On Stage: DeWyze looks to move past American Idol

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Lee DeWyze Many musicians are reaping benefits from exposure of their music via television — in reality competitions or show placements in popular series. Lee DeWyze had fared well with his experience in what used to be called “the small screen.” The talented singer-songwriter built a legion of fans through his performances on the “American...

Alexa, dress me

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I have an embarrassing confession. (How many times have I revealed pieces of myself to you, the reader? Countless. Yet, I still manage to show my face in public.) In high school, I kept a clothes diary. Yep, I did (vapid as it may seem). An elaborate, daily log of what I wore (including accessories) so as not to repeat for as long as possible. I had an...

On Stage: Jesse Terry doubles down on new albums

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Jesse Terry Jesse Terry is more than just a talented singer-songwriter with two first names – he is a talented singer-songwriter with two new albums that were recorded at the same time. On his current tour, which brings him to the area for a show on February 17, Terry is coming back to Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse (204 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown...

Spahr announces run for 160th District

Cathy Spahr addresses supporters during her campaign kickoff last week. UPPER CHICHESTER —  Cathy Spahr, an environmentalist, political activist, and mother to twin sons Charlie and Julien, announced her campaign to unseat Steve Barrar, Pennsylvania State Representative for the 160th Congressional District this past week. Spahr said she is running, “to fight for those without a voice and...

What To Do: Shake off that cabin fever

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Science Saturday If you have kids and you’re looking for different ways to help them deal with cabin fever, there are several good options. On Saturdays in February and March, Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org) presents a special event called “Science Saturday.” Visitors of all ages are invited...

Parkland slaughter should hit home in Chester County

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times If you had a pit in the stomach this morning when you sent your kids off to school, you were probably not alone. I certainly did. Yesterday’s mass shooting in Parkland, Florida should hit home for folks here in Chester County. Like so many of our community high schools, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is in an affluent suburb. The school has an average SAT...

On Stage: Juice lands the gig

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Juice O.K., if you hear “Juice” in news about the entertainment world, it’s time for you to think of something other than O.J. Simpson and his bizarre story – especially of the news is about a talented band from New England. Juice, a septet from Boston featuring Ben Stevens [lead vocals], Michael Ricciardulli [guitar], Rami El-Abidin [bass], Christian...

URA to donate funds to pay for new Unionville scoreboards

By JP Phillips, Staff Writer, The Times A rendering of a proposed new scoreboard for Unionville High School’s baseball field. The Unionville Recreation Association has agreed to donate funds to pay for new scoreboards for the schools baseball and softball fields. The three-plus hour Unionville Chadds-Ford School Board work session Monday night was jammed packed with both good news and difficult...

Wolf rejects GOP redistricting plan; court may impose new map, Monday

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times As expected, Gov. Tom Wolf rejected the new Congressional map proposed by the two Republican caucus leaders, which could lead to the state Supreme Court imposing a district map of its own Monday, leading to possible federal litigation. The previous Gerrymandering of Congressional districts hit hardest in the Philadelphia suburbs, including Chester County, where...

Crime Victims’ Center, DA’s office receive major grant to battle child abuse

The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. (“CVC”) and the Chester County District Attorney’s Office have partnered to earn a major grant to combat child sexual abuse through education programs. The Safe and Healthy Communities Initiative (the “SHC Initiative”) is a three-year program expected to reduce rates of child sexual abuse.