Democrats sweep countywide races again; make gains in school boards, municipal races

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa It took a bit of time to get results, but Chester County’s Democrats managed to squeak out a sweep of wins in the Row Office and Court of Common Pleas races in Tuesday’s elections. Although margins were close, county Democrats were able to buck national trends and make gains in district justice, school board and municipal races around the county. Turnout...

County Health gearing for COVID vaccinations for ages 5-11

The Chester County Health Department is gearing up to deliver Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to children ages 5-11 now that the Centers for Disease Control has issued final recommendations. The vaccine dose for the younger children is one-third of that given to anyone age 12 and over and the vaccine is administered in a series of two shots, 21 days apart. The vaccine is being delivered in new vials,...

Don’t retire, ReFire: Living in gratitude

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times Thanksgiving is the holiday in November that just about everybody celebrates, and with that, thoughts and sentiments of gratitude start to surface because after all, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about, giving thanks. Beginning on the first of November, posts start popping up on several different social media platforms with people sharing what they...

Democrats blast Chesco GOP over ‘racist’ ads

The Chester County Democratic Committee condemned a newspaper and digital sign ad its leadership described as “racist” that ran in a local daily newspaper and on one digital billboard on Sunday. The full-page ad, which featured an image of a young black child taking up the top half of it, claiming without evidence that their views are being silenced (this and many area publications...

Op/Ed: Keep Chester County moving forward

By Charlotte Valyo, Chair, Chester County Democratic Committee Charlotte Valyo While Congressional and Presidential elections usually get the most attention and the highest voter turnout, local elections are where voters can truly have the most impact on their communities. These elections have traditionally been defined by local issues — roads, schools, land preservation, and local taxes,...

Op/Ed: It’s time to set things right

By Dr. Gordon Eck, Chairman, Republican Committee of Chester County Dr. Gordon Eck Thomas Jefferson said, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.” In recent weeks and months, there has been an ever-increasing awareness that things have...

What To Do: Dia de Los Muertos celebration in Kennett caps busy weekend

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Dia de Los Muertos Not all of the spirits that came back for Halloween have gone back to their homes in the netherworld. There is still a reason to hang around for a little longer. November 1 is a special day in Mexico and in Mexican American communities throughout the states. It is the day known as “Dia de Los Muertos” — the Day of the...

On Stage: Livingston Taylor welcomes a return to the stage — and live audiences

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Livingston Taylor Livingston Taylor has been around for a long time and plans on being around a lot longer. Taylor, who will be headlining a show on October 30 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com), is a singer-songwriter who made his first album in 1970 and has released more than 20 more...

Commissioners recognize National Community Planning Month

Chester County is celebrating an exciting milestone this year with the 25th anniversary of the Vision Partnership Program (VPP). In recognition of October as National Community Planning Month, the Chester County Commissioners have issued a formal proclamation noting the importance of the county’s local and regional planning initiatives, such as the VPP. The VPP is Chester County’s primary means...

Don’t let anyone tell you differently, your vote matters

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa There’s a temptation to throw up one’s arms and say “it is hopeless. There is nothing I can do.” I fear a lot of people may have that point of view when it comes to voting on Nov. 2. Fatigued from so much bad news, frustration and acting out by a small number of people, I understand why people would just want to ignore all of this, watch Netflix...