West Chester Weekly News Roundup

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It’s Friday, June 14, 2024. We check in on downtown. Turns out all those events aren’t just fun they’re good business. Speaking of which, the old weather-worn Classic Diner sign is down on Gay St. We take a peek at what’s up now. Plus, West Chester’s summer paving schedule, the Melton Center’s Juneteenth Celebration, and a disturbing police skim over. I know it’s a week early but I am calling it - summer is here!

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Turns Out All These Events Aren’t Just Fun - They’re Good Business

Earlier this month the West Chester Business Improvement District, now known simply as Downtown West Chester, released its annual report for 2023. The Business Improvement District, a kind of industry organization for the downtown businesses, was established in 2000 with three goals -  increase customer traffic and sales, retain and recruit viable businesses, and lobby government agencies on behalf of the business community.

At the time of its formation, downtown West Chester looked markedly different than today with only a handful of retail stores and virtually no restaurant scene. Today, Downtown West Chester supports more than 300 businesses including more than 65 restaurants but its goals remain the same. In some ways, so does its approach: give them a reason to come out. That would have meant recruitment 25 years ago. Now it’s all about the event.

“One of our main focuses is to attract more customers to downtown West Chester by increasing the number of community events and deploying an aggressive media campaign,” Downtown West Chester Executive Director John O’Brien shared in the report’s opening letter.

“We believe this has been very effective,” John said in a post-report email exchange. “Recently we had the Clydesdales in town which drew several thousand. We had a great turnout for First Friday last week. We know that because the garages were completely full and turning people away, and we had over 75 people come out for our Yoga on the Street event.”  

It’s hard to name them all and Downtown West Chester is responsible for almost all of the Borough’s smaller events - think First Friday, Restaurant Week, the Spring and Fall Gallery Walks, World Music Day, West Chester Taps, Oktoberfest, Small Business Weekend and new last year, Christkindlmarkt. The manageable size, it turns out, is intentional.

“We want to create events that draw people in but then don’t feel overwhelming so they have time to shop and dine in town,” said John.

Here are some other takeaways from the report:

23 new businesses opened. The current commercial vacancy rate for the business improvement district is 4.23 percent. This is a slight increase over 2022 when the vacancy rate sat at 3.33 percent but still well below the national average of 19.6 percent (it hit a 45-year high last year).  At the start of 2023, there were 14 available listings for office space, six listings for retail or restaurant space, and three commercial buildings for sale. By year-end, there were 17 listings for office space with no change reported in retail/restaurant space and commercial buildings.

In the report, Downtown West Chester explained the increase in part on several large office spaces that became available for lease.

“One driver,” John said, “was 220 W. Gay Street which was bought and completely renovated in 2023.  That added 12,550 square feet [of office space].  Without that new building, our vacancy rate would’ve been 3.53 percent.”

At the end of May, the vacancy rate had dipped to 3.91 percent. Whether it stays there through the end of 2024 is hard to say.  “There is always a degree of fluctuation with these numbers,” said John.

Businesses are feeling optimistic. As part of the success metrics, Downtown West Chester included a survey of 40 companies they serve. It was a fairly even mix of restaurants, retail, personal care, and professional service businesses. Of those who responded, half reported seeing higher sales in 2023 while 12.5 percent saw sales drop. Businesses reported their top challenges as parking (shocker), competition, marketing and advertising, and employee recruitment and wages.

Despite the lingering challenges, optimism is carrying (cautiously) into 2024.

“2024 has been going pretty well,” said John.  “The biggest challenge for us is event costs.  Our budget is funded primarily through a commercial property assessment, so it has been fairly stagnant for the last 10 years.  We work hard to supplement that through sponsorship of events, so we are always open to new companies that want to get involved in 2024. We have a lot of great events coming up that we hope people will attend!”

And you’ll get your next chance soon enough. The Gay Street Open Air Market is now open. West Chester Taps is going strong on Wednesdays, and World Music Day is next Friday. (See Accolades for more.)  

The Warnings.

West Chester’s handicapped parking space audit is beginning. Last month, West Chester’s Parking Department announced it was conducting a full-scale audit of existing on-street handicapped spaces in the Borough. The goal is to identify those still in regular use and remove those that are not. Well, that time has come. If you have a handicapped parking space you are using, make sure it is registered by going to the Parking Services website and submitting the required documentation. That includes a valid driver's license and vehicle registration, both with a Borough address, a valid handicapped placard, a valid handicapped ID card, and a lease if you are a renter.

That’s one costly fender bender. On Apr. 23, the West Chester Fire Department’s ladder truck was involved in an accident. While the truck’s drivers were cleared of wrongdoing, the WCFD is out its only ladder truck. Initial repair estimates indicate that at minimum the truck’s frame was bent. Insurance should cover the cost of the repairs but locating a loaner ladder truck to use while this one is out of commission has proven a challenge. Currently, the Borough is relying on mutual aid from neighboring departments.

Since the trucks are coming longer distances, response times at incidents that require ladder support like this week’s building fire on E. Gay St. will be delayed. (Fortunately, this week it was a cooking fire easily cleared by on-the-ground professionals.)

“We adapt,” Assistant Fire Chief Justin McClure told Borough Council members in response to a question on how the department is handling the loss. “Mutual aid is our only option right now,” he said. It’s currently estimated repairs will take six to eight months to complete.

Burglary investigation in the Borough. Last week, West Chester Police responded to a possible burglary at a residence on the 200 block of Price St. It is believed the entry occurred sometime between 8 a.m. on June 3 and 6:15 p.m. on June 6. If you have any information about this incident or cameras in the area, contact the West Chester Police at 610-696-2700.

Crime reports may not be all that they seem. Speaking of burglaries, this week, the West Chester Police Department shared monthly crime numbers for May as part of Wednesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting. According to their report, two robberies, two felonious assaults, and three burglaries occurred in their jurisdiction last month. Of those, five have been solved. Officers are investigating leads on the remaining crimes, two burglaries. You can view the full report here.

However, according to a recent Crime Watch posting and Patch article, it would appear that at least one of the incidents was more serious than noted. On May 20, a Downingtown teenager reportedly kidnapped and assaulted a man inside his West Chester apartment leaving him hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The boy in question, Ahmad Al-Azzam, 19, was arrested on June 10, exactly 20 days after the incident took place. The victim remains hospitalized.

Beware of baby deer. In much perferable home invasion news, last weekend, West Chester Police were called to remove a baby deer found inside a resident’s home!

The Accolades.

So, who’s excited? Who’s spent? Who’s in desperate need of a break? I know I am. So much so, we are celebrating summer’s arrival a week early.

Summer in West Chester is one of my favorite times of year. Residents start making their weekly sojourns to shore houses. West Chester University students (who we love) are home. The streets are quieter. Gay Street is closed to traffic (on weekends). Opportunities abound for lazy bike rides, uninterrupted street runs, or impromptu park picnics. Coffee lines disappear and restaurants are easier to pop into for a last-minute brunch or happy hour. Plus, there are events. Lots and lots of free events.

West Chester Taps, the Wednesday downtownwide Happy Hour involving 22 local restaurants including newcomers Serum Kitchen & Taphouse and, surprise me, 9 Prime, is already underway. Music at Marshall starts on Thursday, as does the Borough’s Concert in a Park series - first concert’s at Everhart. Then on Friday, it’s the Summer Solstice, or the official astrological start to summer. To celebrate Downtown West Chester is back with its third annual World Music Day. This year they have lined up more than 60 performers who will play at 17 locations around downtown. Music begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues to 9 p.m.

Up your game: Since it’s World Music Day is on a Friday this year, Gay Street will be closed and Uptown will have its new pop-up beer garden open. A stroll, a beer, a band, and nowhere to rush off to - to me, it doesn’t get any more summer than that.

Other things we are celebrating this week:

Free outdoor concerts. Building on the above post, West Goshen is also back with its free summer concert series. There will be two live performances each month at the J. Leon Amphitheater in West Goshen Park. The next one features The Chatterband on June 23.

A roof over your head. This week, Chester County announced the results of the Point-in-Time Count, an annual count of the county’s homeless population that takes place over the course of one night in January. Over the past five years, Chester County has seen a 59 percent decrease in the number of people experiencing homelessness. In January, 213 homeless individuals were counted. This is down from the 517 people found in 2019. That’s not to say it is all good news. On any given night, people of color make up 62 percent of the county’s homeless despite representing just 14 percent of the total population. Thirty percent of the people experiencing homelessness in Chester County are kids - which is scary high. Of the county’s 19 unsheltered homeless, or those sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation, four were found in West Chester. You can access the full report here.

Having a job you love. The Greater Brandywine YMCA announced it was named a 2024 Top Workplace by the Philadelphia Inquirer. These rankings are based on the anonymous feedback of the company’s employees. According to survey results, Y employees reported they felt they were respected and supported, able to grow, and empowered to execute. You can find the full list of recognized employers here. Also, celebrating this week were the employees of Yerkes Associates in East Goshen. This marks the company’s 150th year at its location on E. Boot Rd.

Rustin Boy’s Lacrosse. Congratulations to the Rustin Boys’ Lacrosse team on making it to the semifinals of the 2A state tournament. After beating Scranton Prep and Lower Dauphin the boys’ run championship run was cut short (again) by a tough Marple Newtown team (The Tigers, a growing nemesis, beat them in the Regional finals too.) Still, it was an admirable run and an exciting season. Go Golden Knights!

January runs. Also, a shoutout to all you dedicated runners who laced up your shoes last New Year’s Day or hit a golf ball in last year’s Stanley’s Dream golf classic. This week, the local nonprofit announced it was awarding another $5,000 to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Over the last 18 years, Stanley’s Dream has donated more than $120,000 to CHOP and local scholars in young Stanley Austin Edward’s memory.

Carpenter Cup. This summertime tournament presented by Nike invites the Tri-State’s best high school players to showcase their talents for college scouts. Four West Chester players were selected to represent Chester County. They were Michael Cugino, Henderson’s right-handed pitcher, first baseman Drew Brown, and catcher David McClain from Rustin, and East outfielder Owen Rossi.

Not to be outdone, Westtown’s Jordyn Palmer looks to make her own summer splash in front of top college coaches and recruiters. The 15-year-old basketball phenom was recently selected to the 2024 USA Basketball Women’s U-17 National team. She’ll make her international debut on July 13 as Team USA competes in the FIBA U-17 World Cup

Hello.

School’s out. I’m spent. (Are you sensing a theme here?) Let’s just make this the summer issue. Now, it’s all smooth sailing until fall, right? It could be if your street made West Chester’s annual paving project list.

Where are Borough and West Goshen crews (or their contracted friends) heading this year? West Goshen’s tackling Airport Rd, while, it’s looking like a road-less-traveled kind of summer in the Borough.

Borough

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.  

Covent 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.

West Goshen

Airport Road - Greenhill Rd to Ward Ave.

Applegate Dr.

David Lane

Ember Drive

Empress Rd.

Fowler Rd.

Stoney Brook Ln.

Topaz Dr.

Warren Rd.

Note: These are the planned Township projects. This list does not include work being performed by the utility companies.

Also, hello, darkness, my old friend. This week the area around Everhart Park is getting 30 percent darker. It’s an attempt by West Chester Borough and State Senator Carolyn Comitta to encourage the park’s fireflies to mate again. According to an article on the subject from the Yale School of the Environment,  the transition to LED lights has been quietly killing off nature’s twinkle lights by messing with their ability to signal a mate.

West Chester Public Works Director Don Edwards adjusted three lights, one in front of Hemlock Alley, one in front of Barnard St, and one in the park where the meadow is. They will now watch and see if the fireflies return.

And lastly, after a year and a half of back and forth - has Borough Council fiiiiiinaly agreed on an Airbnb or Short-term Rental Ordinance? Who knows. They were supposed to set a hearing date for what, I  am guessing, the lawyer thought was an agreed-upon ordinance but even without being asked, they continued to make changes. There is, however, an ordinance out in the ether, and as it stands now -

Short-term rentals would be allowed in the Town Center with a few caveats.

• They have since backed away from the “no parking” requirement. Now a parking space would be needed for any unit on a street with residential permit parking. The provided space can be on-site or in an adjacent lot assuming the property owner also owns that second lot

• One short-term rental unit can not be located within 500 feet of another short-term unit. Although, this could be changing. It is estimated under that calculation that at most 40 short-term rentals would be allowed to operate in the Borough at any given time. While it seems highly unlikely that we would get anywhere near that number and the Borough already has to sign off on any new short-term unit, Council is looking to possibly restrict that even further. They are now considering a minimum distance of 1000 feet between units.

• Short-term rentals will not be allowed in buildings with more than four dwelling units or in one currently used as a student rental.

A public hearing date of Aug. 21 was tentatively set, but don’t hold them to that. Full Borough Council meets on Monday; who knows where it will stand after that. You can find the latest version of the ordinance here. You can follow all the live meeting action for yourself here.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Classic Diner. Hello, Central Bistro? For three years, the former Gay St. home of West Chester’s Classic breakfast-brunch-lunch spot has sat empty, though perhaps not for much longer. This week, artwork for a restaurant was presented to and approved by the Borough’s Smart Growth Committee. Details about the new operation remain scarce but according to that now-installed sign, we can expect BBQ, spirits, brews, and seafood.  

Also, John O’Green Park is once again saying goodbye to onsite summer contractors. In what is becoming a yearly occurrence, outside contractors and the Borough’s Public Works personnel were in the park working to get the splash equipment operational in time for the summer heat. It took $4700 in repairs but the water was running and kids were splashing by Memorial Day. The West Chester Park’s Planning Committee has been tasked with looking into a long-term solution for the park. Parks Director Keith Kurawski warns it will require a “substantial investment.”

Pay It Forward.

Saturday marks the third year for the Melton Center’s Juneteenth Celebration. While the event commemorating the emancipation of the U.S.’s enslaved people may be held on the grounds of West Chester’s Eastside community center, it was actually the brainchild of three West Chester residents.  

“We got together and said we want to do this,” said event organizer - and co-founder Beth Allen. “It was 2020, so we had to manage [attendance] but we really wanted to bring awareness to black and brown-owned businesses in the community.”

The first year was a success. “We had so many amazing vendors,” Beth remembers. So, except for last year, they have kept the party going ever since.

This year the celebration will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Melton Center. Vendors will set up on the basketball courts and next to the newly installed raised garden beds.  There will be a DJ, a food truck for lunch, the Melton Center Dance Team, a student poetry reading, and many amazing vendors you may not get to see elsewhere.  

“It’s very much about celebrating and amplifying black-owned businesses,” said Beth. “See what they are doing. Buy their products.”

There will also be speakers. Dr. Zebulon Davenport from West Chester University will kick things off at 1:10 p.m. Daryl Durnell from the school board and community leaders Joyce Chester and Javonna Wylie will follow. They’ll reflect on the significance of the day, black empowerment, and our community - generally expect the mood to be light.

“It’s a really fun community opportunity to celebrate Juneteenth,” said Beth.

As of now, the skies look clear, but should rain move in the event will just move inside.  

Other ways to give back this week:

Design West Chester a cool new parking map. The Borough’s Parking Service and Public Arts Commission are inviting artists to submit art proposals for an illustrated map of the Borough and its 11 parking lots and garages. The goal here is to encourage visitors to use all of West Chester’s available parking spaces in a fun and memorable way. Think you can do that? Submissions are due by July 13.

Give 90 minutes to another perspective. Tonight marks the launch of the first annual Rustin Day of Film, a joint venture between the Chester County History Center and the West Chester Film Festival. The program consists of six short films including a documentary, a drama, an animation, a comedy, and a 2023 Chester Award Winner. “This selection of films shows not only a diverse selection of films which celebrate the Black and LGBTQIA+ experience but also the strength of those who have previously and continue to work for a more just future,” CCHC Volunteers President and West Chester Film Festival board member Anne Skillman said. Tickets are just $10 and are available now on the Chester County History Center website.

Then on Juneteenth, Uptown is welcoming People’s Light Theatre to present an excerpt from their captivating production of “Illuminating Rustin.” This pay-what-you-wish event will culminate with a thought-provoking conversation led by local activist-historian Penny Washington.

Solve one of those “there must be someone who can use this” problems. I recently saw a Buy Nothing post like this concerning a piano. While I can’t help her, I do have suggestions of what to do with old eyeglasses and hearing aids. Glasses that can be repurposed may donated to the Lions Club Recycle for Sight Program. Drop them off at State Sen. Carolyn Comitta’s West Chester office (17 E. Gay Street) Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hearing aids can be donated to the Chester County Chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLLA)’s Help4Hearing Project. All makes and models are accepted, as well as accessories. Mail them to HLAA Chester County, P.O. Box 1371, West Chester, PA 19380.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Who’s ready to cut loose? Uptown is! Starting tonight through June 23, Footloose, the musical, will kick off its Sunday shoes. Then in a pay-as-you-wish Juneteenth special, People’s Light Theater will share a special excerpt from “Illuminating Rustin.” Get your tickets today!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

What are you up to this weekend? We are celebrating our fifth-grade graduate and packing up the car for a little summer vacation fun. Before we leave, my newly ordained middle schooler and I are heading to Uptown to catch their production of Footloose. This was one of my favorite movies as a kid. I am curious how it rates with the next generation.

If you are around this weekend, Westtown East Goshen Police are hosting an ice cream social tonight at East Goshen Park. The West Chester Grower’s Market has raspberries. Andiario has a new summer menu (and apparently a couple of openings for dinner tonight. If you get in, offer the happy couple our belated congratulations), Mercato has a perfect beer for a hot weekend. Also, don’t forget Sunday is Father’s Day. Madi on a Roll will be at the Grower’s Market on Saturday if you want to stock up on a few frozen treats for Dad. Hello, West Chester tasted, Jason Kelce approved. Also, Manje has a Caribbean-inspired chicken and waffles brunch special, Bierhaul Townhouse has prime rib and $200 for the best dad joke, and Saloon 151 is offering a free pour to any dad who also got in a round of golf. I guess, do it while you can.

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

Athletes Untapped

Created by a West Chester couple Gene and Elaine Williams, Athletes Untapped connects parents & kids with private sports coaches for 1-on-1 training. Their coaches will help your child improve their skills & build confidence! Need help finding the right coach? Email Gene or do a quick search for West Chester coaches!

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

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

Readers: 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.) 

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Mark your calendars:

June 14 – WEGO Police Ice Cream Social, East Goshen Park, 5 – 7 p.m. Join the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department for their annual Ice Cream Social.

June 14 – 23 – Footloose, the Musical, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Thurs, Fri, Sat., and 3 p.m. Sun. Visit the Uptown website for a complete list of times and ticket prices.

June 15 – West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.

June 15 – Juneteenth Festival, Melton Center, 1 – 4 p.m. Come out for an afternoon of community and culture. Live music, performances, speakers and more.

June 15 – Veteran’s Welcome, Saints Simon and Jude Parish, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, 4:30 p.m. Join for an unforgetable celebration, USAF Drill Team, Phillie Phanatic, face painting, balloon twisting, hot dogs, ice cream, and at 6 p.m. heros welcome for 200 returning veterans.

June 15 – Turks Head Cafe Comedy Night, 111 N. Church St, 8 – 9:30 p.m. Join for a night of laughs. Tickets: $20

June 16 – Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 – 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

June 16 – Father’s Day Express, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 – 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $5/dad; $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

June 17- $5 Movie Monday – Moonrise Kingdom, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Free popcorn!

June 19- 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.

June 19 – Illuminating Rustin, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Join as Uptown welcomes People’s Light Theatre with their captivating excerpt of “Illuminating Rustin”. This unique presentation will feature a 20-minute performance followed by a thought-provoking conversation led by Ms. Penny Washington. This a pay-as-you-wish event.

June 20 – 23 – Footloose Musical, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m.; 3 p.m. Matinee on Sunday. Tiered ticket prices. See website for details.

June 20 – Music at Marshall: Butterfoot, Marshall Square Park, music starts at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a free open air concert, food trucks, face painting and more!

June 20 – Concert in the Park, Everhart Park, 6:30 p.m. This is a free event.

June 20 – Tales & Ales, Hop Fidelity, 121 W. Market St., Join for a Spoken Word Open Mic Night every other Thursday.

June 21 – World Music Day, Downtown West Chester, 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. World Music Day (otherwise known as Fête de la Musique) is celebrated each year on the summer solstice. It started in Paris in the 1980s as a way to showcase local musical talent while welcoming the start of the summer season. West Chester holds its own version with musicians performing on the Borough’s street corners, sidewalks, and plazas throughout the day.

June 21 – Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6:30 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)

June 22 – West Chester Growers Market, Corner of Church and Chestnut, 9 a.m. – 1 pm.

June 22 – 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.

June 22 – Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 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)

June 22 – Innovative Abstract Painting with Nina Yocum, The Corner Art Collective, 341 S. Matlack, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Learn the multifaceted medium of alcohol links from beginning to finished work. Tickets: $75/includes all supplies.

June 23 – Summer Picnic Train Ride, West Chester Railroad, 230 E. Market St. 12 – 1:30 p.m. Tickets: $25/adult: $20/kids 2-12

June 23 – Watercolor Pet Portraits Class, Nightingale Materials, 118 N. High St. Learn some watercolor basics and leave the class with a 8×10 portrait of your best friend! Cost: $75

June 23 – Party Hits Concert featuring the Chatterband, West Goshen Park, 6:30 p.m. This is a free community event. West Chester Food Cupboard donations encouraged.

June 24 – 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!

June 24- $5 Movie Monday – Lilo & Stitch, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Free popcorn!

June 26- 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.

June 26 – Underground Railroad Walking Tour, Chester County History Center, 6:00 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)

June 27 – Slavery & Servitude, Chester County History Center Virtual Event, 12 p.m. To commemorate Juneteenth, the Chester County Archives will highlight records that trace this history of slavery in the County. This is a pay-as-you-wish event.

June 28 – The Rush Experience, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40/advance; $45/door

Hello is on the radio. Ever wish you could get your weekly updates as a podcast? - Well, you can now. 

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 enjoy this summer for a minute. I am off next week but already planning for all the stuff when I return.

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