Op/Ed: Keep Chester County moving forward

By Charlotte Valyo, Chair, Chester County Democratic Committee Charlotte Valyo While Congressional and Presidential elections usually get the most attention and the highest voter turnout, local elections are where voters can truly have the most impact on their communities. These elections have traditionally been defined by local issues — roads, schools, land preservation, and local taxes,...

Op/Ed: It’s time to set things right

By Dr. Gordon Eck, Chairman, Republican Committee of Chester County Dr. Gordon Eck Thomas Jefferson said, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” In recent weeks and months, there has been an ever-increasing awareness that things have...

What To Do: Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Kennett caps busy weekend

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Dia de Los Muertos Not all of the spirits that came back for Halloween have gone back to their homes in the netherworld. There is still a reason to hang around for a little longer. November 1 is a special day in Mexico and in Mexican American communities throughout the states. It is the day known as “Dia de Los Muertos” — the Day of the...

On Stage: Livingston Taylor welcomes a return to the stage — and live audiences

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Livingston Taylor Livingston Taylor has been around for a long time and plans on being around a lot longer. Taylor, who will be headlining a show on October 30 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com), is a singer-songwriter who made his first album in 1970 and has released more than 20 more...

Commissioners recognize National Community Planning Month

Chester County is celebrating an exciting milestone this year with the 25th anniversary of the Vision Partnership Program (VPP). In recognition of October as National Community Planning Month, the Chester County Commissioners have issued a formal proclamation noting the importance of the county’s local and regional planning initiatives, such as the VPP. The VPP is Chester County’s primary means...

Don’t let anyone tell you differently, your vote matters

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa There’s a temptation to throw up one’s arms and say “it is hopeless. There is nothing I can do.” I fear a lot of people may have that point of view when it comes to voting on Nov. 2. Fatigued from so much bad news, frustration and acting out by a small number of people, I understand why people would just want to ignore all of this, watch Netflix...

Officials celebrate groundbreaking for Coatesville Train Station

Rendering of the Coatesville Tran Station, expected to be completed by 2025. COATESVILLE — Local, state and federal officials gathered here Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction of the city’s new train station — including Gov. Tom Wolf. For many in Chester County, the day marked a major milestone in the decades-long fight to revitalize the county’s...

What To Do: The spooky and just plain fun in abundance this weekend

Hayrides at Hagley By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This weekend, there is a wide variety of activities that can keep people of all interests occupied. Not surprisingly, the schedule is top-heavy with Halloween-related attractions and events. Fortunately, for those who don’t care about Halloween – or have already reached a saturation point with the marketing for the holiday...

On Stage: Dukes of Destiny ready to rock Jamey’s

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Dukes of Destiny The Dukes of Destiny are headlining a show at Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) and it’s a match made in blues heaven. Jamey’s has become the area’s top showcase for regional and national blues acts – a destination for blues band’s tour schedule and...

Inner Nature: Eggs and Seeds

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times I was working in my garden, doing the regular maintenance tasks of weeding and planning my fall plantings. I was planning on gathering seeds from some of my favorite flowers to replant. As I worked, I’d disturb a rock or something (a military joke) and find a germinating weed seed, or a cluster of ants eggs. They were everywhere. Seeds and eggs. Then it struck...