What To Do: Holiday events go into high gear

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Santa on a fire truck in West Chester Thanksgiving has passed and Halloween 2023 is ancient history. That that means the Christmas season is in full swing – the all-encompassing holiday season with Christmas carols providing the audio background and an endless barrage of Christmas sales and ads in full assault mode. Fortunately, there are many non-commercial...

YMCA students, members unite to fight homelessness and food insecurity

Students from the YMCA’s BASE program are pictured with the donations they collected on behalf of local organizations. Pictured with the students (left to right) are Claudia Aust of the YMCA, Ruby Abouraya of Safe Harbor of Chester County, Kecia Crowl of Kennett Area Community Service, Rachel Thomas Steadman of Bridge of Hope, Chaleena Boggs of Safe Harbor of Chester County, Patrice Stilley...

9 Avon Grove students named National Merit Scholars

Avon Grove High School students who were recognized as Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program (top row from left to right: Jacob Akana, Tejvir Gill, Leah Gray and Russell Dunlap; bottom row from left to right Madison Butler, Elisabeth Roberts, Abigail L. Keller and Adelaide Etshman). Avon Grove High School (AGHS) administrators recently announced that nine students have been...

Kennett’s Bookhouse Hotel perfect for dedicated readers

The Bookhouse Hotel If books are the proof that humans are capable of working magic, as suggested by Carl Sagan, then nowhere is this truth more beautifully embodied than at The Bookhouse Hotel, the latest addition to Kennett Square, nestled in the heart of the Brandywine Valley. Co-owner Stephanie Olenik shares how the magic of books, design, history and Kennett’s unique charm came together to create...

Downingtown Christmas tree lighting scheduled for Nov. 25

Downingtown will hold its tree lighting ceremony Nov. 25 DOWNINGTOWN – Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas, Inc. is hosting the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony this Saturday, November 25, at 6pm.  The event takes place in Kerr Park at the Log House field below the Christmas Tree. There will be holiday music provided at the concert gazebo, a face painter, small craft and games for the kids,...

What To Do: Unionville Art Gala returns for 45th year

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The works of Shawn Faust are featured at this year’s Unionville Art Gala. If you want to start your holiday shopping early this year by visiting an art show, an antiques show or a craft show this weekend, you’re in luck. There is at least one of each on this weekend’s events calendar. The 45th Annual Unionville Art Gala, which will be held...

Kennett Area Community Service celebrates first housing donation

Kennett Area Community Service volunteers celebrate the donation of an affordable home. On Thursday, November 9th, Kennett Area Community Service (KACS) accepted the donation of its first home to be used as affordable housing. KACS received the designation of Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) from Chester County this May. After that announcement, an anonymous donor came forward and...

YMCA names Wilson Chief Strategy and Growth Officer

Heather W. Wilson The YMCA of Greater Brandywine announced the appointment of Heather W. Wilson as Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. Wilson brings with her 12 years of leadership experience within the YMCA movement and a passion for public health and health equity. Most recently, Wilson served as the Senior Vice President of Membership and Health Innovation for the YMCA of Central New York, leading...

Kennett Square plans busy schedule of holiday events

The Kennett Square Holiday Light Parade “Whether you call Kennett Square home or visit during the season, there is no place like Kennett Square for the holidays,” says Daniel Embree, Kennett Collaborative’s Executive Director. “I love strolling through town with a warm drink in hand or marveling at the matchless light displays at Longwood Gardens. There are a ‘million ways’ to revel in...

West Chester plans even more holiday lights for local shoppers

Beginning this week, the historic borough of West Chester is lighting up more downtown blocks than ever – and hosting more free holiday events than ever – to attract visitors to the 50+ retail stores and 60+ restaurants that make downtown West Chester so unforgettable during the holiday season. The historic borough of West Chester is lighting up more downtown blocks than ever – and hosting more...