West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Dec. 13, 2024

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It’s Friday, Dec. 13, 2024: This week, we go back to 9 Prime. The High St. steakhouse opened 10 months ago to big buzz and missed expectations. Now with the help of new management and a down-to-earth head chef, they want a do-over but have they earned it? I meet with the new GM to see what’s changed since February. Plus, West Chester Police close in on the real Grinch in a move that could close two dozen open cases, a fire on Gay St., the second half of 44 West is finally getting a tenant, and we lose a chicken place. Don’t worry, there are still five more to choose from.  

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

9 Prime Wants You Back

9 Prime, the N. High St. steakhouse, wants a second chance. They know they messed up. They know they were trying to be something West Chester is not. They know they came on too strong with their massive VIP list and then under-delivered when you finally did get in, but they can change. They know they can be the restaurant you want them to be - a place you can go for a nice night out. A place where you can enjoy a post-work cocktail without fighting your way to the bar or worrying your drink may come served in a fish bowl. A place where you are more blown away by the food than the check.  

Faith-Based Preschool Opening at Riverstone Christian Academy

Opening Fall of 2025! Riverstone United Christian Academy is opening a faith-based preschool & primary school campus. We provide a safe, nurturing Christian environment where children will be able to explore the world around them through the lens of love, kindness, and spiritual development. By taking a comprehensive approach, children will be given a strong foundation needed to become well-rounded, healthy individuals, equipped with a solid education and important life skills to help them reach their full potential, all while being deeply rooted in Christ.

Ages: Preschool, Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade.
Open House: Dec 15 & Jan 12 @ 4:30pm.

For more info: [email protected]

***This is a sponsored post.***

The Warnings.

Keep your hands and your feet to yourself. West Chester saw a spike in simple assaults in November. “I don’t really have an explanation for that but they almost doubled,” West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee told members of the Borough’s Public Safety Committee on Wednesday. Fortunately, most of the incidents were minor and have been cleared by the police.

This is the real Grinch WCPD has been pursuing. West Chester police have issued an arrest warrant for an individual wanted in a series of unsolved West Chester thefts and burglaries. “The fact is, over the last 26 or 28 months we’ve had more than two dozen burglaries that we are now able to say have been committed by the same perpetrator or perpetrators,” Chief Lee told Borough Council members this week. While no arrest has been made yet, once the individual is in custody the police expect to be able to clear more than 24 open cases most of which occurred in the southeast quadrant of the Borough. 

More things to get you on the naughty list. West Goshen Police Department is seeking public assistance identifying an individual wanted for stealing an inflatable Grinch from a S. High St. residence. If you know this holiday-spirit-lacking individual, give WGPD a call at 610-696-7400.

Don’t eat that. This week we have details on the health department’s investigation of a potential gastrointestinal illness outbreak at the Chester County prison. Health officials were called out to the facility in early October after several prisoners fell ill. An investigation confirmed bacterium was found in the food served the previous day. According to the health department, bacteria can be released when food is not held at the correct temperature. “In this instance, the illness at the Prison did not pose a risk of spreading, as it was deemed to be gastrointestinal, most likely from a food source,” shared Public Health Director Jeanne Franklin.

Go ahead and warm up around that open fire. That’s right the burn ban has been lifted. Feel free to get that firepit going again.

That out-of-compliance sidewalk is going to cost you. Planning to add, rebuild, or repair a sidewalk on your property? Put a little extra aside, it will soon cost you $30 for that permit and inspection. The change is being made to cover costs incurred by the Borough. And speaking of out-of-compliance sidewalks…

Roadwork continues on S High St. PennDOT has issued the following travel restriction for next week: Expect periodic lane closures with flagging from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., December 16 through December 20, on High Street between Barnard St. and Rosedale Ave.

While we’re on the topic of road closures, how exactly does this happen? And I hope everyone is ok.  

The Accolades.

Between this week’s rain and last week’s cold, I am ready to bring my cheering inside, and lucky me, there’s plenty of talent to vie for that attention.  

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Santa’s successful arrival. After two years of high and tight, this year’s Christmas parade was more of a return to long and winding, but while the timing was off at times, overall the participants were delightful. Special shout-out to the Borough of West Chester -  who knew the Public Works team was such a capable float builder? Also, high fives to the Rotary Club of West Chester which won “Best Nonprofit Parade Entry,” J Dog Junk Removal, winners of “Best Commercial Parade Float,” and the Easton Marching Band. Not only were they winners of the inaugural Marching Band Competition, they also managed to convince what must have been half the high school to march in below freezing temperatures. And, of course, a big thank you to the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce for pulling together another amazing evening for us all. 

On-court wins. While West Chester’s high school teams work to find their footing, West Chester University's Men’s Basketball is ready to go. The Golden Rams are off to a strong 7-2 start including 4-0 in the conference thanks to some solid all-round play from sophomore transfer and coach’s son Dylan Blair. Over the past weekend, Dylan averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, and six assists per game helping the Golden Rams secure two conference wins and himself PSAC East Athlete of the Week. The women’s team has not fared quite as well, but they are getting solid play from senior Michelle Kozicki who was named PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week after turning in back-to-back double-doubles.

The company you keep. The West Chester University Gymnastics team was picked in preseason polls to finish third in the 2025 Gymnastics East Conference, right after the University of Pennsylvania and Yale, and right before Brown and Cornell. 

Cookie season. Shout-out to local baker Loraine Houston. The owner of “Blake’s Mother’s Cookies” was featured on 6ABC's “Art of Aging” last week. A retired stay-at-home mom, Lorraine now bakes six days a week at a Carter Dr. co-op kitchen churning out a variety a day of her famous butter cookies. "Everybody loves them. They're so buttery," she told 6ABC. Want to try them for yourself? Amazon has them with free delivery.

Food fights, in the best possible way. For the second year in a row, East Bradford and West Bradford have engaged in a little friendly competition to see which township could collect the most food for the Chester County Food Bank. Last year, the townships collected a combined 800 lbs of food. This year, they nearly tripled that, bringing in 2,225 lbs of food. While both efforts were commendable East Bradford was the winner by 32 lbs thanks in large part to the residents of Darlington Ridge.   

December grads. Goodbye and good luck to West Chester University’s December graduates. 1,017 students are poised to walk the stage this weekend at four separate commencement ceremonies. Saturday also marks the official end of the WCU fall semester. So au revoir students, we’ll see you in January. 

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

Hello.

Goodbye.

Pay it Forward.

Last week, I received a note from the North Pole. “Santa’s elves will be gathering in West Chester on Thursday, December 5, to help build bikes at the workshop of remodeling firm Pine Street Carpenters,” it read.

The after-work efforts are all part of the long-standing “100 Wheels” program started by the West Chester-based design-build firm in 2008. To date, the carpenters and their helpers have assembled and donated over 1600 bikes. This year bikes will go to the Friends Association, the St. Agnes Day Room, Family Services of Chester County, and more. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

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 - want 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. 

Bring a gift. Take in the lights. Each year, Joan and Jerry Corrado string thousands of lights around their Nobb Hill Dr. home and line the yard with more than 28 holiday inflatables. The yearly project that takes more than six weeks to erect is free for all to view, all they ask is, if you can, you donate a toy. More than 5000 were collected last year and delivered to the children’s ward of the Chester County Hospital and the Family Services of Chester County.

Take an 8-minute survey. The Borough’s Park, Rec, and Open Space survey is live. It’s quick. It’s interactive. It’s been completed 500 times - make it 501 and get your voice heard.  Take it here. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? It’s going to be a weekend of work parties and holiday open houses. I’m looking forward to donning my favorite holiday sweaters and taking in all the gorgeous home decor.

If you are around this weekend, it is another event-packed couple of days. The Brandywine Ballet Nutcracker tradition returns tonight. Then tomorrow Gay St. will close for Christkindlmarkt, West Chester’s German-inspired outdoor shopping experience. Expect more than 100 artisan craft vendors lined up along Gay and part of Church St.. Also, on Saturday, Chesterbrook Academy is hosting Santa for breakfast. Register here if you’d like to attend, and on Sunday, the Chester County History Center will back with its Holiday History Stroll. Tickets are $20 and include a stop at Eclat. 

Need some gift ideas? Have a proud West Chester University alumnus in the family? WCU’s Museum of Anthropology just released a book on the university’s sesquicentennial. WCU150: History and Heritage includes original research, hundreds of photos of artifacts, and first-hand accounts of WCU experiences from alumni and faculty. The book is available now through Kendell Hunt Publishing. Bonus: proceeds from sales will support the ongoing work by student co-curators at the museum. Also, local artist Suzanne Kent is hosting a holiday open house tonight from 2 to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect chance to get your hands on some one-of-a-kind pottery pieces. Really is there a better centerpiece than a few fresh flowers in a gorgeous vase?

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 see what I mean.

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. 12-24 – $300 and Under Member Exhibition, Chester County Art Association, 100 N Bradford Ave, 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Featuring the CCAA members artwork in a variety of mediums. Admission: Free

• Dec. 13 – Holiday Concert -Kennett Symphony Brass Quintet, Chester County History Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with festive music for brass while surrounded by CCHC’s historic halls decked with swag and decor. Get ready for a true winter treat!

• Dec. 13 – Gardyn Jazz Orchestra Holiday Extravaganza, 4 W Prescott Alley 7:30p.m.-9:00p.m., Come celebrate the season with the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra!” Enjoy classic holiday tunes along with some original compositions that will make your spirits bright. Tickets: $15-$20

• Dec. 13, 14, 15 – The Nutcracker, WCU’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, various. Every holiday season since 1985, the Brandywine Ballet has been staging the Tchaikovsky classic.  Join the tradition and immerse yourself in the timeless score surrounded by epic battles, dancing snowflakes, and sugar-coated Land of Sweets brought to you be a sweet cast of characters. Tickets: $30-50

• Dec. 13 – Rock this Town: Christmas Spectacular, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Come celebrate the holiday season in a swinging style with a show everyone from grandma to little Jimmy will enjoy. Tickets: $40

• Dec. 13, 14 – West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers, downtown, Fridays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.

• Dec. 14 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Dec. 14 – Breakfast with Santa, Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School, 9-10 a.m. or 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Enjoy a buffet breakfast from Market Street Grill, crafts, and pictures with Santa. Admission: $20/adult; $10/child

• Dec. 14 – Kids’ Gingerbread House Painting, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Kids 5-10 will use provided acrylic paints to paint a holiday scene built entirely out of their imagination. Creativity fueled by cookies and hot chocolate. Tickets: $28.

• Dec. 14 – Christkindlmarkt, Downtown West Chester, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Shop over 90 vendors carrying a variety of handcrafted goods. Booths will be set up on Gay St from Darlington to Matlack Sts.

• Dec. 14 – Santa at M&T Bank, 10 N. High St. 2 – 4 p.m. Stop by for complimentary hot chocolate and a holiday photo with Santa.

• Dec. 14 – 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 West Chester Music Academy & the Jazz Mavericks.

• Dec. 14 – Wintry Watercolor Sip and Paint, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 4 p.m. Local watercolor artist Laura Kinsella will guide participants through painting a snowy landscape and covering some watercolor basics. Bring a beverage to enjoy while you paint. $75/includes materials (but not wine).

• Dec. 14, 15 – 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. 15 – Christmas Tree Train, West Chester Railroad, 8 a.m. Take a train ride to Wiggins Tree Farm where you can cut your own Christmas tree and have it hauled back on the train. Ticket: $30/adult; $25/kids 2 -12 p.m. Trees: $80.

• Dec. 15 – 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. 15 – Create Oyster Ornaments over a Cup of Cheer, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St., 12 p.m. Decoupage ornaments while sipping spiked hot chocolate. $45/includes materials and Baileys-filled hot chocolate.

• Dec. 16 – Sweet & Savory Beer Pairing, Levante Brewing, 6 – 8 p.m. Sample two sweet and two savory items paired with a tasting flight of Levante holiday specialty beers.

• Dec. 16 – $5 Monday Movie Night: It’s a Wonderful Life, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn provided!

• Dec. 17 – Cartoon Christmas Trio, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 6:30 p.m. The nationally renown Cartoon Christmas Trio will be joined by the children’s choirs of Pocopson, Unionville, and Hillendae Elementary Schools. Tickets: $25/adult; $18/child

• Dec. 18 – Twelve Twenty Four, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Twelve Twenty-Four presents a high-energy, full-scale, holiday rock orchestra concert featuring rock-edge favorites and original holiday creations. Tickets: $55

• 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 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• 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.

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That’s it. Stay safe, stay happy, and big thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I’ll see you next week!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors