West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Apr. 11, 2025

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It’s Friday, April 11, 2025: This week, we get our first look at West Chester University’s long-promised Master Plan. It’s big, bold, and drops a lot of famous names, but while it’s full of inspiration and ambitions, it is light on details—and definitiveness. “It’s really early in the process,” Dr. Jeffery L. Osgood, Jr., WCU executive vice president and interim provost, told me. Still, I like the gumption. Dream big. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will the new WCU. Plus, West Chester’s revised trash ordinance comes up for a vote, an another local institution faces the reality of Federal cuts, and events. Lots and lots of events. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

Correction: Last week, I incorrectly announced that Greystone Elementary’s Nina McGlinchey was named a 2025 Citadel Heart of Learning Award recipient. That, however, was not quite right. “She goes by Nini McGlinchey,” reader Kerry Ann Mai shared with me over the weekend. “She is my youngest’s kindergarten teacher. She really is wonderful, and I couldn’t think of someone more deserving of that award.” Kindergarten teachers really are the best, aren’t they? Congratulations again, Nini!

Also, a quick hello. Last week, I received an email that essentially accused me of scamming. It was concerning an incurred $2 subscription charge. In the end, it was innocent enough, a mistaken subscription selection, a poorly designed upgrade interface (thanks, Beehiiv), and the issue was resolved without much fanfare, but I was taken aback by the accusation. Then I thought about it. As the newsletter has grown, some readers don’t know me as well as others, and these fancy technological upgrades, which I painfully went through last year, do give the appearance of a polished operation. Don’t let them fool you. It’s still just me, and now my trusted West Chester University intern, turning this baby out every week.

For those that don’t know me, here’s a quick review. I moved to West Chester 15 years ago after I met my now-husband. We were looking for a location that was conveniently located to our workplaces and had a walkable downtown with places to go out for dinner and drinks after a long work week. We struck gold with West Chester and have lived here, in different locations, ever since. 

If you have questions or concerns, please send them over ([email protected]). While I am sure various technological hiccups will occur on occasion, know they are honest mistakes, and I am more than happy to adjust, fix, or refund as needed. Ok, I am done, back to your regularly scheduled reading.

West Chester University’s Master Plan

Last weekend, during her inaugural address, West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky talked about the courage it takes to make moves during times of uncertainty, saying it can be appealing to hold your ground, but if you ever want to get where you’re going, you’ve got to move forward. 

“You start small,” she said. “You do that small courageous thing, and you like yourself a bit. Then, you do a slightly larger courageous thing, and you like yourself more…” she said

Well, six months into her new role, Dr. Bernostsky must be feeling pretty good about herself, because despite no end to the uncertainty, West Chester University has presented its 10+-year master plan. 

Hearts You Hold Changes Lives One Request at a Time

Hearts You Hold supports migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylees in a concrete material way, by taking the time to ask them what they need. HYH, a Vermont-based nonprofit, has many requests from people all over the USA. Please consider funding one (or more!) of these life-changing requests.

You can help by funding critical things like Headphones for Macon in GA, boots for Thet in NY, or a Toddler highchair for Gerline in NY. These are examples of requests waiting to be funded on our request page.

Due to the generosity of donors like you, we have funded 2,992 requests since we founded this nonprofit!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

Eloise Ginty, Founder
Hearts You Hold

The Warnings.

Be wary of the company you keep. Earlier this week, I shared that Rai Rai Ramen, the popular E. Market St. ramen noodles and Hawaiian BBQ restaurant was issued a cease-and-desist order on Thursday after a failed health inspection, including an “uncontrolled infestation of multigenerational German cockroaches” and 22 other health violations. There were workers onsite earlier this week in face masks and gloves. The shop was reinspected on Monday and while significant improvements have been made - note violations were down to four - the cockroach situation still remains an issue. “Facility now has a licensed pest control company and has made great strides in cleaning. However, the pest activity is still too great at this time,” Monday’s follow-up states. You can read the original report here. 

Not all press is good press. Last week (and again this week), I shared Nini McGlinchey had won a Citadel Heart of Learning Award, but, upon sharing, it was brought to my attention that the Exton-based credit union was recently in the news for some not-so-positive reasons. In October, Citadel Federal Credit Union, which has a location on West Chester Pike in West Chester, became the first credit union to settle with the U.S. Justice Department over charges of redlining. 

According to the complaint, “Citadel failed to provide mortgage lending services to majority-Black and Hispanic neighborhoods in and around Philadelphia and discouraged people seeking credit in those communities.” No detail in the report I saw mentioned if those actions extended to communities outside the Philadelphia area. In response to the allegations, Citadel has agreed to invest $6.52 million to increase credit opportunities for communities of color in and around Philadelphia. Citadel is the second-largest credit union in the region with over 263,000 members. 

Proposed tariffs could have a (local) tax impact. This week, West Chester Borough Council member Brian McGinnis urged the Borough administration to be mindful of its spending during this period of economic uncertainty. He expressed particular concern for pension funds, which are invested in part in the stock market.

“A big one is our municipal obligation to fund our pensions. Right now, the stock market is down roughly 16 percent year to date [as of Tuesday night]. So that’s going to be a big hit to us looking at next year,” he said. “When we look at budgeting next year, we have to look at absolute necessities,” he said, adding no one wants to be facing a double-digit tax increase. 

Stolen vehicle investigation. West Chester Police are seeking assistance locating a white Dodge Journey, PA license plate MKH-3028. The SUV was reported stolen from the 300 block of S. Matlack St. between Mar. 31 at 10 p.m. and April 2 at 9:20 a.m. If you have any information about the incident, contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700. See pictures of the missing vehicle and the suspect trying to break into other vehicles here. 

Burglaries are down. Despite the aforementioned incident, motor vehicle thefts were down for the month of March, as were burglaries. “They have been down…since we apprehended the burglar who was responsible for dozens of burglaries in the Borough,” West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee told members of the Borough’s Public Safety Committee on Wednesday. There has only been one burglary reported since the beginning of the year.  

Thefts are not. West Chester Police are seeking information regarding two individuals wanted in connection with a stolen credit card. The credit card, which went missing in February, was later used to make unauthorized purchases throughout the Borough. I will not describe the individuals for you, but a security camera got a pretty clear picture of them here. If you have any information or can identify the individuals, contact the West Chester Police at 610-696-2700. 

West Goshen Police charged a man in connection with a fatal overdose. In 2024, West Goshen police were dispatched to a Penn Lane home where they found a man suffering from a drug overdose, which would ultimately prove fatal. This week, police arrested and charged Raymond Abrams, a Havertown resident, with drug delivery resulting in death.  

You can’t park there. On Monday, West Chester Police and EMS responded to an accident at High and Virginia Ave. after a truck plowed through a fence and landed in the property’s front yard. One person was checked by EMS, and all units cleared.   

Finally, take care of yourself. While he couldn’t explain it, West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee reported the department saw a more than doubling of mental health calls in March. It was a finding that was supported by Good Fellowship Ambulance. “We also saw an uptick in mental health calls for March,” said Good Fellowship Director of Operations Justin Robbins. Emotional disorder calls made up 12 percent of all calls the ambulance company received last month, making it the second most common call type behind “sick person.” 

The Accolades.

The annual Chester County High School Art Exhibition is going on now at the Chester County Art Association. From sculptures to oil paintings to pencil drawings, nearly 500 student works of art are on display through April 22. Top entries from the exhibit will be submitted to Representative Chrissy Houlahan’s Congressional Art Competition. Part of a countrywide U.S. House of Representatives competition, the grand prize winner will have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Impressive.

In addition to the high school exhibit, the Chester County Art Association is testing a new event this weekend: Pets on the Patio. On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., stop by 100 N. Bradford Ave. for a combination pet adoption, student gallery art show, and live music event, in what they are calling “a vibrant celebration of both art and animals.” This is a free event, but they will be collecting donations of pet food, blankets, dog toys, and cat treats. 

“It would be a great time for people to stop by and to see art and pets!” said Rustin Art Teacher Lisa Bryan. 

P.S. If any of you talented high school artists live in East Bradford, you may want to check this out. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

The Barber Grammys. (Who knew?) Miquel Nieves, owner of Champions Barber Shop, has been nominated for a Barber Grammy at the 2025 CT Barber Expo in the “Positive Influencer of the Year” category. This category celebrates barbers who have made a positive impact on their communities, and just this week he learned that he is one of five international finalists. Way to go, Miguel! This is a voting competition, so let’s show him our support by voting here. (Scroll down until you find the positive influencer category.) 

Power of the press.  This spring, the West Chester Rotary Club honored the Daily Local with their first-ever Partner Award. The local paper was recognized for its “longstanding partnership” and efforts toward sharing the club’s achievements with the wider West Chester Community. “The DLN has partnered with our club in publishing numerous photos and articles of the club’s activities and events, enabling DLN readers to learn of important activities, and the support of Rotarians good works near and far,” club president Catherine Friedman said in a statement.

Taking it on the road. Also, a shout-out this week to the kids of the Melton Center’s New Directions after-school program. After months of practice, the students performed the National Anthem for a late-season crowd at the Delaware Blue Coats G-League basketball game. Go team! 

Living your best life. Former West Chester Police Chief James Morehead has me dreaming of retirement. 

Know someone who should be recognized? Send me an email at [email protected] or use this handy form.

Hello.

Do you know what doesn’t care if it rains? Record Store Day 2025. (Unless you are waiting outside for a store to open.)

“The first Record Store Day occurred in 2008. Its purpose was to celebrate local record shops and bring attention to the independent record stores,” May 23 owner Stephen Riek tells me. In addition to a collection of fun t-shirts and novelty candles, May 23, on W. Gay St., is one of five record stores in town, three within a block of each other.

While Record Store Day started with the simple idea of getting out and buying local, like most things marketing gets a hold of, it has grown. There are now exclusive album releases that you can only get on Record Store Day, and only in person. 

“The releases have basically become the meat and potatoes of the event these days,” says Hop Fidelity owner Byron Greatorex. This year, there are thousands of releases, everything from A-list pop stars like Taylor Swift (she’s issued a 7” white vinyl of Fortnight) and Post Malone (this year’s RSD Ambassador) to Black Stone Cherry, which has only pressed 750 copies of This is Black Stone Cherry’s RSD Album. 

“In a culture where everything is available instantly, you actually have to wait in line and there’s no guarantee you’ll get what you’re hoping for,” says Byron. He reports that some years, the line has started as early as 4 a.m. 

While the releases are a big piece, it’s not just about exclusivity. RSD is also about a community of like-minded people and a love of sound.  

“I’ve had customers meet each other for the first time in the line while waiting, and they’ve become good friends since,” says Byron.

Jason Schafer, owner of Electric Avenue in Cambridge Square Shopping Center on E. Gay St., agrees. “The point is to celebrate and continue supporting independent record shops, the lifeblood of the music world,” he says. “Here, fans congregate, make new connections, and support their favorite artists in tangible ways. Plus, records just SOUND better.” (Who saw that last comment coming?) 

In total, roughly 1400 independent record stores across the country will participate on Saturday, including four here (May 23 is not an official RSD store - yet - but they do have around 3000 titles in stock, so still well worth a browse). 

Hop Fidelity has a full day planned. In addition to a large selection of RSD exclusive releases, they have collaborated with Artillery Brewing on an RSD beer. “The Orange Peel Sessions” is a pale ale conditioned with orange peel and is only available at Hop Fidelity. Doors open at 8 a.m. with free pours until noon, and a DJ spinning - you guessed it - an all-vinyl set from 4 p.m. to close. 

Electric Avenue also opens at 8 a.m. and will have special giveaways for the first people in line in addition to one of the largest selections of RSD titles in Chester County. 

Creep Records, on Gay St.,will also have a selection of exclusive titles as well as discounts on records and clothing. 

It’s all going to be a little different. Which is kind of the point.

“Get to your favorite shop Saturday and show them some love,” says Jason. “Hopefully, it helps whichever shop get through another year of the ups and downs.”

Speaking of ups and downs, the West Chester skateboarding community has been working diligently to find a way to bring their craft to the Borough, and it seems they are finally onto something. This year, Skate Chesco is partnering with West Chester Park and Rec, and a bunch of others, to bring a series of Skateboarding 101 pop-up events to the Borough. The introductory level classes will show kids ages five to thirteen the proper way to skate. Lessons include which foot goes where, and how do you stop this thing? Helmets and safety gear are required for all riders. Don’t have yours yet? Don’t worry, loaner helmets, pads, and boards will be available. 

Pop-up events are planned at John O’Green Park on April 19, Bayard Rustin Park on April 26, and Marshall Square Park on May 10. All events start at 1 p.m. and will run for two hours, but there is no need to stay for the whole time. 

“It’s a free event. If a kid is into it, stay for the duration,” says organizer Brian Baade, “but if not, we will also have a table with coloring pages and fingerboards.” There will also be Love Again Local cookies, but shhh, you didn’t hear that from me. If you have a kid who may be interested, you can register them here. 

“Should be fun,” says Brian. 

Finally, it’s a hello to a little extra protection and peace of mind for West Chester Canine Officer Odin. Thanks to the West Chester Exchange Club, the German Shepherd now has a ballistic vest he can wear while on duty. The West Chester Exchange Club purchased the pricey piece of dog attire (vests run around $5000) and donated it to WCPD’s Canine Unit. “They were gracious to donate that,” said Chief Lee at this week’s Public Safety meeting, adding hopefully, Odin will never need it. 

Goodbye.

Goodbye, winter. I know this week’s weather has been sending mixed messages, but it’s time to emerge from our winter hibernations. Get out. Mingle. Reconnect with neighbors. I just learned mine welcomed a granddaughter while we were all huddled inside. Congrats, Delpinos!

Here are some of the area’s signature events you need to get on your calendars now:

Pay it Forward.

Have a historic West Chester property that you’ve been proudly restoring or maintaining to its original glory? Would you like a gold plaque for that? The West Chester Downtown Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2025 West Chester Preservation Awards. 

The awards recognize outstanding contributions to “the preservation and protection of West Chester’s rich architectural and cultural heritage,” and while they primarily focus on historic preservation, they also celebrate adaptive reuse. The owners of 9 Prime won last year for their reimagination of the First National Bank, and new construction that respects the historic character of the streetscape.

Nominations are due June 10, 2025. All projects must be located in the Borough and completed by the end of the nomination period. Winning projects will be recognized at an awards ceremony held on Oct. 16. 

Also, a couple of updates on local Federal Funding losses. 

Last week, we learned the USDA cancelled $250,000 in food orders for the Chester County Food Bank. 

Per Carolyn Comitta’s office: Governor Shapiro is appealing the USDA’s decision to terminate these programs. According to the governor’s office, if the USDA does not reverse its decision, the state is prepared to pursue further legal action to safeguard vital revenue streams for farmers and ensure uninterrupted food access for residents.

West Chester restaurants have organized to help support local food agencies, in particular CCFB and the West Chester Food Cupboard. In an effort organized by Kildare’s co-owner Stephanie Gray, 23 local restaurants are now operating as drop-off locations for the food agencies. They will be collecting food, including oatmeal, pancake mix, cereal, snacks, canned meats, frozen foods, fresh fruit, and vegetables, as well as personal care items—really anything but cleaning supplies will be accepted.  

There is also a virtual food drive if you would prefer to go nowhere at all.

Then, Wednesday night, the Chester County History Center on High St. learned the government was canceling its $100,000 Institute of Museum and Library Service grant. The grant was to go towards digitizing records and making the collections more accessible. 

Adding to the organization’s disappointment and frustration is the fact that this is not a newly awarded grant. “We’re left with unfinished work and thousands of dollars in unpaid expenses for work already completed,” CCHC President Conor Hepp shared in a social media post yesterday. 

If you are wondering why the museum spent money it had not yet received, as some were in the comments yesterday, that is how the grant works, according to Hepp. “The organization has to do the work, submit documentation, and then you get reimbursed by the government. It’s a signed agreement between the organization and the federal department with the policy set by the government.”

If you are interested in supporting the CCHC, they are asking residents to email IMLS Acting Director Keith Sonderling at [email protected] as well as local representatives and senators with your concerns.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Assuming the weather cooperates, which is not looking too promising right now, we will be popping over to Everhart Park tomorrow morning for the Easter Egg Hunt. The kids have always liked this quick West Chester tradition. (My plan B is a coffee, Nightingale Materials and Record Store Day. Pretty sure I’ll be good either way.)

If you are around this weekend, lots of events to choose from. The public library is celebrating National Library Week with complimentary coffee and cookies today. A book and a cup of coffee is not a bad way to spend this rainy Friday. Tomorrow, Nightingale Materials on High St. is turning one and they are throwing themselves a birthday party. Stop by on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for discounts, free street portraits, kids' crafts, contests, and more. Rose’s Little Donuts reopened this morning with new owners and a slightly different take. There are still the over-the-top options like chocolate peanut butter and strawberry cream cheese, but there’s also powdered cinnamon sugar. 

Finally, starting to think about spring break plans? Maybe leave the kids with grandma this year? I did a recent getaway piece for County Lines Magazine, which highlights some adult-only options.  

Also a special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor, Shankweiler & Co. Real Estate and Renovations. As a proud West Chester Borough resident, Cassie Shankweiler is deeply rooted in the community she serves. She recently founded the West Chester Walking Club—a fun, casual way for neighbors to connect and explore the charm and walkability of our historic town. Cassie also plays an active role in shaping the future of local green spaces as part of the steering committee for the West Chester Parks and Recreation PROS Plan. Whether you’re curious about real estate, local happenings, or want to get more involved in the community, Cassie is your go-to resource. 

Reach out today to stay in the loop and make the most of living in the Borough!

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:

• Apr. 12 - Keep East Goshen Beautiful Day, East Goshen Township Building, 8 - 10 a.m. Join your neighbors for a couple hours of trash collecting. Gloves, bags, and vests will be provided.

• Apr. 12 - Free Electronics Recycling and Shred Event, West Goshen Township Municipal Complex, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Document shredding plus recycle hard drives, CPUs, TVs, monitors, printers, computer accessories and any small appliance with a plug.

• Apr. 12 - West Chester Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. This event is free and open to the public. Hunt starts precisely at 10 a.m. In the case of rain the event will move to Borough Hall.

• Apr. 12 - Westtown Township Egg Hike, Oakbourne Park Pavilion, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Westtown residents only. Registration required for this popular event. 

• Apr. 12 - Egg Hunt and Decorated Hat Parade, West Goshen Community Park, 10:30 a.m. West Goshen residents only. Registration required. Children 9 and under are invitedt to participate in the egg hunt.

• Apr. 12 - Skate-A-Rama, Ice Line, 700 Lawrence Dr., 11 a.m. Join the West Goshen Police and Ice Line for a free open skate event.

• Apr. 12 - Pets on the Patio, Chester County Art Association, 100 N. Bradford Ave., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Join us for an unforgettable day of fun! Adopt a lovable pet, explore incredible local art, groove to live music, and experience a stunning gallery show. Perfect for the whole family.

• Apr. 13 - Grand Opening Party, The Bookhouse at Faunbrook, 1 - 4 p.m. Meet the team, tour the newly renovated home, enter to win a free stay. RSVP requested.

• Apr. 18 - Cupid's Bow Happy Hour Concert, Uptown Theater, 6 p.m. West Chester residents Heidi Lee and Karen Dekker are back with their Listening in! chamber music series. This time audiences will experience the music of Italian Baroque masters combined with contemporary arrangements and performed on period instruments by world-class musicians. This is a pay-what-you-will event. Tickets required.

• Apr. 19 - West Chester Grower's Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon

• Apr. 19 - Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. This free event is hosted by the First Presbyterian Church of West Chester. New this year, a portion of the egg hunt is accessible to kids who use wheelchairs or other mobility equipment.

• Apr. 19 - Listening in! Family Concert, Uptown Theater, 4 p.m. This family-friendly concert features a delightful ensemble of a Baroque string band: 2 violins, 2 lutes and bass. Children are encouraged to listen, dance, and engage with music that spans playful stories to profound melodies. This is a pay-what-you-will event. Tickets required.

• Apr. 24 - West Goshen “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway Bus Trip, West Goshen Township Municipal Complex, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Tickets: $225 includes transportation, ticket, dinner, and all gratuities. 

• Apr. 26 - Running Home 5K, Downtown West Chester, 9 a.m. Race cost $30 plus fees if you register by Apr. 24

• Apr. 26 - Everhart Park Clean-up, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. If you would like to help, make sure to wear closed shoes and bring gloves if have them.  Friends of Everhart Park will supply rakes and other tools.

• Apr. 26 - Marshall Square Park Spring Cleanup, Marshall Square Park, 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join your neighbors for a few hours of picking up sticks, spreading mulch, and keeping the park safe, beautiful, and healthy. Kids are welcome. Coffee, donuts, and water available. Register here.

• Apr. 26 - Hoopes Park Clean-up, Hoopes Park, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Help needed with sidewalk clean up, branch collection, and addressing the major issues along the path from the cul-de-sac downward.

• Apr. 26 - Walk for Paws, West Goshen Community Park, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. The day long event kicks off with a 5K color run, a 1K walk led by Dawn Timmeney, Anchor/Reporter, FOX 29, and yoga with puppies. The festivities continue with live music, vendors, food trucks, a pet costume contest, kid fun zone, a dog lure course, and so much more. All proceeds go to support the SPCA. Early bird sign up special available through Mar. 30

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. I am taking a short spring break next week. Hopefully, the weather will let me enjoy it! I’ll be back April 25. Until then have a great holiday, break, week -whatever you get! I am sure we will have lots to catch up on!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors