AAA: New Year’s Day among deadliest for drivers

As Philadelphia-area residents prepare for New Year’s celebrations, AAA Mid-Atlantic is reminding drivers and passengers alike of the dangers on the roads this New Year’s Day, which consistently ranks among the year’s deadliest days for alcohol-related traffic fatalities. “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 10,265 people died in drunk driving crashes...

Don’t Retire, ReFire: The art of moving on

A new year means an opportunity for positive change  By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times As we go through our lives, from even before we can remember, we are faced with trials and tribulations, as well as joy and accomplishments. We are faced with change and choices, from a baby, to cry when our diaper is wet, to an adult, to choose the right people to be around, who will encourage us...

Op/Ed: Municipal funding decisions for fire/EMS putting public at risk

A.J. McCarthy (Times’ file photo). By A.J. McCarthy, Chief, Longwood Fire Company The decision by Oxford Borough Council to decrease funding for Union Fire Company and its EMS service is endangering its constituents’ safety. Also, the reported comments by Borough Manager Brian Hoover are infuriating and misleading the citizens of Oxford. Fire companies and EMS units in Chester County struggle...

TCHS students bring cheer to families in need

Students, faculty and staff from TCHS Pennock’s Bridge Campus raised over $13,000 to help purchase new items, goods, toys and clothing for economically disadvantaged families. DOWNINGTOWN — Students from all three Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) Technical College High School (TCHS) campuses and the Child and Career Development Center (CCDC) brought an abundance of hope to Chester County...

What To Do: Celebrate Christmas by stepping back in time

Also: Fun for those who don’t celebrate Christmas By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Reacting of George Washington crossing the Delaware. For those of us who celebrate Christmas (more for those who don’t below), there is the the anticipation and excitement of the coming holiday, followed by the thrill of Christmas morning. But what to do after, when there is often a lull between...

Art Watch: Give the gift of art memberships

By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times If you just can’t decide on that perfect piece of art, then consider buying a museum or art association membership for your friend or family. Memberships allow the recipient free admissions, discounted classes and lectures, and get the member invited to lots of fun art-filled activities with creative-loving people; plus memberships are mostly tax-deductible...

On Stage: Disney on Ice Skates into town

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Philadelphia has many popular holiday traditions that have been entertaining area families for years. The tradition of a spectacular Disney on Ice skating show visiting Philadelphia during the Christmas holiday stretches back for decades and it’s still going – stronger than ever. From December 23-January 2, the Wells Fargo Center (3601 S. Broad Street,...

Attorney General announces settlement over WC apartment rentals

Attorney General Bruce R. Beemer today announced a legal settlement with two rental companies alleged to have illegally imposed fees on West Chester University students leasing luxury apartments.  The settlement was reached with West Chester Commons, L.P., College Arms, L.P., and Walters Pennsylvania 1, Inc., the general partner of the other two companies. The settlement is the result of an investigation...

Gabriel’s Gift: Adopt an older dog and save

Gabriel WEST CHESTER — The Brandywine Valley SPCA has announced a special end of the year Adoption Promotion for harder to place dogs at its West Chester and New Castle locations. An anonymous donor will be subsidizing the adoption fee for any dog over 6 months old. The special will run till the end of the year.  The story behind why this promotion is called Gabriel’s Gift: a grieving dog...

Walters named as new Kennett Library Director

Megan Walters KENNETT SQUARE — The Board of Trustees of the Kennett Library announced Monday that it had selected the replacement for long-time director Donna Murray, who resigned earlier this year. Last Tuesday, at its regularly scheduled board meeting, the Kennett Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously to hire Megan Walters as the Library Director.  Walters comes to Kennett from the Denver...