View this email in your browser

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

The easiest way to be in the know.

Subscribe | Support | Forward to a Friend

It’s Friday, Feb. 2, 2024: This week we meet West Chester’s new superintendent of schools. After rotating leadership and a pandemic, does he have what it takes to get us back on course for success? Plus, 9 Prime disappointment, Bierhaul 2, and the health inspector finds fault with Pizza West Chester’s signature presentation - and ten other local restaurants. I bet at least one of your favorites made the list.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Portrait of a Superintendent

Dr. Christopher chats with a student at East Bradford Elementary. Photo: WCASD

On Dec. 4, 2023, Dr. David Christopher stepped into his new role - Superintendent of the West Chester Area School District. A role that, while the settings have changed - suburban Pittsburgh, suburban Harrisburg, suburban Philadelphia - he is familiar with.

“I’m a career educator,” he told me at the start of our call. “I’ve been doing this every year since I graduated college.” That is 28 years to be exact.

Of course, that is not to say the challenges are the same. While Cumberland Valley, from where he came, is also a large suburban school district, it is a district that has seen rapid, recent growth. As such, it is a district struggling with who it is. One of the accomplishments touted by Dr. Christopher during his four years at the CV helm is the introduction of a 9th-grade academy - a solution to an overcrowded high school. Growth, at least of that nature, is not a current struggle for WCASD. Here he sees different challenges.

“At West Chester specifically, I think there is a belief that we have not yet met our potential as a district,” he said. “Our staff is exceptional and so is our community, and our students are the best of the best. However, when I talk to our staff, I feel that it has been a tough couple of years for them without a strong sense of direction.”

Struggling like many to overcome COVID-created learning gaps, WCASD has also faced leadership instability (Dr. Christopher represents the district’s fourth leader in as many years), and an increasingly dissatisfied teaching staff. A semi-annual survey distributed by the district shows teachers have serious concerns with the district’s leadership and its communication. Just 43 percent of teachers agree with the statement “I feel that there is a clear direction from the central office with regards to goals, initiatives, and procedures.” And a 43, as any teacher can tell you, is failing.  

“It is critically important that I help our staff re-envision West Chester as the premier educational system that it is. I think our parents really want that as well,” said Dr. Christopher. To do this he believes we need to set a clear path forward. Conceive a new future. A future where every student graduating from the West Chester Area School District can succeed.

“I’m a competitive person. I want kids who graduate from West Chester to outperform everyone,” he said but to get there - we first need to know where we are going. Cue the buzzword.

“I think one of the things we are going to do is establish a ‘portrait of a graduate.’”

A “portrait of a graduate” is a collective initiative designed to map the attributes students need to find success. Photo: WCASD

Portrait of a Graduate

Rather than a checklist of achievements, a portrait of a graduate is a collective initiative designed to map the attributes needed by every student in a district to find success - or more squishily, fulfillment. “A collective vision that articulates our community's aspirations for all students,” is the grandiose definition used by the Norfolk Public Schools. According to Education Week, the exercise has been growing in popularity over the last decade as states and districts look to close learning gaps and better meet employer needs. Instead of math and reading scores, a portrait includes things like critical thinker, effective communicator, and engaged citizen.

“It’s the skills and disposition that every graduate needs to have to succeed,” said Dr. Christopher.

However, to work, the initiative requires input from many stakeholders. Views and experiences are needed from the community, business leaders, parents, teachers, and students - both those who are naturally high-achievers and those who may be currently disengaged. It is Dr. Christopher’s belief such an exercise, if done right,  will set West Chester back on a path to potential realized.

“It is really hard for folks to argue with co-created visions,” he said. He’s hoping not only will this co-created vision help realign a community fractured by COVID and national politics but that it will re-energize teachers, many of whom he sees as disillusioned by too many initiatives regardless of how well-intentioned.

“We need a clear vision for staff. Nothing is more frustrating than wanting to do a great job, and not knowing what a great job is,” he said.

Just sixty days in and it seems he has a pretty clear vision for himself. He has views on technology in the classroom. “I think if technology is just a substitute for what we did 10 years ago with pens and pencils we are not doing our jobs.” Cell phones at school: “We have to model good behavior.” And bullying: “I have zero tolerance for bullying, but just saying that is worthless.”

They are all challenges to which he sees solutions through a well-worn template. Agreed vision. Clear expectations. Follow through. “We have to have clear rules and consequences,” he said more than once.  

It’s a quick assessment but in a district with more than half a decade of turmoil. Perhaps, quick, decisive action and an eye to the future is what is called for.

“When you look at these jobs, we’re a steward. You have to look at how you set it up for who’s next. We all have to leave eventually,” he said. “I do feel good [about] where I left Cumberland Valley. I feel like [they] are in a better place than when I came. I hope to do the same in West Chester.”  

The line is silent as I try to catch up with my notes, then after a pause, as if to read my thoughts, he adds, “After a few more than four years.”

Dr. Christopher is a father to two teenagers - Caroline, 16, and Samuel, 13. In his spare time, he enjoys fly fishing, hiking, camping, skiing, and mountain biking. He’s also a foodie. “Obviously, the foodie hobby will be easier for me to expand here than the outdoors hobbies, but I am pretty confident I will be able to continue to do both here at West Chester.”

So are we. Welcome to West Chester, Dr. Christopher.

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Report: January

Pizza West Chester at 136 E. Market St.

The Chester County Health Department decided to start the year with a bang - or rather a series of infractions. Eleven local restaurants were found out of compliance this month. Check the list below for your favorites. I’m guessing at least one is there.

Chris’s Pizza, 633 S. Walnut, out, 8 violations including a refrigerator not cooling to safe temps, pizza slices left sitting at room temperature without a record of when they were put there, and the cook line and refrigeration areas in need of a good cleaning.

Pizza West Chester, 136 E. Market St, out, 10 violations including undated cheese, a heavy flour-like debris found on the floor throughout, and prep tables, ice maker, storage shelves, sinks, and sink surrounds all in need of a good scrub.  The inspector, also, wasn’t impressed with Pizza West Chester’s signature presentation. “Pizzas being boxed and sliced on front counter with no splash guard,” the report read. It seems the inspector has no appreciation for showmanship.

Vano’s Pizza and Restaurant, out, 12 violations, including employees touching rolls with bare hands, raw eggs stored above ready-to-eat foods, pizza left at room temperature without a record of when, and a bunch of cleaning tasks from the dough sheeter to the meat slicer to the floors below.

Kooma, 123 N. Church St, out, 2 violations including live cockroaches found in the storage closet behind the dishwashing area, and, perhaps even more surprising to me concerning a sushi restaurant that has been in business for more than 20 years, no approved plan for the acidification of its sushi rice. Sushi rice is mixed with vinegar to lower the pH and “acidify” it. It is a common industry practice without which the rice must be kept refrigerated.

The Social Lounge, 145 W. Gay St., out, 6 violations including ready-to-eat foods without a datemark and a gap observed below a door from the kitchen to outside. Gaps under doors easily lead to pests in the kitchen. “Fix immediately,” the inspector suggested.

Market Street Grille, 6 W. Market St., out, 18 violations, including prepared foods not being properly reheated and stored at an adequate temperature. These foods were discarded onsite. Thermometers were also noted missing in the kitchen and on the refrigerator. In addition, the cafe was left with several cleaning and repair tasks.  

Thomas’ Dairy Queen, 703 E. Gay St., out, 4 violations, including not having a certified food manager onsite and employees washing hands in sinks not designated for handwashing.

Paoli Pike Sunoco, out, 3 violations, including a broken freezer not keeping food cooled to a safe temp, and non-food contact surfaces showing accumulated dirt and soil.

West Chester Golf & Country Club, out, 5 violations, including a citrus press and ice scoop in need of cleaning and two cartons of whipped cream held more than a week past their sell-by date.

Dutch Family Meats, Westtown Amish Market, 1165 Wilmington Pike, out, 5 violations including containers labeled "Raw beef dog food" found in the display freezer alongside consumer packaged meats and “clean” pans marked with noticeable food residue. These were re-washed during the inspection.

Fisher’s Salad, Westtown Amish Market, 1165 Wilmington Pike, out, 7 violations including raw turkey stored over macaroni salad, pre-made puddings without an ingredient label, and pans of stuffed peppers, mashed potatoes, ham and beans, stewed tomatoes and more not properly cooled and stored. “Pans of food were discarded on-site,” the report states.  

Pretzel & Log House, Westtown Amish Market, 1165 Wilmington Pike, out, 3 violations including soda cups on a prep table without a lid, a ranch dressing bottle being re-used for marinara sauce, and marinara sauce stored on top of the pepperoni. All of which leads me to conclude, we get way too into our pretzels around here.

However, it wasn’t all bad news for the Amish Market: back in were Emma’s Healthy Choices, H&L Grill, J&R Bakery, and King’s Garden.  

Also, facing a second month of scrutiny, Ground Provisions. While down to just 2 violations, the vegan eatery on Old Wilmington Pike seems to be at odds with Chester County Health Inspectors over a date marking process. “Foods requiring date marking were beyond the date-marking and required discarding,” the inspectors wrote before also noting the facility is to submit documentation on foods kept longer than seven days. This leads me to believe there may be some disagreement over what should be considered acceptable storage length.  

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

Hearts You Hold Donors (like you) Fund Life-Changing Requests From Across the U.S.

Hearts You Hold supports migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylees in a concrete material way, by taking the time to ask them what they need or want. HYH, a Vermont-based nonprofit, has many requests from people all over the USA. Please consider funding one (or more!) of these life-changing requests.

You can help by funding critical things like boots for Amalia, or jeans for Raul or a bed to sleep in for 17-year-old Alan. These are examples of requests waiting to be funded on our request page.

Due to the generosity of donors like you, we have funded 2,508 requests since we founded this nonprofit!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

Eloise Ginty, FounderHearts You Hold

***This is a sponsored post***

The Warnings.

Crime is down in West Chester. Last month, West Chester Police Department quietly released its annual report which showed a decrease in both Part 1 and Part 2 crimes for the year. West Goshen Township Police Department also reported a decrease in both categories. For those not regularly policing crime data, Part I crimes are your serious crimes including homicide, rape, robbery, assault, and most thefts. Part II Crimes are all other incidents that get the police involved in your life in not a good way.

In the Borough and East Bradford, Part I crime was down two percent compared to 2022 - or 437 incidents compared to 445. Part II crime was down a more significant 13 percent or from 1324 incidents to 1155. In West Goshen, Part I Crime saw an applause-worthy 30 percent drop, while Part II was down a respectable 10 percent.

However, the news was not all positive. While on the whole numbers were down, specific categories saw significant increases. For example, WCPD reported a 250 percent increase in rape reports or up 10 over 2022. They also saw an increase in burglaries, robberies, and arson. Assaults, theft, and motor vehicle thefts were all down. West Goshen PD saw a decrease in all Part I crimes except for robberies which doubled from four reported in 2022 to nine reported in 2023.  

As far as nuisance crimes go, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct were up in the Borough while West Goshen saw an increase in drug violations and possession of stolen property. All other named offenses were down.

All things are not equal. According to the report, calls for service in West Chester’s downtown business district including traffic stops increased six percent in 2023. “There are reports of assaults and/or combative behavior in the early morning hours in the Central Business District,” the report reads. “With the popularity of our business establishments and the influx of patrons from throughout the tri-state area as well as West Chester University, the demand continues to increase. These issues, coupled with varying and often related neighborhood issues, presented the largest challenge to our department and community over this period.”

Driving offenses. Traffic violations have also spiked over the last year. West Chester PD reported a 37 percent increase in traffic arrests, a 13 percent increase in traffic warnings, and a 44 percent increase in verbal warnings. The only good news coming from the traffic statistics, and it is good news, was DUIs were down nine percent from 85 in 2022 to 77 in 2023.

You can read the full WCPD report here and the WGPD here.

Do you know this man? West Chester PD is seeking aid in identifying a mustachioed fellow in an IUP sweatshirt. He is wanted for questioning in connection with an incident that took place on the 500 block of S. High Street at around 1 a.m. on Jan. 28. No other details were given. If you have any information, please share it with Officer Turner at 610-696-2700.

Watch your step. West Goshen Sergeant Cheryl Taylor ended her police career this week. During her 33-year career (27 of them with WGPD), Sgt. Taylor worked patrol, criminal investigations, juvenile/community relations, and emergency response team. Best of luck on your retirement, Sgt. It sounds as if you’ve earned it.

The Accolades.

West Chester was named one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most “memorable” towns.

This week it’s cheers to us for being memorable -ish. West Chester appeared alongside Harpers Ferry, WV, and Lewes, DE as among the World’s Atlas’  most memorable small towns in the Mid-Atlantic. However, the writers seem to have been going off memory when describing our attributes. They commend us for events like “Super Sunday” and the “Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic” both of which ended before the pandemic. They also mention the Chester County Historical Society, or as it has been known since 2020, the Chester County History Center, and while I’ll forgive the out-of-town writers for calling Everhart Park “exotic,” sending visitors to “roam” the open fields of the Rolling Green Cemetery just feels like sloppy work. Oakburne, East Goshen, Marshall Square?? Don’t tell me you couldn’t find another park to tout. But cheers for standing out - even if half of those things we were remembered for no longer exist.

This week it seems city eyes are all kinds of focused on our small hamlet, congrats to:

• Ground Provisions. While they may still be sorting things with the health inspector, owners Rick Landau and Kate Jacoby have most certainly wowed Philadelphia’s food writers. The intimate vegan dining experience was named one of the best in the Philadelphia region by Philadelphia Magazine which deemed the food - “some of the most remarkable things ever done to vegetables.” Up on the top of my list of places to try.

• Andiario. Were I to tell you two West Chester restaurants made the list, would I even need the lead-in? They compared the experience of dining at Andiarios to watching a serious rock star who moved back home perform in a local garage band. Reminds me of the Capital One commercial with Slash auditioning to be in the band. And seems about right.

• Jessie Moses, the Westtown School freshman, was profiled this week by the Philadelphia Inquirer. The 5-10 point guard caught the paper’s attention with her natural leadership and slew of D1 offers. So far she’s received scholarship offers from Boston College, Syracuse, Michigan, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Villanova,  Penn State, St.Joe’s, Maryland, Rutgers, and Florida. The Westtown regular season is done but they are sure to be around for playoffs.

• Lauren and Riley Stackhouse. Speaking of players getting Philly's attention, the mother-daughter basketball duo from Rustin was also recently profiled by the newspaper. Riley, a senior, played her final home game on Thursday. Rustin concludes the regular season on Tuesday at Kennett.

• Steaks. While perhaps not the culinary acclaim achieved by his comrades up top, still a lot of Philly lovin’ as Fox 29’s Bob Kelly visited Steaks West Chester last week.

Correction: Last week’s newsletter incorrectly stated that the date of the last Henderson boys basketball home game was Feb. 2. It should have said Feb. 5.

Hello.

Things are happening at the former home of the Split Rail Tavern.

Hello again to James Mullally. The former Split Rail Tavern bar manager is returning to his old stomping grounds after a roughly two-year hiatus that led to him opening one of the most popular beer halls in the county, BierHaul Farmhouse. Thornton's successful European LagerHaus is the brainchild of James, who is originally from Ireland, and Loic Barnieu, the French-born restaurateur also with West Chester connections (Sterling Pig). Now the duo is ready to bring the European beer hall experience to West Chester.

“After less than two years of operation, BierHaul Farmhouse is getting a baby sister. Couldn’t be more excited to bring the food, brews & crews to the DUBC. Town needs it, we wanna bring it.” they shared on Facebook.

Expect a family-friendly indoor beer garden upstairs, a traditional bar downstairs with live music on weekends, and lots of events. More details to come. Follow them on social media at @bierhaul_townhouse for updates.

Also, this week it’s hello to the tax man, or woman - which for some of us - is now the Borough of West Chester. Apparently, the Borough has decided to start collecting its own taxes. The reasons given for accepting this new responsibility include saving money and a new software program that makes it possible.  

“There is a cost savings to the borough by doing it in-house,” Councilman Bernie Flynn told the Daily Local earlier this week. “The county is raising fees and we will have direct access to funding immediately,” he said.

So what does this mean to you? According to an FAQ posted on the Borough website, not much. Starting with the 2024 tax season, you will receive your property tax bills from the Borough of West Chester instead of Chester County.

Nothing else really changes. As before, your bill will indicate the due date and payment options. If you pay your property taxes through a mortgage company, you will still need to send them the tax bill when you receive it.  All previous tax exemptions still apply and if you want to appeal your tax assessment you still go through the Chester County Board of Assessment.

The only other change is where you direct your questions. For those, you can call the Borough Finance Department at 484-887-2796 or email at [email protected].

Goodbye.

Outside 9 N. High St. on Wednesday evening 

Goodbye, VIP status. After months of waiting, thousands of 9 Prime VIPs got a text just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

“The wait for 9 Prime is finally over! More VIP perks coming your way soon…” the text read. With it was a link to RSVP for a VIP Sneak Peek event being held from Feb. 6 through Feb. 8.

The event, a VIP Pre-Grand Opening, was described as a dress rehearsal for staff and for everyone else a “free taste of what’s soon to be the finest, freshest seafood, and highest quality cocktails in greater Philadelphia.”

Needless to say, all spots in the 300-seat Italian steakhouse, were gone in minutes. There were numerous reports of the reservation site crashing and/or timing out leaving most VIPs reservationless and not feeling very important at all.

“I tried 24 times,” one friend told me. “It was ridiculous.”

“I tried immediately, every day, every time,” said another. We tried too. Nothing.

“It was absolutely maddening trying to get a reservation and the app constantly saying too many people were using it,” shared one disappointed user on social media.  

After months of waiting and enduring promotional texts for the new N. High St. restaurant from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, the process left a lot of people cursing it as a marketing stunt - which clearly it was. Perhaps to make it right, on Thursday night another 6 p.m. text went out to “VIPs” this time allowing them early access to the reservation system and seatings from Feb. 12 through the 18. There were still volume issues. The system timed out frequently blaming too many requests and spots filled while you waited but we did finally get a table. Perhaps at the less-than-covetable time of 8:45 p.m. on a Monday, but a table nonetheless.

Doors officially open on Feb. 10. Reservations for the general public are not yet available on the website.

If you were so lucky to get a pre-opening invite and are willing to share your experiences, send me a note - [email protected]. I’d love to hear how it goes!

Also, it’s goodbye to the David Katz gallery on Gay Street but not to worry, the sun shines elsewhere. David Katz, aka the Sky Painter, continues to work and show out of his Studio/Barn in Marshallton.

“Still painting, Still teaching, still having fun,” he shared via email.

Also, it’s goodbye to Jaco - at least for now. On Sunday, the Gay Street juice and taco bar announced it would be closing for store maintenance and renovations.

“Store renovation and closure begins 1/29 Monday,” they shared on Instagram. Renovations are currently planned through Feb. 11, but they promised to keep customers informed as work moves along.

“We will be sure to post updates throughout the process,” the post said.

And in more disappointing food news, it is goodbye to La Baguette Magique’s bread. “Our deck oven is broken and beyond repair. We’re working on purchasing a new oven. Once we have a lead time, we will be able to update you,” the French bakery shared on social. Not even going to guess what this means for Steak West Chester’s cheesesteaks.

The tiny silver lining for the rest of us? Croissants, brioches, and pastries are still available. Phew.  

Finally, in a sad goodbye, long-time West Goshen dispatcher and receptionist Catherine “Kate” Meinhart passed away last month at the age of 81.

“We were so sorry to learn of Kate Meinhart's passing,” West Goshen Township Police Department shared on Facebook. “She dispatched for us for many years before becoming the township receptionist. Kate embodied all that is good in the world; she showed a genuine interest in others, always had a kind word, and had one of the best laughs we have ever heard.”

Pay It Forward.

A football signed by the Eagles’s Jason Kelce could be yours.

Yes, the Eagles are out of Super Bowl contention - and so, in my opinion, is every other team worth rooting for, but Uptown, for one is not ready to give up on the gridiron. Very much the opposite. They are looking to shake it up, throw it down, and celebrate another year of, well, everything at their annual Light Up the Night Gala planned for Feb. 17, and this includes going long with an authentic football signed by Eagles’ Center Jason Kelce.  

“The Philadelphia Eagles have donated a signed Jason Kelce football with a certificate of authenticity for our silent auction,” said Board Member Leslie Telthorser.

Also included in the auction are a train party valued at $650, a foursome at the Kennett Golf Club, a $600 value, and reserved parking in the Uptown, downtown lot - priceless. However, the evening is not about things, it’s about music, food, and another year of local theater and events.

“Our gala is a celebration that brings the community together for great food, with great friends, and really great music. We think it’s a wonderful way for our supporters to be involved in our success and at the same time have a fun evening,” said fellow Board Member Holly Brown.

The evening begins with signature cocktails and jazz at the Chester County History Center before continuing at Uptown where the band “Uptown” is ready to keep the party going with an unforgettable R&B show.

“Indeed, we found a band out there with the same name as us!” they shared on their website.

Tickets are $125/each. All proceeds benefit Uptown.

“As a non-profit, we count on our gala to help fund our programs, support our staff, and maintain the building,” said Holly.

More of a player than a watcher? West Chester Parks and Rec is accepting band submissions for this year’s Turk’s Head Music Festival. Know people? Know talented musical people? Spread the word. Let’s make the festival great this year! Submissions are being accepted through Feb. 16.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Feb.10 @ 7:30 p.m. | First Ladies of Rock and Soul & Bill Haley Jr. & the Comets 

Celebrate the dawn of rock with the timeless hits of The Supremes, Ronettes, Shirelles, and more. Plus, a rousing, crowd-pleasing set of 1950s favorites! Get your tickets now! 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Friday night vibes

What are you up to this weekend? We are going skiing. It’s been a year, and growing up in the flat end of the Midwest, I was never really skilled at it to begin with, but I am excited to embrace the cold for at least a few hours before warming up with a whipped cream-topped, hot chocolate.

If you are around this weekend, Love Again Local has a new Taco “Burger.” It’s a Beyond Burger with housemade pico de gallo, pickled jalapenos, avocado, and cheese. It looks delish and it’s only available this weekend. Plus, Onyx & Honey is performing at Artillery Brewing on Friday night, it’s First Friday downtown and Gemilli Gelato is open again after a brief winter break.

And this week a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Something’s Awry Productions. Something’s Awry is an animation and VFX studio that built its reputation finding beauty and humor in the unexpected. Don’t believe me? Check out their VFX reel that includes some of their viral videos that have racked up over 45 Million views and counting! 

Something’s Awry

Locally owned Something’s Awry Productions is an artist-driven animation studio that creates amazing 3D branded content and original IP for companies and studios worldwide. They are known for wowing their clients with unexpected beauty and their slightly ‘awry’ and off-beat humor. Take a look at their work at https://somethingsawry.com/

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here. Want to get your business out in front of this wonderful community? I don’t blame you. Ad space is open for 2024!! Send me an email if you are interested.

Get your annual subscription now! Thank you to everyone who has signed on for a year of West Chester news, events and restaurant inspection reports. For those who have yet to make your yearly contribution, you can do that below either through the link or use Venmo. ($12 gets you a year of fun, excitement and clean eating. That’s like a quarter an issue.)  

Plus, new perks coming for verified subscribers - like text delivery. (Hopefully that will eliminate any spam issues! Stay tuned!)

Pay for your subscription here

Mark your calendars:

• Feb. 2 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester. The Dave Wilson Group will be performing at 4 W. Prescott Alley starting at 7:30 p.m. Free street-level, metered parking after 5 p.m.

• Feb. 2 - Onyx&Honey, Artillery Brewing, 7 p.m.

• Feb. 2 - Red Smith & Friends, Brickette Lounge, 9 p.m.

• Feb. 3 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.

• Feb. 3 - We Go Together - Valentine's Cookie Decorating Class, Pine + Quill (23 N. Walnut St.) 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Cover the sugar cookie basics, do some piping practice and strategize the best ways to decorate. Cost: $55

• Feb. 3 - Peter Peak, Artillery Brewing, 6 p.m.

• Feb. 3 - Absolute Adele Tribute, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40; $5 more at the door; $5 service fee.

• Feb. 4 - Memorial Concert for Dr. Vincent Craig, WCU Madeleine Wing Adler Theater, 3 -4:30 p.m. This concert is a tribute to the life, artistry, and legacy of Dr. Vincent Craig. It features students and colleagues whose lives were forever changed by knowing and working with him. This is a free, public event. Tickets are not required.

• Feb. 5 - Line Dancing & 2-step with Steve Carroll, Brickette Lounge, 6:30 p.m.

• Feb. 6 - Constellation Men's Ensemble, WCU Swope Music Building, 7 - 9 p.m. Constellation is a Chicago-based vocal group performing music by Paul John Rudoi, Alex Berko and WCU faculty composers Robert Maggio and Adam Silverman. This is a free event. Tickets are not required.

• Feb. 7 - Candlelit Yoga, Mayday Coffee Shop (123 N. High St.) BYOM (Bring your own mat). Class: $18. Register here.

• Feb. 8 - Open Mic hosted by John Faye, align.Space, 7 p.m. The featured artist is local favorite Elise Acoustic.

• Feb. 8 - Galentine's Day, Carlino's Market (128 W. Market St.) 7 - 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include h'dourves, wine spritzer, sweet treats, raffle tickets, and goodie bags!

• Feb. 9 - In Love With Broadway, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy an enchanting evening filled with the most iconic Broadway love songs. Tickets: $30 in advance, $35 at the door

• Feb. 9 - WCU Choir Concert, WCU Madeleine Wing Theater, 7:30 - 9 p.m. Featured music includes Bach’s motet Komm, Jesu, Komm with strings, Emma Lou Diemer's uplifting setting of Emily Dickinson's poem There Is a Morn for Us Unseen, and the first complete performance of American composer J.C.D. Parker’s majestic cantata St. John with orchestra in over 125 years. This is a free event. Tickets are not required.

• Feb. 9 - Roux Comedy Club, Artillery Brewing Co. (333 Granite Alley), 8 -9:30 p.m. Tickets $15 online; $20 at the door. Headliner: Shawn Banks

• Feb. 9 - Dia Doce + Cathey's Coffee Date Night, 100 S. High St., 6 -7 p.m. It's four cupcakes paired with four coffee cocktails. $60/couple. Nevermind. It's sold out.

• Feb. 10 - Pine + Quill's Galentine's, 23 N. Walnut, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy shopping discounts, refreshments, and design your own earrings with LoveLeigh Craft Co. No registration required.

• Feb. 10 - Popovich Comedy Pet Theatre, WCU's Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 7 p.m. Heralded as "a Cirque show with animals!” Popovich is an award-winning, family-oriented act that features stunning animal tricks. Tickets start at $15.

• Feb. 10 - First Ladies of Rock & Soul, Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy timeless classics by The Supremes, Ronettes, Shirelles, and more! Plus, Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets. Tickets: $40 - 45

• Feb. 11 - Valentine's Day Floral Workshop, Mayday Coffee Shop, 123 N. High St., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Learn to create a floral arrangement with Mayday Head Florist Linda Craig. Sessions run 1.5 hours. Tickets: $105

• Feb. 13 - Peirce & Henderson Orchestra Concert, Henderson, 7 p.m.

• Feb. 13 - Bingo, West Chester VFW, 837 Lincoln Ave. West Chester., 6 p.m. No entrance fee. Pay by the card. All proceeds go to support VFW Auxiliary 106.

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

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors

Copyright (C) " target="_blank">unsubscribe