With deep regret it is my sad duty to inform you that I will be leaving the Haverford-Havertown Patch today as its editor. But during my time covering Haverford Township I truly enjoyed getting to know the many residents, business owners and elected leaders, all who shape Havertown into a great place to be. You have allowed me to enter your homes, schools, businesses and government buildings to share the joys and sorrows that life unexpectedly brings us all. I’ve been a journalist for a long time, working for newspapers, magazines and news websites in a lot of different roles, but I think I …

Recently a reader of the Haverford-Havertown Patch asked why negative news seems to triumph over positive stories. And it does seem that way and more than one reader has asked that from time to time. From Francis Cavone, who was charged for allegedly having a collection of child porn on his computer, to Michael Donohue, who resigned from being a prosecutor with the county District Attorney’s Office after authorities charged him in a hit-and-run case, to house fires and accidents, it does appear that negative news gets reported on more.  But there are reasons for it. It is a news organization’…

While some people loading up the car to head down to the Jersey Shore and enjoy a little sun and surf or others stealing away some time to get great deals offered by department stores, it’s a testament to those who have decided to “observe” Memorial Day instead of just “celebrating it.” Memorial Day isn’t just a day off and the unofficial start of summer. It’s the one day of the year where we take a little time and pay our respects to those fallen heroes of current and past wars who gave their lives for our freedoms. We ask a lot of our military, to go to some far off land and fight in a war…

The Rapture that was supposed to happen Saturday, May 21, at 6 p.m. came and went like so many failed doomsday predictions of the past: With a fizzle. Some people expecting the world to end quit their jobs, spent their money and some did not even bother to do the dirty dishes as they waited for 6 p.m. to come, and for them, sadly watch it go. Many devoted followers of Harold Camping—the 89-year-old preacher who spent $100 million to tell people that the world was ending and using his co-founded Family Radio International to spread the message—told many media outlets how stunned they were when…

With the nation morning the horrific loss of a federal judge and five others, including the gravely injured congresswoman and 11 people, tragedy has also hit our area as a man was charged with homicide by vehicle. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Tucson, Ariz., tonight as a gunman killed John Roll, a U.S. a federal judge and Pittsburgh native, and five others, including a 9-year-old little girl, Saturday morning, according to Politics Daily. And among the 12 wounded is Democratic U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords who is listed in critical condition. But our own area has …

Tomorrow morning many throughout the area will be enjoying gifts left by Santa Claus, family and friends. And while many will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ tomorrow, Christmas Day is also one of the few holidays that give us hope and with good reason. People are a bit happier as Christmas approaches. They are friendlier to each other and are more helpful to those they do not even know and it's not because they don't want to be on Santa's naughty list. Many people say that "Christmas is the reason for the season," but the reality is we also need Christmas to keep our sanity. In a …

While helping the needy is not as seasonal as the holidays, this time of year has always been a great reminder that there are families and children who are not as fortunate as others. That's why it's so important to help those who cannot help themselves, or in this case, help those who are helping the less fortunate. The Salvation Army of Chester has been helping those in Delaware and Chester counties for the last 125 years. While last year the Chester Corps was able to reach $100,000 in donations, according to Capt. Jose Santiago, the commander of the Chester Corps, this year has not been …

The holiday season is upon us and many throughout the area are celebrating Hanukkah tonight. The eight-day Festival of Lights is a holiday that many Jews come together and celebrate. And on this first night of Hanukkah, let us remember that miracles can happen, as one did hundreds of years ago when there was only enough oil to burn for only one night, but incredibly burned for eight nights. So this holiday season let us all enjoy the company of friends, the special bond of family, and the joy that only a close, accepting community can bring.

After nearly half a century as an optician, Charles Dowling of Edward C. Dowling & Sons was not happy when he was asked for an interview about his retiring tomorrow. He said that no one wanted to speak with him until he announced that he was going to retire. "No one cares (about me) until I retired," Dowling said, who has been at the 1243 West Chester Pike location in Havertown since April 1, 1977, but his father, Edward C. Dowling, started the business in 1929. "People are so stressed out today that no one cares anymore (about the people in their community)," the 68-year-old said, explaining…