West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Sept. 27, 2004: West Chester events are popular and recognized as an important part of life here - so why do we make them so darn expensive to put on? I take a look at exactly what it costs to host an event in the Borough and what’s being done to make it (a little) more affordable. Plus, WCU President Laurie Bernotsky recognizes solving housing is critical to her achieving her vision for the university, I talk with Levante about their new garden, and no, cell phones are not allowed in school. Pass it on. 

Also, thank you to everyone for your patience as I get the new newsletter platform up and running and everyone signed up. It doesn’t always feel like it but we are making progress. If you haven’t signed up for a paid subscription, please do that now. As someone pointed out to me last night, signing up is a lot easier than trying to find all this yourself every week. In light of my week of tech glitches, I thought it a good perspective!  

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

The Hidden Cost of Hosting a Borough Event

Before you read further - how much do you think West Chester charges to hold an event in the Borough? Ok, let’s see how close you were.

Last week, West Chester Borough Council made a change to the way it calculates event fees. The change is supposed to help limit desperate requests from organizations begging Borough Council for a reprieve. In 2022, after lead sponsor QVC pulled out of the Christmas Parade, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce President Katie Walker went before Borough Council and threatened to cancel the popular event unless the Borough did something about the fees. 

She received a 50% reduction in borough costs and a $20 special-event parking fee, revenues of which were used to help offset parade expenses. She also set off a chain reaction of organizations pleading their case before Borough Council to somewhat mixed results. This summer’s Clydesdale visit received a unanimous reduction while Porchfest couldn’t get their request out of committee. 

The new proposal is also designed to help the Borough more equitably levy fees and offer credits. 

Under the new proposal, the fee structure would stay as it is today. However, events will be allowed to apply 50% of the proceeds of revenue generated through a special-event parking fee set up for borough garages. Borough Finance Manager Barb Lionti also did some research to get a more accurate picture of staff costs (while not given nearly enough credit, it’s her work here that may serve as the real benefit to events).  

First, she researched how many department staff were required on average to run an event, finding it to be a mix of supervisor and employee time. She then took the total salaries along with FICA and pension costs, divided by 2,080, or the number of working hours in a year, and multiplied by 1.5 to get the overtime rate. In doing so, she came up with a blended rate for each department. For police time, that rate is $129 an hour. “Which is down from the current rate of $180,” Barb told Council members. For Public Works, it’s $69 an hour, an increase from $56 an hour. 

She demonstrated how this would work using the West Chester Chili Cook-Off, as an example. 

In 2023, the Chili Cook-Off paid $16,760 in staff time, but upon request, organizers were allowed to keep all the parking revenues generated by the event. This reduced the total cost owed to the Borough to just over $10,000. This year, using the new blended fee calculations and half the parking revenues, organizers are again looking at owing the Borough just over $10,000.  

“It seems like it’s covering our costs and giving the right fee to those that are holding these events,” Councilwoman Nicole Scimone said during the presentation. But does it really? 

If the event organization is already paying the full (overtime) rate for police and public works as well as the required fees for the signs, barriers, cars, etc., why not let these nonprofit organizations keep the entirety of the parking revenue generated? I posed the question to Barb and Borough Council Manager Sean Mettrick.

“The goal in revising the fee was [in part] to provide a goodwill parking discount to applicants. There are costs to managing parking, but events are important for the Borough and should not be about increases to parking revenues,” Barb said.

Yet it does seem as if that will be an effect. The new fee structure also requires the event to generate parking revenue to be eligible for any type of break, which intentionally, or unintentionally, favors some events over others. Races, even those that run through the downtown area, don’t have event-day parking agreements with the Borough. 

“We do not have a special parking arrangement with the Borough at this time. However, as the event grows, this may be a promising arrangement in the future,” said Corianne Armstrong, Director of Marketing and Communications for Unite For Her. Unite For Her’s 5K is being held this Saturday.

The Clydesdale visit is another event, one that was granted a fee waiver this year, that won’t likely qualify for one in the future.  

A neighborhood outlier

In 2022, the West Chester Green Team introduced the Borough to Porchfest, a community event where local musicians play on neighborhood porches. The whole event is free. The organizers plan, recruit, market, and fundraise (lots and lots of fundraising) for nothing. The musicians perform for nothing. The attendees attend for nothing. 

In that first sweltering year, it’s estimated around 2,500 people attended, but the event has quickly grown. Last year, totals were more in the 6,000 range. Also growing are the event’s annual fees to the Borough. In 2022, with the help of West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste, the organizers' payment to the Borough was a relatively modest $1,000, but without that assistance, fees have grown quickly.

In 2023, despite having the same footprint as the previous year, fees ballooned to $8,344. This included $6,480 to the Police Department for four officers with vehicles for nine hours. Public Works required three staffers at 10.5 hours each for a total of 31.5 hours. This year, the group expanded the number of blocks closed from seven to ten, so they expected a fee increase, but they were surprised by the total figure. 

In addition to a doubling in the number of officers required to secure the event, they were also charged $1,100 to post “No Parking” signs on the closed blocks. In 2023, the group was allowed to do it themselves, saving the huge bill. This year, they owed the Borough $14,404, a 72% increase over 2023. It’s a difficult amount for an all-volunteer group to raise when they’re not charging event fees.. 

“I think this should be a Borough-supported event,” said West Chester Green Team president Margaret Hudgings. “We are local residents who have created it. We are the people of the Borough--it’s our brothers and sisters and our kids and grandkids who are performing in the events.” 

Editor’s note: While they won’t benefit from the parking fee, Porchfest should receive a small reprieve thanks to the revised salary calculations. If all else stays the same, Porchfest should see just under a $2,800 deduction in fees. Still high but not nothing.  

Full disclosure: I’m a member of the Board of the West Chester Green Team, which hosts Porchfest, and the Downtown Foundation, which helps support a number of West Chester events.  

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

In and around the Borough of West Chester, one of the most common projects we undertake at Spring Creek Design is a “first-floor scramble.” It’s just like it sounds: reworking the first-floor plan to make it more useful (and fun!) for the way families live now.

A first-floor scramble usually involves connecting the kitchen and dining areas, automatically making the house feel more open and spacious. When we do this, we often find ways to add a powder room or move an entry door to accommodate a mudroom.

In some cases, a formal living room gives way to a larger, more open family room with easy access to the kitchen and dining areas. One client told us the result was “like finding a new home in the house we already live in!”

Ready to make the most of the home you love? Give us a call at 610-273-9194.

***This is a sponsored post.***

The Warnings.

A reminder: cell phones are NOT allowed to be used at school. This has been the longstanding policy of the West Chester Area School District (WCASD). Well, longstanding as of 2015, which was what, 15 iPhones ago? Anyway, according to the official wording (it’s section 237 if you want to read it in its entirety), “The Board prohibits use of personal technology by students during the school day in district buildings; on district property; on district buses and vehicles, and during the time students are under the supervision of the district (collectively "on-campus"); unless use is permitted under the guidelines of this policy.” (AKA classroom or instructional-related activities.) 

While the policy is not new, understanding and enforcement may not have been consistent across the district. “Thankfully, our middle school doesn't allow phones. IMO this should be district-wide!,” one WCASD parent shared on Facebook last spring. As it turns out, the policy is and was district-wide. 

“While there were some minor adjustments for clarity, particularly around off-campus activities and the use of district devices, the core policy remains largely unchanged. However, what has evolved is our focus on enforcement,” said Molly Schwemler, Manager of District Communications. 

So, forewarn your students that stricter enforcement is coming at the behest of parents. Last spring, the district sent a survey to parents, students, and staff. The annual check-in allows the district to gather thoughts on a variety of topics including cell use in school. 

“Feedback from our annual survey revealed strong support for a more stringent approach to cell phone use in classrooms,” said Molly. “As we enter this school year, the district and our principals have emphasized the importance of reinforcing this policy to enhance student engagement and minimize distractions.”

She added this is all the more effective when parents and administrators work together.  

“We appreciate the role families play in supporting these efforts at home, acknowledging that limiting phone use can be challenging but necessary for a more focused learning environment,” she said. 

Dirt bikes are not street-legal. Last week, Westtown-East Goshen police began investigating three individuals reported riding dirt bikes in the streets, disregarding traffic laws, and, I’m guessing regrettably, eluding police officers. The individuals were eventually apprehended and charged, but there is a warning here. If you have a dirt bike, keep it off the streets and private property unless that property is yours. 

The roads in East Bradford are windy. Take your time. West Chester emergency services have assisted with several concerning accidents in the area lately.    

The Accolades.

This week, I want to celebrate beer - and really what better place to do it than West Chester and what better time than now? Tomorrow, downtown West Chester is celebrating Oktoberfest. At least ten participating locations will be serving $6 pints and fall-themed appetizers. There will be live music on Gay Street, including a German oompah band in front of the post office. And while I fully plan to take advantage of all that, there is another fall beer event I am equally looking forward to: the introduction of a Levante Beer Garden at the West Chester Chili Cook-Off - which in case you’ve lost track of time, is next Sunday(!).  

Earlier this month, I got a chance to catch up with Levante Director of Retail Operations Andrew Tuffner about the brewery’s participation in this inaugural event 

HWC: How did Levante get involved in this year’s event? 

Andrew: We worked with Fiorenza's Food for Friends (F4) [on] our annual H.O.P. (Helping Other People) parties, which were designed to give back to local food banks or charities. So when Brenda and Derek reached out to let us know they were thinking of doing a beer garden, we were honored to be considered a part of such a great event. 

HWC: Where will the beer garden be located? How will it work?

Andrew: The footprint of the beer garden will be on Church Street between Gay and Chestnut Streets. Customers can enter for a small fee, which includes their first beer or cider. We’re also excited to have Riko and Whaler Collective performing. They are one of our brewery favorites.

HWC: What beers will be available? 

Andrew: Anywhere from beautifully crafted pilsners and lagers to our well-known hazy IPAs. We plan to have a great mix of beers that will go great with chili. We will also have our Honeyfire Rose Cider on tap as well. 

HWC: Will there be wine/liquor options available? 

Andrew: For the first year, we are focused on offering only Levante beer and cider selections with the hopes we could expand for next year. 

HWC: Anything else people should know?

Andrew: We are honored to be asked to participate In the first-ever beer garden for the Chili Cook-Off. We saw that it was only fitting, given our history with giving back to our local charities!

Thanks, Andrew. A cup of chili and a pint of Cloudy - sounds like a pretty good fall afternoon to me. If you can help make that chili, that would be awesome. Organizers are looking for few more teams to round out a stellar line-up. Sign up here.

And some other things we’re celebrating this week: 

Making the most of retirement. Don’t think after the last two weeks I haven’t been dreaming about it! Well, for those who are there or nearing, you’re in the right place. According to Travel + Leisure Magazine, West Chester is second only to Pittsburgh as the best place in the state to retire. While it may not have the professional sports teams, world-class museums, or affordability of Pittsburgh, West Chester was praised for the quality of its 55+ communities, proximity to Philadelphia, access to parks and recreation spaces, and its lively downtown. (Also, we were the only Chester County town to make the list. Just saying.)

Speaking of those killing it in retirement, a shoutout to West Chester’s Leslie Simmler. At 100 years old, the World War II veteran was honored by the Veterans Administration with a Challenge Coin. This week, Daily Local reporter Bill Rettew spoke with the Purple Heart recipient about his longevity secrets. You can read the profile here.        

Running through the finish line. A round of applause to West Chester East distance runners Maria Heebner, Jake Hennessey, and Jack Brannon. Maria placed second in the girls' division of the Ches-Mont National Meet No. 2 last Wednesday, while Jake and Jack placed one and two on the boys’ side. Also, congratulations to Rustin senior Jayda Lila on her second-place finish in the Ches-Mont American tennis championships on Saturday. After beating Kennett junior Anais Ritz in the semi-finals, Jayda came up short in the final, losing in straight sets to Unionville’s Sophie Zhang, the tournament’s #1 seed. 

Apple cider donuts. Jonesing for a good apple cider donut? Well, you’re in luck: West Chester has some of the best around according to Main Line Today. The Delco magazine recommends stopping at Northbrook Marketplace on Unionville Wawaset Road for fresh-made apple cider donuts sold out of a restored 1850s fieldstone barn. Then there is, of course, Highland Orchards. Grab yourself a dozen to munch on while the kids climb at the playground or bounce through the fields on a hayride. 

Getting those creative juices flowing. This week, the West Chester Area School District announced they were again honored with the distinction of being an Outstanding Visual Arts Community by the Pennsylvania Art Education Association. They also shared the work of West Chester East senior Jimmy Helfety. Jimmy recently wrote and published his own children’s book titled, “Money Moves: An Intro to Economics for Kids.” Creative and informative. 

Positive use of technology in the classroom. Speaking of creativity, West Chester’s Chesterbrook Academy Elementary School was recently named an Apple Distinguished School for its commitment to continuous innovation in education and creative use of Apple technology. This is the third year in a row the school has received this distinction. 

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

Hello.

Hello, Laurie! Last Thursday, roughly 700 students, staff, and stakeholders got their first introduction to Laurie Bernotsky, West Chester University President - but don’t worry, you can still call her Laurie. “While my new job comes with a fancy nameplate, it doesn’t come with a new name. In other words, moving forward, my hope is that you all will continue to call me ‘Laurie,’” she told the audience.  

She also told the audience she values collaboration, wants to create a shared vision, will admit when she’s wrong, and has an informal style. She also has a few non-negotiable values for the Golden Rams. 

WCU should be a place students fall in love with. (And yes, she’s aware packed residence halls are hindering this. “It has become abundantly clear to me during my first weeks as president that we must, we absolutely must, find a way to overcome our student housing shortage,” she said.)

WCU should be affordable and accessible to all students. “After all, an amazing education is a meaningless education if you can’t access it,” she said. 

WCU should be a national standout. “I favor ideas that move our university to the next level,” she said. 

Want to hear more? The speech was covered by the Daily Local here or you can watch President Bernotsky, I mean, Laurie, for yourself, here.

Speaking of WCU welcomes, the university also plans to welcome TikTok comedian Trey Kennedy to the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on October 25. Trey is the host of the podcast “Correct Opinions” and recently finished a sold-out comedy tour. Tickets are on sale now. Not sure he’s your kind of humor? You can check out his YouTube special here.   

Finally, a rare, non-West Chester update, but I know Christmas at Longwood is a tradition for many so I thought I’d go ahead and share. If you haven’t heard yet, Longwood’s newly renovated 1906 Restaurant is expected to open to diners on October 25. The new space, which is located on the lower level of the Conservatory, will feature plush seating, floor-to-ceiling windows, a rotating seasonal menu, and stunning views of the Main Fountain Garden. Thanksgiving reservations are already fully booked, so if dining is part of your Christmas plans, better make those reservations now. 

Goodbye.

Looking to pre-emptively get rid of those holiday calories but yet to find a gym that you jive with? New West Chester gym Fitness Factory could be the answer for you. Fitness Factory is a something-for-everyone space that opened earlier this month at the top of E. Market Street. An ambitious project, Fitness Factory sets out to offer the saunas and cold plunges of a high-end gym experience in a rather low-key fashion. 

Much of the rustic space, formerly home to a hardware store, has the feel of a basement gym. In one room, there are spray-painted, cinder block walls, fluorescent lights, and rows of free weights. In another, the weights are swapped for machines, and in yet another, they’re swapped with exercise bikes, treadmills, and ellipticals. If you’re having flashbacks to high school days working out with your buddies, that’s kind of the point. 

Owner Tyler Haines, a WCU grad and former three-sport athlete, says he is trying to build “that team feel” but for everyone. In addition to free weights, machines, and his regular weekly classes, he has plans to host pre- and postpartum classes, as well as classes targeting homeschooled kids and seniors. There will also be the aforementioned sauna and cold plunge areas. And there will be Normatec compression and blood-pressure sleeves for some not-so-basement-level vitals tracking. 

 “Think of health and fitness as a sphere,” says Tyler (for those of us who don’t think of fitness as a sphere, that would include building, performing, maintaining, and recovery.) “I want to be able to offer something on all sections of that sphere.”  

In the future, there are plans for a yoga studio and spaces for wellness specialists such as chiropractors and physical therapists. Maybe even another speakeasy or a sober bar? It’s all being thrown out there. 

“We have so much space,” says Tyler. The only thing you won’t find at Fitness Factory is a locker room. “It’s a culture killer,” he says. 

The Fitness Factory is open now and offering three-day free trials. Just call or text 610-216-3336 to get your pass. 

Also this week, two West Chester-based historic organizations can say goodbye to a few bills thanks to some well-timed grants. State Senator Carolyn Comitta announced on Wednesday the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) would be extending grants to the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center and the Chester County History Center (CCHC). Using a set formula, the Helicopter Museum will receive $10,000 from the state commission and CCHC $28,400. 

Pay it Forward.

September is Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force, sixty people died by suicide in Chester County last year. While this number is down from 2022, it will be a few more years before we can safely call it a trend. 

“It’s hard to say what exactly impacts the data,” says Kate Siolek, Executive Director of Chester County Suicide Prevention Partnership (CCSPP). “We know that worldwide people were greatly impacted by the COVID pandemic - which I think is where we see that rise in 2022. While we would love to say the availability of more resources, an increase in awareness and education, etc., are the causes of the recent decline, I don't think we can quite say that until we see a steady decrease for a number of years.” 

In the meantime, she encourages everyone to share resources and talk freely on the topic. You should also get trained in QPR general suicide prevention. “This training is meant to be like the Heimlich or CPR - we hope to never have to use it but are prepared in the event we do. The more people trained, the more lives we can potentially save,” says Kate.

Still not sure what this is? Ask your neighborhood freshmen. CCSPP partners with the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) to offer training to all ninth graders in the West Chester Area School District. 

If you’re interested in getting trained, CCSPP has two trainings coming up: one at the Chester County Library in Exton on November 6 and a second at the Chester County Hospital on November 12. You can register for either here.

Plus, here are a few easy ways to give back this week:  

Lace up for her. Unite For Her is holding its annual 5K run on Saturday morning. All proceeds go to support Unite for HER, providing integrative therapies, services, and support to breast and ovarian cancer patients nationwide. This race always has a great energy and there’s still time to sign up if you’re interested. 

Build a spooky float for a good cause. West Chester Parks and Rec is now accepting group applications for this year’s Halloween Parade. Cost to participate is $5 per group. Applications are being accepted through October 11. In addition to the parade, the Borough will be giving out 200 pounds of candy at their candy stations. Maybe they can get a few dentists to sponsor?  

Make a donation to the Save Crebilly Farm fund. While they’re getting close, they’re not there yet this year. Help Westtown make this important save with a time-sensitive donation. All fundraising gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $2 million - the only catch is they need to be made by October 30 or the funding and the farm go away. Interested in helping? You can do that here. Think of it as your one-time admission fee to this amazing new park. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Squeezed between soccer games, we’re celebrating this newly turned 12-year-old. (Aww.) Also, if the weather cooperates, I’m determined to get downtown to celebrate Oktoberfest. With the weather finally cooling, I’ve been craving a nice cold cider, and what better way to enjoy it than people watching on Gay Street?

If you’re around this weekend, remember it’s the last weekend of the Gay Street closure and, as mentioned, Oktoberfest. Also on Saturday are the Chester County Art Walk in East Goshen Park and the West Goshen township-wide yard sale. You can find a map of participating locations here. And on Sunday, the West Chester Baptist Church is hosting a viewing of the documentary Mama Bears, which looks interesting.

And finally, a special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Cassie Shankweiler Real Estate. As a Chester County native, Cassie understands the community and brings a promise of clear communication and fresh energy to all her clients. Give her a call if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Chester area!

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:

• Sept. 27 - Midlife Cafe, 225 E. Market St., 11 a.m. Join this fun and interactive event. Be ready to discuss all things related to navigating life in your middle years. This is a free event but tickets are requested.

• Sept. 28 - Unite for HER 5K, Downtown West Chester, 7:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. race start. Registration and packet pick-up is at 20 E. Gay St. Race starts at 12 N. Church St. Awards and Family Tailgate to follow the race. Entry fee: $35.

• Sept. 28 - Yoga in the Street, Gay St. in front of the Post Office, 9 - 10 a.m. Take an outdoor yoga class with Triple Threat Fitness. Bring $5 and a mat.

• Sept. 28 - Chess Club, West Chester Public Library, 10 a.m. - noon. Open to kids 5 - 15. No registration required.

• Sept. 28 - 2024 Chester County Art Walk, East Goshen Park, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Peruse the work of over 100 artists lining the trails throughout East Goshen Park. Plus, food trucks and three live musical acts. This is a free community event.

• Sept. 28 - Oktoberfest 2024, Gay St., 1 - 8 p.m. Enjoy $6 beer and cider specials and live music from 1 - 8 p.m. at various locations on Gay St.

• Sept. 28 - Community Fall Yard Sale, various locations, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Sept. 28 - Fall Movie Series - The Garfield Movie, West Goshen Park, 7 p.m. Movie is free but a donation of dry goods for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• Sept. 29 - Movie: Mama Bears, Act in Faith, 10 W. Bernard St., 3:30 p.m. Join a free screening and panel discussion of the documentary Mama Bears hosted by the Baptist Church of West Chester.

• Oct. 4 - First Friday Jazz featuring Gunnar Mossblad & Jim Ridl, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just love great music, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Tickets: $15-20

• Oct. 5 - St. Jude Fundraiser and Craft Fair, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. You'll find a wide array of artwork, wood products, cookies, paintings, cross stitch, knitted and crocheted items, cards, jewelry etc.  All money from purchases will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

• Oct. 5 - Chess Club, West Chester Public Library, 10 a.m. - noon. Open to kids 5 - 15. No registration required.

• Oct. 5 - Fall Movie Series - Despicable Me, West Goshen Park, 7 p.m. Movie is free but a donation of dry goods for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• Oct. 6 - West Chester Chili Cook-Off, Gay St, noon - 4 p.m. Skip lunch and get ready to judge some chili at this perennial West Chester favorite. Over fifty teams, comprised of restaurants, businesses, hometown cooks, and non-profits, are expected to compete for this year's coveted People’s Choice Award. General admission tickets are $10.

• Oct. 10 - "Light within Vignettes of Meditation" Opening Reception, Chester County History Center, 5 - 7 p.m. Featured artist Ei Shigeno plus the work of various CCAA members. Exhibit runs through the end of the month. Admission is free.

• Oct. 10 - Act in Faith Open House, 10 W. Barnard St., 5 - 7 p.m. Act in Faith moved to a new home earlier this year. This is your chance to check it out!

Looking for more event ideas? Check out the new Fall Event Guide! Or view the full calendar here.

Reader tip: I have been deep in the tech trying to upgrade the subscriber experience and I came across this tip. If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

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

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors