Good morning, West Chester.

Great Careers Network promotes year-end fundraising and tax planning tips for donors by hosting Wellness Wednesday Fundraiser and Wisdom & Wins Wednesday at Goodness Bowls in Paoli on Oct.

14 * local purchases donate 15% to the nonprofit. CPA Joanne Bryson offered guidance on keeping records and maximizing tax benefits.

Longwood Christmas will transform Longwood Gardens from Nov.

20 to Jan. 10 with starry decor, 100+ decorated trees, and themed seasonal dining options; timed admission tickets are available for visitors to enjoy over half a million lights and space-themed horticulture.

Coatesville-based H2O Connected has developed a patented smart toilet monitoring system (detecting leaks and reducing water waste) that is now helping hospitality and multifamily customers lower expenses and will expand its reach through new international partnerships.

New Garden Elementary School in Toughkenamon opens today from 10 a.m. to noon with a dedication ceremony and free public tours.

The new building serves about 500 first- through fifth-grade students, marking a major investment in modern education (built by the Kennett Consolidated School District).

Widener University will host its Homecoming on Oct.

9–10 in Chester with a tailgate village, a football game vs. Albright, and events honoring Pennsylvania Military College alumni. Registration is open for reunions, campus traditions, and other activities with free parking and campus shuttles on Saturday.

Blackbird Health is offering virtual neuropsychological testing for children ages 6 to 16 to help families pinpoint learning challenges and strengths.

The process includes standardized evaluations (WISC-V and WIAT-4) and provides a written report with tailored school and home recommendations.

Penn State Great Valley is expanding its online AI master’s program from its Malvern campus into two tracks — one emphasizing low- and no-code methods and the other focusing on engineering AI systems — to offer working professionals flexible options.

Three long-time Chester County voters, Rita Lese, Michael Lese + Patricia Conroy, were honored Friday at a County Board of Elections meeting for casting ballots in 50 consecutive November elections, marking decades of civic dedication and family voting traditions.

Penn Vet held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Oct.

2 in Kennett Square to begin construction on a 63,000 sqft veterinary diagnostic lab at New Bolton Center. The facility, which merges the diagnostic lab with the Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory (backed by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture), is designed to speed up disease diagnoses statewide.

Chester County health inspectors (conducted Oct.

1) revealed rodent activity, unsafe food temperatures, and a hot-water lapse at local establishments. Applebrook Golf Club, Fusion Restaurant and an East Nottingham childcare center received directives to fix these issues.

Medical experts advise West Chester residents to get flu shots soon with updated COVID-19 vaccines available, especially for older adults, children and people with chronic conditions.

Local pharmacies offer the vaccines, and Medicare as well as most insurers will cover the cost while full protection takes two weeks.