West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Thursday, July 3, 2025: Happy Thursday! This week, your favorite weekly newsletter is coming to you a day earlier, so you can get all the gossip and still enjoy a nice, long weekend. Cheers to that, right? But first, West Chester Restaurant reports are out for June. Violators include a smoothie shop in need of a good scrubbing and several locations caught serving foods beyond their expiration dates. Also, definitive closing dates for all area Rite-Aids and what’s happening with the prescriptions held at each, the best firefly viewing, and one road in West Chester that PennDOT will be paving.  

Short and sweet this week, as summer intended. So, grab something frosty and let’s catch up. 

From around the state: The state Senate and House passed a bill allowing the Pennsylvania Lottery to use more of its earnings on player payouts. They hope the change will raise more money for older Pennsylvanians. 

Also, in honor of the birth of our nation, free speech, and importantly free press - this week’s issue is free to all. So, please share far and wide. Informed communities make the best communities. And we’re pretty great. Happy 4th, everyone!  

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: June

Restaurant Inspection Reports are out for June. Nine violators were written up by the county’s health inspectors last month, including a summer favorite in desperate need of a good scrub, a farm market with a leaky fan, and several shops serving foods beyond their expiration dates. 

OUT

Smoothie King, 1011 West Chester Pike, out, 8 violations, including a fair amount of cleaning tasks like the ice scoop and caddy, ice machine, smoothie pitchers, cutting boards, knives, and all the food dispensing scoops and spoons. Also, the hand wash sinks, exterior doors, handles of all freezers and refrigerators, the ceiling vents, and the wall-mounted insect control device. In general, the report states, the smoothie equipment (blender pitchers, cutting boards, utensils) is not being cleaned properly or frequently enough. “Remind staff to warewash all such food contact equipment at least every four hours,” the report states.  

Northbrook Marketplace, 1805 Wawaset Rd., out, 4 violations including grab-and-go foods without ingredient labels, half-and-half cream at the coffee station not kept cold enough, and freezer fans dripping water onto a rack of stored food. Food under the contaminated ice was discarded during the inspection. 

Aldo’s Restaurant & Grill, 104 Turner Ln., out, 6 violations including soiled ceiling light shields in the kitchen, squeeze bottles not marked with the food inside, and employee food intermingled with facility foods. The restaurant was directed to designate and label an area for employee belongings. 

Wellington at Hershey’s Mill - Senior Lifestyle Center, 1361 Boot Rd., out, 10 violations, including unlabeled chemical spray bottles in the memory care kitchen, salad prep, and memory care coolers not keeping foods cold enough. Also, sour cream, 1000 Island dressing, and house-made blueberry syrup beyond their use-by date. These were all discarded during the inspection. Staff was also directed to clean the main kitchen cook line shelves, hood system, floors, windows, ceiling, walk-in cooler fan, salad prep microwave, beverage station, and the memory care kitchen. 

Radley Run Country Club, 1100 Country Club Rd., out 19 violations, including raw foods like shrimp, beef, and eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods, bottles of Pool Bar snow cone mix not properly labeled, coffee supplies stored in the mop sink (hoping that sink wasn’t in use), and three containers of “potentially hazardous” ready-to-eat food kept beyond datemarking and out for use. These were discarded during the inspection. 

Gryphon Cafe, 111 W. Gay St., out, 5 violations, including a double-door cooler not keeping food cold enough, and severely dented canned items intended for use. Compromised items were discarded, and use of the cooler was ordered discontinued until it can be repaired.

Yori’s Church Street Bakery, 15 N. Church St., out, 8 violations including rolling trays containing food items stored without a covering, insect activity witnessed in the dish room, milk in the retail cooler beyond its expiration date, and proofer racks, speed racks, and the freezer door and floors in need of cleaning.   

Saloon 151 Food Truck, 151 W. Gay St., out, 3 violations, including an employee beverage left in the freezer on the same shelf as food intended for sale. Also, the prep cooler was not keeping foods cold enough, and the floors needed cleaning. 

Nudy’s Cafe, 300 W. Market St., out, 13 violations. Editor’s note: This inspection report was also included in last month’s report, but violations have yet to be addressed. These include an employee eating chips intended for a customer. “EHS asked him to stop,” the report reads. He then reached back in the bag and began plating chips for customers. The chips were discarded. Another food employee was later seen eating and returning to prep tasks without first washing his hands. Perhaps not surprisingly, employees reported not knowing who in the restaurant was in charge of food safety. Also, there were several foods in the warming area not being kept hot enough to avoid bacterial growth; several others in the bain-marie area not being kept cold enough; and ground beef stored above ready-to-eat foods, risking contamination in the cooler. All compromised foods were voluntarily discarded.

IN

These establishments are now back in compliance: New West Chester Diner, Freddy’s Frozen Custard, Patelmo’s Pizza, Colonial Village Market, Asuka, Carly Foglia Nutrition, FIRE Nashville Hot Chicken, and Popeye’s. Enjoy! 

For more details and a complete list of reports, go to the PA Food Safety website and search by location.

The Warnings.

Fireworks safety. Are fireworks allowed in West Chester? Well, that depends. 

West Goshen: Some. According to Township Code, large displays can only be put on by professionals and only then with a permit. Consumer fireworks can be used on private property with the express permission of the owner so long as they are used outside, at least 150 feet from an occupied structure, 100 feet from any combustible material, and if the person launching hasn’t been drinking or is not otherwise impaired. 

East Bradford: Yes, and no. In 2017, a change in state law made it legal to purchase and use “Class C” fireworks like Roman Candles and Bottle Rockets, but if you want to use them in East Bradford, you are going to need to purchase a permit first.

Westtown: Yes, if you follow state laws. 

West Chester Borough: Yes. The only mention of fireworks in the Borough code pertains to short-term rentals. So if you are staying at a downtown Airbnb, maybe avoid putting on a fireworks display? Everyone else, follow PA laws on the topic, and you should be ok. 

If you decide to put your own display, familiarize yourself with the law and proceed with caution. Fireworks can be dangerous, especially when kids are involved. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one-third of those. Not sure you’re feeling the risk? Goshen Fire Company has some other options for you.

Your loophole’s open. Last week, Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe shared the latest developments in his office’s investigation into Kevin Krebs, the Malvern resident who brought a loaded gun to West Chester’s “No Kings” protest. While there are still plenty of unanswered questions about the incident, DA de Barrena-Sarobe believes there are already some lessons learned. “What I do know is that there are three things that we can do to create a safer community,” he shared in an op-ed this week. 

1. Outlaw machine gun conversion devices or switches. These devices, several of which were found in Kevin Krebs' home, quickly turn handguns or rifles into fully automatic weapons. They are already banned federally and in 27 states.    

2. Establish a “Red Flag” law in Pennsylvania. Such a law would allow police to temporarily disarm someone who has been deemed mentally unstable. 

3. Provide additional grant funds to local police departments to improve crowd response. “Police departments should have access to grants to fund training and purchase tools that allow officers to deal with an ever-changing threat landscape,” he wrote.

“On June 14, a concerned citizen who said something and quick police work won the day. But in the long term, law enforcement cannot protect our welfare and our rights without modern laws and funding that allow them to meet today’s challenges,” he concluded. You can read the full op-ed here. 

Slow down and drive with care. West Chester Police responded to two automobile accidents this week, one at that corner of N. Adams and E. Gay Sts. on Tuesday morning, and the other on E. Market St. on Saturday. The accident on E. Market St. involved a pedestrian. Maybe we need to add E. Market St. to the list of local roads that need safety improvements? The area between Matlack and Franklin Sts. seems particularly dangerous.  

Caught looking. On May 26, West Chester Borough Police Officers were assisting the West Chester Fire Department in the area of W. Miner and S. Church Sts. when they observed a man standing in a crowd observing the event. The man, Ralph Showalter, was known to be a person of interest in several package thefts in the area. Police made contact and found that Ralph had several of the missing items. He was arrested and taken to Chester County Prison for arraignment. 

Let’s take one last look. West Goshen Police are still trying to ID this guy. Look familiar? Share what you know with WGPD at 610-696-7400.

The Accolades.

This week, we are celebrating being good neighbors. This post is about the Rotary Club and its partnership with the West Chester Country Club, but I also wanted to shout out the woman walking her dog down W. Union St. this week. My neighbor’s house alarm was going off. I don’t think she knew them, but she flagged me down and I was able to notify them. Fortunately, it seems to have been an issue with the alarm rather than an actual break-in, but she was ready to call the police if needed.

It’s nice to know there are people out there looking out, should you need them. 

The West Chester Golf and Country Club has served as the official meeting location of the West Chester Rotary Club since 2007. They also support a number of club activities, including committee meetings, presidential dinners, and fundraising events. They even provide on-site storage space for the clubs’ banners and supplies.

“WCGCC’s support of Rotary’s Service Above Self mission has helped us make a lasting impact, strengthening lives and fostering positive change locally and worldwide,” said Rotary President Catherine Friedman before presenting the club with its Partner Award.

Have an example of a neighbor being neighborly? Share here. I think we need more stories about the good things people do. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

More Spring Sports Standouts. Chest-Mont Coaches and the sportswriters at Digital First Media have begun the process of selecting their top performers of the spring sports season. Last week, we recognized baseball and tennis. This week, we look at the first team selections in Girls’ Track and Field and Boys' Lacrosse. Editor’s note: Boys’ Track and Field was also announced, but no area athletes made the first team selections. 

Sophia Hnetinka, Rustin, Track & Field. Daily Local News - First team selection. The junior distance runner finished eighth at the PIAA 3A state championships with a time of 10:36.99 in the 3200-meter run. For those metrically challenged like me, that’s essentially 2 miles in just over 10 minutes. She also finished in the top 30 in the 1600-meter.

Ana Dakes, Rustin, Track & Field. Daily Local News - First team selection. The senior thrower finished ninth in shot put (38-4.25) at the PIAA 3A state championships while also defending her Ches-Mont titles in both shot put and discus.

Laila Atkins, Westtown School, Track & Field. Daily Local News - First team selection. The sophomore thrower claimed first at the PAISAA championships in both shot put and discus. She won the shot put with a heave of 43-2. So far this year, the throw was the fifth best in the state among all female high school throwers.

Nate Pechin, Rustin, Lacrosse. Daily Local News - Player of the Year, DLN First team selection, All-Ches-Mont Sandy Phillips MVP, First team selection. When it comes to boys’ lacrosse, Nate Pechin is the consensus as area's best. A four-year starter for the Golden Knights, he leveled up again this year, doubling his offensive output and earning All-American status both athletically and academically. Described by both his coach and the local sports writers as among the state’s best in his position, Nate will continue his lacrosse career at the Naval Academy in the fall. 

Jackson Lamb, Rustin, Lacrosse. Daily Local News, All-Ches-Mont - First team selections. A sharpshooter, Jackson scored at least three goals in 18 of Rustin’s 22 contests, earning him his second consecutive 100-point season. 

Ryan Turse, Henderson, Lacrosse. Daily Local News, All-Ches-Mont - First team selections. A true all-around player, Henderson’s MVP and captain excels on offense, defense, and in transition. 

Jake Brogan, Henderson, Lacrosse. All-Ches-Mont - First team selection

Ryan Loper, Rustin, Lacrosse. All-Ches-Mont - First team selection

Breaking the mold. A shout out this week to West Chester University Alumnus and Jake’s Bar fan, comedian Shane Gillis. Fired just a week after starting at SNL, it looked like Shane’s career as a comic might be short-lived, but he has since clawed his way back. Netflix just announced it would renew Tires, his West Chester-filmed (Valley Forge-set) comedy series, for a third season, and he can soon add ESPY Awards host to his list of accomplishments. Should he make it to the stage, he will be the first non-athlete to host the athlete’s Oscars since Anthony Mackie in 2021. 

Curious why some events are covered and others not? Most likely because someone let me know they were happening. Have a shout-out? Let me know at [email protected] or fill out this handy form.  

Hello.

Hello, Fireflies. Last year, West Chester Borough, at the urging of State Senator Carolyn Comitta, started rethinking the overhead lighting in Everhart Park.  

“Research shows that over-lighting and light pollution can negatively impact wildlife and ecology, as well as our sleeping patterns and mental and physical health,” Sen. Comitta, who lives near the park, shared via email. 

Those changes resumed this year, and already this year’s crop of fireflies appears to be robust. 

“The best viewing of the firefly light show should be in about a week, between 9 and 10 p.m.,” said Friends of Everhart Park President Susan Frens. Concentrate on the wet meadow area of the park, a little south of the Miner Street entrance toward Brandywine St.

“We hope the show will be great this year. Fireflies need dark skies!” she said. 

Also, say hello to Wild Horse Salon. Located at 225 E. Market St., the new salon is owned by stylist Maureen Helms. Right now, she is focusing on hair but hopes to expand services with a few new hires. If you are an experienced lash technician or masseuse looking for work, hit her up. I don’t know if West Chester needs another salon, but the vision does sound nice. 

“This salon is a space to slow down, feel good, and leave feeling a little lighter,” she wrote in the salon's inaugural Instagram post. 

Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 1 to 1 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Speaking of warm welcomes, say hello to the hosts of HSN. According to an article this week in the Philadelphia Business Journal, 11 of the network’s 21 on-air hosts have relocated to West Chester. We’ll keep an eye out for them clinking cocktail glasses at Bar Avalon. 

THE DANCE CENTER: Celebrating 50 Years in Chester County!

CHILDREN’S CLASSES ARE OUR SPECIALTY! 

Starting in our PRE-DANCE Program, your child will experience an  appreciation to classical music with age-appropriate beginner lessons that will set the foundation for success. Our 3 to 6 year old program is  carefully designed so the students learn in a fun, but lightly structured  atmosphere where dance studio etiquette is taught from the start. 

Our Levels 1 through 6 follow the same techniques that build from year to year and culminate to our Pre-Professional Division. We are not a  competition school that teaches routine after routine, ignoring the  technique behind the steps. Our studio offers all our students many dance performance opportunities with Brandywine Ballet Company and  Brandywine Contemporary Company as well as a Student Recital at the end of the year. 

Register Now at www.thedancecenter.org 

Donna L. Muzio, Director & Founder ~ [email protected]

***This is a sponsored post***

Goodbye.

Farewell, Rite Aid. If there was ever any doubt, it has now been confirmed. All area Rite Aids will be closed by the end of the summer. As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, Rite Aid sold the pharmacy assets of many of its stores to other companies like CVS, Walgreens, Albertsons, and Kroger. In our case, the pharmacy assets were sold to CVS. 

CVS Executive Director of Corporate Communications, Amy Thibault, confirmed the acquisition this week. 

“Yes, we plan to acquire the prescription files of each of these Rite Aid locations,” she shared via email. “The transfer will be seamless for Rite Aid patients,” she added.

Below is the list of West Chester Rite Aids and the corresponding CVS location that will pick up the prescription files.  

 While 1535 West Chester Pike and 1307 Phoenixville Pike have previously been identified as closing, 13 E. Gay St. had not. 

Also, this week we are bidding farewell to the sidewalk at New St. and Rosedale Ave. The area around the West Chester University basketball courts has been torn up for weeks now, raising questions about what exactly is going on there. Well, I have answers. I reached out to WCU’s Deputy Director of Public Relations, Loretta MacAlpine.

“I was able to connect with our Facilities team, who explained that the work at New St. and W. Rosedale Ave. is associated with traffic and pedestrian intersection improvements requested by the Borough of West Chester as part of the approval for the Sciences and Engineering Center and The Commons (SECC).”

As a reminder, the three-story SECC structure was part of a more than $130 million project that included the 162,000 square foot facility, 462 parking spaces, and an accompanying garage. The SECC officially opened in September 2022. 

“The project currently underway this summer includes utility relocations as Phase 1 of a two-phase project. Phase 2, which will take place next summer, includes new pedestrian and traffic improvements such as signaling, crosswalks, and installation of new turning lanes,” she added.  

Speaking of roadway disruptions, West Chester started its summer paving on New St., School Alley, and Patton Alley this week. West Goshen Township will begin paving 4.36 miles of its roads next month. PennDOT and area state roads? They’re targeting 2028 - maybe. Yep, you heard that right. 

Fortunately, that does not include repaving project-torn roads, which they will be doing on Route 3 starting next week. Beginning on Tuesday, PennDOT crews are expected to begin milling and paving both sides of E. Gay St. from Paoli Pike to Strasburg Rd. Crews will be on the street from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Expect lane closures and flagging during this time.   

Also, getting PennDOT’s attention next week, U.S. 322, aka High St. Pedestrian improvement work continues next week between Miner St. and Norfolk Ave. Work will be conducted between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Expect flagging and lane closures during this time.

Find the full list of to-be-paved roads for both West Chester and West Goshen here. 

This also marks the last week for The 5 Senses. The art and gift store will close on July 5 after 20 years on Market St. They will be open regular hours today and Saturday, closed on Friday for the holiday. If you can get over there, greeting cards and stickers are $1 while they last. Everything else is 60 percent off.

Speaking of new chapters, it’s goodbye to West Goshen’s longtime Director of Code Enforcement Andrea Tate. Andrea retired on Tuesday after 20 years with the township. In her absence, this week West Goshen Supervisors appointed Michael McCarthy, Fire Marshal; John Beswick, Deputy Fire Marshal; and Lisa Covatta, Emergency Management Coordinator. Good luck, Andrea, on your next adventure!

And finally, in sad news this week, we say goodbye to longtime Westtown resident Walter Raymond Pavelchek. Walt was born in Johnstown, PA, in 1925. After a stint in the Midwest and a tour of duty in the Pacific, Walt and his new bride moved back to Pennsylvania, where they settled in Westtown. While Walt worked in Downingtown, he made time for his adopted community, serving at various times on the Westtown Finance Committee, the Planning Commission, as the Judge of Elections, and the President of Friends of Oakbourne. Walt died on June 10. He was 100 years old.  

Pay it Forward.

On Sept 13, the West Chester Downtown Foundation’s Up on the Roof fundraiser event returns for its 23rd year of stunning views and strong cocktails. Last year, I caught up with event chair Lindsey Tracey on what attendees can expect from the Borough’s signature end-of-summer event.

HWC: I have never been to Up on the Roof, but I know friends who have, and they all say what a fun night it is. What makes it so special?

LT: Up on the Roof continues to be an amazing event with spectacular views of West Chester! You won’t want to miss the fun while supporting the many worthwhile causes of the West Chester Downtown Foundation.

HWC. Am I correct in thinking this is the only Borough fundraiser that takes place on a roof? What’s it like up there?

LT: I’m not sure, but I think it is the only event up on the roof of a parking garage! The roof is transformed into a party-like atmosphere with lighting, a DJ, food from Limoncello and John Serock Catering, and a stunning sunset!

HWC: What does the money raised go to support?

LT: Up on the Roof event proceeds go to the West Chester Downtown Foundation, which helps keep Downtown West Chester the vibrant, attractive place that we all love!

HWC: Can you tell us – what is in this year’s Rooftop Martini?

LT: Still TBD, but we aim to please

Sorry, folks. I tried!

Up on the Roof 2025 takes place on Sept. 13 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on the rooftop of the Chestnut Square Garage. Tickets are on sale now for the early bird price of $90.

Other ways to give back this week: 

West Chester grant program open through July 31. Know of a local nonprofit organization in need of a little extra cash to tackle a special project? The West Chester Downtown Foundation might be able to help. Each year, the WCDF gives out roughly a dozen grants valued up to $2500 to local organizations working to make a positive impact in and around the Borough. “Through these grants, we aim to empower local organizations to bring ideas to life that enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit downtown West Chester,” shared grants committee chair Tracy Sammarone. 

If that sounds like an organization you know, detailed eligibility requirements and the online application form can be found at www.wcdf.org/grants.

Give a plant. Take a plant. Or just take a plant. Last year, the West Chester Green Team introduced its Plant Wagon. The red wagon was filled with clippings and propagations of local plants and was available to residents for the taking. The wagon is back this year, and it has friends. “We have three wagons in circulation this year,” West Chester Green Team member Chris Pugliese told me. While the precise wagon schedule is a well-guarded secret, they will be making their way through the Borough parks (last spotted in MSP) and in various neighborhoods for at least another week.  

Get involved in civic engagement. Ever think it might be fun and rewarding to dedicate your time to West Chester government? No? Well, you should consider it anyway. West Chester could use a few fresh new voices - and while Council commitments can be involved, committee assignments are often less so. If that little reassurance has convinced you, West Chester is currently seeking two volunteers, one to serve on the Planning Commission (I believe this is one of the bigger time commitments) and one on the Transportation Advisory Committee. The Planning Commission has a residency requirement (you must live in the Borough), the Transportation Advisory Committee does not. If you are interested, email a copy of your resume to Dana DiDomenico at [email protected]. Use the subject line: Resume for Vacancy. Resumes must be received by July 10. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are heading to the pool for a throwback, old-school Fourth of July potluck party. I’m looking forward to adult swim and hanging with friends while watching the kids participate in a series of crazy games, like trying to get a Vaseline-covered watermelon out of the pool! Hope you too have a fun weekend planned with family, friends, and backyard fireworks (sorry, GFD, glow sticks just don’t cut it in my book).   

If you are around this weekend, remember the Gay Street Closure begins today because of the holiday. Speaking of the Fourth of July, West Goshen is holding its annual Decorated Bike Parade at 10 a.m. at West Goshen Community Park. Have plans, need supplies? Mae’s has a price-fixed picnic menu. Feeds two and comes prepacked in the basket. Genius. Dia Doce has ice-cream-inspired cupcakes, and Yori’s has an American flag pie (Love it). Have a little FOMO over friends at the beach? Don’t worry, Station 142 has a shore-worthy dance party planned for you. Finally, it’s First Friday in the Borough. Bands will be playing what I am going to guess are patriotic tunes at the Historic Courthouse and on Jack’s Corner.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Something’s Awry Productions. Something’s Awry is an animation and VFX studio that built its reputation finding beauty and humor in the unexpected. Don’t believe me? Just watch their brand-new VFX reel. It includes some of their most popular videos from 2024 with over 350 Million (!) combined views. (And I thought 5,000 views was good!) If you want more behind-the-scenes and exclusive content you can subscribe to their new Patreon page. 

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:

• July 4 - Decorated Bike Parade, West Goshen Community Park, 10 a.m. Celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States’ founding with the Township’s annual bike parade.

• July 4 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester, free metered parking after 5 p.m.

• July 5 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• July 5 - Yoga in the Park, Marshall Square Park, 10:15 a.m. Bring a mat, water, and sunscreen. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Class: $15. FYI if you’re registering it's listed under “Be Rooted.”

• July 5 - Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Explore the historic sites that served as a backdrop for the stories of the people who helped enslaved people as they passed through West Chester toward freedom. Approx. 90 min. Walking tour; approx. 1.25 miles. Tickets: $16

• July 6 - West Chester Railroad - Picnic Special, 230 E. Market St. 12 p.m. 90 minute train ride with a mid-trip stop at the Glen Mills station. Picnic optional. Pack a lunch. Tickets: $25/adults; $20/kids

• July 7 - $5 Monday Night Movie: Moana 2, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Include complimentary popcorn

• July 9 - West Chester Taps, downtown, 5 - 7 p.m. Participating locations offer a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, in addition to appetizer specials.

• July 9 - Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6 p.m. Explore the historic sites that served as a backdrop for the stories of the people who helped enslaved people as they passed through West Chester toward freedom. Approx. 90 min. Walking tour; approx. 1.25 miles. Tickets: $16

• July 10 - Friends of Marshall Square Park Concert Series: Big Boy Brass Band, Marshall Square Park, Food trucks onsite at 5 p.m. Bands begin at 6:30 p.m. Plus, face painting and balloon artists!

• July 12 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• July 12 - Free a Tree volunteer day, Shaw's Bridge Park (Meet at parking lot at 274 S. Creek Rd., West Chester, PA) 10 a.m. Learn basic natural land stewardship skills and become more familiar with East Bradford parks. Can be used to count towards public service hours for students.

• July 12 - Yoga in the Park, Marshall Square Park, 10:15 a.m. Bring a mat, water, and sunscreen. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome. Class: $15. FYI if you’re registering it's listed under “Be Rooted.”

• July 13 - West Chester Railroad - Picnic Special, 230 E. Market St. 12 p.m. 90 minute train ride with a mid-trip stop at the Glen Mills station. Picnic optional. Pack a lunch. Tickets: $25/adults; $20/kids

• July 13 - Summer Concert Series - The Malarkey Brothers, West Goshen Community Park, 6:30 p.m. Concert is free but a dry good donation for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• July 14 - $5 Monday Night Movie: Home Alone, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Include complimentary popcorn

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’ll see you next week!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors