On Stage: ‘Stomp’ away those holiday blues

Also, First State Ballet showcases The Nutcracker By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Stomp returns to the Delaware Valley, from December 26-30 for an eight-show run at the Merriam Theater in Philadelphia. The musical stage show “Stomp” has been playing to packed houses for more than 20 years and its popularity is showing no signs of waning. The energetic and highly-percussive show is...

On Your Table: Holiday food memories

Sweet treats often bond the generations, families at the holidays By Cathy Branciaroli, Food Correspondent, The Times While you might see just a plate of cookies, some might see a reminder of holidays past, times with loved ones no longer here. A few days before Christmas, friends come to my house to share holiday treats and stories of their family food traditions.  Their recipes hold long-treasured...

Chesco SPCA adds new police officer

Frank Galbraith, who oversees Chester County SPCA’s Animal Protective Services Department, left with the SPCA’s newest police officer, Kelsey Beam, shortly after she was sworn in, Wednesday. WEST CHESTER — The Chester County SPCA (CCSPCA) announced Wednesday the addition of Kelsey Beam to its staff as full-time Humane Society Police Officer.  Beam is one of many new additions to the...

Chief Cork Officer: Sparkler tips for the holidays

When it’s time to ‘pop the bubbly’ here’s what you need to know By Brian Gurnham, Columnist, The Times When I first joined the ranks of the Total Wine team several years ago, I was confused when fellow wine team members began to refer to “sparklers”.  Showing signs of my misspent youth, I immediately thought small, hand held pyrotechnic devices had been added...

Recognizing our own self-worth

We all have gifts to share, take a moment to discover yours By Dr. Matthew Lapp, Columnist, The Times I was recently invited to speak at a workshop on wholeness.  The topic I was assigned was the subject of self-worth.  As I began to prepare my thoughts and make notes, I realized the impact that our sense of self-worth has on our overall well-being and quality of life.  Not only does our individual...

Good Stuff: Local folks doing things that will make you smile

Got ‘good stuff’ to share?…Like what you see? Contact kim@chescotimes.com and “like”us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheTimesOfChesterCounty  (Submissions are due by the 15th and 30th monthly; subject to editorial review.) Who do YOU know below? ‘Note’worthy…Congratulations to Coatesville Area Senior High artist Alicia Fierro.  Alicia’s design was selected for...

Art Watch: Enjoy a good vibe…from art

Schaller, Oleski and a CCAA Kriskindlmarkt By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times For the month of December encaustic neo-pop artist Jeff Schaller is showing “Sweet Spot” at Mala Galleria in Kennett Square. Once again, Mala has allowed for a total interior and exterior transformation by the visiting artist.  This December, Mala is an infusion of Jeff Schaller’s sexy, fun, brash...

A better day than you might think for Coatesville

In beleaguered school district, kids, community are finally coming first By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times If you watched the TV news yesterday, or read some of the local media, yesterday was a terrible day for the Coatesville area community. But I’m here to say this: I don’t agree. When we watched Richard Como — the former superintendent of schools, disgraced in just about every way possible...

CCCBI honors PA Sen. John Rafferty

12th annual ‘Salute to Leadership’ award By Kim Chiomento, Staff Writer, The Times (Pictured L-R) CCCBI President & CEO – Guy Ciarrocchi, Pennsylvania State Senator – John Rafferty, CCCBI V.P. – Marianne Martelli & CCCBI Chairman – Joel Frank. NEW YORK — The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI) honored Pennsylvania State Senator,...

I’m ‘psyched’ to make some changes in my life

It’s time for a new career — but don’t worry the column is sticking around By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times 2015 will be a very exciting year! I have made the decision (with the love and support of my family) to go back to school to get my Master’s degree in Psychology. Over the course of my family law career, I have been haunted by the devastating effects of divorce...