Malvern Prep honors class of 2015

June 4 Commencement to bond history and bright futures The presentation of the Kevin J. Fitzpatrick ’81 Senior Class Award to Nick Parente of Lincoln University (second from right) and Brian Rawlins of West Chester (third from right). At left are Steve Valyo ’70, Assistant Head of School, and Christian Talbot, Head of School. At right is the Rev. Jim Flynn, O.S.A., President. Malvern, Pa. –...

UCF mom expands unique cycling studio to Main Line

2nd location provides residents & commuters increased flexibility to “Get Fit and Ryde!’ WEST CHESTER, PA – When Erica Burns relocated from Long Island, N.Y. to the Philadelphia suburbs in 2012 due to her husband’s job, she had no idea her own professional success would blossom as well. While getting her family of five situated in their new Kennett Square home, Burns came upon Fit Ryde,...

Words of wisdom for the Class of 2015

A few thoughts on what I wish I’d known when I was 18 By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Dear Graduates, Every year, I try my best to find something meaningful to say as yet another class vacates the halls of Unionville High (where my children attend school). It is true that with age comes wisdom. And, here is how I know I am sufficiently “old” enough I put a request for advice...

Good Stuff is BACK…all-stars to academics, Chesco has good stuff to share!

Starting Chester County’s summer season with a smile…who do YOU know in this week’s Good Stuff? Got good stuff to share? Email your submissions to ki*@*********es.com and be a part of the fun! Pomp and Circumstance…Congratulations to Shawn Mengel Coatesville Area High’s 2015 Valedictorian… This leading ‘Red Raider’ will begin roaring with the Drexel University...

What To Do: 44th annual Strawberry Festival rocks

Also: Downingtown Fine Arts Fest, Bonsai at Brandywine River Museum By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times One of the best signs that summer is just around the corner is the annual Brandywine Health Foundation’s Strawberry Festival. This weekend, the 44th Annual Strawberry Festival will take place on the grounds of the Brandywine Hospital (201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville, 610-380-9080,...

Is it time to look at the role of standardized tests in schools?

Also: if teacher unions demand raises, they should say what to cut from education programs to pay for it By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The rising tide against Common Core continues to obscure a growing, but still under discussed debate about the value and quality of standardized testing in our schools. While it seems increasingly likely that a passing grade on the Keystone tests will not end...

‘Day of Beauty’ for area veterans

A special approach to honoring those who serve This Memorial Day, veterans from the Coatesville VA Medical Center received a ‘Day of Beauty’ thanks to the staff of AseraCare Hospice and Palliative Medicine – Philadelphia, and the students from Empire Beauty School – Exton. The caring students and staff provided complimentary haircuts; along with a bit of pampering comfort, as their special...

Art Watch: Steeling the town in Kennett Sq.

Busy spring art scene continues into June with showings and events By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times Any casual strollers through Kennett Square in the past weeks would have been stopped in their tracks at the new public art sign for Philter coffee house in downtown Kennett Square across from Talula’s Table.  It is a stunningly beautiful combination of welded and forged steel, which combines...

On Stage: Steven Wilson’s music tells a story

Great Valley grad Kevin Manning celebrates new EP release By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times British progressive rock star Steven Wilson has a wide range of accomplishments. Wilson, who plays two area shows this weekend, has a new album that tells a story of isolation and loss. In the rock music world — especially the world of prog rock — Steven Wilson is like a Renaissance Man....

Kennett supervisors salute McCarthy on retirement

Long-time police chief served area for 42 years By Jacquelyn Kennedy, Correspondent, The Times Retiring Kennett Police Chief Albert McCarthy (left) is saluted by the township’s Board of Supervisors (back from left, Robert Hammaker, Richard Leff and Scudder Stevens with Township Manager Lisa Moore) with acting township Police Chief Lydell Nolt (right). KENNETT — The township’s Board of...