West Chester Weekly News Roundup: Sept. 12, 2025

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It’s Friday, Sept. 12, 2025: Last year, the bestselling book the Anxious Generation tied smartphone use to the youth mental health collapse. Then the Surgeon General called for warning labels on social media. Not waiting for others to act, a group of local parents has decided to take action in hand, or rather out of hand. What they are proposing and why they hope you will join. Plus, a parking update, a visitor drove from Kennett Square this week just to warn the Borough on how bad things have gotten, a buzzy new coffee chain is eying a prime West Goshen location, and The Beans, hopes to bring the story slam tradition back to the Borough. And that’s just the start of it. 

Ok, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.  

Editor’s note: Last week’s newsletter included an article from Complete Care Strategies on how to tell your aging loved one they need more support. This was a paid advertisement and should have been listed as such. My apologies for that, and I will try to do a better job making sure the ads are clearly marked in the future. Thanks to an alert reader for bringing that to my attention! 

So, who’s ready? Let’s catch up!      

Nostalgia Grows for a Retro Childhood. Parents Band Together to Confront Youth Cell Phone Use Head On

Six decades ago, all the pop songs were about cars and girls, then it was sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. In March, “Anxiety” by rapper Doechii hit number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Do a quick Google search for pop songs about anxiety, and 42 titles turn up; all but 10 were released after 2007, the year Apple introduced the iPhone. Just a year ago, in March 2024, social psychologist Jonathon Haidt published The Anxious Generation, laying the blame for much of this extra stress on adolescent smartphone use and all the connections it brings.

The Warnings.

Update: Puppies for sale. An arrest has been made in the incident of a man selling puppies on Gay St. last weekend. “The West Chester Police Department received several complaints of an individual selling young puppies at different on-street locations in West Chester Borough,” a statement from WCPD read. 

Following a thorough investigation, including witness testimony and surveillance video review, West Chester Police arrested Noah Norman of Downingtown. He was charged with several counts related to the unlawful selling and improper care of dogs, as well as aggravated assault, after being connected with several assaults that occurred in the area at the same time. He has been taken to Chester County Prison, where he awaits a preliminary hearing after failing to post bond. 

This week, West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee addressed the public’s desire for more information about the case. 

“The priority is always public safety and a quick second is going to be successfully prosecuting crimes,” he said.  “I know there is often frustration when you don’t hear enough about what we are doing, when we are doing it, but it’s part of my mission to make sure at least after it’s done, when it is safe to communicate certain details, that I do that.” He also promised not to give the backstory of every nuisance crime or dog leash violation his department encounters. 

The buses are back, but so is the fare increase. For those of you who rely on SEPTA, the drama continues. This week was a good news/bad news situation for riders. On Monday, SEPTA reported the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) had approved a one-time use of up to $394 million in state capital assistance to cover operational expenses. With the approval, the Southeastern PA Transit Authority will restore full bus service, but since it’s a one-time thing, the fare hikes remain in place. Full service for Bus 104, West Chester’s sole restricted line, will resume on Sept. 14. That is also the date the new $2.90 base bus fare goes into effect. 

The agreement with PennDOT comes with the condition that there are no service cuts for the next two years, and SEPTA supports the many major events coming to Philadelphia in 2026. These include the FIFA World Cup, the nation’s 250th birthday, Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, the PGA Championship, and NCAA March Madness. 

State budget impasse continues. Speaking of pressure, this week, State Senator Carolyn Comitta issued a warning to residents as the state budget impasse continues. “With schools now back in session, the lack of a state budget agreement means the potential for delays to school safety, mental health, and academic programs; cuts to arts, music, gifted, AP classes, and support services; fewer extracurricular programs and after-school activities; larger class sizes; and possible layoffs or hiring freezes,” she wrote in her weekly newsletter. 

The State Senate did return to session this week.

Sex offender reported. West Chester Police are seeking community assistance in locating a man wanted for allegedly exposing himself to two women on the 100 block of E. Barnard St at around 1:25 a.m. on Sunday. While the report states a description was taken, no additional details about the individual were provided. If you have any information about the incident, contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700.  

The roof can bear it. This week, West Chester Parking Director (and Assistant Borough Manager) Ramsey Reiner reported that the Chestnut Street Garage can bear the anticipated weight of the annual Up On the Roof event. West Chester Borough engineers dug up the old plans after they received an email questioning the garage’s ability to support the additional weight. “We did confirm we are within weight limits,” Ramsey reported this week. But if you’d like to test those limits with me this weekend, I believe there are still a few tickets available. 

Downtown fire. Fortunately, in the end, there was not much to report.

The Sunshine Report.

Big buzz brewing on Paoli Pike. 7 Brew Coffee, one of the nation's fastest growing drive-thru coffee "stands," submitted an initial subdivision plan that was reviewed by the West Goshen Planning Commission on Tuesday. The franchise is planned for the vacant space in front of Aldi.

What started as a single stand in 2017 has exploded into a caffeine empire. As of last month, there were 463 locations in 34 states. And soon, West Chester will be among them. 7 Brew is known for lightning-fast service, fun energy, and a huge menu of custom drinks - from classic brews to colorful energy infusions.

Stay tuned as plans move forward for what could be the next big addition to our local caffeine scene.

Legal Update After nearly five years of legal maneuvering, Chester County's lawsuit against Malvern-based Advaite, Inc. and its CEO Karthik Musunuri, is finally headed to trial. The County first filed suit in January 2021, alleging fraud and misrepresentation tied to the purchase of RapCov™ COVID-19 antibody rapid test kits during the early days of the pandemic. The original agreement called for Advaite to supply 1,000,000 RapCov kits at a total purchase price of $20 million. The County had paid $13 million but received only 92,325 kits before cancelling the contract in July 2020.  In March 2021, the County amended its complaint to add charges of breach of contract and unjust enrichment to the complaint. The County is seeking reimbursement of $11,153,500 of the original payment; as well as, $606,509 for outside expenses.

A jury trial is scheduled for the first week of December. After years of motions, appeals, and delays, the case is finally set to be heard.

Until next time, keep looking for the sunshine!  - Margie

Hello.

Sometime before 2009, with a tweet, the first West Chester Story Slam was conceived. The idea, based on the long-running radio hour and podcast The Moth, was an evening dedicated to original, personal storytelling. Already popping up in other parts of the country, QVC producer Jim Breslin tweeted his followers and asked if anything like it existed in the Philadelphia area. Nothing did, and they encouraged him to start his own night. 

Goodbye.

Earlier this year, West Chester began removing its parking meters to the consternation of many. While there are plenty of good reasons for the change - collection costs, maintenance fees, theft risk - there have been more than a few, we’ll say, suggestions.

The Accolades.

This week, aka Charlie Sheen, a two-part documentary series tracing the rise and fall of ‘80s heattrob and early NEPO baby Charlie Sheen, began streaming on Netflix. The documentary uses home movies to offer an inside look into the early life of the eventual Major League and 2 ½ Men star, and is the work of documentary filmmaker and former West Chester local Andrew Renzi. 

“FYI regarding [Director] Andrew Renzi,” Eric Kraheck shared in an email this week. “Andrew graduated from Westtown School, swam on the Roslyn Swimming Club team, lived in the Roslyn neighborhood, and played travel soccer with West Chester United Soccer Club.” 

After high school, he attended Brown University before, I am guessing, escaping to the West Coast in pursuit of his dream of becoming a filmmaker. So far in his career, Andrew has told the story of immigrant veterans, teenage boxers, and the Von Dutch clothing line. Aka Charlie Sheen marks his 11th noted directorial project, although the story of the tragic primetime fall of one of Hollywood’s biggest stars may be his most visible. 

“Finding out about the Super 8 footage was another moment where I knew this was the right movie to make,” Andrew told Netflix.com. “They showed this whole other side of his life. His childhood growing up as the child of Martin Sheen. … He was a kid with a camera trying to emulate his dad.”

Other things we are celebrating this week: 

Football season. Football fans in West Chester should be feeling good this week. Just about everything seems to be going their way for the moment. The Eagles won their season opener over the Cowboys. West Chester East and Henderson are both undefeated, a feat that hasn’t happened since at least 2016, and West Chester University seems to be back to its winning ways. The Golden Rams started strong with a solid 30-13 victory over Bentley on Saturday. Only, Rustin is seeing a small hiccup, if you call an overtime loss to last year’s District 1 Division 4A Champion a 8\\\ Rustin Coach Mike St. Clair doesn’t; he calls it a learning experience. “I think it will make us better in the long run,” he told the DLN after the loss.  

This weekend, WC East faces Pottsgrove, Henderson is at Upper Merion, and Rustin takes on Norristown, all three on the road, all three tonight. WCU is at California (PA) tomorrow. More on this week’s matchups here.  

Capturing the moment. Also, a shoutout this week, to East Football photographer, lukerr.media. If the Vikings get undue attention this season, these photos are why. 

Battle for West Chester: Soccer edition. The battle to determine West Chester’s boys’ best soccer continues as Rustin successfully defended its home turf this week and handed Henderson a 2-1 defeat. Rustin will now take on East on Wednesday with a chance to secure the title, but it won’t come easy. This year,  if you want the title, you’re going to have to win one on the road.  

Action is heating up on the girls’ side as well. This week, Rustin and Henderson met out at J. Oscar Dicks stadium, and for 90 minutes, both teams shut down all action. It wasn’t until an Ava Pascarella penalty kick early in the second overtime that the game was finally decided in favor of the Golden Knights. “We knew it was going to be a battle coming in,” Rustin coach Billy Hegarty told the DLN. “They’re a good team. It came down to the last couple of minutes.” Rustin will have a chance to secure cross-Borough bragging rights next week when they face East at home on Thursday. 

West Chester University Women’s soccer team is also playing well. After starting the season with a draw against Shippensburg, the Golden Rams are now enjoying a two-game winning streak, including a 3-0 victory over #11 Jefferson on Tuesday.  

Graduates of distinction. This year, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) celebrates its 75th anniversary. In honor of the occasion, PSAC would like to roll out the red carpet for its best of the best, 75 former student-athletes who have gone on to garner sports acclaim after graduation. So who made the list?

• Eve Atkinson, swimming, 12-time All-American; Coached at Temple, UMass, and Yale. First female athletic director at an NCAA DI-AA football school (Lafayette)

• Carol Eckman, basketball, earned spots on the 1967 and 1968 U.S. basketball teams; established the first National Tournament for women’s college basketball 

• Tina Sloan Green, field hockey, lacrosse, competed on USFH National Team in ’66 and Lacrosse 69-73; head WLAX coach at Temple (1973-92), 2025 NCAA Convention Theodore Roosevelt Award Winner

• Danny Hale, football, 25 years as head football coach (20 at Bloomsburg, 5 at West Chester), career record of 173-56-1; College Football Hall of Fame inductee.

• Cathy Rush, basketball, Head Coach/3x National Champion and Hall of Famer in WBB at Immaculata 

• Karen Shelton - field hockey, 4x national champion at WCU (three field hockey, one women’s lacrosse); 3x best FH player in the nation; US National Field Hockey team member (1977-84); University of North Carolina field hockey head coach (1981-2022);

• Marian Washington, basketball, 1969 WCU National Championship team member, University of Kansas women’s basketball head coach (1972-2004)

• Joey Wendell, baseball, 2012 National Champion with WCU, nine-year MLB career (2016-2024); 2021 All-Star; 2020 World Series appearance.

• Jerry Yeagley, soccer, WCU ’61 National Championship team; Indiana University men’s soccer head coach (1972-1999); led Hoosiers to five NCAA titles and 13 College Cup appearances; National Coach of the Year five times. 

PSAT Prep. From a total of 1.3 million test takers, 16,000 students across the country have been named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, including 12 in the West Chester area. High fives this week to: 

• Ayan Chatterjee and Sidharth M. Sumesh (Henderson) 

• Shaun Fernando, Brady Lewis, and Juliette Tenebruso (Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School)

• Tanay Dash (Rustin)

• John Armbruster, Arya Gohel, Dinith Halambage, Alexander Issac, and Jaydon Sam (WC East)

• Anqi Wang (Westtown School) 

Anniversaries. This weekend, Kildare’s Irish Pub is celebrating 10 years under the leadership of Steph and Dane Gray. There will be live music and giveaways. They will also announce the winner of their logo contest tonight. Phineas Gage too has a September birthday. It’s 9 years for them. They are celebrating with an anniversary sale and Rye 51 trunk show.

Friends Association invites you to: West Chester Charity Ball - A Holiday in the Tropics - on Friday, December 6!

This year’s celebration brings a tropical twist to the holiday season with an evening full of fun and elegance. Enjoy a caricature artist, a 360° photo booth, island-inspired food and drinks, live music and dancing and more, plus a silent auction filled with unique treasures.

Together, we’ll raise critical funds to ensure families in Chester County have the shelter and support they need year-round. Guests will also hear inspiring stories of resilience and hope from families who have been part of Friends Association’s programs.

Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of joy, purpose, and community. You won’t want to miss it!

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available! Reach out to [email protected] for more details. 

**This is a sponsored post**

Pay it Forward.

On Wednesday, the West Chester Food Cupboard joined the Chester County Food Bank and others in a Rally Against Hunger. The event, held in support of Hunger Action Month, took place at noon on the steps of the Historic County Courthouse.

The rally provided organizers an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire action, and show solidarity for the thousands of Chester County residents who face food insecurity every day.

Last year, Chester County Food Bank distributed 4.6 million pounds of food to Chester County residents. This represents a 1 million pound increase over 2023. Over the last five years, Chester County residents have seen a 60 percent increase in basic living costs, yet the minimum wage remains locked at $7.25/hour. 

In addition to the rally, the Chester County Food Bank is hosting a food drive. Their goal is to collect 12,000 lbs of food by Sept. 20. Johnny O’s members have already helped collect 294 lbs, and $15,850 (!), but CCFB could still use a bit more.

If you can help, they are looking for donations of cereals, soup, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned fruit, and granola bars.

Other ways to pay it forward this week: 

Show a little support. Westtown East Goshen Police reminded us it was World Suicide Prevention Day on Wednesday. If you or someone you know is struggling, let them know they are not alone. Reach out. Listen. Call or text 9-8-8 for help..   

Don’t eat alone. Pass it on. West Chester Area Senior Center is continuing its free lunch program. All seniors age 60 and over are eligible for a free nutritious lunch served daily around noon. Meals are thoughtfully designed to support senior health—including those managing heart disease or diabetes. Sound good to you? Reserve your place at least three days in advance at 610-431-4242 or email Olivia Force at [email protected]. Not yet 60? You’re still welcome; there is just a $5.70 charge.

Free a Tree. East Bradford Township is hosting a volunteer day at Plum Run Preserve (Meet at the parking lot at 940 Tigue Rd., West Chester, PA) at 10 a.m. Learn basic natural land stewardship skills, enjoy the sunshine, and check off your good deed for the day. 

Get your hands dirty. Not really, there will be gloves, but the impact is the same. Westtown Township is hosting a Route 926 clean-up on Sunday morning. You must be 18, and you must get up early, but all help is appreciated. Sign up here.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We will be toasting a night away from the kids - and the good works of the West Chester Downtown Foundation - on the roof of the Chestnut Street Garage on Saturday night. That is, of course, after we pay our dues on the soccer fields.  

If you’re around this weekend, the West Chester Walking Club is back with another on Saturday morning walk and shop. They will meet at Pine + Quill at 9:30 a.m. for a walk, then return to see all the new fall decor (and 15% off). Then on Sunday, Side Bar, Lorenzo & Sons Pizza, and Skate Chesco are teaming up for one final summer celebration. There will be one last Gay Street skate session, followed by a pizza-eating competition because why not? Festivities begin at noon in front of Side Bar. And not quite ready for the fall but kind of ready for fall? I suggest this banana bread followed by a succession of sidewalk sales.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor, SLA Financial. SLA Financial has proudly served the West Chester community for 30 years, providing personalized wealth management and financial planning. With a focus on helping individuals and families achieve long-term goals, they sponsor local events and offer financial education classes, reflecting their deep commitment to both clients and community growth.

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:

• Sept. 13 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Sept. 13 – Free a Tree volunteer day, Plum Run Preserve (Meet at parking lot at 940 Tigue Rd., West Chester, PA) 10 a.m. Learn basic natural land stewardship skills and become more familiar with East Bradford parks. Can be used to count towards public service hours for students.

• Sept. 13 – Halfway to St. Patrick’s Party, Columbus Social Room, 110 W. Market St,  1 – 5 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Father Charles O’Hara and the O’Shenanigans Irish Band and the Do’Cairde School of Irish Dance. Proceeds go to support the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.

• Sept. 13 – Up on the Roof, Chestnut St. Garage, 5 – 8:30 p.m. Only West Chester fundraiser on the rooftop of the Chestnut St. Garage!

• Sept. 14 – Route 926 Litter Clean Up, 1120 E. Street Rd, Westtown Township, 7-9 a.m. Participants must be at least age 18, sign up in advance, and sign a waiver. Meet at the Concept School parking lot at 6:30 am to check-in.

• Sept. 17 – Plagues and Pestilence: A Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6 p.m. Your tour through 19th-century diseases

• Sept. 18 – Bird Walk, Gordon Natural Area, 5 – 6:30 p.m. Meet at the GNA entrance in R Lot. Binoculars provided. All are welcome.

• Sept. 18 – The Beans: Story Slam, Sidebar Restaurant, doors open at 7 p.m., storytelling starts at 8 p.m. To participate, sign up on arrival and be prepared to tell a 5-minute story related to the theme of the night. Tickets: $14. September’s theme is: Awkward

• Sept. 19 – Concert on the Quad Featuring the WCU Symphony Orchestra and Criterions, 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. This is a free community event. 

• Sept. 19 – Summer Pop-up Beer Garden: A Chorus Line, Uptown Theater, 5 p.m. Kick off the weekend with Broadway flair and Beer Garden fun! Beer Garden events precede the main show and are free to attend. 

• Sept. 20 – West Chester Growers Market, corner of Church and Chestnut Streets, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Sept. 20 – West Goshen Fall Movie Series, West Goshen Community Park, 7 p.m. This is a free event. Movie selections will be announced Sept. 1. Check the West Goshen website for updates.

• Sept. 21 – Rams Let’s Walk, 700 S. Church St., 9 a.m. 5K walk/run in support of student-athlete mental health. 

• Sept. 21 – 44th Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival, Gay St. , 12 – 5 p.m. Dozens of local and regional food vendors and restaurants serve up a variety of unique dishes. There is also a Beer and Wine Garden (on N. Church St.) and three stage areas featuring live bands performances. Entrance is free.

Looking for more ideas? The Fall Event Guide is out - and it was just updated with new events! Get it here.

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