Good morning, West Chester.

Teen Dylan Houck delivered 21,086 pounds of food on May 14 to the local food bank through his Helping Hunger Food Drive, which has collected nearly 80,000 pounds since he began, and he plans to exceed a 20,000-pound goal in 2026 (boosting meal access for families).

The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry recently hosted its second annual Business Excellence Awards Luncheon at a local venue, honoring nine leaders and featuring Brad Ingelsby, who once taught CEO Laura Manion, discussing his rise to success; over 260 business figures attended the event.

Nearly 200 student performers took the stage at the 37th Chester County Shakespeare Festival on May 20 at the Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center, where high schoolers debuted in a new Sonnet and Monologue Competition.

Moth O’Leary earned first prize and a $500 credit while others placed second and third.

Pennsylvania distribution companies will raise default service rates on June 1; PPL will increase by 1.5%, Met-Ed by 7.6%, and PECO nearly 5% as energy costs climb.

The Public Utility Commission advises residents to lower energy use to ease higher bills.

Residents at Freedom Village at Brandywine awarded $115,000 in scholarships to 27 employees during the 20th annual ceremony at Greg Welch Auditorium — the fund, raised by residents, supports higher education and career growth for eligible staff.

Citadel Credit Union awarded over $100,000 to 30+ educators in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery & Philadelphia through its 25th Heart of Learning Awards.

In Chester County, art teacher Matthew Handerhan of Scott Middle School earned a $10,000 grand prize, and nominations are open for the next cycle.

PennDOT will close roads in Warwick and East Nantmeal townships for pipe replacement from Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5 (7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) while drivers are directed to detours using Route 23, 345, and 401, and local access to homes remains available.

Friends Association in West Chester helps homeless families gain stable housing and mental health support through emergency apartments and case management services.

The nonprofit uses a Housing First approach to give families a safe place to rebuild their lives during Mental Health Awareness Month.

On May 28, Chester County inspectors reported food violations at local establishments, citing improper temperatures, cross-contamination and sanitation issues at Malgudi Cafe and Vito’s NY Style Pizza & Grill, while some spots (like Las Vegas Pizza in West Chester) met standards.

They ordered unsafe items discarded and corrective actions issued.

Marsh Creek State Park invites families to spend a summer Saturday with kayaking available at sunrise, 12 miles of scenic trails by late morning, and a swimming pool with a fee open through Labor Day afternoons; visitors can picnic near charcoal grills (fees apply) and enjoy the sunset as the park closes.

Penn State Brandywine softball captured its second United East Conference title on May 9 when it beat Penn College 3 to 2.

The Lions — seeded first after a 16 to 0 conference run — showed strong pitching and a walk off hit by Kaylee Mushiniski for the win.

Dueling Pianos with The Philly Keys

7:30 p.m. — Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center — $31 – $36 — Enjoy a high-energy, all-request dueling piano show with crowd participation and a mix of genres.

Turks Head Music Festival

12-7 p.m. — Everhart Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant day of music, art, and community with local bands and vendors.

Silent Book Club Gathering

9-11 a.m. — Matlack Florist - Garden Center — Free entry — A peaceful space for book lovers to share their literary passions.

Hops for Homes Beer Festival

12-5 p.m. — Chester County Art Association — $45 — Sample craft brews and support affordable housing efforts with Habitat for Humanity.

Summer Kickoff Concert with Lenape Brass

6-7:30 p.m. — Westtown Township Oakbourne Park — Free entry — Celebrate America with a concert featuring classic tunes and tasty hotdogs.