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West Chester Weekly Roundup: Mar. 22, 2024

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Mar. 22, 2024: You are eight years old and wake up to learn your mom has been abducted and then murdered. How do you live? It’s a topic and grief explored by WCU Professor Kristine Ervin in her highly acclaimed new memoir. She’s giving a reading you won’t want to miss. Plus, Mitch’s wins, Wawa loses and two new beer pubs open this weekend. Can they fill the void for a chill townie hang? We’re going to find out.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

You're Invited: WCU Professor Reads Acclaimed New Memoir On Life in the Wake of Her Mother’s Murder

Rabbit Heart is stacked and ready for your review at the Bookstore Bakery (or it will be on Mar. 26, the official release date. It is also on order at the West Chester Public Library.)

Once every three years, West Chester University Creative Writing Professor Kristine Ervin teaches a Breaking Silence course. It’s a creative nonfiction seminar in which she asks students to explore with their writing a topic that they may have previously avoided.

It’s not an easy task to dig deep into an area of pain, to lay yourself flat, vulnerable for all to see.

“The power that comes from their breaking silence, sometimes for the first time - they inspire me,” says Kristine, who’s just about to break a silence of her own.

Next week, her highly anticipated memoir, A Rabbit Heart, hits the shelves. (It has been named one of the year’s most anticipated books of the year by both The Washington Post and the New York Times.)

The book begins with the 1986 murder of Kristine’s mom Kathy Engle. Kathy had run to the mall to return a dress. She never came back. After a week-long search, her broken body was found beaten and raped, and left abandoned in an oil field. Kristine was 8 years old. A crime with no obvious explanations, the Oklahoma City murder grabbed the attention of the state. (Remember this was 1986, today it would likely show up with all its grisly details in your phone’s news feed.)

While Kristine’s father shielded her and her 13-year-old brother from much of the direct glare of attention, she nonetheless grew up in the shadow of the crime. “My assessment based on what people have said, is it was such a fascination because we were quote, ‘such a normal family’,” she says.

For 25 years, the case remained open - the murderers unknown. Thanks to true crime dramas everywhere, it’s easy to draw a mental image of news vans lining the street and reporters camped on the front lawn, gruff cops with repetitive questions. For most, it’s nearly impossible to imagine the scene from inside. That is until Kristine opens the door and lets you into the pain of her private world. It’s a portrait she hopes will help readers see how a violent loss creates a violent grief that doesn't end.

The book begins by outlining the crime and pushing you into the seat of “survivor,” assuring your perspective has changed. It then moves to Kristine’s earliest memories of the days that followed. There is one of Kristine putting on her favorite purple outfit to impress her teachers who have come to visit her soon after news of the murder broke. She remembers feeling “deep, in-the-gut sad” of lying on the floor of her bedroom, holding a picture of her mom and crying. She remembers standing naked, mid-change from nightgown to clothes, tolerating family friends who have pushed into her room to offer comfort but wishing she hadn’t.

“I know I want that moment back, where instead of remembering how I kept quiet for them, not saying what I really wanted to - I just want you to leave my room, I could remember being alone,” she writes.

She also shares what she can’t remember. Which is a lot. When she replays the scenes in her mind, her room is tidy when it was almost certainly not.

“I don’t know why memory wants to clean my room,” she writes in Chapter Two.

“That’s grief too,” she tells me when I bring up the passage. “Wanting to remember the details that matter to me now.”

However, it’s the relatability of these often incomplete scenes that strike a chord in a way that suddenly makes other crime works, especially those involving children, feel one-dimensional with their fullness.

“Our culture eats at violence and we don’t get the 8-year-old perspective,” says Kristine. “I am hoping Rabbit Heart can broaden the perspective in which we approach violence in our society.”

Open. Shut. Open.

Kristine has been writing about her mom’s death since she was 12. Her grief started with poems. It wasn’t until her Ph.D. studies that she found prose. “I fell in love with prose. It was radically different,” says Kristine of the shift. Her writing however retains a soothing flow.

The book has its roots in Kristine’s doctoral dissertation, a collection of essays on grief. At the time of the dissertation, the case remained open. It was a collection of essays with no ending. Then in 2008, there was a DNA hit. Kyle Richard Eckardt and, later, Steven A. Boerner were charged with the murder of Kathy Engle. The case was finally closed.

“That greatly changed the story. Suddenly I had a narrative arc,” says Kristine. She also had a wound torn fresh again. It would be another decade before she was ready to tackle the memoir she knew was coming.

“I needed more distance to approach the case,” she says. The book alternates between the case and living through it chapter by chapter. It’s an extremely personal narrative that not only explores the grief caused by a violent, unexplainable loss but also Kristine’s coming of age without a mother and her own relationships with men.

Now with days before the memoir hits bookshelves across the country, Kristine is preparing herself once again to be on the receiving end of a media circus.

“I always imagined the book would have a small audience. I had to imagine that way. I am grappling with having a more public persona than I am comfortable with,” she says.

She is particularly worried about online impressions - the nameless, faceless internet bullies.

“I am particularly terrified of that,” she says. While she suspects her own exposure may be shielded by her mother’s murder, she knows that writing openly about sex makes her vulnerable.

“When a woman writes honestly about her sexual experience that is something that can be used to evoke harm,” she says. “I hope readers will consider gender violence as connected to sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and the way we silence women.”

A Good Reading

While early buzz assures there will be no avoiding the masses and their opinions, the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. Goodreads gives it a 4.8 out of 5. Kirkus and Booklist both give it a starred review.

“I am honored that the early readers have connected deeply with the text,” says Kristine, who also has the support of her family and university community. Colleague and fellow author Jacqueline Alnes describes the work as “gorgeous, heartbreaking, and brutal all at once.” Then there are her students, several of whom will be breaking their own silences at next week’s book reading.

On March 26 at 6 p.m., in honor of the book’s official launch, Kristine will be doing a reading at WCU’s Philips Autograph Library There will also be a book signing, a brief Q&A, and almost certainly some tears.

“In some ways, it will be a memorial to my mom,” says Kristine who has chosen to serve treats from the Bookstore Bakery - some in honor of the book, some in honor of her mom. “There will be crying. Tissues all around.”

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

With April showers on the way, our thoughts turn to… mudrooms. Here at Spring Creek Design, we love mudrooms because they’re made to be used, messed up, and then easily returned to order. If you’re thinking about adding a mudroom, here are some tips we’ve learned along the way:

Make it functional. Use vertical cabinets to hold coats, add a bench, and incorporate a “drop-off” shelf to keep things organized.
Make it easy to clean. A mudroom is only as good as its floor. Tile, stone, or vinyl are great choices.
Make it useful. A small sink comes in handy. We’ve also installed washers and dryers, ice makers, wine fridges, pantries, and even dog-washing stations.
Make it beautiful. Some of the nicest work we’ve done is reflected in the cabinetry, moldings, hardware, and overall design of mudrooms.

Ready to make the most of the home you love? Give us a call at 610-273-9194.

The Warnings.

Changes are coming. This week Borough Council asked that the Planning Commission take a look at clarifying components of West Chester’s land development ordinances and zoning codes. They will be asked specifically to review and make recommendations on how the Borough:

measures building height and build-to-lines
calculates parking requirements (quantity and design)
sets the recreation fee in lieu of (this is a fee developers are asked to pay when their properties do not offer sufficient recreation opportunities for residents. See discussion on the Mitch’s Gym proposal in Goodbye for more.)

You can run but you can’t hide. Last week, West Chester police arrested Jimmy Norman of Honey Brook on assault charges. He was wanted for his participation in a Dec. 31 attack that occurred on the 50 block of S. High Street (Barnaby’s) and sent one person to the hospital.

That’s a scary situation. Earlier this month, West Chester police arrested Mandela Paasewe of Trenton, NJ on burglary charges after he forced his way into a W. Locust Lane residence. Once inside Mandela stole the victim’s phone and assaulted him or her. He was still in the residence when the police arrived.

Watch your speed. West Chester, West Goshen, and Westown-East Goshen are joining 77 other regional police departments in cracking down on distracted and aggressive driving. In Pennsylvania in 2023, there were nearly 1300 crashes and 39 fatalities related to aggressive driving behaviors. Police have scheduled the campaign to run through April 28.

Stay the course. Radnor Township has dropped intoxication and disorderly conduct charges against one-time West Chester resident ‘Bam’ Margera. Margera still faces charges in Chester County; the trial is expected to start next week. In the meantime, the former Jackass star continues to work on his sobriety.

Take cover. The West Chester Easter Egg hunt is moving indoors.

The Accolades.

Full circle: Sheila reads The Tear Box to a 1st grade class at Hillsdale, the elementary school her daughter attended.

This week our writers’ celebration continues with a couple of recently published children’s book authors. I swear, West Chester is turning into a literary enclave with our own bookstore and several newly published residents.

Long before it was something we talked about, West Chester resident and teacher Sheila Startup knew the pains big feelings could cause kids.

“I had my first panic attack in 1976 at age 10. I threw up on the steps of Chadds Ford Elementary School,” she shared.

At the time, no one was using the words “panic attack,” certainly not to explain childhood’s complicated emotions. There were no discussions of feelings - just chin up. Walk it off. Get back out there. And she did. She fought through high school and college earning her B.S. in Art Education. In 1990, she started teaching art for the Great Valley School District.

“I just stuffed things down, but when my daughter was born I knew I had to deal with this,” she said. Sheila took a sabbatical and began to put her experiences on the page.

“Back in 2008, I wrote a book about anxiety and big feelings for kids, but the time was just not right for publishing,” she said. “I think the pandemic made everyone very much aware of their feelings.”

Last year, Sheila connected with Mascot Books, the same publisher that helped another local teacher author publish her work, and The Tear Box was born. The Tear Box tells the story of the trials of a little girl. She gets bullied on the playground. Her goldfish dies. Each time something sad happens, she puts her tears in a box her Grandmother gives her.

“While being a literal holder of emotions, the box also serves to stand as a metaphor for our emotions and what happens when they go unattended to,” says Sheila who hopes the book the book will encourage kids to explore and understand all their emotions.

Single dad and West Chester resident David Levi was also inspired by the birth of his daughter to write a book.

Planet of Lil Beans introduces us to a planet “past the sun and the stars” populated by Lil Beans. A planet where everyone is understanding, caring is prized and friends help each other out. It’s a planet where dancing is encouraged, and so is wiggling, learning, and eating your vegetables.

David shares that his intention for the book was to distill raising kids in a complicated world down to a few simple actions. “This book aims to be the baseline for how I want to raise my daughter,” David said.

Both books are now available on Amazon - and would make excellent Easter basket gifts for those who are still looking. The Tear Box is also at the Bookstore Bakery - or at least it was.

This week we are also celebrating:

Smart kiddos. The East High School Academic Team has repeated as Chester County Academic Competition champions. On Monday, in a tense final match, East beat Unionville and Henderson (which took second) to secure their second title in as many years. “It’s a reflection of our continued commitment to combining each person’s specialties and learning from the mistakes of last year,” said Alex Chen, East’s team captain and 2024 team MVP in a statement. East will now advance to the Pennsylvania State Academic Competition in Harrisburg on April 26.

Getting dirty. On Saturday, Chester-Ridley-Crum Creek (CRC) Watersheds Association pulled 1,620 pounds of trash from Goose Creek including an entire bike! Big thank you to all who got dirty to make sure our waterways stay clean. We’ve done it in the past but missed this year’s event.

Friends at the Philadelphia Inquirer. This week the Philadelphia Inquirer confirms what many here already knew, Pizza West Chester owner Speer Madanat is expanding into ice cream. According to the article, the shop will focus on soft-serve ice cream and custard. There will also be shakes and sundaes. Ice Cream West Chester is expected to open on N. Church St. sometime in May.

Original content. This weekend West Chester University students are taking to the stage with a series of one-act plays that they have written, directed and, in many, cases acted in themselves. It’s a process many want-to-be playwrights will face after graduation. “In the real world, playwrights have the option to send their new work to festivals like Philly Fringe, Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival, or New York Theatre Festival,” said Christen Mandracchia, WCU Assistant Professor of Theatre. “Often, this requires self-producing – i.e. getting your peers together, gathering your resources, and coordinating everything yourself.” The production also gives students a chance to workshop their plays before entering them in professional festivals. Think of this as off-, off-, off-off-off-off Broadway.

Righteous Felon Craft Jerky. The West Chester-based dried meat purveyors are partnering with Tractor Supply Company on a new signature jerky. The new sweet and spicy BBQ will be made with USA-raised, antibiotic and growth hormone-free Black Angus Beef and be available exclusively at one of the farm supply chain’s nearly 2400 stores.

Birthdays. Shout out to Charlie & Co. Barbershop on Church Street. The female-owned barbershop is celebrating 4 years in the Borough - and I have to say, they always have the best promo shots.

Hello.

Bierhaul Townhouse is now open on N. Walnut St.

This weekend let’s welcome a new way to night out. In a year and a half, West Chester lost Ram’s Head and Split Rail Tavern putting a significant dent in east-side hangout options. Now two promising newcomers are set to open within days of each other.

Already up and running and in quite quick fashion is Bierhaul Townhouse on 15 N. Walnut St - in the former home of Split Rail Tavern. Opened Thursday at 5 p.m., Bierhaul Townhouse is the second location for Chester County restauranteurs James Mullally and Loic Barnieu who brought Bierhaul Farmhouse to Thornton in 2022. Both men have connections to West Chester, Loic through his involvement with Sterling Pig and James as the former Split Rail bar manager. The new location, described as a “mix of European and American influences,” aims to continue the family-friendly feel with an indoor beer garden upstairs and a traditional bar downstairs. There are 22 beers on tap and a selection of European comfort foods on the menu. Live music is expected on weekends and look for lots of events to draw you in throughout the year.

For those familiar with SRT’s closure, know the apartment complex blamed for the cockroaches was condemned by the Borough last fall. It has reopened and does appear work has been done on the property - at least if the Pella window stickers are any indication.

Also, opening this weekend is Serum Kitchen and Tap House at 142 E. Market. This is the latest concept from Hatfield’s popular Imprint Beer Company. It is being described as an “elevated neighborhood experience.” According to Main Line Today, Chef Carlos Centeno, a Starr Restaurant sous chef, is expected to contribute recipes to the project.

Doors will open to the main floors this Saturday at 5 p.m. with rooftop seating coming soon. Want to secure your spot? Reservations are now open on their website.

Speaking of venue announcements, the West Chester Film Festival has announced the locations for its 2024 festival coming up Apr. 26 through 28. The opening night party, the main festival blocks, and the closing night party will all be held at Uptown again this year.

“We are so excited to have a venue home at Uptown,” said WCFF Director of Sponsorship Victoria Rose.

There will also be four additional events at locations across the Borough. Starting on Friday night, Mayday Coffee will be hosting a Horror Pop-up Film Block at 9:30 p.m. Then on Saturday morning there will be a Filmmaker’s Breakfast Workshop at the Hotel Warner’s Marquee Lounge and a pop-up film block of Pennsylvania stories that afternoon at the Chester County History Center. Newcomer Bierhaul Townhouse will be presenting the Coffee and Cartoons Pop-up Film Block on Sunday morning.

“We have had a fantastic response from filmmakers and guests already! It is going to be a fantastic weekend of celebrating short film,” said Victoria.

Parental note - in the past, the cartoons shown in the Coffee and Cartoons film block were not always kid-friendly, and while all WCFF films carry the warning - “Films are unrated and may not be appropriate for all ages,” this year’s selections are fun for the whole family.

“They are all absolutely fine for kids - Bug Therapy (which has the voices of Dr. Phil, Tom Green, Meghan Trainor, and others) mentions mental health, but in a light and funny way. If they can handle Pixar, this block is all good,” said Victoria.

Also, this week it was hello to some outside interest. A reporter and editor from WHYY stopped by the West Chester Area YMCA on Tuesday evening to speak with residents about issues affecting our area.

According to the distributed announcement, “pop-up” newsrooms are a continued endeavor by the newsroom to strengthen ties with the communities they cover. The events are an opportunity for residents to “learn about our newsgathering process and pitch story ideas.”

Anyone attend? I got the notice a little too late to make it over but they left a form, if anyone wants to reach out directly.

Finally, it’s hello, to a new StoryWalk story at Hoopes Park. It’s Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, illustrated by Kate Messner. “Look for the white rabbit on every page!” suggests West Chester Public Library Director Victoria Dow. “Get it? Alice ... white rabbit ... falling into a book!” Sounds like a fun one. You can preview the book here.

Goodbye.

Next up for Mitch’s Gym - Demolition permits.

Goodbye, Mitch’s. It’s now 100 percent official. Apartments - 185 of them - are coming to W. Market St. across from the County building. This week, Borough Council after a little executive session back-and-forth gave final unanimous approval to the massive apartment complex planned for the corner of Wayne and Market Streets.

In return for approval, Developer Eli Kahn and team first had to make good on a few outstanding items flagged by the Planning Commission most notably regarding recreation and landscaping. The Borough requires all developers to set aside at least five percent of the property for resident recreation. If they are unable to do this, they can instead pay a fee to the Borough. The payment is called a “recreation fee in lieu of.” This money is then made available to the Borough’s Parks and Rec department to invest in nearby parks. Under the Borough’s calculations, the presented plans missed the target by roughly two percent. Originally the Borough Council members had planned to request the full fee be paid to the Borough but in the end they settled on a compromise.

They gave the developer a partial waiver for the recreation land that met Borough requirements and asked that they pay a fee for the missing area. In addition to the required fees, Eli Kahn agreed to make a separate $40,000 donation to the improvement of West Chester Parks. While this was originally to be earmarked for Horace Pippen Park, Borough Councilman Bernie Flynn explained the developer is not able to dictate where the money will be spent.

“The Fee in Lieu statue says it has to be used in a park in the vicinity of the property. [Eli] can’t designate where the money will be used,” he said. In total $150,000 will go to the Borough for rec space.

In addition to the recreation fee, the developers are paying an additional $22,000 for also falling short on their landscape requirements. See, it pays not to build right to the sidewalk. In the end, everyone seemed satisfied with the compromise. “He is an excellent, excellent developer,” said Mr. Flynn.

This week we are also saying goodbye to a new Wawa at the Parkway Shopping Center - at least for now. West Goshen Supervisors unanimously denied the convenience chain’s plans to build a 5,330 sq. ft. store on the property.

“As with every conditional use application that comes before our board, the applicant is required to prove compliance with certain standards set forth in our township code. In this case, our Board concluded that Wawa did not meet those standards, and therefore we denied the application,” West Goshen Board of Supervisors Chair Ashley Gagne told Daily Local News reporter Bill Rettew after the meeting.

The supervisors cited traffic and pedestrian safety in the area as their top concerns. Wawa is expected to appeal the decision and soon. You can read a full recount of the meeting here.

Also, this week, the BID or the West Chester Business Improvement District is shedding a few letters and officially rebranding as Downtown West Chester. The name change aligns the organization with its online and social media properties where it already uses the moniker “Downtown West Chester.”

“To create brand consistency and better align with our online identity, we will be publicly known as Downtown West Chester moving forward!” they shared on Instagram. They also revealed a new logo.

Pay It Forward.

Porchfest returns May 18 - performers needed!

It may only be feet from their current location but the move from the basement of the Church of the Holy Trinity on S. High Street to ground-level offices around the corner on W. Bernard marks a big step for a local nonprofit.

“This is huge for us,” said Hallie Romanowski, executive director of Act in Faith, a West Chester-based nonprofit. Act in Faith was started 10 years ago by members of the Religious Council of Greater West Chester and acts as the conduit to services for those in need.

“Our ability to provide services that lie beyond the scope of other local social service agencies allows us to remove barriers that are preventing people from moving forward on their journey to becoming self-sustaining,” their website reads.

As Hallie describes it, if Friends Association and Safe Harbor are the bricks, “we are the mortar.” Need a bus pass to get to your new job? Act in Faith can help. Need a cell to do, well, pretty much anything? Act in Faith can help.

Who can help?

Have musical talent? We want to hear it! The West Chester Green Team is looking for Porchfest performers. This year’s event is scheduled for Sat. May 18, from 1 to 7 p.m. So far 37 musical groups have signed up but there is room for lots more. If you are interested, go to the website enter your information and someone will be in touch - but hurry, performer sign-up closes on Apr. 1. If you somehow missed it the last two years, put it on the calendar. This is a really fun community event.
West Chester Friends Association has put out an urgent request for household essentials. Most needed items include cleaning supplies, trash cans, pillows, mops, brooms, and toilet paper. Donations can be dropped off at 113 W. Chestnut St. or ordered online and sent to the nonprofit directly. Find a complete list of needed items here.
Also, State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s Diaper Drive continues. You can drop off new diapers of all sizes, as well as other new baby supplies like wipes, onesies, bottles, bibs, burp cloths, hats and socks, and bath supplies at Carolyn’s West Chester District Office at 17 E. Gay St.

If you or your organization are holding a drive or a fundraiser let me know. I am going to try and include a list of easy ways to get involved at the end of this section.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Mar. 29 & 30: A Danceology of Hip Hop

Mar. 30: Crazy Train: Ozzy Experience

It’s a crazy week at Uptown. It starts with a paradigm-shifting dance history lesson - times two. Then Saturday night America’s #1 Ozzy Osbourne tribute show takes the stage. Learn more!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to be vacation-prepping and binging all things Disney in preparation for our first family visit to the Sunshine State. On a related note, there will be no Roundup next week but I will be back April 5 - with a completely new (and already half-full) edition. I hope you have a lovely Easter if you celebrate. If not, a nice spring break regardless.

If you are around this weekend, there are of course two new locations to try. (Check out Drunks of West Chester’s review of Bierhaul Townhouse here.) Plus, Scoops ‘N’ Smiles has a new expanded toppings station, Roots Cafe has a new crispy truffle parmesan fingerlings app that looks low-key addicting and Highland Orchard’s Market and Bakery is open again after a long winter closure.

And a couple of weather notes: Just going to put it out here again in case you were skimming, West Chester’s Easter Egg hunt is moving from Everhart Park to Borough Hall because of Saturday’s expected rain. Levante’s National Puppy Day - Dog Days Celebration is also moving - from this Saturday to April 6.

I am off next week but the calendar is still here for you.

Finally, a special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Andrea Napoli Real Estate. A board member of the West Chester Senior Center and active in numerous local organizations, Andrea understands the role communities play in making a home feel special. Click here to learn more!

Andrea Napoli Real Estate

Representing West Chester buyers and sellers, Andrea has built a loyal client base by paying attention to the details and putting their needs first. She brings exceptional knowledge of the industry, the market and the West Chester community and is committed to putting quality service back in the process. Learn more about Andrea Napoli Real Estate.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. There are only three spots an issue so each one gets a lot of attention, and from what I hear, responses. Placements are filled first come- first served. Send me an email if you are interested.

Readers: Get your annual subscription now! If you haven’t yet paid for your annual subscription please do so now. Subscribe either through the link below or use Venmo. ($12 gets you a year of fun, excitement and plenty of new development updates! That’s like a quarter an issue.)

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Mark your calendars:

Mar. 22 - Tommy Froelich Album Release Party, Uptown, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. The exclusive release showcase of Tommy Froelich’s latest album, "Chester County Bound." Tickets: $25/in advance; $30/door - plus $5 service fee.
Mar. 22 - 24 - Student Written One Acts, WCU JP Adler Studio, EO Bull Center, 7:30 p.m. with a 2:30 p.m. performance on Sunday. Enjoy a series of original one-act plays written, directed and acted by students. Tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased online.
Mar. 23 - West Chester Easter Egg Hunt, Borough Hall - 401 E. Gay St., 10 a.m. Hunt is free and open to the public - just don't be late. Hunt starts promptly at 10 a.m.!
Mar. 23 - Barnyard Bash with Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, Brandywine Ace Pet & Farm, 1150 Pocopson Rd, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Get ready for hands on experiences with adorable baby chicks, ducks, goats & bunnies, pictures with the Easter Bunny and complimentary face painting. A $5 donation is being collected to help provide feed for a local animal rescue.
Mar. 23, 24 - Easter Bunny Express, West Chester Railroad, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Easter Bunny will be on board passing out treats. Tickets: $30/adults; $25/kids 2-12; $10/9 - 23 mo.
Mar. 23 - Saturn V Rocket Workshop, American Helicopter Museum, 1 -3 p.m. Take a closer look at one of the most powerful rockets ever, the Saturn V. Do hands-on experiments to learn just why this rocket was able to get us to the moon. Tickets: $30 - ages 8 - 13
Mar. 23 - Wine & Dine with Coach Vermeil, Radley Run Country Club, 6 - 10 p.m. Join Coach Dick Vermeil and the Greystone Auxillary for an evening of food and wine tasting. Proceeds support the Women's Auxilliary's $2 million pledge for Breast Cancer health.
Mar. 23 - Bad Hombres, Tilted Axes, 18 Hagerty Blvd., 7 p.m. No cover. Free parking.
Mar. 23 - Constantine Maroulis, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Seen by 30 million viewers on American Idol, and thousands more on Broadway in Rock of Ages, this is the first-ever Uptown appearance. Tickets: $45-55/in advance; Plus at the $5/door. Plus $5/service fee.
Mar. 24 - Lulu's Spring at the Park, Marshall Square Park, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. This is a Lulu's Casita event. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, characters, a dance circle and more. Tickets: $30/kids; $5/adults.
Mar. 25 - Lecture: "Reproductive Justice Now," WCU Philips Autograph Library, 5 p.m. Lecture by renowned feminist scholar-activist Loretta Ross. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Mar. 25 - $5 Movie Monday: Ordinary Love, Uptown Theater, 7:00 p.m. Includes popcorn!
Mar. 26 - Rabbit Heart - Reading and Signing, Phillips Autograph Library, 6 p.m. A reading in celebration of Kristine Ervin's acclaimed debut memoir, Rabbit Heart: A Mother's Murder, a Daughter's Story.
Mar. 26 - Cecilia Beaux - A Modern Painter in the Gilded Age, Chester County History Center, 7 - 8 p.m. This is a virtual presentation from the CCHC and a pay as you wish event.
Mar. 29 - Fierce Women of West Chester Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m. Tour covers approximately 1.5 miles and lasts 90 minutes. Tickets: $15
Mar. 29 - Danceology of Hip Hop, Uptown, 7:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Hip Hop dance! Witness what’s possible with a sneak peek of revolutionary 3-D education technology, creating a new way to learn and connect with dance. Tickets: $25/advance; $30/door, plus $5 ticket fee.
Mar. 30 - Danceology of Hip Hop, Uptown, 7:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Hip Hop dance! Witness what’s possible with a sneak peek of revolutionary 3-D education technology, creating a new way to learn and connect with dance. Tickets: $25/advance; $30/door, plus $5 ticket fee.
Mar. 30 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.
Mar. 30 - First Presbyterian Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. Hunt starts promptly at 10 a.m. Free snacks and drinks provided. Just BYOB - bring your own basket!
Mar. 30, 31 - Easter Bunny Express, West Chester Railroad, 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Easter Bunny will be on board passing out treats. Tickets: $30/adults; $25/kids 2-12; $10/9 - 23 mo.
Mar. 30 - Crazy Train: Ozzy Experience, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. North America’s #1 Ozzy Osbourne tribute artist. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/door. Plus $5/service fee.
Mar. 30 - Group Art Show, Corner Art Collective, 341 S. Matlack St. 4-8 p.m. One night only!
Mar. 30 - Apr. 6 - High School Student Art Contest and Exhibition, Sunset Hill Jewelers, 23 N. High St.