Chester County Press 09-22-2021 Edition

Kennett School Board seeks to fill new vacancy

Joe Meola has officially resigned from his position on the school board after moving out of state; Board vice president Vicki Gehrt named new board president

By Chris Barber Contributing Writer

Kennett School Board

president Joe Meola, who announced in June that he and his family were moving to Florida, officially submitted his resignation at the board’s meeting on Sept. 13. In a sentimental goodbye, the board accepted the resignation unanimously.

Following expressions of appreciation for each other by Meola and the board, the members elected vice president Vicki Gehrt as the new president. David Kronenberg, a board representative from Region B (New Garden), was elected vice president. Gehrt took the opportunity to present Meola with the gift of an engraved bell. Meola, for his part, said how much it meant to him to be part of the Kennett Consolidated

School District community and board.

“There’s something special about Kennett,” he said. “There’s so much respect the people in the community and district provide each other….. beautiful, wonderful people. I’ll always remember the incredible time I had here.”

Meola was elected to the board from Region 2 (New Garden) in 2012 to fill the unexpired term that was created by the departure of longtime school board member Shirley Annand. Meola was appointed president in December 2017.

The school district issued this announcement regarding Meola’s replacement:

“Directors of the Kennett Consolidated School District will appoint a qualified resident of Region B (New Garden Township) to fill the Board vacancy caused by the res-

ignation of Meola. The person appointed will serve until December 4, 2023.

“The Board will interview applicants at a public meeting on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. and will make the appointment

Wine & Jazz at Longwood Gardens

New Garden residents respond to Aqua’s proposed rate increase

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

On June 29, 2017, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the application of Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc. (Aqua) to purchase New Garden Township’s wastewater sys-

tem for $29.5 million.

After four years of negotiations, legal snags, lawsuits and other delays that involved the township, the PUC, the Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement, the Commonwealth Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the sale of the waste-

water system was finally approved On Dec. 20, 2020. Then on Aug. 20, 2021, Aqua released a statement proclaiming that they have filed an application with the PUC requesting to increase water bills for its customers by 17 percent and its sewer bills by 33 percent – and 34.7 percent in New Garden

Any new base rates set by the PUC would not be effective until 2022.

Almost immediately after receiving the news, several New Garden Township residents collectively raised Continued on page 6A

Township. In monetary terms, if the PUC were to give approval to Aqua, it would increase a residential water bill for a typical customer using 4,000 gallons per month from $69.35 to $81.32, an increase of $11.97 a month (40 cents a day). The average monthly residential wastewater bill would increase from $55.51 to $73.95.

Letters being sent directly to prosecuting judge in advance of Oct. 4 hearing

Kennett Township residents invited to submit victim statements in Moore case

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

Chock full of investigations and statements, the alleged $3.2 million embezzlement case of former Kennett Township manager Lisa Moore is scheduled

to end with her anticipated guilty plea on Oct. 4 before Chester County Common Pleas Court Judge David F. Bortner.

As a means of layering the upcoming proceedings – and perhaps influencing them -- the township is ask-

ing its residents and area businesses to provide statements of their own about how they have been negatively affected by Moore’s alleged wrongdoing.

Introduced at the township’s Sept. 16 Board of Supervisors Meeting, it was

East Marlborough Township hires firm to handle payroll services

By Monica Thompson Fragale Contributing Writer

The East Marlborough supervisors will outsource the township’s payroll services and have an outside accounting firm increase some of the financial consulting services it provides for the supervisors. They made both decisions at their Sept. 13 meeting.

The supervisors voted to use Evolution Payroll Services of West Chester to handle the biweekly payroll for township employees. Evolution was one of three payroll companies that responded to township Manager Neil Lovekin’s inquiries, and was also the lowest quote. Estimated costs would

be $72 biweekly to process payroll for 22 employees, file all taxes and quarterly reports, handle direct deposit, produce W2s annually, and track sick, vacation, and paid time off reporting, according to the proposal Evolution submitted to the township.

The supervisors also voted to have the CPA firm of Barsz Gowie Amon Fultz continue their financial services for the township by temporarily lifting the $5,000 per quarter limit on the work they can do for East Marlborough.

On Oct. 4, the supervisors are expected to discuss specific services that Peter Barsz proposed in a Sept. 9 letter to the township to provide. Those services would include reviewing and approving the monthly invoices and bank reconcili-

ations (at an estimated cost of between $2,000 and $3,000 per month), as well as other tasks including helping the township prepare the 2022 budget, reviewing the current accounting policies, and preparing the township’s books for the annual audit.

Supervisor Kathryn Monahan said this would strengthen the financial foundation of the township.

Supervisor John Sarro wanted to delay voting on the additional services at the Sept. 13 meeting until the supervisors could determine if or when there would be vacancies in the township office. Hannah Christopher had said she would be retiring at some point, and another staff

announced that the Chester Country District Attorney’s Office and the township’s supervisors are inviting all township residents and area businesses to write a victim’s impact statement explaining the direct and/ or indirect ways an individual, family or business was impacted by the embezzlement and related crimes. The statements will be received by the Hon. Judge David F. Bortner who will receive the statements prior to the Oct. 4 proceedings, Continued on page 2A

Penn Township officials discuss a community

event and ribboncutting ceremony

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer

The Penn Township Board of Supervisors held their meeting on Sept. 15, a delay of two weeks due to Hurricane Ida’s impact on the area.

Board president Victor Mantegna signed an Emergency Declaration for Ida at the time of the event with formal adoption at the Sept. 15 meeting.

The township will celebrate Red Rose Rent Day for the first time in 36 years on Saturday, Sept. 25, with a ceremony at 11 a.m. A number of speakers are

scheduled to make remarks including Mantegna, township historical commission vice chair Scott Steele, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and State Rep. John Lawrence. The ceremony will be followed by an open house and tours of the historic Red Rose Inn from noon to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26. A handicapped ramp has been installed at the building and will be available for the festivities. Due to COVID-19, no more than 20 people will be allowed inside the building at any one time.

Red Rose Rent Day returns on Sept. 25

The Red Rose Rent Day will return in Penn Township on Saturday, Sept. 25 after the event has not taken place for the last 36 years.

The Penn Township Board of Supervisors and the township’s Historical Commission are inviting the community to join in the revival of this auspicious event grounded in local lore. It will begin at 11 a.m. at the Red Rose Inn, which is situated in the heart of Penn Township at 804 W. Baltimore Pike. The Red Rose Inn is now owned by the township and has been extensively renovated.

Speakers at the event

Kennett

school board...

Continued from Page 1A

at the regular meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The Finance Committee meeting originally scheduled for Monday, October 4, will now take place on October 5 following the interviews.

“Application materials may be obtained by telephoning Cassie Yang at 610-444-6602 or by email at cyang@kcsd.org.

“Completed applications must be received in the District Office by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Applications can be delivered directly to the District Office or mailed to: Superintendent’s Office

Moore case...

Continued from Page 1A

and must be received no later than the close of business on Sept. 24.

The email address will be monitored by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and any communications deemed inappropriate will not be submitted to Bortner.

The first seeds of the victim’s impact statement were planted by then board chairman Scudder Stevens and supervisors Richard Leff and Whitney Hoffman in the spring of 2019, soon after Moore was arraigned and a nine-month investigation by the District Attorney’s Office into her alleged wrongdoing began.

“The Board of Supervisors

include Penn Township Board chairperson Victor Mantegna, Penn Historical Commission vice chairperson Scott Steele, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, and State Rep. John Lawrence,. The speakers will outline the history and importance of historical preservation and oversee the payment of the red roses to Cuyler Walker, a descendant of William Penn.

At the Red Rose Rent Day, William Penn, himself (portrayed by Bob Gleason of the American Historical Theater in Philadelphia) will also be on hand to provide his own unique historical perspective. The Rose Ceremony will

Kennett Consolidated School District

300 East South Street

Kennett Square, PA 19348

Ordinarily, when the board replaces a member for an unexpired term, that person is required to run for the seat in the next municipal election. This regulation applies when that replacement is selected more than 60 days before the next election. In the case of Meola’s departure, he announced in June that he would be moving to Florida, but he did not submit his resignation until September’s meeting – 56 days before the municipal election.

With that procedure in place, the person the board chooses to replace Meola will remain on the board until the 2023 election.

communicated to the DAs office how important it was for them to keep the community informed about the case without unduly influencing the process, but also if and when the time came, to allow the residents to convey their thoughts, reaction and feelings [about the embezzlement],” said township manager Eden Ratliff. “Because that’s who the real victims are –the 8,200 people who live in Kennett Township – and they have a right to be heard in this process.

“The DAs office received that information warmly and is ensuring that the township residents have a voice in this process.”

Ratliff said that the reasons behind permitting all township residents to sub-

be followed by an Open House from noon to 4 p.m. both Saturday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Sept. 26, with tours of the Red Rose Inn guided by members of the Penn Township Historical Commission. The Historical Commission members have dedicated literally thousands of hours over the past few years preparing the Inn for this occasion.

The tradition of Red Rose Rent Day dates to 1731 when land now occupied by the Red Rose Inn was granted to William Penn, the grandson of the Founder of Pennsylvania, for the sum of one red rose to be paid yearly, if demanded. This

The Kennett School Board has had two other resignations since the last school board election was held. In Region A (Kennett Square) Maribel Garcia resigned in May, and the board selected Lenda Carrillo to replace her. In Region A as well, Ryan Bowers resigned in June, and the board selected Heidi Sweetman to replace him.

Both Carrillo and Sweetman will be on the November ballot. Carrillo has been placed on the ballot as a Democrat, and Sweetman placed as a Republican.

Also running for one of the two open seats is Democrat Ethan Cramer.

Gehrt, whom the board elected on Sept. 13 to replace Meola as president,

mit their individual impact statement is because each pays into – and has a stake in – their local government.

“They are the ones who fund the government and this is their government, and $3.2 million of their money was embezzled,” Ratliff said. “If the money had not been stolen, where could that $3.2 million have gone for programs and initiatives in the township? At our budget hearing processes, we tell the residents that this budget is a statement of the priorities of the township, so what are your priorities?

“Were there fewer priorities accomplished in the township because of the embezzlement? The answer is ‘Yes,’ so [allowing our residents to submit a victim’s statement] has given the community the opportunity to convey that [to Judge Bortner] directly.

agreement represents the oldest deed of its kind in America.

The practice of Red Rose Rent Day was revived by Star Roses in 1937. The last Red Rose Rent Day was held in the late 1990s.

The township took ownership of the Red Rose Inn in 2011, saving it from foreclosure, with the intent of preserving the historic property for the community. Since then, the Board and Historical Commission have worked diligently to restore the historical character of the property. The reinstatement of Red Rose Rent Day and opening of the Inn for tours are the culmination of

will hold that position until the December reorganization meeting. Likewise, Kronenberg, who was elected vice president to fill the opening caused by Gehrt’s ascendancy to president, will hold that position until the December reorganization meeting. At that point, officers for the following term will be elected.

In other business, Director of Facilities and Construction George Wolhafe announced that the high school steps project will be completed at the end of October. The renovations at Mary D. Lang are scheduled for completion in October, as well. Also, the board members have narrowed down their choice of architects to two for the upcoming reconstructions of Greenwood and New Garden

Historic Kennett Square: New programs/initiatives

In other township business, Historic Kennett Square (HKS) director Bo Wright gave the board an update of the organization’s top initiatives, beginning with its new branding for 2021 that will be unveiled this November.

Wright said that HKS’ new mission statement will be:

“HKS makes Kennett thrive. We intentionally create programs and events that help Kennett become a more beautiful and welcoming community where all can belong and prosper.”

“The organization was founded as the Kennett Square Revitalization Task Force, which was responsible for revitalizing State Street in Kennett Square,” Wright said. “As State Street began to be renovated and revitalized, the

elementary schools

At the beginning of the meeting, Meola announced that people who want to submit questions or have comments for the board must be there at the meeting in person. They must also identify themselves and the subject of their comments ahead of time and at the meeting. They must be residents and taxpayers of the school district and, if appropriate, identify their affiliation.

second iteration of that initiative is now focused on attracting outside visitors to Kennett Square.”

Wright said that another task for HKS has been creating a living and lovable place for its residents, which have been linked to the following key initiatives:

• Kennett Blooms, a planting program throughout the town that aspires to make Kennett Square an attractive destination for Longwood Gardens visitors and support local businesses through placemaking and installation activities that enhance the town’s aesthetic atmosphere.

• The weekly Around the Square newsletter that shares news about the Kennett Square community with its 6,500 subscribers, as well as stories and features about local newsmakers, organizations, events and activities and the diversity of its people and

businesses.

• Continue to operate the KSQ Farmers Market at The Creamery, that features 20-25 weekly vendors, draws more than 350 shoppers every week, supports local farmers and vendors, educates the community through free workshops, and provides healthy food to low-income families and individuals.

• HKS’ Economic Development Advocacy will help to envision the future land use for the NVF site in the borough; as well as advocating for land use decisions; and managing a regional micro-transit grant for the borough in cooperation with the township. Wright said that HKS will also introduce the Kennett Square Speaker Series’ “How We Build Matters,” that will invite some of the nation’s leading experts on building sustainable communities, beginning on Sept. 28.

“This series will address the idea of sustainability in its broadest sense, and helping the community imagine how we built great communities,” he said. “This will certainly include efforts that are taking place in the township and efforts taking place in the borough.

“The borough is undergoing a lot of changes and new leadership, so we see this as a real opportunity to initiate new thinking and best practices.”

In addition, HKS will bring back the Kennett Brewfest on Oct. 2, Third Thursdays outdoor dining experiences throughout the fall, “Christmas in Kennett” in partnership with Longwood Gardens, and the “Holiday Village Market” in partnership with The Creamery.

To contact Staff Writer Richard

LIVING HISTORY

Pisasale

Raise a glass to fall: Wineries of the Brandywine Valley

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

The days are getting cooler as we welcome the change of season, bringing a kaleidoscope of crimson, orange and gold in the trees. This is the time of year that many people think of taking a drive in the rustic countryside and visiting local wineries. Thankfully, this region has numerous venues to explore, from northern Chester County all the way down to the Delaware and Maryland borders, each offering their own varietals and unique atmosphere for wine enthusiasts to enjoy.

A tour along the back roads will bring travelers in touch with some wonderful places to sip new vintages and expand their wine repertoire.

The land on which some of these wineries sit has stories of its own to tell.

The 1723 Vineyards in Landenberg has a direct link to the rich heritage of the region. The vineyard acreage was part of New London Township, chartered in 1723, before Franklin Township was separated from it. Benjamin Franklin once owned a portion of the farmland, along with adjoining property during the time he served as ambassador to France.

The winery is run by the husband-and-wife team of Ben Cody and Sarah Daily, fifth-generation farmers with a dedication to working the soil and producing great things—which these days is a variety of fine wines. Beginning with an initial planting of three acres in 2015, the vineyards expanded to a total of 11 acres in 2018. The 1723 Vineyards offer a variety of wines, including reds Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chambourcin, as well as Blanc de Blancs and Landot Noir, Nebbiolo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon for limited release.

The Stargazers Vineyard near Embreeville has ties to Pennsylvania history through its proximity to the famous Stargazer’s Stone, the site of a temporary observatory established by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in 1764 as they delineated the border of Maryland and the Keystone State. First begun by John and Alice Weygandt in 1979, the vineyard was officially opened to the public in 1993. The winery changed hands in 2019 when Michael Vorauer and Jason

Kirkpatrick took over operations. Stargazers offers their 2016 Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay Reserve, a Rose Gold, 2017 Riesling and Dry Riesling and 2018 Teroldego (an Italian red), as well as sparkling wines and nearly a dozen other varietals.

One vineyard takes its name from the origins of our state. After emigrating from Abruzzo, Italy in 1962, winemaker Gino Razzi spent 30 years in the wine industry before starting Penns Woods Winery in 2001. He later purchased the Smithbridge Winery in southern Chester County for his main location.

The on-site tasting room opened in 2006 and a second vineyard was planted in Coatesville in 2012. Penns Woods offers a 2016 Proprietor Reserve red, a 2017 Merlot Reserve, 2018 Pinot Noir, 2020 vintages of Sauvignon Blanc, Traminette, Pinot Grigio and Viognier Reserve, as well as nearly a dozen other wines. They also have live music on location.

The Chaddsford Winery was started in 1982 and is well known to local residents and those who drive down Route 1 (Baltimore Pike) through southern Chester County. Chaddsford Winery is located next to the historic Barns-Brinton House, which dates to 1714. General manager Corey Krejcik and winemaker Gabriel Rubilar head up a team of 20 personnel, including their very own winery cats, Sawyer and Bailey. Chaddsford has numerous offerings which will please wine lov-

ers, including their 2018 Harbinger, 2019 Red Standard, as well as whites Presage, Sparkling White, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, in addition to their Niagara Demi-Sec, Spiced Apple (a f all favorite), Sangria and Sunset Blush. The winery is a very popular spot for music lovers with their Summer Concert Series. Halloween fans will enjoy their Adult Trick or Treat event in October.

The Galer Estate Winery in Pocopson has earned a reputation for high-quality wines and entertainment. Owners Brad and Lele Galer started in 2005 with a seven-acre property, then expanded with the addition of the former Folly Hill Vineyard in Kennett Square. After a four-year reconstruction effort, they created a state-of-the-art fermentation room and an artfully decorated tasting room with a lovely bar, as well as the French oak barrel room. The winery has an outdoor deck which hosts live concerts, giving visitors a beautiful setting to watch the sunset and enjoy fine wines. Galer’s vintages have earned considerable acclaim in the wine industry, with vari-

ous offerings winning awards including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the International Eastern Wine Competition and the Atlantic Seaboard International Wine Competition. Galer’s Huntress Red, Cabernet Franc, Reserve Red-Pinot Noir, Albarino, Huntress Vidal Blanc, Red Lion Chardonnay as well as the Rose, Rose Sangria and Sparkling Chardonnay will satisfy wine lovers of all persuasions. Their wine tasting room is beautifully rustic, decorated with art work by Lele Galer, providing a nice atmosphere in which to enjoy their wine flights and hors d’oeuvres. Relaxing on their deck, sipping a glass of wine, listening to live music has become a favorite activity for many in the region.

The Brandywine Valley has blossomed with numerous other wineries

over the years. Notable locations include Paradocx Vineyards in Landenberg, the beautiful Wayvine Winery and Vineyards in Nottingham, and Va La Vineyards in Avondale, all of which offer delectable vintages for the wine connoisseur. So, if you’re on a leisurely drive in the area and want an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon, take a tour on the wine trail which winds its way through the rolling hills of Chester County.

Gene Pisasale is an historian, author and lecturer based in Kennett Square. He has written ten books and conducts an historical lecture series throughout the tri-state area. His latest book is “Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution.” His books are available on his website at www.GenePisasale. com and on www.Amazon. com. He can be reached at Gene@GenePisasale.com.

Cute-as-a-Button Contest results

The Mushroom Festival’s Cute-as-a-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest raised $2180.32 for A.I. DuPont Children’s Hospital. The top vote-getter in each division is crowned 2021’s Cutest. The results are:

Continued from Page 1A

member had submitted her resignation, as well.

Supervisor Burling Vannote said he wanted to talk to the consultant before voting to approve the additional services.

Continued from Page 1A

The next board of supervisors meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6, will begin one hour early, at 5 p.m. at the township’s Sports Park. The change will allow the meeting to include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the outdoor classroom at the new Environmental Education Center. In the event of bad weather, the meeting will revert to its

Barsz Gowie Amon Fultz was first hired by the township in June to assist with financial services.

At the Sept. 13 meeting, Barsz said his team had gone through the general fund and changed the chart of accounts in Quickbooks to match recommendations by the Pennsylvania

Department of Community and Economic Development.

In other business:

• The supervisors voted to sign the annual MS4 status report so it can be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

• The supervisors held executive sessions after the Aug. 2 meeting (to discuss regular time and location.

Last month, the board discussed adding security fencing at the park, but only one bid was received for the project. The issue has been tabled for the time being. New signs with park rules are expected to arrive this week for installation at the first available opportunity.

Temporarily on hold is a request to place a memorial bench in the township’s passive park. While the supervisors do not object

to the idea, they would like to establish guidelines first so they will be able to deal with additional requests of this kind in a standardized manner. The township manager was asked to find similar policies in other municipalities while working with the family making the request.

Two quotes were received for installing heaters at the shop at the township salt shed. The lower bid, from Alger Oil, covers two heat-

personnel and real estate) and after the Sept. 13 meeting (to discuss personnel, potential litigation, and real estate matters).

• Escrow releases were approved for the UnionvilleChadds Ford School District, Phase 2 of Longwood Preserve, and the first three phases of Northridge.

ers, installed, at a cost of $6,450. The board voted 4-1 to go forward with this contract, with supervisor Curtis Mason opposed. Mason said that he believes the cost is high compared to purchasing the heating units directly and contracting someone for installation.

“We need some heat in there so if they have to work on something, they can,” supervisor Radar O’Connell said.

Earlier this year, the

The U-CF release was for $140,175 for erosion and sediment control, sitework, stormwater management, paving and sidewalks, and more, according to a memo from township Engineer Lisa Donlon of VanDemark & Lynch.

• Supervisors approved a $345,477.61 escrow release for Longwood Preserve to cover items like earthwork, paving, concrete, and construction review, among other things.

township purchased a torpedo-style heater for the salt shed, but it has never been used because it is not permitted by code. The township will try to return it. The board tuned down an offer of free topsoil from the Avon Grove School District’s new high school construction site. The soil could be used at the township sports park, but the township would have to cover the cost of hauling it, which is estimated to

• The escrow releases for the first three Northridge phases total $129,195.72 for things like site work, paving, erosion and sediment control.

be $157,550. Under Penn Township ordinances, the top soil cannot be removed from the township without a permit. At this time, it appears the soil will now be used on site at the new playing fields for the high school campus.

The board approved spending $13,500 to Don Taylor Excavation for repairs to three storm-water inlets at Penn’s Ridge. Other inlet repairs may be done next year.

their arms in both anger and frustration – directed at the township and shared among themselves.

At the Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Sept. 20, they raised their concerns to the board.

Margo Woodacre, a resident in the Harrogate North community, said that 94 members of the 124-home development recently sent a petition to the PUC opposing the proposal.

“We’re very vocal, and when there is something that upsets us, we speak out, and that’s what we’ve done when it comes to Aqua,” she said. “As far as the sale of [the township’s wastewater treatment facility] to Aqua, it’s water under the bridge. We know it’s done. It’s a little bit of muddy water for us, because we’re the ones who are going to end up paying for the sale.”

Asking the board to do “whatever is possible” in a show of support for its residents, Woodacre encouraged the supervisors to write a letter to the PUC opposing the rate hike. In addition, she asked the board to demonstrate their opposition to the attempt by Aqua to purchase the Chester Water Authority (CWA).

The proposed increase, she said, would have an impact on Woodacre and her fellow Harrogate North residents, several of whom are on fixed incomes.

“We see this as a hostile takeover attempt by Aqua,” she told the board, “and while big business would love to own our water, we can’t say ‘You know what?

I think I’m going to switch to Artesian. Their rates are better.’ We have no choice. So anything that you as our elected supervisors can do, we hope that it can be in support of us. We elected you. We put you in your positions.”

The board then voted 5-0

to agree to submit a letter to the PUC stating their opposition to Aqua’s proposed rate increase, and to the CWA offering its support against Aqua’s proposed purchase of the utility company.

Former supervisor and township resident Bob Perrotti said that the proposed increase is merely the latest notch in what he believes is a string of details and facts that have been kept from township residents about the negotiation and sale of the township’s wastewater system.

In 2017, Perrotti said that he requested an account summarizing the fees paid to those who helped the township negotiate the sale of the wastewater system.

“At that point, it was $343,000,” he said. “We’re in 2021 now, and we’re still paying, so what’s the total going to be on that? I think that’s something that the ratepayers and taxpayers should know about what’s going on in their township. These are the things that we are paying for.”

Perrotti also said that residents who purchased a home in the township in recent years should have been partly reimbursed for the cost of installing a hook-up to the wastewater system – that he said ranges between $5,000 and $8,000.

“You sold the system, so we should have been reimbursed for part of that,” he said.

“I don’t disagree with anything you’re saying,” board chairman Pat Little told Perrotti. “We did not want a rate increase, especially at 37 percent.”

Little then defended the township’s reasons for selling off its wastewater system by giving an example.

“If you look at the patches in the asphalt in front of the Hilltop restaurant, those are all breaks in a sewer line,” he said. “That sewer line has to be replaced, and that’s one of the reasons that we don’t have the expertise

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or the money to go back and get the sewer system up to the standards that the [federal government wants].”

Aqua’s reasons for proposed rate hikes

In their statement, Aqua said they are requesting the increase in bills as a means of recovering the $1.1 billion it spent to upgrade its “distribution and wastewater systems, improving drinking water quality and service reliability throughout its water and wastewater operations.”

With over 490,000 water and wastewater customers throughout Pennsylvania, the company said its $1.1 billion of capital spending since the last rate request equates to an average investment of about $2,245 per customer.

“Since our last rate case, Aqua will have replaced more than 400 miles of aging water main, as well as associated valves, service lines and fire hydrants throughout approximately 5,800 miles of distribution system,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “These critical improvements enhance service by reducing the number of water main breaks and leakage that can occur from older pipes, thereby reducing environmental impacts.

“We also opened a new state-of-the-art environmental laboratory this year to help us continue our long history of providing safe drinking water to our customers and returning clean wastewater to the environment.”

The release also stated that a significant portion of Aqua’s capital program has been dedicated to upgrading and rehabilitating treatment plants and wells, including the installation of equipment to meet new, more stringent water quality requirements for increased sustained disinfection. Improvements to waste-

water operations include collection system replacement and renewal, treatment plant rehabilitation to ensure reliable operation and that high-quality treated water is returned to the environment, upgrades to electrical systems, and the installation of generators to ensure continued service during power outages.

To help ward off potential external threats, Aqua also invested heavily in cybersecurity programs to protect the computer systems used to operate treatment plants as well as those used to maintain sensitive customer and company data.

If the PUC gives approval to the rate increase request, Aqua customers in New Garden would not be the only residents affected. Beginning in 2016, the company has spent $295 million to purchase eight public utilities throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, which in addition to New Garden include Cheltenham, East Bradford, East Norriton, East Whiteland, Limerick, Lower Makefield and Willistown, and is currently in negotiations to purchase the DELCORA wastewater system in Delaware and Chester counties for $277 – as well as proposed to purchase the Chester Water Authority for $410 million.

New Garden Township’s response

The Sept. 20 meeting may have served as the first public forum of opposition, but it was not the township’s first response to the proposed rate increase. On Sept. 17 at 1:36 p.m., New Garden Township posted a letter from township solicitor Vince Pompo on its website that read:

“Understandably, the Aqua customers in New Garden are concerned about Aqua’s proposed 37.4 percent rate increase. The proposal is just that – a request for increase. The request has to be reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), with the opportunity for public input. The increase will not go into effect until the PUC takes action. Typically, the PUC does not grant the full amount of an increase sought by a public utility.

“The township will be reviewing the basis for the proposed increase affecting the New Garden system customers, but to date we have not yet been provided with the specific information referenced in Aqua’s PUC application applicable to New Garden, so it is too early to comment on the specifics. We have asked Aqua for this information,

and will share the information with residents once received.

“There are several important components of the settlement agreement between Aqua, New Garden, the Office of Consumer Advocate and other parties that was approved by the PUC which preceded the sale of the system, which relate to rate increases. Each of these points was shared with all township customers in a written notice sent to customers before the Settlement Agreement was approved by the PUC.

“If the increase would be more than twice the system average increase for all Aqua’s wastewater divisions, the increase would be capped at twice the system average increase, unless otherwise ordered by the PUC.

“The written notice estimated a conservative percentage increase of 51.67 percent, which was higher than the 37.4 percent increase Aqua is now proposing.”

The two most influential township players in the negotiations that led to the sale of the township’s wastewater system to Aqua – Pompo and former interim township manager Spence Andress – were not present at the Sept. 20 meeting. Township manager Ramsey Reiner said that the township will hold a public forum in the near future that will invite Pompo and Andress –and possibly representatives from the PUC and Aqua -- to respond to residents’ concerns.

But where will the meeting be held? several in the audience asked.

Township attorney William Christman said that while the PUC is not required to have a public input hearing on a more local scale, “if enough people were to reach out to them and request a local forum, there is a chance that they would do it,” he said. “Generally, [the PUC] is in Harrisburg, but of there is enough interest, they might [attend a forum] regionally. It may not be right here in New Garden, but it maybe closer than Harrisburg.”

While the letters from the township opposing Aqua’s proposed rate increase and Aqua’s proposed purchase of the CWA will soon find their way into the proper hands, Christman said that the township has no legal means to pursue their protest in the court of law.

“The township is probably an Aqua ratepayer just like anyone else, so they don’t have a bigger voice than any other ratepayer,” he said. “They are not the owner, and the sale is over.

In the case of the CWA, “the township has no bigger voice in that, either,” he said.

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

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Celebrating the unique character of Chester County

It was great to see the return of the Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square earlier this month.

The 36th edition of the most popular annual event in Chester County delivered plenty of family-friendly fun and entertainment. The 2021 Mushroom Festival was scaled back a bit, but there was still plenty for people to enjoy—music and offerings from vendors, children’s activities, the ever-popular amateur mushroom cook-off, and plenty of food. Other communities around the U.S. stage festivals dedicated to everyone’s favorite fungi, but Kennett Square is the Mushroom Capital of the World, and its food festival is the Mushroom Festival.

Another popular event, the Oxford Car Show, returned on September 3. Gleaming sports cars, vintage hot rods, and classic trucks lined the streets of Oxford as proud car owners entered their prized vehicles in the seventh annual Oxford Car Show. The most popular First Friday event each summer attracted a large crowd as the event returned for the first time since 2019.

It’s really nice to have some of these community events back after the pandemic disrupted so many fun activities for much of 2020 and early 2021. Chester County is fortunate to be able to host these events that really highlight the unique character of the area.

Next week, the Unionville Community Fair returns for its 97th edition. A full schedule of events can be found on the fair’s website at ucfair.org. Traditional events like this are important to the community. We encourage everyone to attend some of the community events that showcase the unique character of Chester County.

Chester County Commissioners proclaim September Preparedness Month – and issue a new Public Preparedness Guide

If there is one lesson Hurricane Ida reinforced for Chester County, it is that we all must stay prepared for the unexpected.

It is with that in mind that the Chester County Commissioners have proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month and joined with the county’s Department of Emergency Services in issuing a Public Preparedness Guide to help make Chester County families as ready as possible to protect themselves in the event of an emergency.

The proclamation, signed by Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz and Commissioners Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline begins, “National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of emergency pre-

paredness, and to encourage all Chester County residents to better prepare their homes, businesses, and communities for emergencies.”

The document also notes that, “Chester County and its municipalities have highly trained and dedicated first responders who have plans for any kind of emergency, but an informed and prepared public will enable them to perform even more effectively.”

The proclamation urges making preparedness a priority, and working together to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are aware of their roles in disasters and emergencies of any type. The new Public Preparedness Guide is designed to support those efforts.

The first section of the Guide deals with severe weather safety, including 13

tips to reduce your risk for injury and damage to your home. Other sections cover emergencies at school, when to call 9-1-1, pipeline emergencies, how to make the decision to evacuate versus sheltering-in-place, and even a section on emergency planning for your pets.

The Chester County Preparedness Guide is posted at www.chesco.org/ beprepared. It will also be shared with all 73 Chester County municipalities, as well as school districts, elected officials and the chambers of commerce. Printed copies will be available at all Chester County Libraries and Park offices.

Anyone wanting printed copies to distribute can also make a request by emailing eoc-pio@chesco.org.

The Commissioners’ proc-

Courtesy image

The Chester County Public Preparedness Guide is available at www. chesco.org/beprepared.

lamation concludes, “All residents in Chester County are encouraged to participate in activities that reflect this year’s National Preparedness Month theme, “‘Prepare to Protect.’ Preparing for disasters will protect everyone you love.”

Why voters vote as they do

By Lee H. Hamilton

Maybe it’s just a professional preoccupation, but I’ve always been intrigued by why voters cast their ballots as they do. I’ve never made a formal study of it, but have talked with plenty of them over the years, and one thing sticks with me from those conversations: There’s no one thing. People find a myriad of interesting—and sometimes idiosyncratic— reasons for voting this way or that.

Some care mostly about a single issue—abortion, say, or climate change—and if a politician doesn’t meet muster on it, they don’t even give her or him a second glance. Or they care about a candidate’s ideology or party—conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat—and don’t feel much need to look beyond the label. For some decades, split-ticket voting was fairly common: that is, voters chose a Republican presidential candidate and a House Democrat or, less commonly, a Democrat for the White House and a GOP House member. This has grown much less common—in both federal and state elections. As ideological camps have hardened, party affiliation is

part and parcel of who many people are.

Sometimes, it’s not so much ideology as what a party’s leaders stand for. I remember asking one man in my district how he voted and why. He responded, “I always vote for FDR.” This was years after Roosevelt had died. “FDR’s not on the ticket any more,” I told him. He laughed and said he knew that, but he always voted for whoever he believed would vote in accord with Roosevelt’s principles. This was not as whimsical as it sounds: he was saying, essentially, that the New Deal values Roosevelt pursued in office were still relevant to him, and he wanted candidates who’d uphold them.

What has always struck me, though, is that voters also find plenty of more particular reasons to cast a ballot one way or another. Sometimes, they care a lot about a particular project—a road, a new school, or some other piece of infrastructure. Or they worry about the taxpayer dollars required for that project, and so vote against anyone who supports it. Sometimes, public policy actually has nothing to do with how they vote. Over the years, for instance, I’ve

noticed repeatedly that likability matters a great deal, and may in fact override everything else. We tend, for instance, to like people who are positive, constructive, and forward-looking, and who make us feel hopeful. Or, we like how they behave in public. I still remember an intriguing conversation with a group of Democratic women who told me they planned to vote for Ronald Reagan that election. Given their party affiliation, this surprised me. One of them explained, “Well, I like the way he treats his wife,” which drew nods from others in the room—they saw in Reagan’s graciousness toward Nancy a sign of character that drew them, and I’m confident they weren’t the only ones.

Of course, there are always the highly personal reasons. I ran into a fellow once who told me he always voted for a certain politician.

“I don’t agree with anything he stands for,” the man said, “but he helped get my son out of Vietnam.”

Another one told me I had his vote because he liked my short haircut. I refrained from saying I hoped there was more to it than that—but I certainly thought it.

In general, though, Americans seem to like candidates who display a basic sense of decency, know right from wrong, and show compassion for people who are struggling in their lives. We don’t always vote for them— sometimes, other issues rise to the fore in a given election. But I’m reminded of a conversation I had early one frosty morning, standing at a plant gate. An election was coming up, and I asked a man striding past me how he planned to vote. He was supporting the same ticket I was running on, he told me, adding, “I vote for the candidate I think will help the ordinary guy.” That’s a very American sentiment: We back candidates we think will bear our interests in mind and reflect our concerns. However we define them.

Lee Hamilton is a Senior Advisor for the Indiana University Center on Representative Government; a Distinguished Scholar at the IU Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies; and a Professor of Practice at the IU O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Chester County to receive federal disaster aid for individuals ravaged by Hurricane Ida

residents devastated by the impact of Hurricane Ida when the storm hit Chester County on Sept. 1 and 2.

The announcement follows the directive to FEMA

by President Biden to make federal funding available to affected individuals in selected Pennsylvania counties, including Chester County.

“This Major Disaster Declaration is such welcome news for Chester County, and especially for our residents who are already physically and emotionally exhausted because of the ravages of Ida,” said Chester County’s Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz. “The federal funding will help our community to rebuild and restore the areas of our county that have been hit and can be done in a way that helps those areas to be more resistant to severe weather events.”

FEMA assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover

uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals recover from the effects of Hurricane Ida.

Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell added, “From the moment the impact of Hurricane Ida was realized, our emergency officials began working with PEMA and the municipalities most affected, to compile all of the damage information needed for federal support. This past week their actions have been focused on two things – to provide the immediate help needed by the hurricane victims that our own county services can meet, while preparing every report required to prove to FEMA that aid must come our way.

“Even now, our Emergency Services Director Mike Murphy and his team are

working with FEMA to set up a Disaster Recovery Center where residents can apply for aid in person.”

Chester County residents who have sustained damages caused by Hurricane Ida can begin the application process with FEMA by registering online at www. disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 TTY for the hearing and speech impaired.

In-person registration can also take place at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Chester County will announce the location of the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in the coming days.

Those who visit the DRC can apply in person for assistance, find out more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs, and ask questions related to their individual circumstances.

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline said, “It is vitally important that everyone who has sustained damage is able to access funding to restore their homes, replace vehicles and other necessary items, and to move on from this disaster.

“The FEMA assistance will help to achieve this, but alongside the federal aid, our Chester County staff from human services, community development, health, and emergency services will remain dedicated to serving everyone who needs help because of Hurricane Ida.”

For all current and future information related to Hurricane Ida support and recovery in Chester County, go to www.chesco.org/ida.

Wine & Jazz fest at Longwood draws capacity crowd

Text and photos by Richard L. Gaw

Beneath majestic skies and on a perfect fall afternoon, more than 5,000 devotees of the grape and the saxophone attended the Wine & Jazz Festival at Longwood Gardens on Sept. 18. The Chester County Press was on hand to capture the magic of what has become a Chester County tradition.

MARY C. GARZIA

Mary C. Garzia, 76, of Quarryville and formerly of Oxford, passed away peacefully on Sept. 8. Born in West Chester, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Clara Garzia.

Mary enjoyed helping others, crafts, and spending time with friends and family, especially with her two grandchildren. She is survived by one daughter, La Juana L. Lane (Michael) of Quarryville; and two grandchildren, Brianna Lane and Jason Lane.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Garzia and sister, Marie Ann Garzia.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 14 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford. Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, Pa. 18901. Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

STEVEN DOUGLAS MAY

Steven Douglas May of West Grove was called home to be with the Lord and his savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 13. He was born in the town of Elkton, located in Todd County, Ky. on Jan. 5, 1965. Steven spent the first 21 years of his life in Owensboro and Utica in Kentucky, where he met his soulmate and eventual wife, Deanie L. Crowson. Steven and Deanie moved to Philadelphia and eventually settled in West Grove to raise three children in a house that Steven had built, and which the family still calls home to this day. Steven took great pride in his professional career in fiber-optics technology and telecommunications. If you knew Steven, you knew that his family and home meant absolutely everything to him.

Steven attended Daviess County High School where he played a wide array of positions for his football team. Additionally, Steven presented his creative and intelligent mind by participating as president of the Junior Achievement Club. His creative mind was displayed in his love for reverse engineering vehicles, appliances,

and machinery only to rebuild them to understand how they worked, as well as how to improve them. Steven also served as a chaplain of The Patriot News.

Steven was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Herman and Trutie Tucker; grandparents, John W. and Anna S. May; grandparents, Fredrick J. Kroeger and Virginia L. Tucker.

Steven leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Linda L. Howard; father, James. D. Howard; brother, Barry W. Swift; sister, Vicki L. Ellis; his wife of 35 years, Deanie L. May; son, Joshua A. May; son, Waylon A. May; daughter, Jordan A. May.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene, 240 State Road in West Grove.

Burial will be private.

Masks are required to be worn.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene, 240 State Road in West Grove.

To view Steven’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh. com.

Alleluia

But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

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Unionville Community Fair kicks off with Queen and Princess Pageant

The Unionville Community Fair Queen and Princess Pageant, the traditional kick-off event for the Unionville Community Fair, will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23, at Unionville Elementary School.

This year’s fair is dedicated to the longtime judging chairperson Karen Statz, with the formal dedication

at the pageant. The contestants are split between Queen and Princess contestants.

The Unionville Community Fair Queen and her court share a unique opportunity to promote the fair and agriculture, as well as an opportunity to experience personal growth and development. Each winner will receive scholarship

DORIS W. PASSANTE

Doris W. Passante passed away at Crosslands Firbank Health Center near Kennett Square on Sept. 13. She was 86. Doris was born in North Carolina to the late Floyd and Juanita Welch. She had many fond memories of her early years in a closely knit mountain community with her parents, grandparents and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Her family moved to southern Chester County in the early 1940s, where she resided for the rest of her life.

She was a 1951 graduate of Avon Grove High School, and a 1955 graduate of Elizabethtown College. After college, she returned to Avon Grove where she taught elementary school. As a young teacher, she met a young principal from a neighboring district, Fred R. Passante, and they married in 1957.

Doris left teaching in the late 1950s to raise her family. In the 1970s, she returned to the workforce, earning her real estate broker’s license, a profession she thoroughly enjoyed until her retirement in the mid 1990s.

In her retirement, Doris enjoyed classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware, educational trips with Road Scholars, and road trips with her husband prior to his death. A true “people person” with many friends, Doris was an avid bridge player, a lover of books and member of several book clubs, and a member of a number of social clubs over the years, including her Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She also was an enthusiastic genealogist, spending many hours on her computer researching her family’s history in the United States over three centuries.

In addition to her parents, Doris was predeceased by her husband in 2005.

Doris is survived by two daughters, Lisa Passante (and her husband Michael Kaplan) of Landenberg; Carol Daggers (and her husband David of Wilmington, Del.); and one son, Joseph Passante, Sr. (and his wife Carol of Kennett Square). She is also survived by five grandchildren, five great-granddaughters, and a brother, Ed Welch of Quarryville, Pa.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, services will be private.

Prior to her passing, Doris requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heifer International, a global nonprofit founded as a project of the Church of the Brethren in the 1940s and supported from its inception by one of Doris’s favorite uncles, a Brethren minister. Information can be found at http:// www.heifer.org/give/one-time.html.

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (1800-FUNERAL).

To send an online condolence please visit www. griecofunerals.com.

money and the contestant that is crowned queen will go on to the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs (PSACF) Queen Contest in Hershey, Pa. in January 2022.

The Unionville Community Fair takes place Oct. 1 to 3 at 101 East Street Road in Kennett Square. Visit www.ucfair. org for more information.

THEODORE NEAL BROWN

Theodore Neal Brown, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 15 at Brandywine Living at Longwood in Kennett Square. He was 85. He was the husband of Rose Marie (Daidone) Brown, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage.

Born in York, Pa., he was the son of the late Arthur Brown and the late Mabel Love Brown.

Ted was a proud graduate from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics. While there, he was a member of the university crew team and spent many early morning hours on Boathouse Row. Following his graduation, he served our country in the U.S. Army.

He began his career in the retail industry and worked for Sears Roebuck & Co. for 20-plus years. Over time he became a store manager and then district manager. With a young family, and in an effort to help others and have more control over his career and schedule, he made a mid-career change to become a certified financial planner. He began this new phase of his career working for Janney Montgomery Scott, and later also worked for RBC Dain Raucher and Wells Fargo, before retiring in the early 2000s.

Ted loved meeting and connecting with people, and genuinely wanted the people around him to succeed. Conversation with him was easy, and he was just as comfortable talking about something deeply personal as he was discussing a technical matter. Although he was tall and had a deep booming voice (he used to love to sing with that deep voice), he was completely approachable and disarming and people were comfortable opening up to him.

He was quite active in the local community where he lived. He was a member of the Rotary Club and was a Mason. He was also active with the Toms River Basketball Association (TRBA), where he used sports as a way to teach life lessons.

He enjoyed nature, studying the financial markets, and spending time with his friends. Perhaps most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, and cheering for his two grandsons while they competed in sports.

In addition to his wife Rose, he is survived by his son Christopher Brown (Jamie) of Kennett Square, grandsons Ryan and Dylan, and his brother Fred.

You are invited to visit with Ted’s family and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 N. Union St. in Kennett Square. A Catholic graveside service will follow at 11 a.m. at Union Hill Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made here in recognition of the caring and compassionate staff of Brandywine Living at Longwood (https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/ brandywine-living-at-longwood/5964/).

Arrangements are being handled by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. (1800-FUNERAL).

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

You Choose

DONALD CHARLES BOBISH

Donald Charles Bobish passed away on Aug. 29 at his residence in Landenberg. He was 75.

Donald was born on October 25, 1945, in Curtisville, West Deer Township, the son of the late Charles and Ann (Sporty) Bobish.

He was a 1963 graduate of West Deer High School and a 1967 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in chemical engineering. Donald’s career as a chemical engineer gave him opportunities in Ohio, Texas, and Delaware with Diamond Shamrock and in Delaware and Pennsylvania with Sun-Olin Inc., Standard Chlorine and ICI. Until his retirement in 2012, Donald took on a second career as a pet store owner. He owned and operated Pet Village in Delaware for 15 years.

He coached his children in baseball and soccer for 20 years and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He also enjoyed gardening.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Gail (George) Bobish; children, Greg (Mary Beth) Bobish, of Voorheesville, N.Y., Cindy (Ron) Temple, of Middletown, Del., Jeff (Sara) Bobish, of Highland Park, Pa, Chris (Maureen) Bobish, of Washington D.C., and Michael (Danielle McDonald) Bobish, of Wilmington, Del. He is also survived by grandchildren, Anna, Fred, Charlie, Lark, Seth, and Molly Bobish and Kavan and Cole Temple, as well as siblings, Pat Staninecz, of West Deer Township and Doug (Jeanne) Bobish, of Murrysville.

Friends and family are invited to offer their condolences 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25 at The Back Garden, Paradocx Vineyard at 1833 Flint Hill Road in Landenberg.

Donald was laid to rest at Deer Creek Cemetery, Harmar Township on Sept. 4. For online condolences, please visit westdeerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements were in the care of Adam Siemianowski Funeral Home in West Deer Township. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to cure om.org or to a children’s charity of one’s choice.

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Chester County Health Department schedules flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout the county

With the start of flu season quickly approaching, the Chester County Health Department announced details of county-wide flu vaccination clinics, open to the entire community at area schools. The clinics are scheduled from late September through November.

In addition to the flu vaccine, the Health Department will offer COVID-19 vaccines at most community vaccine sites. Registration is required to help protect the health and safety of our community and clinic staff.

Jeanne Franklin, the director of the Chester County Health Department said, “Flu and COVID-19 viruses have many similar symptoms, including cough, chills, fever, body aches, fatigue, and runny or stuffy nose. With so many shared symptoms, it can be challenging to distinguish

between the two.

“Becoming sick with the flu can also make people more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19, increasing the risk for serious illness,” added Franklin.

The Chester County Health Department recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone aged six months and older.

“Influenza is more than just a runny nose and sore throat. It is a serious disease that can lead to missed work or school, hospitalization and sometimes even death. The best defense we have is getting vaccinated,” Franklin added.

The Chester County Health Department will have the flu vaccine available for people as young as six months old, and a special high-dose vaccine for seniors. First and second dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available

for individuals 12 years and older.

Health officials said that if an individual has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, he or she can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same appointment.

“It is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time,” said Franklin. “For many, our upcoming vaccine clinics are an easy and convenient option to maximize their protection this fall. Whether it is a flu vaccine, or COVID-9 vaccine, I thank everyone for choosing to be vaccinated.”

Individuals with private health insurance will not be charged a copay at the Health Department vaccine clinics, but should bring their insurance card for billing. Flu and COVID19 vaccines are available regardless of insurance status and individuals without

health insurance will not pay any out-of-pocket costs.

The Health Department’s clinics will have all necessary safety measures in place to keep staff and the public safe, including symptom screening, social distancing, mask requirements, and disinfection protocols.

With multiple viruses spreading this fall and winter, every bit of protection helps including washing hands, wiping down commonly touched surfaces like keyboards, phones and doorknobs, and staying home when sick.

Chester County Health Department community vaccine clinics dates, times and locations are: 9/23/2021

Oxford Arts Alliance’s Artisan Gift Shop will soon return

The Oxford Arts Alliance is once again hosting an annual holiday shopping event. The Oxford Arts Alliance ’s Artisan Gift Shop showcases unique, handcrafted items selected from local and regional artisans.

This holiday shopping event draws customers from

The deadline to submit as an artisan vendor is Oct. 1

the tri-state area who look for one-of-a-kind gifts. It will be located in the Main Gallery at 38 S. Third St, in Oxford and it will be held from Nov. 19 to Dec. 18.

Artisan goods are made in a traditional or non-mechanized way that demonstrate imagination as well as the mark of the maker’s

individuality. The Artisan Gift Shop showcases any and all handmade artisan goods and wares, from three-dimensional work to two-dimensional work, or individually packaged food to bath and beauty.

The hours for the event will be each Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Artisan Gift Shop will be closed Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving, and it will have extended hours on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 27, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The deadline to submit as an artisan vendor is Oct. 1. A $15 non-refundable entry fee aids the Oxford Arts Alliance in the growth of the Annual Artisan Gift Shop to ensure its basic operations, quality of Artisan craftsmanship, and overall performance are held to a high standard. It is a requirement to become an Oxford Arts Alliance member if accepted. To apply, visit https:// www.oxfordart.org/callfor-artists. For inquiries, contact Caitlin Daugherty at art@oxfordart.org or call 610-467-0301.

Coatesville’s Bessick scores 3 TDs in 35-0 victory over Avon Grove

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

In the moments before visiting Coatesville took on Avon Grove last Friday evening in West Grove, a foreboding and thickish fog began to permeate the night air above the bleachers, and its presence against the field’s arch lights gave off an ominous look, like a tell-tale sign.

For the Avon Grove Red Devil football team, the fog never went away, and neither did Red Raider wide receiver Lebron Bessick, who scored three touchdowns in Coatesville’s 35-0 dismantling of Avon Grove on Sept. 17 in Ches-Mont National Division play. Both teams struggled through a scoreless and mistake-filled first quarter that saw neither team able to latch onto a sustaining drive. On Avon Grove’s first possession on their own 27 yard line, quarterback Connor Walsh fired a strike to Owen Yoder that was caught, fumbled and gathered in by Coatesville defensive back Spencer Ferguson at the 40. On third and 15 near midfield, however, Avon Grove defensive back Cooper McDannald intercepted a Harry Susi pass with 10:15

left in the quarter, giving the Red Devils a short-lived possession at midfield that was ended when running back Anthony Lorusso fumbled and was then recovered by Coatesville lineman Francisco Hall.

As the game continued to unfold, its story line became clear: the ability – or lack of ability – to overcome turnovers and penalties.

Assisted by a 15-yard facemask penalty, Walsh drove the Red Devils into Coatesville territory, but on first down with 4:52 left in the quarter, Ferguson picked off a Walsh pass that stymied the drive.

With 34 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Susi fired a 36-yard touchdown pass to Bessick that was nullified by a Coatesville penalty, but with time ticking away, Susi continued to move his team forward. He threw a 16-yard completion to wide receiver Dowayne Molina that got the ball to the 33-yard line, and then a second strike to Molina that took the ball to the Avon Grove 10-yard line. With 11:18 left in the second quarter, Susi handed off to running back Bryan Lacey, who rushed for a 13-yard score that gave Coatesville a 7-0 lead.

Then Bessick took over

the game, striking first with a 73-yard touchdown on a punt return with 9:18 left in the first half, and after a Walsh pass was picked off by lineman Takiyah Lynch near midfield, Susi found Bessick over the middle for a 38-yard TD with 5:16 left in the half that gave Coatesville a 21-0 lead.

With 3:02 left in the first half, Bessick struck again, when he returned a punt for a 57-yard touchdown sprint that ended a 9-minute,

28-point scoring stretch for Coatesville.

The Red Raiders wrapped up their scoring with a 10-yard pass from Susi to wide receiver Tommy Ortega with 8:37 left in the third quarter.

Despite the loss, Avon Grove head coach Joe Coffey saw some positive signs with his team.

“We didn’t execute on special teams and turned the ball over too much, but we didn’t go out there

and tuck tail,” he said. “It wasn’t like we were going to back down. We played really competitively, especially defensively in the first half.

“We will focus on special teams and doing a better job of holding onto the football, and continue to play good defense. It’s just something that we have to continue to build on, because we’re not even halfway through the season yet.”

With the win and a Sept.

24 home game against Henderson in front of them, Coatesville is now atop the Ches-Mont National division with a 1-0 record and is 3-1 overall. With a trip to Great Valley scheduled for Sept. 24, the loss gave Avon Grove an 0-1 record in the Ches-Mont and a 1-3 overall record in the early season.

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

This property has been well maintained and sets back along Rt. 29, less than 1 mile from Rt. 422 and less than 2 miles from Phoenixville. The house is currently being rented for $1,000/month with potential for more. This property is partially open space and

Kennett High School reimagines Back to School Night

This year’s back-toschool night at Kennett High School looked much different than in years past. The event, held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, was thoughtfully designed to create a fun opportunity for students and their entire families to come and learn all about what the high school has to offer.

“All the elements of past Back to School Nights, We

Are Kennett, and Activities Day went into consideration as we planned this event,” said assistant principal Eileen Rudisill, who was in charge of organizing the evening. “We hope that creating this comprehensive experience for our students and families will be beneficial for both the individual student and our collective community.” A variety of food trucks

were parked near the front steps, so guests could treat themselves to Maggie Moos, La Michoacana Mexican Ice Cream, 22 BBQ, or Savanna’s Fries and then gather with friends to eat on the Kennett blue picnic tables on the front lawn. Or maybe even sneak back out for a corn ice cream bar or some chicken fingers for a snack later in the evening.

Once inside, students and families were directed to different areas of the building by administrators, teachers, and National Honor Society student guides, who were coordinated by National Honor Society members Anne Holt and Olivia Whittaker.

In Reynolds Gymnasium, athletes and coaches from over a dozen high school sports teams answered questions about their teams. Down the hall in the auxiliary gym, approximately thirty-five clubs provided information about their mission and membership.

And, the cafeteria housed representatives from over thirty organizations, including After the Bell, La Communidad Hispana, The Garage, and the Chester County Food Bank, who were there to provide information about accessing the valuable resources available in the community.

At 6 p.m., the administrative team of the high school, led by Principal Dr. Jeremy Hritz, offered a welcome and emphasized the incredible experience that is available to all at Kennett High School. Finally, students and families used the remaining two hours to tour the school building,

stopping in classrooms to meet teachers and receive an overview of exciting programming, as well as academic opportunities and expectations.

Students and their families were issued specially printed raffle tickets and gathered stamps as they visited the gym, the auxiliary gym, the cafeteria, and classrooms. Each completely filled ticket was then entered into a drawing for generously donated prizes.

Austin Houtchens, grade 11, won the iPad provided by Dr. Michael Cari of Cari Orthodontics. Vanessa Ochoa, grade 9, won a gift basket from Longwood

“This is the first year we experimented with an open house-approach to Back To School Night, and it was a resounding success. The feedback from both students and families was highly positive, and we will continue with this approach in the coming years,” said Dr. Hritz.

“We have so much to offer our students, and we want them to see that we support their growth in every way – academically, socially, physically, and emotionally,” Rudisill said.

Constitution Day

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