Chester County Press 07-18-2018 Edition

A classic musical at Longwood

coming to the Open Air Theatre at Longwood Gardens beginning on July 26. See story on Page 1B.

Board agrees to $4.3 million price tag for new police facility

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

After more than two years of presentations, architectural renderings, preliminary approvals and wrangling over where to find the money to pay for it, the $4,347,318 it will cost to build the new home for the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department was agreed to by the New Garden Township Board of Supervisors at their July 16 meeting, by a vote of 5-0.

During a presentation by Sean Goodrick of Tevebaugh Architecture, the board approved the costs for all four components of the facility’s construction.

Goodrick said that the bids were opened on June 19 at the township building and read aloud to the public, in accordance with bidding instructions, and the contrac-

Oxford Borough Council reviews parking garage bids

One more push for grant funding is already underway

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

At the Oxford Borough Council meeting on Monday night, Steve Krug reviewed the bids that the borough has received for the multimodal transportation center project—the first time that the borough has had actual project costs to work with instead of just projections. As it turns out, the projections were accurate.

Krug is the architect who has facilitated the parking garage project for the borough since a parking study was completed in 2015. He explained that when the bids were received on June 26, the lowest eligible bid on the base project totaled about $7.3 million. That total includes about $404,000 in building permit fees that had to factored into the base bid. However, the borough has the option of not collecting that fee since, in this case, the developer is the borough itself. That would reduce the actual costs of the project to about $6.9 million.

That leaves a significant gap in the funding for the project for the borough to account for. A majority of council members may not support borrowing in excess of $3 million to pay for the project since the potential tax burden on residents has been a primary concern throughout the process of planning for the garage.

The fate of the project likely hinges on whether the borough can secure additional grant funding from state and county sources in the coming months.

“We’re pursuing additional grant funding,” Krug said.

Krug explained that the bids that were submitted are valid for 90 days, so that would mean that the borough could award a contract for the project up until Sept. 24. The borough could also request a 30-day extension on that date, Krug said, which would move the last day to award a bid to Oct. 23. What transpires between now and that date will likely determine whether the borough can

move forward on the project. If additional funding can be secured, the amount that the borough would need to borrow might be acceptable to borough officials and residents.

For most of the last three years, the borough has been applying for funding from state and county sources, and has been enormously successful in the effort.

Borough manager Brian Hoover explained that the borough has a total of approximately $4,618,077 in funding already secured, which is more than 60 percent of the project’s costs. That figure includes grants from state and county sources, as well as more than $1 million that the borough was gifted for a new borough administration building. A new administration building is included as part of the project.

Pauline Garcia-Allen of Econ Partners has been leading the efforts to secure grant funding for the borough. Garcia-Allen updated borough council about the

Continued on Page 4A

Taking flight at Dulles

tors were chosen on the basis of their submitting the “lowest responsible” bids.

The general construction of the facility was awarded to Uhrig Construction, Inc., for the amount of $3.1 million; the mechanical construction will be performed by Clipper Pipe and Service for $337,000; the plumbing installation will be managed by Vision Mechanical, Inc., for $409,165; and the electrical construction was awarded to Cooks Service Company at a price of $488,810.

Goodrick told the supervisors that the project received a large amount of bids, “more so than I have seen on many recent projects,” he said. “In addition, the bids were extremely close, meaning that everyone was in theory looking at the same thing on the drawings. There was not a lot of assumed misinterpretation of the data on the drawings. It is our understanding, based on that, that these are, essen-

tially, the best prices you can get for that project on those drawings.”

Goodrick told the board that the price tag will also include an additional $300,000 for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and that the project could see a 3 to 5 percent increase in the overall cost due to “change orders,” the unforeseen conditions and expenditures that often arise during construction.

“I’ve never seen a perfect set of documents,” he said. “It’s a fact of construction that we aren’t putting together a kit that’s been built 50 times before. This is a unique building for a unique problem. Undoubtedly, there are imperfections in that process.”

Natalie Malawey-Ednie, a senior project manager with Watchdog Real Estate Project Managers, has been hired by the township to oversee construction.

“Your biggest exposure

Continued on Page 2A

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

To best address concerns that had been earlier heard from residents in the Preserve at Inniscrone development at a recent London Grove Township Board of Supervisors

meeting, the township’s supervisors requested -and recently received -- a preliminary traffic calming evaluation that created possible solutions to ease the alarming rate of speeding and cut-through traffic in the development.

tours. To learn more, visit www.newgardenflyingfield.com, or call 610-268-2619.

Police facility...

Continued from Page 1A

with any building out of the ground is the ground itself,” she told the board. “There’s a lot of surveys, due diligence, geotech reports – all of those things that get done – but [when] you dig in the ground, you may find underground streams and large amounts of rock that have to be removed because they conflict with your foundation. That’s your biggest risk here.” Contracts will be sent soon to each of the four winning bidders, which puts the start of construction in late September. Goodrick said that the project could take between 12 and 16 months to complete.

Until recently, the township was anticipating paying for the construction of the new police facility by taking a chunk out of the $29.5 million sale of its sewer system to Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc., which the board agreed to in 2016. Since then, the finalization of the sale has seen numerous delays, most recently in early June, when the township, its sewer authority and Aqua mutually agreed to extend the date of the sale of the township’s sewer system from 365 days to 760 days.

The reason for the delay in the sale are the need to interpret the provisions of Pa. Act 12, signed into law in 2016, which establishes guidelines in the evaluation of acquired water and wastewater systems in the state, and establishes fair market values for the sale of these utilities.

Following the original agreement of sale with the

township nearly two years ago, Aqua filed an application with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to gain PUC approval for the amount of the sale.

Subsequently, the Office of Consumer Advocate – an independent agency that reviews applications of this kind – filed protests against the application and and it was forwarded to an administrative judge, which then led to hearings on the application for sale.

The administrative law judge then rendered a decision and the PUC approved Aqua’s application and the final cost of the sewer sale. Soon after, the Office of the Consumer Advocate appealed the PUC’s approval in Commonwealth Court, where an oral argument date to hear the appeal is scheduled for Sept. 12.

Township manager Tony Scheivert told the board that the township has three options: It could tap into its general fund, which currently has $4.1 million in it; use some of the proceeds from the sewer sale when it is completed; or take out a loan, and pay it back in full when the sewer sale is completed. Scheivert said that he has received two quotes for financing.

In other township business, the board agreed to adopt Resolution No. 798, introduced by township solicitor Vince Pompo, that moves the township closer to the final purchase of the St. Anthony in the Hills property for a cost of $1.5 million. The agreement added an additional 90 days to account for a due diligence period, more environmental testing, and

to conduct a survey on the property that Pompo said is necessary.

The final agreement of sale is waiting for the signatures of the current owners of St. Anthony in the Hills, who are five trustees. Pompo said that the seller will have a 14-day period to obtain the five signatures. The property will be paid for out of the township’s open space fund and its general fund.

Replacement bridge planned for Baltimore Pike

Cathy Farrell, a highway department manager for the Philadelphia office of HNTB, an infrastructure solutions firm, represented PennDOT in introducing plans to replace a structurally deficient bridge near the intersection of Baltimore Pike and Bancroft Road.

The bridge, built in 1928, has been a focus of PennDOT for the past year. A new bridge is planned. It’s one of seven bridges throughout Bucks, Chester and Montgomery counties that is on PennDOT’s radar to be replaced or refurbished. The plans for a new bridge have been developed, and will be fully paid for by state funding. Construction is slated for 2019 or 2020, during a three-month period beginning in June and ending in September.

Farrell said that each lane of the bridge will be widened from 12 feet to 14 feet, and it will have guardrails that meet PennDOT’s safety standards and proper rightof-way lines. The results of a hydraulic study of the current bridge will lead to the

installation of concrete pad walls that will funnel excess water coming from nearby pipes.

During the first stage of construction, Farrell said, drivers will be directed to use the northbound side of the bridge, and during its second stage, traffic will cross the newly constructed portion of the bridge. Temporary light signals along Baltimore Pike during construction will be coordinated to help lessen congestion.

Some supervisors expressed concern that the current bridge does not offer proper turning room at the Baltimore PikeBancroft Road intersection,

the bottleneck which will be magnified during the construction period. At the end of the presentation, the supervisors agreed to send a letter to PennDOT officials that details the extent of their concerns.

Dr. Eric W. Stein, the chief executive officer of the Barisol Consulting Group and an associate professor of business at Penn State Great Valley, told the board about the findings of a recent report that supports making southern Chester County the home of a worldwide center of excellence for indoor agriculture, a method of growing crops and plants entirely indoors through the use of

hydroponics and artificial light. Stein discussed world trends in indoor agriculture industry, the feasibility of creating indoor farms, their economic impact, and the steps needed to create a center here. Stein delivered a similar presentation to the Kennett Township Board of Supervisors on June 6. The board also approved a resolution to permit PennDOT to install railroad crossing upgrades at Chambers Road, at no cost to the township.

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

Brandywine Valley oral history collection is now online

From 1954 to 1990, Hagley Museum and Library staff and volunteers interviewed more than 150 people who lived and worked in the Brandywine Valley throughout the late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. Today, researchers, members of the public, and descendants of those individuals interviewed can now listen to the full collection of Brandywine Valley oral histories in an online exhibit available at www.hagley. org/brandywineproject.

Hagley Library staff organized the online exhibit with a thematic selection of clips highlighting a few of the prominent subjects in the oral history interviews. The subjects include childhood memories from life along the Brandywine, holidays and traditions celebrated by Hagley workers and their families, recipes and drinks made by families living in the area, and details

of working life along the Brandywine.

“These oral histories offer a fascinating glimpse into hard-to-document experiences of ordinary – and not-so-ordinary – life more than 100 years ago,” said Roger Horowitz, director of Hagley’s Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society.

“With the full collection of interviews and transcripts available on Hagley’s website, and organized in a way that makes access easy, Delawareans and others can now explore the recordings and listen to these firsthand accounts.”

For direct descendants of individuals who lived or worked in the Hagley Powder Yards in the nineteenth century, the online exhibit provides the opportunity to find a relative through a listing of all interview participants. The oral histories collection on work and daily life

in the Brandywine Valley has been an ongoing project at Hagley for over a half-century, with the first interview recorded in 1954. In 2013 and 2014, Hagley digitized and preserved the audio recordings from their original reel-to-reel and cassette tape formats along with the interview transcripts. The interviews document work, traditions, social life and household routines. They underscore the inherent danger of black powder production, with harrowing descriptions of explosions and accidents. With grant funding from Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the most recent phase of the oral history project provided for enhanced access to the collection through textual indexes to the sound recordings, allowing listeners to easily locate specific sections and topics in the digitized audio.

A July 5 report issued to the township from McMahon Associates, Inc. – an Exton-based transportation engineering firm

– detailed existing conditions in the development; suggested traffic calming opportunities; interim solutions; and potential and permanent roadway solutions to the problem.

The recent “Engineering and Traffic Study for Truck Restrictions report,” issued in January by the township’s Public Works Department, was referred to in the creation of the firm’s initial assessment.

The first problem, the McMahon report said, has already been detected in the Public Works Department report: Eightyfive percent of drivers riding southbound through the development are driving at an average speed of 32 miles per hour, faster than the 25 MPH speed limit regulation.

Finding solutions, the McMahon report stated, involves three categories of solutions that include education, enforcement and engineering. Because educational campaigns can be difficult to implement, and police enforcement from the State Police in Avondale – whose presence has been more visible in the neighborhoods recently – has limitations, the report suggested that solutions should come from changes in the development’s infrastructure.

The report suggested the following near-term solutions, at limited cost, to address speeding: “SLOW” pavement markings along Inniscrone Drive near horizontal curves and intersections; continentalstyle crosswalks, which offer more visibility to motorists, and can be installed at intersections and replace standard twowhite line style crosswalk markings; and the installation of radar speed feedback signs, that can be mounted at key locations along Inniscrone Drive to notify drivers when they are speeding.

McMahon Associates, Inc. suggested three permanent roadway modifications to the development’s roadways, which include:

• Constructing two raised intersections elevated between three to six inches above the street grade, at a cost estimated between $75,000 and $150,000, that would be located at the corner of Inniscrone Drive and Coote Drive/Finn Way, and

at the corner of Inniscrone Drive and Roscoman Way;

• Extending the length of existing center median islands along Inniscrone Drive, at an estimated cost of $20 to $30 per square foot; and

• Building two raised pedestrian crossings elevated three to six inches above street grade, at an estimated cost between $25,000 and $30,000, along Inniscrone Drive.

McMahon Associates, Inc.’s preliminary report is serving as the “toolbox phase,” used to come up with suggestions and changes, at a cost of $5,000. It will then be followed by a design/cost stage, when it will present the board with designs and costs; and a construction/remedy phase, when it would begin the construction of solutions to alleviate the traffic flow problem.

The township’s decision to hire McMahon Associates, Inc. to perform the study was in response to the board’s May 2 meeting, when several residents of the development shared separate incidents of vehicle speeding along Inniscrone Drive, from drivers who have repeatedly disobeyed the 25-mile-per-hour signage to the use of the development as a speed lane for construction vehicles. The severity of the situation in the development was recently made even more serious when an 8th-grade student was was struck by a speeding car on the road. The child was immediately taken to a hospital emergency room, where he was treated for injuries and received eight stitches. The driver subsequently drove away from the scene of the accident.

During the May 2 meeting, the development’s Homeowners Association requested the inclusion of two-way stop signs at Inniscrone and the intersections of Sligo, Castlerea, Roscoman, Coote and Finn Way. In addition, the group asked for speed bumps to be installed at seven locations along Inniscrone Drive, and a petition was recently circulated around the development that collected 120 signatures in support of addressing these problems.

Board chairman Richard Scott-Harper said that the township is scheduling an Aug. 1 meeting with the residents of the development to discuss the preliminary plans. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the township building. In other township business, supervisor Dave Connors filled in the

board on the recent Southern Chester County EMS report; specifically, determining fair funding allocations from the 18 municipalities who contribute the operating costs for MEDIC 94 emergency services unit. Connors said that while nearly every municipality contributes 100 percent of its desired contributions, based on the .1 mil real estate assessment formula for each municipality, there are a few municipalities whose contributions to the fund fall well below what they are supposed to pay.

The conflict, Connors said, arises when communities that are bigger in accessed value, like London Grove Township, pay into the municipal funding for MEDIC 94 at a higher rate, despite using the service less frequently than other municipalities who use the service more, but aren’t paying their fair share. A possible solution for those municipalities who are under-serving the MEDIC 94 funding, Connors said, is for them to ask retirement and continued care facilities in their area for contributions.

The board announced that there are vacancies for the following boards and commissions: Open Space, Township Auditors; Environmental Advisory Council; and the UCC Board of Appeals.

There are also two vacancies on the Inniscrone Golf Course Committee, but Connors recommended that the committee be dissolved, given, he said, that it hasn’t met recently.

The township recognized the passing of David Connery, a long-time township volunteer and school board member, who died on June 13. Connery served as the township’s liaison to the Southeastern Chester County Refuse Authority (SECCRA), a municipal authority that provides a regional waste management approach to municipal solid waste problems in southern Chester County. SECCRA’s current landfill in London Grove Township started operations in 1986, and serves 24 boroughs and townships in southern Chester County. Robert Weir was appointed as the township’s liaison to SECCRA, to replace

State Senators McGarrigle, Killion

announce Pre-K Counts grants for Chester and Delaware counties

Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R-26) and Sen. Tom Killion (R-9) announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Education has awarded 14 Pre-K Counts grants to school districts and providers in Chester and Delaware counties.

“Early education is a proven factor in ensuring long-term academic success,” said Senator McGarrigle. “That’s why we boosted funding for Pre-K Counts. I am happy to see this money being put to good use in Delaware and Chester counties.”

“The General Assembly recognized that support for Pre-K Counts is an investment in children and in Pennsylvania’s future prosperity,” said Senator Killion. “Highquality early education has lasting benefits for children, and it’s crucial that children in our districts have access to it.”

Connery.

The board gave approval for the township to apply for membership in the Tree City USA program, a nationwide movement that provides the framework necessary for communities to manage and expand their public trees. Currently, more than 3,400 communities in the nation have achieved Tree City USA

The General Assembly appropriated funds in the 2018-19 state budget to expand access to highquality, early childhood educationacrossPennsylvania. Approximately 2,125 new slots in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and 490 new slots in Head Start are being made available.

The following providers and school districts are receiving grants: Chester County Creative Play Day School

The Children’s Treehouse Warwick Child Care Center Inc.

Owen J. Roberts School District

Chester County IU 24 Pathstone Corp. Bright Beginnings Education Center

Delaware County Interboro School District

Aardvark Child Care and Learning Center

status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day.

Joining the Tree City USA program will cost the township $18,000, and will be paid for out of the town-

Delaware County IU 25 Today’s Child Learning Center

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides highquality pre-kindergarten services to at-risk threeand four-year olds at no cost to families. Children living in families earning up to 300 percent of poverty, or a family of four earning $75,300 annually, are eligible to apply.

The funding is offered in school districts, Keystone STARS 3 and 4 child care programs, Head Start programs, and licensed nursery schools. Families may contact the programs directly to apply. Contact information for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Head Start and other early learning programs can be found by visiting the COMPASS website at www.findchildcare.pa.gov.

The Discovery Tree Youth Enrichment Programs Chester Upland School District

ship’s general fund. The board also issued a resolution honoring the service of Anne Stroud Hannum for her years of service to the township’s Open Space Committee and the formation of its plans.

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

Chester County Press

most recent efforts to secure funding. She explained that the borough has been working closely with State Sen. Andy Dinniman and State Rep. John Lawrence to explore all possible funding opportunities from the state.

The borough has already submitted an application for about $1.5 million in funding through the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. GarciaAllen said that they are working with Lawrence and Dinniman during the process, and the announcements for the upcoming Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding should be revealed in late summer or early fall, which would work with the borough’s timeline for making a decision.

Additional funding from the county is also a possibility now that the borough has actual bid figures for the project.

“Our hope is that between the state and county funding, we will be able to fill the gap,” Garcia-Allen said.

Hoover added that if the borough was able to secure an additional $1.5 million in funding from the state and county sources, it would leave about $1.7 million for the borough to account for. That’s in line with what the borough could reasonably afford to take on in debt service, Hoover said.

The borough manager explained that Oxford currently estimates that about $244,754 in revenues will be generated annually from parking permits and collections from the parking meters. That would be sufficient to cover the annual debt-service payments, as

well as to offset some of the costs of maintaining the garage on an annual basis. In the first few years, maintenance costs should be minimal.

Additionally, the borough would be able to rent out two suites in the parking garage structure to generate revenues. The sale of the current borough administration building would also bring in funding to the borough’s coffers that could be used to offset the costs associated with the parking garage project, or for some other use.

Krug said that borough officials won’t have to make any decisions about the project this month or next, but by September or October borough officials will need to decide to award the bids—or not.

Council member Peggy Ann Russell wants the borough to mail information about the project out to all the residents and property owners. The mailer would include instructions on how to find information about the project on the borough’s website, times and dates of upcoming meetings, as well information about how to contact borough officials. That mailer could be sent out as early as next week.

Council member Robert Ketcham called for another public meeting specifically devoted to parking garage discussions. However, other council members were doubtful about the benefits of such a meeting at this

point since the discussions have been ongoing for three years and just about every regular council meeting this year has been dominated by issues related to the parking garage.

Council president Sue Lombardi suggested waiting to see if additional grant funding is secured before planning a special public meeting. As a compromise, it seemed as if a majority of the council members were in favor of arranging another hour-long presentation before the start of of the Monday, Aug. 20 meeting. The presentation, which would likely include details of the project being shared by Krug, Garcia-Allen, and Hoover, could also find each council member being able to make a brief presentation if they choose to do so. The presentation would be at 6 p.m. and the regular meeting would be at 7 p.m. if details can be finalized. Meanwhile, Oxford Borough mayor Lorraine Durnan Bell said that she plans to extend an invitation to Gov. Tom Wolf’s office to have the governor tour the borough to see all the progress that has already been made as a result of Oxford’s revitalization efforts, and for local officials to outline the importance of the parking garage project to the borough’s future.

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

Anguish continues for rape victim and her family

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

For one southern Chester County couple whose daughter was the victim of rape, the ordeal is not over.

It will never be over.

In the fall of 1999, the couple’s daughter, who was then a 17-year-old student at Unionville High School, was raped at the Concordville, Pa. fast food restaurant where she worked at the time. Her life would never be the same.

The Chester County Press is not including the name of the victim and her family in this article to protect their privacy, but they recently shared their story to illustrate some of the concerns that they have about the criminal justice system and victims’ rights.

The man who was convicted of the crime a year after the incident had been employed by the same fast food restaurant that the victim worked at as part of a work release program from the Delaware County Prison. He was in his 30s at the time the crime was committed, and he already had an extensive criminal record that included drugs and gang activity. Yet, his work release allowed him to work alongside teenagers.

The man was sentenced to 13 to 25 years in prison in 2000. While the victim’s parents were relieved that their daughter’s rapist was behind bars, they knew even then that the impact of the crime on their daughter would far exceed the impact that the jail sentence would have on the convicted rapist.

“It changed her whole life,” the mother said, explaining that her daughter had cognitive learning disabilities, and really struggled in the aftermath of the crime.

The mother said that the criminal had been given numerous chances, and kept committing crimes. Yet no second chances were available for the innocent victim to have a fresh start.

The victim’s father also noted that there’s no telling how many people the rapist may have victimized while he was out on work release. They believe that he may have victimized at least one other person while employed at the fast food restaurant.

The convicted rapist became eligible for parole in 2013, and every year since then the family has

Chester County child welfare staff receives statewide awards for adoption efforts

The Chester County Commissioners and Director of the County’s Department of Children Youth & Families (CYF) are pleased to announce the state-wide recognition of CYF staff members for their efforts to place children eligible for adoption into permanent loving homes.

At this year’s PA Department of Human Services Adoption and Permanency Conference, Shadell Quinones, Manager of the CYF Adoption Unit, was awarded one of the top accolades – Permanency Professional of the Year – for her commitment to finding permanent homes for children through adoption. Shadell has been a part of Chester County’s CYF team for 18 years and in addition to adoption and post-adoption support, she heads the National Adoption Day program for the county every year.

CYF Supervisor Kristin

Terrell and Caseworker Briana Stinson were part of a group that was awarded the Permanency Teamwork recognition for their collaborative effort to promote permanent homes for children with special needs. The team’s efforts to find a “forever family” for a 16 year-old Chester County youth who had been in foster care in many different locations for many years were noted as exceptional. Shadell, Kristin and Briana were recognized at the recent Chester County Commissioners’ Sunshine Meeting, where the Commissioners also presented a Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Month proclamation to Doug Waegel, Director of the Chester County Department of Children Youth & Families.

In the proclamation, the Commissioners noted the efforts of the County’s child welfare staff who

selflessly work to intervene and protect children who are risk of abuse and neglect, and who work in very trying emotional situations with families who are in crisis, often struggling with mental health challenges and suffering from substance abuse disorders.

“We have tremendous experience and dedication among all of our CYF staff and their efforts are greatly appreciated by foster and adoptive families, care providers and their peers in all Chester County Human Services and Court-related departments,” said Waegel.

“It is an honor to have staff members who are recognized as the best in the state, but above all, making connections with foster and adoptive families to find safe and, eventually permanent, homes for the many children – young, older, in sibling groups and with special needs – is the greatest reward.”

been on edge, fearing that the violent criminal who so dramatically changed the course of their daughter’s life will be set free.

“We’ve been reliving the nightmare every year,” the mother explained.

Toward the end of 2017, the victim’s family was notified that the man would likely be paroled sometime during 2018. They didn’t know when he would be released or where he would be released.

The victim has moved to another state, but the parents still had concerns, especially since the man had made a threatening telephone call to the family when he was first imprisoned for the crime.

They wrote letters to the parole board, stayed in contact with elected officials at the state level, and used

every method possible to argue against parole for the man who raped their daughter. The impact of the crime still resonates on her life today, and the parents think it’s incredibly unfair that the person responsible gets released from jail so much earlier than the maximum sentence.

“This is terrible,” the mother said. “We’ve been trying to get our story out.”

Earlier this month, the victim’s family learned that the convicted rapist had already been granted parole back in April. They were deeply concerned that they weren’t even made aware that the man would be released before it happened. And they were concerned that another family might be victimized in the same way that they were now that the

man is once again free. The family would like to see longer sentences for people who commit violent crimes, especially sexual offenses against children. They would also like the state to be much more selective about who is allowed to participate in work release programs. The state should also ensure that people on parole aren’t able to issue threats against victims or their families. All these years later, the family’s anguish continues. “It’s outrageous that he was out on work release,” the mother said. “It’s just very alarming. And our daughter’s life is in shambles.”

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

Three new inductees named to U-CF Wall of Honor

By John Chambless Staff Writer

Three new names have been added to the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Wall of Honor. Last week, the district announced that the 2018-19 inductees are Harry Hammond, Jean Russell and Dora McQuaid. The district selects Unionville alumni each year based on their lifetimes of achievements and contributions. Those selected have made significant accomplishments in their personal or profesional lives through community service, or have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to educational excellence.

Anyone can nominate a candidate for recognition during a spring nomination period. A nominating committee, comprised of representatives from the school district and community, reviews the nominations, while a voting committee determines the winners. Winners receive year-round recognition on a wall display at Unionville High School, as well as

in-person recognition during homecoming weekend on Oct. 5, 2018.

Harry Hammond, Class of 1957, is a PGA Master Professional, and has devoted his life to teaching golf to youth in the western Philadelphia suburbs.

Jean Russell, Class of 1969, taught first grade at Chadds Ford Elementary School for more than 20 years, and is acclaimed by her fellow teachers, administrators and parents as a leader among her peers.

Dora McQuaid, Class of 1986, is an award-winning poet, activist and speaker on domestic and sexual violence, helping victims restore their lives. She

teaches at the university level in Arizona, and holds workshops and outreach programs across the nation.

As of last year, the district has paid tribute for more than 30 alumni on the Wall of Honor:

2016 Honorees

Bernard Baily, Class of 1973 - Dairy farmer

David Scott (deceased)

- Class of 1991 - United States Navy Seal Tom Simpers, Class of 1960 - Simpers Insurance and Financial Agency

2015 Honorees

Gregory Engel, Class of 1995 - Chemistry professor at The University of Chicago

Barbara (Gillespie) Marshall, Class of 1968 - Air Force Master Sargent, bank officer, and small business owner

Bayard Victor Taylor, Class of 1957 - Marine Corps officer, rancher, and businessman 2014 Honorees

Helen Martin - Class of 1963

Ray and Mary (deceased) McKayClass of 1960 and 1952

Samuel Stone Wilson (deceased) - Class of 1950 2013 Honorees

Thomas A. Cloud, Sr., Class of 1963 - Law enforcement officer, investigator, veteran

Mary (Larkin) Dugan, Class of 1952

- Educator, author, community volunteer

Douglass L. Jackson, Jr., Class of 1978 - Dentist, educator, advocate

Robert G. Struble, Jr., Class of 1961

- Conservationist, scientist, educator

Robert F. Weer, Sr., Class of 1953 - Public servant, community volunteer, veteran 2012 Honorees Cleopatra Andreadis, Class of 2002 – TV

producer

Becky Baily, Class of 2006 – Dairy farmer Allen K. Forssmark, Class of 1971 –Electrician and volunteer

Karl J. Kuerner, Class of 1974 - Artist Paula (Francisco) Ott, Class of 1968 - Judge 2011 Honorees Ralph Burton, Class of 1962 – Chief of Police, West Whiteland Township

Robert McDonough, Class of 2002 – U.S. Army helicopter pilot

Amanda McGrory, Class of 2004 - Athlete

Doug Mooberry, Class of 1978 - Craftsman

James Spellman, Class of 1972 - Surgeon 2010 Honorees

Chris Barber, Class of 1961 - Journalist

Susan (Charsha) Beach, Class of 1960 –Administrative assistant Fredrick May, Class of 1929 - Gardener 2009 Honorees

Kate Barber, Class of 1994 - Olympic athlete Charles Brosius, Class of 1948 - Agriculturist, business leader

Janet Dadds, Class of 1968 - Educator

Tom Musser, Class of 1952 - Business

When local government is at its best

On the evening of May 2, about one dozen residents of the Preserve at Inniscrone in West Grove attended the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors meeting, where they told the board stories about the place where they live.

The narrative of their stories did not include picnics across backyards or swimming pool block parties, although the close and attractive homes along Sligo and Coote and Finn and Roscoman and Castlerea and Inniscrone Drive can very easily conjure up such connections between neighbors.

Rather, the tone and matter of their dialogue was one of fragility, vulnerability and immediate concern, to the tune of 120 signatures added to a petition that said, essentially, that the residents of the Preserve at Inniscrone were being held captive and no longer wanted to be.

The residents told the supervisors about several incidents of vehicle speeding along Inniscrone Drive, the frequency of which has turned the lane from a quiet thoroughfare where children ride bikes into a speed lane for delivery and construction vehicles, and automobiles who have repeatedly disobeyed the 25-mile-per-hour signage.

They told the story of the 8th-grade student who was struck by a speeding car on Inniscrone Drive and was taken immediately to a hospital emergency room where he received stitches for his injuries. One resident told the board about a recent incident when her husband was threatened by a speeding driver, who reacted to her husband’s motion to slow down by slamming on his brakes, jumping out of his vehicle and threatening to punch the man who had just asked him to pay attention to the speed limit.

In conjunction with the township’s Public Works Department and the Preserve at Inniscrone’s Home Owners’ Association, the board asked township manager Ken Battin to seek solutions in the form of a traffic calming evaluation, and on July 5, just two months after the May meeting, that evaluation was completed and delivered by McMahon Associates, Inc. – an Exton-based transportation engineering firm.

Taking its cue from a January report issued by the township’s Public Works department, the McMahon report detailed existing conditions in the development; suggested traffic calming opportunities; interim solutions; and potential and permanent roadway solutions to the problem.

From pavement markings to the installation of radar speed feedback signs to roadway modifications, the McMahon report is a “toolbox” that gives the residents of the Preserve at Inniscrone the peace-of-mind of knowing that the answers to the problem are within reach.

While awards and recognition are regularly handed out for our actions, rarely do we receive accolades merely for listening, but that’s just what Battin, Public Works Director Shane Kinsey, board chairman Richard Scott-Harper, and supervisors Dave Connors, Lee Irwin, Stephen Zurl and Thomas Szakas did on May 2. In an age where grandiose grandstanding has become the political norm, let the action taken by London Grove Township stand as proof positive that government works best when it listens first.

Chester County Press

Letter to the Editor

Taxation without representation

Letter to the Editor:

In reference to property owners who never had chil-

A

‘thank

dren and no longer have school-age dependents, but are still paying school taxes— this system of taxation should

have been abolished back when the U.S. Constitution was first enacted. This is in reference to the school-tax portion only.

you’

to the sponsors

of the Anson B. Nixon Park Trout Rodeo

Letter to the Editor:

The Kennett Area

Park Authority and the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance extend a heartfelt thank you to the public and to the sponsors and volunteers who have generously donated to the 23rd annual Anson B. Nixon Park Trout Rodeo. The sponsors include the following:

Brook Trout Sponsors

Brandywine Red Clay

Alliance

White Clay Creek Fly

Fishers- Tom Plebani

Before and After Auto

Repair

Bernardon Haber

Chardy Memorials

Davis Accounting

Fenstermacher and Co.

Gilmore and Assoc.

MacElree and Harvey Kennett Area YMCA

Brown Trout Sponsors

Burton’s Barber Shop

Colledge Tire & Automotive

M&M Automotive

McDonalds

Parcel and More, Kennett

Square Phillips Mushroom Farms

Recreational Resources

Richard’s Automotive

Starbucks-Kennett Square

State Farm Insurance-

Michael Moyer

Umbreit, Wileczek & Assoc.

Waywood Beverage

Rainbow Trout

Barretta’s Restaurant

Fran Keller’s Eatery

Giant Food Stores

Kennett Square Inn

Pratt’s Greenhouse

Sam’s Sub Shop

Sinclair’s Sunrise Cafe

Additionally, the Trout Rodeo winners in the respective categories this year included the following: 9 and under

Largest single fish: Landon Kristman

Total weight of string: Charlie Morgan

Boscola requests governor to call special session on independent redistricting

In an effort to salvage Pennsylvania’s last opportunity until the 2030 U.S. Census for redistricting reform, Sen. Lisa Boscola is calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to use his authority to convene a special session of the General Assembly on the important measure.

As the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 22 and long-time advocate for an independent role in the redistricting process, Boscola feels this opportunity will be the last chance lawmakers have to pass a concurrent resolution to amend the state constitution and place the issue on a ballot referendum before new maps would be drawn following the 2020 U.S. Census. The bill is

currently awaiting consideration by the House of Representatives and has over six-hundred amendments proposed to the legislation.

Due to state constitutional constraints, if the legislature fails to finalize a reform bill in the weeks ahead, the current system -- where lawmakers exclusively control the redistricting process -- will be in place for at least another decade.

“Last month the State Senate adopted an amended version of my bill that takes the process of redrawing legislative and Congressional districts, and places it into the hands of independently-appointed citizens and out of the hands

of lawmakers,” Boscola said. “While the final product that left the State Senate may not have been what everybody hoped for, it remains a testament to the strength of citizens and advocacy groups that have been working along with me for many years on getting this initiative forward and on the ballot for voters to ultimately decide.”

The push for a Special Session, Boscola noted, is instrumental in getting a bill passed from both chambers in order to meet the requirement of a proposed amendment being adopted in two-consecutive legislative sessions before it can be placed on the ballot for referendum.

“What we achieved in passing this bill last month was an incredible feat, and we need to get something agreed to and adopted in both chambers,” Boscola remarked. “We are incredibly close to getting through the first benchmark in this long and arduous process, and the urgency attached to the fact that we have moved a bill through one chamber speaks volume on the need to have a special session and get this passed. I call on all lawmakers, advocacy groups and citizens of the Commonwealth to rally behind the cause and let’s get this finished so we can achieve the goal of independent redistricting in Pennsylvania.”

Dinniman recognizes 30th anniversary of Lighthouse Youth Center

State Sen. Andy Dinniman recently visited the Lighthouse Youth Center to mark the organization’s 30th anniversary.

“For three decades the Lighthouse has a been a beacon of hope, faith, and advancement for so many young people in the Oxford area. It’s an asset to the community and one that’s making a significant difference in the lives of children, teens, and families,” Dinniman said. “I want to thank all of the staff, supporters, and patrons whose work has made the Lighthouse and its programs such a success so that it continues to serve young people throughout the region for generations to come.”

Dinniman, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Education Committee, also highlighted the importance and positive impact of after-

school programs on students and young people. The Lighthouse Youth Center is a para-church organization that offers a plethora of free afterschool activities to young people age 9 to 18, including sports and recreational programs, homework assistance and tutoring, job coaching and career education, music lessons, community service opportunities, field trips and faith-based initiatives. The center also offers free afternoon snacks and a free evening meal Monday through Friday. The Lighthouse began in

In March 2015, the Lighthouse opened its doors in its current facility at 245 Commerce Street, which allowed it to expand its programming and serve more young people.

The Brandywiners stage ‘The Music Man’ on Longwood’s beautiful stage

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The story of good-natured con man Harold Hill has been charming audiences since 1957, and it’s returning this month as the Brandywiners stage Meredith Wilson’s “The Music Man” at Longwood Gardens beginning on July 26. This is the fourth time the huge regional theater group has staged the show – they’ve done it about once a decade since 1970 – but the show’s timeless songs and homespun humor are surefire draws for audiences and cast members alike. Set in 1912, the show follows Hill as he tries to pull yet another scam in which townspeople donate money for a marching band and he skips town with the money. But he hasn’t counted on finding love with librarian Marian Paroo, or on falling for the infectious town spirit of River City, Iowa. At a rehearsal late last week, Bob Miller, who is playing Harold Hill for the fourth time in a stage production, said he enjoys bringing life to the character. “Whenever you revisit a character, you find new things,” he said. “Acting is based on life experience, so the more life experience you have, the more you bring to your roles. And it’s a wonderful show.”

Miller’s 10-year-old daughter is in the show with him, appearing onstage with her dad for the third time. Miller’s ex-wife is the choreographer for “The Music Man,” and that sort of family bond is typical of people who get involved with the group.

“Harold Hill is one of the most difficult male characters in musical theater to play,” Miller said. “It’s the amount of dialogue. I have one scene in act one that I’m not on stage, and about a scene and a half in act two when I’m not on. Just the song ‘Trouble’ is nonstop dialogue to the point that you’re seeing stars because you can’t breathe enough.

“But it’s truly fun, and people love this show. It’s so well written, it’s funny, and there is some realism at the end when Harold basically falls in love with Marian. If it’s played properly, it’s very endearing and very real.”

Rachel Burghen, who co-stars as meek librarian Marian Paroo, is also a veteran of the role, having played it five times since 2012. “I love the show, I love this characrter,” Burghen said. “When I do this show, I feel like I’m coming home. The characters are like family. River City is like a second home to me.

“I kind of identify with

Marian, in that she keeps a lot inside and has a lot of these deep feelings that she just doesn’t know how to show, and finally this man comes who she doesn’t think is going to be the love of her life, but he breaks that wall down,” Burghen said. “She can finally be herself. She’s actually her own hero, I think, because she’s the only one who knows what he actually is. She has the power to turn him over to the Mayor, but she decides not to because she sees the heart he has, and all the good that he’s doing.”

This is Burghen’s first time with the Brandywiners. “I didn’t even know about them,” she said. “A friend of mine told me about the auditions, and when I saw that the performances are at Longwood Gardens, I had to try out. Longwood is one of my favorite places. What an amazing opportunity to do my favorite show in one of my favorite places. I’m excited to do it,” she said.

Joe Campbell, who is playing Mayor Shinn in the production, is also in his second year as president of the Brandywiners, which means he gets to wear a lot of hats in getting the huge show put together. He started with the group in 1989. “I get to play a buffoon this year,” Campbell said, smiling. “Which is perfect for me. I don’t do the pretty leading man parts anymore. I’m old enough that I play the comic old guy.”

Handling the million details of the organization can be frustrating, “but it is supposed to be for fun, so even when I’m feeling frustrated I try to keep the joy and the fun going for the group,” Campbell said. Campbell, who sings, auditioned for one of the roles in the barbershop quartet featured in “The Music Man,” but is happy to be getting a comedy spotlight in the production. “The barbershop quartet is made up of members of the town school board, and they bicker and quarrel and

it drives the Mayor crazy,” he said. “But Harold Hill comes in and gets these bickering old guys to suddenly become the best of friends. That’s part of the magic that Harold Hill does in this little town of River City.”

This year’s cast has been rehearsing since May 15, devoting many sweaty hours in the large meeting room at the Aldersgate Methodist Church in Wilmington, where rehearsals are held. This week, they will move to the stage at Longwood, where final touches will be put on the show at nightly rehearsals until opening night.

This year’s director, Bob Kelly, is making his Brandywiners debut as well. He’s been watching the weather forecasts with some nervousness, since rain is one thing that can stop the show in its tracks. “I’ve performed on outdoor stages before, and I’m a member of Longwood Gardens,” Kelly said. He’s looking forward to putting the show on the historic stage there. “I think it’s going to be a real treat,” he said. “I love this kind of a challenge. We’re doing something unique this year with the staging. We put the whole town on the stage, so there will be no set changes to slow things down. For instance, there’s a gazebo in the center of the stage that splits in half and the halves turn, and that will be the train. We’re taking the windows that are part of Marian’s house they’ll become side windows in the gymnasium. We’ll double up the pieces wherever we can and get to the next scene as quickly as possible.”

The songs in “The Music Man” include Hill’s rapidfire sales pitch/sermon about the corrupting influence of a pool table (“Trouble”); his story of when six of the greatest marching bands in America came to town on the same day (“Seventy-Six Trombones”); the gossiping ladies of “Pickalittle”; the sly, pleading love song “Marian the Librarian”; the joyous

“Wells Fargo Wagon” and the infectious, silly dance song “Shipoopi,” among many other hummable favorites.

The Brandywiners have had 87 years of shows behind them, and they continue to draw return cast and crew members who love the challenge of putting on a huge musical on a huge stage.

The Brandywiners began in the inauspicious year of 1932, when Frances Tatnall, a recent graduate of Bryn Mawr College, had an idea. While returning from an operetta performance with her sister and brother-in-law, she boasted that she and some of her friends could produce a better show than the one they had just seen. She enlisted the help of William Winder (Chick) Laird, then a student at M.I.T., and plans for a summer production quickly emerged.

The fledgling impresarios engaged Frederick W. Wyatt, a prominent conductor and vocal teacher, to direct a hastily assembled cast in “The Pirates of Penzance.”

‘A tale as old as time’ staged by the ACT

By John Chambless Staff Writer

The timeless story of love conquering all, “Beauty and the Beast,” will be staged by the ACT Players from July 19 to 29.

Disney’s musical version of the 18th-century French fairy tale tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial village in France. When her father is held captive in a mysterious castle, Belle’s attempt to rescue him leads to her imprisonment by the Beast, a prince who was trapped in a monstrous form by the spell of a powerful

‘Beauty

enchantress. Able to return to his human form only if he learns to love and be loved in return before the last petal of the magical rose falls, the Beast’s enchanted household servants – populated by such beloved characters as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Chip – watch anxiously as Belle and the Beast grow to understand and befriend one another.

The show’s memorable songs and magical costumes have made the story a favorite of audiences young and old. The show, directed by Mala Marcano and Karen Weaver, will be staged at Ware Center for Performing Arts on the campus of Lincoln University

and the Beast’ opens July 19

(1570 Baltimore Pike). Tickets are general admission, with the exception of wheelchair accessible seats. Performances are scheduled July 19, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m., and July 22 at 2 p.m.; as well as the following weekend, July 26, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m., and July 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $17 to $20. Visit www.actheater.org for more information and reservations.

The community theater group is auditioning for its first fall musical production, “Sweeney Todd.” Auditions will be held at Kemblesville United Methodist Church on Aug. 8 and 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.

The classic musical is about an unjustly exiled barber who returns to 19th-century London seeking vengeance against the judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the

people of London lining up for a treat.

Auditions are open to the community. Prepare to sing 18 measures from the “Sweeney Todd” score. Those auditioning for the title role or that of Mrs. Lovett must choose a song associated with that character. You must provide your own accompaniment, and backing tracks must not have any primary or supporting vocals. The theater will provide a piano and a Bluetooth speaker. There will also be a cold script reading with a member of the production staff.

Rehearsals for “Sweeney Todd” will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons beginning Aug. 21, and will take place at Kemblesville United Methodist Church until the cast moves to the Ware Center for Performing Arts in midOctober. Performances will be Oct. 25, 26, 27 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.

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

Chick Laird asked his uncle, Pierre S. du Pont, to permit the Brandywiners to stage their first performance at his Longwood Gardens Open-Air Theatre. The group has been performing there ever since, except for a blackout during 1942-1945. The production costs have grown, and the budgets today average around $120,000. That money is raised through advertising sales, fundraising and ticket sales. But all the work is worth it when the sun sets, the orchestra begins to play, the lights come on, and the Brandywiners take the stage one more time.

“The Music Man” will be staged at the Longwood Gardens Open Air Theatre on July 26, 27 and 28, Aug. 2, 3, 4, at 8 p.m. Show tickets include all-day admission to Longwood. Visit www. brandywiners.org for ticket information and reservations.

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

Players

BARBARA ELINOR KNIPE

Barbara Elinor Knipe of West Grove passed away on July 4 at Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospital.

She was the beloved wife of the late Harvey Knipe, who she cared for until his passing in 2007, and the daughter of William and Lena Krumm. She was born in 1929 in Hazelton and spent her early years there before moving to Philadelphia. She graduated from Bartram High School. She worked as a comptometer operator at Belmont Steel and Ryerson Steel, where she met Harvey. They married and moved to Lansdale, where she worked at Perkins Glue and started her long years of volunteer service. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and then volunteered at North Penn Hospital. Enjoying her time there, she volunteered at Jennersville Hospital after moving to Kennett. There, she met Neil Leech, who was her dear companion until his passing in 2016. While she was married to Harvey, they traveled the world. She always wanted to see China, which she and Harvey visited in 2006, their last trip together. She enjoyed baking, especially green apple pies, which she shared with her neighbors and friends, who she adored. In recent years, she was an active member of the West Grove Presbyterian Church and Avon Grove Seniors.

Surviving are her daughters, Wendy Bonanni (Victor) of Lansdale, and Cynthia Croft of Portland, Ore.; son Harvey Knipe, Jr. (Kim) of West Chester; and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Kenneth Knipe (Dori) of California. She was predeceased by her sisters, Phyllis Bailey (Gene), Janet Oberman (Tom) and Betty Oakley (Landon).

A memorial service was held on July 14 at West Grove Presbyterian Church in West Grove. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Grove Presbyterian Church.

HELEN CECILIA MARALDO

Helen Cecilia Maraldo, 96, of Avondale, passed away on July 9 at Seasons Hospice at Christiana Hospital. She was the wife of Ernest Maraldo, who passed away in 2011, and with whom she shared 64 years of marriage. Born in Wilmington, Del., she was the daughter of the late Nazareno Antonini and the late Giovanina DeSantis Antonini. She was an insurance broker for State Farm Insurance for over 30 years, retiring in 2000. Incredibly talented, kind and compassionate, she had a zest for life. She was a fabulous cook, she loved gardening – her rose garden was her pride and joy – and her daughters, Pam and Donna, were the apple of her eye. She loved to dance and often people left the dance floor to watch while she and her husband, Ernest, whirled around in a waltz or a polka. She loved her years at State Farm, and volunteering at the Kennett Senior Center. She loved to entertain and had a wide circle of friends.

One of ten children, she is survived by her brother Rudy; her children, Pam and Donna, and Donna’s husband, Lou Scarborough.

A funeral was held July 13. Burial was in St, Patrick’s Cemetery in Kennett Square. In memory of Helen, you can send flowers, or the family welcomes contributions to the Brackenville Center, 100 Saint Claire Drive, Hockessin, DE 19707. To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, visit www.griecocares.com.

MICHAEL C. MASSEY, SR.

Michael C. Massey, Sr., 66, of West Chester, passed away on July 11 at the Pocopson Home.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Hugh Massey, Jr., and the late Giovanna D’Andrea Roberts. Michael was a member of the Kennett Fire Company and the West Whiteland Fire Company.

He was an avid reader, and he enjoyed working on the computer, and being with his family and friends.

Michael is survived by two sons, Michael C. Massey, Jr., and Kevin J. Massey; three grandchildren; three brothers, H. Ross Massey, Benjamin J. Massey, and Thomas E. Roberts; and one sister, Giovanna M. Wiggins. He was predeceased by one sister, Sandra L. Carbo.

His service and burial will be private. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www. griecocares.com.

WILLIAM D. PIERCE, JR.

William “Don” D. Pierce, Jr., 65, of Kennett Square, passed away on July 7 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late William D. Pierce, Sr., and the late Janet Burket Pierce. He was an electrical engineer at Shah & Associates in Gaithersburg, Md. Don was a graduate of West Chester University, and served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. He enjoyed working, fishing, classic cars, golfing, his dogs, and being with his family and friends. He was the soundman for the Rio Bravo Band.

Don is survived by his partner of 22 years, Sharon Nordstrom of Kennett Square; two sons, William “Donnie” Pierce, III, and his wife Stephanie of Fuquay Varina, N.C., and Andrew Pierce and his fiancee Taylor Del Rossi of Blackwood, N.J.; one daughter, Heather Pierce of Oxford; and one sister, Susan Farmer of West Palm Beach, Fla. He was predeceased by one brother, David Pierce.

A visitation will be held at a remembrance gathering at the Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square/Longwood (815 East Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square) on July 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family requests that flowers not be sent. Instead, make a contribution in his memory to a charity of your choice. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

RICHARD G. FORTE

Richard G. Forte, 72, passed away on July 11 at the Lankenau Hospital. He was the husband of Terry Forte of Kennett Square. Born in 1946 in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Gene Forte and the late Anne DeFroscia. Rich graduated from Bishop Shanahan High School in West Chester. There he excelled in football and baseball, where he earned “All Catholic” and “All Chester County” for several years. During the Vietnam era he served at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital as a medic. Over the last 40 years, his passion was working in the mushroom industry. He first learned to grow mushrooms with his brotherin-law, Pete Alonzo. In 1993, he joined the L.F. Lambert Spawn Company, and until now was the vice president of sales. In 1996, he had the opportunity to teach his son, Richie, how to grow mushrooms, and together with close family friends they built their business.

Rich and his wife, Terry, represented the mushroom industry by giving back to the community and volunteering for various events and charities, especially for the Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square. He had a passion for golf, Philadelphia sports teams, and watching all of his grandkids’ activities. His greatest passion of all was his wife,and they just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Chrissy Wolfe and husband Michael of Kennett Square; and son Richie Forte and wife Jenna of Avondale; seven grandchildren; and his brother, Dr. Glenn Forte. He was predeceased by two sisters, Patricia Gallagher and Carol Forte.

A service was held July 17. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rich Forte’s name can be made to The Mushroom Festival, which benefits local charities, at P.O. Box 1000, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

DANIEL KEVIN HILFERTY

Daniel Kevin Hilferty, 40, of West Grove, passed away on June 26. He was the son of Debora J. Frank of West Grove, and the late John Hilferty. He graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1996 and the Chester County Vocational Technical School. He was a mechanic by trade and passion, and there wasn’t a car or truck that he could not fix. Growing up in Eddystone, his passion was basketball. In 1990, his team made the State Championships with Eddystone Biddy. At age 11, he moved to West Grove and played basketball and was always working on cars. He is survived by his mother Debbie (Steve Young); sister Samantha (Chris Wood); brother John Hilferty, II; grandmother Elizabeth Frank; aunt Linda (Rick Funk); and three nephews, Steve Miller, John III and Jason Hilferty. He was predeceased by his father, John Hilferty; maternal grandfather, Albert Frank; uncle Al Frank; and paternal grandparents James and Mae Hilferty. A visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. July 21 at the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home (250 W. State St., Kennett Square). His memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be private. To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, visit www.griecocares.com.

NORMAN E. ASTLE, SR.

Norman Eugene Astle, Sr., 92, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on July 6 at Christiana Hospital. He was under hospice care.

Norman was born in 1926 in Kemblesville, to the late Arthur A. Astle and late Eleanor J. Grubb. His wife, Helen L. Astle, died in 2015. The two shared 64 wonderful years together. Norman was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee for many years, and in other capacities. He was a dairy and grain farmer most of his life. Norman also enjoyed serving with the Cecil County Farm Museum, and was a member of the Cecil County Farm Bureau. He served as Institutional Representative for Hopewell Boy Scout Troop No. 143. Norman enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

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He will be missed by his six children, Eleanor DeLong (Kenneth), Alma DeLong (Gerald), Norman Astle, Jr. (Stephanie), H. Louise Batory (Robert), Richard Astle, Brenda Waddell (Randy); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, beloved friends, and his beloved buddy, Boots. In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by his brother, Otis A. Astle; and sister, Mary J. Witmer.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Hopewell United Methodist Church or the Cecil County Farm Museum in care of Lee A. Patterson & Son Funeral Home, P.A., P.O. Box 766, Perryville, MD 21903-0766. Interment was in Oxford Cemetery. Visit www. pattersonfuneralhomemd.com.

PUBLIC NOTICE

HELP WANTED

Nottingham Area Lawn Service and Landscaping Company.

Possible year round work.

Call 610-467-1103, Leave a message.

Cardosi, 2003 Edmund Halley Drive, Suite 500, Reston, VA 20191. Concrete Form Carpenter &/or Skilled Laborers GFP Cement Contractors, LLC located in Newport, DE is seeking full-time experienced Concrete Form Carpenters &/or Skilled Laborers to join our expanding crews. Candidate should have a minimum of (3) years’ experience in their trade; must have a valid driver’s license, must have or be able to obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card), have transportation to work, and be able to pass a drug screen. We offer competitive pay based on skills and experience, along with health, vision

to make payment without delay to JOSEPH N. KALINOSKI, ADMINISTRATOR, c/o Robert S. Esposito, Esq., 1515 DeKalb Pike, Ste. 201, Blue Bell, PA 19422-3367, Or to his Attorney: ROBERT S. ESPOSITO, 1515 DeKalb Pike, Ste. 201, Blue Bell, PA 19422-3367 7p-4-3t

and 401k plan benefits. Qualified candidates are encouraged to send a resume or you may complete an application in person at our office located at 101 S. Mary St., Suite C, Newport DE 19804. No phone calls please. Sunstate Harvesters, Inc. is seeking 120 people to temporarily harvest watermelons in Sussex & Kent Counties, DE 07/15/2018 to 09/20/2018. Piece rates may be offered depending on crop activity, but $12.05 an hr.is guaranteed. of contract guaranteed. Work tools, supplies, and equipment will be provided at no cost to the worker. Free housing, for those that cannot reasonably return to their permanent residence at the end of each working day. Transportation and subsistence expenses to the worksite will be provided or paid by the employer upon completion of 50% of the work contract. All applicants will have to complete an interview before employment is granted. For more information, contact your nearest State Workforce Agency or Guillermo Rios, Jr. @ 239-405-5537 and mention job number DE584817.

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PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors for Elk Township, 952 Chesterville Road, Lewisville, Pennsylvania, will conduct a conditional use hearing on Monday, July 30, 2018, at 6:30 pm at the Elk Township Building to consider the Application of Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless for property owned by American Tower Corporation and located at 253 Mount Olivet Road, being tax parcel #70-3-3 in the R-2 Zoning District of Elk Township. The Applicant requests a modification of the Conditional Use Decision dated March 12, 2018 pursuant to Article XII Section 1203.B and Article VI Section 601.C.4 of the Elk Township Zoning Ordinance of 2002, as amended. The applicant proposes to relocate equipment shelter from building to under tower legs within fenced compound at the above described location. All persons wishing to participate in this hearing are invited to be present. Any person with a disability requiring a special accommodation to attend this hearing should notify the secretary at (610) 255-0634, as early as possible, but not later than five (5) working days prior to the hearing. The Board of Supervisors will make every reasonable effort to provide reasonable accommodations. R. Samuel McMichael, Esquire, Solicitor for Elk Township 7p-11-2t

NOTICE OF FICTITIOUS NAME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to do engage in business under the fictitious name of : Bryan Blittersdorf''s Automotive , located at 200 W. Cypress St., Kennett Square, PA 19348, has submitted an application for a fictitious name under 54 Pa. C.S. Pursuant to Pennsylvania's Fictitious Name Act. Blittersdorf LLC., Jayne Garver, Solicitor, 1224 W. Lincoln Hyw., Coatsville, PA 19320. 7p-18-1t

ESTATE NOTICE

Estate of JOYCE YVONNE BUNNELL, Deceased. Late of Parkesburg, PA, Pennsylvania. Notice is hereby given that, in the estate of the decedent set forth below, the Register of Wills has granted Letters of Administration to the persons named. All persons having claims against said estate are requested to make known the same to them or their attorney and all persons indebted to said decedent is requested to make payment without delay to the executors named below. EXECUTORS: Jodi Farrow, Jennifer Smith, Gregory Palmer, C/O ATTORNEY: Ira D. Binder, 227 Cullen Rd, Oxford, PA 19 7p-18-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF Margaret M. Boylan, DECEASED. Late of West Goshen Township, Chester County, PA. LETTERS TESTAMENTARY on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned, who request all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to Joseph F. Boylan and Mary M. Russell, CO-EXECUTORS, 23 Althea Lane, Morton, PA 19070. 7p-18-3t

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will conduct a, Conditional Use Hear-

BAND SCHEDULE

July 31 - Summit Hill Bluegrass - 6:30-9:30

August 1 - Eagles Pep Band

August 2 - One Eyed Jacks - 7:00-9:30

August 3 - Sam Schmidthuber - 6:30-9:30

August 4 - Yesterday’s New Band - 6:30-9:30