Good morning, West Chester.

Robin Senss, COO at the Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children, is named a 2026 VISTA NextGen Superstar for expanding emergency shelter capacity in Chester County+ she will be honored on Thursday, Apr.

30 at the Penn State Great Valley Conference Center in Malvern.

West Chester-based QVC is planning a turnaround by refocusing on its original live-shopping format to regain relevance from social media competitors.

The company is also considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections — a step that may help it tap into nostalgia and reach new audiences.

West Chester restaurant owners faced delays in obtaining outdoor dining permits as new application rules including added disability requirements caused confusion & lost revenue.

The borough has issued 22 permits while 7 remain pending.

Longwood Gardens now offers redesigned event spaces for wedding receptions, corporate events, and parties.

The venue features diverse rooms (Fountain Room hosts 150 guests and the Main Conservatory holds up to 1,000 guests) and requires in-house caterers for bookings.

Marshallton is a historic village along Strasburg Road that preserves its 18th-century charm with landmarks like the Humphry Marshall House and the Marshallton Inn.

Local groups (Marshallton Conservation Trust, West Bradford Historical Commission) work to sustain its vibrant heritage with regular blacksmith demonstrations at the Heritage Center.

DCCC (Delaware County Community College) has partnered with the Pennsylvania State Police so that academy graduates will receive 24 free college credits toward an online associate degree in emergency management and planning.

The flexible program offers asynchronous coursework designed to fit troopers' demanding shifts.

A WalletHub study published on Apr.

12 found that Chester County ranked highest among Philadelphia-area counties for budgeting, scoring in the 93rd percentile overall. Bucks, Montgomery, and Delaware counties trailed in measures of savings and debt.

Aqua Pennsylvania has expanded its Customer Assistance Program to help more households lower water bills and get leak repair support in 2026.

Residents can check new income guidelines—ensuring they access available aid this spring.

PECO reminds residents and contractors to call 811 before any digging to prevent damage to underground and aerial lines during National Safe Digging Month.

The utility advises contacting PA One Call three business days ahead to ensure proper marking — a step that helps avoid service disruptions and injuries.

Nearly 28,000 Pennsylvanians have been referred to substance use treatment via the Get Help Now helpline since Governor Shapiro took office, state data shows.

The service – which handled over 129,000 988 calls in 2025 – will expand with $10 million funding in next year’s budget.

Chester County housing varies across municipalities.

In 2025, Coatesville homes sold at a $190,000 median while Downingtown reached $415,000 and Newlin or Easttown Townships topped $1 million + CEO Larry Flick V of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices expects slight gains in prices and inventory for the spring market.

Chester County homeowners can get a free roof inspection from Pro Edge Roofing this spring to spot winter damage before rain causes costly repairs, and the contractor holds a rare certification showing its commitment to quality.

Local designer Kate Pechinka of Kate Kelly Interiors transformed a Chester Springs couple’s screened porch on Apr.

12 into a sunroom that blends indoor comfort + outdoor charm with updated flooring, lighting and seating to help the couple reconnect with their home.

Running Home 5K Run / 1 Mile Walk

9:00 – 11:30 AM — Downtown West Chester PA — $25 – $30 — Family-friendly 5K event promoting community support for local single working parents.

Dueling Pianos Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the ultimate all-request dueling piano show with high energy and audience interaction.

Laugh Lounge Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $31 – $36 — Enjoy three hilarious performers in a night of diverse comedic styles.

Willy Wonka Jr.

2-5 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $18 – $27 — Enjoy a whimsical musical journey through Willy Wonka's chocolate factory filled with magic and music.

Moms & Mimosas Lunch and Floral Workshop

11 a.m. — West Chester Seafood Kitchen — Ticket info available — Celebrate Mother's Day with seafood, mimosas, and floral design in a warm atmosphere.

USPA Tested & Open Mother of All Meets

8 a.m. — Alpha Phlyte Fitness West Chester — Registration required — Compete in a powerlifting meet with both tested and non-tested divisions.