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It’s Friday, March 15, 2024: This week I chatted with West Chester’s new Chief of Police. His thoughts on crime rates in the Borough and where he sees policing going in the future. Plus, we are getting a new mural, the West Chester Rotary Club drops a chili bomb and could Ice Cream West Chester be a thing?

But first, a comment I received last week from a reader near Veteran’s Park.

“Having just read your article on parks I wanted to give some context regarding Veteran’s Park which is basically behind our house. While it may have been empty when you visited, and it is never crowded, it is in fact used by the neighborhood kids pretty much daily.  After school, there are usually kids around, as well as parents who live in the immediate area with little ones. In the summer they're playing in the park and biking and running through the alley and nearby blocks, throughout the day. It reminds me of my childhood in NYC when we kids had the whole neighborhood as our playground but with a park as a central location. It is well-used. It is a small neighborhood gem used by people who live nearby vs. a destination park that people will travel from other parts of the borough to visit like they might for Everhardt or Hoopes and I think that’s just about right given its size.”

Just want to share because it sounds like I may have caught Veteran’s Park on an off day. Not lonely at all. And not to say any of the parks don’t have their fans and their families. Just more of a reminder that there are a lot more options out there than the three that seem to get the bulk of the attention  Thanks, Yvette for sharing.

Ok, now, who’s ready? Let’s catch up.

Real Talk: A Chat with West Chester Chief of Police Joshua Lee

Last week, Chief Lee shared his thoughts for the department with the West Chester Rotary Club.

For years now the crime rate in West Chester has been going down. Yet, if you are doing research before interviewing West Chester’s new police chief you are going to quickly learn that it’s still not very good. At least not according to crime aggregate site analysis. CrimeGrade.org gives us a “D-”.

“The crime rate in West Chester is considerably higher than the national average,” states Neighborhood Scout. “Although at 17 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate.” Well, I guess that’s good.

However, as a resident and a mom with three young kids - some of whom have been found roaming the neighborhood - living here doesn’t feel like those sites would suggest. So, I bring the site statistics up to West Chester Police Chief Joshua Lee.

Is West Chester a safe place to live? I ask.

“Absolutely. We are in the best place,” he says reassuringly. We are sitting with PIO Dave March in the Chief’s immaculate - and recently redecorated - corner office. He has his wife to thank for the softening touches.

Crime numbers are high because, as Chief Lee puts it, we are in a “very unique area.” West Chester is one of only a few places in the county that even approaches an urban area. Then, tack on our vibrant downtown, events, and a sizable university, and we are quickly a much bigger municipality than our official census count of 18,631 would suggest. You then have to take into consideration what accounts for those numbers. Of the 1500-plus crimes reported in 2023, roughly 75 percent of them were Part II or nuisance crimes like public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, both of which saw an increase last year.

“It’s much more less serious crimes than in other areas,” explains Chief Lee. “But when those terrible things do happen we do an excellent job of investigating and clearing,” he says. (Editor’s note: clearing is police speak for solving the case. In February, West Chester cleared 75 percent of its cases. That is high, even for the WCPD which according to Chief Lee clears on average between 60 and 65 percent of its cases. For perspective, in 2022, the national clearance rate for violent crimes was 36.7 percent; 12 percent for property crimes.)

It’s a success rate that can serve as a deterrent, especially for those outside the area eyeing an easy target in a wealthy county. “We are a destination. Everyone wants a piece of West Chester. We can do as much as we can to be a destination but we want to do that safely,” says Chief Lee.

That goes for the Open Air Market, the festivals, races, and events. “Our goal,” he says, “is always how can we do it as safely as possible.”

Staying the course

After 24 years on the force, Sgt. Lee accepted the position of Chief in December and assumed the duties and physical office in January. He now sits behind the desk used by his predecessors James Morehead and Scott Bonn.

“It’s been the same desk for 20-plus years,” he says.  

As a longtime force insider and, one suspects, in-putter into the current policing strategy, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the new chief doesn’t have any major overhauls planned. “The ship is pointing in the right direction. There are no big changes in the works, but I do plan on “enhancing” some things if that is the right word,” he says.

It may be his first official interview as Chief of Police but his words, or at least his messages, are clear, so I am guessing the intent is the right one.  

A few minutes later, a potential “enhancement" comes to light. It is around communication - specifically crime status updates from the police to the residents. We were discussing the spree of burglaries that plagued the southwest quadrant of the Borough last fall.

“I think what sets people uneasy is when they just don’t think something is happening,” he says. It’s an astute observation and challenge for the department as it seeks to balance transparency and the constraints of police work. “Sometimes we have to keep secrets when we are investigating,” says Chief Lee. However, that unease seems to find solace among the company of neighbors on community sites and Facebook pages where information is not always based on the full truth.

“One of the things we will improve is our foundation for communicating,” he says. However no news, Chief Lee stresses, doesn’t mean, no action. “That’s just never happening,” he says.

Action - from the official to the organic - seems to be a bit of a theme for the department, especially of its 44 officers.

“I encourage our officers to get out. Eat lunch downtown or grab a coffee,”  he says.  “I don’t want an officer stuck in a car or at the station. I mean it when I say, we really want to be the best we can be. We need to hear from the community when we do it right and when we can do it better.”

Resource officers

Photo bombed: Chief Lee wants his officers out engaging with the community rather than stuck behind a desk.

Last year, West Chester and Westown/East Goshen, joined West Goshen and the West Chester Area School District in expanding the resource officer program to all three district high schools. Since January of last year, a West Chester police officer has had an office in Henderson High School. So far the program has proven a success.

“It’s a great example of what we do,” says Chief Lee. “We have the right person in the position and the students have received it very well.”

“I would love for it to expand. I would love to have an officer in every school that wants one,” he says.  

These actions, or interactions, are clearly important to Chief Lee and vital to community policing, at which West Chester is among the best.

“I couldn’t ask for a better partnership,” he says. The phrase comes easy and you can tell he’s not consulting notes or even speaking from his last two months as chief. It comes from the 20-plus years he spent out on the street chatting with residents, taking statements, liaising with community groups, and listening to concerns. And probably even before that, when as the son of a West Chester University professor he would come to town and campus with his father.

“By and large, as a community we really have each other’s best interests at heart,” he says. “It’s not how it is everywhere else, but maybe they can learn something from us.”

I think in the end, that is it: a bunch of neighbors who have each other's backs. That is what explains the discrepancy between what the crime numbers say and how the crime numbers feel.

A big thank you to Chief Lee for his time. This week - and the last 26 years - West Chester’s safety, it seems, is in capable hands.

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The Warnings.

Do not answer that call. Earlier this year, Citadel Federal Credit Union reported thieves stole account information and made off with thousands of dollars from member accounts. Now, West Chester Chief Information Security Officer Bill Mann is reporting that the scam may have moved into phase two.

“This weekend one of my sons was hit with a scam from Citadel Federal Credit Union. This occurred in the same 24-hour period of a family friend,” he shared in his weekly Cyber Security newsletter. After initially having their data comprised in the initial breach both subsequently received fake follow-up calls from “Citadel Customer Service” allegedly checking in on the status of their accounts.

“Please use extra caution when receiving these types of phone calls and verify independently. If you are a Citadel Federal Credit Union customer, be especially cautious as I believe there could be something going on with their security,” Mr. Mann warned. FYI - here is how to safely reach their security team if you have a question.

Do answer this one. Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police are seeking community assistance in identifying two individuals wanted in connection with an identity theft incident that occurred in West Goshen earlier this week. The couple reportedly used the victim’s information to open numerous credit cards. If you recognize either individual, share your info with the WEGO police at 610-455-6082 or use the form to submit an anonymous tip.

Watch your green beer consumption. This week Good Fellowship Ambulance reported an increase in calls from West Chester University. “In February, one in five calls were from the WCU campus, which is high,” EMS Chief Chaz Brogan told the Borough’s Public Safety Committee on Wednesday. This follows an uptick last year as well. According to Chief Brogan, the majority of calls involve alcohol overdoses, especially on weekends. While call increases could just parallel the increase in students, it is something they are keeping an eye on. Chief Brogon also noted that the ambulance company will be staffing up ahead of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. “We can normally predict our busier weekends, and this is one of them,” he said.

There is help available. Earlier this month, West Chester police arrested Marc Loper of West Chester on domestic violence charges including strangulation, simple assault, and harassment. If you find yourself in an unsafe situation, know it is never your fault and someone is always here to help. Call 610-431-1430, day or night. If you are in immediate danger call or text 9-1-1.

Serial alergist wanted. Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police are seeking community assistance in identifying a male subject wanted for the theft of $2300 in over-the-counter medications from the Rite Aid on West Chester Pike. The suspect, who is wanted for questioning in connection with other area thefts, is believed to live in the area of West Chester Pike or Manely Road. If you recognize him or have any information about the incident contact the WEGO PD at 610-455-6082.

Borough employees, they’re just like us. West Chester Borough employees will now be responsible for paying any traffic citations and parking tickets received while operating a Borough vehicle. This was just one of several changes the Borough is recommending to its Personnel Policy manual. Borough Council is expected to vote on the recommendations next week.

The Accolades.

West Chester East Hackers present at Girls Hackathon. Photo: WCASD Facebook

This week a shoutout to the West Chester East Hackers. In February, the team of 12 lady Vikings secured first place at Lower Merion High School’s Girls Hackathon, an event that promotes and encourages women in Computer Science and STEM.

The East Hackers presented a meticulously designed and built project and earned the team five programmable drones from Susquehanna International Group on the Main Line.

The district called the performance, “an impressive win in a challenging competition.”

The girls were back at it last week participating in the school’s fourth annual Viking Coding Contest at West Chester University. Over 50 teams competed to crack nine complex coding questions. No word yet on how the home team fared.

What else we are celebrating this week:

Cheese steaks. Or should I just say, steaks. This week the Philadelphia Inquirer went on record with its 15 best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia right now and, as the Philadelphia paper of record perhaps it is not surprising that 13 of the locations hail from within the borders of the City of Brotherly Love. For two, however, they were willing to travel a little farther. One was in N.J. the other right here on Market Street. Right there among the Jim’s and Joe’s and Max’s with its simple straight-forward ingredients and a show-stopping roll from La Baguette Magique, is Steaks West Chester.  

Patient safety. This week Healthgrades, the leading online resource for physicians and hospitals, dug through its data and started handing out a few awards - one was for patient safety, the other for patient experience. Of the 444 hospitals reviewed nationwide, 79 received both awards. Of those 18 were in Pennsylvania and one in Chester County. I think you know where I am going with this.  Cheers to Chester County Hospital for their ongoing commitment to the patient.

Generous alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and neighbors. This week West Chester University announced it significantly surpassed its Day of Giving fundraising goal. Established in 2020, the Day of Giving is a 24-hour fundraising event that raises money for the causes that matter most to the WCU community. This year’s Day of Giving was held on Mar. 1 and raised a whopping $237,165. For perspective that’s a 40 percent increase over last year. This year’s top award winners included Women’s Rugby, Lacrosse, and the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band.

An exciting winter sports season. This week winter sports wrapped up for most athletes. While it may not have been everything everyone hoped for, there were still a lot of great moments. Congratulations to all athletes on another great season - and on to spring! Speaking of…

WCU Baseball. Ready for a day at the ballpark? Well, you don’t have to go far for a good game. West Chester University’s Baseball Team is currently ranked 13th in the nation according to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association. The Golden Rams debuted three weeks ago at 21 and have been climbing steadily ever since. (Hopefully, I didn’t just jinx them.)  

Hello.

The Master Baker is looking to add a little color to its east-facing wall.

As if the Borough wasn’t pretty enough, we could be getting ready to say hello to another public art project. This week Borough Council’s Smart Growth Committee unanimously approved a new mural planned for the east-facing side of the Master Baker building at 319 W. Gay Street.

According to the application, the mural by artist Erica DeHart “depicts a large bay window with a collection of colorful native flowers and a few wedding cakes.” The project is presented as if you were inside the bakery looking through a massive window. Outside the “window “ looks out onto a section of modern-day West Market Street with the Courthouse clocktower visible in the distance.

Artist rendering of the proposed mural for the Master Baker building.

The project will go before the full Council next week for final approval but with three votes already and the endorsement of West Chester’s Public Arts Commission, I think it’s pretty safe to say, we are getting a new mural!

Also, it’s hello to more home-grown vegetable moments courtesy of Safe Harbor, the Melton Center, and the Rustin boys basketball team.

“Heartfelt moments from the weekend as the Rustin basketball team got hands-on with the community, taking part in a transformative garden expansion at the Melton Center in collaboration with Safe Harbor Shelter. This initiative bridges the community and shelter, creating spaces to garden and cherish the outdoors together,” Ches-Mont League shared on their Facebook page.

The groups are working together to expand the Melton Center’s onsite garden capacity. New this year will be additional raised beds, a garden shed, fencing, and a mobile greenhouse.

And finally, mark your calendars, Serum Kitchen and Tap House is coming (real) soon.

Goodbye.

A scene from what may have been our last Chili Fest. :(

I am shedding a tear over here. I just learned that we may have seen our last West Chester Chili Cook-Off.

“Today we’re going public with our Rotary Club of West Chester’s decision to stop producing the West Chester Chili Cook-Off,” Rotary board member Jeff Cantwell shared in an email this morning. Attached to the email there was a release that read:

“The Rotary Club of West Chester will not be producing a 2024 Chili Cook-Off. After 21 years of bringing this popular, annual event to the Borough of West Chester, members of the Rotary Club of West Chester find it has outgrown our Club’s capacity to manage.”

Over the years, the community street fair has grown into a signature of the West Chester fall season drawing between 8,000 and 10,000 attendees to Gay Street each October and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to the benefit of dozens of area nonprofits. So, while their time might be done, the Rotary really hopes this is not the end of West Chester’s chili adventures.

“We hope to find another party or parties to continue the event, but so far, our discussions have not identified someone willing to step up,” said Jeff. “Part of our motive for going public is the hope that some group will say: “aha!” and get in touch with us.”

So, if you are part of an organization that needs a signature event and is ready for a profitable challenge, send Jeff an email. The Rotarians are ready to support you in any way you need to keep this beloved West Chester tradition going.

As for what they will be doing next, that is still TBD - but from a group that has led Brian’s Run and the Chili Cook-Off, I am sure it will be amazing.

It’s also goodbye, to the Juice Pod. The short-lived N. Church Street juice bar has closed its doors after just over a year. Started in Avalon in 2016, the franchise promised raw juices, superfood smoothies, and locally sourced, organic bowls. While it had its fans, it never really seemed to distinguish itself in West Chester’s crowded food scene.

That is not something that has been a problem for the location’s new owner - West Chester restaurant mogul in the making, Speer Madanat. According to internet chatter, Speer is looking to add “Ice Cream” to his line-up of plainly named food shops. With Pizza and Steaks, he’s found success simplifying the process and refocusing on the basics. It will be interesting to see if he takes the same approach with ice cream. Will it be chocolate or vanilla? Who knows, but an early post on the West Chester Community Facebook page is already creating a lot of buzz. Another one of his signatures.  

This week it’s also goodbye and good luck to two long-time contributors to the West Chester Community.

West Chester Police Officer Lt. Marty Deighan ended his 36-year career with the department on Friday. Marty began his career in 1988 as a patrolman. Over the next quarter century, he would advance through the ranks being named Lieutenant in 2017 and serving in the department’s narcotics division.  

“I miss Marty every day,” West Chester Police Chief Joshua Lee told Borough Council Members this week at the Public Safety meeting.

Also retiring is West Chester University staff photographer Erica Thompson. She is calling it quits after taking nearly 60,000 photos of the university, the students, and beyond. “A lot goes on and I get to be privy to everything that is happening,” she told the Daily Local’s Bill Rettew in an interview for a profile that appeared earlier this week. While at West Chester, she documented the demolition of the campus coal power plant, the transition to sustainable energy, and the construction of the new science and engineering center. An exhibit of her work is currently on display at WCU’s Department of Art+Design at Knauer Gallery.  

Pay It Forward.

Every year for the last several years, Rustin, East, and Henderson students, current and past, have been digging through their closets and parting ways with their old prom dresses, shoes, and accessories. The items are then gathered and staged in each school’s library. In the weeks before the big dance, the libraries transform into impromptu “Prom Shops,” whose merchandise is free for the taking.  

“The kids really appreciate it and some beautiful dresses are donated each year,” said West Chester Area School District Communication Manager Molly Schwemler.

The tradition is continuing this year with all shops reportedly open to shoppers. “Thank you so much for reaching out and shouting out our prom shops. The shop at East High School is up and running,” said East Librarian Adrienne Matjasic. East will be accepting donations through April 26.

“We’re up and running now! Still receiving donations,” added Rustin Librarian Sarah Krause. “We do dresses, accessories and shoes. The kids seem to enjoy browsing already!”

Henderson Librarian Cathy Jakubowski also has her shop open as well and says she is always open to donations. “I pretty much collect donations year-round for both prom and homecoming,” she says but she prefers to stick to dresses and accessories finding unclaimed shoes too hard to store.  

New and gently used prom donations can be dropped off during school hours (7:30 a.m. - 2:15) at the front office of any of the three area high schools.

East and Rustin’s Junior Proms will be held on April 13. Henderson will hold its Junior prom on May 4. East will hold its Senior Prom on May 3 while Rustin and Henderson will hold theirs on May 17.  

Who can help?

• West Chester Friends has put out an urgent request for household essentials. Most needed items include cleaning supplies, trash cans, pillows, mops, brooms, and toilet paper. Donations can be dropped off at 113 W. Chestnut St. or ordered online and sent to the nonprofit directly. Find a complete list of needed items here.

• Also, State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s Diaper Drive continues. You can drop off new diapers of all sizes, as well as other new baby supplies like wipes, onesies, bottles, bibs, burp cloths, hats and socks, and bath supplies at Carolyn’s West Chester District Office at 17 E. Gay St.

The Weekend Marquee by Uptown

Mar. 21: Young Dubliners @ 7:30 pm 

Mar. 23: Constantine Maroulis @ 7:30 pm 

It’s a rockin’ week at Uptown. It starts Thursday with the Celtic rock sounds of the Young Dubliners. Saturday, American Idol’s Constantine Maroulis takes the stage for his first Uptown performance. Get your tickets today!

The Freakin’ Weekend.

Henderson theater’s production of Hello, Dolly continues through Sunday.

What are you up to this weekend? We are going to see the Harlem Wizards play at East High School on Friday night. This has been an annual tradition of the school district for a while now, and while I’ve never been, my boys have had a fun time in the past. Then on Saturday - it’s girls’ night! Any fun suggestions for a girls’ night that includes a six-year-old?

If you’re around this weekend, proceed with caution. It’s likely to be a big one for the Borough. Fairman’s Skate Shop is having an Art Show with live music on Friday night. I am not sure what’s happening Saturday, but Barnaby’s, Kildare’s, Levante, and I am sure more, are already out with Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day line-ups. Should you be looking for (slightly) less beer-soaked ways to celebrate, Uptown is hosting a singalong with Whiskey Rovers on Sunday afternoon and Dia Doce is whipping up its own leprechaun magic with flavors like Lucky Charms, Irish Potato, and Irish Cupcake Bomb.

And a very special thank you to Uptown! Knaur Performing Arts Center, this week’s Hello, West Chester Community Sponsor. Chester County’s premier destination for the performing arts, Uptown is conveniently located on N. High Street mere steps from dozens of West Chester’s best restaurants. Follow them on Facebook and start planning your next night out!

Uptown Studio

Discover the transformative power of Uptown Studio summer camps, where students aged 4-18 fearlessly explore their creativity, guided by industry professionals. Our mantra, "Exploration and connection lead to authenticity," inspires our campers to become fearless, develop imagination, find their voice, and make lifelong friendships. Multiple Camp discounts are available.

View a list of all our amazing Community Sponsors here.

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Mark your calendars:

• Mar. 14 – 17 – Hello Dolly, Henderson, 7 p.m.

• Mar. 15 – Cormorant’s Fancy, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. With Celtic music in their blood, Cormorant’s Fancy propels audiences into the living Celtic tradition. Tickets: $35/in advance; $40/door. Plus $5/service fee.

• Mar. 16 – East Goshen Township Easter Egg Hunt, East Goshen Township Park, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Start time varies by age. Registration required.

• Mar. 16 – 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. 16 – Goose Creek Stream Cleanup, various locations, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Select site 111 for West Goshen, 112 for West Chester Borough, 113 for Goose Creek at Carter Drive and 120 for Thornbury/Westtown.

• Mar. 16 – Adrenalize – the Ultimate Def Leppard Experience, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Adrenalize recreates the chart-topping, chest-thumping anthems that made Def Leppard the iconic and dominant force in arena rock of the ‘80s and beyond. Tickets: $40/in advance; $45/door. Plus $5/service fee.

• Mar. 17 – Whiskey Rovers, Uptown Theater, 4:00 p.m. The Rovers’ traditional Irish folk songs, stories & shenanigans have delighted audiences throughout the area for years. Tickets: $25/in advance; $30/door. Plus $5/service fee.

• Mar. 18 – WCU Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium, WCU Sykes Theater, 4:30 – 6 p.m. Join Dr. Donovan Schaefer, University of Pennsylvania Prof. of Religion, as he leads a discussion on what it means to think of religion as something that starts with our bodies rather than our beliefs. Refreshments provided ahead of the presentation. This event is free and open to the public.

• Mar. 18 – $5 Movie Monday: Michael Collins, Uptown Theater, 7:00 p.m. Includes complimentary popcorn.

• Mar. 20 – 3rd Wednesday Book Discussion, West Chester Public Library, 1 – 2 p.m. This month’s book is: The Last Garden in England by Julia Kelly.

• Mar. 21 – Speaker Series: Helicopter Heroine, this is a virtual event presented by the American Helicopter Museum, 7 -8:30 p.m. Valérie André is one of the great military aviators of the twentieth century. She was the first woman to fly a helicopter in combat and one of the first three helicopter medevac pilots. Aviation historian Charles Morgan Evans tells her story.

• Mar. 21 – Young Dubliners, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. The Young Dubliners are led by vocalist, guitarist and Dublin native, Keith Roberts who founded the five-piece Celtic rock group in Los Angeles in the early ‘90s. Tickets: $30-40/in advance; Plus at the $5/door. Plus $5/service fee.

• Mar. 23 – West Chester Easter Egg Hunt, Everhart Park, 10 a.m. Hunt is free and open to the public – just don’t be late. Hunt starts promptly at 10 a.m.!

• Mar. 23 – Barnyard Bash with Mr. & Mrs. Easter Bunny, Brandywine Ace Pet & Farm, 1150 Pocopson Rd, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Get ready for hands on experiences with adorable baby chicks, ducks, goats & bunnies, pictures with the Easter Bunny and complimentary face painting. A $5 donation is being collected to help provide feed for a local animal rescue.

• Mar. 23 – 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. 23 – Wine & Dine with Coach Vermeil, Radley Run Country Club, 6 – 10 p.m. Join Coach Dick Vermeil and the Greystone Auxillary for an evening of food and wine tasting. Proceeds support the Women’s Auxilliary’s $2 million pledge for Breast Cancer health.

• Mar. 23 – Constantine Maroulis, Uptown Theater, 7:30 p.m. Seen by 30 million viewers on American Idol, and seen and heard by tens of thousands more on Broadway in Rock of Ages, this is the first-ever Uptown appearance. Tickets: $45-55/in advance; Plus at the $5/door. Plus $5/service fee.

• Mar. 23 – National Puppy Day Party, Levante, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Bring your pups dressed in their cutest attire. There will be a puppy food truck as well as a human one and $10 donation to the Main Line Animal Rescue gets you a free pour.

• Mar. 24 – Lulu’s Spring at the Park, Marshall Square Park, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. This is a Lulu’s Casita event. There will be pictures with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, characters, a dance circle and more. Tickets: $30/kids; $5/adults.

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.

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