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It’s Friday, Dec. 1, 2023: A proposal for a 128-unit apartment complex at the site of the former Burger King received preliminary approval from the Planning Commission this week. The design has changed, yet it all still looks the same. The School District’s swift dismissal of Henderson’s long-time Track and Cross Country Coach – and running community icon – has left parents and athletes with a lot of questions. Plus, Restaurant Inspection reports and City Bun’s buns come back tomorrow – what you need to know to make sure you get one. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Burger King Plans Receive Preliminary Approval but No One Seems Too Thrilled About It

Revised elevations as seen from the corner to High and Price Streets.

This week the West Chester Planning Commission by a vote of 4 to 3 approved a proposal to build 128 residential apartments at 410 S. High Street, the site of the former Burger King. The vote came after another three-hour marathon meeting that included no fewer than three lawyers and a lot of back-and-forth over the actual height of the building and which of any of the five requested waivers should be allowed.

A couple of sticking points seemed to emerge – 

New High Street Commons as seen from High and Dean Street.

How do we measure the height of the building? Developers removed a floor from the original design and argued the building now meets the 45-foot height requirement. Planning Commission members suggested the height was incorrectly measured and is over the allowable maximum height by a foot or two. It was suggested by storey, rather than footage, would be a better way to measure height. The revised building will be four stories on top of a parking garage on the Dean Street side of the sloped property. Three stories on top of a parking garage on the Price Street side.

How do we control traffic in the area? Under an updated traffic study reviewed during the meeting, it was estimated that traffic in the area would be similar to when the Burger King was in operation. While traffic remains a concern, the Developer’s traffic engineer pointed out that a residential development, like the one presented, was the least traffic-intense use the lot is zoned for.

Why does this project need a right-of-way waiver? The Borough’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) requires a right-of-way of 50 feet on a project of this scale. The developers had asked for a waiver from this requirement. To provide the desired right-of-way the building would need to be set back an additional five feet from the build-to line. Most residents and some Planning Commission members supported this option as it would shrink, if only slightly, the overall size of the building. Others thought it more important to retain the build-to line which helps provide for a consistent streetscape.   

“My opinion is it is more important to match the integrity of the existing street,” said Planning Commission member Thomas Dougherty, who wanted to allow the waiver.  

In the end, the developers agreed to provide the required 50-foot right-of-way removing the need for a waiver and giving residents a small win on size. With that change and a series of other stipulations including adding traffic control measures to Clinton and Boxwood Alleys, a re-review of the height calculations, and Tree Commission approval of landscaping modifications, the motion passed. 

The preliminary designs now go to Borough Council for final approval. That decision is expected at the December council meeting.    

Many – especially the Planning Commission members who have been with the project since its submission in February – expressed their gratitude to the developers for taking resident and commission feedback seriously removing street-level retail and lowering the height of the building. Still, it hardly seemed like a win. As Planning Commission member Allen Burke so aptly put it, the project felt like another example of the “Extonization” of the Borough.  

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: November

Wendy's on E. Gay St.

Well, here’s a holiday gift for you. Eat, drink, and be merry because nearly all your favorite West Chester establishments are in the Health Inspector’s good graces this month.

Sunrise Senior Living of Westtown, out, 5 violations including deli salads left under-refrigerated and, deli ham and coleslaw stored well beyond their serve-by date. All affected foods were discarded on site.

Dunkin Donuts, 1009 West Chester Pike, out, 6 violations including two containers of milk kept a week past the sell-by date, food residue in the hand wash sink and no paper towels, and a knife and knife block in need of a good cleaning.  

Panera Bread, 1115 West Chester Pike, out, 4 violations including an employee preparing food with a bandaged hand and no gloves. Ew – why do people keep doing that? And a list of cleaning tasks from the walls behind the loose bagel baskets to the floors under the coffee prep station. 

Wendy’s, 700 E. Gay St, out, 5 violations including no listed Certified Food Manager and instructions to clean and sanitize the interior and exterior of the dining room Coke machine and the floors and walls in the kitchen.

You can find all the restaurant inspection reports here. Search by location for more details. 

The Warnings.

Beware of three young men with a roofing business. West Chester police are investigating a sexual assault connected to a fraudulent business scam. Just before Thanksgiving police were called to a Borough residence in response to a sexual assault. According to the victim, three white males going door-to-door soliciting for home repairs stopped at her residence. One of the individuals who introduced himself as Jimmy entered her home under the pretense of reviewing potential projects. Once inside he assaulted her. The men carried branded cards, lanyards, and a receipt book with the name Everest Roofing and Masonry. However, upon further investigation by the police it was discovered no such business existed. Police called the number on the card and were able to schedule a “consultation” during which they identified and apprehended two of the three suspects – James McDonagh from Ireland and John Delany from England. A third suspect remains at large. If you have any information about the incident or contracted with the individuals for any work, please give detectives a call at 610-436-1337.     

Warning this may cause flashbacks. Last weekend West Chester firefighters were called to the Hickman Home senior living facility on N. Walnut Street on a report of a fire. Firefighters found smoke as they entered the first floor and were quickly able to locate the site of the fire in a basement storage area. The fire was extinguished by the building’s sprinkler system. All units were checked and no injuries were reported. Related – watch what you put in the microwave. 

Androids are better. This week West Goshen police issued a warning regarding the recent iPhone update. “If you have done the recent iOS 17 update, they have set a new feature called NameDrop defaulted to ON. This feature allows the sharing of your contact info just by bringing your phones close together,” they shared via social media. To shut off the feature go to Settings, General, AirDrop, and Bringing Devices Together. Change to OFF – and don’t forget the kid’s phone.   

Slow down. Pay Attention. And better yet, stay home. In case you forgot, this week PennDot issued a refresher on how to drive in the snow. Unfortunately, the advice may be a little premature. Temperatures are expected to reach nearly 60 on Saturday. 

He’s as charming as an eel. It may not be the snow but it looks like another holiday favorite is back.  

The Accolades.

34 S. High Street is reopens this weekend as the Happy Bakery.

Cheers to Vicky Lambert on her long-anticipated comeback! On Saturday, the City Bun’s owner is bringing her cinnamon buns back to the Borough but that’s not all. She’s also bringing cookies and brownies, and these little baby olive oil cakes that sound amazing. It’s part of her new Happy Bakery concept – and her attempt to get right with baking again.   

“There are always going to be the cookies and buns, but I have this opportunity to serve all my favorite things – so that’s basically what I am doing,” she said as we met to discuss the new concept in her still-a-work-in-progress retail space.  

Vicky originally opened City Buns in September 2022 with no prior commercial baking experience. “I am all self-taught,” she said. And it turned out it was  – exhausting. “The first month into City Buns I had to expand,” she said. So they knocked down walls and expanded the kitchen. Still, she was limited in how much she could make especially within the constrictive shelf-life of a bread dough – plus, she missed baking. 

“I missed making cookies,” Vicky said. So she took a break and was ready to walk until the emails started coming in. Was she open? Was she ok? When were the buns coming back?

A sample of some of what Vicki has been cooking up.

So she went back to baking and this time she focused on everything she loved. She took a self-guided bakery tour of New York City and tasted all the cinnamon buns the Big Apple had to offer. She tested new recipes and perfected the old (for those it may concern – the thick cinnamon icing is coming back – no more glazes). “I have been spending 12-hour days recipe testing,” she said. 

And now the DYI-bakery makeover is nearly complete (ok, full disclosure, when I was there earlier this week it was nowhere near complete but no worries, there are still several 12-hour days left to perfect.) 

“I can only do as much as I can do,” she said keeping zen about the workload ahead, and honestly, she seemed it. “I know what I am getting into this time,” she said. The only thing giving her pause? What you’ll think of the new place.

“That’s my anxious part. I really want people to like it,” she said.   

Happy Bakery, 34 S. High St., opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday. For now, hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends only. And note bun lovers, she’s only making 200 rolls. This is compared to 600 she was making previously. So, prepare to come early if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Also this week, a shout-out to Starkweather Elementary Band Director Donna Cooper who was put through the paces at last week’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Donna participated in the parade as part of the “Band Directors Marching Band” representing Pennsylvania. If you were watching, she was near the front of the parade by the new Snoopy balloon. 

A hearty handshake to local author and former Daily Local reporter Bruce Mowday. Current Daily Local reporter Michael Rellahan is reporting that Mr. Mowday has signed a deal with Schiffer Publishing in Atglen to pen a true-crime book covering the escape of convicted murderer Danelo Cavalcante from Chester County Prison. The book will not just chronicle events, but describe the experience of residents.

“The book will capture the terror felt by those living in the community around the prison,” Mr. Mowday told the paper.   

This is the third book the author and publisher have collaborated on. You can learn more about the project here. 

And finally, congratulations to the families of Greystone. According to a recent 6ABC story, nine families within a four-block radius welcomed nine baby boys in nine months. 

Hello.

Parade route, parking restrictions - and where to find a restroom!

Pack up those raincoats and hope for the best, because rain or shine the West Chester Christmas Parade comes tonight. At this point we’ll forego the frivolities – or rather briefly skim them – 3,000 participants, 70 parade elements, your favorite local bands – and move on to logistics. 

Road closures begin at 4:30 p.m. Closures include Market Street from Matlack St. to Bradford Ave, Gay St. from Matlack to New Street, and all the cross streets (Darlington, Church, High, Walnut, and Matlack). Work from home. Leave early. Plan accordingly. Traffic will be a thing.   

No parking will be allowed – starting at noon on the 100 block of N. Walnut and at 3 p.m. on the 50 blocks of N. and S. Church St, the entirety of the parade route, and W. Market St from Bradford Avenue to New Street. Remember, if you live or work in any of these areas you will need to move your vehicle or risk being towed.  

Yes parking areas – Both the Chestnut Street Garage and the Bicentennial Garage will be open. Event parking is $20. Proceeds are being split between the Borough and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. The Justice Center is also opening its lot after employees leave at 5 p.m. This garage will be free to park in if you can find a spot.   

Want to avoid parking altogether? Thornbury Township is offering a cool new option this year – train ride! For $5 you can take the train from Cheyney to Market Street. The train leaves at 5 p.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m. Originally only available to Thornbury Township residents it is now open to anyone as long as tickets remain. Learn more here.

Also, this week, Director of Elementary and K-12 Discipline Sara Missett shared with parents the proposed 2024-2025 School Calendar. Under the presented calendar, which was recently approved for a first reading by the School Board, school will begin on Aug. 26 and end on June 12 with three snow days built in. Schools will be closed on Aug. 30 and Sept. 2. So those first two weeks will be four-day weeks. 

In total, there will be 185 student days including 9 half-days for elementary students, 4 half-days for Middle and High School, and 194 teacher days. 

If you have comments on the calendars, like can’t we cut back on some of these half days for elementary students? Send them to Sara Missett at [email protected].

Goodbye.

Parade route, parking restrictions - and where to find a restroom!

This fall, roughly a week before the District meet, the West Chester Area School District fired Henderson Track and Cross Country Coach Kevin Kelly. This week the West Chester School Board unanimously approved a personnel report that removes Mr. Kelly from the winter payroll. His indoor season coaching responsibilities will be assumed by Brian Johnson, who will take over head coaching duties for the boys, and Charles Wilson, who will assume the role for the girls. 

Like most personnel matters, the details remain largely unverified – as in, I am not entirely sure “fired” is the right verb for this situation, as you’ll see below. The District seems hesitant to use it, (I have learned Substitute Superintendent Dr. Kalia Reynolds used the term “terminated” when discussing the matter with a parent). Regardless, the result is the same. Mr. Kelly, who also teaches Physical Education classes at Henderson, has been excused from all his coaching duties – a total of six teams. Here is the official statement I received from the district: 

“The West Chester Area School District Administration recommended that the supplemental coaching contracts for Cross Country, Winter Track, and Spring Track and Field be opened after concerns were shared about the program by students and their families. We understand that members of the community have asked for additional information, but due to the nature of the situation, the District cannot comment further about it as it is a personnel matter.”

Since I can’t get a verified report, I am going to share what I have learned from Cross Country parents. Understand that this has not been corroborated by an official source because it is a personnel matter. From what I understand there was an incident at a fall boys’ practice where inappropriate language was used in a comment made by Coach Kelly to one of his runners. What happened next is where things get especially fuzzy. While we know from the District that a complaint (or complaints) was made, it is unclear why the coach of 20 years with apparently no prior disciplinary actions was fired immediately.  

As one parent told me, “This doesn’t pass the sniff test. Unless there is something under the covers we don’t know about.”

Which brings us back to what we do know. Eleven team members, parents, and former runners showed up at Monday’s meeting to advocate for the coach. They offered personal testaments and shared stories of a caring coach who created a welcoming and supportive program regardless of skill level. 

“He is unique in his trade. He’s very inclusive. He doesn’t play a lot of favorites,” said Andy Davidson, whose daughter is a member of the Henderson Cross Country Team. His son, who now runs competitively in college, also ran under Coach Kelly. 

They also raised questions about the process. A lot of questions, such as how was this decision made and by whom? Why wasn’t building administration included in the process? It was understood that some members of the boy’s team were interviewed regarding the incident but not all. “Who decided who to interview? Why were no members of the girls’ team interviewed?” several parents have asked. 

Also – Why wasn’t a progressive disciplinary measure put into place? Why was it escalated from situation to termination?   

“Was he really fired from three sports for cursing?” parent Laura Patarcity asked pointedly at one point during the meeting’s public comment period. “Does this align with the treatment of other coaches that have cursed in practice?”

“The lack of transparency and communication has been frustrating for everyone,” she said. 

“None of this makes any sense from a parent perspective,” said Matt Cohen, whose daughter runs on the track and cross country teams. “I know he’s not a perfect person, but he has a unique dedication to these kids I have not seen from any coach ever. It’s just bizarre.”  

With questions mounting, two things were requested by commenters at Monday’s meeting – answers and are reversal.  

“I and all my other teammates agree we would like an answer to what is going on with our coach Mr. Kelly and to have our coach return as soon as possible,’ said Junior runner Jacob Corcoran who spoke on behalf of Henderson’s Boys’ Cross Country Team.  

What happens next is not clear. Word is there is a grievance hearing of some sort coming up but my attempts to confirm that were shot down – because, well, personnel matters.  

“Unfortunately, I cannot discuss personnel or Association matters with you,” West Chester Area Education Association President Michele Curay-Cramer told me via email. 

Also, is it goodbye to Wawa? This week West Goshen Supervisors reviewed the application for a new Wawa on S. High St. The hearing came two weeks after the West Goshen Planning Commission rejected the application by a vote of 6 to 2 raising concerns over increased traffic in the area.

The local mega-chain is hoping to build a new “convenience store with the retail sale of gasoline” at the entryway of the Parkway Shopping Center. The original plan was rejected for being too big. The revised plans call for 5,330 sq ft Wawa (down from the first proposed 6,049 sq ft) with 16 gas pumps. The location, if approved, is expected to offer beer and wine sales and potentially EV charging, although that is not the decision of Wawa. “We want the EV charging. That’s the wave of the future,” Wawa representative Michael Spiegel said at the meeting. 

The new location would replace the Wawa at 2 E. Rhoads Ave. The hearing is set to continue – and a decision is expected to be made – on Dec. 21. 

You can read more on the Wawa project and neighbor concerns here.

Finally, this week, say goodbye to Eden Sweet House on Gay Street. Despite receiving high marks online, this low-sugar dessert house specializing in elaborate crepe cakes enjoyed a relatively short-lived West Chester run. They opened in January. Word is the owners are stepping away to spend more time with their kids.   

Pay It Forward.

Bib pickup for Brian's Run will be Sunday noon at Stove and Tap.

Last year Brian’s Run returned for the first time since COVID – but barely. 

“Dave Richard, co-director is on staff at Rustin and arranged for us to hold the event there at the last minute,” said Brian’s Run Executive Director Brian McFadden via email.  

If you don’t know the story, Brian’s Run started as a one-time event to help raise money for Brian Bratcher, a Henderson football player who was paralyzed during a scrimmage. That was in 1978. The race soon took on a life of its own. The famously tough 10K route was acclaimed by Philadelphia and Runner’s World magazines. At its height in the early 1980s, more than 4000 people were showing up to run. 

“A lot of big-name runners from the region would compete,” race veteran Kevin Kelly told me last spring.

The Rustin event kept the tradition going but without some of the signatures that had distinguished it from other area runs. The length was cut to a 5K and gone was the race’s trademark challenging course. Leading some to believe the race may have outrun its welcome in the Borough.

Fortunately, not the race organizers.  

“Although the Rustin location was an awesome venue, participants felt that the tradition was a uniquely downtown West Chester event, so we moved it back,” said Brian.

Also back, the 5-mile option. This year participants can choose between a 1.5-mile walk, a 5K run, a 5-mile run, or a kids’ race option. The races will be held on the “downtown West Chester loop.” The rectangular route starts at the corner of Market and Church and heads south to Sharpless St. From there you go west to Brandywine Street, north past Everhart Park, and back to Market St. You’ll need to complete two laps if you are running the 5K; three if you are running the 5 miler.

“It’s a PR-friendly course,” said Brian. Ok, so, maybe not terribly difficult but, hey, it’s back. “Being the 45th running of this event, the run has outlived most other races in the country,” said Brian. 

Not only is there a desire to keep the tradition going, there is a need. This year all race proceeds will go to support the West Chester Food Cupboard. ”Food insecurity is very real for a number of people in our area,” said Brian.

Brian’s Run will be held on Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Race registration is $30. Bib pick-up begins at noon at Stove and Tap. Stove and Tap is also offering post-race food and drink specials. So stop in afterward and celebrate your part in this still-standing West Chester tradition. 

Rather shop than run? Bobbles & Lace on High Street is currently hosting a toy drive. Bring in a new, unwrapped toy anytime between now and December 15 and receive $10 in Bobble Bucks. I’m guessing that’s a fancy name for in-store credit. I am thinking I may take them up on their offer and put my Bobble Bucks toward a new pair of jeans.

Rather read than do pretty much anything? The West Chester Area Senior Center is looking for new and used book donations to help stock their two “Second Reading” Bookstores in West Chester. Proceeds from the book sales go to support WCASC programming. Of particular interest are children’s hardback classics, literary classics, recent fiction, and art books. Donations can be dropped at 32 N. Church Street or 929 S. High Street – just call before you go.

Looking for more giving ideas? Check out the Donation Drive Roundup.

Finally, finding yourself with a little too much free time on your hands? Why not give some of it to the Borough of West Chester? The Borough is still looking for volunteers for its many boards and commissions. See what’s available here. Deadline to apply is Dec. 13. 

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Accent | Dec. 6 @ 7:30 p.m.

In the increasingly popular world of a cappella groups, Accent has carved out its own niche. See how these six singers take their love of close-harmony jazz singing as far as it can go. Tickets available now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Eagle cat hoping for another W.

What are you up to this weekend? We have birthday parties and basketball games but first, we will be grabbing the umbrellas and layering on the rain gear to head down to the Christmas Parade. I am excited there will be more band performances this year – including the last chance to see West Chester University’s Golden Ram’s Marching Band before they leave for their highly anticipated Rose Bowl appearance. Word is they will be donning some new gear for the occasion!

If you are also heading to the parade, go early and go hungry. La Tartine on Gay St. will have hot chocolate and strawberry, marshmallow-filled crepes. Newly opened Rose’s Little Donuts will have extended hours and warm cinnamon sugar donuts, Gemelli will debut its holiday flavors, and Yori’s will have Christmas cookies including some adorable petit fours. Many will have hot chocolate, but if you think you’ll need something a little stronger to cut through the wind and the rain, Jitters has hot toddies starting at 5 p.m. 

Also, don’t forget the West Chester Library’s Holiday Home Tour and Santa in the Square at Marshall Square Park. Both are taking place on Saturday. Rain should have moved through by then. Looking to do a little shopping? I helped County Lines Magazine with this year’s Holiday Shopping issue. It still amazes me how many new places have opened!

And in case you missed it, some local places to get a Christmas tree from Patch. 

Finally, this week a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Oakbourne Advisors.  Founded in 2004 Oakbourne has been an active member of the West Chester community for more than a decade. Learn more at Oakbourne.com.  

Oakbourne Advisors is an independent retirement plan consulting firm providing business owners and executive teams with the expertise necessary to design and manage a modern 401(k) plan. Based in downtown West Chester, Oakbourne Advisors is committed to being a trusted community resource.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Advertisers: I have a one ad space available between now and the end of the year. It’s a great (and cost-effective) way to get your business in front of a highly engaged local audience – I swear they see everything! Email me at [email protected] if you are interested and I can get you details. Ad spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Readers: Hey, everyone. I hope you have been enjoying the Roundup and based solely on sign-ups it seems like you are! I love doing it but unfortunately, costs have been rising and I am running out of time. So I am considering moving to a subscription model in the new year which will help defer costs and simplify the process for me. I am still working out details on how this might work, so stay tuned. For everyone who has contributed this year (or before!), thank you! Sincerely. It has certainly helped. And know if you have already donated no matter when or how much, next year year is on me! If you haven’t and would like to do that now, you can do that below.

Yes, I support Hello, West Chester

Mark your calendars:

• Dec. 1 – First Friday, Downtown West Chester, 4 – 8 p.m. Come explore Downtown West Chester with extended store hours. Street parking is free starting at 5 p.m.

• Dec. 1 – The Holiday Cheer Show, Uptown Theater, 5 – 6 p.m. Start the Holiday Season off with a bang and enjoy Uptown Studio’s annual Holiday Cheer Concert. Tickets, $18/in advance; $23/at the door. Children 12 and under $12/$17

• Dec. 1 – Little Lincolns Gettysburg Address Contest, Chester County Community Foundation, 28 W. Market St. This annual event encourages youth to become more involved in their community and more deeply appreciate local history. This is a free event.

• Dec. 1 – West Chester Tree Lighting Ceremony, Old Courthouse, West Chester, 6:30 p.m. Tree lighting will take place before the Christmas parade.

• Dec. 1 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Parade night kicks off with the official lighting of West Chester’s Christmas tree on the lawn of the Historic Chester County Courthouse. Christmas Parade parade starts at 7 p.m. If you would like to help out at a parade marshall, sign up here.

• Dec. 2 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Dec. 2 – West Chester Library’s Holiday Home Tour, self-guided, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Ranging from petite to grand, ttour eight decked-out homes in the Borough’s Northwest and Southwest quadrants. Tickets: $40/in advance and can be purchased at the library or online; $50/day of. Pick up booklets and wristbands at the library.

• Dec. 2 – Clover Market – Holiday Market, Westtown School, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This Holiday Market will feature 100 carefully curated handmade and vintage vendors as well as eats and treats. Admission is free. VIP tickets for early admission available.

• Dec. 2, Holiday History Stroll, Chester County History Center. 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m start. During this 90-minute stroll, guides in costume review the rituals of Christmas past. Visit the churches, stores, and cultural sites that mattered most to the early residents of West Chester. Tour includes a stop at Eclat Chocolate. (Yum.)  Tickets – $20/each

• Dec. 2 – Photos with Santa at the Hardware Store, Brandywine Ace and Pet, 1150 Pocopson Rd., 12 – 2 p.m. Stop by for free pictures with Santa and face painting by Birl Girl. Also, the Barkery Box cupcake truck and Artillery Brewing will be onsite.

• Dec. 2 – Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Historic Chester County Courthouse, 2-3 p.m. Local choirs and performers sing your favorite holiday songs.

• Dec. 2 – West Chester Mom’s Toy and Clothing Swap, Advent Lutheran Church, 2 – 4 p.m. You do not need to be a member of the West Chester PA Moms Facebook group to attend.

• Dec. 2- Santa on the Fire Truck, Downtown West Chester, 3 – 4 p.m. Santa will be escorted through the streets of Downtown West Chester by First WC Fire Co.

• Dec. 2 – East Goshen Tree Lighting Ceremony, East Goshen Park, 6:30 p.m. Visit with Santa while enjoying caroling, a dance performance, and the announcement of winners of the house decorating contest. There will also be a canned food drive in support of the West Chester Food Cupboard.

• Dec. 2 – Santa in the Square, Marshall Square Park, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kids (and pets) can share their wishes with Santa while parents snap pics and enjoy the ambiance of West Chester’s oldest park. Crafts, carolers, and food trucks will also be onsite.

• Dec. 2 – Porchfest’s Bourbon Street Jam, Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, 7 p.m. Enjoy your favorite Porchfest bands along with a fashion show, a raffle and Jambalaya, cake, beer and spirits tastings. Admission $20 and will get you 2 tickets to use at various stations. All proceeds go to support West Chester Porchfest.

• Dec. 3 – Toys for Tots Drive-Thru Event, Goodwill Fire Co., 552 E. Union St. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join the Goodwill Fire Company for their 3rd annual Toys for Tots collection event. Drive your car around through the decorated fire engine bay, and deliver your new, unwrapped toy into the hands of the North Pole’s favorite elves.

• Dec. 3 – Brian’s Run, Downtown West Chester, 1 p.m. After being moved out to Rustin High School last year, this West Chester tradition is back where it should be – the corner of Church and Market Streets. Also, back – the 5-mile option! Proceeds benefit the West Chester Food Cupboard.

• Dec. 3 – Santa at the orchard, Highland Orchards, 1 to 3 p.m. Grab a picture with Santa and some holiday pies – they are excellent! This is a free event.

• Dec. 3 – Christmas by Candlelight, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 3 – 6 p.m. Column Classics Concert featuring the musical ensembles of First Presbyterian and special guest performers.

• Dec. 3 – Jitters Quizzo, Jitters – 146 W. Gay St, 7 – 10 p.m. Every Sunday

• Dec. 3 – Kildare’s Karaoke Night, Kildares – 18 W. Gay St., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Every Sunday

• Dec. 4 – $5 Monday Night Movie – Elf, Uptown Theater, 7 – 9 p.m. Free popcorn!

• Dec. 4 – Fugett and East Orchestra Concert, East HS, 7 p.m.

• Dec. 6 – Iron Hill Gives 20%, Iron Hill, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Dine at Iron Hill any Wednesday in December and they will donate 20 percent of the check to the West Chester Food Co-op. You just need to show this flyer.

• Dec. 6 – Fugett and East Band Concert, East HS, 7 p.m.

• Dec. 6 – Accent – an A Cappella Holiday Show, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. The six singers of Accent are taking their love of close-harmony jazz singing as far as it can go. Tickets: $35 – $5 more at the door.

• Dec. 8 – Chesco Pops Orchestra, First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, 7:30 p.m. ChesCo Pops Orchestra presents holiday pops. A $20 donation is suggested.

• Dec. 8 – Comedy Night, Turks Head Cafe, 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Psst. Like to plan? See my new Holiday Event List and Check out the Calendar page for events through December

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and I’ll see you next week!

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors

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