Hello, West Chester,
It’s Friday November 16, the first day after the first snow of the year. Here’s what’s been going on around town.
The weather. Yesterday’s snow marked the first measurable November snow in Chester County in over a decade, reports the Daily Local. The greater than expected snow (3-5 inches landed in the region) dominated the news and the roads.
The roads. The Daily Local reported Chester County had about 250 car accidents from 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday.
The buses. West Chester Schools were dismissed early but many students didn’t get home until several hours after the official release. The last bus to reach Hillsdale Elementary in the Borough arrived at 4:00 p.m. nearly two and a half hours after dismissal.
WCASD Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Monday November 19. Administrators thanked teachers and staff for their patience as they waited with students for buses to arrive. The situation was so trying there has already been an appreciation day arranged for area bus drivers. Parents and students are invited to thank bus drivers Monday November 19 with cards, kind words or small tokens of appreciation (a $5 WaWa gift card was given as a suggestion).
And it should be noted, no buses were involved in the recorded 250 accidents, and everyone did arrive home safely.
You’re on clean up duty. The Borough has updated its snow removal ordinance. Snow and ice must be cleared from sidewalks within 24 hours after precipitation has stopped. If you can not clear ice immediately, it must be treated with a non-skid material (salt, sand, etc.) within 6 hours. And no dumping snow in the street. Be good neighbors, people.
The plastic bag ban. In case you missed it, the West Chester Borough Council instituted a plastic bag ban after a particularly compelling presentation by a group of students from the West Chester Friends’ School. The details and the timing of the ban have not been worked out yet but the Council directed the Sustainability Advisory Committee to develop a transition plan to ban single use plastic bags. Stay tuned.
The warnings. West Chester Police are looking for a man that posed as an Uber driver and picked up a woman awaiting a ride on Price Street. The woman was eventually let out unharmed but police are encouraging all rideshare users to confirm the identity of their driver before getting into the car.
The Y on Airport Road has experienced several vehicle break ins and reports of thefts from lockers. Staff is reminding members to keep items locked at all times. Lockers with locks are available to all members and if you see anything suspicious, report it.
The baby boom. Chester County hospital has reported its busiest October in 15 years. Hospital officials are looking suspiciously at a particularly celebratory weekend roughly nine months ago. (Go Birds!)
The freakin’ weekend. West Chester University Football team secured their 19th PSAC conference championship with a win over Slippery Rock last Saturday and now move on to the NCAA II playoffs. Look for Purple and Gold out in full force this Saturday when they host New Haven at Farrell Stadium. Game starts at 1 p.m.
Holiday Volunteer Opportunities:
Looking for ways (other than early decorating) to get into the holiday spirit? These local organizations are looking for help to make the season great again this year.
Get involved in (and maybe on?) a local tradition. QVC and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce are looking for volunteers to help out with the Christmas Parade. Visit the Greater West Chester website to sign up. Just be ready for your close up, QVC hosts Carolyn Gracie and Dan Hughes will be personally thanking volunteers throughout the live broadcast.
650 angels to be released in West Chester. The YMCA Angel Tree is back and stuffed with hundreds of names of kids in the local area in need of some elfen assistance. If you are interested in participating select a name from the tree and bring it to the front desk for assistance.
Christmas toy drives. WSFS Bank is collecting toys at all Chester County branch locations. Calvary Lutheran Church on New and Rosedale is collecting for Toys for Tots as is Limoncello’s restaurant downtown.
Share the Warmth. The United Way of Chester County is working to help local families get their home’s winter ready by providing a variety of much needed home repairs including sealing windows, adding insulation and repairing HVAC systems. Contributions can be made here.
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