West Chester Weekly News Roundup: May 2, 2025

Dirty ice cubes, more canceled grants, and kids doing good. 🧊🧊How's that for a start to May?

Author

Cara Corridoni
May 02, 2025

The easiest way to be in the know.

It’s Friday, May 2, 2025: Restaurant Inspection reports are out for April. 15 with violations ranging pans caked with food debris to employees putting ice in glasses with bare hands. Also, a prominent West Chester University professor loses Federal funding. I speak to Dr. Fork about how her scientific conference research potentially got caught in a DEI filter, and the Gay Street Closure starts today, disappointingly similar to its start five years ago, but there are some fun new events to try starting tonight. Plus, Rustin gets a new principal, another acai bowl option, a longtime Market Street shop calls it quits, and Boy Scout needs your help. 


Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

West Chester Restaurant Inspection Reports: April 

15 institutions out of compliance this month, including one after staff was seen placing ice cubes into glasses with bare hands.

Compared to the winter reports, April was pretty mild. Still, 15 institutions are out of compliance with the Chester County Health Department this month, with violations ranging from lettuce in the sanitizer and pans heavily caked with food debris to employees serving pizza and putting ice cubes in glasses without wearing gloves. If you are heading out for lunch, plan accordingly. 

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The Warnings.

That’s a scary u-turn. Monday at approximately 5:15 p.m., Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police were attempting to stop a suspected stolen vehicle when the driver turned into the campus of Stetson Middle School and Starkweather Elementary School. He then fled from officers in the area of the jug handle off of Wilmington Pike before heading south on Wilmington Pike. Police decided to back off their pursuit after the vehicle entered the school district. “Out of an abundance of caution for public safety, the determination was made not to continue to stop the vehicle,” officers stated in the incident report. 

Two-wheel getaway. West Goshen Police is seeking community assistance in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with a theft that occurred last Wednesday at Staples in the West Goshen Shopping Center. The suspect, seen here, was fleeing towards Turner Lane on a bicycle. If you have any information about this situation, contact Officer Patrick Huver at [email protected]/.

Buyers beware. This week, Uptown issued a warning to patrons. “Uptown does not sell tickets through third-party or resale websites,” they shared on social media this week. To guarantee the authenticity and validity of your tickets, purchase them directly from Uptown.  

Smoke at Henderson. Students and staff were evacuated from Henderson High School on Tuesday afternoon after a report of smoke on the second floor. According to Daily Local reporter Bill Rettew, the cause of the smoke was an air handler. The issue was turned over to the maintenance department, and the scene cleared at 2:22 p.m.   

Lots of accidents this week.  West Chester Police responded to three accidents in three days this week, including at N. Matlack and E. Gay St., W. Chestnut and N. New St., and Highland Rd. and Strasburg Rd. “That intersection is so dangerous. It needs a four-way stop sign,” one resident said about the last incident. Add it to the list. 

This is not the end of this. This week, several teachers, parents, and students attended the West Chester Area School Board meeting to publicly voice concerns over proposed changes to the high school schedule. Of top concern is the execution and timing of the changes, as well as the extension of the problematic Lunch and Learn period. The District remains confident it can address all concerns in a timely manner. To help convince you of this and answer questions about the proposed changes, the WCASD has scheduled an online information session for May 7 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. This will be followed by a high school-specific Q&A night the following week.  If you are interested in attending the informational session, you can register at the link above. 

A new leadership team takes over at Rustin. Speaking of high school changes, this week the West Chester Area School Board approved the hiring of Dr. Maggie Hunt as the next principal of Rustin. She will replace Michael Marano, who left shrouded in a cloud of questions in December. Dr. Hunt has nearly two decades of education experience and currently serves as assistant principal at Unionville High School. She will be joined by Dr. Tricia Crouse-Pardini, who will serve as the school’s new assistant principal. She joins the district from Penn Wood High School.  (No, this is not a warning. I just thought it best to keep the high school items together.)   

Pony on the mend. In a little Warning section, good news. WEGO police reported on Monday that the pony they rescued earlier this month from the mean streets of 202 is on the mend and doing well. April, the pony, was found wandering 202 after she escaped from a local animal rescue. At the time of her discovery, she had an infected facial wound and no place to go. Well, no more. April has had a successful surgery and is recovering at her forever home with WEGO Officer Lewis.

The Accolades.

2025 Spellman Award Winners

Each spring, the West Chester Area School District celebrates students not for their grades, vocal range, or athletic prowess but for their extraordinary commitment to being good people. The Spellman Humanitarian Awards were established in 1998 to recognize seniors committed to community, service, and leadership.  

Thirty students, 10 from each high school, were honored at an April 2 ceremony.

“Spellman Humanitarian Award winners demonstrate outstanding citizenship qualities such as volunteerism, integrity, honesty, respectfulness, and responsibility,” said WCASD Deputy Superintendent Kalia Reynolds before giving a shout-out to the families. 

“You are their first and best teachers and have done an outstanding job parenting these fine students,” she said.

This year’s winners and their favorite orgs include:

East High School

  • Michelle Chen, HuaXia Chinese School, Melton Center’s New Direction, and House of Hope Charity Concert 

  • Jada Cooper, Jack and Jill of America 

  • Nuala Coyle, Family Service of Chester County, East Goshen Township, Chester County Art Association, Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, Viking Volunteers, and Girls on the Run

  • Sophia Fu, Chester County Library and the Melton Center.  

  • Wesley Hiester, Aevidum Club, Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA), the WCASD Student Advocacy Group, and March for Our Lives. 

  • Sneha Mahadevan,  Jeremy E. Watson Educational Center, and Cradles to Crayons 

  • Pooja Menon, Melton Center and Nandanam Arts, the organization she co-founded with her sister. 

  • Devika Nair, Melton Center, Bright Side Buddies Tutoring, Chester County Library (CCL) Youth Services and the CCL Jacob’s Technology Center.. 

  • Keira O’Flynn, Project Libertad, SPCA, and Mitzvah Circle’s Teen Ambassador Program.   

  • Amelia Piombino,  Trinity Treasures Thrift Store, East Goshen Fire Company, Home of the Sparrow, and Habitat for Humanity.

Henderson 

  • Peter Kennedy, Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, Eagle Scouts, West Chester Food Cupboard and the Office of the Chester County Commissioners. 

  • Madeline Miller, SPCA, Melton Center, and GlamourGals board member

  • Jayashri Muthukrishnan, various libraries, Good Fellowship, Main Line Health, and CHOP 

  • Elena Patarcity, Community Volunteers in Medicine, a local nonprofit that provides free healthcare for low-income uninsured families 

  • Benjamin Pentz, various park cleanups, Boy Scouts, and the Paradise Nature Center 

  • Adam Pontzer, Boy Scouts and a founding member of Aidan’s Heart Foundation’s Henderson chapter.

  • Tara Rameshmanikandan, Project CleanSlate, co-founder and director; also CADCA Region 3 Representative; EMS Corps; and Chester County Hospital.  

  • Sophie Rivell, Senator Carolyn Comitta, the Fund for Women and Girls, and the founder of the Melton Center’s Girls Leadership Program

  • Talia Salome, The Fund for Women and Girls, West Chester Food Cupboard, new voter registration, Forbes Student Research Mentor, and Girls Spark. 

  • Ruhi Trasi, Good Fellowship Ambulance Company, and Spring Brook Farm, a camp for children with special needs

Rustin

  • Leah Ambrosine, church events, Chester County Food Bank, Rise Against Hunger, Unite for Her, and Everyday Hope 

  • Victoria D’Ulisse, started Everyday Hope, a nonprofit that collects items like playing cards, magazines, and hand cream to distribute to patients in hospitals; also, Healthy Kids Run, and Thornbury Township Christmas Train Ride 

  • Macy Fisher, local dance company, church, Rustin Black Student Union, and Heart of Surfing, a nonprofit that offers free surfing lessons to children with developmental disabilities 

  • Drew Gaffney, West Chester Food Cupboard, YMCA, and Westtown Day 

  • Elina Huang, Trunk or Treat, the Wildcat Carnival, Bingo Night, and Unite for Her.  

  • Diya Lakshmanan,  SPCA, and polling station volunteer 

  • Henry Matonis, Boy Scouts, various park cleanups, West Chester Food Cupboard 

  • Emily Miller, West Chester Food Cupboard, the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, Everyday Hope, UNICEF, CHOP, and Bringing Hope Home

  • Diana Munoz-Lopez, church,  El Puente Club, the Charity Court Classic, the MLK Day of Service, and Everyday Hope.

  • Emma Skinner, Angels Against Addiction, Unite for Her, UNICEF Trunk or Treat, and Bingo, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Everyday Hope

Undefeated seasons. Much like it did the 15 games before, West Chester University Women’s Lacrosse ended their regular season on Saturday with a win. The undefeated and top-ranked Golden Rams are now setting their sights on bigger prizes. “It’s always a dream of ours to get back to the big stage and do well,” WCU head coach Ginny Martino, who already has two national titles to her credit, told the Daily Local last week. 

WCU played in the title game two years ago, but came up short, falling to Pace University 19-9. This year’s seniors played in that game as sophomores, and they are ready for another go. “We all know what it takes and how special it feels to get there. We’ve been telling the underclassmen about it so we can all work towards the goal of winning a national championship,” said senior defender Kendell DiCamillo. 

WCU won its last national championship in 2008. Post-season play for the Golden Rams, starts today at 1 p.m. against Seton Hill.  As the #1 overall seed, both the semifinal and final match-ups will be played in West Chester. 

Read more about the Golden Ram’s chances here. 

Rock the Vote. West Chester residents William and Linda Scott were inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame at last week’s Chester County Election Board meeting. The Voter Hall of Fame acknowledges and honors Pennsylvanians who have voted in every November election for at least 50 years. According to state records, Bill and Linda have voted consecutively in every November municipal, local, state, and presidential General Election in Pennsylvania for a minimum of five decades.

Know someone who should be recognized? Send me an email at [email protected] or use this handy form.

Hello.

The Gay Street Open Air Market returns today. Unfortunately, so do the cement blocks.

It’s you again. That’s right, the 2025 Gay Street Open Air Market season starts today, and despite now entering its fifth year, not much has changed from those early pandemic days aside from, perhaps, a few more things to do in the street. 

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Goodbye.

West Chester University professor loses grant and a chance to make scientific research more accessible. Spoiler: she used the word diversity in her research title.

A little over two and a half weeks ago, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced it was cancelling hundreds of grants, including 17 grants awarded to  Pennsylvania institutions, and at least one to a West Chester University professor. 

On April 18, West Chester University Assistant Professor of Biology Dr. Megan Fork received a letter from the NSF. Her $490,000 research grant, awarded in March of 2023, was being terminated. While she does not need to reimburse the government for money already spent, she is not allowed to spend any more, leaving her research in limbo. I spoke with Megan about what exactly she did to offend the federal government and what happens to the work already done. 

(Note: Dr. Fork is not speaking on behalf of West Chester University or any other entity. Some answers were edited for length.)

HWC: First, what was the grant for? 

Dr. Fork: For decades, professional scientific societies and individual scientists have relied on in-person conferences to share their research and build collaborative research networks. But these in-person conferences have significant barriers to access, particularly for Americans working in sectors like non-profits, business, or local and state governments. Our research seeks to make conferences more accessible and collaborative so that scientific data and results are shared across all types of organizations and sectors that do and use research. 

HWC: Does the letter state what you did to warrant termination of the contract? 

Dr. Fork: No, the letter does not say that we are in breach of the contract or that we are deficient in meeting any conditions of the contract. This letter was a standard template [the same letter was sent to all canceled projects]. The letter stated that the NSF “is issuing this termination to protect the interests of the government pursuant to NSF Grant General Conditions (GC-1) term and condition entitled 'Termination and Enforcement,' on the basis that they no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities.”

HWC: Were you surprised by this development? Do you have any idea as to why the grant may have been terminated? 

Dr. Fork: Despite being aware of the targeted actions against programs characterized as supporting DEI [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion] and grant terminations at other federal agencies, the team and I were still surprised and heartbroken to see the mass grant termination at NSF, including ours. The process by which NSF elected to terminate more than 1,000 research grants across the country, over a 2-week period, is really not clear. Some of these grants did include DEI work, but a large number, including ours, don’t fit that description. This research held promise to make science better, more effective, and more economical for all Americans, so we were surprised to see this work characterized as out of alignment with federal priorities.

HWC: It has been widely reported the NSF did a review of all grants in February for words related to DEI. Do you think your work could have gotten snagged in this review? If so, why?  

Dr. Fork: Yes, I think this is why our grant was targeted as part of this round of illegal terminations. The title of our project was “EVALUATION: Improving institutional diversity in professional society participation through virtual and hybrid conferencing“. Reading shallowly, anyone could note that it does include the word “diversity”, but a more thoughtful consideration of the title and description of the project shows that the kind of diversity we’re talking about is about the sectors and kinds of organizations where people are working: non-profits, governments (local, state, Tribal, and federal), universities with very high research activity vs. more teaching-focused universities, etc.

HWC: What implications will the loss of funding have on your research? What about the team it supports? 

Dr. Fork: By the time a research team gets a federal grant, they have usually invested many years of work (often unpaid) to develop the expertise that puts them at the cutting-edge of research; this is true for our team. This action directly harms me and the other people on my team, who have invested hundreds of hours over years in this work, in addition to harming science and scientists who will not have access to the recommendations and improvements that this project promised to provide. We are passionate about the work that we do to make science and its outcomes more available, more effective, and economical for all Americans. We have spent years conceiving, designing, and carrying out this work. This is a heartbreaking, infuriating, and wasteful premature end to our research. 

HWC: What are next steps for you and your team?  

Dr. Fork: Our team is working to appeal this decision, but these kinds of decisions can take a long time. In the meantime, I will continue to work (unpaid) to make sure our findings to date can be communicated, and we’ll look for ways that we can get funding to pay the article processing charges to publish our research. We’ll continue to communicate our results to the professional scientific societies with which we partner in hopes that some useful, evidence-based outcomes will come from this work. We will not stop working to make science better.

According to Megan, at this point the team has spent roughly $290,000 of the $390,000 grant. The government will see a cost savings of about $100,000, while her team is left with a list of problems but no solutions. 

“At the time of termination, we had gotten data that helped us identify and describe the problems, and were cut short before we could do the research that would help us find and describe the potential solutions and recommendations to solve these problems,” she said. 

Ironically, the grant covers the costs for researchers to attend academic conferences and present their research findings. Were Megan and her team allowed to finish their work identifying cost-effective alternatives to the costly conference system their research could have offered potential savings in future grants. 

If you would like to support Megan in her appeal efforts, she encourages residents to email their Representatives and Senators. “These cuts are hurting US universities, students, teachers, and our ability to make America more efficient, sustainable, and innovative!” she said.

Also, is West Goshen’s Greystone Hall under contract again? It looks like it. If the deal goes through, we could be looking at one regal staycation option. 

And finally, a couple of sad goodbyes. 

This will be the last weekend to grab a unique gift or work of art from The 5 Senses. After 20 years, the W. Market St. art gallery is closing its doors. In a town with many restaurants and high turnover, The 5 Senses was a steady presence. In an interview many moons ago, owner Karen Cavin made the argument for more shops like hers. “The town needs more retail. I feel like every time a store closes, an eatery opens. A vital downtown needs a good mix to bring people to town and keep them here,” she said. 

Let’s hope she is heard as this new storefront becomes available. 

Also, goodbye and good luck to Henderson Coach Jeff Bott. After 32 years, leading the Warriors’ Swimming and Diving Team, Jeff is hanging up his whistle. During his coaching career, Coach Bott notched 467 dual meet wins, 27 league titles, and one District 1 Team title. He’s coached 26 District champions, 9 state champions, and 62 All-Americans. He’s also been named the Daily Local Swimming Coach of the Year at least twice, including just a month ago. Of course, he brushed off the praise. 

“No special tactics were required to get the most out of this group…” he told the paper. Adding, “One of the most important areas this team learned is appreciating and recognizing those individuals and teams who preceded them in establishing success throughout the Henderson program’s history.  This alone makes me very proud of this team.”  

Congratulations, coach, on being part of that history, and good luck on whatever is next.

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Pay it Forward.

West Chester junior would like to help fight erosion and keep the mud off your shoes.

Boy Scout Troop 21 member Tyler Schmale has his eye on Eagle Scout, but first, the West Chester resident has to complete a service project. He first thought was a rain garden, but as anyone on Borough Council can tell him, there are long-term maintenance issues there, so he pivoted to trail preservation.

“Jarrod Schull, the manager at Stroud Preserve, pointed out that there are sections of the main trail that tend to collect water, which causes a few problems. It’s not just an issue for the trail itself, with increased erosion and trail widening, but also for visitors, who invariably end up with muddy feet and an unpleasant experience,” says Tyler. 

So, Tyler walked the trail with Jarrod and identified 176 feet of trail, mainly through the main meadow section, that would benefit from boardwalks, or wooden planks that lie over the ground and give visitors a drier path to walk on. 

“Stroud has a standard design and material spec we have to follow, which helps simplify planning but also locks in our material costs,” says Tyler. 

He estimates the project cost at $2000, and because Stroud is not in a position to help with that cost, it is up to Tyler to fund and promote. “I later found out they wouldn’t allow us to spread the word through their platforms either -- we couldn’t place signs on-site or post on their social media,” he said. 

So he has started a GoFundMe and is now hoping to get the word out.

“I thought this project might be of interest to your readers, especially since Stroud is a place so many local families enjoy,” he said. 

If that sounds like you and you would like to contribute in support of mud-free trails, you can find Tyler’s GoFundMe here. 

Other ways to give back this week: 

Share a parking tip. Know someone attending next weekend’s West Chester University graduation? Did you know they can park for free at the Calvary Lutheran Church at S. New and Rosedale Ave? Well, they can. The church is opening its lots to those attending graduation events on Friday and Saturday; for obvious reasons, the lots are not available on Sunday. 

Indulge in a food truck feast for a good cause. Act in Faith’s Chef’s Best competition is next week. This annual outdoor event involves judging a series of food truck creations from some of the area’s best chefs. The event takes place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. Tickets are $100 and all proceeds go to support Act in Faith. I went last year with my oldest and we had a blast.  

The Freakin’ Weekend.

On the eve of Ramboree. I remember when this was an inflatable slide and some face painting.

What are you up to this weekend? We are hosting a First Holy Communion party for our youngest. Anyone have any good bulk pasta salad recipes they want to share? 

If you are around this weekend, there are lots of options, assuming that rain holds off. In addition to Jitter’s Hot Dog eating competition, tonight is First Friday in the Borough and the Spring Gallery Walk. 23 locations are participating. It’s a combination of traditional and non-traditional art galleries, but all will have plenty to admire. You can find a map of participating locations here. Also, it’s Ramboree tonight. (Just know you need to have a WCU connection to enter.) On Saturday, La Chic Boutique is hosting Moms and Mimosas starting at noon. Levante is celebrating 10 years of beer and community at their annual H.O.P. Party, and both Bierhaul Townhouse and 9 Prime are gearing up for the Kentucky Derby. Grab your best hat. Race bell rings are precisely 6:57 p.m. 

Looking for something a little more chill? Don’t these croissants look amazing? Pair with a coffee and a light drizzle, and I think I have my Sunday planned.   

Finally, a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor the West Chester Public Library. The library has been serving the West Chester community in the same location since 1872. If you have not had a chance to visit, the building is amazing, the staff is great, and the inter-library loan system is very convenient. Visit wcpubliclibrary.org for the latest events and updates.

West Chester Public Library

West Chester Public Library has served the community for over 150 years.  Located at  the corner of N. Church and Lafayette Streets, the library circulates over 140,000 items annually. Programs include story times, summer reading, book clubs, trivia, chess club, Holiday Home and Door Tour, and  so much more.  You’ll find a complete list of programs on their website wcpubliclibrary.org

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:

  • May 2 - Gay Street Closure resumes. Closure runs from Friday morning through Sunday evening until October. 

  • May 2 - Jitter’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Gay St. in front of Jitters, 6 p.m. Come out and cheer on the competitors at Jitter’s second annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. Heard last year’s got pretty interesting. 

  • May 3 - West Chester Grower’s Market, Church and Chestnut Sts. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mark your calendar - summer hours begin today at the WCGM.

  • May 3 - Cinco De Mayo Crawl, 12 - 6 p.m. Daydrinking pub crawl hitting five West Chester bars for those who may be interested.  

  • May 4 and 5, “Anxious Generation” Seminar, Spellman Hall, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd. 5:30 -7:30 p.m. During this two-night seminar, discuss what the research tells us about the unintended impact of the digital age on today’s young people and what can be done to stop it. It is not necessary to read the book prior to the presentation. Registration required. A donation of $10 is suggested. Dinner and childcare provided for kids 6 mos to 4 years. 

  • May 6 - Teen & Tween Plant Propagation, West Chester Public Library, 3:30 - 5 p.m. Learn the proper way to repot a plant. Participants will get a plant to take home.  Registration required.

  • May 8 -  Chef’s Best 2025 - the Foodtruck’s Return!, Goodwill Fire Co., 552 E. Union St., 6-9 p.m. Come enjoy the culinary creations of local chefs and vote for your favorite. Tickets: $100  All proceeds go to support Act in Faith. 

  • May 9 - 11 - West Chester University Graduation weekend, various, commencement ceremonies begin Friday evening with the College of Education and Social Work and continue through Sunday afternoon with the Wells School of Music. Visit the link above for a complete list of times and locations.

  • May 9 - Think Before You Post seminar, Chester County Justice Center, 6 -8 p.m. This free seminar explains the importance of responsible online behavior, and the potential criminal implications of sharing certain types of content. Parents, students, and teachers are encouraged to attend the event. Registration is required.

  • May 10 - Market Festival 2025, East High School, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shop the works of 85 vendors, hit up a food truck option, listen to live music from Nashville recording artist Brian McConnell, get your face painted, your caricature done, or your hair tinseled. All proceeds go to support WC East Bands.  

  • May 10 - Skateboarding 101 Pop-up Event, Marshall Square Park, 1 - 3 p.m. This free event gives interested kids an introduction to proper skateboarding techniques. Helmets and safety gear are required however, extra will be available for use if you don’t have your own. Loaner boards are also available if needed. Open to kids 5 to 13.  Registration required. 

  • May 16 - Movie in the Park, Marshall Square Park, dusk

  • May 16 - Cupcakes with a Cop, Dia Doce, 100 S. High St., 12 - 2 p.m. Stop by, grab a delicious cupcake, and connect with local law enforcement in a casual, friendly setting. This is a free event.

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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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