Schools walk a tight line with measles plans | Inquirer Chester County
Plus, SALT’s future could be in jeopardy.
Hi, Chester County,
Area school districts are taking different approaches to preparing for potential measles outbreaks. Here’s a look at some of their plans. Also this week, East Whiteland resident are threatening to sue, a beloved community theater could be without a home, plus a popular West Chester winery is adding a restaurant.
— Lisa Dukart (chestercounty@inquirer.com)
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As measles cases continue to climb and spill over into Chester County, districts throughout the region are taking varying approaches to preparing for possible outbreaks.
West Chester Area School District has created a secure portal for employees to upload vaccination records, and district nurses have reached out to families that don’t have vaccine records on file.
Downingtown Area School District said it’s communicated with staff about possible quarantines in the case of exposure. Others, such as Kennett Consolidated School District, are working to let families know “that immunizations for measles are a protective measure for all.”
But for some administrators, especially those who faced backlash during the pandemic, preparing for a measles outbreak is something of a tight-rope walk.
The Inquirer’s Maddie Hanna looks at how some are navigating it.
A beloved theater company’s future is in a precarious state following what at least one community member calls a “bait-and-switch” by the township.
SALT Performing Arts, a performing arts space at 1645 Art School Rd. in Chester Springs, has been operating out of the township building for the past 12 years. The group put in about $400,000 in renovations that concluded last year.
But this week, the West Pikeland board of supervisors voted to put the building up for bid, potentially leaving SALT without a home. The township hopes to get up to $2 million, offsetting the cost of a new police facility.
The decision drew backlash. Reporter Brooke Schultz has the details.
📍 Countywide news
Pennsylvania has accepted the help of a “disease detective” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as measles cases continue to climb, while also urging federal acknowledgment of deaths related to the outbreak. Pennsylvania’s outbreak tally now includes nearly 1,300 cases and five measles-associated deaths, with a sixth death reported by a local coroner’s office last week.
So-called “forever chemicals” have been found in many area waterways, including the East Branch of the Brandywine Creek in Downingtown. The Inquirer’s Frank Kummer explains what that could mean for your drinking water and health.
Attention commuters: SEPTA made changes to some of its Regional Rail schedules as of Sunday, so be sure to check times before heading out the door this week.
County residents have until Sunday to submit feedback on the proposed realignment of magisterial district courts. The plan calls for eliminating a court in Malvern borough and dispersing caseloads at some other courts.
Tuesday is the last day to request a mail ballot for the November primary election. Check out The Inquirer’s guide to the midterms here.
Looking to go pumpkin picking this season? The Inquirer has rounded up 19 spots in the region, including Highland Orchards, Colonial Gardens, and Olszanowski Farm.
Expect detours and delays on a number of roadways this week. Here’s where.
💡 Community news
Frustrated residents in East Whiteland are threatening, with the help of a newly hired attorney, to sue the township and developer of a controversial 1.5 million square foot data center project if their concerns aren’t addressed. This comes after the township hired a PR firm to help it handle “inquires and information requests.”
The long-awaited Phoenixville Wawa at 799 Valley Forge Rd. is slated to open on Thursday.
Beth Chaim Reform Congregation’s longtime rabbi Michelle Denker Pearlman died last month of leiomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Outside of her work at the Malvern congregation, Pearlman, 56, was a social justice activist, musical stage performer, and mentor.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a 10-year plan to support farmers as they face land loss, rising costs, and labor shortages. He made the announcement from historic Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs late last week.
A 14-year-old boy was shot last week by Zaid-An Butcher, 15, in Coatesville. The victim was taken to the hospital and listed in fair condition at the time. Butcher will be prosecuted as an adult, 6abc reports.
A woman reported being assaulted on a trail near the 500 block of Dean Street in West Chester last week. Police are investigating.
Schuylkill Township last week appointed Hans Mueller to its board of supervisors, filling a vacancy left after Devin Hager’s resignation. Mueller will serve through December 2027.
It may only be October, but Jingle & Co., a holiday shopping collaboration between eight local brands, has opened at 812 E. Lancaster Ave. in Berwyn.
West Chester Refillery Station, which provides bulk refills of common household items, has opened its doors at 54 E. Street Rd.
🏫 Schools briefing
Downingtown Area School District Superintendent Robert “Bob” O’Donnell will step down from the role at the end of the 2026-27 academic year, he announced at last week’s school board meeting. O’Donnell has been in the role since July 2022.
Great Valley’s homecoming festivities take place Friday and Saturday.
Owen J. Roberts School District has nominated Danielle Ryan to fill the school board seat left vacant after Rita Pederson’s recent resignation. The board is slated to vote on her nomination at Monday’s meeting.
🍽️ On our plate
Popular West Chester winery Turks Head Wines has morphed into a winery-restaurant. Added to its tasting room at 120 N Church St., the concept builds on their mission to bring a bit of California to Pennsylvania. They’ve brought on chef Dave McDonald, of Laurel Creek Country Club and Helm BYOB, to help.
Baithak Indian Cuisine opened recently at 10 Riverside Dr. in Spring City.
Steel City Brewing in Coatesville is planning its “very first soft opening” in the form of a Haunted Speakeasy on Oct. 30 where costumes are encouraged. The brewery/community hub inside the county’s first YMCA said the event comes ahead of a January opening.
🎳 Things to do
☀️ Solar Astronomy: Get an introduction to safe sun-gazing at this event. ⏰ Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-noon 💵 Free 📍 Starr Farm Park, West Chester
🌻 Chrysanthemum Festival: Explore the colors of fall, including a double chrysanthemum arch. ⏰ Through Sunday, Nov. 15, times vary 💵 Free for members, prices vary for non-members 📍 Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
👻 Halloween events
🎃 Here’s a look at community festivities in the coming days:
Wednesday: London Grove trunk-or-treat
Thursday: Oakbourne Mansion and Park Halloween bingo
Friday: East Goshen toddler trick-or-treat; Hibernia County Park trunk-or-treat; Spring City trunk-or-treat.; West Caln trunk-or-treat
Saturday: East Fallowfield trunk-or-treat; East Whiteland trunk-or-treat; Tredyffrin trunk-or-treat; Parkesburg trunk-or-treat, following the parade; Upper Uwchlan trunk-or-treat; West Brandywine trunk-or-treat; Malvern MonsterMash Halloween celebration; Downingtown Halloween race
Sunday: Chester Springs Library trunk-or-treat; Uwchlan Monsters, Masks, and Milkweeds; West Goshen harvest festival; West Pikeland trunk-or-treat
Monday: Westtown Township preschool boo bash
🏡 On the market
Located in the Summit at Byers Station neighborhood, this five-bedroom brick home has living and dining rooms, and an eat-in kitchen — with granite countertops and a butler’s pantry — that opens onto a family room with a fireplace. It has a first-floor bedroom and full bathroom, with four additional bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs, including the primary suite with dual walk-in closets and a soaking tub. Other features include a bonus room and a deck overlooking the backyard.
See more photos of the home here.
Price: $1.15M | Size: 4,730 SF | Acreage: 0.37
📈 Chester County market report
Median listing price: $590,000 (down $9,000 from August) 📉
Median sold price: $590,000 (up $21,800 from August) 📈
Median days on the market: 32 (down one day from August) 📉
This Chester County market report is published on a monthly basis. Above is data for September from realtor.com.
🗞️ What other Chester County residents are reading this week:
Staffer Patricia Madej contributed to this newsletter.
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