West Chester Weekly Roundup: 🤌 July 12, 2024 issue!

West Chester Weekly Roundup: 🤌 July 12, 2024 issue!

West Chester Weekly News Roundup

Rain is expected through Saturday. Then the heat kicks up again on Sunday.

The easiest way to be in the know.

It’s Friday, July 12, 2024: This week we catch up with Social Lounge Chef Dan Funk on creole cooking, his recent brush with fame - and really, is everyone called “Chef” in a kitchen? Plus, Downtown West Chester could soon have a French restaurant. It’s first since Gilmore’s closed more than a decade ago. Spring athletes honored, students on rooftops, and a new stormwater management proposal could lead to more bump-outs but less flooding. It’s all about the tradeoffs.

It’s Friday and it’s not 90. So, I’d say things are good. Ok.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

West Chester Chef Approaches Celebrity Status

The Social Lounge’s head chef Dan Funk is a quarterfinalist in the Favorite Chef competition.

It’s never too late to become a celebrity chef - at least that’s the hope of Gunner Funk. Earlier this year, he convinced his father, Social Lounge Head Chef Dan Funk to enter Carla Hall’s Favorite Chef competition and now Chef Dan is in the quarterfinals. Although, he’s still not quite sure how he got there.

“I keep waiting to cook something or to send my recipes in,” he says. Yet after facing thousands of competitors and months of elimination rounds, Chef Dan still stands. At last check, he was ranked 12th among the roughly 575 or so chefs who remain. While the people at “Favorite Chef” may not know it - or care - the competition is starting to look less like a talent search and more like a buzzy way to raise money for the James Beard Foundation - Dan has more than enough chops to back up his place among the contest’s top chefs.  

Dan started cooking at 18 at Macjon’s, a small Cajun restaurant in West Chester, under the tutelage of acclaimed chef John DeLuca (who in turn studied under renowned Cajun chef, Paul Prudhomme, one of America’s original celebrity chefs).  It was here Dan developed his signature Creole style. He soon took his knowledge and his savings - $4700 - and opened a restaurant in Ridley Park. “It was that easy back then,” he said.

The restaurant was a success and soon began moving to successively larger locations eventually landing in Media - where at their peak they were serving over 2000 patrons a week. His recipes were so popular he was even inspired to write a cookbook. (I dug up this classic if you’d like to try a Dan Funk for yourself - somebody should.)  The restaurant eventually closed and in 2011, Dan signed onto a new challenge - reinvigorate the Gay Street space once home to Spence Cafe. A few years later he and partner Donnie Moore would take The Social Lounge to an even bigger Gay Street location, the former home of Doc Magrogan's.

The competition has been fun - and good PR. However, it’s not a glimpse at fame that keeps you pushing through the heat and the stress for more than four decades.

“I like the craziness,” said Dan. “I like it when it’s busy. I like watching everyone do their job. I like conducting,” he said. He also likes the creativity and coming up with new recipes. Insider’s tip: keep an eye on the specials. (Also, in a traditional kitchen, only the head chef goes by “Chef.” Otherwise, The Bear is pretty close. Yes, I asked.)  

So, sure, this competition is probably more of a fundraiser than a cooking competition. It does still come with prize money and a cover of Taste of Home magazine - and you get one daily vote for free. Utilize yours here and keep Chef Dan moving towards his 15 minutes.

Run and Walk for Healthcare, Hope, and Healing

Calling all runners, walkers, community members, and other fun folks!  Community Volunteers in Medicine presents Dr. Mary's Legacy Run, a 5K run, walk, and family fun day.  

The event will be September 7 at West Goshen Community Park, and will feature a Kids Zone with face painting by Birl Girl Designs.  The 5K run will be on a separate route bordering the park.  

Creative costumes are encouraged!  Prizes will be awarded to runners in several categories including best costume and best team costume.

For more information and registration, please visit CVIM.org/run.

Proceeds will benefit the Dr. Mary Brennan Wirshup Endowment Fund at CVIM, honoring Dr. Mary’s legacy as a friend and advocate, and a skilled and compassionate physician. 

CVIM provides free, high quality healthcare to uninsured working people with low incomes to help them live healthy, productive lives and to assure health equity in the Chester County Region

***This is a sponsored post***

The Warnings.

Slow down. Buckle up. Driving enforcement “wave” underway. This week, PennDOT announced that more than 80 municipal police departments including West Goshen, West Chester Borough, and Westtown-East Goshen are joining the Pennsylvania State Police in a coordinated “aggressive driving enforcement wave.” This collective effort is aimed at reducing roadway crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Heightened enforcement is underway now and will remain in effect through Aug. 18.

That’s how you lose a finger. This is why the West Chester PD has to make this annual post.

That’s how you break your neck. Speaking of irresponsible July 4 behavior, two Walnut St. residents joined the Public Safety Committee this week to lament a lack of action against West Chester University students violating Borough ordinances and potentially killing themselves. In one particularly eye-opening case, West Chester Police were called to a residence after a group of students were seen playing tag on the roof. Unfortunately, when the police arrived no activity was in evidence thus, no consequences were suffered. It’s a predictable outcome that has left residents in the area frustrated. “It’s gotten worse,” one resident told council members of recent student behavior. No solutions were immediately identified but discussions and monitoring of the area should increase as we approach another school year.

Three down, two to go. Continuing with public safety updates, West Chester Police Chief Joshua Lee reported on five serious crimes from June. Of those, three have been successfully solved and two, a burglary and an assault, remain under investigation.

You can’t return items you didn’t buy. Westtown-East Goshen Police are seeking community assistance in identifying this individual who is wanted for theft from Rite Aid. According to the report, the individual attempted to return stolen items for cash by showing a receipt from another Rite Aid. Unfortunately for the perpetrator, store cameras caught him taking the items from the shelf before attempting to return them.    

The Accolades.

Best of the best. When I was in high school, pretty much all it took to play a sport for your school’s team was a desire and a basic understanding of the game. Not so anymore. I know kids who have been playing year-round since they were in fourth grade just to make the team. Hoping for recognition beyond that? Well, that’s a whole other level of accomplishment. Yet, these kids managed to get there.

Here are your spring sports Daily Local News First Team All-Area selections:  

Softball: In an odd presentation choice by the DLN, not a single West Chester athlete was named first-team All-Area in softball yet, Rustin’s Kelly Fricker was named the DLN All-Area Player of the Year. I would think if you were one, you’d be the other, but maybe that’s just me. Either way, it’s deserving. Over her senior year, Kelly maintained a .605 batting average, stole 12 bases, and scored 47 runs. She set school records for career hits, career doubles, career batting average, and total runs scored. She helped lead the Golden Knights to a share of the Ches-Mont American title and was named the PIAA 5A Player of the Year - and now she will have her jersey retired, but don’t worry Fricker fans, she’s not done yet. Kelly will continue her career at Lehigh University next year.

Baseball: Nick Rostock, East. Nick handled first base for the Vikings, while also delivering at bat. He hit .393 for the season with 15 RBIs. Owen Rozzi, East. A reliable offensive presence for the Vikings, Owen made it on base more than 50 percent of the time scoring 20 runs this season.  

Track and Field: Maddie Miller, Rustin. A repeat first-team selection, Maddie finished fourth in the girls’ 800-meter run at the PIAA 3A state championships. Ana Dakes, Rustin. The Golden Knight junior placed in the top 25 at two state events this year. She came in 13th in discus and 21st in shot put. Lucas Band, Rustin. Lucas proved he was not only the best hurdler in the area, but one of the best in the state. He placed third in the 110 hurdles in the PIAA 3A state championships.

Boys’ Lacrosse: Nick D’Alessandro, Devon Prep. The West Chester resident leveraged an impressive senior year on the attack to rack up a career total of 234 points - a new Devon Prep record.  Ennis Udo, Malvern Prep. Another resident, another dominant attacker, Ennis plans to continue his lacrosse career at Brown next year. Nate Pechin, Rustin. An offensive threat and strong defender, DLN called Nate the conference’s “premier midfielder.” Evan MacFadden, Henderson. A two-time All-Ches-Mont pick, Evan caused 38 opponent turnovers this year. Gavin Seaman, Rustin. An All-State selection, the Ches-Mont coaches’ MVP, and the cause of 66 opponent turnovers, this was an easy one. Evan will play for Monmouth next year. Kyle Wonsnup, Malvern Prep. Kyle was the defensive leader on a defensive-minded team that gave up just 4 points per game. Kyle will attend Rutgers in the fall on a full athletic scholarship.      

Tennis: Ben Gao, East. Only a junior, Ben is already a two-time first-team selection. This year Ben won the Ches-Mont National singles tournament and placed fifth in districts to make it three for three. Patrick Sinnott-Zack Evans, Henderson. This doubles team placed third in Chest-Mont Nationals and sixth in Districts.

Other things we are cheering this week:

Happily ever afters. If you see them, be sure to offer your congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. Scoop. According to Scoops ‘N’ Smiles Instagram, owner Akain Rowland and special ed teacher Marrissa Curtis got married over the 4th of July holiday.

Female drivers. Three West Chester Area School District school bus drivers are among the best in the state according to the PSBA State Bus Competition. Driver Cheryl Vogelsang won the competition while, Joanne Cowan placed second, and Patti Carey seventh. Not our bus driver, but maybe one is yours? If so, make sure you congratulate her come fall.

Following your dream. Last week, marked the Green House on Church St.’s first anniversary - and what a year it’s been. After waking up the Church St shopping scene with their popular collection of potted plants, they recently announced they will be making the move to Gay St. where they’ll take over the Fairman’s location. It’s a big, bold new adventure for sure. This week I caught up with owner Pete Giuffre on just what exactly he has planned for all the space. Next week, I promise I’ll fill you in. Also, having a seriously exciting couple of weeks? West Chester Grower’s Market regular Madi’s on Roll.

Hello.

Break out the chicken wire and all the holiday lights you can find - The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for 2024 West Chester Christmas Parade participants and sponsors.

Hello, winter. Kidding, but after nearly a week straight of 90+-degree days, it seems everyone has cooler months on their minds. First up, and of no surprise, the West Chester Christmas Parade will be back to ring in the winter holiday on Friday, Dec. 6. Parade night kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with the tree lighting followed by the parade at 7 p.m.

According to a press release shared this week, 6ABC’s Adam Joseph and WMMR’s Kathy Romano will return as parade emcees, and new this year, there will be a float competition. Judges will name a “Best Float” in both the commercial division and the nonprofit division. Note - that comes with a trophy for year-round bragging rights.

If you would like to participate in the parade as either a participant or a sponsor, registration is open now until Aug. 2 but be warned there is a limit to how many entries they can accept.

“Parade participation is capped each year to ensure the length of the parade stays at about 90 minutes, start to finish,” the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce shared via email.

So what exactly does that mean in terms of numbers? Good question, I was wondering the same thing.

“On average, we usually have a total of about 70 entries, but the number of entries is largely determined by the types of applications we receive. For example, a 600-piece marching band will occupy more space in the staging area and take longer on the parade route than a float,” they shared.

Makes sense. The committee also reviews entries to ensure a well-rounded, entertaining parade. Think that’s you? Get those entries in now.  

Also, now unofficially on the calendar - they will be official after the Borough Council meeting next week - are the Chester County Restaurant Festival on Sept. 15 and the Veterans’ Day Parade on Nov. 10. The Restaurant Fest is returning for its 42nd year. Vendors will be again be limited to Gay Street. The event used to span Gay and Market Streets but pre-pandemic cuts to the Borough’s Park and Rec Department led them to scale it back.

Speaking of unofficial/official approvals, this week the Borough Council Public Works Committee unanimously approved a bid from Glasgow, Inc. to complete the Borough’s seasonal paving projects. This still needs final approval from Council next week, but there’s no reason why they won’t get it. With approval, paving should begin soon and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30.

Below is the list of Borough streets slated for a new coat of asphalt:

W. Biddle St. - N. Everhart St. to N. Wayne St.

S. Brandywine St. - W. Gay St. to W. Market St.

S. Church St. - W. Ashbridge St. to W. Lafayette St.  

Convent Lane

Darlington St. - Wollerton Alley to Dean St.

Lacey St. - S. High St to S. Matlack St.

Maple Ave - E. Biddle St. to  Lincoln Ave.

Patton Alley - N. Wayne to N. New St. and N. High St. to N. Walnut St.

West Virginia - N. New St to N. High St.

Poplar Alley

Prescott Alley - N. Walnut to N. Matlack St.

Jolene’s

Finally, we’ll end with a couple of quick restaurant/retail updates:

As suspected, Central Bistro did indeed open soon - seemingly just hours after last week’s newsletter hit. They have both outdoor and indoor seating and offer a variety of BBQ and seafood options - sometimes at the same time - Shrimp Po’ Boy, anyone? You can kind of see what they did to the space here or for yourself any time this weekend.

West Chester could soon have a French Restaurant for the first time since Gilmore’s closed its doors more than a decade ago. Planned for 29 E. Gay St. Jolene’s is described as an “upscale casual” French restaurant. This is another 3West Hospitality project, a group you may not know by name but by restaurant. They also manage Slow Hand, Square Bar, The Brickette Lounge, and Jitters. Jolene’s is expected sometime this year.

According to reporting by West Goshen Sunshine, Exxon is looking to expand its gas station/convenience store at 851 S. High St. Perhaps, they are hoping to take the space Wawa will likely vacate should they get approval to build a facility with gas pumps in the Parkway Shopping Center? Yes, that plan was denied by West Goshen Township, but Wawa has appealed and the case is working its way through the courts now.    

Sometimes you just need to throw these things out into the ether. Yesterday I had this in the “Goodbye” section after a misleading Main Line Today profile touted the Happy Bakery’s success despite it being permanently closed at the time the article published - and remains so today. But then yesterday we got a new cryptic post from owner Vicki Lambert. “I will be posting a status of the bakery storefront tomorrow. Stay tuned,” she wrote. So, we shall see. Perhaps soon success will again be in her future and lemon cloud cookies in ours.  

Goodbye.

New stormwater management infrastructure projects planned for the Public Works building hope to help reduce flooding in the area.

Is it goodbye to the curbs along Lacey Street? Yes, no, maybe so. It’s all part of a stormwater reduction project presented to the West Chester Borough Public Works Committee this week. The project which will mainly take place on the grounds of the Public Works facility does offer the opportunity for some new neighborhood bump-outs that could cost the street a parking spot. That’s not much, but is a premium in the area. In addition to the bump-outs, engineers are proposing the installation of two rain gardens and a bioswale, a fancy name for a vegetated ditch that helps slow the flow of stormwater similar to a rain garden or bump-out.

This project, if approved by Borough Council, will join those at Greenfield Park and Nields St., among others, as part of an active attempt by the Borough to clean up stormwater runoff and meet its Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection mandates.

Remind me again, why are we doing this? Is it because of the flooding? It should help with the flooding, but really, it’s because we have to. The whole thing is a bit complicated to follow especially if your background is not in municipal law. Essentially, Pennsylvania requires most municipalities to show they meet TMDL guidelines or are not contributing beyond the maximum allowable levels of certain water pollutants. They must also submit a Pollutant Reduction Plan. This plan details specifically how the municipality plans to reduce pollutants. It includes things like stream and floodplain restoration, street sweeping, storm drain cleanup, tree plantings, rain gardens, bioswales, and planted bump-outs.

In a land-restricted area like West Chester (just 1.85 sq. miles, remember) we are limited to the pollution reduction options available to us. This is why you repeatedly hear our engineers pitching things like rain gardens, bioswales, and bump-outs.

“We can’t do a lot of the stormwater management best practices because we are space limited,” Sustainability Director Will Williams told members of Borough Council earlier this week.

Stormwater management plantings at Greenfield Park looking good during a random check-in on Wednesday. The Borough has been criticized in the past for not maintaining the plants after a project’s completion.

That tree thing sounds like a good idea. Why don’t we just do that? I’ll let Will answer that. “I’ve done the math on this,” he shared. “We would need to plant 110,000 trees to meet our stormwater goals [as set by PA DEP].”

So, what does that leave us with? Again, rain gardens, bioswales, and bump-outs, and more specifically on Borough-owned land. Which, again according to Will and the Borough’s engineers, really leaves us with the Public Works building as the next best, and maybe only, option left. After that, it sounds like the Borough will have to move to right-of-ways or start issuing easements for private land.

Ok, so, I guess we’re all on board? Not exactly. While the Committee did vote 2-0 to advance the full plan, adding more bump-outs is not exactly a popular option. Committee member Sheila Vaccaro, for one, has been an active critic of those added to Neilds St. citing a lack of maintenance and safety concerns. Southeast resident Anne Carroll added her own concerns about the plan, particularly around the potential for a loss in parking.

“Any loss of parking in the southeast is an impact on residents and has a cascading effect from block to block,” she shared via email. She also voiced concerns over the project timing, it’s set to begin Aug. 1, and the Borough’s lack of communication around the project (I can commiserate, my request for clarification has yet to be answered.).

“I am not so much “opposed” as concerned about the lack of clarity and communication with the affected community,” she said.  

Will tried preemptively to counter bump-out concerns by noting that they extend less than a parked car and should not affect a vehicle’s turning radius. The placement of the extension should only cost a single spot and reflective striping will be added to the curb to improve visibility at night. He also addressed concerns over maintenance, noting that he worked with Public Works Director Don Edwards in 2023 to rewrite garden maintenance requirements to better address the needs of the Borough’s growing collection of rain gardens, bioswales, and bump-outs.    

I should also note, that the full cost of the $246,000 project is being covered by grant funds so there will be no direct cost to the Borough or the stream protection fund. Definitely a bonus. The request to award the project will be reviewed by full council at next week’s Work Session. If you have questions about this project, I would suggest you reach out directly to your council person.

And finally, it’s goodbye old blue and gold license plate, and hello, “Let Freedom Ring.”. I don’t know about you, but I will not be sad to see it go.

Pay It Forward.

On Sept 14, the West Chester Downtown Foundation’s Up on the Roof fundraiser event returns for its 22nd year of stunning views and strong cocktails. I caught up with event chair Lindsey Tracey on what attendees can expect from the Borough’s signature end-of-summer event.

HWC: I have never been to Up on the Roof, but I know friends who have and they all say what a fun time it is. What makes it so special?

 LT: Up on the Roof continues to be an amazing event with spectacular views of our town, West Chester! You won’t want to miss the fun while supporting the many worthwhile causes of the West Chester Downtown Foundation.

HWC. Am I correct in thinking this is the only Borough fundraiser that takes place on a roof? What's it like up there?

LT: Good question…I’m not sure but I think it is the only event up on the roof of a parking garage!  The roof is transformed into a party-like atmosphere with lighting, a DJ, food from Limoncello, Gawthrop Greenwood’s Rooftop Martini, and a stunning sunset!

HWC: What does the money raised go to support?

 LT: Up on the Roof event proceeds go to the West Chester Downtown Foundation, which helps keep Downtown West Chester the vibrant, attractive place that we all love!

HWC: Can you tell us - what is in the famous Rooftop Martini?

LT: Still TBD, but we aim to please

Sorry, folks. I tried.

Thanks, Lindsay! Tickets are on sale now for the early bird price of $90 but hurry, the price increases at the end of the month!

Other ways to pay it forward this week:

Add a little art to your life. On Thursday, Ginkgo Arts Is hosting a Memorial Art Show and Sale in Memory of local artist Matt Dougherty, who tragically passed away earlier this summer. There will be live music, light refreshments, and an air of celebration. “Join us in honoring Matthew Dougherty’s life and artwork! All of his pieces will be sold at accessibly discounted rates in order to spread his spirit as far and wide as possible,” they shared on Instagram. Come out and support if you can. The show is free to attend and will run from 5 to 8 p.m.

Grab a Bouquet on Kindness Day. In honor of National Kindness Day on Wednesday, Bournelyf Special Camp campers will be giving away hand-arranged flower bouquets to passersby. If you would like a bouquet along with your mid-morning pick-me-up, campers will be stationed outside of Twin Valley Coffee on Church St. from 10 to 11 a.m.

Attend a camp with history at heart. The West Chester Green Team is bringing back its free 4-week summer camp program honoring the Lenape, the indigenous people of Delaware Valley. The program starts this Saturday with a canoe ride and a Lenape language lesson and continues each Saturday for the next three weeks. Visit the Green Team website for complete camp details and to sign up for a week or four.  

Spread the word, no family should go hungry. The West Chester Area School District is continuing its Summer Food Program. Every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. district families can stop by the West Chester Food Cupboard and pick up family-friendly produce, non-perishable items, frozen meals, and bakery products. Last summer, the joint program distributed nearly 30,000 pounds of food to WCASD families. Let’s keep that going!

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Get your tickets for a first look at West Chester’s next great talent! Uptown’s singer-songwriter semifinalists take the stage on Wednesday - you choose who moves through. Then on Saturday, rock out to the sounds of Sheryl Crow and Chrissie Hynde’s Pretenders. Tickets on sale now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Exploring new parks. Last weekend we checked out Palmer Arboretum in nearby Thornton.

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to canoe the Westtown School lake and learn about the Lenape. We are also attending a graduation party and planning for a family dinner out. I’m thinking of trying upstairs at Bierhaul. Anyone been yet - with kids?

If you’re around this weekend, Serum Kitchen has a new summer cocktail that looks interesting - they are calling it a Raspberry Luxe and it’s gin, raspberry, vermouth, lemon, and egg white. I don’t know about you, but I’m game. Then tomorrow Downtown West Chester is bringing back Yoga on Gay Street. That starts at 9 a.m. Bring a mat and $5. And the West Chester Public Library is hosting a Teen Bake-Off. It is open to all bakers grades 6 through 12. Bakers can enter one of three categories - cookies, cupcakes, or brownies/bars. Prizes will be awarded. Teens can register here.

Then there are the deals. Sunset Hill is hosting a from-the-sidewalk sale - every item in their window is just $25. La Chic Boutique has 25 percent off WCU merch and Cocoon Remodeling and Gemilli Gelato are partnering on a birthday giveaway. It’s a few steps to enter, but if you win, it’s $50 worth of Gelato.

Next week, First Presbyterian Church is hosting its second Grand Camp Day on Wednesday that pairs kids and grandparents for a morning camp experience, Safe Harbor has a Community Roundtable discussion planned, Uptown will select two more Singer/Songwriter finalists and the WCU Criterions Jazz Alumni will play their annual free concert on Thursday.

Finally, a very special thank you to this week’s Community Sponsor SLA Financial. SLA Financial is a family-run, financial planning firm dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to make informed financial decisions. Their mission is to provide comprehensive financial planning that not only bolsters their client’s financial future but also enhances their financial confidence. Visit their website to learn more.

SLA Financial

At SLA Financial our team specializes in empowering women and couples along their financial journey. Our comprehensive services cover investment strategies, retirement planning, divorce planning and wealth management, all designed to align with your unique goals and aspirations. SLA Financial’s holistic approach helps to guide our clients towards their financial independence. Visit our website to get started!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. Currently booking September. Send me an email if you are interested.

Readers: If you haven’t yet paid for your annual subscription please do so now. Rates are raising at the end of the summer - fortunately so are some technology upgrades. Yay!

Mark your calendars:

  • July 13 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

  • July 13 - 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.

  • July 13 - Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. This small-group walking tour will visit eight locations around downtown West Chester that served as a backdrop for the people involved in this clandestine operation. Tour: 1.25 miles; 90 minutes. Tickets: $16.25 (with fee)

  • July 13 - Teen Bake-Off, West Chester Public Library, 1 - 3 p.m. Open to all bakers 6th to 12th grade. Visit the Library website to register.

  • July 13 - The Discoteks, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. The Discoteks are a crowd favorite performing all the hits of the 70's disco and Motown. Tickets: $40

  • July 14 - Acrylic Pouring 101 workshop, The Corner Art Collective, 341 S. Matlack, 9 a.m. Learn two pouring techniques and go home with two original works of art.

  • July 14 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

  • July 15- $5 Movie Monday - American Graffiti, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Free popcorn!

  • July 16 - Donora Death Fog: A look at the worst air polution disaster in US history, Chester County History Center Virtual Event, 7 p.m. This is a pay-as-you-wish event.

  • July 17 - Grand Camp Day, West Chester First Presbyterian, 10 a.m. - noon. This summer, First Pres will be offering Grand Camp Days, designed for kids and their grandparents or grand-friends to have some fun together. Church will organize the activities, you and your kids bring the fun!

  • July 17- 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.

  • July 17 - Safe Harbor Community Round Table Dinner, Teca, 5 - 8 p.m. Event includes open bar, buffet dinner, guest speakers, and lively discussion. Get your tickets here.  

  • July 17 - Taylor Made at Uptown Semi Final, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Join for an evening of original live music and help decide who moves on. Tickets $15.

  • July 18 - Memorial Art Sale - Matthew Dougherty, Ginkgo Arts, 21 S. High St., 5 - 8 p.m. All artwork will be sold a accessible discounted rates.

  • July 18 - WCU Criterions Jazz Alumni Concert, WCU Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, 7 p.m. This year’s concert theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of the class of 1974. Jazz standards from the 70’s will be prominently featured, including big band selections from 70’s icon Buddy Rich and other big band repertoire. This is free concert.

  • July 20 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

  • July 20 - Pups & Perfection Adoption Event, Thistle Be Perfect, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place outside the shop in collaboration with Angels Retreat.

  • July 20 - Chrissie Crow: A Tribute to Sheryl Crow and the Pretenders, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40/advance; $45/door

  • July 21 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

  • July 21 - West Chester Jazz Orchestra, West Goshen Park, 6:30 p.m. This is a free community event. West Chester Food Cupboard donations encouraged.

Looking for more event ideas? The Spring/Summer Event Guide is now available! 35 events to plan your summer around. View the full calendar here.

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

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