Good morning, West Chester.

Groups including businesses, nonprofits, and marching bands must apply by Sunday, Aug.

16 to join the Christmas Parade on Dec. 4, which features a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. and a parade starting at 7 p.m. from the Historic Chester County Courthouse.

Freedom Village at Brandywine is hiring for roles such as Maintenance Technician, Assistant Director of Nursing, and Activities Assistant.

Interested candidates can review full details including job duties and benefits (like scholarships, free lunch Friday, and employee programs) at this senior community with over 25 years of service.

Three Chester County companies landed on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list.

Malvern’s Main Line Benefits (the leading firm) recorded 11,606% revenue growth, while Paoli’s Rejuvia and an Exton company, Righteous Felon Craft Jerky, ranked high among 143 Philadelphia area companies.

Delaware County Community College has joined the Metallica Scholars Initiative with a $75,000 grant to expand pre-apprenticeship training in shipbuilding, maritime logistics and skilled trades.

The college will work with local partners including Hanwha Philly Shipyard to help students secure well-paying careers.

Gwynedd Mercy University will expand its academic programs with new courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nonprofit leadership, music and trauma-informed care (fall 2026 and 2027) and will relaunch its RN-to-BSN program in January.

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, Chester County health inspectors found food kept above safe temperatures and sanitation issues at five local establishments, including a restaurant with improperly chilled food and a store with heavy condensation affecting displays.

Officials noted the findings do not reflect an establishment’s long-term food-safety record.

Leslie Holt, founder of A Child’s Light (a local non-profit providing quick, no-cost therapy for traumatized youth), was named a Social Impact Hero by Authority Magazine.

Her organization connects children to over 100 licensed therapists in as few as five days to address urgent mental health needs.

Former West Chester defensive lineman David Blay Jr. signed with the Philadelphia Eagles Monday.

A zero-star recruit from Levittown who advanced from Division II play to NFL workouts — he now competes for a final roster spot as the team prepares for its preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens.

Schwenksville native Ashley Sessa will debut with Team USA in the Women’s Field Hockey World Cup starting Aug.

15 in Belgium and the Netherlands; she joins a roster featuring nine players with local roots. CBS Sports Network airs the opener at 5:30 p.m.