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It’s Friday, Oct. 20, 2023: Borough budget discussions continue and in a bizarre twist Council members insist on a tax increase. We look at why. Plus, more changes coming to West Chester’s residential parking permit program, the Zombie Run returns and in one fell swoop all our retail prayers have been answered. Well, mostly, still waiting on the Trader Joe’s. It’s been a (mostly) good week. 

So, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Tax Increase Discussions Continue

In a bizarre twist, West Chester Borough Council this week approved a nearly balanced draft budget which is likely to be rejected at next month’s scheduled public hearing in favor of a budget requiring a tax increase. On Tuesday night Borough Manager Sean Mettrick presented his revised budget to Council in which he and his team had reduced the nearly half-million dollar overage to just $56,000. A gap that could be covered by a 1 percent tax increase or as Mettrick suggested, by delaying the hiring of personnel a few weeks as positions open up, saving the elected officials a little political capital. 

“That’s a headline that says, ‘Tax increase,’ and it doesn’t move the needle much,” he told council members on Tuesday. (He’s not wrong about that.)

The savings, he explained were found by making three adjustments: 

1. Increasing the health care refund from 0 to $275,000. The health care fund is an insurance program the borough pays into. If claims against the fund are low, the borough will receive a refund at the end of the year. However, if claims are high the borough receives nothing. In the revised scenario, the borough is using the law of averages to gamble it should be due a refund.  

2. Relocating $130,000 in street lighting expenses from the General Fund to the lLiquid Fuel Fund. In the past, the borough has used the entirety of this money, which comes from the state’s gas tax, to pave its roads. “I don’t think it’s sustainable long-term,” said Mr. Mettrick but based on the amount of paving completed over the last two years, he felt it was an acceptable one-year deferral. 

3. $80,000 from the state pension aid. These are state funds to support municipal pensions.

A bit surprisingly, Council members rejected most of these measures – and the political cover – in favor of a more conservative budgeting approach. The volatile health care fund in particular put them ill at ease. Many noted that should deductibles again be high, the borough would need to borrow the anticipated refund money from its capital reserve fund. Less money for paving was also a concern.

“I do want to see us put that $130,000 back in Liquid Fuels,” said Councilman Brian McGuiness. “We do need to pave our roads. That is one of the complaints we get in West Chester.” 

The rejections put the Council Members in the odd position of lobbying for a tax increase. 

“We should put the $450,000 back in the budget,” said Councilman Bernie Flynn. “It’s unsustainable with the options Mr. Mettrick laid out.” To cover the $450,000 in its entirety would require an eight percent tax increase. A number that was briefly discussed by members but a request chided by Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste. 

“I think eight percent is a big ask,” she said. “Yes, this town is pretty much privileged but not everyone is privileged.”  

By the end of the discussion, most seemed to be moving away from high-end increases back to smaller yearly or bi-yearly increases. 

“It would be great to be more clear with residents about the organic growth of expenses and how our tax revenues are not going to keep up with that,” said Councilman Nick Allen. “Using longer 5-year averages, we can set a reasonable tax increase every year or every other year.“  

It was a direction the mayor and most members of council seemed to favor. “I am not sure it’s one percent. I also am not sure it’s eight percent but I do think it is somewhere in the middle to make sure we have the funds,” said Councilwoman Lisa Dorsey.   

“Obviously a tax increase is all but inevitable but still I think slow and steady wins the race,” said Mayor DeBaptiste. “I don’t think we need to sticker shock anyone in this town.” 

A hearing on the 2024 Operating and Capital Budget has been scheduled for November 15, 2023. You can review the approved preliminary budget here.

And it looks like Borough residents aren’t the only ones facing a tax increase. 

Buckle up: More Changes Coming to the Parking Permit Program

On-street parking signs outline area specific regulations.

This week Borough Council set the date for a public hearing on a pretty comprehensive overhaul to Chapter 77 of the Borough Code. For those not name-dropping code chapters, that’s the section of the Borough’s operating procedures that deals with its residential parking permit program. 

“I hope everyone read this because it is so nice,” Parking Director Ramsey Reiner told Borough Council Parking Committee members last week. 

While most of the changes to the chapter have to do with readability and administration of the code, there are some potentially transformative changes being proposed to student parking and guest permits.

Let’s start with the improvements made to ease of understanding. The code currently lists all streets participating in the residential parking permit program and the hours and various stipulations for each including eligibility by permit area. Since the qualifications to park are essentially the same for each permit area, this leads to a lot of undue repetition. All that detail also leads to the code requiring frequent updates. By my count, this one section of the code has been updated more than 200 times since it was first adopted in 1978. That averages out to more than four updates a year just on parking eligibility.  

To help streamline the update process the Borough is recommending removing the street names and times of enforcement from the code and putting them in a separate resolution. This should eliminate the need for legal involvement in these updates – saving time and money. In the provided draft, which will be open to public comment at a hearing scheduled for Nov. 15, the streets and times have been removed and eligibility has been simplified into six categories. (You can see those below.) What permit area you fall under is still based on where you live. 

Besides being infinitely clearer to understand, the revised code makes two significant changes to the parking requirements for off-campus housing. 

Change #1: There’s a new “Student Home” parking pass designation. This new permit option allows WCU students to obtain a parking permit using an out-of-state license plate. Currently, to get a permit you need a car registered in PA. Since residence at school is often temporary, many students are not willing to go through the process of re-registering their cars. Under this new “student home” designation students living in a student rental can get permits for any resident that doesn’t have access to off-street parking regardless of what their home state is. 

Change #2: Student renters can not request guest passes. “Student renters will no longer receive guest passes at this time,” Ramsey told the Parking Committee. The idea here is to reign in the number of guest passes that are being handed out. According to a 2016 parking study, the Borough gave out nearly as many guest permits (2,302) as it did residential permits (2,867). The proposed code also officially exempts residents of Washington Square Apartments and future residents of 410 S. High Street (Burger King), 250 E. Market Street (Rubenstein’s) and 322 W. Market Street (Mitch’s) from participating in the guest permit program. 

Will this solve all the student parking problems? Probably not in their entirety but it should help in some regards – and if not at least it’s something. 

“I am very happy with the student permit situation is moving somewhere,” Councilwoman Shelia Vacara said at the Parking Committee meeting. “Moving anywhere is better than where it’s been.”

Curious if you qualify for a residential parking permit? Review the criteria here.

The Warnings.

West Goshen officers participated in Operation Safe Stop. Image: West Goshen Township Police on Facebook.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Each Friday, there is another newsletter that goes out in the borough and that is West Chester IT Director Bill Mann’s “Cybersecurity Friday.” It’s an impressive dedication to the topic that culminates with Cybersecurity Awareness Month. “October is finally here my dedicated readers. I have been waiting for this all year!” Bill wrote in last week’s edition. Throughout the month Bill is highlighting the four key behaviors to protecting yourself and your organization from a cyber attack including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, updated software, and recognizing phishing. 

Drive like your kids ride here. This Wednesday, the West Goshen Police Department joined the Chester County Highway Safety Project in Operation Safe Stop, the annual program designed to help improve school bus safety. Some WGPD officers rode on the buses with students sharing safety information. While others followed behind the bus to ensure motorists behaved. “Where were the West Chester Police?” you ask. I think you know. 

Street milling alert. According to a message on the Borough of West Chester’s website, its paving contractor has begun milling operations. Once milling is complete, contractors are expected to return in about six workdays to pave the roads. “Your patience during this time would be appreciated,” the message read.

Saving water will save you money. And even more so next year. This week West Chester Borough Council voted on a preliminary 2024 budget that includes a three percent increase to the sewer rates. For the average household using 150 gallons/day, that is an increase of about $1.52/month.

Someone must really be missing you. Earlier this week West Goshen Police found a dog in the area of Wisteria Lane. If you recognize this face, let his humans know he is at the SPCA and ready to go home. 

The Accolades.

This week we join St. Agnes Church, students, and a host of local dignitaries in offering our thanks and applause to West Chester’s first responders. Last week roughly 350 people attended the Gay Street church’s annual Blue Mass celebrating the area’s police, fire, and EMT personnel. 

“There is a big world out there and these men and women have stepped up to the plate,” said Father Louis Bellopede. Read more about the mass here.   

Also, a you-go girl to Gia Rose. The West Chester-based tattoo artist has already conquered quite a bit in her life according to a recent profile by 6ABC. A runaway at age 16, Gia overcame a life on the streets by learning the tattoo trade. At 31 with her life settling and her fame growing she was diagnosed with cancer. She has since beaten the cancer, showcased her talents on Paramount Network’s Ink Masters, and built a loyal following of fans. In 2017 she opened, a shop on High Street and has continued to build job security.   

“Clients come from all over the world come to White Oak Tattoo, and if you want Gia, patience is a virtue. She is normally booked out for six months ago longer,” the article reads. 

Also, this week, West Chester University is basking in the glow of some recent accolades. Earlier this month the Golden Rams learned they were a four-time recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award. The national award is given out by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine and recognizes institutions of higher education that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Then just this week it was announced WCU Professor Susan Fiorentino, wife of outgoing president Christopher Fiorentino, will be the 2023 recipient of the Gladys Black “Woman of Distinction” honor from the Fund for Women and Girls. 

“We are so excited to have someone as accomplished at supporting women in the workplace as Susan as our awardee,” said Fund Executive Director Kim Andrews in a statement.

Professor Fiorentino, who has a background in labor law, has conducted extensive research on the legal issues women face in the workplace, including pay equity and sexual harassment. 

Also, this week congratulations to West Chester artist Denise Vitollo, this year’s recipient of the Green Team’s Art and Nature Award. Denise will be sharing some of her colorful pastel paintings of Chester County on Monday at 6 p.m. outside room 101A of WCU’s Sciences and Engineering Center. An award presentation will follow.

Speaking of accomplished, high fives to Gay Street’s Kaly Clothing on 35 years in business. They will be celebrating all weekend with sales, gift card giveaways, mocktails, and more. La Chic Boutique is also raising a glass this weekend. They are toasting 10 years on a Gay Street with cupcakes and bubbly. Perhaps a little party hopping is in order? Stop by (both) and wish them continued success. 

Hello.

Hundreds gathered to welcome the Phillies rally bus on Wednesday.

Red October is here. Hundreds ditched work and class on Wednesday to greet the Phillies Rally bus just outside of the 44 West Plaza on the corner of Church and Gay Streets. Missed the action? Don’t worry, the Phillies are back in action tonight at 8 p.m. Ways to view abound. Rally towels optional. Free t-shirts possible.

And in even more exciting news. Helllllo, ten-minute Target-run. Goodbye, Exton traffic. Maybe hello, West Chester traffic? I don’t know, but we’ll worry about that at a later date. Today we are celebrating. Earlier this week Chris Robbins, owner of the West Goshen Shopping Center, made it official announcing at the West Goshen Board of Supervisors’ meeting that Target and Chick-fil-A are coming to town. 

If you remember earlier discussions about the property, Target is planning to update and expand upon the area formerly home to K-Mart. Chick-fil-A will be constructing a free-standing storefront at the south end of the property directly in front of the new Target. (You just can’t say that too many times.)

New details about the properties were also revealed. “It’s not a small format. I was told it’s not their largest [Target] but still quite large (120,000 sq. ft. he said),” the always knowledgable West Goshen Sunshine informed her followers this week. 

As to when we can expect these new treats. Chick-fil-A is targeting a spring 2024 opening but don’t expect Target not until 2025.

“It’s a big project,” Chris said.

Also, let’s welcome some new community gardens. If you find a vacant, unclaimed piece of property in the borough you can now rightfully turn it into a community garden. This week Borough Council voted unanimously to amend Borough Code Chapter 112 to allow “community garden” as a permitted use in all areas of the Borough except for the Industrial District.  

The oversight in the code was discovered by Reverend Dayna Spence earlier this year after her iCare Foundation tried to convert an empty lot on Poplar Street into a community garden. After applying for a permit to begin construction she learned that using the land for a garden was considered “agriculture” and was prohibited by the borough. She eventually got her garden built but it took a lawyer and a variance. “I hope they do make it easier,” she told me at the time. 

Well, now, thanks to Dayna and her team, you can have your veggies and grow them too. 

Finally, hello, former New York Giants linebacker/GMA Host Michael Strahan? No sightings reported yet but we’ll keep an eye out. 

Goodbye.

Steaks West Chester opened to sold out crowds.

Say goodbye to an open storefront at 698 E. Market Street (and hours of your weekend) and hello to your cheesesteak dreams. Speer Madant has moved in and brought his reputation for quality with him (although he has reportedly left behind a few of the hoops.) Steaks West Chester opened over the weekend and has already been met with heaps of praise and lines around the block. On Wednesday, they sold out of their sandwiches. 

“In the heart of West Chester, a culinary triumph has emerged in the realm of cheesesteaks,” wrote Miles for Munchies. 

“Been so long since I had a great cheesesteak and now I’m spoiled and won’t be able to eat a cheesesteak from anywhere else!” wrote another convert. 

The sandwiches, as the Philadelphia Inquirer noted, come down to the ingredients. For the filling, he uses a sliced-down ribeye, rough chopped onion, and Cooper sharp American. The roll, you may recognize. It is made by La Baguette Magique.   

The business model is a little more friendly than Pizza West Chester. While there is still no online ordering, there are phone orders, set hours, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. except Monday, and credit cards accepted. 

Speaking of stores that are not closing – despite some speculation we will not be saying goodbye to Rite Aid on Gay Street – at least not yet. According to court papers filed in the pharmacy’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy case, 22 Rite Aid stores in Pennsylvania will be closing. The Rite Aid on Gay Street – or anywhere else in the West Chester area – however, is not one of them. I know I was surprised too. 

Finally, we are going to end with some sad news. This week we learned of the unexpected passing of West Chester Area School District student Bennett Krusen. Bennett came up through the district attending Penn Wood, Stetson, Rustin and most recently the Technical College High School on the Brandywine Campus. 

“Bennett was a student who was known and supported by many, his loss will be felt by students and staff alike,” Substitute Superintendent Dr. Kalia Reynolds said in a statement to the WCASD Community. 

She also shared that there would be additional counseling, mental health, and support services available while the community works to process this devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Pay It Forward.

What are you doing on Saturday afternoon? Want to meet at Rustin High School and get chased by zombies? That’s right. After being killed by COVID (and some graduations) – the Rustin Track and Cross Country teams are trying to revive their beloved Knight of the Living Dead Zombie 5K.

“We trying to bring it back from the dead,” Senior organizer and Cross Country Captain Brianna Ambrosine told me. (I guess two can play at the pun game.)  

The race is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and has a slightly different format than your traditional 5K. At the start of the race, you will get three flags (four if you bring one bag or roughly 10 nonperishable items to donate to the West Chester Food Cupboard.) Then during the race, which starts at the stadium, you will be chased by zombies. 

Zombies, who are – spoiler – played by real-life Rustin track and cross country team members, are hidden in 100-meter sections around the race course – and I am guessing, are pretty fast. “Participants have to dodge the zombies as they try to take your flags,” Brianna told me. But if you succeed you will be rewarded with a minute deducted from your final time for each flag remaining on your belt.

“It is kind of a different 5k. You don’t have to be the fastest, but you have to be strategic,” she said. 

There will be prizes for the fastest male/female in each age group category starting with the 11 – 14 year-olds and progressing to the over 60 group. For the younger kids, there will be a children’s 400 m Fun Run and kids’ craft area.

“We have crafts and things for the kids to do while the parents are running the 5K,” said Brianna.  

Sounds just about perfect. So, who’s ready to run? Good because organizers are still looking for participants. 

“The teams are excited,” said Brianna. “We are ready for the event, we are just looking for participants to actually, run the event.” 

5K registration is $30 if you complete it by 5:59 p.m. today and $35 after that. The kids’ Fun Run is $15 in advance and $20 on Saturday. All proceeds are being shared between the Rustin Track and Cross Country teams and the West Chester Food Cupboard.  

“A fun activity that gets everyone excited for the Halloween season. That is what we are hoping for,” said Brianna.     

Prefer to do your good deeds from the comfort of a chair? West Chester Borough Council is accepting applications for several board and commission positions including the Civil Service Commission, the Community Campus Committee, the Historical Architectural Review Board, the Historical Commission, the Sustainability Advisory Commission, the Tree Commission, and the West Chester Library Board. Interested in putting your name in for one or more of these positions? Send an email with your resume and the subject line Resume for Vacancy to Dana DiDomenico. For more information on what each of these committees does, click here. 

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Jeffrey Gaines | October 28 @ 7:30

With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Jeffery Gaines’ soulful live performances

have sold out clubs since 1992. Don’t miss this moving performance. Get your tickets now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

East Bradford is holding its Autumn Festival this weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We have a few soccer games and a birthday or two we are dodging but if we can squeeze it in the kids and I would like to attempt the Zombie Run. Let me know if you want to join us. 

If you are around this week, ghost tours in town are hitting their peak, Pine and Quill received a new art drop, Jawn Supply unloaded 40 new Eagles items this morning (plan ahead is all I’m saying), The Corner Art Collective's Mischief, Monsters and Myths opens on Saturday night (the preview looks pretty awesome) and East Bradford is celebrating its Autumn Festival on Sunday. 

And don't forget next Wednesday is the West Chester Halloween Parade and too trunk or treat options to mention but you can find them all on the calendar of events.

And we are back at the beginning. This week a very special thank you to The Lorgus Company our first official Community Sponsor. The Lorgus Company has owned and managed rental properties since 1976. Its flagship property is 103 S. High Street, once the home of impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. The company continues that legacy today by working to honor and support local artists. 

Since they signed on a year ago, we have had 20 amazing companies come on board and a growing waitlist of more who would like to join. We are lucky to have such a diverse group of local businesses and artisans living right here in our community. Please support them when you can.

The Lorgus Company

Now an office building, the Lorgus Company’s 103 S. High Street is the new home of Janet Reed’s 20-foot wide mural that once hung at 120 N. Church Street, and a garage on the property with its naïve art panels was featured in Hello, West Chester three years ago. Local artist Abby McClure has recently opened her studio/gallery on the first floor, so the building is definitely a haven for art.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here. Want to get your business out in front of this wonderful community? I don’t blame you. Send me an email for more information – but hurry, spaces are filling up fast!

Unfortunately, sponsors and advertisers can’t do it all on their own - especially, if you like getting a little bit news with your ads! Don’t panic - I did the math and I figure if regular readers contribute just $10 a year - we can keep the updates coming and the ads limited. Help keep readers first - and the news coming - with a small donation below.

Yes, I support Hello, West Chester

Mark your calendars:

• Oct. 20 – 21 – Kiss Me, Kate, WCU’s Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 7:30 p.m. there will also be a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. KISS ME, KATE showcases some of his most beloved, witty, and catchy songs as a bickering, divorced couple finds themselves working together as the leads in a production of The Taming of the Shrew. General admission tickets: $15; $12/students with valid ID.

• Oct. 20 – Zia Yoga Storytime, West Chester Public Library, 10:30 -11 a.m. Yoga Story Time is a unique class infused with yoga poses and life lessons for kiddos (and their adults) on and off the mat. This is a free event. Registration required.

• Oct. 20 – Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Hop Fidelity, 6 – 10 p.m. You bring it, they spin it!

• Oct. 20 – West Chester Haunted History Tours, Historic West Chester Courthouse, 6:30 p.m. Come along for a chilling walking tour through West Chester’s spooky history. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and cover 1 mile of ground. Tickets: $20/adults;$10/kids

• Oct. 20 – Kun Yang Lin Dancers, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Lauded as being “at the pinnacle of Philadelphia’s outstanding dance community,” you don’t want to miss this exhibition of world-class dance. Tickets: $35/advance; $40/at the door. Student discount

• Oct. 21 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Oct. 21 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18

• Oct. 21 – Knight of the Living Dead Zombie 5K and Halloween Kids Fun Run, Rustin High School, 2:30 p.m. Get your weekly run in while being chased by Zombies. What could be more fun than that? 5k Registration/$30; Fun Run/$15 (and there is no being chased by Zombies.) Registration fees supports the Rustin Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Note: registration fees go up if you wait until race day.

• Oct. 21 – WCASD Mentoring Program Community Fair, Hillsdale Elementary, 12 – 3 p.m. Join the mentoring community for an afternoon of games, entertainment and food trucks!

• Oct. 21 – Black Harvest, 1225 E. Street Rd, 4-8 p.m. Black Harvest is a culinary series that celebrates Black Food culture. Enjoy a 4-course dinner menu with cocktails. Proceeds benefit Cheyney University’s Hospitality Degree.

• Oct. 21 – 22 – Fall Foliage Express, West Chester Railroad, 230 E Market St, 12 and 2 p.m. Enjoy a brisk fall afternoon along the picturesque Chester Creek Valley. 90 minute journey. Tickets: $22/adult; $18/kids

• Oct. 21 – Opening Night: Mischief, Monsters and Myths, Corner Art Collective, 4 – 8 p.m. View the works of 14 local artist contributing to this unique, spine-chilling collection.

• Oct. 21 – West Chester Haunted History Tours, Historic West Chester Courthouse, 7:15 p.m. Come along for a chilling walking tour through West Chester’s spooky history. Tours last about 1.5 hours and cover 1 mile of ground. Tickets: $20/adults;$10/kids 12 and under.

• Oct. 21 – Comedian Joe Matarese, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Originally from the Delaware Valley, Joe Matarese has become a national sensation with his stand-up comedy that covers – family, fatherhood, daily life, and being in your forties. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door.

• Oct. 22 – East Bradford Autumn Festival, East Bradford Park, 12 – 4 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, kids activities, face painting, and free trees! Plus, food and beverages will be available to purchase from community restaurants.

• Oct. 22 – Relache – Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger, Uptown Theater, 4 – 6 p.m. This story of a mysterious stranger who arrives amid the London fog foreshadows Hitchcock’s unrivaled ability to create characters who are at once terrifying and sympathetic. Tickets: $29/advance; $34/at the door. Student discount available.

• Oct. 22 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18

• Oct. 22 – Jitters Quizzo, Jitters – 146 W. Gay St, 7 – 10 p.m. Every Sunday

• Oct. 22 – Kildare’s Karaoke Night, Kildares – 18 W. Gay St., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Every Sunday

• Oct. 23 – Environmental Progress Panel, WCU Sciences and Engineering Center room 101A, 7 p.m. County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Chester County Planning Commission Sustainability Director Rachael Griffith, Borough Council President Kathryn Cloyd and West Chester Borough Sustainability Director Will Williams will be updating the public on the county’s progress.

• Oct. 23 – Poker Night, Saloon 151, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Free weekly Poker Nights every Monday at Saloon 151. Enjoy $9 burgers and $3 Guinness pints all day.

• Oct. 24 – WCU Fall Choral Festival, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 8:15 – 9:45 p.m. Featuring the Orpheus Singers, Allegro Voices, and Oriana Chorale in a program with a variety of sacred and secular music. This is a free event. Tickets are not required.

• Oct. 24 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18

• Oct. 25 – West Chester Halloween Parade, downtown West Chester, 7 – 9 p.m. Rain date: Oct. 26. This is a free event.

• Oct. 26 – Oaktoberfest with Oakbourne Advisors, align.Space – 2 W. Market St., 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. This will be a fun Octoberfest style event with food, beer and a fun networking game (with an Octoberfest twist). Thisi s a free event. Registration required.

• Oct. 26 – Haunted Tales Dinner, The Social Lounge, 6 p.m. Enjoy a 3-course, price-fixed menu followed by haunting tales of West Chester – including the very building in which you sit. Cost: $48 – reservations required. Seats are limited.

• Oct. 26 – Kendrah and Lauren’s Quintet, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Kendrah Butler-Waters, pianist, vocalist, and composer and Lauren Lark-Jones, vocalist and composer team together on this all-female quintet. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door

• Oct. 27 – 16th Annual Community Trick or Treat, First Presbyterian Church West Chester, 6-7:30 p.m. Kids can visit decorated doors on all three floors of the church (elevator available), and then enjoy some games, crafts and snacks. Come anytime between 6-7:30 p.m. Come in costume and bring something to hold your candy! This is a free event.

• Oct. 27 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18

• Oct. 27 – Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Hop Fidelity, 6 – 10 p.m. You bring it, they spin it!

• Oct. 27 – Historic Halloween Train Ride, West Chester Historic Train Station, 6 – 9 p.m. Join the Westtown-Goshen Rotary Club for fun evening of dinner, drinks, costumes and ghost stories. Tickets: $75/person; $135/couple. Proceeds benefit the Goodwill Fire Co.

• Oct. 27 – West Chester Haunted History Tours, Historic West Chester Courthouse, 7 p.m. Come along for a chilling walking tour through West Chester’s spooky history. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and cover 1 mile of ground. Tickets: $20/adults;$10/kids 12 and under.

• Oct. 27 – Motor City Revue, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Dance and sing along to the songs of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others. Tickets: $45/50 in advance; $50/55/at the door

• Oct. 27 – Kildare’s Halloween Costume Party, Kildares, Winners announced at midnight. $500 cash prize for best costume plus drink specials.

• Oct. 27 – West Goshen Police Trunk or Treat, 915 Old Fern Hill Rd, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy games, music, treats and prizes for the most popular trunks!

Psst. Like to plan? Check out the Fall Event Guide full of photos  from West Chester’s favorite fall events or visit the Calendar page for events through October!

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy and I’ll see you next week!

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors

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