Art Watch: An art-ful Winter season has begun

Things heating up just as a chill hits the air By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times The first weekend in December is full of local artisan shows, craft fairs, and open studios of local artists selling everything from paintings to ceramics and jewelry. This month is the “Art of the Gift” for the Brandywine Artisan Wine Trail, so even wineries will be getting into the spirit of handmade...

Man charged with stealing from fire, police supply company

Thomas Wessells A New York man has been charged with allegedly stealing $195,000 in products from a Chester County company that supplies police and fire supplies to first responders, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said Tuesday. Thomas Wessells, 55, a former employee of Witmer Public Safety Group (WPSG) of Sadsbury, is charged with stealing various products from the company and then...

Thinning the fashion herd

Time to move on from fashion items that just collect dust By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I have a confession to make. Right now, my closet is full of clothes, my shoe rack is overflowing, and my jewelry box is piled high with accessories…but, I wear the same key pieces over and over again. It begs the question “why keep what I’m not wearing?” And, while it is a really good...

What To Do: Patriot’s Day on Saturday

And Christmas cheer gets into full swing this weekend By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times “Patriot Day” is celebrated in September to remember those lost on 9.11 and New England has “Patriots’ Day,” which is celebrated in April to commemorate the battles of Lexington and Concord.  New England also has the NFL team the New England Patriots and Patriots’ fans are prone to celebrating...

On Stage: Book of Mormon returns to Philadelphia

Also: Post-Thanksgiving club scene rocks By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times “The Book of Mormon” is back in Philadelphia and will run at The Kimmel Center through Dec. 27. It’s been almost five years since “The Book of Mormon” made its debut at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre in New York. During its first year, the show was consistently one of the top five best-selling shows on...

PA State Police help make meals a reality for all

Thanksgiving food drive kicks off a season long effort supporting area food pantries   By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times   AVONDALE – Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police (PASP) – Avondale Barracks recently held a Thanksgiving food drive to help the Chester County Food Bank replenish its supplies.  State-wide, the PASP will be assisting more than 60 meal sites and...

On Stage Extra: Chris Robinson Brotherhood at TLA

Lots of great live music options this week By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Chris Robinson Brotherhood If you’re looking for a bit of entertainment before being buried in the Thanksgiving holidays — there more than a few good options, starting tonight. If you want to attend a concert on November 22, you can have your choice of a folk/blues/psychedelic rock band, an indie rock...

Attacks on Paris hit home

A time for vigilance — and thanks for all that we have By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Two years ago, my husband and I were in Paris celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. It was a dream of mine to see the Eiffel Tower and stroll along the Champs Elysee. The city was so beautiful and, contrary to the rumors suggesting otherwise, the French people were very friendly. We marveled...

Delusions and confusion; or just another day in Harrisburg

State pols continue to labor under budget, tax delusions By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Ah, nothing says “holiday seasons” like the ongoing state budget stalemate. Perfectly, both Democrats and Republicans continue to labor under impressive delusions about the current state of the commonwealth — and the outcomes of some proposed legislation that would provide cornerstones for a possible...

What To Do: Holiday season kicks off this week

Also: Cat, reptile shows, wines at first blush and more this weekend By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Cat lovers can get their fill of thrills at the Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter Cat Fanciers Association 2015 World Championship Cat Show this weekend. Thanksgiving is getting ready to knock on the door and that means a slew of Christmas-related events will be filling the event calendar...