West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Dec. 19, 2025

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It’s Friday, Dec. 19, 2025: Happy Friday! I can’t believe it, but this is the final issue of 2025. This week, we are taking a look back at all the things we have lost, from the parking meters on Gay Street to the great Daily Local News reporter Michael Rellahan. Some, like the move away from an evening Halloween parade, were not popular; others, like Lascala’s Fire filling the empty space at 44 West, most certainly were. In all, I’ve collected 50 people, places, and things we lost this year—some for the better, others not so much. Take a look back and discuss amongst yourselves. What will you miss most? Which ones are you ok to see go? I would love to hear.

Also, the winners of the 2025 Holiday Window Decorating Contest, a drop in nuisance crimes, a porch pirate sapping the holiday spirit in West Goshen, and a holiday gift for us all: High St. construction is complete! Woohoo!     

All this recapping has left me reflective. It’s been an amazing year. So many new readers. So many new insights, tips, and leads. Please keep them coming in the new year! A little holiday gift from me: this newsletter will be available to all, but please consider becoming a supporter in 2026. It’s really an amazing group, as you’ll see in this week’s Most Clicked, but it’s not possible without the support of all you amazing paid subscribers. 

And to that point—Gift subscriptions are 50 percent off! That’s 12 months for just $12. Looking for a last-minute gift for a neighbor or know someone moving to the area? A gift subscription is the easy and fun way to go. (P.S. You can also use them to upgrade your own account. I won’t tell.) 

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year! I, for one, can’t wait to see what 2026 brings, but until then . . .

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

The Year in Review: 50 People, Places, and Things We Said Goodbye to in 2025

This week, throughout the newsletter, we will be taking a moment to reflect on the tenures of the people, places, and things that have left their mark on West Chester. You will find places listed in Goodbye, and the people in Pay It Forward, but here we are remembering the trends, decisions, and topics that kept us talking this year. 

Agree? Disagree? Review the list. Discuss amongst yourselves. Then send me your feedback. We are off next week for the holidays, but I’ll include any items I missed in the January 2 issue.

Empty Storefronts 

For years, West Chester has been marked with a couple of stubborn vacant storefronts—44 West, K-mart, Laurento’s Formal Wear on Gay Street . . . Well, this has been the year in which many of those ghosts of retail past were banished. The West Chester Seafood Cafe and Hotel Indigo helped resurrect the corner of E. Gay and N. Walnut Sts in January. Target opened in the old K-mart building in August, Lascala’s Fire made its long-awaited appearance on the southwest corner of 44 West a few months later, and while we don’t have that new dim sum place just yet, we do know one is coming. 

The same goes with DeStarr’s on E. Gay St., which, after a solid 85-year run, has spent the last five years empty. Then, in May, we learned Dolce Zola owners Giorgio Belfiore, Antonella Gamba, and Pietro Belfiore purchased the property. The trio plans to bring their kitchen skills to a new small plate concept with full bar and a basement speakeasy. Early talk was of a December opening, but it doesn’t look like that will be happening.

Of course, as one building fills, another is vacated. Maybe next year we’ll tackle the holes left by Iron Hill and Rite Aid?

Parking Meters

This may be remembered as the year the borough got rid of its parking meters, or maybe it won’t. Eventually, the frustration will fade, and it will seem as if this was the way it always was. We’ll tell our children stories of the days when we drove around with quarters stuffed in the console just so we could park on a whim. 

That day, however, may still be a bit in the future, as the roar of angry parkers continues to erupt on pretty much any social media post that will allow it. The feedback has been heard, and the West Chester Parking Department has been busy making improvements to the system. In October, West Chester Borough signed a service agreement with Park Mobile. Parkers can now pay using either the Flowbird or Park Mobile apps or at one of the kiosks located around town.

BID’s Old Boundaries

This year, as part of its 2025 reauthorization bid, Downtown West Chester (formerly known as the Business Improvement District) got the ok to expand its boundaries. Under the new map, Downtown West Chester’s jurisdiction will extend from Wayne to Penn St. and W. Washington to Price St., with a few residential cutouts along the way.

“When we started this process, it was really to more perfectly overlay the Town Center Zoning Map,” Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien said of the reauthorization expansion. While still not a perfect overlay, it will allow Downtown West Chester to better engage with property owners farther east on Gay and Market Streets, and south on High Street. 

Plans include lobbying for traffic calming measures, building out sidewalks along E. Gay and E. Market Streets, expanding events to the new areas, and adding more trash cans, planters, benches, and lighting throughout.

“We want to make sure West Chester is a beautiful place to work or visit,” said John.

Cell Phones for Middle Schoolers 

“The idea of youth reclaiming their childhood by increasing free play, establishing phone-free schools, and reducing screens in homes and schools became the crux of our group,” said Caroline Gatto, founder of Hillsdale Elementary’s Wait Until 8th Grade Committee. She is part of a growing group of parents hoping to delay cell-phone ownership until at least 8th Grade. 

This year, the group and others like it joined with West Chester Communities That Care in the hope of getting the message out to more families.

“As an organization, WCCTC has always focused on the preventative measures that individuals, families, and communities can take to protect children against the risk of addiction. In 2025, we still need to be concerned about substance use, but we have also inadvertently wired our kids for tech addiction,” said WCCTC Community Mobilizer Loretta Cohen.

Blowing Trash

Earlier this year, West Chester Borough updated its Garbage, Rubbish, and Refuse Ordinance in an attempt to limit the amount of trash blowing through the streets. Changes included limiting the number of toters, or large wheeled receptacles, that an apartment can put out before needing to invest in a dumpster, and requiring residents with alleyway collections to screen their trash cans from view when not out for collection.

The new ordinance was passed in May, but adoption still needs work. Just last week, West Chester Public Works interim Director Don Anderson shared that 60 residences were in violation in November. 

Apartment Complexes

If 2023 was the year of the apartment complex, 2025 has been the year of the townhome. After three massive apartment complexes were approved in the span of two years, developers now seem to be embracing the Borough’s gentle nudge toward townhomes, single-family semidetached, quadraplex, triplex, and other smaller development options. 

The Borough, for its part, says it would like to see more diverse development, including more owner-occupied units. In 2023, less than 35 percent of housing units in the Borough were owned, while rental units hit an all-time high. 

All As

Earlier this year, West Chester Area School District announced it was ending letter-grade report cards for elementary students and instead moving to Standards-based report cards. According to the District website, “A standards-based report card shows how well a student is mastering the skills and knowledge expected at their grade level, based on the Pennsylvania State Standards.”

With this reporting strategy, families will receive a more detailed evaluation of their student’s performance in specific skill areas, offering clear insights into a child’s strengths and weaknesses. The argument is that letter grades can be vague and, at times, subjective. The district already uses standards-based reporting for grades K-2. Middle and High Schools in the District use a 100-point scale. 

A Weeknight Halloween Parade

Earlier this year, the West Chester Parks & Rec Department decided to move the Halloween Parade from Wednesday night to Sunday afternoon. The change was suggested to make it easier for the Borough to execute. Shutting Gay and Market Sts. to traffic midweek is no easy feat, plus it proves a parking and travel nightmare for all those not interested in attending the parade.

But a midafternoon Halloween parade? What’s fun about that? 

“Daytime parade? As a ghost would say…….BOOOOOOO!” wrote @avgenthusiast on Instagram. 

Needless to say, the decision was not popular, and this year’s event was not well attended. Fortunately, it seems the message was received loud and clear, and the event will return to Wednesday night next year.

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

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The Warnings.

Bah humbug. This week, West Goshen Police announced they are investigating a series of package thefts in the area of Joy and Spring Valley Lanes. They have shared a picture of a person of interest. You can see her here. She was reportedly seen driving a dark-colored four-door sedan. If you live in the area, check your cameras and contact Officer Andrew Manko at 610-696-7400 if you notice anything suspicious. 

West Chester Police Department underwater (literally). This past summer, an intense thunderstorm overwhelmed a drain leading from the West Chester Police Station, causing the ground floor of the station to flood. “No one could remember that ever happening before,” shared Borough Manager Sean Mettrick. 

The flooding caused the usual damage, but did not compromise any critical items such as evidence. Repairs have been made and temporary measures taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

“We have a stopgap solution in place, but I am concerned about the roof drain design. We are working on a long-term solution,” said Sean. 

WCU nuisance complaints on the decline. Every time a suspected student engages with the West Chester Police Department, West Chester University receives a notification. So far this year, 309 citations have been sent to WCU; however, only 84 involved actual West Chester University students. “We tend to focus on the students and say that they are the only problem child. It was kind of an aha moment for me to say, students, yeah, there are some problems there, but they are not the majority of the citations,” West Chester Borough Councilperson Nicole Scimone told members of the Public Safety Committee meeting last week. 

Over the past five years, West Chester University students have received an average of 140 citations a year. While official numbers are not yet out for the fall semester, this year is trending down. “It’s nice to see these violations are decreasing,” said Nicole.

Kevin Krebs pleads guilty to a federal charge. According to court documents shared by Chester County Ramblings last week, Kevin Krebs, the Malvern resident who attended June’s No King’s Rally illegally carrying a concealed weapon, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm or destructive device. Kevin was moved from the County prison to federal custody in October.

West Chester sewer rate increase approved. This week, West Chester Borough Council voted unanimously to raise sewer rates by 3 percent. Under the new rate, 2,000 gallons of water or less will cost $34.84/month; anything over 2,000 gallons is $9.25 per 1000 gallons or any part thereof. The new rate will go into effect on February 1, 2026. The rate increase is needed to keep up with growing maintenance and water treatment expenses.

Rabies lab closed. I hope you never need this information, but just in case you do, the Chester County Health Department announced this week that it’s closing its rabies testing lab in Exton until April. Should you need assistance before then, contact the PA Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD.

The Sunshine Report.

A quiet but consequential issue has surfaced in West Goshen Township regarding health insurance coverage for elected officials and it turns on a single word in Pennsylvania law: may. For approximately 20 years, WGT supervisors have participated in the Township's health insurance plans. The practice, however, was never authorized; it simply continued because it was already in place when newly elected supervisors took office.

Section 606(c) of the Second Class Township Code states that supervisors “may” be eligible for inclusion in township paid insurance plans. Under Pennsylvania rules of statutory construction, “may” is permissive, not mandatory. It authorizes a township to act, but only if it chooses to do so through local legislative action.

This is something that East Bradford Township opted for in 2021 when they created a township Ordinance 05-2021 extending paid benefits to Township supervisors. However, according to Township Manager Chris Bashore, West Goshen does not have an ordinance or resolution that allows eligibility, coverage levels, or cost sharing for supervisors’ healthcare benefits. In the absence of such a policy, the Code does not automatically confer eligibility. It simply allows a township the option to create one.

That distinction matters especially when taxpayer dollars are involved. For 2026, supervisor Ashley Gange requested family health insurance coverage at a cost of $48,125.40. This request appeared on Tuesday’s meeting agenda. One supervisor was absent, Ashley abstained, and the remaining three supervisors voted to approve her request.

While this practice has been allowed in the past, without an adopted ordinance or resolution, there is no clear legal framework authorizing that expenditure or ensuring uniform and transparent application.

Earlier this year,  the Township took formal legislative action to authorize pay increases for supervisors by adopting an ordinance pursuant to Section 606(a) of the Second Class Township Code. That step was necessary because compensation for elected officials is not automatic; it must be explicitly authorized by ordinance. The same principle applies to insurance benefits. If the Township believes supervisors are entitled to employer-paid health insurance coverage, that benefit should likewise be clearly established through a duly enacted ordinance, not inferred or assumed.

Sunshine works best when the rules are clear and followed.

Keep shining and have a sparkly holiday season! - Margie

Hello.

Hello to a new-and-improved High Street experience. After more than a year and a half of work, PennDOT announced this week that it has completed its High Street Safety Improvement project. 

“Great news! PennDOT has just wrapped up an important project to enhance safety at the intersections along Business U.S. 322 (High Street) corridor in West Chester Borough and West Goshen Township,” the transportation agency shared on social media this week. 

The $2.6 million project encompassed the intersections of Rosedale Ave, Linden St,, University Ave, Nields St., Sharpless St., Lacey St., Price St., Magnolia St., Dean St., Union St., Bernard St., and Miner St. 

Improvements included:

• New traffic signals at University Avenue and Sharpless Street

• New retroreflective backplates

• Modern LED luminaires and pedestrian countdown timers at signalized intersections

• Curb extensions 

• High-visibility crosswalks

• Drainage improvements 

• Comprehensive full-depth pavement restoration

“The objective of this project is to enhance the efficiency of intersections for both vehicles and pedestrians while reducing the occurrence of crashes involving vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians,” the agency shared in a press release.

Those hoping to say hello to a new passive park at Crebilly Farm in the new year are going to have to wait. Early estimates had suggested the 206-acre public park planned at the site of the former farm could be ready for use as early as next year. That no longer seems likely. 

“Clearly, I would have hoped it could have been done faster,” Westtown Police Commissioner Dick Pomerantz told attendees at the meeting of the newly named Friends of Crebilly Preserve last week.

The delay seems to be tied to several factors, including completion of a master plan, zoning updates, and unforeseen property maintenance. You can read more about the Crebilly Preserve project here. 

Also, this week we learned ShopRite Supermarkets, the 300+ location chain, has purchased Klein’s ShopRite on West Chester Pike. The West Chester location is owned by the Miller Family, who also own a ShopRite store in Hatfield. They have owned and operated the stores since 1995. The purchase is expected to be complete in January.    

Finally, thanks to the dedicated work of the West Chester Tree Commission, West Chester saw 186 street trees and 10 park trees planted in 2025. “That’s twice as many as we’ve planted in recent years,” Tree Commission Chair Chip Horne shared on Wednesday.

Goodbye.

I was just commenting this week that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in West Chester. Unfortunately, to make room for the newcomers, we must accept a few losses. Here are the businesses and events that ended their runs this year. 

Places

Iron Hill

On Sept. 25, at 8:47 a.m., an email went out to all Iron Hill employees announcing the closure of all restaurant locations, effective immediately. The sudden closure was attributed to “ongoing financial challenges,” but its impact was no less because of it.

“It is no secret that the craft beer market has been struggling nationwide for years, and Iron Hill wasn't immune to that. The decision to close just happened, and I don't think there is any plan to find a replacement at this moment,” Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien said at the time of the closing. 

Now, three months later, plans for the prominent corner remain murky. In November, a judge accepted a $12 million bid from Ciao Hospitality Group CEO Jeff Crivello to acquire the assets of 10 Iron Hill locations, including the one in West Chester. However, details on what that will look like at each location is still being worked out with the individual building owners.

Iron Hill opened its doors during the 1998 West Chester Restaurant Fest (now the Chester County Restaurant Festival), drawing a crowd so large it had to close for a few days to restock inventory. The success helped raise confidence among other business owners that they could do the same. Now it will be up to the rest of the borough to lift the corner of Gay and High Sts.

Lulu’s Bread and Bakery

The porch-stand bakery was a short-lived concept pioneered by West Chester resident and baker Alexa Geiser. The bread was delish. Unfortunately, while you can run a business out of your home in the Borough, according to the Zoning Code, it “shall involve no customer, client, or patient traffic . . . to or from the dwelling or dwelling unit in excess of those normally associated with residential use.” Lulu’s Bakery was the victim of its own success, but while the porch stand is no more, the bread continues. Lulu’s is taking preorders with a new pickup location at 520 S. Bradford Ave. 

Mae’s West Chester

Mae’s West Chester opened on Gay St. during the height of pandemic shutdowns. After getting their opening inspection in May of 2020, they scrambled to conceive a menu of grab-and-go items and lots of soup. They eventually found their place again as “a farm-to-table BYOB in the heart of West Chester” and built a reputation for their on-point seasonal menu and amazing brunch. Mae’s West Chester closed their doors on Aug. 17.

The space itself did not stay empty for long. The Biscuit Lady will take it over in early 2026. 

Hoopes Park Tennis Courts

Sure, we are still waiting on the West Chester Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) plan, but that doesn’t mean nothing has happened at West Chester Parks. This year was the year Hoopes Park finally bid farewell to its crumbling tennis courts, replacing them with a five-court racquet center. The project, which was completed this summer, included the complete reconstruction of the courts, the addition of a new walking path, a new chain link fence, and an ADA-compliant parking space. The new bold blue courts can accommodate two pickleball matches and three tennis games.  

The 5 Senses

In a town with many restaurants and high turnover, The 5 Senses, which closed on July 5 after 20 years, was a steady presence. In an interview many moons ago, owner Karen Cavin made the argument for more shops like hers. “The town needs more retail. I feel like every time a store closes, an eatery opens. A vital downtown needs a good mix to bring people to town and keep them here,” she said. 

Second Reading bookstore

Nearly 40 years ago, the Second Reading bookstore opened on N. Church St as a way to support local seniors while also providing a gathering place for area book lovers. It closed its doors at the end of June after the West Chester Area Senior Center decided to sell the building.

Marshalton Triathlon

After celebrating 50 years last fall, the race that combined biking, hiking, and canoeing announced it would not be back. “We regret to inform you that the Marshalton Triathlon will not take place in October 2025 because we do not have the necessary human resources in key positions to organize an event of this size successfully,” the cancellation message reads. Prior to the pause—there is hope that it will return next year—the Marshalton Triathlon was one of the longest-running triathlons in the country.

Brenda’s Vac Shop

Since 1982, Brenda Powell fixed the Borough’s vacuum cleaners. First as an employee of Charlie McCardle, who opened his shop in 1943, and then as the owner of Brenda’s Vac Shop on E. Market St. Brenda’s West Chester location will close for good on Saturday, but she’ll continue to make repairs at her 51 N. Bailey Road location in Thorndale. Read the full profile of Brenda and her shop in this week’s Daily Local News.

Also this year, it was goodbye to Bookstore Bakery, Quality Inn on 202, Lacava Coffee Company, Lulu’s Casita, Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream Bakery, Benchmark Federal Credit Union, West Chester Christmas Light Display, Rite Aid (all three locations), and the Turk’s Head Sauce food truck. 

Celebrate Christmas with Beatles Music or with Carols at a Local Community Church

Advent Church and Preschool of West Chester (Rt. 352 between Rt. 926 and Rt. 3) celebrates Christmas in a new way this year, blending the timeless Christmas promise with the universal appeal of the Beatles' music, igniting hearts with hope and love. This play is crafted to resonate to our lives today, with its message of unity and healing. Sing along, if you wish, to nine Beatles songs as you hear and see the Christmas story retold, with three modern-day "antagonists" struggling to understand its meaning.   

Come and experience this new event and consider joining us for next year's production. "A Beatles Christmas" takes place on Dec. 21 @ 9 a.m., rather than the usual service at this time.  Children may participate or attend the Sunday School Christmas Party Christmas Eve services, which include the singing of many traditional carols led by talented musicians and vocalists. Services are at 4 p.m, 7:30 p.m., and 10 p.m., with the 4 p.m. being expecially child friendly. For more information about these gatherings, visit www.Adventwc.net or [email protected] for details.

The Accolades.

Window shopping. I am as guilty as anyone when it comes to succumbing to the ease of an Amazon purchase, especially as the year’s biggest gifting days draw near, but while quick, online shopping is never as satisfying as wandering through downtown stores in search of a gift sourced from joy, not algorithms. If you have time this weekend, give it a go. The Balladeer Carolers and the bedecked windows really do help to remind you what it is we are doing here. 

Speaking of holiday windows, here are the winners of this year’s decorating competition: 

• Best Small Window: Jitters, 146 W. Gay St.

• Best Medium Window: Sabrina Ann Couture, 128 N. High St.

• Best Large Window: Jaramillo Hair Salon and Spa, 112 Courthouse Alley

• People’s Choice: (always) Charlie & Co. Barbershop, 130 N. Church St.

If you are too squeezed for a trip downtown, I ordered online from Monkey Fish Toys for the first time this week. I placed the order on Monday, selected local delivery, and asked that the gifts be wrapped. Gifts arrived on Wednesday evening in Christmas paper, bagged, and protected behind plastic—no charge for the delivery or the wrapping.

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Standout performances. Now that the winter sports season is solidly underway, the sports writers at the Daily Local News have had a chance to ruminate on the performances that kept their attention this fall. This week, they announced their All-Area Teams for boys soccer, boys golf, and girls golf. Here’s who from West Chester had them cheering: 

• Dylan Arrison, Henderson, Boys’ Soccer. Ches-Mont National Player of the Year, All-State, Daily Local News Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year. This year, the Henderson goalkeeper recorded 15 shutouts and set a new school career record with 41 total, but it wasn’t just the stops; just ask the opposition. “Dylan was an absolute stud for Henderson. He was a main reason for their success this year,” said Rustin coach Ryan Castle. You can read more about Dylan’s year here. 

• Jack Overton, Henderson, Boys’ Soccer. First Team Daily Local News’ All Area. A two-year first-team selection and third-year starter, Jack finished his high-school career with six scores and six assists.

• Jake Brogan, Henderson, Boys’ Soccer. First Team Daily Local News’ All Area. The junior defender stepped into midfield this year and added five goals and nine assists in his new role.

• Cole Turner, Rustin, Boys’ Soccer. Ches-Mont American Player of the Year, All-State, First Team Daily Local News’ All Area. Cole’s 13 goals and eight assists helped lead Rustin to a division title this year.

• Brody Dunn, Rustin, Boys’ Soccer. A two-year All Ches-Mont selection and now First Team Daily Local News’ All Area, Brody was the team’s top defender.

• Callum Eager, Westtown, Boys’ Soccer. First Team Daily Local News’ All Area, First Team All-Friends. The West Chester senior is a talented defender who can play midfield when needed. He’ll continue his soccer career at Lehigh in the fall. 

• Mina Benedetto, Rustin, Girls’ Golf. Daily Local News’ All Area first team. This year, Mina placed fifth in Districts and 20th at the PIAA State Championship. 

• Cole Berry, Rustin, Boys’ Golf. Daily Local News’ All Area first team. The senior captain won Districts with a 6-under-par finish and followed it up with a top-20 placing in states. 

Click the links for second-team and honorable-mention selections. Congratulations to all the local athletes recognized for their play. 

Top 10 performance. Shout out to Andiario on being named one of the best places Philadelphia Inquirer food critic Craig LeBan ate this year. The Gay Street destination was one of only two selections in the top 10 without a Philadelphia zip code. This is what Craig had to say about his experience in West Chester: “No chef expresses the terroir of southeast Pennsylvania as lyrically as Anthony Andiario.” Fun fact: Pretty sure we were dining there that exact same night. Our first time, and we would have to agree—that pasta was delicious. 

All the December grads. Last weekend, more than 1,100 students crossed the stage at four separate commencement ceremonies held at West Chester University. Congratulations to all the December graduates, and congratulations to us on four comparatively quiet weeks in the Borough. Spring classes begin Jan. 20.

Most clicked. Last week’s most-clicked story had to do with the engagement ring lost at the Christmas Parade. Unfortunately, the ring has still not been found. The Transportation Advisory Committee should be happy to hear that their survey was the second-most popular. If you didn’t get a chance to weigh in and would like to, you can do that here. 

Pay it Forward.

This community wouldn’t be what it is without the people who contribute to making it great. Below are a few who are saying goodbye this year. We will start with the retirements and end with an In Memorium.

People 

West Chester Borough, in particular, saw a lot of turnover this year, among both employees and elected officials. 

Out: West Chester Borough Council Members Patrick McCoy, Lisa Dorsey, and Sheila Vaccaro. All three chose not to seek election, with time cited as the biggest contributing factor.

In: Jerry Szczepaniak (Ward 1), Stephen Marvin (Ward 5), and Lisa Kearns (Ward 7).

Not sure what Ward you are in or who your rep is? You can check this map. 

Also out: East Bradford Township Supervisor John Snook. John served for seventeen and a half years as township supervisor, and Westtown Police Commissioner Dick Pomerantz.

Debbie Maynard will serve as the new East Bradford Township Supervisor beginning in January. I do not know the plans for Westtown commissioner.

Non-elected goverment officials:

Out: Westtown East Goshen Regional Police Chief Brenda Bernot. Chief Bernot served twelve years in the position before announcing her retirement at the beginning of the year. 

In: David Leahy. Interim Chief Leahy will be sworn in as the new head of the department today. Congratulations to Chief Leahy on his promotion!

Also out: West Chester Director of Building and Housing Sally Slook (February, 1 year); HR Director John Crouser (May, 2 years); Public Works Director Don Edwards (Sept, 3 years). At this time permanent replacements are in place at all positions except public works director.  

West Chester Area School District

This year, the West Chester Area School Board said goodbye to two members: Stacey Whomsley and Dr. Karen Herrmann. Stacey was elected in 2021 when pandemic tensions led several incumbents to lose their seats. In a 2022 interview, she described herself as the lone “conservative” on the Board. She decided not to seek a second term. Also stepping down was Dr. Herrmann. Dr. Herrmann tendered her resignation mid-election cycle, leading the board to appoint her replacement rather than giving the public a chance to elect someone.

In 2026, the school board will welcome newcomers Dr. Beth Campbell and Ashley Lahm. 

Also waving goodbye this year: longtime Henderson Swimming and Diving Coach Jeff Bott, Fugett principal Dr. Steven Warner, and Director of Human Resources Dr. Jeffrey Ulmer.

West Chester Community

Out: Katie Walker. Katie stepped down as the President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce in August after accepting a business development position with the Chester County Food Bank. Katie first served as Chamber President from 2005 to 2012. She returned to the role again in 2021.  

In: After an executive search, Laurie Ryan was named the Chamber’s new president in October. 

Out: Maggie Stanton, Director, West Chester Public Library. Maggie took over for longtime director Victoria Dow in 2024. Now her library email returns the message, “This account is no longer active,” and her LinkedIn profile reads, “Looking.”

In: TBD. “The Board is focused on ensuring a smooth transition and continued stability in our services as we seek an interim and a permanent director. Our staff and leadership team, including our Assistant Director Hannah Siegele, are working together to maintain the high level of service our patrons expect,” Library Board chair Deborah Enea said after confirming Maggie’s departure.

In Memorium: 

Here are just some of the community members we lost this year: 

Michael Rellahan, award-winning reporter; Don Braceland, former West Chester Borough Councilman; Fred de Long, the long-serving Community Farm director for the Willistown Conservation Trust; Matt Clair, Ace Hardware manager extraordinaire and father of four; Charles Malin, Santa Claus painter; Walter Pavelchek, President of Friends of Oakbourne Park and active Westtown resident; Perry Pepper, the longtime director of Chester County Hospital; James Camburn, known affectionately as “Jimmy the Can Man”; Ghebre Selassie Mehreteab, cofounder of the National Housing Partnership Foundation; and Judith Miller Rosato, first-grade teacher. 

May their spirits live on in the community they helped to build.

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The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to celebrate an early Christmas, eat warm cinnamon rolls, and then go to see The Christmas Carol at People’s Light Theatre in Malvern. A little pre-Christmas celebration before the week’s frenzy of activity rolls in.

If you are around this weekend, the Care Center is hosting one last chance to get that list in front of Santa, the Growers Market is open for all your holiday entertaining needs, and Align.Space has put together a handy guide for last-minute gifts. As for wrapping help, Rustin’s Everyday Hope has a gift-wrapping fundraiser going on tonight. $25 will get you a bag full of gifts wrapped and ready to distribute - but as my editor noted, this is BYOG - bring your own gifts!  RSVP here.

Next week, the Santa Band returns for a good time and a good cause, and if by Thursday night you’ve had all you can take of family fun, you can join the big man himself for one last stop at Ryan’s Pub. 

There is no newsletter next week, but don’t fret, Downtown West Chester has your New Year’s Eve plans covered. 

However you are celebrating, I wish you the merriest of times and a moment or two to savor all the people, places, and things that have made this year special. I’ll see you next year!

Also, a special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor, Shankweiler & Co. Real Estate and Renovations. Cassie & Jamie Shankweiler, the husband-and-wife team behind Shankweiler & Co. | Real Estate & Renovations, are deeply rooted in their West Chester Community. As borough residents of 10+ years, the couple is passionate about making the borough a great place to live by creating community and partnering with local businesses. As licensed real estate agents and experienced contractors, they offer clients unique guidance whether they're looking to buy/sell real estate or renovate their home. If you are looking to renovate your home or relocate in 2026, reach out to Cassie to start a conversation today: (484) 888-6772.

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. 19 - Lighted Labyrinth Walk, Everhart Park. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a reflective walk through the luminary-lit Everhart Park labyrinth. Event begins at 5:30 p.m. Labyrinth is located at the southwest corner of the park.

Dec. 19–21 – The Nutcracker, Brandywine Ballet at WCU’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall. Every holiday season since 1985, the Brandywine Ballet has staged Tchaikovsky’s classic “The Nutcracker.” Visit the Brandywine Ballet website for a complete list of performance dates and times.

Dec. 20 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 – Santa on the Fire Truck, Downtown West Chester. 3 p.m. Stop and wave as Santa makes his way through downtown aboard a West Chester fire truck.

Dec. 20 - Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, Knights of Columbus, 110 Market St, two seatings 9 and 10:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast provided.  Cost $8 - all proceeds go to support the Care Center Foundation.

Dec. 22 – The Man Who Invented Christmas (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. The film shows how Charles Dickens used real-life inspiration to create the unforgettable characters in his timeless holiday tale. Tickets $5, includes complimentary popcorn. 

Dec. 23 - Santa Band Stroll Fundraiser, walk starts at Bar Avalon, 6 p.m. The legendary Santa Band is returning to West Chester—bringing festive cheer, joyful music, and meaningful impact this holiday season. Donations go to support Safe Harbor.

Dec. 23 - Nefesh Mountain, Uptown Knaur Performing Arts Center Theater, 7:30 p.m. Nefesh Mountain celebrates identity while challenging injustice through heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies. Join them for an unforgettable evening of musical transcendence that’s as spirited as it is soulful.

Dec. 24 - Santa Band Stroll Fundraiser, DK Diner, 8:30 a.m. The legendary Santa Band is returning to West Chester—bringing festive cheer, joyful music, and meaningful impact this holiday season. Donations go to support Safe Harbor.

Dec. 27 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 - Have a Ball! Family Event, Chester County History Center, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  Kids create a New Year’s Eve party kit complete with hat, noisemakers, and resolutions. They can also decorate a cookie to enjoy when the ball drops on December 31 (or right away.) Tickets are $10/person and include admission to the CCHC museum. 

Dec. 28 – Cool Runnings (Film), Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m. Four Jamaican bobsledders dream of competing in the Winter Olympics, despite never having seen snow in this uplifting tale about what is possible if you set your mind to it. Tickets $5, includes complimentary popcorn

Dec. 31 – Countdown to Noon, Oscar Lasko and West Chester YMCA, 10 – 12 p.m. Meet at the Y for a midday New Year’s Eve Celebration. This free event used to be open to the community. Now you need to have a family membership.

Jan. 1 – 18th Annual Stanley’s Dream 5K, corner of Church and Market St., 12 p.m. Registration: $30. Funds raised support the Stanley’s Dream scholarship program, providing college scholarships to graduating seniors, and childhood brain cancer research grants.

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

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Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors