On Stage: Slambovian Circus of Dreams comes to Elkton Music Hall

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Slambovian Circus of Dreams “Special” is a good description of Elkton, Maryland – especially this weekend. Elkton is the county seat of Cecil County, Maryland. It was formerly called Head of Elk because it sits at the head of navigation on the Elk River, one of the five tributary rivers in the northern part of the Chesapeake Bay. The town...

CCIU hires Murray as new Asst. Executive Director

Dr. Jennifer Murray The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) announced Thursday that Dr. Jennifer Murray has been officially approved by the CCIU Board as its next Assistant Executive Director. The board voted to approve Murray’s appointment at its February 19 meeting, and she will officially assume her role on June 16, 2025. Dr. Murray, a highly respected educational leader with over 20 years...

UCFSD Board OKs Sanville’s retirement

Dr. John Sanville. Times File Photo The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Board of Directors formally accepted the retirement of Superintendent Dr. John Sanville during its February 18 Regular Board Meeting. Dr. Sanville, who has led UCFSD since 2011, will retire on July 31, 2025, concluding a remarkable career in public education spanning more than three decades. Currently one of...

What To Do: Valentines, Presidents Day and so much more

By Denny Dyroff,  Entertainment Editor, The Times Get ready for a fun-filled stretch of partying, bacchanal, sweet food treats and celebrations. The party starts with the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Parade on February 14. It continues with Valentine’s Day on February 14 and concludes with Presidents’ Day activities on Monday. The biggest annual celebration is Valentine’s Day which...

On Stage: Floydian Trip to play benefit for Colonial Theater

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Floydian Trip On February 15, the Colonial Theater (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com/events) will host an event that is special in many ways – a show by a top-flight tribute band and an important fundraising activity. The title for the event tells you a lot – “The Colonial Presents Floydian Trip: Brick by Brick to...

CCIU’s Kersch honored with national Esports award

Kammas Kersch Kammas Kersch, STEM Services Coordinator at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), has been honored with the 2025 National Scholastic Esports Administrative Ally Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and advocacy in scholastic esports. The award, part of the inaugural National Scholastic Esports Awards, was developed through a collaboration of K-12 and collegiate esports...

Pay attention: we’re in uncharted territory

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgann.bsky.social It is becoming clear what a bizarre time we find ourselves living in: an unelected billionaire rooting through much of our private data for no particular reason, ICE (and fake ICE) agents roaming the Chester County looking for undocumented aliens and just a general state of chaos and Constitution-busting. In a few short weeks, the United...

What To Do: Do Portugal Circus and The Big Game

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Do Portugal Circus Watermelons are a summertime thing locally. However, if some nice big melons appear on the shelf at a local farmer’s market this month, you probably will enjoy the import from Mexico. Touring circuses with shows under a huge tent is a summertime thing in this area. However, if a top-flight touring Mexican circus brings its...

On Stage: Vavrik leads cast of ‘Something Rotten’ at Candlelight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times JJ Vavrik “Something Rotten” is a Tony Award-nominated musical written by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. It was a situation where two brothers wrote a musical about two brothers writing a musical. The hilarious comedy is running now through February 23 at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org). The...

Becoming The Best U: Advice on love and dating

By Nancy Plummer, Columnist, The Times Question: I’m a widow finally ready to date but I’ve never tried online dating and am not sure of the modern expectations. My question is, who pays for the first date? Abbey – Wayne, PA   Dear Abbey, I am so sorry for your loss. It takes immense strength to navigate widowhood and to put yourself out there again. I am very happy for you! This is...