What To Do: Holiday events in county parks

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Chester County Department of Parks and Preservation (www.chesco.org/4520/Parks-Trails) has three special events on its schedule for this weekend. Springton Manor Farm (860 Springton Road, Glenmoore) will host “Holiday at the Barn + Wagon Ride” on December 18 from noon-3 p.m. The Friends of Springton Manor Farm and Chester County Parks and...

Chesco opts into opioid settlement; funds to be used for treatment, prevention

Millions of dollars will soon be coming to Chester County for the prevention and treatment of opioid use disorder. This follows a vote today by the Chester County Commissioners to approve the County’s participation in a national opioid lawsuit settlement between Pennsylvania communities, Johnson & Johnson and three pharmaceutical distributors. The County will receive $15.5 million from the...

On Stage: Brickman brings ‘Gift of Christmas’ to Keswick

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jim Brickman Jim Brickman’s music always has a warm, soothing quality. His current tour might just be his warmest, most familiar ever. It’s a holiday tour that includes both Christmas music and songs from his vast catalogue “The Gift of Christmas” is the name of Brickman’s current tour. Brickman will bring his “The Gift of Christmas”...

Cathell named as new Exec. Director of Western Chesco Chamber

Rachel Cathell COATESVILLE — The Board of Directors of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce announced this week the appointment of Rachel Cathell as the incoming Executive Director of the organization. Cathell will replace outgoing  Executive, Donna Steltz who retires at the end of this year after 20 years at the helm. Cathell has served as the Chamber’s Communications Coordinator...

Op/Ed: The time for gun safety reform is now

By Tim Kearney, State Sen., 26th District Tim Kearney This area is riling. Our country is in crisis. The culprit. Gun Violence. Far too many lives have been lost, communities shattered, and families forever changed because of gun violence. This is not just an inner-city problem or urban issue. Our country is being assaulted on two fronts—the COVID-19 pandemic AND the epidemic of gun violence. We...

Angry that your hospital is closing? Blame health insurers

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa There is widespread anger and frustration over this week’s announcement that Tower Health would close Jennersville and Brandywine hospitals — without doubt, that anger is completely deserved. While Tower Health deserves a healthy amount of the blame — the company’s mismanagement and clear dishonesty with local elected officials trying to save...

What To Do: Downingtown Good Neighbor Parade

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Good Neighbor Parade Downingtown has always been a neighborly town – so neighborly that it has an annual event schedule that includes Good Neighbor Day each summer and Good Neighbor Christmas (downtown Downingtown, http://www.dtownchristmas.com) every winter. On December 11, Downingtown will host its annual Good Neighbor Christmas Parade beginning...

No sale: hospital deal collapses, Jennersville and Brandywine hospitals to close

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa A sale that would have saved Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals collapsed this week — leading the current owner, Tower Health, to announce that both facilities will close within the next few weeks — meaning the loss of some 800 jobs and virtually critical care access for residents in southwest and northwest Chester County. Last month, it appeared...

On Stage: Allman Family Revival at the Fillmore

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Allman Betts Band On December 9, a very special tour will touch down in Philadelphia when the Fillmore (1100 Canal Street, Philadelphia, 215-309-0150, themetphilly.com/event/allman-family-revival/) hosts the “Allman Family Revival.” The “Fifth Annual Allman Family Revival” is a 19-city, coast-to-coast tour featuring the Allman Betts Band...

Phoenixville hires new Fire Chief

Eamon C. Brazunas PHOENIXVILLE — The Borough will have a new, full-time fire chief, starting in early 2022. Borough Council announced the appointment of Eamon C. Brazunas as the Borough’s new full- time fire chief. This selection follows the July 2021 resignation of John Buckwalter who served as the volunteer fire chief since 2012. The borough conducted an extensive national search that resulted...