What To Do: 44th annual Strawberry Festival rocks

Also: Downingtown Fine Arts Fest, Bonsai at Brandywine River Museum By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times One of the best signs that summer is just around the corner is the annual Brandywine Health Foundation’s Strawberry Festival. This weekend, the 44th Annual Strawberry Festival will take place on the grounds of the Brandywine Hospital (201 Reeceville Road, Coatesville, 610-380-9080, www.brandywinestrawberryfestival.com). The...

Is it time to look at the role of standardized tests in schools?

Also: if teacher unions demand raises, they should say what to cut from education programs to pay for it By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The rising tide against Common Core continues to obscure a growing, but still under discussed debate about the value and quality of standardized testing in our schools. While it seems increasingly likely that a passing grade on the Keystone tests will not end up...

United Way ‘spreads’ the word – PB&J donations needed for Chesco Food Bank

WEST CHESTER – United Way of Chester County isn’t ‘sticking to’ its usual fancy catered luncheon this summer to close the campaign season and thank donors. Instead, they are ‘spreading’ the word and their appreciation with a major peanut butter and jelly community food drive through June 12th, to benefit the Chester County Food Bank. The shared mission between the two...

Art Watch: Steeling the town in Kennett Sq.

Busy spring art scene continues into June with showings and events By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times Any casual strollers through Kennett Square in the past weeks would have been stopped in their tracks at the new public art sign for Philter coffee house in downtown Kennett Square across from Talula’s Table.  It is a stunningly beautiful combination of welded and forged steel, which combines...

On Stage: Steven Wilson’s music tells a story

Great Valley grad Kevin Manning celebrates new EP release By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times British progressive rock star Steven Wilson has a wide range of accomplishments. Wilson, who plays two area shows this weekend, has a new album that tells a story of isolation and loss. In the rock music world — especially the world of prog rock — Steven Wilson is like a Renaissance Man....

Kennett student wins state & qualifies to national tech. championship

Correa awarded a $15k scholarship to Northwestern Ohio University, $2,500 scholarship to Penn State College of Technology & Kobalt multi-drive wrench Gilberto Correa, a senior at Kennett High School, won first place in the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) at the 48th Annual SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Competition, held in Hershey in April. With this first place finish,...

‘Day of Beauty’ for area veterans

A special approach to honoring those who serve Veterans from the Coatesville VA Medical Center along with the caring staff from AseraCare Hospice, Palliative Medicine – Philadelphia, and Empire Beauty School – Exton. This Memorial Day, veterans from the Coatesville VA Medical Center received a ‘Day of Beauty’ thanks to the staff of AseraCare Hospice and Palliative Medicine...

Kennett supervisors salute McCarthy on retirement

Long-time police chief served area for 42 years By Jacquelyn Kennedy, Correspondent, The Times Retiring Kennett Police Chief Albert McCarthy (left) is saluted by the township’s Board of Supervisors (back from left, Robert Hammaker, Richard Leff and Scudder Stevens with Township Manager Lisa Moore) with acting township Police Chief Lydell Nolt (right). KENNETT — The township’s Board of Supervisors...

Chesco’s biggest Memorial Day parade salutes veterans

Kennett Square’s  beloved, time-honored tradition marches on By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times Marine First Sergeant and Kennett Square resident, Steven Hunter, walks the parade with son Alex KENNETT SQUARE – Historic Kennett Square hosted its annual Memorial Day  Parade Monday. With more than 1,000 participants, near perfect weather, and an estimated record attendance; the parade...

Chester County’s Underground Railroad remembered

Kennett Historical Commission details township, county role in leading slaves to freedom By Jacqueline Kennedy, Correspondent, The Times A map of some of the sites where Chester County residents housed newly-free slaves before and during the Civil War. KENNETT — The Kennett Township Historical Commission held its annual meeting earlier this month that featured a presentation titled “Follow...