View this email in your browser

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

The easiest way to be in the know.

Subscribe | HWC Podcast

It’s Friday, Aug. 9, 2024: Need a drink? 9 Prime’s pouring. There’s a reported shake-up at West Chester’s newest steakhouse. We take a look at what’s going on. Plus, how does your garden grow? The team behind Hillsdale’s school garden shares their secrets. We chat Olympics with a couple who has been there seven times and go inside the new bookstore.  

It’s gross outside. Grab a coffee and let’s catch up.

Shake Up at 9 Prime: West Chester’s Celebrity Chef Has Left the Building

This week, the Fabio Viviani Hospitality/Colby Group and 9 Prime Owners announced their relationship has ended, a conscious uncoupling of the business variety, if you will.  

“This decision stems from a shared understanding that the ownership wishes to operate the venue independently and maintain local management,” a statement from Chef Fabio’s team reads. “This separation allows both parties to focus on their respective strengths and priorities, enabling the ownership of 9 Prime to continue enhancing the quality of service, menus, and standards as they see fit for the establishment.”

It then goes on to thank the West Chester community for “their warm welcome and support.”

Earlier this summer, 9 Prime also parted ways with General Manager Jerome Jones. Mr. Jones had led daily operations for the restaurant for much of the last year, at times to mixed results. Service in particular has been skewered on the message boards since the restaurant’s opening earlier this year.

“The cocktails were good, but the bar service while we waited to be sat was so slow,” one user posted to Reddit in April.

“My recent visit to 9 Prime was incredibly disappointing. We endured a two-and-a-half-hour wait without receiving our meal,” shared another to the West Chester Community Facebook Page around the same time. That post received 212 comments including from 9 Prime Director Charlie Walsh who acknowledged the restaurant’s early struggles and pledged to do better.

“The last thing we want at 9 Prime, is to lose any of your confidence,” he wrote. “While no restaurant wants to show that they are going through a learning curve, they all go through them. We are aggressively making changes to ensure these few shortcomings are improved on. While we are appreciative of the hundreds of positive reviews and feedback across all reviews- we do take the negative ones to heart. We will only continue to improve.”.

Perhaps these changes are part of that improvement process. I reached out to the restaurant for a comment on the changes but have yet to receive a response. (In their defense, I did it just yesterday.)

Transformation: 9 N. High St.

Transformation is an occassional series spotlighting the creative ways community members work together to make changes for the better. This feature is brought to you by Cocoon Remodeling, experts in positive transformations. 

In the waning days of 1863, the First National Bank of Chester County was granted its charter by the Comptroller of the Currency. In 1912, it would move its headquarters to 9 N. High Street. The Society of Architectural Historians described the building as “a small but imposing four-column-fronted temple to money.” The recorded purchase price was $20,000.

For nearly 150 years the building provided the residents of Chester County with a range of personal and corporate investment services. Then in 2021, it was sold for just the second time in its 100+ year history.

The building was purchased by West Chester real estate magnate John O’Connell for $4.8 million. John had an early vision for the space that manifested as 9 Prime.

“There are quite a few Italian restaurants, and a few of them are pretty good, but I wanted to have something that was going to be unique,” he told the Philadelphia Inquirer in February.

Unleash Your Child's Potential at Chesterbrook Academy

Does your child thrive in a dynamic learning environment?

At Chesterbrook Academy (CBA), we offer a unique approach to education that goes beyond the traditional classroom. Here's what sets us apart:

• Personalized Learning: Through our 1:1 iPad program and flexible learning spaces, each student receives a customized path to success.

• Apple Distinguished School: Since 2018, CBA has been recognized for its innovative use of technology, empowering students to create, problem-solve, and develop critical thinking skills.

• Real-World Exploration: Learning extends beyond textbooks. Students participate in regular off-campus trips and utilize our expansive outdoor learning area - complete with a garden - for hands-on experiences.

• Strong Community Focus: We instill in our students the importance of giving back by incorporating community service projects into our curriculum.

Limited Spots Available! Full Day Pre-k and Kindergarten! Contact: Ashley Lear at [email protected] and give your child the gift of a transformative education!

***This is a sponsored post.***

The Warnings.

Private water costs 84 percent more than public water. Wastewater treatment facilities are not particularly easy things to run. They require lots of heavy, expensive equipment all of which seems to be perpetually at the end of its lifespan leading to costly repairs. This is probably why every few years the question arises, should the Borough of West Chester sell its wastewater treatment plants? The Borough currently owns and operates two, Goose Creek and Taylor Run. While selling would inevitably bring a short-term windfall, a recent report by the advocacy group “In the Public Interest” shows it could prove a long-run loss. According to the report, Pennsylvania’s private water rates are 84 percent more expensive than public water rates - making them some of the highest in the country. Just a little background to file away for the next time the debate surfaces. You can read the full report and Aqua’s response here.

Aqua’s back, back again. Speaking of Aqua, the water provider will be back tearing up Borough and West Goshen streets this summer as part of their ongoing Lead and Galvanized Service Line Replacement project. As part of this project, service lines are being replaced at more than 400 local homes and businesses. While, according to Aqua, current drinking water meets regulatory standards, they also “believe it is in the best interest of our customers to further mitigate risk by replacing these service lines with more modern materials.”

If your home is identified for a service line replacement, Aqua will reach out to schedule a date for the work to occur. You will also be provided with a water filter and six months of replacement filters, along with two water sampling bottles. You can find more information and an FAQ here.

Missing badge. West Chester Police are seeking the public’s help locating a missing police badge. The badge reportedly came off the officer’s uniform during a struggle with an armed subject in front of Kildare’s early Sunday morning (this gets better and better.) It is believed the badge would have landed on a nearby sidewalk.    

“If a bystander happened to pick the badge up for safekeeping, we would ask that it be returned immediately by dropping it off in person, or anonymously, at the police station,” WCPD shared via social media. “Should the badge be found in anyone's possession at a later date, criminal charges may be warranted,” the post concluded. If you have information about this incident contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700 or head over directly at 401 E. Gay St.

The school activity calendar is going to be late. For those of you who still like a printed calendar, know this year’s school calendar is coming just a little later than usual. “We typically try to get the calendar mailed out in early August, but we are slightly delayed this year,” the WCASD shared this week on social media. With any luck, they will get it to you before the start of the school year.

The Accolades.

The 2024 Paris Olympics wraps today and in honor of two weeks of inspiring events, we are ending with a love story. It’s an enduring love story that’s been told at least once before, if my notes are correct, by a Philly affiliate at the Athens games but that was an early version. This year, West Chester couple Rick and Christina Stevens attended their seventh Olympics together.

Their first, the one where they met, was in Atlanta in 1996 but that’s not where the story begins, for that you have to go back one more to Barcelona.

“In ‘92, I went with my Dad,” says Rick.

“I’m a student of the history of the games,” he tells me as I browse the couple’s extensive Olympic memorabilia collection. The walls in the study are lined with five large framed displays of Olympic pins. There are shirts and hats, a rare volunteer’s uniform, cups from various games, and paper tickets (from when there were paper tickets.)  In the corner, I spot an autographed picture (you know the one) of famed gymnastic coach Bela Karolyi holding Kerri Strug after she injured her ankle during the vault competition at the 1996 Olympics.

Rick, a health and physical education teacher for Upper Darby High School, was inspired by a WCU graduate course to explore the legacy of the games and bring back to his students the full story. He wanted them to see not just the events of the nightly broadcast but all that was possible with sports.

“You got anything the U.S. was doing well in,” he said of early Olympic coverage.

So, he purchased his first Olympic tickets, secured lodging at the home of a former foreign exchange student, packed up his camera, and headed to Barcelona. He returned with videos of Olympic-caliber table tennis, badminton, and handball. Over the years, Rick and Christina have attended as a couple and as a family. They have stayed in top-notch hotels, youth hostels, and once in the spare bedroom of an Olympic alternate. They have met fellow fans and former athletes, and each time they have returned with a story and a renewed love of the games.

“We continue to go to the games because we love being there and seeing the world,” says Rick. In addition to Barcelona, they’ve been to Athens, Beijing, Vancouver, Rio de Janeiro, and Paris. “I appreciate artistry and performance,” he adds.

After two weeks of amazing feats, I think on that we can all agree. Goodbye, Olympic games. We’ll cheer you on again in four.

Also, this week, we are celebrating:

Embracing the drama. West Chester resident and longtime writer Erica Reilly has published her first novel, The Swells of Stone Harbor. It’s about a local artist with a first hand vantage point as chaos unfolds on the island and if that is not enough drama for you, Erica’s already working on her next title about a former 90210/OC-style teen show that is back in Stone Harbor for a fan comic-con reunion. Wonder if someone can make this connection? The Swells of Shone Harbor available at the Bookstore Bakery if you want to grab a copy before you head to the shore.

Finding your cup of tea. Mimi’s Tea Cottage celebrates one year in business this weekend. In honor of the milestone, they are hosting an anniversary celebration. There will be a special sweet treat with all-afternoon tea services and a drawing for a teapot. If you are around this weekend, pop in and wish them well.

Leaving a mark. Congratulations to Austin Piona, owner of Mayday Coffee on being selected as one of Main Line Today Magazine’s 13 Gen Zers making an impact in their community.

Seizing the moment. Congratulations to Kennett Square’s Justin Best and Lainey Duncan. I guess, that’s just what happens when you hold the Olympics in the City of Love.

Hello.

Sometimes timing works in your favor. Sometimes it doesn’t. Already, downtown for a coffee meeting Tuesday morning, I decided to pop by the new bookstore to see if it was open and ended up ambushing Lisa Stohl, 17 minutes into her opening day. Bookmarks is located on the corner of Gay and Matlack Sts on two floors of an old Borough home.

For Lisa and her husband, the journey to bookstore owners began a little over a year ago, as so many things seem to these days, with the need for a career change. Familiar with West Chester from their daughter’s time at West Chester University and impressed with the foot traffic downtown, they began scouting locations settling on 100 E. Gay St. Lisa took a class and became a certified bookseller and now, here she is roughly 30 minutes into that career change, the first sale made, in the middle of an unplanned interview for a publication she probably never knew existed (they’re from out of town).

Inside the store, you’ll find a mix of bookstore classics and new releases shelved between a smattering of blue wingback chairs. Downstairs are gifts and a kid’s section with the Richard Scary classic Cars and Trucks, Things That Go, and the entire Dog Man series. Upstairs you’ll find an autobiography of Katie Ledecky called My Swimming Life and sections on parenting, nature, and health and fitness. There is also an area for romance and classics with a pretty collector’s edition of Anne of Green Gables. A table of Pennsylvania authors includes locals Jacqueline Alnes and Kristine Ervin.

“As we get moving and get connected, we hope to bring in even more new releases,” Lisa says as more customers sneak in through the front door. “If we don’t have it we can order it,” she adds, quickly settling into her new role as bookseller.  

Also, helloooo, back-to-school season. I don’t want to rush it but let’s face it, if you have a kid, it’s already here. Proof? Tell me the West Chester students are coming back, without telling me the students are coming back.

Looking to keep it all straight or want to know when to start avoiding the University area? Here are some key back-to-school dates for you:

• Aug. 21 - 25 - WCU Move-in starts

• Aug. 26 - First day of school WCASD, WCU, Riverstone

• Aug. 27 - First day of school Chesterbrook Academy, Sts. Pete and Paul

• Sept. 3 - First day of school Westown School, Sts. Simon and Jude, WC Friends School

• Sept. 4 - First day of school St. Agnes, St. Max

Speaking of signs of changing seasons, Nate Heckenberger caught the Henderson Football team on the field bright and early to kick off camp week.

Also,

West Chester Chili Cook-Off said hello to a new website and opened registration for this fall’s event. If you are interested in participating, get yourself signed up now. They are also looking for vendors and sponsors. If you’re a fan of chili it’s time to step up to make sure this signature West Chester event continues to bring the heat.  

Once upon a time, the Borough had another cool event, the West Chester Twilight Criterium. Unfortunately, that is not coming back, but its opening act is. The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has resurrected the Tour-De-Trike, their adult tricycle relay race. The trike challenge was originally supposed to take place tonight on Gay St. but because of Debby, it has been moved to next Friday. The competition starts at 3:30 p.m. on the corner of Gay and Church Sts.  

Goodbye.

West Chester is getting good at saying goodbye to boring brick space around the Borough. Where once there were none, now there are murals around town. There is one on the 100 block of W. Chestnut St., 100 block of E. Market, and now, the 300 block of W. Gay St. Earlier this month, artist Erica DeHart put the finishing touches on the Borough’s latest mural outside the Master Baker.

“It’s finished, and it’s beautiful!” West Chester Public Arts announced on their Instagram page. The mural depicts a historic West Chester vie through a cake and flower-framed window.

Take a tour of all three with County Lines Magazine’s new TikTok.

And for all you public art fans, in addition to the Borough projects, there is a selfie wall next to Safe Harbor, a new pizza mural at Saucey’s, and several resident-generated side projects. Kudos to all who are working to keep our town looking beautiful.

Speaking of looking beautiful, or not, I wanted to get your thoughts on the Gay Street closure this year. Earlier this summer I heard a lot of grumbling about - and witnessed firsthand - some restaurants pushing into the pedestrian walkway. In some places, it was difficult for even a single pedestrian to pass let alone an individual in a wheelchair or a parent with a stroller. I reached out to the new Borough Housing Director and she promised to send out inspectors to take a look. I am assuming she did, but when I reached out to see how things went and what actions were being taken going forward, I received no response. So, I am curious, what has your experience been?

Have you enjoyed the Open-Air Market this summer? Have walkways improved? Is the Borough doing a better job of utilizing the space? What else can be improved? Send me an email ([email protected]) and let me know.

Finally, in sad news, last week we learned of the unexpected death of Vincent Corbit, or Mr. Vince, as he was affectionately known to Hillsdale students. Mr. Vince served as the school’s evening custodian until his retirement earlier this summer. He was known for leaving motivational messages for students in their classrooms and attending after-school activities. He was especially fond of basketball and even helped to coach one of the school’s basketball teams.

“He truly loved being a part of our students’ lives and brought joy to so many through his daily interactions,”  the school shared on Facebook this week. Before coming to Hillsdale, Vince served in the Navy and worked at Coatesville High School.

A memorial service is being held this Saturday at Wright Funeral Home in Coatesville.

Pay It Forward.

Four years ago, Hillsdale Elementary School decided its garden needed an upgrade. There had been a space but it had seen better days, so led by a knowledgeable teacher and a group of dedicated parents, they scouted a location, raised some funds, built some beds, got some soil, raised some more funds, added an irrigation system, partnered with the West Chester Food Cupboard, worked with the teachers, planted some veggies, organized volunteers to keep it running over the summer, donated the harvest, hosted a fall clean-up day, and then, asked themselves, “What the heck were we thinking?”

No, they didn’t. They celebrated their success and kept right on trucking but it’s easy to see why school gardens despite all their proven benefits - nutrition awareness, environmental awareness, community building, and even higher test scores - can be a challenge to maintain.

I chatted with the Hillsdale Garden Committee (Form a Garden Leadership Committee: Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #6 for a thriving school garden) on their success so far and their plans to keep the garden growing. (Sorry.)

HWC: So, tell the truth, after three years, how is the new garden doing?

GC: 2024 has been both a very successful year and a year for change for the Hillsdale Garden. Every Hillsdale student got involved by planting a seed or seedling during our annual Planting Day on April 19th. We've had the help of 10 families who have taken a week over the summer to harvest, weed, water, and love the garden. As a result, we have donated over 542 pounds of produce to the West Chester Food Cupboard. (Partner with local organizations: Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #7 for a thriving school garden) We are just over halfway through our harvest season and have seven more families who have volunteered to help keep the garden thriving.

HWC: I know your inaugural teacher liaison (Ensure adequate school support. Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #1 for a thriving school garden) retired earlier this summer. What are your plans for keeping up support for the garden going forward?

GC: The Hillsdale Garden wouldn't be what it is today without Mrs. Marilyn Quinn. She has been involved with the Hillsdale Garden for 15 years when it began with six wooden beds shaped in two H’s for the Hillsdale Huskies. Also moving on this fall is Garden Club founding member, Rebecca, who will be at Pierce with her now sixth grader.

[Fourth-grade teacher] Mrs. Robyn Gardner King has been added to the team as the new teacher liaison and founding members, Courtney and Sara will continue to serve the garden club in leadership roles. Third-grade parent Liz will fill the final position. The Garden Club is also hoping to find new kindergarten and first-grade parents interested in joining the team to help continue this amazing tradition.  

HWC: Well, congratulations. I know this has been no easy feat. Have other schools in the district expressed interest in starting their own gardens?

GC: With the amazing success of the Hillsdale Garden, a few other schools have reached out for information and ideas on how to create and continue excitement at their gardens. With the retirement of Mrs. Quinn, she is grateful to have the opportunity to help other schools work on a plan to create a garden to fit their space and community. We are excited about the collaboration and hope to offer advice or encouragement along the way. (Provide teacher garden training: Journal of Education and Behavior, Strategy #4 for a thriving school garden)

Thanks, guys for the update, and best wishes for continued success with that garden! If you would like information on starting your own school garden, send the garden club a note at [email protected]. They would be happy to point you in the right direction.

Plus, I have the best ways to give back this week!

Enjoy a seafood special. In celebration of 21 years (congratulations) of serving the West Chester area, Gadaleto’s is hosting a two-day fundraising event. They will donate 20 percent of all sales made on Aug. 14 and Aug. 15 to the St. Agnes Day Room and the West Chester Food Cupboard and they will give you a 20 percent off coupon for your next purchase. Win. WIn. All items are eligible including the Maine lobster rolls, fried shrimp platters, and crabs - but if you want the crabs, you are advised to get your orders in early. If you have any questions, call the store at 610-430-7777.

Click yes to the grocery store roundup. Roundup funds collected by Acme from Aug. 1 through Aug. 30  will support the West Chester Area School District’s meal distribution programs in the form of grocery store gift cards.

Praise the skies. Join the West Chester Green Team and keynote speaker Carolyn Comitta as they celebrate dark skies and the return of the fireflies. There will also be an update on the Poplar St. garden, crafts for the kids, and live music from Steven Hanford. Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for kids and include a picnic-style dinner from Mae’s, cake from Master Baker, and D’Ascenzon’s gelato.

Get in a hills workout. Roslyn Swim Club is hosting its first-ever 2-mile fun run on Aug. 31. Challenge yourself with a dash through the hilly Roslyn neighborhood. Race fee is $30 and includes a t-shirt. All runners are invited to meet at the pool for a post-race swim and hang. $10 entrance fee for non-members.

Encourage grandma and grandpa to volunteer. WCASD offers a tax reduction to seniors who volunteer with the district. Activities include reading in the classroom, assisting with family and consumer science classes, helping students with disabilities, stuffing envelopes, data entry, and more. Shared wisdom in exchange for a tax break. Seems like another win, win to me.

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are packing up for our final vacation of the summer. This time we are heading north for, what I am hoping will be, a few relaxing days at the Finger Lakes. I am looking at it as a chance to reset and recenter before tackling the rest of the year!

If you’re around this weekend, Bookmarks is hosting a grand opening celebration today. There will be cookies, 10 percent off all books, and a chance to win a $20 gift certificate. Speaking of indoor activities, The Green House is hosting its first-ever make-your-own-pot workshop tonight in the new store. Then on Saturday, Highland Orchards has its Peach Festival from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food and games and local favorites Levante and Chester County Ciders will be serving.  

Looking ahead, because no Roundup next week, local author Stephanie Henson is having a book launch for her new book No School, My Rules! at Monkey Fish Toys on Aug. 21. There will be a reading, plus treats and crafts for the kids.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week's Community Sponsor the West Chester Public Library. The library has been serving the West Chester community in the same location since 1872. If you have not had a chance to visit, the building is amazing, the staff is great, and the inter-library loan system is very convenient. Check out their website for the latest events and updates. 

West Chester Public Library

WCPL has served our community continuously for 150 years! It started with just books. Today you’ll find so much more: programs, cake pans, hotspots to rent, free Wi-Fi, STEM Kits, printing/scanning, ebooks & audiobooks, and of course bestsellers and classics.

Member Chester County Library System.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do! I am booking October now.  Send me an email if you are interested. Placements are filled first come- first served.

Readers: Thank you to all who have already joined as full subscribers. You are the best! For those who haven’t yet, please pay for your subscription now. Early bird rates end with the month! If you are unsure which category you are in send me an email ([email protected]) and I’ll look it up for you.

Just $12/Year. Pay Now!

Mark your calendars:

Aug. 9 – Make Your Own Pot, The Green House, 43 W. Gay St., 6-7 p.m. Make a pot while you check out the new space. Class cost: $80

Aug. 10 – West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.

Aug. 10 – 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.

Aug. 11 – Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 – 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

Aug. 14 – West Chester Taps, Downtown West Chester, 5 – 7 p.m. Join various downtown restaurants each Wednesday for a townwide Happy Hour. Drink and food specials available.

New date! Aug. 16 – Tour-De-Trike, Gay St. between Church and Darlington, 3:30 – 6 p.m. An adult tricycle relay race tournament.

Aug. 17 – West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.

Aug. 18 – The Sam Stinson Band, West Goshen Park, 6:30 p.m. This is a free community event. West Chester Food Cupboard donations encouraged.

Aug. 20 – Don McAvoy & the Great Whatever, East Bradford Park, 7 p.m. Concerts are free and open to the public. Preview the band here.

Aug. 21- West Chester Taps, Downtown West Chester, 5 – 7 p.m. Join various downtown restaurants each Wednesday for a townwide Happy Hour. Drink and food specials available.

Aug. 21 – No School, My Rules! Back-to-School Book Launch, Monkey Fish Toys, 6 – 7 p.m. Join author Stephanie Henson for a reading, book signing, treats, and crafts.

Aug. 22 – Music at Marshall: Chico’s Vibe, Marshall Square Park, music starts at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a free open air concert, food trucks, face painting and more!

Aug. 23 – Movie in the Park, Barclay Park, Dusk. Join for a free showing of a family favorite. Movie TBD.

Aug. 24 – West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.

Aug. 24 – 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.

Aug. 24 – Look Around Festival, Moose Lodge #908 – 401 W. Washington Street. 12 – 9 p.m. Enjoy live musical performances, local art installations, a variety of local craft vendors, food trucks, beer sales, and more.

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

Looking for more event ideas? 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 insider 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. Thanks to everyone who helped make this week’s issue possible. I am off next week but I will see you in two!

Copyright (C) " target="_blank">unsubscribe