Good morning, West Chester.

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County will host the Hops for Homes festival on June 14 from 12-5 p.m. at the Chester County Art Association in West Chester—an event offering local breweries, vendors, and live music to help fund affordable housing for workers and families in the area.

Taylor-Made at Uptown! is a contest for local solo artists that offers prizes and a chance to perform live (prizes include a $1,000 gift certificate and a recording studio credit).

The contest is co-sponsored by Taylor’s Music Store & Studios and the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (accepting auditions until Jun. 1) and celebrates West Chester’s music community.

Rustin High School Band from West Chester performed at Symphony Hall during the prestigious Percy Grainger Wind Band Festival in Chicago in March—selected as one of five bands nationwide and receiving expert guidance from retired Colonel Jason Fettig.

Their hard work and musical talent shone during this transformative experience.

Brandywine Conservancy launched a free interactive website called the Brandywine Native Garden Hub to help local gardeners learn about more than 250 native plants and build custom Garden Boards—offering easy tips for growing plants that suit local soil and weather.

The online resource also supports its Wildflower, Native Plant & Seed Sale, which will begin on May 10 with early member access on May 9.

State Sen. Christine Tartaglione introduced Senate Bill 19, which would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026 with annual cost-of-living adjustments and updated wage rules for tipped workers—she said the move aims to address two decades of stagnant pay as costs have risen.

West Whiteland Police Department is accepting full-time officer applications with a starting salary of $86,000 and potential top pay over $142,000 after six years — applications are open until May 30.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or GED and ACT 120 certification — they will begin physical fitness assessments on June 14 and complete further evaluations.

Since November 2024, nursing home providers turned away at least 2,443 seniors because of staffing shortages and low Medicaid funding—this gap in care has led to fewer available beds and longer emergency room waits, while also risking higher costs for private pay residents.

Lawmakers and stakeholders must work soon to create a fair funding plan that ensures older adults receive the care they deserve.

John Hay Pennsylvania Distance Festival

5-9:59 p.m. — B. Reed Henderson High School — Registration fee applies — A spirited race festival welcoming all runners from kids to Olympians.

Baby Yoga Class

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Oakbourne Mansion & Park — Registration required — Engage in bonding and developmental exercises with your baby through baby yoga.