Good morning, West Chester.

NBCUniversal awarded a $20,000 grant to West Chester nonprofit The Barn at Spring Brook Farm for its programs that help children with disabilities develop new skills.

The accessible 17-acre farm, opened in 2005, houses 18 animals (miniature horses, donkeys and pigs) and offers one-on-one and group sessions.

Safe Harbor of Chester County is matching all donations—doubling gifts up to $10,000 for homeless support now through Dec 5.

The donation funds will help provide shelter, nutritious meals and case management to those in need.

Historic downtown West Chester is gearing up for the Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting on December 5 at 6:30 p.m.—nearly 26,000 people are expected to enjoy the unveiling of a new 28-foot tall tree with 150 branches and 20,000 lights, followed by the parade at 7 p.m. sponsored by local businesses and Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital.

CCEDC’s i2n initiative launched i2n Angels to support southeastern Pennsylvania startups with early-stage investments from $50,000 — $500,000.

The group offers accredited investors capital, coaching, and connections to help entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into growing businesses.

Thomas Lambert, West Chester’s first African American Chrysler auto dealer, retired from his Lambert Auto Body Shop — he built his career after graduating from Morgan State in 1967 and overcoming industry prejudice to earn lasting customer trust.

His retirement marks the end of a long era in local auto business.

Church Farm School is marking 100 years of its Christmas pageant and invites the public to join the performance on Dec.

12 at 8 p.m. or Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at its Chapel of the Atonement (1001 East Lincoln Highway) in Exton.

Local filmmaker Michael Zolomij announced his new eight-minute comedy, Becoming The Man: A Prequel, which is set inside the Hop Fidelity record store downtown and features returning local talent—this micro-budget film will premiere on January 2 at 8 p.m. as it explores a challenging moment in protagonist Kevin's life.

Dr. John Sanville, longtime superintendent at Unionville-Chadds Ford, was honored with the Leadership in Public Education Award by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators on November 13 and donated his $1,000 prize to student scholarships for graduating seniors.

His career boosted school improvement and built leadership pathways statewide — a legacy that directly benefits local students.

On Giving Tuesday, Chester County OIC invited local donors to give money that helps adults get education and job training—supporting better paths to stable futures.

The non-profit, which has helped adults for over 46 years, asked for gifts to fund programs that lead to living-wage jobs.

Since January 2023, Chester County’s Exit, Enter, Employ program has given inmates job training, resume help and certifications — more than 100 participants have graduated so far.

The program works with local partner companies to secure job placements and reduces recidivism to just two percent — with coordinators checking in after release.

Freedom Village’s management company LCS was named No. 1 in resident satisfaction in the J.D.

Power 2025 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study for the seventh consecutive year—earning top marks in dining, community building, living units, price, staff and activities. The company manages over 130 senior living communities nationwide.

Eight Chester County eateries were named among the 20 Best New Restaurants in Philadelphia’s Western Suburbs list last year — De La Terre in Downingtown earned the top spot, while Sweet Amelia’s in Kennett Square, At The Table in Wayne, and Ground Provisions in West Chester also ranked highly, boosting the region’s dining scene.

Two Chester County restaurants — Shady Maple Smorgasbord and West Chester's Andiario — are named among Pennsylvania's best by The Takeout.

Shady Maple Smorgasbord offers a large buffet with Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food and Andiario serves a tasting menu with New American dishes made from local ingredients.

2025 West Chester Christmas Parade

5:30-9:30 p.m. — West Chester Lodge #322 — Free — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive parade featuring local performers, award-winning floats, and Santa's appearance.

Christkindlmarkt 2025

11 AM – 6 PM — Gay Street — Free — Explore over 100 vendors featuring handcrafted goods at this festive outdoor holiday market.

Have a Ball! New Year Family Event 2025

10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Chester County History Center — $10 — Kids can create party kits and enjoy themed crafts and treats as they prepare for the New Year.