Good morning, West Chester.

At the VISTA NextGen Superstars Awards Reception at Penn State Great Valley Conference Center, The Arc of Chester County was named the nonprofit beneficiary and received a surprise $10,000 donation from Citadel Credit Union.

Representatives from American Community Journals and Citadel presented the check — a strong show of support for the organization’s work with individuals with disabilities.

Landenberg native Will Kleman, a 22-year-old Villanova University student, self-published his debut novel in March that blends fantasy fiction with coming-of-age themes — the book comes with an original seven-track soundtrack created with his father and local musicians.

He is planning a sequel and dreams of adapting his series into a film.

Chester County government held meetings last week in Washington D.C. with congressional staff and national groups to defend over $68 million in federal funds that support essential services such as public health, housing, and transportation.

County leaders will use new tracking tools to monitor risks—especially a proposed $7.3 million cut to critical health funding—and continue their advocacy to protect vulnerable residents.

Three rooftop bars in Chester County are set to welcome guests for summer outdoor dining—Bistro on Bridge in Phoenixville offers picnic tables and games, Mas Mexicali Cantina in West Chester serves classic plates and signature drinks, and East Branch Brewing Company in Downingtown provides umbrella-covered seating with skyline views. They will bring new energy and fresh options for evenings out this summer.

A study by Niche ranked Conestoga High School and Downingtown West among the top 25 best schools for student athletes in the state—Conestoga offers 18 sports while Downingtown West has 25; the ranking used sports offerings, championship wins, enrollment numbers and survey responses from students and families.

Chester County will host the Tough Mudder race on May 17-18 at Plantation Field in Coatesville—where runners will face obstacles like mud, puddles, ice pits, and tear gas.

Participants can choose from 5K, 15K, or Infinity courses and all finishers will receive a medal, t-shirt, and headband—adding to the event's growing tradition after drawing thousands last year.

Justin Thomas missed a key birdie putt and finished tied for second at 14-under at the Truist Championship on the Wissahickon Course—he said he loved the local buzz and will work on his swing for the PGA Championship next week.

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.