ReFirement at Any Age: ‘Tis the Season to….

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times Fill in the blank… The holiday season is in full swing! The beauty of sparkling lights and festive decorations in homes and lining the streets reminds us of all that is grand during this time. The scents of fresh evergreen trees and homemade baked goods add to the aroma surrounding homes everywhere. Families gather, creating memories encircled with...

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...

ReFirement at Any Age: Good Thoughts. Good Words. Good Deeds

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times This message is very fitting for this time of year and one that should be practiced every single day. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a fulfilling life, doesn’t it? If we have good thoughts, they will form into good words, which can be put into motion as good deeds. Sound easy? It’s not. It takes a conscience effort. If we view it and practice...

D-West boys basketball team makes donation to brighten holidays for local families

Members of the Downingtown High School West basketball make wishes come true with bikes and gift cards The holiday season was a bit more magical for area families, thanks in part to the efforts of the Downingtown West basketball team and booster organization. This year, through a total team effort, the West boys’ basketball team donated $6,000.00 to various families in the Downingtown area,...

ReFire at any age: It’s that time of year…..

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times How would you finish that phrase? The song finishes that phrase with, “when the world falls in love”. That doesn’t necessarily mean to fall in love romantically. I think it means falling in love with life. I would tweak that phrase a bit by saying; it’s that time of year for spreading love, joy and cheer. The excitement of the holiday season is...

Sheriff’s Office, Alpha Kappa Alpha-Iota Tau Omega deliver Christmas gifts

Members of the CCSO, AKA-ITO and Chester County Youth Center gather around donations as K-9 Marley checks the gifts twice. This December, members of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and collaborating partner Alpha Kappa Alpha-Iota Tau Omega (AKA-ITO), an African American women’s service organization, collected and delivered items for the Chester County Youth Center. The project, initiated...

Don’t retire, ReFire: Living in gratitude

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times Thanksgiving is the holiday in November that just about everybody celebrates, and with that, thoughts and sentiments of gratitude start to surface because after all, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about, giving thanks. Beginning on the first of November, posts start popping up on several different social media platforms with people sharing what they...

Focus on the good for this most unusual Christmas

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa It’s easy to be hung up on all of the bad things we’re living through right now. I’m not going to list them all, you know them all too well and don’t need me to remind you. So, as we head into Christmas week, I want to focus on the things we can celebrate – and yes, there are things. With all of the difficulties, we’ve learned to appreciate...

What To Do: Many new holiday attractions to enjoy from your car

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times If you’re looking for holiday-themed activities where you can remain socially distanced safe and stay warm without having to be indoors, drive-through lights events provide a good option. The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County (www.dvcccpa.org ) invites you to bundle up the kids and enjoy a night out while in the warmth of your car…no social...

Don’t Retire, Refire: Waiting to exhale

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times November is the month to celebrate Thanksgiving. I usually focus on the holiday but this year, there’s an added perspective to ruminate on. Reaching for thanks and gratitude in the midst of this stormy year has been challenging and at times, arduous. Weariness has come over many of us as we navigate through COVID-19, an unusual number of devastating...