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...

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...

Proposals sought for mental health/drug addiction assistance

COATESVILLE — The Coatesville Area Youth Philanthropy Program (CAYPP) of the Brandywine Health Foundation announced Monday that they are requesting proposals from organizations dedicated to providing mental health and/or substance use programs that treat individuals in a holistic and trauma-informed manner.

What To Do: Love — and chocolate — is in the air

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Kennett Chocolate Fest Once the Christmas holidays are over, the dog days of winter start to set in. A holiday is always a good way to break up the doldrums of a grey winter and Valentine’s Day is always equal to the task. Valentine’s Day Weekend has arrived so here are a few suggestions on how to celebrate the occasion with your sweetheart. There are...

What To Do: Before a ‘Super’ Sunday, Plein Air and more on Saturday

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Plein Air in Chadds Ford Okay, it’s a given that most of you will be hunkered down Sunday to watch all 19 hours of pregame — and of course, Super Bowl 52 featuring the Philadelphia Eagles. Even if you don’t love football, there’s local pride, the commercials — and yes, the food. So, even from here, we can see the big red crossout on your...

Polar Plunge slated for Feb. 10

Winter enthusiasts will make a splash at the 10th Annual Polar Plunge to be held February 10, 2018 at the Brandywine Picnic Park in West Chester. The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (BRC) hosts the event to get outdoors and raise awareness about their conservation work in the Brandywine and Red Clay Watersheds. Registration starts at 10 a.m. with the event to start at 11:30 a.m. The event will be held...

What To Do: Remembering the art of Weymouth

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Way Back: The Paintings of George A. Weymouth “Frolic” did more than just frolic and lead the carriage parade each year at Winterthur’s Point-to-Point event. In addition to his roles as founder and board chairman of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, a philanthropist, and a land and cultural conservationist, George A. “Frolic” Weymouth...

Colonial Theatre could get $100K matching grant — if donations hit goal

Two local movie-lovers just keep on giving to Association for the Colonial Theatre – and challenging the newly expanded nonprofit. The anonymous members recently announced a $100,000 matching challenge grant to benefit the historic movie theatre and concert venue. If the Colonial raises $100,000 by May 31, 2018 for its Bank on the Arts capital campaign, it will receive a $100,000 grant from the Chester...

What To Do: Orchids take center stage at Longwood Gardens

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Orchids at Longwood Gardens If you were asked to name the largest family of flowering plants in the world, what would be your response? If you chose the orchid, you’d be right on the money. The largest family of flowering plants in the world is the orchid — a flower that is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful, delicate and graceful flowers in the...

Orchid Extravaganza kicks off Jan. 20 at Longwood Gardens

Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens is on view January 20 through March 25. Photo by Daniel Traub. EAST MARLBOROUGH — Longwood Gardens provides a colorful escape from the winter blues this season during Orchid Extravaganza, running January 20 through March 25. The heated 4-acre conservatory transports guests into a warm oasis featuring thousands of vibrant orchid blooms displayed in extraordinary...