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West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, July 26, 2024: Has Everhart Park gone dark? We look at the Borough’s plan to coax back the fireflies. Plus, more details emerge about West Chester University’s housing plans. Despite the talk - and the need, better seems to be the priority over more. The deets behind The Green House’s expansion plans, a Post Office update, and the 2024 Paris Olympics start today. In honor of this, we will review all the West Chester connections and show you how to watch them.

Break out your red, white, and blue, and let’s get going.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Where Have All the Fireflies Gone?

While the fireflies seem to be experiencing a bit of resurgence in the park, getting a picture of them was not easy.

The Borough of West Chester maintains nearly 1000 street lights. It’s an impressive light infrastructure that helps brighten the way and keep residents feeling safe as they leave a restaurant at night or walk their dogs after dark but the infrastructure was old. So, two years ago (got to love an archive), West Chester started upgrading those lights. Working with Verizon, the Borough implemented an “intelligent” lighting solution.

According to the Borough website, these upgrades included new state-of-the-art LED fixtures - a more energy-efficient option, but also a far brighter option. The changes, positive in many ways, less flickering, fewer outages, had unintended consequences for some of Everhart Park’s summer visitors.

“We saw a noticeable decline in the number of fireflies when the new outdoor lighting was installed,” State Senator Carolyn Comitta, who lives near the park, shared via email. “Research shows that over-lighting and light pollution can negatively impact wildlife and ecology, as well as our sleeping patterns and mental and physical health.”

Fireflies appear to be specifically impacted. Studies show that excessively bright light can disrupt their flashing which is part of their mating behavior. No, mating no baby fireflies.

So, the former West Chester Mayor dug out her old contacts. Working with Councilman Bernie Flynn and Public Works Director Don Edwards they found a way to take advantage of the other piece of those 2022 upgrades.

“Using the ability of the Borough to lower the [intensity of the] lights, we were able to dim two of the lights on [Brandywine] street, and then inside the park, we were able to turn off one light along the walkway,” Councilman Bernie Flynn shared at a recent Borough Council meeting.  

“Within six weeks, believe it or not, it looks like a light show,” he said.

There are no baseline numbers or official end counts so there is no scientific evidence showing this experiment has worked, but head over to the park after dark and you certainly get the feeling something is in the air.

“As minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I deal with so many significant and complex challenges facing environmental health and public health in our communities,” said Sen. Comitta. “Addressing over-lighting and light pollution is something we can easily do right now.”

One summer, at one park, is not enough to save the state bug of Pennsylvania (you’re welcome), but it’s a start. Streetlights along Brandywine will return to full strength in the fall.

Tips to save the fireflies

Trying to think of the last time you saw significant fireflies in your backyard? Sen. Comitta offers these outdoor lighting tips from the International Dark Sky Association.

• Have a clear purpose

• Be shielded and directed only to where needed.

• Be no brighter than necessary and used only when needed.

• Consist of warmer color lights with lower Kelvin ratings.

In addition to lighting, you can also help by not cutting your grass too short and avoiding insecticides.

Design Series: Make the Most of the Home You Love

Potential clients often ask us what it means to be a ”design-build” remodeling company and how it’s different from being a contractor. We are contractors, of course, because we depend on a group of specialists – from framers and cabinet installers to stone masons and roofers – to make sure each project is completed flawlessly, on time and within budget.  

These are craftspeople we’ve worked with and whose skills and reliability we believe in. Add them to our in-house design, architecture, and project management team and you start to get the idea of what design-build is.

“Our job is to translate your dreams and ideas into concrete plans, working with you to ensure that every detail actually does make the most of the home you love,” says Pete Cooper, Spring Creek Design’s CEO. “But we also bring new ideas, perspectives, and even technology into the discussion so you benefit from everything we’ve learned.”

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

The Warnings.

UPDATE Post Office operations moving after fire. As I shared last week, the West Chester Post Office, Airport Road, suffered significant damage after a two-alarm fire ripped through parts of the building last Thursday night. According to the Daily Local, the source of the fire appears to be a parcel machine that caught on fire.

While there is no word yet on when Airport Rd operations may resume, the US Postal Service is changing how it operates in the interim. Last week, West Chester retail and delivery operations were moved to the Southeastern S&DC Post Office in Wayne - not exactly convenient for local residents and businesses.

“We are well aware this interim plan was not ideal and so we immediately began working on new plans,” said Philadelphia District Customer Relations Manager Donna Graham-DiLacqua. “Effective July 26, 2024, our customers can access their PO Box mail and conduct business at the post office located at 101 E. Gay Street in West Chester. We appreciate our customers' understanding and patience.”

Mail delivery in West Chester will continue as normal. However, customers will be directed to the Gay Street Post Office to pick up vacation mail, signature-required items, or oversized articles.  Customers with any questions can call 215-863-5378 or 215-863-6054 (also an improvement over initial communications.)

Leave the trains alone. In what is seemingly becoming a sad summer tradition, teenage boys have again vandalized the trains of the West Chester Railroad. This time it appears five individuals broke into the train yard at around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and proceeded to climb aboard the trains discharging two fire extinguishers. Fortunately, this time no major damage was done, but as the West Chester Railroad shared in its Facebook post, “Trespassing on railroad property is not only illegal, it can be extremely dangerous.”  

Lock your car doors. West Goshen Police are investigating a series of 3 a.m. car break-ins reported Tuesday morning in the Greystone neighborhood. They do have an image of a potential perpetrator but it’s not great. If you have any information or security camera footage that may be useful, let Officer DeLeon know at [email protected].

Bring in those packages as soon as you can. West Chester Police are investigating a Sunday morning theft on the 100 block of E. Biddle St.  A person is seen on Ring camera footage creeping onto the porch and removing a package. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the WCPD at 610-696-2700.

The Accolades.

Today marks the start of the 2024 Olympics in Paris France and while the national focus will be on the gymnasts, the sprinters, and whether Dream Team 9 is as dreamy as the first, West Chester, well, we are going to broaden that focus. I’m talking marathon swimming, field hockey, and yes, archery. Last week, I put forth a request - help me locate and honor local Olympians - and you delivered. I’ve included event times so get ready to set those alarms (all times EST) and cheer your loudest.

Up first is Ivan Puskovitch. A graduate of Episcopal Academy and a listed West Chester resident, Ivan will be braving the Seine for the 10-kilometer marathon swim event. Ivan is only the fifth American male to qualify for this event in any Olympics. He gets in the water on Aug. 9. at 1:30 a.m. This will be his first Olympics.

Next, we have Kelee Lepage, the daughter of Hillsdale Gym teacher Joanie Lepage. A defender on the U.S. Field Hockey Team, Kelee began playing the sport after her mom forced her to attend a field hockey camp when she was in third grade. (Don’t think I won’t be telling that story at dinner tonight.) After missing qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, the US field hockey team is playing well and looking to surprise a few people. They take the field for the start of pool play on Saturday at 1:45 a.m. against Argentina. This will be Kelee’s first Olympics.

Allie Wilson will be competing in the 800M. “I’d like to submit my friend, Allie Wilson, who is running the  Women’s 800m for Team USA!! She’s from Wallingford, PA but she’s amazing and she deserves all the support she can get!!!” West Chester resident Berry Woodrow Trumble shared in an email. Well, guess what? The Strath Haven High grad was born here! So, as they say, we knew her first.

“I’ve got a tsunami of messages and kind words and so much support from people back home,” she told NBC 10. Now she can add West Chester to her cheering section. Allie wlll take to the track at France’s largest stadium, the Stade de France on Aug 2 at 1:45 p.m. This is her first Olympics.

Images from top: U.S. Archery Team, Cindy and Brody in their US team gear; Cindy out and about in Paris. All images, including the Eiffel Tower courtesy of Cindy Bevilacqua. 

Finally, there is Cindy Bevilacqua, who actually gave us a shout from the Olympic Pavilion! The three-time archery All-American and award-winning coach is Team Leader for the U.S. Archery Team. While not a shooting member of the team, she will be there for support, insights, and coaching help if needed.  

“I went to the Olympics in 2012/London and now to be here in Paris 2024 is a dream coming true 2x now,” she shared via WhatsApp.

What’s she most looking forward to? “Opening ceremonies and having the team win medals. Gold, Silver/bronze.”  They have a pretty good chance too. The archery team is led by three-time Olympic medalist Brady Ellison and world #1 Casey Kaufhold. (Cindy used to shoot with her dad. “This archery team is like one big family,” she said.)

Archery events get started at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday with the Women’s elimination round and move quickly. The gold medal match is scheduled for later that morning.  

Now, let’s call these guys West Chester adjacent. I couldn’t find a direct connection to 19382 or 19380 but they certainly have fans in the West Chester area.

Boyd Martin is a member of the U.S. Equestrian Team from Cochrainville. Since emigrating to the area from Australia in 2007, the four-time Olympian has had to have at least visited West Chester for a meal or a coffee. So, I’m counting it. After being a part of a U.S. Olympic Team that finished sixth at the 2020-21 Tokyo Games, the fourth time may be the charm for this hard-driving rider. Equestrian Cross Country Eventing starts at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Justin Best of Kennett Square is rowing the Men’s Four for the USA. A 2015 graduate of Unionville, this is Justin’s second Olympics. In 2020, he was a member of the Men’s Eight Team that finished fourth in Tokyo. Justin and team are looking to make waves this year, riding high off a second-place finish in the 2023 World Rowing Championships. Heats of the Men’s Four begin at 6:50 a.m.

And I’m popping these last two in a “fun facts” category. No, they are not competing this year, but they are your neighbors, and what a great conversation starter should you ever meet up.

Eugene Botes swam the 100 M butterfly and 4 x 100 M Medley relay for South Africa at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He also set a national record in the event. Today he’s raising kids in West Chester like the rest of us. “Eugene Botes is a wonderful WC resident and swam in the Olympics for South Africa a few years ago!” shared a fellow parent.

David Chauner is a West Chester cyclist who rode in the 1968 and ‘72 Olympics. He now produces large-scale professional cycling events as the CEO of World Cycling Limited.

The Olympics Opening Ceremonies air at 1:30 p.m. on NBC with a prime-time encore telecast planned for 7:30 p.m. Good luck to all the athletes that are competing this year!

Also, a quick congratulations to West Chester East Principal Dr. Stephen Brown and Assistant Principal Dr. Sarah Graham. In a move that was teased last week, Dr. Brown has been confirmed as the new Director of Teaching and Learning and Equity, while, Dr. Graham will begin the school year as East’s new principal.

Hello.

The Green House Owner Peter Giuffre. They will be leaving these cramped, but adorable quarters, next weekend.  

A year ago, Peter Giuffre and his girlfriend Kellie Ink opened The Green House, a plant shop and home goods store on Church Street. Peter handles the plants. He pairs house-friendly options with his one-of-a-kind handmade cement planters. Kellie curates the home portion. Think nontoxic beeswax candles, organic baby clothes, and chemical-free cleaning products.

The retail concept is a combination of their two passions. The name is a multi-meaning indicator of what you can expect - and so far, it's been a wildly successful, if at times squashed, collaboration.

“It’s too tight,” says Peter. “We get six to eight people in on the weekend and others [detered by the crowd] walk on by.”

That all changes next week. The Green House is moving around the corner to 43 W. Gay St., the former home of Fairman’s Skate Shop. The walls are getting a fresh coat of white paint, the floors a refinishing, and the space a general greening.

“Over there will be a fitting room,” Peter says pointing to one corner. Organic clothing is one of the areas they are looking to grow. In the back, Kellie, who also works as a certified holistic health coach, will have an office to offer personalized sessions. The basement, once home to live music and skating demonstrations, will serve as Peter’s workshop. Back upstairs, near the store’s center there will be a large table for group classes. - and throughout, the walls will be lined with shelves for more plants and pots.

“Right now I probably have ten times what you see here in storage,” says Peter.

In addition to just more (and bigger) plants he envisions hosting evening classes suitable for a date, girls’, or family night. He’s starting with “Make Your Own Terrarium” and “Pour Your Own Pot” workshops. He also wants to offer more custom seasonal displays - Teacher Appreciation Week is one for which he sees potential - and to grow his consulting businesses. There is a need for more at-home and office help - pot replanting, care, and horticultural design.    

“I could see myself getting stagnant in that small space,” he says of the Church St. storefront. Well, there’s no worry of that now. The Green House opens its new Gay St. location on Aug. 2.  

This is an excerpt from our Benchmark Federal Credit Union Entrepreneurs series. Find all the series profiles here and stay tuned next week for the full story of how Peter became the plant guru of West Chester.

The Hotel Indigo under construction on Gay Street.

And a few more around the area hellos:

We get a first look at the Hotel Indigo, which is rising before our eyes on Gay St., thanks to a recent article in Main Line Tonight by writer Victoria Rose. She spoke with the hotel’s VP of Operations about what visitors can expect from the new 108-room hotel. “There are so many hidden nuggets throughout the public spaces and guest rooms for guests to find,” he said.

Read more about what you can expect from a stay here. Hotel Indigo is now accepting reservations for March 2025 and it’s pet-friendly - up to two (well-behaved) dogs per room.

Heading to Giant this weekend? You might find a bamboo-fronted trailer set up in the parking lot. ZENB, a food brand known for its single-ingredient yellow pea pasta, is bringing its mobile Plant Pantry to several PA stores in celebration of joining the Giant line-up. Stop by for free samples and company swag. According to a statement provided by The Giant Co., the company has been looking to add more plant-based options to its inventory.

After several years of speculation as to what might come next, the Blue Pear is returning to Dilworthtown as simply, The Pear. The new restaurant is described as a “cozy, community-driven restaurant” with seasonal cocktails and a broad range of beer and wine. There will be small plates for sharing and “elevated” tavern foods for those looking for a full meal. Owners are targeting a mid-September open date.  

Grabbed this one from our friends at Drunks of West Chester, Taqueria Al Pariente is moving to the Exxon gas station at 851 S. High St. I have not had the pleasure, but he swears they are the “best taco truck in PA.” High praise indeed.

Some new, true rooftop dining is coming to downtown West Chester - in like hours. “After much delay and even bigger anticipation, we are beyond excited to announce the Serum Rooftop opening is this Friday at 5 p.m.,” the Market Street taphouse shared Wednesday on social media

Rooftop dining will be first-come, first-served, so get there early and ready to relax.

Goodbye.

In WCU plans, renovating existing dorms seems to be taking priority over building new ones.

West Chester University says it wants to say goodbye to its student housing problems but its proposed solution prioritizes renovation over adding capacity. Last week, Daily Local reporter Bill Rettew spoke with WCU Executive Vice President and Provost Jeffery Osgood about the school’s housing plans.

Here are a few takeaways -

1. While additional student housing is a stated priority of the administration, it’s not coming anytime soon. According to the interview, construction on a new 700-800 capacity student dorm proposed to replace Lawrence Hall will not begin for another four to five years. Instead, the early focus will be on renovating existing facilities. “There is a significant backlog in renovations that we want to accomplish for university-owned housing,” Dr. Osgood said.

2. Proposed temporary housing is not expected to help elevate the current housing shortage only to keep it from getting worse. The 128-student module dorm plan proposed for the University’s M Lot will be used to free up space in existing dorms so the university can begin renovations. “We want to add more beds and more capacity to ensure that our total availability of beds does not decrease,” Dr. Osgood told the paper.

3. This is all dollar-dependent. According to the article, WCU will need to secure roughly $500 million to complete its expansion and renovation plans. It will not, however, be coming from students. WCU recently announced it would not be raising tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. This marks the seventh year in a row with no increase.  

All that said, WCU continues to move forward with its modular housing plans. This week West Goshen Supervisors held a Conditional Use hearing to weigh the merits of the University’s application. According to the outlined terms, building permits must be executed within 12 months of receiving the application and temporary housing, unless extended by the Township, has to be removed five years after the first student moves into the housing. Township Supervisors promised to share their decision at the Sept. 23 Board of Supervisors meeting. Oh, the suspense.

You can review the university’s application here, watch the full discussion, here and read more about its plans here.

Also, this week,  it’s goodbye to one Market St. daycare, it’s hello to another. Despite all those impassioned pleas from parents, it seems the plan to bring a daycare to W. Market St. is no more. Instead, the second outbuilding on the property will be converted into a residence. I guess, a single tenant is easier to get behind than a classroom full of preschool children.  

The plans will still need Zoning Hearing Board approval, but this time there was no talk of the Borough sending lawyers to oppose the request.

Fret not parents of the Borough’s younger residents, there is good news on the daycare horizon. This week the Melton Center announced it has passed inspection for a New Directions Childcare Center. There is not a lot of information available yet about the program, but it appears to be an extension of their successful K-8 after-school program. Lack of marketing materials isn’t about to slow them down, though. Reservations are open now. You can direct queries about the new center to [email protected].

My congratulations to the Melton Center. This is exciting news for West Chester parents.

Finally, condolences to the Master Baker family on some sad news this week. According to an announcement shared by the bakery, original master baker Jerie Weldon has passed away after a four-month battle with cancer. Jerie started her business in 1970 baking cakes out of her Berwyn home. Over the years, she would “bake and design cakes for presidents, celebrities, and many incredible families all over the Philadelphia area.” She is survived by her husband, six kids, and her “gum drop” buttercream roses.

Pay It Forward.

Last year, the West Chester Public Library turned 150 years old. They celebrated by announcing a very ambitious goal for themselves: raise $1.5 million. It’s a goal they hope will set the library up for the next 150 years and beyond.

With the raised funds the library hopes to accomplish three major things, redesign and modernize the building’s interior, retire its mortgage, and create a financial cushion to address current problems, particularly around staffing.

A year in, the campaign has made steady progress raising around 20 percent of their targeted goal. This week they announced they have been awarded a “generous annuity” from former West Chester University Dean and administrator of the J.M. Blair Family Trust Dr. Timothy Vance Blair. The gift will go to support the campaign and beyond.

“Dr. Blair has been a champion of numerous Chester County charities including the

library for many decades. The library is honored that he chose it to be a beneficiary of his family’s trust,” Library Board President Lance Nelson said in a statement.

If you would like to help support the Library in its campaign, you can do that here.

Other ways to pay it forward this week:

Add to your Back-to-School shopping list. Last week I shared, the West Chester Friends Association annual Backpack Drive - with a new Back-to-School Sponsor option. You’ll get the name of a student and some critical details to help guide your shopping experience. Purchased items can be dropped off at their 113 W. Chestnut St. office. You just need to do it before Aug. 8.  

And the Champions School of Barbering backpack and school supply drive. Those donations can be dropped off at their High Street location or use the linked Amazon Wish List to have them delivered directly.  

Now, I have another option. Sen. Comitta is also running a Backpack Drive. This time in support of the Crime Victims Center. These are straight backpacks. Pick up your favorite design and drop it in the atrium of Sen. Comitta’s Gay St. office any time before Aug. 7

Sign up to the lace up for a good cause. Community Volunteers in Medicine is hosting a 5K Run and Family Fun Day on Sept. 7. Proceeds from the race will go to an endowment fund to ensure the organization can continue its lifesaving work now and into the future. Sign up before Aug. 7 to save $5 off registration!

Volunteer at your favorite park. This specific request came from Marshall Square Park, but I am sure they could all use a hand right about now.  

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

July 31: Taylor-Made @ Uptown 

Aug. 1 -3: The Lightning Thief 

The search for West Chester’s next, great singer-songwriter continues. Head to Uptown on Wed. and help pick the last two finalists Then join the half-blood son of a Greek god on a quest like no other. The popular Percy Jackson series comes to life starting Thurs. Tickets on sale now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Beach day.

What are you up to this weekend? We are having an old-school backyard barbecue for a few out-of-town friends. Burgers and dogs, anyone? Then on Sunday we are getting up early and driving to the beach. It’s a tradition we started a couple of years ago and involves cramming all our favorite things into a single day then driving back late and exhausted.

If you’re around this weekend, the OGs of funk rock Onyx and Honey will be at Artillery tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. On Saturday, The Chester County History Center is hosting a Spy Day for kids 7 through 13. Looks like a fun way to bust up midsummer lulls - and of course the Olympics start tonight.

Looking ahead to next week, the Goshen Country Fair kicks off on Monday. This will be the fair’s 75th year - and as tradition dictates there will be music, games, rides, livestock competitions, a dunk tank, and, of course, apple cider donuts.  Fun fact: more than 80,000 donuts were sold at last year’s fair. Also next week, West Chester Police are partnering with Dia Doce for a Cupcakes with Cops event. It will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at Dia Doce and yes, there will be cupcakes. Finally, Mae’s fans know they are closed starting Monday through Aug. 13 for renovations.  

Finally, this week a very special thank you to our very first Community Sponsor, The Lorgus Company, which has owned and managed rental properties since 1976.  Its flagship property is 103 S. High Street, once the home of impressionist artist Mary Cassatt.  The company continues that legacy today by working to honor and support local artists and professionals.

103 S. High St.

Among the building’s newer tenants is Lifelong Massage which specializes in medical massage, myofascial release, sports and deep tissue, and pregnancy.  Whether you're looking for a moment of relaxation or to address an injury or chronic pain, Lifelong can find the type of bodywork that will plant the seed for your lifelong journey of healing and self-care.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

Business leaders: Want exclusive access to this amazing community? Of course, you do. There is just one spot left in August. If you’re interested let me know at [email protected] Placements are filled first come- first served.

Readers: Get your annual subscription now! Exciting changes coming over the next month but only to paying subscribers. $12 gets you a year of fun, excitement and plenty of new development updates! If you are unsure if you’ve paid, shoot me an email and we’ll figure it out.  

Just $12/Year. Pay Now!

Mark your calendars:

• July 26 - Frontiers Journey - The Music of Journey, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40

• July 27 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

• July 27 - 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 27 - Spy Day: A Family Event, Chester County History Center, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Kids willlearn to read and write in cipher and code, find hidden messages in everyday objects, explore the science of invisible ink, and learn about real spies who operated in the area during the 18th century and beyond. Tickets: $8/kids; $10/adults. Registration required. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

• July 27 - Nimrod - A Tribute to Green Day, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40/advance; $45/door

• July 28 - Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 - 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

• July 28 - Kanin Wren's Taylor Swift Experience, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40/45 (door)/Adult; $30/35(door)/student

• July 29 - Aug. 3 - Goshen Country Fair, Goshen Fire Co., 1320 Park Ave. 6 - 9 p.m. (5 - 9 p.m. on Saturday). Enjoy a variety of fair events from tug-of-war and games of chance to amusement rides, livestock competitions, food, music, and more.

• July 29 - $5 Movie Monday - Saturday Night Fever, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Free popcorn!

• July 30 - Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia's Quakers in Exile, Chester County History Center, 7 - 8 p.m. This is a free, hybrid event. Choose Zoom or in-person. Light refreshments will be served and author Ned Donoghue will be on hand to sign books.

• July 31- 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. 1 - Cupcakes with Cops, Dia Doce, 100 S. High St. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet and greet members of the West Chester Police Department and Chester County Sheriff's Office while enjoying complimentary Dia Doce cupcakes.

• Aug. 1 - Music at Marshall: Big Boy Brass Band, Marshall Square Park, music starts at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a free open air concert, food trucks, face painting and more!

• Aug 1 - 3- The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackon Musical, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. with 2 p.m. showing on Sat. and Sun. Percy Jackson, the half-blood son of a Greek God, has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. Based on the popular children's series.

• Aug. 2 - First Friday - Summer Concert Series, Downtown West Chester, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy live performances from the old Courthouse, free street-level parking after 5 p.m., and fun extras like complimentary face painting.

• Aug. 2 - First Friday Jazz featuring the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 7 p.m. Join Windish Studios for First Friday Jazz. Featuring music from their most recent album, Vinyl Brews, Gardyn Jazz Orchestra delivers hip arrangements, strong musical soloists, and unkempt hard groovin’ swing. Tickets: $10-$15 plus fee.

• Aug. 3 - West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. - 1 pm.

• Aug. 3 - Make Your Own Terrarium, The Green House, 43 W. Gay St., 6-7 p.m. Make a terrarium while you check out the new space. Class fee: $75

• Aug. 4 - Author meet and greet: Samantha Mineroff, Bookstore Bakery, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Reading and signing with the Dear Daughter author. Reach out to the Bookstore Bakery for details.

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!

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.

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