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West Chester Weekly News Roundup - Oct. 27, 2023

West Chester Weekly News Roundup - Oct. 27, 2023

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Oct. 27, 2023: West Chester is known for a lot of things – but home to a go-to destination? Not really. A couple of entrepreneurs are looking to change that with high-end features and exclusive experiences. Plus, two West Chester apartment buildings are condemned by the Borough – sadly, two months too late to save Split Rail and – ugh, our favorite sushi place is closed by the Health Department. All kinds of scary things going on this week – I have a list.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Destination West Chester

The Turks Head Wines' package shop is now open on N. Church St.

We’ve been called a college town, the County Seat, a “thriving suburban hub.” The Philadelphia Inquirer even once called us “…one of the world’s most perfect small towns” – but as far as I can remember we’ve never had a go-to destination. A place for a nice night out? Definitely, but when you’re talking about West Chester as a destination, it’s usually a collective experience. According to the Visit Philadelphia website you go to West Chester for our “bustling downtown area,” “casual eateries,” “food-centric events,” and “charming” shop-lined streets. I can see that – but a specific, must-go draw? There hasn’t been much.

That, it seems, is starting to change. A few entrepreneurs are looking to up the ante when it comes to dining, socializing, and experience-seeking. They are adding high-end features, hidden rooms, and exclusive clubs.

“We want to upgrade your night out,” Allison Owen told me about her vision for Turks Head Wines, which opened a package shop on Church Street this week. The shop is just the start. Alison, who is already sourcing, producing, and bottling her own Northern California wines, plans to add a tasting room next year. This is no counter with an attendant, pouring a few small plastic glasses of wine. No, this is to be an experience.

By January, Alison will have taken over the whole of the Church Street Market House building. (Except where Twin Valley Coffee is. That is staying.) When her grand vision is complete sometime next summer, where there is now an atrium with office-appropriate nooks, there will be a huge tasting bar and “loungey” areas to gather around with friends and a bottle. Servers will mingle “pouring wine and educating you about what you are drinking.” There will be high-end finishes, charcuterie boards, and plates of crudities. Not a full-service restaurant mind you, but “simple things that pair well with our wines,” said Allison.

There will be classrooms for those serious about understanding wine. A “barrel room” for private tastings and event space for bridal showers and anniversary parties. There will also be a separate social club for V.I.P.s. Membership required.

The place Allison describes seems at the same time unpretentious and exclusive. “We want to help educate people. We want to remove the mystery around wine,” she said and described her impetus for the tasting room as a “place to sit and talk.” At the same time, she’s well aware there’s a crowd that thinks nothing of flying to Napa and dropping $400 on a bottle of wine. She’s not shy in admitting that, in part, she is hoping to save them a plane trip.

Renovations are underway for an exclusive new dining experience in the former First National Bank on N. High St.

She’s not alone in targeting a high-end crowd. The new 9 Prime steakhouse planned for N. High Street uses the tagline “indulge in elegance.” The expansive restaurant will have 400 tables, tailored event spaces, and a basement “speakeasy” tucked into the old bank vault. The restaurant promises “breathtaking” ambiance, “culinary excellence,” and the “finest ingredients sourced both locally and from around the world.” None of which are synonyms for “family-friendly” dining.

However, neither will be the Borough’s first foray into exclusive territory. Five years after opening, reservations at Andiario are still hard to get. In the next two months, there are two seatings for two available. (One is this Saturday at 6:15 p.m. if you’re interested.) Over the years, Chef Tony Andiario, who takes an admittedly different approach, has quietly built his reputation with little marketing and lots of accolades from prestigious industry names like James Beard, Craig LeBan, and the New York Times. Even before Andiario leveled up the dining game, there was eClat chocolate. The world-class chocolate creations of Christopher Curtin that have garnered national – and even international – recognition. In 2012 Bon Appetit Magazine named them one of the “Best Chocolates in America.” Food and Wine Magazine did the same in 2021 – but chocolate you can ship.

Can a few exquisitely designed options really draw the region’s elite away from Philadelphia? Alison is hoping so. “We are really hopeful this will be a destination that will benefit the economy of the entire Borough,” she said.

West Chester Apartment Buildings Condemned

Two apartment buildings with at least four residences were condemned last week.

In August, Split Rail Tavern management brought to light a pest problem in a West Chester apartment building. The problem came to a head when apartment management removed some carpeting and the cockroaches that were infesting it ran into their restaurant next door. Unable to keep them out, Split Rail sought help from the Chester County Health Department. Unfortunately for them, the Chester County Health Department oversees restaurants, not housing – for that, they should have gone to the Borough of West Chester. The result? The restaurant was closed while the fully rented apartment continued to operate.

As part of the conditions of reopening, SRT got their neighbor to agree to regular pest treatments paid for by the restaurant. That is until earlier this month Split Rail closed their doors for good.

Thank you, but I’m pretty sure you already covered this…

Hold on, I am going somewhere with this. Last Friday, the neighboring apartment buildings were condemned by the Borough of West Chester and residents were given 24 hours to vacate the property.

“These premises known as 11 and 13 N. Walnut St are declared to be condemned,” a sign on the door reads. “This structure, when vacated must remain vacant until the provisions of the order are complied with and the order to evacuate withdrawn.”

The posted order provides no details as to why the buildings were condemned outside of saying they violated West Chester Code, Chapter 66, “Housing and Property Maintenance.” However, in search of a resolution the Split Rail Team did a pretty good job of documenting the problem including taking pictures of cockroach-infested residences. On Tuesday morning, a Green Pest Management truck was spotted parked behind the building.

For the record, both 11 and 13 N. Walnut are owned by YJK Property, LLC. I couldn’t find out much more about the owners outside of the fact they bought the properties at the end of 2011 and they don’t appear to own any other building in the Borough – at least not under this company name.

The Parisian Dry Cleaners, which operates from the retail space on the ground floor of 13 N. Walnut, remains open.

The Warnings.

The signs, bars and flashing lights are there for a reason. Follow them.

One more time, all together now – stop for the school bus. Yes, it’s slightly annoying to have to stop when you are already late to wherever you are going just to watch kids with no concept of time meander on or off the waiting bus – but it is far worse to hit a seven-year-old with your car. This is what apparently happened last week. According to a post on Nextdoor, a second-grader was hit while crossing the street after getting off the bus at the corner of E. Barnard and Adams Streets. The little girl was sideswiped by a driver who then fled the scene. Fortunately, the little girl’s injuries were relatively minor – mostly scrapes and bruises according to her mom, and the driver has been identified. “I’m tired of drivers getting upset at buses and trying to rush. These are children no matter whether they’re in elementary or high school. Stop until you see no children,” wrote the girl’s mom.

It takes a village. In an unrelated yet ill-timed update, the West Chester University Police Department has postponed its planned pedestrian safety campaign kick-off from Tuesday to a later date. According to a post on social media, “The campaign will focus on educating the campus community and drivers on Pennsylvania’s pedestrian safety laws.” Here’s hoping that gets rescheduled soon.

Your life has a price tag. Michelle Boyer, the mother of Bianca Nikol Roberson, the West Chester teenager shot to death in a now infamous 2017 road rage incident, was recently awarded $3.4 million in a wrongful death settlement. In a disturbingly transactional process, the figure was reached by adding $500,000 for wrongful death plus $2.985 million for loss of lifetime earnings. It is unlikely assailant David Desper, who is currently serving a 20 to 40-year sentence for third-degree murder, will ever be able to pay the amount but as Ms. Boyer’s lawyer put it, “I see that as a challenge for another day.”

Analysis is only as good as the data. Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police launched a powerful new crime mapping and analytics program. Using the new Crimewatch labs WEGO police will be able to provide better location, race, and identity metrics as well as deep analysis and sharing of incident data. Note sensitive calls for service may not be mapped by the database and mapped locations will be generalized to an area not specific locations.

West Chester police need your help. West Chester police are seeking assistance in identifying three individuals wanted in connection with an assault that occurred earlier this month on the corner of Gay and High Streets. The incident took place around 1 a.m. and video surveillance shows three young men with light facial hair escaping down a back alleyway.

Brace for the drama. The Bam Margera assault trial has been set for Nov. 15 at the Chester County Justice Center.

The Accolades.

A shout-out this week to West Chester University’s Ann Carozza on being named a top 30 finalist for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The award recognizes female student-athletes who have completed their undergraduate studies and distinguished themselves in their community, in athletics, and in academics throughout their college careers. In addition to being a two-time NCAA Division II swimming champion and a magna cum laude graduate, Ann also coached the Rammies Special Olympics swim team and served as a peer mentor for students with intellectual disabilities.

Ann graduated from WCU in May and East in 2018. This marks the third time in four years West Chester has had a representative in the top 30.

This week, as most fall sports prepare for the post-season, some shoutouts:

Congratulations to East and Rustin Field Hockey, East and Henderson Volleyball, Rustin, East and Henderson Boys Soccer, and Henderson and Rustin Girls Soccer all of which made it to their post-season tournaments this week.
High fives to Henderson’s Olivia Sladicka. The junior volleyball player set the single-season school kill record after passing the previous record of 422 in a win over Upper Dublin on Tuesday. She added to her stats on Thursday but it wasn’t enough to push the girls past a tough Unionville.

In general, that was the theme. While it was a strong start, there was some definite thinning of the herds this week. After two playoff rounds only two West Chester teams remain standing. East volleyball got a 3-1 win over Central Bucks West on Thursday to advance to the third round. They will get their chance at #1-seeded Unionville on Saturday. And in soccer a shocker. After going nearly undefeated this season, the 3rd ranked Henderson boys soccer team dropped their first tourney match against Central Bucks South. Rustin boys, however, are still fighting with a 3-0 victory over Spring-Ford. They will face 15-seed Boyertown on Saturday.

Good luck to those playing on! Hopefully, we’ll have more to cheer next week as well as football.

While we are taking a minute to cheer on the fall athletes out there, I wanted to pause to give applause to a pretty cool tradition. This last week, senior members of the East football team took a minute, and a pen and paper, to recognize a teacher or coach who positively impacted them during their time at school. Each selected mentor was honored with the athlete’s away game jersey and a handwritten thank you note.

Hello.

A new stop light at Church and Rosedale, and other exciting streetscape hellos.

This week we are getting excited about the return of some mental health care. On Monday, Chester County officials toured the future site of Haven Behavioral Hospital of West Chester, a planned inpatient hospital and outpatient center.

The new facility will offer full behavioral health services for adults through a 72-bed hospital that will provide around-the-clock in-patient care and a walk-in clinic that will be open for direct assessment and care. This will be the first time the county has been able to offer dedicated mental health support since the Brandywine Hospital closed in January 2022.

“The closure of Brandywine Hospital included the closure of the county’s only dedicated behavioral health center, so we knew that we needed to move quickly to find another way to provide crucial health services for those with mental health needs,” said Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz.

The new site is expected to open in Q1 of 2024.

Speaking of good mental health, West Chester Area School District is launching a mentoring program – for parents. A recent report by 6ABC shared that the program will source mentors to help parents with things like navigating the school community, finding available resources, and advocating for struggling households. The district is hoping to recruit 40 mentors to participate in the program.

“They will act as a resource, as a coach, and as a model to support parents,” Interim Director of Equity Dr. Una Martin told the news site of the program.

Also, say hello, to Junk Rock Drums a new vintage drum shop at 24 S. New Street. According to their Instagram, they specialize in vintage, custom, and used drums. According to a sign in the shop window, they are having a grand opening on Saturday. There will be snacks, candy, prizes, performances, and a cymbal professional on hand. Wear a costume and get 15 percent off your purchase, everyone else, 10.

And finally, welcome, to some new sidewalks. Excited, right? Last week, West Chester approved a proposal to repair and replace the sidewalk at 22 N. Darlington St. This is the sidewalk block next to the Justice Center and in front of the future home of Rose’s Little Donuts. According to the approved application, the ugly concrete slabs are being converted back to the original brick.

And in more good sidewalk news, West Goshen has submitted a budget allocation to install a sidewalk on the south side of Rosedale Avenue. If approved, the project would extend the sidewalk east and connect the Cambridge Hall Apartments to the driveway entrance to the Hicksite Friends Cemetery. Walkers everywhere are winners this week. The recommendation came after residents brought the need to the township earlier this year.

Goodbye.

The 2023 Gay Street closure ends this weekend.

Goodbye, Gay Street Closure. Today marks the start of the last official weekend for this year’s closure. I was hopeful we would see some major upgrades before the street closes again next year but that, my friends, is not looking too likely.

This summer the Borough was notified it was the recipient of a $677,797 grant from Chester County to help fund the Gay Street Open-Air Marketplace Infrastructure Phase 1. The grant, however, comes with a few stipulations including the need for the Borough to provide a $169,449 match. The money can be used to fund public safety improvements but not the gates (or preferably, ballards) needed to safely close the street without those concrete blocks.

“They will not fund the gates through that program,” Borough Manager Sean Mettrick told Borough Council members last week.

The Borough is ready to spend some money on the project. The 2024 Capital Budget, as currently proposed, includes $55,000 to be spent on Gay Street improvements – however, the money is specified for “survey, design and bid” expenses. Actual structural improvements won’t begin until 2025 and, as I mentioned, that does not include the actual closure mechanisms.

The Borough is still exploring ways to fund that portion of the project. With any luck, however, we’ll at least have a freshly paved road.

Ugh. This one hurts. Goodbye, Wasabi on Downingtown Pike at least for now. Our Friday night sushi go-to was shut down this week by the Chester County Health Department after receiving 27 (eek) violations during their latest health inspection. According to the sign posted on the door, the facility was closed “due to the presence of an imminent health hazard.”

Noted violations included – food handlers not washing their hands between tasks, vegetables, and a lime stored in a “spoiled, moldy manner,” dirty knives stored throughout the kitchen, mold-like growth on several food storage containers, and lots of unclean areas of the kitchen.

You can view the full report on the PA Food Safety website. Search by name and Chester County Health Department.

Finally, a goodbye to Chief James Morehead. After 35 years on the force and four years as top cop, the West Chester Chief of Police announced this week he will be retiring in January. He is looking forward to seeing beyond the Borough with future trips planned to Alaska and Italy.

“It didn’t change for 35 years — I’m just a cop who wants to help people,” Chief Morehead told reporter Bill Rettew this week.

Thanks, Chief, for your service!

The Borough is forming a committee to help select the department’s next leader. The applicant will need Mayoral and Borough Council approval.

Pay It Forward.

New municipal and county tax breaks for emergency service volunteers.

According to an article in Politics PA, Pennsylvania was once home to over 350,000 volunteer firefighters – now there are fewer than 37,000. And while volunteer ranks across the country have dwindled, call volumes have tripled leaving the industry and communities desperate for new ways to draw and keep volunteers. One option that has proven popular comes in the way of tax breaks for emergency volunteers.

In 2016, Pennsylvania enacted Act 172 which gave municipalities the option to offer real estate or earned income tax credits to active members of their local volunteer fire and EMS companies. In 2020, the tax relief incentive option was expanded to school districts and counties. While the legislation seems to have taken a few years to gain favor – perhaps, COVID had something to do with that – it has been widely embraced recently, at least locally.

West Goshen began the trend last year when township supervisors approved an ordinance that allowed qualifying volunteers both an earned income tax credit of up to $500 as well as a property tax credit. The tax credits are open to both active duty volunteers and those who were injured in the line of duty. Volunteers must own property in West Goshen to qualify for the real estate credit.

This fall West Chester Borough Council followed suit – voting unanimously to allow a similar property tax provision for volunteers of the West Chester Fire Department and Good Fellowship Ambulance. Under the resolution approved in September, qualifying emergency personnel can claim up to a $1,000 credit against their tax liability.

“This gives us an opportunity to recruit more volunteers and also reward existing volunteers,” said Council Member Brian McGuiness.

The Borough opted against offering volunteers an Earned Income Tax credit deeming the process too difficult to administer.

Now Chester County has sweetened the pot. On Oct. 12, it too enacted an “Active Volunteer Real Estate Tax Rebate Ordinance.” Under the County ordinance, emergency responders can apply for an up to 100 percent rebate on their county property tax.

“It is a responsibility that requires extensive training and time, with a dedication like no other,” said Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz of the County’s volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel. “This rebate is one way that we can show how valued these volunteers are.”

Will the incentives have the desired effect? That is yet to be seen. While the credits are a nice gesture they may not go as far as lawmakers would like. A report by the Pottstown Fire Department found that none of their 106 volunteers would benefit if the Borough of Pottstown offered a similar tax break because of the 16 volunteers who lived in the Borough, none owned property. I could not find a similar analysis for our area but it is a fair assumption that the number that qualify will be much lower than the volunteer population at large, leaving leaders continuing to brainstorm new ways to recruit and retain their ranks.

Own property in West Chester or West Goshen and curious about becoming a volunteer firefighter? You can learn more about volunteering here (WC) or here (WG).

Prefer a more low-risk way to support the community? West Chester Public Library is looking for residents to enter its 2023 Holiday Door Tour. The self-guided tour runs from Dec. 2 to Dec. 17. Any holiday tradition is welcome – just so it’s decorated! To get your home entered email Clare Quinn at the library and let her know you’re interested.

Also, West Chester Borough Council is accepting board and commission applications through Nov. 16. Find a list of openings and more information on what each committee does, here.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

November 3 | The Dave Matthews Tribute Band - November 4 | The Brit Pack

Get ready for a rockin’ weekend at Uptown with the internationally acclaimed Dave Matthews Tribute Band on Friday and the British invading on Saturday. Get your tickets now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Halloween ready: Trick or treating commenses at 6 p.m. on Tuesday

What are you up to this weekend? We have a Trunk or Treat event and some pumpkins to carve. Halloween has kind of snuck up on us this year - but this weekend we are going to get all the fall vibes. If you are feeling the same way, don’t worry there are still plenty of opportunities to get your autumn on.

If you have kids, the First Presbyterian Church on West Miner Street is hosting its 16th Annual Community Trick or Treat event tonight. Also, tonight is the West Goshen Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event. I’ve never been, but it has received some good reviews over the years. On Saturday, the Melton Center is hosting a Trunk or Treat event in East Goshen Park, the Helicopter Museum is bringing back its Haunted Helicopters scavenger hunt and Halloween Trains are running all weekend.

If you are currently teetering between Barbie/Ken or Taylor/Travis - don’t worry, I have options for you too. Artillery Brewing is holding its Onyx & Haunted Halloween Party on Saturday, Slow Hand has new limited edition “spooky” cocktails like “Rosemary’s Bitters” and the Chester County History Center is holding its Annual Halloween Ball on Saturday night. This year’s theme is “Dark Fairy Tales.” Bwahahaha.

That is only a sample - there are also haunted train rides, ghost tours, and more costume parties than are necessary. Plan it right and one great costume could score you cash and prizes up and down the Borough.

And finally, thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor the Kit Anstey Real Estate Team. The “#1 team to know,” Kit Anstey’s team makes it their mission to provide the ultimate in personal service and sales results. Follow them on Facebook for the latest news and insider tips!

Nationally-ranked, The Kit Anstey Real Estate Team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors is proud to announce that they are winners once again for the 2023 West Chester Lifestyle Magazine Best Realtors and 2023 Best Realtors of Chester County Readers’ Choice by Daily Local Newspaper. Specializing in Residential Real Estate in West Chester and surrounding areas. Kit Anstey and his partner Debbie West, Associate Brokers at Berkshire Hathaway, live in the downtown and enjoying being a part of the bustling Borough. Watch their West Chester video!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here. Want to get your business out in front of this wonderful community? I don’t blame you. Community Sponsorships are full but there still some limited ad space available. Send me an email if you are interested – but hurry, spaces are filling up fast!

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:

Oct. 27 – 16th Annual Community Trick or Treat, First Presbyterian Church West Chester, 6-7:30 p.m. Kids can visit decorated doors on all three floors of the church (elevator available), and then enjoy some games, crafts and snacks. Come in costume and bring something to hold your candy! This is a free event.
Oct. 27 – St. Agnes Trunk or Treat, St. Agnes parking lot, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Cost $5/student. Kids under 2 are free
Oct. 27 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18
Oct. 27 – Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Hop Fidelity, 6 – 10 p.m. You bring it, they spin it!
Oct. 27 – Historic Halloween Train Ride, West Chester Historic Train Station, 6 – 9 p.m. Join the Westtown-Goshen Rotary Club for fun evening of dinner, drinks, costumes and ghost stories. Tickets: $75/person; $135/couple. Proceeds benefit the Goodwill Fire Co.
Oct. 27 – West Chester Haunted History Tours, Historic West Chester Courthouse, 7 and 9 p.m. Come along for a chilling walking tour through West Chester’s spooky history. Tours last about 1.5 hours and cover 1 mile of ground. Tickets: $20/adults;$10/kids 12 and under.
Oct. 27 – West Goshen Police Trunk or Treat, 915 Old Fern Hill Rd, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy games, music, treats and prizes for the most popular trunks!
Oct. 27 – Motor City Revue, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Dance and sing along to the songs of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Supremes and countless others. Tickets: $45/50 in advance; $50/55/at the door
Oct. 27 – Kildare’s Halloween Costume Party, Kildares, Winners announced at midnight. $500 cash prize for best costume plus drink specials.
Oct. 27 – GBU Halloween Party, GBU, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Costume contest plus giveaways.
Oct. 28 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Oct. 28 – 29 –Halloween Special, West Chester Railroad, 230 E Market St, 12 and 2 p.m. Wear your favorite costume on this family friendly Halloween train ride through the beautiful Chester Creek Valley. Tickets: $22/adult; $18/kids 12 – 2
Oct. 28 – Trunk or Treat, East Goshen Park, 2-4 p.m. This is a free event. Procedes support the Melton Center.
Oct. 28 – Haunted Helicopters, American Helicopter Museum, 6-8 p.m. Children under 13, dressed in Halloween costumes, will receive a free treat after completing a scavenger hunt. Participation free with admission.
Oct. 28 – West Chester Haunted History Tours, Historic West Chester Courthouse, 7 p.m. Come along for a chilling walking tour through West Chester’s spooky history. Tours last about 1.5 hours and cover 1 mile of ground. Tickets: $20/adults;$10/kids 12 and under.
Oct. 28 – Dark Fairy Tales – 5th Annual Halloween Ball, Chester County History Center, 6:30 – 10:30 p.m. This year’s Halloween Ball theme, Dark Fairy Tales, takes peek into the original stories that sprinkled our childhood with magic forests, witches, fairies, wolves, and villains. Tickets: $125/person. All proceeds go to support the CCHC.
Oct. 28 – West Chester Haunted House Walking Tour, Historic Courthouse, 7 and 9 p.m. This lantern-guided tour takes guests through the strange and ghostly stories of West Chester’s past at the very spots where they happened. It’s a great way to celebrate the Halloween season. Tickets: $20; Kids 12 – under/$10
Oct. 28 – Jeffrey Gaines, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded in tours throughout North America and Europe, for his soul-searching lyrics and inspiring live performances. $35/advance; $40/at the door
Oct. 28 – Onyx & Haunted Halloween Party, Artillery Brewing Co. – 333 Granite Alley, 8 p.m. – 12 a.m. Head to Artillery Brewing Company for their 3rd annual Onyx&Haunted Halloween Party! There will be an interactive haunted brewery tour and live music all night! $10/cover – costumes are encouraged!
Oct. 28 – Mas’ Halloween Party, Mas Mexicali Cantina, 9 p.m. to close. Costume contest plus $5 margs.
Oct. 29 – Pumpkin Painting with Elsa, Lulu’s Casita, 9:30 a.m. Includes pumpkin painting, stories, dance circle, light refreshments and mimosas. Tickets: $25/kids; $5/adults. Email Lulu’s Casita to register.
Oct. 29 – Used Bike & Sewing Machine Drive, West Goshen Municipal Complex, 12 – 3 p.m. Have bikes or sewing machines stashed away gathering dust? Donate them to a good cause. Chester County Waste Authority will ship your used items to select third world countries where they will be put to good use. A $20 donation is requested along with the items to help defer the cost of shipping.
Oct. 29 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18
Kildare’s Halloween Costume Party, Kildares, Winners announced at midnight. $250 cash prize for best costume plus drink specials.
Oct. 29 – West Chester Haunted House Walking Tour, Historic Courthouse, 6:15 p.m. Take a lantern-guided tour through the strange and ghostly stories of West Chester’s past. It’s a great way to celebrate the Halloween season. Tickets: $20; Kids 12 – under/$10
Oct. 29 – Jitters Quizzo, Jitters – 146 W. Gay St, 7 – 10 p.m. Every Sunday
Oct. 29 – Kildare’s Karaoke Night, Kildares – 18 W. Gay St., 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Every Sunday
Oct. 30 – West Chester Haunted House Walking Tour, Historic Courthouse, 6:15 p.m. Take a lantern-guided tour through the strange and ghostly stories of West Chester’s past. It’s a great way to celebrate the Halloween season. Tickets: $20; Kids 12 – under/$1
Oct. 30 – $5 Monday Night Movie, Uptown Theater, 7 – 9 p.m. Free popcorning included! Showing – The Rocky Horror Picture Show (plus, costume contest!)
Oct. 30 – 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.
Oct. 31 – Borough Trick-or-Treat – Borough of West Chester, 6 – 8 p.m.
Oct. 31 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18
Oct. 31 – All Treats No Tricks Halloween Party, Slow Hand. Includes karaoke, spooky cocktails and a costume contest.
Nov. 1 – Chilling West Chester: a Dark History Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, walks start at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. each lasts about 90 minutes. Tickets: $18
Nov. 2 – Haunted Tales Dinner, The Social Lounge, 6 p.m. Enjoy a 3-course, price-fixed menu followed by haunting tales of West Chester – including the very building in which you sit. Cost: $48 – reservations required. Seats are limited.
Nov. 3 – 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.
Nov. 3 – Bring Your Own Vinyl Night, Hop Fidelity, 6 – 10 p.m. You bring it, they spin it!
Nov. 3 – Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. The Dave Matthews Tribute Band is a national and international sensation with over 1500 performances. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door
Nov. 4 – West Chester Growers Market, Chestnut and Church St. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nov. 4 -5 – Fall Fine Craft Fair, Chester County Art Association, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Nov. 4 – Plagues and Pestilence: A Walking Tour, Chester County History Center. Tours are being held at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Learn the astonishing, little-known history about the diseases that transformed the lives (and deaths) of the people of West Chester. Tickets are $15. Tour lasts 1.5 hours.
Nov 4 – Casino Night Fundraiser, West Chester Area Senior Center, 6:30 – 10:30 pm. Join the WCSC for a night of games, a live & silent auction, dinner, beer, and wine. All proceeds go to suppor the Senior Center. Tickets: $60/person, or $50/person for WCSC Members. Registration is required.
Nov. 4 – The Brit Pack, Uptown Theater, 7:30 – 9 p.m. The Brit Pack – the most authentic British Invasion experience this side of the Atlantic. Tickets: $40/advance; $45/at the door.
Nov. 5 – Fall Foliage Express, West Chester Railroad