🍻 Police Chief Fundraiser | 💰 Local Start-up Grants | 🌼 Volunteers Relocate Native Plants | 🔗 New Chesco Website

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🍻 Local Police Chiefs Go Head-to-Head in Bartending Battle for a Cause

💰 CCEDC Program Helps Local Ag Startups with Grant

🌼 Uwchlan Volunteers Relocate Native Plants Ahead of YMCA Construction

🔗 County Updates Website, Emphasizes Mobile Usability and Public Engagement

🇺🇸 Honoring Charlie Kirk

🧭 Your Business in The Downingtown Local Pulse!

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Good2Know in Chester County

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Local Police Chiefs Go Head-to-Head in Bartending Battle for a Cause

EXTON, PA — On September 25, Downingtown’s Chief Benson will step behind the bar at BELFOR Property Restoration in Exton as part of Cheers to CVC: Battle of the Badges. Hosted by the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, the event invites local police and fire chiefs to raise funds by collecting tips while bartending. The chief with the most support earns the honorary title of “Best Chief Bartender,” with all proceeds benefiting services for local crime victims. Supporters can contribute online or at the event.

CCEDC Program Helps Local Ag Startups Access Professional Services

EXTON, PA — The Chester County Economic Development Council's New Business Champions Micro Grant Program provides up to $2,000 in free mentoring and professional services to early-stage Agriculture businesses. Aimed at entrepreneurs with fewer than ten employees and less than five years in operation, the program connects participants with advisors in critical areas like finance, marketing, HR, and legal. The program emphasizes support for underserved business owners, including those in CDFI-designated areas or re-entering the workforce. More info and to apply online.

Uwchlan Volunteers Relocate Native Plants Ahead of YMCA Construction

UWCHLAN TWP — In response to planned construction at the Downingtown YMCA, volunteers from Uwchlan Township’s Environmental Advisory Council, Heart of Uwchlan, and the Pennsylvania Master Naturalists moved native plants to a temporary location at Baird Park. The relocation to the park’s streamside riparian buffer will preserve the plants and support local biodiversity during the construction phase. Organizers plan to return the plants to their original site once work is completed.

Chester County Updates Website, Emphasizes Mobile Usability and Public Engagement

WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County Government has introduced a redesigned version of its official website, chesco.org, aimed at enhancing public access and user experience. The updated site offers a mobile-first design, easier navigation, and refreshed department pages reflecting the county’s new branding. Key services—from applying for licenses to finding public health resources—are now more accessible. With over 1.8 million page views in 2024, the site continues to serve as a crucial resource for residents. The redesign also includes new community-focused features like interactive maps and demographic data.

Replay Available on Chester County TV of The Community Gathering in Honor of Charlie Kirk

WEST CHESTER, PA — On September 14, at 3 p.m., over a thousand people converged at the old courthouse steps in West Chester to honor the life and work of Charlie Kirk, conservative leader and Turning Point USA founder, who was recently assassinated. The ceremony, hosted by local political and youth groups, included remarks from County Commissioner Eric Roe, officials from the Chester County Republican Party, the Chester County Young Republicans, and representatives of the local Turning Point USA chapter. The gathering was live‑streamed on ChesterCountyTV’s Youtube channel, where those unable to attend can still view the replay. The event served as both a memorial and a rallying point for local conservative activists.

Good 2 Know in Chester County | Ep 12 | Kathy Cole, Peonies & Lilacs

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Jenny Leigh sits down with Kathy Cole, founder of Peonies & Lilacs, a backyard flower farm bringing locally grown bouquets and seasonal arrangements to Chester County. In this warm conversation Kathy shares how a hobby became a business after making heartfelt arrangement videos for her mom, how she grows for cutting (not just for curb appeal), her sustainable practices, the beloved “petal drop” community gift program, holiday evergreen offerings, and upcoming community events and fundraisers.

Upcoming local events…

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

Chester County Restaurant and Food Truck Festival (West Chester) - Sept 21, 12pm-5:30pm

Car Seat Safety Check (Thorndale) - Sept 24, 3pm-6pm

Money Matters and Stewardship for Teens (Downingtown) - Sept 25, 6:30pm-8pm

Chester County Art Walk (East Goshen Park) - Sept 27, 10am-4pm

Cider Fest At The Mill (Chester Springs) - Sept 27, 10am-4pm

Oktoberfest 2025 (West Chester) - Sept 27, 11am-5pm

Art in The Park (Caln) - Sept 27, 1pm-3pm

VFW First Annual Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Sept 27, 2pm (ticketed)

Drive Out Hunger (Downingtown) - Sept 28, 11am-3pm

Kidz Town Fall Fest (CFC Downingtown) - Sept 28, 9:30am-11am

Designer Bag Bingo (Wagontown) - Sept 28, 12pm-5pm

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

Solar Viewing with the Astronomical Society (Pottstown) - Oct 4, 10:30am-1:30pm

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

Jeeps and Java! (West Chester) - Oct 5, 8am-12pm

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

East Brandywine Fall Festival (EB Community Park) - Oct 5, 12pm-3pm

Food Truck and Music Festival (East Goshen) - Oct 11, 2pm-5:30pm

October Cruse for the Troops (Exton) - Oct 11, 5pm

Exton Park Fall Fest (Exton) - Oct 18, 11am-3pm

Catch up on previous issues…