West Chester Weekly News Roundup: May 9, 2025

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Editor’s note: The story lead story on the SEPTA cuts got cut off in the original newsletter, so I am resending.

It’s Friday, May 9, 2025: What is Wonder? The NYC food hall is coming to West Chester, but is the ability to get a Bobby Flay steak delivered to your doorstep going to be everything you hoped for? I look at what we can expect when it opens next week. Plus, Downtown West Chester reacts to SEPTA’s plans to reduce its already weak service to West Chester. “My biggest worry about the SEPTA cuts is in the restaurant industry,” says executive director John O’Brien.“It is already a struggle for restaurants to hire back-of-house workers.” 

Also, West Chester graduation, Happy Mother’s Day, and Ice Cream West Chester teases its grand opening. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.   

Exciting news! Hello, West Chester is approaching 5,500 subscribers! Can you believe it? I really can’t. So, amazing, but we are not quite there yet. If you haven’t taken advantage of the referral program, try it now. (Code’s at the bottom of the newsletter.) Together we can make this amazing community even stronger! (Plus, I have plenty of thank you stickers.)

Happy Mother’s Day - in honor of all you hard-working mothers out there, I am running a Mother’s Day special through the weekend. $12/annual subscription. Consider it a year of uninterrupted updates, and a glass of wine on me. 

Around the State: DYK access to paid leave in Pennsylvania is determined by where residents live and work? As it stands, Philadelphia and Allegheny County mandate that businesses provide paid leave. The rest of us? Not so much. That is, unless you are a legislator. Fortunately, some lawmakers want to change that. 

Hanging On By a Bus Line

Last Wednesday, local politicians gathered for a press conference at the Paoli Train Station to denounce a crippling cuts proposed by SEPTA to cover a $213 million deficit. To reach that number and return to the black, Southeast PA’s transit authority will need to reduce services by 45 percent starting this summer. On the chopping block are 50 bus routes and five Regional Rail lines, including, locally, the Paoli-Thorndale line.  

“Public transportation is a necessity,” State Senator Carolyn Comitta told attendees. “It’s how we keep moving.”

Yes, but, as the West Chester Rail Restoration Committee, and now the Transportation Advisory Committee, has long been telling us, West Chester has pretty much been out of this conversation since 1986, the year the West Chester rail line stopped running. So, really, what more can they do to isolate us?  

A bit, as it turns out. “I know a lot of times the conversation around public transit centers on trains, but our regional bus routes are extremely important to moving people around,” said Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien.

What’s a stake? 

Currently, three SEPTA bus routes - 92, 104, and 135 - serve West Chester. Route 92 provides service between West Chester and King of Prussia, on its way stopping at Chester County Hospital, QVC, the Fern Hill Medical Campus, and the Mars Corporation. Route 104 connects West Chester University to Philadelphia's 69th Street Station. Route 135 runs to Coatesville by way of the Exton Mall. 

No West Chester service routes will be cut outright this summer. However, Route 104 faces a 20 percent route reduction starting in August, and if funding is not restored, Route 92 is set to be eliminated in January 2026.

“My biggest worry about the SEPTA cuts is in the restaurant industry,” said John.“It is already a struggle for restaurants to hire back-of-house workers (i.e., cooks, food prep, dishwashing), and there are a number of workers who ride the buses.” 

West Chester University has also voiced concerns over the cuts. In an email to students, the WCU’s Faculty Senate, the school’s advocates for shared governance, encouraged students to speak out against the changes. WCU argues the cuts disproportionately impact low-income students and those with disabilities, as well as hinder the university’s recruitment efforts.

“If realized, these cuts would cause our campus to be virtually isolated from the surrounding community in terms of public transportation,” President of the Senate Dr. Israel Sanz-Sanchez told WCU Student newspaper, The Quad, last month.  

So, without these lines, what options are there for the workers and students who use them? “I can’t really think of alternatives except for driving,” said John. 

In related news, Thursday is Bike to Work Day. Unfortunately, West Chester doesn’t really have this infrastructure either. You can, of course, find your own way to work. However, if you want to join the official ride (and score a free breakfast), you’ll have to head to Exton first.

The Warnings.

Break-ins are on the rise. Westtown-East Goshen Police are warning of an increase in vehicle break-ins. To ensure you are not a victim, hide or store any valuables (electronics, bags) before you leave, not after you park; park in a well-lit, busy area, and always lock your car doors. “Thieves are targeting unlocked cars and visible valuables,” they shared on social media.  

That bar fight can get you more than banned. West Chester Police are seeking community assistance in identifying an individual wanted in connection with an altercation that took place at Barnaby’s on Tuesday morning around 1:25 a.m. If you recognize this individual, help a cop out at 610-696-2700.

There will be no new charter school. Last month, the Pennsylvania Charter Appeals Board shared its decision to deny the Valley Forge Classical Academy’s charter. The academy was formed in 2023 to provide a “Hillsdale College Curriculum” education option for students in the West Chester area and beyond. However, it quickly came under fire for essentially presenting an incomplete application. The appeal board found similarly, citing deficiencies in curriculum, a failure to establish financial security, a lack of community support, and "refusal to correct or even attempt to correct the numerous defects in the initial Application." You can find the full decision here. 

Celebrate responsibly. West Chester attended to two vehicular incidents in two days this week. On Thursday, the West Chester Fire Department was called out to extinguish a vehicle fire on Ashbridge Rd. Then Friday morning, Ashbridge St. was closed between N. Church St and N. Darlington St. after a car collided with a pole. The driver was attended by EMS and PECO is taking care of the pole. There is no word as to whether these drivers were impaired or otherwise driving unsafely. Still, with graduations looming, WCU this weekend, and West Chester high schools in a couple of weeks, plus, proms and other end-of-year festivities, take this as a reminder to slow down and celebrate responsibly.  The Accolades.

Ready, set, graduate. This week, we celebrate the 3,176 spring graduates who will grace a stage at one of West Chester University’s 16 commencement ceremonies. 

Festivities start tonight at Hollinger Field House when the College of Education and Social Work will step up and receive their diplomas. College of Business & Public Management grads (Accounting, Geography & Planning, and Urban and Environmental Planning) will follow; they will be recognized at Asplundh Concert Hall.

On Saturday, celebrations begin at 9 a.m. again at Hollinger with another business cohort (Economics, Finance, and Marketing) and continue through 6:30 p.m. when University College walks at Asplundh Hall. Also recognized on Saturday will be the rest of the College of Business & Public Management, some of the College of Sciences and Mathematics (Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, and Pharma), the College of Arts and Humanities, and all graduate students. 

Things wrap up Sunday with the rest of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, the College of Health Sciences, and the Wells School of Music. 

Tickets are required for all ceremonies. Parking is available (and free) at both the New and Sharpless Street garages. Also, Calvary Lutheran Church at S. New and Rosedale Ave is making its lots available to graduates and their guests - just not on Sunday. 

If you don’t have a ticket but want to catch the action, all ceremonies will be live-streamed. If you are attending, WCU has these signs you can download and embarrass your favorite grad with. 

Other things we are celebrating this week:  

Hot to go. As the spring sports season wraps up this week, here are a few teams to keep an eye on heading into the postseason.  

After 19 games, Rustin’s Softball team has only one loss. They are currently ranked first in the district (out of 23 teams), and with only one regular season game remaining, they look like the team to beat in the postseason. Haven’t seen the girls in action this year? They’ll be home on Monday against Unionville. Check them out. Keep an eye on Sarah Wood at bat and Ashley Falcone on the mound.

Henderson’s Girls’ Lacrosse has only two losses this season. They are currently ranked sixth in the district and eighth in the state. The girls wrap up the regular season tonight against Marple Newton. Special shoutout to Reese Heim, who reached 100 goals earlier this season!

In the mix: 

Both the Henderson and Rustin baseball teams are having solid seasons this year. At 12-4, Rustin is currently ranked fifth in the district. Henderson is 11-6. They started the week strong with a solid win over East before letting one slip to Bishop Shanahan. The season wraps on Monday. The Warriors are at Coatesville, the Golden Knights' at home against Great Valley. 

With only four losses for the year, Rustin’s Boys’ Lacrosse team is ranked seventh in the district (not bad considering there are 42 teams in D1 3A). They finish things up tonight at Devon Prep.

Pick me up: 

Not every year can be your year, and this is not the Henderson Softball team’s year. So, maybe if you get a chance, go out and lend the Warriors a little encouragement? We’ve all played on disappointing teams before, but 0-17 (including a 13-0 loss to crosstown rival East this week) is tough. They end things tonight at Villa Maria. 

Now, back to the praise. A couple of track and field shoutouts. First to Rustin’s Sophia Hnetinka. The junior was the only athlete, girl or boy, to pick up a win at this year’s Henderson Invitational. She took gold in the 3200 with a personal best of 10:49:94. Then, at this week’s Ches-Mont Championships, shoutouts to Rustin senior Ana Dakes. Ana defended both her shot put and discus titles. East senior Jacob Joslin took the shot put title for the boys, and East senior Kendall Thompson took gold in the javelin with a throw of 128’. The distance set a new Ches-Mont record and a new East record, smashing the old record, which stood for nearly 40 years. 

Post-season play. West Chester University’s Women’s Lacrosse team begins its bid for a third national title this week. After winning their 27th Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship over the weekend, the Golden Rams were awarded a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse Tournament. They begin tournament action at home on Saturday when they’ll face the winner of the first-round match-up between Wingate and Limestone. Play begins at 3 p.m. Go cheer them on!    

Momma’s boy. A round of applause this week to West Chester University alumnus Jake Henry. Jake recently took first (and a $35,000 cash prize) at Salisbury University’s Shore Hatchery Program for a device he created to treat musculoskeletal pain without opioids or surgery. Instead, his wearable design uses kinesiology tape and a wireless electrode system to stimulate the muscles and reduce the wearer’s pain. The inspiration for his design? His mother’s long battle with debilitating osteoarthritis. (Awe.) It works too. Jake’s mom was reportedly able to run pain-free for the first time in 10 years thanks to the device. 

Consistent acclaim. Another elite dining list, another paragraph of praise for two West Chester restaurants. While I am sure the Philadelphia restaurant scene keeps things hopping, it's steady as she goes here in the ‘burbs. Philadelphia Magazine just released its annual tally of the region’s 50 best restaurants. While the restaurants they honor may be “taking ambitious leaps and unexpected risks,” the selections themselves at this point are pretty predictable, if also dead on. So, once again, props to Ground Provisions and Andiario for continuing to raise the bar and the prestige of West Chester dining.  

39 percent fewer inpatient deaths. Congratulations this week to Chester County Hospital, which was once again named a Top 100 Hospital by Premier, a health care solutions company. According to their promo copy, their rankings are based simply on performance and data, and their selected hospitals outperform their peers on clinical outcomes and lives saved, as in  26 percent fewer complications, 32 percent fewer infections, and 39 percent fewer inpatient deaths. Chester County Hospital came in 14th overall and was the only large community hospital on the East Coast to make the list. 

Award-winning tributes. Iron Hill picked up two awards at this year’s World Beer Cup: a silver for its East Side Gallery, a tart Berliner Weisse, and a bronze for The Cannibal. The Cannibal was the signature beer of longtime brewer Chris LaPierre, who passed away last summer. It was brewed again in his memory. 

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Pay it Forward.

Empowering beautiful connections. That is the motto of GlamourGals Foundation, a national organization that works to make seniors feel loved and appreciated by way of companionship and complimentary makeovers. Henderson maintains an active local chapter with about 20 members. Student volunteers visit local senior homes like the Hickman and the Wellington at Hershey’s Mill, where they connect over bracelet making and manicures. 

“I met this wonderful woman named Mary who was so excited to make a bracelet in honor of her granddaughter who recently passed,” said member Maddie Miller. “This was such a special moment for me to be a part of. It truly puts into perspective how important GlamourGals is,” she added.

Chapter President Macie Burt joined as a freshman as a way to get involved at school. 

“I ended up staying and taking up a leadership position because it truly is so rewarding to see the joy that we can bring to others through even the smallest of things!” she said. “I love our card-writing meetings and how touched the residents are by them when I drop them off at the homes.”

GlamourGals is wrapping up for the year, but new members are welcome to join in the fall.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We have a Saturday of soccer games, but a relatively light Sunday. I am hoping to get a start on the garden and maybe a Mother’s Day surprise? Hint. Hint. 

If you are around this weekend, don’t forget it's graduation weekend. Not only will traffic be intense around the University, but dining reservations could be hard to come by, so plan ahead. Looking for things to do? WC East Band is hosting a Market Festival on Saturday. They promise 85 vendors, plenty of food trucks, and live music from Nashville recording artist Brian McConnell. All proceeds support the band. Also, on Saturday, our friend Carol Bilek is hosting a Chi Walking event at East Goshen Park, and West Chester Park and Rec is hosting a second Skateboarding 101 event at Marshall Square Park, both should be sufficiently far away from graduation crowds. 

Still looking for Mother’s Day ideas? Green Eyed Lady has the perfect summer dress, Pine and Quill is offering discounts and mimosas to make the shopping decisions easier, and Twin Valley Coffee has a five large cold brew gift card for the mom in need of a caffeine boost (all.) Yori’s has your cake, (these Mother’s Day minis are cute too but must order today) and I just discovered this West Chester artist. She has the best cards.  

Also, this weekend, La Tartine is celebrating five years in the borough, Bobbles and Lace, two. Both are offering treats. Stop by and wish them well!

Finally, a special thanks to our newest Community Sponsor, Gregory Dexter! Gregory has a full service, one stop, holistic financial advisory practice proudly serving clients across the Commonwealth and the country. Looking to get a better handle of your financial future? Give Gregory a call at 302-757-5260.

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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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