West Chester Weekly News Roundup: May 16, 2025

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It’s Friday, May 16, 2025: This weekend, art and music collide when the Chester County Studio Tour bumps up against Porchfest. Now three years into sharing a weekend, these one time adversaries have learned to share the road (and embrace the shuttle.) Also, primary candidates previewed, two new openings, and Tired Hands is coming to West Chester. Anyone know where? Here’s your clue: “It’s the most unlikely spot you could ever imagine for a craft brewery, but I think that we can make it work.”

Hmmm. Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up. 

From around the state: Your guide to free state museums.

P.S. Like 20 people to go to 5500. Tell your friends they should give it try. Maybe they can sign up now? It’s ok, you’ll wait. I swear (eventually) they will thank you.

When Art and Music Collide

After artist Jeff Schaller built his Downingtown studio, he opened it to the public. “I had such great support from the community, I wanted to do it every year,” he tells me. The next year, he invited a friend to join, then another. It grew from there. 

Nonprofit Changes Lives One Need at a Time

Hearts You Hold supports migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylees in a concrete material way, by taking the time to ask them what they need. 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 Headphones for Macon in GA, boots for Thet in NY, or a Toddler highchair for Gerline in NY. These are examples of requests waiting to be funded on our request page.

Due to the generosity of donors like you, we have funded 2,992 requests since we founded this nonprofit!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

Eloise Ginty, Founder
Hearts You Hold

The Warnings.

The Chester County Food Bank’s trickle-down economics are drying up. Last year, Chester County Food Bank distributed 4.6 million pounds of food, including to partners like the West Chester Senior Center. “We receive more than $15,000 worth of food each month from the Chester County Food Bank,” WCSC interim director Kim Andrews told Daily Local News reporter Jen Samuel. In April, however, Kim disclosed their delivery was 25 percent smaller than requested. She also worries about the center’s hot lunch program, which is funded by the Department of Aging. “We anticipate nutrition needs to skyrocket with all of the expected federal cuts to nutrition and food programs,” she said. 

For its part, the Chester County Food Bank vows to continue to support all its partners despite recent USDA cuts. “We are working to make sure that we can continue to supply food at the current levels to all of our partners across the county,” CCFB CEO Andrew Youndt said. 

Gas leak on E. Rosedale. A gas leak closed Rosedale Ave. on Monday morning. West Chester Police and Fire Department were on the scene. 

More accidents. This week, West Chester emergency services responded to an auto accident on the 700 block of Price St., and a vehicle fire in the area of S. Adams St. and E. Union St. 

Dunk that standing water. Last week, the Chester County Health Department began its annual mosquito-borne disease control program. Remember to dump all standing water to keep populations low. If you have an area of water that can’t be dumped, you can apply a biological mosquito dunk. This includes rain barrels, bird baths, tree holes, and more. $7/six pack on Amazon. 

Safety first. At this week’s Public Safety committee meeting, West Chester’s Police Chief reported steady crime rates in the Borough and East Bradford.  “Very, very similar to last month. We do, unfortunately, have another homicide attempt,” he said, referring to the early April shooting, “but everything else is rather static.” Still, every single Borough Council candidate listed safety as a priority. See more about where the candidates stand before Tuesday’s primary below. 

Smell something, say something. West Chester Fire Department shared this week that while they were at Henderson High School in response to smoke from a second-floor air handler, they also discovered a natural gas leak in the home economics department. In other odor news, West Chester emergency services were at the WCU Francis Green Library on Thursday morning after an electrical odor and smoke triggered an alarm. Fortunately, the culprit was identified as construction dust, and the scene quickly cleared. (Nice picture though.)

West Chester Fire Department was back over at West Chester University Thursday night after an electrical fire was reported at Goshen Hall. The fire was started after contractors cut through an electrical conduit and struck a power line. The site was checked for additional problems and has since been turned over to the maintenance department - who, I am guessing, is going to have a word with these contractors. 

Trash changes are coming. West Chester Borough has scheduled another public hearing to amend Chapter 62 – Garbage, Rubbish, and Refuse. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Borough Hall. You can find the final revised ordinance here, the Cliff Notes version of the changes here.  

The Accolades.

Who’s got talent? If you do, Uptown and Taylor’s Music Store want to hear it. Taylor Made at Uptown is coming back for its 12th(!) year, and they are once again seeking out the best singer-songwriters in the area. 

“Taylor-Made at Uptown! is a Singer-Songwriter Contest celebrating the unique talent of solo musical artists,” said Uptown board member Leslie Telthorster in an email. 

To participate, share a YouTube video of yourself performing your original material. All submissions must be self-accompanied solo performances and under three minutes. The first 40 entrants will be accepted and reviewed by a judging committee, which will narrow the pool down to the top nine acts. 

Preliminary finalists will then perform their selected work in front of a live audience at one of three dates in July. The audience-selected finalists move on to the finals and the big stage on August 6.

Can’t wait to see what you’ve got, West Chester. 

Other things we are celebrating this week:  

Repeat performances. Last year, the West Chester University Baseball Club made an unlikely debut. In their first full year as a club team, they won the divisional World Series. Now they are back and trying for title number two.   

“We have been pretty good all year, finishing with an overall record of 24-5 and a Conference Record of 13-2,” said Coach Joe Cook. At various times they have been ranked #1 in the nation, including in the last seasonal poll. Still, they enter the tournament as a #2 seed. 

The double-elimination tournament starts today at 4 p.m. WCU club faces the University of Houston Downtown, the only other returning team from last year’s tournament. If all goes well, they will be playing for another championship on May 20, but that’s still a ways away. 

“The game we play doesn't really change, only the moment or players change,” says Joe. “So we're going to focus on the game in front of us and try to win the day. Win the out, win the at-bat, win the inning - that's our plan.”

The team will be holding 'watch parties' for all of our World Series games at Barnaby's, Ryan's Pub, and Penn's Table. So head out, grab a beer, and root, root, root for the hometown team.

More spring postseason updates:

• WCU Baseball is in a do or die situation in the NCAA Division II World Series after losing its opening game 11 - 4 to Fairmont State on Thursday. The Golden Rams are back in action today at noon. 

• In high school baseball all three area baseball teams have qualified for the PIAA District 1 tournament which starts next week. Rustin secured the five seed and East the six seed in 5A. Both play Monday at 4 p.m. at home. Henderson has the 6A seven seed. They play Wednesday at 4 p.m. also at home. 

• The Rustin Softball and the East Softball teams have both qualified for the PIAA District 1 tournament. East has the seven seed and will face Unionville on Monday. Rustin, the two seed, has a bye and will face the winner of the East/Unionville game on Wednesday. 

• WCU Women’s Lacrosse has advanced to the regional final of the NCAA Division II tournament. They will face two seed Slippery Rock at home tomorrow at 3 p.m.  A win has them heading to Virginia for the semifinals. 

• Rustin Boys’ Lacrosse won their first round PIAA Division 1 3A championship match to advance to the quarterfinals where they’ll face two seed Radnor on Tuesday. Game time 7 p.m.  

• Rustin Girls’ Lacrosse is through the first round of the PIAA Division 1 2A championship. They beat East 12-8 on Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals. They now play Upper Moreland on Tuesday. 

• With a win on Thursday, Henderson Girls’ Lacrosse is also into the quarterfinals. A win over 3 seed Bishop Shanahan will move them into the PIAA Division 1 3A championship semifinals.

Major civic service. Congratulations to West Chester resident Reese Davis. 97 years young, Reece retired in December after serving 26 years as a Civil Service Commission volunteer. His service was recognized by West Chester Mayor Lilian DeBaptiste and his fellow Civil Service members this week. “It is a testament to his dedication to the Borough of West Chester,” Mayor DeBaptiste said in presenting the commendation. 

The best and the brightest. This year, the West Chester Area School District boasts three National Merit Scholarship winners. Henderson’s Neela Bender, East’s Jada Cooper, and East’s Sophia Z. Fu were among 2,500 winners nationwide. The winners were chosen from 15,000 finalists, who were in turn selected from the more than one million students who took the PSAT. Besides our mad respect, each winner also received a $2500 scholarship. 

Artistic pursuits. Shout out to the winners of the East High School Senior Art Show. Sorry you missed it? Rustin holds their annual Art Slam next Thursday night from 5 to 7 p.m. In addition to work from all high school classes, there will be a senior showcase and selected works from Stetson and Starkweather students. 

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.

Hello, primary season. Yep, that’s right. It’s time to vote again. Tuesday is Primary Election Day in Pennsylvania, and there is a lot locally on the ballot, if not a lot contested. 

Three State Supreme Court Justices are up for retention. There are also elections for Commonwealth Court, Superior Court, Common Pleas Court, school boards, county row offices, ``township supervisors, council people, and various other local positions.

If you’re voting in person, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your polling place here.

If you’re voting by mail-in or absentee ballot, there are several secure ballot dropboxes around. At this point, do not mail your ballot. The deadline to drop off mail-in and absentee ballots is 8 p.m. on Election Day.

West Chester Borough

West Chester Borough has four wards on the ballot this election cycle. Brian McGinnis is seeking a second term in Ward 3. He would like to see investment in a new public works facility and more parking decks. Wards 1, 5, and 7 will all get new faces after Patrick McCoy, Lisa Dorsey, and Sheila Vacaro decided not to run again. 

Looking to step up in Ward 1 is Jerry Szczepaniak, who is running as a Democrat, and businessman John McDonald, who is running as a Republican. Jerry wants to help the town remain great by being “prepared to meet the needs of next year and the years after,” specifically regarding infrastructure (including the public works department). John says his main priority is to be a “check against the majority on the council.” He’d also like to reduce the local earned income tax credit to 1 percent. 

In Ward 5, retired business librarian and practicing artist Steven Marvin has several local concerns he’d like to address, including “bacterial infections, fire, sewer, water quality, drainage, power outages, trees, local crime, mental health, vandalism, wellness checks, and pedestrian safety.” 

Democratic voters of Ward 7, lucky you, you get to make a decision. There are, however, no Republican candidates. So, this is the choice. Unfortunately, not everyone will get to make, but that is something you’ll need to take up with state legislatures. 

Lisa Bryan-Confronti is an art history teacher with a background in administration and finance. She will focus on “preserving the historical charm of our town… and [be] a staunch advocate for public arts initiatives.” Council and committee meeting regular Lisa Kearns feels her FAA Aviation Safety Inspector and National Division Manager background has prepared her to lead. She would like to see fiscal responsibility, smart growth, environmental protection, and better community building. 

Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste is also seeking reelection. She is running unopposed. 

Read more about the Democratic candidates here, and the Republican candidate here. 

East Bradford 

East Bradford has one of its three Township Supervisor positions on the ballot. Republican incumbent John Snook will face Democratic challenger Debbie Maynard. According to his LinkedIn page, John has served as a Township Supervisor for the last 17 and a half years. In 2019, he stated his objectives were to “keep taxes low, control development impacts, deliver cost-effective community services, protect open space, and promote energy conservation.” (I did reach out for an updated statement, but never received a response.) 

Debbie vows to use her business and planning background to “support financial transparency, responsible development, protection of our open spaces, and respond to the needs of the residents of East Bradford.”

West Goshen

West Goshen must also choose a Township Supervisor. Democratic incumbent Ashley Gagne will face Republican challenger Brandon Drobenak. This will be Ashley’s second term as supervisor. In a Facebook post announcing her reelection, she acknowledged the challenges of serving in public office. “[Public service] tests your character, your patience, and your resolve. But it also strengthens your purpose,” she wrote. She will work to ensure that West Goshen residents get exceptional service and feel safe.

Army veteran Brandon moved to West Goshen five years ago with his family. He believes in “responsible governance, strategic planning, and transparent leadership.” He wants to see smart growth, resilient infrastructure, and a high quality of life for all residents.

West Chester Area School Board

The West Chester Area School Board has four seats up for reelection, including in Region 1, which serves West Chester Borough and parts of West Goshen, Region 2, which serves East Goshen and West Whiteland Townships, and Region 3, which serves everywhere else. (You can find the breakdown here.) Current School Board Members Jewell Parkinson and Karen Fleming are unopposed in Regions 1 and 2, respectively, while a fight brews in Region 3.  

Director Jewell Parkinson (Region 1) loves making a difference in the lives of children. If re-elected, she would continue to prioritize student success and work to improve community outreach and communication. (She did complete my questionnaire.)

Director Karen Fleming (Region 2) has served on the board since 2021 and counts improved student achievement, safe schools, modernized buildings, and higher teacher pay among her achievements. Still, she feels the district can do more to reduce achievement gaps among students.  

Director Laura Detre is running for reelection in Region 3. She is running against newcomers Ashley Padula and Beth Campbell. Region 3 has two open positions and three candidates. School Board member Stacey Whomsley is not seeking re-election. Laura and Ashley did not reply to my questions, but Beth, who has young kids in the district, is eager to keep schools safe and foster the best possible environment for their success. She applauds the district for its fiscal responsibility but would like to improve transparency and review curriculum requirements.

“I would like to see curriculum requirements be assessed to ensure that they align with what our students are doing and what they need to be doing after graduation,” she said. 

You can read the full responses here. (If you know Laura, Ashley, or any of the local candidates running for office. Please send them my way. I will continue to build out the candidate sheets ahead of the November elections. Even if there isn’t a choice, I still think it’s nice to know who’s running.) 

Also, a couple of new business announcements. Wonder (hint, hint) what these could be?

Goodbye.

It’s out with the old, in with the new in East Bradford. Last month, the township posted a request for proposal (RFP) for a new municipal campus master plan.  

Pay it Forward.

Hello, you history buffs. Attention, Revolutionary War reenactors, here is a story for you. This week, the Chester County Planning Commission released the results of a 12-year, three-phase study of the Battle of Brandywine. The detailed report shows the routes, roads, skirmish sites, and historic buildings and landscapes connected to the influential Revolutionary War engagement. The detailed 1777-era property mapping was thanks, in part, to uncovered French and German journal entries about the Battle.

“It’s amazing to have been part of a project with this high level of collaboration and using historic documents, in some cases over 200 years old,” said Jeannine Speirs of the Chester County Planning Commission.

Even better? Many elements of the Battlefield area can still be seen today. Find more on the study and view the interactive mapping here.  

“Not only do we now know more about our nation’s forging, but these planning studies enhance our ability to plan for the future without forgetting our past,” said Jeannine.

More ways to give back: 

Forget the cup, grab the pot. The Community Warehouse Project is hosting a Drop-off Day at their West Chester location on Saturday. Items needed include bed sheets, comforters, toasters, and coffee pots. Think you can help? Bring your donations to 800 E Virginia Ave. from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

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The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend?  I am going to check out Mean Girls at Uptown. Hoping it’s as dishy fun as the original. 

If you are around this weekend, don’t forget there is Porchfest, the County Art Tour, and about a dozen other things to do this weekend. Saturday’s also the first-ever Vintage Store Day. Malena’s, DRK MTTR, and Clara Mae Company are all participating. I just scored the cutest polo in the CMC $5 bin. $5 options will be stocked all month, I am told.  

Also, a couple of scheduling notes - Cupcakes with a Cop - today at noon - is being rescheduled. Chester County History Center’s first ever beer garden was supposed happen on Thursday but it was rescheduled for May 29. This week’s event guide stated the Library’s summer reading kick-off is happening June 7 - it’s not. It’s June 14. That was just my error. 

And finally, special thanks to this week’s Community Sponsor Mitten Systems! Mitten Systems is an operations consulting firm focused on helping small businesses and nonprofits find more efficient ways to work. What small business couldn’t use that? Check out their website to learn how they can help your business do more with less!

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.

Note on events: With the weather, double check dates and times. I’ve updated where I could but I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more rescheduled.

Mark Your Calendars:

May 16 – Movie in the Park, Marshall Square Park, dusk. They are showing How to Train Your Dragon.

May 16 – Art of Caring Spring Soiree, The Hickman, 400 N. Walnut St., 6 – 9 p.m. The Hickman will officially launch its “Paint by Number” fundraiser during the event. Guests can become part of this creative campaign by sponsoring a color within six community-painted mural panels, each aligned with a Quaker testimony.

May 17 – Bird Hike, Oakbourne Park, 8 a.m. Join avid birder, Brian “BQ” Quindlen on a hike through Oakbourne Park to observe local and migratory birds. Registration is required. 

May 17, 18 – Chester County Studio Tour, various, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Experience a weekend of art, inspiration, and discovery at the 15th annual Chester County Studio Tour.  Tour is free to attend. 23 West Chester-based artists are participating.

May 17 – Chester County Sustainability Summit and Expo, WCU’s Sciences and Engineering Center, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The program will begin at 10:00 a.m. with two back-to-back presentations: Sustainable Energy from 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; and Sustainable Landscaping from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The presentations will be repeated from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for afternoon attendees

May 17, 18 – Brandywine Ballet Presents: Sleeping Beauty, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 12 p.m. or 4 p.m. on Saturday; 2 p.m. on Sunday. This beautiful ballet tells the story of Princess Aurora. A wicked fairy curses Aurora at her christening and promises that she will prick her finger on a spindle and die. Tickets: $30 – $50

May 17 – West Chester Porchfest, Borough southwest quadrant, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Relax, stroll, and enjoy local musicians performing on the historic porches of West Chester. This is a free, family-friendly event. 

May 17 – Royal Tea with Miss WCU, West Chester Public Library, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Royal attire encouraged but not required. Kids 4 to 8. Registration opens May 3. 

May 17, Reggae at the Dancehall, Melton Center, 501 E. Miner St., 7 – 10 p.m. Join Stone Grove Sound System, Big Bass, Dub Steppers for a night of reggae. $10 entry fee. 

May 18 – 35th Annual Pre-Collegiate National Piano Competition Winners’ Recital, WCU Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, 3 p.m. Approximately 80 young pianists, ages 9–18, from states as far away as Massachusetts will compete for over $5,500 in total prizes. The best will perform at Sunday’s winners’ recital.  The recital is free and open to the public. 

May 20 – Pennsylvania Primary election – find your polling place here

May 20 – Children’s Hike – Nature Bingo, Oakbourne Park, 1 p.m. A series of fun, family-friendly adventures designed for kids ages 3-8. Registration required. $12 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 

May 20 – National EMS Week -Community Festival , Good Fellowship Ambulance Company, 600 Montgomery Ave, 5-7 p.m. Join us for a family friendly community festival in celebration of National EMS Week. Enjoy an evening of learning and making memories that will include station tours, equipment demonstrations, police/fire and ambulance displays, a magician, face painting and much more.

May 21- 3rd Wednesday Book Club, West Chester Public Library, 1 p.m. This month’s book is “Victory City” by Salman Rushdie.

May 21 – Trails & Tales, Shaw’s Bridge Park, 274 S. Creek Rd, 5:30 p.m. This “pay what you wish” hike will feature a discussion on recent water trail facility upgrades.

May 22 – Rustin Art Slam, Rustin High School main gym, 5 – 7 p.m. Rustin’s end of end-of-the-year art show features work from all classes and levels, Senior Art Showcases, and select Starkweather Elementary and Stetson Middle School students. This is a free event.

See the full list of events here and start thinking summer thoughts with our Spring/Summer event guide!

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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!

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors