YMCA wants to help make resolutions stick

Members who hope to pursue healthier lifestyles will get assist Hundreds of people make annual New Year’s resolutions to get fit, lose weight, or improve their overall health – often losing the resolve rather than the pounds. This year, the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley, which is dedicated to strengthening communities through healthier living, is offering programs to help people keep those...

Kennett Square New Year’s event mushrooming

Officials report efforts to ensure fun, family-friendly entertainment The giant borough icon, sponsored by ToJo Mushrooms, is ready to be adorned with lights. Not surprisingly, Kennett’s Square’s inaugural New Year’s Eve extravaganza, which will include the lowering of a 700-pound, lighted steel shroom from a crane, is continuing to evolve, and borough officials said they are working with...

Area YMCAs offering free holiday tryout

From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, residents can sample offerings at no charge The only string attached to this holiday gift is the hope that the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley will be able to attract your patronage, its officials say. From Dec. 26 to 31, YMCAs in the area will be open to the public for free – just in time to counteract the traditional holiday stress and overeating. Even better: The YMCA offers...

Coatesville-area woman dies in early-morning crash

State police: Kennett Square-area driver lost control of truck A 27-year-old Coatesville-area woman died of injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash in East Marlborough Township on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 12:37 a.m., said state police from the Avondale barracks in a news release. Police said Kelly Lynn Parker, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the crash occurred...

Kennett Square residents urged to air safety concerns

Borough committee issues open invitation to Dec. 11 session Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick is urging residents to attend the borough’s first public meeting of its Public Safety Committee on Dec. 11. The borough’s Public Safety Committee will be open to the public for the first time on Wednesday, Dec. 11, and residents are urged to attend, officials said. The committee typically brings together...

Bountiful birthday wishes for beloved centenarian

About 100 gather to celebrate Kennett Square man’s 100th  By Kathleen Brady Shea, Managing Editor, The Times Mike DiPietro reads the many greetings that he received on his 100th birthday. On Sunday, people celebrated from as far away as Italy – jubilantly singing birthday wishes on the computer. The more fortunate revelers traveled to Kennett Square from near and far, including Boston. A...

Kennett Square declares: Let there be lights!

Annual parade on Friday to culminate with Santa’s arrival Kennett Square will be aglow with festively lit floats on Friday during the annual Holiday Light Parade. Historic Kennett Square is inviting area residents to see the light on Friday – actually lots of them – as the Annual Holiday Light Parade kicks off the season at 6:15 p.m. Last year’s parade represented the debut of the...

New home decor shop on W. State St. in Kennett Square

Eclectic collection of vintage, turn-of-the-century furniture, decor, and gifts     By Rick Marts, Staff Writer, The Times Featuring a wide range specialized, one of a kind home decor items, Home Decor by Terri offers furniture and accent pieces, perfect to complete any home’s look — or as a thoughtful gift. KENNETT SQUARE — “Furniture and home decor have always been a love of mine,”...

New organic food market opens in Kennett Square

Terra Foods offers year round organic vegetables, produce, dairy, and more By Suzanne Misciagna, Staff Writer, The Times Terra Foods, located at the Market at Liberty Place in downtown Kennett Square, offers something for everyone including local organic vegetables and produce, cooking oils, dairy products, gluten free products, fresh breads and more. KENNETT SQUARE – Take a stroll through the historic...

Political news and notes: 2014 legislative races kicking off

Final write-in results show poor turnout, participation in 2013 By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times The political news cycle never seems to end these days, on the heels of the final write-in election results being posted Friday, we have a batch of new candidate announcements or pending announcements in 2014 state legislative races — and even, it seems — an early hint about a 2016 race. First to the...