West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, Sept. 13, 2004: A West Chester grocery market was closed by the health department after a complaint of “general filth” and evidence someone was living on the premise. Plus, the new director of West Chester’s Playschool makes the case for co-op preschool for all, development plans for the Burger King property move one stop closer to final approval (again), and the Borough abandons plans for gates on Gay St. (thank you.) See how they propose handling the closure instead. Oh yeah, and Restaurant Fest is on Sunday.

It’s a full week and I have a new email platform (finally!) Changes will continue to roll out over the next couple weeks, but, in the meantime, I would love to see what you think. OK. 

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up!

Reader note: This is it! I am officially beginning the migration to my email platform. (Phew!) It offers a lot of cool features and should vastly improve the subscription process. That said, I am still trying to figure out how to move existing subscribers into the new paid tier set-up. If you are a paid subscriber, you will not be able to use the Read Online feature at the top of the page until I do. Try it now and the site will make you set up a new subscription plan. If you haven’t paid yet, feel free to do this now. Next week you will receive an email notifying you of the change and your subscription status (paid or unpaid).

New West Chester Playschool Director Wants Working Parents to Give Co-op Preschool a Chance

Like it or not, that summer feeling has left the Borough and families everywhere are beginning to settle into new fall schedules including new West Chester Playschool Director Stephanie Harmeson. This week, the Playschool parent and former Wilmington school district teacher welcomed her first class as director.

“Things are going great!” she shared this week. “It's been wonderful to make connections with new families and welcome back returning families. We got off to a fun start with an Ice Cream Social last Thursday and we're planning a ton of activities for our families to keep them connected,” she said.

I met Stephanie earlier this summer when classrooms were quiet and capital projects were top of mind - on the agenda, a new playground fence and coats of paint for the classrooms, communication software to make information sharing easier, and outreach programs to help recruit new families.  

Located on W. Miner St. the Playschool, which opened in 1972, operates off the parent-cooperative preschool model where kids learn through play and parents play an active role in running the school. It’s the second part that has long kept many working families away, but Stephanie doesn’t think it has to.

“How can we get creative? How can we now serve that working parent?” she said as we walked through a series of vibrant classrooms lined with shelves full of toys and games.

Stephanie is working on growing the afternoon program, expanding Fun Fridays, and offering an after-school program for alumni - all of which would provide childcare coverage outside the traditional preschool program day. She is also exploring “buy-out” options that would allow parents to pay extra to skip some required familial responsibilities. 

At the Playschool those responsibilities include aiding in the classroom once every eight to ten weeks and providing snacks for the students one week, three times a year. Outside the classroom, there are General Membership meetings, fundraising support, and your co-op job. Remember, families are required to help run the school. Pick the job that best matches your skill set - property maintenance, marketing, or hospitality, for example. 

While the time commitment can seem like a lot on paper, and it is often one of the cited negatives of the co-op model, proponents say it's also critical to the school’s success. Not only does it help keep the costs down (a cited benefit), but co-op parents get to see their preschoolers developing first-hand. They also have a direct say in how the school is run and where priorities should lie. During stressful growth phases, it can be reassuring to have not only a relationship with the teacher but the parent aid as well. 

“The point is we want you in the classroom,” said Stephanie but she understands there has to be a balance if she wants to bring this model to more West Chester families. She was a Playschool parent well before becoming its director. 

“It truly changed my life,” she said of her family’s decision to join the school 

The Playschool is accepting students for fall classes. Visit their website to learn more. 

Bella Cucina Foods is Closed by the Health Department

Bella Cucina Foods at 3 N. 5 Points Rd. was closed this week after Chester County health inspectors cited the Italian meat and grocery market for 23 violations including evidence of someone living in the store. The surprise inspection came after the department received a complaint alleging the store was in a state of “general filth” and that there was evidence someone had been sleeping there. 

Among the cited violations: 

• Staff not washing hands as required. Several sinks did not have either soap or paper towels. 

• An employee was seen chopping chicken for a prepared salad with bare hands. 

• Expired and “unwholesome” ready-to-eat foods left in the refrigerators.

• Merchandise in the grab-and-go cooler was not being kept cold enough. This food was discarded. 

• Moderate fly activity was observed throughout the facility.

• Dirty conditions were found in the interior and exterior of all food service equipment including sinks, tables, countertops, shelves, refrigerators, freezers, cooking equipment, storage containers, floors, walls, ceilings, and the grease trap.

• Trash overflowing the dumpsters onto the surrounding pavement and grassy areas.

• Bedding, a recliner chair, and clothing were observed in the grocery.

• Soiled rags were found piled on floors, around refrigerators, and throughout other areas of the facility. “Soiled rags must be stored in a sanitary manner until laundered,” the report read. 

You can read the full report here. Search for Bella Cucina Foods. 

The Warnings.

Theft and alcohol-related crimes skyrocketed in August. involving alcohol were reported. This is up from 19 in July, a roughly 150 percent increase. Thefts also more than doubled jumping from 14 in July to 34 in August. WCPD is also investigating seven burglaries that occurred in the southeast quadrant of the Borough. At this point, no arrests have been made but as incidents continue police believe there may be some overlap in these incidents. Also, as Police Chief Josh Lee reminded Borough Council Members on Wednesday: “Don’t be a victim of opportunity.” Some of these incidents could have been prevented by ensuring doors and windows are locked. 

You can find a copy of the full August police report here.

A squeaky wheel gets the trash picked up. As the trash piled up around the southeast quadrant over West Chester University’s move-in weekend, residents returned to the Borough Council Public Safety meeting to continue to push for property management reforms as part of a larger conversation about the Borough's point system. The Borough relies on a point system which is supposed to hold renters and landlords responsible for violations of the Borough’s rental ordinances. 

However, as one resident stated, “Most residents have very little faith in our points system.” 

Instead, they would like to see stricter code enforcement and more accountability from student rentals. They have suggested enforcement actions start with large nuisance properties that rent to the same student groups year after year. Hmmm, wonder if they have specific properties in mind? They are also asking that Borough code enforcement officers be available on weekends.  

“Let’s figure out a way to get some staff on the weekends when it can be some of the hardest times for the residents,” suggested Councilwoman Nicole Scimmone.

It can’t happen here until it does. Last week in response to the school shooting at Georgia’s Apalachee High School, West Chester Area School District Public Safety Manager Rik Thorton shared a safety update with parents.   

In the email, he shared safety improvements made by the district over the summer including:

• Installing Nightlock devices on swinging doors. According to the internet, these devices designed to withstand a lot of force help secure swinging doors during an active shooter situation. Teachers and staff have been trained on how to use these devices. 

• Upgrading card and key access systems. Building access now better aligns with individual roles and staff needs. 

At the same time, students will continue with their ALICE Training. That stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate The program equips staff and students with situational awareness and empowers them to make informed decisions in emergencies. For those parents experiencing slight heart palpitations right now, know the training is tailored by grade with requirements and understanding increasing with age. 

We see you. West Chester Police are investigating the theft of a traffic mirror from the 50 block of W. Prescott Alley. Although the video footage is grainy the mirror appears to have been nabbed by a group of four individuals. If you have any information about the incident, contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700. 

Watch where you’re going. West Chester Police, Fire, and EMTs were called to E. Market and N. Matlack St. after a car struck a building - at 11:30 Sunday morning.  

The Accolades.

This week we are celebrating the return of the fall festival. Kennett Square kicked things off last weekend with its annual Mushroom Festival and now it’s our turn. This weekend, 25,000 attendees are expected to crush onto Gay Street for the 43rd annual Chester County Restaurant Festival. 

“It’s the same annual lovely beast that the folks of West Chester have come to support for the last 40 plus years,” said West Chester Parks and Rec Director, and event organizer Keith Kurowski in an email. Expect “loads of great food, good tunes, and libations.”

To put some numbers to those boasts, over 50 food stands and 80 vendors are expected to attend Sunday’s event. If you’re heading down, walk if you can. If not, both garages will be open with a $10 special event parking fee which isn’t so bad. Street parking is also an option (and free since it’s Sunday), but spaces will be hard to find. The weather is looking gorgeous as of now, but the rain date is next Sunday, should they need it.  

Locals note: Downtown West Chester will be closed to non-event traffic from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Avoid the area if you can.

On deck: 

• Downtown West Chester’s Oktoberfest - Sept. 28

• West Chester Chili Cook-Off - Oct. 6

• East Goshen Food Truck and Music Festival - Oct. 12

• East Bradford’s Fall Festival - Oct. 20 

Other things we are celebrating this week. 

Picking yourself back up. Last week, Coach Duke Grecco made his debut as the first new West Chester University head football coach in 21 years. It wasn’t a great start. After coming out hot, the defense faded and the offense struggled in the second half. A 14-point third-quarter lead disappeared in the fourth. The game was then sealed by a 38-yard Bentley field goal as time expired. “To be honest, this is not how I envisioned it was going to be,” Coach Grecco told the Daily Local after the game adding, “You always want to win that first game, but it happens. It’s now about how we bounce back – and trust me, we are going to do that.” They’ll get that chance tomorrow at home against California (PA). 

Inside access. West Chester University student reporters Olivia Schlinkman and Carlo Constantine were invited to attend this week’s presidential debate in Philadelphia. While they did not get a chance to question the candidates directly they were able to speak with Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Political Activist David Bossie, and Mini Timmaraju, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, about college affordability, candidate messages for young people, and reproductive freedom. Check out The Quad for more on their coverage. 

STEM classes at the university level.  Last month, West Chester University’s Biomedical Engineering Degree Program received global accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET accreditation assures that the program meets standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields. Launched in 2019, the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering is the first engineering degree offered by WCu. The program graduated its first class of students in 2023 

West Chester bragging rights. This week, West Chester high school cross-country teams gathered at Rustin for the annual Battle of West Chester. While Henderson brought the numbers, East brought the speed. On the boy’s side, Henderson placed seven runners in the top ten, unfortunately not in the positions that matter most. East Senior Jake Hennessy placed first overall with a time of 10:02.2 edging out teammate Jack Brannon by one-tenth of a second. On the girl’s side, East painted an even cleared picture, placing runners in three of the top four positions. East Senior Maria Heebner was the girls’ top finisher with a time of 12:24:6.  

Also, shoring up West Chester bragging rights this week, Henderson’s Girls’ Volleyball team and Henderson’s Boys’ Soccer team. The boys beat Rustin 4-1 on Monday to complete their sweep of cross-town rivals. Meanwhile, the girls took their match 3-0, also against Rustin.  Both teams are off to excellent starts. Volleyball is 5 and 1 and soccer is 8 and 0. 

Know someone who should be recognized? Let me know - [email protected].

Hello.

Last spring, West Chester Area School District announced a curriculum change for elementary students. Instead of going to the library once every four days as part of their “specials’ or unified arts otation, starting now students will participate in Design Lab. Design Lab is a new class that looks to engage students in the engineering process earlier.

Among her first Design Lab assignments, my second grader was asked to create something using paper, a pom pom, a pipe cleaner, and “as much tape” as she wanted. She came back with a 3D milkshake with a pipe cleaner straw. 

The changes are part of the District’s response to Pennsylvania’s new Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. These academic standards adopted by the State Board of Education in 2022, aim to, “prioritize a shift away from memorization of facts to having students productively participate in scientific discourse and practices.” Schools have until next June to comply with the standards.

(Parent note: I am still worried about the lost library access. I have already had to bring my fourth grader to the public library this year because he had nothing to read. I’m curious to see if access improves as the year goes on.)

Pennsylvania is not the only one looking to improve its students’ science, technology, engineering, and math cred. STEM education, as you may have heard, is very much in demand these days. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that STEM occupations will grow 10.8% between 2022 and 2032. For context, the average job growth rate is four percent. In addition, research shows STEM instruction helps even those who choose to pursue non-STEM careers. 

To help ensure all students have an opportunity to build these critical skill sets, WCU is expanding opportunities available through its Center for STEM Inclusion. The Center for STEM Inclusion is an academic enrichment center dedicated to empowering southeastern Pennsylvania’s K-12 children and youth to pursue STEM careers. A key focus of the program is to reach out to groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM including high school students in lower-income districts where AP classes in STEM critical courses such as precalculus, calculus, or statistics are not offered.  

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students, opening the door to new ideas in STEM fields and expanding workforce opportunities in the region,” said Dr. Jessica O'Shaughnessy, Dean of West Chester University’s College of the Sciences and Mathematics.

The Center has helped over 3000 students in the past three years.

Other things we are welcoming this week. 

Borough Council moves one step closer to ending its AIrbnb drama. This week Borough Council’s Smart Growth Committee reviewed, for what will hopefully be the last time, a new Short-term Rental ordinance. While the Borough is currently serviced by a dozen or so short-term or Airbnb rentals, they have been operating in a legal gray zone - neither allowed nor explicitly banned by the Borough. However, that could change next week when the revised ordinance goes back in front of Borough Council for a final vote. If Borough Council approves the ordinance as written all units outside of Town Center would be forced to close. Those inside Town Center could continue to operate with Council approval as long as they meet a series of requirements outlined in the ordinance including providing off-street parking if the unit is located within a residential permit parking area. The ordinance also limits the total number of short-term rentals in the Borough to 20. You can review the ordinance as it currently stands here. 

Hotel Indigo reveals its dining options. We learned a few weeks ago reservations have opened for West Chester’s (soon-to-be) newest hotel. Now we get a peak at the dining options. According to the hotel’s website, there will be three onsite eateries. The West Chester Seafood Kitchen, a modern seafood restaurant featuring regional seafood classics, will be located inside the hotel at the corner of Gay and Walnut Sts.. Also, on the ground floor will be the Corner Cafe for a quick pick-me-up. Then below ground will be another take on the speakeasy. This one is called Room 109 and is described as “vintage charm” behind an “unassuming door.” Expect a selection of cocktails and premium spirits. No word if there will be a membership fee. (Full disclosure: I did not ask.)   

West Chester to get a Turkey Trot. I don’t know about you, but I am excited about this one. Last year, I got it into my head that it would be a good idea to start Thanksgiving day with a run - preferably one I had financially committed myself to by signing up for weeks in advance. Well, no go. The only nearby option was the Chester County Turkey Trot that takes place at Downingtown West High School but being the only local option I heard it gets so crowded as to no longer be fun. So,  I am excited to announce that Downtown West Chester and the Downtown West Chester Foundation have decided to partner on the First Annual West Chester Turkey Trot! This 5k run/walk will take place at 8 a.m. on Thanksgiving day.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, gates. I, for one, am not sad to see you go. Last week, in a rather weakly attended public information session, the Borough shared updated plans for the Gay Street Closure and while there wasn’t a lot in the way of detail or discussion there were also no gates. 

The updated closure plans instead use “specialty” bollards to close the street. These are 12” round steel poles that block the street from traffic. While aesthetically less intrusive than rod iron gates, they were previously ruled out due to the large amount of piping, wires, and other infrastructure located below the street. These bollards, however, are special. Instead of screwing directly into the asphalt, they slide along a track to the side of the street. A demo video shows a woman of average build moving them effortlessly. Once in place, the track can be locked so say, a drunken - I’m not even going to discriminate here - individual can’t move them around mid-closure.

During phase one, expected to begin next year, bollards will be added to Gay St. at the intersections of Darlington, High, and Matlack. Current barriers will remain at Church and Walnut Sts. 

The plans also include the addition of five ADA-compliant ramps and new signage throughout the closure.  

Speaking of take two, developer Peter Staz must have his fingers crossed that the second time is the charm for his plans for 410 S. High St. This week he presented his team’s revised plans for the Burger King property receiving a 3 - 0 approval from the Smart Growth Committee. This is after receiving a 6-0 approval from the Planning Commission last week. 

A second round of plans was introduced earlier this year, after the original plans, which also received Borough approval, were challenged in court by residents. While seen as an improvement over the original effort, concerns remained over parking, heft, and height. 

After receiving feedback from the Planning Commission on the revisions, developers further increased parking, set back the upper level to break up the heft of the building, added a second entrance at the corner of Price and High Sts., and are working with PennDOT to add four parking spaces along High St. These spaces would be at the building’s entrance making them ideal for deliveries.

With two key sets of approvals in hand, the plans will go to the full Borough Council next week for final approval. 

Also, this week, the developer's first plan had its day in court. No word yet, on when a ruling can be expected. 

Finally, Greystone Hall says goodbye to its buyer. In Feb., the Philadelphia Business Journal reported that Mirbeau Hospitality Services was interested in redeveloping the $9 million West Goshen property as a luxury resort and spa. Well, it seems no more. The 44-acre property including the “3-story historic residence”, carriage house, and 4-car garage is listed again. This time for $8.5 million. This is the second time in three years that a deal for the property has fallen through.

Pay it Forward

Later this month, West Chester Public Library will welcome New York Times Best Selling Author Nita Prose to the Borough. Nita has earned millions of fans worldwide through her depictions of Molly Gray, a meticulous maid with a tendency to misread social cues. With a new novella in the works, WCPL invited the mystery writer to read from her award-winning debut novel, The Maid and to answer readers’ questions.

“The Maid was very popular at the library and remains so,” said West Chester Development Manager Clare Quinn. In addition to her success as a writer, Nita has had a very successful career in publishing and is currently VP and editorial director at Simon and Schuster Canada giving her a unique perspective on the industry. 

“I think it will be a fun night,” she added. 

The event will take place at the Chester County History Center on Sept. 26. Before the reading at 6:10 p.m., the WCPL is hosting a VIP happy hour event where guests will get a chance to mingle with the author while enjoying wine and appetizers. After the presentation, Nita will stay to sign copies of her books while attendees enjoy treats from the Bookstore Bakery. You can learn more about the event and get tickets here. 

Fun fact: Actress Florence Pugh is set to produce and star in the movie adaption of The Maid. 

Plus, here are a few easy ways to give back this week:  

Grab a cuppa for a good cause. West Chester nonprofit Act in Faith is partnering with local merchants on a “Cups Card.” For a $25 donation, you will get a card entitling you to one free beverage at a variety of West Chester favorites including Roots Cafe, La Tartine, Two Birds Cafe, Mayday, Tsaocca Bubble Tea, and more. The specific drink offer is specified by location. All proceeds go to help Act in Faith assist neighbors in need. Drinks may be redeemed from now through Nov. 1. 

Make a wish come true. The Community Warehouse Project is seeking donations. “Our shelves are very empty here,” they shared in a social post this week. Use their Amazon Wishlist to pick up urgently needed items like comforters, crockpots, lamp shades, and light bulbs.    

Take Wednesdays off from making dinner. Each Wednesday in September, Iron Hill will donate 20 percent of food sales to the Greater West Chester Rotary Club. The offer includes takeout but, remember, you have to show the flyer.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? Last year, I joined the board of the Downtown West Chester Foundation. It’s a great organization committed to preserving the culture, livability, and charm of downtown West Chester. They also, so I am told, throw a pretty amazing fundraising party. We couldn’t go last year because we were out of town, but this year, on Saturday night we will be Up On the Roof of the Chestnut Street Garage. Before and after, we will be lined up along some soccer fields, but so goes it.  

If you are around this weekend, there is lots going on. Tish Boutique is hosting Mimosas for Moms Back-to-School event today, but you better get over there quickly. It ends at 2 p.m. Want to keep the fuzzy feeling going? Head to Phineas Gage. They are celebrating eight years in the Borough with an in-store happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be complimentary beverages, discounts, giveaways, and trunk show specials. Then head over to Serum Kitchen for a rooftop performance by Brian Bursa. Just remember their outdoor seating is first come, first served. On Saturday, Highland Orchard is opening its corn maze. Admission is $10 and includes 5 acres of fun and three apples for the cannons. Then, Sunday is the Restaurant Festival. All of your West Chester favorites will be there.

Speaking of summer plans, this week a special thank you to our Community Sponsor, Athletes Untapped! Athletes Untapped helps kids meet their athletic goals, build confidence, and grow their love of the game through easy-to-schedule personal coaching sessions. Visit Athletes Untapped to learn more about their kids-first philosophy! 

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.

Readers: If you have not gotten your annual subscription at the $12/year rate, do that now! Rates will increase to $2/month or $24/year on Sept. 30. Anyone without a paid subscription will be moved to a limited-access free account. Subscribe either through the link below or use Venmo (@hellowestchester). Thank you!

Mark Your Calendars:

• Sept. 3 - Oct. 30 - Jewelry Showcase, Chester County Art Association, M-F - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. From delicate rings to bold statement necklaces, explore an exquisite collection of handcrafted pieces by talented local artisans. Admission is free.  

• Sept. 14 - Yoga in the Street, Gay St. in front of the Post Office, 9 - 10 a.m. Take an outdoor yoga class with Triple Threat Fitness. Bring $5 and a mat.

• Sept. 14 - Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party, Knights of Columbus Social Club, 110 W. Market St., 1-5 p.m. Enjoy the music of the Shenanigans and the talents of the Do'Carde School of Irish Dancers. The performances are donated so money raised goes to benefit the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.

• Sept. 14 - Chess Club, West Chester Public Library, 10 a.m. - noon. Open to kids 5 - 15. No registration required.

• Sept. 14 - Up on the Roof 2024, Chestnut St. Garage, 5 - 8:30 p.m. The rooftop of the Chestnut Street Garage will transform into a unique venue with music and dining. Enjoy appetizers, desserts, complimentary beer and wine and the always-popular Rooftop Martini. Tickets required.

• Sept. 15 - West Chester Restaurant Festival, Gay St., 12 - 5:30 p.m. The Chester County Restaurant and Food Truck Festival is back for its 43^rd year! This foodie event is full of entertainment, information booths, local artisans, and tons of food. Over 50 food trucks and restaurants expected. No tickets required.

• Sept. 15 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

• Sept. 15 - Aria Nouveau Premiere, Uptown Theater, 4 p.m. West Chester native, soprano Laura Auer will perform one special night of epic pop-opera hits and romantic duets with America’s Got Talent's award-winning tenor John Riesen. Don’t miss a chance to get dressed up and go out for an elegant evening. Tickets: $45

• Sept. 16 - Solar Power Program, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 W. Pleasant Grove Rd., 7- 8 p.m. Join for a solar education program without a sales pitch. Ron Celentano will be the presenter. Presentation available in person and via Zoom. Register for Zoom here.

• Sept. 18 - 3rd Wednesday Book Club, West Chester Public Library, 1-2 p.m.

• Sept. 18 - Medicare Education Workshop, West Chester Public Library, 5:30- 7 p.m. Learn how Medicare works and what to expect with each of the plan options. Registration is required.

• Sept. 18, 19 - Plagues and Pestilence: A Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6 - 7:30 p.m. This 90-min. tour will explore how diseases impacted families in the early 19th century. Tickets are required for this event.

• Sept. 21 - Chess Club, West Chester Public Library, 10 a.m. - noon. Open to kids 5 - 15. No registration required.

• Sept. 22 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

• Sept. 24 - The Ganges on the Brandywine: the Story of Samuel Ganges, virtual event, 7-8 p.m. This is a Chester County History Center pay-as-you-wish event led by PhD genealogist Michael Kearney. Registration required.

• Sept. 25 - Show Her the Money, WCU Sykes Theater, 4 - 7:30 p.m. This documentary sheds light on the significant challenges women entrepreneurs face in securing capital and underscores the urgent need for financial equity. Following the screening, a powerhouse panel of insiders will lead a discussion focused on actionable solutions. Tickets: $20

Looking for more event ideas? Fall Event Guide coming soon! In the meantime, view the full calendar here.

Reader tip: I have been deep in the tech trying to upgrade the subscriber experience and I came across this 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!

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