Chester County Press 06-14-17 Edition

Traffic concerns raised over Amish farm at intersection

‘If a car hits a person or a horse, it will be a death,’ says former township supervisor Nan

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Nan Latimer has lived on Appleton Road for 22 years, and she has seen the country road turn into a high-speed shortcut for commuters. But Latimer, who is a former supervisor in Franklin Township, is most concerned about the risk of a fatal accident at the intersection of Appleton and Strickersville roads.

The family of Samuel and Sallie Stoltzfus recently purchased a 107-acre farm at the intersection near Latimer’s home, and they have been raising dairy cattle. The Amish fam-

ily crosses the intersection several times a day, both on foot and with teams of horses, and drivers on Appleton Road may not be aware of the hazards.

In comments shared with the Chester County Press, Latimer wrote, “I talked to Samuel and he said that he observes confusion at the intersection, with many cars stopped at the Strickersville stop sign proceeding into the intersection, even when there is a car approaching on Appleton Road. Drivers think it is a four-way stop. He also indicated that, in his travels, most of the

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Latimer

the graduates

London Grove supervisors discuss planned State Road sidewalk project

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

With engineering drawings presenting two options for a planned sidewalk project for State Road in West Grove now in their hands, the London Grove Board of Supervisors made plans at their June 7 meeting to enlist the input of landowners along the road as the project moves forward.

The drawings, submitted to the township by McMahon Associates, present two different options for a five-foot-wide sidewalk which, if built, will extend on the south side of State Road from Route 841-Wickerton Road to Schoolhouse Road, just

School districts finalize budgets for 2017-2018

Kennett School Board adopts $84.2 million spending plan with a 2.18 percent tax increase

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

During the last few months, the projected expenditures in the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) budget for the 2017-2018 school year trended in the right direction—declining from the $84.5 million that was initially included in the preliminary budget that was approved in February to the $84.2 million that the school board authorized during the adoption of the final budget on June 12. The budget was approved by a vote of 6 to 0. That tax rate is increasing to 29.8789 mills. That’s an increase of approximately 2.18 percent over the current year, according to the district’s business administrator, Mark Tracy. For the average taxpayer in the district, the tax bill will increase by $116 per year as a result of the millage increase. Tracy said that the spend-

ing plan was developed during a series of eight budget meetings of the district’s Finance Committee, starting last fall.

School board president Kendra LaCosta said that district officials always work hard to limit the tax increases, and she believes that they did a good job of doing that this year, considering that the items that were driving expenditures up are beyond the school district’s control.

The expenditures of $84.2 million amount to an increase of about $2.5 million over the current year. The biggest impact on the budget is once again the school district’s state-mandated contribution to the Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). The PSERS costs have been increasing dramatically for Pennsylvania schools during the last decade. For the

In Avon Grove, school taxes are increasing by about 2.5 percent to support a $93.6 million budget

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Avon Grove School District finalized the budget for the 2017-2018 school year, adopting the $93.6 million spending plan by a vote of 8 to 0 at the June 8 meeting.

The tax rate will be increasing by 2.5 percent, from 29.040 mills to 29.7700 mills, to balance the budget. For the average homeowner in the district, with a home at the median assessed value of $169,000, that translates into a tax increase of $123.

Superintendent Dr. Christopher Marchese said at a meeting in April that the budget for 2017-2018 continues the school district’s efforts to reinvest in the schools to balance some of the cuts that were made to programs between 2009 and 2013. The reinvestment has focused on technology, curriculum and instruction, and personnel—all areas that

impact student achievement in the classrooms.

The budget supports the district’s goals that were established in the strategic plan, and includes funding for a full-day kindergarten program that will start in the fall.

Overall, spending is increasing by about $2.3 million over the current year. State-mandated increases in PSERS retirement costs, occupational education tuition costs for students that attend the Chester County Intermediate Unit classes, and expenditures associated with the full-day kindergarten program had the biggest impact on the budget. School districts across Pennsylvania have been dealing with rapidly increasing retirement costs. For the 2017-2018 school year, Avon Grove’s PSERS costs are increasing by another $1 million. In the last ten years, Avon Grove’s PSERS costs have gone

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before Avon Grove High School. One option would present a sidewalk that butts up against State Road, while a second option provides for a sidewalk and a two-foot grass buffer between State Road and the sidewalk. While the board discussed the necessary punch-list items that normally accompany a project of this kind -- grant submissions, verification of right-of-ways and construction costs -- the most immediate priority, it agreed, will be to speak with those residents whose properties would be impacted, should the project receive final approval. “When you’re dealing

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A promising start

By Uncle Irvin

The recent introduction of the proposed Kennett Library/ Borough building complex looks like a promising start of what will be a long, Herculean task. The common building as proposed looks like a better deal for the borough than the library. The design calls for underground parking, which is expensive to construct, and also calls for paid parking and meters. This concept will work for visitors to the Kennett facilities, but not for visitors to the Kennett Library.

Library visitors want – no, demand – free, on-site parking with plenty of handicap

Traffic...

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crossroad intersections are four-way stops in the area, which adds to the confusion.”

Latimer said that “Many times as I pull out of my driveway, a car that is not in my sight distance is riding my bumper almost immediately, and

sometimes when I am not traveling at the faster speed, they pull out and pass me on a double line.

In addition, tractor trailers travel on this road. The road is narrow and some have become stuck on the side of the road because a tire slipped off the road into the mud.

“I have had five incidents in which drivers

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have lost control of their vehicles and crashed into my fence, which is set back off the road by 10 to 15 feet,” Latimer added. “My daughter had a crash at the intersection when someone pulled out in front of her as she traveled south on Appleton Road. The other driver said, ‘I thought it was a four-way stop.’”

The stop signs on Strickersville Road do indicate that oncoming traffic does not stop, but the warnings are too often ignored by inattentive drivers.

Latimer has lobbied for stop signs to be placed on Appleton Road to slow traffic and ensure the safety of the Stoltzfus family, but so far, her attempts have been futile.

“In March, I approached the staff at Franklin Township and asked for help,” Latimer wrote. “The staff at the office contacted PennDOT and asked for a stop sign. They were told that a stop sign was not warranted as there were not the required five reportable crashes in the

last year. A reportable crash is when a tow truck is required to remove the vehicle and/or a ambulance is called due to injuries or death. … As to their reportable crashes, if a car hits a person or a horse, it will be a death.”

State Police officials have said the sight distance at the intersection was adequate, Latimer said, but she is concerned that children or slowmoving teams of horses may not be avoidable by drivers.

“I went to John Lawrence’s town meeting on May 15 and asked for his help,” Latimer wrote. “I have purchased two stop signs myself and would donate them to the township to be put up. He indicated that PennDOT was not easy to work with.”

Latimer will bring up the issue at the June 21 Franklin Township Board of Supervisors meeting, addressing the intersection but also advising residents of the presence of the Amish farm, which is the township’s first.

“Although there has been farming at the crossroad for more than 100 years, the type of farming has returned to where it started,” Latimer wrote. “They use family labor and horses during their work day. The family, including children, cross the road

on foot from the house to the barn to milk the cows and do other farm chores. Teams of horses cross the road from the barn to the house and fields to work. The mode of transportation for the family is horse and buggy.”

Meanwhile, Latimer has contacted local school bus companies so that their drivers are made aware of the hazards of the intersection, as well as local trash companies. Beyond that, she is waiting to see what she can get done through the Board of Supervisors after the June 21 meeting.

A letter written to PennDOT by the Stoltzfus family reads, in part, “Our concern is that our children will need to cross the road multiple times a day in order to operate our family farm there at the property, and the existing traffic runs very fast through the intersection. We feel that if there were a four-way stop at the intersection it would be much safer for our children and also for vehicle drivers who would be crossing through a working farm.”

Franklin Township Board of Supervisors chairman John Auerbach shares Latimer’s concern, and submitted a letter he wrote several years ago about road conditions in the township. “In my 35 years of living here, the Franklin Township and

PennDOT have made significant improvements in the quality of our roads in the form of signage, drainage, shoulder improvements and some adjustments to curves and hills,” Auerbach wrote.

“Unfortunately, the basic configuration of our roads lacks the engineered design of new roads. As our area developed, the unsealed paths that served early farms were just paved, without employing engineering techniques. We have well-maintained roads that are poorly designed with bad curves, hills, bumps, and many driveways with inadequate sight distance”

In the case of the proposed stop signs, Auerbach wrote, “A four-way stop at this intersection would surely be a traffic calming feature and increase safety for drivers, horse-drawn carriages, and pedestrians. The four-way stop sign system installed at routes 896 and 841 has been a huge success in reducing the number and severity of traffic conflicts. The primary advantage of the four-way is that traffic in all directions must stop. If there is a conflict, the vehicle velocity is low, and serious injuries are avoided.”

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

Kennett school board...

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2017-2018 school year, PSERS costs are increasing by about 9 percent for KCSD. That amounts to a $948,000 increase from one year to the next.

Other items impacting the budget include the increased costs for students utilizing the wide variety of educational services offered by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, as well as tuition costs for students who are enrolled in charter schools.

School Board member Rudy Alfonso said that the district is getting a good return on its investment because of the education that students receive. He explained that the students are well-prepared for college or to enter the workforce by the time they graduate from Kennett High School.

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from $1.9 million a year in 2007 to $10.5 million for the 2017-2018 school year. That’s a 500 percent increase.

“The increases in the PSERS costs alone necessitate the need to seek increases in revenue,” said school board president Bonnie Wolff in a statement that was posted on the district’s website. “The mandated costs imposed on us by the Department of Education are completely beyond the control of the Avon Grove School Board. We have purposefully sought efficiencies in our operating costs in an effort to direct resources to our academic program for the sole benefit of our students.”

School board vice president Brian Gaerity talked about the importance of providing a high-quality education for students.

“I want to thank the taxpayers for their support of high-quality of education,” Gaerity said, explaining

Uncle Irvin...

Continued from Page 1A spaces. To spend millions to upgrade the Kennett Free Library and not to have 50 free spaces will kill fundraising at all levels, and the building will never happen. If this complex building is to succeed, the library must get free parking concessions from the borough to begin with.

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

The school board also approved the creation of a new, 12-month position—the director of curriculum and math and science instruction—and a new school district organizational chart that includes this new position. Dr. Lydia Hallman was then appointed to fill the new position beginning on July 1.

Dr. Barry Tomasetti noted that at one time the district had an assistant superintendent position that specically handled curriculum and instruction. This new position will facilitate the writing of curriculum and the planning for staff development. The director of curriulum and math and science instruction will collaborate with department chairpersons and the administration.

Several school board members lauded Hallman’s work in the district and said

that the community has prioritized delivering a highquality education to students. He added that several studies have illustrated that Avon Grove provides a good return on investment by producing high academic achievement at a lower perpupil cost.

In other business at the June 8 meeting, the school board approved a new fiveyear contract for business manager Daniel Carsley. The new contract extends from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2022. As part of the agreement, Carsley receives a new title: He is now the director of business administration and chief financial officer.

High school principal Scott DeShong recognized the sports teams and athletes who were standouts during the spring semester.

DeShong also made a presentation about the Avon Grove High School 2017 graduate profile. With the graduation ceremony just a few days away, DeShong provided some statistics about what students are choosing to do after they

that she will be a good fit for the new position.

Judith Durante was appointed to serve as the supervisor of language arts and social studies. Durante earned a bachelor’s degree in English and certification as a principal from Immaculata University, and a master’s in curriculum and instruction specializing in language and literacy from the University of Delaware. She has been a Middle School English teacher in the district since 1988.

Durante was also praised by Tomasetti and several school board members.

With the start of a new fiscal year approaching, the school board’s agenda also included a number of appointments and contract approvals.

The board approved a contract between the school district and Jane Pedroso for consulting and transitioning

graduate from Avon Grove. Approximately 91 percent of the students are heading off to pursue some form of post-secondary education, with nine percent choosing to enter the workforce. Of those choosing post-secondary education, 78 percent are going to a four-year institution, while 22 percent are seeking a two-year associate’s degree or heading off to a trade school.

Science is the most popular area of concentration for students heading to college, DeShong said, followed by business, liberal arts, and engineering.

The 456 members of Avon Grove’s Class of 2017 were able to earn more than $4.3 million in scholarships for higher education, DeShong said, which marked another significant increase over the previous year.

The school board approved start times for the 2017-2018 school year. The student day in the elementary schools will run from 8:25 a.m. To 3:15 p.m. And the student day for secondary schools will be 7:30 a.m. To 2:25 p.m. at the Fred S. Engle

services at a rate of $99 per hour during the term of the agreement, which is July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Pedroso will plan some of the district’s summer school offerings, and will also help Durante transition into the new role as supervisor of language arts and social studies, a position that Pedroso previously held for the district.

For the last two years, the S4Teachers LLC (Source4Teachers) company has provided KCSD with daily substitutes for certificated and non-certificated staff members. The district is now approving a contract with S4Teachers LLC that will extend from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2021. The board also approved an amendment to the agreement with West Health Advocate Solutions, Inc. The company will prodvide Employee Assistance

Middle School, and 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Avon Grove High School.

Several parents of special needs students expressed their serious concerns that the therapists that had been working with their children will no longer be helping them because the school district had decided to contract with a different company for those services. The parents talked about how the relationships formed between special needs students and their therapists are critically important, and months of progress could be lost as a result of the change. The therapists provide both occupational and physical therapy to the students.

In response to those concerns, the school board requested that the item be pulled from the agenda for an explanation about the change to a new company.

A 45-minute discussion followed, with several school district officials carefully explaining some of the ways in which the current company had been unresponsive to requests for additional supports.

Program services to the district after taking over Human Management Services, Inc., the company that previously provided those services.

Business manager Mark Tracy was elected to continue to serve as the secretary of the school district for a four-year term ending on June 30, 2021. Board member Dominic Perigo was elected to serve as the assistant secretary of the district. That term also expires on June 30, 2021.

The district is extending its agreement of services with the YMCA of Greater Brandywine to utilize the YMCA’s facilities for several different student activities. The agreement now extends through June 30, 2022.

The district retained the firm of Barbacane Thornton and Company, LLP, certified public accountants, to conduct the independent

Marchese said that they’ve been looking at how services to students could be improved for more than a year, and they determined through their analysis that there was a better program that would provide supports that aren’t available through the current provider.

The superintendent added that he completely understands the concerns of the parents, but the district’s professionals came to the conclusion that students would be best served through a new program. He lauded the efforts of the individual therapists who work with the Avon Grove, and said that it’s possible that some of the therapists could work with the new provider. Marchese said that the ultimate goal is to not just continue to meet the IEP goals, but to exceed them, and the district’s professionals are confident that this will be a change that produces positive results.

“This company works with many school districts in the region,” Marchese said. “There is an opportunity for a variety of support

audit for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2017. There are options for the fiscal years ending in June of 2018 and June of 2019 as well. KCSD will continue providing extended bus transportation service to five local licensed child care centers, which will allow children attending these centers to be transported to their residential elementary school even though the child care center is located outside the attendance area. The licensed child care centers will reimburse the district for the actual costs of the extended bus service. The Kennett School Board will meet again on Monday, July 10. The meeting will be held at the Mary D. Lang Kindergarten Center at 7 p.m.

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

programs to be included.” District officials made it clear that they made numerous attempts to get the current provider to offer the support programs that they wanted, including data that would illustrate the progress that students are making.

The school board, wanting to be responsive to the concerns that were raised by parents, asked Marchese and the administration to go back to the company currently providing the services to seek, once again, the supports that they want. If that effort doesn’t produce positive results, the district administration may come back to the board looking for approval to hire a new company to provide the services.

The Avon Grove School Board will not hold a meeting in July so the next meeting will take place on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Avon Grove Intermediate School Audion.

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

U-CF School Board ready to OK final budget

By John Chambless Staff Writer

In their last work session of the school year, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board approved a long list of contracts, appointments and salaries at their June 12 meeting. Next week, they put final approval on the biggest ticket of the year, the general fund budget.

The board will vote on June 19 to approve a budget with revenues of $84,918,161 and expenditures of $84,932,572. The real estate tax will be 28.41 mills per dollar (or $2.841 per $100 of assessment) on the assessed value of taxable real property in Chester County, and 23.63 mills per dollar (or $2.363 per $100 of assessment) on property in Delaware County. The long-simmering issue

of the roof of the Unionville High School auditorium is finally moving toward resolution, and the board approved an agreement with a company called One Beacon to install sounddeadening roofing because the auditorium is very noisy during heavy rain. The original architects of the project, MM Architects, will be responsible for paying the estimated $239,000 repair cost. The school district will not pay anything under the agreement.

The board heard about a new ropes course for Unionville’s ninth-grade physical education classes that, if approved, will be installed by Phoenix Experiential Designs for a cost of $10,600. A vote will be taken on June 19.

The board also discussed a proposal to have ChescoNET provide fiber-optic connec-

tions from all the district’s elementary schools to the main data center at Unionville High School. The cost would be $50,400 per year for five years, and $36,540 after five years.

The board discussed a trip to Quebec City that is proposed for middle school French students in January 2018, and is slated to approve new textbooks for social studies classes at the high school next week.

The lengthy list of contract approvals and personnel items for next year included salary approvals for administration, professional and

support staff for 2017-18. That list will be posted on the district’s website (www. ucfsd.org) on June 16. There was a lengthy discussion of a proposal to increase compensation for substitute teachers. Principals from several schools told the board that they are having difficulty filling all substitute requests, and that the school district’s compensation rate has not kept up with surrounding districts.

The board’s final meeting will be held June 19 at the District Office public meeting room (740 Unionville Rd., Kennett Square). The

public is invited to attend. The meetings will resume in August.

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

Kennett High School’s 126th commencement

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

When graduation speaker Gemma Erickson stepped to the microphone at a few minutes after 6 p.m. and offered a welcome to Kennett High School’s Class of 2017 and their families and friends, she gave some words of advice to her fellow classmates: “Relax, smile, and take a deep breath of gratitude.”

Then she added, “Yes, we are actually seated for our high school graduation ceremony!”

For the 301 members of the graduating class, Kennett High School’s 126th commencement ceremony on June 9 marked a significant milestone in their young lives.

As class president Luke Beeson explained in his welcome address, “This is the day we have all been working toward for most of our lives. Today is the culmination of the work we put into learning how to spell in kindergarten, practicing times tables in fourth grade, and ‘reading’ all of those books over our summer breaks. You should feel extremely proud of all that you have accomplished.”

According to Erickson, the blue and white caps and gowns that the members of the Class of 2017 were wearing signified their journey to this moment.

“We worked towards this achievement from the first day our parents

sent us off to kindergarten wearing our Velcro sneakers and carrying our tiny backpacks,” she said. “Let us take a moment now to thank everyone who has brought us to this point. Parents, teachers, mentors, administrators, and coaches, we are eternally grateful for everything you have helped us to achieve. Through your guidance, we have grown into successful individuals who are ready to take on the world. And, today, we step into a new and exciting chapter in our lives.”

Beeson previewed the speeches by Melissa Houck, Aliyah Asel, Zach Hrenko, and Ben Skross focused on the theme, “Now is the Time...” with each speech concentrating on a different aspect of what it is time for.

In her speech “Now is the Time… to Remember Our Past,” Houck reflected on how she and her classmates reached graduation day.

“As these last four years at Kennett High School are coming down to their final minutes, we should remember how much we have changed and accomplished in these years,” she said, explaining that when they entered the high school as freshman they were still a little childish, maybe, but they were able to adapt to the many changes. She said that they started finding out how they were going to fit in the next four years.

As sophomores, they still didn’t think too much about

the future, but they were starting to think about possible careers they might want to pursue.

By the junior year, “Our aspirations, goals, and achievements weren’t seen as childish anymore,” Houck said. “We had an idea where we wanted our place in the world to be.”

Then came the senior year. “All eyes were on us,” Houck said. “We were finally ready to be the captains of your sports teams, the leads in the musicals, and the people who can make a difference in the world.”

In his speech, Skross encouraged his classmates to develop a vision for how they can accomplish their dreams.

“Our dream to live this happy and successful life is bigger than our careers,” Skross said. “Our pursuit of happiness doesn’t have to wait until we are twenty or thirty or fifty. Happiness can be achieved right now. The whole picture doesn’t have to be clear. We don’t have to know every aspect of our dream. The road to achieving our dreams is hard work, but when it gets tough, think, ‘If not you, who? If not now, when?’ All it takes is one small step, then another, then another. We don’t leap a

mile. But, if we keep going, we’ll get there.”

Asel talked about how the students have learned how to speak up, and how they have found their voices in some way or another during their academic careers at Kennett High School.

“In the past four years, we’ve all learned and experienced so much, both in and out of the classroom,”

Asel said. “We’ve learned how to analyze literature and balance chemical equations. We’ve learned new languages and how to build robots. We’ve started clubs, we’ve traveled to foreign countries, and we’ve learned new instruments. We’ve learned how to be our best selves.

We’ve learned how to be leaders. We step into the next phases of our lives

wearing shoes that seem too big to fill. The possibilities are endless, and many of us have no clue where we want to end up. But, we’ll get there. And, while our paths may diverge, whether we choose to be artists or lawyers, entrepreneurs, or anything else, we will all remember what we’ve learned here: how to be leaders; how to be kind; how to make a difference.”

Zach Hrenko said that everything that the members of the Class of 2017 have learned up to this point builds to one theme: “The world is amazing. Humans are amazing.”

“Placed in such an immense, puzzling world, we are always figuring it out,” Hrenko said. “Ancient Greeks determined the circumference of the earth

without seeing more than a few square miles of it. They used the same formula for a circle that we learned in class. We have studied how great minds of the past stared into this complex universe and formulated incredible theories like evolution and gravity. They all started with pencil and paper. They had eyes and brains, and they used them just as we do.”

Hrenko concluded his remarks by quoting from an ancient Indian text when he said, “The little space within the heart is as great as the vast universe. The heavens and the earth are there, and the sun and the moon and the stars. Fire and lightening and winds are there, and all that now is and all that is not,” he said. Then Hrenko added,

“Kennett High School Class of 2017, no matter where you are headed, do something worth learning about. You have seen the bigger picture. Now is the time to pick up a brush and add some more to it.”

Superintendent Dr. Barry Tomasetti, high school principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz, and assistant principal Dr. Tomorrow Jenkins all talked about the achievements of the Class of 2017.

Jenkins had the honor of announcing that the senior class had earned a combined $9.3 million in scholarships and awards.

Hritz called the Class of 2017 a unique group of students who were scholars, athletes, singers, artists, innovators and philanthropists.

Tomasetti, who had the honor of presenting the Class of 2017 to receive the diplomas, congratulated the students on their hard work that resulted in Kennett High School being ranked among the best high schools.

“Seniors,” Tomasetti said, “this is your night. Cherish it. You have a very exciting mission in front of you.”

School board vice president Joseph Meola led the awarding of diplomas, with assistant principal Jeffrey Thomas announcing the roll call of graduates— the highlight of the evening and the moment that students and parents had been looking forward to for a long time.

Commencement

During the announcement of awards, Colleen Allen, the chairperson of the guidance department, recognized dozens of students who earned local scholarships and awards.

Jacqueline Tucker was awarded the high school’s highest honor, the W. Earle Rupert Memorial Cup, which is given to the senior member of the National Honor Society who, in the judgment of the faculty, is deserving of the special honor by virtue of scholarship, school spirit, and service to Kennett High School. The Advisor’s Cup went to Beeson. This award is given annually to the student who has given much time and service to the senior class, and who has served as the class president.

If there was recurring theme throughout the evening’s speeches by both

the students and the school district officials, it was that the students were wellprepared for their future as a result of the education they received at Kennett schools. And that education will be important to the graduates as they journey through the rest of their lives.

Erickson quoted Nelson Mandela when she said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. So, let us use our education to make a difference not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others. Let us apply our intelligence to champion a cause about which we are passionate. Let us transform the world with our knowledge, our hearts, and our whole beings.”

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

The intersection of simplicity and danger

The road between simple faith and the dangers of the modern world runs right between the home and barn owned by Samuel and Sallie Stoltzfus.

The Amish family recently purchased 107 acres of farmland near the intersection of Appleton and Strickersville roads, and are in the process of renovating the barn and operating a dairy farm. Their home sits diagonally across the intersection from the barn, and they must travel several times a day to milk the cows and perform other chores.

The first Amish family to move into Franklin Township is acutely aware of the dangerous Appleton Road, which runs north-south on their property. Its intersection with Strickersville has stop signs, as well as signs warning drivers that traffic on Appleton Road does not stop, but that hasn’t prevented several near-misses at the intersection as inattentive drivers assume they are approaching a four-way stop.

Former Franklin Township supervisor Nan Latimer lives nearby, and her daughter had a crash at the intersection when the other driver thought it was a four-way stop.

The Stoltzfus family has horse-drawn farm equipment and buggies which travel across the intersection. Samuel Stoltzfus spoke informally to the Chester County Press last week, saying that a truck had recently pulled into the intersection and nearly collided with a car on Appleton Road. He has written to PennDOT to request stop signs for Appleton Road, and Latimer has taken up his case, but the official ruling from PennDOT is that there must be five “reportable” accidents at an intersection before they will consider installing stop signs.

“Would you like to be one of those accidents?”

Stoltzfus asked a reporter last week. He fears that the first of these accidents could be one of his family members being struck by a vehicle.

Cars on Appleton Road routinely exceed the speed limit. There are Amish buggy signs posted north and south of the Stoltzfus property, but being vaguely aware that there might be horse-drawn equipment somewhere ahead doesn’t do much to prevent a tragedy.

The farm has been used in years past, but the owners had motorized vehicles that had lights and safety equipment, and could quickly move to avoid a collision. When the property was laid out, Appleton Road was a slow, country lane. Now, it’s a commuter route from housing developments in the area. Busy at all times of the day, it’s a vital corridor in the township but it runs right through the Stoltzfus front yard.

Lancaster County Amish farms are often bisected by roads that are no longer meandering pathways, and there have been ongoing safety concerns. This case is new for this area of Chester County, and while Latimer and current Board of Supervisors chairman John Auerbach are concerned about the Stoltzfus family, they are at the mercy of PennDOT rules.

Of course, while an intersection can be considered hazardous by someone, putting up stop signs at random cannot be allowed. Balancing public safety with a driver’s right to travel is always going to be tricky, but relying on the “five accidents first” guideline for stop sign installation in this case is a chilling proposition.

A resolution must be reached before a tragedy occurs.

Chester County Press

Letter to the Editor

Several issues to consider about the proposed parking garage

Letter to the Editor:

I am a resident of West Nottingham Township and come into Oxford at least three times a week to use the library, Ware fitness center, Oxford Arts Alliance, Neighborhood Thrift Store, Oxford Feed and Lumber, and other businesses, as well as attending Third Fridays. I usually park in the 2nd Avenue lot across from the library or the Broad Street parking.

Without deciding whether or not a parking garage should be built, I would like to raise several issues to be considered:

First: I suggest the borough first test the willingness of people to pay the cost of parking in a parking garage. This could be done by implementing what I understand is the borough’s plan to meter all current parking spots, including the lot across from library, and

increasing the cost to 25 cents per quarter hour. If people are not willing to pay for this metered parking, they may not be willing to pay for the cost of using the parking garage.

Second: I noticed in one of the documents from the borough that ideas other than a garage for increased parking were considered, including: creating more onstreet parking, which might involve designating some streets are one way; negotiating use of parking lots of the churches, fire hall, and other businesses; and metering all downtown parking at a higher rate. These ideas would cost far less than building a garage, and might meet Oxford’s needs.

Third: A recent Letter to the Editor by John J. Cioban ( Chester County Press, May 31, 2017) persuasively argues that the proposed cost of the park-

ing garage plus Borough Hall will amount to double the cost estimated by Oxford Borough. An internet search shows that the cost of building a parking garage varies from $15,000 to $30,000 per parking spot. The estimated cost proposed by the borough of $5.7 million reflects the low end estimate of $15,000 per space. I am concerned that the estimates on which the borough is relying are too low, and that costs will be significantly higher. Furthermore, I don’t know if the $5.7 million includes the cost of building a borough hall. For these reasons, the actual cost of building the multi-use parking garage will likely be significantly more than proposed.

Fourth: The assumption that half of the spaces in the parking garage would be filled five days a week

seems overly optimistic. That would mean that 188 more cars would be parking in downtown Oxford five days a week. This seems unrealistic.

Fifth: If a garage were to be built, I would like it to conform to the prior building height limit (three stories?). The proposed parking garage would be over four stories tall, as it includes rooftop parking. I believe this height, plus the mass of the garage, will overpower the smaller buildings in downtown Oxford and negatively impact the feel of the borough. If the garage needs to have four levels, maybe one of the levels could be underground (although I suspect this is more expensive), thus keeping the height consistent with downtown buildings.

Anita Bower Nottingham

Penn Township gets state grant grant for lighting replacements

On June 9, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that municipalities will receive $6 million in Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding for 27 safety projects statewide.

“Keeping people moving is about more than improving roads and bridges – it also includes ensuring that traffic signals are operating as efficiently as possible,” Wolf said. “These investments help communities bring their signals to

today’s standards and better respond to traffic demands today and in the future.”

In Chester County, Penn Township will get $48,862 to replace the LEDs along Old Baltimore Pike and Jennersville Road.

County projects also include work in East Bradford and Easttown townships.

Under state law, fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia sup-

ply the grant funding. Pennsylvania’s ARLE program aims to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue.

The law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding.

Municipalities submitted more than 140 applications,

totaling approximately $29.8 million. Projects were selected by an eight-member committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing. This investment brings the total investments awarded through the ARLE funding program since 2010 to $45.4 million, funding 298 safety projects. For more information, visit www.penndot.gov.

Motorcycle food run to benefit Neighborhood Services Center set for July 1

The Chester County chapter of A.B.A.T.E. will be holding the 28th annual Dwight Wallace Memorial Motorcycle Food Run to benefit the Neighborhood Services Center on Saturday, July 1.

The group will gather in the parking lot of the Shoppes at Jenner’s

Village, at the intersection of Old Baltimore Pike and Route 796 in Jennersville, at noon. Participants will depart at 1 p.m. for the ride to the Neighborhood Services Center, where all the food collected will be dropped off. Following the food run, members of the Chester County chapter of A.B.A.T.E. Will ride to their picnic. Anyone who participates in the food run is invited to the picnic.

Anyone interested in participating, or contributing, to the food run are asked to bring non-perishable foods and disposable diapers to the event so that the items can be contributed to Neighborhood Services Center. The food will help the needy families in Chester County.

The Chester County chapter of A.B.A.T.E. has organized this event in memory of fallen members of the chapter. For more information on how to contribute or participate, please call 484-995-5514.

Time is running out for Pa. state tax amnesty

Pennsylvania tax amnesty – which waives all penalties and half of the interest for those who pay their past-due state taxes – ends at midnight on June 19.

“We encourage those with back taxes to not wait until the deadline,” said acting revenue secretary C. Daniel Hassell. “After June 19, a five percent penalty will be added to what is owed.”

Chester County has a reported 29,695 tax delinquents.

More than 21,000 applications for amnesty, worth an estimated $72 million, have been submitted or are in development by taxpayers. More than 91,000 calls have been answered at the toll-free Tax Amnesty hotline, 1-844-727-8283. Applications and full

payments must be made or postmarked by midnight June 1. Payments are accepted by check, money order, credit/debit card or electronic funds transfer.

Act 84 of 2016 authorized a tax amnesty for

more than 30 taxes administered by the Department of

with someone’s personal property, I feel it’s respectful to a) get them together and b) go to them directly and tell them exactly what’s happening -- that we are going to the county, and we will be pulling the deed to their properties,” supervisor Mike Pickel said. “I would rather deal with an angry resident who might have their property affected by this at step one and not step three, at a public meeting where we may have township residents who would not be directly affected by this, raising concerns.”

McMahon Associates has also informed the township that it intends to schedule a similar meeting with residents.

In other township business, the township received good marks for its compliance in a collaborative stormwater management pilot program, led by the White Clay Wild and Scenic River Program, that also includes New Garden and London Britain and Franklin townships, and the Avondale and West Grove boroughs.

The program is being done with the support of the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland and the Christina Watersheds Municipal Partnership, to reinforce the sustainability and viability of these waterways.

The presentation, introduced by Shane Morgan of the White Clay Watershed Association and township engineer Ron Ragan,

provided an update of the township’s role in meeting the total maximum daily load plan (TMDL) –required by the Department of Environmental Protection -- as a measure to clean up sediment and bacteria levels in watersheds throughout the region.

By all calculations spelled out by Morgan and Ragan, the township is meeting the goals of the program. It’s in keeping with the township’s first efforts to keep the levels of sediment and bacteria in the township low, that began in 1995 with the passage of an ordinance that required that Best Management Practice stormwater systems be installed.

“Initially, when we started this collaboration we thought everyone was going to have a huge load to reduce, and it’s awesome that [London Grove Township] is being very proactive, and that it’s looking like you don’t really have to do much,” Morgan said. “You are very close to meeting your reductions, if not meeting them, for both nitrogen and sediment. You are in a position where other townships may come to you, and ask to do a project.

“It’s kind of exciting for me as a watershed coordinator to see ordinances actually work, and now we have proof of it, in London Grove.”

The township has until Sept. 16 to submit its executive summary plan on how it plans to comply with requirements.

The board agreed to a motion to enlist the

Local

Kennett Square law firm of Lamb McErlane to assist the township in upcoming negotiations with the Heathland Hospitality group, the managing partner of the Inniscrone Golf Course.

“In discussions with the management company, we’ve had different conversations, [such as] if we choose to continue this relationship, how we want to structure it, and questions came up that we needed answers to that our solicitor could not answer, because he did not have the expertise,” said board chairman Richard Scott-Harper.

The township will also use the firm to handle similar negotiations between the township and outside entities -- at an hourly rate.

Tom Szakas, a member of the township’s environmental advisory board, was sworn in as the newest member of the board of supervisors. He was chosen from a field of three candidates, all of whom were interviewed by the current board. Szakas’ term will end on Dec. 31, 2017. If he wishes to pursue a full term beginning in 2018, he will need to obtain the recommendation of either the Republican or Democratic party of London Grove Township, in order to be placed on the November 2017 ballot.

Szakas moved with his family to Chester County from Colorado four years ago, and has lived in the township for the past two years. A former General Electric employee, Szakas is a trained chemist and has spent a part of his career

studying analytic instrumentation and water testing quality around the globe.

Szakas replaces former supervisor Robert Weer, who resigned to assume the duties of the township’s new fire marshal, which was formalized at the June 7 meeting. As part of the township’s commitment to developing a codes department, Weer was also appointed as the township’s assistant zoning officer, assistant codes enforcement officer and assistant floodplain administrator.

“One of the goals that this board wanted to develop a solid code department that would satisfy all of the health, welfare and safety issues in the township,” said Scott-Harper. “Eventually, once this department gets up and running with staff, it should be self-sufficient.”

The board agreed that beginning next month, the township will begin posting

all right-to-know information requests being made to the township, on its website. The reports will be broken down according to name, the request and the amount of time being spent on the request. The reports will be published monthly.

Public Works Director

Shane Kinsey reported to the board that Goddard Park was recently the site of vandalism, seen in the deposit of defecation in the rest rooms and the trash cans dumped and thrown into various locations, including the pond.

Kinsey also said that progress is moving forward on the construction of the township’s new maintenance garage on Rose Hill Road, which is expected to be completed by Aug. 9.

Kinsey also said that PennDOT recommended that the township makes necessary repairs to the Hilton Road bridge. The

project will likely be repaired at a later date, he said, and improvements will be made to the twolane bridge’s beams. It’s among the seven county bridges identified by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission that should be receiving state inspection in the township. The supervisors also shared news that PennDOT will make repairs to two township bridges. The Avondale Bridge on State Road will undergo reconstruction beginning in July and August and will be shut down until the Spring of 2018; and the Valley Road Bridge will also undergo construction beginning this summer, and will be closed to traffic until it is scheduled to re-open in the fall of 2018.

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

Oxford student graduates with perfect attendance

Incredibly, Nick Carter’s not the first person in his family to accomplish the rare feat

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Nick Carter never stayed home from school because he had a cold. He never feigned having an upset stomach or a headache so that he could stay home to play Nintendo. He never skipped out on a day of classes to extend a family vacation. He never played hooky.

Each day that school was in session, day after day, week after week, year after year, Carter was there, taking notes, completing assignments, and taking tests.

When Nick and his classmates at Oxford Area High School graduated on Friday, June, 2, he officially achieved a record of perfect attendance during his scholastic career at Oxford. If the typical school year is 180 days—the minimum required by the state—then he attended his classes on 2,160 consecutive school days.

Incredibly, Nick is not the first person in his family to accomplish this impressive feat. His brother, Mike, had perfect attendance when he graduated from Oxford five years ago.

On the night of his graduation, Nick quietly attributed his achievement to the fact that he was able to avoid getting sick. It isn’t any more complicated than that. Having an older brother who went to school every day set a good example. Nick figured that if Mike could do it, he could do it, too.

Their parents, Mike and Jen, always encouraged their children to attend school if

they could.

“I would tell them that if you miss a day of school, you’re missing something important,”

Jen Carter explained.

According to Nick, he didn’t have many close calls through the years. He suffered a concussion in an automobile accident during his junior year, but he still managed to make it to school each day to maintain the perfect attendance.

The pursuit of perfect attendance wasn’t without its minor drawbacks, of course.

On the “Senior Skip Day,” Nick was all alone in one of his classes. He jokingly sent a Snapchat message to his mother, thanking her for making him go to school that day.

At the Senior Awards Night, Nick shared the Ocklokonee Council No. 212 Award for attendance with Charles Sisler.

He said that he liked high school, and his favorite classes at Oxford were history and wood shop. Brenda Moran, a graphic design teacher at the high school, was particularly encouraging, and told him not to give up at a time when he was trying to earn a spot on the school’s baseball team. Now that he is a high school graduate, Nick will be joining the Marines. They are getting someone who will show up and do the job.

Jen Carter said that she’s proud of her sons’ accomplishments.

“It shows character, discipline, and dedication,” she said.

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

June 22 fundraiser to support local Alzheimer’s Association

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

June 22 is National Chocolate Éclair Day and National Onion Ring Day, but on a more local level, it is the day when Chaddsford Winery will have guests gather on their patio and in their tasting room to support the Alzheimer’s Association. June 21st--one day before the fundraiser--has been promoted as a day to come together to fight the agonizing disease.

The event, which will be hosted by Chester County resident Cynthia Moore, with planning assistance from the Armitage family of Kennett Square, will benefit the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Guests can expect to enjoy wine often associated with summer soirées: sweet rosé and crisp white will be available, and elegant tea sandwiches and refreshing fruit will be served. Doors will open and wine will be poured beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to purchase raffle tickets early in the evening as winners’ names

will be announced at 8 p.m.

The Delaware Valley Chapter will receive 100 percent of the net proceeds from the fundraiser. Moore, who had spent months planning the event, is thrilled to have the party at the winery this year. The organization’s motto of have fun, do good, end Alzheimer’s is one most people are happy to support. Moore, a recent transplant from Manhattan, brings her fundraising skills to the Brandywine Valley. She intends to raise awareness as well as increase funding to fight the disease.

“Asking people to contribute a minimum of $25 to attend makes it accessible to a greater number of people,” said Moore, who expects to have her old friends show their support. She was raised in nearby MoylanRose Valley, but hopes her new neighbors will attend as well.

According to alz. org, more than 5 million Americans currently live with AD. This number is estimated to reach as high as 16 million by 2050. The site also reports that one

in three seniors die as a result of this disease or some form of dementia.

As a caregiver to a family member with AD, Moore is among the 15.9 million people who look after someone with the disease. It is also estimated that a majority of the caregivers are female. In fact, more than two-thirds are reportedly women.

The National Institute on Aging supports research that increases our understanding of the disease. Scientists and physicians are collaborating on ways to better identify and comprehend the various factors (genetic, environmental, and biological) that cause Alzheimer’s Disease. At present, there are more

than 90 drugs being tested in clinical trials. Moore is passionate about increasing awareness and reminding others that while we may feel powerless against the disease, there is always something that can be done. She hopes to raise several thousand dollars by reaching out to friends and family all over the world.

The individual cost of admission is $25. To obtain a ticket to the benefit, visit the chapter website at www.alz.org/delval. Those interested in attending the event are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to June 19.

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

Miracle-Ear to open Kennett Square office

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

During his 28 years as a franchise owner and operator of three MiracleEar franchises, Joseph DeSimone has always stressed to his staff that the main purpose of what they do for a living is to help people.

To the hundreds of Miracle-Ear patients in Chester County who visit the Concord Pike location in Wilmington every year, they receive the same personalized service that Miracle-Ear patients do in DeSimone’s Miracle-Ear offices Stanton, De., and Elkton, Md. – a continuum of care supported by the latest in technology. About the only service they don’t enjoy comes from having to spend as much as 45 minutes traveling from Chester County to the Miracle-Ear offices in Delaware.

Beginning on June 19, the technology of MiracleEar that Chester County patients receive will also be met with convenience, as the franchise will open a new location on West Cypress Street in Kennett Square.

The location will be managed by David Groves, who has worked with Miracle-Ear for more than 20 years as a hearing aid consultant. Valerie Smith will be the store’s front office administrator.

“I have been watching the demographics over the past years in the southern Chester County area, and it’s a growing area, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to reach the people who live there,” DeSimone said. “I strongly believe in this product, and

with the Baby Boomer generation now in their 50s and 60s and needing more attention to their hearing and quality of life, the timing of the opening of this location couldn’t be better, either.”

DeSimone said that the patient-consultant relationship at MiracleEar is one built on the foundation of a continuing conversation, one supported with the latest hearing aid technology and innovation that the company has become known for. Following a complete hearing health history, technicians provide a through examination of the patient’s inner ear canals, and then conduct a hearing threshold test to determine the degree of hearing loss, as well as a speech discrimination test, which measures a patient’s ability to hear and

understand speech in noisy environments.

Miracle-Ear consultants work in full partnership with local ear, nose and throat medical professionals to determine if a patient needs a hearing aid, and if they do, each patient has the opportunity to try on the right product for them.

Hearing aids have been around for decades, and despite their benefits, they have often been cumbersome and a nuisance to operate, with batteries to recharge and install. Beginning next week, visitors to the Kennett Square offices will be introduced to GENIUS 2.0 technology, Miracle-Ear’s 100 percent rechargeable hearing aid, that provides 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge. It will also reduce the amount of digital noise;

improve amplification and provide the patient with a better sense of where the sounds are coming from.

“Previously, we weren’t able to go into every frequency and program the amount of decibels of that particular hearing loss,” DeSimone said. “Today, we are. We have the access to fine tune someone’s hearing loss to the hearing aid that he or she uses, and we can do that right here in our offices and program it

to fit the level of hearing loss.

“The Genius 2.0 has allowed us to program different listening situations. If you’re in a restaurant now, you will still be able to hear conversation, just as those with normal hearing can hear and adjust to. The Genius 2.0 eliminates any feedback problems that have plagued those with hearing aids in the past.”

The highlights of

DeSimone’s 28 years at Miracle-Ear are measured in the thousands of patients he and colleagues have helped open doors to a better life. Early in his Miracle-Ear career, DeSimone welcomed an older man to his Elkton office, along with several members of the man’s family. He had lived with a long-term hearing loss for most of his life, and had resigned himself to the condition.

“Once the hearing aid product I had fitted him for arrived at the store, we called him back in, and he came back with members of hi family,” DeSimone said. “I inserted the hearing aids in, turned them on, returned to my seat, and asked him, ‘How are you hearing me now?’

“The expression on his face was second to none. His children began talking to him, which was truly a miracle, because up to that point, he had never heard what his childrens’ voices sounded like. They began weeping, and then I began to do the same.”

The Miracle-Ear location in Kennett Square is located at 747 West Cypress Street, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348.

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

by John Chambless

Smiles and best wishes as Unionville seniors move on

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The 94th annual commencement of Unionville High School was held on June 7, with the usual mix of nerves, pomp, grins and heartfelt speeches.

The ceremony at the University of Delaware’s Bob Carpenter Center began with the Concert Band, led by Scott Litzenberg, playing “A Nation’s Prayer.” The UHS Chorale, under the direction of Jason Throne, performed “The Star Spangled Banner,” the UHS Alma Mater and “Benediction” by John Conahan before Unionville principal James Conley took the podium to address the students and their families.

“I need to impart some wisdom to you that is so riveting that you will cherish for the rest of your lives,” Conley said. “Here goes: Raising a teenager is really difficult.”

Conley said he is now the father of a 13-year-old son, so he is adjusting to the demands of parenting a teen.

“The motto for the Conley home this summer is ‘Be That Guy.’ That means striving to become the idealized person who we all want to strive to be. The version of us that is our best self,” Conley said.

There is a sign hanging in Conley’s son’s room that lists ways to “Be that guy,” which Conley quoted: “Be that guy who sits with the kid in the cafeteria who is sitting alone. Be that guy who works hard everyday. Be that guy who says thank you to all of his teachers. Be that guy who high-fives all of his teammates after every play, even if they miss the shot or drop the pass. Be that guy who tells people they are doing a great job.

“Members of the Class of 2017, can you do these things next year and beyond?

Are you willing to be that person who we can all count on? Are you willing to be that person who is kind, just because kindness is the right thing?”

Conley also told the graduates to “Live a life that is filled with compassion, support, empathy, and most importantly, kindness.”

John Sanville, Superintendent of Schools, told the seniors, “If we were to add up the hours you spent in classrooms, on homework, playing sports, making music, pursuing your interests, on bus rides, and doing any number of other things that contributed directly to this moment, it would be a very large

number. However, if I were to ask you to tell me what you liked best, you would tell me about the moments, conversations, observations, revelations, discoveries -- all the little things that made your time in UCF so special. It is the little things that add up to big things for all of us.

“Farewell,” Sanville concluded. “I wish you health, happiness, and endless opportunities to pursue your dreams. You have everything you need, so go forth and set the world on fire. We look forward to hearing the stories of your success.”

Student honor speaker Dina Spyropoulos told her classmates that they are on the path to greatness. “The reason each of you is here is because you accepted the challenge,” she said. “We have persevered. It’s crucial to take that with you as you walk across this stage today. Allow yourself to accept, to learn and to persevere. Each one of you sitting here is a success. Do your best to make you proud of you.”

Student honor speaker Jessica Homitz recited an original poem that ended with an invitation: “So traverse the asteroid fields, ride on the tails of comets, and sail on the solar winds.

Go shake the universe and its old atoms. Because after all is said and done, we too are made of these ancient elements but packaged in marrow, sinew and beating hearts. Utilize the ideas in your brain and the stardust in your veins.”

Each year, seniors vote for the UHS Educator of the Year, and this year’s winner was English teacher Andrew Dippell, who presented an often humorous speech that had a serious message at its core. Recalling how, during his own school days, he had passed up a chance to reach out to a classmate who was

regarded as an outsider, he said, “When you’re part of the ‘in crowd,’ you owe it to yourself to draw in all those considered weird.” Dippell praised the students sitting in the crowd. “A lot of you here today have shown acceptance I should have shown all those years ago,” he said.

“Our society needs someone who will boldly challenge others if an inequality needs to be addressed. Our society needs that person to speak for those who have no voice. Our society needs that person who will make others feel as though they can be the best version of themselves. Our society needs that person to make people feel safe. Our society needs that person to be a leader of our future.”

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

After the diplomas were awarded, the caps tossed and the students filed out to greet family members and friends for hugs and photos outside the Bob Carpenter Center, it was Conley’s words that perhaps best summed up the event: “Our society is counting on your bravery and courage to be the best version of yourself,” he said.

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 610-932-5244 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 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.

June 24

Bluegrass jam session

The Oxford Arts Alliance (38 S. Third St., Oxford) hosts a Bluegrass and Old Time Music Jam on June 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels

are welcome. Bring an instrument and join in. The series continues on July 22 and Aug. 26. Entry fee is $5. Call 610-467-0301 for more information.

July 22

Christmas in July

On July 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ware Presbyterian Village Auxiliary will hold the first “Summer Craft Fair and More” in the Pavilion Auditorium at Vista Ridge Apartments at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. Proceeds benefit the residents of the Oxford Health Care Center and Stewart Place. There will be more than 30 vendor tables, local produce, a thrift store, a model railroad display and tours of the woodworking shop. Wine will be sold by Harvest Ridge Winery. Box lunches, desserts and lemonade will be for sale. Visitors can also tour a sample senior living apartment.

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: 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).

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.

Building a leather-making business in Kennett Square

By Sam Ferraro Contributing Writer

To many people, turning a hobby into a business is merely a dream. For John Burdumy, the creator of JRBurd, a local leather craftsmanship company, that is exactly what he has set out to do.

The story of the new company began in Kennett Square. Soon after Burdumy started his job at Philter Coffee in 2015, he began to meet a variety of unique and talented individuals, which led to the idea of pursuing a life as an artisan. While at Philter, he met a craftsman who was designing handmade leather wallets and belts. Immediately, Burdumy latched on to the craft, learning all he could, and putting his own designs on his handmade belts, wallets, cup sleeves and dog collars.

Burdumy made his first official sale to Philter owner Chris Thompson, who had requested a custom-made explorer’s wallet. Eventually, leather-making became a staple for Burdumy -- so much so that after his wedding in August of 2015, the small hobby became a main source of funding during a four-month, 13,000-mile honeymoon across the country with his new wife, Kristen, in a 1985 VW Vanagon.

During their trip, Kristen focused on her art while Burdumy produced leather goods in the back of the van. While on their extended honeymoon, he encountered many other leather goods made by various makers throughout the country, and realized that there was a profitable market he could capitalize on.

Creating products for a small business takes both time and discipline. The process of leather making begins with a customer order that allows the buyer to select what product he or she wold like made, the type of leather, as well as the preferred color and other modifications. From there, Burdumy works with templates that he had custom

hand-completed, adding additional authenticity to each product sold through the JRBurd brand.

made. Each step of this process is hand-completed, adding additional authenticity to each product sold through the JRBurd brand.

The business logo and the beeswax he uses are also handmade by fellow artist Dan McShane, and SunBear Apiary owner Dan Borkoski, both of Kennett Square. Every product is hand-stitched and uses high-quality materials, and if any repairs are needed during the life of the product, Burdumy does them for free.

As the demand for his products began to grow -- first through friends and family, then later through word-ofmouth -- Burdumy decided that it was time to market himself a little differently. He created the brand JRBurd, which is stamped into every one of his products. Most of his self-promoting is done through Instagram.

“Right now, I just market myself through social media and doing local shows,” he said. “I really like Instagram

as a community, as well as a source of inspiration.”

Burdumy’s ultimate goal is to create a brand for himself, using the name JRBurd and incorporating the branding into standout products to accompany his other interest, photography.

“I see myself maybe having a storefront someday, with other brands, vintage goods, with a workspace, studio and showroom,” he said. “Ideally, I would like to strike a perfect balance between the JRBurd brand and freelance photography, but that could certainly shift to focusing solely on JRBurd as a brand and collection of products.” JRBurd products can be found at Philter Coffee and State & Union in Kennett Square, as well as on the company website. Recently, he also participated in Clover Market in Bryn Mawr and is set to be part of the Clover Market event in Kennett Square on June 18. To learn more, visit www.jrburd.us.

Clover Market spotlights artists

The Clover Market, in partnership with Historic Kennett Square, will be popping up for the first time in Kennett Square with a Father’s Day Market on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held in the Genesis HealthCare parking lot at 600 S. Broad St. The event will feature more than 100 vendors with antiques, vintage, and finely handcrafted items, along with a lineup of food trucks, sweet treats, beer by Victory Brewing Company, wine by Paradocx Vineyards, and music in the afternoon by local favorites Couple Days. Also included are free children’s crafts by the Handwork

Studio and the Chester County Arts Association, a photo booth from Tiny Tin Photo Booth, face painting by XS Artistry, and “meet and greets” with the adoptable animals from Finding Shelter Animal Rescue. Free shuttles will be running in a continuous loop from the corner of Union and State streets next to the large parking garage, and additional parking is available at Kennett High School (across from the event), and in the various lots and metered spots around town (all free on Sundays). Visit www.theclovermarket. com or http:// historickennettsquare.com.

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 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 Delawarebased 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 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.

WILMA JEAN ADAMS POWELL

Wilma Jean Adams Powell, 81, of West Grove, passed away on June 5 at the Chester County Hospital. She was the wife of Robert A. Powell Sr., who passed away in 2011, and with whom she shared 57 years of marriage. Born in Springdale, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Fred V. and Lovertus McGinnis Adams. She was an eight-year resident at the Luther House in Jennersville, where she developed many friendships and spread seeds of love everywhere she went. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, and she loved the Lord with her heart and soul.

She is survived by one son, Robert A. Powell, Jr., and his fiancé Beth Wirt of North East, Md.; one daughter, Scarlett A. Hamm of Lincoln University; one brother, Richard Adams of Palatka, Fla.; two sisters, Tiz Cox of Coatesville, and B.J. Holley of Satsuma, Fla.; four grandchildren, Megan Alpaugh, Stephanie Vargas, Zanna Powell and Paige Powell; along with four great-grandchildren, Remington and Reese Alpaugh, and C.J. And Carter Vargas. Her graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. June 14 at the New London Presbyterian Church Cemetery (1986 Newark Road, Route 896, New London). In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Suite 610, 400 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

GARY MICHAEL JOHNSON

Gary Michael Johnson, 29, of Bear, Del., formerly of Oxford, died suddenly on June 8 at home. Gary attended school in the Oxford School District and later Christiana High School. He worked for Serv-Pro for three years, and Deltrans as a mechanic for four years, and was currently driving a truck for Republic Services. Gary was a proud, card-carrying member of the NRA, and enjoyed fishing, collecting guns, detailing cars (his especially), playing guitars, and racing cars.

Gary is survived by his mother, Joy McKee of Bear; his sons, whom he adored, Jordan Michael Johnson of Newark and Shaun Michael Johnson of Oxford; sisters Michelle Johnson of Newark, Nichole Johnson of Bear, and Kelly Bradley of Lewes; and nieces Natalya Iannone and Rylee Templin, both of Newark.

A service was held June 13. To send a message of condolence to the family, visit www.mccreryandharra. com.

JAMES A. PAXSON

James A. Paxson, 69, of Conowingo, Md., formerly of Oxford, passed away on June 4 at Calvert Manor Healthcare Center in Rising Sun, Md.

Born in 1948, he was the son of the late Everard (Buzz) and Elizabeth (Betty) Fuchs Paxson of New London. James was an avid fisherman.

He is survived by his brother, John E. Paxson, Sr. (Sara) of Nottingham; nephews, John E. Paxson, Jr. (Chris) of Nottingham, Thomas C. Paxson (Whitney) of Washington, D.C.; and a niece, Kimberly A. Anderson (Scott) of Oxford; and six great-nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard (Buddy) W. Paxson. Services will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SHIRLEY ANN WYATT WILSON

Shirley Ann Wyatt Wilson, 67, of West Grove, passed away on June 5 at her residence. Born in Kennett Square, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Orren Wyatt and the late Elizabeth Dilley Wyatt. She was a homemaker. Before that, she was a former owner of the Chatham Diner in Chatham, and was a secretary for Brandywine Cylinder Heads in West Chester, and for the Hampton Body Shop in Avondale. Shirley was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Kennett Square VFW. She enjoyed going to Delaware Park, Las Vegas, shopping, and being with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. She is survived by one son, Christopher Michael Wilson and his wife Rachael of Lincoln University; one daughter, Michelle Griffith and her husband Rob of West Grove; one sister, Carolyn Walsh of Newark, Del.; four grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased by two brothers, Albert Wyatt and Jack Wyatt.

A visitation with family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. June 10 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). Her memorial service will follow at 10:30. Burial will be in the Longwood Cemetery in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Willow Tree Hospice, 616 E. Cypress Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348; or to the Kennett Square Missionary Baptist Church, 408 Bayard Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.grieoccares.com.

HELEN G. CAMERON

Helen G. Cameron, 89, of Oxford, went to be with her Lord on June 7 at her home. She was the wife of Clyde L. Cameron, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. Born in 1928 in Kemblesville, she was the daughter of the late Vance and Leota Phillips Goodman. She graduated from Newark High School, class of 1945. She was a faithful member of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford, where she taught Sunday school and Bible school and served on the Fellowship Committee. Helen was active in the former family business, Cameron’s Hardware Store, Inc., Oxford. She was a devoted wife and mother who took great care of her family, always putting her family first, and was always an immense help for her husband.

She is survived by her husband; one son, Ken Cameron (Martha); one daughter, Sandra Oliver (Ron); five grandchildren, Andrew Oliver, Kristy Cameron Hunt, Heather Oliver Sauder, Rachel Cameron Walsh and Joseph Oliver; and ten greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Josephine Drennen.

A service was held June 10. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Bethany Christian School, 1137 Shadyside Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

SAMUEL FELTNER

Samuel Feltner, of Kennett Square, passed away on May 11 at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a fight with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Camden, N.J., to Dora Dean Hughes and the late Wilbert Feltner. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Holman. Along with his mother, Samuel is survived by his daughter, Hannah Feltner and her fiance

Michael Grubb; girlfriend Deborah Riale and her son Brian Zavala; brothers Wilbert Feltner of Massachusetts, John Feltner and wife Kathy of Pennsylvania, Walter Feltner and wife Della of Maryland, and Ira Welch and wife Heather of Pennsylvania; sisters Sharon Mains and husband Kenny of Tennessee, Sue Holman and husband Dan of North Carolina, Elizabeth Arnold and husband Mike of Pennsylvania, Bonnie Geiser of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. Samuel worked as a truck driver and loved being on the road. When at home, he enjoyed riding his Harley, going to flea markets, and visiting with friends and family. A celebration of life will be held on June 17 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Avondale Fire Hall. Reach out to his family members for more details.

JAMES P. MALCHIONE

James P Malchione, 74, of Kennett Square, and a resident of Pocopson Home, died suddenly on June 9 of natural causes while visiting with family in Quarryville. Born in Pottsville, Pa., he was the son of the late A. Paul and Alice Malchione. Jim worked in the mushroom industry for many years and later as a custodian for the Avon Grove School District. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by daughters Elizabeth and her husband John Mastrippolito of Kennett Township, Lori Malchione and partner Danny Draper, Jr., of Oxford, Kathleen and her husband Bryan Truett of Quarryville, Sharon Malchione and partner Eric Hines of Kennett Square; his son, James P Malchione, Jr. of Kennett Square; two sisters, Eileen Love of Jennersville, and Joanne Brown of Coatesville; and eight grandchildren, Mikayla Malchione, Ninah Draper, Daniel Draper III, Ciana Malchione, Mia Truett, Jackson Truett, Angele Vazquez and Annalina Hines. A visitation with family and friends will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 16 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A service celebrating his life will follow at 11 a.m., followed by burial at St Patrick Cemetery. In memory of Jim, contributions can be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. griecocares.com.

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Dan Miller’s ‘Small Worlds’ to explore at Bookplace

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Known for his woodcut prints, Pennsylvania artist

Dan Miller takes a left turn with his solo show of wooden sculptures at Bookplace in Oxford.

Each one is a dazzlingly complicated symphony of shapes. Each piece is cut by Miller and assembled –sometimes over months of careful thought – into objects that look both antique and modern, suggesting (among other things) city streets, little landscapes, people, architecture and puzzling machines whose purpose has been lost in time. The pastelhued paint that’s thoughtfully applied to some pieces accents aspects of the composition

without being showy. Viewers are encouraged to respond the these artworks however they want, Miller said. If you see a clock where someone else sees a landscape, so be it. Miller is clearly having fun crafting these sometimes inscrutable objects, and the titles sometimes give only a suggestion.

“Red Music” does recall a zither from some alien world, “Samurai” only appears to have a sword once you learn the title, and “One Wheel” looks like a clock with a pendulum until the title suggests something else.

“Reaching Out” has tendrils stretching past the edge of the work, and “Harp” comes clear with the benefit of the title. The vertical series “Narrative,” though, is a story without words that explores the

shifting relationships between the pieces in the sequence. “Crescent” is capped with a moon shape on a pillar-like pedestal. “Crucifixion” is a powerful little composition with dangling limbs and edges studded with nails, and it packs an emotional punch.

Boundlessly inventive, these sometimes exuberant and sometimes somber assemblages reflect a boundless imagination – and patience – as they spark a similar wonder in the viewer. Miller is clearly

having fun crafting and assembling each inch of these fascinating objects, and you will be intrigued as you try to decipher them yourself.

“Small Worlds,” works by Dan Miller, will continue at Bookplace (2373 Baltimore Pike, Oxford) through July 15. The gallery/bookshop is open Fridays through Sundays. Call 717-715-4775 or visit www. bookplaceoxford.com.

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

JOHN D. THOMPSON

John “Toby” D. Thompson, Jr., 70, of Oxford, passed away on June 6.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late John D., Sr. and Nancy McFadden Thompson. Toby was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of Wickerton Hunt Club in Luzerne County, Pa. He is survived by two brothers, Robert M. Thompson of West Grove and William M. Thompson of Newark, Del.; one sister, Betty Jane Michaels of West Grove; two grandchildren, Jonathan D. Thompson Myer of Nottingham and Whitney N. Thompson Chant of York, Pa.; and six great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Jr., Hailey, Cameron, Eric, Jr., Macie and Holly. He was preceded in death by a son, John David Thompson Myer.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. June 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where family and friends called from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment with full military honors will be in the Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

June 14 to Aug. 23

‘Summer Fun’ series West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) celebrates summer for the third year with the Wednesday night free series, “Summer Fun for Everyone.” The events start on June 14 and will continue through the summer, culminating on Aug. 23. The community is invited to attend from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be hot dogs, games, fellowship and a brief word from pastor Rev.

Monica B. Guepet each week. All beverages will be supplied. If you’d like to bring chips, cookies or a side dish, they will be appreciated. A box of games will be available, the youth plan to have their 9-In-TheAir game up, and there is a playground for small children. For more information, call 610869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.

June 23

‘The Shack’ screening West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd.,

HAROLD E. BLITTERSDORF

Harold E. Blittersdorf, 94, of West Grove, passed away on June 1. He is survived by his loving wife, RoseMarie, with whom he shared 30 years of marriage. Harold was born to the late Charles and Emma Blittersdorf. He graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1940 and was awarded a full scholarship to the Academy of Arts in Wilmington, studying under N.C. Wyeth. He served in the Army European Theatre as a topographical engineer in World War II. He owned Vermont Art Studio for over 40 years and HB Graphics for 20 years. SKI Magazine commissioned him to paint the Mountain Town Series. Harold was commissioned to paint the 1980 Olympic painting in Lake Placid. Throughout his life he enjoyed flying, fishing and photography, making friends along the way.

Harold and Lois were proud parents to Bonnie, John, Jim, Dave and Jeff, living in Vermont; proud grandparents of many beloved grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Harold came home to West Grove after many years and married RoseMarie and became father to Daisey, Andy, and Don Bloss; and the loving grandparent of Payton, Stephanie, Lily, and Jameson.

A memorial service was held June 10. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Harold’s name to the American Red Cross. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.griecocares.com.

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.

June 24

Buffet breakfast

Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford)

DONALD C. ALLABAND, SR.

Donald C. Allaband, Sr., 70, of Unionville, passed away on June 10 at the Chester County Hospital. He was the husband of Sharon Allaband, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Earl and Eva Crosson Allaband. Donald was the environmental services manager at Kendal/Crossland Communities for the past 17 years. He attended the Unionville Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed sailing, and in his earlier years, he was very active in sports, especially baseball, where he was a unique side arm knuckleball pitcher. He enjoyed being with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Donald C. Allaband, Jr., of Unionville; and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a twin brother, John Allaband.

A visitation with family and friends will be held June 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Unionville Presbyterian Church (81 Wollaston Rd., Unionville). His funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Unionville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Unionville Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 394, Unionville, PA 19375. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

hosts its monthly buffet breakfast for the community on June 24 from 7 to 10 a.m. The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, fruit, sausage and bacon, roasted potatoes, sausage gravy and specialty breads. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10. Call 610-932-9698 for more information.

June 26 to 30

‘Over the Moat’ Bible school

Beulah Baptist Church (routes 10 and 896,

Oxford), presents “Over the Moat: Drawbridge to the King,” a vacation Bible school, from June 26 to 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. Each session features games, skits, snacks, Bible stories, crafts, and prizes for children in fourth through eighth grades. For information, call 610-932-9595, email beulahbaptist@ gmail.com, or visit www.beulahbaptist.us.

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 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.

CLASSIFIEDS

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 INVITATION TO BID Sealed proposals will be received by Elk Township at the office of Elk Township, 952 Chesterville Road, P.O.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF MARY TEALE BATTIN, also known as MARY T. BATTIN, DECEASED.

Late of the Township of Pennsbury, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to JOSEPH H. BATTIN, EXECUTOR, care of Ralph N. Teeters, Esquire, 1835 Market Street, #505, Philadelphia, PA 19103-2968, Or to his Attorney: RALPH N. TEETERS TEETERS HARVEY MARRONE &