Art Watch: At new year’s looking back and ahead

While 2015 was exciting, 2016 promises even more on the local art scene
By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times
If you are hanging around Kennett Square until the Mushroom drops on New Year’s Eve, swing by Mala Galleria’s opening for artist Joe Jacobs from 7-10pm December 31st. You will undoubtedly recognize Joe Jacob’s signature watercolor horse paintings, as well as many other smaller...
On Stage: West Chester’s Jones looking to make break out

Also: Dark Blue’s Delco roots, and much more
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
West Chester’s Eliza Hardy Jones sings and plays keyboard for grace Potter, but is now launching a solo career with a new album and local live performances.
Westtown School has a long tradition of producing graduates who excel in their fields — from classical pianist/jazz vocalist Mindy Rhodes...
Out with the old, in with the new….state constitution?

Dysfunction, failure points to need to revise 1968 state constitution
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Happy Old Year!
Or, same old, same old.
With precious few days left in 2015, the ongoing battle of the budget for the state of Pennsylvania continues unabated.
There is, to be sure, lots and lots of blame to be shared by all sides, from a state legislature that seems not to know what it wants...
Costello announces Congressional App Challenge

Washington, DC – Congressman Ryan Costello (PA-06) announced that his office is now accepting entries for the Congressional App Challenge. The contest, open to high school students in Pennsylvania’s Sixth Congressional District, encourages students to program and design their own original applications, known as “apps,” for electronic devices. Sponsored by the Internet Education...
Wolf calls GOP budget ‘garbage;’ line-item vetoes much of it

But some funds will flow to local schools and social services as dispute continues
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Updated, 3:40 p.m.: adds GOP House leadership comments.
While school districts and social service agencies in Chester County can finally look forward to seeing some state funds finally come their way after a six-month state budget standoff, Gov. Tom Wolf signaled Tuesday clearly...
Op/Ed: State Courts seek to control county row office operations

Judiciary hungry to seize fees that help keep local taxes down
By Terri Clark, Chester County Register of Wills
Terri Clark
With Pennsylvania locked in a five-month budget impasse, the state’s Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is creating something that already exists at public expense. As our schools and non-profits suffer without state funding, AOPC is developing a computer...
What To Do: Dinosaurs to roar into 2016

Plus: New Year’s Eve rocks in Kennett and around the region
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Delaware Museum of Natural History presents its Dino Days Festival this coming week.
At the end of each year, the Delaware Museum of Natural History (4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-9111, www.delmnh.org) presents a special event geared for families for the week between...
Counting down the New Year in Kennett Square

Expanded activities highlight the 3rd annual Mushroom Drop and Midnight in the Square
KENNETT SQUARE — At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, in the heart of Kennett Square, a 500 pound stainless steel mushroom glittering with thousands of lights will be lowered with a countdown to the new year. It is the finale of Midnight in the Square, Kennett Square’s family-style New Year’s...
Merry @#$% Christmas: Senate sends Wolf last-minute budget

Gov. won’t say whether he’ll veto budget without pension reform, liquor fixes
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The State Senate sent Gov. Tom Wolf a most unwelcome gift — a $30.2 billion budget bill similar to one he vetoed earlier this year, after a compromise that would have included pension reform and changes to how liquor is sold collapsed, amid a bizarre series of events in...
Art Watch: What gifts inspired you as a child?

Don’t discount how holiday presents may shape the future of someone you love
By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times
When we search for that perfect gift for our children, do you ever wonder what gift they will remember the most? Whether it is the gift of an experience or something purchased, a gift can be the catalyst to discovering a life’s passion. I asked some local successful artists...