With so much going on around town. Catch up on what you may have missed.
It’s Friday, June 7 and West Chester is in full swing. First Friday is tonight, graduation is in the books and school for the rest ends next week. Plus, a busy week for West Chester firefighters, the beer economy and West Chester’s street artist gets caught. Ready? Let’s go.
This is a Quiet Zone no more. West Chester Borough announced this week they are removing all Quiet Zone signs from residential areas of the borough. According to a statement posted on the Borough website the signs were confusing to residents and guests. Noise ordinance rules are always in effect regardless of signage.
Speaking of signs…
“I didn’t expect them to be fans, but they were.”
-West Chester street artist Cassius Clay on his first encounter with the police.
West Chester’s not-so-anonymous street artist. While, I don’t know who it is, and you may not know who it is, police clearly know the identity of street artist Cassius King. The artist who uses stickers to transform signs, exterior walls, and businesses to the amusement of commuters and passers-by has not made friends with local public works departments who are left to remove his installations. As a result he has received visits by several area police officers who have asked him to cease and desist his work. Fans remain calm. The Daily Local reports, West Chester police have given him the okay to proceed as long as he keeps his works off the signs and gets permission from business owners before installing a new piece. And judging by his Instagram account, he is not letting the limitations bring him down.
Never forget. Rustin Seniors, Miyah Thomas-Mazyck and Marissa Orlando received the first scholarships awarded in the memory of fellow-Rustin graduate Bianca Roberson who’s own collegiate plans were ended prematurely after her senseless death in 2017. To earn the honor the girls successfully demonstrated how they overcame personal challenges to find academic growth and responsibility, while maintaining an upbeat and friendly attitude. Qualities Bianca herself shared.
The beer economy. If you are a beer-lover in West Chester, you probably already know how rich the beer scene is in Southeastern PA however, what you may not be aware of is how much it’s giving back… to the economy. According to a new report by the Beer Institute and National Beer Wholesalers Association, beer contributes $10.7 million in direct economic output to PA congressional district 156 which includes West Chester. See all the numbers here.
Moving ground at West Chester University. There are reports construction has begun on the new Engineering Complex and Student Center. Dirt is being relocated to the fields next to campus housing creating what appears to be a huge man-made dirt heap.
Also, moving, Mozzani’s Hair Design from its location next to Nudy’s Cafe. Their note didn’t say where, but if you’re looking for an appointment you can reach them at 610-430-6696.
Where do you see yourself in the next six-months? If you picture yourself in government or philanthropy (and you’re a girl in high school) Chester County Fund has an opportunity for you. They are looking for applicants for their Girls’ Advisory Board and GirlGov Chester County. Girls’ Advisory Board is a grant-making program specializing in organizations helping young women and girls. While, GirlGov is a civic organization that introduces girls to local politics. You’re never too young to change the world.
Or old for that matter…
WCU is hosting its ninth annual Grandparents University this summer. The event brings together grandparents, grandchildren and WCU staff for a unique learning experience. Choose from classes like create your own newscast, superhero costume design and of course, DNA/ancestry research. Program takes place June 24-26 but if you’re interested, hurry, registration ends today.
Do you enjoy writing tickets? West Chester is looking for a new parking enforcement officer. (Although, I personally think they have plenty already.)
Perhaps you see the culinary arts in your future? Two West Chester University nutrition professors and the YMCA have teamed up on a 4-week nutrition and cooking course for ten seventh-graders in the Y’s “Believe & Achieve Program,” an after-school program for children from low-income households. Participants in the class received an Instapot and instructions on how to prepare six healthy homemade meals.
“Many years of training, planning and dedication have been put in to insure we are at the top of our game when the call for help comes.”
-Fame Fire West Chester Instagram
The rescues. It was a busy week for West Chester fire fighters. Fame Rescue Unit was deployed to Montgomery County last Friday to help with a storm related search and rescue. This was the first South Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Urban Search and Rescue deployment for the team. Then on Wednesday they were deployed to Uwchlan Township to help rescue an individual stuck in a trench at a construction site. According to the firefighter’s account the man was trapped to his waist in a sewer extraction. The slow excavation took many hours but the individual was eventually rescued and transported by ambulance to the local hospital where he is recovering. Pardon the pun, but that is a shitty day.
The warnings. Watch where you eat. The Chester County Health Department inspected 61 Chester County establishments during the month of May and 29 had at least one health violation including nine Borough establishments. Leading the way, Mas with nine violations. Honorable mentions go to Baked with seven and Boston Market and Buddy’s Burgers both with six. You can find the full list on Patch.
Watch where you park. The Parking Authority is proposing adding parking restrictions on Church, Matlack and Dean Street for street sweeping.
Rustin.
East.
Henderson. (Full video highlights weren’t available yet for Henderson. Check the WCASD Facebook page for updates.)
The accolades. Congratulations to Jim Hilyard, 78, the oldest person to participate in this years’ Schuylkill River Sojourn, a 5-day, 137-mile canoe/kayak event. Although it is not clear if Jim is participating in all five days, it is still quite the feat.
Also, applauding, substitute teacher/wrestling coach Rob Beighley, who was named Henderson High School’s “Coolest Teacher” on this week’s Preston & Steve Show.
And congratulations to all those that graduated this week. We can’t wait to see all the great things you do.
The freakin’ weekend. What are you up to this weekend? We have a couple of birthdays and a rare date night. We are on the fence as to where to go, but we were thinking of trying here. Anyone been? On Saturday I am hoping to take the kids over to check out the Library’s summer reading kick off party. Then there is also the Strawberry Shortcake event at the Growers’ Market. Decisions.
Mark your calendar:
- First Friday, June 7
- Strawberry Shortcake Festival, The Growers Market, June 8
- Summer Reading Kickoff Party, West Chester Public Library, June 8
- Free Water Safety and Swim Skill Evaluations, West Chester YMCA, June 11
- First West Chester Fire Company beer release, Iron Hill, June 13
- Last day of school, WCASD, June 14
- West Chester Craft Beer Fest, Melton Center, Saturday June 22
Afraid your child’s swimming skills have atrophied since the last pool season? The YMCA on Airport Road is providing free swim evaluations next week. Open to members and non-members alike. Registration encouraged but not required.
That’s it for this week. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend. For those asking about the splash park in my Instagram post. It is here and open for the summer. Also it’s not too late to join a pool, review your choices here. Plus, last week’s Roundup and eight local blogs you should follow. (Nine if this one’s not on your list.) Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you next week.