What To Do: Patriot’s Day on Saturday

And Christmas cheer gets into full swing this weekend
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
“Patriot Day” is celebrated in September to remember those lost on 9.11 and New England has “Patriots’ Day,” which is celebrated in April to commemorate the battles of Lexington and Concord. New England also has the NFL team the New England Patriots and Patriots’ fans are prone to celebrating...
On Stage: Book of Mormon returns to Philadelphia

Also: Post-Thanksgiving club scene rocks
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
“The Book of Mormon” is back in Philadelphia and will run at The Kimmel Center through Dec. 27.
It’s been almost five years since “The Book of Mormon” made its debut at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York. During its first year, the show was consistently one of the top five best-selling shows on...
On Stage Extra: Chris Robinson Brotherhood at TLA

Lots of great live music options this week
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
If you’re looking for a bit of entertainment before being buried in the Thanksgiving holidays — there more than a few good options, starting tonight.
If you want to attend a concert on November 22, you can have your choice of a folk/blues/psychedelic rock band, an indie rock...
Attacks on Paris hit home

A time for vigilance — and thanks for all that we have
By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times
Two years ago, my husband and I were in Paris celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. It was a dream of mine to see the Eiffel Tower and stroll along the Champs Elysee. The city was so beautiful and, contrary to the rumors suggesting otherwise, the French people were very friendly. We marveled...
Delusions and confusion; or just another day in Harrisburg

State pols continue to labor under budget, tax delusions
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Ah, nothing says “holiday seasons” like the ongoing state budget stalemate.
Perfectly, both Democrats and Republicans continue to labor under impressive delusions about the current state of the commonwealth — and the outcomes of some proposed legislation that would provide cornerstones for a possible...
What To Do: Holiday season kicks off this week

Also: Cat, reptile shows, wines at first blush and more this weekend
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Cat lovers can get their fill of thrills at the Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter Cat Fanciers Association 2015 World Championship Cat Show this weekend.
Thanksgiving is getting ready to knock on the door and that means a slew of Christmas-related events will be filling the event calendar...
On Stage: The Play’s The Thing

With holidays looming, productions blossom around Delaware Valley
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
Matilda The Musical is now playing at The Kimmel Center in Philadelphia through Nov. 29.
This is the time right now when several stage productions are muscling their way in and establishing their own space on the area entertainment calendar.
Now through November 29, the Kimmel Center’s...
County Chief of Detectives Vito to retire at end of 2015

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan congratulates Chief of Chester County Detectives James Vito on his retirement, effective at the end of the year.
WEST CHESTER — The county’s top investigative officer, Chester County Detectives Chief James Vito will retire at the end of 2015, District Attorney Tom Hogan said Wednesday.
Vito currently is the longest serving member of the District...
Some thanks, apologies and an update

After two weeks in the hospital, I’m finally on the mend
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
A funny thing happened on the way home from the Octorara-Unionville High School Football game on the night before Halloween: I got really, really sick.
So sick, I ended up in a local emergency room with what ultimately turned out to be a massive gastrointestinal infection. As that institution declined...