On Stage (Extra): Make the holidays come alive with local productions

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times  The Nutcracker by The Pennsylvania Ballet For many families, going to a theater to watch a live on-stage production of a holiday show is an annual tradition – especially shows such as “A Christmas Carol,” “Best Christmas Ever” and various plays based on the Nativity scene. Without a doubt, the most popular holiday productions are ballet performances...

What To Do: Events fun and solemn to celebrate the holidays

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The March to Valley Forge. The holiday spirit is in the air and Christmas events are everywhere. Over the next week or so, you can head in any direction and find a holiday event to attend — and maybe even a few events that are not holiday-related. On December 19 from 6-8 p.m., Valley Forge National Historical Park (Route 23, Valley Forge, 610-783-1099,...

Art Watch: Options to give artfully

‘Tis the season to give the gift of artworks By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times December is the month of gift-giving, celebration and family, and throughout our area, galleries and arts associations are presenting reasonably priced artworks that are perfect for gift-giving and also perfect for a fun shopping experience. Art is always the best gift, whether it is an original painting, a photograph,...

On Stage: Pink Martini is tough to define

Final rush of shows coming this weekend before holidays By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Pink Martini With the arrival of the homestretch for the 2016 concert season, many acts are on the road – trying to get in a few more shows before the holiday season arrives in full swing. There is a full slate on interesting area shows for December 15 including a multi-genre “little orchestra,”...

Cashing in: eight charged with taking 55 tons of nickel

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times An example of one of the “super sacks” of nickel reportedly stolen from ArcelorMittal in South Coatesville. SOUTH COATESVILLE — While the good old nickel coin might not seem like it is worth much these days, its namesake metal, which makes up 25% of the coin, is a lot more valuable and apparently was targeted for theft in a big way — to the tune...

Officials warn coming cold snap a danger to pets, too

With the temperatures expected to drop sharply in the next couple of day in and around Chester County, folks are reminded that we need not just to worry about our two-legged friends, but those with four as well: our pets. State officials are urging the public to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their pets during a dangerous cold snap across much of the state over the next few days.

Police: keep your car locked, hide valuables from sight

Keep it locked, local police say. With the holiday season fast approaching, another season is upon us: auto break-in and theft season, according to local police. With a few steps of caution, Coatesville Police advise that you can keep your car, valuables and even your home a whole lot safer this holiday season. The first tip is to keep your car locked and windows rolled up any time your are not...

Unionville High students give back, make Toys For Tots

Tech Ed. department continues multi-year tradition of building toys for the holidays The 3-D Autodesk Inventor file of the toy chicken, as created by Paige Harlan. EAST MARLBOROUGH — Although this is the season for giving, few things are as precious as items that are handcrafted and built with love for those less fortunate. Once again, the Tech Education classes at Unionville High School are...

Turning a holiday negative into a positive

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Lately, my Facebook feed has been crowded with posts of happy families stringing outdoor lights and chopping down Christmas trees. My Grinch-y little heart can’t take it. It’s only December 11th! Can’t everybody just slow their roll a bit? We’re still digesting Thanksgiving turkey, for crying out loud. I don’t want to be sweeping up pine needles...

Comitta looks to be in good shape on 156th recount

Will there be a local price for GOP overreach? By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times So much for putting the feet up and enjoying the holiday season before wading back into this column in 2017 — so consider it a pre-holiday gift (or curse) — as news makes a surprise return needed. While the last provisional ballots have to be counted, it appears that Carolyn Comitta has pulled off a narrow win...