Station Gallery (3922 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Del.) presents a Summer Group Show through June 30, featuring work by Jim Barwick, Ed Bronstein, Gay Freeborn and Bhavisha Patel. Call 302-654-8638 or visit www.stationgallery.net.

Through June 30

Photos by Jim Graham Hardcastle Gallery (5714 Kennett Pike, Centreville, Del.) will exhibit “Selected Works” by photographer Jim Graham from June 2 to 30.

is featured in his

‘Musician,’ by

show at

this month (see listing).

The exhibit features works from the past 25 years. Graham is an editorial and commercial photographer based in Centreville, Del. He was formerly a staff photographer with the News Journal and The Delaware County Daily Times. His editorial clients include USA Today, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Bloomberg News, The Associated Press, Sports

Illustrated and many others. Call 302-655-5230 or visit www.hardcastlegallery.com. Through July 30 Jane Bradford Rourke at library Avon Grove Library (117 Rosehill Ave., West Grove) features paintings and jewelry by Jane Bradford Rourke through July 30. Call 610-869-2004 or visit www.avongrovelibrary.org for more information.

JOSEPH F. HALEY

Joseph F. Haley, 85, of New London, passed away on May 28 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

He was the husband of Frances E. Reed Haley, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Frank B. and Ella Janet Heffernan Haley. Joseph was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War. He graduated from Avon Grove High School, Class of 1949, and graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, Class of 1958, with a B.S. in industrial management. He was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove. He was a Philadelphia sports fan, loved to travel and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; four daughters, Joanne Nathanson (Mitchell), Janet Wyatt (TC), Mary Wiegand (Lee), and Kathleen Graves (Gus); one son, Stephen Haley (Cheryl); eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, C. Jane Caso. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Haley; and three sisters, Mary Haley, Florence Falls and Patricia Lyons.

A memorial mass was celebrated June 2. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517; or Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester, PA 19380. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ELIZABETH ANN BOWMAN BRISON

Elizabeth Ann Bowman Brison, 88, of West Grove, passed away on May 27 at Twin Pines Nursing Home in West Grove. She was the wife of the late Alvin Harvey Brison, Sr. Born in Chester County, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Joseph and Eleanor Davis Bowman. Elizabeth attended Faith Tabernacle Church in Oxford. She enjoyed playing bingo and gardening. She kept a collection of cows and many other things.

She is survived by three sons, Stacey Brison (Christine) of West Grove, Ernest Joseph Brison of Coatesville, and Dale L. Brison of Collegeville; five daughters, Barbara Brison of Coatesville, Dorothy Cureton (Robert) of West Chester, Cynthia Brison of Coatesville, Brenda Brison of Coatesville, and Jacqueline Brison (Timothy) of Oxford; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and five sisters. She was preceded in death by one son, Alvin Harvey Brison, Jr.; one daughter, Gloria Marie Brison; five sisters; and one brother.

Funeral services will be held at noon on June 7 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. to noon. Interment will be in Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The American Diabetes Association, PO Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

June 23

‘The Shack’ screening West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) will show the feature film

“The Shack” on June 23 at 6:30 p.m. Based on a book by the same name, the movie is about a grieving father who receives a mysterious message from God to meet him at the source of his grief, the shack. Free admission. Everyone is invited. Visit www.westgroveumc.org for more information.

Summer music series Landenberg United Methodist Church (205 Penn Green Rd., Landenberg) presents its summer music program during Sunday services. Call 610-274-8384. June 11: Earline Perry; June 18: Fishcastle, guitar and vocals; June 25: Steve Poorman; July 2: Tom Volk; July 9: Frank Joyce, cantor; July 16: Morgan Hollow Trio, flute, piano and vocals; July 23: Belles and Roses Handbell Choir/ Lavenia Civitelli; July 30: Paul Boris, piano; Aug 6: Bob Hart; Aug 13: Steve Poorman; Aug 20: Morgan Hollow Trio; Aug. 27: Rise Up Band.

Social time for singles Singles & Others Loving Opportunities to Socialize (SOLOS) will meet at West Grove Presbyterian Church (139 W. Evergreen St., West Grove) on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship

JAMES CHASE PATTERSON

James Chase Patterson, 88, of Freedom Village Coatesville, formerly of Exton, husband of L. Ruth (Hedrick) passed away on May 19 of complications from diabetes. Born in 1928 in Berwyn to Horace and Alice Chase Patterson, he attended Ridley Park High School and Williamsport Technical School, specializing in auto mechanics. This led to his expertise in modifying engines required for stock car racing. That, combined with his skill as a driver, made him a very successful competitor. Drafted in 1951, he served his country in the 82nd Armored Recon Division, stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. After discharge from the service, he returned to the family farm, but the lure of auto racing and mechanics was his greater interest, which led him to begin his lifetime career with Sloan Ford in West Grove. After a brief time in the shop, he advanced to the sales department, specializing in the sale of trucks. Throughout his life, Jim had a strong work ethic that led to his success in the business world. In 1965, the family moved to Downingtown, where he opened a Ford franchise in partnership with the Sloan family. A new facility was built in 1973 in Exton, and in May 1982, he became the sole owner of Sloan Motors.

His other interests were flying, boating and time spent on the bay with his family, enjoying the sunsets in Avalon, N.J.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his son, James Steven Patterson (Kellyanne) of Downingtown; three grandchildren, Ryan Patterson (Katy) of Park City, Utah, Shelby Patterson of Thorndale, and Matthew Kennedy of Downingtown; one greatgrandchild, Brynn Patterson; and four sisters, Alice Andersen, Esther Dillman, Helen Rasmussen and Patricia Baily. Jim was predeceased by a son, John Robert Patterson; and by two sisters, Mary Marqui and Sarah Patterson.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 4 p.m. on June 9 at Central Presbyterian Church (100 W. Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown), where family and friends may call from 2 to 3:45 p.m. Interment will be held privately with the family at a later date. Contributions may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, Memorial Fund, at the above address, or the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202. Online condolences may be sent to www.jamesterryfuneralhome. com.

JAMES B. CROWL, JR.

James B. Crowl, Jr., 77, of Bridgeport, Wash., formerly of Oxford, passed away peacefully on May 20.

Jim was a loving husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim retired from the United States Navy after serving for 22 years as a parachute rigger, a portion of his service spent during the Vietnam War. He loved to camp, fish, cook, picnic, visit with family, and he especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

HAROLD E. FUTTY

Harold E. Futty, 92, of Oxford, passed away on April 7 after a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Elizabeth Harvey Futty, with whom they shared 68 years of marriage. Born in Childs, Md., in 1924, he was the son of the late Charles and Bertha Futty. He moved to the Oxford area when he was 2 years old and lived on the same property until his passing. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert Futty and Ralph Futty.

Harold was a member of the Christian Life Center, where he and Elizabeth both served on the prayer team. He also served as deacon at several local churches and tried to serve the Lord wherever he attended. He owned Harold E. Futty, Inc., a paving and excavating business where he did grading, dug basements and ponds, built horse race tracks and contracted with many local townships. In the winter, he would plow snow for both local townships and the state highway department. He sold his business in 1978 and went to work for Crouse Brothers of Elkton, Md., until his retirement. He loved the outdoors, and had a cabin in the mountains of Potter County where friends and family would visit. He enjoyed hunting deer and turkey. The grandchildren especially loved it there, and fondly referred to it as Pop-Pop’s hill. He also loved to visit with young people, and in his younger years, enjoyed his time as a local Boy Scout leader. He and Elizabeth loved to travel in their motor home, especially with friends, and tour across the country.

He is survived by two sons, Dennis (Susan) Futty of Chesapeake, Va., and Wayne (Sandra) Futty of Oxford; and one daughter, Kay (Raymond) of Chandler, Ariz. In addition, he was blessed with eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 10 at the Christian Life Center (128 Saginaw Rd., New London Township). Friends and family will begin to gather for the service at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Harold’s honor to Color Cut and Curls at 630 Chrome Road, Oxford, PA. 19363, with a memo “Wigs for Warriors.” They give wigs to women suffering from cancer. Online condolences may be made at www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Hall adjacent to the church. SOLOS has a mission of fostering Christian friendships and enjoyable activities for single people or married people whose spouses are not available for many social activities. The group is not intended to function as a matchmaking group. For reservations, email wgpres139@yahoo. com, or call 610-869-9458.

Jim is survived by his wife, Virginia K. Crowl; mother, Frances P. Crowl; daughter, Jeanette A. Crowl (William Korth); stepdaughters Julie K. Johnson and Anita A. Monroe (Randy); brothers and sisters Daniel J. Crowl (Pat), Mary L. Hastings (Marvin), Thomas P. Crowl (Donna Sue), Steven D. Crowl (Unchu), Deborah L. Spadaro (James); grandchildren Richard Crowl (Denise), Kyl Davis, J’Alee Crowl, Adam R. Monroe (Christina), Alisha F. Monroe, Randall D. Monroe, James R. Johnson, Charles J. Johnson (Alex), Jason Johnson and Kristina Kemnitz; nieces and nephews Wendy Hughes (Jeff), Penny Hatrick, Bryan Crowl (Ester), Alan Hastings, Donna Raffensburger (Joe), Phillip Crowl, Beverly Schwacke (Todd), Lisa Piper (David), Jessica Mathen (Eric), Shane Crowl (Heather), and Nickolas Spadaro; 14 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, James B. Crowl; infant brother, John D. Crowl; infant sister, Rebecca A. Crowl; his first wife, Leonee Lee Adams Crowl, and their daughter, Dyana M. Davis (William); stepson H. Charles Johnson, Jr.; brother-in-law Marvin Hastings; niece Cindy Crowl; and nephew Steven Crowl.

Alleluia

‘He

sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.’ Job 5:11

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

Student artists and Reenie Chase spotlighted in two Oxford shows

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The creative spirit is bursting out all over in the Oxford Arts Alliance’s annual Student Art Show, which spotlights the often refreshingly original work of the area’s young people.

Some schools submit examples of art class assignments that turned out well, but it’s the independent voices that stand out. Jordan Bank Elementary School kindergartners Brady Watson, Emily Weaver and Blake Ganow really reach out with their Picassoesque portraits. Nottingham Elementary third-grader Liam Montgomery’s painting of two pumpkins in the moonlight has a wonderful, close-cropped composition in which the shapes of the pumpkins are echoed in the moon in the upper left corner. The lighting and texture are just right.

Works from Bethany Christian Elementary School students are highlighted by the arrestingly intense gaze in the cat portrait by Emily Rodriguez, a first-grader. Elk Ridge Elementary’s highlights may be the delicate compositions of spindly flowers by Kaylee Quinlan and Keidi Zurita, which have a tranquil air about them.

The Oxford Arts Alliance’s Art Academy is represented as well. Emma Blomiley,

a seventh-grader, shows a portrait that’s splashed with exuberant flecks of orange, yellow and blue paint. The face is extremely well done, and the work dazzles with its riveting gaze. Intentional or not, the piece echoes the work of renowned artist Brett Walker, and Blomiley displays an artistic poise well beyond her years.

As in years past, the pencil portraits by Oxford Area High School students are again the highlights of the show. There’s an exceptional portrait of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia done by Hannah Bartlett, and a similarly wonderful pencil portrait by Mya Saltysiak.

Special note goes to Diana Zavala’s “Tupac” portrait as well.

Across the street, in the Arts Alliance’s Art Annex, there’s a large solo show by painter Reenie Chase that continues through June 30. “Amish Rafting” is a charming scene of young people playing in a stream. The work is nicely composed and suggests the warmth of a summer meadow.

“Technology Family

Night” is a wry commentary on disconnection via smartphone, and “Shadows” is a seemingly insignificant moment of people walking in a train station that has a real punch.

Among Chase’s animal portraits, the personalityfilled porcine portrait, “Miss Piggy,” is notable, and “Point to Point” expresses the energy and rush of competition with blurred paint. “Majestic Splendor” captures something of the muscular beauty of two white horses in mid-step.

The Oxford Arts Alliance

(38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts the Ninth Annual Student Art Show through June 16. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The solo exhibit by Reenie Chase continues through June 30 at the Oxford Arts Alliance Art Annex (19 S. Third St., Oxford). Visit www.oxfordart.org.

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

District superintendent David Woods stepped to the microphone and declared that the seniors were now officially graduates of Oxford Area High School, much to the delight of the audience and the graduates themselves. Woods, Canaday, and school board president Richard Orpneck then presented each member of the class of 2017 with a diploma.

When everyone from Daniel Alexander to Diana Zavala had received their diploma, it was then time for class president Anthony Gourdier to pass the president’s sash on to the 2018 class president, Sarah Robinson.

Giovan returned to the microphone to lead the class in the turning of the tassel, which sent the senior class into a frenzy of cheering and celebrating.

The concert choir of the senior class of 2017 performed the school’s alma mater, and then, with “Pomp and Circumstance” playing, the graduates took part in the recessional, concluding one chapter in their lives because it was time for the next chapter to begin.

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

Arscott takes reins as Stroud Center executive director

Stroud Water Research Center has announced that Bernard W. Sweeney, Ph.D., has been promoted from senior research scientist to distinguished research scientist, and David B. Arscott, Ph.D., is the new executive director.

In a recent letter to friends of the Stroud Center, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rodman W. Moorhead III, wrote, “Always passionate in the mission to advance freshwater research, education, and restoration, Bern stewarded the vision that Joan and Dick Stroud and Ruth Patrick, Ph.D., conceived 50 years ago. He helped build and strengthen the world-renowned Stroud Water Research Center for more than 40 years. After decades of such exceptional leadership, Bern is ready to focus on his primary passion at the Stroud Center, research, and continue to help with outreach and fundraising activities. To this end,

he is transitioning from Executive Director and will serve full-time as a scientist and President of Stroud Water Research Center, Inc.”

When Sweeney succeeded Robin Vannote as director in 1988, he had already spent 10 years overseeing the Entomology Group. In the early 1990s, he launched the education program for schools and public outreach initiatives to community groups.

A few years later, he helped guide the Stroud Center to independence from the Academy of Natural Sciences, and he has led it ever since as an independent institution.

He also opened the Maritza Biological Station (Estación Biológica Maritza), the Stroud Center’s field station in Costa Rica, which led to a series of tropical studies and education programs throughout Central and South America. As a scientist, Sweeney

has led research projects that have greatly contributed to the knowledge of how to restore and protect freshwater streams and rivers, such as the need for 100-foot streamside forest buffers along waterways to reduce flooding, bank erosion, and pollution.

Arscott came to the Stroud Center in 2003 to oversee the New York project, a three-year research project that tested the streams and rivers feeding Manhattan’s drinking water.

From 2006 to 2009, he served as a freshwater ecologist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) in Christchurch, New Zealand.

He returned to the Stroud Center in 2009 as the assistant director and as a research scientist, working closely with Sweeney on all phases of the operation, including helping to oversee the building of the LEED Platinum-certified

Moorhead Environmental Complex for education and public outreach. He holds a Ph.D. in freshwater ecology from the ETH Zurich/ EAWAG (the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), and he has worked on a range of aquatic issues in Europe, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Antarctica, and throughout North America.

In the same letter to Stroud Center friends, Moorhead also wrote, “Dave’s scientific background and inner knowledge of our operations make him an ideal choice to continue the Stroud Center’s cutting-edge research, award-winning education programs, and watershed restoration efforts throughout the region.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I share with you our confidence in Dave’s ability to lead Stroud Water Research Center with strength, optimism, and hope for the future of fresh water.”

Road Rally for Fresh Water takes drivers on a scenic ride

Stroud Water Research Center will continue its celebration of 50 years of freshwater research, education, and watershed restoration with the Road Rally for Fresh Water on June 11.

The goal of the project is to raise awareness and increase understanding of the important natural water resources of the southeastern Pennsylvania area. Drivers and their navigators will enjoy a fun afternoon driving by pastures full of horses, cows, and sheep, winding along back roads. Clues will lead the way, as participants count every stream they cross and answer questions about water and the scenic route.

All ages of cars – and participants -- are welcome to join. The event is not timed. Prizes will be awarded for answering questions correctly, ending up in the correct location, and winning a competitive category, such as Vehicle Most Likely to Get Stuck in a Creek The official pace car,

Grants available for farmland preservation

The Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation Board is accepting applications for two competitive programs funded by the Chester County Commissioners, the Commonwealth/County Program and the Chester County Challenge Grant Program. Both programs offer funds to qualifying Chester County farm owners who are interested in preserving their farms.

The county pays farm owners for their development rights in exchange for a permanent agricultural conservation easement

on their land.

To date, 460 farms totaling 37,270 acres have been preserved in Chester County through these programs.

“Even if land is enrolled in an Agricultural Security Area (ASA) or Act 319 (Clean and Green), farmers are still eligible to receive additional funds to preserve their farms. Farmers still own the land and can sell it or pass it on to the next generation as long as it remains in agriculture,” said Bill Gladden, director of Chester County’s Department of Open

Space Preservation.

Farms with 10 acres or more are eligible for both programs if they are adjacent to other permanently preserved land. For farms not adjacent to permanently preserved land, the acreage minimums are 50 acres for the Commonwealth/County Program and 25 acres for the Challenge Grant Program.

The application deadline for both programs is Aug. 1, 2017. For more information, visit www. chesco.org/openspace or call Geoff Shellington at 610-344- 6504.

sponsored by Axalta Coating Systems, which supplies paint for the world’s leading car manufacturers, will set off at 2 p.m. from the Stroud Center at 970 Spencer Road in Avondale. Participants will have a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Susquehanna River from the halfway point before ending at the Finish

Line Party at the privately owned Runnymede Sanctuary. Guests will enjoy a light dinner, and remarks by Stroud Center president Bern Sweeney, Ph.D. He will discuss watershed restoration practices seen during the afternoon drive. The Finish Line Party begins at 5 p.m. and is co-sponsored by

Period Architecture and Rittenhouse Builders. Road rally tickets include two Finish Line Party passes, or tickets to the Finish Line Party can be purchased separately. Ticketing and more information about the road rally can be found by visiting www.stroudcenter. org or calling 610-2682153, ext. 288.

Team volunteers on Land Conservancy preserves

An AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) team served with The Land Conservancy (TLC) for Southern Chester County through June 2.

The NCCC team of seven, Moose 6, from the Atlantic Region campus of Baltimore, assisted with maintaining TLC’s preserves, including grooming trails, building bridges, removing invasive species and tending native plants. The TLC staff members helped to teach

team members applicable skills, such as identification of regional flora and fauna, planting and grooming techniques and trail restoration procedures.

Sequoia Rock, land manager for TLC, said, “We are grateful for the help that the AmeriCorps NCCC team is giving us. They have an upbeat attitude and a great work ethic. We are having a lot of fun and getting a lot done on the TLC preserves.”

The Land Conservancy

of Southern Chester County has been actively promoting the preservation of natural spaces since the 1970s. The staff of seven, alongside interns, volunteers and a board of trustees, establishes conservation corridors, offers educational programming and engages the community in hopes of “...providing meaningful, hands-on interaction with the land that not only feeds our bodies, but also nourishes our health, our creativity, and our spirits.”

Avon Grove Lions Club picks Citizen of the Year

SUSPECT FLEES POLICE

On March 13, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale pursued a vehicle driven by Krystal Renee Chiveral, 33, of Elkton, Md., in connection with a retail theft. Chiveral refused to stop for police and a pursuit continued through Oxford Borough until it reached the Maryland state line. Charges of fleeing and eluding have been filed.

‘SECRET

SHOPPER’ SCAM

In February, a 49-year-old Lincoln University man was the victim of an email scam. The email asked him to be a secret shopper for Walmart. He was mailed a check, which he cashed, and wired the money as part of the “Secret Shopper” agreement. The check bounced and the victim lost approximately $2,000, according to a report from Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Anyone with information relating to this case, or similar cases, is asked to call Trooper Ryan Ard at 610-268-2022.

COPPER WIRE THEFT

On April 21, Chad Kenneth Williams, 38, of Conowingo, Md., stole coper wire from American Quality Electric in Lincoln University and sold it at a scrapyard. The wire was valued at $315.35. Theft charges have been filed, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

HOME ROBBED

On April 25 at 10:25 a.m., two men entered a home at 340 Fremont Road in West Nottingham Township and threatened the homeowner with a gun, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The men took about $5,000 from the home and fled in a silver, four-door car. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

TOOLS STOLEN FROM SCHOOL

On May 15, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale responded to the Pennock’s Bridge Technical College in Penn Township to investigate the theft of hand tools that had been removed from the school and hidden in a vehicle. Theft charges are pending.

TEEN FOUND WITH DRUGS

A 15-year-old boy at the Avon Grove Charter School was found to have marijuana and tobacco products on March 7, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The items were found by school personnel, and the boy was brought to the police station to be interviewed and processed.

FIGHT AT SCHOOL

On May 18 at 1 p.m., two teen boys were charged after they got in a fight at the Pennocks Bridge Technical College in Penn Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. They were charged with harassment.

GROCERIES STOLEN

On April 29, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Michelle Lynn Price and Roger Lee Pierce, both of Nottingham, after they removed a shopping cart full of perishables from the Oxford Walmart without paying. They were charged with retail theft.

ASSAULT CHARGES

On April 14 at 10 p.m., Sean Michael Carter, 39, was charged with assault by Pennsylvania State Police Avondale after he broke a car window and struck a 34-year-

old Quarryville woman in the face, causing injury, at the McDonald’s in Penn Township.

On April 23, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department charged Spencer P. Papi, 24, of Kennett Square, with simple assault and harassment. According to police, at 11:24 p.m., police were dispatched to the 300 block of Newark Road for an assault that had occurred a short time before in the 300 block of Harvest Lane in New Garden Township. The female victim reported that, during an argument, she had been struck multiple times by Papi with a closed fist. Police said that her injuries corroborated her allegation.

On May 13, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale charged Jesse Lee Boyd,

Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services Medic 94 has received the American Heart Association’s “Mission: Lifeline” EMS Gold Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience severe heart attacks.

Every year, more than 250,000 people experience

26, of Oxford with simple assault after he struck an unidentified woman in the head and pushed her down the stairs.

On April 13, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Timothy Robert Hershey, 37, of West Nottingham, on charges of aggravated assault and other related charges.

BURGLARY

On April 13, a home in Pennsbury Township was entered through a garage window after someone broke a window with a rock. Taken from inside the home was jewelry, a safe, cash, a jar of change, a passport and three birth certificates, two Apple iPads and a bedspread, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. An Apple Macbook was also taken from an office. The

an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the deadliest type of heart attack caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment.

“Mission: Lifeline” seeks to save lives by closing the gaps that separate these patients from timely access to appropriate treatments. The EMS recognition program recognizes

burglars fled through the front door.

DUI CRASH

On the morning of March 30, police responding to an auto accident at East Baltimore Pike and Baker Station Road in London Grove Township found an overturned dump truck. The driver, an unidentified 44-year-old Kennett Square man, was laying about 100 feet from the crash. He was arrested for DUI, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale.

DUI STOP LEADS TO ICE INVESTIGATION

On Feb. 21 at 2:23 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale stopped a vehicle being driven by Pedro ZavalaMendez, 40, of Mexico, on Gap Newport Pike in London Grove Township. He was charged with DUI. Police

emergency medical services for their efforts in improving systems of care and improving the quality of life for these patients.

Agencies that receive the

“Mission: Lifeline” Gold award have demonstrated at least 75 percent compliance for each required achievement measure for two years.

“Medic 94 is dedicated to

also learned he was under investigation for entering the United States illegally. Charges have been filed, and ICE is investigating.

LOWE’S SCAMMED

On May 2, two men entered the Lowe’s store in London Grove Township and committed a fraudulent return of merchandise for $309.08, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. They left in a gray Chevrolet Impala or similar vehicle. The scam is believed to be linked to a theft ring targeting Lowe’s stores in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Charges have been filed against Shamar Allah El-Shabazz, 52, of Wilmington, Del. Police are seeking another man in connection with this case.

HOUSE HIT WITH EGGS

On April 9, a home at

making our service among the best in the country, and the American Heart Association’s ‘Mission: Lifeline’ program is helping us accomplish that by implementing processes for improving systems of care with the goal of improving the quality of care for all acute coronary syndrome patients,” said SCCEMS chief executive officer Bob

306 Manor Drive in East Marlborough Township was pelted with 24 eggs, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. There are no suspects at this time.

ATTEMPTED

BURGLARY

On May 4, someone tried to get into the rear of a home at 403 Southbank Rd., London Britain Township, by pushing their way through the rear door. Dogs inside the home may have deterred the wouldbe burglars. Pennsylvania State Police Avondale later learned that two men, ages 18 to 22, were seen walking in the victim’s driveway and entering the backyard. Minutes later, they were seen leaving. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 610-268-2022.

Hotchkiss “We are pleased this year to be recognized along with our partner basic life support services at the Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford, West Grove Fire Company, Avondale Fire Company and the Christiana Community Ambulance for our dedication and achievements in emergency medical care for all cardiac patients ”

CLASSIFIEDS

make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to: Nancy Altman, Executrix, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363 , Or to her Attorney: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19363

5p-24-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Robert F. Mullen, Deceased, late of Newlin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania . Letters Testamentary on the above estate having been granted to the undersigned, all persons indebted to the estate are required to make payment, and those having claims to present the same, without delay to Executor: Robert T. Mullen, 3029 Maple Shade Lane, Wilmington, DE 19810 Or Attorney: Denise D. Nordheimer, Esq., 2001 Baynard Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802

5p-31-3t

Invitation to Bid

Southern Chester County School Districts are soliciting a bid for Milk and Bread items. Bid documents will be available on Friday June 2, 2017, via email request to Elizabeth Julian at ejulian@avongrove.org

Bidding will end at 10:00 am Thursday June 22, 2017. Bids will be publicly reviewed on Thursday June 22, 2017 at 10:00 am, at Avon Grove School District Office, 375 S. Jennersville Road, West Grove, PA 19390, 610-869-2441. 6p-7-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of Wayne O. Waltman, late of East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Wayne O. Waltman having been grant to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Debbie Waltman, Administrator, C/O Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire,

208 East Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 6p-7-3t

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to do engage in business under the fictitious name of Salt Works, located at 127 Jaffrey Road, Malvern, PA 19355, has submitted an application for a fictitious name under 54 Pa. C.S. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's The Salt Cave LLC 127 Jaffrey Road, Malvern, PA 19355 6p-7-1t

NOTICE OF FAMILY

COURT ACTION

Family Court for the State of Delaware Jesus McClain, on March 17, 2017, Adriana Gillot filed a Rescind of Guardianship petition against you in the Family Court of the State of Delaware for New Castle County. If you do not file an answer with the Family Court within 20 days after publication of this notice, exclusive of the date of publication,

PLAINTIFF

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the

money must be paid at the

and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-6-367 Writ of Execution No. 2014-07467

DEBT $436,268.23

ALL THAT CERTAIN, message, lot or piece of land situate on, in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described, as follows, to wit:

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described on a Plan of Lots for Inniscrone, Phases III-VI and recorded in Chester County as Plan No. 18662, as follows to wit: BEING Lot # 31, Phase V, as shown on said Plan.

BEING UPI Number 59-8-665

PARCEL No.: 59-008-0665-0000

BEING known as: 936 Aringa Way, Avondale, PA 19311

BEING the same property conveyed to Christina M. Wanner, unmarried woman, who acquired title by virtue of a Deed from NVR, Inc., a Virginia Corporation trading as NV Homes, dated March 28, 2012, recorded March 29, 2012, at Deed Book 8390, Page 1803, Chester County, Pennsylvania Records.

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

VS DEFENDANT: CHRISTINA M. WANNER

SALE ADDRESS: 936 Aringa Way, Avondale, PA 19311

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI, LLC, 614-220-5611

N.B.

or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-6-369 Writ of Execution No. 2016-10003 DEBT $159,511.09

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground situate in the Township of West Sadsbury, County of Chester and Commonwealth Pennsylvania bounded and described according to a Subdivision Plan of Property for Merv King made by Inland Design Civil Engineers and Land Development Consultants 759 East Lancaster Avenue Exton Pa dated 5/29/2014 last revised 7/14/2014 and recorded in Chester County as Plan File No. 19775 as follows to wit:

BEING Lot #1 as shown on said Plan.

BEING Tax ID/Parcel No. 36-04-0037 UPI 36-4-37

BEING part of the same premises which Nell K. Lawson by her AIF W. Jeffrey Whittle by Deed dated 7/15/1998 and recorded 7/22/1998 in Chester County in Record Book 4387 Page 1055 conveyed unto Deborah L. King, in fee.

PLAINTIFF: Santander Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: DEBORAH L. KING

SALE ADDRESS: 5117 Church Road (West Sadsbury Township), Atglen, PA 19310

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: PRESSMAN & DOYLE, 610-532-4222

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

CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-6-373 Writ of Execution No. 2016-12023 DEBT $173,308.67

PROPERTY situate in the Sadsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania

BLR# 37-3-23.2

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Freedom Mortgage Corporation VS

DEFENDANT: PATRICK C. SPINELLI a/k/a PATRICK SPINELLI and JOSEPH PATRICK SPINELLI a/k/a JOSEPH P. SPINELLI and SHARON SPINELLI

SALE ADDRESS: 610 North Culvert Street, Parkesburg, PA 19365-1182

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

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

Distribution

SALE NO. 17-6-375 Writ of Execution No. 2015-06123 DEBT $223,462.42

ALL THAT CERTAIN, message, lot or piece of land situate on, in the Township of Pennsbury, County of Chester, State of Pennsylvania, bounded and described as follows, to wit:

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in Pennsbury Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, described according to a Plan of “Section Two”, Fairville Hills, made by Van Demark & Lynch, Inc. Civil Engineers and Surveyors, dated June 26, 1957 and recorded in the Office for the recording of Deeds in Chester County in Plan Book 7 Page 14, as following, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the center line of the Wilmington-Kennett Turnpike (80 feet wide) as its intersection with the center line of a certain 50 feet wide right of way, thence extending along the center line of said 50 feet wide right of way of the two following courses and distances: (1) south 52 degrees 00 minutes 10 seconds west 188.39 feet to a point of curve in the same; (2) southwestwardly on the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of 375 feet the arc distance of 81.13 feet to a point in line of Lot No. 102 as shown on said Plan; thence extending along Lot No. 102 north 25 degrees 36 minutes 08 seconds west crossing the northwesterly side of said 50 feet wide right of way 375 feet to a point; thence extending north 52 degrees 00 minutes 10 seconds east crossing the southwesterly side of said Wilmington-Kennett Turnpike, 188.39 feet to a point on the center line of said Wilmington-Kennett Turnpike; thence extending along the same south 37 degrees 59 minutes 50 seconds east 375 feet to the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

BEING designated as Lot No. 101 on said Plan.

BEING UPI Number 64-005-0049.0200

PARCEL No.: 64-005-0049.0200

BEING known as:. 101 Wedgewood Drive, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

BEING the same property conveyed to Earl D. Shaffer, III and Jennifer M. Shaffer, husband and wife, as tenants by the entirety who acquired title by virtue of a Deed from Virginia P. Taylor by her attorney in fact John E. Taylor duly appointed by letter of attorney dated 9/14/2000, dated November 29, 2000, recorded December 5, 2000, at Deed Book 4861, Page 621, Chester County, Pennsylvania Records.

PLAINTIFF: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. VS DEFENDANT: EARL D. SHAFFER, III & JENNIFER M. SHAFFER

SALE ADDRESS: 101 Wedgewood Drive, Chadds Ford, PA 19317

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI, LLC, 614-220-5611

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-6-379 Writ of Execution No. 2015-06736 DEBT $330,840.36

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, situate in the Township of London Grove, County of Chester and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, being Lot No. 11 on said Plan, bounded and described according to a Record Plan of Lamborn Hunt prepared by Vandermark & Lynch, Inc., dated 6-30-2003, last revised 10-15-2003 and recorded in Plan Book 16896, Page 1 as follows to-wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the southeasterly side of Martha’s Way (50 feet wide), a corner of Lot No. 10 on said Plan; thence extending from said beginning point and along Martha’s Way the three following courses and distances, viz: 1) on the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of 475.00 feet the arc distance of 113.19 feet (and chord bearing of north 76 degrees 32 minutes 6 seconds east 112.92 feet) to a point of compound curve, thence 2.) on the arc of a circle curving to the right having a radius of

feet to a point on the southeasterly side of Martha’s Way, the first mentioned point and place of beginning.

TAX Parcel ID: 59-08-0449

BEING the same premises which Ronald E. Wittman, Jr. and Christine A. Wittman, husband and wife, by Deed dated 3/11/05 and recorded 3/12/05 in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds in and for the County of Chester, in Deed Book 9070, Page 809, and Instrument #11395483, granted and conveyed unto Christine A. Wittman, in fee.

PLAINTIFF: Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC VS DEFENDANT: RONALD E. WITTMAN, JR. and CHRISTINE A. WITTMAN

SALE ADDRESS: 109 Martha’s Way, West Grove, PA 19390

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-6-382 Writ of Execution No. 2012-10598 DEBT $123,880.96

PROPERTY situate in the Parkesburg Borough, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 8-5-83

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: Federal National Mortgage Association VS DEFENDANT: STANLEY R. PITNER and GIZELLA H. PITNER

SALE ADDRESS: 524 West 1st Avenue, Parkesburg, PA 19365-1206

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

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. 10% payment must be paid in cash, certified check or money order made payable to the purchaser or Sheriff of Chester Co. The final payment must be made payable to Sheriff of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate

By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file in her office located in the Chester County Justice Center, Office of the Sheriff, 201 West Market Street, Suite 1201, West Chester, Pennsylvania, a Schedule of Distribution on Monday, July 17th, 2017. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedule unless exceptions are filed hereto within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 17-6-390 Writ of Execution No. 2012-13358 DEBT $181,057.20

PROPERTY situate in the West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania BLR# 68-6-11.2

IMPROVEMENTS thereon: residential dwelling

PLAINTIFF: MTGLQ Investors, L.P. VS DEFENDANT: MARGARET B. BALL and GUY G. BALL, SR.

SALE ADDRESS: 40 Park Road, Nottingham, PA 19362-9104

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

ESTATE GARAGE SALE

Oak Dining Room Set, Oak Desk, Men’s Suits, Designer Women’s Winter Coats, Fur Coats, Maytag Washer & Dryer, Antique Pool Table, Assorted Crystal & Collectibles, Christmas Decorations, Books, Books & More Books, Household Items, Misc. Items and Pictures.

SATURDAY, JUNE 10

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

of Chester Co. & is due twenty-one (21) days from the date of sale by 2PM. CAROLYN B. WELSH, SHERIFF 5p-24-3t Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writ directed to Carolyn B. Welsh, Sheriff, will be sold at public sale, in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 West Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, announced on Thursday, June 15th, 2017 at 11AM prevailing time, the herein-described real estate. Notice is given to all parties in interest and

SALE NO. 17-6-406 Writ of Execution No. 2016-11614 DEBT $362,610,95

PREMISES “A” ALL THAT CERTAIN tract of land in London Britain Township, Chester County, PA, bounded and described according to a survey made by Arthur Crowell, Registered Surveyor, as dated March-April 1952, as follows:

BEGINNING at a post on southeast side of road leading to Landenberg, a corner of Herbert Lindsay in line of Robert L. Krause thence along road by line of Krause, the following distances, to wit: north 39 degrees 30 minutes east 130.6 feet to a corner of tract recently conveyed to E.B. Owens; thence leaving road by line of Owens crossing small run south 55 degrees 19 minutes east 566.8 feet in white flint stone; thence by same south 32 degrees 12 minutes east, 393.7 feet to a point on Orth side of White Clay Creek, passing over a black stone 212 feet from end of line; thence along north side of creek, south 81 degrees 23 minutes west, 229 feet and north 70 degrees 15 minutes west 222 feet thence leaving creek line of Herbert Lindsay, passing through a large white oak distance 30 feet, recrossing small run north 31 degrees 49 minutes west, 606 feet to place of beginning.

BEING Lot No. C on said Plan

BEING UPI No. 73-3-11

SUBJECT to the joint use and maintenance of 25 feet wide driveway easement by the owners of Lots 1, 2 and C.

PREMISES “B”

ALL THAT CERTAIN Lot or piece of ground with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate in the Township of London Britain, County of Chester, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a Record Final Plan of Properties owned by Dominick J. Baffone, III, Jean M. Baffone, H & W, Marc A. Baffone and Kathleen W. Baffone, H & W, and Eugene F. Oates and Frances H. Oates, H & W, made by Crossan-Raimato, Inc., West Grove, Pennsylvania, dated 03/17/1999 and last revised 09/24/1999 and recorded as Plan File No. 15152, as follows, to wit:

BEGINNING at a point on the title line in the bed of Mercer Mill Road (T-317) at a common corner of Lots B and C as shown on said Plan; thence from said beginning point and extending through the bed of said road north 41 degrees, 18 minutes, 42 seconds east, 88.04 feet to a point, a corner of lands now or late of Mark E. Schroeder, et ux; thence extending along lands of the same south 89 degrees, 08 minutes, 24 seconds east, 931.35 feet to a point, a corner of Lot B; aforesaid; thence extending along the same the two following courses and distances: (1) south 64 degrees, 28 minutes, 00 seconds west, 698.08 feet to a point; (2) north 55 degrees, 19 minutes, 00 seconds west, crossing over a certain proposed 25 feet wide driveway easement 437.14 feet to a point, being the first mentioned point and place of beginning. TITLE to said premises is vested in Lisa DeBarardinis and David W. Owens by Deed from Eugene F. Oates and