With so much going on around town. Catch up on what you may have missed.
It’s Friday, August 2. August? Really? August? West Chester Area School District gets ready for school while, a couple big name businesses get ready to close. New health department violations are released (one local eatery racked up more citations than the prison.) Plus, more awards for Andiario and have you seen Mud Row yet? Grab an iced tea and let’s get started.
Agway to close. After 43 years in its Matlack Street location, Agway will close it doors on September 30 to make way for 189 luxury apartments. According to reports in the Daily Local, the owners are hoping the reopen in a slightly smaller footprint at 202 and 926 by Walgreens. Over the years the store has evolved from a farm and feed store to a full-service lawn and garden center.
Did I miss something? West Chester Area School District hit parents and students with a slew of dates and communications this week as the district gets ready to welcome students back on August 26. Note to those without school age children, teacher assignments are not handed out until August 13, so don’t ask before then.
I’m working remote today. The West Chester Area School District Board of Directors has unanimously approved a resolution urging state lawmakers to support legislation that would reform cyber charter school funding statewide. Under the current law, cyber school students are funded at the same rate as a public school student or a traditional charter school student despite having limited overhead expenses (no space rental, heating, electrical, etc). For every charter-school student in the district, WCASD must pay $12,620 or the same cost for a student to attend a district school. The District estimates the cost for a cyber education would be more fairly assessed at $5,400. Similarly discrepancies lie with the funding of special education students who choose to receive their education online. In total, the School district believes this move could potentially save taxpayers $1.7 million dollars.
What’s for dinner? July Health Department reports are out and once again some West Chester restaurants got snagged hard. Among them, Slow Hand, with five violations, and Split Rail Tavern which led all inspected Borough restaurants with seven violations. Particularly, disheartening for the Walnut Street establishment, the prison which was inspected on the very same day, walked away with five.
On a positive note, the West Chester Golf and Country Club Snack Bar appears to have cleaned up its act. It left a repeat visit with one citation after receiving eight last month.
“Mud Row was fantastic.”
-West Chester Mayor Dianne Herrin
Have you seen Mud Row yet? After opening to rave reviews, the run of the West Chester-based play was extended through August 4. The play showing at People’s Light has been called a “terrific new play” by WHYY and an “exquisite production” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Curious of the inspiration for the play which is centered around West Chester’s east end? Playwright Dominique Morisseau will be available for a book signing ahead of the final 2 p.m. performance.
Speaking of things grabbing attention downtown, the new architecturally-themed lamp post banners are now up downtown. According to the West Chester Public Arts committee, “Each one features a historic figure who had an impact on West Chester on one side and artwork illustrating our town’s varied and beautiful architecture on the other.”
Go for the gold. West Chester University has received Gold status by the Exercise is Medicine World Congress for their efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. The program started in 2017 with two questions: 1) How many days per week do you engage in physical activity? and 2) for how many minutes? In 2019, they introduced their first Exercise is Medicine Day. The day started with a walk to the quad where students could participate in a variety of classes including Zumba, yoga. bootcamp and even, wheelchair races.
“The first time you eat the pasta here, you’ll dream about it for weeks after.”
-Writers at Philly Mag on Andiario
The warnings. It takes a village. Join the West Chester Police Department at Henderson on August 6 for it’s National Night Out Against Crime. Show your support, meet the force and enjoy fun activities like moon bounces, dunk-a-cop and fingerprinting. The event is free.
The accolades. It’s beginning to feel like that kid who keeps getting called up on awards night, but congratulations, again, to Andiario who was named Best Suburban Restaurant by Philly Mag. They also won for Best Pasta Shape.
Also, back again, Chester County Hospital. This time picking up hardware as the 13th top hospital in the state. This is according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
Goodbye. Just a month after celebrating their one year anniversary, Fractured Prune West Chester has closed its doors. Their donuts weren’t really my thing, but they were a great community partner and we’ll be sad to see them go.
West Goshen Country Fair is going on now. After a severe afternoon downpour, Wednesday crowds were light but the energy was high.
The freakin’ weekend. What are you up this weekend? I am going to try yoga at a winery which should be fun, and I don’t know much about it but, the Peach and Corn festival sounds delish.
Mark your calendars:
- Disney’s High School Musical on stage, Uptown! Theater, Aug. 1- 3
- Goshen Country Fair, 1320 Park Ave., West Chester, July 29 – Aug. 3
- Peach and Corn Harvest Festival, Highland Orchards, Aug. 3
- National Night Out Against Crime, Henderson High School, Aug. 6
- Community Day, Melton Center, Aug. 8
- Move in Weekend, West Chester University, Aug. 23-24
- School starts, WCASD, Aug. 26
Thanks for stopping by, we are done here! In case you missed it, here’s last week’s Round Up and if you are heading downtown stop in an try West Chester’s new coffee shop. If you like coffee, real coffee, I think you’ll like this place (and if you must park, first take this into consideration.)
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