🚧 Barley Sheaf Road to Close | 🎻 Wells SOM Concert Lineup | 🧸 Toys for Tots | 🏮 Lantern Fest | & more

In Today’s Edition of Downingtown Local Pulse…

☀️ Downingtown PA Weather

🚧 Barley Sheaf Road to Close Temporarily for Repairs in Caln Township

🎻 Wells School of Music Unveils October Concert Lineup

 🧸 Chesco Townships Kicks Off Annual Toys for Tots Collection

🏮 Thousands of Lanterns to Light Up Coatesville at The Lights Lantern Fest

💡 Local Author Spotlight: Matt Zaun

🎙️ Local Podcast: Good2Know in Chester County

🗓️ Upcoming Local Events

🔎 Support Local Downingtown Businesses

Barley Sheaf Road to Close Temporarily for Repairs in Caln Township

CALN TWP — On Thursday, October 2, Barley Sheaf Road in Caln Township will be temporarily closed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for continued road repairs. The closure spans the section between Route 340 and North Barley Sheaf Road. While the road will be inaccessible to general traffic, school buses, emergency services, and local vehicles will still be able to pass through as needed. The repairs are part of an ongoing effort to maintain and improve local infrastructure.

Wells School of Music Unveils October Concert Lineup at West Chester University

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY — The Wells School of Music at West Chester University continues its 2025–26 season this October with a packed schedule of performances. Highlights include the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony’s season debut, a faculty recital by oboist Henry Grabb, and the Fall Choral Festival featuring five university choirs. The Chamber Winds will perform Mozart’s Gran Partita, and the Mastersingers will present Bach’s Magnificat with orchestra. The month closes with the Vocal Honors Recital and the annual Halloween Parade featuring the WCU Golden Rams Marching Band. All events are free and open to the public.

Chesco Townships Kicks Off Annual Toys for Tots Collection

DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Uwchlan and Upper Uwchlan Township have launched their annual Toys for Tots campaign to support local families during the holiday season. Residents are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys between October 1 and December 6. Drop-off boxes are located at the Uwchlan Township Police Department and the Administration Building, both on North Ship Road in Exton. The effort is part of a broader regional initiative benefiting children in Chester and Montgomery Counties. The township invites community participation to help ensure every child receives a gift this holiday season.

Thousands of Lanterns to Light Up Coatesville at The Lights Lantern Fest

COATESVILLE, PA — Plantation Field in Coatesville will play host to The Lights Lantern Fest on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The festival promises a magical evening where the sky will be dotted with thousands of illuminated lanterns. Alongside the central lantern launch, guests can enjoy live musical performances and food trucks offering a variety of fare. The event offers an atmospheric celebration combining visual spectacle, communal gathering, and entertainment.

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.

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…

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…