West Chester Weekly News Roundup: June 6, 2025

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It’s Friday, June 6, 2025: Hold, the pickles - and the chips, it’s June and West Chester Restaurant Inspection reports are out! 11 institutions are out of compliance last month, featuring “slimy” peppers, moldy tiles, and one popular location admitting they don’t know who’s supposed to be in charge of food safety. Also, high school graduations, the state of the county’s health, WCU students versus the Liquor Control Board, and the West Chester Area Senior Center bids farewell to its bookstore. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

From around the state: Cyber School reforms are coming before the PA Senate. Advocates say the changes would save public schools hundreds of millions of dollars. 

Call for insights: Have you been to the Chester County Hospital ER lately? What has been your experience? Do you work in the ER? Have staffing shortages or volume increases impacted your ability to see patients promptly? Last week, I ran the results of an ER wait time data analysis that showed CCH wait times to be among the highest in the region. I have since received a number of responses, and think this issue might need a little more attention. If you have any insights you can share, please reach out to [email protected].

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Report: May

Every year, the Chester County Health Department inspects every institution serving food to the public in the county. This month, 11 West Chester-based institutions are out of compliance. This includes one confirmed complaint. 

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The Warnings.

It’s time to cut that grass. Grass and weeds are running wild outside the West Chester Post Office. Unfortunately, the property is outside of the Borough's jurisdiction. “This is not the first time we have had problems with the Post Office, the Borough cited them on various occasions. The Post Master is the only person who can help,” Borough Councilman Bernie Flynn shared in an email. It took the Borough decades and Congressional intervention to get the deteriorating exterior renovated. Let’s hope it doesn’t take that long to get the grass cut. 

Update: West Chester’s code enforcement officer was able to get in touch with the Post Master yesterday and learned that the Post Office’s lawn mower was a casualty of the July 18 (2024) Airport Rd fire. They have ordered a new mower so hopefully, that grass will be coming back down soon. (Not exactly the response times you want to see from those in charge of delivering your things, though, is it?)

Your I.D. is no good here.  Last week, liquor control enforcement officers cited 58 West Chester University students for underage drinking and carrying false IDs. The investigation originated from a public complaint from store managers at the West Goshen Fine Wine and Good Spirits store. The managers alleged that many WCU students were using fake IDs to secure alcoholic beverages.

Scam alert. This week Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police, West Goshen Police, and West Chester Borough Police are all warning of yet another scam. This one involves text messages notifying you of traffic violations or fines. Don’t click the links in these messages, they may steal your personal information. PennDOT does not send texts about violations or fines. (The ones I received, claimed to be from the “PADMV”- not a thing - and came from an international number. Pretty solid red flags in my book.)   

Late-night fuel spill. West Chester Borough Fire Department responded to a fuel spill at the Pottstown Pike Wawa just before midnight on May 31. The spill was contained and the area quickly cleared.  

Leave extra time. PennDOT will begin construction on Bradford Ave. (Route 52) on Monday. Crews will be working between Tacie Lynn Drive and Rosedale Avenue. Expect flagging and delays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. This is part of a PennDOT project to upgrade stormwater management systems in the area.  

The Accolades.

This week, three graduating classes representing just under 1000 students took the stage and boldly stepped into their future. Yes, I borrowed that latter language from the West Chester Area School District Facebook page, but I’m a reporter; words of pure inspiration are not my specialty. So, this week, I am turning over the Accolades section to those who do it best, this year’s graduating class presidents. 

On Tuesday afternoon, Henderson class president Kenadee Carlson stood in front of her maroon-clad class and congratulated them on surviving 13 years of schooling. “Even the Henderson plumbing and roof couldn’t make it that long,” she quipped.    

“We’re going to make a lot more decisions next year,” she said before encouraging her fellow graduates: “Don’t sit on the sidelines; Don’t hide away. From here on out, it’s up to you. Do what you want and do it with purpose.” 

On Wednesday, Rustin class president Danielle Cook addressed the moment at hand. “To be sad is a privilege,” she said. “To have such memorable experiences, you don’t want to leave them behind, is something to be grateful for.”  Before challenging her classmates to be kinder than they feel. “Make it a goal to make someone smile every day, because the world always needs kinder people,” she said. 

“Today we celebrate a milestone that marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another,” East President Jada Cooper said as she addressed her classmates seated in the middle of the Viking football field. “Who you are today is just the beginning, but the roots of your character - your drive, your kindness, your resilence - were formed right here and they will carry you forward because the world doesn’t just need graduates. It needs people who are grounded in who they are. People who will lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and bring their whole selves to everything they do.”  

Congratulations to all of this year’s graduating seniors! 

WCASD graduation albums: 

• Henderson 

• Rustin

• East

Play on, player. West Chester East softball team is likely on the field warming up as we speak. The Lady Vikings take on the Springfield (Delco) Cougars today at noon for a chance to advance to the semi-finals of the state PIAA 5A Softball Championships. To get here, they had to fight back from a 4-1 deficit, but, hey, that’s why they give you seven innings.

Shoutout to East shortstop Caelyn Rodriguez: her three RBIs and inspired field play fueled the East comeback, and starting pitcher Ava Ferri. She shook off those early bumps to deliver a solid seven innings and had three hits in four at-bats.  

Unfortunately, everyone else is now officially on summer break. Late inning play would again undo Henderson baseball as they fell 11-3 to Bethlehem Liberty in the PIAA 6A State baseball tournament first round. Also, eliminated from their state tournaments, Henderson’s Girls Lacrosse team and Rustin’s Boys Lacrosse Team. Fun fact (or not): Both teams were eliminated by Springfield (Delco). Let’s hope East ends that run. Go Vikings! 

Hoop dreams. Best wishes to West Chester resident Lorna Cornely as she takes to the basketball court this weekend as part of the 55th Annual Pennsylvania Summer Olympic Games. She will be joined by more than 2,000 athletes and 800 coaches competing in six sports. Go get ‘em, Lorna! 

If it couldn’t be WCU. Congrats to Rustin Alumni Kaylee Vanvladricken. The sophomore attacker had four assists in the University of Tampa’s NCAA Division II National Lacrosse Championship. The Lady Spartans beat Adelphi in the championship game.  

Future’s so bright, gotta wear shades. Shout-out to West Chester Area School District on scoring a Solar for Schools grant. The state program helps districts install solar panels, which can then be used to offset a district’s energy costs. According to an article on the program in last week’s Philadelphia Inquirer, the Steelton-Highspire District in Dauphin County is projecting savings of $1.6 million over 20 years thanks to their solar switch. I am doubting WCASD can expect as much from their East Bradford Elementary installation, but still, future savings will be nice. WCASD received a $167,514 grant through the program. The money can be used to cover up to 50 percent of purchase and installation costs.  

One smart cookie. Speaking of bright futures, kudos this week to West Chester resident and Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School senior Rebecca Lynn Schroeder on being named a college-sponsored National Merit Scholar. College-sponsored winners are separate from the corporate-sponsored scholars, who were announced in the spring. They, too, get scholarship money. In total, 3,600 college-sponsored scholars will be announced this year.  

Reliable transportation. High fives to West Chester’s A. Duie Pyle on once again being named LTL (Less-than-a-truck-load) Carrier of the Year. This is the fifth consecutive year, and eighth time overall, that the 100-year-old transportation company has received this award.

Thank you for your service. Finally, congratulations to West Goshen Police Officer Kyle Maye on his retirement from the Army National Guard. Office Maye served the state for 20 years and earned the rank of Major. 

Curious why some events are covered and others not? Most likely because someone let me know they were happening. Have a shout-out? Let me know at [email protected] or fill out this handy form.  

Hello.

Late last month, the Chester County Health Department released its Community Health Assessment, a comprehensive report that tries to quantify the current health and well-being of Chester County residents. According to the report introduction, the CHA evaluates “key health indicators,” which include socioeconomic status, environment, health behaviors, and access to healthcare, to identify “challenges and opportunities” for improving community health outcomes.

Goodbye.

Nearly 40 years ago, the Second Reading bookstore opened on N. Church St as a way to support local seniors while also providing a gathering place for area book lovers. In less than two weeks, it will close its doors for good. 

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Pay it Forward.

Mark your calendars and come thirsty. Next Friday, members of the Penn Wood kindergarten class will be selling lemonade with a purpose at Goose Creek Park in Thornbury Township. 

Last year, Annabelle Tribuiani visited an Alex’s Lemonade Stand her friend was hosting and wanted to create one of her own. She recruited her younger sister and cousins and sold lemonade outside her house. This year, she wanted to do something bigger with her new Penn Wood friends.  

“This year's stand has 14 kiddo volunteers so far from Penn Wood Elementary and they are looking forward to serving a LOT of lemonade and meeting their $500 fundraising goal!” Annabelle’s mom Marissa, shared via email. 

If you would like to support these civic-minded six-year-olds (this is not a school-sponsored event; they are doing this all themselves), the lemonade stand will be set up outside the entrance of the park on June 13 from 2 - 4 p.m. Can’t make it out? You can still help the kids reach their goal here. 

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We have a family water balloon fight scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but we’ll be back for Turk’s Head on Sunday. A friend recently asked if we were going. If you live where we do, it’s kind of hard not to. If you can’t beat ‘em, rock out is our motto.

If you are around this weekend, it’s First Friday in the Borough. Free street-level metered parking and Swing Kings at the Historic Courthouse, also, a band at Jack Loew Plaza. Need sustenance first? Artillery is offering a pint of beer with either a pretzel or wings for $10.99. Plus, they are throwing in a free pint glass. Must be there between 4 and 6 p.m. tonight to score. Also, Malena’s is hosting her 22nd annual showroom sale this weekend. 20-50 percent off all items in the boutique - and showroom (that’s where Netflix goes to shop!) Also, on Saturday, the West Chester Green Team is hosting a garden tour at the Backyard Nature Preserve in Chester Springs. The tour is free, but signing up is requested. 

Need more ideas? I wrote this weekend in West Chester article for County Lines Magazine. It was fun approaching West Chester as an outsider. Also, have kids looking to fill a couple hours a week with structured activity this summer? This week’s Community Sponsor can help!

Special thank you to Athletes Untapped! Athletes Untapped helps kids meet their athletic goals, build confidence, and grow their love of the game through easy-to-schedule personal coaching sessions. Visit Athletes Untapped to learn more about their kids-first philosophy! 

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:

• June 6 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester, free metered parking after 5 p.m.

• June 6 - That’s Life Concert, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Frank Sinatra Tribute with a portion of the proceeds going to the Care Center Foundation. Tickets: $50 -$105

• June 7 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• June 7 - Local Legacies: A West Chester Girl’s Journey, Chester County History Center, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.  Dr. Laura Zimmer-Tamakoshi as she shares her life's journey from West Chester to international acclaim as a cultural anthropologist. Tickets: $10/adults; $7/senior; $5/child; members free. Registration required

• June 8 - Turks Head Music Festival, Everhart Park, 12 - 7 p.m. Rain date: June 15.

• June 8 - West Chester Railroad - Picnic Special, 230 E. Market St. 12 p.m. 90 minute train ride with a mid-trip stop at the Glen Mills station. Picnic optional. Pack a lunch. Tickets: $25/adults; $20/kids

• June 9 - $5 Monday Night Movie: Grease, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Include complimentary popcorn

• June 10 - True Crime on Trial - Victory Brewing, Chester County History Center, 6-9 p.m. Join historians from the Chester County History Center as they present the evidence from one of the county's most controversial murder trials of the 20th century, then you serve as a juror to determine the verdict. Tickets: $20

• June 11 - West Chester Taps, downtown, 5 - 7 p.m. Participating locations offer a select list of $5 beers, $6 wines, and $7 cocktails, in addition to appetizer specials. 

• June 11 - Make Your Own Mojito class, Kildare's Irish Pub, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Learn to craft the perfect Mojito just in time for summer sippin'. Food and cocktail ingredients provided. $55/person

• June 12 - Dine & Donate: West Chester Food Cupboard, Kildare's Irish Pub, all day. 20 percent of the day's receipts will be donated to the WCFC. Cheers to that!

• June 12 - “Untold Stories” Town Tour Kick-off, Church of the Holy Trinity, 212 S. High St., 5:30 p.m.  Tour will highlight various stories including the Marquis de Lafayette in West Chester, "Buffalo Bill," the Shadd family, "The Invisible Man," the Director of the IRS and other assorted tales. The town tour program is free and weekly at locations around the county. 

• June 12 - African American Women in Arts & Culture, Chester County History Center, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Join us for an illuminating panel conversation exploring the profound impact of African American women on arts and culture. This is a free event.

• June 13 - Alex's Lemonade Stand, entrance of Goose Creek Park, 2 - 4 p.m. Come out and support this generous group of local kindergarteners!

• June 14 - West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• June 14 - Walk for Me 2025, East Goshen Park, 9 a.m. Walk, jog, or run - it's your choice - in the name of ending senseless gun violence. This race is being held in rememberance of Bianca Nikol, who was shot and killed in a road rage incident eight years ago. All proceeds go to support her Merge with Mercy Foundation. Tickets: $30/advance; $35/day of

• June 14 - Summer Reading Kickoff, Barclay Park, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Kickoff the summer with the West Chester Library's summer reading challenge. Stop by Barclay Park to register, enjoy outdoor games, facepainting, balloons, raffles, and more. This is a free event.  

• June 14- Juneteenth 2025: Bayard Rustin Day of Film, Chester County History Center, 6-7:30 p.m. The History Center will welcome guests to a 90-minute block of short films curated by our partners at the West Chester Film Festival. Tickets: $10

• June 14 - Shakespeare in the Park: All’s Well That Ends Well, West Goshen Community Park, 6 p.m. Enjoy the adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy about unrequited love, unreasonable demands, seduction, deception, and romance. This is a free performance. A donation for the West Chester Food Cupboard is encouraged.

• June 14 - Mini Golf on Gay St., Gay St., tbd

• June 14, 15 - The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. (Saturday); 3 p.m. (Sunday). Mike Thornton brilliantly portrays nine different characters in a small Jersey Shore town whose lives have been profoundly changed by Leonard – a tenaciously optimistic and flamboyant fourteen-year-old boy who goes missing. Tickets: $35

• June 15 - Father’s Day Express, 230 E. Market St. 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. 90 minute train ride with a mid-trip stop at the Glen Mills station. Picnic optional. Pack a lunch. Tickets: $5/Dad; $25/other adults; $20/kids

Looking for more summer fun ideas? The Spring/Summer event guide has all the must dos. Plus, the handy event list.

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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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