County mosquitoes test positive for West Nile

Five townships produce first local evidence of virus in 2013, says Health Dept. A Southern House Mosquito, one of a number of breeds of mosquitos known to carry the West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes trapped in Birmingham Township have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), the Chester County Health Department reported Thursday. Tests on mosquitoes collected in Birmingham, Schuylkill, Thornbury, Upper...

Late summer deals can be a steal

By being smart and strategic, you can fill out your summer wardrobe By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times End of season sales are EVERYWHERE!  Yippee!  It is the perfect time to stock up on items missing from your closet…but it is important to remember the following:    Send article as PDF   

Waiting on the little Royal arrival

Whether it is a boy or a girl, it will surely be done with style By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times As I sit down to write, the Royal baby has not made his/her appearance. I must admit that I am more excited about this delivery than I thought I would be. I love the secrecy and intrigue created by hiding Kate from the spotlight these past few weeks (don’t ALL pregnant women wish they could...

What is sustainability?

It depends on how you look at it, but it can mean many different things By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times One of the more recent movements to gain momentum in popular culture is the idea of sustainability as a guiding principle. Many businesses, community organizations, and government agencies are beginning to have thoughtful conversations about how to create sustainability or to use sustainable...

County working to help residents beat heat

Shelters will double as cooling stations, transportation for seniors will increase Fans for seniors who qualify will be available through the Chester County Office of Aging Services. Call 610-344-6350 for information. In response to the excessive heat warning issued Monday by the National Weather Service – in effect through 8 p.m. on Wednesday – the Chester County Health Department and the Chester...

The big picture: details matter when it comes to your look

Watch out for the little things that can trip up your look By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Beauty (like the devil) is in the details. What separates the uber stylish from someone with a keen fashion sense often boils down to tiny, specific criteria. For example, the best-dressed would never have chipped fingernail polish! If your manicure is not up to snuff, take it off! It is much better...

Knowing who is who in your dental office

It takes a team of professionals to keep you fully healthy By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times It’s easy to get confused when so many people work in a modern dental practice. Most dental practices have a variety of skilled people working to provide you with state of art dental care.  It takes a team to provide great dentistry.    Send article as PDF   ...

July’s Super Six: from homewares to tattoos

As we head into the heart of the summer, my new list of passions By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Time for the July version of the Sunday Super Six! Is it just me or do you feel like July 4th is the half-way point of summer? Boooooooooooooo! Here are my latest obsessions:    Send article as PDF   

Tips to avoid ticks, mosquitos, summer woes

County Health Department urges residents to take safety precautions The Chester County Health Department recommends creating a barrier of mulch or wood chips between woods and yards to reduce the risk of ticks. With summer in full swing, the Chester County Health Department wants to remind residents to take precautions inside and outside the home to avoid injuries and insect-borne diseases. West...

Knowing when to save — and when not to

Are knock-offs a great deal, or a great deal of trouble? By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times When it comes to fashion, knowing when to splurge versus when to save can be tricky. For me, I can always justify spending on handbags, shoes and watches. These items are in constant use, so, the quality is important. Also, I believe that if you pair expensive, classic accessories with a fiscally conservative...