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West Chester Weekly News Roundup

Maple tree outside Hillsdale Elementary on W. Market St. Image: Eugene Rodek

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It’s Friday, Nov. 17, 2023: Ever wonder how your tax dollars are being spent? Well, wonder no more. We look at some of the two dozen projects the borough deemed worthy of your money. Plus, Rose’s Little Donuts opened this morning on N. Darlington St. I have a sneak peek of their decadent offerings. Christmas decorations are up, Safe Harbor is here and kids just being good people. Feeling happy before the holiday.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

West Chester’s Wish List

Funds for a new, improved Gay Street closure among that projects found in this year's budget.

This week West Chester Borough Council held a hearing on and then tabled the 2024 municipal budget discussion until next month when they will hopefully have the details of the new re-negotiated police contract. As presented, the $35.7 million budget came in roughly $200,000 higher than this year’s budget and would require a modest 3 percent real estate tax increase cover. (Expect that to change depending on where the police contract lands.)

It also includes a series of still largely undiscussed capital projects. These two dozen or so projects represent what the Borough would like to accomplish over the following year. 

Here are some of the highlights: 

Solar Canopy at Borough Hall – $10,000. The canopy will be installed in the Borough Hall parking lot and complete with EV charging capabilities allowing Borough administration to convert more of its fleet to solar. According to Treehugger.com (don’t let the name distract you), parking lot canopies not only generate energy but help protect vehicles from the elements. Win. Win. 

K-9 Officer – $15,000. It looks like West Chester is well on its way to getting a police dog. While the police department didn’t want to talk about their new officer until he or she was fully trained, Lt. Josh Lee shared earlier this year the ultimate goal of introducing a canine in 2024 and 2025. According to budgeting documents, the program began in 2023. Next year’s funds are to cover the acquisition and training of the dog as well as the upfitting of a designated K-9 vehicle. It is unclear why the department decided to pursue a police dog program. Both West Chester University and the Sheriff’s Office maintain canine units.   

New Jet/Vacuum Combo Truck – $130,000. This fun vehicle, which just passed the quarter-century mark, is used for the emergency maintenance of the Borough’s storm and sanitary sewers. If the vehicle is not replaced, the Borough will be subject to expensive hourly rental fees. This purchase is being split between multiple departments.  

Gay Street Closure – $55,000. As you’ll remember, this summer the Borough received a $678,000 grant from the county to help finance infrastructure improvements required to close Gay Street safely. This should cover part of the required match. Just don’t expect too much in the way of action next year  – the money has been earmarked for “survey, design, and bid.” Construction is not expected to begin until 2025.

Park Master Plan – $65,000. This one has been a long time coming. The Borough has been talking about the need for a master plan for the parks for years. Well, next year looks like the year we finally get one. A lot is riding on this plan including the role and future of each of West Chester’s 12 parks. 

Parking signs – $180,000. Who knew signs cost so much? West Chester is looking to upgrade signage directing visitors to the Borough’s garages, parking lots, and points of interest. Thankfully, Chester County Tourism is taking care of two of them. 

New license plate readers – $90,000. This idea was getting a lot of love at Wednesday’s public hearing for the new Parking Ordinance – which passed by a vote of six to one. (You can see what changed here.) The new license plate readers will integrate with the Parking Department’s enforcement software to quickly identify non-permit holders and other enforcement issues. 

Also on the docket for 2024 – upfitting two new police vehicles ($40,000), new employee workstations ($20,000), a fence at Mosteller Park ($10,000), security lighting at Veteran’s Memorial Park ($5,000), a gazebo pathway at Everhart Park ($5,000), new light-duty trucks for the West Chester Fire Department leadership ($176,800), new garage floors (Bicentennial), surveillance cameras and lighting (Chestnut Street and Bicentennial) ($183,454) and more “multispacer” parking meters ($130,000)

You can find the complete list of projects here. And more on the full budget picture here.

Note: The above list does not include wastewater or stormwater management projects. Since both are essentially self-funded – Waste Water through monthly service fees and stormwater management through the stream protection fee – we can look at these separately at a later date. 

Safe Harbor Opens Up

Safe Harbor Executive Director Jessica Chappell and Assistant Program Manager Twana Newton

Most weekdays around noon, Safe Harbor, West Chetser’s homeless shelter on S. Matlack Street, opens its doors and begins distributing brown bag lunches. Some of the meals go to residents who have popped back for a midday meal but really, they are available to anyone in the community who wants one. The lunches are donated by the 10s and 20s by church groups and neighbors. This public-facing community program unites volunteers, residents, and neighbors and seems to epitomize the role new Executive Director Jessica Chappell would like to see the shelter play.

“Safe Harbor fell off the map,” she said of the years since COVID hit. Jessica began in June. Former director Judy Jeffords-Homitz stepped down in January after leading the organization through COVID. From the start, Jessica has looked to shed that locked-down image. She has been busy meeting with other nonprofit leaders looking to build “collaborative relationships” with her peers. She also brings a very different perspective. Jessica has little nonprofit experience but a master’s degree in clinical psychology from West Chester University and a background in behavioral health. 

“I sold myself on my transferable skills,” she said with a laugh. 

Among those must be the ability “to build and lead a team.” Over the last six months, Jessica has hired a new case manager, a new volunteer manager, and a new director of development. “We’re powered up,” she said  

Powered up, they are. There is an energy among the staff and Jessica sees this as a chance for growth, not only in staff but in mission. “I think this is an opportunity to impact poverty and homelessness in Chester County,” she said – and she has a three-point plan to do it. 

Upgraded operations. Her first goal, asfor any good executive, was operational – modernizing aging systems and adding new operational protocols. 

Improved case management capabilities. Indira Venero, who joined in May, will be a big part of that. Indira, Safe Harbors’ second case worker, will handle the women residents, freeing up resident case manager Gerome Gray to focus on the men. Jessica’s also working to train the whole staff to be ‘trauma-informed,’ an emerging healthcare practice that advocates taking in the entirety of a person’s life situation. “It’s like peeling an onion. It’s layer after layer of chronic trauma,” said Jessica of residents who seek shelter for all kinds of reasons from mental health to drug dependency to unaccepting parents or an abusive relationship.

And in her ideal world, case management does not end with the securing of permanent lodging. Jessica would like to see a “discharge success program” where caseworkers are on hand to help make sure the transition to full-time housing is successful. Sometimes something as small as a missed bill payment can put you right back on the path to eviction, said Jessica. 

New day programming. Her third goal is even more ambitious. Currently, all residents are expected out of the shelter by 7:30 a.m. It’s an old rule, likely from another era when the thought was that those without employment should be out “pounding the pavement.” Not a common strategy of the digital age. Today most residents without places to go hang out in Borough parks or disperse to the downtown streets, according to Jessica. She would like to see that change. 

She would like to see the shelter remain open to offer classes, job training or even provide complimentary spa treatments. “Anything to enrich,” she said. 

She hopes her plans will bring success to current residents and open up more beds to those in need but she also knows it will never be enough but, then again, that’s why there’s Safe Harbor. 

“There is always going to be chronic homelessness,” she said. “But we are always going to be here too.”

***

With 40 beds, Safe Harbor is Chester County’s largest homeless shelter. Its $1.168 million operational budget is nearly entirely reliant on donations – and I mean individual donations. Each year they essentially build the budget anew. No easy task and one that’s only gotten harder. From 2021 to 2022, Safe Harbor saw a $200,000 decrease in donations or more than a 10 percent drop. Jessica is hoping to change that. “The ask,” she said, “is we are here and we want to do good things.”

You can make a donation here. 

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The Warnings.

Someone’s losing his five-star rating. Last Thursday, West Chester police arrested 19-year-old Samuel Makowski of West Chester on charges of strangulation and aggravated assault after he physically assaulted his Uber driver. The altercation which began inside the car apparently continued after Mr. Makowski exited the vehicle. No reason for the fight was given. 

Southeast West Chester is hit again. West Chester police reported another attempted burglary in the southeast quadrant of the Borough. This time the incident report was for the 500 block of S. Walnut Street. The individual is described as 5’ 9” with a heavy build. At the time of the sighting, he was wearing a white mask and carrying a duffle bag. If you have any information about this incident or a camera in the area, contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700.

Education is a powerful weapon. Last week over a hundred West Chester University students and professors gathered at Sykes Theater, reported The Quad, WCU’s student news service. They were there to dig into the underlying currents of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. The “teach-in” featured the perspectives of three local leaders with ties to the conflict. Dr. Sa’ad Atshan, associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Swarthmore College and Zara Khan, adjunct professor of political science at WCU. Both spoke of their time in Palestine. Donna Nevel, a Jewish activist and community psychologist shared her experiences advocating for Palestinian human rights. When asked, what was the best way to support peace? All three underlined the importance of education. Read more on the “teach-in” here.   

It’s always a week. This week is Crash Responder Safety Week and West Goshen Police Department would like to take this time to remind you to slow down and whenever possible GET OVER to the far lane and away from the accident or whatever police action may be occurring on the shoulder. 

The Accolades.

Starkweather "Buddies"

High fives this week to Starkweather Elementary on Wilmington Pike for being just great friends. Starkweather was recently named an “outstanding best buddies chapter” by Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering acceptance and inclusion among all students. Best Buddies Chapters are student-led groups that work to build and promote meaningful relationships between students with and without learning and developmental disabilities. 

“The best buddies program allows us to officially work to accomplish what we strive to do each day for all kids—allow them to feel accepted and included all while having fun with their friends,” said Starkweather Elementary School’s Principal, John Meanix.

In just two years, the Starkweather chapter has grown to over 100 members. 

Also, a round of applause to WCU nurses – apparently, you earned it. West Chester University was recently named the top RN to B.S. in Nursing program in the state.

“Impressively, the program ranks first among 1,922 comparable programs for NCLEX* pass rates, cementing its reputation for cultivating skilled nursing professionals,” the allnurses.com website states. (For those not in the field, NCLEX or National Council Licensure Examination is the top nurse licensure exam.) 

Even better news, for those in and considering the program? According to WCU Nursing Department Chair Nancy Barker, her students are “in high demand with the University’s clinical partners due to their impressive clinical and academic expertise.” 

And I bet you get to take classes in that nice new Science and Engineering building. 

Now a look at the fall sports postseason where it’s all about stayin’ alive, stain’ alive, stayin’ aliiiiiiiiive. 

• Rustin Football plays on. Last week the Golden Knights advanced in the District 1 5A semifinals with a 22-14 win over Plymouth Whitemarsh. Rustin started strong, scoring on the game’s second play, thanks to Ryan Loper’s monster 62-yard TD run. The play set the tone of the game and the Colonials never recovered. Rustin is back on the field Saturday when they will face top-seeded Chester for a chance to advance to the championship. Correction: last week’s recap said semifinals when it should have said quarterfinals.  

• Both West Chester University’s Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams have made the NCAA Division II Tournament. The women earned a 3-seed after winning this year’s PSAC tournament. The men enter as a 5-seed. The women face Frostburg State this afternoon at 3 p.m. in Kutztown. The men’s first-round opponent is Post University. They play tomorrow in Waterbury, CT.

Hello.

Fun fact: Rose’s is named after Justin’s Armenian mother who worked for years in a school cafeteria and never arrived anywhere without a tray of baked goods. “She would have loved this,” said Beth. 

“When we moved here, West Chester didn’t have a donut shop,” Beth Campbell told me of how she and her husband Justin came to own a donut shop. (There was, of course, also the love of baking and meeting new people.) That was eight years ago and until this morning that statement has remained true. Well, no more. Today, West Chester has a donut shop. 

Literally today. Rose’s Little Donuts opened at 7 a.m. this morning on 22 N. Darlington Street. 

“We wanted to be able to bring fun donuts and good coffee and build a community around our space,” said Beth.

The “space” began last August with the purchase and renovation of the hundred-year-old building. Remodeling started with the exterior structure and the upstairs apartment before the Campells could make the move from sushi (this was the former home of Bon, Bon Sushi) to donut shop. Now the space is filled with a sweeping counter, sleek new coffee maker, bakery racks, and a mechanical donut maker that drops perfectly-sized circles onto a conveyor belt where they are cooked to light golden brown. Despite all the shiny and new, the shop has a throwback vibe with a wall of white subway tiles and black accents punctuated with pops of teal and a fun wall-length coral and teal donut mural.

“We now feel so good about the space,” said Beth.

The donuts are little – 2 ½” across – and will be available in a variety of rotating flavors. There will be a specialty donut that is made in big morning batches then standard flavors that are replenished fresh throughout the day. All the donuts will be cake – there is just not enough room in the small kitchen to allow for rising and frying -but that shouldn’t be a problem. Beth and Justin already have a growing list of flavors in the works. 

“Smores with chocolate icing and mini marshmallows, lemon meringue, pistachio, maybe a seasonal flavor like pumpkin?” Beth offered. “We’d like to do a spicy donut like a hot honey, and maple-bacon-peanut butter is a favorite of Justin,” she said. The donuts will come in boxes of four, 12, or 16 and while purchasing one at a time is possible, they are “little” donuts for a reason.  

“We want people to be able to try the flavors,” said Beth. “We want to make it easier to share.” 

Note: There is not a lot of indoor seating. The back patio has been refurbished for use during the warmer months but for now, service is primarily grab-and-go. 

Say hello, to new student housing. Demolition is underway at 746 S. Franklin Street, the former home of University Court Apartments which were famously destroyed two years ago in a Dec. 23 fire. Now, much-needed university housing is coming back in the form of a new 3-story, 12-unit student housing complex.  

Also, could West Chester finally be getting that skatepark? A proposal was made this week to use money from the development of the Wyeth Property (611 E. Nields St.) to establish a skate park in a parking lot across the street. Earlier efforts to install a skating location at Rustin Park were met with neighbor resistance. The beauty of this location, it was noted, is its away from residents. 

There could also be waiting seed money for the project. According to a West Chester building ordinance, developers must incorporate a certain amount of green or recreational space those that do not, must pay a “fee in lieu of” to the Borough of West Chester. That fee must be used for recreational or greening initiatives elsewhere in the borough. The current plans for the property call for the construction of a couple of warehouses but no recreational space. The “fee in lieu of” for the project is estimated at $480,000.     

“We could use the money to build something for the kids,” said Councilman Bernie Flynn who brought the idea to Council.

The discussion was initial, and while there appears to be Council support for the idea, it is likely still many months and some negotiation away. The proposed lot is owned by Eli Khan. The borough would first need to purchase it from him before they could move forward – and it is not clear at this time if he would be willing to sell.  

Still, it could be pretty cool… “We are 100 percent backing the plan,” said Brian Baade, founder of the Skateboard Improvement Coalition of Chester County.

Finally, some business announcements: 

• True By Kristy, the permanent jewelry co, is taking up permanent space at 16 S. Church Street. They were next to me at the Chilli Cookoff this year. I don’t know if I could commit to forever jewelry – but it’s an interesting process and they do have some pretty pieces. Stop by and say, “Hi!”

• Turks Head Sauce, our lovable neighborhood food truck vendor, has some big news. Earlier this month they opened a new Hot Sauce facility in the borough. The new space will allow them to expand production of their popular hot sauces. “Our goal is to get our product into as many stores and households as possible,” they shared via Facebook. Then next year they will be opening “Rooney’s,” their first restaurant location. It will be in Dilworthtown – just behind where the Blue Pear and Dilworthtown Inn were located.

Goodbye.

All aglow even in the Saturday morning sunshine.

Goodbye, plain, old West Chester streets, and hello, holiday trimmings. If you have been downtown in the last seven days or so, you’ve probably already noticed, but the Borough’s transformation to winter wonderland is nearly complete – a full week (and then some) ahead of Thanksgiving. 

“Beginning this week, our beautifully decorated historic streets feature additional blocks aglow in the Borough to accommodate the increasing number of visitors who want to shop (and eat!) small in downtown West Chester before Thanksgiving even begins,” said Katie Walker, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. 

While decorations are hung and lights (nearly 75,000 of them) are lit, the season won’t officially begin until Nov. 24 at 9 a.m. with the launch of Small Business Weekend. Remember there will be free street-level metered parking all weekend long.  

New this year, the Chamber is lighting up Church and Walnut Streets from Gay to Market. 

Also, this week a couple of personnel changes…

On Saturday students, staff, former players and alumni came out to Farrell Stadium to bid farewell to West Chester University Football Coach Bill Zwaan, who has spent 20 years behind the line for the Golden Rams. 

During his tenure, Coach Zwaan has won 217 games and made the NCAA playoffs ten times, the national semifinal twice. Not many can claim numbers like that and on Saturday, the team sent out the NCAA Division II’s winningest active coach as was only right – with a decisive 34-7 victory over Clarion. The highlight reel of a game included five interceptions, a record-setting performance by senior Izaiah McPherson, and 180 yards rushing by freshman (and Rustin alumnus) Dayshawn Jacobs. 

“It was a good game, and I feel great. I am walking out a winner and it’s been an incredible journey. I have a ton of stories to tell now,” Coach Zwaan told Daily Local reporter Neil Geoghegan on Saturday. 

While the official announcement came just last week, the decision was not sudden. According to a  Philadelphia Inquirer article, for years Coach Zwaan has been suffering from leg issues that have made walking and standing long periods on sidelines difficult.  

Finally, good luck to West Chester Fire Chief Steve Pelna, who is stepping away from his position at the end of the year.  The leave is for no other reason than the natural course of progression. The Office of Fire Chief rotates between West Chester’s three volunteer fire companies every three years. Next up, Mark Scanlon. Mark is currently Assistant Chief of the Fame Fire Company. 

Pay It Forward.

It’s not cheap to throw a free community event – even when the location(s) and entertainment are donated. This year, Porchfest expenses topped more than $10,000 and they are expected to be even higher next year as organizers look to expand the event’s footprint. So this year, the event committee is getting a jump on fundraising with a December jam session. 

“Porchfest is using the event to kick off the push to raise money in order to close more blocks to traffic,” said Porchfest co-organizer Molly Hanford.  

The December 2, “Bourbon Street Jam” is being held at the Unitarian Church on High Street and features music from local favorites Onyx&honey, Will Snooze, the Cosmosapian Jazz Collective, and more.  

“I personally am so excited about the event,” said Molly. “We are hoping it has a mini “Mardi Gras” feel from jambalaya to local musicians to a New Orleans birthday cake (called a Doberge) being made and donated by LaBaguette Magique.” 

There will also be wine from Turks Head Wine, beer from Wrong Crowd, liquor tastings by Manatawny Still Works, coffee from Mayday, Jerk Chicken from Manje Caribbean, and a fashion show. 

“It is a little bit of everything. It will not be the usual ‘holiday party,’” said Molly 

The entrance fee is $20 and that will get you two raffle tickets to use to customize your Bourbon Street experience. Event tickets are available on the Porchfest website or at the door – space permitting. 

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

 Superunknown | Nov. 25, 2023 @ 7:30PM

Emerging as THE premier Chris Cornell tribute band, Superunknown covers all eras of the singers too short career from Soundgarden to Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. Get your tickets today!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Sunday vibes.

What are you up to this weekend? We are heading into the city for an adult birthday party. I’m excited. While I love Borough events, it’s nice to mix it up. I am also beginning my search for the perfect Thanksgiving pie. Each year I get asked to donate a dessert to the family dinner and each year my selection gets passed over for the usual subjects – but I am determined to break them. If any knows of a sure-fire winner, message me. 

If you are around this weekend, Dia Doce has an on-point fall selection including sticky toffee butter cake and apple cider donut. Lulu’s Casita is hosting a Friendsgiving with Elmo. Jitter’s is having a beer sale, Love and Again Local brought back its Ugly Sweater sandwich and Bobbles and Lace has some perfect Thanksgiving Eve boots. And for those of you who just can’t wait – Thornbury Farm Christmas Market opens tomorrow at 10 a.m.

A special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor Andrea Napoli Real Estate.  A board member of the West Chester Senior Center and active in numerous local organizations, Andrea understands the role communities play in making a home feel special. Click here to learn more! 

Andrea Napoli Real Estate

Representing West Chester buyers and sellers, Andrea has built a loyal client base by paying attention to the details and putting their needs first. She brings exceptional knowledge of the industry, the market and the West Chester community and is committed to putting quality service back in the process. Learn more about Andrea Napoli Real Estate.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Advertisers: I have a two ad spaces available between now and the end of the year. It’s a great (and cost-effective) way to get your business in front of a highly engaged local audience – I swear they see everything! Email me at [email protected] if you are interested and I can get you details and dates. Ad spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Readers: Like knowing what's happening in and around town? Same! I figure if regular readers contribute just $10 a year - we can keep the updates coming and the ads limited! Help keep readers first with a small donation below.

Yes, I support Hello, West Chester

Mark your calendars:

• Nov. 16 – 18 – Me, War and Toy Grenade, WCU J.P. Adler Studio Theatre, 7:30 p.m. (2 p.m. matinee showing on Sunday). Me, War and Toy Grenade is about the first 80 days of the Russian aggression into Ukraine. This represents the US premiere of this work.

• Nov. 17 -18 – Beauty and the Beast, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 7:30 p.m., 3 p.m. Saturday. West Chester University’s Opera Theatre presents this familiar fairy tale featuring the lush, romantic music by Vittorio Giannini. “It is the perfect introduction to opera for every age.” Tickets: $7 – kids 12 and under free.

• Nov. 17 – Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Hop Fidelity, 6 – 10 p.m. You bring it, they spin it!

• Nov. 17 – Family Fun Night, Riverstone United Christian Academy, 430 Hannum Ave. 7 p.m. Featuring Christian entertainer Boston Bachert and comedian Ryan Roe enjoy a night of comedy, music, magic and more. Tickets: $10; Kids under 2 are free.

• Nov. 17 – AM Radio Tribute Band, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. AM Radio Tribute Band plays all of those songs from the 60s and early 70s that you grew up listening to. $35/in advance; $40 at the door.

• Nov. 18 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Nov. 18 – Hanging of the Greens 2023, Downtown West Chester, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sign up for a 2 hour volunteer window. Limited slots remain.

• Nov. 18 – 19 – Thornbury Farm Christmas Market, Thornbury Farm CSA, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Sunday). Get your Christmas tree while shopping for gifts from local vendors plus farm animals, camp fire, live music and one of the earliest sightings of Santa Claus.

• Nov. 18 – 33 1/3 Live’s Killer Queen Experience, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. 33 1/3 LIVE’s Killer Queen Experience is a 90-minute concert set of all your favorite Queen tracks. TIckets: $45/in advance; $50/at the door.

• Nov. 19 – Gratitude Yoga, 725 W. Miner St, 10 a.m. 30-minute yoga session plus turkey craft. $10/child proceeds benefit West Chester Play School – bring your own mat!

• Nov. 19 – East Winter Blast Cheer Invitational, East HS, 8:20 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. Teams youth through varsity compete during this day long event.

• Nov. 19 – Jitters Quizzo, Jitters – 146 W. Gay St, 7 – 10 p.m. Every Sunday

• Nov. 19 – Kildare’s Karaoke Night, Kildares – 18 W. Gay St., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Every Sunday

• Nov. 20 – $5 Monday Night Movie – Dave, Uptown Theater, 7 – 9 p.m. Free popcorn!

• Nov. 20 – Poker Night, Saloon 151, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Free weekly Poker Nights every Monday at Saloon 151. Enjoy $9 burgers and $3 Guinness pints all day.

• Nov. 24 – Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Hop Fidelity, 6 – 10 p.m. You bring it, they spin it!

• Nov. 24 – 26 – Small Business Weekend, Downtown West Chester. Look for promotional events, sales and extended hours at your favorite West Chester Shops. Street-level, metered parking will be FREE from Friday, November 24th – Sunday, November 26th.

• Nov. 25 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Nov. 25 – Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Historic Chester County Courthouse, 2-3 p.m. Local choirs and performers sing your favorite holiday songs.

• Nov. 25 – Santa on the Fire Truck, Downtown West Chester, 3 – 4 p.m. Santa will be escorted through the streets of Downtown West Chester by First WC Fire Co.

• Nov. 25 – Superunknown – A Chris Cornell Tribute, Uptown Theater, 7:30 -9:30 p.m. They cover all eras of Chris Cornell’s too short career from Soundgarden to Audioslave and Temple of the Dog. $35/in advance; $40/at the door; Student pricing available.

• Nov. 26 – Jitters Quizzo, Jitters – 146 W. Gay St, 7 – 10 p.m. Every Sunday

• Nov. 26 – Kildare’s Karaoke Night, Kildares – 18 W. Gay St., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Every Sunday

• Nov. 27 – $5 Monday Night Movie, Uptown Theater, 7 – 9 p.m. Free popcorn included! Showing – The Greatest Turkey Movie of all Time

• Nov. 27 – Poker Night, Saloon 151, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Free weekly Poker Nights every Monday at Saloon 151. Enjoy $9 burgers and $3 Guinness pints all day.

• Nov. 29 – Stetson and Rustin Band Concert, Rustin HS, 7 p.m.

• Dec. 1 – West Chester Christmas Parade, Downtown West Chester, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Parade night kicks off with the official lighting of West Chester’s Christmas tree on the lawn of the Historic Chester County Courthouse. Christmas Parade parade starts at 7 p.m. If you would like to help out at a parade marshall, sign up here.

• Dec. 1 – First Friday, Downtown West Chester, 4 – 8 p.m. Come explore Downtown West Chester with extended store hours. Street parking is free starting at 5 p.m.

• Dec. 1 – The Holiday Cheer Show, Uptown Theater, 5 – 6 p.m. Start the Holiday Season off with a bang and enjoy Uptown Studio’s annual Holiday Cheer Concert. Tickets, $18/in advance; $23/at the door. Children 12 and under $12/$17

• Dec. 1 – Little Lincolns Gettysburg Address Contest, 28 W. Market St. 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. This annual event encourages youth to become more involved in their community and more deeply appreciate local history. This is a free event.

• Dec. 2 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Dec. 2 – Clover Market – Holiday Market, Westtown School, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This Holiday Market will feature 100 carefully curated handmade and vintage vendors as well as eats and treats. Admission is free. VIP tickets for early admission available.

• Dec. 2 – Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, Historic Chester County Courthouse, 2-3 p.m. Local choirs and performers sing your favorite holiday songs.

• Dec. 2- Santa on the Fire Truck, Downtown West Chester, 3 – 4 p.m. Santa will be escorted through the streets of Downtown West Chester by First WC Fire Co.

• Dec. 2 – Porchfest’s Bourbon Street Jam, Unitarian Congregation of West Chester, 7 p.m. Enjoy your favorite Porchfest bands along with a fashion show, a raffle and Jambalaya, cake, beer and spirits tastings. Admission $20 and will get you 5 tickets to use at various stations. All proceeds go to support West Chester Porchfest.

Psst. Like to plan? Check out the Calendar page for events through the end of the year.

That’s it. There is no issue next week so I will you in two. Stay safe, stay healthy, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! (And don’t forget to send me those pie ideas!)

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.

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