West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Jan. 9, 2026

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It’s Friday, Jan 9, 2026: It’s Friday, Jan. 9, 2026: While originally thought to be more of the same, 2025 turned out to be kind of a significant year for Downtown West Chester. This week, we sift through the changes with Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien, get his predictions for 2026, and of course, press him for the scoop on all the latest openings. 

Also, a West Chester institution shuts its doors after more than a century of community, charity, and banging musical performances, Friends Association packs up and moves, and we congratulate a slew of new local leaders.   

Welcome to the News Year! Yes, there’s a lot of bad happening in the world. There is also a lot of good, if you just know where to look. Let’s keep the good vibes going! Have a friend or neighbor always missing out? Share your referral link and you both win! 

Reader suggestion: Last week, after our monthly restaurant inspection report, I got a suggestion from a reader who splits his time between West Chester and Arizona. Arizona, much like Pennsylvania, does not require restaurants to prominently post their inspection reports. His news source there, much like Hello, West Chester here, shares a monthly report of restaurants that received failing grades. They also, he shares, report on the restaurants that received an A+. I love this idea! I already include a list of restaurants that are back in compliance. I will now also include those who never left, should you want to congratulate them on their due diligence. Pennsylvania, of course, couldn’t make it so intuitive as providing grades, so, I am just going to go with 0 violations. An ‘A+’ feat, to be sure. 

To kick this little bit of joy off, I am sharing the four locations that managed to get through their annual health inspection without a single violation: Sodexo at Haven Behavioral, Remed Recovery Care Centers, the County Cup, and Van Buren Bagel at the West Chester Growers Market.

Big Things Predicted for Downtown West Chester in 2026

It seems for the last few years, when I’ve met with Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O'Brien for our annual state-of-the-state catch-up, our conversations have trudged over familiar grounds—vacancy rates (still low), events (still important), and retail support (an evergreen priority). This year was different.

Despite those rather standard premonitions, 2025 was a big year for Downtown West Chester, marked by a new (at times glitch-prone) approach to parking, a couple of 10,000 sq ft closures, and a massive expansion plan. Now that the dust has settled, it is time to look ahead with five predictions for the new year.

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Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. This week, a West Goshen township manager gets a contract extension, and supervisors pump the brakes on a proposed car wash. 

West Goshen Township Manager gets a new two-year agreement

At the January 5 organizational meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a new two-year employment agreement for Township Manager Christopher Bashore. The agreement outlines salary and benefits, and provides a six-month severance if terminated without cause.

Salary:

• 2026 base salary: $185,181.

• Mr. Bashore was appointed Township Manager in 2022 with a salary of $150,000.

That reflects an increase of approximately 23.45 percent over four years.

Benefits:

• Fully funded township provided health insurance (medical, prescription, dental, vision).

• Retirement (pension, social security, 457 plan), life insurance, and other non-uniform employee benefits (short and long term disability).

• 4-day work week.

• 224 hours vacation, 120 hours sick leave, 12 paid holidays, and 32 hours personal leave annually.

• Township provided vehicle.

• Professional dues and conferences paid by the township.

Car wash zoning amendment avoided (for now).

Also quietly folded into Monday’s organizational meeting agenda was a request from Flagship Pennsylvania Propco, LLC, (Spotless Car Wash) to amend the zoning ordinance to allow for car washes as a conditional use in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District. This use is currently limited to the C-5 General Highway District.

The request stemmed from a proposed redevelopment of the former Rite Aid site at 1307 Phoenixville Pike, and followed a recommendation from the Land Planning Committee to advance the matter to the Board.

After a 75-minute presentation and discussion, the Board voted 3–2 not to proceed with the zoning amendment. While the Board declined to move this specific case forward now, the draft zoning rewrite already contemplates car washes in the C-1 district, meaning the issue will almost certainly be taken up again in the future.

Looking ahead. Speaking of, a joint meeting of the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission is scheduled for January 28, where the broader zoning ordinance update, including uses contemplated for the C-1 District, will be discussed.

Hello.

The Friends Association is ready to help more families say, ‘welcome, to my home.’ On Dec. 18, the 200-year-old homelessness prevention organization closed on the sale of its W. Chestnut St. property and began renovations on a new home at 825 Paoli Pike. 

Goodbye.

As the saying goes, “A burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many.” According to their website, this is at the core of the Moose organization, a fraternal society that offers community, service, and, in West Chester anyway, killer live music.

The Accolades.

This week, we are celebrating those stepping in to take the lead. As Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste put it so vividly at this week’s Borough Council organizational meeting, “These members that sit before you are selfless in their duty to this community because…” she said. “What any of us get paid isn’t worth one really, really luxurious vacation. I mean, you might have a really great time in Delaware, but you can’t go to Tahiti on the pay we get, but we don’t do it for the money.” 

I believe there is truth to that, so this week we are celebrating all the individuals who were elevated at their respective organizational meetings: 

• Nicole Scimone and Bernie Flynn will take over as President and Vice-president of Borough Council, respectively. 

• Shaun Walsh and John Hellmann will continue as Chair and Co-chair of West Goshen Township. 

• Ed Yost will serve as Westtown Chair, with Jodi Naworki as Vice Chair, and… 

• (Sorry, East Bradford. I tried, but no one got back to me.)

• For the West Chester Area School Board, Daryl Durnell was elected President and Gary Bevilacqua as Vice President. 

Also, a shout-out to our new elected leaders Jerry Szczepaniak, Stephen Marvin, and Lisa Kearns in West Chester, Jodi Naworki in Westtown, and Debbie Maynard in East Bradford. The school board swore in three new members: Dr. Beth Campbell, Ashley Lahm, and Jewell Parkinson.

Let’s bookend this section with another quote from another Mayor DeBaptiste, this time from former West Chester mayor Clifford DeBaptiste, who was on hand Tuesday to help swear in his daughter: “You have a tough job. So, you’ve got to hang in there.”

Congratulations and good luck to all those stepping up to the challenge. 

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Stand-out play in golf, tennis, field hockey, and more. Over the last few weeks, I shared West Chester’s best in boys' soccer and football. Now, we have the first-team All Ches-Mont selections for the fall season’s remaining sports:

• Girls Golf: Mina Benedetto, Rustin; Taylor Yanocha, Henderson

• Boys Golf: Charlie Isler, Henderson; Cole Berry, Rustin

• Girls Soccer, National Division: Midfield: Chloe Byrne, East; Olivia Hnat, Henderson

• Girls Soccer, American Division: Forward: Ava Pascarella, Rustin, Natalie Duff Rustin; Midfield: Jenna Kraft, Rustin, Zoe McGraw, Rustin; American Division Co-MVPs: Ava Pascarella and Natalie Duff, Rustin; Coach of the year: Billy Hegarty, Rustin

• Field Hockey, National Division: Midfield, Avery Reitnour, Henderson

• Field Hockey, American Division: Defense, Sophia Canterino, Rustin 

• Girls Tennis, National Division: Singles, Erika Dunwoody; Doubles, Ciara Kirby-Jane Palmer, Henderson; Ava Mingrino-Erin McCartney, Henderson. 

• Girls Tennis, American Division: Singles, Alex Han, Rustin

• Girls Volleyball, National Division: Katie Peak, East

• Girls Volleyball, American Division: Avery Stromberg, Rustin, Ava Theiller, Rustin

• Girls Cross Country: Sophia Hnetinka, Rustin

• Boys Cross Country: Jack Brannon, East; Ezekiel Shappell Smith, Henderson; Logan Miller, Henderson; Luke Zajac, Henderson 

High-fives to all the selected athletes!

Hooping it up. Speaking of standout play, if you are a basketball fan, plan to make a trip to Westtown this year, where the Lady Moose continue to make it look easy. Westtown has won four straight Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association (PAISAA) state championships and is out to make it five. They are led by some top-tier talent, including Ohio State-bound point guard Atlee Vanesko and junior Jordyn Palmer. Jordan is currently ranked #6 in ESPN’s 2027 recruiting class.

Dressing success. A vintage Eagles Starter jacket from Jawn Supply was spotted on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts this week as he headed to Sunday’s game. See the fully styled look here. 

Feathers and string bands. Congratulations to Westtown East Goshen Police Officer Devon Hindman on being named to the Uptown String Band Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. According to their Instagram page, Uptown is Bucks County’s only Mummers group. Not sure how this Chester County officer got involved, but congratulations nonetheless. See Officer Hindman in all his New Year’s Day glory here.

The roads and alleyways less traveled. In his new exhibit, “West Chester Discoveries,” King of Prussia-based artist Fred Jackson captures West Chester as seen from its alleyways. The from-behind perspective captures the architecture and everyday life of West Chester. Read more about Fred and his process in the Daily Local News. See the paintings now through Feb. 28 at the Church Street Gallery.

Most clicked. Last week’s most-clicked story was the West Chester Park and Rec’s event calendar for 2026. You can find it here, if you missed it. 

Pay it Forward.

I mentioned this in the lead article, but putting it here as well. The Borough of West Chester is looking for volunteers to plan events associated with this year’s semiquincentennial. If you are interested in helping out, complete this form. 

Event planning not your thing? Don’t worry. The Borough also needs help with Civil Service, town-gown relations, library services, Zoning Hearing Board, Human Relations, and trees. If any of that is of interest to you (see the complete list here), send your resume and a letter of interest to Dana DiDomenico at [email protected]. Use “Resume for Vacancy” as your subject line.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? I will be continuing my new-year purge. It’s my once-a-year realization that we have way too much stuff. I also put it on the calendar to meet up with the West Chester Walking Club on Saturday. I’ve been meaning to get back out for a while; now let’s just hope the rain holds off. What clubs and activities have your attention right now? Let me know. I am working on a new article for you! 

Around town this weekend? Slow Hand has Morel playing live tonight at 9 p.m. Station 142 is hosting country music band Shot of Southern, and if you have littles in tow, Uptown is staging Pinklicious all weekend long. For the slightly older crew, Melton Center has its LevelUp game night tonight. Can’t shake that holiday spirit? Sleigh Bar is open through Sunday.  More in a munching mood? Two Birds has a new winter lunch menu. I could go for some warm Brussels sprouts or a rosemary and garlic pork sandwich. Thinking of burrowing instead? Mistral French & Fast has Ratatouille again.  Thinking a nice chewy baguette would go well with that? Don’t forget La Baguette Magique is closed until Tuesday.

Finally, 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? Just watch their new animated short for Snapdragon or check out their VFX reel. It includes some of their most popular videos from 2024 with over 1 billion combined views!

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. 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. 10 - West Chester Walking Club, Rose's Little Donuts, 9:30 a.m. Meet at Rose’s Little Donuts, walk around the borough and then end back at Rose’s. Rumor is there might be discounts for walkers!

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

Jan. 14 - Puzzle Palooza, Oakbourne Mansion, 6-8 p.m. Assemble a team of 2 to 4 and race to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. $15 per team. Registration required. 

Jan. 15 - Joe Conklin Comedy Show, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45.

Jan. 16 - Midlife Cafe: Rising Into Your Power, Be Rooted Movement Studio, 432 W. Gay St., 2 - 3:30 p.m. This 90-minute group coaching session is designed to help women explore what confidence and empowerment mean in their current season of life. This is a free event although donations are welcome. Registration required.

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

Jan. 17 - Silent Book Club meeting, Chester County Welcome Center, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. No reading assignments. Read what you want. Reading starts at 10:30 and runs for an hour. Chatting time available before and after.

Jan. 18 - ‘Split the G’ Competition, Kildare’s, 5 p.m. Two rounds. Prizes to first and second. This took off on TikTok last year. The idea is to leave your beer level resting midway through the ‘G’ on the Guinness pint. The trick is you only get one drink to do it. 

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. 21 - 3rd Wednesday Book Discussion, West Chester Public Library, 1 - 2 p.m. January book selection: Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green. This is a free event. Registration is required.  

Jan. 22 - Beans Story Slam, Side Bar. Doors open at 6:30, stories at 7:30. The theme FROZEN. Tickets required. 

Jan. 24 - Bingo Night Fundraiser, West Chester Masonic Lodge #322, 10 S. Church St., Doors open at 3 p.m. Family-friendly event. Cash prizes for the adults, candy for the kids. Open to the public. 

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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