West Chester Weekly Roundup: Mar. 1, 2024

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It’s Friday, Mar. 1, 2024: Last week, West Chester University presented a plan to build modular dorms in an under-utilized parking lot. But while the University is desperate to push ahead with the temporary units, not everyone’s thrilled with the timing. Plus, Restaurant Inspection Reports and Gemelli just earned a chance to compete on the world stage.

Who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Piece-meal Housing - WCU Petitions for Temporary Modular Units

Let’s start by stating a truth that has been evident for a while now. West Chester University has a housing problem. At least it’s been obvious to all those not employed by the University. The students knew there was an issue. After years of grumbling, last year’s housing rejection slips led to a series of on-campus protests that finally brought administration officials forward to discuss. The conversation, however, was heavy on rationale, light on solutions.

West Goshen Township knew there was a problem when they met three years ago with administration officials to discuss developing a “master plan” that would outline the University’s proposals for addressing future growth. To date, no such plan has been presented. Now after years of inaction, WCU finds itself in desperate need of solutions.

They are facing at-capacity on-campus housing, back-to-back years of record-setting freshman classes, and rising off-campus rents. Rents in West Chester have increased by roughly $300 a month since 2021 making it increasingly difficult for students to secure affordable off-campus options. Together it’s a housing storm with immediate consequences. Data shows drop-out rates among upperclassmen are on the rise.

All these factors have left the university in a tough space with few good answers - or at least few easy answers. Buildable space is limited, all solutions are extremely costly, COVID closures drove down enrollment figures throwing off expansion plans and leading to hesitancy around over-building, etc., etc. However, WCU’s ongoing indecision has now forced their troubles onto everyone else. This point was made abundantly clear at last week’s West Goshen Supervisor Meeting.

“I know you have an urgent crisis but it doesn’t mean it’s our urgent crisis,” said West Goshen Supervisor Shaun Walsh, before reprimanding WCU officials for years of inaction.

Where do we go from here?

Above - sample floor plan for one of the proposed modular dorms. Below - layout for the amenities area.

Last week, West Chester University presented to West Goshen supervisors their plan to install modular dorm units on the M-1 parking lot off of Matlack Street. In doing so they were requesting an amendment to the Zoning Code that would allow student housing in the Planned University Overlay District’s District Class 2. Housing is currently prohibited in this area. As WCU attorney Brian Nagle described it, the units would provide “temporary housing to cover a shortfall of housing and a need for temporary housing to upgrade current facilities.” In other words, if we want West Chester to fix housing on campus, they are going to need a place to put students in the meantime.

The modular dorm community would include 20 smaller five-bed units, one larger 28-bed unit, and an amenities building with laundry, vending machines, and a communal study area. In total, the temporary community would provide housing for 128 upper-class students while the University works through long-term solutions.

While perhaps not everything a township could want, Mr. Nagle made the case it was pretty close. He pointed out the area is already paved and not adjacent to many neighbors. There is plenty of parking in the area so nearby facilities would not be impacted and the complex would be oriented toward High Street. The Borough has previously requested students avoid traveling along Walnut St especially late at night. In addition to the modular units, WCU is also planning to add a late-night shuttle that will run from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. It will have five stops and go from downtown West Chester to popular on- and off-campus housing areas, like The Edge - and soon, the M1 lot. According to Mr. Nagle, the shuttle would run every 20 minutes in hopes of capturing “all the students coming out of the bar when they close.”

Modular housing is becoming an increasingly common solution for universities looking to accommodate quickly growing class sizes or house students during a building renovation. Tuft’s University added 150 dorm rooms via modular units in 2022 after admitting a larger-than-expected incoming class. Virginia State University used modular construction to add 268 beds last fall. The university saw it as an “affordable on-campus housing option” and a way to manage growing enrollment.

Module solutions, while becoming popular go-tos for universities, have not buffered them from criticism for not properly planning, a finding I am sure West Chester can attest to.

“This is a problem of your own making,” said Mr. Walsh. “It’s been a problem for over three years and you’re just now starting on the Master Plan.”

Master Plans

Plans to convert the Quality Inn to temporary housing were scrapped last year after renovation estimates deemed the project to be too costly.

Despite raising concerns about traffic, parking, and yes, planning it does appear as if Township Supervisors will give the proposed ordinance a hearing. Township legal council is currently working to amend the proposed ordinance to add provisions that will give Supervisors more recourse should deadlines start to slip. Once that is done a hearing is expected to be held on Apr. 2, although this is hardly a wholehearted stamp of approval to proceed. The modular development will still need to go through the building approval process where it can expect to face tough questions about parking, traffic, and resident disruption - none of which the University believes will be a problem.

The other thing to remember is - this is temporary.

“There will be more housing on campus. This is temporary,” Mr. Nagle told the supervisors in definitive statements. “It will be on the locations designated on the master plan. Probably most of that is going to be in the Borough.”

A housing master plan is expected from the University in the fall.

Want more on how campus housing works and how we got here? This article is a pretty good breakdown (if I do say so myself.)

Restaurant Inspection Reports - February

Santino’s Tap & Table on E. Market St.

Spring cleaning is coming early for several West Chester restaurants. Here’s whom Chester County Health Inspectors will be keeping an eye on in March.

Mercato Ristorante and Bar, 33 Market St. out, 20 violations including prepared food items not being held at safe temperatures - these were discarded during the inspection; prepared food items stored without date markings; employees not wearing hair coverings; and a variety of cleaning tasks including fan covers, the espresso machine, the inside of the microwave, and the drying racks.

West Chester Diner, 1147 West Chester Pike, out 10 violations including a bucket of chicken thawing in water on the floor by the dishwasher. According to the report, this is “an improper thawing method and location.” I think I could have told you that. There was also evidence of an employee smoking in the kitchen and the flat grill, waffle maker, and the mainline bain marie were all in need of cleaning.

Santino’s Tap & Table, 40 E. Market St., out, 18 violations including multiple sauces and partially cooked chicken wings beyond their expiration dates, open steaks stored uncovered in a freezer, and biofilm buildup found on an ice chute and two soda gun holders. Biofilms can contain pathogens, according to the report. Both were ordered to be cleaned immediately.

Tonito’s Pizza, 303 W. Boot Rd, out, 15 violations including an employee touching food with bare hands, pizza toppings stored without a proper cover, and a can opener and meat slicer with food residue on them. They were both ordered cleaned immediately

Stumpy’s Hatchet House, 706 E. Market St., out, 9 violations including drink mixers stored at room temperature despite labels noting they need to be refrigerated after opening and concession floors and countertops in need of a good scrub.

Cakes and Candies by Mary Ellen, 1334 West Chester Pike, out, 6 violations including employees not wearing proper hair restraints and non-food contact surfaces in need of a cleaning.

Capt’n Chucky’s Crab Cake Co., 1165 Wilmington Pike, out, 2 violations including pre-packaged crab bowls without preparation dates and frozen lobster cakes without ingredient lists on the label.

Also, from last month Thomas’ Dairy Queen, The Social Lounge, Vano’s Pizza, Sunoco, Chris’ Pizza, Pizza West Chester, and Ground Provisions are all back in compliance without a single violation among them. All your Amish Market favorites are also back in the good graces of the Health Department. So enjoy!

You can find all the restaurant inspection reports here. Search by location for more details.

The Warnings.

Parking spots near the Post Office on Walnut St. have been eliminated to make room for hotel construction.

Parking spots near the Gay St. Post Office are gone (for now). Late last week, West Chester Police Information Officer Dave March announced lane changes to the 100 block of N. Walnut Street. To make room for hotel construction, parking spots adjacent to the Post Office have been removed and southbound traffic shifted to the left. The change is expected to last several months.

That mud doesn’t belong in this creek. Local legislators expressed concern this week after apparent drilling clay was found at Marsh Creek. Bentonite clay was found near a drilling site used during the construction of the Mariner East Pipeline. The clay has since found its way into the nearby lake and its tributaries. “Nearly two years after Sunoco/Energy Transfer Partners completed drilling operations near Marsh Creek State Park, the aftermath of pipeline construction continues to impact our streams and waterways in Chester County,” the officials said in a statement.

“This is an important reminder that the environmental and health impacts of pipeline construction don’t end when a pipeline is done,” the statement continued. The officials which include State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, State Sen. Katie Muth, and State Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten indicated they will be working with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to ensure cleanup is completed with minimal disruption.

Mail theft. This week Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police reported several incidents of mail theft in the area of Pleasant Grove and surrounding communities. A dark-colored sedan was seen taking envelopes directly from resident mailboxes.

Keep all potentially toxic chemicals in the trunk. West Chester Fire Department was called to assist with a medical incident in Thornbury Township this week. Firefighters arrived to find the driver having trouble breathing after traveling in a vehicle with cleaning rags inside.

Beware of falling signs. Wonder if it was this week’s wind or the force of uniform two-stepping?

The Accolades.

Chef Vincenzo Tettamanti putting the finishing touches on his award winning Ricotta, Rosemary and Honey Gelato. Image: @gemelligelato

This week a round of applause for Gemelli Chef Vincenzo Tettamanti. He competed at the Gelato Festival World Masters regional competition for a chance to showcase his signature, from-scratch gelato this fall in Los Angeles - and well, he won!

“We brought a very complex & unique flavor like our Fresh Ricotta, Rosemary & Raw honey! It was a lot of fun & we ended up in second place overall,” he shared on Instagram.

To participate chefs had to whip up completely original recipes and subject them to the scrutiny of discerning judges. This week the Gemelli chef and owner found himself up against some of Philadelphia’s best including Chef Angela Cicala of Cicala and Chef Justine Macneil of Fiore. Come this fall he’ll take on the country and beyond!

Also, this week - a round of applause to:

East Academic team. The team sailed through the early rounds of the CCIU Chester County Academic Championship winning by 150 and 50 in rounds one and two respectively. Up next - the finals!
Deep runs. The Rustin Girl’s basketball team pulled off the upset over second-seeded East on Tuesday to take third place in the District 1 5A championship. That same night Henderson boys lost a close one to Garnett Valley. The defeat ended their District 1 6A championship hopes but they did stay in long enough to qualify for the state tournament. They play Chester at home tonight for third place.
Whitney Evans. The Henderson girls' basketball team's senior guard was named Player of the Week by PHL17. Reporters visited the school early this week to talk with Whitney. Her story will air on Monday morning. In the meantime, the Warriors have work to do. They take on Kennett at home on Saturday. A win is good for 9th place in the district tournament.
East Goshen Township Park. East Goshen has been named the premiere location for the state’s first High School Pickleball Championships. The tournament is being held on May 18. Competition is open to all high school pickleball players of an intermediate level or above.
Mrs. Jennifer Gallagher. The popular Henderson ELS teacher has been tapped as Fugett Middle School’s next assistant principal. “Her dedication to the success and well-being of our students, coupled with her proven leadership skills, makes her an invaluable addition to the FMS leadership team," Fugett Principal Steve Werner said in a statement.
Wheelhouse. The popular sports cards and memorabilia shop with a location in West Chester was recently featured on CBS News Philadelphia. Owner Charles Kapp appeared on air to discuss the growing popularity of card collecting and discuss a Kevin Hart-Topps Series collab. The shop at 1518 Paoli Pike stocks officially licensed sports gear and, of course, a wide selection of collectible sports cards from baseball, basketball, and football

Hello.

A hotel is being proposed on Carter Dr. near the University.

West Chester may be saying hello, to a new 200-room hotel at 205 Carter Drive. Earlier this week developers presented their case for additional short-term lodging to the West Goshen Zoning Hearing Board. While the lot currently sits vacant, the replacement proposal brings with it some risks.

Issues of noted concern:

The building lies in a floodplain. While developers have indicated they would upgrade existing stormwater management basins to current standards, several variances are needed to make building in the area possible.

Traffic and access. While the majority of hotel traffic will be directed to S.Matlack St, West Chester residents, especially those in the nearby Second Ward, have raised concerns about a planned emergency access road that would connect the property to Rosedale Ave.

As presented the three-story hotel would sit on 5.29 acres, accommodate roughly 400 guests, and provide 220 onsite parking spaces. Developers outlined five zoning code variances they would need to make it happen. The Zoning Board now has 45 days to decide whether thumbs up or thumbs down the requests.

Read more on this project in the Daily Local.

Hello, it’s also what dozens of employers hope to be saying soon to their new summer interns. This week West Chester University held its annual spring on-campus job and internship fair. Roughly 150 employers from small nonprofits to large corporations set up booths in the University’s Student Recreation Center.

“In today’s technologically advanced, complex job markets, employers want their employees to have skills that cannot be replaced by Artificial Intelligence,” said WCU Twardowski Career Development Center Director Jennifer Rossi Long. She encourages students to highlight skills that are “inherently human” such as interpersonal communication, creativity, problem-solving, and empathy.

While the Development Center focuses on applicant readiness, employers too will need to bring their “A” game. Drexel University’s Annual College Hiring Outlook report found graduates with a bachelor's degree can expect to see a five percent increase in hiring opportunities as compared to last year. This means more competition and higher compensation for top talent.

Employers seeking to land the best would be advised to highlight their work culture and company beliefs. According to the University, many students express being equally interested in making sure a potential employer’s values match their own as in finding a job.

Finally, say welcome back to the East Goshen Township Park Camp Out. Now in its second year, the family-friendly campout promises moon bounces, bonfires, s'mores, movies, and more. Tickets are $65 per campsite and available now for Township residents. They will open to the general public on Mar. 8.

And for all you cash-strapped night owls, the park is looking for a few volunteers to keep an eye on things during the overnight hours. Offer up your services and they’ll comp you your campsite fee. If you’re interested in checking it out, get on it now. Registration is limited to 200 families.

Goodbye.

The Prana House on S. High St. is facing tough times.

The Prana House is looking to save its soul - or at least its space on S. High. This week the herbal apothecary and wellness center launched a GoFundMe hoping to raise enough money to preserve its space and sustain its staff.

“While we have tried our best to navigate the economic uncertainty and life challenges of the past few years, we now find ourselves faced with financial constraints that threaten not only the physical space we currently inhabit but also the livelihoods of the individuals who pour their hearts and souls into making The Prana House what it is,” wrote Prana House founder and owner Jacque Maldonado.

According to the campaign, she is looking to raise $53,000 total including $33,000 to cover property maintenance and improvement costs and $20,000 to help offer fair compensation to her staff.

So, far the group has raised $6,900. If you would like to give, you can do so at the link above. While I am sure we would all love to see the Prana House stay on High St., it is not clear from the petition how a short-term infusion of cash will help the wellness center sustain long-term.

Also, it’s bye-bye bathrooms. if you’re taking advantage of warming temps to head to East Goshen Park be prepared to hold it. This week we learned both park bathrooms are closed for repairs. No details were given as to when they can be expected to reopen.

Pay It Forward.

Who’s got the blue ribbon cake? West Chester Co-op’s community Bake Off takes place this weekend.

You know your potluck future is set once you’ve concocted a dish worthy of public acclaim. This Sunday at the Masonic Lodge on Church Street West Chester’s best amateur bakers are hoping theirs is the blue-ribbon bake but first, they will have to put their creations out for the discriminating public to enjoy. It's a trait that seems to come naturally to bakers.

“I usually make things and give them to other people,” said first-time Bake Off participant Kyle Knox.

Stephanie Carbaugh is also new to the competition but not to sharing her baked goods. “I bring my cakes to work to share with the team,” she said.

The bakers are coming out in support of the West Chester Cooperative, a nonprofit group working to establish a member-owned grocery store in the Borough. The group has been steadily progressing toward their goal of a walkable shopping experience for nearly a decade now. Most recently they approved the execution of a market research and feasibility study.

West Chester Co-op Board President Renee Ryan will be among the bakers securing aprons and heading into battle this weekend. This will be her second time participating.

“I have always loved cooking and experimenting,” she said. “I think that comes from my grandma.” But baking is only part of the weekend for Renee. “This is number one about outreach, number two a community event, and number three, a fundraiser,” she said of her goals for the weekend.

You can’t move on to the “secure site” stage of the plan without a few funds and a few more member-owners.

For the competition, Renee is planning to contribute two dishes. One will be savory in honor of her background as a one-time American Cheese Society certified cheese professional (yes, it is a thing). The other will be chocolate. She plans to dust off her grandma’s chocolate pear tart recipe, a recipe she last used in a high school baking competition.

“I am going to bring that recipe out of retirement,” she said. “I wanted to do something really creative and the presentation is so gorgeous.”

Kyle is also turning to a loved one for his recipe selection. What are you making, I asked?

“My pecan bars. It was my mother’s [recipe]. It was my favorite as a kid,” he said. “Now all my friends love them and they all want them. It’s kind of become a running joke [when I ask what they want me to make].” The bars are so requested they have even made their way into a few local recipe books.

While Kyle is sticking with a proven classic, Stephanie is hoping to stand out with something a little different.

“I am making a Pavlova for the Bake Off,” she shared. If you are not familiar, a Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert popular in Australia and New Zealand. It features a crisp exterior, marshmallowy insides, and a fruit and whipped cream topping.

“It’s kind of different. It’s still a kind of cake but I am hoping it will stand out from all the other cakes. It’s tried and true for me. It’s a crowd-pleaser,” said Stephanie who is excited for the weekend.

“This will be my first time [going to the Bake Off]. I just think [having a locally-owned grocery store] would be so cool and another thing to set our town apart from others in the Philly-burbs.”

The Bake Off is being held on Mar. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge on N. Church Street. Tickets are $15/person which will get you a taste of everything. There will also be a “Kid’s Corner” with a cookie decorating activity.

Looking for ways to give back? Here are a few with something in it for you!

The Christ Community Church is holding a Jewelry and Handbag Sale on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. All proceeds go to support She is Safe.
My Advocacy supports the special needs community. They are hosting an anniversary event on Saturday at A Child's Light from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. They are here to help parents and caretakers navigate the special needs world. Babysitting will be provided. Email [email protected] for more info.
Sweet Charity
West Chester's Sunrise Rotary is running a pop-up Spring Flower and Home Market fundraiser at the Exton Mall. Stop by Mar 6 - 10 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for silk flowers, vases, decor, and more.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Mar 7 @ 7 pm: Better Than Bacon featuring The Bits!

Mar 9 @ 12:30 pm: 2024 Future Stars Benefit, "This is Me"

Fun times ahead starting Thursday with everyone’s favorite improv troupe! Then on Saturday, party with tomorrow’s talent at the Future Stars benefit. Buffet lunch and mimosas included. Get your tickets now!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Gay and High Streets

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to take advantage of Restaurant Week to finagle a family night out. Then on Sunday, we will be out at United Sports (again) cheering loudly as our third grader competes in his basketball league’s championship game.

If you are around this weekend, Rose’s Little Donuts has brought back their coffee donut - yum, Opa has a Rosemary Paloma that will have you thinking spring and West Chester Pizza Cafe dropped a new menu. Plus, it’s First Friday Downtown - and seeing green? You sure are, the 15th Annual West Chester Celtic Crawl is Saturday.

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.

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!

Securities Offered Through The Investment Center, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

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Mark your calendars:

Mar. 1 - First Friday, Downtown West Chester. Enjoy free street-level, metered parking after 5 p.m. There will also be a Jazz Concert at Windish Studios starting at 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 1 - Drum Circle with Sherrie Maricle, Windish Studios, 4 W. Prescott Alley, 4 - 5 p.m. Sherrie will hold a drum clinic focusing on "Creative Considerations for Improvising on the Drum Set." Participants will need to bring drum sticks and a practice pad. Tickets: $10/adults; $7/student
Mar. 1 - West Chester Jazz Orchestra with Joanna Pascale, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Joanna is described as a singer of sophisticated taste, profound expressiveness, and raw emotion. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door. Plus $5 service fee.
Mar. 2 - West Chester Community Jewelry and Handbag Sale, Christ Community Church, 1190 Phoenixville Pike, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. All proceeds go to support She is Safe.
Mar. 2 - My Advocacy's First Anniversary Event, A Child's Light, 1444 Phoenixville Pk, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Need help navigating the special needs world? Free event includes advocacy consultations, refreshments and a provider meet and greet. Plus, free babysitting will be provided. For more information email: [email protected]
Mar. 2 - 15th Annual West Chester Celtic Crawl, Baranaby's, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dress in your celtic best and hit Baranaby's, Mas, Santino's, and Kildare's. Tickets: $20 and includes drink specials. Sign up by Feb. 26 and get an official Celtic Crawl t-shirt.
Mar. 2 - West Chester Growers' Winter Market, corner of Church & Chestnut Sts, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The market is open rain, snow or shine.
Mar. 2 - Live Music - JP McGrath, Hop Fidelity, 7 p.m. Enjoy some blues, bluegrass and ragtime while browsing vinyl and enjoying a pint.
Mar. 2 - Whammer Jammer: J Geils Tribute Band, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Boston’s own Tribute to The Mighty J. Geils Band is an Experience not just a show. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/at the door. Plus $5 service fee.
Mar. 3 - West Chester Bake-Off 2024, Masonic Lodge, 10 N. Church St, 1 - 3 p.m. Who's the best baker in West Chester? West Co-op is going to find out. $15 gets you entrance and a chance to sample all the entries. There will also be a cookie decorating center for the kids.
Mar. 3 - Magic: The Gathering, Artillery Brewing Company, 12 - 4 p.m. Held every Sunday. Bring your own deck or play with one of their starter decks.
Mar. 4 - $5 Movie Monday: Sing Street, Uptown Theater, 7:00 p.m. Includes popcorn!
Mar. 6 - 10 - Spring Flower and Home Market, Exton Mall (2nd Floor near Boscov's), 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Silk flowers, vases, decor and more. Proceeds benefit West Chester's Sunrise Rotary and Wings for Success.
Mar. 6 - Candlelit Yoga, Mayday, 123 N. High St, 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. 60 minutes of vinyasa flow yoga + 10 minutes of meditation. All levels welcome. Tickets: $18
Mar. 7 - St. Paddy's Day Party Fundraiser, Kildare's Irish Pub, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a fantastic lineup of entertainment, delicious food, raffles and of course, plenty of Guinness (Cash bar). Tickets: $20 - all proceeds go to support Safe Harbor
Mar. 7 - Better Than Bacon, Uptown Theater, 7 p.m. Improv comedy courtesy of West Chester's favorite improv group. Tickets: $25/advance; $30/at the door. Plus $5/service fee. If you want to go, hurry. Limited seats remain!
Mar. 9 - St. Agnes School Family Fun Run, St. Agnes, 8:45 a.m. - 11 a.m. 5K race starts outside St. Agnes at 9 a.m. Kids fun run at 8:45 a.m. Tickets: $25/5K adult; $15/5K 18 and under; $10/kids fun run. All proceeds benefit St. Agnes School.
Mar. 9 - Saturn V Rocket Workshop, American Helicopter Museum, 1 -3 p.m. Take a closer look at one of the most powerful rockets ever, the Saturn V. Do hands-on experiments to learn just why this rocket was able to get us to the moon. Tickets: $30 - ages 8 - 13
Mar. 9 - 2024 Future Stars Benefit, Uptown Theater, 12:30 - 5 p.m. Witness the brilliance of our hometown Future Stars, as they showcase their talent and creativity. Includes buffet lunch, complimentary wine, beer and mimosas, coffee and desserts. All proceeds go to support Uptown's youth education programming. $40/adults; $20/kids 12 and under.
Mar. 10 - Seven Pines Apothecary Pop-up event, Pine + Quill, 23 N. Walnut St., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Mar. 10 - Open Mic hosted by John Faye, align.Space, 7 p.m. The featured artist is local favorite Elise Acoustic.
Mar. 10 - West Chester Dance Works 2024 Spring Concert, Uptown Theater, 3 p.m. Join West Chester Dance Works (WCDW) for their Annual Spring Concert and Fundraiser. It's an afternoon of dance that will energize, engage and lift your spirits with performances from 5 WCDW groups. General admission: $30/advance; $35/door

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

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

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