Laubach named County’s new Director of Procurement

Kelly Laubach
The job of ensuring Chester County Government buys its own goods, supplies, and services on time while complying with the law, and at the most competitive price, is now the responsibility of Kelly Laubach, the County’s new Director of Procurement and General Services. Kelly joins Chester County following more than 20 years with the Berks County Purchasing Department, 15 of which...
What To Do (4th of July edition): Fun, fireworks and more!

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Downingtown Good Neighbor Day
This is Fourth of July weekend and that means it is time for parties, festivals, picnics and a lot of fireworks displays.
The 45th Annual Downingtown Good Neighbor Day (www.GoodNeighborDay.com) will be held on July 4 at Kerr Park in Downingtown from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Activities will get underway with a “Prayer and...
What To Do: Paranormal Cirque continues local run of shows

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
The weekend obviously will get off with a bang this week with Fourth of July fireworks displays — and other Independence Day holiday celebrations — all around the area.
But this is July and that means there is a slew of special events and annual traditions filling the calendar – events that have nothing to do with the Fourth of July...
Downingtown to celebrate Will Howard with day in his honor

Will Howard
The Borough of Downingtown is proud to announce that Wednesday, July 9, 2025, will officially be recognized as “Will Howard Day” in honor of hometown hero and NFL quarterback Will Howard, who recently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In recognition of his accomplishments and the inspiration he continues to provide to his community, the Borough will hold a special ceremony...
On Stage: Dar Williams talks music, writing before her KOP show

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Dar Williams
The most ambitious summer outdoor concert series – the one filled with name acts – is the 2025 Concerts Under the Stars series in King of Prussia, which is now in its 39th season.
One of the highlights will be provided by Dar Williams this weekend.
Presented and produced by Rising Sun Presents!, the summer-long series will again...
Op/Ed: The Declaration of Independence — Proof of Our National Identity

By Christopher P. Gerber, Esquire
Christopher P. Gerber
America is 249 years young. On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress separated from Great Britain by approving a Resolution proposed by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, declaring “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown,...
All About Connecting: Navigating dating for the older set

By Nancy Rugart Plummer, Columnist, The Times
Dear Nancy,
I’m new to online dating and have been meeting great women, but many expect me to pay for everything—even though they’re successful professionals. I like one woman in particular, but I’m hesitant to be exclusive since she never offers to split costs. Any advice?
Pascal – 59 – Bryn Mawr
It’s completely understandable...
Inner Nature: The Poison Book Project

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times
Last week, I visited Connecticut. Walking in Hammonasset Beach State Park, I came across a bunch of birders all excited for the migratory birds that they were spotting. One of the birders and I got talking and told me he was an art restorer at Yale University.
This was very exciting for me, because I really love to read about how artists created pigments. For...
PAHS unveils new turf auxiliary field

Phoenixville Area High School has replaced and added new synthetic turf to the auxiliary field on its campus, courtesy of Keystone Sports Construction, marking the second project in the school district’s ongoing investment in high-quality athletic facilities. The field, completed in April 2025, will provide space for student-athletes to train, compete, and stay active throughout the school year.
The...
What To Do: Summertime and schedule of events is massive

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
As usual, there is a wide array of special events on this weekend’s calendar – diverse enough to include a canal fest, a massive Celtic festival, a birthday party for an orangutan, a Chinese Lantern festival, an ice cream festival, tasting sessions at wineries and Wawa Welcomes America’s headlong rush in next weekend’s Independence Day holiday...