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West Chester Weekly News Roundup - Dec. 8, 2023

West Chester Weekly News Roundup - Dec. 8, 2023

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Dec. 8, 2023: While the kids got a little snow, West Chester teachers got a gift of their own – an unscheduled pay raise. The district hopes it will slow resignations. Plus, Gay Street shuts down again, a new coffee shop opens (and a new PetSmart), West Chester’s all-league athletes, and West Chester University finds a better way to get rid of party leftovers.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

A New Year Gift for Teachers as WCASD Works to Slow Resignations

Students enjoyed a little snow on Thursday. Image: WCASD on Facebook

It’s teacher gift time – and last Monday, West Chester educators got an early one – a mid-contract pay increase. It came after WCASD Human Resources Director Dr. Jeffery Ulmer presented his annual hiring report to the board. “We are 100 percent filled in our classrooms with zero openings,” he said. That is through the end of the year, the fiscal year, or roughly three weeks from now.

“However,” he continued, “during the new semester we do have many, many openings coming up.”

Over the last year, the district has filled more than 200 positions including 83 teachers/professional employees, 49 long-time subs, 20 support staff, 19 facilities staff, 17 confidential staff, 10 administrators, and six substitute custodians. While the turnover rate continues to be high, the district is seeing some improvements in the pace of resignations and retirements.

“It’s slowing down little by little as we get away from COVID,” said Dr. Ulmer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between February 2020 and May 2022, more than 300,000 educators resigned in the U.S., citing concerns over safety, burnout, and low pay, among other reasons. Their exodus was labeled the “great resignation” by industry leaders.

One area of improvement for the district was retirements which have seen a 50 percent decrease from their peak in 2021. Last year 38 employees announced their retirement. “I expected that number to be double,” Dr. Ulmer told the board. However, the slowing doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to be done. As Dr. Ulmer shared, Pennsylvania has seen an unprecedented decline in qualified teachers.

According to figures presented at the meeting, during the 2010 – 2011 school year 21,045 individuals held PA teaching certifications. By 2021-2022 (the latest year data is available ), that number had fallen to 6,153. That is a 70 percent drop in qualified candidates.

“The decline of certifications is absolutely mind-boggling,” said Dr. Ulmer. “If we lose a chemistry teacher or physics teacher or a Spanish teacher, we know we are in trouble,” he said.

To help make the district more competitive, the HR Department proposed and Personnel Committee members endorsed a mid-contract increase in teacher salaries. Under the proposed plan first-year teachers with a bachelor’s or master’s degree would see a $2,800 increase in their starting salary or roughly a five percent increase. Teachers with a doctorate would see a slightly smaller increase.

While the change is technically intended to cover an increase to the Health Savings Plan deductible threshold as set by the IRS, Dr. Ulmer sees it as another tool his team can use to recruit. He cited salary as a “big part” of recent resignations.

“I know this will make a lot of people happy,” he said after the proposal received unanimous support from board members.

The changes are scheduled to go into effect beginning on Jan. 31. You can find the current teacher contract here and the newly recommended revised salary schedule here.

Christkindlmarkt is Coming to the Town

The Chester County Art Association's popular Christkindlmarkt is moving to Gay Street this year.

Christkindlmarkt is German for “Christ child” market (at least according to my German speaking friend). These festive street fairs, held during the four weeks of Advent, originated in Germany during the late Middle Ages. By comparison, West Chester is still relatively new to the holiday market game. Still, for the past three years, the Chester County Art Association (CCAA) has been hosting its own Christkindlmarkt.

“It’s based off the German holiday market. It’s a bunch of booths out there in the street,” said CCAA board member Jeff Schaller. For their fourth edition, the booths will actually be on a street. This year the two-day market is moving from the CCAA grounds to Gay Street.

“That’s going to give it a real market feel,” said Jeff. It’s also giving organizers a lot more space to work with. Enough to essentially double capacity from 40 vendors last year to nearly 80 this year.

“We have a lot of new vendors this year,” he shared. So expect a wide variety of gift options from candles to pet items, crocheted wares, jewelry, ceramics, and of course, plenty of artwork. Jeff describes it as a “curated” shopping experience set in front of a backdrop of twinkle lights and swooping greenery. There will also be live musical performances, Santa on High St. with complimentary hot chocolate, and a CCAA booth with coloring sheets for the kiddos. Also, nice? Hours stretch until 8 p.m. on Saturday.

“I always think it’s special when it extends into the evening,” said Jeff. “You can grab dinner, a drink, and do a little more shopping.” You had me at dinner, drink and shopping.

Christkindlmarkt is being held on Saturday from 1 – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m. The market will be set up along Gay Street from Matlack to Darlington Street. (Note the street will be CLOSED for this event – so plan accordingly.) Parking is available on street or at the Chestnut, Bicentennial, or Justice Center garages. Entrance is free. Street parking is free until 5 p.m. on Saturday and all parking is free on Sunday. See a full list of vendors here.

Hannum Seafood for All Your Holiday Needs

Wow, your guests this holiday season with pre-made dishes from Hannum Seafood and Produce.

Having a party? You can’t go wrong with a classic shrimp cocktail. Just make sure your shrimp are fresh. Avoid shrimp with soft or slimy shells or that smell like ammonia. Crab cakes are another great option. Order a platter and leave your guests impressed (and your workload non-existent). Or why not try a poached Salmon platter? Delicate salmon is served chilled with the refreshing crunch of cucumber. This beautiful dish can easily stand as the centerpiece of any holiday gathering.

From the Feast of the Seven Fish to whole roasted fish for Hanukkah, fish and seafood have a special place this time of year. Get your orders in now.

Hannum Seafood & Produce Market at 443 Hannum Avenue stop in and shop the area’s freshest fish. Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays until 7 p.m.

**This is s sponsored post**

The Warnings.

West Goshen Police Station ready for the holidays. Image: WGPD on Facebook

There ain’t no sunshine in West Goshen. Last week, The Daily Local reported Doreen Woodward, widow of deceased West Goshen Public Works Director John David Woodward, hired Philadelphia law firm Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky to represent her in a wrongful death lawsuit against the township. In a tragic incident stemming from a misguided “snow time” policy, Ms. Woodward alleges the township is at least partially culpable for the suicide death of her husband. The law firm is described as “one of the region’s largest and most successful.”

In addition, West Goshen Sunshine is reporting that the Township voted this week on a revised Policy Manual without allowing citizen input.

“Section 708(b)(9) of the PA Right to Know Law specifically exempts from access draft statements of policy. Since the Board has not taken action, it is still considered a draft. Once adopted by the Board, the policy would no longer be considered a draft and would be a public record,” Township Manager Christopher Bashore stated in an email as the reason for denying her request to access the draft document.

Theoretically, you should be able to get a copy now as the vote on the revised, or, as West Goshen would prefer, “draft” policy was scheduled for Tuesday. The new policy will go into effect on January 1, 2024.

Sexual assault reported at WCU. Former West Chester University student and football player Cameron Dantzler has been charged with aggravated indecent assault, false imprisonment, and unlawful restraint stemming from an April 30 incident at University Hall. According to the affidavit, a woman reported being groped and molested by Mr. Dantzler after an evening of heavy drinking. She recounted trying to leave his dorm room but not being allowed to. After calling 911 from the bathroom, she slipped out of the room as Mr. Dantzler used the bathroom, meeting police in front of the residence hall. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 19.

Keep your seatbelts fastened and your tray tables in an upright position. This week NBC10 shared a video of a single-engine aircraft nose first in a ditch at the Brandywine Regional Airport. According to a subsequent report, a student pilot was performing a series of pre-flight checks when the engine started propelling the aircraft into the ditch. The pilot was taken to Paoli Hospital and treated for facial cuts.

Beware of treacherous road conditions. While it may not be snow and ice, it doesn’t mean that wet road conditions still aren’t dangerous. Early Sunday morning, West Chester fire and rescue teams were enlisted to rescue an individual from a flipped vehicle at the corner of High and Marshall Streets. The individual was eventually released and transported to the hospital for treatment.

Mind those machines. For the third time in two weeks, the West Chester Fire Department was called into action over an appliance fire. The first two times it was a microwave. This last time it was a washing machine. Keep those appliances in good repair and watch what you put inside.

Chip and Dale were here. Before giving side-eye to the neighbors or shaking your fists at the local kids, West Goshen police are warning many incidents of Christmas light vandalism have been connected to the local squirrel population. (I am guessing this extends to chipmunks as well).

The Accolades.

Little Lincolns

On Monday, The Daily Local shared a list of athletes selected by their coaches as the best in the league. In total, 59 West Chester athletes across seven sports were named first-team All Chest-Mont League. Three of those athletes also earned All-State honors.

Henderson Soccer Senior Defender Nick Ricciardi was named the National Division MVP as well as an All-State selection.
Rustin Soccer Junior Midfielder Danny McGonigle was named the American Division MVP. His teammate and fellow mid, senior Jack Pelkowski was named second MVP. Both were All-State selections.
Not to be outdone by her male counterparts, Rustin senior forward Amelia Foore was named the Girls Soccer American Division MVP. She too was an All-State Selection.

First Team All-League selections by sport:

Girls Cross Country - Rustin: Maddie Miller and Sophia Hnetinka; Henderson: Ana Carlow; and East: Maria Heebner
Girls Tennis - Singles – Henderson: Kaitlyn Evans; Rustin: Maya Tashie; Doubles – Henderson: Kaitlyn Evans-Kiera Koay, and Amelia Jarden -Madelyn Walsh
Boys Golf - Rustin: Anesti Kalderemtiz, Nick Linkhorest, Colin Keiser, and Cole Berry; Henderson: Josh Baker
Girls Golf - singles – Rustin: Sophia DeSantis and Mina Benedetto; East: Madison Mathew
Girls Volleyball, – East: Alexa Mork; Henderson: Olivia Sladicka and Tori Bonacci; Rustin: Jane Nelson
Field Hockey – East: Tyler Rice (attack) and Lydia Bechtel (midfield); Rustin: Grace O’Hora (attack) and Kylie Cebul (defense)
Boys Soccer – Henderson: Nick Ricciardi, Patrick Sinnott, Josh Jarden, Brody Stewart, and Dylan Arrison; Rustin: Lucas Band, Scotty Ely, Donny McGonagle, and Jack Pelkowski
Girls Soccer – Henderson: Kaitlyn Miller and Maura Fisher; East: Lauren Maxson; Rustin: Amelia Foore, Jenn Ely, Ava Pascarella, and Jordyn Krafchick
Football – Rustin: Brock Cummings (OL), Steve Bernard (OL), Chase Hatton (RB), Will Garner (HB), Colin Riley (DL), Pat Maychek (LB), and Chase Hatton (DB); East: Tyler Duell (OL), Tyler Wileczek (WR), Coby Jaramillo (ATH), Mason Grear (DL), Fenton Kulp (LB), and Becker Altikriti (DB); and Henderson; Brady Collins (RB), Evan Kearney (WR) Braeden O’Connell (QB), and Logan Goodwin (DL)

You can find the complete list of first, second, and honorable mention selections here. Know an athlete on the list? Congratulate them. As I learned last week, it takes a lot just to make some of these teams.

Also, not to overlook exceptionalism in other areas, a round of applause to the 46 West Chester students named to either the 2023 PMEA District Band, Orchestra, or Choir.

“Out of the hundreds of students who auditioned for PMEA District Festivals, 11 East High School Students, 23 Henderson High School students, and 11 Rustin High School students will represent the district,” WCASD wrote in this month’s newsletter.

Also, high fives to all the Little Lincolns who participated in the 24th annual reading of the Gettysburg Address from the balcony of the Lincoln Building on Market St. This year’s competition featured six middle-school Lincolns. Fugett Middle School swept the medals with first, second, and third places going to Adwaith Shamjith, Dane Bellucci, and Katie Keeler, respectively. However, since it can’t be easy dressing up in a top hat and beard and reciting a 19th-century speech from a public balcony as a middle schooler – everyone gets credit. Keep it up for Evan Iyer from Saints Peter and Paul School, Andrew Chen from Fugett, and Divi Muthukrishnan from Pierce.

And while we are here, congratulations to Abigail Dougherty, the new Assistant Principal at East High School. Mrs. Dougherty joins the district from Harrisburg where she also served as an Assistant Principal.

And finally, congratulations to Leslie Flournoy, the designer of the new 2024 Porchfest poster. The inaugural competition yielded more than 30 submissions. The winning design in rustic orange and teal has a vintage concert vibe and features a sun rising between two porch posts, its rays piercing the clouds above. You can see for yourself here.

Hello.

Lacava Coffee opened on Gay Street

Hello, again. Last Friday, downtown West Chester welcomed yet another coffee shop. This time it’s the Lacava Coffee Company. Located next to Van Ryn’s Barber Shop on E. Gay St., the narrow cafe specializes in serving coffee directly from the source. “Liberated,” as the website says, “from all the in between import delays and storage time that other coffee brands must endure.” There is also a selection of baked goods to go along with your liberated beans.

I ordered a drip coffee with two percent milk. The coffee was hot and flavorful. The cafe was relatively empty while I was there but if needed there is significant seating in a back room. A good space to snuggle up and work for an hour or so.

Speaking of openings, PetSmart has a new, sizable, West Chester Pike location. The Phoenix-based pet care chain promises a range of supplies, toys, and food for cats, dogs, fish, birds, reptiles, and small pets. This 21,300 square-foot location will also provide medical, training, grooming, housing (There’s apparently a Petsmart PetsHotel), and adoption services.

PetSmart is holding a grand opening event on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Attendees will receive a free, pre-packaged goodie bag including a $10 PetSmart gift card, pet toys, coupons, and more.

The new year will be here before you know it, and West Chester School administrators want your thoughts on a new 2024-2025 School Calendar. Under the proposed calendar, school begins on Aug. 26 and ends on June 12 with three built-in snow days. In total, there will be 185 student days including nine half-days for elementary students, four half-days for middle and high school students, and 194 teacher days.

If you have comments on the calendars, send them to Sara Missett at [email protected] but do it now. Comments are due today.

Finally, speaking of calendar additions, Downtown West Chester has added Hanukkah at the Courthouse to its list of events. The ceremony will take place on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. In addition to the ceremonial lighting of the menorah, there will be music, donuts, latkes, hot drinks, and a fire truck gelt drop. This event is free and open to the public.

Goodbye.

Get ready to say goodbye to a little more of that discretionary income. Next week West Chester Borough Council has scheduled a public hearing to review, and this time approve, the 2024 Borough Budget. A public hearing on the budget was originally held last month but the matter was tabled until the details of a new police union contract were finalized. That was expected to have happened last month. At the time, the presented budget called for a modest three percent tax increase. However, it is believed that number could rise significantly depending on how the negotiations went.

A hearing on a final budget is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Borough Hall. The hearing will also be streamed live on the Borough’s Facebook page.

Here’s what you need to know before the hearing:

You can find a copy of the preliminary draft budget as it was presented here. Note: this budget does not appear to include the details of the renegotiated police contract.
The Borough has already proposed pursuing a new budgeting philosophy one that would include regular, modest tax increases.
In addition to the operating budget, the Borough has outlined an additional two dozen projects it would like to pursue in the new year.

Back in the days when we all went into the office, it was usually a too-late group email that notified you that food was abandoned in the kitchen. Well, some West Chester University students have found a better way to say goodbye to those holiday party leftovers. They have created a Free Food channel on Ramconnect, the campus app for clubs and activities. This particular channel and corresponding Facebook page notify students when a party or meeting has ended and there is food free for the taking. You can even set the app to text you every time free food is found on campus.

“Many of us are used to learning on an empty stomach, and my hope is that this group can help remedy that,” the group admins shared on Facebook.

It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the food supply is wasted and nearly 30 percent of the student population will face food insecurity at some point in their college careers. These students are hoping to remedy that by making sure no cookie gets left behind.

Finally, this month we, and the West Chester Area School District, are taking a moment to say goodbye and thank you to West Chester Area School Board President Sue Tiernan. Sue will be stepping down at the end of the year after serving as a member of the school board since 2014, first as Vice President and then as President.

“Director Tiernan’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our district’s mission, and her passion for education has left an indelible mark on the lives of students and colleagues alike,” WCASD wrote in its November newsletter. They are also honoring her with a commemorative bench at the Spellman Education Building.

At this week’s annual organization meeting, Karen Fleming was elected the new school board president. Gary Bevilacqua will continue as vice president.

Pay It Forward.

This week over 100 volunteers gathered to build bikes for local kids.

The annual bike build continued this week at 901 S. Bolmar St. where dozens of volunteers gathered to assemble over 100 bicycles for kids in West Chester and surrounding communities. For the past 16 years, Pine Street Carpenters has been purchasing bikes and hosting an annual bike-building party.

“Seeing families and friends from the community join us year in and year out for the bike-build is truly moving. It’s become something of a holiday tradition for many – and what better holiday tradition than gathering with family and friends to spread some Christmas joy to those in need,” said Mike Dolan, marketing manager for Pine Street.

Over the years, Pine Street has worked with local nonprofits to donate more than 1400 bicycles. This year, the remodeling firm partnered with Friends Association, Family Service of Chester County, The Care Center, and Saint Agnes Day Room along with five other county-based organizations. Bike helmets were donated by Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware’s Trauma Program.

Looking to deliver your own holiday cheer this year? Friends Association is looking for a few Holiday Gift Bundle sponsors. This a-little-of-everything initiative includes filling a personalized stocking with trinkets and goodies, adding a $50 gift card to Walmart or Target (or Visa), and topping it with a supply of gift-wrapping essentials. No actual gift wrapping required.

To participate, sign up with Friends Association and wait for an email with information about the child you will be shopping for. Just be sure to make that list and check it twice because all purchased items must be returned to the Friends’ main office (113 W. Chestnut St.) by Dec. 15.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Dec. 14: Nefesh Mountain Holiday Show

Dec. 15: Holidays in Hollywood

Ready for a holiday season like no other? From boundary-pushing bluegrass to live performances of holiday movie classics and artist receptions, Uptown has something for everyone. Get your tickets today!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

West Chester Library's Holiday Door Tour continues this weekend. Make a donation to the library to get a map of homes and a candy cane scavanger hunt.

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to get our Christmas tree. We always go with a real tree and in the past have tried a variety of local(ish) cut-your-own and pre-cut options. We have done the Christmas Tree Train and several tree farms in the area. Last year we waited too long and ended up with a half-priced, take-or-leave-it option from Thornbury Farm CSA. We made it work but it was dropping needles with gusto by the end. I am not sure where we will try this year but if anyone has real-time suggestions, please let me know.

If you are around this week, The Melton Center is hosting a free screening of the film Rustin tonight. Doors open at 6 p.m. Movie starts at 6:45. Downtown West Chester has both its holiday window and gingerbread house competitions going on now. Want to try your hand at your own gingerbread creation? Yori’s has kits to get you started. Root Cafe has a new wild boar sausage for you to try and on Wednesday, Jitters is hosting a birthday party for the Time Person of the Year. Break out the bracelets, Swifties, you’re not going to want to miss this.

And finally this week we have a new Community Sponsor, West Chester Lacrosse and West Chester Field Hockey! For nearly 30 years, they have worked to promote character, teamwork respect, and a lifelong love of the game. We participated in their Field Hockey Futures program last spring and they did such a good job with the girls. It was one of the few practices I didn’t have to fight my daughter to go to! Visit their website for more information and a list of upcoming programs.

West Chester Lacrosse and West Chester Field Hockey

West Chester Lacrosse and West Chester Field Hockey run year-round lacrosse and field hockey clinics, leagues, and camps for preschool through 8th graders. These programs are based locally at Kelly Field, WCASD fields, and township parks. Check out www.wclax.net for information and registration for our upcoming Winter Clinics and Spring Leagues. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

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 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 will 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.

What the heck - Count me in!

Mark your calendars:

Dec. 8 - Rustin Watch Party, Melton Center, 6:45 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free screening of the new Netflix film about the life of West Chester civil rights leader Bayard Rustin.
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.
Dec. 9 - West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dec. 9 - Ornament & Cookie Decorating, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. Join Elmo and the Elf on the Shelf for some merry-making. Email [email protected] for more info.
Dec. 9 - SantaFest, American Helicopter Museum, 10 a.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the museum. Bring your cameras to take pictures. There will also be crafts, pups, and other activities planned. Admission is $15/adults and $14/kids.
Dec. 9, 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. Tickets - $20/each
Dec. 9, 10 – Christkindlmarkt, Downtown West Chester, Saturday 1 – 8 p.m.; Sunday – 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year the Chester County Art Association has partnered with Downtown West Chester to move the market to Gay St. The market will feature over 75 vendors all selling unique and hand-crafted gift items.
Dec. 9 - Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Historic Chester County Courthouse, 2-3 p.m. Local choirs and performers sing your favorite holiday songs.
Dec. 9 – Santa at a bank, M&T Bank 10 N. High St. 2 - 4 p.m. Stop by for complimentary hot chocolate and a holiday photo with Santa (and West Chester’s 25’ tree in the background!)
Dec. 9 - 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. 9 – The Joy of Christmas, West Chester United Methodist Church of West Chester, 2 - 3 p.m. West Chester Dance Works celebrates the "most wonderful time of the year" in this festive performance. Tickets – $12, Seniors and Children ( ages 4-10) - $10.
Dec. 9 – WCU’s 102nd Holiday Program, Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 3 – 4:30 p.m. The annual Holiday Program has been a staple of the West Chester University holiday season since 1921. This year’s performance will include the WCU symphony orchestra, combined choirs, Criterions and will feature Monteverdi's "Beatus vir." Tickets are $14/each.
Dec. 9, 10 - Nutcracker, Henderson High School, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. Harrison Dance Studio performs the Christmas classic.
Dec. 10 – Toys for Tots Toy Drive, Limoncello, 12 - 4 p.m. Bring five new and unwrapped toys and get a voucher for a free family-style dinner.
Dec. 10 – Holiday Hoopla, Monkey Fish Toys, 1:00 -3:00 p.m. Enjoy a fun family day out at West Chester’s favorite toy store. Stop by for pictures with Santa and DIY holiday crafts. Plus, every kid gets a free toy!
Dec. 10 - Hannukah at the Courthouse, historic Chester County Courthouse on High St., 4:30 p.m. Join a public menorah lighting with music, donuts, latkes, hot drinks, crafts and a fire truck gelt drop. This is a free event.
Dec. 10 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Levante Taphouse, 5 p.m. Free showing of the holiday classic.
Dec. 10 – Pasta with Santa, Bar Avalon, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Reservations start at 4:00 p.m. Santa arrives at 5 p.m. Dinner includes mozzarella sticks, penne with meatballs, and a Christmas cupcake. The cost is $24.95 for kids under 12. Reservations required.
Dec. 10 - Jitters Quizzo, Jitters - 146 W. Gay St, 7 - 10 p.m. Every Sunday
Dec. 10 - Kildare's Karaoke Night, Kildares - 18 W. Gay St., 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. Every Sunday
Dec. 11 - $5 Monday Night Movie, Uptown Theater, 7 - 9 p.m. Free popcorn included! Showing - Surviving Christmas
Dec. 11 - Fugett and East Choir Concert, East HS, 7 p.m.
Dec. 13 - Pints with a Purpose, 50 Three Tun Rd Suite #4, Malvern, 5 - 8 p.m. Safe Harbor is partnering with Locust Lane Brewery on a fundraiser. All proceeds and cash tips will go to Safe Harbor.
Dec. 13 - 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. 13 - Taylor Swift Birthday Party, Jitters, 6 p.m. - close. Channel your inner Swifter and head to Jitters for drinks specials, cake, and a best-dressed contest. Plus, Taylor Trivia starts at 7 p.m.
Dec. 14 - Nefesh Mountain Holiday Show - Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. New York-based progressive bluegrass band Nefesh Mountain has been hailed as one of today’s formative boundary-pushing groups in American roots music. Tickets: $35 - $5 more at the door.
Dec. 15 - 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. 15 - 17 - The Nutcracker, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Friday, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Performances by the Brandywine Ballet. Running time is approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission.
Dec. 15 - 16 - December Graduation Ceremonies, WCU Hollinger Field House. Check the WCU website for tickets and complete details.
Dec. 16 - West Chester University Spring Semester ends. Last day of final exams.
Dec. 15 - Holidays in Hollywood - Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. From the sultry crooning of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" from Meet Me in St. Louis to the energetic "Jingle Bell Rock" from Mean Girls, this cabaret features a diverse array of musical genres. Tickets: $25/adult; $17/kids 11 and under; $5 more at the door.
Dec. 15 - East Jazz Concert, East HS, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 - West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Dec. 16 - Christmas at Marshall Square Park, Marshall Square Park, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Join Santa and friends for a morning of fun activities tailored to the younger set. Email [email protected] for more information.
Dec. 16, 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. Tickets - $20/each
Dec. 16 - Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Historic Chester County Courthouse, 2-3 p.m. Local choirs and performers sing your favorite holiday songs.
Dec. 16 - 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.

Psst. Like to plan? Here's our complete Holiday Event List and check out the Calendar page for events through January.

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.