🏈 WCU Debuts New Scoreboard | 🚧 Road Construction Survey | 🚆 Regional Rail Feedback | 🧯 Alert Fire Co Open House

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🏈 West Chester Debuts Alumni-Named Field and State-of-the-Art Scoreboard

🚧 PennDOT Seeks Public Input After Major Road and Bridge Upgrades

🚆 PennDOT Invites Public Feedback on 2025 State Rail Plan

🚒 Community Invited to Fire Prevention Night in Downingtown

💡 Local Author Spotlight: Matt Zaun

🎙️ Local Podcast: Good2Know in Chester County

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

West Chester Debuts Alumni-Named Field and State-of-the-Art Scoreboard

WEST CHESTER, PA — In a celebration of legacy and community, West Chester University has renamed its football field Tomlinson-Fillippo Field to honor alumni Robert Tomlinson and Tom Fillippo, both standout former players and longtime university supporters. At the same game, a new video scoreboard—gifted by alumnus Roger Ware and his wife, Agnes—was unveiled to enhance the fan experience. The university's first home game of the season drew nearly 2,000 attendees and featured various campus-wide events, including a pre-game concert and family-friendly activities.

PennDOT Seeks Public Input After Major Road and Bridge Upgrades

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is asking residents to share their feedback through an online Customer Satisfaction Survey open until October 21. In 2025, PennDOT completed improvements on over 2,600 miles of roadways, including 900 miles of new paving, and started work on more than 230 bridges across the state. The department hopes to use public responses to guide future infrastructure planning and enhance transportation services throughout the Commonwealth. Take part in their Customer Satisfaction Survey through October 21 by clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GHKHND5

PennDOT Invites Public Feedback on 2025 State Rail Plan

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its draft 2025 State Rail Plan, which outlines priorities for improving rail safety, passenger and freight operations, infrastructure funding, and environmental impact. Open for public comment until October 24, the plan also explores how rail investments can support economic growth. A virtual hearing is scheduled for October 16, offering residents a chance to engage directly with PennDOT and contribute to the state’s long-term transportation strategy. The full plan and comment submission form are available online at https://advancingparail.com/pennsylvania-state-rail-plan/

Community Invited to Fire Prevention Night in Downingtown

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — The Downingtown Fire Department will hold its annual Fire Prevention Open House on Wednesday, October 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at both Alert Fire Co. No. 1 and Minquas Fire Company No. 2. Attendees can explore emergency vehicles, watch rescue demonstrations, meet volunteer firefighters, and receive fire safety materials. Light refreshments will be available. The department encourages residents to learn more about local emergency services and discover ways to support or join the volunteer team.

Local Author Matt Zaun Publishes Strategic Storytelling Guide for Leaders

Matt Zaun, a Downingtown-based author and story strategist, has released The StoryBank: Strategic Storytelling That Works, a new book that explores how leaders can use storytelling to influence, inspire, and drive organizational change.

Rooted in Zaun’s experience consulting with executives and public figures, the book outlines how well-timed narratives can enhance sales, shape internal culture, and elevate public messaging. Zaun also reflects on his personal evolution as a communicator, from struggling speaker to keynote presenter.

The book introduces the “StoryBank Method,” a framework designed to help leaders build and manage a personal archive of strategic stories. Chapters focus on practical applications across marketing, leadership communication, and team development.

The StoryBank is now available for purchase on Amazon.

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…

October Coffee Chat (Downingtown) - Oct 1, 7:30am

Chester County Day 2025 (West Chester) - Oct 4, 10am-5pm

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

Coatesville Star Party (Coatesville) - Oct 10, 6:30pm-9pm

St. Pauls Pop-up Thrift Store (Exton) - Oct 11, 8pm-2pm4

The FANGtastic Life of Bats (Springton Manor Farm) - Oct 11, 9pm-10:30am

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

Downingtown Fall Arts Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 11, 3pm-6pm

West Bradford Family Fall Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 11, 4pm-7pm

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

Historic Yellow Springs Fall Festival (Chester Springs) - Oct 12, 12pm-4pm

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

Caln Clean-Up Crew Litter Pick Up (Caln) - Oct 18, 1pm-3pm

Hibernia Dam Walking Tours (Coatesville) - Oct 23, 2 & 3:30pm, Oct 25, 9am & 10:30am

Caln Twp Halloween Party (Caln) - Oct 25, 1pm-3pm

Fall 4×4 Fest (Downingtown) - Oct 25, 10am-1pm

CCCC Trunk or Treat (Caln) - Oct 26, 2pm-4pm

Catch up on previous issues…