On Stage: Unique background drives Lacey’s comedy

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Shapel Lacey
Standup comedians follow different paths before arriving at their careers in comedy.
One popular current comic grew up as one of the few black teens in a poor white neighborhood in Arizona.
One spent time as a guitarist in a punk rock band prior to becoming a professional comic.
One attended college on a cheerleading scholarship.
One...
Don’t retire, ReFire: Be amazed every day

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
How do you interpret being amazed every day?
Depending on what the current state of your life is, you might roll your eyes in cynicism at the mere thought of it or you might ring out a resounding YES!
We all have peaks and valleys in our lives and the cycle rotates constantly. That’s what living is.
What we often fail to do, particularly when we’re...
Wolf to lift most COVID restrictions May 31; mask mandate to continue until 70% get 1st vaccine

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The battle against COVID-19 has been a long — and difficult — one, but it appears rising vaccination rates and dropping infection and death rates will allow the commonwealth to end most of its pandemic-related restrictions at the end of this month, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday, while also setting a vaccination goal to end the state’s...
Small open space acquisition could have big impact, officials say

Natural Lands announced the permanent protection of a vulnerable section of East Branch Brandywine Creek. The acquisition and immediate transfer of the 12- acre property to East Brandywine Township ensures access to the creek for recreation and protects the scenic view along Route 282 in Downingtown, Chester County.
“While it may seem like a small property, its conservation is quite significant,”...
Chesco Commissioners recognize Envirothon winners

Academy at West Fallowfield Christian School seniors earned the title of first place winners and champions of the 2021 Chester County Envirothon student competition. Pictured here, from left to right, seniors Jacob Hershey, Bryce Engle, Rose Rowe, Dustin Kauffman and Joey DellaPenna will represent Chester County at the Pennsylvania State Envirothon on May 10 and 11.
Chester County Commissioners...
Ground broken on extension of Schuylkill River Trail

Chester County Commissioners and partners mark the official ground breaking of four more miles of the County’s Schuylkill River Trail. Pictured (left to right) are: Dave Stauffer, Chester County Parks + Preservation; Seyi Akinlotan, PennDOT; Commissioner Marian Moskowitz; Ryan Gallagher, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission; Elaine Schaefer, Schuylkill River Greenways; Commissioner Josh...
What To Do: May flowers bloom across the region

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Yellow Springs Art Show
Spring weather seems to have really arrived now. That means it’s time for outdoor activities such as visiting horticultural sites, hiking, fishing, going to festivals and celebrating May Day and Arbor Day.
The Yellow Springs Art Show got its start back in 1973 as a free event featuring a variety of artists displaying their...
On Stage: Jim Brickman’s music is soothing to the soul

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Jim Brickman
Jim Brickman’s music always has a warm, soothing quality – a sound that has endeared him to fans for nearly three decades.
This weekend will be a busy weekend for Brickman, who is one of the best-selling solo pianists of our time with more than 20 Number One albums and more than 40 Top 20 radio singles in Billboard Magazine.
First...
County officials outline primary election plan

Chester County will place 13 secure ballot drop boxes at locations throughout Chester County for the May 18 Primary Election absentee and mail-in ballots. For information www.chesco.org/elections.
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Board of Elections has approved measures to ensure the eligible ballots of all county voters are counted in the May 18 Primary Election. Those measures include the...