Mounting a measles defense | Inquirer Chester County
Plus, the Brandywine Creek’s microplastics.
Hi, Chester County,
As measles cases continue to climb, local officials are working to meet residents where they are to help prevent it from spreading further. Here’s what steps they’re taking. Also this week, microplastics have been found in Brandywine Creek, the future of St. Peter’s Village is up in the air after its auction was unexpectedly delayed, plus, how a Berwyn comedian got his golfing nickname.
— Lisa Dukart (chestercounty@inquirer.com)
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Measles cases have continued to creep up in Chester County, which had 84 as of this week. That figure is more than the total number of cases in many states across the nation.
In response, officials are ramping up their outreach through education, pop-up clinics, and even vaccinating people in their homes.
While a number of vaccinated residents told The Inquirer they aren’t too concerned, if cases spread from the western part of the county to the more densely populated eastern parts, or infiltrate places where there’s lower vaccine uptake, the virus could spread quickly.
The Inquirer’s Sarah Gantz and Brooke Schultz take a look at the county’s ongoing response, where the greatest vulnerabilities are, and what residents are saying about the uptick of the disease once considered eradicated in the U.S.
📍 Countywide news
Microplastics have been found in 22 area waterways that feed the Delaware River, including Brandywine Creek. The Brandywine sample included plastic fibers, fragments, and film. The Inquirer’s Frank Kummer delves into the data and what it means for both people and animals.
Last week, three county residents were inducted into Pennsylvania’s Voter Hall of Fame, recognizing the individuals who’ve cast ballots in 50 consecutive November elections. Among them is Rita Lese, 77, who was inspired in part by the suffragettes.
Two broadband providers, IBT Group USA and Commonwealth Telephone Company, have been awarded more than $56 million in state grants that will help bring high-speed internet to underserved communities in the county.
Expect some travel delays and roadway closures this week as a monthlong project gets underway in West Caln, filming for the second season of HBO’s Task continues, and more.
💡 Community news
The Inn at St. Peter’s Village in Warwick Township closed its doors on Sunday after eight years under its current operators. The announcement comes as the historic village’s future remains unclear after an auction to sell the nearly 80-acre property was unexpectedly postponed last week.
Berwyn native and comedian Steve Gerber achieved a rare golf feat, scoring 79 on 18 holes last year, something only about 10% of golfers ever manage. His course prowess has earned Gerber, who costars on the West Chester-rooted Netflix series Tires, a new nickname with local flair.
Penn Vet has broken ground on a $94 million veterinary diagnostic laboratory at its New Bolton Center campus in Kennett Square. The state-funded, 63,000-square-foot facility will perform a range of large-animal testing for public health and horse racing officials, veterinarians, and agricultural producers statewide.
Willistown Township is holding a public hearing Monday about updating its Open Space Conservation District.
Events venue Willowdale is now open in Kennett Square after Jeffrey A. Miller Hospitality Group undertook a roughly yearlong overhaul of the former Landhope Farms dairy property.
Nonprofit the Wardrobe is opening its new location tomorrow at 235 Lancaster Ave. in Malvern, a relocation from its previous Exton Square Mall outpost. The Wardrobe provides clothing and support services as well as retail shopping.
Warehouse Sports Academy is opening a new baseball and softball facility at 77 N. Bacton Hill Rd. in Malvern. There’s an open house tomorrow from 6 to 8 p.m.
🏫 Schools briefing
There will be no classes at some schools on Monday, which is Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.
There are a couple of homecoming events this weekend: Coatesville Area’s and Owen J. Roberts’ festivities will take place Friday and Saturday. Oxford Area will hold a kickoff event Sunday ahead of its weeklong festivities.
Coatesville Area School District has been awarded over $80,000 from the state to provide students with a fresh fruit or vegetable as a snack during the school day.
Unionville-Chadds Ford School District has named Kyle Brun principal of Charles F. Patton Middle School, a role he’s expected to start no later than Nov. 23.
🍽️ On our plate
Saturday will be the final day for Downingtown restaurant mother., which is shuttering just one year after its debut. The 202 E. Lancaster Ave. eatery specialized in tacos and margaritas.
Creekside Coffee Roasting Co. has opened a brick-and-mortar location at 126 S. 3rd St. in Oxford.
🎳 Things to do
🍻 Kennett Brewfest: Sample sips from some of the 150 craft brewers on hand and listen to live music. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 10, 1:30-5 p.m. 💵 $26-$67.60 📍 600 S. Broad St., Kennett Square
🍿 Hocus Pocus: Oxford Area School District will screen the Disney classic. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 10, 2:30 p.m. 💵 $5 per individual or $20 per family 📍 Oxford Area High School
🇬🇧 The Brit Pack: Catch a tribute to iconic United Kingdom bands, including Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Rolling Stones, and David Bowie. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. 💵 $46-$106 📍 Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester
🫘 West Chester Chili Cook-Off: Sample chili recipes made by local restaurants and home cooks alike and then vote for the best. ⏰ Sunday, Oct. 11, noon-4 p.m. (rain date: Oct. 18) 💵 $10 📍 West Gay Street, West Chester
🍂 Fall Festivals: Several communities are hosting fall festivals this Saturday, including Avondale, Penn Township, West Bradford, and West Vincent.
🏡 On the market
Situated on an acre lot that backs up to preserved land, this Kennett Square home has ample privacy. Its first floor features include open-concept sitting and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, and a family room with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace. It has four bedrooms upstairs, including a primary suite with dual walk-in closets and a recently renovated bathroom with a soaking tub. There are open houses Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $799,000 | Size: 3,432 SF | Acreage: 1
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
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