🍄‍🟫 Mushroom Farm Exploitation | 🚨 Multi-County Burglary Ring | 🚲 Planning Forum | 🍐 Pawpaw Fest

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🍄‍🟫 Exploitation of Immigrant Minors on Pennsylvania Mushroom Farm

🚨 Four Men Get Prison in Organized Multi-County Burglary Ring 

🚲 Forum on Active Transportation and Recreation Planning

🍐 Bondsville Mill Park to Celebrate Native Pawpaw Fruit with September Festival

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: Good2Know in Chester County

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Authorities Allege Exploitation of Immigrant Minors on Pennsylvania Mushroom Farm

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — State prosecutors have accused Ramiro Caal Jolomna of using coercion, debt, and threats to exploit two underage immigrant girls in forced labor on a mushroom farm. The 14‑year‑old, brought from Mexico, allegedly worked 16‑hour shifts every day of the week, with her pay seized by Jolomna and his wife. She also performed domestic tasks and was denied attendance at school. The 17‑year‑old, brought under sponsorship, reportedly endured similar conditions, with most of her earnings taken and her desire to help her sick father in Guatemala thwarted. Authorities say the girls incurred debts for being brought into the U.S. and were threatened with deportation or other punishments if they did not comply. Jolomna has been arraigned on felony charges including human trafficking and involuntary servitude, and is being held on $1 million bail.
See AG Dave Sunday’s release here

Four Men Get Prison in Organized Multi-County Burglary Ring Including Chester County

NORRISTOWN, PA — Four men tied to a Colombian theft ring have been sentenced to state prison for burglarizing homes across nine Pennsylvania counties. Prosecutors say the group targeted Asian business owners using surveillance, disguises, and organized tactics. Authorities have connected them to 13 burglaries and three attempted break-ins, with over $318,000 in losses.

The investigation, led by Abington Township police and Montgomery County detectives, spanned Montgomery, Berks, Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Lehigh, Lancaster, Northampton, and Cambria counties. Additional charges remain pending against other alleged members of the theft ring. Full story in the Daily Local Online

Planning Commission to Host Forum on Active Transportation and Recreation

WEST CHESTER, PA — This Thursday evening, Chester County will hold its fall Urban Centers Forum—a virtual gathering dedicated to improving active transportation and recreational infrastructure. Scheduled for September 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Zoom-based event will feature planning discussions around non-motorized transportation, including pedestrian, cycling, and trail systems.

The forum is designed for municipal leaders, transportation planners, and residents interested in shaping more accessible, walkable, and bike-friendly communities. Officials will highlight strategies for integrating sustainable mobility options into urban planning while fostering safer, more livable public spaces across Chester County’s boroughs and downtowns.

Participants are encouraged to register in advance.

Bondsville Mill Park to Celebrate Native Pawpaw Fruit with September Festival

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — In celebration of the increasingly rare pawpaw tree and its recent addition to Bondsville Mill Park, the community is invited to a Pawpaw Festival on Saturday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will spotlight the fruit's ecological and historical importance, with a presentation from Master Gardener Vicki Stone and environmental group Restore Our Roots.

Visitors will be able to sample pawpaw-based treats, shop at a themed farmers market, and create a craft using pawpaw seeds. The festival marks a milestone for the park, where two young trees have recently begun to bear fruit under the care of a dedicated volunteer, Chris, who hand-pollinated the blossoms earlier this year.

Known for its tropical flavor and creamy texture, the pawpaw has deep roots in American history, once serving as a critical food source for explorers like Lewis and Clark.

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.

Ready to join? Upgrade here to start reaching Downingtown’s most loyal readers.

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…

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

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

Downingtown Farmers’ Market (Downingtown) - Sept 27, 9am-1pm

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)

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

Pawpaw Festival at Bondsville Mill Park (Downingtown) - Sept 28, 11am-1pm

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

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…