West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 2, 2026

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It’s Friday, Jan. 2, 2026: Hello, 2026! Still wrapping my brain around that one, but after two weeks of “Best Of” and Annual Recaps, it’s nice to have something brand new to dig into, isn’t it? This week, we get an update on the much-needed and long-overdue West Chester Parks Plan. Also, what’s next for the space formerly known as Iron Hill, West Chester Citizens of the Year, a new Borough event for 2026, and restaurant reports are out for December. Expired foods still in service, foods stored in open metal cans, and pink biofilm found growing around the ice shoot. Nine restaurants were left with “clean more” resolutions.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday and a very merry New Year. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see what 2026 brings—and then share it with you!

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Whatever happened to the West Chester’s Parks Plan?

THE DANCE CENTER: Celebrating 50 Years in Chester County!

Nurturing, Professional Faculty  ~ 
4 Spacious State-of-the-Art Studios  ~ 
Performing Opportunities with Brandywine Ballet

CHILDREN’S CLASSES ARE OUR SPECIALTY! 

Starting in our PRE-DANCE Program, your child will experience an appreciation for classical music with age-appropriate beginner lessons that will set the foundation for success. Our 3 to 6-year-old program is carefully designed so the students learn in a fun, but lightly structured atmosphere where dance studio etiquette is taught from the start. 

Our Levels 1 through 6 follow the same techniques that build from year to year and culminate in our Pre-Professional Division. We are not a competition school that teaches routine after routine, ignoring the technique behind the steps. Our studio offers all our students many dance performance opportunities with Brandywine Ballet Company and  Brandywine Contemporary Company, as well as a Student Recital at the end of the year. 

Register Now at www.thedancecenter.org 

Donna L. Muzio, Director & Founder ~ [email protected]

**This is a sponsored post.**

The Warnings.

Hello.

Last year, long-time producer and director of photography at QVC and burgeoning film director Michael Zolomij made his comedic debut with a short 3-minute, 12-second film set and shot at Hop Fidelity on Market Street. The film, RIP: Kevin The Man, explores life at a record store after a favorite employee is believed dead. The microfilm was named a West Chester Film Festival People’s Choice Award runner-up for 2025. 

Michael is now back with a new micro-budget comedy, and once again, Hop Fidelity employee Kevin Suplee will star. This time, in the 8-minute prequel, we will learn how Kevin, in fact, became The Man.

“This film is about finding your joy when everything feels lost,” said Michael.

Becoming The Man: A Prequel will premiere tonight at Hop Fidelity. The showtime is 8 p.m. It has been submitted to the West Chester Film Festival and First Glance Film Festival in Philadelphia, with a wider release still TBD. 

Also, it seems West Chester’s skyrocketing EMS bill is getting a little reprieve after West Chester University worked out a plan to pay for the services it uses. After discovering earlier this year that West Chester University has not been reimbursing West Chester Borough or any of the neighboring townships for EMS expenses logged by staff and on-campus students, university officials previously stated they would rectify the situation. It seems they have now done so. 

Early this month, the Daily Local News reported that the West Chester University Foundation would pay $31,554 to cover the university’s emergency medical expenses. This includes $25,348 to West Chester borough, $3,980 to West Goshen, and $2,226 to East Bradford Township. While it does not seem payment for past services is forthcoming, the article does state the University intends to make an annual contribution going forward. You can read more about how the figure was calculated here. 

You can find a breakdown of the area’s top EMS service users here. Currently, the only ones paying for service are resident taxpayers and West Chester University. West Chester has promised to reach out to other heavy users to ask that they contribute as well. 

Finally, who’s ready to start penciling in the year? West Chester Parks and Rec has released its event calendar for 2026. New this year is a USA 250 Parade, Gala, and Drone Show. According to the events schedule, the day’s events, planned for Aug. 2, will include a parade followed by a gala at 6 p.m. atop the Chestnut St. garage and a 9:15 p.m. drone show launched from the Bicentennial garage. 

Also, not new, but coming back due to near universal ire, the Wednesday night West Chester Halloween Parade. Like in years past, the parade will take place on the Wednesday before Halloween, with Thursday night as the rain date. In 2026, that is Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. Rain date: Oct. 29. 

Goodbye.

The Accolades.

For more than 40 years (and maybe a lot longer), the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has presented one outstanding West Chester resident with “Citizen of the Year” honors. These are individuals who have made a lasting, positive impact on the West Chester area. This year, the Chamber chose three. 

The Sammarone Family—Mark, Tracy, and their daughter Chelsea—were selected for their collective efforts. Mark and Tracy began their community giving a little over a quarter century ago with the West Chester Bicentennial celebration. They have since given to a wide swath of West Chester organizations, from the Downtown Foundation to the YMCA, the Rotary Club to the Community Warehouse Project, bringing their daughter along on the way.

“Helping others gives us joy,” says Tracy. “Participating with so many other great volunteers is always wonderful. The West Chester community has such an amazing energy. We are just some of a great many who help to make our town as great as it is!” 

There is definitely truth in that. Congrats to the Sammarone family and all the amazing families that pitch in to make West Chester a special kind of place.

Past recipients include former West Chester mayor Dr. Clifford E. DeBaptiste, former West Chester Area School District superintendent James Scanlon, and founder of Penn Office Products Mac Neilon.

The chamber also recognized Home of the Sparrow as Community Service Organization of the Year and JDog Junk Removal and Hauling as Business of the Year.

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Gridiron dominance. This week, the Daily Local News announced its all-area football teams. Five West Chester athletes representing all three schools were among the first-team all-area selections. Congratulations to:

• Will Garner, Rustin. The Rustin senior contributed an impressive 1,588 yards and 25 touchdowns to the Golden Knights’ offense this year.

• Chase Kearney, Henderson. The Henderson senior led the area in receiving yards with 849. He also had six touchdowns for the Warriors.

• Tyler Duell, East. The Viking senior was a dominant force on the offensive line. He will play for Rutgers in the fall. 

• Andrew Shallo, Rustin. The senior was the leader of Rustin’s tough offensive line.

• Jimmy Boland, Rustin. A versatile defensive back for the Golden Knights, the Rustin senior was applauded for his ability to come up with the big play.

Leaving a legacy. The Philadelphia Orchestra has announced it will once again perform American composer and noted West Chester resident Samual Barber’s acclaimed violin concerto, only this time he won’t be there to enjoy it. The first time the orchestra undertook the challenging piece was for its 1941 debut. They will now revisit the work as part of the orchestra’s 125th anniversary celebration. Shows including Barber’s concerto run Jan. 9 through Jan. 11. Samuel Barber was born in West Chester in 1910. He died in 1981 at the age of 70.

Seeing your name in print. Congratulations to Rustin grad Adam Waxman on making his sports writing dreams come true. After writing for Flyers Nation for several years, Adam was recently hired as a hockey writer for Sports Illustrated. “Proud parent moment. My son, Adam, a recent Penn State grad, is writing for Break Away on Sports Illustrated, covering the Philadelphia Flyers,” his mom shared on social media this week.

Most clicked. Perhaps not surprisingly, the most clicked item in the Dec. 19 newsletter was related to West Goshen Township’s attempt to identify a porch pirate active just before the holiday.

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Pay it Forward.

According to Statista.com, the most common New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to “exercise more,” followed closely by “save more money” and “eat healthier.” If you are among the nearly 50 percent of Americans looking to add a little pep in your step this year, I chatted with Brian Louis, owner of Gladiator Fitness (and our newest Community Sponsor!), on how to get started and keep it going for longer than a week. (Sorry, no tips for saving for improving your diet, but I think the basics, like setting measurable goals and finding an accountability partner, apply to all.) 

Set specific, measurable goals that aren't too grand. Start small. Consistency is key. Build a new habit with realistic, achievable goals. For example, if your goal is to run a 5K in 2026, start the New Year walking or jogging 2 to 3 days a week. Don't go all out right away, or you'll get burned out (and probably be too sore to continue!).

Block out times on your calendar to meet your specific, measurable goals. Treat them like any other important appointment.

Find something you enjoy. Fitness doesn't have to be torture. You'll be more apt to continue if you're having fun.

Mix it up! A little cardio. A little strength. A lot of flexibility. 

Get an accountability partner. Find someone you can check in with daily, whether it's a workout partner (hello, group classes with Gladiator Fitness) or someone you can talk to about your commitment. 

Get started. The first step is the hardest. No sense waiting. Get that first step under your belt and then keep going.

Thanks, Brian! 

No matter what your goals for the year, or if you’re a resolution person or not, here’s to a happy and fulfilling 2026!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? For us, it looks like the holiday slowdown is coming to a screeching halt, but I am looking forward to one last hurrah with the girls before the lights and decorations are put away and life turns to the mundane cadence that is January.

If you are looking to extend the season, Dia Doce has its New Year flavors available through the end of the day. I mean, how can a year that starts with a smiley sundae cupcake be anything but good? Also, tonight Hop Fidelity has Bring Your Own Vinyl Night and the premiere of Kevin The Man: The Prequel. Next door, Bier and Loathing will be rocking 2026 with a little karaoke. If you are looking for a quieter vibe, The Green House is hosting a “Make Your Own Pot” workshop, and then on Saturday, Nightingale Materials has its Saturday Morning Kids Craft.

Finally, this week, a special thanks to our newest Community Sponsor - Gladiator Fitness! Gladiator Fitness is a boutique fitness studio led by personal trainer Brian Louis. Brian offers both individual and group training sessions with a focus on functional fitness, high-intensity training, sports-specific training, road and trail race training, and obstacle course training. Follow Gladiator Fitness on Instagram or call (610) 585-1152 to learn more. 

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. 2 – First Friday, Downtown West Chester. Extended shop hours. Free metered parking after 5 p.m.

Jan. 3 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.

Jan. 6 – Storytime Winter registration. West Chester Public Library. 10 a.m. Mark your calendars and be sure to be waiting at your computer when registration opens.

Jan. 6 – Teen & Tween Bath Bombs, West Chester Public Library, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Learn how to make bath bombs using common household ingredients. Registration required.

Jan. 9 – WCPL Virtual Trivia Night, 7 – 8 p.m. This event is hosted by the West Chester Public Library.

Jan. 9 – 18 – Pinkalicious the Musical, Uptown Theater, times vary by date. Heartwarming production based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann. Tickets: $25/child; $30/adult. Running time 1 hr. No Intermission.

Jan. 13 – Understanding Dementia: A Community Education Program, West Chester Public Library, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Registration required.

Jan. 17 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut, 10 a.m. – noon.

Jan. 20 – Science on Tap – Computer Science, Barnaby’s Restaurant, 6 p.m.Each session will feature a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and new research. The program invites audience participation and, of course, food and drink will be available for purchase. Cheers to science!

Jan. 24 – Turks Head Comedy, Turks Head Cafe, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets required.

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!

This newsletter has been edited by Victoria Rose, Flickering Words: Copy editing. Substantive editing. Proofreading. Content writing. Technical editing. Contact her at [email protected] or @VictoriaRoseEdits to learn more.

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