What To Do: Despite event cancellations, there are options to get out of the house

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation The tight restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have been eased somewhat by the Governors of Pennsylvania and Delaware. There has been a steady re-opening of attractions such as amusement parks, zoos, movie theaters and parks –local, state, and national. So, if your cabin fever has reached a breaking...

Op/Ed: When democracy dies

By Lisa Longo, Special to The Times Lisa Longo Democracy fails when the few are permitted to hijack the concerns of the many. When elections become referendums on personalities and political parties are used as weapons against advocates and activists. When any party becomes a tactical weapon for special interest it loses all ability to speak for, or to, the people. We are at a pivotal point. We...

Logan appointed as Coatesville City Manager

James Logan COATESVILLE — James Logan was appointed City Manager of Coatesville in a unanimous vote by City Council on Monday night. Logan, who has served as Assistant City Manager since August 2018, has been serving as Acting City Manager since the retirement of former Manager Michael Trio was announced two weeks ago at the close of his five-year contract. Logan has previously held a number...

On Stage: Local musicians taking it outside for shows

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Nicole Zell and Chris Spousta The era of live music in indoor venues has been paused indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, there are several restaurants and taverns around Chester County and its surrounding area that have been hosting live performances by musicians — in relatively safe outdoor settings. Musicians are...

Chesco to participate in ‘International Overdose Awareness Day’

Last year, 110 pinwheels were displayed at the Chester County Government Services Center on International Overdose Awareness Day – representing the 110 lives lost in 2018 to accidental drug overdose. This year’s display of pinwheels will represent an additional 104 lives lost to accidental drug overdose in 2019. WEST CHESTER — As part of Chester County’s commitment to tackle the opioid...

Coatesville Christmas Parade canceled due to COVID-19

Mummers march at a previous undated Coatesville Christmas Parade. COATESVILLE – In an effort to safeguard the attendees and participants of one of Coatesville’s most cherished events, the Coatesville Christmas Parade Committee has announced the cancellation of the 2020 parade, Monday. The Parade Committee expressed disappointment for the community that this year’s parade is cancelled, but...

Commissioners to hold virtual night meeting, Wednesday

WEST CHESTER — COVID-19 may have temporarily changed the way that Chester County government conducts its public meetings, but County residents are still encouraged to “attend” those meetings to find out, first hand, the role and responsibilities of county government. To provide an evening opportunity to attend – virtually – a Chester County Commissioners’ public meeting live, Commissioners...

Roadtrip shows why we’re losing the fight against COVID-19

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The great thing about a road trip is seeing how amazing America can be. In a pandemic, though, one also sees how foolish, ignorant and careless some Americans can be. A few thoughts from voluntary quarantine (beyond the fact that sleeping on the couch in my home office/detention cell is not super comfortable). My daughter is a sophomore (and a half...

What To Do: Butterfly Festival will go on, with a few changes

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Butterfly Festival If you have butterfly bushes in your yard or in your neighborhood, you’ve probably seen plenty of the beautiful insects flying around, dancing with each other and feeding on the plants’ blooms. Every year, there is a colorful and entertaining Butterfly Festival in late August at Colonial Gardens (745 Schuylkill Rd, Phoenixville,...

Commissioners name new Water Resources Authority Exec. Dir.

Seung Ah Byun WEST CHESTER — Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline announce the appointment of Seung Ah Byun, PhD, PE as Executive Director of the Chester County Water Resources Authority (CCWRA). Dr. Byun brings to Chester County more than 20 years of extensive water resources experience in nonprofit, government, academia and private consulting. ...