Benchmark CU offering scholarships to Chesco area students

Benchmark Federal Credit Union’s Rebecca Worthington presents a scholarship check for $4,000 to Emily O’Brien, who graduated from Perkiomen Valley High School last June and is attending West Chester University. Benchmark Federal Credit Union has opened a call for entries to Chester County-area students as well as existing membership to compete for five college scholarships totaling $15,000. Three...

On Stage: DeWyze looks to move past American Idol

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Lee DeWyze Many musicians are reaping benefits from exposure of their music via television — in reality competitions or show placements in popular series. Lee DeWyze had fared well with his experience in what used to be called “the small screen.” The talented singer-songwriter built a legion of fans through his performances on the “American...

Alexa, dress me

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I have an embarrassing confession. (How many times have I revealed pieces of myself to you, the reader? Countless. Yet, I still manage to show my face in public.) In high school, I kept a clothes diary. Yep, I did (vapid as it may seem). An elaborate, daily log of what I wore (including accessories) so as not to repeat for as long as possible. I had an elaborate...

On Stage: Jesse Terry doubles down on new albums

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Jesse Terry Jesse Terry is more than just a talented singer-songwriter with two first names – he is a talented singer-songwriter with two new albums that were recorded at the same time. On his current tour, which brings him to the area for a show on February 17, Terry is coming back to Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse (204 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square,...

Spahr announces run for 160th District

Cathy Spahr addresses supporters during her campaign kickoff last week. UPPER CHICHESTER —  Cathy Spahr, an environmentalist, political activist, and mother to twin sons Charlie and Julien, announced her campaign to unseat Steve Barrar, Pennsylvania State Representative for the 160th Congressional District this past week. Spahr said she is running, “to fight for those without a voice and to...

What To Do: Shake off that cabin fever

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Science Saturday If you have kids and you’re looking for different ways to help them deal with cabin fever, there are several good options. On Saturdays in February and March, Hagley Museum and Library (Route 141, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-658-2400, www.hagley.org) presents a special event called “Science Saturday.” Visitors of all ages are invited to...

Chesco Commissioners celebrate 50th anniversary of 911 system

Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Terence Farrell and Kathi Cozzone with Chester County 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Lisa Gray. When one of your priorities is public safety, you recognize the importance of the nation’s 9-1-1 system – and celebrate the fact that it has been saving lives for half a century. Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell...

Parkland slaughter should hit home in Chester County

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times If you had a pit in the stomach this morning when you sent your kids off to school, you were probably not alone. I certainly did. Yesterday’s mass shooting in Parkland, Florida should hit home for folks here in Chester County. Like so many of our community high schools, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is in an affluent suburb. The school has an average SAT score...

On Stage: Juice lands the gig

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Juice O.K., if you hear “Juice” in news about the entertainment world, it’s time for you to think of something other than O.J. Simpson and his bizarre story – especially of the news is about a talented band from New England. Juice, a septet from Boston featuring Ben Stevens [lead vocals], Michael Ricciardulli [guitar], Rami El-Abidin [bass], Christian...

Letter: Thoughts and prayers are not enough

To The Editor, By now you have heard the sad but all too familiar news of another mass school shooting. This is the 18th school shooting of the year and it’s only February. It seems that our politicians only response to these horrific acts of violence is to offer thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families. While thoughts and prayers are well intended, it is action that is needed to...