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- West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 3, 2025
West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 3, 2025
Monkey Fish Toys is breaking hearts, WEGO chief of police says goodbye, and we look back at 2024 đź’”
Cara Corridoni
January 03, 2025
The easiest way to be in the know.
It’s Friday, Jan. 3, 2025: Happy 2025, everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed a relaxing holiday surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors. This week we take a minute to say goodbye to 22 places and things that won’t be joining us in the New Year. What’d I miss? Let me know. Plus, WEGO Police say goodbye to their Chief of 12 years in a quiet New Year’s Eve ceremony, Turk’s Head food truck is no longer bringing the sauce, and Monkey Fish Toys is breaking parents’ hearts across the Borough and beyond. All that, and, Christmas tree pick-up details. Kind of hard to believe it was a short week.
Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.
Feature focus: There is a new newsletter subscription gift option. Perfect for someone who will soon be moving to the area or a long-time neighbor who refuses to treat themselves. Give them the gift of community with a one-year subscription to this informative newsletter. As one reader shared over the break, “I have discovered so many fun things to do in West Chester since signing up for the newsletter. We’re even bringing more friends out into town and they love it.” Now, who doesn’t want more fun?
The 22 Things We Said Goodbye to this Year
After 47 years, Fairman’s closed for good on April 30.
Every year has its ups and its downs, its comings and its goings. As we prepare to embark on a new year of adventure (and probable construction), let’s take a few moments to remember the 365 days that just passed. 2024 will forever be remembered as the year we lost our skating cred and loosened our grip on bubble tea dominance. We said goodbye to our Post Office and several restaurants. Some, like Sam’s Pizza Island, had been fixtures for decades others, like Central Bistro, for weeks. We also bid farewell to dozens of trees on N. New St, plans to put gates up and down Gay St., and the brownfields on N. Nields St. So here you go, all those and 14 other things we lost this year.
Airport Rd. Post Office
This July the Airport Road Post Office was closed after a 2-alarm fire tore through the building. While initial plans called for rebuilding the West Chester hub, I am now hearing from postal carriers with knowledge on the subject that the shift to Tri-County in Southeastern, PA may be permanent. “There is no rebuild. We are merging with tri-county,” mail carrier Mathew reported. No one seems happy about the situation including Congresswoman Chrissy Houlihan.
“This location is critically important to maintaining adequate services in this part of my district in the long term,” she wrote to Postmaster Lois DeJoy in October.
So far, attempts to confirm future plans have gone unanswered.
Fairman’s Skate Shop
In April, Fairman’s Skate Shop closed after 47 years of serving the West Chester community.
Originally opened by Dave Fairman, the skate shop started in Prospect Park before moving to the Borough in 1988. The store was sold to Mike Moll in 2014, who ran the shop for 10 more years.
Fairmans Skateshop was not only a popular destination for aspiring talent and burgeoning professional skateboarders such as Kerry Getz, Andrew Cannon, and Bam Margera, but it was a key supporter of their efforts.
“Thank you everyone for being a part of the journey! It was an honor to keep this shop going for 10 more years,” Mike shared on social as he announced the closing.
Chester County Ciders
Four years ago, friends Josh Lasensky, Manly Parks, and Greg Ott decided to redefine the cider experience by introducing Chester County to small-batch, locally sourced ciders more reminiscent of the drink George Washington would have sipped than the mass-produced “sugar bombs” served today. Unfortunately, that journey was cut short after the building where they produced their ciders was sold.
“Given the challenge of finding affordable new production space, [licensing it and restarting operations], we have made the decision to suspend operations as a commercial cidery at the end of 2024,” the Cider guys shared in a post last month.
Kung Fu Tea
This summer, Kung Fu Tea closed its doors. They then announced the location would reopen as a sushi restaurant - with boba tea, of course.
Serum offered an open-concept kitchen and roof-top dining but despite all the frills, or perhaps, because of, it only lasted eight months.
Serum Kitchen and Taphouse
After opening in March at 142 E. Market St. and debuting their much-hyped rooftop dining in late July, Serum Kitchen and Taphouse closed its doors and wiped away all West Chester associations at the end of November. A month later no one seems any closer to knowing exactly what caused the Imprint Brewing owners to pack up and head back to Hatfield.
Sterling Pig
This October, Jerome, Loic, and Brian announced they were closing the Sterling Pig Public House West Chester “after five wonderful years” serving the community.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support and loyalty you have shown us over the years. Your patronage has meant the world to us, and we have cherished every moment spent serving you,” they shared on Instagram.
The closure, however, was short-lived. Within weeks of saying goodbye the sign was painted over and the new “barcade” concept Bier and Loathing was open and ready for play.
Vida Beale Consignment Shop
The S. Church St consignment shop closed in late October and moved to Malvern. They always had the cutest windows but sadly, they were never open when I wanted them to be.
Blazin’ J’s
And then there were five. The first of the Nashville Hot Chicken-inspired restaurants to open, it was also the first to leave. Blazin’ J’s on Gay St. closed after 2 years this December.
Three Dog Bakery
Billing themselves as “the original dog bakery,” Three Dog Bakery on West Chester Pike opened in 2019, survived the pandemic, and built up a loyal following for their made-from-scratch Pupcakes, cakes, and cookies. Unfortunately, health issues with their dog Rocky sped up retirement plans.
“For five years, we have worked extremely hard and devoted endless hours to building a unique pet store and bakery that we have enjoyed owning,” Kim, Chris, and Rocky shared on social.
Styrofoam Containers in West Goshen
In September, West Goshen Supervisors voted to amend Township Code: Chapter 61 (Plastic Bags and Plastic Straws) to add polystyrene (Styrofoam) containers. The ban includes cups and containers but excludes egg cartons and certain packaging. It is estimated that 40 businesses will be impacted by the ban when it goes into effect in March.
The Trees on N. New St.
This year dozens of trees were cut down along N. New St. from Taylor Mill Rd. to Sunset Hollow Rd.
“We are relocating the line to the immediate roadside, which will allow for quicker access for corrective maintenance or outages,” PECO shared in a statement. “To accomplish this, we had to remove vegetation from the roadside to make way for the relocated pole line.”
There is a promised replanting program but no amount of seedlings can make up for the loss - at least not for another 40 years.
Gates on Gay St.
This summer, West Chester Borough revealed new plans to safely close Gay St. on summer weekends and this time the plans did not involve installing a series of wrought iron gates along the street.
Instead, the Borough will use “specialty” bollards. While aesthetically less intrusive than the proposed gates, they were previously ruled out due to pipes, wires, and other infrastructure below the street. Rather than screw directly into the street, these bollards slide along a track. A demo video shows a woman of average build moving them effortlessly.
Phase one of the closure upgrade project is expected to begin this year. In addition to the bollards, the Borough will add ADA-compliant ramps and new signage throughout the closure.
Central Bistro
The short-lived Central Bistro opened on July 3 and closed on Sept. 1. It is unclear what exactly happened, but after a two-month reprieve, 16 E. Gay St. is back to being vacant.
Happy Bakery
First, it was City Buns. Then after a brief closure, owner Vicky Lambert readjusted her concept and reopened last December, as Happy Bakery. Then there was an ownership dispute, another potential name change, and finally, the well-documented bakery saga came to an end this summer.
That said, Vicky and her city buns are not gone for good. She has moved operations to Carter St. and for the last several months has been selling baked goods at pop-up locations she announces weekly.
“I have no idea if this pivot will work. But I’m determined to try,” she shared this summer.
Couch Tomato
Ok, so this wasn’t so much a goodbye as a renaming, but if one day decades from now someone is reminiscing about that pizza place on Gay St. let the record show that 2024 was the year Couch Tomato became the Tomato Shack.
In May, West Chester Borough Council unanimously approved plans to tear down several Market St. buildings including Mitch’s Gym and replace them with a 185-unit apartment complex
Timothy’s.
Timothy’s, the West Goshen sports bar, favored by the Westtown-East Goshen (WEGO) Rotary, and West Chester University faculty, closed its doors this June after 13 years in operation.
“We are very sad to announce that Saturday 6/29 will be our last day of operation. We are so thankful to our community for the years of business,” they shared on Facebook.
WCU alumni Timothy Dever and Mark Gosik opened Timothy’s in 2011 after the closing of the Courtyard Inn and adjacent Pepperidge Farm outlet store freed up space in the Parkway Shopping Center.
The Brownfields at 611 E. Nields St.
This summer Borough Council voted unanimously to grant final land development approval to the construction of two warehouses on 27 acres at 611 E. Nields St. The brownfield site was once home to a Wyeth pharmaceutical plant. Now it will likely be a distribution center. The two buildings total 523,653 sq. ft. making it the largest building project in the Borough.
Sam’s Pizza Island
The longstanding Hannum bar/pizzeria closed in May. Known for its adult slushies, malt beverages, and extended hours, Sam’s definitely had a following.
“Growing up in the 80s on Washington St my pop would go to Sam’s on a Friday night and get a couple of pies and a couple of six packs. Sad to see you go but thankful for the over 40 years of serving the people,” one resident shared on Facebook.
AAA - West Chester Branch
A Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce member since 1979, the American Automobile Association Gay Street location closed its doors for good this spring. Downingtown is now the nearest location for TripTiks and other retail services.
Mitch’s Gym (the building)
This May, Borough Council gave final unanimous approval to a 185-unit apartment complex that will extend from Wayne St. to Potter Alley along Market St. Building the complex will require the Mitch’s Gym building, the old gas station, and Al’s Automotive all be demolished. A GoFundMe was started recently in hopes of purchasing and preserving the gym sign. Read more about the project here.
Let’s Roll
This year it was also goodbye to the short-lived eggroll concept shop, Let’s Roll in the Parkway Shopping Center. In its place AJ Pizza opened, but it seems they too will need to close their doors - or at least move them.
Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast
Faunbrook Bed and Breakfast was sold at a sheriff’s auction in February. Fortunately for fans of West Chester history, the home, originally owned by West Chester notable Smedley Darlington, was purchased by Stephanie and Matt Olenik, owners of the Bookhouse Hotel in Kennett Square. The couple announced earlier this year that they would be renovating and renaming the Victorian manor. Locals got their first look at “Bookhouse at Faunbrook” in Nov. when Stephanie and Matt hosted their first annual Darlington Book Ball.
Goodbye, 2024. All things considered, you weren’t too bad.
Did I miss anything? Let me know at [email protected]
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The Warnings.
Warning: Christmas tree pick-up is coming soon to a township near you.
Principal update. Which is to say there is no update but I wanted it on the record that we are still paying attention. To quickly recap, before I left for a little holiday break we learned that Rustin’s principal, Dr. Michael Marano had tendered his resignation. Not that a surprise mid-year resignation wouldn’t be enough to get people talking, but we subsequently learned the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police were investigating Dr. Marano and “speaking” with several members of the “Rustin school community.”
The news of the resignation was heavily covered including by the Philadelphia news media but it turns out they know no more about what is going on than we do. Now three weeks after the resignation, the big papers are silent and we still have no more than rumors to go on.
So this week I reached out to WEGO police for an update. “There is no update to provide at this time,” interim Police Chief David J. Leahy informed me before politely pointing me to the department’s Dec. 19 statement.
Use caution on W. Miner St. For the second time in two weeks, West Chester police were called to assist at an auto accident on W. Miner St. The first incident occurred on Dec. 19 at the corner of W. Bradford Ave and W. Miner, and the second on New Year’s Day in the area of Birmingham Rd. and W. Miner. Please take it slow, especially around the curves.
Cooking pasta isn’t as easy as it looks. Last Friday the West Chester Borough Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on the 700 block of S. Wayne St. When firefighters arrived they found a light smoke emanating from the kitchen where the night’s dinner sat smoldering on the stove. The fire was out by the time WCFD arrived and the location secured but I am guessing it will be take-out dinners for a while.
Hey, ho, that Christmas tree must go. Reminder: in the Borough Christmas tree collection occurs the first two weeks following New Year’s Day. Westtown picks up trees on Jan. 4 (yep, tomorrow), East Bradford on Jan. 11 and 17, and West Goshen takes them curbside on Jan. 11. Please remove all lights and decorations and place your tree out at your trash & recycling collection point. Note: if you live in Westtown and your tree is larger than 6’, you’ll have to cut it in half.
West Goshen residents who want to get rid of their Christmas tree sooner can bring it to the main parking lot of the West Goshen Community Park anytime through Jan. 5.
The Accolades.
 Rustin’s Chase Hatton was named the DLN Football Player of the Year. |  Henderson’s Josh Jarden was named the DLN Soccer Player of the Year. |
Two weeks ago, we celebrated the top West Chester athletes in tennis, golf, and volleyball. This week, we bring you soccer and football. (Field hockey was announced too but West Chester did not have any athletes make the first team.)
So, drum roll, please. Here are your Daily Local 2024 All-Area First-Team selections:
Soccer -
Matt Sweeney, WC East. With 30 points to his credit this year, Matt was a big offensive force for the Vikings. He was also a first-team All-Ches-Mont pick. Pat Sinnott, Henderson. The Warriors’ perceptive mid-fielder notched 16 assists and was Ches-Mont MVP runner-up. Cole Turner, Rustin. The junior midfielder was considered Rustin’s “best player” by opposing coaches. Sawyer Spiegel, WC East. The Vikings’ versatile midfielder was also a first-team all-league selection. Brody Stewart, Henderson. The two-time all-league defender was a key contributor in Henderson’s 18 shutouts. Dylan Arrison, Henderson. Speaking of shutouts, there wouldn’t be any without the Warrior’s top-notch goalkeeper.
Daily Local Player of the Year: Josh Jarden, Henderson. The senior forward was also named the Ches-Mont National MVP, to the All-State, and All-East Region teams. Perhaps summing up his play the best, his coach Chas Wilson.“They knew about him, they tried to stop him and they couldn’t,” he told the Daily Local.
Daily Local Coach of the Year - Chas Wilson, Henderson. After a 23-1 season, another Ches-Mont championship, and the Warriors’ first District title since 2016, was there really any doubt?
Football -
Brady Collins, Henderson. The senior running back had 1,413 yds and 18 touchdowns for the Warriors. Charlie Covington, Rustin. The senior offensive lineman led the Golden Knights’ running attack. Luke Spitzer, Rustin. The senior defensive lineman was a key component of one of the district’s top defenses. Nate Pechin, Rustin. The Golden Knights’ senior defensive back was another.
Daily Local Player of the Year: Chase Hatton, Rustin. The senior did a bit of everything for the Golden Knights this year. He ran (1,620 yards and 27 touchdowns), he caught (13 passes for 258 yards and three TDs), he tackled, and he intercepted (3 passes), all while leading Rustin to a 13-2 record and its first District Championship in 16 years.
Other things we are celebrating this week:
Presidential accolades. Last month, West Chester University alumna Tina Sloan Green learned she would receive the 2025 NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award. Presented annually to a “distinguished citizen of national reputation and outstanding accomplishment,” the Theodore Roosevelt Award is the highest honor bestowed by the collegiate athletic association. In the past, it has been given to Dwight Eisenhower, Jesse Owens, Gerald Ford, George H.W. Bush, Arnold Palmer, John Wooden, Madeleine Albright, and Tony Dungy.
While at WCU, Tina was a four-year standout in field hockey, lacrosse, and badminton. After college, she competed on both the US Women’s Field Hockey National Team and the US Women’s Lacrosse National Team before being named Temple’s lacrosse head coach in 1973. While there, she amassed an impressive 207-62-4 coaching record while leading the Owls to three National Championships and 11 consecutive NCAA Final Four appearances. She also co-founded and served as president of the Black Women in Sport Foundation. The NCAA will recognize Tina on Jan. 14 at their annual convention in Nashville.
The other Jarden. While Josh is making the most of his high school career, brother Ethan has been making waves on the collegiate level. Now a junior at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, the Henderson alumnus started in 22 of 24 matches for the Red Devils and was named First Team All-Region and 3rd Team All-American this year.
Great big belts and other feats of strength. Nope, this is not a 2025 fashion trend or maybe it will be if Rustin’s AJ Corp and Roman Seaman have anything to say about it. The wrestlers both took home title belts at the Donegal Holiday Tournament on Monday. Henderson wrestler Hayden Baldwin grabbed gold in the King of the Castle holiday tournament - no word if that too came with a flashy belt.
Speaking of throwing down over the holiday break, West Chester University Basketball’s Michelle Kozicki and Joshua Walker were both named Athlete of the Week by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in December. For the second time in a month, Michelle was recognized by the conference - first as the Defensive Player of the Week, then as Athlete of the Week, and it’s no wonder. The 6’ senior averaged 27 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in her last three games. On the men’s side, Joshua was selected after concluding the year with three game-changing performances including a 25-point/15-rebound double-double effort against Seton Hill. The men’s team is riding a 10-game winning streak heading into the new year. Both teams are back in action tonight against Shepherd at Shepherd. They return to Hollinger Field House on Monday. Women up first at 5:30 p.m.
New Year’s resolutions. West Chester reporter Bill Rettew interviewed several county, township, and Borough leaders about their plans for the New Year. West Chester mayor Lillian DeBaptiste wants to learn salsa dancing and win a dancing competition (got to love big goals), Borough Council president Patrick McCoy wants to get back to the gym, so does former WCASD superintendent Jim Scanlon, WCASD board member Alex Christy hopes to visit four new National Parks and eat more nachos. West Goshen chairwoman Ashley Gagne is going to try to write more, and West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee wants to quit texting friends and call instead. What are your resolutions? My goals are to reconnect with old friends and learn some French ahead of our trip this summer. On y va!
(Editor’s note: If this is not the correct usage of the phrase “On y va!” remember the goal is to “learn” some French. Update: According to my eagle-eyed and in-the-know copy editor: “Help is available via the Chester County Library System's subscription to Mango Languages. Yes, it's free. All that's needed is a library card.” )
Know someone who should be recognized? Let me know: [email protected].
Hello.
Second Reading II is rebranding and relocating the Gay St Plaza later this month.
With a new super-Wawa coming to the Parkway Shopping Center on S. High St., several local businesses have to rethink their futures.
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Goodbye.
Westtown East Goshen Police Chief Brenda Bernot prepares to address officers at an intimate walk-out ceremony held in her honor this week.
In a quiet ceremony Tuesday morning, attended by myself, police chief Brenda Bernot’s husband, and roughly two dozen officers, the Westtown-East Goshen Regional police force said goodbye to their chief and leader for the last 12 years. This week, I had a chance to catch up with the newly retired Chief Bernot on community policing, her time in Westtown-East Goshen, and what it takes to be an officer.
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Pay it Forward.
Share your art with your neighbors. West Chester Porchfest is looking for a new poster design for 2025 and they want your help. The 11 x 17” designs must include West Chester Porchfest as well as all relevant event details. Submissions due: Jan. 10. Visit the West Chester Porchfest website for complete details.
The Freakin’ Weekend.
How did I miss this fun window from City of London Investment Management Company Limited on Market St.?
What are you up to this weekend? We are diving right back into weekend activities with six basketball games this weekend. Eek. Fortunately one is a trip to Philadelphia to see Indiana University play Penn State! It’s a Christmas surprise I am very excited about. Go Hoosiers!
If you are around this weekend, there is still time to squeeze in a few more holiday bits. For example, Sleigh Bar is open for at least a couple more weeks, Bookstore Bakery has new titles for your reading pleasure, La Chic Boutique is restocked with Eagles gear ahead of the not-so-big game, and Gemelli has buy-one-get-one half-off pints. Ready to move on? Tilted Axes has opened its winter league sign-up for everyone resolving to be more active this year. And yes, throwing is definitely an exercise.
Finally, a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor the West Chester Public Library. The library has been serving the West Chester community in the same location since 1872. If you have not had a chance to visit, the building is amazing, the staff is great, and the inter-library loan system is very convenient. Check out their website for the latest events and updates.
 | WCPL has served our community continuously for 150 years! It started with just books. Today you’ll find so much more: programs, cake pans, hotspots to rent, free Wi-Fi, STEM Kits, printing/scanning, ebooks & audiobooks, and of course bestsellers and classics. |
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:
Jan. 4 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon
Jan. 10 – Comedy Jam, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7:30 – 9 p.m. Host Dana Charitonchick will bring to the stage some of the funniest talent from our area.
Jan. 10- 19 – Junie B. Jones, the Musical, Uptown, times vary by date. It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore, there’s a new kid on the bus, and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Tickets: $20/13 and older; $15/12 and younger
Jan. 11 or Feb. 8 – History Hikes, Harmony Hill Nature Area, 2 p.m. Get back to nature in the new year with a winter hike through the woods. Learn about the area’s stone ruins and track the West Chester trolley line. Hike is approximately 1.5 miles and last 2 hrs.
Jan. 11 – The Music of Simon and Garfunkel, Uptown, 7:30 p.m. Nashville duo, Swearingen & Kelli, recreate the legendary sound of Simon & Garfunkel with two voices, one guitar, and impeccable harmony. Tickets: $40
Jan. 14 – Medium Spy Dinner with Nellie Walter, Spence Cafe, 6:30 p.m. Tickets: $85. According to the post, this event sells out quickly!
Jan. 17 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon
Jan. 18 – Learn Chi Walking, West Chester Senior Center, 12:30 p.m. Join Carol Bilek, certified Chi Walking instructor for free Chi Walking demonstrations, open to public. Questions? Email Carol
Jan. 22 – Learn Chi Walking, West Chester Senior Center, 12:30 p.m. Join Carol Bilek, certified Chi Walking instructor for free Chi Walking demonstrations, open to public. Questions? Email Carol
Jan. 22 – The Perfect Old Fashioned Cocktail Class, Kildares, 7 p.m. Tickets include one classic old-fashioned, one original old-fashioned, one engraved whiskey glass, and two charcuterie boards. Cost: $55.
Jan. 23 – Ladies of History: Vera Atkins, Spymistress, Mimi’s Tea Cottage, 30 S. High St., First show – 2 p.m., Second show – 4 p.m. Join for afternoon tea and inspiration as you learn the history of Vera Atkins, WWII Spymistress. Reservations required. Vintage attire encouraged.
Jan. 28 – Dementia & Alzheimer’s Support Group, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., 6 – 7:30 p.m. Living with or close to someone living with dementia, please join others for a monthly support group. Contact Ann Hatfield at [email protected] to join virtually.
Jan. 31 – West Chester Grower’s Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. to Noon
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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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