View this email in your browser

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

Remnants of last weekend’s snow.

The easiest way to be in the know.

Subscribe | Support | Forward to a Friend

It’s Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 - Oh, it seems you liked last week’s development issue. Well, I have another one for you - this one focuses on West Goshen and is a mix of brand new and very, very old. Plus, West Chester Borough takes an important first step toward building out its EV charging infrastructure. Unfortunately, it’s not the step most residents are looking for, and is swimming a right or a privilege? A West Chester University professor looks at the pastime’s racially charged history.

The Borough’s New EV Ordinance

Creative EV charging solution by a N. Brandywine resident without access to off-street parking. Unfortunately, the new ordinance does not address residential charging for existing residences.

This week, West Chester Borough Council voted six to zero to take the first step in a multi-step process to improve the Borough’s Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure. And, no, it’s probably not the change you wanted.

“The low-hanging fruit policy-wise is to make sure that new developments support EV adoption by making charging convenient, especially charging at home,” West Chester Sustainability Director Will Williams told members of the Borough Council at the start of Wednesday’s public hearing on the topic.

To do this, West Chester approved changes to the Borough Code’s “Subdivision and Land Development”, “Parking” and “Zoning” chapters adding new definitions, new parking regulations, and new development requirements. While the code changes may seem a bit complicated the overall intent is pretty simple - ensure new developments are built ready to accommodate EV charging easily.

Under the newly adopted ordinance, non-residential new construction - think office parks or warehouse buildings - would need to make sure five percent of spaces have installed chargers and an additional 10 percent can accommodate them in the future. New multi-family housing complexes would need to have charging available for at least five percent of spaces and have an additional 20 percent EV-ready. Newly constructed single-family homes or garages would have to have one spot that is EV-ready.  

That sounds like a lot. It kind of does, but it’s really not especially if you’re looking ahead. According to Will, the cost to retrofit an existing spot can run between $20K-$25K a spot. Doing it ahead of time will save developers thousands of dollars on future upgrades and prepare the Borough for increasing demand. Last year, roughly 10 percent of new light-duty cars and trucks purchased were electric.

If anything, this is just a start.

“Over time I would anticipate these numbers will get more stringent but for now, I think it’s a nice balance,” Will told council members.

Sounds reasonable, does this measure have unanimous support? No. West Chester Planning Commission was split on its support of the ordinance - and ultimately voted not to recommend its passage. Some members expressed a preference for an incentive approach rather than a mandate. Others voiced concerns over the potential burden on homeowners and affordable housing developments.

That’s a good point - what is the burden to homeowners? “Insignificant,” according to the Borough. There is a cost to completing the charging area but that is not required. “We are never going to require anyone to install EV charging if you are building a new home or garage but again we want to make sure it’s easy and efficient to do so [if you so choose],” Will said.  

Essentially the ordinance comes at no expense to residents, and no expense to the Borough making it an easy first step to take. The burden will be borne by the developers but, like any other Zoning Code regulation, developers are welcome to seek variances if they feel they can not comply.

So is every municipality doing this? Not yet. Pheonxiville passed a similar ordinance two years ago. West Goshen is set to pass one in the coming weeks. According to information provided by Kristin Camp, the Borough’s solicitor, Phoenixville has not had any pushback from developers regarding their ordinance. Most are already going beyond set requirements just to meet consumer demand.

To further speed up adoption, PennDOT and PA’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) have been issuing manuals with model ordinances, “It’s definitely something you are going to be seeing more and more of in the coming years,” Kristin said during the public hearing.  

How many new EV parking spaces will this ordinance require from all those new developments? Sadly, zero. All projects already in the land development process are exempt from the changes. Some of the plans do currently call for the installation of charging stations but as it is not required this could change prior to the project’s completion.

Ok, last question, how does this help me charge my electric car if I don’t currently have access to a garage or off-street parking?  It doesn’t. Remember how I said this was a multi-step process? Well, this was the easy one. “‘Get it right going forward,’ that’s the point of this ordinance,” said Will. “Then we’ve got to figure out how we give people without off-street parking a way to charge that is hyper-local to them.”  

New Developments - West Goshen Edition

Last week we had an update on new developments planned in the Borough of West Chester. In each case, a building will be (or has been) razed and a new one constructed. This week we have the counterpoint with a look at changes to big iconic institutions just outside the Borough. In most cases, the structure already exists - the question now is what will those look like going forward?

Property: West Goshen Shopping Center, 909 Paoli Pike, aka “Target is Coming”

Description: 120,000 sq ft. retail space in West Goshen

History: In 2019, the West Goshen K-mart closed its doors for good, and ever since the anchor spot of the West Goshen Shopping Center has remained vacant. While most are anxious to move on to what’s next, it turns out not everyone is. This week I stumbled on a post by YouTube Vlogger Retro Rest Stop who was quite taken by the old store.  “That is 1980’s vintage-style K-mart right there,” he said in awe. “It’s only a matter of time before these signs do come down, and before they do I wanted to document this.”  About that…

Current status: In October it was finally confirmed that Target has signed an agreement to occupy the vacated space. In January, we got our first look at the signage plan,  

What’s next: Work is currently underway on the exterior of the building. Once that is complete Target Corporation will begin working on renovating the building’s interior. The whole process is expected to take a year with a projected opening slated for Spring 2025.  

The Chick-fil-A, which is also being added to the shopping center, is expected to open later this year. If all goes well it will open in the third quarter confirmed a shopping center spokesman.

Property: Faunbrook, 699 W. Rosedale Ave., aka “West Chester’s B&B”

Description: 7200 sq. ft. Victorian home with 10 bedrooms, 10+ baths just outside the Borough.

History: Faunbrook was built in 1860 for West Chester notable Smedley Darlington. It was designed by Philadelphia-based architect Samuel Sloan, who according to Wikipedia specialized in “Italianate villas and country houses, and institutional buildings.”.More recently the property has been run as a bed and breakfast.

Current status: Last week the historic home went up for auction via Sheriff Sale. The winning bid of $903,000 reportedly went to Stephanie Olenik, a local real estate agent and half the team behind the Kennett Square’s Bookhouse Hotel. (Which I hear is quite cute.)  

What’s next: It is unclear yet what Ms. Olenik may have planned for the property, but with a background in restoration and hospitality hopes are high it will be positive.

Property: Greystone Hall, 2450 Aram Ave., aka “The Wedding Venue”    

Description: Historic English-style estate with accompanying carriage house and 45 acres of gardens, lawns, meadows, and wooded area in West Goshen.

History: Greystone Hall was built in 1906 by West Chester inventor Philip M. Sharples. Since then the majestic home has only seen two owners – the Sharples and (still) current owners the Jerrehians, who purchased it in 1942.  

Current status: Over the last quarter-century, Greystone Hall has become a popular wedding destination although the family has had plans to do more with the property. Last we heard, they were pitching West Goshen supervisors on their plans for a “very upscale” 60-room inn and resort. Shortly after the presentation, the property was listed for $9 million.

What’s next: Last week, the Philadelphia Business Journal reported New York-based Mirbeau Hospitality Services has a purchase agreement with the Jerrehian family to buy the property.  The hospitality company would like to turn it into a luxury resort and spa. If the purchase is completed it would be MHS’s fourth property.

On the radar:

Property: 205 Carter Drive, aka “The New Hotel”

Description: 3-story, 200-room hotel

Current status: Man, these townships have been busy lately. Hot off the presses, West Goshen is set to review a proposal for the 3-story, 200-room hotel at 205 Carter Dr.

What’s next: The project goes before the West Goshen Zoning Board on Monday which will consider several requested variances. West Chester Borough Public Works Director has requested  stormwater management and flood plain provisions be maintained. The applicant has reportedly agreed to the conditions as well as to a resident request to limit use of a planned access road that would run behind the property to Rosedale Ave.

“The Edge will remain gated. The hotel’s main entrance address will be at 205 Carter Dr. There will not be vehicular access from the hotel through the Edge,” Borough Council Kristin Camp shared at Wednesday’s Borough Council meeting - but just to be sure, the Borough will send a representative to the meeting.  

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

If you’re feeling cooped up as winter drags on, how about making plans to add some outside living space?

At Spring Creek Design, we’ve helped many homeowners in West Chester make the most of the home they love by adding a covered deck or patio. It’s a great way to gain more living space and make your house feel bigger, inside and outside.

The covered porch above serves as an outside living room that the owners use constantly during the spring, summer, and early fall. We also added a flagstone patio and firepit that extends their time outside into the winter.

Like all our projects, details matter. The composite decking is maintenance-free and will withstand decades of use. The tongue-and-groove mahogany ceiling is supported by high-strength LVL beams that won’t twist or split, and the mahogany-topped rail system enhances the contemporary look.

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

The Warnings.

Next time it might be your neighborhood. In light of recent developments (literally), last week West Chester Borough Council proposed revisiting the current zoning code. Many have criticized the code for being out of line with residents' wishes. For example, while the current code sets a minimum lot size, it does not set maximum lot sizes making it very easy for developers to combine lots. Here are some more examples of ways the Borough can prioritize “human-scale” development. If you have ideas (or concerns) of your own, contact your council person and let them know. Better to do it now then when a 219-unit apartment complex is pitched for the lot next door.

Proceed with caution in the area of the Brickette Lounge. Apparently, we like line dancing - a lot. So much so it is beginning to cause traffic issues on the streets surrounding the Brickette Lounge on Pottstown Pike on Monday and Wednesday evenings when line dancing is held. Excited two-steppers have been parking along side streets and directly on Pottstown Pike. West Whiteland has ordered no parking signs but in the meantime be careful entering and exiting Route 100, especially in the area of Kirkland Avenue.

Man arrested for hit and run. Westtown-East Goshen Police arrested Michael Thomas Ebright in connection with a hit-and-run that occurred in the 1600 block of West Chester Pike around 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 15. Details are limited at this time but it does appear someone was injured in the incident.

Tree work planned. One lane of 322 will be closed near East Bradford Elementary School on Monday so crews can remove a tree. Work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to when the tree is gone, hopefully before 4 p.m.  

Something stinks around here. This week Westtown Township apologized to residents after yard waste went uncollected across large sections of the Township on the scheduled pickup day and yet again on the scheduled make-up day. Waste should have been collected for real yesterday. “We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you once again for your patience,” the Township shared in what is becoming a standard line on its Facebook page. This is not the first time hauler Waste Connections has missed a pick-up.

“Still have my Christmas tree in my garage. Ridiculous!” one resident posted in the comments section. Westtown, Christmas was nearly two months ago.

The Accolades.

That is some air. East looks to secure a place in the District finals tonight. Image: wcegirlsbasketball on Instagram.

Courtside excitement continues as West Chester schools claw their way through the post-season. While Rustin and East’s boys' basketball teams are out after losing their first-round matches, four area teams play on.

This week, West Chester East Girls’ Team fought off a Phoenixville comeback to reach their first district semi-final since 2021 and secure a spot in the state tournament. They play Villa Maria tonight for a chance to advance to the finals. If they do, there’s a good chance they’ll bump into crosstown rivals Rustin. The Lady Golden Knights beat Lower Moreland on Tuesday to secure their spot in the semis. They face Bishop Shanahan tonight.

While the Henderson girls lost this week, they are getting a second chance in the state tournament. They will be back on the court on Saturday.

Also hanging tough are the Henderson’s boys after a second-round scare from a 15-seeded Downingtown West. The two-seeded Warriors fell behind 11 at halftime but found the basket in the second half and, thanks in part to a well-timed block, secured the chance to play another day.  

“I knew I had to block that shot,” Henderson’s Evan McFadden told the Daily Local. “This feels great to be going to the state playoffs. It makes all the hard work in practice pay off.” The Warriors are back in action tonight against 7th-seeded CB East.

Some more things we are cheering this week:

• Women in the computer sciences. Henderson was recently awarded a Computer Science Female Diversity Award by the College Board for having at least 50 percent girls in their AP computer science course. According to AP figures, female students represent on average 26 percent of the course’s participants. “At Henderson we are very excited that more of our female students are taking computer science classes,” said Henderson Computer Science teacher Joan Hohwald. “Computer technology is critical to all members of our society, and we feel that women and men will need to use computers to innovate and problem solve in the future.”  I think that’s a fair prediction.

• Houzz Winners. Kathleen L. Penney Interiors, Inc. of West Chester has won a “Best of Houzz” award for service and it’s lucky number 13 for Pine Street Carpenters. The Bolmar Street-remodelers collected their 13th award from the home design site.

• Nethra “Tara” Remesh. The Henderson Junior was recently selected from a nationwide candidate pool to attend the  Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America’s annual leadership conference in Washington D.C. At the conference, she shared her ideas with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra. At home, she has worked to make Narcan more accessible starting the organization Project Clean Slate with Downingtown East Junior Rohit Lobo. You can read more about Tara’s trip to D.C. and the work she has done locally in the Daily Local.

• Rustin Wrestling Team. Last week, the Golden Knights pinned cross-town rivals East with a stifling 42-19 defeat. It was one of few highlights in a season marked with more losses than wins but Rustin is looking toward the future. “Our goal is to get back to winning the Ches-Mont like we did (six) years in a row,” Rustin coach Aston White told the Daily Local. Of course, that winning is likely to start next year.

• Ginny Martino. The Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association named West Chester University lacrosse coach Virginia Martino to its 2024 Hall of Fame Class. Coach Martino, who is still coaching, already has 385 wins and two national championships to her credit. She is set to surpass 400 wins later this year which will make her one of only eight coaches in women’s lacrosse history to ever reach the milestone.    

• Hop Fidelity. Cheers! The Market St. record and beer shop turns four this weekend. Stop by Saturday for celebration sales, beer specials, and live music starting at 7 p.m.

Hello.

Gay Street closure is set for May 3 - Sept. 30. By next year a series of gates will replace temporary barriers.

This week, it’s a welcome back to the Gay Street closure and hello, again, to those silly gates. On Wednesday, Borough Council approved dates for the 2024 street closure in a unanimous and uncontentious vote. .

“This was sort of a non-event,” said Councilwoman Lisa Dorsey, who as chair of the Public Safety Committee has sat in on many closure discussions. “This has been a big event for the last three or four years but there seems to be general consensus [that] weekends work for both retail and residents.”

Under the agreed-upon terms street closures will begin on Friday, May 3, and continue through Monday, Sept. 30. Closures will begin on Friday mornings and end on Monday mornings except on weekends with a Monday holiday like Memorial Day. In those cases, the closure will extend through Tuesday morning.

While there were no comments made about safety at Tuesday’s meeting, Police Chief Josh Lee had previously raised safety concerns, especially regarding access. Similar concerns have been raised and discussed in previous years. So far little progress has been made over the years to address on-street safety. However, that is set to change next year.

“We are currently designing them,” Borough Manager Sean Mettrick said in response to a question about the Borough’s (still) planned proposal to add gates at multiple points on Gay Street.

Last year, the Borough was awarded a grant to help cover the cost of securing the roads. The Borough plans to use those funds to purchase and install four gates along Gay Street. There will be one at Matlack, on both sides of High, and New Street. According to Sean, this would account for half of the required gates. The inaugural gates should be in place for next year’s closure. The Borough is still seeking funding for the additional four.

Also, it looks like we are getting closer to “lovin’ that chicken.”  Construction is underway on the future geometric home of the Popeye’s restaurant on Paoli Pike near the new Aldi’s. But, sorry, fried chicken lovers, no opening date is available yet.

Finally, hello, procrastination. This week PA Senator Carolyn Comitta shared that rising college freshmen will have two more weeks to make their final school decisions. Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) universities, including WCU, are extending their commitment deadlines from May 1 to May 15 this year, as is Penn State.  This is in response to the delayed FAFSA forms.

Goodbye.

Westtown Township is saying goodbye to Township Manager Jon Altshul after three years. In preparation for the departure, the township has posted the job description on its website.

According to the post, “The Township operates with an approved 2024 total General Fund budget of approximately $8.65 million and all funds of $14 million with 19 full-time equivalent staff and shares responsibility for a unionized regional police department.”

They are looking for someone with experience in municipal management, budget management, and an ability to “resolve issues with innovative creativity.” Must also have a valid driver’s license and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. If this sounds like your dream job, send a cover letter and resume to Roseann McGrath at [email protected].

Also, in a sad goodbye, we have learned long-time West Chester resident Sara Williams passed away earlier this month. In 1991, she opened County Seat Antiques on N. Church St. Then in 1996, she helped her daughter open County Seat Style in the same building.

Finally, goodbye Rammy. Old Rammy is out. New Rammy is coming in. Know a West Chester University student born to play a giant fuzzy Ram? Well, this is their chance.  

Pay It Forward.

Opened in 1902 the Quarry Swim Club in Westtown is one of the oldest continuously operating clubs in the U.S.

Fight for your right to swim.

For years now I have had questions about West Chester’s swim club system. Where I grew up we could choose between the private sportsman’s club, a country club, and the local public pool. I had never heard of a swim club until I moved here. Well, this week I may have gotten some answers. In his new book, The Nile Swim Club of Yeadon: A History, West Chester University Professor of History Robert Kodosky digs into the fascinating history of swimming in America.

Swimming in public pools, as I learned, got its start in the U.S. at the turn of the twentieth century. Philadelphia opened its first public pool, referred to at the time as a bathhouse, in 1888. Bathhouses were seen as having a dual benefit of recreation and cleansing the city’s black and immigrant populations. Bathhouses were segregated by gender but not race.

Popularity and acceptance of public swimming grew during the free-wheeling 20s when women started chopping their hair, raising their skirt hems - and shrinking their swimming costumes. The relaxed social norms coincided with the “Great Migration” of black laborers from the rural south to the urban north. As a result, just as co-ed swimming became fashionable, so did the desire to keep ethnic minorities out of white pools. To legally do this, white residents established private swim clubs which often refused membership to black residents, if not explicitly, implicitly through unanswered communications and “lost” registration requests.

Was the same the case here? While hardly an exhaustive study of the topic, it seems so.

Professor Kodosky shared one example in 1938 of a West Chester University student unable to complete her teaching requirements because they included a water safety certificate and the school could not find a pool for her to use.

“Right now we have a colored girl required to take swimming class,” then-President Charles Swope wrote to the college board. The local YMCA refused the student access to their pool claiming her use would require the pool to be drained, cleaned, and refilled after each use. Instead, she was offered the school’s wading pool.

A similar situation arose again in 1946, this time the student was male and a World War II Veteran. Again he was denied usage of the Y’s pool. This time, however, the student refused to use the wading pool. Transportation was eventually arranged to the Temple pool so he could complete the class requirement.  

In 1957, the YWCA opened W. Market St. offering membership both to women and black residents. The Melton Center, which opened in 1918, on E. Miner St. was established with a similar purpose.

“The Melton Center was created because Black folks had no or limited use of recreational and physical exercise facilities,” Borough Councilwoman Lisa Dorsey told Main Line Today in an article discussing the legacy of the Melton Center.  

While we don’t know if the YWCA had a pool, we know for a fact the Melton Center did. It opened sometime around the middle of the last century and much like the Nile Swim Club of E. Yeadon, the country’s oldest owned and operated Black swim club, the Melton Center offered not just a place to cool off but a venue to learn to swim. The pool provided black youth a place for lessons that was regularly monitored by onsite lifeguards.

That pool closed in 2001. Today West Chester does not have a public swimming option. Ironically, the most inclusive option is probably the YMCA.

You can learn more about Professor Kodosky’s book, the Nile Swim Club, and the importance of accessibility to safe swimming options here. Professor Kodosky is donating all proceeds from the book to support the Nile Swim Club program to teach all children how to swim.

Looking to pay it forward yourself?

• Pet Care Group is collecting dry and canned cat and dog food for the Animal House Project. You can drop donations off or have an Amazon/Chewy shipment sent to 910 Hillsdale Road in West Chester. But hurry, they are looking to end the drive today!

• Serock Catering is hosting a Family Meal Night in March in support of the YMCA. For $50 you’ll get a ½ Pan of Cheese Lasagna, a salad, and a loaf of bread. In return, the entire $50 will be donated to Oscar Lasko in support of their summer camp program. Orders are needed by Mar. 3.

• There are still a few spots left for Sunday’s Painting for a Cause event. $50 gets you all your supplies plus wine and a snack. The event is being held at the Chester County Art Association. Proceeds benefit Act in Faith.

• PA Senator Carolyn Comitta is partnering with Maternal Child Health Consortium on a diaper drive. Did you know nearly half of U.S. families struggle to afford diapers? I didn’t. Diaper donations (all sizes) as well as wipes, onesies, bottles, bibs and other baby items can be dropped off at 17 E. Gay St. weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Mar. 1: West Chester Jazz Orchestra with Joanna Pascale 

Feb. 29: Oscar Shorts Documentaries 

Culture takes flight this week at Uptown! On Thursday enjoy an exclusive showing of the year’s best documentary shorts. Then Friday relax with the improvisational sounds of the West Chester Jazz Orchestra. Get your tickets now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Weekend vibes.

What are you up to this weekend? We are (hopefully) looking forward to a rare night out (assuming we can find a babysitter) and to top that - out of town. It’s just Glenn Mills but it’s farther than when we usually venture.

If you are around this weekend, Rita’s opens for the season today at noon. Get there early or risk the lines. Jawn Supply celebrates one year in the Borough on Saturday with 20 percent off merch, Iron Hill is offering beer and Girls Scout Cookies flights, and Yori’s has a new “burn away cake” you just have to see.

And looking ahead, West Chester’s Restaurant Week starts Sunday. I’m torn between Mercato for two or taking the whole family to Taco Mar. Also, WCU is holding a free lecture on Wednesday. I am not sure exactly what it means, but I love the title.

Finally, this week a very special thank you to ChescoTours, this week’s Community Sponsor. Started in 2021 by West Chester historian Paul Sookiasian, ChescoTours provides a fascinating, and sometimes bone-chilling, look into the Borough’s wild 250-year history. It's never too early to make reservations for Spooky Season, and follow ChescoTours on Instagram for interesting local history and the latest tour events! 

ChescoTours

Did you know it’s said almost every house in West Chester is haunted? ChescoTours offers haunted history walks and paranormal investigations throughout October, where you’ll hear about the town’s fascinating past and the spirits which may still call it home. As featured in last fall's issue of The WC Press. For those who have had the experience, 2024 will have a whole new tour as well! Great for nights out with family and friends, or a work outing with co-workers! Tour schedule and reservations online at www.ChescoTours.com.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business owners: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. I have an available for next week! There are only three spots an issue so each one gets a lot of attention and from what I hear, responses. Send me an email if you are interested. Placements are filled first come- first served.

Readers: Get your annual subscription now! Or if you haven’t yet paid for your annual subscription please do so now. Subscribe either through the link below or use Venmo. ($12 gets you a year of fun, excitement and plenty of new development updates! That’s like a quarter an issue.)  

Plus, new perks coming for verified subscribers - like text delivery. (Stay tuned!)

Thank you to everyone who has already subscribed and told their friends - it’s hard to believe but his little newsletter is getting very close to 5000(!!!) subscribers.

Yes, I support Hello, West Chester

Mark your calendars:

• Feb. 23 - WCPL's Trivia Night, 7 - 8 p.m. This is a virtual event presented by the West Chester Public Library. Registration required.

• Feb. 23 - Porter Carroll, Jr., Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. An innovative cabaret/nightclub act that puts a new exciting spin on popular classics. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door - plus a $5 service fee.

• Feb. 24 - The Red Show, The Corner Art Gallery, 341 S. Matlack St. Get ready to be captivated by a vibrant selection of work that explores the spectrum of emotions and creativity tied to the color Red.

• Feb. 24 - The Fooz Fighters, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Rock with the nation’s most sought after Foo Fighters tribute band. Tickets: $35/advance; $40/at the door; $5 service fee.

• Feb. 25 - Mar. 3 - West Chester Restaurant Week. For one week only, select West Chester restaurants will be creating special multi-course, prix fixe menus for $30, $40, or $50 (depending on the restaurant). See the list of participating restaurants here.

• Feb. 25 - Painting for a Cause, Chester County Art Association, 100 N. Bradford Ave, 4-6 p.m. Sip, snack and create all while supporting the community. Tickets: $50 - includes painting supplies, wine and snacks. All proceeds go to support Act in Faith.

• Feb. 26 - $5 Movie Monday: The Princess and the Frog, Uptown Theater, 7:00 p.m. Includes complimentary popcorn.

• Feb. 29 - Leap Day Lecture: Unearthing Earth's Past, WCU Science and Engineering Center and the Commons, Room 108. Geomorphologist Dorothy Merritts discusses rewilding landscapes to improve ecosystems. This event is free and open to the public.

• Feb. 21 - 2024 Oscar Nominated Short Films - Documentary, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Tickets: $15 plus $2 service fee.

• Feb. 28 - Lecture: "Traveling with Feminist Killjoys," WCUSykes Student Union Ballrooms, 12 p.m. This is a virtual presentation with renowned feminist scholar-activist Sara Ahmed. The presentation is free and open to the public.

• Feb. 29 - Mar. 2 - Rent, Rustin High School, 7 p.m.

• Feb. 29 - Mar. 3 - The Addams Family, East High School, 7 p.m.

• Mar. 1 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester. Free street-level, metered parking after 5

• Mar. 1 - West Chester Jazz Orchestra with Joanna Pascale, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Joanna is described as a singer of sophisticated taste, profound expressiveness, and raw emotion. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door. Plus $5 service fee.

• Mar. 2 - West Chester Community Jewelry and Handbag Sale, Christ Community Church, 1190 Phoenixville Pike, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. All proceeds go to support She is Safe.

• Mar. 2 - My Advocacy's First Anniversary Event, A Child's Light, 1444 Phoenixville Pk, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Need help navigating the special needs world? Free event includes advocacy consultations, refreshments and a provider meet and greet. Plus, free babysitting will be provided. For more information email: [email protected]

• Mar. 2 - 15th Annual West Chester Celtic Crawl, Baranaby's, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dress in your celtic best and hit Baranaby's, Mas, Santino's, and Kildare's. Tickets: $20 and includes drink specials. Sign up by Feb. 26 and get an official Celtic Crawl t-shirt.

• Mar. 2 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.

• Mar. 2 - Whammer Jammer: J Geils Tribute Band, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Boston’s own Tribute to The Mighty J. Geils Band is an Experience not just a show. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door. Plus $5 service fee.

• Mar. 3 - West Chester Bake-Off 2024, Masonic Lodge, 10 N. Church St, 1 - 3 p.m. Who's the best baker in West Chester? West Co-op is going to find out. $15 gets you entrance and a chance to sample all the entries. There will also be a cookie decorating center for the kids.

• Mar. 4 - $5 Movie Monday: Sing Street, Uptown Theater, 7:00 p.m. Includes popcorn!

• Mar. 6 - 10 - Spring Flower and Home Market, Exton Mall (2nd Floor near Boscov's), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Silk flowers, vases, decor and more. Proceeds benefit West Chester's Sunrise Rotary and Wings for Success.

Psst. Like to plan? Check out the Calendar page for even more events.

That’s it. Stay safe, stay healthy, and I'll see you next week!

Oh, one more thing, if you think one or more of your friends would like Hello, West Chester, too, please forward this newsletter and tell them to come and join us.

Hello, West Chester Community Sponsors

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

Weekend vibes.