YMCA wants to help make resolutions stick

Members who hope to pursue healthier lifestyles will get assist Hundreds of people make annual New Year’s resolutions to get fit, lose weight, or improve their overall health – often losing the resolve rather than the pounds. This year, the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, which is dedicated to strengthening communities through healthier living, is offering programs to help people keep those...

Can you sum a resolution up in one word?

No list for 2014, just one word — and it’s a challenge By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I read many blogs on a regular basis and one of my favorites is “The Happiness Project” by Gretchen Rubin.  (She wrote a best-selling book by the same title.)  Her idea for a New Year’s Resolution is brilliant, so, I figured I would share and ask for your opinion. Every year, if you...

12 Days of Christmas for the fashionable

Editor’s note: as a bit of a holiday gift to you, our own Kelly Hockenberry has updated the 12 Days of Christmas for modern sensibilities (and maybe a hint or two). Enjoy! By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: Some rain boots from Bur-ber-ry!   On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: 2 leather gloves And some rain...

The winery tasting room – what exactly is that?

Note to readers: this is the first installment of what we expect to be a monthly column on wine — focusing on Chester County wineries, their products and offering a little guidance about wines, how they’re made, sold and differences between varieties. By Lele Galer and Alicia Lyons, Special to The Times Most wineries around the world have tasting rooms which are designed for you to try...

Area YMCAs offering free holiday tryout

From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, residents can sample offerings at no charge The only string attached to this holiday gift is the hope that the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley will be able to attract your patronage, its officials say. From Dec. 26 to 31, YMCAs in the area will be open to the public for free – just in time to counteract the traditional holiday stress and overeating. Even better: The YMCA...

A beautiful way to fight gun violence

Liberty United turns illegal guns, bullets into jewelry By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I know the holidays are a time to be joyful, but they are also a chance to take a moment and reflect on our troubles and tribulations over the past year.  Never has this been a more relevant concept than on the first anniversary of the horrific shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary.  I do not want to...

Porcelain laminate veneers – something to smile about

You can create an entirely new smile in just a few visits By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times What is a veneer? For more than 20 years dentists have had the technology to create lifelike appearing veneers to give teeth a flawless appearance.  Also known as laminates, veneers are usually custom made from porcelain.  Porcelain veneers can make uneven or crooked teeth appear...

Holiday entertaining can be done without stress

A few steps can take the hassle out of hosting By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times The holiday season is in full swing!  Entertaining family and friends can be festive AND stress free if you do it the right way…   Although I looooove the idea of a printed, mailed invitation…let’s be honest, it ain’t happening.  The website “Paperless Post” (www.paperlesspost.com) has a ton...

Observing National Influenza Vaccination Week

County to offer free flu shots Monday at Exton library Don’t take chances with your health, urges the county, which is offering free flu shots on Monday, Dec. 9. In observance of National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 8-14), the Chester County Health Department will offer the free vaccinations – recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older – at the Chester County Library in Exton...

Holiday Super Six: shop well, do good

Great gifts, great causes to consider By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times It’s DECEMBER 1st, everyone!  Time for my Holiday Edition of the Sunday Super Six!  In the spirit of the season, I wanted to feature gifts that give back and found some really incredible things…enjoy! 1. Family Service of Chester County is a non-profit agency providing professional counseling to people of all...