Chester County Press 06-21-17 Edition

Two thumbs up U-CF approves budget for upcoming school year

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board put their final stamp of approval on a budget for the upcoming school year at their meeting on June 19.

The budget, passed by a vote of 7-1, calls for 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.

In remarks before the vote, board member Gregg

Lindner commented, “I’ve said a couple of times that I have full agreement with what the learning plan is for the year, but the concern I had is the reserves, which have shrunk quite a bit. I’ve been on the board for six years. I’ve voted for four budgets to make sure that we added to the reserves. In order to fund the next five years, it’s going to require tax rates that may be somewhat modest, but they will be beyond what we voted in favor of for much of the past decade. The chances of this board voting in favor of that are nonexistent. So my concern is that over the next couple of years, either we’re going to have to reduce the plans that we have for building

maintenance, for instance, or we’re going to have to cut things, and we’ve been through that back in the 2009 time frame.

“I made a proposal to add $100,000 to the tax rate, which would have taken the rate up to about 2.35 percent, which would still be under the Act 1 Index,” Lindner added. “I’m going to vote ‘no’ on the 2.16 percent budget. But I want everyone to understand that I agree with the spending plan.”

Board member Jeff Hellrung, who presided over the meeting in the absence of board president Victor Dupuis, said, “The board, every year, is trying to fund the program, both

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Round two of cell tower hearing delayed for another month

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

The long-awaited follow-up conditional use hearing that held the fate of a proposed construction of a 130-foot-high wireless cellular communications tower in Landenberg in its clutches

got a reprieve Monday night, as the attorney for the applicant asked for and received a continuance to an issue that has gathered a lot of opinions – and emotions – since it was first announced.

Township solicitor Vince Pompo told the audience gathered at the

New Garden Township’s June 19 meeting that the township had received a letter from Christopher H. Schubert of the firm of Riley, Riper, Hollin & Colagreco, requesting that the hearing be delayed until the board’s July 17 meeting, in order to communicate with other

“parties in the matter, in order to identify alternative sites on the property for the construction of the cell tower, as well as utilizing a technology that could camouflage the cell tower,” Pompo said.

If built, the proposed tower would be operated by Eco-Site, Inc., a Durham, N.C.-based supplier of wireless and infrastructure solutions, for the purpose of providing more cell phone coverage in the area. It would be constructed on the site of the former Little Stenning Farm, located at 1511 Yeatmans Station

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The phorid fly in Chester County Experts, action committee meet to discuss solutions

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

For the third time, the phorid fly, the pesky nuisance that has infiltrated a significant portion of the Harrogate North community in Landenberg and other parts of southern Chester County, went on trial last Thursday afternoon, as State Sen. Andrew Dinniman and Rep. Eric Roe met with local residents and experts on phorid fly research to get an update on the fly’s continued presence, and scientific research related to its possible eradication.

Six representatives from the 247-member Phorid Fly Action Committee (PFAC),

gathered around a table at the New Garden Township Building on June 15, sideby-side with representatives from the Chester County Department of Agriculture, the county’s health department and conservation district.

The meeting also invited Eric Toedter of Kaolin Mushroom Farms, who has been studying the phorid fly migration and breeding patterns as part of his role with the American Mushroom Institute Integrated Pest Management Group, and Dr. Nina Jenkins, a senior research associate in Entomology at Penn State. Dinniman, who serves on

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Working on a dream

Dylan Coyle has had some extraordinary sports broadcasting experiences, even though he graduated from Oxford Area High School only three weeks ago

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

Bill, when Dylan was growing up they would watch a lot of sports together and the boy was always paying careful attention to the play-by-play announcers and color analysts. He listened to their descriptions and internalized how they spoke to each other and how they communicated to an audience. Instead of trying to copy Chase Utley’s batting stance, young Dylan would emulate Harry Kalas, the Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies.

“He always loved announcing,” Bill explained. “He would always be imitating

By Uncle Irvin

Come early July, you will get a piece of mail at your home or business.

You will note that the piece of mail resembles a computerized bill. That’s what it is -- a bill for your 2017-18 property taxes from your public school system. Chances are that this bill will be higher than any other year, by about 2 to 3 percent. You will get this bill whether or not you have any children at all, or have 10 children. You may be 85, living alone in the family homestead, or 45 in a million-dollar mansion. This bill will probably have the least amount of state aid ever. The state of Pennsylvania is broke – $3 billion or more over the 2016-17 budget limits.

Chances are 100 percent that you are being asked to pay too much by bleeding-heart school board members set on excellence – at the expense of reasonable costs. Also to blame are our careless County Commissioners, who have failed to reassess county real estate to assure parity -- a violation of the state constitution.

Have a great summer!

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

U-CF budget...

short-term and long-term.

When I look at the fiveyear projections, I think we’re very likely going to be able to fund the program. We have adequate insurance and reserve funds. I could be wrong.

“However, I’d like to thank Mr. Lindner for raising this,” Hellrung added. “We’re all looking at the same data and coming to different conclusions. I’m for raising taxes in order to fund our programs, short-term and long-term, and not a penny more. In my opinion, this proposed budget works for us.”

At the beginning of the meeting, district superintendent John Sanville introduced Michael

Dylan Coyle...

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Harry Kalas and talking while the game was going on.”

Dylan has fond memories of listening to Kalas make the call as the Phillies won the World Series in 2008.

One night, he turned to his father and said, “Dad, I’m going to be a sports broadcaster.”

He’s been taking steps toward that goal ever since.

Audevard, who will be the new principal at Hillendale Elementary School for the coming school year, at a salary of $130,000. The board voted unanimously for Audevard, a former district teacher, who afterward thanked the board and administration.

Continued from Page 1A going.”

“My time in the UnionvilleChadds Ford District as a teacher was fantastic, and I think back to this time two years ago, when I took an opportunity in the Garnet Valley School District to enter the administrative side of the world,” Audevard said. “I have loved my time there, but I am just so excited to be back. Hillendale is a fantastic community, and I look forward to working with you all to keep it all

Hellrung added, “I was part of interview team for Mr. Audevard, and we had a pool of 70 or so applicants. He rose to the top and was impressive throughout. We already know what an outstanding job he did as a Chadds Ford Elementary teacher, and I told him tonight that I think he’s going to be a supernova here in his new role. We’re so thrilled to have him.”

The board also voted unanimously to hire Patrick Crater as a district supervisor of athletics, at a salary of $110,000.

After his hiring, Crater told the board, “To be sitting here this evening, I have a lot of people to thank – my wife Julie, the Unionville-Chadds

Ford Athletic Department, the school board and the administration. I believe a solid athletic program is built on the foundation of academic excellence and a strong competitive spirit.

I’m coming to U-CF with a full tank of gas and some creative ideas, and I cannot wait to get started.”

A proposed ropes course for ninth-grade physical education classes was put forward for a vote.

The contract with Phoenix Experiential Designs totals $10,600. A $5,000 grant from the Unionville-Chadds Ford Educational Foundation will be put in place to offset the cost to the district. Assistant superintendent John Nolen said, “The health and PE department is very excited

about this low-elements course. If there were any drastic additions, which is not the case, that would be a whole different process of discussion and approval.”

The course will be installed in the woods near the high school. “We’re not looking to drastically impact the woods in that area,” Nolen said. “We would have to have township approval for anything that would be of significant impact. We have no plans to add to it at this time.”

The course will not include any high-ropes elements, Nolen added. The board approved the proposal unanimously.

The board also approved a contract with ChescoNET to provide updated fiber

connections from the district’s elementary schools to the main data center at the high school, at a cost of $50,400 per year for the first five years, and $36,540 per year after five years. The current connections are outdated and cannot handle the load being proposed for the coming years. Board member Carolyn Daniels told the board that half of the money will ultimately be reimbursed to the district by ChescoNET. For updated information, and a video of the current meeting, visit www.ucfsd. org.

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

“He was the first person in the business that I really talked to,” Dylan said, explaining that O’Connell set up a tour of the Fox News studio so that he could gain some insights into what the business was like.

“It really gave me an appreciation of what goes into news broadcasting,” Dylan said.

While he was still in the eighth grade, Dylan contacted Rob Ellis, a sports radio host who was then working for WIP and now hosts a mid-day show on 97.5 The Fanatic. Dylan told Ellis that he wanted

An important moment came when Dylan was in the eighth grade. Chris O’Connell, a TV reporter with Fox News, visited his school for Career Day. Meeting O’Connell made him even more convinced that he wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting.

to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. Ellis invited the eighth-grader to the WIP studio to learn about how they do a sports radio show.

“He even mic’d me up for a minutes,” Dylan said, smiling. Ellis invited him back for a return to the WIP airwaves.

Before long, Dylan was doing the announcing for the occasional Little League game in Oxford, and he started developing his own style as an announcer. As he gained a little experience, he continued to listen carefully to professional announcers and analysts.

One of his favorite announcers is Jim Jackson, who does play-by-play work for the Philadelphia Flyers and radio work and some pre-game and post-game activities for the Phillies. Dylan tweeted at Jackson and told him that he wanted to be a sports broadcaster.

About a month later, Jackson replied with a direct message, encouraging the youngster to pursue his dream.

ventures,” he explained. How dedicated was Dylan to pursuing his goal of becoming a sports broadcaster? For years before he entered the high school, Dylan had wanted to play ice hockey for the school’s club team. Instead, he chose to focus his energies on broadcasting, doing playby-play for high school sports.

to be a junior at the same time that Avon Grove started the AGTV.”

schools are rivals.

“We have kept in touch since then,” Dylan said, expressing his admiration and appreciation that Jackson would be so encouraging to an aspiring sports broadcaster. Jackson even called Dylan to answer questions about what a career as an announcer is really like.

“He talked about his schedule, and having to travel constantly,” Dylan explained. “He discussed everything about it with me.”

By the time Dylan entered high school, he was lining up opportunities that a college graduate might find difficult to duplicate.

Bill proudly explained that, before long, people would occasionally approach him and ask if his son could do the playby-play for the upcoming game.

In Dylan’s junior year, he started doing play-byplay work for Avon Grove High School. The school has a state-of-the-art television studio, and some of the school’s sports contests are livestreamed on AGTV.

This created even more opportunities for Dylan.

Another bit of good fortune came from working with Jake Zebley, an Avon Grove High School student who was in the same grade as Dylan. Zebley served as the producer of AGTV, and was extremely dedicated and advanced for his age just like Dylan.

“I was able to get myself into a bunch of broadcasting

“I did football, basketball, hockey, some baseball, and lacrosse games,” he explained. “I was fortunate

As a student at Oxford, Dylan was on the receiving end of some good-natured kidding from his classmates for broadcasting Avon Grove games the two

“Everybody was joking with me,” he said. “I didn’t mind. I like the spotlight.” Some of Dylan’s favorite games that he worked on during high school include clashes between Avon Grove and Oxford especially football games and basketball games. Another highlight was a memorable ICHL Southern Division game between Avon Grove and Delaware Military Academy. Delaware Military Academy, a heavy favorite, went up 3-0 before

Cell tower...

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Road in Landenberg.

Currently, the plans call for the tower to be made of galvanized steel and created in a monopine design, so that it resembles a large pine tree.

The property is owned by Anthony J. Santoro and Renee L. Santoro, and is located within the R-1 Residential Low Density Zoning District.

At the first conditional hearing on April 17, several residents whose homes are in near proximity to the planned tower expressed concern that the tower would obstruct their views of the adjacent White Clay Creek Preserve and negatively affect the property values of their homes. The potential hazard of the cell tower, they said, is not just an economic one. It could have a dangerous effect on the local environment.

Subsequently, the concerns of these residents have galvanized into a group called the Concerned Citizens of Landenberg, who have begun letter-writing campaigns, a new website (www.movetower.com )

Phorid Fly...

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the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, was instrumental in establishing a $100,000 grant from the Commonwealth to the Department of Agriculture at Penn State to to study ways to control and combat the phorid fly infestation in the region.

When Dinniman first addressed the phorid fly problem nearly two years ago, he was the lone official doing so.

“When we first addressed this problem, no department would take responsibility,” he said. “Every one said it was someone else’s responsibility. We want to put into place a program that attempts to deal with this difficult situation, and it’s not so easy to solve, is it? Let’s see what some of the updates are in terms of research, and then we can see if that research can tell us whether it’s working or not working, whether it’s new ideas on prevention or at least a diminishing of the problem.”

At first, the news coming from residents was a near duplication of the two previous meetings Dinniman had held at the Harrogate North community, and it wasn’t good. The presence of the fly is not going away, said several PFAC members who gave updates on the various home remedies they have brought to their homes, which have included insecticide sprays, and the application of sticky fly paper around the home. Even worse, what had

and gathered more than 100 signatures from other concerned neighbors.

Although the hearing is scheduled as part of the board’s meeting on July 17, it may get its very own date. Anticipating a large audience expected to attend the hearing, Pompo said that the supervisors have discussed moving the conditional use hearing to July 24. Notice will be provided to all parties and residents well in advance as to the final date of the hearing.

In other township news, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted 4-1 on June 14 to approve the agreement of sale between the township and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc. (Aqua) for the purchase of the township’s sewer system for the price of $29.5 million. The vote overruled the recommended decision by the administrative law judge who had heard the case and claimed that Aqua had not provided enough evidence that the sale would benefit their existing rate payers.

“The law judge found that the transaction clearly benefited the residents of New Garden Township,

generally been considered a rumor in southern Chester County has now been confirmed: Phorid flies are not only being reported in Landenberg, but elsewhere in the region.

“We are the only home that has attracted phorid flies, and we have trapped over 500,000 phorid flies in our home,” said Oxford resident Georgie Emery, who lives with her husband Paul in a 48-home community.

“In one two-hour period, we vacuumed over 2,000 flies. We’re retired, and we don’t feel like doing this.”

Two residents of the newly-built Harlowe Point in Landenberg said that the flies have reached their community, and Pete Thomas, a resident of Kennett Square Borough, reported the same news.

PFAC member Barb Runkle said that the presence of the flies continue to cause a tremendous emotional stress for many Harrogate residents, which she said has led to two couples selling their homes in the development.

On May 1, as she was sprinkling cedar chips around the soil area that abuts the front foundation of her home, Runkle saw a scourge of phorid flies working their way up through the soil. She poured a highly-concentrated termite solution in the area. During treatment, there were no flies seen in the

meaning that based on the system and the terms of agreement, that [the sale] would benefit the residents,” Pompo said. “He also found that the purchase price was justified. The judge also found that Aqua had not proven how the transaction would benefit their existing customers outside of New Garden Township. It was on that point that the Commission found that Aqua had proven that point.”

The final agreement of sale, Pompo said, could be reached in the next 45 days.

On June 1, Pompo informed the board, the Philadelphia Orphans Court issued a decree approving the application to the agreement of sale for the 178-acre Green Valley Farm property to the township, for the price of $2.3 million, in order to place a conservation easement on the property.

Pompo said that assuming that there are no further appeals, a due diligence period would begin on July 3 and conclude on Aug. 17. Barring any unforseen delays, the final sale of the property is likely to be reached by the

Runkle home, but after a two-week period, the flies re-emerged. She and her husband have had all of the mulch removed around their home and applied 14 gallons of bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI) solution to the foundation area, as well as planted insect repelling flowers, and had their lawn treated with flea and tick application. Still, the flies are coming, she said.

Runkle’s experience is part of the warfare that’s been raging in Harrogate and in other selected pockets of southern Chester County for several years –a persistent condition that has turned citizens into parttime scientists, and while the issue of the phorid fly in the region is a story topheavy in hypotheses, it is sadly one still very short on definitive answers.

What is known is this: From egg to adult, phorid flies emerge underground in the mushroom facilities. There, they feast on the edible component of the mushroom called mycelium, which is the vegetative part of a fungus or fungus-like bacterial colony that is grown in mushroom facilities.

And yet, one question, repeatedly asked by local residents throughout the meeting and over the last several years, remains: What is so great about our homes and neighborhoods in the proximity of these

end of September.

“Ever since we’ve gotten the decree, almost everything is now in the township’s and the National Lands Trust’s (NLT) court,” Pompo said. “It’s up to us to do the survey and for the NLT to do the baseline documentation.”

The board tabled a request by Hartefeld National Golf Club General Manager Ken Nicholas and board member Bob Jones, asking the township to exempt the club from abiding by the township’s nuisance ordinance, which governs the club’s liquior license and gives Hartefeld right to permit the club to continue to host outdoor music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Nicholas said that there was a recent complaint lodged against the club by a local resident, who complained about the excessive noise volume.

To help smooth the way for the club, Nicholas and Jones are asking the board to petition the Liquor Control Board to initiate the exemption.

Southern Chester County Regional Police Department Chief Gerald

mushroom houses that it compels the phorid fly to leave these facilities and invade us?

“We know that the flies are attracted to the light, and they impact themselves on the windows [of the farms], because they want to go out,” Jenkins said. “Quite possibly, they’re going to the neighboring properties, but we don’t know why. There’s really nothing tasty for them there. It’s a mystery as to why they would want to go to residential neighborhood, when the room next door is filled with the next crop, which is a far better life strategy.”

The work to find the answers goes on. As part of Penn State’s research, Jenkins said that her department is currently monitoring 17 farms in Pennsylvania, one of which is Kaolin Mushrooms in Avondale. Sticky card placements throughout the houses measures daily volume and egg laying patterns.

Jenkins said that she is not aware of any similar problem occurring at any of the

Simpson said that the noise issue at Hartefeld has been going on for some time, and recommended that the township look into rewording its current nuisance ordinance.

“It’s not the issue. It’s the ordinance,” Simpson said. “The long-term way to address this is to look at the ordinance.”

The board will include the request as part of its July 17 meeting.

In an effort to stimulate business opportunities in Toughkenamon, Kristi Wyatt, general manager of the Delaware-based Harvest Ridge Winery -- and a member of the township’s Comprehensive Plan Committee -- told the supervisors that the winery is among the anchor supporters in plans to bring business to the Toughkenamon Town Center shopping area on Newark Road.

Wyatt said that the winery is drafting plans to bring a tasting room to the center, that will also include food, and outdoor seating in a courtyard that could potentially attract live music and other events. She said that the addition of the tasting room would not involve

other 16 farms involved in the study. Meanwhile, Penn State’s research in finding out more about the phorid fly patterns continues, and will soon involve exploring the use of technology and pesticide products, and evaluating the fly’s migratory and mating patterns, in an effort to find out why they leave mushroom farms. “We’re going to be put-

additional building, but would be retrofitted into the existing structure. She said that there are 76 parking spaces behind the center, that would easily accommodate visitors.

The board approved a motion to schedule a conditional use hearing for the planned project at its July 17 meeting.

Seeing the need for more affordable housing in the township, Jerry Poe, the owner of Poe’s Mobile Home Park on Pemberton Road, introduced a proposal to expand the mobile home park from its current 19 units to an additional 26 units, over a ten-acre property. The homes in the park average 1,100 square feet, and are 14 feet wide by 70 feet in length.

Poe’s application will need to go through a conditional use hearing before final approval for the expansion can be granted. The board authorized the auctioned sale of 12.26-acres of township property, adjacent to the New Garden Flying Field, to Steve and Sarah Dooley, for the price of $313,500.

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

ting sticky traps outside the mushroom houses, so that we can see where they are moving outside,” Jenkins said. “We’re trying to get a handle on where they are going and what they might be doing, because we really don’t know.”

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

Avon Grove graduates 464 at June 13 ceremony

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On June 13, a little after 7 p.m., 464 teenagers, all dressed in the maroon colors of what would soon become their alma mater, filed into Newark’s Bob Carpenter Center, closing one chapter of their lives and beginning the next one. Welcomed by an enthusiastic and overflow audience of family members, teachers and mentors, the members of the Avon Grove High School graduating class of 2017 took their seats to the opening processional of Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” played by the school’s graduation band, under the direction of Michael Davino. During the ceremony, the class was addressed by six of their fellow students, beginning with senior speaker Emma Ryan Robertson, who delivered “The End of a Chapter.” She was followed by salutatorian Noah Michael Donten, who spoke about commencement serving as both an ending and a beginning.

Senior speaker Brian Daniel Armstrong’s “We Can” address was followed by “Remember,” delivered by valedictorian Drew Arielle Lazarow; senior speaker Daphne Margaret Bonner’s “The Continuers” and “The Tassel is Worth the Hassle,” by senior class president CJ Charles Berger.

While student speeches focused heavily on the need to cherish the memories of high school, celebrating the achievement of graduating and making a strong mark on the world, one moment

served to honor the immediate future of nearly two dozen graduates.

During his opening remarks, Avon Grove High School principal Scott DeShong recognized several students who will soon be serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, attending military academies and serving in reserve training corps while in college.

After being named, each student stood and received applause from the audience.

DeShong also recognized the many graduates who are the recipients of scholarships and awards,

which he said totaled more than $4.3 million.

Led by director Amanda Wilcox, the Senior Ensemble performed “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent, composed by Jonathan Larson.

Presentation of diplomas was conducted by senior assistant principal Natalie Ortega-Moran, superintendent Dr. M. Christopher Marchese, school board president Bonnie Wolff and school board vice president Brian Gaerity.

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

Dylan Coyle...

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Avon Grove mounted a comeback. In the third period, Avon Grove tied the game with a goal with just 24 seconds left, only to lose the game, 4-3, when Delaware Military Academy scored with two seconds left.

“That was disappointing, but it was an exciting game,” Dylan recalled.

Each sport presented a learning experience for the young sports broadcaster. He was also paired with different color commentators, which helped him further his understanding of the many duties that a broadcaster faces.

“People are looking to be entertained,” Dylan said. “It can be difficult to fill the air time.” He listened attentively to a wide variety of sports broadcasters to learn how they filled the air time.

Preparation plays an important part in a broadcaster’s success. Hours of work can precede going on the air.

“One of the most underrated parts of being a broadcaster is the research. There is a lot of work involved,” Dylan said. He explained that Gene Hart, the original voice of the Flyers, always said that he would only use ten percent of the information he gathered for the game, but it was important to know it all because he wouldn’t know which ten percent would be useful until the game unfolded.

Jackson offered some words of advice to Dylan when he told him to never

start talking about something that you’re not confident talking about.

One of the things that Dylan learned very early on is that it’s equally important to know when not to talk.

“One of the hardest things about broadcasting is knowing when to shut up,” he explained. “You need to know when to let people see what’s going on.”

One example he mentioned is Kalas’ well known call of the final out when the Phillies won the World Series he knew when to let the moment speak for itself.

Another example is perhaps the best known call in sports history

Al Michaels’ exuberant

“Miracle on Ice” call during the U.S. hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union during the 1980 Olympics. He worked between 15 and 20 games during each of his last two years in high

school. The work helped him really begin to develop his own style. He regularly reviews his own work to work on his weaknesses and build on his strengths.

“I think it’s always important to look at what areas you can improve on,” Dylan said.

One area that he really focuses on is being impartial when he is announcing, and to report what he sees, as he sees it.

“I have the philosophy that when I’m announcing, I’m calling what I see,” Dylan explained. “I’m not going to show bias toward one team, but I am going to remember who my audience is. That means focusing on the home team.”

While still a high school student, Dylan had the rare opportunity to be in the booth with Jim Jackson and Bill Clement, which is a personal highlight for him so far. He called Reading

Royals games and learned about the business from that team’s announcer, Mark Thompson. He has already been a part of broadcasts of Temple University ice hockey games.

He started a blog for hockey fans on the Good Night, Good Hockey website, gnghockey.com. He reports about Flyers and Hershey Bears hockey teams. He is building a following on Twitter and Instagram. He organized several “takeover” events where they rented out the Wells Fargo Center for an evening of activities for hockey fans.

Dylan is quick to credit all the professional broadcasters who shared words of wisdom with a high school student. He is also thankful for the support he has received from people like Oxford Area High School technical education teacher Christopher Pierdomenico, gifted education teacher

Jackie Mavrelos, and athletic director Mike Price, and Avon Grove, technology education teacher Clint Jones and athletic director Vanessa Robtison with helping him get a jump start on his career. In the fall, he is heading to Temple University to major in sports journalism. Through all his various experiences, including his involvement with gnghockey.com, he has grown accustomed to being around professional athletes and Flyers officials like Ron Hextall.

One time, he was standing next to hockey great Mark Howe at an event. He let his dad know who he was standing next to and Bill

asked him if he was going to get a picture with him. Dylan replied, “Dad, we’re working.” He is very thankful for all the people who have helped him reach this point.

“I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been given,” he said. His dad is grateful for those opportunities and also proud of what his son has done with those opportunities.

I’m so proud of him,” Bill said. “He amazes me. The dream that he had, he is starting to fulfill it. I can’t wait to see where he goes and what he accomplishes.”

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

The leaders of tomorrow

One of the nice things about producing a community newspaper in 2017 is being able to shine a spotlight on some of the extraordinarily talented young people in southern Chester County who will become the leaders of tomorrow.

This week, we have a story about a young man named Dylan Coyle who is pursuing a career in sports broadcasting. He just graduated from Oxford Area High School, and his next step is studying sports journalism at Temple University. One day, we could all be listening to him call a professional sports game. During the course of a typical year, we’ll write about dozens of local students like Dylan who excel as students or athletes, or who work to make the world around them a better place.

In the last few weeks alone, we’ve covered the graduation ceremonies for Avon Grove, Kennett, Oxford, and Unionville, and at each one of these ceremonies, the accomplishments of the members of the Class of 2017 were celebrated. Local students accomplish quite a lot, as evidenced by their achievements on the sports field, in the classroom, on the stage, and in the community.

Dameron Berardi, a student at Kennett High School, was awarded the Widener University High School Leadership Award, an honor that is given to students who stand up for what is right, address a wrong, or make a difference in their community.

In the last school year alone, two Avon Grove sports teams—the swimming and diving squad and the lacrosse team—captured team state championships, the first for the school in 40 years.

Dozens of students from the four schools earned scholarships to prestigious universities to play sports. Just a few examples: Anna Juul, who competed in track and cross country at Unionville High School, will be heading to Harvard; Oxford’s Sarah Johnson will be playing field hockey at Stanford University; Avon Grove’s Doug Jones, a standout on the lacrosse team, will be heading to West Point. In addition to these athletes, local students earned tens of millions of dollars in scholarships for their work in the classroom.

Of course, it’s not just the seniors in the Class of 2017 who are achieving at a high level.

In July, two Unionville High School juniors will be spending time at two of Pennsylvania’s best universities as they participate in prestigious science and business programs. Katelyn Tsai will spend four weeks with students from around the country and world attending the Pennsylvania School of Global Entrepreneurship. Michael Iacocca will spend five weeks in Pittsburgh with students from all across Pennsylvania participating in the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for Science at Carnegie Mellon University.

Meanwhile, Eric Benjamin Gaver, a junior at Kennett High School, has been the recipient of an all-expenses-paid summer study trip to Germany after being selected as a national winner on the Level 4 2017 National German Exam for High School Students. Over 20,000 students participated in the program, and Gaver scored in the 90th percentile.

As we bid a final farewell to the Class of 2017, we would like to thank them for creating so many positive headlines. We are thankful for the opportunity to report on their achievements, and we look forward to seeing how they develop into the leaders of tomorrow.

Chester County Press

Letter to the Editor

U-CF ropes course is questioned

Letter to the Editor:

To paraphrase an old adage, watch the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves. But when the pennies are opaque, questions about how many pennies the taxpayers are on the hook for is the question. A curriculum change for 9th grade gym in the Unionville-Chadds Ford

School District was initially to be supported with a high ropes course to be installed at Unionville High School for $100,000-plus. That program never came to fruition, but a new invoice was presented at a work session for a June 19 vote, asking for $10,600 to install a “low initiative.” No documentation was provided detailing total costs to cover related

fees like training, insurance, maintenance, landscaping or equipment storage.

So is new equipment for one grade, used less than half a year, and potentially costing double this invoice OK with you, the taxpayer? More importantly, should full costs be revealed for new programs to be voted on?

By the time this letter is

published the board will have already voted, but contact them and let them know that full cost disclosure is important. Since the invoice already has an install date (July 11-15, 2017), it seems like the vote is a done deal anyway.

Longwood Fire Company presents Jim McGovern award to Brent du Pont

Former Fire Chief Matt Ruoss honored for 20 years of service

Longwood Fire Company has presented its Jim McGovern Service Award to Brent du Pont.

The award was given during Longwood’s annual banquet. Also honored for his 20 years of volunteer service was Matt Ruoss, who served 18 years as a line officer and most recently as deputy chief. He was presented with a bronze bell on a walnut base for his service.

Ruoss, who lives in Kennett Square, is a fifth-generation firefighter. Many members of his family were connected with Longwood Fire Company. “It’s in my blood,” he said. Ruoss was the prior fire chief and has held all officer positions in the company. He has been a firefighter for a quarter-century, as he was a member of another company for five years before joining Longwood.

“Longwood is blessed

with having many outstanding volunteers,” said Chief A. J. McCarthy. “Matt and Brent are two prime examples.”

The Jim McGovern Service Award is named for a dedicated Longwood firefighter who died at age 22. McGovern, a University of Delaware graduate, was a top responder during his time at Longwood Fire Company.

“I was surprised when I received the award. I didn’t expect to be named,” du Pont said. “I joined Longwood in 2010 to serve my community. Everyone at Longwood is great. I enjoy serving with them.”

When du Pont joined Longwood, he was a resident of Pennsbury, but has since moved to Wilmington. After the move, du Pont decided to continue being a member of the fire company.

For more information, visit www.longwoodfireco. com.

Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit gets vests for dogs

Although bulletproof vests aren’t a typical housewarming gift, they served as a heartwarming one on April 24 at the Re/Max Town & County office in West Chester.

The real-estate firm presented Chester County Sheriff Carolyn “Bunny” Welsh and Lt. Harry McKinney, who heads the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, with a $2,275 check to help purchase vests for the K-9s, three of whom attended the check-presentation ceremony and modeled their new attire.

About 20 employees marveled at the model behavior of the dogs, who included Murphy, accompanied by his partner, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Barr; Nero and his partner, Deputy Sheriff Dan McCole; and Dexter and his partner, Deputy Sheriff Mike Sarro.

The impetus for the gift came from agent Andrea Smith, who had sold a home to Barr. She said when she sought suggestions from him for a thank-you gift, he said that he didn’t need anything, but he wondered if she would be interested in getting something for the K-9 Unit.

Smith, whose husband is a police officer, said when she learned that the dogs didn’t

have bulletproof vests, she recognized the importance of that goal. After getting enthusiastic encouragement from Alyssa, her 17-yearold daughter, as well as other members of her office, she launched a fundraising effort.

McKinney explained that some other groups had also raised money for the vests, but the $6,300 purchase would not have happened if he hadn’t received a phone call from the Atlantic K-9 Vest Fund, in Newport News, Va. An anonymous donor with a connection to Chester County wanted to purchase K-9 vests and would happily make up the difference. With the date for the check presentation at Re/ Max already set, McKinney extended an invitation to the new benefactors.

Brian Cordero and Kevin Gellerma of the Atlantic K-9 Vest Fund attended Monday’s event, adding $3,600 to the cause from a woman who declined to identify herself. The fund was established in February 2016 after K-9 Officer Krijger was killed in Norfolk, Va. – a death that a protective vest would have prevented. Since then, the nonprofit has been working to ensure that K-9s across the country receive

protection.

Welsh said she greatly appreciated the support, adding that she holds her four-legged deputies in high esteem. In addition to their loyalty, they have perfected specialties that include tracking, patrolling, bomb sniffing, narcotics detection, cadaver location, and arson detection. The unit even has a courthouse comfort dog who offers emotional thera-

in high-stress situations,

such as child-abuse cases or custody disputes.

The K-9 teams provide service throughout Chester County, Welsh said, frequently assisting 50 police departments in 73 municipalities. They also respond to calls from other counties.

“This is an excellent example of the community working to support a program that benefits public safety for everyone,” said Welsh.

Chester County Balloon Festival to take flight June 23-25

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Beginning this Friday evening, the sky over Toughkenamon will be alive with the glow of more than 20 hot air balloons, and remain that way through June 25, as the annual Chester County Balloon Festival returns this year to the New Garden Flying Field. The festival, now in its 11th year, will feature

more than 100 craft and food vendors, and the popular Hops & Grapes Wine and Beer Garden, sponsored by the Victory Brewing Company and Harvest Ridge Winery, will allow visitors to sample craft beer, as well as whites and reds. The area will be open at 4 p.m. on June 23, and at 11 a.m. June 24 and 25.

Visitors will also enjoy fun activities like monster truck rides, zip lining,

balloon and helicopter rides, live music from local bands, a professional kite show – all topped off with after-dark balloon glow flights and a fireworks celebration on June 24.

Proceeds from the festival will be given to the Chester County Hero Fund, which provides necessary financial assistance to the widows, children and families who are left with little or no support when a police officer, deputy sheriff, firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic or state trooper loses his/her life or is seriously injured in the line of duty. The festival will also dedicate additional proceeds to local community groups.

The Chester County Balloon Festival is located at New Garden Flying Field (1235 Newark Rd., Toughkenamon). Admission to the festival

is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. Gates open at 4 p.m. on June 23, at 12:30 p.m. on June 24, and noon on June 25. Parking at the

festival is free. Attendees are advised to have their blankets and chairs in place by 7 p.m. on June 23 and 4:30 p.m. on June 24 to ensure the best seating for the ballooning events.

What parents need to know about new Pa. school vaccination requirements

School districts want parents to know the new immunization rules so that their children are ready for the start of the new school year

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The school year might have just ended, but an effort is underway to raise awareness about new Pa. school vaccination requirements that will be in effect when children head back to the classroom in August.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health developed the new

immunization regulations to prevent diseases from spreading.

Jeremy Curtis, the director of pupil services for the Avon Grove School District, said that this is the first time that the vaccination requirements have been changed in quite some time, so the district wants to make sure that parents are well aware of the changes so that they can make sure that their children are ready for the start of the new school year.

“It’s a big change that impacts families in our district,” said Curtis. “Immunizations have been consistent for a long time so parents need to pay attention to the changes and make sure that their children are compliant.”

The new rules impact students of all ages.

Previously, parents had until April of the school year to get their children up to date with the vaccinations. Now, the window to get the vaccinations completed has been shortened to five days after the start

of the school year. If the vaccinations aren’t completed within those five days, a doctor can write a note to the district outlining the plan to complete them. Otherwise, children may not be able to attend classes until they are in compliance with the new regulations.

“With the changes, we don’t have any wiggle room,” Curtis explained.

Students in all grades are now required to have four doses of the polio vaccine. Students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis (Tdap), and one dose of Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV).

Students entering 12th grade are required to have one dose of Meningococcal Conjugate. Children now need two doses of rubella, instead of one dose.

If children aren’t fully compliant with the new regulations, they could be sent home from school until all the necessary vaccinations have been completed—a situation that Curtis said the

district does not want to occur. During the course of the last school year, just three children out of the approximately 5,000 students in the district missed school time because they were not in compliance with vaccinations at various times. Curtis said that the district doesn’t want more students to have issues with non-compliance, so they are diligently working to get the word out about the new requirements.

Information about the immunization requirements can be found on Avon Grove School District’s website at www. avon grove .org. School nurses and building principals can be a resource for parents who have questions about the new regulations, Curtis said.

The exemptions to getting a child immunized— philosophical, religious, and medical exemptions— remain unchanged.

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

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Restoring ‘The Rose’

By Nancy Johnson Correspondent

When Penn Township residents elected Jay Ennis to the Board of Supervisors in January 2016, they got a bonus. As longtime owner of Ennis Construction, he was a natural to take on the daunting Red Rose Inn restoration project.

“When I joined the supervisors, it was very clear that there was a lot going on in the township and all of the supervisors were already really busy,” Ennis said. “I figured I could be of most help with the Red Rose, so I went to Curtis [Mason, chairman of the Board of Supervisors] and offered my services. He immediately gave me the go-ahead, and all the board members have been very supportive of my venture.”

In addition to his knowledge of construction and building restoration, Ennis is passionate about “The Rose,” as he affectionately calls Penn Township’s most historic building. His cache of stories about good times he and his family had there spans decades.

“Yeah, it’s definitely haunted,” he said. “I have no doubt. It’s just a sense you get. They’re not bad or scary ghosts. It’s a beautiful building, plus it has a history; it kind of makes it romantic.”

The legend goes that a young girl named Emily was murdered, and a Native American was accused of the crime. It was later discovered that another man killed young Emily, but “Indian Joe” had

After years of neglect, the historic building is getting a new life

a tree at corner. In an effort to conceal the mistake, his body was reportedly buried in the basement of the Red Rose. There are many stories of people seeing Emily either looking out the front windows toward Baltimore Pike or at the top of the steps. The spirit of Joe is encountered in the basement.

Although the Red Rose has a well-documented history, surprisingly it is not on any historic registry. The inn was established in 1740 to accommodate travelers between Baltimore and Philadelphia. As part of William Penn’s land grant, the name was derived from the terms of the property lease – one red rose per year. A key landmark in southern Chester County, the Red Rose was operated by numerous owners as an inn and restaurant for more than 250 years. By 2011, the building had fallen into a state of disrepair and was offered for sale. Knowing the Red Rose Inn property was key to much-needed intersection improvement at Jennersville Road and Baltimore Pike – coupled with their desire to preserve an important piece of the township’s history -- the Penn Township Board of Supervisors worked to negotiate a deal to buy the property.

Ennis described the beginning of the restoration project. “Basically there is a format for any restoration project,” he said. “First, of course, we had the demo work done, then repointing of the entire building.”

Ennis discovered that, because of the age of

mortar was needed. “Unlike masonry mortar, there is no cement in it,” he said. “If we used any cement on the old brick, they would not be able to breathe, and would deteriorate over time.

“It wasn’t inexpensive,” Ennis admitted, “but Weaverland Masonry did a fantastic job. In preparation, they even went to a seminar about using lime mortar, as it is so rarely used.”

Smucker Exterior Modeling did the fascia and soffit work. Ennis said this work strayed from being 100 percent historically accurate. “We used a vinyl composite, but you would never know to look at it,” he said. “It will last much longer, and yet still gives the look of the original.”

The supervisots debated replacing the cedar shake roof with metal, but in the end decided to stay with the traditional cedar. Ennis was exceptionally pleased with the work done by Richie Banker Roofing.

The gutters were all replaced, but again Ennis elected to go with a product that has the look of the original, but not the negatives. Although they look like real copper, Ennis says the gutters will “keep the same luster as new copper and won’t turn green over time.”

“Originally, we wanted to use replacement windows,” he said, “but Bob [Davis] convinced us to keep the originals. His crew replaced all the broken panes -- and there were many -- with antique glass. They did a great job matching it.”

All of the windows were then re-glazed and a number of sashes were replaced with maintenancefree PVC. The window sills were repaired as needed, and then painted with a top-of-the-line paint.

Ennis is ecstatic about the shutters, which have just been installed. “They

are all custom made of Spanish cedar and painted with a really, really dark green pigment that was typical of the era,” he said.

“Steve Dunn Carpentry is to be commended on the shutters. They look absolutely fabulous and make the Rose complete.”

The next area to be addressed will be the porch. Again, there was discussion back and forth on whether to put front porch back on.

“But all the old pictures show her with the porch on, so we decided to rebuild it,” Ennis said. “We’ll use stamped concrete to create the look of flagstone and add the traditional round pillars.

“We may possibly extend the wall up and create a courtyard. Plus, we will remove the asphalt drive in front of the building, fill it in and make all of it grass. It’s going to be sharp!”

Ennis is relieved that the exterior work is basically complete, which will ensure that it will remain for many more generations. The building itself is remarkably sound.

“It doesn’t look great

inside, but honestly it is all cosmetic,” he said. What makes it appear so bad is the peeling paint, which is the result of the building not being heated and the humidity taking its toll.

“It will really be a neat showplace. Without sounding hokey, this is the crown jewel of Jennersville,” Ennis said with a grin. “The goal is to have it all done for Penn Township’s bicentennial in 2018.”

Ennis is unsure when interior work will start, but is looking forward to directing the board’s intentions for that work as well. “We have electric and water now and will have HVAC work done soon,” he said. “But I expect much of the interior will be a slow process.

“As far as whether the building will actually be used, that’s still up in the air.

There have been a bunch of ideas thrown around,” he said. However, plans for an adjacent building are under way. It will serve as a municipal building, and possibly a portion may be devoted to the township’s history. “We have to do preliminary drawings in the near future so we can apply for grant money,” Ennis said.

Reflecting on the restoration work, he said, “It’s definitely a labor of love, but I am just fascinated by the building – she’s still got so much to offer. It would have been a sin to lose her.” Penn Township’s Historical Society is asking local residents for any old photos they may have of the Red Rose Inn during its heyday. They are particularly looking for photos that show the back and the west side (toward Oxford) of the building.

June 24

Vegetable breeding workshop

A two-day vegetable breeding workshop will take place on 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 1

Freedom Fest in Nottingham Park

The Freedom Fest at Nottingham County Park will be held on Saturday, July 1

from 6 to 11 p.m. Admission is free, but parking is $10 per car. Enjoy fireworks, a concert, plenty of activities and offerings from food vendors. There will snacks from Herr Foods, and festival foods served by vendors. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Bring your own seating. Canopies are not permitted. Smoking and alcohol are prohibited. For more information, call 610-9322589 or visit www.chesco. org/ccparks.

July 2

Organ recital

Union Presbyterian Church (5637 Street Rd., Kirkwood, Pa.) will hold a recital on its restored 1930 organ on July 2 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature patriotic music, classics and theatrical songs, as well as hymns, played by organist Bob Trimble. An offering will be taken to benefit the Solanco Food Bank.

July 15

‘Tribute to the 70s’

The New London Community Choir will present a free concert, “A Tribute to the 70s,” on July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Avon Grove High School. The concert will include disco numbers, songs from Queen, Simon and Garfunkel and many more. There will be memorabilia from the 1970s and trivia to round out the program. No tickets needed. Donations will be accepted at the door. Call 610-869-8129 for more information.

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.

Enter the world of Andrew Wyeth

Brandywine River Museum of Art plans huge exhibition for artist

To mark the 100th anniversary of Andrew Wyeth’s birth, the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the Seattle Art Museum have organized an exhibition of more than 100 of his finest paintings and works on paper selected from major museums and private collections. The exhibition will be on view from June 24 through Sept. 17, before traveling to the Seattle Art Museum in October 2017.

Co-curated by Audrey Lewis (curator, Brandywine River Museum of Art) and Patricia Junker (the Ann M. Barwick Curator of American Art at the Seattle Art Museum), “Andrew Wyeth: In Retrospect” will be the first career retrospective of the artist since his death in 2009. This exhibition will explore how the artist’s work evolved over the decades and will connect him more fully to traditions in American and European art. His career arc will also be explored, noting the critical responses

to his work, as well as his immense public success. New interpretations will be offered on the significance of outside influences on his work, such as film and war, and on the subjects and themes that occupied him throughout his career.

“In Retrospect” will bring together both well-known and rarely seen works created between the mid1930s and Wyeth’s death in 2009 that reveal the subjects that continually inspired Wyeth and the evolution of his imagery. The show spans early watercolors that established his reputation to his final painting, “Goodbye,” completed a few months before his death. The exhibition also will include many of Wyeth’s studies, which were rarely exhibited in the artist’s lifetime.

Organized chronologically, the exhibition will examine Wyeth’s unrelenting realism in the context of the twentieth century, looking at how

outside forces shaped the artist’s choice of subjects and his approach to portraying the people, places and things that reflect the internal musings of a complicated man.

As the exhibition will reveal, Wyeth continually pared down his subject matter, distilling the essence of character – real and imagined – hidden beneath the surface of his subjects. The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue published by Yale University Press. The catalogue will offer significant firsts in Wyeth studies: it will lay out the first detailed timeline of Wyeth’s full career; it will present the first contextual examination of the career decade by decade; and it will offer new, in-depth analysis

of key aspects of his work by both young and established Wyeth scholars from the U.S. and Japan. The catalogue is intended to be a foundation for subsequent Wyeth studies. Visitors can also tour the Andrew Wyeth Studio, the N.C. Wyeth Home and Studio, and Kuerner Farm, where Andrew Wyeth painted some of his landmark works.

The Brandywine River Museum of Art is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Chadds Ford. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and older, $6 for students and children 6 and older; free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www. brandywinemuseum.org.

GEORGE O. MCMILLAN, JR.

George (Bo) O. McMillan, Jr., 56, passed away peacefully on June 10, surrounded by his family. Born in 1960 at Jennersville Hospital, Bo was the son of George O. McMillan, Sr., and the late Jean M. McMillan of Oxford. Bo attended Oxford Area High school before he enlisted in the United States Army in 1979. He was stationed in California and later in Korea, where he received an honorable discharge in 1981. After working various jobs, he went on to earn his CDL license and found passion in long-haul trucking. He was an avid Eagles fan and enjoyed music, puzzles and technology. He had a passion for cars and spending time with his family. Hs is survived by his father, George, Sr.; three daughters, Tamika Twyman of Lancaster, Amber Peyton of Philadelphia and Jennifer Peyton of Pottstown; seven grandchildren; four sisters, Sheila Yamini of West Chester, Lalietia (Felix) Kennedy of Cartersville, Ga., Juanita (Wayne) Dyer of Oxford, and Sonja McMillan of Pottstown; one brother, Gregory (Kristie) McMillan of Newark, Del.; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A service was held June 16. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. To offer condolences, visit www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

‘Summer Fun’ series Through Aug. 23

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 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 610-869-9334 or visit www. westgroveumc.org.

June 23

‘The Shack’ screening

West Grove United Methodist Church (300 N. Guernsey Rd., West Grove) will show the feature film “The Shack” on June 23 at 6:30 p.m. Based on a book by the same name, the movie is about a grieving father who receives a mysterious message from God to meet him at the source of his grief, the shack. Free admission. Everyone is invited. Visit www.westgroveumc.org for more information.

June 24

Buffet breakfast

Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) 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 25

Visitor Day

London Grove Friends

Meeting (500 W. Street Rd. and Newark Road) invites visitors to experience an outdoor meeting for worship on June 25 at 9:30 a.m., next to a William Penn oak tree. A Quaker-style worship is followed by refreshments and a chance to ask questions. Child care is available. Visit www.londongrovemeeting.org or call 610-347-1809.

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,

DOLORES ANN MEGINLEY

Dolores Ann Meginley, 78, of Avondale, passed away on June 15 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Dolores was the wife of Warren F. Meginley, Sr., who predeceased her in 2001. Warren and Dolores shared 47 years of marriage. Born in 1939 in Catlettsburg, Ky., she was a daughter of late Benjamin C. Friley and late Ella Mae Woods. After her father’s passing at a young age, Dolores was raised by her mother and her late stepfather, Donald Roten.

Dolores was a 1957 graduate of Octorara High School, although she spent most of her high school career attending West Chester Henderson. Throughout the years she loved attending the West Chester Henderson High School reunions. After completing her education, she went on to hold various jobs throughout the community. She most notably was a school bus driver for the Unionville School District during the 1970s and 1980s. After leaving Unionville, she went on to work in accounting at Electronics Boutique and Tri-M Group until her retirement. During her retirement, she also worked at Wal-Mart.

When she wasn’t working, Dolores loved to be outside. She greatly enjoyed flower gardening, swimming and traveling (mainly to Las Vegas with her sisters). She was also an avid reader and loved going to Delaware Park to play the slots. Aside from all of the memories of spending time with family and friends, Dolores’s loved ones will always remember her positive attitude and sense of humor.

JEAN H. MAZZONI HUFFMAN

Jean H. Mazzoni Huffman, 95, of Kennett Square, died on June 16 at Linden Hall nursing facility in Kennett Square. She was the wife of the late Clarence T. Huffman, who died in 2001, and with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Kennett Square, she was a daughter of the late Dominick and the late Domenica (DiFilippo) Mazzoni. Jean lived her entire life in the Kennett borough and was endeared to the close-knit Kennett community. She was employed at NVF Company in Kennett, where she met her husband. After their marriage in December 1949, she enjoyed being a full-time homemaker and was meticulous about maintaining her home. She loved working outdoors and was often seen raking in the summer and fall, and even enjoyed shoveling snow in the winter. She loved reading, especially the local newspapers, which she read from cover to cover. She enjoyed music and would often sing along when her daughter played songs on the piano. Jean was an avid animal lover, especially cats, dogs, and horses. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, providing an ample amount of love and support for them.

snacks, Bible stories, crafts, and prizes for children in fourth through eighth grades. For information, call 610-9329595, email beulahbaptist@ gmail.com, or visit www. beulahbaptist.us.

June 28

Joseph’s People meeting

The monthly Joseph’s People meeting for the unemployed and underemployed will be on June 28 at 6:45 p.m. in the parish life center (lower level) of ABVM’s Church (300 State Rd., West Grove). The guest speaker will be Warren Cook, director of consulting services, managing member and co-founder of SymbianceHR. His topic will be “The Power of Differentiation.” Joseph’s People provides prayerful support, introducing vital community job resources, discussing job opportunities, and encouraging member interaction. Visit www. josephspeople.org.

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 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.

Dolores is survived by her sons, Curtis Meginley of Avondale, Warren F. Meginley, Jr. (Michele) of Quarryville; her daughters, Robbin Rice (Michael) of Pylesville, Md., Noble Underwood (Jim) of Avondale; her brothers, Steven Roten (Stephanie) of St. Clairesville, Ohio, James Friley (Sue) of West Jefferson, N.C., William Roten (Pamela) of Williamsburg, Pa., Warren Roten (Pauline) of Christiana, Pa.; her sisters, Carol Hamilton and Ellen Roten, both of Kennett Square; her six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held June 20. Interment was held privately at Union Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.griecocares.com.

CLIFFORD P. HEMPHILL

Clifford P. Hemphill, 66, of Kennett Square, passed away on June 8 at his home.

He is survived by his mother, Pauline Blake; and three siblings, Mark, Michael, and Dorian Lelli. Clifford grew up in, Kennett Square, and attended, Kennett High School. After graduating in, 1968, he went to West Chester University, where he left after his junior year. Cliff lived in, Miami Beach, Fla., in the late, 1970s and then moved to, Malibu, Calif., and lived there for a couple of years, before moving to Venice Beach, Calif. He eventually returned to Kennett Square in 1985.

Cliff enjoyed music, and had a great appreciation for nature, where he felt the happiest and at peace. He also enjoyed the beach, and loved swimming in the ocean. During Cliff’s high school years, he played, soccer, basketball, and baseball, and was very good at all three sports. In college, he played soccer. Cliff was fortunate to have many friends and was well liked, and he had a great sense of humor. He had a successful painting business for 16 years, and had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects. Cliff was an avid reader of esoteric books. His favorite author was, Zecharia Sitchin. He was an extremely giving person, and would do anything for people without expecting something in return. Cliff was a very spiritual person. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

There will be a mass on June 23 at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church (212 Meredith St., Kennett Square).   Burial will be private. Immediately following the mass, there will be a gathering to celebrate Cliff’s life. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.

Survivors include her daughter Jeanne Huffman of Kennett Square; her son, Lawrence Huffman of West Chester; five grandchildren, Susie Huffman of New Castle, Del., Joe Huffman of Newark, Del., Shannon Huffman of Wilmington, Del., Lewis Huffman of Middletown, Del., and Tony Rapone of Middletown, Del.; four great-grandchildren, Angela, Jessie, Jack and Joshua; two great-great-grandchildren, Kason and Aria; two sisters, Mary Tomasovich of Coatesville, and Elizabeth Troyan of Kennett Square; and two brothers, Jimmy and Johnny Mazzoni of Kennett Square.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. June 22 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). A funeral celebrating her life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Longwood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faithful Friends Animal Society, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

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SIGN DAMAGED

On May 9, a sign for a school board candidate posted on a lawn in London Grove Township was damaged, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. There are no suspects at this time.

APPLIANCES STOLEN

Appliances were stolen from two rental properties in London Britain Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. The owner of the homes discovered the thefts when a rental client told him that there was no washing machine, dryer, stove, refrigerator or air conditioner in a rental home. Police said that the property manager is considered a suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

FATAL CRASH

On June 1, just before 1 a.m., a two-vehicle crash killed a 28-year-old Havertown woman, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Police said Shauna Downs was driving east on Cochran Street in West Fallowfield Township and turned left onto northbound Route 41. A tractor trailer traveling south on Route 41 was unable to stop and struck the car. Downs was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police.

STABBING ARREST

On May 31 at 4:53 p.m., Pennsylvania State Police Avondale arrested Frederico Bernabe-Ramirez, 34, after he stabbed a 23-year-old Kennett Square man in the arm after an argument. The stabbing occurred at Pietro Industries, on School House Road in East Marlborough Township. The suspect was charged with aggravated assault and related charges, and was taken to Chester County Prison after failing to post bail.

DRUGS STOLEN

A 35-year-old West Grove woman was arrested for shoplifting after she stole items on two occasions from the CVS drug store in Penn Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. On May 27, Jessica Key Norris took 10 antidiuretic packets from a shelf and left without paying. On May 31, she returned and took a bottle of cold medicine and walked out. The total value of the items was $140.69. Police said Norris admitted to taking the items and she was cited, taken into custody and released.

MALWARE SCAM

On May 5, Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported that a London Grove Township

resident man had been scammed online. On April 25, police said, the victim was contacted by email and told that he had malware software on his laptop computer. The victim paid $318 by electronic check to have the malware removed. It was later determined that no such malware had been installed. The investigation is ongoing.

RETAIL THEFT

Pennsylvania State Police Avondale reported that Elizabeth Jeanne Prisco, 31, of Kennett Square, was cited for retail theft after she took several items from the Walmart store in Kenett Square and then returned the following day and stole more items. She was stopped by store security after the second theft and cited by police.

ONLINE SCAM

A 49-year-old East Marlborough Township woman was almost the victim of a scam on May 12, according to Pennsylvania State Police Avondale. Police said that she got an email recruiting her to be an employee of Walmart 2 Walmart. She accepted the offer and got a letter in the mail with a check. She was told to cash the check and send $803 to an affiliate in Texas. She took the letter to the bank and was told that the job offer was probably a scam. She called police and did not lose any money.

ASSAULT

Tito Perez-Ventura, 26, of Toughkenamon, was arrested by the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department and charged with strangulation and simple assault on May 20, after he allegedly grabbed a 28-yearold woman around the neck and attempted to choke her, while she was holding her 8-year-old child. The incident occurred on May 20 at about 8:20 p.m. in the 1600 block of Baltimore Pike in New Garden Township. During the altercation, Perez-Ventura allegedly knocked the child out of the victim’s arms and the child fell to the ground. The victim had minor injuries but she declined medical treatment for herself and her child. Perez-Ventura was taken into custody, processed, and held overnight pending arraignment. He was arraigned the next morning and was committed to the Chester County Prison.

CCIU Practical Nursing Program celebrates 60th anniversary

Alumni, former and current instructors, current students and their families recently gathered to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Practical Nursing Program (PNP).

The celebration featured a “PNP Through the Decades” exhibit which displayed documents, artifacts and pictures from each of the six decades since the program’s creation in 1957. Attendants were able to walk through the displays and connect with current and former students, instructors and their families.

Jane Alexander and Patty Knecht, the two previous directors of PNP, were in attendance, along with the current director, Nancy Haughton. Their combined involvement with the program stretches from 1978 to the present day.

“What made this event special was that we were able to bring together past and present student and faculty alumni to celebrate our shared love for our program. We had the opportunity to connect

with one another to share the ways in which our program has changed over the years, and realized that our core values are the same as they were in 1957,” Haughton said.

Jane Alexander, who began teaching at PNP in 1978 and subsequently became the director in 1986, believes that the thing that connects each decade of PNP is its focus on students and faculty.

“All the years I was working with the best faculty I could have ever asked for were incredible! We have the greatest students who were so dedicated to their profession, their studies and their families. I loved going to work every day. The students’ success was my reward,” Alexander said.

Marilyn Vega, a current PNP student, has a close personal connection with the program. Vega began the program 30 years ago before taking some time off. She has since re-enrolled and recently earned the Alma Newlin scholarship from the Health & Wellness Foundation of Southern Chester County. During the exhibit, she

W.

from the class of 1970, stands next to a display of pictures, documents and artifacts from the earliest days of PNP.

discovered that two of her aunts from separate sides of the family had been part of the first to go through PNP.

The Practical Nursing Program was established in 1957 through the West Chester State Teachers College in partnership with Chester County Hospital.

In 1968 the Central Chester County Technical School assumed responsibility for the administrative and educational components of the Practical Nursing Program.

The Central Chester County Technical School was renamed the Center for Arts and Technology (CAT) and joined the Chester County Intermediate Unit in the late

1980s.

The Center for Arts and Technology (CAT) Practical Nursing Program celebrated its 50th anniversary on Nov. 1, 2007. Shortly thereafter, the program moved to the newly opened Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge Campus in West Grove in 2008. In 2012, the program made a final move to TCHS Brandywine Campus and the program name changed to Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Practical Nursing Program (PNP). To learn more about the Chester County Intermediate Unit’s Practical Nursing Program, visit www. chestercountynursing.org.

Wings for Success hosts Kennett area fundraiser

Wings for Success hosted its first fundraiser in the Kennett Square area on June 1. Wine with Wings, a wine tasting event held at Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, was a sold-out event with nearly 150 people attending. The evening offered wines provided by Patone Cellars, a Landenberg area winery, with foods paired to complement each wine, and a silent auction.

A highlight of the Wings for Success event was hearing from a Wings client who first received services 15 years ago. Portia Graham of Coatesville shared her success story and her interest in continuing to

support Wings. “When you wear clothes that make you feel good, you have more selfconfidence and it’s easier to believe in yourself and the things you can do,” she said. “With support from Wings, I went on my first interview with confidence that I could get the job, and I did! I want other women to have the same experience.”

By helping women access free, work-appropriate clothing and offering support and confidence building, Wings helps clients make the best impressions at interviews and new jobs. The goal is to help women gain financial stability and self-sufficiency

for themselves and their families. Since its start in 1997, the agency has helped more than 10,000 clients tackle this often-overlooked barrier to employment and economic security

Mary Pat Knauss of Kennett Square, a committee member for the wine tasting event and former board president, explained that one goal of the event was to acquaint more residents in Kennett Square and surrounding communities with the Wings mission and operations, and encourage their support.

With sites in Frazer and Kennett Square, Wings serves clients in southeastern

Pennsylvania. The Kennett Square office was opened in 2015 to make it easier for clients in southern Chester County and areas in Delaware County to access services. Since opening, the Kennett Square office has served 300 clients.

“For many clients in this area, trying to get to our Frazer location was a real hardship. We are so pleased to have a local site that allows us to reach so many more women in this area,” said Ingrid Lis, program manager for the Kennett Square office. For more information about Wings for Success visit www. wingsforsuccess.org.

‘Sounds Under the Stars’ concerts begin

The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance has announced the lineup for the “Sounds Under the Stars” summer music concerts.

Bring a lawn chair, blanket and a picnic dinner to the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance’s Myrick Conservation Center and

listen to music in a beautiful country setting. All performances are held in the amphitheater on Route 842 (1760 UnionvilleWawaset Rd.), three miles east of Unionville and six miles west of West Chester. Music begins at 7:30 p.m., and gates open at 6 p.m.

The Thursday evening

concerts include the following performances:

June 29 – West Chester Band

July 6 - Lukens Band

July 13 - B illy Penn Burger Band

July 20 - Cameltones

July 27 - Shytown

Aug. 3 - Montana

Wildaxe

Aug. 10 - Cousin Jake For more information or detailed directions to the Myrick Center, call 610-

Dixon Stroud, chairman and founder of The Willowdale Steeplechase, has announced an increase in donations to the race’s three beneficiaries this year.

The Willowdale Steeplechase hosts a worldclass event to raise funds for its benefiting charities -- the Stroud Water Research Center, the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center, and Quest Therapeutic Services. This yea,r Willowdale will donate $90,000 to be distributed among the three charities.

The Willowdale Steeplechase, an annual event which features National Steeplechase Association sanctioned horse racing and a variety of family activities, encourages community involvement in Kennett Square and the surrounding areas. It also showcases the role of

793-1090 or visit www. brandywineredclay.org.

The summer music series is beginning its 20th year of providing free entertainment to the public. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as well as picnic dinners, for the performances. Well-behaved dogs are allowed,but must be on a leash at all times. Free light refreshments will be available at intermission.

preserving agriculture and open space.

“Because of a significant increase in attendance, donations and sponsorships, the race realized the greatest profits this year in our history” Dixon Stroud said. “We are pleased to be able to pass this on to our beneficiaries. This is especially gratifying as this year marked our 25th anniversary. The Willowdale Steeplechase owes its success to the generosity of our sponsors and contributors and the efforts of over 200 volunteers. All of these people are part of the Chester County community which our beneficiaries serve. Willowdale is committed to this community and proud to be able to support Stroud Water Research, Quest and New Bolton.” The 25 anniversary

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Country setting, private area. No pets, and no smokers. 610-268-2910 or leave message. Miscellaneous

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East Nottingham Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named Wayne O. Waltman having been grant to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Debbie Waltman, Administrator, C/O Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 East Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363 6p-7-3t

NOTICE

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

The London Grove Township Zoning Hearing Board will conduct a public hearing on, Monday, July 10, 2017 at 7:00 p.m., in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA for the following purpose: 236 Schoolhouse Road- To hear the appeal of Jeffery and Dana Simpson for a variance to replace the existing 16’ x 21’ shed with a 24’ x 40’ detached garage, utilizing the existing side yard setback of 20’ from the property line. Section 27-503.1 E. of the London Grove Township Zoning Ordinance requires a 30’ side yard setback. This property is in the Rural/Residential (RR) District.

William Grandizio, Chairman Zoning Hearing Board 6p-14-2t

NOTICE ESTATE OF MARY TEALE BATTIN,

Local Interest

Oxford Area High School recognizes top students

Oxford Area High School recently held a breakfast to recognize the school’s Students of the Month for May. Each month teachers in selected departments nominate underclassmen for this honor, with the final selections made by the school administration.

Students of the Month are chosen based on criteria including demonstrating an effort and desire to learn; involvement in school and classroom activities; respect for all school policies and personnel; concern for the school community and friendliness and support for other students. The following Students of the Month for May were named after being nominated by members of the social studies department

Jack Ewing, freshman: Nominating teacher Justin Hostetter said, “Jack is the kind of student who says ‘Good Morning’ every time walking in the door and ‘have a nice day’ when leaving. He is respectful and always willing to participate in class. On top of that Jack stays busy outside of the classroom, participating on both the wrestling and lacrosse teams.”

Leah Humphrey, freshman: Nominating teacher Josh Shock said, “Leah has been hardworking and diligent in her coursework all year long. She always comes to class with a positive attitude, ready to learn and put her all into her assignments.

“Leah is polite and courteous to other students and to the teacher. She is proactive and always willing to accept constructive criticism and fix her mistakes for the next time.”

Jadyn Crowley, sophomore: Nominating teacher

Jay Ciotola said, “Jadyn has been an exceptional student and high achiever in world history throughout the year. He is always courteous and very interested in the material, and often has insights that go beyond what we are learning in class.”

James Regester, sophomore: Nominating teacher Michael Pietlock said, “James has been the most consistent student that I have had in any of my courses this year and will have most likely finished the third quarter with a 100 percent grade. He is a good student and a good kid.”

Mackenzie Russell, sophomore: Nominating teacher Kimberly Towers said, “Mackenzie has consistently worked hard in class, but has also gone above and beyond what is expected. Her attention to details and

UHS students sign with colleges

facts is outstanding.

“Mackenzie manages her time very well and, when involved in sports, balances all her obligations. She is always polite and respectful, both to her peers and to me.”

Abigail Herman, junior: Nominating teacher Justin Wyatt said, “Abigail is an outstanding student in civics. She is hardworking, committed to achieving excellence and willing to share her ideas on class subjects.

“In addition to getting outstanding grades, Abigail is willing to help her peers understand a complex topic. Most importantly, she does all of her work with a smile on her face and a friendly demeanor.”

Elena Stoleriu, junior: Nominating teacher Michael Means said, “Elena has

shown consistent effort in all of the classes I have had her for and is a really strong sociology student. She is always willing to contribute and work with all of the other students in the class to foster quality discussion. Elena is a great kid.”

Mike Villa, junior: Nominating teacher Basia Manniso said, “Each day Mike comes in to my civics class and shows an interest in the subject matter. From getting his work done in a timely fashion to participating in class discussions, Mike is a pleasure to work with. Of special note is the interest in civics he shows outside of the classroom, exemplified by his desire to share and ask questions before and after lectures and activities.”

Hopewell Elementary School names Students of the Month

AJS Pancott Gymnastics produces national champions

Mary McGinty and Nay’yarrah Winder AJS Pancott Gymnastics National Training Center, located in West Chester competed at Junior Olympic Level 9 Eastern Championships in Lansing, Mich., in April. McGinty finished as Eastern National Champion on uneven bars with a 9.725 and was also All Around Eastern National Champion with a total score of 37.90. Winder was the Eastern National

Champion on vault with a 9.675.

At the Level 10 Junior Olympic National Championships in May, Elizabeth DeBarberie earned third place on the balance beam with a 9.475 and 6th place in the AllAround with a 37.90. She has also been selected to the Region 7 All-Star Team, and will travel to Peru this summer, representing Region 7 Gymnastics.

AJS Pancott Gymnastics

were awarded over forty State Champion trophies at almost every competitive level 3-10 and XCEL, including their level 8 team, which was crowned Pennsylvania State Champions. In addition, 12 gymnasts qualified for Level 8 Regional Championships.

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Oxford Rotary Club honors Seniors of the Month

Oxford Area High School students Samantha Shirk and Sarah Shirk, daughters of Karen and Timothy Shirk, were honored as Oxford Rotary Club Seniors of the Month for April.

Samantha is a member of National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She is also a member of Future Business Leaders of America, the Snowboarding Club and the Interact Club sponsored by the Oxford Rotary Club.

Samantha was a fouryear member of the varsity soccer team. As s a freshman starter she helped lead the team to its first winning season in six years and winning seasons in each subsequent year.

As a senior, Samantha served as a team captain, was named an All ChesMont League honorable mention and earned the team’s Coach’s Award. She volunteers with the Southern Chester County Soccer Association as a coach for elementary age players.

As a member of the track and field team in the pole vault, Samantha competed at the ChesMonth championships as a junior and senior, and has a personal best vault of

eight feet.

After graduation Samantha plans to attend Drexel University or Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study engineering.

Sarah is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. She is also a member of Interact, the LEO Club sponsored by the Oxford Lions Club and the Helping Hands community service club, and is treasurer of the Snowboarding Club.

Sarah began playing soccer in eighth grade with an indoor league and is a four-year starter on the varsity soccer team at

midfield and center. She is also a member of the Continental F.C. travel team based in Downingtown.

As a sophomore Sarah was named to the All ChesMonth League second team. As a junior she was named to the all-league first team and was voted team MVP. As a senior Sarah served as captain, was named All Ches-Mont League honorable mention and repeated as the team’s MVP.

Sarah is also a member of the track and field team competing in the pole vault, and as a senior qualified for the Ches-Month League championships.

This fall Sarah will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study engineering.

London Grove Grange donates nutrition packets

London Grove Grange recently donated “Food for Thought” packets to the Chester County WIC program at its Toughkenamon office.

WIC outreach coordinator Jenna Ali received the packets, saying, “The information in these packets supports the nutritional concepts that we teach our clients.”

Kennett students win at Reading Olympics

Twelve Kennett High School students, led by Senior Captain Andrew Lihou and Junior Captain Pam Moonthianngam, brought home a blue ribbon from the Chester County Intermediate Unit Reading Olympics on April 28.

Seven teams participated in the competition at the Intermediate Unit in Downingtown.

Reading Olympics teams received the list of 45 titles in the fall and had from September to April to read all of the books. Kennett’s team decided to divide the list, and each member read a minimum of four to five books, though some members read nearly all of them. On the day of the competition, teams are asked questions from every book and are awarded one point for each correct answer. To earn the blue ribbon, teams must answer at least 50 questions correctly.

To practice before the event, Kennett’s and Unionville High School’s teams have participated in

a scrimmage for the last several years. Students from both teams meet to eat pizza and to create and answer questions from all 45 books. Both Kennett High School and Unionville High School received the blue ribbon, the competition’s highest distinction.

“The kids always say it’s really fun,” said Lisa Teixeira, Kennett High School librarian and Reading Olympics team advisor. “Practicing together fosters a relationship between the two diverse schools. It’s such a positive experience for students who enjoy reading and competing.”

Andrew Lihou added, “I absolutely love reading and Reading Olympics. I feel like there is an amazing sense of community. We all need to work together to read the 45 books and memorize answers. If I were going to be here another year, I’d definitely do it again, and I wish the future teams good luck.” Kennett’s team also included Emely Camacho, Daniela Carmona, Lily Ehren, James Hanby, Olivia McLaurin, Charlotte Schmitt, Lauren Sugar, Jenny Zavala, and Cindy Zern.

Two UHS juniors take part in summer science and business programs

Two Unionville High School juniors will spend this July at two prominent Pennsylvania universities after each was selected with approximately 60 other students to participate in prestigious science and business programs.

The “Sesame Street” characters in the stories and on the accompanying CD encourage children to try new foods, and give hints to their parents on buying healthy foods on a budget. Each kit includes a CD and a storybook that parents can read to their children. There are also recipes using healthy foods that families can purchase at the supermarket, farmer’s market or food pantry. The packets present the information in both English and Spanish.

Cub

The Grange made this donation as part of its community service program. The Grange

is a fraternal family organization that, for 150 years, has been dedicated to community service, education, legislation, and fellowship. For more information, visit www.pagrange.org.

Scout Park 22 moves on with ceremony

On May 17, Cub Scout Pack 22 from Unionville had their annual bridge crossing ceremony. The event was held at the Unionville Community Park in East Marlborough Township. Before the event, the scouts completed a service project to clean up trash and debris around the park.

“Bridging,” or the ceremony symbolizing the advancement of pack members to the next rank of scouting, was Pack 22’s final activity of the school year. Scouts complete a series of

adventures to attain the next rank, which requires great effort and teaches the scout life lessons and responsibility to himself, his family and

his community. But a lot of fun is also had along the way.

As part of the bridging ceremony, each scout crosses one of the new

Katelyn Tsai will spend four weeks with students from around the country and world attending the Pennsylvania School of Global Entrepreneurship hosted by the Iacocca Institute at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, and Michael Iacocca will spend five weeks in Pittsburgh with students from around the Commonwealth, having received a full scholarship to attend the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for Science at Carnegie Mellon University.

Tsai will learn about entrepreneurial business development and innovation by spending time in the classroom with Institute faculty and guest lecturers, and she will get to learn about the practical application of those classroom concepts by taking part in workshops and

bridges at the park and then receives his badge for the rank he has just completed. The scouts then headed over to Foxy Loxy, an ice cream shop across the street, for some treats and some fun.

This past year, the scouts went camping, performed service projects, learned to whittle, took a hayride, went on hikes, and took part in the Raingutter Regatta and Pinewood Derby races.

Pack 22 is also looking for new members. Email pack22@cccbsa.org.

case studies with local business leaders and organizations.

Tsai, whose top school is Brown University, became interested in entrepreneurship from her volunteering activities. Seeing such disparity between rich and poor, she chose to attend the summer program to learn about what it takes to start as business.

Iacocca, who hopes to attend Carnegie Mellon University, is looking forward to the extended visit to the university, as well as experiencing the intensive academic rigor for which the Governor’s School is renowned.

Iacocca will spend his five weeks attending science classes taught by Carnegie Mellon University faculty and staff, as well as instructors from neighboring universities. In addition to classroom lectures, participants get to attend a lab of their choice, where they have access to scientific equipment and instructors of the host university. The students must also complete a comprehensive group project in one of the science disciplines offered during the program.

On May 11, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department issued a press release to congratulate Sgt. Joseph Greenwalt on his completion of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Command and Leadership Academy at the New Castle County, Del., location. Greenwalt began the 14 weeks of academic

study, which included four phases of theoretical study of organizational dynamics and leadership, in January of 2017. He completed his final paper and exam in April of 2017. A graduation ceremony will be held May 17 in Moorestown, N.J., for all the academy attendees. For more information, visit www.sccrpd.org.

Continued from Page 3B

SHIRLEY NASH OWENS

Shirley Nash Owens, 92, passed away after a short illness on June 10 at home in New London Township.

She was born in Camden, N.J., in 1925. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alan W. Nash and Ruth F. Nash of New London; and her sister, Eleanor Nash Fretz, of Oxford. She is survived by her husband, Clifford B. Owens of New London; daughter, Barbara O. Ledezma of Rockwall, Texas; and grandson, Vincent A. Ledezma of Seneca, S.C. Shirley attended business school after graduating from Haddonfield Memorial High School in 1942 and went on to work in the insurance business before her marriage to Clifford B. Owens. She and her sister Eleanor were the owners of Shirley’s Clothes Line, a ladies apparel shop, at 1 S. Third Street in Oxford during the 1980s. Shirley was the friendly face behind the counter who knew the customers and stocked styles best suited for her clientele. She was a homemaker with a wide range of interests -- quilting, painting, handicrafts, woodworking, flowers, piano jazz and collecting antiques.

Her ashes will be scattered in the ocean off the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Any donations in her memory can be made to Willow Tree Hospice in Kennett Square.

BERTHA M. MOORE

Bertha M. Moore, 85, of Oxford, passed away on June 15 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. Born in Oxford, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Anna Gallagher Moore. Bertha was employed with the U.S. Naval Center in Bainbridge, Md., as an accountant, retiring in 1969. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Oxford. She is survived by one daughter, Anna M. Gardner and her husband Charles of Perryville, Md.; and two granddaughters, Andrea and Kristyn Garner. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Moore, Jr., and William Moore; and four sisters, Katherine Thompson, Rose Gwaltney, Doris Strall and Elizabeth Lamborn.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. June 24 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 9 to 10 a.m. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Rd., Oxford, PA 19363. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

MARY CLARKE ARNOLD

Mary Clarke Arnold, 86, of West Chester, died on June 5 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of Thomas J. Arnold, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Robert and the late Dorothy (Burrell) Clarke.

Survivors include two sons, Clarke S. Arnold of West Chester, and Stephen Arnold of Portland Ore.; one brother, Christopher Clarke of South Bend, Ind.; and four grandchildren, Michael, Mary Catherine (“Molly”), Catherine (“Katie”) and Megan.

Mary earned her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1953 and a master’s in education from Syracuse University in 1958. She was an elementary school teacher for 29 ½ years. She taught in New York and Pennsylvania. She was also an avid watercolor painter. She took up painting after retiring and has sold more than 60 of her works. Many friends have received copies of her paintings as Christmas cards. Mary loved to travel and saw much of the world … Life did not pass her by.

A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Mill Creek (579 Polly Drummond Hill Rd., Newark, Del.) on June 29 at 3 p.m. Interment will be held privately. Instead of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, 501 South High Street, West Chester, PA 19382. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

BOBBY JOE ROBERTS

Bobby Joe Roberts, 66, of Nottingham, passed away on June 16 in Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, Bel Air, Md. Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Elijah and Ruby Edwards Roberts. Bobby was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from PennDOT and was formerly employed with Chester County Beverage in Honey Brook. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by one brother, Glenn Roberts of Linwood; and two sisters, Katherine Wood of Weaverville, N.C., and Linda Hampton of Oxford. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Jean Ann

Price, Geraldine Barker and Rosalie Hoosier. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. June 22 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. (86 Pine St., Oxford), where friends may visit from 6 to 7 p.m. Interment is private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

ELWOOD W. ATLEY

Elwood “Woody” Wilson Atley, 90, of Kennett Square, passed on June 13.

Born in 1927 in Lamberton, Pa., he was the son of the late Mable and Paul Atley. He attended Avondale Elementary School and Avon Grove High School. For 25 years, he was employed as an assembly line worker for Chrysler Motor Corporation, retiring in 1989. He served in the U.S. Air Force and Army. Elwood attended Second Baptist Church of Kennett Square, where he served on the breakfast team and choir. He received 70 service awards for his dedication. He was a member of the Counts Social Club of Kennett Square, softball team, Chrysler Retiree Breakfast Club and former member of Carter-Miller Johnson. He loved deepsea fishing and was featured in fishing magazines. Surviving to cherish loving memories are his children, Gene Atley (Marie) of Wilmington, Del., John Atley (Maryanne) of San Antonio, Texas, Mary Cannon of New Castle, Del., and Robin Atley of West Chester; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; significant other Eunice Carter; and a host of relatives and friends. His daughter, June “Patsy” Atley, preceded him in death.

A service will be held June 23 at 11a.m. at the Second Baptist Church (132 S. Willow St., Kennett Square) with a viewing from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Rolling Green Memorial Park in West Chester. Visit www.DeBaptiste.com.

DARRELL S. MULLINS

Darrell Scott Mullins, 37, of West Grove,passed away on June 11 at his residence. He was the son of Darrell and Debra Hall Mullins of West Grove. Darrell loved to draw, enjoyed computer games, surfing the Web, going out to eat, and training his dog, Pixar. In addition to his mother and father, he is survived by one brother, Joel Mullins of East Earl, Pa. His service and burial were held privately. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.griecocares.com.