W. Chester Christmas Parade to return Dec. 1

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce announces the West Chester Christmas Parade will be held Friday December 1, 2023, and thousands of holiday lights will decorate the streets of the borough from Thanksgiving through New Year’s during Chester County Hospital Lights Up Holiday Weekends in West Chester. The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is opening applications for participants...

Volunteers sought for West Chester Christmas Parade

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is offering up a unique opportunity for inside access to Chester County’s most popular hometown Christmas parade. Organizers of the West Chester Christmas Parade need almost 90 Parade Marshals, and all get the closest front-row seats available as they line the eight-block parade route on Friday, December 2. “It’s truly an unforgettable experience to...

County seeks volunteers for USA 250th commission

The Chester County Commissioners took the first step last week toward planning the county’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. The first order of business: the establishment of the America250PA Chester County Commission. “We have so much to be proud of in Chester County including the contributions we have made and continue to make to America’s history,” said Chester County...

County seeks volunteers for authorities, boards and commissions

Bill Covaleski Several of Chester County’s 26 Authorities, Boards and Commissions are looking for more residents to volunteer to fill current vacancies and serve. “We are very fortunate in Chester County to have engaged citizens who care about the vitality and future of their community, and their neighbors,” said Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell, and Michelle Kichline....

Grant program helps add volunteers for fire/EMS, but more are still needed

Paul Mattes A three-year, grant-funded effort to recruit volunteer firefighters for Chester County’s 45 fire companies and 32 ambulance companies yielded over 300 prospective new volunteer submissions. Of those who responded are now volunteer firefighters or EMTs, while others are still in the process, said Neil Vaughn, Past President for the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association, which received...

Operation Phoenixville Elves hold annual wrapping party

Volunteers for Operation Phoenixville Elves wrap gifts Sunday at the Great American Pub. PHOENIXVILLE — A hearty group of “Elves” gathered Sunday at the Great American Pub to wrap gifts and spread a little bit of the holiday season cheer to local families in need. After starting in 2014 with just about about 12 families, Operation Phoenixville Elves is now working to help more than 250...

Paying tribute to couples who love — and fight fires together

Amanda and Tom Keesey Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and in fire stations across Chester County love is in the air. To help celebrate the holiday, the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association is paying special tribute to couples who keep the spark of romance alive by saving lives together as volunteer firefighters. The Association also encourages anyone looking to show their love for their...

Fire companies use new commercials to recruit

Lights, camera, action! Cameras were rolling as Chester County volunteer firefighters sharpened the skills they’ll need to battle a blaze. And the incredible footage yielded two great new commercials now in Chester County movie theaters. The Western Chester County Fire Chiefs hosted a Day in the Life of a Firefighter training session at the Chester County Public Safety Training Campus May 5. This...

Mac N Cheese cook-off to aid recruitment of fire, EMS volunteers

For the 7th annual Chester County Mac-n-Cheese Cookoff, the Thorndale-Downingtown Rotary has created a special partnership with the Chester County Fire Chiefs Association to gain awareness of the need for volunteers for local fire and EMS stations. Proceeds from the cookoff support community projects and this year 10 percent of the fund will be donated to the Chester County Hero Fund. For more information...

Volunteers needed for Benchmark Cycling Classic

The final moments of the 2016 Benchmark Cycling Classic — and the 2017 event looks to be even more exciting. But the event needs local volunteers to help put it on. WEST CHESTER — When the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic hits the streets of downtown West Chester on Saturday, August 12, hundreds of volunteers will form the backbone of the event. Over its 12-year history, the event has grown...