Chester County Press 09-29-2021 Edition

Tower Health’s Board of Directors announced on Tuesday that Jennersville Hospital in Penn Township will be closing in 2022.

Tower Health issued a statement saying, “After months of thoughtful exploration and analysis, the Tower Health Board of Directors today announced a series of actions that will reshape the health system and establish a clear path forward for decades to come.”

One of those actions is “beginning an orderly process to close Jennersville Hospital, effective January 1, 2022. During this period, the hospital and emergen-

Jennersville Hospital to close in 2022

cy department will remain open and continue to care for patients and the community. Tower Health is fully committed to placing as many impacted employees and physicians as it can into other positions within Tower Health for which they are qualified, or through priority consideration for open positions at Penn Medicine, with which we recently announced plans to develop a strategic alliance, and which offers a variety of services in the Chester County region.”

The press release further stated that Tower Health will continue to operate St.

Red Rose Rent Day blooms again in

Penn

By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer

The Red Rose Inn, dressed up beautifully after years of meticulous renovations both inside and outside, welcomed visitors for the first time in more than a decade on Sept. 25 as Penn Township officially unveiled to the public the historically important building at 804 West Baltimore Pike. The township also revived Red Rose Rent Day—on the 290th anniversary of the day that this interesting petal of local lore began.

At 11 a.m. last Saturday morning, Penn Township Board of Supervisors chairperson Victor Mantegna stepped inside a tent that was set up next to the Red Rose Inn to welcome the dozens of attendees who had gathered to celebrate this unique piece of local history. The tent was filled to capacity and beyond, and Penn Township officials were elated that so many people turned out to see the results of a years-long effort to preserve the Red Rose Inn and transform it into a showcase of local history.

The speakers at the

event—Penn Township Historical Commission vice chairperson Scott Steele, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, and State Rep. John Lawrence—took turns outlining the fascinating history of the property and the importance of historical preservation.

Two themes quickly emerged. First, there is a long and storied history attached to the Red Rose Inn site; and second, the Penn Township officials involved in the preservation effort should be commended for their roles in preserving

Jenny Moore is still standing tall

One local woman had to have part of her leg amputated and she battled other health issues, including infections and COVID-19. But, as a result of physical therapy and a lot of faith, she remains hopeful that a brighter future awaits

By Betsy Brewer Brantner Contributing Writer

For Jenny Moore, life as she knew it changed three years ago. A simple cut on the foot, irritated while she standing on her feet at work, progressed to an infection. Moore, like many people working a parttime job, didn’t have health insurance. She had diabetes, but due to the high cost of insulin, she was rationing the much-needed medicine. She explained, “With me, an infection can go from zero to 60 in no time. I had just finished working the Friday after Thanksgiving and planned on going to church the next day. Eventually, I became concerned and called my uncle and asked if he could take me to the hospital. He did. I found out I was septic, and then I contracted MRSA (an infection) at the hospital. From there, I was going in and out of consciousness. I asked the doctor if he was going to remove my toes. He said, ‘we are going to have to take a portion of your leg.’ I had just turned 47.”

Expert Gary Liska gives presentation at Kennett Farmers Market

Habitat of monarch butterflies seriously threatened, expert says

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

At a Sept. 24 presentation at the Kennett Farmers Market that celebrated the pollination and migration of the monarch butterfly, expert Gary Liska told an audience of 50 that the insect’s future is being threatened to the point where its current habitat is as delicate and fragile as one of its beautiful wings. Liska, who plants private gardens laden with milkweed in order to attract the insect – was one of two presenters at an event sponsored by Historic Kennett

Square, the Mt. Cuba Center, the Kennett Library and Casa Guanajuato Kennett Square, a non-profit organization that encourages and promotes the culture, traditions, arts and education of Mexican community in Chester County.

Liska said that while the monarch butterfly remains “one of the greatest pollinators out there,” its population has reduced by 90 percent over the past 25 years.

While the annual migration of the Eastern monarch butterfly is impressive – it flies as many as 2,500 miles from the U.S. and Canada

where they breed, all the way down to the forests in central Mexico where they hibernate – the migration is under threat from several sources.

Liska pointed to one possible factor – the proliferation of the tropical milkweed that primarily grows in the southeastern portion of the U.S. While it has exploded in popularity and proliferation, he said it posts serious threats to the viability and frequency of the monarch’s migrations.

Because of that, “those monarchs never migrate, and if they don’t have that,

it throws off their natural migration cycles to Mexico,” Liska said. “The warmer we get and the average night time temperatures become, the more it will affect the flora, that have a significant impact on a monarch butterfly’s cycle and what they are programmed to do.”

They key problem for the monarch butterfly with the tropical milkweed plant is that they follow their primary food source, and because it is an all-year plant, it becomes the primary source of sustainability for the insect.

Subsequently, “they will

strand the monarchs to the point where they can’t migrate and keep them around longer than what they should have,” Liska said. “The types of milkweed that die off naturally is a program for them to move south, but if you throw in a new food source that doesn’t [die off], that’s a huge problem.” Man-made decisions are also taking a devastating toll on the monarch butterfly. The continued deforestation of Mexican forests have seen

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and restoring an important piece of township history. The Penn Township Board of Supervisors includes Mantegna, Laura Sperratore, Curtis Mason, Jay Ennis, and William Radar O’ Connell, while the Penn Township Historical Commission includes chairperson Kathy Wandersee, vice chair Scott Steele, Larry Waltman, Raymond Mackey, Patty Moidel, Bob Davis, Peg Emerson, and Pat Horrocks. While other township officials played a part, too, these individuals volunteered untold hours preparing for this day by overseeing the effort to renovate the Red Rose Inn and restore it to its glory.

Ennis, in particular, was singled out for praise because he was the supervisor who spent the most time overseeing the reno-

vations and restorations.

Comitta, who represents the 19th district in the State Senate, commended everyone who helped save the Red Rose Inn from a very uncertain future.

“Our region is home to a rich history,” she said.

“That history is tied to the land, the buildings, and the structures that we pass every day. I commend Penn Township for being proactive in preserving his-

tory and returning to glory a landmark.”

State Rep. John Lawrence, a lifelong resident of southern Chester County who has his District Office in Penn Township, congratulated the township staff and officials for their hard work. Lawrence worked in collaboration with Andy Dinniman, who was then the State Senator in the 19th District, to secure about $800,000 in state

funding for the extensive improvements to the busy intersection next to the inn.

In his speech, Mantegna explained that there were two purposes when the township purchased the Red Rose Inn in 2011. First, it allowed the township to make those much-needed improvements to the intersection at Route 796 and Baltimore Pike by redesigning the road. And then it also ensured that a treasured part of the township’s history would be preserved.

Even though the inn has been shuttered for more than a decade, many people in the community have special memories of the place—there have been many special dinners, anniversaries, and more celebrated there. One woman at the September 25 event shared that she’d been married at the Red Rose Inn.

The inn did not have its floral name for most of its existence. In his presentation, Steele, a local historian, explained the origins of Red Rose Rent Day, and how the tradition was reborn in the 20th century, thanks to a local flower grower.

Steele said, “We are here to honor a covenant in a

deed to this land on which we stand, a deed which dates to colonial times, and was first executed by the family of William Penn, the founder and proprietor of Pennsylvania. We are here to restart the annual tradition of paying the red rose rent first established in 1937 by the Conard-Pyle Company, the growers of the famous Star Rose brand roses, and the first owner to name this historic tavern and hotel, the Red Rose Inn.”

Steele explained that the Federal-style building was constructed in about 1808, and the Red Rose Rent Day requirement goes back even further—to 1731. That’s when John, Thomas, and Richard Penn, all sons of William Penn, granted 5,000 acres of the southern portion of Fagg’s Manor to William Penn IV, the grandson of the founder of Pennsylvania.

“The terms of this early eighteenth-century land transfer included a unique requirement that future owners pay one red rose on the 24th day of June, yearly, if the same be demanded,” Steele explained.

William Penn IV then sold 5,000 acres in 1742 to William Allen, the son

of a wealthy Philadelphia merchant. Interestingly, Steele noted, William Allen sold land in the city of Philadelphia to the Founding Fathers on which they constructed Independence Hall. Eventually, William Allen began to divide his Chester County land holding into smaller parcels, and in 1748 he sold 53 acres of the land to Samuel Cross, again stipulating the requirement to pay an annual rent of one red rose. Samuel Cross built a log cabin on the property and was the first to operate an inn on this corner of the intersection.

Steele noted that Samuel Cross would go on to buy an additional 100 acres, giving him a total of about 150 acres of land bordering all four sides of what is today the crossroads in Jennersville.

Steele continued, “Contrary to previous versions of history, we can find no proof of a tavern or brick structure on the Red Rose Inn site in 1740. The first legal tavern at the crossroads was across Jennersville Road on the northeast side of the intersection, and was operated by Robert Sloan, who

obtained a tavern license in 1761, serving food and drink to weary travelers in his log home.”

By 1797, the property was sold at auction to George Clymer, a major figure in the American Revolution.

He was one of only six men to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

“In 1806,” Steele said,

“George Clymer had the property surveyed and in 1807 began construction of the 11-room brick mansion we now call the Red Rose Inn. The new inn was purchased in 1808 by tavern owner and storekeeper

John Dorat, who moved his store from the northeast side of the intersection to the northwest side of the crossroads. The first tavern license for what is today the Red Rose Inn was issued to John Dorat in 1825, almost 200 years ago. Over the next century, the beautiful brick inn and tavern would be called the Penn Cross Inn, the Jennersville Inn, and finally the Jennersville Hotel.”

Through the years, the

Jenny Moore...

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On Sunday evening they took off the bottom of her foot. The next day they removed her foot.

“All the while, I had an antibiotic IV going into my system. By Thursday the antibiotics were working, but they weren’t sure if they had gotten the infection out of my system, so they amputated my leg below the knee,” she explained.

building was under the management of at least 12 different innkeepers, Steele said. In 1927, Conard-Pyle Star Rose Nursery, which was based in neighboring London Grove Township, began to search for land in southern Chester County on which to expand their nursery business.

“Robert Pyle, president of Conard-Pyle, chose Penn Township because of the access to Baltimore Pike and an abundance of farm land and, in 1928, ConardPyle purchased the land on which we stand, including the Jennersville Hotel and 61 surrounding acres,” Steele said.

At a grand opening of the inn in June 1928, Robert Pyle was photographed presenting a red rose to J. Carroll Hayes, esquire, the chair of the Chester County Historical Society. The first formal Red Rose Rent Day celebration took place in 1937, when the rent was paid to Phillip PennGaskell, a direct descendant of William Penn.

Over the next five decades, Star Roses would own or

lease over 400 acres in Penn Township, with the millions of colorful roses growing in the fields described as “the biggest flower show from Maine to Florida.”

Steele explained how the Conard-Pyle Company made Red Rose Rent Day into a fun tradition from the 1930s to the 1990s.

“Red Rose Day was always a grand affair at the Inn,” he said. “Guests at the celebration included many local dignitaries. ConardPyle would use the event to annually introduce the new rose varieties.”

The Conard-Pyle Company eventually sold the Red Rose Inn to Ray and Janice Clanton in 1961, and they would make extensive renovations and then sell it to John and Mary Bussey in 1978. Lee and Richard Covatta purchased it in 1985. It had been vacant for a number of years when Penn Township purchased the building in 2011. 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 that effort.

The organizers of this year’s Red Rose Rent Day did a wonderful job of bringing all the elements of the property’s history together.

One of the stars of the event was William Penn himself, as portrayed by Bob Gleason of the American Historical Theater in Philadelphia. Penn offered his own unique historical perspective, explaining how Pennsylvania came to be founded as a colony of England. Attendees were captivated by this presentation. A highlight of the event was the revival of the payment of the red roses for the rent on the land. Cuyler Walker, a descendant of William Penn. accepted the payment on behalf of the Penn family.

Steve Hutton, a retired former president of ConardPyle Star Roses Nursery, handed Walker 26 roses, one for each year between 1985 and 2010 when the Red Rose Rent Day was not honored. Then, on behalf of Penn Township, Ennis presented Walker with 11

roses, one for each year between 2011 and 2021 when the payment was not made.

Referencing the late payment on the “rent,” Walker joked, “On behalf of the Penn family, I am gladly waiving the interest.”

Walker, who served as a township supervisor in East Marlborough for 18 years, commended the Penn Township officials for having the vision and commitment to save an important part of the township’s history.

“They don’t get enough credit, ever,” Walker said of the supervisors.

Once this year’s rose ceremony was complete, the public had a chance to tour the renovated Red Rose Inn from noon to 4 p.m. Members of the Penn Township Historical Commission offered guided tours to explain some of the artifacts on display.

One room was decorated with many different pieces of memorabilia from Sunset Park. Waltman, a member of the Historical Commission, shared many of these items from his family’s personal collection. Some of the biggest names in music performed at Sunset Park before it closed more than

wreath on her door.

two decades ago. Ennis was the township supervisor who worked closely with the township’s Historical Commission during the long period of renovations. He said that his favorite display in the building is the mural that occupies one wall of one of the rooms. The mural depicts the yearly payment of one red rose that was demanded as a token rental to the members of the Penn family. The artist was John Moll, who was born in Reading, Pa. in 1909 and died in 1999. He is known to have been at the Red Rose Inn at some point in 1968. The mural is an impressive display for the township to have.

Anyone who is interested in seeing the interior of the renovated and restored Red Rose Inn won’t have to wait for the next Red Rose Rent Day celebration. Steele said that the Penn Township Historical Commission will be planning open houses of the Red Rose Inn regularly. Information about when these open houses will take place will be posted on the township’s website.

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

Moore was in the hospital for weeks. They couldn’t release her because her hemoglobin count was five. It shouldn’t have been lower than ten. Eventually she was released to a nursing home in December of 2018.

“When I moved in, I thought it would just be for six months. It has been three years,” she said.

“When they told me that, I was in shock,” she remembered. “It happened so quickly. It was done, but it took me a very long time to comprehend everything.”

Remembering that time is still difficult.

“I had every complication you could think of, including two or three infections,” she said. “I had fluid coming out of my skin. Eventually, I got to the point where I could get up easier and actually transfer myself. And then I got COVID-19 for the first time.”

Moore was sent to the hospital where they first thought she had pneumonia. COVID-19 was still new to everyone. She was on an antibiotic for a week and then they released her back to the nursing home.

“I remember how incredibly uncomfortable I was in my bed,” she explained. She was sent back to the hospital, where they eventually figured out it was COVID-19.

“I felt horrible. I really thought I was having a stroke and that I was going

to die,” she said.“When they thought I had a stroke, I remember that I could think the right words in my mind, but I couldn’t speak them. People didn’t understand what I was trying to say. It was frightening. My right arm had a twitch and I couldn’t hold a cup. Aides had to hold a cup for me with a straw. They gave me chopped food and thickened liquids.”

She quickly added, “I am blessed beyond belief. I am so blessed the power of prayer is strong. I am living proof of that. I’m speaking my truth.”

Moore came back to the nursing home and was quarantined for 14 days. When she left, she had been in a single room that she had made her own. It was filled with items from her friends or decorations she had crafted herself. At some point, there was a Patriots’

But when she returned, she was put into a double room. But with her faith not wavering an inch, she said, “I can’t thank my church family enough. They prayed, sent cards, texted, and made window visits due to the restrictions of COVID-19. They gave me pure love and it made all the difference in my life.”

Her church is Frazier Mennonite. “I can never thank them enough,” she said.

In January, two days before she was supposed to get her first vaccine shot, Moore discovered

she had COVID-19, so she couldn’t get it. She had to wait another 14 days, and eventually got both of her vaccine shots. Thankfully, she had no reaction to the shots other than some aches. Meanwhile, she had to start all of her physical therapy over again, from the beginning.

“My PT session is about a half an hour,” she said. “When I first came back from the hospital, I was just sitting on the side of the bed, then eventually transferring to a wheel chair. From there, it was baby steps. Then I thought I’m going to Continued on page 6A

Christopher’s Hospital for Children, a vital healthcare resource for some of the region’s most vulnerable populations, while working

Butterfly...

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sap that both sustains and protects the monarch butterfly – being converted into farmland. In addition, the increased usage of herbicides in farming such as glyphosate and dicamba -- meant to kill milkweed -- have also become factors in the insect’s dwindling numbers.

The entire life of a monarch butterfly is not only fragile, it is lucky, as well.

In his overview of the monarch butterfly’s pollination and migration efforts, Liska said that of the more than 300 eggs that a female monarch butterfly lays, only a few get to reach butterfly stage. While in caterpillar form, it becomes susceptible to attacks by predators like birds and insects, at the same time it grows to 600 times its size at birth in as little as 14 days.

In order to better track the migration efforts of the monarch butterfly, Liska said that he places between 200 and 300 tracking tags on the forewings of mature butterflies on his property in partnership with Monarch Watch, a national organization that conducts research and preservation efforts for the monarch butterfly. Each four-letter, threenumber tag that Liska applies will enable experts to track a particular monarch to Liska’s garden during its migration to Mexico.

The monarchs who make the journey to Mexico in the late summer and early fall are instinctually differ-

Jenny Moore...

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stand up to get in the wheel chair. And I did. I felt like I had climbed a mountain. I learned it takes physical and mental strength to do what I do. God helps. I know I’ll walk again. I never thought otherwise. I’m blessed. I could have died several times. God helped me for a reason. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Never put a period where God puts a comma.’” Moore made progress.

“I did a lot of work on

with local and state agencies and organizations to help secure its long-term future. In addition, Tower Health is continuing to evaluate options to determine and define the future of Brandywine Hospital in a way that best meets com-

munity needs.

Tower Health acquired Jennersville Hospital and Brandywine Hospital in Chester County, as well as three other hospitals, from Tennessee-based Community Health Systems in 2017.

“These decisions were made

after an intensive process by which Tower’s board sought to balance long-term sustainability and impact upon our team and the communities we serve. Opportunities for our employees to work at other Tower Health facilities or at Penn Medicine were

ent than those that came just before them, Liska said.

“In Kennett Square, we have five generations of monarchs that come through our gardens – May-June, June-July, July-August, August-September, and September-October,” he said. “The first four generations only get to live for two weeks, and they are only programmed to find a mate, mate and pass on the genetics of their DNA.”

The final generation can live up to eight or nine months, Liska said. “That generation is programmed not to mate, but to fly all the way to Mexico,” he said. “They live not only from September and October, but to January and February of next year. When the weather changes, they know that it is time to fly back north, because the milkweed is now starting to sprout on all of the migra-

my own, strengthening my arms and standing,” she explained. “People take for granted just dressing every day. If they saw me get dressed in the morning, they would think I was exercising. I’m much better at my ‘walking.’ Last Friday, I did 200 yards. I was exhausted when I was done, but my endorphins were high.”

Moore is now waiting for her prosthesis.

“It is in the works,” she said. “They need other things. Billing needs this and that. I will need special

tory routes back north.

“They may not fly all the way back here, but they will fly long enough to find a mate, often back to that region they left.”

During her presentation, Mayra Castillo from Casa Guanajuato Kennett Square spoke about the migration of monarch butterflies from Canada to Mexico, and shared the cultural significance of the monarch to Mexico and Mexican immigrants. In Mexico, monarch butterflies are believed to spirits of people who have passed on, Castillo said, and when they arrive in the winter, it coincides with the Day of the Dead, Mexico’s most celebrated festival.

Because the monarch butterfly is able to travel freely between Mexico and the U.S., it has also become an important icon for those seeking to immigrate to the U.S.

shoes. If I go up or down in my weight, I may have to get a new prosthesis. The cost of the prosthesis is $10,000.”

Moore said her physical therapy has prepared her to be able to use the prosthesis when it comes.

“Yes, I’m used to putting weight on my stump again,” she said.

Moore’s dream now is to go to West Chester to new apartments they are building called Pinckney Commons. They are affiliated with the Melton Center. You can hear the

To learn more about the monarch butterfly, visit www.monarchwatch.org.

To learn more about Casa Guanajuato, visit www.casagks.org, or call 610-335-6327.

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

In recent years, the migratory patterns of the monarch butterfly from the U.S. and Canada to Mexico has been severely impacted by ecological factors.

excitement in her voice as she said, “It would be a perfect location. There is a bus stop right there.”

She’s already planning to ride that bus to some newly found freedom.

“What I know about Pinkney Commons is there are 10 townhomes there and only four ADA apartments available. First come, first served,” she said. “I can’t put my name in until 120 days before they open. I always pray to God. I tell him, ‘I’ll go where you send me, but please send me to Pinkney Commons.’”

important to the Board and leadership,” said Tom Work, chair of Tower Health’s Board of Directors.

A community hospital has operated in Penn Township since 1959. That’s when the West Grove Community Hospital moved to the cur-

rent location on Baltimore Pike. The hospital operated under that name until it was renamed the Southern Chester County Medical Center, a name it kept for decades until the hospital was acquired by a larger health system.

And Moore knows she is not praying alone.

“In my church, I have a group of five women I call my care team. They help me with calling people. The give me mental support and anything else I need. They visit me once a week. One of the ladies takes me to Walmart, and they take me to church,” she said.

“I’m just waiting, waiting patiently. I’ve learned there are things that are out of my control. I don’t like it, but I accept it.

•Lock

•Use

Spiritually I’m a better person. I have much more faith than I ever thought I would have. The glory is to God,” she said. While she waits for her prosthesis and to move into her apartment, Moore said she is hopeful for the future.

“God gave me another chance to start over,” she said. “I just keep praying.” Moore is praying for her independence, and with her faith, she knows she will get that. She is already envisioning that bus stop in front of Pinkney Commons. God willing, she will be on that bus to freedom.

Congress

Editorial

Our newest pandemic

Alarming numbers

The photograph of 56-year-old Luis Morales of West Chester, as it appeared on the front page of the Aug. 25 edition of the Chester County Press , shows a face nearly without expression – a matter-offact stare utterly devoid of all possible insight into the subject.

In the photograph, Morales’ eyes tell us nothing, because in the photograph, the eyes of Luis Morales – the truest portal to our soul -- are dead.

For those of us who have stared long and deep into that photograph in order to understand what may have led Morales to admittedly sexually abuse a young girl at the Nottingham Elementary School in Oxford between 2014 and 2016 – when she was in the third and fourth grade – is usurped only by the degree of its degradation.

Our repudiation of Morales conjures up more questions and more photographs, seen in the eyes of other teachers who have sexually abused their students, and there, staring back at us, is the criminal residue of their indecency:

• In 2016, criminal charges were filed against Jesus Omar Sandoval, a teacher at Lebanon Catholic High School in Lebanon

County for an alleged sexual assault of one of his female students, who was 16 at the time. According to reports, Sandoval engaged in sexual contact with a female student on school property and at his home, between October 2013 and April 2014.

• In 2019, husband and wife Nicodemo Baggetta and Ruth Ann Baggetta, two teachers in Lackawanna County, were found guilty of sexually abusing a former student for two years that began when the student was 16.

• Rochelle Cressman, a former gym teacher at the Titusville Middle School in Crawford County, pleaded guilty to repeatedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student over a seven-month span between September 2018 and April 2019. It was reported that Cressman initiated the relationship and engaged in sexual acts with him about twice a week. She repeatedly told the boy not to “tell anyone of the relationship” and even threatened to harm herself and the boy if their illicit acts were uncovered.

• This past July, 40-year-old Seth Reich of Downingtown was charged with the sexual abuse of a student. Authorities said the now 19-year-old victim reported to West Goshen Police that she had been in a sexual relationship with Reich, her acting teacher at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School Center for

Performing and Fine Arts, when she was 17.

‘We must do better’

When the charges against Morales were announced, Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan echoed the cold, stark reality of a new pandemic.

“Chester County is seeing an unacceptable wave of students who have been sexually abused in our elementary, middle, and high schools,” Ryan said. “It is imperative that we implement safeguards in our schools and any other place children are to protect them from predators. Adults need to engage in oversight by watching out for children.

“Anyone who works with children has a legal obligation as a mandated reporter, but all adults have a moral responsibility to do the right thing to protect them. We must do better.”

DA Ryan’s call to action is not a warning but an alarm. To thousands of young people every year, schools are no longer a place of learning, but have become separate compartments of demarcation, divided by areas deemed “safe” and “unsafe,” and where the secret places -- a teacher’s office, perhaps, or a lab room or a janitor’s closet or a locker room shower stall -- serve as darkened dens where bad things happen and a lifetime of trauma and nightmares begins.

In a 2004 survey conducted by the U.S. Education Department, it said that one-in-10 students will be sexually abused by a teacher during their years in school.

In 2015, Stop Educator Sexual Abuse Misconduct & Exploitation (SESAME), an organization that serves as a national voice for prevention of abuse by educators and other school employees, completed a study revealing that nearly 7 percent of children in the 8th through 11th grade who were surveyed reported having had sexual contact from an adult – most often a teacher or a coach. The statistic increased to 10 percent when it came to being shown pornography or being subjected to sexually explicit language or exhibitionism.

Perhaps the most catastrophic result of this increase is that while several states have passed laws requiring school administrators, teachers and staff to alert authorities about suspicious activities among their peers, some educators are shirking that responsibility, choosing to keep quiet rather than interfere with the lives of their co-workers, or run the risk of giving their school a bad name.

Against the overwhelming evidence that points undoubtedly to the rise in sexual abuse of schoolchildren by teachers, there is a quiet hero working in our community. The Chester

Opinion

County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) coordinates the investigation, prosecution, and treatment of child abuse while at the same time providing services that lead to healing. It’s an “all-in” effort; the CAC’s multidisciplinary team is made up of representatives from law enforcement, the DAs Office, hospitals, schools and many other agencies.

The work of the CAC and the Chester County DAs Office notwithstanding, we are witnessing the sweep of a tidal wave that threatens to turn our hard-working and responsible teachers into enemies by mere proximity, and elementary, middle and high schools into minefields. It is time for every school district in southern Chester County to address this crisis head on – with no hesitation. It is this newspaper’s recommendation that each school district:

• Create a comprehensive sexual misconduct policy that is equally available for students, parents, employees and others affected by sexual misconduct to find information regarding the district’s rules and procedures, including the rights of students and the obligations of the district and its employees.

• Provide training on the policy for all employees, school board members, students and local law enforcement representatives.

• Establish procedures for regularly reviewing, evaluating and updating the

policy. Review the desired outcome for each stakeholder to determine how success is defined and measured. By identifying outcomes that can be monitored jointly, there can be a clear way of demonstrating progress.

• Create opportunities that provide counseling, advocacy, health, mental health and other support for victims of sexual misconduct.

• Open up dialogue between school districts in order to share both the strengths and needs of each district’s policy, and create task forces made up of the entire community who are emboldened to act on behalf of change.

Luis Morales’ preliminary hearing was scheduled for Sept. 28; therefore, this newspaper does not yet know his projected sentence or the fate of where his crimes will take him. Yet, our focus here is not on Morales, nor is it trained on the hollowed and ashen faces of teachers whose photographs regularly appear in our newspapers, on our television screens and on our social media. Each of them deserves the punishment they deserve. Rather, our attention remains on their victims, whose stories too often remain burrowed in the horrible silence of a memory repeated endlessly, and whose faces we often never see.

Lawrence blasts Wolf administration’s inaction on COVID testing

State Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester/Lancaster)

recently called out the Wolf administration’s failure to address persistent issues related to COVID-19 test processing at the state laboratory.

“We can all agree on the need for robust COVID-

19 testing availability,” said Lawrence, speaking on the House floor. “But eighteen months after we first heard about the coronavirus, data released by the Department of Health shows that the Wolf administration continues to neglect the state laboratory.”

Last September, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) called the Exton-based lab a “limiting factor” in the state’s coronavirus testing efforts, noting the facility could not handle newly ordered testing equipment due to a lack of space. A recently

released report indicates that a year later, DOH has done little to resolve the issue.

“A year later, the administration still cannot find space to ramp up COVID testing? Where are their priorities?”

Lawrence asked, noting that Pennsylvania spends

more to test racehorses through the Department of Agriculture than it does to process COVID-19 tests at the Exton laboratory.

Lawrence added that legislation will be introduced by the end of September to address the report’s findings.

“It is unacceptable that the Wolf administration hasn’t taken steps to address these issues,” said Lawrence. “I will introduce comprehensive legislation to address the state’s continued shortcomings on COVID-19 testing. We need to get this right.”

Williams votes to extend flood emergency declaration

As a prime co-sponsor, Rep. Craig Williams (RDelaware/Chester) voted in

Wolf’s Aug. 31 disaster emergency declaration relative to the aftereffects of Hurricane Ida.

The 160th District was badly hit with flooding, particularly in the historic district of Chadds Ford Township. The Brandywine Creek crested over 21 feet, which is the biggest flood in the history of Chadds Ford. The first floor of some businesses and homes were completely flooded, causing damage to the ceilings. In Pocopson Township, some resident’s homes were completely swept away, off their foundations.

expected.

“Hurricane Ida had a serious impact on many of the residents and businesses in Chadds Ford and Pocopson townships,” stated Williams. “As that extensive recovery effort continues, renewing the disaster declaration is clearly necessary. I will continue to work hard to bring the help I know they need.”

The Chadds Ford Township Disaster Recovery Center will be open Mondays thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Chadds Ford Township Building, 10 Ring Road, Chadds Ford, for residents and businesses recovering from the catastrophic damages caused by Hurricane Ida. Walk-ins are welcome.

State Rep. Craig

(R- Delaware/Chester) voted in support of House Resolution 139, which would extend the provisions of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Aug. 31 disaster emergency declaration relative to the aftereffects of Hurricane Ida.

support of House Resolution 139, which would extend the provisions of Gov. Tom home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover. To view Williams’ comments during the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and on the House floor regarding House Resolution 139, please visit www.repcraigwilliams.com. The House voted unanimously in support of House Resolution 139. It was introduced by

“I am proud to extend my support of this crucial measure,” said Williams. “In May, Pennsylvania voters approved two constitutional amendments giving the Legislature a greater say in the management of disaster emergency situations, this is the exact type of cooperative management they

For counties with major disaster declarations, assistance may include grants for temporary housing and

Kohler Crushed Stone Showers By Home Smart

Home Smart Industries is the areas only Authorized Dealer of Kohler’s LuxStone shower wall system made of 70% real crushed marble and professionally installed at prices comparable to acrylic showers. When you have our Kohler LuxStone Design Consultants to your home for a Design Consultation, you will be given an exact, to the penny price including all labor, materials, removal, haul away, installation and permits. No surprise costs AND we honor that price for 1 year GUARANTEED.

All of the design and product selection is done in your home, saving you time and ensuring the choices work perfectly with your space. We offer senior & military discounts as well as other discounts plus financing so a shower remodel is affordable on any budget.Don’t cover your problem up with a tub or shower liner. Design your bathtub or shower replacement with our trained and certified Specialists at a price you can afford.

“Great experience with Home Smart. I collected a couple quotes for a bathtub/surround replacement. Home Smart offered the most aesthetically pleasing option at a competitive price. They also beat the installation lead time estimate by ~4 weeks. Ken and Tony came and efficiently completed the install. My house is old and there were challenges to work with, but they worked through them and in the end, product looks really great. Thanks!”

Stars, 374 reviews

Now 4-1 overall, Blue Demons host Downington on Oct. 1

Frazier, Sparacino lead Kennett to a 31-14 victory

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer

As the 3-1 Kennett Blue Demons varsity football team took the home field last Friday night against Chichester, the memory of their 23-0 loss to Bayard Rustin just one week before still lingered fresh in the memory of every player and coach.

The loss served as the only blemish on the season, and after coughing up its opening kick-off, managing only a slim 3-0 lead on a 35-yard field goal by kicker Ryan Parker after the first quarter and heading into halftime down 6-3, an ominous feeling of déjà vu permeated the home team sidelines.

In the second half, however, the Blue Demons took the canvas of the 30 minutes a second half of football allows and painted it with resilience, big plays and scoring, led by quarterback Jalen Frazier and running back Julian Sparacino and a tight defense that led Kennett to a 31-14 victory on Senior Night at Kennett Stadium.

For the Eagles, their offensive work in the first half was dominated by the rushing of Quadir Blackwell, Zyair Bush and Staring Reaves, culminating in a scoring drive that began late in the second quarter, on carries by all three that moved the ball from the Kennett 37 yardline to its own 39. On fourth down and nine with 2:53 left in the first half, Blackwell tossed a TD strike to Reaves that gave Chichester (1-2 overall) a

6-3 lead at the half.

As the first half got underway, Reaves struck again, returning the opening kick-off 93 yards to the Kennett 3 yard-line, a stunning set-up to what could have staked the Eagles to a substantial lead. On the second play from scrimmage, however, Blackwell lost control of the ball which was then recovered by Kennett.

Deep within his own end zone, Frazier led his team on a march up the field, and with 2:45 left in the third, he side-swiped defenders for a 23-yard TD run that gave the Blue Demons a 10-6 lead, one that they would never relinquish.

“I saw my offensive line, bodies on bodies,” Frazier said. “It tells you about their physicality. They helped Sparacino and me just drive down the field. That was all them, becasue they just gave us open holes to run through all night.”

While Frazier and Sparacino and Kennett’s offensive line were leading the charge with the ball in the second half, the Blue Demon defense shone with big plays of their own.

Beginning the fourth quarter with the ball on its 40 yard-line, the Kennett defense stopped Chichester’s drive that forced a punt on fourthand-26, which was subsequently blocked near midfield and collared in by linebacker Josh Barlow, who ran in for the score with 10:49 left in the game to extend Kennett’s lead to 17-6.

On its next possession, however, Chichester

answered back with a scoring strike of its own.

Inheriting the ball on its own 34 yard-line, Reaves took the snap from Blackwell and sprinted up the visiting team’s sidelines to the Kennett 7 yard-line, and after carries by Bush moved the ball to within the two, Blackwell scored on a QB keeper on fourthand-two with 7:45 left. A two-point conversion was good, and suddenly, Chichester was within reach, 17-14.

On Kennett’s next set of downs, successive offensive holding penalties pushed the Blue Demon ball back, giving them a third-and long disadvantage on their own 22 yard-line. A 26-yard sprint by Frazier moved the ball to near midfield, and on fourth-and-four,

Frazier then galloped to the Chichester 46 yardline, giving Kennett a first down.

Sparacino then took a Frazier hand-off and ran virtually untouched into the end zone that jumped Kennett to a 24-14 lead with 4:53 left in the game. With less than four minutes remaining in the game, linebacker Will Oscar’s sack of Blackwell at the Eagles’ 9 yard-line -- one of two sacks Oscar notched in the game’s last moments -- ended Chichester’s last scoring effort, and with 2:42 remaining, Frazier again handed to Sparacino, whose two-yard run served as his second TD of the game and iced the scoring for Kennett.

“After our first loss last week, it was demoralizing to be shut out at

home,” said Kennett head coach Lance Frazier. “We were still in the thick of it league-wise, but we needed to bounce back. It is Senior Night, we’re at our place, and as coaches we didn’t want to ruin this for our seniors.”

Despite having a 4-1 lead halfway through the season, Frazier said that he expects a tough road ahead, with a home game against Downingtown West on Oct. 1 and an Oct. 8 game at cross-town rival Unionville. His teams’ second-half performance was a good indication that his team has the fortitude to compete with a tough schedule.

“We’ve been in a lot of close games -- a lot of slugit-out games – and I think we’re going to see that across the league this year,”

Frazier said. “I don’t think there will be any walkovers or walkthroughs. Every week we have to show up. To be able to win the tough ones — and to recover the second half like we did and play Blue Demon football — says a lot about our character.

“It’s our attitude. It’s our mindset. It’s our coaches. Our kids believe in us because they know we believe in them, so any obstacle put in front of us, they have been coached through those situations. We’re the underdog every week, but we manage to get our guys to believe they are bigger than they are, and that they can battle out of every situation.”

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

Outten receives DAR’s most prestigious honor

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Historic Preservation Medal was awarded to Andrew M. Outten in a recent ceremony held on the hallowed ground of Birmingham Hill Preserve in Birmingham Township.

One of only twelve recipients nationwide to receive DAR’s most prestigious honor, Outten is well known for his work as a historical researcher and educator about topics related to the battle of Brandywine and the colonial era. He is also recognized for generously volunteering his time and

expertise in support of many local preservation efforts.

The ceremony was held on Birmingham Hill, the site where on the afternoon of September 11, 1777, General Howe’s troops, having marched past Strode’s Mill and headed southeast, outflanked General Washington’s forces in fierce and sustained conflict.

The wall of the Birmingham Meeting House across Birmingham Road provided the first line of defense for the Continental Army and is the site of the common

grave for those who perished during the battle of Brandywine and its aftermath. The award ceremony was organized by the Chester County Chapter of DAR and the Brandywine Conservancy, which preserves and protects these 113 acres under permanent easement.

Outten’s family and friends joined representatives from the Granite Corinthian Lodge #34 of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons where he is the Past Master, professional colleagues from the Brandywine Battlefield Associates, members of the

DAR, representatives of the Brandywine Conservancy, and elected officials to share accolades, and expressions of praise and thankfulness for Outten’s scholarship and outstanding contributions to historic preservation. In the words of Denise VanBuren, the president general of DAR, “I commend him in the highest terms for ensuring that the events of September 11, 1777 will not be forgotten. And I salute him for his dedication to sharing the stories of the heroes who fought and died here so that we may live as a free and independent people.”

Additional Obituaries on page 5B

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.

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.

STEPHEN P. HICKEY, JR.

Stephen P. Hickey, Jr., a resident of Downingtown, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on Sept. 12. He was 44. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Stephen P., Sr., and Joyce Cannon Hickey.

Stephen was self-employed as a tree surgeon with his father’s company, Steve’s Tree Service of West Chester and was previously employed with Monster Tree Service in Frazer, Pa.

Stephen enjoyed fishing, cars, the outdoors, sketching and tattooing. He loved spending time talking and living life with his family, an endless amount of friends, and his love, Sara. He was the type of guy that would listen and honestly

give you the shirt off his back. Above all this, Stephen loved his children immensely.

He is survived by his two sons, Morgan Hickey and Cameron Hickey; two daughters, Coral Hickey and Cynthia Hickey; one brother, Jesse Hickey; and partner, Sara Ford.

A memorial service was held on Sept. 22 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

A Celebration of Life for Steve will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Coral and Cynthia, c/o Jesse Hickey, 529 Main St., apt. A, Parkesburg, Pa. 19365.

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

The Chester County Press publishes obituaries free of charge for funeral homes with active advertising accounts only. Others with a connection to southern Chester County are charged a modest fee. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received with a Monday 5pm deadline. They are also posted on www.chestercounty. com. Photos should be sent as .jpeg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press or for a rate quote, email the information to editor@chestercounty.com.

TheChesterCountyPressfeaturesadedicatedchurch/religious pagethatcanhelpyouadvertiseyourhouseofworshipand/or business.Thepageisupdatedweeklywithnewscripture.Only$10 Weeklyforthisspace. Weareofferingaspecialdiscountof25%offeachandeveryhelp wanted/classifiedadvertisementtoanybusinessthatadvertiseson thePRESSchurchpage.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Brenda Butt at 610-869-5553 ext. 10

against the estate are to make known the same to the undersigned, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment to the undersigned as well. Robert Pastorius (Administrator), C/O Thomas E. Martin, Jr., Esquire, 201 S. Broad St., P.O. Box 392 , Kennett Square, PA 19348 9p-15-3t

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF W. Ronald Kepler, also known as William Ronald Kepler, late of Lower Oxford Township, Chester County, Deceased. Letters Testamentary on the estate of the above named W. Ronald Kepler having been granted

to the undersigned, all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the said decedent are requested to make known the same and all persons indebted to the said decedent to make payment without delay to: Hope H. Kepler, Executrix c/o Attorney: Winifred Moran Sebastian, Esquire, 208 E. Locust Street, P.O. Box 381, Oxford, PA 19363, Phone: 610-932-3838 9p-22-3t

FICTITIOUS NAME REGISTRATION

An application for registration of the fictitious name Open Learning Systems at 210 Penn Avenue, Oxford, PA 19363, was filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is James D. Cornelius, 210 Penn Avenue, Oxford, PA 19363.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is given that the Board of Supervisors of New Garden Township will hold a public hearing to consider passage of the following ordinance at 7:00 PM on October 18, 2021 at its Municipal Building located at 299 Starr Road, Landenberg, PA 19350. Following the public hearing, the Board will consider the enactment of the proposed ordinance during its regular meeting of October 18, 2021. The preamble and summary follow: An Ordinance pursuant to the SECOND CLASS

TOWNSHIP CODE, as amended,

Amending the code of ordinances of New Garden township as a result of the sale of the new GARDEN wastewater systems By repealing CHAPTER 6, MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES, articles i AND ii; repealing chapter 149, sewage sludge; AMENDING CHAPTER 152, SEWERS, By Amending ARTICLE I, MANDATORY CONNECTION, §§152-1 through 152-3, AMENDING ARTICLE II, TAPPING FEES, §§152-7 and 152-9 and repealing article ii, tapping fees, §§152-8, 152-10, and the tapping fee schedule, REPEALING ARTICLE III, SEWER RENTS AND CHARGES, AMENDING ARTICLE IV, PROTECTED SEWAGE DISTRICT, §§152-19 and 152-24, REPEALING article v, Connections; reservation of capacity, and article vi, sewage pump regulations, amending article vii, sewage grinder pumps, §§152-39 through 152-46, Amending Article viii, use of retaining tanks, §152-55; amending chapter I70, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT, by amending article ii, terminology, §170-5, definitions, amending article Iv, procedures, §17010.B.(2), Plan submission standards, §170-14.C, SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT, §17015.E(2), REQUIRED GUARANTEES, §170-17.C., PERMITS, AND §17018, AS-BUILT PLAN SUBMISSION, AMENDING ARTICLE VI, DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS, §170-39 EASEMENTS AND OTHER UTILTIES, AND §170-41, SANITARY SEWERS AND AMENDING ARTICLE IX, IMPROVEMENT CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS, §170-67, INSPECTIONS AND §170-71, DEDICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS; AND BY AMENDING CHAPTER 200, ZONING, BY amending ARTICLE II, DEFINITIONS AND WORD USAGE, §200-9, definitions, AMENDING ARTICLE III, ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS, §200-15.1, PUBLIC WATER AND SEWER, AMENDING ARTICLE IX, C/I COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT, §200-5.c, CONDITIONAL USES, AMENDING ARTICLE XI, UNIFIED DEVElOPMENT DISTRICT, §200-55.e, QUALIFYING CONDITIONS, amending ARTICLE XVI, DESIGN STANDARDS, §20099.b, general regulations, AMENDING ARTICLE XVII, SUPPLEMENTAL USE REGULATIONS BY AMENDING §200124, HOME OCCUPATIONS, §200-132, RESIDENTIAL CONVERSIONS, AND ADDING A NEW §200-135.1, PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITIES; AND BY PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE. EFFECTIVE five days from the date of enactment. This ordinance repeals or amends provisions of the Code of Ordinances as a result of the sale of the New Garden wastewater treatment and collection systems to Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc., a public utility. A summary of

each of the provisions of the proposed ordinance follows:

Section 1. Repeals Chapter 6 pertaining to the New Garden General Authority and New Garden Township Sewer Authority.

Section 2. Repeals Chapter 149 pertaining to disposal of sewage sludge.

Sections 3 - 10. Amend Chapter 152, Sewers, by amending mandatory connection and certain tapping fees provisions, repealing certain tapping fee provisions and the tapping fee schedule, repealing sewer rents and charges, amending provisions applicable to the protected sewage district, repealing certain provisions applicable to connections, reservation of capacity, and sewage pump regulations, and amending sewage grinder pumps and use of retaining tanks provisions.

Sections 11 - 14. Amend Chapter 170, Subdivision and Land Development, by amending definitions and provisions related to procedures, plan submission standards, subdivision and land development agreements, required guarantees, permits, as-built plan submissions, design and improvement standards, easements and other utilities, sanitary sewers, improvement construction requirements, inspections and dedication and acceptance of public improvements.

Sections 15 -20. Amend Chapter 200, Zoning, by amending definitions and provisions relating to the establishment of districts, public water and sewer, C/I Commercial Industrial District by permitting a public utility facility by conditional use, amending unified development district qualifying conditions regulations, design standards, supplemental use regulations, home occupations, residential conversions, and adding a new §200-135.1 pertaining to standards for public utility facilities permitted by conditional use.

Section 21. Saves from repeal accrued rights and obligations including pending claims and liens.

Section 22. Effective five (5) days after enactment. A full text copy of the draft ordinance is available for public examination without charge or may be obtained for a charge not greater than the cost thereof at the Municipal Building. For more information, please contact Ramsey Reiner, Township Manager (610-268-2915).

William R. Christman III, Township Solicitor 9p-29-2t

NOTICE:

Notice: Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the 2022 Budget. The meeting will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA 19390. The public is invited to attend. 9p-29-1t

Sheriff Sale of Real Estate By virtue of the within mentioned writs directed to Sheriff Fredda L. Maddox, the herein-described real estate will be sold at public sale in the Chester County Justice Center at 201 W Market Street, 3rd Floor, Room 3300, West Chester, Pennsylvania, as announced on Thursday, October 21st, 2021 at 11AM. Notice is given to all parties in interest and claimants that the Sheriff will file with the Prothonotary and in the Sheriff’s Office, both located in the Chester County Justice Center, 201 W Market Street, West Chester, Pennsylvania, Schedules of Distribution on Monday, November 22nd, 2021. Distribution will be made in accordance with the Schedules unless exceptions are filed in the Sheriff’s Office within ten (10) days thereafter.

SALE NO. 21-10-107 Writ of Execution No. 2015-07822 DEBT $45,196.73

ALL THAT CERTAIN lot or piece of ground, SITUATE in Franklin Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania, bounded and described according to a final subdivision plan for Thompson Estates, made by Brandywine Valley Engineers, Inc. dated 4/28/1995, last revised 1/17/1996

BEING

PLAINTIFF: Wright Restoration Services, Inc VS DEFENDANT: Al Cruciano & Mary Jane Cruciano

SALE ADDRESS: 139 Thompson Circle, Landenberg, PA 19350

PLAINTIFF ATTORNEY: LAMB McERLANE PC 610-430-8000

N.B. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase money must be paid at the time and place of sale. Payment must be paid in cash, certified check, or money order made payable to the purchaser or “Sheriff of Chester County”. The balance must be made payable to

Lincoln University receives gift from The Center For Forensic Science Research & Education

Lincoln University recently received a $15,000 gift from The Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE) that supports undergraduate research and co-curricular programs in forensic science at HBCUs.

During a recent partnership meeting between CFSRE and the department of chemistry & physics at Lincoln University’s Ivory V. Nelson Science Center, Dr. Barry Logan, CFSRE executive director, presented Dr. Tom Gluodenis, associate professor of chemistry & physics with a check in support of forensic

science research for Lincoln University students.

This was the group’s first in-person meeting since signing a memorandum of understanding in September 2020.

“I am grateful to the CFSRE for this generous gift in support of STEM education and the creation of new research opportunities in forensic science for Lincoln University students,” Gluodenis said. “I look forward to our continued partnership in educating the next generation of practitioners.”

In addition to providing experiential learning

opportunities for students in STEM disciplines, the partnership with CFSRE will help Lincoln expand the variety of degree programs in the Chemistry & Physics department.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to support Lincoln and its students, and to find additional creative ways to introduce them to the exciting possibilities of a career path in the forensic sciences,” Logan said.

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Kennett Square resident has created two out of 10 recipes that are finalists in national rice contest

Lisa Keys of Kennett Square has created two out of 10 recipes that are finalists in the Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe Contest.

Cooks and chefs from around the U.S. are vying –until Sept. 30 – for the 2021 People’s Choice title and a cash prize on the website, http://mnwildrice.org.

Keys’ recipes are for Wild

Rice Brazilian Stew for Two and Salsa Verde Wild Rice Chicken Stew, and you can see how tasty the dishes look on the website.

For 12 years, the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council has hosted its Get Wild with Wild Rice Recipe Contest, providing talented cooks a way to express their creativity.

John Orr Kinnaird, a resident of Nottingham, died at home of natural causes on Sept. 3. His death followed shortly after the death of his wife of 60 years, Bertha Lloyd Hunt, who passed away on June 2. He was cared for at home in his last months and was surrounded by his family in his final days.

Mr. Kinnaird was born in Brookville, Pa. to Malissa Knappenberger and Malcolm Kinnaird. He was a graduate of the Milton Hershey School in central Pennsylvania, and of The General Motors Institute.

In the 1950s John was specially selected for a onetime draft into the Sea Bees and served in Rhode Island. Returning to civilian life, he met his beloved wife, Bertha Lloyd Hunt, and they married on Nov. 25, 1960.

JOSEPH FRANCIS HOUGHTON

Joseph Francis Houghton, 57, of Kennett Square, passed away on Sept. 22 at his residence. He was the husband for over 14 years of Angela “Angie” Dawn (Ehrhart) Houghton and loving father of Stella Grace Houghton. Born on Aug. 5, 1964 in Philadelphia, he was the son of Francis Joseph and Barbara Ann (Downs) Houghton.

He was a graduate of Salesianum School, Wilmington, Del. in the class of 1982. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Widener University. He worked for over 25 years for Anthony & Sylvan Pools in Doylestown.

He was a huge Notre Dame football fan and loved to play soccer. He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Kennett Square. Most of all, he loved his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, daughter and parents, Mr. Houghton is survived by his siblings, Michael Houghton (Eileen), Barbara Rizzo (William), Daniel Houghton (Jordan), Melissa Singleton (Syrome), Stephen Houghton, and William Houghton (Katie). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Karen and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Frank Houghton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 212 Meredith St., Kennett Square, Pa. 19348. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Houghton’s name to The B+ Foundation, 101 Rockland Circle, Wilmington, Del. 19803 or by visiting www.BePositive.org.

Please visit the online memorial by going to www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

JOHN ORR KINNAIRD

In 1968, John moved his growing family to Nottingham. John spent the majority of his engineering career with the Sun Oil Company. He retired as chief project engineer in 1992. Mr. Kinnaird’s life was given to serving God’s church, raising his family, and tending his farm. He served as a ruling elder in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, and as the first lay-moderator of the Orthodox Presbyterian General Assembly in 1987. He was instrumental in the development of communications systems and voice synthesizers for non-verbal people like his son, John. He raised his children to love and serve God, all of whom continue his tradition of serving as leaders and teachers in their own churches. He spent decades creating his farm, Ebeneezer Acres, as a retreat for inner-city churches, various ministries and his friends and family.

John is preceded in death by his wife Bertha, his son,

LOUIS D. WOOD, III

Louis D. Wood, III, 52, of Nottingham, passed away on Sept. 21 at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Del.

He was the husband of Kimberly McNiss Wood, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of Louis D., II and Norma Price Wood of Nottingham.

Louie graduated from Oxford Area High School in the class of 1987.

He was employed as a 2nd shift warehouse manager with Herr Foods in Nottingham for 36 years.

Louie was a member of the Union Fire Company No. 1, Oxford for 32 years and served as past deputy chief, lieutenant, captain and driver.

He was everyone’s “go-to” person and could fix anything. He enjoyed cutting his yard, going to concerts, watching the Pittsburgh Steelers football games with the love of his life, Kim, and hunting and teaching his nephew all the ropes in life.

Louie was the best uncle to Kristina, Nicholas and Sianna. They could not have asked for a better one. He was always there and would have done anything for them. There is no way to describe the bond between Louie and Nick. Nick was the son he never had.

He is survived by his wife; parents; maternal grandmother, Maxine Price of Avondale; two sisters, Kim Masciantonio of Oxford and Jennifer Jackson of Nottingham; one nephew, Nicholas Masciantonio; two nieces, Kristina Masciantonio and Sianna Jackson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Frank Wood, Stella Wood and Clalley Price.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 25 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be in Oxford Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Union Fire Co. No. 1, 315 Market St., Oxford, Pa. 19363.

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

John, his brothers, Bill and Lee and his sister, Lois. He is survived by his daughters, Malissa (with husband Clint Files) and Deborah (with husband James Perry) and sons, Malcolm (with wife Justine Ryba) and David (with wife Rachael Barker). He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and their spouses: John Files, Thompson Files, Hunt Kinnaird, Katharine Perry, Addie Anderson, Blair Files, Grace Kinnaird, John Perry, Robert Kinnaird, James Perry, Finley Kinnaird, and Drew Kinnaird. He is also mourned by the many friends and family who knew him as Uncle John. Mr. Kinnaird’s memorial was held on Sept. 25 at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Oxford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Additional information can be found on the website of the Collins Funeral Home, at ecollinsfuneralhome.com.

Together

BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED TO APRIL D. CUSTER WHO ACQUIRED TITLE BY VIRTUE OF A DEED FROM KATHRYN D. PEOPLES, DATED MARCH 5, 2014, RECORDED MARCH 6, 2014, AT DOCUMENT ID 11334490, AND RECORDED IN BOOK 8894, PAGE 58, OFFICE OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

PARCEL NO.: 60-5-15.22

PLAINTIFF: PNC Bank, National Association

Chester County Sheriff’s Office recognizes 9-11 responder Sgt. Paul Bryant, Jr.

The Chester County Sheriff’s Office recently honored Sgt. Paul Bryant, Jr., who travelled with his former K-9 partner Azeem to Ground Zero in New York City to search for missing persons shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Humble and quiet about his 2001 role in New York since he came to Chester County six years ago, Bryant’s recognition as a hero at the Saturday, Sept. 11 Phillies game was what finally tipped off his current coworkers about his past service.

Forty-eight hours after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, Bryant, who was then a member of the Philadelphia Police Department, responded to a call for cadaver dog assistance from the City of New York. Bryant was joined by his former K-9 partner Azeem and Kevin Pancoast, an officer with the Deptford, New Jersey Police Department who served as his “spotter.”

The trio traveled to a site that looked like a MASH unit close to the collapsed buildings, according to Bryant. He and Pancoast received tetanus and other immunization boosters, special identification badges, helmets and a room assignment in a nearby

school where they could take breaks and sleep.

Wearing uniforms and protective masks, Bryant with K-9 Azeem and Pancoast worked 20 hours in two days.

Bryant and Azeem searched the World Trade Center rubble for bodies and Pancoast watched out for the safety of the K-9 team. Azeem and Bryant worked in the giant pile that smelled of jet fuel and burned wreckage. When the team left New York before dawn the second morning to return home, people lined the streets to wave and express thanks.

Two weeks later, Bryant and members of the Philadelphia Police Department K-9 team returned to the site to clean the New York Police Department’s K-9 kennels so officers there could get relief. They also took Tastykakes and pretzels to those still working in the area. Horrors aside, Bryant said he will never forget the response of so many people. “It felt like we were all one—black, white, individuals, police, business owners, search-and-rescue teams from all over the world,” he said. People and businesses provided food, phone batteries, clothing and dog

Sgt. Paul Bryant, Jr. at the Philadelphia Phillies game where he was honored for being one of the first responders who helped New York City in the days following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

food. A portable veterinary station gave Azeem a bath and a medical exam.

Bryant is now the supervisor of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office’s K-9 Unit and a trainer for other handlers and K-9s that track drugs, explosives and cadavers.

Commemorating 20 years after September 11, the Phillies gave Sgt. Bryant and his current K-9 partner, Don, a hero’s reception on the diamond. Photos of Bryant throwing the first pitch at the Phillies game,

Azeem on the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, and Bryant and Don flashed on the Jumbotron’s screen as they waved from the field to cheering spectators.

“On September 11 each year, we recall where we were and mourn lost loved ones. But we don’t hear much about Chester County heroes who were first responders at the World Trade Center 20 years ago,” said Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox. “Today we celebrate our own—Sgt. Paul Bryant, Jr.”

Mary Anne Steele, a sales leader of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS welcomed Stephanie Miller as a sales associate in the Chadds Ford Office.

“I chose to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach because they are one of the most trusted names in real estate and because of the empowerment they provide to their agents to become the best they can be,” said Miller. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices provides their agents with top level training and support to help with their business and form relationships for a successful future.” Miller resides in Aston with her two sons and can be contacted at 610-633-6579 or by emailing stephanie.miller@foxroach.com.