West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Dec. 6, 2024:  Happy Friday! I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I am back and we are at it because guess what? Santa Claus comes tonight. Everything you need to know about the Christmas parade including where the bathrooms are and when you need to move your car by. Also, Restaurant Inspection Reports are out for November. Thirteen establishments are out of compliance including our NYE go-to and my kids’ elementary school. Plus, Preservation Award winners, Rustin gets a District title, Chic-fil-A opens, and small batch soft-serve is coming soon to a borough near you.  

Never a dull moment. Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: November

Restaurant inspection reports are out for November. Thirteen establishments are out of compliance with the Chester County Health Department this month including several local favorites, my kids’ elementary school, and one for draining rice directly into a floor drain. Ick.  

The Warnings.

It’s all pre-Thanksgiving fun until someone gets stabbed. As one who has rarely been home for Thanksgiving, I do not understand the appeal of Thanksgiving Eve, but appeal there is, and boy, was it a doozy this year. Jitters, Kildare’s, and Saloon 151 were already hoppin’ when we walked by at 7:30 p.m., and by 8:30 p.m. the line at Barnaby’s had stretched to Miner St. However, crowded spaces would be the least of the night’s worries. At around 1:25 a.m., a fight broke out on the corner of High and Gay St. leading to one person being stabbed. Minutes later cops were spotted chasing an individual down High St. while paramedics attended to a victim on the sidewalk. According to the police report, that individual was transported to the hospital for treatment and the cops have a suspect in custody. 

A foodborne outbreak was suspected at Chester County Prison. Back in October, Chester County health inspectors were called to investigate a suspected foodborne illness outbreak at the prison. According to the inspector’s report, she conducted interviews with employees and took samples of several dishes prepared on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 including chili, poultry stroganoff, pasta salad, green beans, and coleslaw. Results of the investigation have not been shared publicly but the prison has remained out of compliance since the initial investigation failing four separate follow-up inspections.  

They look awfully happy about a potential tax increase. The proposed 2025 Chester County budget calls for a roughly 13 percent real estate tax increase. While that is a rather significant tax increase, it does represent the county’s first 2021. Chester County Commissioners are set to vote on the new budget on Dec. 18. You can read more on the reasons for the increase here.  

The fire is so delightful but make sure it’s properly extinguished when it’s done. On Saturday, the West Chester Fire Department responded to a house fire on the 1300 block of Pottstown Pike in West Goshen. The homeowner extinguished the fire but not before significant damage was done to the house’s exterior. “We remind everyone to extinguish and dispose of fireplace ash properly,” West Chester Public Information Officer Dave March shared via his Facebook page. Also, a fire this week at a garage on Hillsdale Dr. That one was thought to be electrical in origin. 

Also, remember the Chester County burn ban has been extended through Dec. 26.

Well, this is a cringey new holiday tradition. I noticed this while researching “Santa” activities for the event guide. Once again Highland will have a Santa onsight for farm-fresh photos, only this year your kid can cut to the front of the line at your selected time if you pay $20 upfront. While I understand the photographer has the right to earn a living, I’m not sure this is the best holiday look for a highly successful local orchard. What happened to it’s better to give than receive? 

And speaking of questionable holiday behavior… guess who’s back?

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The Accolades.

This week we are celebrating, the way things were. Surrounded by idyllic images of quaint towns populated with carrot-nosed snowmen, scarf-wrapped kiddos, and tree-carrying cars, it’s hard not to feel a little nostalgic this time of year. Add in several new developments with an oddly similar feel and it’s easy to understand the increasing popularity of the West Chester Preservation Awards.

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Theatrical debuts. This holiday season Pierce sixth-grader Abagail Norden is making her professional acting debut in the Walnut Street Theatre’s production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Abagail will play Tiny Tim’s sister Belinda Cratchit in a special hour-long musical adaptation of the classic Christmas tale. Performances begin tonight and run through Dec. 21 - limited tickets are available. 

Plus, find lots more performances by budding local thespians in the annual West Chester Holiday Event Guide.

District champions. On a cold, damp Friday night before the Thanksgiving holiday, the Rustin Football Team hit the field and took care of business smothering top-seeded Springfield 34 to 2 to secure their first District Championship in 16 years. “It’s amazing, it’s so surreal – this is what we’ve been working for the last four years,” “Rustin senior running back Chase Hatton, who ran for 149 yards on 24 carries, told the paper after the win. Also posting big numbers, Jojo Magolon who added 113 offensive yards, senior quarterback David McClain who completed five of six passes for two touchdowns, and offensive linebacker Nate Pechin who picked off Springfield’s QB twice - once for a touchdown.  

This marks the fifth time the Golden Knights have played for the District Championship. 

Unfortunately, that would be the end of the road for Rustin who lost to a tough Roman Catholic team on Saturday but no, we are not down about it. Just listen to Coach Mike St. Clair.  

“Roman Catholic is a high-tempo, high-octane offense, and sort of wore us [out] in the second half, but you know what? We won our district championship last week, and we’re celebrating our season, not mourning it,” he shared in a post-game interview. You can read more about the state semi-final game here.  

Staying the course. Congratulations this week to West Chester University Women’s Rugby Coach Tony DeRemer on 20 years at the helm of the Lady Rams. During his tenure, he’s won one national championship (2019), six conference championships, and made nine appearances in the USA Rugby Tournament including this season. Unfortunately, WCU lost in the semifinals 70-7 to second-seeded Davenport. You can read more about Coach DeRemer’s career here. 

Hometown heroes. Last month, West Chester East inducted realism artist Nicholas Santoleri into its Hall of Fame. A 1975 graduate, Mr. Santoleri is an award-winning landscape, still life, and portrait artist known for capturing the beauty of Chester County and beyond. 

Speaking of hometown heroes, also, a shout-out this week to Officer Chris Dittus. He was named Westtown-East Goshen Officer of the Year. 

Disco ball wins. Finally, congratulations to West Chester University alumnus Joey Graziadei on winning season 33 of Dancing with the Stars. See clips of his mirror ball-securing performance here. 

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

Hello.

Hello, Christmas. Yes, the decorations have been up since mid-November but everyone knows Christmas in West Chester doesn’t officially begin until the Christmas parade sets off down Market. Don’t believe me? Just ask the 20,000 people expected to descend on downtown tonight. Here’s what you need to know before the big event: 

Goodbye.

Pay it Forward.

Yes, Giving Tuesday has passed but there are still plenty of ways to give back this holiday season (several of which involve eating). 

Kick your heels up for a good cause.  Ok, so, they’ll be doing most of the heel kicking, but it’s still a good cause. West Chester University theater students are hosting their 25th annual Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Benefit and in honor of the milestone, they are hoping to raise a record-breaking $25,000 for the cause. You can support their efforts by attending one of four student-directed variety shows featuring a collection of funny, often moving, student performances. Shows are planned for Friday and Saturday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $13 for adults; $10 for students and seniors. 

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 and/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.

Bring a gift. Grab some breakfast. WSFS Bank is holding its annual toy drive on Thursday morning. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to St. Agnes’s Thomas Patrick Hall and stay for a complimentary breakfast. Registration is required.  

Bring five gifts. Get a free family dinner. Drop off five or more new, unwrapped gifts at Limoncello’s this Sunday between 12 and 3 p.m. and receive a voucher for a free family-style meal.  

Get involved in local government. Last call - West Chester Borough is still looking for around 15 or so good men and women to fill some open committee positions. After not receiving enough candidates during the initial application period, they are now extending it to Dec. 10. There’s something for everyone from the Human Relations Committee to the Library Board to the Recreation Commission. If you are interested send your resume and note of interest to [email protected].

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? It’s going to be a full Christmas spirit weekend for us. We are bundling up and heading out to the Christmas Parade tonight. Then tomorrow we will be sneaking in a Christmas tree hunt between basketball games and if we are lucky a meeting with Santa and some Christmas card photos. If anyone has a favorite place to find a Christmas tree, let me know. We liked the place we went to last year but I can’t for the life of me remember where that was. 

If you are around this weekend, on Saturday, there’s the Public Libray’s Holiday House Tour, Marshall Square Park’s Santa in the Square, and Nightingale Materials is hosting a greeting card class at noon. You will be using watercolors to paint trees for one-of-a-kind holiday cards. While you are there don’t forget to check out the gingerbread displays and vote for your favorite. John Serock is exhibiting at Sunset Jewelers, the Master Baker is at the Green House, Maryellen’s is at Mayday, the Bookstore Bakers is on display at the Bookstore Bakery, and Yori’s is at Yori’s, also, roving carolers, and Santa comes to town at 2 p.m. via firetruck. Then on Sunday, Salty Paws (27 W. Gay St.) is hosting breakfast with Santa for your pup. There will be a “doggie waffle bar” and pictures with Santa.  

Need some gift ideas? Earlier this season I did some shopping for County Lines Magazine’s December issue. The article is now out with plenty of great buy-local options. Plus, there’s a great feature on book ideas and the best way to give experiences this year.

Finally, special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor Hazley Builders. Hazley Builders is an architect-led, Design + Build firm with over sixty years of combined experience in the West Chester area! 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:

• Dec. 6 – Midlife Cafe Gathering, Be Well Collective, 225 E. Market St., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Navigate the second half of life to come with mutual support, and valuable insights. This is a free event.

• Dec. 6 – 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. 6 – First Friday, Downtown West Chester, 5 – 10 p.m. Enjoy free street-level parking, extended shopping hours, and special entertainment.

• Dec. 6 – The Holiday Cheer Concert, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 5 p.m. Kick off parade night with the Cheer Concert, an Uptown tradition. The concert is put on by local kids and includes all your holiday favorites. 

• Dec. 6 – Little Lincolns Gettysburg Address Competition, balcony of the Historic Lincoln Building, 5:30 p.m.  Middle school students from across the county don their best Lincoln attire and recite the Gettysburg Address. This it the 25th anniversary of the start of this event.

• Dec. 6 – West Chester Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Courthouse, West Chester, 6:30 p.m. Tree lighting will take place before the Christmas parade.

• Dec. 6 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 7 p.m. The Santa sighting to issue in a season of Santa sightings. See the full route detail and traffic closures here.

• Dec. 6 – First Friday Jazz ft DAT DERE: A Tribute to the Music of Art Blakely & The Jazz Messengers, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Don’t miss this world class Philly-based jazz sextet.

• Dec. 6, 7 – West Chester Borough Balladeer Carolers, downtown, Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m.

• Dec. 6, 7, 8 – 25th Annual Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, WCU’s Mainstage Theatre at E.O. Bull Center, evening performances Fri. and Sat. 7:30 p.m. matinees Sat. and Sun. 2 p.m. This student-run cabaret style show raises money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

• Dec. 7 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Dec. 7 – Breakfast with Santa, Chester County History Center, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Each year Santa stops by for breakfast in the Borough. There are cups of cocoa, stacks of pancakes, and lists of wishes. Tickets are $18/each.

• Dec. 7 – West Chester Library’s Holiday Home Tour, self-guided, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tour eight decked-out homes in the Northwest and Southwest quadrants of the Borough. Tickets are $40/in advance and can be purchased at the library or online; or at the library on the day of for $50.

• Dec. 7, 8 – Clover Market’s Holiday Market, Westown School Athletic Center, 10 a.m . – 4 p.m. Shop 110 handmade and vintage vendors in a comfortable 33,000 sf. A $5 admission fee is suggested.

• Dec. 7 – 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 Bishop Shanahan Liturgical Choir.

• Dec. 7 – 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. 7 – 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. 7 – SantaFest, American Helicopter Museum, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to West Chester via helicopter. Note this is a BYOC (bring your own camera) event. Admission is $15/general and $14 for kids 2 to 12.

• Dec. 7 – Craftapalooza, 100 N Bradford Ave, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Give yourself the gift of peace this holiday season. Drop off your kids — ages 5-17 — at CCAA and let their creativity flourish while you shop stress-free., Cost: $40 non-members, $30 members.

• Dec. 7 – Photos with Santa at the Hardware Store, Brandywine Ace and Pet, 1150 Pocopson Rd. 12 to  2 p.m. Stop by for free pictures with Santa. Just don’t forget your camera!

• Dec. 7 – Santa in the Square, Marshall Square Park, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Sit with Santa, make some crafts, enjoy live music, and onsite food trucks. This is a free event.

• Dec. 7 – East Goshen Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting, East Goshen Park, 6 – 7 p.m. This event is designed to put the entire family in the spirit of the season. Visit with enjoy caroling, a dance performance, and if enough Christmas spirit, a surprise visit from a mystery bearded guest.

• Dec. 7 – Dec. 29 – Beauty and the Beast, the musical, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. or 3 p.m. See the Disney classic come to life right before your eyes. Opening night is Dec. 7. General admission tickets range from $40-$45/each. Visit the link for a complete list of showing.

• Dec. 7, 8 – 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. 7, 8 – 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. 8 – 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. 8 – Breakfast with Santa, Advent Lutheran Church, 8:30 – 11 a.m. Join Boy Scout Troop 69 for a pancake, sausage, and bacon breakfast. Photos with Santa available. Cost: $10 all proceeds go to support Cub Pack 69. For tickets email: [email protected]

• Dec. 8 – A Pup’s Breakfast with Santa, Salty Paws, 27 W. Gay St., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bring your dog to Salty Paws for a doggie waffle bar and a picture with Santa.

• Dec. 8 – Toys for Tots Toy Drive, Limoncello, 12 – 3 p.m.  Bring five or more new and unwrapped toys and get a voucher for a free family-style dinner.

• Dec. 8 – Monkey Fish Toys Holiday Hoopla, 662 Downingtown Pike, 1 – 3 p.m. There will be pictures with santa, make your own holiday crafts, and $5 MFT holiday money for all kids who attend.

• Bar Avalon, 5:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Dinner includes mozzarella sticks, pasta with meatballs, and dessert. There is also face painting and a toy. The cost is $24.95 for kids under 12. Reservations are required. Note: The 5 p.m. seating is sold out.

• Dec. 9 – A Celtic Christmas, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Join the global sensation the Celtic Tenors for an Irish Christmas. Tickets: $45

• Dec. 10 – Learn Chi Walking, West Chester Senior Center, 1:30 p.m. Join Carol Bilek, certified Chi Walking instructor for free Chi Walking demonstrations, open to public. Questions? Email Carol

• Dec. 10 – Cocktails and Crafts: Wreath Building, Kildare’s, 7 p.m. $50 gets you two drinks, charcuterie, and all of the necessities to make an 18” holiday wreath.

• Dec. 11 – Safe Harbor Birthday Party and Art Impact Event, Safe Harbor, 10 N. High St., 5 – 8 p.m. Come celebrate Safe Harbor’s 29th birthday at the partner appreciation event! Food, drink, music and a special art exhibit showcasing the artistic talents of Safe Harbor residents and local artists. The event is free but tickets are required.

• Dec. 11 – Dinner with Santa, Barnaby’s West Chester, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entree.

• Dec. 12-24 – $300 and Under Member Exhibition, 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. 12 – WSFS Bank Toy Drive & Breakfast, St. Agnes School – Thomas Patrick Hall, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. Bring a new, unwrapped toy and stay for a complimentary breakfast. Registration is required. 

• 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 are 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

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

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

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