50K without power after storms rip through Chester County

Chester County was hit hard by a line of severe weather, Tuesday night, knocking down trees, power lines and leaving more than 50,000 residents without power as of Wednesday morning. According to PECO, around 54,000 customers were without power Wednesday morning — by far the hardest hit area for power outages in the Delaware Valley. Crews were working to restore that power, racing against another...

The only way to end the culture of political violence: vote

We are a nation steeped in violence but Donald Trump has introduced a new form of political violence. In the wake of the assassination attempt on him, we can’t react by denying reality or letting wishful thinking get in the way of dealing with that reality. By Rich Heiland, Columnist, The Times VIOLENCE HAS NO place in the United States? Seriously? What world do all the political and public figures...

What To Do: Blobfest is a unique Chester County tradition

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Blobfest The word “unique” means “being the only one of its kind.” It is a very demanding qualification – a very specific qualification. The annual BlobFest in Phoenixville definitely qualifies as unique. In the entire world, there is just one BlobFest and it’s held every year right here in Chester County. “The Blob” is a low-budget...

On Stage: Coatesville’s Mascherino still rocking with The Color Fred

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Color Fred Here are some bands that might be on your playlists. Taking Back Sunday is an American rock band from Long Island, New York. They released their eighth and most recent studio album, “152,” in 2023. Breaking Pangaea was an American emo pop band from Philadelphia. The band released their debut EP and full-length album on...

Gov. Newsom addresses county Democrats

California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking to Chester County Democrats at The Desmond on Saturday, July 6 A capacity crowd of enthusiastic Chester County Democrats enjoyed dinner and speeches from state political leaders and special guest California Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday night at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern. A key theme from the evening was the progress the...

What To Do: Holiday weekend events continue

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This is Fourth of July week and that means it is time for parties, festivals, picnics and a lot of fireworks displays. With the holiday falling on a Thursday, the schedule gets confused. Some people are off all week, some were just off on Thursday, some celebrate a four-day weekend beginning on Thursday and some just wish all the pyrotechnics noise...

On Stage: Cover bands bring shows to area

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times LIVE AT THE FILLMORE This is the first weekend of live music in July and suburban venues have loaded schedules. The Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) has a July schedule which includes Live at the Fillmore on July 5, AM Radio on July 6, and Top of the World – A Carpenters Tribute on July 7. “LIVE...

ReFirement at Any Age: Pay attention

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times We live in a world where, now more than ever, we need to be alert and pay close attention to what we are doing, what we are saying, who we interact with and who we speak with. We must be aware of the activity around us and of the people around us who are not paying attention. It could be a dangerous combination if we all were unaware of our surroundings!...

What To Do: Fireworks, fun for Fourth of July

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Downingtown Good Neighbor Day This is Fourth of July week and that means it is time for parties, festivals, picnics and a lot of fireworks displays. The 44th Annual Downingtown Good Neighbor Day (www.GoodNeighborDay.com) will be held on July 4 at Kerr Park in Downingtown from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Activities will get underway with a “Prayer and Flag Ceremony”...

On Stage: Celebrating 13 years of Better Than Bacon

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Better Than Bacon The weekend’s attractive line-up of live entertainment starts early this weekend with a local comedy favorite in West Chester, a prog rock band in Kennett Square and an unusual circus in Bensalem. Better Than Bacon is coming back to Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org)...