Working to perpetuate Rebecca Lukens’ legacy

Annual award goes to former BVA intern and longtime open-space advocate  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Molly K. Morrison chats with Susannah Brody, playing the role of Rebecca Lukens, at the Eighth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award ceremony in Coatesville. Attired in 19th-century Quaker garb, Susannah Brody provided the voice of Rebecca Lukens, and the elegant Graystone Mansion,...

Preservationist tapped for Rebecca Lukens Award

Natural Lands Trust head lauded by National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum Molly K. Morrison, president of Natural Lands Trust, has been selected as the recipient of the Eighth Annual Rebecca Lukens Award. Photo by Bob Williams Bestowed by the Graystone Society’s National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum in Coatesville, the honor goes to individuals who exhibit the qualities of Rebecca Lukens,...

Volunteers make taxing chore less unpleasant

Life Transforming Ministries offering needy free help with IRS returns It’s that time again: Free tax preparation is being offered to area residents who qualify for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), which is run by Life Transforming Ministries in Coatesville. Modeled after a similar IRS program, VITA has been helping low- and moderate- income households throughout Chester County...

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...

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...

Roundtable on poverty a start, but more is needed

Until there is a collective will to really address poverty, things won’t get better By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times COATESVILLE — With wealth bordering on abundance at times in Chester County, it can be difficult to confront the truth that for many here — arguably far too many — poverty remains a stark reality and a reality that in recent years has gotten worse. This past week, six...

Political news and notes: 2014 legislative races kicking off

Final write-in results show poor turnout, participation in 2013 By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The political news cycle never seems to end these days, on the heels of the final write-in election results being posted Friday, we have a batch of new candidate announcements or pending announcements in 2014 state legislative races — and even, it seems — an early hint about a 2016 race. First...

Getting teens fired up about public service

County course offers opportunity for hands-on experience By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times As her colleagues watch, Hayleigh Hunter, 17, of Avon Grove High, drains the fire hydrant so that the hose can be attached. While many of their peers lounged at home or hung out at the mall this past weekend, a group of county teens took turns wrestling with hoses, matching wits with ladders,...

Kennett falls to Coatesville 56-7 in heavy rains

Dunlevy, offense no match for defending Eastern PA AAAA champs By Emily Adelman, Staff Writer, The Times COATESVILLE — When it rains, it pours. In a game played during punishing rains, Kennett High School’s football team could not find an umbrella large enough to shield against the deluge of talent coming from the Coatesville football squad. If Kennett hoped the weather was an equalizer...

Residents urged to branch out, donate blood

10 trees will be planted for every pint collected at Lenfest Center The Red Cross blood drive will take place on Oct. 3 in the new Lenfest Center in Newlin Township. Pre-registration is requested. Giving help to others and giving back to nature will be possible simultaneously on Oct. 3, when the Lenfest Center hosts a Red Cross blood drive. For every pint of blood collected – and research shows...