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  • 🔎 STEM Students Learn Forensics | New Officer | 🍄‍🟫 Mushroom Exhibit | & more

🔎 STEM Students Learn Forensics | New Officer | 🍄‍🟫 Mushroom Exhibit | & more

Downingtown Local Pulse Issue Aug 23rd, 2025

Author

Chesco Sean
23 Aug

🤪 Joke of the day 😆

Why did the tomato blush?


(Answer Below…)

STEM Students Learn Forensics in Hands‑On CSI Program

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Students from Downingtown STEM Academy enrolled in a weeklong Crime Scene Investigation course at the Downingtown Police Department, offering foundational training in forensic methodologies. The program included cooperation with local agencies—such as the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office—and featured a presentation by Retired FBI Agent Michael O’Brien. Supported by DPD officers and school leadership, the initiative engaged volunteers in practical, immersive learning during their summer break.

County’s Mushroom Legacy Takes Spotlight in New Exhibit

Some of my favorite food photos are of the ingredients the way they come to you. Raw. Unwashed. Touched only by nature (and a farmer or two.) I love the pure and unadorned beauty of these mushrooms.

WEST CHESTER, PA — In honor of National Mushroom Month, the Chester County Welcome Center has opened a new exhibit showcasing the area’s rich mushroom heritage. “Visit the Mushroom Capital of the World” highlights southern Chester County’s longstanding role in mushroom farming, particularly in Kennett Square, home to the upcoming 40th annual Mushroom Festival. Historical displays include Raymond Rettew’s wartime breakthrough in penicillin production using mushrooms and quirky memorabilia like a mushroom-shaped disco ball. Visitors can also explore the science behind mushroom cultivation through a film from the American Mushroom Institute and see live mushrooms, such as Lions Mane, growing in the exhibit. The display is open daily through October.

Officer Shawn Hackett Sworn In to Downingtown Police Department

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — During the July Borough Council meeting, Officer Shawn Hackett was officially sworn in as the newest member of the Downingtown Police Department. Hackett, a Delaware County resident and graduate of Ursinus College, completed police academy training this June, receiving the class firearms award. He brings to the force prior experience as a public safety telecommunicator with the Delaware County Department of Emergency Services. His appointment is one of four planned hires in 2025 to address staffing gaps caused by officer retirements.

East Caln Township Debuts Redesigned Website

EAST CALN TWP — East Caln Township has introduced a newly updated website aimed at enhancing the online experience for residents and businesses. The overhaul delivers a modern look and improved functionality, making it easier to access key township resources, news, and services. The site redesign is part of a broader initiative to strengthen communication between the township and its community. A feedback tool is available on the homepage to gather resident input and further refine the digital platform.Share the newsletter

Two New Ways for Local Businesses to Shine in the Downingtown Local Pulse

Downingtown is built on the strength of its small businesses — the shops, restaurants, services, and makers that give our community its unique character. Now, there are two new ways for those businesses to get in front of thousands of engaged local readers through the Downingtown Local Pulse.

We’re introducing two promotional programs designed to give businesses year-round visibility and meaningful connections with our audience:

1. Partner Program

This package gives businesses a featured listing in our Local Business Directory, making it easy for residents to find and support you. Partners also receive:

  • A monthly Business Spotlight article that tells your story.

  • A pinned article on our website for maximum visibility.

  • Exposure to our massive Facebook audience, with each feature shared across our highly engaged social channels.

2. Patron Program

For businesses ready to take their visibility to the next level, the Patron Program includes everything in the Partner Program plus:

  • A top-level ad placement one issue a month, ensuring your brand stays front and center.

Both programs are built to keep your business in the local conversation month after month — not just as an ad, but as a valued part of the community’s story.

Whether you’re a family-run shop, a growing startup, or a well-established local favorite, these programs offer an affordable way to boost your visibility while supporting the Downingtown Local Pulse’s mission to celebrate the people and businesses that make our town special.

Building Beauty & Confidence with Hello Honey Aesthetics

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — In this episode, Jenny Leigh sits down with Alissa Graziani, the powerhouse behind Hello Honey Aesthetics. Alissa shares how she turned her high school passion for makeup into a thriving beauty business offering lashes, brows, medical skincare, spray tans, and one-on-one trainings.

She opens up about the challenges and rewards of launching her salon during COVID, why Chester County’s community spirit drew her in, and how she’s grown from a solo entrepreneur to expanding her space, services, and even mentoring an assistant.

From client confidence to customizable beauty treatments, Alissa’s mission is clear: helping people feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves.

Tune in to hear her inspiring journey, the secrets behind Hello Honey’s success, and why her clients say it’s not just lashes—it’s “lashes and therapy.”

Upcoming local events…

Downingtown Farmers Market (Downingtown) - Aug23, 9am-1pm

Chesco Commuter Convos at The Market (Downingtown) - Aug 23, 9am-1pm

Bug Camp for Kids: Flowering Plants & Insects (Springton Manor Farm) - Aug 23, 12:30pm-2pm

Festival of Flight and Car Show (Toughkenamon) - Aug 23, 1pm-10pm
Festival of Flight and Car Show (Toughkenamon) - Aug 24, 9am-5pm

Garden Tour in Downingtown Boro (Downingtown) - Aug 23, 4pm-6pm

East Fallowfield Touch-a-Truck (East Fallowfield) - Sept 6, 10am-1pm

Chester County Catalina Wine Mixer (East Goshen) - Sept 6, 2pm

Labor and the Early PA Iron Industry (Pottstown) - Sept 6, 2pm-3:30pm

17th Annual Caln Community Day (Thorndale) - Sept 6th, 3pm-8pm

Hot Wings N’ Wheels (Thorndale) - Sept 6th, 12pm-4pm

Cars and Coffee and Donuts (Downingtown) - Sept 13, 9am-11am

Kids’ Day in the Park (Bell Tavern Park) - Sept 13, 10am

Chesco Air Fest and Valley Day (Chester County Airport) - Sept 13, 11am-6pm

Corn Hole Benefit for Vets (Downingtown) - Sept 13, 1pm

Downingtown Library Horror Trivia Night (Downingtown) - Sept 19, 6:30pm-9:30pm

Road to LionCage (Downingtown) - Sept 30, 4pm-7pm

Household Hazardous Waste Collection (Downingtown) - Oct 5, 8:30am-2pm

Downingtown Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 5, 11am-4pm


House Cleaning

🤪 Joke of the day 😆

Why did the tomato blush?

Because it saw the salad dressing. 🍅

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