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,...

County Health reminds parents to catch kids up on vaccines

WEST CHESTER — As Chester County begins to experience life without COVID restrictions, summer vacations, summer camps, and other activities are well underway! According to the Chester County Health Department, a key lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is the effectiveness of vaccines. “We all saw first-hand how proper vaccination levels across our county mitigate the spread of viruses,”...

Could Wolf’s call on HS sports help reelect Trump?

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa It’s probably not Gov. Tom’s Wolf’s intention, but if his actions this week prevent fall high school sports, he may have unwittingly helped reelect President Donald Trump. Before you lose your — well, you know — hear me out. Generally speaking, I’ve been pretty consistent in my praise of Wolf’s actions regarding COVID-19. His aggressive...

Willowdale to host sessions on parenting

EAST MARLBOROUGH — Willowdale Chapel is inviting parents of kids ages preschool through high school to its first “Navigating The Next Generation” parenting seminar on Oct. 23 from 6-8pm at its Kennett campus. The first of the series called, “Raising Resilient Kids” will feature guest speaker Dr. Tod Cartmell. Cartmell is an author and child psychologist who travels nationally speaking...

On Your Table: Easy grab-n’ go foods for kids

By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times Nutritious, individual portioned ham and egg “muffins” are easy to prepare ahead of time and just perfect for grab-n-go meals or snacks. Now that the kids are back to school, packing an appetizing, healthy meal for them is an easy way to improve their day, even if they don’t feel quite so enthusiastic about the early mornings and hectic...

The awful truth: sometimes we’re all ‘Bad Moms’

New comedy film hits way too close to home  By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I rarely (if ever) go to see a movie in the theater. It isn’t that I don’t enjoy it, I just never seem to make it a priority. Plus, with On Demand and Netflix, I feel like I will get around to watching, eventually. However, I really, really want to make a night of it and see the new movie “Bad Moms”...

The hardest part about parenting: letting go

My oldest will be off to college in a few short months, hard to believe By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times You know what is so hard about being a parent? It’s that you can’t possibly know how difficult it is until you are already knee­-deep in it. There is nothing that can prepare you for the amount of blood, sweat, tears, and unimaginable joy you will experience as a result of bringing...

Do’s and don’ts for preparing your child for a dental visit

By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times As a parent, I always want to make things easier for my kids. However, as a dentist, sometimes I see very well-intentioned moms and dads inadvertently make things more difficult. Here’s what you should know. Don’t promise a reward for good behavior. Most kids have dental visits that are completely free of discomfort and by promising them...

More than 100 run in 12th annual KAPRB cross country race

With perfect weather, more than 100 area kids competed in the 12th annual Cross Country race put on by the Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board. KENNETT — The 12th Annual Free kids cross country race took place on last Thursday night  in spectacular weather.  The course was lined with parents, volunteers from Kennett High School cross country team and Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board...

A mother’s note to her sons on Mothers Day

Reflections on raising two teen boys, the fears, the joys By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times My dearest sons, Even though everyday is a joy with you little cherubs, I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you just how much you have changed my life for the better. The funny thing about parenthood (that no one tells you in advance) is how hard it is, ALL THE TIME. Not necessarily hard...