With so much going on around town. Catch up on what you may have missed.
It’s Friday, January 4. Happy New Year! The year’s not even a week old and we already have a lot to talk about.
The restaurant closings. Four days into the New Year and we’ve already seen a couple local favorites close. Perhaps most surprising was the closing of Landmark Americana Tap and Grill on New Year’s Eve. No official word on why but word on the street was the new menu was disappointing, to quote one Instagram fan, “The menu change was a bad call.” Also, closed is Laguna Miramare, a Northern Italian restaurant with seriously good reviews on Trip Advisor. Laguna was located off of Bradford Ave in the plaza with Annie’s Nails and the Goddard School, and I’m now sad I never got a chance to try it. They are looking for a new location if anyone has any suggestions.
And on a positive note. Perch is open. The new breakfast/lunch place is located on Downingtown Pike, remember Mrs. Mikes? There. But in newly remodeled digs and unlike Mrs. Mike’s they accept credit cards.
Where is the money going? If you haven’t heard already, West Chester is raising its Earn Income Tax from 1% to 1.25% effective now. Which has a lot of people asking, what exactly is the Borough spending all this money on? Well, here you go — the final 2019 Borough of West Chester Budget. All you number crunchers get to work.
Denied. Justice stands as best it can for the family of Bianca Roberson. David Desper’s plea for a reduced sentence was quickly denied by Chester County Judge Ann Marie Wheatcraft this week, The Patch reports.
Are our kids getting enough coding experience? When looking at the future economy it’s hard not to see a landscape driven by computers and technology. LinkedIn recently released the hard skills most coveted by companies in 2019 and nearly half were derivatives of a digital world.
In December all kids in the West Chester Area School District participated in the global initiative, Hour of Code. Coding has grown into an important curriculum initiative for the school district.
“Coding and computer science involves a level of problem-solving skills that will help students in every aspect of their lives,” said Ian Kerr, WCASD math and computer science supervisor.
You can read more about the school district’s initiatives here and if needed, get your parenting self ready here.
BTW, most in demand, soft skill? Creativity.
Summer jobs and summer camps. Calling all future camp counselors and lifeguards: There is a summer job fair this Saturday at the YMCA.
Levante (because when isn’t your beer-loving friend name dropping one of their beers into the conversation?) East and West Pennsylvanians rejoice, Levante is teaming with Pittsburgh-based Grist House brewing to create a limited edition beer. The beer is still TBD but you’ll get your first taste of it at Pittsburgh Invades Philly Beer Fest, March 2, KOP.
Travel updates: As of December 18, the Valley Creek Road/Broad Run Bridge (between Sunset Hollow and Conner Roads) is open! Thank you East Bradford my Wegmann’s shortcut is back.
Plus, reminder, Gay Street closed beginning January 7, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m..
The last show you saw? Whether you are a theater regular or a wannabe, Resident Theater Company wants to know what you think. Bring the theater you want to West Chester. Give them your thoughts here.
The freakin’ weekend. For those of you who haven’t sworn off all social activities for the month of January – Jeff Washington Band is at the Social tonight. And lets you forget, Eagles made the playoffs. Go Birds!
2019 New Year’s Resolution Solutions
Said, you’d get healthier in the New Year? Here are some ideas.
You’re an early riser and cold temps don’t scare you: Join the West Chester Running Club.
You need a good beat and cold temps do scare you: Join a BeatBoss Indoor Cycling Class or check out one of the other new classes at the Y.
You’re a veteran who believes in the power of deep breathing. Eat. Drink. Om. Yoga Cafe has partnered with Yoga for Vets and is offering veterans a free class to start.
You think the answers to this journey lie in the universe somewhere. Get your mind, body and soul aligned with a New Moon Meditation class tonight at the Prana House.
You’re in the, it’s not me, it’s the toxins camp. Learn more about what’s killing us with a free education class from Dr. Bulitta and East Goshen Township.
You’ve decided to try clean eating (or you did after Dr. Bulitta’s class). Here are the healthiest area sips according to PA Eats.
Thank you for another fun week West Chester. We’ll be back next Friday. In the meantime, you can find last week’s round up here and the secrets to our universe here.