West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Dec. 20, 2024

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It’s Friday, Dec. 20, 2024: Who’s ready for a little break? I know I am but first, I have much to tell. Hotel Indigo is getting ready to open its doors. I got an inside look - and let’s just say, this new hotel is a little love letter West Chester. The attention to detail is staggering. Plus, Rustin's principal has resigned amid a police investigation, property taxes are going up, and dozens of trees were taken down along N. New St. and new thefts have been reported in the Borough. Don’t worry. We’re not leaving for the holiday on that note - also, a look inside the amazing West Chester Food Cupboard, eight new Borough homes, impressive high school athletes, and the most festive windows in West Chester. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

Feature focus: There is a new Roundup gift subscription option. Know someone who will soon be moving to the area or a long-time neighbor who refuses to treat themselves? Give them the gift of community with a one-year free subscription. As one reader told me this week,  I've learned more about West Chester in the past few years than the 18 since she moved here.  

A Home for the Holidays (and graduations and weddings): Hotel Indigo Gets Ready to Open Its Doors

It wasn’t that long ago West Chester had virtually no short-term lodging. Airbnbs were not a thing yet and there was no hotel. Your only option was the Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast or the Microtel off Matlack St. When we were married in 2011, our two out-of-town families converged on the Borough for a ceremony at St. Agnes, followed by a lovely reception at the Chester County History Center. That’s, however, where the ambiance ended. After the reception guests were shuttled back to their bare accommodations at the Microtel. It was not exactly the Borough’s best foot forward. 

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

At Spring Creek Design, we’ve worked on all kinds of projects, from two-story additions and full-house rehabs to kitchen renovations and bath updates. Yet all our jobs, big or small, share one thing: a lifetime warranty.

Each project is the result of careful planning and close collaboration between us and our client.

By the time a project ends, we’ve spent a lot of time together. Between our daily online updates and weekly in-person meetings, our final walk-through is more of a celebration than a checkpoint. It’s also the beginning of the next phase of our relationship, which centers around our lifetime warranty.

Even though a project ends, our commitment doesn’t. We stand behind our work for as long as you own your home. We do 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups, and we’re available anytime you need us after that.

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

The Warnings.

Principal Marano out at Rustin Amid circulating rumors and police visits, West Chester Area School District Superintendent Dr. David Christopher formally notified Rustin families on Wednesday that principal Dr. Michael Marano had tendered his resignation days earlier. The letter went on to confirm an active police investigation. “Local law enforcement is involved and is on-site today speaking with individual members of the Rustin school community. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will share more information when we are able,” the letter read. 

“Our priority remains the safety, well-being, and support of our students and staff,” WCASD Communications Manager Molly Schwemler added in a statement.  

At this time the district does not know how long the investigation will take but has promised to update staff and families as they are able. Cliff Beaver will act as Interim Principal effective January 2, 2025. Mr. Beaver served as interim principal at Greystone Elementary earlier this year as the district looked for a new principal there and before that, he was principal at Pocopson Elementary School in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District. He retired from there, or tried to, this summer.

Mr. Marano is only the second principal in Rustin’s history. He has served in the role since 2014. 

Burglary in the Borough. While one perpetrator may be close to capture, another has emerged. This week, West Chester Police are investigating the reported theft of two drills from a residence on the 600 block of E. Union. The theft is believed to have occurred between Dec. 13 and Dec. 15. Anyone with any information about this incident, should contact WCPD at 610-696-2700. Also, a car theft.

Borough sewer rate increase effective Feb. 1. This week, West Chester Borough Council held a public meeting and voted six to one to raise the sewer rate to $33.83 for the first 2,000 gallons of water per month plus $8.98 for every 1,000 gallons over that. This represents a 2.5 percent increase over current rates. And while many local townships will not be raising real estate taxes this year, the County is. 

Property taxes are going up. This week, Chester County Commissioners voted two to one to raise county real estate taxes from 4.551 mills to 5.164 mills, or a whopping 13.4 percent. “I am not happy about this, but I don’t think we have a choice in the matter,” Vice Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz told the Daily Local. The additional funds will be used to improve security at the prison, purchase new emergency radio equipment, and hire additional child welfare workers.  

Double-check for those handicap signs. This week, West Chester Borough Council updated its handicapped parking ordinance to remove outdated spaces. The new process will also make it easier for the Borough to keep its handicapped parking space rolls up to date going forward. 

Cleaning up after your pup means disposing of the bags too. “I have, in the past week, noticed bags of dog poop on the street curb and in some lawns in the southwest quadrant of the Borough,” one resident shared last week. I’ve seen them too. If you have a dog, don’t forget to dispose of the bags. Downtown West Chester and all the parks have public trash cans you can use.

Finally, slow down around those curves and other traffic news. West Chester Borough announced it will install a permanent crosswalk at the corner of Darlington & Price Streets in January. “We’ve been listening to the concerns of local parents…” shared Borough Councilman Brian McGinnis on his Facebook page.  “We’re pleased to announce that a new crosswalk will be installed at Darlington and Price Streets in January 2025 to make it safer for pedestrians—especially our school children.”

Also, West Goshen Police are introducing a new Traffic Safety Committee. The committee will meet every four months beginning on Jan. 7 to discuss traffic-related issues affecting West Goshen Township. This is something East Bradford may want to consider too, after another terrifying accident was reported there this week.   

Lastly, West Chester Borough shared this week that Aqua will replace 450 ft of pipe along S. High St between E. Nields St and Sharpless starting on Jan 6. Construction will take place on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Emergency, mail, trash, and residents will have access to their properties, everyone else I guess you are going around. Not sure where the PennDOT crews fall into all of this, but personally, I would avoid the entire area if you can. 

The Accolades.

Ever since Downtown West Chester introduced its holiday window decorating contest a few years back, the windows in West Chester have been dressed to the nines in holiday style. This year was no different with more than 40 storefronts participating in the competition. Judges from the West Chester Public Arts Commission reviewed all the entrants and selected the winners. Drummer boy, please… 

• Best Small Window: Artistic Eyewear, 127 N. High St. 

• Best Medium Window: Kathleen L. Penney Interiors, 26 W. Market St. 

• Best Large Window: Jaramillo Hair Salon and Spa, 112 Courthouse Alley

• People’s Choice: West Chester Barbershop, 34 S. High St.  

You can see pictures of all the winning windows here. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Making a splash, without making a splash. Congratulations to Rustin diver, senior Ellie Smith on setting a school diving record with a score of 269.35 at the Henderson/Rustin dual meet. Also quietly swishing away? Declan Manion. The junior guard set a school record for the number of three-pointers made in a single basketball game with seven against Radnor earlier this month. 

And while we are here, high-fives to the following Daily Local 2024 All-Area first-team selections: 

• Rustin’s Jayda Lila, first-team girls tennis, 

• Rustin’s Mina Benedetto, first-team girls golf

• Rustin’s Sam Feeney, first-team boys golf

• Henderson’s Olivia Sladicka and Rustin’s Jadyn Johnson, first-team volleyball 

In addition to the all-area team, both Olivia and Jadyn were named first-team all-state. 

Band wins. This one is a little late in coming but, hey, better late than never. Last month, West Chester East Viking Marching Band placed first at a U.S. Bands competition at William Tennent High School (Warminster) with a score of 90.6. They also won best overall effect and best overall visual. The score of 90+ is perhaps the highest in school history - well at least as far back as anyone can remember.   

Next-level holiday decorating. There are many (many) residents around here with some serious decorating chops but only one was invited to help the First Lady. West Chester mother and owner of Maggie’s Market Shop, Nicole Radio was one of about 100 volunteers selected to help decorate the White House this holiday season. “It’s just like when you decorate at your own house, you’re trying to use what’s meaningful to make the core connect with people that are going to be visiting,” Nicole told Main Line Today. Each year, the White House gets around 100,000 visitors during the holidays. Read more about Nicole’s White House holiday here.

Sweet milestones. Congratulations to Two Birds Cafe which celebrated five years just outside the Borough last week. “On Friday, December 13th, five years ago, we opened our doors with a dream, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from our wonderful customers and the dedication of our incredible team ever since,” they shared on Instagram. 

Eclat is also celebrating a birthday. The award-winning chocolatier has been serving the Borough and the world for 20 years now. In honor of the milestone, they have announced a special collaboration with none other than Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater. Ooooo, color me intrigued. 

Finally, congratulations to West Chester Parking Services for all their hard work. Enforcement officer is definitely a thankless job but many of the things we love about Borough life would not be possible without the money they help generate. This week West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste recognized six members of the West Chester Parking Services team for their extended years of service. So big thanks to Tina Arasin, Monica Campbell, Elinette Conde, Alhassane Fomba, Jill Jones, and Carolyn Roldan.

Know someone who should be recognized? Let me know: [email protected].

Hello.

During last month’s Planning Commission, West Chester residents, current and future, got a first look at a tiny bit of good news. Listed as the only item of new business was a preliminary land development plan for 210-214 W. Washington St.  

Goodbye.

Pay it Forward.

The West Chester Food Cupboard has become such an integral part of the West Chester community it is hard to believe that 15 years ago it didn’t even exist. Today this organization made up of 300 volunteers and thousands of community donations is basically running a full-service grocery store with reliable access to pantry staples plus eggs, milk, meat, fish, and fresh produce. There are pre-made meals, a grab-and-go section, and even some personal care items to tide over those in need. 

In addition to monthly shopping that offers qualifying neighbors full access to all items, in 2022, the WCFC introduced a new express option. The Express Pantry offers a no-questions-asked opportunity for residents to pick up basics between large grocery runs. WCFC volunteer and board vice president Joe Fratinardo puts it this way, if monthly shopping is Giant, the Express Pantry is Wawa. The group has rounded out these in-person options with a robust network of community partnerships - think the YMCA, the West Chester Senior Center, or the West Chester Area School District - which help bring the food to where the people are. All combined, should you need it, food is available to you in some way, shape, or form, six days a week - and probably seven if you really look. 

“In the last two years, we tested this three-pronged model and we feel like it has maximized access and we want to sustain that,” says Joe. 

While the operation is impressive, is all this really necessary? We’ve all seen the statistics. We live in the wealthiest county in PA by a relatively comfortable margin. Yes, it is and you know why? Because we live in the wealthiest county in PA by a relatively comfortable margin.

To qualify for monthly shopping, a family of four must earn less than $58,000 a year. While that’s 46 percent higher than the federal poverty level, it’s a tall ask when you consider local housing prices. The WCFC estimates housing costs alone will easily eat up $30,000 of that budget. So, for the most part, Joe says the organization serves the “working poor” or those whose incomes don’t quite cover the cost of living. As one neighbor shared, “Because of the food I get here, I can afford to keep my car. Because I have my car, I can go to work. Because I can keep my job, I can pay my rent.”  

“If you need me three times, fine. If you need me six times, fine,” says Joe. “We want that door to be open for anyone who needs it.” 

And need they do. Last year WCFC served 6,000 people and distributed 1.8 million lbs of food, an increase of 32 percent over the prior year. This year they are on pace to serve over 7000 people and two million lbs of food. When they moved to Bolmar St in 2017, they expected the space to last them a good 20 years. It lasted six. In 2023, they doubled their footprint, and while the volunteers already have all 12,000 sq ft filled and running like a well-oiled machine none of it would be possible without community support. 

As Joe puts it, “We provide the labor. The community provides the funds.”

Last year the WCFC received 1.2 million lbs of donated food and another $1.5 million in cash donations and other income (think grants, and business and nonprofit donations.) - the majority of which, nearly 60 percent, comes from individual donors. The cash is used to supplement food donations. Last year the food cupboard purchased $1 million in eggs, dairy, meat, fish, fresh produce, missing non-perishables, and personal care items. Robust cash donations go a long way to helping the WCFC keep all shelves stocked. 

“Cash donations are the most efficient,” says Joe because not only do they help the group fill inventory gaps, but WCFC can use its purchasing power to get a better price than the one afforded you or me. That said, it all has a purpose. “Every can of soup counts. Every dollar counts,” says Joe. 

If you can make a donation - big or small - please consider it.

Other ways to give back this week: 

Leave a little something for your trash, mail, and delivery folks. No better feeling than spreading a little holiday cheer. Just don’t tape gift cards to trash can lids.

Work off those Christmas cookies and help out a good cause. This weekend a Deck the Park 5K is being held at the East Goshen Township Park. The first 100 registrants get a free Santa hat. The entry fee is $20 and 100 percent of all proceeds will go to support local families dealing with pediatric cancer.  

Give a teacher a holiday gift they will really love. Citadel Credit Union is currently accepting submissions for their annual “Heart of Learning” award which recognizes outstanding teachers in the Philadelphia area. Know a teacher who deserves recognition? Nominate them here. Last year, Pierce’s Mitch Hoffman was among the middle school winners. Way to go Mr. Hoffman!

Make a donation to the Melton Center. The Melton Center has been killing it lately with a slew of key new programming including a new daycare and re-entry work program. Help them continue this meaningful work with a donation. The Community Center is still less than half the way to their Giving Tuesday goal - why not give them a little boost and make this holiday season a little brighter for everyone? 

Grab a gift card for Safe Harbor. You know you are going anyway, so while you’re shopping toss an extra gift card into the cart. Cards are used to help residents pay for winter essentials like gas, food, and personal care items. Visa, Mastercard, Wawa, CVS, Rite Aid or grocery store gift cards are best. Contact Mark at [email protected] for drop-off details.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? For us, it’s over the hills and through the (corn) fields to grandma's (and grandpa’s) house we go. It’s a long ride so, hopefully, tomorrow’s snow will be a pretty distraction and not a driving nightmare. 

If you are around this weekend, remember it’s your last chance to take in all of West Chester’s holiday goodness - think old-fashioned carolers, Santa’s on firetrucks, Santa in bands, window decked to the nines, etc. etc. Also, if you need a pre-holiday distresser Bier and Loathing is opening this weekend. Nothing like taking out your holiday to-do list on a few dozen digital aliens. 

Need some last-minute gift or entertaining ideas? This Green Tea and Roasted Rice chocolate bar from Eclat is not only pretty to look at, it’s a pleasure to eat (and don’t think I didn’t at first give a little side-eye to green tea in my chocolate.). Master Baker has a green velvet Grinch cake that would liven up any holiday table and you can order through Saturday and La Tartine does a charcuterie board to go that looks amazing. Also, this is the last Grower’s Market before the holidays.

Also, finding your holidays not to be so bright this year? Pizza to Remember would like to help. On Christmas Eve, they are hosting a “pay-what-you-wish” pizza event. Stop by and enjoy their square crust pizza, crispy fries, and baked ziti. Pay what you can. “Everyone is welcome - let’s come together and make this a holiday to cherish,” they shared on Instagram.

And finally, a special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Shankweiler & Co. Real Estate and Renovations. Borough residents Cassie and Jamie Shankweiler are a husband-and-wife team specializing in home renovations and real estate. The duo started flipping homes in 2015, when their love for renovation, design, and real estate began. Since then, they have combined their expertise to assist both buyers and sellers while also running their home renovation business. If you are interested in updating your home or buying/selling in 2025, reach out to them to see how they can assist you today! 

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.

Mark Your Calendars:

• Dec. 20 – Learn Chi Walking, West Chester Senior Center, 1:00 p.m. Join Carol Bilek, certified Chi Walking instructor for free Chi Walking demonstrations, open to public. Questions? Email Carol

• Dec. 20, 21 – West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers, downtown, Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.

• Dec. 21 – Breakfast with the Santa Band, DK Diner, 8:30 a.m. Join Santa David and his talented band members as they spread joy and collect donations in support of Safe Harbor.

• Dec. 21 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Dec. 21 – Saturday Morning Craft, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop in between 10 and 1 and let your kiddos explore their creative side. Cost: $10

• Dec. 21 – Brunch with Santa, Stove and Tap, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bring an unwrapped dog or cat toy for a free kid’s buffet meal. Adult’s buffet – $18; kids – $12/without the donation.

• Dec. 21 – Holiday Floral Centerpiece Workshop, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 1 p.m. Set your reputation as a hostess with the mostess with a custom flower arrangement using the freshest flowers and greens available. Bring a container (5” or smaller) or purchase one for an additional $10. $100/includes materials.

• Dec. 21 – Santa on a fire truck, Downtown, 3 p.m. Stop and wave as Santa makes his way through downtown escorted by West Chester firefighters.

• Dec. 21 – Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, History Chester County Courthouse, 2 p.m. Enjoy a free outdoor holiday concert on the courthouse steps with the St. Agnes Parish Choirs.

• Dec. 21 – A Very Westminster Christmas Concert, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join the Westminster Worship Collective for a festive concert of Christmas music with a reception to follow. Selections will include both popular and sacred favorites as well as new songs for the season. This is a free concert but reservations are requested.

• Dec. 21 – Labyrinth Solstice Walk, Everhart Park, dusk. Celebrate the winter solstice with a walk through the Everhart Park labyrinth set aglow with luminaries.

• Dec. 21, 22 – Holiday History Stroll, Chester County History Center. 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Immerse yourself in West Chester’s holiday history with a 90-minute walking tour.  Tickets are $20/each and include a stop at Eclat Chocolate. (Yum.)

• Dec. 21, 22 – Santa’s Express, West Chester Railroad, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Join Santa for a 75 minute journey in a decorated train through the Chester Creek Valley. Tickets: $40/adult; $30/kids 2-12; $15/9-23 months.

• Dec. 23 – Diner with the Santa Band, Iron Hill, 6 p.m. Join Santa David and his talented band members as they spread joy and collect donations in support of Safe Harbor.

• Dec. 23 – $5 Monday Movie Night: Polar Express, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn provided!

• Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Worship Services, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. Six service options available: 10 a.m. (Children & Family), 3 p.m. (contemporary), 5 p.m. (candlelight), 7 p.m. (candlelight), 9 p.m. (candlelight), and 11 p.m. (lessons & carols). All are welcome.

• Dec. 27 – Gillian Grassie, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Modern harp with expressive vocals. Check out her captivating cover of “What are you doing NYE?” Tickets: $35

• Dec. 28 – Saturday Morning Craft, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop in between 10 and 1 and let your kiddos explore their creative side. Cost: $10

• Dec. 28 – Have a Ball! Family Event, Chester County History Center, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Kids create their own New Year’s Eve party kit complete with hat, noisemakers, resolutions, crafts, games and cookies. Tickets are $10/person and include admission to the CCHC museum.

• Dec. 30 – $5 Monday Movie Night: Frozen, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn provided!

• Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, Oscar Lasko YMCA, 1 E. Chestnut St., 10:30 – 12 p.m. Meet at the Y for a midday, New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event is open to the community.

Looking for more event ideas? Holiday Event guide is out! View the full calendar here.

Reader tip: If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay happy, and thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. Your tips lately have been amazing. 

There will be no issue next Friday. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday with family and friends and maybe a few quiet moments to think back of the year. I’ll see in 2025, when we’ll remember all the restaurants we lost this year. RIP Serum. Have a great one!

-Cara

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors