West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Oct. 24, 2025

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It’s Friday, Oct. 24, 2025: With the Federal shutdown now entering its fourth week and the Pennsylvania budget impasse dragging on, the pain has hit home. Both food banks are feeling the pinch, as is the West Chester Area Senior Center. WCASC is supposed to be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Instead, it is navigating tricky budget cuts, rising expenses, and waiting on the County to renew its contract. Something the county is hesitant to do until it learn what the state allocation will be for the fiscal year. This week, we dig into the impacts of all this government gridlock, review WCU’s plan to be awesome, take a look at the high school sports postseason, discuss whether public employees should continue to receive benefits after retirement, and bid adieu to Lulu’s (extremely short-lived) bakery. What happened and where to get that sourdough, plus much more, below. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

P.S. Who else is loving these cool mornings? Perfect for a sweatshirt. (Cute, right?) 

Spending Cuts and Budget Impasses Threaten 50 Years of Senior Community

I arrived at the West Chester Area Senior Center on Wednesday morning to take Program Director Jessica Tipton’s very legit, level-three fitness class. I was working on a profile of the newly helmed organization on the eve of its 50th anniversary. What I found was reason for concern.  

“We want the county to renew our budget,” WCASC Executive Director Leah Reynolds told the members of our class just ahead of our 9:30 a.m. start time. “They won’t do it.”

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

At Spring Cresek Design, almost every project we undertake in West Chester includes remodeling or adding a bathroom. Bathroom design is evolving, as our clients focus on style and functionality. Here are some trends our designers are incorporating:

• Minimalism: Clean lines, neutral colors, and clutter-free spaces are in vogue.  

• Natural materials: Wood, stone, and marble add warmth and sophistication.

• Smart technology: Voice-activated lighting, heated floors, bidet toilet seats, and sensor faucets enhance convenience.  

• Accessibility: Zero-threshold showers and wheelchair-accessible vanities anticipate aging in place.

• Spa-like retreats: Freestanding tubs, rain showers, and luxurious lighting create serene environments. Also, don’t be surprised to see more tubs in bedrooms!  Bold tile: Accents of vibrant hues or detailed patterns add personality.

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly materials and water-saving fixtures are gaining popularity.  

• Statement lighting: Unique chandeliers or pendant lights become focal points.

Ready to make the most of the home you love? Give us a call at 610-273-9194.

**This is a sponsored post.**

The Warnings.

Trader Joe’s will not be coming to the Gay St. Post Office anytime soon. Sure, this was always a pipedream, but now even more so as the Post Office has been called back to duty. Once a sleepy outpost, the Gay St. Post Office has been working overtime ever since a July 2024 fire closed the Airport Road facility. No attempts to repair the damage and rumors among mail carriers have had many wondering whether the U.S. Postal Service ever intends to reopen the larger location. Well, this week, Rep. Chrissy Houlahan wrote to the Daily Local News to share - she knows nothing either. 

“My team and I began engaging the United States Postal Service (USPS) almost immediately after the fire,” she wrote. They called. They nudged. They badgered. They even met with officials in person. Last October, they were told the building was not being sold and that the USPS would bolster local services. That was a year ago.   

Over the last several months, they continued to push for answers. This summer, her team visited the Airport Rd facility and found it in disrepair. 

“We found an eyesore, a property with overflowing trash bins, foot-high grass, overgrown shrubs, and weeds everywhere. We spent the day mowing, weeding, and clearing debris ourselves. We also discovered a sinkhole covered by rotting plywood and a buried fire hydrant—both serious public safety concerns,” she wrote.

They formally reported the hazards and followed up with another visit in September. 

“This situation is frustrating and unacceptable. I want you to know that I will continue to press for a clear plan to restore service to the community, ensure public safety, and maintain the property in the meantime. Our community deserves better,” she said.

I think we would all agree. Read her full letter here.

Pedestrian struck. Good Fellowship Ambulance was called after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the corner of S. High and E. Nields Sts. on Thursday morning. No word at this time on the condition of the pedestrian.  

This is National School Bus Safety Week. Speaking of safe crossings, West Chester Police Department was out this week in support of Operation Safe Stop, a Pennsylvania program designed to help ensure children are transported to and from school safely.  

As a reminder, PA law requires motorists to stop at least ten feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop-arm activated. Motorists must stop when they’re behind the bus, meeting the bus, or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop-arm is withdrawn. 

Keep an eye on your trees. West Chester Borough is reporting that PECO contractor Asplundh will be surveying power lines in the northeast quadrant for potential interference. Work to cut back or remove trees will begin in Q1 of 2026. Just remember what happened the last time PECO came out to “trim” trees. You can find a map of the impacted streets here.

This is a drill. This is only a drill. Next week, Chester County Emergency Services is hosting a Pipeline Emergency Exercise at Windermere Apartments (wonder if this is on the lease disclosure), Saints Simon and Jude School, and the East Goshen Township Building. To quote the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department Facebook page, “This is only an exercise and there will be no danger to the public.” 

It must be drill season for the WEGO police department. They were also out last Friday conducting fieldwork at Rustin.  

The PA general election is Nov. 4. If you live in West Goshen N-1 voting district, note your polling place is moving. If you previously voted at Trinity Assembly of God Church, you will now be voting at Peirce Middle School. If you’d like to vote by mail instead, you have until Oct. 28 to request that ballot. I’ll have a ballot review in next week’s issue, but if you can’t wait, I found this site pretty helpful.   

Keep an eye on those pups. Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police collected an unchipped, uncollared, brown and white terrier at the intersection of Manley Rd. and Diane Dr. on Wednesday. If you know this dog, reach out to the Brandywine Valley SPCA. He was brought there for safekeeping. 

The Sunshine Report.

Your inside look at local government at work. Each week, key decisions are made about how to spend tax dollars, what new developments go forward, and the best way to deliver key services, such as trash - and parking. The Report is here to make sure you don’t miss a single one.  

Should Taxpayers Be Funding Public Employees' Health Insurance After Retirement?

Only a small fraction of municipalities in Chester County (less than 15%) offer what's known as OPEB - Other Post Employment Benefits - providing taxpayer-funded health insurance for years, sometimes more than a decade, after an employee leaves the job.

This is not required by Pennsylvania law. Retiree health coverage is a local policy choice, often tied to collective bargaining agreements or past board decisions. But once granted, it becomes a long-term financial obligation to taxpayers.

• West Goshen Township currently carries an unfunded OPEB liability of nearly $6 million.

• West Chester Borough's unfunded liability is $3.6 million.

These figures represent tax dollars already spoken for: money that can't be used to fix roads, lower property taxes, or fund other priorities.

In West Goshen, all 97 employees are eligible for OPEB in retirement. In West Chester Borough, 44 police union employees receive OPEB; other employees do not.

Meanwhile, most private sector taxpayers don't receive retiree health coverage at all. They pay for insurance until Medicare kicks in. Yet with our property and earned-income taxes, we're being asked to subsidize a benefit many taxpayers themselves will never get. 

Here's the kicker:

• In West Goshen, employees don't contribute anything toward their health insurance while employed or after they retire.

• West Chester non-uniform employees contribute 2% pre-tax while employed.

• West Chester police contribute 0%. Taxpayers foot the entire bill.

And these benefits can last a long time. Someone retiring in their 50s may have their health insurance (medical, dental, vision, and prescription) covered for up to 15 years. That's a second benefit stream layered on top of a pension, creating future liabilities that taxpayers inherit whether they agree or not.

This isn't about devaluing employees. It's about responsible budgeting while distinguishing between what's fair and what's sustainable.

Bottom line: Retiree health insurance isn't required by law. It's a local policy decision. Like any big ticket item, it deserves public scrutiny, honest math, and a clear-eyed look at long-term impact.

Sunshine is good for that. Keep shining! - Margie

Hello.

The Philadelphia Inquirer estimated 5,000 people squeezed onto downtown sidewalks Saturday during the No Kings Rally. The Daily Local News called it the “largest rally ever in the borough.” People walked for blocks carrying signs warning against monarchs in the U.S. They carried flags, waddled along in inflatable costumes, and generally seemed pretty happy as they descended on the Historic Courthouse on Saturday afternoon in protest. 

Goodbye.

Three weeks ago, Alexa Geiser opened Lulu’s Bread and Bakery. She was selling limited quantities of freshly baked sourdough and chocolate chip cookies from her Miner St. porch. Her artisanal bread stand was a hit. It was also not allowed in the Borough. After a few complaints from neighbors, the Borough visited the microbakery last week and informed Alexa that the current setup was not permitted under Borough ordinance. 

The Accolades.

With the temps cooling and leaves in full fall effect, it is time to head to the fields, courts, and courses to cheer on your favorite West Chester athletes. Post-season play began this week, and while a few seasons have already wrapped, several teams play on. Here’s a look at where things stand by sport.  

Boys Soccer - In: Henderson, Rustin; Out: East

Entering the postseason with a two seed did not mean an easy first-round D1-3A match for the Rustin boys soccer team. The Golden Knights essentially replayed their regular-season closing match against Strath Haven - fortunately to the same 2-1 conclusion. Goals by Jackson Hutsell and Cole Turner on assists from Brody Dunn and Hutsell, respectively. You can read more about the game here. Rustin now faces Lower Moreland on Monday. Winner advances to Wednesday’s District Finals match.

In the D1-4A division, #1 seed Henderson started the tournament with a bye on Tuesday and a 1-0 win over Neshaminy on Thursday. Early goal by Nate Lee on an assist from Jack Overton. Shutout credit: keeper Dylan Arrison and some tight defense. The Warriors now face Great Valley in the District quarterfinal on Saturday at noon. Game’s at home if you want to cheer. 

As for WC East, their postseason hopes burst on the playoff bubble. Despite having one less loss than Pennsbury, the Vikings were left off the bracket as the Falcons claimed the last spot. 

Girls Soccer - In: Rustin; Out: Henderson, East

On a perfect night for playoff soccer, the Henderson girls began the D1-4A tournament with a 1-0 win over North Penn on Tuesday. Goal credited to Kaitlyn Miller with an assist by Ellie Knapp. Keeper Sasha Okcuoglu with the shutout. The team’s first playoff shutout in more than a decade. Unfortunately, for the Lady Warriors, it would be their only win of the tournament. The girls battled but fell 2-1 to #2-seeded CB East on Thursday. 

Rustin, which entered the D1-3A tournament with the #2 seed, cruised to a 2-0 win over 8-seeded Penncrest Thursday afternoon. Natalie Duffie scored both goals for the Golden Knights. Girls face Strath Haven on Monday night. Winner advances to the final. 

Field Hockey - Out: Henderson, Rustin, East 

That’s a wrap on the 2025 West Chester field hockey season, at least at the high school level. Henderson was the only local school to qualify for the postseason, and their run was short-lived. The Warriors lost 4-0 on Monday to Owen J. Roberts. The Warriors played solidly for much of the middle of the game. It was just the first minute and the last 15 that got them.  

Girls Volleyball - In: Rustin; Out: Henderson, East

The second-seeded Golden Knights swept Strath Haven 3-0 in the first round of the D1-3A volleyball tournament. Rustin was led by Ava Theiller with 20 kills and Mady Parkinson with 30 digs. They then proceeded to put away Marion Mercy in quick succession on Thursday, setting some milestones on the way. Congrats to Lily Greenwood on recording her 250th block and Ava Theiller on 500 kills. Up next? The Championship. Rustin will play Pope John Paul II at Harriton High School on Thursday night for the District title.

The volleyball brackets weren’t as kind to either East or Henderson, both of which lost in the first round of the D1-4A playoffs. 

Girls Golf - 

Rustin’s Mino Benedetto finished 20th at the PIAA 3A Girls’ Golf Championship on Tuesday. She was the only West Chester area golfer to crack the top 25.

Other things we’re celebrating this week: 

Gen Alpha Engineers. It turns out that even a generation immersed in technology practically from the day they were born can appreciate the simple creative lure of the LEGO block. This fall, West Chester University, by popular request, turned the collections and minds behind its Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology over to the queries of middle schoolers. 

“We never expected the museum to become a go-to resource for robotics teams, but that’s exactly what happened,” said Michael A. Di Giovine, WCU professor and director of WCU’s museum. 

The questions are coming in connection with the 2025-2026 First LEGO League Challenge. The annual international robotics competition asks students in grades 5 through 8 to design robotic solutions to real-world problems using LEGOs. This year, the contest would like students to help solve the problems facing archaeologists.   

“The students ask a lot of questions about what challenges we face and how robots might help,” said WCU adjunct professor and professional archaeologist Barbara Silber. “It’s something I haven’t thought about too much before. It’s made me think: What actual tasks could you get a robot to do without losing that hands-on feeling that’s vital to the archaeology process?” You can read more about the competition here.

Shoring up bragging rights. With both the East and Henderson football programs making it to week four without a loss, a week longer than perennial powerhouse Rustin, there was a real belief that things might be different this year. However, as we approach the final game of the season, it’s again feeling very familiar. Last week, the Golden Knights handed East its third loss of the season in rather undramatic fashion. After scoring on their first possession, Rustin forced a turnover on East’s next control and ran it back to go up by 13 before the end of the first quarter. It wouldn’t get any better from there. East’s offense was held to 196 yards for the game as the Golden Knights walked away with a 38-0 victory. Rustin will now get a chance to bring it all home again tonight in what is starting to look like another Henderson Hail Mary. The Warriors only have one win over opponents with winning records, and tonight’s game will be at Rustin - and it’s senior night. Game begins at 7 p.m. in Rustin Stadium. 

Being above par. Last weekend, the West Chester University men’s golf team used a 5-over-par performance by Paul-Arthur Roth, good for fifth, and two more top-10 performances to capture the PSAC Championship. The win marks WCU’s first championship since 2018 and sixth overall and qualifies the team for the NCAA Atlantic/East Regional Championships in May.

50 years of healing. The West Chester University Nursing Program is celebrating 50 years with a golden anniversary celebration on Saturday from 4-7 p.m. at the SECC Ballroom. Nurses - past, present, and future - as well as the general public, are invited to come out and mark the milestone with tours of the impressive Duey Immersive Learning Center, an immersive nursing retrospective, student meet-and-greets, and a firsthand presentation of the profession’s transformation over time from the alumni and faculty who have lived it.  

Chili excellence. On a perfect fall day last weekend, West Chester held its annual Chili Cook-off. A success all around from what I heard, but an especially good day for the Indigo Hotel & Restaurant, which won the Restaurant division with their Fisherman’s Fire Pot, Barclay Friends, Non-Profit division winner, Clam’s Kitchen, Hometown winner, Saloon 151 crowd favorite Outlaw Chili, and Barnaby’s, whose House Chili is the competition’s first-ever International Chili Cookoff qualifier. See all the winners here. 

Pay it Forward.

When you head to the grocery store for your weekly stock-up trip, you may want to add a few extra cans to the cart as a couple of budget-related dominoes get ready to fall. 

SNAP benefits end on Nov. 1. This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services confirmed that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November will not be paid if the federal shutdown continues. More than 2 million Pennsylvanians, including more than 29,000 in Chester County, rely on food assistance each month. To better understand the magnitude of this pending lift, here is an interesting fact from the Commonwealth: SNAP provides 9 meals for every 1 meal provided by a charitable network.   

Holiday meals are in danger. With more than $200,000 in state funding pending, the Chester County Food Bank has already turned to fundraised dollars to ensure holiday meal distributions - and it’s only October. For every quarter that Pennsylvania doesn’t pass a state budget, the Food Bank misses out on nearly $100,000 in funding - money that is used to buy milk, eggs, and produce, often from local farmers, doubling the impact of the loss.  

Furloughed workers running out of runway. With the federal shutdown now stretching into its fourth week, both the CCFB and the West Chester Food Cupboard are reporting more forloughed federal workers seeking their services. There are currently 102,000 furloughed federal workers in Pennsylvania, or about 1.7% of the workforce.   

Ways to give back this week: 

Donate to the Chester County Food Bank. Most needed items include canned protein, canned veggies, canned prepared meals, pasta, and canned soups. 

Donate to the West Chester Food Cupboard. Non-perishable food and personal care items are accepted. You can also make a monetary donation, and they’ll use their buying power to help every dollar go just a bit further.  

The Game is Changing

The internet was supposed to make it easier to build and connect. Somewhere along the way, we lost the plot.

beehiiv is changing that once and for all.

On November 13, they’re unveiling what’s next at their first-ever Winter Release Event. For the people shaping the future of content, community, and media, this is an event you can’t miss.

RSVP today

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? With our first Trunk or Treat of the season on Friday and the Halloween Parade on Sunday, this is the weekend Halloween gets real for us. It’s also starting to look like the weekend I spend tracking down costumes that were supposed to have shipped and haven’t yet.

Speaking of the Halloween Parade, several area retailers and restaurants are stepping up to the challenge and hoping to make it special, despite its coinciding with the Eagles' game against the Giants. Twelve area retailers, including La Chic Boutique, Hotel Indigo, Bookmarks, and Kilwin’s, will be handing out candy to parade-goers. And Station 142 has a $1 kids menu for the event, which is available between 1 and 6 p.m. for kids 12 and younger. No mention if a dance party is included. (P.S. Saloon is offering the menu too.) 

Also, today, the First Presbyterian Church is holding its Community Trick or Treat event starting at 6 p.m. at the church, and the West Goshen Police Department is hosting its popular Trunk or Treat event starting at 6:30 p.m. Then, on Saturday, there is the Knight of the Living Dead Zombie 5K and Kids Fun Run at Rustin. Proceeds benefit the Rustin Cross Country team. And OutFest is returning to High St. It will be more reflective this year with five zones that help attendees think through the LGBTQIA+ experience, including history, personal storytelling, affirming expression, community resources, and collective action. Stop by any time between 12 and 5 p.m.

Finally, this week a very special thank you to our very first Community Sponsor, The Lorgus Company, which has owned and managed rental properties since 1976. Its flagship property is 103 S. High Street, once the home of impressionist artist Mary Cassatt. The company continues that legacy today by working to honor and support local artists and professionals.

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:

Oct. 24 – Community Trick or Treat, First Presbyterian Church, 130 W. Miner St, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come in costume for a free indoor trick or treat, plus games and snacks. Bring a toiletry to donate to youth in foster care.  This event is free and open to the public. 

Oct. 24 – West Goshen Trunk or Treat, 915 Old Fern Hill Rd, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring the kids out for a West Chester favorite!

Oct. 24, 25 – Haunted History Tours, 21 W. Market St., 7 p.m. They say every West Chester house is haunted

Oct. 25 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 – Chilling West Chester: A Dark History Walking Tour, ChesterCounty History Center, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Your beloved West Chester ghost tour.

Oct. 25 – Knight of the Living Dead Zombie 5K, Rustin High School, 1 p.m. Kids Halloween Fun Run 12:30. Think you can out-run the zombies? $30 for the 5k; $15 for the Fun Run. Proceeds go to support Rustin Cross Country. 

Oct. 25 – Silent Book Club meeting, Barclay Park/West Chester Public Library, 12 – 2 p.m. Bring your book and a blanket or chair. Meet at the West Chester Public Library, and walk to Barclay Park for an hour of dedicated reading. This club is free and open to the public.

Oct. 25 – West Chester Dance Works Community Dance Day, Melton Center, 501 E. Miner St, 2 – 4:30 p.m. Watch dance performances by members of all five WCDW performance groups. This is a free performance.  

Oct. 25 – Rails and Ales: Halloween Train, West Chester Historic Railroad, 5 p.m., West Chester Historic Railroad in collaboration with Kildares. There will be a Smore’s station, outdoor games, pumpkin painting, live music, and a full bar.  Tickets: $55.19

Oct. 25 – Sandra McCracken Concert, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Join Sandra McCracken and featured guest Jon Guerra for an unforgettable evening of music and community. Tickets: $20; $10 for students.

Oct. 26 – West Chester Halloween Parade, time 1 p.m.. New this year, the parade will be on a Sunday afternoon.

Oct. 26 – Haunted History Tours, 21 W. Market St., 6 p.m. They say every West Chester house is haunted

Oct. 28 – Dementia Alzheimer’s Caregivers’ Support Group, Westminster Presbyterian Church,  6 p.m.  Don’t go it alone! This support group gives caregivers and others impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia a place to connect and share with one another. Contact: [email protected] for more information.

Oct. 28, 29, 30 – Haunted Tales Dinner, The Social Lounge, 6 p.m. 3-course, price-fixed menu followed by haunted tales of West Chester. Tickets: $48 Reservations required. First-come, first-served. Call to book: 610-738-3948.

Oct. 31 – Mini Everhart Park Halloween Parade, Everhart Park, 5:45 p.m. Come in costume. March through the park behind a marching band before heading out for an evening of trick or treating. 

Oct. 31 – Movie: Rocky Horror, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Ticket: $15, + $2 service fee.

Reader tip: If you have trouble with these emails going to spam or promotions, reply to this email. Nothing particular, even a random letter will do, but that should keep them coming to the inbox.

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