West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 10, 2025

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It’s Friday, Jan. 10, 2025: Restaurant Inspections are out for December and more than a few West Chester restaurants and at least one grocery store need to add deep clean to the list of New Year's to dos. Plus, Westown East Goshen Police release a statement ending their investigation of resigned Rustin principal Michael Marano. A follow-up conversation provides a smidge more clarification to the situation. And, West Chester high school students get ready to take the stage in Uptown’s production of the popular children’s series Junie B. Jones. 

Oh yea, and another closing for Downtown West Chester. This one’s likely to hit the kids hard. 

Ok. Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports - December

I think there are more than a few local restaurants that may want to resolve to live a little cleaner in the new year - Carlino’s, I’m looking at you. 17 restaurants and institutions were out of compliance last month.

The Warnings.

Nothing much to report here, part 2. This week, in a short statement posted to Crime Watch, Westtown East Goshen announced they were closing their investigation into Rustin principal Michael Marano. 

PennDot construction continues on High St. Starting Monday expect lane closures and flagging from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. between Barnard and Sharpless Sts.

Resident request: This week at the West Chester Public Safety Committee meeting, a resident noted that incidents of graffiti in the Borough seem to be on the rise. Police Chief Josh Lee shared that he too had noticed an increase adding that West Goshen police were investigating an issue there as well. Have you noticed more graffiti? Let me know at [email protected]. Send pictures if you can. Thanks!

The Accolades.

This week we cheer for mouthwatering creativity. Gingerbread houses were all the rage this holiday season. At Pierce, they used cardboard to build and design what I am guessing are less tasty versions from scratch. At Starkweather they kept it traditional and sugar-laden, inviting family members to help them make some pretty cool creations, and in Downtown West Chester they took it all one step further by bringing in the professionals. 

This year, five local bakeries stepped up to vie for the honor of best gingerbread creation. Bakers were challenged to create an original design that also paid homage to West Chester’s 225th Anniversary. The Master Baker recreated the West Chester Fire Co on Church St. (also celebrating 225 this year), Bookstore Bakery brought back the West Chester Train Station, Yori’s incorporated the old Courthouse, and I can’t figure out what the other two did but they still looked pretty cool. Anyway, this week the winners were announced. Drum roll, please…

Congratulations to The Master Baker on securing top honors and newcomer Bookstore Bakery on their runner-up display. 

All the houses are now packed away or gobbled up, but you can still see pictures of the way they were here.

Other things we are celebrating this week:   

Win streaks. It’s all coming together for West Chester University’s men’s basketball program. Using balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and pesky defense, the Golden Rams had been on a winning streak since Nov. 9. Unfortunately, that run ended Wednesday on the road at East Stroudsburg - but still 12 wins in a row is pretty impressive. For now, WCU is holding onto a fourth place ranking in the Atlantic Region. The only PA State Athletic Conference (PSAC) team to rank higher is Gannon which is currently ranked second in the region. The Golden Rams will look to get back to their winning ways tomorrow when they take on Kutztown at home. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Public service. This week former West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta was sworn in for a second term as State Senator. “Over the past four years, we’ve worked together to ensure that Chester County remains home to strong schools, healthy and safe communities, a clean environment, and opportunities for families and workers to thrive and prosper. As we embark on a new legislative session, I look forward to continuing that progress,” she said. 

Lending a helping hand. Earlier this fall, Rustin students came together to showcase their craftsmanship and community spirit by building picnic tables for Westtown-Thornbury Elementary School. The tables will be set up in the schoolyard and give students a chance to learn, collaborate, and just get some fresh air - I’m guessing that’s once that air heads above 30.  

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

Hello.

Goodbye.

Now that we are officially a full week into January, I’m afraid it’s time to come to terms with the end of the holiday season. Mimi’s Tea Cottage bid farewell to their holiday decor this week and Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien informed business leaders the lights are going next. 

Pay it Forward.

Baby, it’s cold outside. If you or someone you know needs help paying the heating bill this month, State Senator Carolyn Comitta wants you to know assistance is available. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides cash grants to help eligible Pennsylvania families keep the heat on this winter.

Also, a couple of deadlines for you - 

Attention all you altruistic high school seniors. Spellman Humanitarian Award applications are due today! Every year the West Chester Area Education Association recognizes 10 community-minded seniors from each high school at a spring ceremony. Visit their webpage for more information and to apply.

And don’t forget that poster art is due. West Chester Porchfest is looking for a new poster design for 2025 and they want your help. The 11 x 17” designs must include West Chester Porchfest as well as all relevant event details. Visit the West Chester Porchfest website for complete details.  Submissions due: today.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? The (inside) Christmas decorations were packed up and put away last weekend, so this weekend we are chilling. I’m thinking a brisk walk downtown for a perfectly made cappuccino or maybe a Playa Bowls’ Mucha Mango Bowl? I watched two girls munching away on theirs while I was stranded out in below freezing temps today and I have to say the vibes inside seemed almost tropical. 

If you are around this weekend, Windish Studios is hosting its first Comedy Jam on Friday night. Tickets are $20. Laughs start at 7:30 p.m. Also, Harmony Hill Nature Area is hosting a History Hike on Saturday at 2 p.m. Yes, it will likely be cold and possibly snowy, but it is a January nature hike. Still, I would keep an eye out for possible cancelations, and then of course, there is a playoff game on Sunday. Yori’s has Eagles’ cookies for your tailgate and any number of local bars will have TVs and pints on the ready. If you are looking to keep it chill and low budget, may I suggest starting the day with a discounted brunch at Roots ($10 off for first-time diners) followed by some discounted shopping at Blink (30 percent off denim, 20 percent off everything else including sale items).

And this week a very special thank you to PetCare Group this week’s Community Sponsor. For the last 21 years, PetCare Group has given local pet owners peace of mind knowing their pets are lovingly cared for even when they are away from home. PetCare Group now has over twenty pet sitters and dog walkers ready to help whenever you need a hand – 24/7365. Check out their website to learn more about what they do.

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:

Jan. 10 - Comedy Jam, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Host Dana Charitonchick will bring to the stage some of the funniest talent from our area.

Jan. 10- 19 - Junie B. Jones, the Musical, Uptown, times vary by date. It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, there's a new kid on the bus, and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Tickets: $20/13 and older; $15/12 and younger

Jan. 11 or Feb. 8  - History Hikes, Harmony Hill Nature Area, 2 p.m. Get back to nature in the new year with a winter hike through the woods. Learn about the area’s stone ruins and track the West Chester trolley line. Hike is approximately 1.5 miles and last 2 hrs.

Jan. 11 - The Music of Simon and Garfunkel, Uptown, 7:30 p.m. Nashville duo, Swearingen & Kelli, recreate the legendary sound of Simon & Garfunkel with two voices, one guitar, and impeccable harmony. Tickets: $40

Jan. 13 - Film for $5: The Wizard of Oz, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7 p.m. Complimentary popcorn included.

Jan. 14 - Teen & Tween Tea on Tuesday, West Chester Public Library, 3:30 - 5 p.m. Come and enjoy hot brewed teas. Tell us what you like to read. Have some snacks.

Jan. 14 - Medium Spy Dinner with Nellie Walter, Spence Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $85. According to the post, this event sells out quickly!

Jan. 14 - Virtual Lecture: Doans and the Revolution, Chester County History Center, 7 - 8 p.m. Virtual lecture about the Doan Gang, British Loyalists and their nefarious activity in Bucks County, PA during the American Revolution. This is a pay-as-you-wish event. Registration is required.

Jan. 15, 16, 17 - WC Co-op Dine and Donate, Two Birds Cafe, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Stop by Two Birds Cafe for breakfast or lunch Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday and 10 percent of your bill will be donated to the West Chester Food Co-op.

Jan. 15 - 3rd Wednesday Book Discussion: The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas, West Chester Public Library, 1 - 2 p.m. Registration is required.

Jan. 16 - Book Discussion - 1493: Uncovering the New World that Columbus Created (Hybrid event), Chester County History Center, 10 - 11 a.m. Meet at the CCHC or join via Zoom to discuss this Charles Mann best-seller. This is a pay-as-you-wish event.

Jan. 17 - Betty White Birthday Party Happy Hour, 9 Prime, 4-6:30 p.m. Now in its fourth year, this uniquely West Chester event is moving to 9 Prime but it will feature drinks specials and hot dogs. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local animal shelters.

Jan. 17 - The Brit Pack, Uptown, 226 N. High St, 7:30 p.m. British rock music from the 60s to today. Tickets: $40

Jan. 18 - West Chester Grower's Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

Jan. 18 - Learn Chi Walking, West Chester Senior Center, 12:30 p.m. Join Carol Bilek, certified Chi Walking instructor for free Chi Walking demonstrations, open to public. Questions? Email Carol

Jan. 19 - Event Showcase & Open House, Chester County History Center, 1 - 4 p.m. Newly engaged and looking for a venue and various other support items? CCHC has the largest event space in West Chester. (Editor's note: We had our wedding their and it was great.) Plus, 30 other local vendors to support your big day.

Jan. 20 - MLK - School's Off Day Camp, First Presbyterian Church of WC, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Drop off opens at 8:30 a.m. ) The theme for the camp is games! From musical games to board games to obstacle course maze building, kids will spend the day simply playing and having fun. Open to grades K-5th. Cost: $30. Registration required.

Jan. 21 - Virtual Lecture: Making Sense of the Molly Maguires, Chester County History Center, 7 - 8 p.m. Join NYU historian Kevin Kenny as he investigates the true nature of Pennsylvania's 19th-century Molly Maguires. This is a pay-as-you-wish event. Registration is required.

Looking for more event ideas? View the full calendar here.

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

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