Chester County Press 09-15-2021 Edition

A triumphant return for the Mushroom Festival

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Lately, the chatter in Kennett Square has been about the Mushroom Festival. It was cancelled in 2020 because of the COVID19 pandemic and resurrected this past weekend.

The questions remained: Who would fill the shoes of longtime Mushroom Festival volunteer coordinator Kathi Lafferty, who retired her position last year? And how would things go with the festival’s relocation from State Street to the former Genesis parking lot on Broad Street? When all was said and done, and with the blessing of perfect weather, the answer to the second question was, “Things seemed to work out just fine.”

The 2021 event flourishes after 2020 cancellation

Two-thirds of Pennsylvanians fully vaccinated, but state’s COVID-19 numbers still alarming

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

When held up against the now persistent battering ram known as the Delta variant, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can best be categorized in Dickensian terms.

It is the best of times. It is the worst of times.

The latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicate that Pennsylvania ranks fifth among all 50 states for total COVID-19 doses administered – 67 percent of those age 18 and older are fully vaccinated – and eighth in the U.S. in the number of first doses administered. In

total, vaccine providers have administered 12,442,131 total vaccine doses to 6.06 million residents, including 55,421 additional doses authorized for people who are immunocompromised. The CDC also reported that an additional 49,277 vaccinations have been administered in the state since Sept. 10 for an average rate of 14,500 vaccinations a day.

While the numbers are impressive, their impact seems futile in the wake of a tidal wave of new COVID-19 cases reported throughout the state.

Between Sept. 11 and Sept. 13, the Pennsylvania Department of Health

confirmed that there were 12,406 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 1,350,719 – with 2,183 individuals currently hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 535 patients are in intensive care units. The upward trend shows no sign of subsiding. The state’s health department said that the state’s positivity rate for COVID-19 stood at 9.1 percent during the week of Sept. 3 to Sept. 9 and worse still, there were 33 new deaths identified by the Pennsylvania death registry between Sept. 10 and Sept. 12, bringing the statewide totals to 28,568 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Chris Coverly,

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Police Chief Sam Iacono is beyond happy that the Oxford Borough Police Department finally has a full-time detective among the ranks.

“It’s a great asset,”

Iacono said. “Detective (Chris) Coverly has been training for the position for the 20 years he has been on the force. I would be remiss in not mentioning the mentoring he received from Sgt. Thomas McFadden when he was here.”

Iacono added, “Coverly was assigned to the position of detective because he was the most qualified and best trained in that position. He has worked with Chester County Detectives on numerous cases in his career.”

And now that Coverly is a detective, he is quick

The Chester County Health Department’s latest monitoring report for the county reflects the rest of the state.

While 67 percent of those from 12 to 18 years of age have been fully vaccinated in Chester County – and 72 of the population over 18 have also been fully vaccinated –Continued on page 2A

‘It’s the victim who is the hero’

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

When a local student came forward in June and said that several years earlier she had been sexually assaulted by her ESL teacher when she was in the third and fourth grade, it was up to the Oxford Borough Police Department to investigate the case.

The Chester County District Attorney’s Office announced on Aug. 25 that Luis Morales had been arrested and was being charged with multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault, institutional sexual assault, corruption of minors, and related offenses.

The defendant taught English as a Second Language (ESL) at the Oxford Area School District until 2016, and was suspended in June 2021 from the Phoenixville Area School District, where he had been working for the past five years.

Oxford Police Department Detective Chris Coverly stated, “It’s the victim who is the hero. Her bravery coming forward will encourage other victims of child sex abuse to speak out. Her voice will save and protect other innocent children.”

The victim came to this country from Mexico. Her parents enrolled her in the Oxford Area School District, where she became a student of Morales, 56, a resident of West Chester. Morales was her teacher in the third and fourth grades between 2014 and 2016, and he taught English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to students like the victim.

Coverly talked about the difficult situation that the victim was in, and he expressed his sympathy. “Imagine coming to the country and having this happen,” Coverly said. “Often times, young children have difficulty verbalizing what has happened to them. This child was learning the language. I cannot imagine how frightened she was coming to a new country, hoping for a fresh start. My prayers are with her and her family. I can’t stress enough how brave

Mushroom Festival...

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Kennett Fire Company

office manager and administrator Gina Puoci moved into the role as president of the festival board. On Saturday morning, as she took a moment to look at what the Mushroom Festival organizers were able to create, she was pleased. People seemed to be arriving and the events were moving along.

What was her biggest challenge?

She said that one of the hardest things was getting that huge 110-foot tent set up for the growing exhibition. It took eight burly men to do it, a board member said later.

Despite that challenge, Puoci said that it was important to have the growers’ tent because it was popular with visitors.

“I’ll crash on Monday morning when it’s all over,” Puoci said.

COVID-19...

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positive COVID-19 test results continue to rise.

During the period of Sept.

3 to 9, 492 residents tested positive, adding to the mark of 2,181 positive tests recorded over the past 30 days. During the last month, 9 Chester County residents died from the virus, bringing the total death count in the county to 837. According to the state’s health department, the variant is more contagious than the original strain of the virus, accounting for more than 92 percent of current COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania. Since July when schools first began discussing health and safety plans, Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 caseload has increased from less than 300 a day to more than 3,000 a day – with cases among school aged children increasing by more than 11,000 in the last month, and by more than 79,000 from January 2021 to August 2021.

Debra L. Powell, M.D., chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Tower Health, said she has seen the continuing impact of the Delta variant reflected in higher positivity rates, and more patients on ventilators at Tower Health. In looking at current modeling for the virus, she projects that these

rates will continue to rise and then begin to plateau over the next three to four weeks.

These rising numbers could have been easily prevented, she said. “I do believe we would have seen less impact if people had gotten more vaccinations, and that is clearly showing,” she said. “We also have to realize that this is a global pandemic, so across the world there are populations who aren’t getting vaccinations. As we continue to see more variants emerge, we need to get more vaccines out to the world – both the first and second doses.”

The spread of COVID-19 has also begun its assault on Pennsylvania’s schoolchildren. A comparison of cases among the 5-18 age group for the first week in September 2021 and 2020 shows the number of cases in the age group this year is nearly 10 times greater the same timeframe in 2020.

Between Sept. 4 and Sept. 10, 2020, there were a total of 574 COVID-19 cases in the age group compared to Sept. 2 and Sept. 8, 2021, when there were 5,371 cases in the same age group.

Additionally, new cases of COVID-19 among children enrolled in licensed child care facilities in Pennsylvania have increased significantly in recent months, accord-

During the two days, they ate the food offerings and continued to purchase the creative crafts the vendors had to offer.

A large and enthusiastic group assembled at the

The 2021 event seemed to go very well, despite all the changes that needed to be made as a result of the pandemic. The number of vendors was limited to about 100 instead of 200 or more, there was no parade on Friday night, and a number of popular events were missing. Still, as people arrived from nearby and from out or town, they filled—but didn’t overcrowd—the venue. The visitors were uniformly cheerful and appeared to participate in the whole thing eagerly.

community tent to cheer on the competitors at the amateur cooking and mushroom eating competitions. At those events, Chera Little from Texas won the cooking contest with her Umami Baby Bella Mushroom and Ponzu Egg Drop Soup. Sean Yeager of Phoenixville won the mush-

ing to data reported to the Department of Health and Safety by child care providers. On June 4, for example, child care providers reported eight cases of COVID-19 among children in the previous week, but on Aug. 27, the number of new COVID19 cases among children in child care the previous week was 162.

‘The science is clear’

In an effort to protect students, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf initiated an order that requires masks to be worn inside all K-12 school buildings, early learning programs and child care centers that went into effect on Sept. 7.

“My office has received an outpouring of messages from parents asking the administration to protect all children by requiring masks in schools,” said Gov. Wolf. “The science is clear. The

Delta variant is highly transmissible and dangerous to the unvaccinated, many of whom are children too young to receive the vaccine. Requiring masks in schools will keep our students safer and in the classroom, where we all want them to be.

“The reality we are living in now is much different than it was just a month ago,” said Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam. “With case counts increasing, the situation has reached the point that we need to take this action to protect our children, teachers and staff. The science is clear. If we want to keep our schools open, maintain classroom learning and allow sports and other activities to continue, masking significantly increases our chances of doing so.”

Wolf’s proclamation echoed the refrain of the letter he sent to the state’s

room eating contest after he consumed five-and-a-half pounds of mushrooms in eight minutes. Gone were the rides for children from previous years, but they were replaced at the southwest corner in a roughly established corral with bouncing tents and a tall bungee jumper. Throughout Saturday and Sunday there were lectures on the nutrition and the cooking of mushrooms, and there were also musicians playing on the stage.

This year’s event, which was the 36th Mushroom Festival, was moved off State Street because

General Assembly on July 29, when he asked lawmakers to “use every tool at your disposal, starting now, to encourage your constituents to be vaccinated.”

“Unfortunately, the rising tide of the Delta variant is lifting case numbers in all states, and Pennsylvania is no exception,” Wolf wrote. “Our statewide 7-day average daily caseload has nearly quadrupled in just three weeks. Low case counts and high rates of vaccination in eligible people are what keep all of us, including the immunocompromised and children under 12 safer as we return to our normal routines.

“We are all connected to our constituents on social media, through local events, newsletters, and more.

We can talk to our constituents directly, we can elevate the voices of local trusted healthcare providers, we can discuss our own

experiences, and talk about our shared goals: protecting ourselves and those we love. Please do this with care, with understanding, and with urgency.”

In recent weeks, Dr. Powell has given several interviews with the media as well as attended town halls in an effort to provide the right information about vaccinations to to the public.

“It is up to all of us to embrace public health and to realize that we are all a piece of this puzzle, and by not getting vaccinated, we forget the people around us,” she said. “That has been my personal message all along – that it is not about your personal liberties. It’s about taking care of each other and being a community.”

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

of instructions by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation caused by nearby road construction. The online chatter has some expressing their satisfaction with the new location of the event, while others said they hoped it will return to State Street next year.

Saturday morning began with a short ceremony remembering the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Additionally, there was a presentation recognizing the 20 years of leadership Lafferty had provided to the festival.

There was a flag-raising with former Kennett Square mayor and ceremonial musician Leon Spencer singing the “Star Spangled Banner” as the festival’s board of directors looked on.

Then, Lafferty was presented with a festival T-shirt

by the board, and State Rep. Craig Williams presented her with a citation recognizing her contributions to the mushroom industry.

State Rep. Craig Williams presented Tom and Kathi Lafferty with a citation in honor of their contributions to the mushroom industry and the community.

State Sen. Carolyn Comitta recently announced that her office will be visiting local libraries, township buildings, and senior centers throughout Chester County to assist residents with state services.

“While our staff continues to assist many constituents remotely or via phone, this is an excellent opportunity to safely visit communities across the 19th District and personally assist residents with any questions, comments, or state government issues that may arise,” Comitta said. Comitta said that her staff looks forward to meeting with constituents in person and they will be wearing

masks, practicing social distancing, and following other established health and safety guidelines in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Staff members are available to assist residents with a number of issues, including applying for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, SEPTA Key Senior ID Cards, birth certificates, unclaimed property, and more.

The mobile office locations and hours include the following:

Oxford Area Senior Center 12 East Locust Street, Oxford

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 10

a.m. to noon

Coatesville Area Public Library

501 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville Wednesday, Sept. 15, 10

a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to noon

Parkesburg Free Library 105 West Street, Parkesburg Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, October 6, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Phoenixville Area Senior Center

153 Church Street, Phoenixville Monday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to noon

New Garden Township Building 299 Starr Road, Landenberg Wednesday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to noon

Oxford Public Library 48 South 2nd Street, Oxford Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m.

to 4 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome at all of the mobile office locations, with the exception of the Phoenixville Area Senior Center, where participants must register and schedule an appointment with the senior center in advance by calling 610-935-1515 ext. 29.

Appointments can also be scheduled for other mobile locations by contacting Comitta’s office at 610-692-

2112 or senatorcomitta@ pasenate.com.

In addition, constituents are also welcomed to visit Senator Comitta’s West Chester District Office for assistance through the constituent services window. The office is located at 17 East Gay Street Suite 301 in West Chester and is open during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are encouraged.

Coverly...

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to thank Sgt. McFadden, police officer Christine Bleiler and many others who supported him along the way.

“You don’t get here without the support of many people,” Coverly said.

He is also thankful to the Borough of Oxford for the hours of training he received since joining the force in 2001. Coverly’s training in the detective field is ongoing, and he recently completed a course in how to work with the media.

During his years as a patrol officer, Coverly was always ready to go the extra mile, assisting in various cases involving drugs, theft, and—the most difficult cases of all—child abuse.

Both Iacono and Mayor Phil Harris are happy to have council’s support in approving the full-time detective position.

“It’s a great asset to have a full-timer. We are able to keep crimes from slipping through the cracks,” Iacono said.

Iacono and Coverly are quick to point out that time is of the essence

she is. By coming forward, she has helped countless other children.”

The complaint filed by the now 14-year-old child alleged that she had been sexually abused by the defendant, her ESL teach-

when dealing with all crimes, but certainly with rape and child-abuse cases.

“It takes many hours of surveillance, driving around for hours, and not just in Oxford. Crimes here can take you to other states,” Iacono said. “Having someone who has the time to do that and who can focus on it is a tremendous benefit to our community.”

Oxford has a better closure rate of crimes because of the full-time detective position. Before the department could have a number of officers working on different pieces of the case. Now they have someone who can monitor major crimes and keep an eye on all things going forward, knowing who the players are.

Few crimes are worse than those against children, which has long been a concern for Coverly.

“I have always had a desire to be a detective, and a lot of that is because of the crimes I’ve seen against children,” he explained. “Bleiler was a superstar with building a relationship with children. Many instructors on forensic interviews use

Local

her videos today to help train others in the field. When Bleiler worked here she would interview the children and I would interview the bad guys.”

Coverly explained what the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) looks like.

“It actually looks like a doctor’s office and is next to the District Attorney’s office,” he explained. “On one side of the wall is an observation room. If a child discloses abuse to a mandated reporter they will call the child line that will bring them to the CAC. The story is recorded. The social worker and investigator listen in on the recorder.”

Coverly admitted, “It is difficult to handle child abuse. My human self wants to jump out of my skin, but I have to leave it with God. There are moments in the past when I’ve gone to Bleiler crying. She would help me get through it.”

Coverly had one case where he had to go through 5,000 horrific photos involving children. During that case, Coverly and Bleiler worked on it together, never getting through all those photos. Coverly admitted that

er, while she was in the third and fourth grades at Nottingham Elementary School between 2014 and 2016. The victim reported to Oxford Borough police that when she was in the third grade, the defendant asked her to stay after school, and then he proceeded to touch her chest and genitals. The defendant continued to sexually abuse her regularly by digitally penetrating the victim’s vagina and anus. The abuse stopped in 2016 when the student graduated from the fourth grade. The defendant was able to post bail set by

going home after that and

having a normal day was not easy.

“You have to do the best job you can and know that,” he explained. “Then you leave it to God. I was saved when I was 11, but I never grew in the Lord. This job has brought me closer to God.”

An increasing challenge now for any detective is technology. It can be utilized to help police solve crimes, but it is also demanding.

“We have to sift through social media, cell phones, thumb drives, computers, laptops, iPads, cameras and more. The technology grows. Businesses and homes have multiple surveillance cameras. It is mind-boggling all the technology out there,” Coverly said.

“Doing the job has its ups and downs. It is risky and demands long hours, but when you can make an arrest and get the bad guy off the street, that is awesome,” Coverly said.

Although Coverly’s 20 years on the force had him working as a Community Relations Officer, working with Town Watch, and numerous other positions, his goal was always to be

Magisterial District Judge Scott Massey at $350,000 at 10 percent. His preliminary hearing is Sept. 28.

The Oxford Borough police are investigating and assistant district attorney Christine Abatemarco is the assigned prosecutor. The Oxford police were assisted on the investiga-

a detective. He explained, “Cases aren’t done overnight. The investigations are constantly fluid and changing. The detective has to operate on the fly, but the end result is to build a solid case to bring to the prosecutor to make sure the bad guy is held accountable.”

Coverly has learned from the best working with the Chester County Detectives, the State Police, and the FBI. He has taken training in post-blast investigator, electronics collection, fingerprint processing, and recovering trace evidence from hair, blood and bodily fluids. He also took part in a terrorism awareness and prevention course and later became an instructor.

Coverly remembered doing a week-long investigation in 2004 about a sex-related homicide and death investigation.

He continues training now, including learning about how to watch body language in interviews and interrogations and how to detect deception. He admits it is a lot for one detective to do and is amazed at

tion by Chester County Detectives, the Oxford Area School District Police, West Goshen Township Police, and the Quarryville Borough Police.

If you have any information about this case, please call Detective Coverly at 610-998-0032, ext. 302.

what the Oxford Police Department has accomplished in the past without a full-time detective. And now Detective Coverly is focused on encouraging other officers to become detectives.

“I can’t do it by myself. Younger officers will have to take over and I’d like to encourage them to take the training they will need. I am eligible to retire in five years - not that I will - but the officers here have six years to get the training it took me 20 years to get,” he said.

Coverly said, “My goal is to interact more with the community on social media. We have brainstormed on how to get the community more engaged. We must build a good relationship with the community. I encourage everyone in the community to check us out on Facebook, through Crime Watch on our website or on Twitter. Our handle is @oxfordpolice1.”

Coverly emphasized that he depends on the community, and he hopes they feel they can depend on him and the Oxford Police Department.

“We are all in this together,” he said.

Call Childline if you suspect a child is being abused at 1-800-932-0313. Learn to recognize, react, and respond to child sexual abuse by signing up for a free virtual Stewards of Children workshop. Contact County Coordinator Katie Walters at kwalters@chesco.org or 610-344-6115.

Our swirling watercolors of humanity

Twenty years ago in New York City, on the morning of the worst single-day tragedy in United States’ history, Doug Brown had just begun to make his descent through the smoky stairwells in Two World Trade Center in order to save his own life.

He did not expect that in minutes, he would also save the life of a complete stranger.

Moments before, the hijacked Flight 11 had crashed into floors 93 to 99 of One World Trade Center at 8:46 a.m., and at 9:03 a.m., hijacked Flight 175 struck floors 77 to 85 of Two World Trade Center, just above where Brown worked for Morgan Stanley on the 70th floor.

That morning, between 16,400 and 18,000 people were in the complex at the time the towers were struck. One of them was Silvion Ramsundar, an assistant vice president for Mizuho Capital Markets, who was returning to work on the 80th floor in an express elevator when the second plane hit Tower 2. In the elevator, Ramsundar saw a fireball of airplane fuel blaze over his head,

and suddenly he was in complete darkness, with a fist-sized piece of airplane shrapnel now lodged inches from his heart. After leaving the elevator, he managed to climb down the stairs and collapsed in agonizing pain, and as he attempted to stop his bleeding – his lung had collapsed and one of his arms had broken -Ramsundar found himself in the catacomb collision of death, rescue and survival. The fires from the plane’s impact had intensified because of the jet fuel, and the steel support trusses in the building were beginning to sway. In the stairwells, men and women in business attire were being met by firefighters. When he arrived at the 65th floor, Brown caught a glimpse of a man whose white shirt was covered in blood. He quickly took his handkerchief and held it at the site of Ramsundar’s severe wound and kept it there like a compress, and with the help of his coworker Stan Kapica, Brown carried Ramsundar down the remaining 65 flights of stairs in near darkness.

There is a photograph of Brown and Ramsundar taken by New York Daily News photographer Susan Watts just moments after

Amazing Oxford

photo

they both reached safety. In it, the blue gloved hands of a medical aide gently touch Ramsundar’s shoulders, as Ramsundar’s eyes, shaken by terror and pain, stare blankly at the aide’s words, as his once white shirt had turned crimson. Within the magnitude of the moment that made this photograph happen, there is nothing at all beautiful about the image, but it provides a stunning glimpse into what transpired that day and for many months afterward.

Brown remains at Ramsundar’s side, just over his right shoulder, his eyes looking directly up at the burning tower that he and Ramsundar had just escaped from, which means that given a choice, Brown chose not to join the fleeing thousands in lower Manhattan that morning, but to help the wounded stranger whose life he had no doubt just saved.

Tower 2 came crashing to the ground at 9:59 a.m. * * * *

In the aftermath of the devastation that the tornado from Hurricane Ida unleashed on the Wiltshire development in East Nottingham on Sept. 1, Michelle and Wayne

Sapp emerged from their home and saw that save a few downed trees in their backyard, their home had escaped the damage of the storm.

Many of her neighbors, however, had not been blessed with the same good fortune; several of the neighborhood’s homes had endured enough damage to render them unlivable.

On the morning of Sept. 2, small armies of volunteers came out of their homes, armed with chain saws, leaf blowers, rakes, tractors, pick-up trucks and without fanfare, they began to forage through the remnants of the storm.

Beneath two tents and several tables arranged side by side, Michelle Sapp created a relief center that became a rest station for volunteers to quench their thirst with donated bottles of water or enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner that was served for the following few days.

Food and beverages came from everywhere. A neighbor donated ten pizzas. The Oxford football team was joined by their schoolmates in filling up trash bags with debris. Staff from Baer Electric donated some of their vehicles to assist in the clean-up. Even Rep.

John Lawrence chipped in.

“It was truck after truck and after truck coming in to help,” Lawrence told a Chester County Press reporter.” It’s fantastic to see so many people reach out to help during Oxford’s hardship.”

“Over 100 volunteers came to the site of the devastation on Day 1,” said Christine Grove, executive director of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We were happy to make some connections for equipment and volunteers to spread the word. This is what living in a small town is all about.”

When Doug Brown fixed his eyes for the first time on Silvion Ramsundar lying in a pool of his own blood on the 65th floor of Tower 2 on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he did not consider whether he was going to help him based on a quick assessment of Ramsundar’s social standing or religious affiliation.

All he saw was the still gaze of a bleeding man without hope.

When Michelle Sapp twisted the two blue tents into working order and set up a triage and food and

beverage court for those who lent a hand to their fellow Oxfordians two weeks ago, neither she – nor any of the other volunteers – chose to provide assistance only to those homeowners who vote the way they do or pray they same way they do.

All they saw were their neighbors’ eyes, hollow and forlorn, sifting through haphazardly stacked piles of wood where a part of their home had once been.

Whether it is a city of eight million souls or a small town in southern Chester County, tragedy is colorless and its response both intuitive and reactive and without conscience. In tragedy, we are not liberals or conservatives or Democrats or Republicans or Catholics or Jews or Atheists or pro-gun or pro-life or anti-vaxxers or anti-immigrationists.

In this skinny sliver of time, we are eyewitnesses plunging headlong into the swirling watercolors of humanity, pressing our handkerchiefs against the wounds of our brothers and sisters, and refusing to let go.

Chester County Sends a Message of HOPE on International Overdose Awareness Day

Chester County concluded International Overdose Awareness Day, Aug. 31, with a message of HOPE, illuminated on the steps of the Historic Courthouse in West Chester, during its Night of Light event.

Chester County joined communities around the world to encourage residents, businesses and organizations to raise awareness of the effects of opioid addiction, and reduce the stigma surrounding overdoses and drug-related deaths. Importantly, the County focused on remembering the lives of those lost to overdose, and acknowledged the grief felt by families and friends who have lost a loved one.

“This year, we are taking time to remember those that we have tragically lost to substance use disorders, and also bring a message of hope to those working toward long-term recovery, including family and friends who are supporting them,” said Vince Brown, executive director of the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.

Guest speakers included the Chester County Commissioners, and Cathie O’Donnell, a member of the County’s Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board, who shared the story of her son, Shane O’Donnell, who died of a drug overdose in 2013 that developed from an addiction to painkillers prescribed for a back injury.

Chris Brown, a Certified Recovery Specialist for the County’s COPE program, also spoke of his experiences in meeting with overdose

survivors in the emergency room of hospitals in Chester County, to personally help them move to treatment.

Through Chester County’s innovative COPE program – Community Outreach and Prevention Education –overdose survivors who are being treated in the emergency room at all hospitals in Chester County can meet with a certified recovery specialist within an hour of coming into the ER. The peer specialist engages with the overdose survivor and provides personal support and a direct connection to treatment and recovery services.

The Night of Light event concluded with the placement of luminary bags that displayed personal messages by family and friends who lost someone they love to substance use disorder.

Chester County lost 101 people to accidental over-

dose in 2020. “Although we saw a slight decline in accidental overdoses last year in Chester County, substance use disorders are still extremely prevalent, and one life lost to the disease of addiction is one too many,” added Vince Brown. Chester County recently announced the return of the Chester County Color 5K, an event that raises funds for the COPE Program, as well as raising awareness and reducing the stigma of substance uses disorder.

The Chester County Color 5K will be held in Everhart Park in West Chester on Saturday morning, Oct. 9.

For more information, and to register to run or walk, go to www.chesco.org/ color5k.

For more information and resources on all drug and alcohol services and programs, visit the

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In the Spotlight

Two fourth quarter touchdowns propel Kennett to 26-13 win

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

For three quarters last Friday night, the Oxford Hornets and Kennett Blue Demons were about as evenly matched as two football teams could be— one team’s big play on offense was balanced out by the other team’s big play on defense. Oxford’s offense picked up more yards through the air, but Kennett’s running attack gained more ground than Oxford’s. The first downs each team had gained were roughly the same. The teams combined for nearly 800 yards of offense and, yes, those yards were divided almost equally. And the score—after 36 hard-fought minutes—was tied, 13-13.

Then Kennett scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to walk away with a 26-13 win over Oxford.

scored the touchdown on a 4-yard carry. The pointafter attempt was no good, and it was 7-6.

On Kennett’s next possession, Frazier once again connected with Good to move the chains on a third down play, while Sparacino moved the chains on a third-and-short situation. The next time Kennett was facing a third down on this drive, the Hornets’ defense responded and forced the Blue Demons to attempt a field goal. Kennett kicker Ryan Barker connected on a 31-yarder, making it 10-6.

The second quarter was scoreless as both teams’ defenses started making big plays when they were pushed. Oxford threatened to take the lead early in the second quarter, driving into Kennett territory on a 15-yard reception by Hunsicker and then a 26-yard run by Pantalone.

Kennett claimed an early lead—and carried it for a long stretch of the game—thanks in large part to the Blue Demons’ ability, at least early on, to convert on third down.

On the first drive of the game, Kennett quarterback Kalen Frazier connected with wide receiver Luke Good on a 7-yard pass play to move the ball to the 17 of Oxford. Running back Julian Sparacino then scored a touchdown with a 17-yard run.

The Hornets answered right back with a touchdown drive of their own that covered 85 yards. The big plays included an 11-yard run by Dean Hunsicker, a gain of 7 yards by Dustin Long on a quarterback keeper, and a nice pass from Long to Ryan Evans that covered 24 yards. Dom Pantalone

A few plays later, facing a fourth-and-20, Long threw a pass along the right sideline that was picked off by Kennett’s Luke Good, thwarting the scoring bid.

A few minutes later, it was the Blue Demons who were driving after good runs by David Lillis (7 yards and then 12 yards) and a 13-yard gain by Frazier on a quarterback keeper. But on third-andlong, when it looked like Frazier might have found an open receiver, Oxford’s CJ Boyer knocked the ball away to end the drive.

On Oxford’s last possession of the first half, Long threw a beautiful deep pass to Evans, who pulled it in and raced all the way down to the 9-yard line for a 61-yard gain. But Kennett’s defense dug in its heels, and that’s as close as the Hornets got to the end zone. Kennett’s 10-6

lead continued to stand. On Oxford’s next offensive series, another big play—this time a 56-yard run by Long—put Oxford in a similar situation. Once again, Kennett’s bend-butdon’t-break defense made a stand and the Hornets turned the ball over on downs. The bad news for the Blue Demons was that they were taking over deep in their own territory, and after some early struggles on third down, Oxford’s defense had really solidified. The Hornets’ defense forced Kennett to go threeand-out, and the punt gave Oxford excellent field position a the 32 of Kennett.

On first down, Oxford got good blocking up front and Hunsicker was freed up for a 24-yard run to the right that moved the ball to the 8. Hunsicker finished the game with nearly 100 yards of total offense, half of it on the ground and the other half on pass catches. An encroachment penalty against Kennett moved Oxford even closer with a first down at the 3. Two straight carries gained

little, but then Long called his own number, and with blocking in front of him by Jacob Wahl, the quarterback raced into the end zone from 5 yards out. With 5:35 left to play in the third, Oxford had its first lead of the game.

Kennett managed to tie the game at 13-13 when the Blue Demons marched deep into Oxford territory with a 24-yard run by Lillis and a 16-yard completion from Frazier to Dylan Boddy. Lillis finished the game with 131 rushing yards. Barker’s second field goal of the game tied the score with 2:06 to play in the third.

Oxford quickly marched

down the field. Long threw a nice touch pass to Hunsicker that gained 34 yards, but Kennett’s defense then stopped Oxford on four straight plays, forcing a turnover on downs.

Frazier answered Long’s nice pass with one of his own—a 36-yard completion along the left sideline to Connor Jung that moved the ball all the way to the 1-yard line. Frazier called his ow n number and plunged into the end zone, making it 19-13.

Oxford ran 18 plays on the next drive, but it frustratingly ended with an incomplete pass on a fourth-and-four from the 26 of Kennett. There was

just 4:35 left to play by the time the drive ended. It would take Kennett just a minute to score again and put the game out of reach. Lillis used a nice cut-back move to find an opening in the line and he bolted for a 64-yard touchdown run.

The point-after sealed the 26-13 victory for Kennett.

The Blue Demons, now 3-0, will host Bayard Rustin on Friday night at 7 p.m.

The 2-1 Hornets will travel to West Chester East (0-3) for a 7 p.m. game on Friday night.

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

Hometown heroes honored

Canine Partners for Life’s Fall Festival returns

Canine Partners for Life (CPL) will be holding its Fall Festival, the organization’s largest event of the year, on Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome to the event, which takes place at the campus at 334 Faggs Manor Road in Cochranville.

Guests can start their day by visiting the CPL mission booths, taking a kennel tour or meeting puppies at the ever-popular Puppy Kissing Booth. In between the CPL stops, shop from unique vendors, choose between five food trucks for lunch, purchase a glass of wine from Chaddsford Winery and visit the Kid’s Corner.

“CPL’s Fall Festival will be a fun day to celebrate and share the CPL mission which is to increase the independence and quality of life of individuals with disabilities through full service and home companion

Obituaries

ELIZABETH J. “BETTY” SUMMERS

Elizabeth J. “Betty” Summers, of Oxford, passed away on Sept. 3 at St. Mary Center in Lansdale, Pa. She was 72. Her funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 25 at the Bernard Suess Funeral Home, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, Pa., where family and friends may call from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interment will follow in Whitemarsh Memorial Park, Prospectville, Pa.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Oxford Educational Foundation, P. O. Box 142, Oxford, Pa. 19363 or at oxfordeducationalfoundation.org.

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VINCENT WILLIAM PLUMPTON, JR.

Vincent William Plumpton, Jr., a resident of Oxford, and formerly of Glen Mills and Landenberg, passed away on Sept. 1 at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford. He was 90. Born in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late Vincent William, Sr., and Marjorie Elise Riggles Plumpton.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army 82 Engineering Unit and served honorably in the Korean War.

Vincent received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).

From 1961 to 1982, Vincent was employed with the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a Special Agent. He lived a life of service. He did not want to get drafted into a war, but he went out of a sense of duty and he did his job. Although a private, quiet, and simple man, he was immensely proud to have been an FBI agent, and to make that his career. He had endless patience, and no trace of quit in him.

He could build or repair anything. He was fiercely loyal, independent, and self-sufficient, and had an absolutely unyielding need to leave things better than

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he found them.

He would give a stranger the shirt off his back. He wasn’t content until he knew everyone around him was taken care of. He was never disagreeable with anyone. And he really loved dogs.

He never stopped serving. Even late in life, he rarely concluded a phone call without asking if there was anything he could do. His need to help others never ended, and he was happiest if he was helping someone do a tough job.

He is survived by his four children, Susan P. Gery (David) of York Haven, William M. Plumpton (Debra) of Mechanicsburg, David L. Plumpton of Redding, CA and Linda A. Simasek (Stephen) of Landenberg; eight grandchildren, Brandon Gery (Dana), Jeffrey Gery (Jennifer), Meredith Sunbury (Derek), Hannah Plumpton, Kelsey Plumpton, Michael Simasek (Emily), James Simasek and Joseph Simasek; and five great-grandchildren, Jackson Gery, William (Liam) Gery, Logan Sunbury, Parker Gery and Max Gery.

Services are private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

EVA L. VERPLANCK

Eva Low Verplanck, a resident of Kennett Square, died peacefully at the age of 97 on Sept. 4.

Eva was born and raised in Austria.

After emigrating to the U.S., she earned a bachelor of arts degree at Radcliffe College and a Ph.D. at Yale University.

After working at the Academy of Natural Sciences, she became a community volunteer while raising her children. She focused on governance, financial health, and endowment building on numerous non-profit boards, including the YWCA of Delaware, the YWCA of the U.S.A., the United Way of Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Trustees of Color, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Kennett Area Park Authority, Brandywine Red Clay Valley Alliance, and the Chester County (PA) Community Foundation. The Association of Fundraising Professionals, Brandywine Chapter, recognized her contributions with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Anne and Philip (Emily); her grandchildren, Scott (Erika), Sam, and Meg; and greatgranddaughter Brie.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends of all ages.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vincent Verplanck. A memorial gathering will be held at a future date. Contributions in her memory may be made to the YWCA of Delawarehttps://www.ywcade.org/howyoucanhelp/ donate/, the Chester County Community Foundationhttps:// chescocf.org/donate/, or the Brandywine Red Clay Alliancehttp://www.brandywineredclay.org/get-involved/ donate/.

GRACE I. MOORE

Grace I. Moore, a resident of Unionville, entered eternal rest on Sept. 3. She was 83.

She was the wife of Leo Conlon, who passed away in 2012. Her first husband, Lemuel Moore, with whom she shared 33 years of marriage, passed away in 1989. Born in Swarthmore, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Sidney Smith and the late Gertrude Thomas Smith. Grace raised, showed and judged Doberman Pinschers for over 62 years. She also loved to cook for her large family and had the green thumb with all that she planted. Her family and friends meant the world to her. She was strong in the face of heartbreak and obstacles, yet she always kept that child-like wonder. She wasn’t afraid to speak the truth.

She is survived by three sons, Lemuel Moore, III (and his wife Joanne) of Bechtelsvile, Pa., Lawrence E. Moore (and his wife of Debra) of Quarryville, Pa. and Wesley Moore (and his wife Martha) of Shunk, Pa.; one daughter, Tami Dilley (and her husband Cecil) of Kirkwood, Pa.; two brothers, Sydney A. Smith of Jacksonville, Fla. and Robert Earl Smith of Valdosta, GA; and five sisters, Mildred E. Chattin of Unionville, Renee Smith of Ga., Patricia Cisowski of Quarryville, Melody Suchowicki of Havertown, Pa. and Faith Smay of Gallitzin, Pa.

She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 22 greatgrandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. Grace was predeceased by one daughter, June Stewart and two sisters, Marie Cahille and Ellen Ray Moore.

Her Memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19 at the Italian American Club, 30 Ways Lane, Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Doberman Pinscher Rescue of Pa., Treasurer, P.O. Box 1063, Oaks, PA 19456-1063.

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

DR. ROBERT E. BERRY

Dr. Robert E. Berry, a resident of Roanoke, Va., passed away in the arms and hearts of his children on Aug. 20 at Brandywine Assisted Living in Kennett Square. He was 91. He was the husband of the late Margaret Valentine Berry, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

Born in Columbia, S.C., he was son of the late Russell Harmon Berry and the late Miriam Wales Berry.

Dr. Berry, Bob to his friends, began his career as a dedicated clinician. A graduate of Dickinson College (1951) and Jefferson Medical College (1955), he completed a residency in General and Thoracic Surgery at Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia. He left his first practice after training to serve as a medical missionary and the only surgeon for the entire country of Nepal. Foreshadowing his impending academic career, he trained local physicians to be surgeons and performed the first open heart surgery in Nepal’s history. He also provided care to mountaineers Barry Bishop and Willi Unsoeld of the 1963 National Geographic Survey Expedition to Mount Everest. When they were helicoptered from base camp to Kathmandu with frostbite, he jerryrigged whirlpools from halved kerosene barrels and pumps that were supplied by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In the latter part of his career, he was singularly proud of establishing the Noninvasive Vascular Laboratory at Roanoke Memorial and serving as its first director.

Dr. Berry had an illustrious career as an academic general and thoracic surgeon. He spent the majority of his career in Roanoke, Va., where he served as Chief of Surgery, Chief of Thoracic Surgery and Director of Surgical Education at Roanoke Memorial Hospitals. After 36 years he retired as a Professor Emeritus of Surgery at the University of Virginia. His CV lists over 50 articles and abstracts, and in his retirement he published a book on the history of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.

He was a member of over thirty professional organizations including serving in leadership positions in nine. His career highlights included serving as Second Vice-President of the American College of Surgeons; President of the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons; President of the Association of the Program Directors in Surgery; President of the Virginia Surgical Society; and President of the Virginia Chapter of the American Cancer Society. In 2003 he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons.

Bob is survived by his children and their spouses; Jan Berry Schroeder (Mark) of Chadds Ford, Robert E. Berry, Jr. (Diane) of Walpole, Mass., and Russell E. Berry (April) of New Oxford, Pa.; grandchildren Zachary (Kristina), Katherine (Michael), Rab (Al), Nicholas (Madalyne), Evan, Bonaire (Samuel), and Wren; and great-grandson, Miles Robert. Services will be held privately, with a planned memorial following the pandemic.

If you would like to make a contribution in his memory, you are invited to donate to the Carilion Clinic Foundation’s “Dr. Robert Berry Education Fund” which provides education opportunities for outstanding surgical residents. Go to http://carilionfoundation. org/giveand click on “Donate Now,” then under “Designation” click on “Dr. Robert Berry Education Fund;” or give to your local NPR station or WVTF, the NPR station for southwest and central Virginia which Bob and wife Margy fervently supported.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew J. Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (1-800-FUNERAL).

To view his online obituary, please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

CHARLOTTE IRENE BAYLIS

Charlotte Irene (Adelman) Baylis of Ocean City, Md., peacefully passed away on Sept. 7 at Season’s Hospice in Newark, Del. She was 83. Born in Baltimore, Md., she was the daughter of the late Charles E. and Theresa Bronzert Adelman. She grew up in Oxford, where she also raised her two children.

Charlotte was a bookkeeper/co-owner of Western Auto stores, where she and her two sisters continued the business that their father had started.

She was a remarkable mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she was not with her family you could always find her with a book in her hand or walking by the shore. Charlotte loved being at the beach, where she spent the majority of her time in Ocean City, Md. She traveled the world and loved telling her grandchildren about her great adventures.

Her faith was strong and Charlotte was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Ocean City, Md., where she volunteered any extra time, she had.

She is survived by one son, Ronald Baylis (Carol) of Middletown, Del.; daughter, Deborah Jennings (Jim) of Elkton, Md.; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Jennings (Trisha), Andrea Baron (John), Alexander Baylis (Eileen) and Alyson Jennings; six great-grandchildren, Madison Jennings, Kenzy Jennings, Christopher Pedersen, Felicity Baylis, Helen Baylis and Grace Baron; and one sister, Joan Featherman of Bear, Del.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah McFadden.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15 at Sacred Heart Church, 203 Church Rd., Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

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

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

Clarence C. Monger Sr., who was born on Aug. 6, 1929, passed away peacefully in his home on Sept. 5 while surrounded by family and friends. He was 92. He was the husband of Margaret Todd Monger and was preceded in death by his first wife, Donnie Jean Hockedy Monger, with whom he shared more than 50 years of marriage.

Clarence had a long fulfilling life. He was known for his love of auctions and a common answer when you would call him and ask where he was would be “I’m at the sale.”

Clarence was raised in Lincoln University on a farm, where his love for tractors and farm life grew. He lost his father at a young age which meant he had to use his mind from a young age to figure out how to make a dollar and quickly, which he became very skilled at and enjoyed it very much.

He was the previous owner of the Oxford Hotel, The Post House Restaurant, and several mushroom houses.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, fishing, hunting and buying things to flip.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Margaret Monger, his children, Clarissa Sherrow (Larry), Bobbie Jean McFadden (Kenny) and Clarence “Skeeter” Monger Jr. (Sue), his grandchildren: Christopher Mitchem (Megan), Bridgette Zell (Cliff), Ashley Monger, Becky Murtha, Cortney Monger (Kenny), Lacey Swanson (Tyler), Jami Murtha, Travis Mahala and Paula Mahala and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Sept. 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford. Interment will be private. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Simple

Ware Village residents lead effort to collect donations for Afghan people who have left war-torn country

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

Five Ware Village residents have joined together to collect donations for Afghan residents who were flown out of Afghanistan to seek a better and safer life in this country.

Pat Griffin, Carole and Bill Moody and Marty and Al Durbin joined together to set up collections for the refugees leaving their wartorn country.

“This is a team effort,” Griffin said. “We decided we had to do something to help these refugees.”

Help is coming in the form of donations to these families and individuals who, in many instances, left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Collection points are

being set up at Westminster Health Center, Stewart Place and the Oxford Library. They would prefer that donations coming from outside of Ware Village be delivered to the Oxford Library.

The families are in need of toiletry items, new or gently used clothes, head scarves, ties, and handbags. They are also looking for new items, packaged and tagged such as socks, underwear and bras. They will also accept monetary donations to https://careerwardrobe.org. The project will continue for three to four weeks.

“It took me a while to find out what they needed and how we could collect it and get it to them,” Griffin said. “I wanted to make sure we were taking them to a reputable agency.”

Griffin eventually hooked up with The Wardrobe which can be found online at: http:// careerwardrobe.org.

The Wardrobe, formerly known as Career Wardrobe, is a nonprofit social enterprise open to all. Their goal is to eliminate clothing insecurity by outfitting people for life or work. Clothing combined with personalized support helps 5,000 people a year look and feel their best to move forward in their lives. Al Sherrock was her contact at The Wardrobe who explained the daunting task of sorting the donations.

“We are collecting donations and sorting through them,” Sherrock explained. “We’re making sure they fit all of our standards of quality. Items must be clean, free of stains, and no damage. Typically, we get a list of

the person/persons we are collecting for and what they will need. We make sure they get quality clothing. All we do is sort clothes. We work with a lot of social workers, and numerous organizations, who don’t have time to do this. We will not send anything that is not the kind of quality that any of us would want to wear. Our goal is to make people feel their best.”

After they have completed their quality check, the items are put in boxes and are delivered to Nationalities Services Center for distribution.

Sherrock said, “Usually people want to give back during any disaster. It is very exciting for me to be able to help. We exist yearround. People can come and drop things off at any time. What we need most are new

items with tags and packaged such as underwear and socks. And we always need money.”

Chester County Intermediate Unit to offer IT security analyst training program

The new school year isn’t the only occasion ramping up in Chester County. From Sept. 28 to April 22, 2022, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), in partnership with NuPaths and Harrisburg University, will be offering a six-month IT Security Analyst training program for those interested in starting their career, changing their career or wishing to advance their career.

An IT security analyst supports the detection,

containment and remediation of IT threats, monitors networks and applications to identify possible cyber attacks or intrusions, helps coordinate and report on cyber incident responses, and provides analysis and trending of security log data. IT Security Analysts are in high demand, as there are currently over 4,900 IT job openings within 25 miles of Chester County. Additionally, “employment in computer and information technology is projected to grow 11

percent from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“The CCIU is excited for the opportunity to train people in the IT field so that they can increase their marketability and earn college credits. Being able to offer a great price for this program is exciting and will be a huge advantage for those wishing to get back into the workforce or learn new skills,” stated

Andrea Vaughn, supervisor of adult education at the CCIU.

The IT Security Analyst training program consists of three courses: Foundations in Information Technology, where students learn about the basics of computer hardware, software, mobile computing, networking, troubleshooting and emerging technologies; Windows Server Administration Fundamentals, where students learn to design,

implement and analyze functional networks by configuring, managing, securing and maintaining essential network devices; and IT Security Operations, which addresses the vital fundamentals of security to support the principles of confidentiality, integrity and availability. Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to learn from professionals currently working in the industry, develop the skills that employers desire, receive

career services support, participate in business skills workshops and earn five industry certifications from CompTIA and Microsoft and eight college credits. The program costs $7,000 and will be held three nights a week from 6 to 9 p.m. at the CCIU Educational Service Center, located at 455 Boot Road in Downingtown. For more information about the program or to register, please visit www. cciu.org/adulteducation.

SAMUEL H. WICKERSHAM, JR.,

Samuel H. Wickersham, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 102 at home on Sept. 5. Sam was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Bettie) Pennington Wickersham. Born in Unionville, he was the son of the late Samuel H. Wickersham, Sr. and the late Edith Thatcher Peirce Wickersham.

Samuel is survived by his son, William P. Wickersham, of Kennett Square; his daughter, Marcia Wickersham Malchione Wilkins and her husband, Eric, of Kennett Square; one sister, Mary Mitchell of West Chester; two grandchildren, Lori Malchione Gebert (John) of Downingtown and Mark R. Malchione (Kaitlyn) of Kennett Square; two step grandchildren, Matthew Wilkins (Katie) of Camp Hill, Pa. and Andrew Wilkins of Monroeville, Pa.; three great-grandchildren; as well as five step great-grandchildren.

Samuel was predeceased by three brothers, George P. Wickersham, William T. Wickersham and N. Hayes Wickersham; one sister, Sarah Williams; and a son-in-law, Richard M. Malchione.

Sam graduated from Unionville High School Class of 1938, attended West Chester State Teacher’s College and graduated from Technical Training Command School at Buick Motors Division specializing in aircraft engine overhaul. Sam also served in the 304th Bomber Squadron in the U.S. Army Air Force from Feb. 1942 to May 1943 until he was medically discharged.

Samuel was a retired Kennett Square postal service clerk, having worked 30 years for the U.S. Postal Service. He was employed as a mail messenger for 10 years at Longwood Gardens and was a cashier at Brandywine Raceway for 18 years.

Sam was known for his wonderful sense of humor and general kindness to all who knew him.

Services were held on Sept. 10 at Kuzo Funeral Home, His family wishes to thank the services of Willow Tree Hospice for their exceptional care and concern for Sam and his family.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to Good Neighbors Home Repair, 224 E. Street Road, Suite 2, Kennett Square, Pa. 19348 or Willow Tree Hospice, Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, ATTN.: Willow Tree Hospice of KSQ, Baton Rouge, La. 70816.

To view Sam’s online tribute and share a message with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

GEORGE C. WRIGHT

George C. Wright, of West Chester, passed away peacefully on Sept. 8 while at Pocopson Home in West Chester. He was 88.

George was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol A. Wright.

George was born in Oxford on April 3, 1933. He was the son of the late Carl F. and Anne L. Cassidy Wright.

He was a proud graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy. He served honorably in the U.S. Army.

George ran a successful mushroom business called Penn White Mushroom in Kennett Square. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan.

He is survived by his three step-children; Kelly, Carol Lee and Michael; and five grandchildren, Krystal, Ryan, Justin, Corrine and Erika.

Thank you to the staff at Pocopson Home for George’s care.

Services were held on Sept. 13 at Oxford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to any charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome. com.

MARGARET PAISLEY HOPKINS

Margaret Paisley Hopkins, age 86 of Landenberg, passed away on Sept. 7. She was the wife of the late Kenneth J. Hopkins, whom she enjoyed 50 years of marriage with prior to his passing in 2005.

Born in 1934, Margaret resided in Landenberg her entire life. She was the daughter of the late James Herchell Paisley and the late Jessie Williams Paisley.

Following high school, Margaret worked in various positions as a secretary. Her last position was a legal clerk at a law firm in Kennett Square.

She was a lifelong member of Avondale United Methodist Church. A fundamental part of Margaret’s life was serving in any way she could at the church.

Margaret enjoyed spending time working in her yard and loved to take scenic rides to Lancaster County.

Margaret was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a beautiful smile and many extraordinary qualities that made her special to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Margaret is survived by her son, Steven J. Hopkins (Connie); her sister, Lillian R. Robbins; grandchildren, Kim Deckman (Jeff), Nicole Harvey (Sean), Amy Rambo, Michele Hopkins, Samantha Sullivan (John), Gregory Hopkins and Steven Hopkins; as well as great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Chase and Madison.

In addition to her husband, Margaret was predeceased by two sons, Kenneth J. Hopkins, Jr. and David C. Hopkins; brothers, Donald, James, Joseph, Vernon and Raymond Paisley; and one sister, Faye Paisley.

Margaret’s services were held on Sept. 13 at Landenberg United Methodist Church and interment was at Union Hill Cemetery.

In honor of Margaret, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 96011, Washington D.C., 20090.

Arrangements are being handled by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.

EMMA T. LATTANZIO

Emma T. Lattanzio, a resident of West Grove and formerly of Landenberg, passed away on Aug. 30 at her residence. She was 94.

She was the wife of Alfred R. Lattanzio, who passed away in 2009, and with whom she shared 61 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Guiseppe Versagli and the late Assunta Lattanzio Versagli.

Emma was a bookkeeper at Kaolin Mushroom Farms for many years, retiring at the age of 75.

She was a member of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church. She was also a member and volunteer at the Kennett Area Senior Center, where she served people much younger than her, and a member of the Avondale Fire Company ladies auxiliary. She also served as a member of the Republican Committee.

She and her husband Al were very well known for the excellent dancing ability and style.

She did not have any children of her own but she loved all of her nieces and nephews.

Emma is survived by one sister, Lena Cocciolone of Wilmington, Del. and nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Joseph Versagli and Vincent “Jimmy” Versagli.

Her funeral services will be held privately.

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

SHIRLEY A. PHIPPS

Shirley A. Phipps, 64, passed away on Sept. 6 while at home in Cochranville. She was the wife of Gerald L. Phipps.

Born in W. Jefferson, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Paul and Doris Emerson Blevins.

Shirley was employed with DuVall Bus as a bus driver for the Avon Grove School District and was previously employed with 410 Shop, Avondale and Pyle Home & Supply, Avondale for 22 years.

She is survived by her husband; two sons, Tim Lewis (Shannon) and Kevin Phipps all of Quarryville; two grandchildren, Nolan Lewis and Darby Lewis; two brothers, Paul Blevins of NC and Charles Blevins of Cochranville; and one sister, Mary Meara of Quarryville.

Funeral Services were held on Sept. 13 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., in Oxford.

Interment will be in Upper Octoraro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society, www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/PAE/ Donate.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

LISA ANN KLABE

Lisa A. Klabe, a resident of Conway, SC, passed away on Sept. 3 at her home. She was 50.

Lisa was a 1989 graduate of Avon Grove High School in West Grove. Lisa dedicated many years of service to the Avon Grove Nazarene Day Care and Academy Center where her fun and nurturing way touched so many lives. Many children looked forward to the summer program because Miss Lisa made it a fun experience for them. Upon leaving the Nazarene, Lisa then became an after-school caregiver and second mom to “her boys” Tommy and Christopher.

Lisa was an accomplished crafter and created many beautiful cross-stitch pictures that she shared with those she loved. She loved cooking and recreating beloved recipes that her grandmother taught her when she was a little girl. She loved watching West Virginia University football games and “The Waltons.”

Lisa spent her most recent years creating a beautiful and comfortable home that she shared with her loving husband Howard and their beloved four-legged kids.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Howard A. Klabe; parents, Sidney L. Cooper Jr. and Carolyn Sumner (husband Tom); brother, John Cooper (wife Michele); sister, Julie Broscious (husband Charlie); and nephew, Jake Broscious.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Edward L. Collin, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 86 Pine St., Oxford, where friends and loved ones are invited to her visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Interment will be at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.